The Bible uses the word “portion” over 80 times. It can refer to land, food, inheritance, etc. but the common thread is that your “portion” is what you get, no more, no less; it is set aside for you and belongs to you. So how does this relate to weight loss? It’s all about your response to your portion.

If you look at the recommended portion sizes and servings, it makes you want to buy smaller plates because the amount of food we need to eat each day to thrive isn’t as much as we think it is. One of my biggest breakthroughs in losing weight was to stop going back for seconds. When I go back for seconds, it’s not because I still feel hungry, it’s because the food is delicious and I want to repeat that great experience I had the first go round. I am not satisfied with my portion. However, if I take my time, eating slowly and savoring each bite, I find that I don’t need to go back for seconds. The firsts have satisfied.

The secret to successful portion control is gratitude. The more grateful I am for what’s in front of me-yes, even broccoli-the more I’m able to let go of my desire for the foods I “can’t” have or can’t have as much of right now. I am content with my portion.

Our culture teaches us that we should eat plus: we should eat while reading, while browsing the internet, while watching TV, while driving, and so on; that eating requires entertainment. But eating is a form of entertainment. Eat without distraction and when it becomes boring (ie. you’ve had enough), stop eating. Be content with your portion.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12