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A wake up call, that's what suffering offers us, according to the poet and writer, Scott Cairns.  Suffering is not about the pain and hardship, per se - we need to look past suffering to what is beyond.  "The End of Suffering: Finding Purpose in Pain" is a highly insightful and deeply spiritual guide that I found very moving and helpful. I heartily recommend it to you.

Using illustrations and examples of his life, the events of September 11th, and quotes and aphorisms from the Bible and such luminaries as Simon Weil, Emily Dickenson, Saint Isaac of Syria, W.H. Auden, Saint Simeon the New Theologian and a carefully-selected array of others, Cairns reminds us that pain and suffering grab our attention: sometimes gently, often intensely.  Through suffering, God shows us what needs to be attended to.  He writes,

Under most circumstances, then, the occasions of our suffering are capable of revealing what our habitual illusions often obscure, keeping us from knowing. Our afflictions drag us--more or less kicking--into a fresh and vivid awareness that we are not in control of our circumstances, that we are not quite whole, that our days are salted with affliction.

What do we do with suffering and affliction?  Endure it? Let go of it?  Give it to God?  Cairns suggests the first step is to set ourselves aside; let the ego be suspended for a moment, allowing grace to enter and inform.  Ultimately, though, what we need to learn is how to live, but most importantly, how to die.  Cairns encourages us to learn and live gently, almost effortlessly towards the inevitable, using our afflictions as tools.

...we must come to recognize our suffering as a means, a circumstance of our common journey that can offer us a clearer view of the task at hand. Along that journey, our afflictions and our suffering may also provide to us a glimpse of what actual virtue might require.

Virtue?  In the sense of goodness, chastity, worth, or is it to make the most of something bad or unmanageable that is inevitable, employing logic and reason as Plato taught us?  God only knows.

Cairns is a Christian, an Orthodox Christian to be precise, who has written and taught on the many frontiers and salvations available with Christ.  He has had the occasion, several times, to visit the Holy Mountain, Mount Athos in Greece, where monks have lived for over a thousand years.  Taking time in total wilderness and seclusion, Cairns has personally lived a life of ceaseless prayer and contemplation, yet returning to the challenging world of family, job, and responsibility.  On his last visit there, he reflects,

I realized--experienced, even--that the body of Christ is a good deal more than a figure of speech; it is an appalling truth and mystery, uniting us beyond our knowing with one another, and uniting us with an ever-greater mystery, the perichóresis--the circling dance--of the Holy Trinity Who is our One God.

I do not expect to comprehend--much less ever to explain--the particular mystery of, as I come to speak of it, One Holy Essence Whose Mystery is expressed in relational, interpersonal terms, but I do hope to share something glimpsed among the struggling monks on their Holy Mountain, something gleaned from their ongoing, written tradition, and something I have labored to acquire as my own.

Looking for an answer to his toil and suffering, Cairns looks to God, in the tangible humanity of Christ.  He toils to be like Christ, an adventurous, endless, joyous yet arduous pursuit seeking to comprehend and apprehend himself, bathed in the mysterious Image of God.  The point is to be like Christ, to not only follow Him, but to merge into His infinite grace; to be "at one" with Him.

Our familiar English word atonement (which, believe it or not, comes of combining at-one-ment) was coined in the sixteenth century for the express purpose of reinfusing our theologies with a more vivid awareness of how it is that Christ saves us--He joins Himself to us.

Alas, most of us squander our opportunities, Cairns laments.  We do our best, yet pain and suffering are still with us.  We get distracted.  We become perplexed, tired, uncertain, and even hopeless at times.  These are also opportunities.  Perplexity may also be grace.  Weakness becomes a virtue.  These vacillations, Cairns teaches, are the tools of God, they lead us to Him and our pain and suffering become doorways to our healing and ultimate forgiveness and salvation.

A mixture of poetry, anecdote, intelligent research, memoir and meditation, Scott Cairns' "The End of Suffering: Finding Purpose in Pain" is itself a means to an end.  This is a deeply good and beautiful essay; a useful handbook to true love and infinite care through and in God's magnificence.

Order a copy today.  Better yet, give it for the Holy Days coming soon.  Here's a link to it at the Publisher, Paraclete Press.

I can't believe how great this hot (or cold) drink is!  Sweet, tasty, no calories, no caffeine, and helps me curb hunger and lose weight.

Ever been at a bar and heard someone say to the bartender, "make it a double?"  That's what this drink is about.  Double flavor, doubly sweet. NO alcohol, fat, or sugar, though.

