How would your life be different if you were able to lose 10, 20, 50 or 100 pounds?  I’m sure you’ve thought about that a lot, but I believe it’s a good idea to “keep it fresh” as they say in 12 Step programs.

Today, I’ve gleaned a few sentences from recent comments you and other readers have made, mostly from my recent post, “Fat and What is Behind It.

They’re about how life would be different, and what is needed to be healthier and happier.  These are people, like me and you, who have reached the limit, and as a last resort have begun to really take a long hard look at life and to put their faith in action.  Let me share a few of their needs and ideas, perhaps you can add your own in a comment below, to share it with the world.  To make it real.

Lannie wrote, “I need just to have the strength to take that first step again…I’ve been on sooo many diet plans and I feel (if you can believe it) too tired and fed up to start again!”

Larry wrote, “I went from 185 down to 161, but now have just reached a plateau even tho I have lost any desire to stuff myself. Anyone have ideas for breaking through the blockage? My goal is 150#s.”

Marylynn shared, “…remember those of us who aren’t successful in our weight loss efforts through no fault of our own. We take meds, we eat what we can afford, what our stomachs don’t rebel against, and we cope with a thousand things that have gone wrong in our lives. Please don’t judge us. We try as best we can! And we take it one day at a time – with God’s help!”

Billie Jo said, “I deliberately gained weight, just a little to begin with as a form of self protection, …I used food to comfort myself …ended up gaining over 100 lbs on a small 5’2″ frame, have lost 46lbs so far, but still catch myself using foods to sooth my emotions…”

Shonda commented, “…I BELIEVE I AM SABOTAGING MYSELF EVERY TIME I LOSE WEIGHT I THINK ABOUT HOW I MIGHT FEEL SMALLER, OR THE REJECTION I WOULD GET FROM MEN, AND I GAIN THE WEIGHT BACK. I AM ALSO OVER MY HEAD WITH FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, BUT THE FUNNY THING IS I REALLY WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT. I’VE BEEN ON THIS ROLLER COASTER SINCE I WAS 9 YEARS OLD…..”

And finally (for the moment) Cynthia summed it up, “My issues are loneliness, life difficulties and fatigue. Food provides immediate comfort. I’ve got to learn deal with these issues in the right way; prayer and communicating with others. I tend to isolate myself when stressed; spiritually and literally.”

Again, losing weight and being healthy starts with the desire to change. Even though you may feel totally at the end of options and energy, don’t give up.  There are five things I recommend you do on a daily basis.  Do these and you will slowly and surely achieve your goals, with God’s help.

1 – get a physical checkup from your medical doctor or physician.  At least annually.
2 – establish a structured food plan that allows you to eat a wide range of ordinary food you like, regularly, throughout the day.  Pray for help to follow it.
3 – make certain you allow yourself time for physical exercise and recreation daily and then just do it (even if it’s only 10 minute walks or stretches, that’s a good start)
4 – make certain you allow time for prayer, meditation or contemplation.  Quiet, off-time, and praise and gratitude time is essential.  Asking God (or Higher Power) for help is essential.
5 – make and keep daily emotional connection with other people.  Share your life with others, and let others share theirs with you.

Know that I am here, and I care, and that I am thinking of you as I write this!  You will be OK, God knows.

I’m at www.twitter.com/drnorrischumley, are you?

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