|
Post by Linda Wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:51:33 GMT -5
No need to apologize...you're stating the truth...for at least most of the overweight North American people. Of course there are exceptions...but most obesity is a result of indulgence....the sin of gluttony. I know that sounds so harsh...but how can we ever overcome what we don't acknowledge? I'm so there. I'm acknowledging...I need to make some changes, and I am. Prayer is a powerful resource, because God hears and desires to help us overcome the sin in our lives. Sometimes I think of it as vandalizing the temple of God. I'm not trying to beat myself up or anyone else either....just simply trying to come out of denial for awhile...long enough to trust God for transformation in this part of my life. 40 lbs. to go by January, 2008. Trying to live a new healthy lifestyle. Blessings, Linda Perhaps not. I was just reading studies in the UK that indicated that the overweight problem is growing as a direct result of food additives and processed food in the diet. They say it is not so much the fast food but in reality all the foods that are processed for quick for preparation. Seems there are many chemicals in them which cause one to Gain Weight very fast. They referenced USA NIH studies which identified food additives in lunch meats,sauages, frozen dinners and other frozen type foods, canned foods like soups, chili, stew and vegetables, cheeses, breads and more; And of courseall the fast foods. Seems some of these chemicals actually cause a chemical metabolism change in the human body pancrease and intenestinal enzemes which leads to the increase in weight. The studies were in review of why so many young children have weight gain problems. In the analysis they (both the US and UK) found that the children were not over eating nor eating really bad food. They found that much of the foods served in schools and home were pre-processed for fast serving. Example Mac and Cheese in the Box. In the study they also found many restaurants now serve foods which are pre-processed and frozen in packages with many additives to keep them from spoiling. You think you are getting fresh but NOT. The society's in general have turned away from natural to pre-processed to accommodate the fast pace of the social structure. Study MSG and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein-It almost everything Processed. Also Propyl Gallate BHA and BHT Potassium Bromate Monosodium glutamate (MSG) Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet) Acesulfame-K Olestra Sodium Nitrite (Sodium Nitrate) Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Blue 1 and Blue 2 Red 3 Yellow 6Most of the above are now in foods with other names. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez
|
|
|
Post by TMS on Jul 7, 2007 12:13:17 GMT -5
Post #78 by TMS offers a blunt and probably accurate assessment of the obesity problem in North America. In biblical terms obesity is related to two "sins": gluttony AND sloth. Modernity has made both of these far greater temptations than at any other time in history. Food is abundant and cheap, and most tasks and jobs are accomplished with little physical exertion. Our wealth and tech advancements are conspiring to kill us it seems. While wanting to look good for others or viewing our bodies as God's temple are reasonably good motivators to keep fit, I believe the most powerful motivator is, as in many other things, self preservation. Poor health and short life goes hand in hand with obesity, and if that isn't a good motivator, then we are on a sort of slow suicide mission. I suppose the fact that there is no immediate and visible connection between a couple of Twinkies and poor health that people carry on with their Twinkies. Regarding perception, wanttobewithgod, you mentioned the desire for people to see the real you rather the weight stuff. I'm not sure how most of society view obese persons, but when I see someone significantly overweight, I don't see "ugly", but I do assume some sort of emotional challenges. While that isn't always an accurate assumption (I know some beautifully well adjusted overweight people), there is very often a connection. No doubt weight is more of a challenge for some people than others due to genetics, but if we have any sort of self loathing challenge and a propensity to gain weight easily, we're in trouble. Add to that an abundance of available food and the couch potato temptation, it's a deadly mix. Good luck in your endeavour to lose weight. Do it for yourself because you're worth it! I am glad you appreciated my post. I always believe to get to the root of the problem then it is best to be blunt and not sugar coat everything. I also appreciated the article about new studies show that food additives are what help cause obesity. However, I still firmly beleive that the reason Americans are so fat is Not mailnly because of food additives, its because we EAT too many calories and dont expend those calories. When I was a child in the 80;s we played outside after school and in the summer we had chores and climbed trees and played outside. Now the average kid spends about 4 hours on a saturday with a video game or watching cartoons, not playing outside or doing sports, this is why the kids today are FAT, plus the parents are too busy or lazy to cook healthy, they go throught the drive thru at MCDonalds or KFC and bring dinner home. How do I know about this? I am an American, and I observe it daily.