Here's the very simple recipe:

Dr. Norris Chumley's Double Sweet Tea

8 ounces boiling hot water
2 tea bags of berry herbal tea (I like Celestial Seasoning's Black Cherry or Raspberry)
2 packets of Stevia no-calorie sweetener

Add all the ingredients at one time.  Let it steep double the time (6 minutes or so).  This makes the tea rather strong; the flavor is doubled and very candy-like.  If you want it iced, let it steep a little longer and add some ice cubes, or better yet -- let it cool in the fridge overnight (perhaps make a lot more, in a pitcher).

This tea is amazing!  I'm drinking it every night: the times when I so strongly wanted carbs or sweets, difficult to handle threats to throw my weight loss and/or maintenance off-track.  This tea satisfies my sweet-tooth in a big way, with no calories.

It's healthy as it hydrates the body.  It curbs hunger pangs.  It helps one get a full-feeling.

Try it, you'll like it!  Let me know what you think by commenting below.

Please share this treat with your friends.  Email it to them by clicking the email button below.  Or tell them to go to www.beliefnet.com/drnorris every day!

We know why we're fat: too much food in general, especially fats and sugar-laden food.  Now, "This is Why You're Fat" is a book and website of a collection of recipes and photos of really crazy fatty, sugary food.  This may give you pause, or at least prompt you to think about what you put into your sacred body.

Take a look at the website www.thisiswhyyourefat.com and you'll see photos of "The Meat-Up" an insane casserole of (and I quote) "Ground Beef, topped with 2 pepperoni logs, stuffed with Cheez Whiz, topped with a layer of bacon, topped with a layer of mozzarella cheese slices, topped with more bacon, topped with meatballs and served with brown gravy."

There's Twinkie pies with whipped cream, caramel, and extra butter.  A special 3-layer pizza of pepperoni, ham and sausage, not just one crust and cheese topping, 3 (three) pizzas stacked on top of each other!

How about deep-fried chocolate cake with whipped cream?  Try the Japanese 7-hamburger Whopper with cheese, to celebrate the release of Windows 7!

My personal favorite is the (and I quote again) "Redneck Quiche:
Eggs inside individual bologna cups topped with mayo and Velveeta cheese."  Mmmmm.

Take a look and have a laugh.  Buy the new book from HarperStudio.  Just DO NOT EAT ANYTHING LIKE THESE RECIPES, please God!

Do YOU have any wild and crazy high-fat, high-sugar recipes guaranteed to give you a heart-attack and severe obesity?  Share them below in a comment, and share a laugh, please!

And do your friends a favor - share this daily blog - www.beliefnet.com/drnorris

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, and making some positive changes in your life is a drag - then it can actually BE fun and pleasurable.  It's just that easy:  CHOOSE TO BELIEVE SOMETHING NEW.

Begin to believe that being healthy is a pleasure, because it honestly is.  It's not about depriving you or causing you pain and suffering.  Eating healthy foods is truthfully really wonderful.

Here's how:  the next time you catch yourself thinking the worst, just turn it around and give it to God (or Higher Power).  Here's a list of possibilities:

I can't do this >> I can do it with God's help.
I'll be too hungry >> I'll feed myself regularly and healthfully.
I cannot have dessert >> I can have a healthy dessert.
I'm tired >> I'll get more energy with healthy habits & give myself rest.
This is torture >> This is an act of self-love and care.
Gyms are hellish >> Gyms are temples of health and happiness.
Goodbye good food >> Hello great, better food.
I don't have time for changes >> I'm making myself a priority.

Let's add to this list together.  Please post a comment about how you're changing your old destructive beliefs into new, active, loving careful beliefs.

And please tell your friends about this daily column - treat them to some love and thoughtfulness!

Please share this blog with other blogs and websites.   Beliefnet.com/drnorris

Thank you!

Yesterday I wrote about added sugar, and the shock of how much sugar is in everything.  Consider this today: what if you ate only candy? What if you only ate foods with sugar in them, like candy bars, donuts, pastries...

Yesterday, I just felt run-down, scratchy throat, and some sniffles.  It was after a week of really hard work and deadlines, and I had stayed up too late the two previous nights.  I'm not feeling myself today, either.  Time to...

Yes it's Autumn, but in many places there are still garden vegetables from summer left for our enjoyment.  Our hearty root vegetables just came out of the ground, joining the bunches of kale and herbs that remain.  Speaking of bunches,...

The trend with little kids these days is to make "play dates." This is when the parents arrange for the their children to get together and have a good time. I'd like to suggest that adults do it, too. Why...

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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...

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...

Now that the H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine is being delivered, many of us are asking if we should take it or not.  There are so many conflicting reports; it's hard to decide.  I thought I'd gather some information for you,...

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...

