W.O.W.
War of Weight with Christi Wilson
Praying Away Pounds
Faith-based weight-loss programs pros and cons.
By Elisa Ludwig, www.EatingWell.com
Losing weight can be frustrating, so it's not surprising that more and more dieters are turning to divine intervention by way of faith-based weight-loss programs.
One such program, Weigh Down Workshop, started by a Nashville dietitian in 1986, holds thousands of seminars worldwide each year. This and other group-based programs tell "disciples" to stop dieting and start praying for strength in the battle against overeating.
People seeking a more personal relationship can choose from a variety of Bible-based diet books, such as bestsellers The Maker's Diet (Berkley, 2005) by Jordan Rubin and Ben Lerner's Body By God (Thomas Nelson, 2003). Unlike group-based programs, such books often prescribe "eating commandments;" for example, "nix unnatural 'man-made' food products."
Supporting evidence: There's no science to show that faith-based weight-loss plans are more effective than secular ones, but prominent programs (including Weigh Down and a similar, smaller, program called Thin Within) center upon an effective weight-loss component: fellowship. A recent report in the British Medical Journal replicates findings from scores of previous studies that suggest group support makes losing weight easier.
What's more, in a 2004 study out of Widener University , African-American women who participated in health promotion programs at their churches cited the "trusting relationships with others in their spiritual circle" as an important motivating factor for making positive lifestyle changes. As for whether turning one's focus to God—versus Godiva—in weak moments actually curbs overeating, there isn't empirical support. Anecdotal reports, however, suggest that it works for some people.
Pros: Many of these programs promote supportive environments and encourage healthy lifestyle changes. Also, to some, a program with a spiritual spin may seem more purposeful than other weight-loss methods. "We're always looking for meaningful ways to reach people," says Jean Harvey-Berino, Ph.D., R.D., chair of the nutrition department at the University of Vermont and an EatingWell advisor. "A spiritual component certainly may speak to some."
Cons: Some faith-based diets (books, in particular) preach inaccurate claims. Be wary of "miracle" regimens, warns Harvey-Berino: "If a diet makes claims about a magic food or tries to sell you something you don't need, it's likely too good to be true."
Our verdict: The best faith-based diets bring hope, meaning and, sometimes, helpful group support to the weight-loss quest. However, be careful of any regime that plays upon spiritual beliefs to propagate unhealthy fad diet behaviors.
For more information:
http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100220711>1=31036
Update on my current weight loss:
In December, I wrote saying that I had chosen the Weight Watchers program for my weight loss. I have since then, lost 5 lbs in the last 30 days. Along with the WW tips and recipes, I have started walking; and using my exercise ball at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes a day.
I incorporate prayer into my daily choices. I ask God for His strength to help me make the right choices in meal prep and my intake.
I have started making a Menu Plan each week, also. This has helped me make some better choices in my eating habits; as well as my planning habits.
I'm not one that likes to record every single bite I choose; or every step I have taken throughout the day. But, in order to actually see what I have chosen to eat throughout the day, I have chosen to do this whether I enjoy it or not. It helps me see if I have made the right choices, or not .
There is a monthly fee with the WW program to have the choice to record your meals and exercise. However, there is no reason to pay for a service when there are many good programs out there that will allow you to do the same thing, at no cost. Two such sites that I have found to be very good are listed below. I have found both sites to be very good sites to use! Check them out!
That's it for this month! I'm praying I have good results to share with you again next month!
Happy New Year!!
Christi Wilson
www.heartbeatworld.ning.com/christiaka1216
Black Bean Brownies
desserts
• 2 spray(s) cooking spray, flour-variety recommended • 1/2 cup(s) canned black beans, rinsed and drained • 1/4 cup(s) black coffee, strong • 1/2 cup(s) unsalted butter • 4 oz bittersweet chocolate • 4 large egg(s) • 1 1/4 cup(s) sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/8 tsp table salt • 1 cup(s) all-purpose flour Instructions • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a 9- X 13-inch pan with cooking spray; line with aluminum foil and coat foil with cooking spray. • In a blender or mini food processor, process beans with coffee until smooth; set aside. • In a double boiler over very low heat, melt butter and chocolate. • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. With mixer on low speed, add melted chocolate to eggs; incorporate well. Add black bean mixture, vanilla and salt; mix well. Add flour; combine thoroughly on low speed. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a tester inserted in center of brownies comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove pan to a cooling rack. After 10 minutes, remove brownies from pan by pulling up on foil and placing brownies on cooling rack to cool more. Cut into 24 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving.
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