|
|
|
Post by selah on Jul 7, 2007 12:39:57 GMT -5
I am just getting started on SparkPeople.com! Wow! The man who put this together has invested at least 5 million of his own money in this project, and participation in it is 100% FREE. He says it's his mission in life to help people achieve their goals. Incredible! This site has every resource imaginable and it's fun too! I'm very motivated!! It's all about the common sense approach with lots of support and motivation, and all kinds of fun tools to use to track your progress. Come and check it out! www.sparkpeople.com/Don't let the amount of content overwhelm you. Just explore a couple areas each day. My name there is selah4, if you'd like to find me. Blessings, Linda
|
|
|
Post by justamom on Jul 7, 2007 13:49:22 GMT -5
I am also on SparkPeople.com and I have to say it has really been helping me to see just how many calories I take in each day... it has also helped to motivate me to get out there and exercise...and I happy to say for the first time in about 12 years I am exercising every day again...
Linda, I am glad that you are finding the sight useful!!
|
|
|
Post by selah on Jul 7, 2007 14:58:30 GMT -5
Thank you sooooo much justamom! A couple of my local friends and I have discussed having an accountability group to help us lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I think we might still do that, but using the Sparkpeople.com site. We can meet once every couple weeks or so to discuss our progress and pray for each other. Just call us the Sparkles!
I can't tell you how much I LOVE that site! Today, I signed up for a pedometer challenge. It starts today with the Ambassadors for Christ Team.
God Bless You! Linda
|
|
|
Post by firstborn on Jul 7, 2007 15:37:56 GMT -5
Thank you sooooo much justamom! A couple of my local friends and I have discussed having an accountability group to help us lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I think we might still do that, but using the Sparkpeople.com site. We can meet once every couple weeks or so to discuss our progress and pray for each other. Just call us the Sparkles! I can't tell you how much I LOVE that site! Today, I signed up for a pedometer challenge. It starts today with the Ambassadors for Christ Team. God Bless You! Linda Here's to your goal selah!! Ohh... and when your goal is reached, and your health is great,and you are looking even more FINE, remember, vanity is right up there with gluttony..
|
|
|
Post by justamom on Jul 7, 2007 15:48:17 GMT -5
Linda,
You are most welcomed... That is great that you and your friends are getting that support group together.... When you guys get together can ya say a lil prayer for me also? *I am not big on the praying part for myself*
I have also signed up for a challenge for the month of July... it is to make sure I meet my minutes for the month in my cardio workout. So far I have been doing good... *keeping my fingers crossed it will continue*
Good luck with your challenge...
|
|
|
Post by selah on Jul 7, 2007 22:55:15 GMT -5
Thanks justamom and firstborn. Firstborn, I saw your wink so I know you mean well. Perhaps it's because of a background of feeling guilty anytime I felt good about myself, that I feel I need to respond. I thought it was vanity to look good. If I worry about the possibility of vanity, I will sabotage my goal of living a healthy lifestyle. I no longer feel bad if I look attractive....and I think that's a good thing. I don't think it's vanity. Vanity, to me, means placing a lot of importance and value on things that really don't deserve that much attention, and in so doing, other more important things are overlooked. Living healthy and caring for the temple God has chosen to live in is very important to me now. If I look better in the process, I'll be delighted...and hopefully vanity will not override my true motivation. Thanks for the reminder... Blessings, Linda
|
|
|
Post by TMS on Jul 8, 2007 0:38:33 GMT -5
Thanks justamom and firstborn. Firstborn, I saw your wink so I know you mean well. Perhaps it's because of a background of feeling guilty anytime I felt good about myself, that I feel I need to respond. I thought it was vanity to look good. If I worry about the possibility of vanity, I will sabotage my goal of living a healthy lifestyle. I no longer feel bad if I look attractive....and I think that's a good thing. I don't think it's vanity. Vanity, to me, means placing a lot of importance and value on things that really don't deserve that much attention, and in so doing, other more important things are overlooked. Living healthy and caring for the temple God has chosen to live in is very important to me now. If I look better in the process, I'll be delighted...and hopefully vanity will