Logical Weight Loss

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I received a copy of Get Healthy for Heaven’s Sake by Lisa Morrone P.T. I started reading the book, and then had to move. The book somehow didn’t make the trip. I liked the book so much, I bought a second copy so I could finish it (it’s around $10, and only $9 for the kindle version). Lisa is the author of Overcoming Overeating: It’s Not What You Eat, It’s What’s Eating You! This book is doing a great job of making see food in a completely different light.

The book hints that when you lose to fulfill a goal (fit into jeans, or see Grandchildren) that you may still miss what your lifelong task is, and thus the results may be temporary. The book states that what we should be focusing on is what God wants us to do, and realize his plans don’t include the extra weight we are carrying.

We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. EPHESIANS 2:10

In looking at our schedule, are the activities we partake in something that God wants us involved in? When someone asks you to do something, have you ever asked God if it’s a good idea?

Why you should take care of your body. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? If my body is a temple for God, then what I put into it can be an act of worship. A way to obey God, and a way to put God first. Another great analogy in the books talks about how our bodies are on loan from God. What if your mother in-laws loaned you their prized family punch bowl. When you use this, you probably don’t have any small children at the table. You handle it with care. You hand wash it. You make absolutely sure not to drop it or break it. Why? Because you know how much your mother in law values that piece. She also knows how hard it would be to replace.

Corinthians 6:19 Paul lets us know that honoring the Lord with our physical being is a command: Therefore honor God with your body.

We all know that we use food for fuel. We get hung up on how food makes US feel. This book made me change my complete outlook on fuel. Food and eating are now a way for me to praise God. It’s a way to say thank you for my body. To appreciate the one of a kind gift that he has given me. Romans 12:1: I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
Instead of worshipping food, food can be used to worship God.

The book talks about the story of Nehemiah, and points out how his quest to rebuild Jerusalem. The same steps that Nehemiah took to rebuild the city, we can use to rebuild our bodies. Nehemiah built walls (to block bad things) and gates (to let in good things). She then breaks down the seven steps of rebuilding yourself.

1. Cry out to God.

We have talked about accepting responsibility for you actions. Acknowledge what you’ve done, and realize that this won’t be fixed over night. Cry out to God for the strength to rebuild your body.

2. Seek Forgiveness

Proverbs mentions that gluttony is a sin. Take some time to identify the habits you have, and how these are not helping you take care of the gift that is your body. Ask God to forgive you.

3. Ask for Empowerment

The author makes a great point here, “God Himself. God will always grant us the power to do that which is according to His will—and by now I hope you are convinced that your improved health is most certainly God’s will for you. And the wonderful thing is that all you have to do.” The key to do this every morning, before temptation is in front of you.

4. Take an honest Assessment of your health

I’ve said it before when you are getting directions to some place, the first piece of information is your current location so you can figure out how to get from HERE to THERE. Sit down with some quiet time with God, and take a good long look at yourself.

5. Verbalize your commitment to change.

Nehemiah publicly spoke of his plans to rebuild the city walls. He did this to let people know of his plans, and to also enlist their help.

6. Develop a Detailed Action Plan.

Nehemiah knew what was broken, and who was going to rebuild that section. Not sure where to start? Ask God. When in doubt pray first.

7. Use the Buddy System

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, where Solomon observes, Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!…Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

There is another step I would add. When Nehemiah finished the rebuilding of the city walls, he celebrated. So I say celebrate when you reach a goal. If you say, “But that’s in 30 pounds!” I say, “Set goals of two pounds, and you’ll celebrate 15 times more (and you’ll build momentum and confidence along the way).

And They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Bloat

If Christians are supposed to follow God’s guidelines (the bible), we should look and act differently from those who do not. I once got a “Are you kidding me?” look at a Christmas party where I explained that I do not drink alcohol. While the bible doesn’t say “do not drink alcohol” (it says don’t get drunk), I prefer to avoid it all together. I stood out. The problem is many people think this is a Christian trying to be self-righteous. This is not the case in my situation. My point being, that in some situation we should stick out like a sore thumb. Instead according to the book Christians are more likelyto be obese than non church goers (with my old denomination the Baptists leading the way).

If we live a way that most people do not (eating healthy, honoring God for the gift of our bodies) we will live a way that most people don’t (void of medications, surgeries, and disease) in the future.

It’s time to make changes for the better in our life. Listen to Isaiah, “I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” ISAIAH 43:19

For Those Who are Not Fans of God

If you are not a fan of all this God talk, most post modernism people tend to view themselves as the creator of all things good in their lives. To this I would say, “You get one body. Take care of it. Do not put your faith in science to save you in the future. It’s not going to matter how much money you make to get the best doctors. Sadly, that didn’t work for Steve Jobs (I have no idea what Steve’s spiritual side was, my point being science can’t always save you). Honor yourself by putting good things into your body.

iPhone Gadgets

Thanks to Dav Shapiro for sending over the articles about the cool tools to help you track fitness on your iPhone. Previously you had to use a special plugin for your iPhone, (which allowed you to connect with almost all fitness equipment). Now you can connect via blue-tooth. It sounds like it’s not completely available, but here is a preview of it on YouTube.

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