Encouragement for Dieters

[Kelli]

Are there any other Christians out there who struggle with your weight? This could be a great place to meet new friends who are struggling with overeating. You can ask for prayer, vent, and give or get advise.

My name is Kelli, and I have been trying to lose weight for so long. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 21 years (he married me when I was skinny) anyway... We have two beautiful daughters. One 19 and the youngest is 16 (just got her license :o )

I have been a foster mom to 16 girls who have all grown up and flown the coup... However I have two who still move back home from time to time, and I feel like they are mine, even though they both have mothers...

I would love to discuss what God has shown me over the years of dieting, and trying to lose weight, and would love to hear any tips or tricks you may have.

Thanks!

Hope to see you here soon....

 

[Kelli]

Oops, I think I may have posted this in the wrong area, It should probably go in general discussions or chat or something.... anyway can I delete this post from here and put it elsewhere. I am sorry I am sort of new at this posting stuff.
Kelli

 

[Gabe]

Done.

 

[Kelli]

Wow! that was magic! thanks! 2

 

[Christine]

Dieting has always been a challenge for me. I love food, cooking, and serving it to others. I grew up in a family where family dinnertime was very important. We laughed together, cried together, discussed EVERYTHING under the sun, including religion and politics (a no-no for many other families we knew).

My mom was very ill during much of my childhood. There was a period of 18 months starting when I was 8 1/2 where she was in a hospital in another state. Even then, my dad made sure we still ate dinner together as a family. He was even the one that started teaching me to cook!.

I think that food has been such a centerpiece of my life growing up, that it is hard not to associate it with the things that I hold dear. It evokes a sense of belonging and stability.

My children are all grown. My husband never, (NEVER) sits down to the kind of family dinner I grew up with. When he does sit at a table, he eats and then runs.

I think I often hunger for the the comfort that family mealtime evoked (even in turbulent times), and substitute the food for the real thing.

 

[Kelli]

Hi Christine! It's so nice to meet you, and I agree just reading your post brought back fond memories, I am the youngest of nine and we always sat around the table while we were growing up.

Are you like me, struggling with weight and food issues right now? I have been struggling for about 25 years. I am so tired of being overweight, but mostly I think I am tired of thinking about being overweight. calories, food, etc... :crazy God has been showing me that I dwell way too much on dieting, and being thin.

 

[Ginger]

Keli would love to hear some advice from you!

Like you I married my husband when I was thin. I defeat myself sometimes before starting with negative thoughts. I know there are a few psychological reasons why I put on weight. When I was depressed food was my friend but also growing up our family celebrated with food so I also do the same! Now I am happier and not depressed (except for my weight - ah catch 22!) I would love to be thin and feel I could keep thin, but I agree with the other poster when I was on diets all I thought about was food and calorie counting which ended up being counterproductive with me, as I got really depressed with my weight - so then started eating!
At least I haven't put any weight on for a couple of years but would love to get it off. So far my thinking is not to dwell so much on it but loose a pound a week and then it will add up, but recently not even doing that!

So all the tips you have spill!

 

[tim-from-pa]

For all the dieters out there, is your weight really a problem or are you trying to get a 17-year-old body when you are 47? Unless it is causing a medical or physical problem, you may be OK where you are, depending on your weight.

I have 6 cats. As they get older (Like us people) I notice that they, especially the female ones, put on weight. Yet they run around, eat the same things as when younger and so forth. I concluded that this is our natural condition as the world is beset win the sin of Adam. But the world, and medical establishment does not believe this stuff and want you to feel "guilty" instead.

It's amazing that the world thinks that giving an hour a week to God or giving a tithe of one's money to do good is too oppressive. Yet, people will unthinkingly accept the propaganda regarding health (which most of it is not even biblical) and torment themselves in all the more bondage.