What do I think of "The Biggest Loser" TV series?  I think it's terrible and cruel, and merely entertainment, not a program that overweight people should do.  In its 8 seasons on the air, I have always found it to...

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...

If you're a regular reader you're aware of my quest to eat more salads.  I will admit, I have not been in love with them, until now.  I've come up with a bunch of new ideas for bunches of lettuce. ...

Why do you think they call it "junk food?" Because it's garbage! I think it should only be called junk. Leave off the "food." (Because it isn't.) Sodas are made of sugar water and chemical flavorings. I like to call...

A great way to understand what's going on in your life, in your habits and actions, thoughts and needs, is to write about it.Keep a journal or diary. Write what you're thinking and doing. Talk on paper about what and...

ABC television is running a new series on the Ten Commandments, on "ABC News Nightline" click here to check it out online here.  You probably know or remember, the 10 Commandments are the guides to living given by God to...

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...

Do you feel like you just can't lose weight, no matter how hard you try? Do you feel like you've tried everything? Are you on the brink of giving up? I can't blame you. Losing weight seems really hard, if...

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...

That's the word the gatekeeper used at my gym the other day, as she let me in.  "Enjoy" she said, and my first thought was not nearly as positive.  My old negative thinking is still  buried so deeply; I was...

Did Patrick Swayze "lose" his battle with pancreatic cancer?  Many news reports said so, as they were reporting his death.  I believe he won.In his movie, "Ghost," the key moment of the whole film, at the end, was his saying...

I just made up a really delicious drink.  I find this one deeply satisfying, especially on a hot day.  In my quest to drink more water and hydrate, with my smattering of knowledge of Ayurveda remedies to add lemon to...

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...

I was impressed.  He got specific.  He was tough, yet stayed in the middle, offering to work together with both sides. President Obama's health care speech was another step in the right direction towards reform of a system that is...

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...

When I became a vegetarian long ago in my teens, I had the mistaken assumption that by eating only vegetables and "health food," I'd be eating fewer calories, and of course, lose weight!  Boy was I wrong!Just because one changes...

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...

If I go just a few days without exercising or moving, I don't feel good!  I feel very tired, sluggish, and in need of long naps.It used to be when I was obese just getting up and taking a few...

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...

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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...

Really? That's what an article in the New Your Times by Gina Kolata from 2007 stated.  I found this article the other day, and thought you might like to see it.   Not to be pessimistic; no, rather to be optimistic...

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 -...

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Last night our son Jack, master barbecue chef in his own right, tried an experiment. It turned out to be really delicious. Chicken parts-thighs, drumsticks, breasts, etc. 1 lemon, juiced and squeezed on the chickenDry spice rub: cayenne pepper, turmeric,...

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: ...

Before you eat, ask yourself, "How truly hungry am I?" Then put your hunger on a scale from 1 to 5.  This can help you become conscious of the link between your mind, body, and your eating habits.Five is super...

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...

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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'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...

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Weight Loss Pill: a Magic Bullet?   There's a new pill announced, called Contrave, that claims to help obese patients over the difficulties of losing weight.   A combination of two older drugs, Wellbutrin, an anti-depressant, and Naltrexone, used...

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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,...

This comment brought tears to my eyes; tears of love for God, and appreciation for all that I have.I don't know who wrote it, but thank you so much.  It's eloquent."I watched as Stevie Wonder sang that hauntingly beautiful song,...

At night, when you're struggling to not binge, go outside and look up at the stars. Gaze for a long time. Think about how far away they are. So big, so vast and expansive is our cosmos. How beautiful.  Think...

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...

This is outrageous, and blows my mind!  A new Burger King 7" burger.  Their new ad campaign which is blatantly sexual (just like many advertisements) is even worse.Beliefnet's Editor-In-Chief, Steven Waldman wrote about it the other day, take a look.In...

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,...

Even though there's been so much coverage of Michael Jackson's tragic and early death, I am still interested in him.  I always loved his music and entertainment, and probably always will, yet there will be nothing more from him now,...

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...

My favorite comment this week is by Pam."I met J5 and spoke with them briefly when Michael was around 11/12. I was impressed with how soft spoken and well mannered they all were. Although I did not care for the...

Have you ever believed that turkey makes you sleepy? Or that if you drop something and pick it up within 5 seconds there are little bacteria gathered?  Or my favorite, going outside when it's cold can give you a cold?There's...

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,...

I understand how it feels when you're not at your best. Perhaps you feel flawed, unworthy, or hopeless. Maybe you feel sick, drained of energy, listless, or depressed. Or is it that you just feel so fat and ugly, and...

A lot of readers have been asking why the lost weight comes back, despite diligent efforts.  While I cannot answer everybody's specific problems, and it would be inappropriate for me to do that, I do often try to generally address...

