::Earth-Shattering Distinctives::

:: Tuesday, June 28, 2005 ::

Weight Control

I realize that fasting isn't the best option for many people for various reasons; however, eating small portions along with fasting for 1-2 hours a few times a day really helps me to control my appetite by the time the next mealtime rolls around.

Our hunger and fullness signals can really get messed up. When we feel the first hint of a hunger pang, we are tempted to eat, and a lot of times we don't stop until we're stuffed. Or we get "hunger/thirst confusion" where we pop something in our mouth because we're dehydrated. So I drink plenty of water. And what I try to do is continue work or projects when the first hunger signals come, and then wait until I'm really hungry to eat. And then I a small portion of a meal. This way, I'm more aware of a fullness sensation. I like this method because I don't have to worry about fat free foods, carbs, calories, fat grams, etc. I'm eating what I want and what I need, but I'm eating less of it. And if I overeat at a potluck, party, whatever, I just get back on track with the next hunger pangs and small portions.

These ideas come from Gwen Shamblin's Weigh Down Workshop that our church in Northern CA was involved in the late nineties. And it was before her bad theology was exposed. However messed up her doctrine is, the basic hunger and fullness principles in her program are a great standard for weight control- at least for me. God has given us hunger and fullness signals to be used for His glory and not our own. The fact that we obtain satisfaction from eating is also His gift. And because all things are His, He makes the rules.

Fasting does encourage bingeing in some people, so again, it isn't for everyone. Some people need to eat every two hours or so; however the small portions rule should still help with weightloss. And some people do better cutting carbs, eating lowfat foods, or eliminating certain foods. As far as exercise goes, I control my weight at my age a lot better with moderate exercise than with the strenuous type, which just makes me hungrier. If you've found something that's healthy and that works for weight control, great! The important thing is to honor the Lord in our eating and drinking, and practice obedience to Him with our appetites. And if we fail, we have an Advocate with the Father in heaven, and we can start over again. The important thing is to not give up and keep practicing self-control!

:: Mal du siecle 6:14 AM |