Many people excitedly set New Year’s resolutions every year, and losing weight is at the top of their list. But by the time February rolls around, most give up on their goals of getting healthier. Anyone can change their mindset and habits—when they do, they are much more likely to lose weight and finally live free.
- Develop a new way of eating.
Stuck in yo-yo dieting? Decide to stop dieting. Instead, eat real foods in moderation. And put an end to eating processed foods. There’s nothing wrong with indulging occasionally. But if an individual can’t stop eating unhealthy foods or consistently overeats, they’re in bondage. Make it a goal not to be mastered by anything this year. - Develop a new way of moving.
One of the best ways a person can honor their Creator is by taking care of their body. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, “You were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Start by walking each day. Exercising releases endorphins—these feel-good chemicals go far to improve a person’s mental and physical health. Keeping the body in shape gives one more energy to serve the Lord with joy. - Develop a new way of connecting with others.
With technology, the world has never been more connected; yet people feel more disconnected than ever before. If someone wants to change their life, they must have a dedicated support system. Accountability will make a person stronger. A person can only do so much alone—there is strength in numbers. - Develop a new way of repairing.
The weight someone carries on the outside may reflect the weight they carry on the inside. Therefore, someone must repair their life by addressing their inward struggles—like grief or disappointments. Live free by getting to the root of these issues and finding healthier ways to cope. Log all food eaten every day and include any feelings and emotions associated with it, making it easier to notice unhealthy patterns. - Develop a new way of getting support.
If someone strives to live a healthy lifestyle, it’s essential to find accountability. Research shows that anyone who joins a support group like a Life Recovery Group or sees a counselor regularly will be more successful at losing weight. - Develop a new way of experiencing solitude.
If a person wants to live free, they’ll need to practice times of solitude. Most people use their free time to binge on their favorite television shows or comfort foods. But Christ gives the best example to follow—He went to secluded places to pray. Spend time alone each day to pray, meditate on His Word, and simply enjoy His presence over food. - Develop a new way of living in gratitude.
Feeling and expressing appreciation is one of the best ways to improve mental health. Most unhappy individuals are prone to focus on what they don’t have; however, a grateful person tends to be happier because they focus on what they do have. To live a life of gratitude, write in a gratitude journal every day. - Develop a new way of delaying gratification.
Standing in front of the refrigerator at midnight and eating a carton of ice cream is tempting. But delaying gratification and healing emotional pain will lead to weight loss for life. Whenever tempted, HALT and ask a few questions such as:
H- “Am I really hungry?”
A- “Am I angry?”
L- “Am I lonely?”
T- “Am I Tired?”
Need help with losing weight and living free? If so, consider getting a copy of Lose it for Life to use alone or as a group study in a Life Recovery Group.