I'm shocked and saddened this morning over our friend, MIchael Jackson's death.  I'm also happy for him that he is now with his maker, after such a wild life of extremes.There's an infinite amount being said and written about him,...

A couple of our readers shared their love of cooking fish for us. Merk, shared two recipes for fish last month.  These look great.  See if you like them.Blackened Tilapia INGREDIENTS: 4-6 Tilapia Filets2 Tbsp paprika 2 tsp salt 2...

One of the simplest ways to save money on food is to eliminate impulse buying of foods you don't need or aren't good for you.  The way to only buy what you need is to take a little time to...

A way to quickly save money is to immediately end the bottled water habit.  This will help with the budget, and also help save the earth - it's a totally "green" way to go.Plastic bottles are expensive.  Eliminating a daily...

Here's another idea to add to this month's collection of ideas and ways to save and lose weight at the same time.  Today I want to suggest a healthy cooking party!Invite a few friends over, say 3 or 4, and...

Sonya A. said it all, "For the majority of my life I "chose" to imprison myself with food, low self-esteem and weight issues, it was not until recently with a much renewed connection to All Mighty God that I am...

At any moment, it's easy to be tempted to fall back into old overeating habits. Try some brand new habits instead.   Instead of more expensive meats, junk food, snacks and prepared or packaged foods, eat more vegetables and fruits.If you...

Preparing and cooking your own food can save lots of money, and it's better for your health, too.Avoiding fast food restaurants will save cash and calories.  Limiting your purchase of prepared, frozen, and packaged meals also cuts a lot in...

If you want to lose weight, eat healthier food and use your body.  Don't bother buying expensive vitamins or "appetite suppressants," or magic weight loss pills or formulas - I don't think they work.  Some are harmful.  Read what I...

If you always need or want something more than what you have, or worry or obsess about food and dieting--consider giving to others, and less about yourself.  Take the monetary and financial aspects out of the picture. Here are some...

Having trouble staying with a healthy food plan? Tempted by foods you want to binge on? Losing control over snack foods or desserts? Get away from them. Don't buy them, and you'll save a lot of money. Don't stock them...

This recipe for yummy bean dip is a real find!  I think you'll love it, at least I do and so do my family and friends.  It's so easy, it's amazing, it's also incredibly easy on the pocketbook.1 can black...

Here's a quick tip to eat less, save calories and save money.  Use meat just for flavoring.Many cultures and cuisines feature meat in very small quantities.  This is particularly true of Asian foods.  Consisting of mostly vegetables and a little...

Yes, it is possible to eat out at a restaurant and save money (and calories too).  The trick is to only order one thing - an entree.Skip the appetizer; they are often expensive, too big, and have lots of calories.Skip...

Eating more whole grains and bran helps you feel more full from less food and less money.  Baking your own bran muffins is a great example.  It doesn't take long, it's easy, and gives your digestive system a helpful, healthy...

Awhile back I wrote about cutting portion sizes as a way to save, and a way to lose weight without dieting.  It's a method that really works!  All you do is have half the size portion of what you would...

Instead of always needing or wanting something, or worrying or obsessing about food and dieting--concentrate on giving gifts to others. Here are some ideas for "getting outside of yourself."  --  Give someone an hour of your time.--  Help a friend...

I frequently write about my recommendation for eating 3 meals and 3 snacks per day. If you have a little, you're less hungry, and that can save money and calories.  In other words, instead of the classic 3 (big) meals...

Yes, it's great to want to be as pure and healthy as possible by buying and eating organic foods.  But if you're trying to lose weight and save money and like me, I can't really afford to go organic.My wife...

Do you really save money buying food and supplies in large quantities?  The answer is yes.  There is a difference in places to buy food in bulk, though, so do your homework.  Basically, when it comes to savings there are...

Many of my clients have told me that they go to fast food restaurants fairly often.  One person I am working with says she goes everyday after work and has a couple of burgers (make that 4).  She also told...

I have a surprise for YOU!  This entire month, I will be offering you ways to save money and lose weight at the same time.  I'll offer new recipes for cooking healthy, low-cost meals and snacks; ideas for filling yourself...

Melinda wrote awhile back, "I keep a daily log of my food intake & activities. I love doing this because I get to see EXACTLY what I am eating. It also forces me to THINK - BEFORE I eat (which...

Take the time to get together with people who are spiritual. It's called "fellowship" and it's really valuable and wonderful. There's nothing like a spiritual community where you can feel instantly understood and appreciated for what you believe in and...

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,...

