This post is part of a 12-week journey through the lies that keep me eating. Please click below to read the other posts in the series or subscribe by email to receive next week’s update straight in your email inbox.
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
It makes me laugh to think that I am writing a series that involves losing weight, eating healthy and exercising. Three things that rank at the very bottom of my “strengths” list. In fact, they are so far down there that I have truly wrestled with the concept. Why on earth am I writing this series? I am hardly qualified to stand up and tell someone else about something that I have clearly failed at.
Yet, it’s funny how God works. You remember that little verse about how His power is made perfect through our weaknesses (2 Cor 12:9)? You see, I might not be a health and fitness guru, but I can tell you all about what you can eat that will put on the pounds. I can tell you how tired and lethargic your body will feel when you don’t find time to step away from the computer desk for a few minutes everyday. And I can tell you what it’s like to be addicted to a drink that is literally poisoning my body. The truth is, I can relate to your struggle. I know what is probably going on in your head.
I probably won’t be able to tell you about the latest workout technique, but I CAN tell you about the lies that keep me running to that bag of oreos.
Shall we name just a few of the risks associated with being overweight?
There’s high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, abnormal blood fats, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cancer, gallstones, weak pelvic muscles, and physical discomfort.
Not convinced?
There’s also an increased risk of gout, an impaired immune system, respiratory problems, difficulty healing from wounds, reproductive disorders that cause infertility, liver disease, back pain, gynecological complications, pancreatitis, and incontinence.
How about a few behind the scenes dangers?
- According to this article on CNN, being even 20 lbs overweight can skew the opinions of your doctor, making it more difficult for him/her to diagnose health problems such as cancer, asthma, and other possible life threatening illnesses.
- Studies show that being overweight greatly increases your risk of death, not just of a heart attack or stroke, but of ANY cause. (NPR.org)
- Being overweight costs women an average of $4,879 a year. That’s $100,000 in 20 years. (The Price of Being Overweight)
What strikes me about this depressing list of facts is that all of these health issues are linked to being just 20 lbs overweight. 20 lbs! That’s a number that I’ve always dismissed as being no big deal. No doubt you are feeling the same way I am right about now. I mean in the era of airbrushed anorexia, we “normal” women have no chance, right? Oh, but let us not give in to that lie.
The difference between someone who is 100 pounds overweight and someone who is at their ideal weight is about 3 extra Oreo’s a day.
Wait! Did you read that quote. The difference between ideal and overweight is really as simple as 3 extra oreos a day? This blog post lays it all out. 3 cookies = 120 calories * 365 days = 43,800 calories/3500 calories in a pound= 12.51 pounds per year * 8 years = 100 pounds.
If you are like me, you can look at that stat and feel completely doomed to ever be a normal weight. I mean, let’s face it, if just 3 oreos cost me 100 lbs in 8 years, imagine what I am doing when I eat the whole bag. *gasp* You didn’t think I would admit to that, did you? I didn’t either. But the truth is, we can also choose to look at this stat through the opposite lens. If we can just CUT those extra 3 oreos out a day, we will see a difference in our weight! That’s all it takes. 3 oreos. When you look at it like that, anyone can loose weight, right?
So what are we waiting for?
This week’s action points:
- Create your rules and leave them in the comments. See Not Consumed by Food for more guidance.
- Find out what you need to loose. You can’t very well determine what needs to be cut out if you don’t know how bad it really is. Web MD’s BMI and Healthy Weight Calculator. Feeling brave? You can also tell us how much weight you’d like to use. Not need to share what you weigh, just the number of pounds that you need to loose to be healthy. I need to loose 57 lbs. Yeah, that’s a lot of oreos.
- Consider some of the resources listed below.
A few resources:
I’ve started a Get Healthy pinterest board for recipe ideas and easy workout ideas. Be sure to follow along!
My friends at Intentionally Yours have a facebook group for women, encouraging them as they walk the journey to health. If you are looking for some REAL ladies to converse with, head over to Intentionally and Wonderfully Made to join.
Looking for other ideas? This series is part of a Get healthy & Fit Series hosted by 19 bloggers. You will find fitness tips, ideas, and various eat plans. Click below to see what everyone else is up to!
