Tools & Concepts Miracles to Me By admin Posted on March 1, 2018 2 min read 1 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Reddit Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin Share on Tumblr The word “abstinence” comes from “abstain,” which means “to refrain from.” Since we cannot completely refrain from eating, we have to figure out a food plan that meets our nutritional needs but does not include trigger foods or things we’re addicted to. “Keep it simple” is the best advice anyone has given me when it comes to my food plan. My food plan lets me know if I am abstinent or not. If my food plan meets the requirements stated above and I eat accordingly, I am abstinent. If I need to change something I’ve planned, I need to check with someone who understands my need to follow a food plan to be sure my proposed change is nutritionally equivalent. When I’m upset, I also need to be vigilant about my manner of eating. Even if I eat exactly what I planned, I am not abstinent if I gobble down the food in a compulsive way. I have several chronic conditions, so I enlisted the help of a nutritionist to be sure I’m getting the nutrients I need, without taking in too many calories or carbohydrates or negatively affecting my health. She helped me understand how to maintain abstinence. When I am abstinent, I have calmness around food. I don’t have white knuckles. I have few or no cravings. I am satisfied when I’m finished with my planned meal. These changes may sound mundane to someone who is not a food addict or compulsive eater, but to me they are miracles. — Nancy S.
