Surrounded by the Enemy

We’re about halfway through the holiday feasting frenzy. In a previous post I talked about the challenges associated with managing diabetes in the midst of the holiday season, which in my case is comprised of my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. My birthday and Thanksgiving were relatively quiet. However, on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, a group of us met at a favorite restaurant to celebrate the holidays.

This restaurant is known for its desserts – which they keep on display for all to see. Displayed behind glass cases were strawberry shortcakes, chocolate cakes and every delicious cake imaginable. The dessert display cases greeted me as I entered. My eyes lingered on them for more than a moment until I haltingly pulled myself away and followed my group to our table. We ordered our meal. I wanted soda. I ordered coffee. Still thinking about dessert, I ordered my entrée. My guilty pleasure was two crab cakes.

This restaurant is known for crab cake filling that is mainly crabmeat as opposed to a breaded filling. I was given a choice of soup or salad. I ordered salad with the dressing on the side so that I could control the portion. My side dishes were string beans and Cajun-flavored potatoes that were boiled and seasoned as opposed to fried. I ate most of the salad and half of everything else. The remainder of my dinner was placed in a doggie bag that I took home for my dinner on the next evening. I wanted dessert, but I declined. It was an easy decision to make because eating the dessert would have given me pleasure for the moment, but the trade-off would have been an elevated glucose level, in addition to feeling lethargic.

What I’ve just described is the challenge that I mentioned in a previous post. The holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day creates a huge challenge for diabetics and for anyone who is attempting to live a healthy lifestyle. During this season, we are literally surrounded by the enemy – temptations that will get us off track as far as maintaining a healthy eating lifestyle is concerned. Even though I was in a restaurant overflowing with temptations, the focus was not on the food. My focus was on the fellowship with the members of my party. During this holiday season, my focus will be on fellowshipping with friends and family.  Steering clear of dessert did not diminish my pleasure. I didn’t and don’t feel deprived. Just because it’s available doesn’t mean that I must indulge. My health is more important. I feel empowered because I have overcome an obstacle. I ask you again, will you join me in this challenge? If you’ve already joined me, I’d love to hear about it. Why not leave me a comment below?

By Lorraine Castle

About Rev. Cynthia Jackson

Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.