January 11, 2008 11:17 AM
Fat a lifestyle choice?
I've been meaning to blog on dieting and new beginnings (for those new here, I have lost 90 pounds since 2/2/06 and having a wonderful time because of it), but am dashing off for a hair cut and wanted to pass on this alarming article:
Obesity now a 'lifestyle' choice for Americans, expert says
by Karin Zeitvogel Thu Jan 10, 12:34 PM ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) - As adult obesity balloons in the United States, being overweight has become less of a health hazard and more of a lifestyle choice, the author of a new book argues.
"Obesity is a natural extension of an advancing economy. As you become a First World economy and you get all these labor-saving devices and low-cost, easily accessible foods, people are going to eat more and exercise less," health economist Eric Finkelstein told AFP.
In "The Fattening of America", published this month, Finkelstein says that adult obesity more than doubled in the United States between 1960 and 2004, rising from 13 percent to around 33 percent.
Read the entire article here.
If you are seeking hope in losing weight, take a look at this photo taken six weeks before I began my diet.
And two months ago (with two daughters who deserve a healthy, active mom/role model)
If I sound tough on fat, it's because I see it destroying so many lives - not just with health issues, but in terms of people not facing up to gluttony and feelings of entitlement that are impediments to reaching our spiritual potential. If I sound tough on fat, it's because I finally stopped giving myself a pass and got tough with myself (The Bible doesn't tell us we can't help our brothers/sisters with motes in their eyes - it just tells us to remove the plank from our own first). If I sound tough on fat it's out of love and concern for families and children. All of us - especially parents - should be about the business of being the best we can be.
I wrote a lot while on my weight loss journey - and btw, I put on 10 pounds over the holidays which I am now dieting to get rid of plus the 10 more I have to go to reach my original goal of losing 100 pounds - which you can read at my Diet Archives, scroll to the bottom and start reading what I posted as I took my diet journey.
No one should be satisfied with being fat. And we owe it to our families to be the best we can be. Take it from a former size 22w - now size 10, whose shoe size even went down from 10.5 to 9 and whose blood pressure went down without meds from 180/130 to 130/80.
You can win the war against your flesh. You really can! And you can learn a lot about yourself and grow closer to God as you do.
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Comments
Way to go Barbara! I,too, realized how obesity is an overlooked and accepted issue and it shouldn't be. Way to put your beliefs into action. Congrats on the weight loss, the picture with your girls is beautiful!
Posted by: Imajackson | January 11, 2008 12:07 PM
That is wonderful! I have recently lost 50 pounds and am so burdened for this stronghold that keeps so many in bondage. Thank you for your post!
Posted by: Kelly | January 11, 2008 2:17 PM
This too is a battle that I have fought, won, lost and fighting again. I lost 110 lbs six years ago (from 250 lbs to 140 lbs), got married and kept it off for three years. I have since had two children and have gained 90 lbs back :( I started the battle again two weeks ago and am down 10 lbs already! This time I am determined to keep if off! If I have one more person look at my wedding pictures and say "Wow, I don't even recognize you" I will cry!
Posted by: Felecia | January 11, 2008 7:42 PM
Barbara, you are looking great! Congratulations!
Posted by: Jennie C. | January 11, 2008 9:50 PM
Whoa, mama. What an improvement! Barbara, you look great now.
Posted by: The Sheepcat | January 12, 2008 4:44 AM
Barbara, you are right. Gluttony is a serious sin. I've lost 30 lbs and I'm under 300 lbs for the first time in four years. I've never felt so free. Not because of the pounds, but because of the change in my heart.
I've learned so much about gluttony and overeating through a free online bible study... www.settingcaptivesfree.com. Check out the site, and I hope your readers remember that fat people aren't the only ones who deal with gluttony.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Beth
Posted by: Bethany | January 12, 2008 12:51 PM
Incredible, Barbara, excellent work! I've discovered that I gain ten pounds with international moves (having a baby? no problem. moving? yikes!) and have just decided that it's time to tackle this. Those photos are great encouragement of what's possible!
Posted by: Meika | January 12, 2008 9:11 PM
Barbara, thank you for the courage you show in not being "politically correct", whether it comes to the subject of obesity, or pro-life issues, or Roman Catholicism, or any of the other topics where you speak truth into our lives.
I needed to read this post today. God bless you!
Posted by: Rebecca | January 13, 2008 2:04 AM
God placed this post in front of me tonight. Thank you for sharing your story--I really needed it!
Posted by: Serena | January 14, 2008 7:45 PM
barbara...I love seeing your weight loss pictures! So motivating to me!
Thanks!!!
Posted by: millicent | January 15, 2008 7:21 AM
Dang you look good!!!! Great going! Pat yourself on the back!
Posted by: danandmarsh | January 16, 2008 3:12 AM
Great Information. I looked up the health benefits of lemons and found your blog...exactly what I needed. I really love your logo....the fabulous woman as sower dressed in the colors of our flag. Where can I get a copy of this great pic? Thank you. Sandie
Posted by: Sandie Bridges | February 23, 2008 12:57 PM