Two reader's comments struck me this morning as being on-target. One about mysteries of self-abuse, the other about the power of spiritual practice.  Not a direct problem and answer counterpoint, but somehow, these relate.  I hope they will for you,...

Here is a great sugar-free and lower-fat pie treat that's easy to make, with exotic sweet fruit and no artificial sweetener.  The fruit is so sweet you don't need additional sugar. You can use a frozen piecrust, or make one...

This week I wrote a lot about workouts, that dirty word "exercise," and the motivation to just get up and do it.  It starts with the mind, and the body follows along.   This is the link to my original article,...

What's your family genetic history? We all have good genes, and not-so-good genes. It's best to be informed and aware, so that you can make choices to have the best, longest life possible. Knowing your genetic tendencies allows you to...

The "few little bites" you eat while cooking or preparing for lunch or dinner, may actually be the equivalent of a whole meal.  Tastes of dishes being cooked can also add up.  Be careful!A couple handfuls of crackers and 5...

I predicted it over a month ago, but I was still shocked that Kris Allen is the final winner.While this blog column is really about weight loss and well being, I do want to acknowledge that it was the underdog...

Put your thoughts about moving your body aside, and get up and do it.  Don't think about it.  Don't think about finding the time, the time is now.  Don't think about how hard it will be, just simply move.  Don't...

The asparagus is sprouting!  The plants my wife planted a few years ago are now delivering delicious sprigs of tasty asparagus.  This is what they look like in our garden.You have to hurry with asparagus: pick them just a day...

How do you lose weight with God?  Simple, just ask Him for help.  A lot of readers have asked me to write more about this.  Funny, that's what I've written about the most in the last 9 years!  I fear...

Lucy asks: How often should I weigh myself on your program? My advice is that you weigh yourself once a month, on the same morning every month, before you've eaten anything, and preferably without clothes and after voiding. Keep...

Are you making sure to be active every day? I don't mean vigorous exercise (although that's great if you're in a regular habit you've built up to)...I mean at least walking for a minimum of 10 minutes per day. Start...

Comparing yourself to others can backfire.  Be sure to appreciate the good things about yourself, and acknowledge your hardships and efforts, too.  This is an important point.  I'm glad that an anonymous poster commented about this, this week, in response...

Do you think fish is boring, tasteless, and unexciting?  I used to think so -- but no more. Fish is so healthy I just had to create a way to make it great without making it fattening and unhealthy. The...

Are your weight problems affecting your relationship with God? If you look to food for comfort and satisfaction, instead of God, you may be missing an opportunity. If you are isolated, lonely inside your house, avoiding an active and engaged...

I am thinking about my mother a lot recently.  She meant so much to me in so many ways. Yes, Mother's Day and all -- the Hallmark Card-invented day to sell instant greeting cards.  More than that, much more, I...

If you have not heard, Hydroxycut, a popular weight loss drug, has been recalled by the FDA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Stop taking them if you have been.Here's part of what the FDA press release said last week,...

Find yourself tense, stressed, muscles all tight?  Worried about something? Fearful of what is next?Here is what I do when I'm in that dark, deep place:-- take a deep breath.-- tell God I love Him.-- ask Him to show me...

I have found that losing weight, maintaining it, and staying healthy is about what you do everyday, day-in, day-out.  It's the routine of health that gives you the best health you can get.If you have huge meals every day, you...

I wrote about bacon the other day, a recipe for a lower-fat method of cooking by baking it on a rack.  Lots of folks responded, and I'm so happy about that.One reader, Joe, blasted me: "hey doctor norris, how can...

Last night I wanted to eat a bunch of ice cream. I wanted to binge, to tell you the truth. I wanted to feed my boredom and my old sugar habit. I had thought about it over and over again,...

Did you see the article on apples from the other day?  Take a look here.   Here are some further ideas, from our fellow readers and posters!  Please add your favorie apple recipe to our collection.  Remember, "An apple a day...

As nighttime eating is a difficult problem for me and many of our readers, I have some suggestions.  A lot of experts say just "don't eat at night," or "never eat after 8pm," but a lot of folks just have...

I just joined the ranks of those who Twitter. www.twitter.com    drnorrischumley (my Twitter nickname).Sign up for my latest weight loss and wellbeing news, my personal (insider) comments, and lots of prayers and praises.I'd love to have you as a...

This week, salads are hot!  Here are some variations of the recipe for salad I wrote last week, from folks who commented.  To see my original recipe for salad, click here. Please add your ideas and recipes for more variations,...

A Q&A Day!At our kid's school the typical menu is fried chicken, French fries (or some other potato) and sometimes salad. Peanut butter and jelly is available every day. Dessert is served every day. The kids are not allowed to...

