Eating only my fair share of the world's calories in 2014

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 870 million people of the world's 7.1 billion are suffering from chronic malnutrition.  That's roughly 1 out of every 8 people.  

This is a staggering reality that I have trouble knowing, remembering, believing, thinking about or dare I even say "caring" about. 

While starvation is a reality of the world stage, I continue to happily eat more then my fair share of the world's food.  I know that global hunger is a very complex and complicated issue.  I realize that my over eating is not related necessarily to someone else's under nourishment.

However, I am beginning to believe that my over eating is keeping me numb in thought and feeling to the plight of so many. 

So my challenge in 2014 is to eat only my fair share of the world's calories in hopes that I will daily remember that there are those who are desperate for this luxury.  And in the remembering, I will continue tobe moved to action.

Honestly, this will be a monumental challenge for me.  I LOVE food.  It is my drug, my comfort, my mood enhancer...

It is with a little bit a lot of fear that I actually write this down.  Because I am aware of the great potential that I could actually fail and then be tempted to lie about my failure.  But, in spite of these fears, I am going for it.

Here's the details:

I am 5'9", 49 years old, and moderately active.  So according to my research this allows me to eat 1,800 calories a day to maintain the weight I think I should be, which is right in the middle of what research tells me is healthy for myself.  If I take this daily count and times it by 7 days a week, I am allowed 12,600 calories a week.  This allows for some flexibility in day in and day out eating style. 

This is not about weight loss (although I will likely slowly lose weight over the year), this is not about health (although I will likely be naturally healthier), this is primarily a spiritual journey.  I want to be daily conscious of the 1 out of 8.  I want to remember that my life is a small slice of a global picture.  

I want to care.

Comments

[Tommybowman]

Janet, this is really inspiring! Thanks for sharing all of this. I'm excited about how this will grow you AND I'm asking a serious question about the intentional sacrifice God is asking me to make. 2014 will be a GREAT year for you!

[Janet McMahon]

Thanks Tommy. I am excited and nervous. You know how I love food.

[Zach Sellers]

I think it is encouraging to walk in something that you can really be held accountable for. I'm very encouraged to see someone follow through on a commitment in a world of broken promises. Keep up the good work and know that all things are possible in Christ

[Laura Bruno]

Faith in Action. Whether you succeed or not in keeping this pledge, your heart's desire to CARE is what it speaking to me. It's just to easy to live our comfortable lives and never give much thought about the rest of the world. Can't wait to hear about your journey.

[Fiona]

I've just arrived at your blog from the link on Becoming Minimalist, and am enjoying reading through your archives. Just want to encourage you on your latest challenge - you CAN do it! Two and a half years ago I did an elimination diet and as a result I had to give up gluten, dairy, chocolate, most fruit, lots of veges ... And many other foods. I feel much healthier as a result, and to be honest I am now able to tolerate a small amount of some of those foods. However I can never, never eat without thinking, planning, balancing "treats", and eating with others is always difficult. So ... Long story, sorry, but speaking from experience it is possible to give up foods you love for a big benefit, in my case my health, and in your case a better cause, generosity. All the best! Btw I'm encouraged to be more generous in my life, too.