Weight is one myth. It varies for everyone. High cholesterol is another myth. Too much salt or saturated fat is yet another. But do you hear them say what you should be doing instead? Such as taking your vitamins (and I don't mean establishment types such as Centrum Silver), making sure you get adequate rest and sunlight? I thought not.

It's a humorous paradox what people will believe because they do not trust God, nor do they know the bible.

Here's a funny video many of us are familiar with. Too bad this couple believes the low sodium lies out there. I hope he drags himself to the grave for believing such nonsense. If its bland, it needs salt! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUQNTwTSuSY

 

[Ginger]

Tim I wholeheartedly agree - Hollywood and media etc gives out the perception that you need to be thin and when you get older you usually are at least 10 pounds heavier than when you got married.

Afraid I am not in that category I need to loose it!!

 

[LanceEh]

The best tip for dieting, lots of prayer and fasting, haha, just kidding.

But seriously Kelli, the best thing I have found about weight management is the fruit of the Spirit, which is self control and joy. The Lord can take away any cravings, etc. and also make you more thankful for the things we have (which we all need a little of sometime, haha) leading to less eating. I remember Joyce Meyer once wrote a book/articles (I can't remember which) on this subject about how more thankful you were the less you seemed to eat, and it's something we all struggle with from time to time, we are only flesh and blood! haha. Hope this helps dear.

God bless.

 

[tim-from-pa]

Tim I wholeheartedly agree - Hollywood and media etc gives out the perception that you need to be thin and when you get older you usually are at least 10 pounds heavier than when you got married.

Afraid I am not in that category I need to loose it!!

Again, you know yourself better than me, but I'd say 10 pounds or somewhat more is a small percentage of total body weight.

Back to the cats. When she was young and "svelte", she weighed 11 pounds. Let's make that a 1:10 ratio and say that's a young woman equal to about 110 pounds. Now, she's middle aged and weighs 15 pounds, like going up to 150.

Now, if you went to 175 or maybe 200 proportionally speaking (I won't ask) then you may be right, but I'd give a little more latitude than 10+ pounds to be honest. Most people hardly see that and it becomes another psychological numbers game instead to a physical disability or problem. I doubt if 10 pounds would do that.

And one last thing--- I am not talking obesity, but a little chunkier tends to be healthier. I always see very thin people as having more cancer especially, strokes, and sometimes heart problems. That's probably (IMO) because without the fat, the fat soluble vitamins may be a problem. Vitamin D is a BIG lack in today's society but instead of excessive supplements, the two vital ingredients that make vitamin D is cholesterol and sunlight spec UVB--- that's why you need some sunlight to convert it to vitamin D. Without these two key ingredients, you risk higher rate of cancer, heart disease and so forth (e.g Scandinavian that get little sunlight---but some make it up in fish oils).

 

[Kelli]

Aah, You are all such a breath of fresh air! I tried just mentioning on a diet forum site that we may be a tad too obsessed with calories and weight issues, and you would not believe the thrashing I got... :verysad I am serious, this sounds stupid but it made me cry ... they were brutal. Thank the Lord He wised me up real fast, about not being afraid to speak the truth even when people are mean! I feel like I am home

Hi Ginger! so nice to meet you!

I defeat myself sometimes before starting with negative thoughts

I was so, so, horrible to myself, it took so long for God to show me what I was doing. Now I call that old person my bully, because that's exactly what I was doing to myself. I would never, ever, have talked to anyone the way I talked to myself! It was so destructive.

I agree with the other poster when I was on diets all I thought about was food and calorie counting which ended up being counterproductive with me

That is exactly what I have been doing the last twenty years, is trying to "be good" and becoming more and more obsessed!

Hope you will come back so we can encourage each other.

