Recently in Spiritual Weight Loss Category

While a lot of us are having a hard time keeping food OFF the table, 1 in 7 Americans are finding it hard to put food ON the table this year.  So reports a study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In this nation, and era of abundance, it's hard to imagine that there are those who cannot afford food and go hungry.  Sadly, it's true.

Here's a report from the RNS, the Religion News Service, via Beliefnet news.

Let's say prayers for those who cannot find enough food.  Let's take action and contribute money to hunger programs, help stock food pantries and soup kitchens.  You may even have the desire to volunteer, putting your love and compassion for others into action.

Q: I wonder that God doesn't have enough to do without hearing about my weight problem. So many crises, so much death and turmoil in the world, so many real problems to deal with. How can I possibly ask for help for something I have done to myself?

A: First of all, I could never for a second presume to speak for God. But I also would never set my own limits on what is important to God or diminish the awesome gift of my life to say or think that I am not important enough (as a child of God) to ask Him for help. I agree with you - I caused my overweight problems. I own them, and acknowledge I "did it to myself." It was an innocent self-abuse, though. I couldn't stop myself from overeating and being sedentary. I honestly didn't have the power to help myself.

Most importantly, the biggest mistake I made was to rely on something material for my sense of self, and satisfaction. I cheated myself by believing that food was my safety and salvation from the pain of living. Put it in one way - I worshipped food as a graven, false image, instead of God. I put desserts and second-helpings in the way of my connection to my Creator. Isn't that a real problem? It sure was to me. I was near death; I was in a major crisis. I was dying. I was eating and smoking myself to death. I was committing slow suicide.

Was I not important to God? Did He not want to save a life, and bring one lost soul to His side? God did save me. I did ask for help in desperation, and got infinite grace and peace in abundance. Was I wrong to do it? I leave that to God to decide. But now I sure want to honor the gift of life I have been given - I do it by helping others, and continuing to look to God for everything in my life. And God continues to help me, and others, in amazing graceful generosity - no matter how big or small the problem - God is here, right now and ready. Just ask.

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Want to Know God?  Let's ask for help together at my next retreat, "The Divine Experience" at Kripalu in western Massachussets.  Sign up today, spaces are limited.

While on a car trip the other day, we stopped at a gas station and my friend went into the adjacent convenience store and bought a small bag of nuts and yogurt-covered raisins.  It looked really good.  I wanted some too.

I was about to buy myself a pack, but I decided to look on the nutritional facts label first.  A couple of handfuls of the nutty mix was 720 calories!  That's almost a full day's worth of calories for someone who is on a weight loss program (if you're on a 1,000 calorie-a-day program)

There was a high fat count, too, some 21 grams of fat in that little package.

I have always thought that nuts are a good snack; a healthy choice.  Nuts carry protein, have unsaturated fats, and are crunchy-chewy and delicious.  They are, however, high in calories.  Many little pre-packed bags of nuts don't carry a nutritional facts label, I was glad this one did. (Interesting the word "nut" is buried in the word Nutrition, huh?)

So the lesson for me was to just have a taste of my friend's nuts, not eat a whole bag.  It's too easy to down a bag in a couple of gulps.  I would have been too easy to eat so many calories.

REVISED, Sunday, Nov. 15 -- Thanks, commenters!  I do occasionally have some nuts, and agree they're pretty healthy in small quantities.

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Please join me at my upcoming "Experiencing the Divine" weekend retreat in western Massachusetts, at Kripalu Yoga and Health Center.  Let's give our problems to God, together, in Kripalu's peaceful and lovely atmosphere of joy and happiness.


For years I thought it took will power to make major changes in my life, such as getting healthy, finding a job or losing weight.  In the middle of doing it, though, and falling flat on my face a bunch of times, I've discovered something else.

My mother always said, "Just put your mind to it, buckle down, and get it done."  Try and try again, that never seemed to work.  With all the power I could muster up, it still wasn't enough.

I went on crash diets, stuck with them with all the will power I could rev up, but they would only last a few days.  I went to Weight Watchers meetings at 12 years old with mom, only to not lose much and be humiliated on a weekly basis.  I tried diet pills with great personal determination, and they didn't stick either.  It all added up to my weight of 400 pounds at 17.