Kim Sorgius
Kim is just a girl, crazy in love with Jesus. She's a single mother of 4, a passionate homeschooler and life-long student. After teaching 8 years in public school, she traded her M.A. in Early Childhood for sippy cups and homeschool co-ops. Kim is the owner and editor of The Homeschool Village and Not Consumed where she encourages others to rest victoriously in the hands of God, rather than allowing life's difficult circumstances to consume.
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Oh I am reading this as I am eating my fall beloved candy…candy pumpkins! The lie…they are fat free
but that doesn’t say anything about the sugar! I need to jump on board and lose 20 pounds!!! Oh and I have to say that I love oreo’s as well, especially in an oreo pie! Oh sweets are my downfall! Lord help me get control…
Oh girl, I hear that.
Sweets are my downfall. Oreos are usually not an issue, but the truth is…anything with sugar can consume me in an instant. I too am in love with candy pumpkins. I think I might have to start evaluating all purchases in terms of the formula. One bag of pumpkins= what 6 lbs? I have no idea how many calories are in that bag. Guessing. I don’t know- MAYBE this will keep me from buying the lie that they are fat free! 
Leah,
Mine is candy corn. Oreos for breakfast. Dunkin’ in my coffee.
It is a quick and so unnutritious breakfast but satisfying to Satan and my sweet tooth.
I try little by little. I have not had a Pepsi or any other soda for 3 months. Amazing since i use to drink 3 or more 20-oz a day.
It is hard and soon I hope to move on to the next event to change. I am stuck on wanting a PEPSI
I believe this study will help me.
Margie,
I give it up all the time, only to take it back. It’s the worst possible thing for your body, yet the drive-thru calls and it’s nothing for me to down 2-3 large drinks a day. 
I have other sweets issues, but this is by far my problem, so I really relate!
Rootbeer is the thorn in my side. We haven’t gone there yet, but just wait till next week.
IT has been really hard. Diet soda makes me ill so I just had to quit it all. Some foods are just made for a PEPSI. Pizzza and Mexican are a couple. I do okay with portion control most of the time and better since i don’t drink the pop. I just started considering the company i was with rather than what i was not having. My kids 38 and 34 have been awesome when we are together. I did find SOBE 0 calories drink taste really good. The Fuji Apple Pear is awesome. Just a hint of flavor which is something I am finding out I really like. Lifewater 0 calories Lemonade is pretty good. Price is no more than a soda, taste good and refreshing, cost is the same. a win win situation for me.
Just be careful with those “0″ calorie drinks too. They usually contain some kind of fake sugar (asptertame, sucrolose, etc) that although doesn’t count as calories, is not helpful in losing weight. they trick your body into thinking they are getting sugar, so it starts to produce insulin, but since you aren’t actually getting any sugar, it just makes you want more to eat. Diet pop is the same way. Totally don’t want to be a downer here, it’s just something I had to learn as well. I actually really like to have carbonated water (or plain water) with a tiny bit of juice or Torani (sp) coffee flavoring that comes in fruit flavors. Pretty yummy actually and very few calories.
My rules:
1. Be aware of portions.
2. Drink at least 3 glasses of water each day (I have a big Tervis Tumbler that’s perfect for this).
3. Take a walk at least 4 days each week.
I don’t know how much weight I need to lose, as I haven’t weighed since before my baby was born almost 3 weeks ago and I don’t have a scale in the house. I do know I am smaller right now than I was when I got pregnant, so this is a good start for me to continue losing. I’d like to get back to the 150-155 range. I was 196 when I got pregnant, so I think I’m looking at 35-40 lbs.
I am SO looking forward to this series! I have been on a roller coaster with my weight, (losing 8lbs, gaining 10 and so on) since my husband left (June 11′) ~ I lost 15lbs that first week after he left and managed to keep it off for a time, then reality set in and I turn to food all to often for comfort :/ More than losing the weight though (which will be an added benefit!) I want to be able to surrender this area of my life to God too, it has gotten to the point that if I have chocolate or sugar in my house, I have absolutely NO willpower to not eat ALL of it (bag of chocolate chips, jar of chocolate covered raisins, etc.)…extremely frustrating as I used to be able to have this stuff in my house for months without even thinking about it!
My Rules:
1) Cut out sugar
2) No diet coke
3) Get active again ~ walk for an hour 2-3x week, cardio/weights @ gym 2x week
I would like to lose 15 – 20lbs.
