Walking with Jesus on South Beach:

[ChristopherHall]

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,..." – Hebrews 12:1


Praise the Lord, 

I thought it might be encouraging to have a thread for those of us who are on diets or have special dietary needs.  Whatever diets we are on or whatever special dietary needs we have, this can be a place to come and shed some of the emotional and spiritual weight, pray for each other, and bring God into the battle...because the battle's not ours...it's the Lord's.  That means we have to bring him into the process. 

Also, if you're struggling with a weight problem, I pray this will be a place where you can come for prayer and healing.  God's Word says,

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." – 3 John 1:2

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." – James 5:16

I believe it is God's will that we be in good health.  For those of us who realize that our battle is in this arena I think it is important that we bring God into the battle, confessing our failure in this area, praying for one another, than we might be healed.  That our minds and our emotions be healed so that we don't abuse food, can be inspired, and overcome the sin that so easily besets us.

Here's the story of my journey...

I've had some blood pressure problems in the past.  Last month my doctor explained that it was largely because of my weight (237lbs and climbing).  She was also concerned with my health because my numbers indicated that I could be in for some cardiac issues in the future.  She said the best thing to do would be to act now before any serious health problems begin.  I also have a history of heart disease in my family. Everyone over 50 in my family has already had heart surgery.  My mother died at 54 in July of this year...of a heart attack.  I have a son, Noah, who is only 15 months old.  My doctor basically told me my family's history with heart disease only by looking at my numbers (she didn't know about my mother passing or my family's history).  After talking to her about my family's history and my surprise that she could know so much from my numbers, my doctor wrapped it up by saying that Noah's going to need me long after I'm 54.   (I'm only 31). 

I love my son.  After my mother's death, I determined that I had to try to eliminate the specter of heart disease in my life so that Noah wouldn't be praying over my death bed when I'm only in my 50's.  I asked my doctor what I should do and she recommended a diet, exercise, and a heart healthy approach to celebrating life.  I asked her what diet she recommended and she directed me to the South Beach Diet and so my journey to health and wholeness began. 

I spent a week and half studying the South Beach Diet.  I'll admit... I'm real skeptical about diets.  My mother often went from one fad diet to the other with no real results.  But my doctor recommended this diet, so I approached it like her recommendations were my orders from headquarters.  I believe God led me to this doctor and I will trust that he is guiding her advice. 

I began Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet (SBD) two weeks ago and I'm now ready to start Phase 2 today.  While I'm going to walk close to Phase 1 there are a few extra things I can have on Phase 2 that I can enjoy occasionally.  I've actually found this diet to be rather easy to stick to and enjoyable.  It's really not all that restrictive when I think about it.  For example I can have a lean steak (or another lean meat) and I have extra veggies on the side instead of the potatoes.  I can have any sea food I want as long as it's not prepared with a lot of sugary glazes or happens to be deep fried.  I've also gained a new respect for salads with chicken, fish, lean meats, and sea food.  It's also recommended that I snack between meals.  However, those snacks have to be healthy choices such as dry roasted peanuts (not honey roasted) or veggies with low fat or sensible dips.  I've found that salsa is very good to use also.  Beware of low fat dips and dressings.  Sometimes they compensate with added sugars.  For example, the some brands of regular Ranch dressing are actually better for the SBD than the low fat Ranch.  I now look forward to a nice hardy salad from Subway, seasoned, and dressed with vinegar and oil.  I now feel great after lunch and I feel like I have more energy when I used to struggle to stay awake between 2-3pm.  Oh, no juices, or regular sodas.  I can have black coffee and/or tea.  I can also have diet sodas.  And all dairy should be low fat or made with skim milk.

It's been two weeks and this morning I was down to 220lbs from 237lbs...that's 17 pounds in two weeks.  Not bad.  I guess I'm not so skeptical about this now.  I'm actually kind of excited and enjoying it.  After the first few days the cravings subsided and I've actually started thinking more about veggies and salads when hungry.  I feel like I'm being successful in re-programming my eating habits and my body's cravings.  The first two weeks are the most restrictive and looking back they weren't that bad at all.

