Overcoming gluttony

[constantconvert]

For many years I have had a serious dependence on junk food. I have tried many times to eat it in moderation or not eat it at all, but I have never been successful.

I found a Saint, Fr. Theobald Matthew, who was a leader in the Irish temperance movement, who also had a drinking problem. I have been praying to him to ask him to pray for me and help me with this problem, and he really has-- it’s practically miraculous.

Here’s the problem. I promised God and him that I would abstain from all junk food, BUT I forgot to allow and exception for family birthdays and Christmas day. I would really like to have a small piece of cake on my kids’ birthdays, and a piece of pie on Christmas day, but I don’t know if I should alter my pledge.

Given my struggle, I’m not sure I should indulge a few times a year. On the other hand if I say I can never have it again, I might break my promise altogether.

What do you think would be the wisest course of action? I was thinking that since I only recently gave it up, it might be wisest to give it up for 6 months or a year, then re-evaluate so that it’s pull isn’t so strong. Or maybe I should ask a good priest and let him decide?

Help!

 

[celtspirit]

congratulations on praying and overcoming your problem eventually

my mum uses an old saying

“Moderation in all things”

 

[simpleas]

“Moderation in all things”

This is so true, I don’t know how bad you have it, but when I know I need to stop over indulging on snacks I don’t completely stop them, I just cut down. Self control plays a big part, maybe having a goal in mind might help, like a charity walk/run, knowing you have to aim for a target may help your control over what you eat so you’ll be fit to take part.
As for the pledge, I think you could alter it alittle, but remember moderation at family parties, christmas etc.

Good luck

 

[constantconvert]

Thank you

 

[RosslynV]

There’s a fine line between indulging and sin. Take for example alcohol. I know that if I have more than 3 beers I start to feel tipsy; after 4 or 5 I’m beyond tipsy; 6 or more I get drunk. So the bottom line is that do not allow myself to have more than 3beers in an evening and therefore I do not fall into sin. The same can apply to food. When you start to feel sated, do not overindulge. It can be hard to implement at first but through trial and error and discipline, you may see some mastery against overeating.