After years of will-power failure, at 32 years-old, I gave up.  That was the key.  I gave my life and all my problems to God, in desperation. I just did not have enough will power to accomplish good health on my own.  I had always believed in God, but had never really spoken to Him, much less asked for help.  I talk about this at length in my book, "The Joy of Weight Loss," so I won't cover my back-story here.

What I discovered in the act of surrender, is that my health and recovery was not entirely in my hands, and that I just did not have enough will power, if that even exists at all.  One can "will" all they want, but if God and His universe don't want it too, it doesn't happen!  That's the true "Secret."  The point is that I had to unite my will into God's will.  I had to ask for help, and pray regularly, in order to discover and be enabled to follow His will for me.

That, my friend, I discovered is not will power, it's dedication and discipline.  I am dedicated to God, and from that love and praise, I am able to be disciplined.

Not that I gave my life and all my problems to God, in awe and honor, I am privileged to enjoy the God power that He provides.  I am fully dedicated to being the best I can be, ever trying my best to unite with God.  It's God Power, not my little or non-existent Me Power, or personal will power that has helped me lose 160 pounds and maintain it over 17 years now.

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Please join me at my upcoming "Experiencing the Divine" weekend retreat in western Massachusetts, at Kripalu Yoga and Health Center.  Let's give our problems to God, together, in Kripalu's peaceful and lovely atmosphere of joy and happiness.

Last week, I wrote about a radio station losing a lawsuit over their water drinking contest.  A lot of you were very interested in how much water to drink, and to make sure there's no danger in too much water.  Great questions and comments, thanks so much.

Here is what a few of you said, a few questions, and some of my answers for you:

An anonymous reader asked: "I can drink just the right amount or lesser, but when I work out and sweat a lot, I drink as much as I can, but it is more suitable to drink Gatorade or any electrolyte replenishing drink instead when we perspire a lot, too much of anything destroys."

A: I don't drink electrolyte solution, or replenishing drinks, nor vitamin-enhanced drinks, ever.  I've had a few doctors over the years tell me they're unnecessary, unless you're a competitive athlete, which I certainly am not!  Just plain water is what I have.

Rose commented, "I was recently told that to get the correct number as to how many ounces of water you should drink per day you should take your weight & divide it in half, so if you weigh 150 pounds you should drink 75 ounces of water."

Don also wrote about that formula, too.  "I read somewhere that one should drink half his/her body weight in water. As I am 300 pounds, I must drink 150 ounces of water a day and thus be confined to my home or be near a toilet when traveling. Am I right or wrong?"

A: I haven't heard about this equation.  I personally think it sounds like too much, and I wouldn't do it myself.

Noni said, "I drink 72-90 ounces of water per day...is that too much?"  Kathy was just the opposite, and cannot drink much, "Twenty seven years ago I lost 200 pounds and have maintain that weight untill about 1 year ago i have gained back 35 pounds and ca not drink but a few sips of water and about 2 hot cups of tea a day I cant lose the weight and cant drink can you help."

A: So, how much water to drink?  Of course, I always point people to their doctor or medical practitioner first -- have a complete exam.  In my book, "The Joy of Weight Loss""target=_blank" I recommend people drink at least eight (8) eight (8) ounce glasses a day.  That's the minimum.

The Mayo Clinic's website agrees with me, and gives us other equations, and recommendations based on urine output, food intake, etc.  They recommend two (2) liters of water (about 8 cups) or other beverages.  They add that the Institute of Medicine says "3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day."

I would personally not be so into measuring my urine, I don't know about you!  One last thought, I've heard from Ayruvedic teachers that if you feel thirsty, you're about a liter low.  I think that's a good rule of thumb, or mouth, that is.

Would love move thoughts and comments from you - please write!

Here's my original column on the subject "Too Much Water Is Dangerous," FYI.

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Meet Helene, a woman who has lost 50 pounds and kept it off over 23 years. See if you can relate to her words..."I was out on my own the first time (in my early 20's) and started to meet...

What if doing something you dread could really be fun and pleasurable?  What would happen if you did not have a lot of fear, anxiety and trepidation?If you simply don't believe the old mental programming that losing weight, becoming healthier,...