I've also approached this devotionally.  I've started actually, really, sincerely thanking God for my food and asking him to bless it for the nourishment of my body.  I've decided that I can't ask God to bless cheese burgers and super sized French fries anymore.  No.  Not if it will take my life and leave my wife a widow and my son fatherless before he's 25.  Why ask God to bless the enemy's poison?  Satan didn't have me wrapped up in drugs or immoral living...but he has used food to take my mother's life and to destroy the health of countless numbers of saints.  While no food is a sin in and of itself, I was sinning with food by destroying my health.  My sin, if not corrected, will eventually rob my son of his father long before he should have to say goodbye.  Until my mother's death I never realized how selfish I was being.  How selfish.  Can I allow my son to stand over my grave crying because I won't be there to see him graduate college, get married, or be able to hold and play with my grandchildren; all because I had to have my double cheeseburgers (with extra cheese), deep fried French fries and super-sized cola?  No. God help me.  I'm sorry Lord.  Help me, oh Lord, to be a good father...by giving me the strength to undo what' I've become. 

So, I'm opening up Phase 2 of my journey today.  I'll most likely walk in Phase 1 for breakfast and lunch.  I may have a Phase 2 allowance with my dinners. 

Thank you Jesus.  Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true.  And Noah, though you may never read this... this is for you.  Son, I love you.

[ChristopherHall]

Well, when I first started this diet almost three weeks ago I was at 237 lbs.  Today I weighed in at 216 lbs.  I've had to put two new holes in my belt and so far I feel great.  I'm in phase 2 but I have chosen to eat a phase 1 lunch every day just to keep things in better perspective.  Not wanting to start going up and down right now...I still have quit a ways to go. 

God bless.

[ChristopherHall]

Well, now I'm down to 204lbs from my original 237lbs.  God's really been good to me.  I'm now starting to think about what target weight I'm going to shoot for.  I'm thinking around 170llbs. 

[Sister_Mom]

  Way to go Christopher!!!! 

[NessasMama]

Awesome!!!! 

[Melody]

      PRAISE GOD! 

[ChristopherHall]

Just checking in.   My weight on Wednesday was 198.4!  Right now it's fluctuating between 198 and 201.  I'm most likely going to gain a little during the next week seeing that it's Christmas and I'm going to celebrate.  On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, wife's family Christmas get together, and New Year's Eve I'll most likely just enjoy myself.  I'll remain on South Beach for all other occasions.  It appears that the book was right, you do loose a bit slower on Phase 2.  But that's alright.  Steady as she goes.

[Gingerale]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep us informed!!! I am happy to see it work for someone!!!!

[ChristopherHall]

Weight loss has slowed down considerably.  I'm fluctuating between 190 and 195.  I think I've lost all I can loose on just the diet.  I've started running this past weekend.  So so far I'm starting slowly.  Yesterday I jogged two miles.  I was feeling real good about it all day today.  I'll hit it again tomorrow.  So right now I'm running one day and taking a day to recover.  As I feel my confidence and endurance build I might shift into running each day as able. 

Just keeping yall in on my battle.  Please say a quick prayer for me after reading this.  God bless.

[Sister_Mom]

Well, when I first started this diet almost three weeks ago I was at 237 lbs.

Today I weighed in at 216 lbs.

Well, now I'm down to 204lbs   

Right now it's fluctuating between 198 and 201.

I'm fluctuating between 190 and 195.

Awesome job ChristopherHall!! You've come so far and you're doing such a great job. This is really something to be proud of. It's also very encouraging and inspiring. I myself was about the same weight you were not too long before you started, and now you have passed me. Keep it up!!!!   

[Gingerale]

 

congrats on the loss, and. I will be praying that God helps jumpstart you weight loss again. /i suggest you take a B12 vitamin for added energy.


I am on this journey with you. In Jesus name!!!

Ginger

[myhaloisintheshop]

Im taking an energy/metabolism booster pill.  Makes a HUGE difference!  It has lots of B12 in it!

[ChristopherHall]

Update.

I've not been as strict as some and my weight loss has slowed down considerably.  But right now I'm fluctuating between 185 and 189 lbs.  Today I was 185.6 lbs.  Though I'm enjoying a little bit of life here and there I'm still walking with Jesus on South Beach. 

Hey guys...I'll have to try that B12.  Thanks.