It's not really enough to want to lose weight. Vanity isn't a big motivator for me. I do want my clothes to fit me, but I don't really care too much about clothes. I'm way past worrying about how I look without a shirt on - marrying yong helped with that :-)
So why lose weight? Here's why:
1) I come from a line of short-lived people. I'm 52 (almost) and I've already outlived one of my grandmothers (she died around 43 years old). My other grandparents all died in their early sixties. Mom died at 62. My Dad is still alive, but he's more like a cat, bouncing back from things rather well.
Health related issues that shorten life and are connected to being overweight are a big issue for me. My blood pressure is OK, on the high end of normal. This is OK according to my doctor because it is consistently there (it is normal for me). My good cholesterol is good, but my bad cholesterol is sneaking up on me. My weight robs me of energy I need to exercise to keep my heart healthy.
2) I want to lose weight because I'm tired of being tired. I wear out so easily. I remember an illustration in some book I read somewhere (I've been on every plan imagineable). The idea was to picture yourself carrying around 50 lobs of butter everywhere you go. That's what it's like to be 50 lbs. overweight.
3) I want to lose weight because I think it is a better reflection on spiritual discipline. I'm fairly disciplined spiritually - I read my Bible, say my prayers, etc. I live a moral life, I try to serve others, etc. But it seems to me to be inconsistent to have this excess weight. Maybe it seems to me to be a better "stewardship of my body" to bring it in line.
4) I want to lose weight because I eat when I'm stressed. I stress too much. I need to find creative ways to deal with my stress - or not to stress in the first place. Garden work is an excellent way for me to release stress. Playing the piano. Writing. Reading my Prayer Books. Those things are healthy, non-weight creating stress valves.
Here's today's report:
Weight: 240.4 - up from yesterday. This is my official starting weight. My goal, then, is to be at 190.4 lbs. by January 6 (Theophany).
Breakfast: fruit with yogurt
Snack: Apple with a string cheese
Dinner: Chef salad without dressing
Snack: A fruit smoothie at McDonald's
Bible Study: a homemade cinnamon roll by Kris Luttrell (I planned for this), cheese, seven crackers
Supper: A Turkey sandwich, a small can of V8
* I went to Hardee's for a break and had NO fried foods. It was a first for a long long time!
I like your reasons....I completely agree with our weight being a spiritual reflection I use(d) food for stress to when I should be trusting God to take care of the circumstance. Or see me throught it. So, my reasons are for the same, at least for spiritual reasons, and wanting to be my best for God and my husband and family. And I don't want to be tired and unable to fulfill my responsibilities as a servant, wife and mother. (down six pounds already from working hard around our property and eating ALOT better)
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