Can prayer help with weight loss? I believe owning a weight problem and having the courage to surrender and ask God for help is the best way possible. Call it prayer, spiritual communication, meditation, or simply belief--just do it--because...

Please tell me what you'd like me to talk and write about that is most helpful to you.  This is not only a blog, it's a community of those of us who love God (or Higher Power, Spirit, et al)...

Here's what I'm serving to some dear friends tonight for supper, a lasagna big in flavor but small in calories and fat.  It's a meatless recipe, using root vegetables from the garden; kind of the last of this year's harvest. ...

Here's a way to eat less by actually eating (and drinking) more. Before your meal or snack, drink a large, 16oz glass of water, and eat a little fruit or vegetables. Drinking water is so good for you, in so...

Look around you, Spirit is everywhere. Big and powerful, tiny and invisible all at the same time, in harmony. See God in simple, little things: a dog's tail wagging, a cat purring just because you're near. A leaf falling from...

Please take time to be silent every day, if only for a few minutes. This will help you immeasurably in your program for wellness of body, mind, and soul. Find a quiet place, and just sit and close your eyes....

Congratulations, Mala, for really "getting it."  She commented on my Weight Loss Truths posting recently.  That's why I picked her for our Tip of the Week:"Not only did you not put on your weight overnight, it is more difficult to...

Your body may be telling you that you need specific nutrients. Maybe you feel run down, and feel you need a hamburger (protein). Or perhaps the need for some quick energy from carbohydrates after a game of volleyball or tennis...

How are you doing with food?  Are you eating healthy foods, in moderate or small amounts?  Or is your eating out-of-control, are you fast and furiously stuffing as much food into your mouth as possible?If you're feeling empty and constantly...

A question from a reader: What do you do if small portions don't fill you up?I recommend eating six small meals throughout the day: one serving (USDA Food Guide Pyramid size) of grains, protein (meat or dairy), and a fruit...

Today is my birthday (Sept. 30) and here's a brand-new video recipe for a very low-fat, low calorie yogurt fruit snack.  It was a lot of fun to make, and I hope it's helpful to you. Just to recap (in...

I was in New York City the other day, riding the subway, and saw one of these new ads: "Are You Pouring on the Pounds?"  Take a look at the ad: it's striking.  That soda becomes gooey-globs of fat in...

Acai Berries and Colon CleanserFrom time-to-time, I like to answer questions from readers.  I cannot answer every question, of course, but sometimes I think it's important to address topics that are of interest to lots of people.Here's one that was...

How to lose weight, weight loss tips, diets, fat loss programs - the world is filled with them.  It's pretty amazing to me that people continue to look for some new, magical formula or solution.  It's amazing to me that...

I recommend signing up for a recreation class, and faithfully attending it.  It's like going to a party!  You can quickly make some friends, and move, and stretch and feel good.  It important to find the right group, though, where...

Aren't we blessed to be alive? Isn't it wonderful to be human: To give and receive love, to have dreams and aspirations, to learn and change? Let's take time together to see what bountiful blessings we have today, instead...

Unsure if you need to lose weight? Don't pay attention to most of those insurance company charts - they're designed to make the premiums higher. Don't compare yourself to fashion magazines or TV shows - they're the smallest percentage of...

Gosh, we've had a lot of comments and traffic from that blog I wrote the other day on healthcare, Obama healthcare reform, and on America's health care system.  I'm so glad people are voicing their opinion here!  I'm sad that...

Emerson wrote, "There's no wound a garden trowel won't heal."  He was so right!  I got up very early this morning, and started my day digging the soil, applying compost, and planting seeds.  It was a little bit of hard...

Get yourself a "Beliefnet Spiritual Weight Loss Buddy." Find a friend or person who is following the "Joy of Weight Loss Plan" or some other healthy diet and do it with them (or share yours).Post a comment below, and ask...

Whenever you're about to binge, look around, there's usually someone bigger than you nearby to remind you of your priorities. I hate to say it, but given the epidemic obesity crisis in America, and in many parts of the world,...

Have you, too, been the victim of weight loss quackery? Have you tried "miracle diets" and "magic bullet" quick-fix products or schemes?Did you buy any of those "revolutionary" exercise machines or appliances from TV infomercials? Did you buy any of...

