Cindy  had many challenges in her life. She made a positive choice to quit  smoking but then gained 80 pounds. “I felt miserable and had a terrible  self-image. I was plagued by headaches and stomach pain. I decided that  it was time to change my attitude, my thinking, and my choices to turn  my life around. I went from wanting to lose weight to winning my battle of the bulge.” Here’s how:

1. I saw my need and potential as they really were. Knowing  I had a problem was one thing—discovering that God had a purpose for my  life gave me hope and helped me address my depression as well as my  lifestyle choices.  “For I know the plans I have for you, says the  LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a  hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (RSV)

2. I chose to believe I could change. I stopped listening to the negative “failure-based” messages I had  rehearsed for years. I stopped making excuses and feeling sorry for  myself.

3. I chose faith in God to activate my decision. My faith gave me power to push through obstacles and learn new habits. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8 (NKJV)

4. I accepted the support I needed to persist in my decision. I  joined a walking/jogging club with other positive-minded people. My  husband, Brian, was a tremendous support, and he lost 45 pounds  himself!  Daily exercise became a priority for me.

5. I learned to daily accept responsibility. I daily rehearsed new positive choices instead of giving up over mistakes.

6. I chose to act on my decision every day. I made two key lifestyle decisions that were key to moving forward to  reach my goals. I learned how to choose healthful, high-fiber fruits,  vegetables, whole grains, and beans and stopped buying impulse “comfort”  foods (See Five Shopping Secrets). I determined to exercise  every day, and gradually increase the intensity and frequency,  challenging myself to become stronger.

7. I learned to see tomorrow’s reward in today’s discipline. Cindy  lost 80 pounds and has kept it off for years now. Most importantly, her  thinking and mindset were healed in the process, not just her body.  Every good choice today yields a gift tomorrow. Now that’s something to  look forward to!

Five Shopping Secrets for Successful Weight Loss

1.  Plan ahead.  Create  a grocery list and stick to it. Go shopping right after a meal so you  are satisfied and not hungry. Stay in the area of the store that has the  healthier choices.

2.  Go veggie! Focus  on fresh fruits, salads with lots of leafy greens, crunchy raw veggies,  and whole grains. Choose healthy fats like walnuts, avocados, and lemon  and olive oil on salads.

3.  Beware of bottles, bags, and bars.[1] Bottles: Soda  pop and sweetened drinks are the number one source of added sugar in  the American diet.  Just one 12 oz. can of soda a day adds 75 cups of  sugar to your diet in one year! Bags:  A small bag of fried chips can be as much as 420 calories! A  baked potato is only 110 calories.   A savory ear of corn is just 60  calories!  What a difference in flavor as well as fill-up value! Bars:  Candy  bars, even so-called “health food bars” are often loaded with calories,  low in fiber, and short on appetite satisfaction.

4. Shift from calorie “dense” to calorie “sense.” When  you take away the fiber and nutrition of whole plant foods, you get  sugar, fat, and salt. You would have to eat 25 carrots to get the  calories in just one 8 oz. chocolate bar! And how quick does a bar like  that disappear, only to leave you hungry and craving more?  When it  comes to weight loss, the real question is, “Are you eating ENOUGH to  lose weight?”  “Are you eating enough fiber foods (at least 30-50 grams  per day) that provide true satisfaction?”

5.  Watch for hidden calories. The  closer you stick to the produce department, including wholesome beans,  unrefined grains such as brown rice, oats, and whole wheat, and fresh  vegetables, the less you have to be concerned about calories, fat,  sugar, and salt!

• Each  good choice makes way for another. Eating delicious, high-fiber foods  eliminates the need for eating all day long.  Put a “fence” around  mealtime and drink plenty of water between meals.  This reduces cravings  for snacks and sugary drinks, and improves digestion and energy.

• More  energy and fewer eating episodes means more time, energy, and  inclination for daily exercise!  And that means more muscle, better  metabolism, and deeper, more refreshing sleep—all essential to balanced  living, better mood, and successful weight management.

The Living Word

It  takes time and perseverance to recover lost ground and form healthy  habits. God will     give you guidance, power, and the will to stick  with it. Cindy won her battle of the bulge and learned to replace the  negativity trap of failure-based thinking with positive, can-do  thinking. She tapped into God’s power, promises, and plan, and so can  you. “He satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.” Psalm 103:5 God knows your needs and understands the challenges you face. We all  need His plan and power in life. Would you like His renewing power in  your life? Would you like to tell Him now, “I am ready—let’s do this!”

What  is a powerful new habit that you would like to focus on or strengthen  this week as your first step? God will give you power and the will to  make this positive choice so that you can reach and maintain your  healthful weight—and enjoy better health, better habits, and a better  life!

[1] Food & Health Communications www.foodandhealth.com

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