Newsflash!

It is possible to attend a movie in a theater without eating popcorn!  I took my snack (a little plastic bag of cashews and raisins) and a couple of packs of sugar-free bubblegum.  And I enjoyed the movie.

What do you know?

*  *  *
Some of you may be confused by the comments on the previous post.  Originally, I had written "I've confessed my sins here before (eating the whole package of double-chocolate Pepperidge Farms Milanos while driving home from Target, for instance)."  A commenter objected strenuously to my use of the word "sin."  As I had not intended this sentence to have any religious connotation whatsoever, I edited out the word "sin" and replaced it with "indiscretions." 

The idea I meant to convey is that I haven't kept secrets about my former bad eating habits.  I admitted them here.  I confessed them.  I called them "sins" meaning not "an offense against God" (the first definition in my Webster's New World Collegiate Dictionary), but "an offense against any law, standard, code, etc." (second definition in the dictionary).  Indiscretion is a better word ("lack of discretion or good judgment; imprudence") because it lacks the baggage that "sins" brings.

So I changed it.  I do my best to communicate clearly with my readers.  Even before the commenter in question railed against my word choice (and misunderstood my meaning), I had considered changing that word.

Why do I say all this?  Just to clarify for those readers who are confused by the comments in the previous post.  I feel no need to excuse myself or my faith.  However, in this case, my faith has nothing to do with the previous post.  Also, I believe my former behavior (overeating and indulging in highly processed foods) was merely a bad habit and a coping device.  I never considered overeating a spiritual issue.  (Some do.  I don't.) 

As for readers who leave because they take offense . . . well, I'm truly sorry to see them leave, but just as one diet doesn't work for everyone, neither does my blog.  (Luckily, there are many diet blogs around--you can see a list on my sidebar.)

Comments

[Anvilcloud]

Sometimes I have to shake my head at how thick some people are. How any moderately intelligent person could possibly misinterpret that statement is beyond comprehension.

[Barb]

There's no question there for me - sometimes, often, overeating is a sin. Plain and simple. I reach for the sugar when I'm bored, depressed, angry, frustrated, feeling like the victim, instead of turning it over to my Father and giving him my boredom, my depression, my anger my frustration or my hurt feelings. It's a matter of pride and control, so yes sin. I wouldn't apologize to anyone except God for my sin.

[Martha]

Mel.. just keep doing what you are doing. I have read both of your blogs for quite some time.. have only commented once that I remember. You inspire me and are doing what I have not been able to do.. but I do keep trying..and reading of your progress has helped me so much.. and maintaining your weight loss is PROGRESS.

I didn't think you were talking about eating cookies as being a sin.. but isn't there a scripture talking about gluttony and sloth as being sins? I hate to think I'm sinning by being overweight and not exercising enough but it's talked about in the Bible.

Maybe the poster who was so offended ought to think of the phrase?. I think thou doest protest too much?? I just think people take things WAY too seriously and need to get over themselves..Maybe the poster is just jealous of what you have accomplished.. I'm not jealous.. just envious.. and I applaud you and will continue to read what you write..:)

[Martha]

The above comment that says it's from Barb is actually from me.. not sure how that happened.. weird..

[CookieMonster]

The anonymity of the internet makes people feel powerful. Mostly though they're just bored. Don't sweat it.
Your blog is a real inspiration. In fact, after reading it, I HAD to have an orange!

Now I'm wanting cashews and raisins (and chocolate chips!)

[mrs darling]

Good grief how petty can some people be. I think the offended commentor must have some jealousy issues when it comes to your weightloss.

In Proverbs it says, "Let him that is given to gluttonly put a knife to his throat!" Hmm sounds pretty much of a spiritual issue there.

Yet, whether it is or isnt, your reference to it as a sin is just a form of speech. Ive seen commercials on TV that advertise some foods as being sinfully delicious. I certainly hope your offended commentor doesnt eat any of them! Yikes!

[LeeAnn]

Wow. That is all I can think of! What has the world come to?
I sin you sin, we all sin. Get over it people!!!!!!!!! So sorry Mel that you have to deal with things like this. I am not about to rant though....... (holding my breath!)

[Patti Justice]

Mel, you shouldn't let things like that bother you. Most of us knew what you meant and were comfortable with the way you said it. It only takes one person to spoil your whole day doesn't it?

[Susan]

You are much nicer than myself. I would type SIN even larger next time just because that person didn't like the use of the word. Its the same thing with people wanting to change Christmas to Holiday. Its just not going to happen in my lifetime. I refuse.

[Kim]

If our bodies truly are temples to the lord, then perhaps a whole bag of any pepperidge farm cookies in one day really is a sin, in both definitions of the word.
At any rate, seems a silly argument, as usual Melodee, you kept your wits about you!

[breckgirl]

Yeah, I am with Susan - you are way nicer than me. I really wouldn't give a rat's ass what "SB" thinks - frankly, the overreaction makes me think that SB is having some internal conflict about sin and being overweight and was triggered when she read your totally harmless use of the word "sin." Whatever - you are here to inspire, of course, but you are also journaling to help yourself on your own journey. If someone doesn't like what you say on your blog, they don't have to read it. Just keeping writing whatever you want. I think SOMEONE is just bitter about their own struggles, personally.

Anyway - I have been missing in action for over a week. Had some serious food mishaps, bad choices, an overload of work and stress, blah blah blah. The shining light amongst all that - I maintained my weight loss. Yay! But now it is time to get serious and motor through the last 15. We can do it - everyone can, even ol' SB.

Glad to hear you are kicking ass on your Pure Foods stint and enjoying the grub! Go Mel!

[Mrs. Louisa Gabrielle]

Yes, eating can be SIN for some people and in my situation, it usually is.

That said, this is your blog and I dare say that whoever made some comment to you, would never step foot in your home and do so. As someone else said, the internet makes us brave and allows us to say things we normally would not say. I would say, don't let the door hit you on your way out. No need to attack people. There is so much more to worry about these days, like people who are losing their souls to the great Deceiver.

Good job Mel. I love your blog. I love that you are real, and I love that if you were my neighbor, I think we would be great friends. Keep up the great work.

[B]

Sin/indiscretion/binge...whatever you call it, taken in context I can't imagine thinking you were pontificating.

I was rejoicing in your delicious choice. Nothing says Christmas to me more than a delicious tangerine. (My mom used to put them in our stockings!)

[Chief Family Officer]

I admire your sensitivity. I would have done the same. Though for those of us with emotional eating issues, eating often does feel sinful sometimes. I'm not saying it's right, just that it's the reality. Alas.

[lovelines]

Honestly, it's your blog, not anyone else's. It wasn't as if you were making a religious statement or using the word out of context. If people are so uptight they can't stand others using the word 'sin' for anything other than religious meaning, then you're probably better off without them reading your blog anyway.