I find the best way to move on and recover from low self-esteem, is to get moving. Wrap yourself around a project.  Get work done.  Distract yourself.If you feel that you're worthless, try doing something that can show yourself as...

It's really important to stay with a daily routine of structured eating.  Knowing how much to eat of each food group, for you, in order to either lose weight or maintain your weight is vital.Sometimes, though, you may be tempted...

Remember that great feeling right after a really healthy meal?  That sense you get of having had food that's so good, and good for you?  It comes from eating really healthy food in appropriate quantities, and really appreciating God's great...

I was interested in what Mary wrote here about the Food Lovers Fat Loss weight loss program, commenting about my Food Lovers Fat Loss System Review.  She seems to think that we don't need to buy any program, just observe...

Last week, I wrote about surrendering your problems to God.  Last month, I wrote about surrendering your problems to God.  Have you tried it yet?  I encourage you to right now.A way to really solve your weight problems (and all...

Have you ever been to an anonymous support group meeting? They can be really interesting and valuable and you meet people you can relate to, because they're having similar experiences with being overweight. You can also discover cool groups at...

I'm pretty happy that they've taken the "F" out of KFC.  Now it should be KGC, for Kentucky Grilled Chicken.  The massive chain has begun grilling instead of frying everything.  Be careful, though, there's still lots of fat, sugar and...

This is a really different, delicious, and healthy dessert.  It's a spectacular finish to a barbecue grilled dinner of any sort - as it goes well with any grilled meat or vegetable.  It's my own original creation, and I've never...

This is an easy and very tasty low-fat and healthy dish that will leave you very satisfied.  You can grill, bake or boil the chicken.  Serves 3-4.  Add a half cup of brown or wild rice on the side, if...

Many overweight people use food to comfort themselves. After all, food is something we cannot live without, and it's one of the primary ways for people and families to connect with one another. The only trouble is, it can become...

Didn't do so well on your food plan yesterday? Today's a new day. Couldn't find time to be active, go outside, play, or have fun yesterday? Today's a new day. Make sure to take good care of yourself today, because...

My wife treated me to a special date last night.  We went to hear Jonny Lang, the amazing 20-something rock-blues singer-guitarist.  Amazing he was - we both said that was one of the best concerts we've ever been to.  If...

A study in rats released last week shows that eating a high-fat diet impairs memory and cognitive abilities.  The study was conducted in the UK, and published by The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.It's an interesting test: scientists...

Thanks to all who have been commenting.  It's so fun and full-filling to read what you write!  Your comments make me happy, even the tough ones.  So PLEASE keep them coming.  Also, tell your friends about this amazing, growing online...

When we're disconnected from God (or Spirit, or Higher Power), we're on our own. We have to handle everything ourselves. We often worry a lot, because we're not sure of what will come, and unsure of how to handle what...

Another entry in the "you may want to know" category: following a Mediterranean Diet and daily exercise may reduce later risks of developing Alzheimer's Disease.  Vegetables, Fruit, Fish, Whole Grains, beans - little or no red meat and poultry -...

How would your life be different if you were able to lose 10, 20, 50 or 100 pounds?  I'm sure you've thought about that a lot, but I believe it's a good idea to "keep it fresh" as they say...

What is the main thought that keeps running through your mind?  Is it positive and helpful?  You know you can change it if you need to. God gives us the power of free will and free thinking. If you think: ...

It just plain hurts to watch "More to Love," the new TV series about plus-sized contestants.  I think I figured it out, though, it's because the show's a macrocosm of all that went wrong with America.It's largely (pardon the pun)...

Here's a video I made, with a recipe for a healthy breakfast.Please comment -- and important -- PLEASE TELL ME AND BELIEFNET IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS!!  Comment below! Here's to YOUR healthy day. And please sign...

Sounds great, huh?  Rush Limbaugh recommends it; he experienced some quick weight loss himself, 90 pounds in less than 6 months.Limbaugh's weight loss success he attributes to Florida's Quick Weight Loss Centers.  According to Limbaugh, their programs combine low-calorie dieting,...