not override my true motivation. Thanks for the reminder... Blessings, Linda KUDOS TO YOU LINDA. I am a former professing woman and I am 35 yrs of age. I have recently gained 10 lbs and prior to that I was not overweight by any means. I am not vain really, I just dont like the fact that I have a $300 suit sitting in my closet that I cannot wear because I am too fat..also all the nice work clothes that dont fit that my husband paid for. Sometimes its important to realize that a little amout of feeling good for yourself and keeping your weight down is important not only for your health but for your pocket book as well. REcently I had a job interview and I had no black pants that fit! My husband is like Oh well we can buy some new ones for you on a credit card. I was like NO! If I cannot fit in my work clothes I dont deserve new ones I should just lose the 10 lbs so I can fit in my clothes that are perfectly nice and fine! So its not always about vanity-its about being healthy and what makes sense. I am glad however that weight gain has not caused my shoe size to change! But I must say the stick out tummy on me is not attractive. i have always had a great figure and now I look like I am pregnant...LOL. It does something to your self esteem if you are not used to being chubby. Its not about vanity-for me I just want to feel normal and fit in my normal clothing! Is it vain to not want to wear your normal clothing? I should hope not! I cannot afford a new wardrobe, but I can afford to go on a diet.! I am on one now, I have lost a few lbs and I am so excited to be able to wear my clothes again! Its about what makes you feel good and normal...not vanity so much. But healthy as well! Its not good for my knees or heart to be chubby! Thanks! ;D
|
|
|
Post by wanttobewithGod on Jul 8, 2007 1:32:46 GMT -5
All good posts...that said, I would add something to your post TMS. It *definitely* does something to your self esteem if you ARE used to being chubby too!!!! I know from plenty of experience.... M.
|
|
|
Post by Mary Todd Lincoln on Sept 24, 2007 23:58:46 GMT -5
I must speak to this subject of gluttony and obesity: It is an avoided topic in most circles of society and especially on the campaign trail because it is simply POLITICALLY incorrect to comment upon such subject matter! One would not want to OFFEND the voters, now would they! ? Simply simple as that. No one wants to offend the overseers's wife either! But my oh my, the new millenium is bringing forth an ever increasing AWARENESS of what it means to be fit and strong and healthy and this is giving wondrous BIRTH to the almighty propensity to watch one's weighted matters more closely. What was considered politically correct when Abe ran for president is so different than what is considered politically correct in these modern times. Back in Abe's day, it was not politically correct for a woman to leave the home except to purchase needed supplies for housekeeping, call upon family, the sick, the elderly, the widowed, or to attend Sisters Of Temperence functions or congregational church meetings. These days, women are seen about the town exercising their rights to acheive fitness levels only dreamed of in days of yore.
|
|
Claire
Senior Member
Posts: 489
|
Post by Claire on Sept 25, 2007 1:31:01 GMT -5
... Vanity, to me, means placing a lot of importance and value on things that really don't deserve that much attention, and in so doing, other more important things are overlooked. ... Gluttony, to me, means placing a lot of importance and value on things that really don't deserve that much attention, and in so doing, other more important things are overlooked. c [off to bury the chocolate ... ]
|
|
|
Post by wanttobewithGod on Sept 25, 2007 1:32:23 GMT -5
*thinks over bulemia* *(JUST KIDDING)
|
|
|
Post by IllinoisGal on Sept 25, 2007 6:20:56 GMT -5
People eat or DONT eat because it is the one thing in life they can control. Im not saying everyone with an eating issue has problems and they use eating as a means of comfort.
Many times people struggle with a hiddem past or abusive issue in there life that they are ashamed of and try to hide. It then seems many times that they use food as a comfort to them.
Sometimes it just our own nature to want a second helping because it tastes so good.
|
|
|
Post by wanttobewithGod on Sept 25, 2007 6:49:54 GMT -5
I totally agree with that as far as not eating, IG, but not as far as overeating. That's not being in control, that's out of control and, as you say,most oftentimes emotional eating. I should know. M.
|
|
|
Post by IllinoisGal on Sept 25, 2007 18:15:35 GMT -5
Wtbwg..I reread how I wrote that..Overeating seems to be used as a comfort thing. Under eating is what is used for control I feel.