Hi Tim from PA I love you for your post, :heart

For all the dieters out there, is your weight really a problem or are you trying to get a 17-year-old body when you are 47? Unless it is causing a medical or physical problem, you may be OK where you are, depending on your weight.

that is a true brother speaking, thank you! But... The last time I went to the Doctor, 2 or 3 months ago, I weighed... GULP 210 pounds wearing a tight size 22! No matter what your proportions are that ain't right! However... Since finally.... putting it in God's hands, and not allowing myself to count calories, weigh myself (sometimes I would weigh 2 or 3 times a day!). When I want to overeat, I find a private place to pray, or in my head if I can't find one. I say, "God, Satan is knocking at my door, will you get your chariots of fire to answer it... Then... I do leave it with God, good or bad. If I overeat, then I overeat, I leave it up to God.

Finally food is a non-issue, I haven't let myself weigh (it's a stumbling block for me) but I am now in my size 14 jeans... It's been a very long time since I have been able to do that :bounce this is my happy dance!

So, Lance Eh, I agree with you, to be thankful, is to keep yourself from thinking negative...
Well I think for people who do struggle with weight, this could be a great place to encourage each other.

Hope to see you here soon

 

[Ginger]

Aah, You are all such a breath of fresh air! I tried just mentioning on a diet forum site that we may be a tad too obsessed with calories and weight issues, and you would not believe the thrashing I got... :verysad I am serious, this sounds stupid but it made me cry ... they were brutal. Thank the Lord He wised me up real fast, about not being afraid to speak the truth even when people are mean! I feel like I am home

Hi Ginger! so nice to meet you!

I defeat myself sometimes before starting with negative thoughts

I was so, so, horrible to myself, it took so long for God to show me what I was doing. Now I call that old person my bully, because that's exactly what I was doing to myself. I would never, ever, have talked to anyone the way I talked to myself! It was so destructive.
[quote:2y4rlmdz]I agree with the other poster when I was on diets all I thought about was food and calorie counting which ended up being counterproductive with me

That is exactly what I have been doing the last twenty years, is trying to "be good" and becoming more and more obsessed!

Hope you will come back so we can encourage each other.

Hi Tim from PA I love you for your post, :heart

For all the dieters out there, is your weight really a problem or are you trying to get a 17-year-old body when you are 47? Unless it is causing a medical or physical problem, you may be OK where you are, depending on your weight.

that is a true brother speaking, thank you! But... The last time I went to the Doctor, 2 or 3 months ago, I weighed... GULP 210 pounds wearing a tight size 22! No matter what your proportions are that ain't right! However... Since finally.... putting it in God's hands, and not allowing myself to count calories, weigh myself (sometimes I would weigh 2 or 3 times a day!). When I want to overeat, I find a private place to pray, or in my head if I can't find one. I say, "God, Satan is knocking at my door, will you get your chariots of fire to answer it... Then... I do leave it with God, good or bad. If I overeat, then I overeat, I leave it up to God.

Finally food is a non-issue, I haven't let myself weigh (it's a stumbling block for me) but I am now in my size 14 jeans... It's been a very long time since I have been able to do that :bounce this is my happy dance!

So, Lance Eh, I agree with you, to be thankful, is to keep yourself from thinking negative...
Well I think for people who do struggle with weight, this could be a great place to encourage each other.

Hope to see you here soon [/quote:2y4rlmdz]


How horrible that you went to a diet forum and that was the response :verysad Well I am glad that you are here, started this thread and are very encouraging. Also from a Christian point of view, which is different.

I am amazed that in 2-3 months you went from a 22 to a size 14!
Now you have to give me tips either in how your thinking was or how you did it! So true what you say about having to go to God and pray and talk about how you are bullying yourself (love how you put it - so true!)

Anyway I want to give you a big congratulations in loosing that weight when you have struggled so long - giving you a big stand up and cheer 3

 

[Kelli]

Hi Ginger,
I am so glad I am here too, it definitely is a lot different! The whole spirit here is different. Even when Christians disagree it's always respectful, and they don't all gang up on one person. WAAA See what a boob I am! Anyway I guess I am just used to how Christians treat each other, so I am glad I am here.

Have you been visiting this forum long? I just found it about a week or so ago, and I am happy I did.

