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LETTING GO OF SUGAR

Writer's picture: Thad DeBuhrThad DeBuhr

Updated: May 9, 2023

Easter Sunday seemed like the right day to choose to leave some things behind in the tomb and learn to start living without them. And the truth is, I'm nervous, worried, and even a bit scared. It's time to break my addiction to sugar and processed garbage. I stopped all alcohol Dec 2019 and never looked back. I liked a drink here and there but it wasn't something I ever depended on. It never had a hold on me the way sugar and junk food does.

This may be one of the hardest things I've ever set out to do.


Just writing that makes me feel a little embarrassed or ashamed. Like, really, of all the hard things out there, this will be that hard? Immediately my inner voice shouts, "YES!"


It's part of my identity. I'm the guy who loves frozen pizzas, and ice cream and lived on cereal most of my childhood. I have deeply ingrained beliefs about food and what I like or don't like. Over the years I've said that I am not a "foodie". I don't "like" food the way some people do. I eat for fuel. But it's not really true. When I'm super honest with myself, I must admit that I eat for fun. I eat to feel good. I definitely eat what tastes good. I crave Oreos and chips like a smoker craves a cigarette. In fact, almost every time I eat anything, I immediately crave sugar after the meal. Thank God for the level of self-control that I do have. Apart from that inner check holding me back, it would be nothing for me to eat a package of Oreos a day.


I share all of that to maybe identify with you, but more to process it personally and admit it to myself. I really, really, really love sugar and junk food, and crappy carbs. And I know this is going to be way different than ending my relationship with alcohol. This has all the makings of a bad breakup.


 

WHY EASTER SUNDAY?


As a Christian, Easter is a big deal. This is the day we celebrate Jesus' victory over death and His victory over sin. To know that it is because of this keystone event that I can call on God and seek genuine forgiveness for my sins is a big deal. To know that my good Father in Heaven can look at me and see His good kid. That God doesn't define us by our mistakes, our sins, or our bad habits. Instead, He made a way in Jesus for us to find new life.


So it seemed fitting that Easter Sunday would be a good day to leave some more garbage behind and embrace a healthier, wiser approach to life. To honor the body and life that I am blessed with.


 

Tired of being my own worst enemy


Anyone that knows me, knows that I love the outdoors. I hike, backpack, explore, kayak, mountain bike, and just love exploring God's amazing creation. For most of my life, I've been fortunate enough to keep my bad eating habits AND do all the fun things I enjoy. As everyone knows, with age our bodies don't act like they used to. I've always been able to grind out any hike, or tough my way through any ride. But at 50, I'm noticing that my ability and desire to "grind it out" are fading fast! It's long past time for some changes. Changes I know are good for me. Changes I know will help me enjoy the things I love. Changes I know will lead to even more adventures.



I don't know how it works in your life, are you motivated by the goal or motivated by the current pain? In almost every area of my life, I've been a very goal-oriented person. I've been willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to chase a dream or accomplish a new goal. But in this area of my life, this addiction has a much stronger grip. I'm finally experiencing enough pain and misery that I'm ready to dig my heels in and stop the sugar train. So many times in my life I've exercised, ran, lifted weights, etc. I've put in the work MANY times and watched my body transform and my fitness level increase. But my Achilles heel has always been the insane pull or desire for sugar. I've never been addicted to alcohol or drugs so I can't speak to what it's like but I have a funny feeling it must be quite similar.


That's it for today. I needed to process and mentally let go and put it all in the tomb. Tomorrow is a new day. Dec 14, 2019, was the last day I ever had a mixed drink, and haven't touched booze since. I'm praying that April 9, 2023, will be another important day I can point back to as the day I broke it off with sugar for good.



 

Speaking of things that effect our Happiness... We just kicked off a new YouTube series going through the Beatitudes. It's called "The Happiness Reset". Check out the 1st couple of episodes below.








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Your Jesus Journey is an independent, non-denominational Christian ministry fueled by the generosity of its supporters and the dedication of Pastor Thad and Kaila. They've poured their hearts, time, and resources into answering God's call to partner with Him to build this ministry.

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