What amazing comments we're enjoying lately.  I'm so moved, impressed and grateful!  Thank you for really "being there" for each other.I could write about two dozen blogs today, sharing some really amazing comments, but alas, space and time don't allow. ...

Sometimes, getting an energy boost during the day is necessary. A lot of people look to a snack or drink to give it to them. Sugar, or carbohydrates give only short bursts of energy, and then there's a downward, draining...

OK, what's so bad about you? Are you really that worthless? Are you really so fat and ugly? Do you really deserve the harsh judgment and low self-esteem you throw on yourself? Is your life really that difficult? Or are...

Here's a query for your day, today... What is overeating and being overweight giving you? Please think about this, in a very insightful, deep way, and share your feelings. Post them on a comment below, then come back in a...

Did you see the premiere of Fox's new reality dating show, "More To Love?"  What did YOU think of it?First off, I want to get this right out on the table, I work for Fox because it's Fox/News Corp. that...

How can I stop myself from eating when I'm not hungry? It's often hard to realize you may be eating for reasons besides a nutritional need! You may be simply just eating out of habit, boredom, or to distract from...

I just want to take a moment to say that I care about you.  Sure, it's true, I may not know you directly, or even by name.  I care about you, though, dear reader.That's why I write this daily message.I...

I have some ideas for those of you who say they have tried everything to lose weight and get healthier.  Here are two:First, check with your doctor to make sure you're totally OK, and don't have some underlying health condition...

I've picked Anna's comment to feature this week.  If only there were more people like her, who realize that there's a lot of personal work necessary along with weight-loss surgery.  I also wish there were more people who have enjoyed...

I hear this frequently: a loved one (child, relative, friend) has an obesity problem, and they want to help.  Here's what I suggest in such difficult situations.-- Realize that you have no direct control over them.-- Pick the best moment...

Let me ask you: are your overeating habits and pleasure more important than your life?It really comes down to that life or death question.Is the brownie ice-cream sundae dessert, and regular daily desserts worth a heart attack or stroke because...

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A prominent digestive system surgeon I know recently confided in me, "we hate doing gastric bypass surgeries, but our hospital makes us do them because they're a profit center."  I asked him why his surgical team hated them.  His explanation...

Are you extremely concerned with your eating - perhaps too much?  If you starve yourself, or follow extremely limited calorie consumption, or binge and then make yourself vomit, or compulsively overeat, it's time to get help.Eating disorders are very real,...

The act of eating is a deeply spiritual and sacred experience. When you put food into your body, you are giving yourself life energy. You are taking something that was once living (animals and plants who have given their lives...

A regular reader asks, How do I surrender my weight problems to God? Simple - just ask for help. Try something like this: Say a silent prayer to God, who lives inside you and is a part of you,...

In New York City, we see the amount of calories posted on all menu items in restaurants.  How about 1,440 calories for the Quesidilla Burger at Applebee's?   Or would you like 1,570 calories in the guise of the Fried...

There I was at the vacation hotel breakfast bar with the crowd of morbidly obese Americans.  I was having breakfast with them, embarrassed, doing my best to eat very slowly and having a very small amount of food.It was hard...

I was totally shocked at a hotel breakfast bar last weekend.  More than half the customers were morbidly obese, and having plate-after-plate of food.  One couple who could barely fit into their seats was particularly sad: the man had four...

Coming up soon in the US is our Independence Day, otherwise known as the 4th of July.  I know that there are lots of readers in other countries, who also celebrate Independence Day at various times, for various independences and...

Are you a "Food Lover?" Me too.  But I'm not a big fan of the "Food Lovers Fat Loss System" which I wrote about not too long ago.I'm concerned because the website for it is only about sales and supplements,...

Some people do well in gyms and health clubs, but most of my clients and readers do not.  Most people I know who have zealously joined gyms have gone for a few days and then stopped, wasting tons of money,...

Florence Serecka wrote a very inspiring comment awhile back, commenting on my blog, "Lose Weight with God."  It stuck with me, and stayed with me for a month now, and I want to share it with you.  I wanted to...

Hey, there's a lot of buzz about eating out at restaurants, fat loss and weight loss.  I think that's pretty ridiculous.  It's really hard to lose weight eating a lot of sugar and fat at fast food restaurants!  Food lovers,...