What is your history for trying to lose weight before joining WLGW?
I have yo-yo dieted much of my life. I joined Weight Watchers several times. I even reached goal weight twice, but I could not maintain it. I started a few Christian-based weight programs such as Lose It for Life, Take Back Your Temple, and The Daniel Plan. I also tried Nutrisystem and joined a weight loss clinic, as well as, doing my own thing. I released weight on all of them, but I gained it back plus more.
What was your highest weight? Your current weight?
My highest weight was 218. On January 5, 2019, I restarted WLGW at 212.2 lb. My current weight is 150.6 lbs.
Other than your physical weight, what other changes/benefits have you received from taking better care of yourself?
Besides weight release, some of the benefits I have received from taking care of myself are:
- My fasting blood sugars are normal and my A1C is 5.4—I am not pre-diabetic any longer.
- My blood pressure is low normal.
- My cholesterol level is good.
- I can move easily including being able to run up and down the stairs.
- I have become disciplined in keeping to a routine.
- I actually want to go to bed by 9:30 p.m. so I can get up at 6 a.m. to start my day.
- What I have learned in WLGW has spilled into the rest of my life! I actually want to get into a regular routine of cleaning the house. (My wanting to clean the house is a huge deal/miracle to me than my wanting to take care of my health.) One of the perks of cleaning the house is that it counts as my exercise for the day!
- I now want to, and enjoy, planning and cooking meals, LOL.
My husband is thrilled about all of it!
What advice/tips/suggestions could you offer to your fellow sisters on this journey?
1. Spend time with God each morning before you start your day.
2. Be in the Word every day by doing a devotional and/or reading the Bible.
3. Focus on progress, not perfection.
4. Make small goals to start, then add on some more small goals once you have accomplished those for a given period (perhaps one or two weeks).
5. Be patient with yourself. When you backslide, pray, reach out for help, look over your goals, and resume the small steps forward.
6. Have an accountability partner. Someone whom you can encourage and who will encourage you. Talk with that person over the phone or in-person regularly (perhaps weekly). Be in contact throughout the week by text or e-mail to check-in with each other.
7. Attend at least one meeting each week that will help you to be encouraged and help you to grow in your knowledge and understanding of who you are in Christ and how to care for yourself God’s way.
8. Share with others what you are learning about God and about yourself.
How has your relationship with yourself, with food, and with Christ changed?
- I have become aware of how often I criticize myself. I am learning to be kinder and more patient with myself.
- I have stopped, at least 90% of the time, from turning to food for comfort and/or pleasure. I still want something tasty, but it has to be nutritious and not very high in carbs and fat.
- My relationship with God has gotten closer and more personal. I have a deeper appreciation for who God is. I do not hold Christ in any higher regard than the Father and the Holy Spirit. I am grateful that God came down to earth in the form of Jesus because I know that He can relate to me as a human being, besides having taken on the punishment for my sins. I am grateful that God demonstrates His love and concern for me as a good father would. I am grateful that He is my comforter and teacher in the form of His Holy Spirit.
Was there a specific turning point in your journey? If so, please briefly tell us about it.
The turning point for me was during the 40-Day Sugar Detox that I went through in January/February of 2019. I detoxed from carb cravings during that time and I developed 3 additional good habits—I stopped mindlessly snacking in the evenings, I kept a food journal on MyFitnessPal, and I learned how not to ponder on negative thoughts.
Please share some Scripture that has ministered to you on this journey.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV)
What’s the most profound principle you’ve learned in the Weight Loss God’s Way Program?
Taking care of myself is an act of love and obedience to God. Love and respect for God lead me to obedience, which leads to discipline. This is key to achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
One Comment
This is so inspiring, Mary! I am honored to partner with you in this journey, and in all of life (because God has made us friends for life!). ❤️👍
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