Do you remember that old expression, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away?" It's true, you know! Eating fruit every day gives you vitamins, minerals and fiber - all good for your body - muscles, organs, and digestion. It...

I've discovered this great little take out place, not so far from where we live.  They have only one item on the menu - baked falafel sandwiches in whole wheat pita bread.  You can then help yourself to vegetable "toppings"...

From time-to-time, I like to share a prayer.  This one is in honor of my Father-In-Law who passed away yesterday.God thank you for everything, but that's so much.Thank you for the limits, the specifics, in my life.I appreciate the wonderful...

This week brought lots of deep and insightful comments, particularly from last week's article, "What I learned from Easter and Passover."  Please take a look and add your comment to it.So many people opened up and shared their pain, heartache...

I'll admit it, I am just not that big a fan of salads!  I know they are so healthy for me, and my whole body loves them, I just don't really find them tasty.  Often, they leave me a little...

Please tell your friends about our online conversation about fasting, and fasting every other day.  Email them the URL, please, if they are thinking of fasting.  Please add your experiences and opinions, too, to the comments below.I would like to...

The next time you are about to overeat, just stop. Stop and remind yourself that you're about to overeat--something that you really do not want to do. Be conscious. That's the first step in stopping the problem right in its...

While most people of the world struggle for enough to eat, those of us with weight problems have too much, and eat too much. What a paradox! Obesity isn't just a disease of poverty, either--many people with little or no...

Here's an idea to try in the kitchen. Vegetable pizza. Get some bread dough (from a mix, pop-out can, a home-made dough recipe, or use a bread machine on the dough cycle). Spread it out on a lightly greased cookie...

There's a lot of talk these days about eating less, calorie restriction and fasting.  Not just because of Lent, but finding easy, or easier ways to have less food so that weight loss and weight maintenance can at last be...

Be careful when weaning yourself from one habit that you don't pick up another. It's a natural tendency, especially for those of us who tend to use food to fill emotional gaps. Just because you may not be eating so...

A great way to understand what's going on in your life, in your habits and actions, thoughts and needs, is to write about it. Keep a journal or diary. Write what you're thinking and doing. Talk on paper about what...

Very interesting news... there are three recent articles in the New England Journal of Medicine that report brown fat, or brown adipose tissue, something that burns energy faster than regular "adult fat" was originally thought to be only in newborns. ...

Losing weight, being healthy, straightening up finances, healing and mending troubled relationships -- all are about making changes.  Living life, being satisfied with what is, and what we have, not always questing for something out-of-reach.  Loving what there is and...

I've had a few thoughts about what to do with nighttime eating problems since I wrote about it awhile back.  Click here to take a look at the previous article. Putting emotional causes aside and focusing only on physical aspects,...

Cindy put it all in perspective when she wrote, "To me, a satisfied life means enjoying everyday, spreading joy, believing, looking forward and not worrying."That feels like a breath of fresh air for me this morning. Thanks so much Cindy. ...

Here's a very interesting article in the New york Times, from an advertising point-of-view about a new product being introduced soon.  It's a low-calorie version of Vitaminwater, called Vitaminwater10.What do you think?  Post a comment below.I think you should just...

Here's an idea you may enjoy trying. As you take your shower for the day, imagine that you are not only washing your body, but that you are also washing your psyche! Imagine that the stress from your fears, worries...

Please add your thoughts and feel free to confide your problems in last week's posting, "Confidentially Relived,"  I really appreciate what you wrote.  We are all in this life together, and the Internet is a great way for us to...

How do you simplify your life?  Yes, it's become a cliché, but it's really a good thing to do, especially in these days of complexity, materialism and debt.  Join the online conversation and post, please, about how you are taking...

Oh my, yesterday I just did not want to go to the 4th of a 6-week yoga intensive class.  I'd had a big lunch with a business client, and truthfully, a couple of glasses of wine.  I felt too full. ...

Again this week, you all have really been terrifically interested and involved, posting some excellent comments.  I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.  Here is one from Chris, who discovered that what she thought was a little...

Here's a question from a regular reader, Can I safely lose weight fast? A:  No, you cannot lose weight quickly and maintain your health. 2-3 pounds per week is the most anyone should lose, according to most doctors and researchers....

It's vitally important to drink enough water throughout the day, to insure your health and weight management. Drink at least three large (12 oz.) glasses a day, and preferably six. This can be in the form of tap water, bottled...

Very interesting article by Tara Parker-Pope in the New York Times about home cooking and how the person who is the cook at home determines the nutrition in meals, take a look here.  Lots more people are cooking at home...

I highly recommend that you confide in someone today.  Telling someone your problems can really help you feel relief, and also get a fresh perspective.  Please tell us your problems, anonymously if you like, by posting below.  We are in...

