The summer is coming to an end, no more swimsuits, but does that mean we should stop keeping track of our weight?
The body is a temple according to God’s Word and we only get one. So as a steward of our body it’s in our best interests to try and take care of it
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6: 19)
A lot of different diets have come and gone over the years. But when it comes down to it, is it really is a case of eating less and exercising more?
Research has shown that within the first year after losing weight people regain 50% of the weight, the rest slowly regain it over three years. The trouble is we’re creatures of habit and a habit takes 21 days to form, so if we want to change a bad habit it takes a conscious effort to do that consistently for 21 days!
If you really want to lose weight, make a note of your eating habits over a week to see where you might be eating unconsciously.
There are triggers to eating too, make a note of them, for instance, if you usually have a snack as soon as you get home from work or school, your mind will automatically trigger that you need a snack every time you get home. We need to re-focus our minds and its responses.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
A few simple changes can make a big difference in the long term.
10 top tips for keeping it off
- Try to eat at regular intervals, your brain will appreciate it, so will your body.
- Incorporate more exercise into your daily routine, park a bit further away or walk to walk to work from home if possible. Take the stairs instead of the lift.
- Wait inbetween courses to allow your brain to register you’ve eaten. Slow down when eating and chew properly.
- Don’t eat and multitask, again it doesn’t give the brain time to register you’ve eaten, focus on one thing at a time.
- Drink a full glass of water if you feel hungry, sometimes being dehydrated makes us think we’re hungry. If after half an hour you are still hungry eat something, but try to make a healthy choice. Remember “if you drink, you shrink”!
- Don’t shop hungry. You may make choices that you regret later.
- Change a habit of eating a snack of crisps to a healthier option like vegetable crisps or sliced vegetables.
- Swap unhealthy trans-fatty food for healthier fats like nuts, avocado.
- Have a treat now and then. If you cut treats out altogether, it can have a backlash effect and you may end up on a binge.
- Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. Get up and try again, think longterm and know it was a temporary slip.
Most of all, try and stay relaxed about your weightloss. Set small goals and reward yourself when you reach them. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying it is to see good results.
The article was written by Deborah Armin