Need to lose around 100 lbs. I’ve started eating half my usual portions. I try to think of my family first, because money is tight: why should I spend so much on groceries?
Plan:
1. drink more water
2. move 20 mins. per day
3. serve myself half the usual amount
I’m in! I have been 30-40lbs overweight for the past 15 years. By the grace of God alone I lost 25 last year but I NEED to lose another 5 to be in my healthy range and would LIKE to lose 10 so I will be in the healthy range and still have a little buffer (not teetering on the edge of “overweight”)!
The lie I believe is that I REALLY AM doing everything I need to do to be healthy and my body just isn’t made to lose weight, but if I am honest, I might be doing a lot (regular exercise and somewhat healthier choices than before) but I still consume waaaaaaaaaaaay too much sugar and junk, and justify it as being OK because I have exercised.
Since we are being honest here, I’m just not ready to cut out all the sugar and junk food, but I am going to commit to make a real effort to cut back on it. My rules for these 12 weeks:
1. Exercise 5 days per week
2. Drink minimum of 32 oz of water everyday (currently drink 0).
3. Go 2 days per week with no refined sugar. Hey- it’s a start and it is something I think I can stick to!
I need to lose 150 lbs. Ouch, hard to be that open with strangers, but if even one of you prays to ask God to help me, then it’s worth it.
My rules:
1. take a walk every day
2. pack a lunch
3. water, water, water
4. forgive myself.
5. no sweeteners of any kind; sugar, stevia, artificial etc.
Glad you shared…know you’re prayed for
I just love that scripture. I have purposed to take better care of this temple He gave to me. I believe God will give us determination, strength, and self control to overcome those old bad habits.
You know what’s interesting? I know that I’ve heard that scripture before, but somehow didn’t notice the penalty for ignoring it. That’s just so like me
I just had my second baby 2 1/2 months ago. Needing the motivation to lose the baby weight, but mainly just to be a healthier person. When you add scripture references that speak of being healthy, it reminds me that God has intended for us to take care of our bodies. That alone is HUGE motivation for me!
I’m commenting on this post hoping that will keep me accountable. Even though no one here knows me, by writing this down I have made the commitment and therefore it will be up to my own integrity to stick to it.
Here are my goals:
1. Cut out refined sugar (I’m a dessert addict! This is going to be extremely difficult for me!)
2. Eat vegetables every day (This is big for me, it’s not uncommon for me to go several days and never eat a single vegetable. I’m hoping that by adding them in my diet it will help fill me up and thus replace something else that was less healthy.
3. Work out 3-4 times a week, minimum of 20-30 minutes each session.
I should lose 20. I was looking at photos from my wedding 8 years ago. I was pretty disgusted about where I am now and decided right then do something about it. I started the south beach diet last Sunday which I’d done before the wedding. I have a week left on phase 1 which is obviously the hardest. I’m missing fruit and my chai latte but I’ve been super craving bagels and cereal. I’m hoping the cravings will pass soon, I’ll get used to including more veggies. I had been working so hard to not consumed artificial foods but that didn’t help as much because we were still consuming plenty of organic cane sugar. I walk my first grader to school and back everyday and it’s feeling more like exercise now. I keep wondering if I can work better grains back in but I have a super sweet tooth too (though I notice the stomach ache I get now if I eat something too sweet) and wondering if I can really have something I’m used to but healthier. I don’t want to use artificial sweeteners but all the sugar free recipes for desserts I’ve found use them.
I hate to call these ‘rules’ because I have a tendency to be legalistic and unforgiving (of myself) if I fail…
I’m going to call mine daily goals.
1. Be active (walk, run, dance with toddler, chase toddler).
2. Limit to 1 dessert a day.
3. Choose fruit > processed snack.
4. Start weight lifting every other day- pushups, planks, that kind of thing.
I’m looking to increase my awareness of why I’m eating, what I’m eating and improve my strength/physical health.
Wow! Talk about the lord speaking to me loud and clear. Iately, there had been that gentle tug in the back of my mind saying hints like “you need to get healthy” and “you really don’t need the large sundae” but it’s easy to ignore them. Today, He rang loud and clear with the email of your post… As I look down guiltly at the empty (non snack size) bag of chocolate covered peanuts, trying to tell myself “hey, peanuts are healthy!” I know it’s time to make a change. So my rules:
1- I will eat with the intent of nourishing my body instead of just eating to consume or because it tastes good.