Thank you so much for your encouragement on my weight loss. I am so happy! As far as pointers go... um I am kind of embarrassed to tell you, but I have been writing a Diet Bible Study. and I have a really hard time sharing, because it is soooo full of grammar mistakes.

I started writing it for me and my foster daughter, Mylissa, and it just kept growing. I did put it on a web site just so it was easy for Mylissa to find (she lives out of state now) and anybody else who it might encourage.

I still have a hard time believing how much God has shown me about dieting, I didn't think I would find much, but He just kept amazing me with more, and more. For instance, It was hard for me to accept that overeating was a sin. I know the Bible mentions gluttony in a negative way, but I just had a hard time thinking of it like that. So I prayed and asked God to show me just one for instance where lusting for food was mentioned. He answered my question in the very first book,
Genesis 31 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?â€Â
2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’â€Â
4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.â€Â
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
I never thought about it much, but it's true, the very first sin was the lust for unneeded food!
Even one of the sins Satan tried to tempt Jesus with, was food. He showed me others too, but I will take up this whole page if I mention them

Anyway, I have really never shared the diet with anyone, except Mylissa, so I would absolutely love it if you have any suggestions. I don't know I just think God wants me to share it. He keeps telling me to anyway. I am just so embarrassed of my grammar skills, but if you can get through that, God showed me some amazing things!

My Bible Study is at http://www.flowersoverthewall.com

So I have spilled my tips everywhere! hehe.

God bless
Kelli

 

[Ginger]

Kelli, that's amazing that link, I have just quickly looked at it and am amazed at what you have put together. Thank you so much for sharing it with us, I so need that and it is such a rare thing seeing it from that point of view, so looking forward to using that as a study - thank you
Don't worry about your grammar I can't even compile sentences for people to read in an easy manner
This is a nice forum as it is not too big and you can quickly get to know the regular posters and their stories which is nice. I have visited another christian forum (I think the biggest) and there are so many subsections and it's not easy to read posts I haven't been back so just like this one. I haven't been coming here regularly that long.

I know gluttony is a sin (and am interested in reading on your site what you think constitutes gluttony) and I don't really have a problem with that (I don't think) I guess it's lack of exercise since I am sitting doing a lot of computer work and it's what I eat and how I view food as comfort.

I do have a problem regarding gluttony when it comes to Wensleydale cheese with cranberries (yes like Wallace and Gromit)

. I can't even pass it in one grocery store without buying it (I don't shop there now ) as that wedge of cheese can nearly be gone one lunchtime and half a loaf of crusty bread!

It was interesting reading about your thoughts on overeating, which I guess is gluttony, do I need second helpings in anything! never thought about food being used in the first temptation (not in this way)

 

[Kelli]

Hi Ginger,

I am so glad you liked my website, I don't know why it is so hard for me to share. To tell you the truth, I also have a hard time witnessing, and I have been saved for over thirty years!

I wish I was more bold about my faith. I am afraid I am a bit of a people pleaser. I don't want to "bother" people. AS IF FINDING GOD EVER BOTHERED PEOPLE ! Geesh! This is what God has been working on me about lately. I am way, way to worried about what people think of me.

Anyway... As far as gluttony being a sin, I am talking more about people who are (like I was) addicted to food. I overate to the point of 210 lbs, very unhealthy. But it's hard to say that's what the study is about, I think it has turned out to be more about positive thinking, and not letting your thoughts carry you off.

I was is such a state when God saved me, I can't tell you how messed up I was. I hated myself, and even after I had been saved quite awhile, I still hated myself. I was brutal. I read back on some of the things I would write in my prayer journal and cringe. I would talk about how ugly, stupid and Lazy I was... Oh it was just awful, then God showed me how destructive that was. He reminded me that I would never talk to my kids the way I talk to myself, because it would damage their self-esteem. Why did I think it wasn't doing the same thing to me?

