Principle Portions

A plan of eating is only one of the Tools, but it’s a great introduction to working the program when worked diligently. Ever since I began using a weighed-and-measured plan and calling it in to a sponsor every day (a process I resisted mightily!), I have been noticing the lessons it teaches me about the Principles behind the Steps.

Honesty—being honest with my sponsor and myself about what I’m eating every day. There’s nothing quite like it.

Hope—hoping I can manage my food and life one day at a time.

Faith—believing the plan of eating my sponsor or health professional gave me will work for me as I see it work for others.

Courage—giving this plan of eating a fair go, even though every diet I’ve been on hasn’t worked.

Integrity—saying what I intend to eat, and then following through (or owning up when I don’t).

Willingness—giving up my preconceived ideas of what works for food and life, and being willing and open to exploring new ideas.

Humility—being teachable and learning other ways exist for doing things. Becoming aware that we are all equal, with none better or worse, just different; that goes for plans of eating too.

Self-discipline—learning to limit what I eat and waiting until mealtimes to eat instead of indulging in the instant gratification that accompanies this disease.

Love—learning that others love me as I am, and learning to love myself by doing the right thing with my food and my life.

Perseverance—sticking to the plan of eating and abstinence no matter what, knowing food will not make any situation better; this is how it needs to be for longterm recovery, only one day at a time.

Spiritual Awareness—learning I can’t do this on my own, today or ever; learning that I need a Higher Power and knowing this makes the difference between going on a diet and using a plan of eating while I work the program.

Service—sharing my recovery with others, sponsoring others and listening to their plans of eating, as well as just staying in recovery and showing this program does work if I work it.

— Anonymous