Diet & Wisdom Appetizers

The subject of how frequently to weigh while on a weight loss program is the topic of much debate. Because not all weight loss programs are created equal and not all who begin a program are losing weight for the same reasons, the regularity of recording your weight should be an individual choice.

For me the ultimate goal is to lose weight, but my overall goal is to lower my blood pressure and hopefully eliminate the need for blood pressure medicine altogether. In addition, I’d like to maintain healthy cholesterol levels (because so far they’re pretty good, even at my current weight) but, also I’d like to relieve some of the pressure from my over burdened knees and joints.

With my body type and my ineffective metabolism that’s basically been in a coma for many years, for me to weigh more than once a month is counter-productive. I lose weight slower than the average person, averaging one or two pounds a month (on a good month). For me to weigh weekly tends to lead to a snacking meltdown when the scale refuses to move on my behalf.

A few weeks ago when a surgeon confirmed my fears that I had a meniscus tear in my knee and would require surgery to repair it, I was forced to take a long hard look at my eating program. Left alone this injury will not repair itself and my being significantly overweight merely adds more pressure to an already damaged knee.

Basically, I had to get ugly with myself and decided it’s time to “put up or shut up.” Losing weight is no longer just a good idea, but a change that’s necessary if I hope to have a successful recovery period after my surgery in a couple of weeks.

This new “do or die” attitude manifested in me getting much stricter with my menu plan. Weighing and measuring out the foods I eat and recording every bite became my main focus. I got extremely serious about praying over all my food and every bite that I put into my mouth. I’ve cut out nearly 95% of all unnecessary snacking and I’m limiting myself to three meals a day with one snack a day. I’ve forced myself to eliminate standing over the counter with an open box of crackers and eating until I reach the bottom of the box or I get a stomach ache - whichever comes first.

Basically I’m doing what I’ve been writing about for months, but yet haven’t been able to follow through on for myself. It’s not that I haven’t been doing these things, but I’ve not applied the effort which has been needed for me to be successful. It’s sort of been a half-way effort on my part. Half-way is no longer an acceptable option.

The good news is, when I follow my own advice, this really works as I’ve lost a significant amount of weight in the last three weeks. This is HUGE since my body defies all reasonable logic. I hesitate to share the number for a couple of reasons. Number 1) it’s NOT about the number; and 2) whenever I mention to anyone I’ve lost X amount of weight that seems to be an open invitation for the enemy to come in and pull the rug out from under me and I end up gaining it all back faster than the speed of light. Number 3) I don’t want to brag and above all I don’t want anyone to compare themselves to me. Let’s just say, it’s a good number and I’m very pleased.

When we apply all of these healthy principles and get our heads on straight, this really does work. God is very good!

I’m not overweight. I’m just nine inches too short. ~Shelley Winters

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7 (NLT)

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord, I thank you that I am finally able to surrender to Your Will for my life. I thank you for success and pray that I won’t be tempted to fall back into old ways because I’m enjoying a little success. Help me to remain steadfast and strong in my commitment to get healthy. I ask all these things in your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.