WOW, I do go on don't I. totopic

Anyway, I think a lot of people who are overweight have negative thinking issues, like I did.

Your cheese cranberry thing sounds delish! The cool thing about the diet God showed me, is I can eat anything I want, but just until I feel satisfied... yeah! soooo tell me where I can find this yummy sounding cheese stuff... Hehe.

I have heard of Wallace and Gromit, but I don't think I have ever seen it. Is it a cartoon? I will have to check it out on YouTube sometime.

Talk to you later,
God bless!

 

[Ginger]

and even after I had been saved quite awhile, I still hated myself. I was brutal. I read back on some of the things I would write in my prayer journal and cringe. I would talk about how ugly, stupid and Lazy I was... Oh it was just awful, then God showed me how destructive that was. He reminded me that I would never talk to my kids the way I talk to myself, because it would damage their self-esteem. Why did I think it wasn't doing the same thing to me?

Anyway, I think a lot of people who are overweight have negative thinking issues, like I did.

I have tears streaming down my face as I read your post and am writing this. That is me!!

I know God loves me but yet this whole secret part of me is a big part of me and I can't have that dialogue with myself without it affecting all other parts of my life and my walk with Him! And yet I do, I feel such a failure in this area of my life and that I have failed God as my self-control isn't there and am sinning, then the guilt sets in then the whole spiral starts again (guilt is so wrong I know)
You are right in how you phrased that and I will keep that with me.

Your openness and how you can communicate in your webpage is amazing (and your honesty). I am now doing that as my quiet time. Yesterday I just thought the whole day of your different insight into Matthew 6 31-34. I obviously never thought of it that way but it is so appropriate and right to do so. As others do as well, I just saw it as God will provide your needs when circumstances are hard.
But to think of it as don't worry about food - your over eating of it etc, and not to worry about tomorrow about viewing food right.

I haven't yet started the bible study yet as that was just the introduction but I wanted to take it slowly and meditate on it. I am going to print out the whole thing today as I want to write and journal it.
If you could put a forum on your webpage or feedback as that is an amazing piece you have created and am sure a lot of people will be helped - what a ministry you created
God so knew I needed you and sent you to me - Praise be to God!

It's great that it is a free resource but you should send it to someone to publish it so more people would be able to benefit and have a journal 'in hand'.

Thank you so much for your encouragement in it, your honesty - what a ministry!

 

[Kelli]

My dear friend and sister, Ginger,

I can't tell you how much your post meant to me, It made me cry 4 In a good way though. I still struggle with self-esteem issues, so It is so hard for me to share this study. Even though I know I couldn't have written anything on my own. As I have said, the farthest I got in school was the seventh grade. And I have ADD to boot. I am sure Satan has a lot to do with it too.

Ginger when you said God sent me to you, it is the other way around, I really needed to hear what you said. You will never know how much that meant. It seems like God wired us to be a lot the same. Our gift is encouragement and your gift has helped me so much, I already feel more confident in sharing the study.

I would love to get it out to more people, because God has used it to help me so much, and I know I can't be the only one helped through what He has shown me. But... I don't want to charge anything for it, because God gave it to me for free. I think I will just let God be the promotional director for it, teehee.

I think I will try to figure out how to put a forum on it, like I said I have had that one bad experience, but here, it is so much different.

Thank you Ginger, you are such an encouragement to me.

 

[Ginger]

Isn't God amazing He knows what we need and I am so glad we can encourage each other!

Though how I am an encouragement to you I don't know, as anyone who read your story especially your intro of the story of the flowers on the wall (which I recommend to everyone to read if you need a diet or not) will see you have a true gift of imparting what you want to say in a way that will stay with readers - true gift of communication through word. I think that is quite rare, as some authors can technically write but can leave you stone dead cold.
I know it's the Holy Spirit as I read it as you are spot on and also with your attitude in wanting to make it free so gracious!
Over ten years ago I partly read that other christian book on diet and though some things were interesting (though can't remember it now!) it left me cold and you put your finger on it with what you said to your daughter.