2- I will stay active and make a commitment to work out 30 minutes, 3 days a week.
3- I will work to change my mind about my body. To think positively and encouraging. To believe that God gave me this temple and it is with His power working through me that I can change and use it to His will.
Thank you for posting a hard truth that no one likes to hear, but one that needs to be heard loud and clear in today’s world of fast food and low exercise. I have 40 pounds to lose to make it to my goal of 150 pounds. Praying for everyone that takes up this challenge! I can’t wait to see future posts!
I’ve never been really thin, but have been getting bigger progressively since the birth of my first child. Now 10 years (and four kids) later, I am trying to lose weight and this time, I want it to be for good. I started running in Feb and joined weight watchers in April. I’m down a little more than 50 pounds and have a little less than 20 to go before I am at a healthy weight. I have a weakness for sweets. So that will be my first rule. I’m going to not eat cookies/cakes/brownies that were not made at home. They really tend to send me looking for more sweets.
I’m pretty good with getting aerobic exercise right now (because I put out money and signed up for a half marathon in October) but know I need to work on strength. So, that is my second goal. To add strength exercises 2+ days a week.
Did I mention that I am Super slow??? So, if I speed up, that will boost my confidence and the intensity of my workout, right??? So that is the third goal. I am going to add in a hills/speed workout.
Those might sound like weird goals, but I’m going to stick to the WW plan since that has been working and I feel like I’ve been eating pretty healthy. But did you notice how I can’t commit to giving up all sweets??? Even for 12 weeks.
Hi ladies. So, encouraging to read the posts so far! I have been struggling with my weight and bad eating habits since we’ve been married. So, yeah, 60lbs in 7 year is NOT good. Not good for me, not good for my husband, and not good for my relationship with God. I tend to try things and then fail and give up. I really don’t want that bad attitude. I want to make decisions and do them for the Lord and in His strength. Lord, let me be satisfied, comforted, and indulge in you alone!!
My goals:
1)Cut out gluten and refined sugar as much as possible. Might need to be a progression the first week.
I know gluten is making feel really yucky and bloated. Sugar makes me crave more sugar.
2) One dessert per week. Usually the weekend…for a special occasion or socializing.
3) Meal and snack plan and stick to it.
4) Go for a vigorous walk 3 times per week and do exercise video 2 times per week.
OH BOY!! SOUNDS AMBITIOUS.
I am pregnant right now and don’t necessarily want to lose weight, but to be healthy.
Praise God for all of you that are making such a huge decision to impact your lives in Christ!
I have been back and forth for years with my weight. For the past 2 months I have been trying to get rid of any of the weight that has crept not so sneakily back on, with no avail and for the past 2 days I really have been feeling that I am fighting a losing battle. Nothing at all is coming off! Last week I went off of dairy, refined sugar and carbs, and caffeine. I intend to keep that up and also have half my body weight in ounces of water a day (not too tough for me since I an used to doing that when I do a cleanse). I will also MOVE at least 5 days a week and only eat until I am almost satisfied. I liked the post above about serving yourself half of what you normally would…then I have to think about it and go get more if I really want to. When I am really craving something or want to munch, I want to remember 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. I am that temple and its my God given duty to care for myself. I thank God for bringing me to this post today, I needed to see other women going thru this…and hear that its NOT a losing battle. God bless you and keep you all strong.
“But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57
What a great inspiration! Thank you for that. I need to lose 40 pounds. I have always been active (jogging, gym, etc.) but always struggle with the eating part. So these are my goals:
1.no more refine sugar, exept in my morning coffee and my afternoon hot chocolate.
2.no more pepsi exept one bottle of diet on saturday/sunday.
3. gym/jogging a minimum of 4 times a week.
Now I feel commited.
1. Only one dessert per day
2. When hungry between meals, I must eat a fruit or vegetable before anything else
3. Stop eating when full
I need to lose about 15 lbs to get back to my pre-baby weight. Not a huge amount, but a struggle for me nonetheless since I am an emotional eater and chronic snacker.
I have been trying to exercise for a while now. Off and on I make up my mind then change it. My life is extremely busy but “I’m sure I can exercise if I want to ” it’s absolutely frustrating. I think I will start with 15 mins a day.
