Five Weight-Loss Resources for the Fat Girl

Last year, I tried to get back to my pre-pregnancy shape. More of a stick figure. Less of a pear. I went on a 15-day rapid weight-loss plan and had some success. I managed to lose eight pounds and keep them off for a few months. However, the fat girl returned this holiday season. I promised myself I would enjoy the Christmas cookies, chocolate bars, and Gingerbread Lattes with no remorse. By December 31st, I had regained those eight pounds and added five more. Ouch! {Remorse.}

It's January. The new year rang in, and so did the determination to lose the weight and turn my muffin-topped pear into a six-pack. (Well, at least I'd like to fit back into my new jeans again.)

5 Weight-Loss Resources for Fat Girls Like Me

1. The Bible - There are several scriptures that provide hope, confidence, and determination. Here's one of my favorites:

I can do all things (God calls me to do) through Christ who strengthens me. 

     ~ Philippians 4:13

2. 100 Pound Loser: How I Ate What I Wanted, Had Four Babies, & Still Took Control of My Weight - And You Can Too! by Jessica Heights

I just found this book through a post on another blog. I immediately downloaded it from amazon. And, I cannot wait to read it, since the author has a really great sense of humor. Her title says it all, doesn't it?

{Click on the book covers to be linked to the storefront attached.}

3. The Birchcreek Secret to Total Health by Ron and Julie Odato

Meet Ron and Julie Odato. Friends of mine who happen to have a book. They also happen to run a successful weight-loss retreat and have seen miracles happen in people's lives as those people have taken control of their dietary habits. It's their 15-day plan I participated in last year that helped me lose the eight pounds.

I recommend their book.

4. Reshaping it All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness by Candace Cameron Bure

Many may recognize Candace as Full House kid, DJ Tanner. What I love about her book is that she not only focuses on the physical, but she understands the importance of the spiritual, as well. I cannot do anything in my own willpower. Eventually, I will fail. In Jesus, I can find success. Her book focuses on that aspect of our health, as well.



5. REFIT Cardio Dance Fitness Videos 
 I LOVE these videos. They're available on YouTube, and I'm subscribed. I can work out any time I want to, in the privacy of my own home. Most of the music the girls use is Christian. The music that isn't is clean. It's upbeat fun! I love that their routines are easy to follow, since they use repetition in their dance moves within each song. I can piecemeal them together, or I can use an entire 8-song routine, depending on my schedule for the day. And trust me when I say that you will be feeling it -- all over. They work more than one area every routine they do. Here's a sample for your viewing pleasure:

PS - Don't forget to shake your booty!

Three Steps to Victory

Well, here it is. My first video blog. 

Disclaimer:

• I was nervous about making this. I didn't know if I had anything to say. So I said it.
• I said a couple of "um"s and tripped over my tongue on occasion.
• It's a little longer than five minutes (I know, the ideal length for one of these.), by like, five minutes. So please bear with my first attempt and kindly watch all the way through. Next time it will be shorter, I promise. I do value your time as much as my own.

That being said, I hope you enjoy hearing about Three Steps to Victory.

"It's Time for a Change."

Photo Courtesy of Serdar Burak

Have you ever uttered those words to yourself?

Uttering them is one thing. Acting upon them is a whole 'nother ballgame.

For several months, I've been looking at my expanding waistline, saying, "It's time for a change."

But by the end of the day, I was hitting the cookie box again. Because "just one more" couldn't hurt, could it?

By the end of the month, I found myself squee-eezing into the jeans I'd only purchased a couple of months before, which were a size larger than the ones I'd worn last summer.

"It's time for a change." That voice in my head went off again, and I hit the snooze button for another month. And I ate a few more cookies. Had another mocha. Visited the fast food restaurant (because, after all, I was in a hurry that day).

But not in a hurry to change...

Now it's six months later. My jeans are still tight. They even rub my belly button by the end of the day. My waist line is sagging (as well as other parts). And I jiggle when I do anything remotely active. Not appealing to me. Not pleasing to God.

How do I know it's not pleasing to God? Because it's His still small voice I've been hitting the snooze button on. What's He been saying? Here are some examples:

You don't want to put on so much weight you won't be able to get it back off.

You need to start now, if you want to be healthy when you're older.

You won't get through mid-life with much energy eating the way you do now.

Your body is my temple; you really should take better care of it.

Which made me stop and think:

If my body is His temple (because His Holy Spirit dwells within me), and I'm treating it like I am (not taking very good care of it), what does that reflect about other areas of my life? Have I let go of other things, too? How is my spiritual life? How about my marriage, my relationship with my kids, my home, my career? Have I gotten lazy about them, too?

I decided it is time to make that change. And I put action behind that thought.

This week, I've started juice fasting. I'm taking part in a 15 Day Weight Loss Program through Birchcreek Retreat. I'm supposed to lose 15 pounds in 15 days. Between yesterday and today, I've already lost three pounds.

I'm also exercising. I do cardio exercise for thirty minutes a day for fifteen days.

What about after fifteen days is up? I will continue to eat healthier and avoid the sweets that I've been addicted to. (I'll eat them in moderation, such as once a week in small amounts.) I will continue to exercise at least three times per week. I will continue to honor the Lord by honoring the earth suit he gave me and pray that I live to see it wrinkle with age, rather than fat.

What about you? Is there something in your life God's been whispering about? Do you keep hitting that snooze button? Here's some spiritual food for thought:

"I went by the field of the lazy man,
 And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;
 And there it was, all overgrown with thorns;
 Its surface was covered with nettles;
 Its stone wall was broken down.
 When I saw it, I considered it well;
 I looked on it and received instruction:
 A little sleep, a little slumber,
 A little folding of the hands to rest;
 So shall your poverty come like a prowler,
 And your need like an armed man."
 ~Proverbs 24:30-34