There are so many things I want to point out that spoke to me through the study so far but keeping this post shortish - love your analogy of how you wouldn't punish your toddler if they fell over when trying to get to you when counting 1..2. You are right God is like that! I also never thought about God making my tastebuds before!

I hope I am not at the stage of where you where, knowing God is speaking to you but couldn't go forward. I am trying not to let the looped conversation in my head 'you succeed for a while but then fail' keep playing, and 'you keep praying about it but nothing changes' - now that is the big one I have to stop :verysad As I haven't even been trying - just given up, saying what you said God made me this way but it's not working!

I like how you approach it, if I just concentrate on my walk with Him everything else will fall into place - "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

I think in so many areas of my life it's putting the bible verses I know into practice and learning how to apply them. Whether that is, not just knowing it in my heart but applying it in my head or vice versa. I don't know if now God is wanting me to learn perseverance or something as I know I give up so soon - I pray about something then don't 'feel' Him and in a couple of days just give up - dieting being the perfect example, as it takes so long to see results.

When 'one of' trials come it's hard but I get through it, see God's faithfulness and grow, it's this same long term issues in my life that is every day for years that just wears me down and would love to get rid of.

so much for the shortish post

 

[Kelli]

Hey Ginger,
So happy to hear from you! Thank you so much for your kind words, and I have to say it truly is the Holy Spirit. The funny thing is, I would find something in the Bible that touched me , or God would teach me something and I would put it somewhere in the study I thought it might fit, and the amazing thing is, I thought it would be an utter mess, and nobody would be able to make sense of it. Then awhile ago I decided to do the study for myself, from start, to finish, and I was amazed at how God put it together. It seemed like the stuff I just threw in willy nilly, all flowed together. I really can see God's hand in it, and I thank Him so much for letting me be a part of it.

But it seems to me you are the one with the gift of writing. I love to read your post, and wish I could write as well as you do...

It's funny you mention that other Bible study,

Over ten years ago I partly read that other christian book on diet and though some things were interesting (though can't remember it now!) it left me cold and you put your finger on it with what you said to your daughter.

I don't want to bash what others feel like God is showing them, but for me, it made me feel guilty and that I had to earn God's love. But the part that did make sense to me was the actual diet. The diet part of flowers Over the Wall, is a lot like that, as far as eating whatever you want, but only when you are hungry, but that's where the similarities end.

I love being able to eat whatever I want. I think when you try to stay away from something, it makes you want it more! Like, last night, we went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse, I ate the rest of my sweet potato, smothered in Carmel sauce and miniature marshmallows tonight. It was so good, but that dinner will last me for three or four meals. I would hate to think I couldn't ever eat such things.

I think in so many areas of my life it's putting the bible verses I know into practice and learning how to apply them. Whether that is, not just knowing it in my heart but applying it in my head or vice versa. I don't know if now God is wanting me to learn perseverance or something as I know I give up so soon - I pray about something then don't 'feel' Him and in a couple of days just give up - dieting
being the perfect example, as it takes so long to see results.

When 'one of' trials come it's hard but I get through it, see God's faithfulness and grow, it's this same long term issues in my life that is every day for years that just wears me down and would love to get rid of.

Wow we are so on the same wavelength, this is exactly what God is teaching me lately. The battle is in our minds! The difference between a champion athlete and someone people may call a "loser" is what they do with failure. Both have the same amount of failure, but the champion gets back up where as the defeated person (like I used to be) says "this always happens to me, It will never change. I used to let one failure build upon another failure, and so many times I felt it was hopeless. That is such a big lie of Satan... The only influence he has with us is in our minds!
He just loves to get us thinking negative thoughts! We are a new creation, we are all champions or God wouldn't have chosen us!

Just like the scripture you posted, I love it, it's all about positive thinking, huh...

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Wow talk about long posts! Thanks for your support.

Love,
Kelli