Weight Loss - My Story Part 1

Weight loss - it's just not a fun thought and yet it sells mega amounts of magazines every month! So obviously it's on most women's minds! If you struggle with weight loss I understand. Some who know me may never have thought that I've struggled with this (for most of my life actually). I have two beautiful Godly skinny sisters who both wear size zero. I am around a size 5/7 in Juniors (a 2 in Misses). And since about 5th grade I've been the "curvy" sister. My curves are clearly from my eating habits that differ from my sisters. Moderation has been something I have struggled with from childhood.

Now did your eyes roll when I said what size I wear? Yep - I know - a size 5 is great right? So why in the world do I waste so much energy "feeling fat?" Bagh! I frustrate even myself with my thinking! But this is something our culture has taught us to believe - we aren't good enough - we need to diet diet diet!

I exercise regularly - about 4-5 days a week - I do aerobics, running, weights and pilates. I used to exercise to lose weight and look better in my clothes - but as I said in a post a while back, my reasons for exercising have changed - I now exercise for my health. I simply feel better when I am exercising regularly. I have more energy and less aches and pains.

But I'm still frustrated with the number on my scale. It has not budged in years. I go up and down 3-4 pounds from winter to summer and then back again and my feelings about my weight remain the same - discontent.

So about a month ago I began my typical summer "diet" where I eat more veggies and fruits and go easy on the snacking and desserts. During that time I heard Beth Moore talk about weight loss and she said: "there are two extremes with weight loss: on one end there is neglect and on the other end is obsession - and in the middle there is balance."

That's where we want to be - balanced! If I neglect exercise and eating my fruits and veggies I will not be healthy and able to serve God to my fullest abilities but if I obsess over every bite - my focus is off of Jesus and onto myself and I am not able to serve God to my fullest abilities.

So - I'm on a path to freedom. This culture has sucked me in and I want OUT! I don't want the scale to get me sidetracked from my real goals in life - I want to "press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12b)

But despite my sheer determination I have not arrived and that old nasty voice still whispers in my ear (especially when I try on a swim suit) BUT I have discovered - I simply cannot be free as a zero because I have to obsess over every bite to get there. I also cannot be free if I neglect exercise and eating healthy. I am free as a size 5/7 and I MUST choose to be content there to be free. What size are you free at?

Walk with the King!

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/