My job has caused me to work with sexually abused and physically abused kids and adults many times there problems show up in emotional eating or not eating at all.
Some people are over weight because of meds causing them to retain some weight or some meds cause people to overeat ( especially psycotropic drugs). Sometimes it lack of exercise and sometimes its just down right because it taste good and we want another helping..........
|
|
|
Post by jh62 on Sept 25, 2007 21:38:16 GMT -5
Whenever I think about weight, I can hear my mother-in-law telling me, "I hate you. You're so skinny." Over and over and over. Ugh. I finally got tired of hearing it. I asked her, "Have I ever told you I hate you because you're over-weight?" Luckily, it wasn't in my genetics to be over-weight, or I'd be extremely obese.
When my husband went in for a gastric bypass several years ago, I read a lot of magazines on weight issues. One thing I've thought about many times since. The magazine said that you should never make your children finish their meal if they really aren't hungry. It said there's a mechanism (in the brain?) that tells people when they're full. If this mechanism is overrode (is that a word?) long enough, the mechanism stops working. I think that may be correct. In my family, we never had to finish our meal if we were full, and any time we wanted a snack, we could go get a snack. No one in my family is heavy. However, I'm not sure if it's because of our eating habits, or if it's because we were raised on home-grown everything.
|
|
|
Post by Yummymummy on Sept 28, 2007 1:13:00 GMT -5
[The studies were in review of why so many young children have weight gain problems. In the analysis they (both the US and UK) found that the children were not over eating nor eating really bad food. They found that much of the foods served in schools and home were pre-processed for fast serving. Example Mac and Cheese in the Box. In the study they also found many restaurants now serve foods which are pre-processed and frozen in packages with many additives to keep them from spoiling. You think you are getting fresh but NOT.] Australia is no different. I am a woman of large proportion still in proportion. No matter how beautiful or well groomed people do discrimminate. Society is cruel and non empathetic. Accusations of gluttony or gorging food are the common thread of thought. I do enjoy food but I am not a cake face, have never eaten a carton of icecream alone. Televison portrays people like me as though we eat like pigs and scavange food. I eat no larger quantities than my slim girlfriends. My doctors advised Lapband surgery. Thus weeks of tests followed that. I am reasonably healthy. No diabeties or heart condition. The Surgeon told me my metabolism is haywire and for me to eat a piece of cheese would put on fat. I am currently under a dietican.Good healthy food choiices and exersize get some results. The weight came on with pregnancy, years of yoyo dieting followed. The most I lost in one stint was almost 6 stone, most of that has returned. My husband loved my premarriage figure and kept reminding me how good it was. Life as an obese female has caused me alot of heartache. through rejection from the man I loved. A few yrs ago on an International flight, the Air Craft was full. An equally large man sat next to me. To say it was cramped was an understatement. I was mortified. He complained to the steward and was given another seat. I am a frequent flyer. The stewards treated me with dignity and respect. Everyone deserves that no matter their affliction. I have to discreetly request an exstension seat belt. Toilets can be a problem. I stand to wipe. Just a piece of relevant usless information. Then there are the yuppies of the cafe culture. I walk into the cafe and heads turn. I used to blame my big breasts, she would look me up and down and kick him under the table. Many times I was tempted to overthrow their table as I glided by or better yet shimmy my tits at her. Women can be dolles. Women like me can get away with bold colors and make grand entrances into parties, clubs. I went to a night club there were many people milling about and as I walked by a group of men. A handsome young 30+ ran his knee up my thigh as I haughtily continued walking. The upside is I have discovered that some men adore big gorgeous women like me. ;D I have dated an American ex Rockstar, Black Entepreneur, IT businessman, Engineers. English Trucker. The latest man in my life is a paratrooper. I have had another man half my age chasing me for sex for over a yr. I am not promiscuious just love fun. Maud I sympathise with your alcholol addiction. You are judgemental and nasty. Some people just love to doll and have a go at others. You are A typical of a skinny misery. Unless you have walked in my shoes shut it!
|
|
|
Post by Neandertroll on Sept 29, 2007 2:46:19 GMT -5
Q: How do you make love to a fat large woman?