Forgive me, but I'm just so happy that a childhood favorite of mine is coming back into popularity.  The whoopie pie, a chocolate (or pumpkin!) set of soft cookies with frosting in the center, purportedly from Pennsylvania, the Amish, and/or...

Just a short thought for your day:  When you put your faith in God, you let go of your problems.  They're not all up to you anymore.  The act of faith of putting your problems into God's hands is itself,...

Did you know that by making one small change over time, there can be big results?  You can apply this rule to weight loss.  I know, I do it all the time.  I've suggested this to many of my clients,...

This week is absolutely amazing in terms of comments!  We've set a record!  Never before have we had more comments on a subject.  They are all truly interesting and amazing - and I cannot pick just one to feature today. ...

What blessings are there in your life?  What's really going well and right that you are thankful for?  Please tell us below by posting a comment.  I have found that counting my blessings and sharing them with others really helps...

Today let's do a Question and Answer, which I like to do from time-to-time.  If you have a question for me post it in a comment. Occasionally I will answer general questions as best I can, especially ones that most...

It's an old adage, but it's true. Time heals all. There's no problem that won't get better with passing time, and some care and attention. Give your problems time, especially when it comes to losing weight. You did not develop...

I've been fasting, and thinking about fasting for many years.  I have been writing about it, and there are lots of great comments, take a look here. Seems a lot of us are very interested in fasting.For almost a decade...

This has been a wonderful week, although difficult in many ways, wonderful here as so many people are in our community, and posting really inspiring, encouraging words.  Two of the most commented upon had to do with troubled times, fear,...

Even though you may be struggling with life problems as all of us are, please remember that all is not lost, nothing is impossible, and hope lives.  Why?  There is hope because we believe in and love God.You may have...

Now that money is tight, many people are spending less money on everything, including food.  Eating out in restaurants, and buying take-out food is no longer affordable for many of us.  At the same time we're working harder and time...

Every morning I begin my day with some coffee and the news.  I've done this for decades.  It is my morning wake-up routine, and I am used to it. What's really news is that I am starting to see that...

This past week has been a very active one on this website, and I for one am impressed and inspired.  There have been quite a few comments posted, especially in response to my articles on Scales, Fasting, and the major...

Thinking about the recent study on most diets being basically equally effective; read what I wrote about it here, these are my simple thoughts:When it comes to food, eating less is more. If you're trying to reduce your weight consistently...

This morning I was all flustered because I had to pay bills.  Gosh, those expenses are high!  It's an exercise in stretching, moving money from one place to another, shuffling, leaping and moving forward.  Kind of like dancing: you stretch,...

This morning I jumped on our bathroom scales, as I do every month.  I like to check to see what I weigh, to keep my 160-pound weight maintenance on track.I only weigh myself once a month, because I know that...

We've now gone through a long period of economic woes, and we are making it through.  Yes times are hard, harder than we've ever known or experienced.  It's true it is not over, but there is hope and we're going...

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...

Alas, the meal is done.  I've reached my limit and it is time to stop eating.Pity it is.  A sad moment that I dreaded would come with each bite, but I ignored the inevitable in favor of flavor.Now it is...

The other day was a big birthday for a cherished family member.  I asked what gift he wanted and the reply was "make me a German Chocolate Cake!"  Knowing how delicious they are, and a favorite of mine since I...

Thank you's to everyone who read this blog regularly, and big thank you's to those who posted this week.A lot of people ask me questions; too many for me to answer here although I will from time-to-time if it seems...

So you slipped off your food plan, and had a few ice-cream sundaes, or a bag of chips or cookies. I know you regretted it! Use this episode and learn from it. Study how you felt afterward:Did you feel stuffed,...

Did you make a mistake? No problem. No surprise. Everyone makes mistakes. Admit it. Correct it with God's assistance. Learn from it. Mistake gone. No problem. Problems arise when we cling tight to OUR way, not God's way, or fail...

(revised -- thanks for the comments and questions!)Nothing says "I Love You" more than taking good care of yourself and the one you love.  Here's a menu, shopping list and some recipes for a special, romantic dinner that's also very...

A tip of the hat to all of you who visited and commented in this blog this last week on several subjects: New Year's Resolutions, being with God, exercise and going to the gym, and Janice and my first online...

Spring is almost here, and love is in the air!  Valentine's Day is upon us, hooray!Valentine's Day, as we know it, is a celebration of love.  Love is itself a celebration of others.  To love one another is to treasure,...

I'm finding Janice Taylor and my online blog conversation very, very revealing!  Janice and I have gone in just four little days from hunger for weight loss, brownies, to diets, carbohydrates, to grandmothers and mothers, to hungry, starving people that...

