Diet (di -at) offensive n. - to Die In Eternal Torment; the act of deprivation and loss of the senses resulting in depression, anxiety, extreme hunger pangs, loss of energy, mental focus, and all other sensory perception.
This is how most people eventually feel when they go on the dreaded diet. The word alone evokes such emotion and resistance, that many cannot even bear to utter the word, relegating it to the list of foul and offensive four letter words that are never uttered in public by decent folk. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Deprivation In Eating Things does not have to be our definition for this very common life problem. Being overweight may not necessarily be your fault. There is some new medical research that suggests certain cases of obesity are to some degree caused by either a gene or hormonal imbalance, however there is nothing conclusive yet. Certainly some medical causes are proven such as blood sugar imbalance, diabetes, and thyroid conditions. Other cases are either behavioral or environmental. The one thing is certain, we all have to live with the effects, no matter the cause.
Being overweight is every bit a national health problem as smoking or drug abuse. The healthcare dollars that are spent each year to treat obesity related problems are staggering. We all know that carrying around extra weight is unhealthy, but what can we do?
First, learn to keep positive. Any lifestyle change will require an open mind and an open heart. Attitude is the key to everything in life. Over and over again in the Bible we are advised to “be of good cheer.” Most problems are easier to overcome with a good attitude and healthy frame of mind.
Second, be prepared. Losing weight is not easy. It will require both time and effort. We need to make time to read and learn, to prepare healthy foods, shop and to read labels, understand what we are eating, menu planning, and exercising, just to name a few things. But, in the long run will it be worth it?
Yes. Anything worth having is worth working for. Our health is worth it. If we are worth dying for, then we are worth living for. And, as you begin to exercise and shed some of those unwanted pounds, an amazing thing will happen. You will feel better, sleep better, have more energy, be less fatigued, be able to see and think more clearly, and see the world in a whole new light. It will seem as though there are extra hours in the day as you are able to see and do more. How many times have we all prayed for more time? Well, this could possibly be your answer.
Two things I have learned in my life: 1. There is nothing so small that God does not want to hear it. If it is important to you, it is important to Him, and 2. Give God the problems, not the solutions. If we give Him all of the answers telling Him how to fix our problems, we remove from the solution the miracles that He may have in store for us. Tell Him what’s on your heart and let Him take care of the rest.
I no longer diet. In my life DIET now means Divine Intervention Equals Triumph. Join me on my journey of weight loss and healthy living. Let’s do this D-word together, you, me, and God, and see where this road called life leads us.
One of my favorite recipes for sweets comes from Michael Chiarrello of the Food Network. This is an adaptation of his Chocolate-Orange Brown Butter Popcorn.
Chocolate/Orange Popcorn
3 Cups fresh, hot popped popcorn
1 oz. Bittersweet chocolate
zest from one orange
salt
When the popcorn is still hot (preferably from an air popper) shave the chocolate over the top, allowing it to cover the entire bowl. The heat from the popcorn should melt the chocolate. Stir the bowl slightly to cover all popcorn completely. (If the chocolate does not begin to melt and stick to the popcorn, place it in a 350 degree oven for several minutes - just enough to soften the chocolate and make it stick.) Sprinkle the orange zest over the top and lightly salt.
This is a delicious, light snack that will satisfy your craving for a sweet dessert without blowing your D-word.
Enjoy!
Lori
Psalm 23:6 "...my cup overflows."
http://www.sinclairinkspot.com/
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Bionote: Lori is the author of two business books, numerous church skits, and several articles. She lives in Sacramento with her two children, two dogs, and cat. She loves to hear from her readers, so please email your thoughts and questions.
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