It’s been 30 days since I returned from the RE:CREATE CRUISE 2011 and I shared with you in a previous post that I had gained 6 pounds.
I weighed this morning and I’m back at my desired weight. My doctor uses a formula for females: 5 pounds for every inch over 5 feet. For example, for 5’5”, goal weight is 125 pounds.
I yo-yo dieted for thirty years and only felt attractive when I was thin. By 2006, I was 42 pounds over my ideal weight when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was time to start treating my body as God intended. I lost those 42 pounds gradually over 3 years, never more than 2 pounds per week.
On the cruise Ken Davis shared his weight loss success and quoted 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?” Randy Elrod also shared that he has lost 34 pounds in 6 months. CLICK HERE to read his story.
How did I lose 6 pounds in the past 30 days? It isn’t some weird diet like the ones I’ve tried in the past. I had to laugh when I saw a friend’s diet posted on Facebook. I printed it and it was 22 pages long! I don’t have the time or desire for that much effort and focus on my weight. I just want to stay healthy and glorify God by taking care of my body.
So here it is. My simple weight plan:
1. I don’t eat fried foods at all. Just a nibble to honor the cook. Receptions are particularly challenging; lots of fried foods in the southern states.
2. I avoid processed foods and additives; I’m back to whole wheat pasta and real sugar and butter, sparingly. I don’t drink diet cokes anymore.
3. I eat small meals throughout the day; this is fairly typical:
Yogurt in the morning
Banana mid-morning
Soup and peanut butter and crackers for lunch
Apple mid-afternoon
Dinner with all food varieties (except fried)
4. I don’t eat when I’m not hungry. Sometimes a glass of wine and cheese are all I need for dinner.
5. I enjoy a Pilates Class once per week; sometimes twice.
6. I use weights or an elliptical walker 2-3 times per week, for at least 30 minutes
For the past 2 years, I’ve been able to maintain my goal weight. When I gain more than 5 pounds, I ramp up the exercise to 3-4 times per week, eliminate the peanut butter and desserts to shed the weight.
It’s pretty simple, and best of all I no longer think that my value rests in my appearance. God does love me the way I am, but wants a healthy me.
When I am tempted to overeat, and I still am, I remember the verse in 1 Corinthians and that my body really is God’s temple. I need to do my part to care for it and honor it.
If you aren’t at the right weight for you, what change can you make today that would glorify God?
Blessings,
Agatha