A: Roll her in flour and...
|
|
|
Post by wanttobewithGod on Sept 29, 2007 4:27:39 GMT -5
|
|
3
Senior Member
Posts: 206
|
Post by 3 on Sept 30, 2007 22:06:34 GMT -5
Here's a thought:
Many people say, 'when I lose weight I'll be healthy' when the opposite is actually the truth. When we are healthy, we'll lose weight.
I've spent the past 18 months getting healthy and, I'm slowly losing weight; about 4 lbs/month.
We've been told a lie about fat and, even though fat free, low fat is now prevalent, we continue to put on the pounds. Good, HEALTHY fats are not the enemy!
Finding a good essential fatty acid has helped in my health quest. Having adequate amounts of EFA's help curb sugar cravings as well as eating frequent, small amounts of protein.
|
|
|
Post by rational on Oct 1, 2007 8:15:21 GMT -5
It seems that people are beating around the bush regarding weight loss/gain.
It is a simple rule.
If your calorie intake, from whatever source, exceeds the number of calories your use to live, you will gain weight. If your intake is less then you will lose weight.
While people may be more or less efficient in using the calories, it is impossible to gain weight if your intake is less than your output.
The problem is that we often cheat ourselves. Making a meal we may use the correct amount for the meal but during the prep we "sample" to be sure it good. I know when I took the time to log my intake I was eating almost as much in non-meals than in meals. The weight loss started when I became aware of where the additional calories were coming from and rather than eliminating them just cut back and slowly lost the weight just, as it had been gained.
|
|
|
Post by wanttobewithGod on Oct 1, 2007 8:39:46 GMT -5
I have to agree with that, Rational. I did it. Lost 50 pounds a few years back, in four months. I walked most days..but only 2 1/2 miles or so..and just ate less. Took a bit of discipline, but came right off..no problem. It's not a tough concept...just a bit difficult to implement..esp. for we emotional eaters! M.
|
|
|
Post by jh62 on Oct 1, 2007 9:05:06 GMT -5
Of course, I think the weight is much easier to lose if you're 50 lbs. overweight than it is if you're 150 lbs. overweight. I think many times other factors are involved also like psychological issues. I had a doctor tell me one time that there are two types of people, those who eat for pleasure, and those who eat for survival. I always wish that we could see the beauty in everyone, whether skinny, fat, or somewhere in between.
|
|
|
Post by rational on Oct 1, 2007 9:16:48 GMT -5
Perhaps not. I was just reading studies in the UK that indicated that the overweight problem is growing as a direct result of food additives and processed food in the diet. They say it is not so much the fast food but in reality all the foods that are processed for quick for preparation. Seems there are many chemicals in them which cause one to Gain Weight very fast. You can only gain the weight if you are eating. Looking at the site you mentioned I fail to see this data. I did find several studies that mentioned the increased amount of additives but the weight problem seemed more closely tied to the fact that people were eating them more often, eating larger portions, and that the foods themselves had a higher density of calories, that is, more calories per unit weight. The German report based on the DONALD study suggests that the weight increase is caused by the increased consumption of convenience foods that had a much higher fat content. Do you have a reference to this study? It is also a way to make food available to people who would not have access. Additives, like people, cannot be lumped into a single group. Probably more studies have been done on MSG than on any other food additive and the results have never shown any harmful effects in the population at large. There have been some people who show allergic reactions but this is also true of substances like gluten, peanuts, almonds, etc. and it does not mean they are substances that should not be consumed. As with many things, moderation seems to be the key.
|
|
|
Post by friend1 on Oct 1, 2007 9:35:44 GMT -5
I've come to the opinion that too much "Truth Meeting Board" is also a major cause of weight gain.
|
|
|
Post by Brick on Oct 1, 2007 13:15:58 GMT -5
Q: How do you make love to a fat large woman? A: Roll her in flour and... Then lick it all off? Yuck! How 'bout confectioner's sugar? Better yet, let's just forget the rolling part and make love with tenderness and lots of passion.
|
|
|
Post by wanttobewithGod on Oct 1, 2007 16:20:07 GMT -5
Mmm, yes, I like THAT idea! Good one!
|
|