My rules:
1. Drink more water (at least 24 oz)
2. Eat more veggies
3. Exercise 3-4 x week
I want to lose 50 lbs.
I just came across this post and wanted to say I’d like to join. I know I’m a little late but I’m ok with that. I need to lose about 100lbs but I am also pregnant. Losing is not my main goal right now but I do need to change my eating habits. Cut out the soda and sweets are my biggest struggles. Plus, I need to be drinking more water and eating more fruits and veggies.
I have gained over 100lbs having kids and sense baby 7 I have been on the yoyo diets. Lose a lot, gain it all back, lose some more….I’d like to lose and keep it off.
Thank you so much for this study. My friend and I are reading week 1, setting our rules and getting started 1/1/13 and going through 3/19/13..
Weight to Lose: 55
My Rules: 1) No Sodas; 2) sugar only in my am coffee (at this point) 3) NO FOOD after 8pm (I could set my watch by my 10pm cravings).
I look forward to growing (and shrinking) during these 12 weeks.
Jessy Whited
I just found your blog & this series. so, rather than be a perfectionist and say I missed out on it, I am starting it this week. I will simply click on one of these per week for the next 12 weeks.
I don’t need to really lose much weight, maybe five pounds, but I need to get in shape! And I need to break free, by God’s grace, from my addiction to food. I set these rules for myself.
1. I will work HARD at fully transitioning into my new nutritional plan in the next two weeks, and then stick to it!
2. I will get AT LEAST six hours of sleep each night.
3. I will exercise every day.
I look forward to seeing how the Lord works to free me from this bondage, and to help me take the thoughts captive, discerning the lies and combating them with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God! Thank you for this 12- week series! I am hopeful that The Lord is going to use this to do a great work in my heart, mind & body…for my good and His glory!
Thank you for finding this for us, Dear Friend! Thanks for taking my hand and walking through this with me.
My friend Jodie (above) just “happened” upon this post, and she and I are going through your 12 week plan together. It has taken me almost 2 weeks to come up with my “rules”, which really surprised me but helps me see that putting restrictions on my food is really much more of an issue than I even want to admit. God has shown me in various ways very recently that NOW is the time to break FREE from shackles that I don’t even realize encumber me, but from which Jesus is delighted to rescue me! Hallelujah! (And thanks for great friends to come alongside!)
Here are my rules for the 12 weeks I’ll be following these blog posts (ending 6/3/13):
-Drink 64 oz. of water daily
-No snacking on the food I’m prepping
-Do purposeful, physical exercise at least once daily Mondays through Saturdays
I am excited to see what the LORD will do! Thank you for putting this together!
So proud of you, my friend! You’re doing great already! Thanks for being willing to take this journey with me and our great God! Can’t wait to see what He is going to do!
Two years ago I lost about 60 lbs and stayed at a healthy weight of 130, of course I had my days when I gained a few pounds and I even lost five more pounds last spring and was down to my lowest weight of 125, but during the summer I gained back five pounds and I stayed at 130.
But, around November when I promised myself that I wouldn’t gain the notorious “holiday five” I instead gained ten and although I have kept working out and kept up with some of my food intake on the weekends I ruin it all by going out and “splurging” and I usually start on Thursday telling myself that I won’t do this all weekend and by the weekend I tell myself, Monday is a fresh start…well I am tired of telling myself that I will do it tomorrow.
So here are my rules for the next 12 weeks:
#1 Only eat out once a week, but if possible not at all. (we don’t usually eat out anyway, but I know several events are coming up that I will have to eat at a restaurant)
#2 No refined sugar
#3 Exercise daily (I usually do this anyway, but I really want to make sure I continue and making it a rule give me an incentive to stay true)
#4 Only drink 2 diet cokes a week, if possible not at all. (I am not a big diet coke drinker, but I found it helped with sugar cravings, but I’d really like to just not drink them at all)
That’s all my rules and my twelve weeks will be up on June 30th and by then I should be back to my normal weight. I am looking forward to the support from you ladies. A friend of mine is also doing this along with me, although she started two weeks ago and has a lot more to lose than I do. I count my calories on http://caloriecount.about.com my username is proverbs31womanintraining if anyone else is on there please look me up and let me know that you found me via this blog =) I am so excited!
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