Getting Real with Weight Loss
Seven years ago I was at the highest weight I
had been at, well almost.. I did weigh more after having had my last child. I
had lost that weight and more and then gained most of it back again. Does that
sound like a familiar story to anyone who struggles with their weight? Gain
some, lose some, gain more, lose some, gain more. An endless cycle. We reach for
one diet or herb or miracle product to help us lose. Then discouragement sets in
and we toss it all and gain weight once more and usually add extra pounds on in
the process.
I’ve always hesitated to talk about weight issues. If you are anything like me
it is a sensitive issue and can be a real personal struggle.
I spent 5 years losing 50lbs and have kept it off now for 2 years. Did I have a
miracle diet or some awesome herb? Nope.. I got real with weight loss. Before I
share my story with you I want you to know that I am in no way an expert, and I
don’t have answers for everyone or anyone for that matter. I can only tell you
what I did and what I still do.
First I realized one basic thing.. I ate more food than my body needed. I
thought about this.. if I was stranded on a desert island with little to no
food.. would I still gain weight? No, I don’t think so. However, that sounds
simple but the human mind and body are not that simple. I looked at what the
world has to offer.. weight watchers, jenny craig, slim fast, diet drinks or
bars, controlled serving size meals, herbs, metabolism boosting pills, and on
and on and on.. If they were all so effective would we still have so many
overweight people in this country? Someone is making a lot of money on these
things, but so many are still overweight.
Weight loss is a spiritual issue, at least from my perspective. Why do we eat
more than we need? Why do we struggle with the temptations of food? I would say
we have needs that we try to meet with food. I once had a friend say to me,
“food is the Christian drug of choice”.. it is the only thing a Christian can
over indulge in and it is OK. Alcohol, drugs, smoking, etc… are not acceptable
in the Christian world but food is.. So we take the pain, issues, struggles in
our lives to food.. instead of to God.
The realization came to me one day when I read in the Scriptures that self
control is a fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:23) and gluttony is not something God
thinks highly of (Proverbs 23:21 ), and the fact that we are not to be
controlled by food (1 Corinthians 6:12&13 ) .. ever had a meal, dessert or
anything else that you just simply could not say no to? Even though you were not
really hungry? Yea.. me too.. That is when I knew it was/is a Spiritual issue..
God has given me everything I need to say no, I just need to go to Him and fight
my battles with His strength not mine.
I lost about 10lbs a year.. because spiritual issues sometimes take time and God
has so very many things for us to learn in the process.. it is still a process I
am working through, but with His strength I have had success.
The nuts and bolts? I ate less food, cut my servings in half and then in half
again, ate/eat only when I am hungry, fight with lots of prayer when I want to
eat something and I am not hungry, learned that food does NOT have to control
me.. I am in control of me with the power of the Holy Spirit.. it is a winnable
battle ladies.. not hopeless desperation. Foods is no longer “good” or “bad”.. I
just have choices to make. I do my best to make healthy food for my family. I
enjoy the food that God has given us. I don’t deny myself foods because some
worldly diet guru says it is wrong for me to eat it. But I also say no to foods
if I am not hungry or even if I am and I have decided it is not the best choice
for me. One of my main goals has been that I no longer want food to have a hold
over me.. I want to be able to say NO because I just don’t want it.. no matter
what it is..
As for exercising to lose weight? I have no problem with exercise .. but for me
this was/is not the means to weight loss, it is being a good steward of my body.
I have my times when I really get into exercising.. especially the winter months
when I am not as busy. I love Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home DVD’s (
http://www.walkathome.com/ ). But when
life gets busy and I am going from sun up to sundown.. I don’t worry about it..
all is not lost.. I am just focusing on more important things in my life like my
family and home.
I do want to make one disclaimer.. I have friends that have struggled with
medical issues or medications that have made weight loss near to impossible.. I
am not referring to this type of situation.. I am talking to those who struggle
with weight not related to medical issues.
Ladies.. this is a battle that can be won with the power of God.. go to Him for
direction and self control.. the lessons to be learned during the process are
priceless..
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