There are really no coincidences in life, God has everything planned, I've been told, and sometimes it seems true, like today.This morning I was reading Janice Taylor's contribution to our online conversation and there was an ad on her blog...

I really loved Caroline's comment, posted a few days ago:"If we look at the needs of others and beyond our problems you can always find someone who has it much worse. A little encouragement goes a long way."So true!I also...

Hello.  This is Day 30 of my 30 Tips to start your New Year.  Of course, it's only a beginning!  You don't need the beginning of a new year to make resolutions to be healthy and happy.  I suggest you...

There's a new study that came out about calorie restriction and improved memory recently in the National Academy of Sciences, take a look. This is a small study, only 50 men and women, all over 50, for only three months. ...

Just as we humans are made up of a lot of different parts, our digestive system is too.  If we don't use every part of ourselves, we short-change ourselves from experiences and opportunities.  Just like in digestion if we don't...

Yesterday I wrote about cutting your portion in half immediately when served at restaurants and taking it home.  Eat the remaining half very slowly, and enjoy every bite, along with the atmosphere and your companion's company.  Then take the other...

Please do not think that if you are trying to lose weight you can never eat out.  The trick is when dining at a restaurant, make healthier choices and immediately cut the portion in half and ask the server to...

A lot of people are looking at life dramas these days.  President Obama wants "no drama,"  and Mary K. Blige says "No More Dramas" in her song by the same title.Are you in the middle of a drama?  Is life...

I wrote about the importance of relationships the other day.  I said that I have noticed that when people are getting enough love and affection, they tend to have less problems with excess weight and health.  Happy people have fewer...

I know it's sooooo 80's, but do you remember those exercise videos you used to workout in front of the TV with?  Jane Fonda? Richard Simmons? Dancercize?Why not get them out, dust them off, and give them a spin again? ...

Here's my tip for your day today, to help you lose that weight. If you have cereal for breakfast, have only 1 cup.  You could also add some fresh fruit, and a half a cup of no-fat milk, too, if...

It's simple: go for the complex carbohydrate, not the simple one!  Some carbs are actually healthy, contrary to some popular fad high-protein/low carb diets.  The point is to choose one that is healthy; one that offers some nutrition and not...

With economic woes so present in the world over the last year, and several years, there are a lot of us worried about money.As someone who believes that obesity and overweight are symptoms of some deeper underlying problems, financial problems...

Got a sweet tooth?  Crave something sweet, especially for nighttime eating, but don't want a lot of calories or fat?  Are you a carbohydrate craver?  Want to lose weight -- I've got an idea for you.  Try unsweetened applesauce for...

Sometimes, it's easy to get all wrapped-up in your problems.  You may be thinking a million thoughts: things you have to do, problems weighing on you, people to see, work, family, friends, your own misery and suffering, finding energy to...

This was a great week for comments!   Yeah and yippee for all of us!  Please keep reading, returning daily, and posting.  THANKS.So many of us wrote comments on Breakfast, a post from a few weeks ago, that I thought it...

After years of dieting, failures, crash or fad weight loss plans, deprivation, you name it, I did it, I discovered that I need to continually feed myself and never allow myself to get hungry or ravenous.I learned to eat every...

When I lost the last of my 160 pounds, I liked to say, "I danced it off."  It's true!  I had enrolled in a hospital program for overweight people, a behavior modification technique oriented class.  Part of it was a...

This little book, "The Soulmate Secret," written by Arielle Ford (January 2009, HarperOne), could bring miracles in your love life, as it did for her and her BIG LOVE soulmate, Brian Hilliard.The ancient Law of Attraction is at play here...

As much as we need food to nurture our bodies and minds, we need emotional and spiritual food for the psyche and soul, too.  It may seem odd, but to lose weight and maintain healthy changes, make sure to nourish...

If you do nothing else for a New Year's resolution, call your physician or health care provider and schedule a complete, annual checkup.  Be assured you're OK.Resolutions are in general very hard to keep, but without your health you won't...

In my Joy of Weight Loss program, either self-guided or with me, I recommend that people eat every 2-3 hours.  Keeping yourself fed and nourished, in balance, is important so that you will never, ever find yourself ravenous and need...

If you are trying to lose weight and be healthy, being conscious and mindful of your diet (what you can eat), and being thankful to God can really help.Before eating, take a few moments to be silent.  While sitting at...

Lose weight, feel better and enjoy The Dr. Norris Chumley Satisfied Life in this simple stress-free plan.  No dieting, no intense exercises, no New Year's Resolutions, no Sassy Water (!) just Common Sense and good health.Happy New Year!  I'm most...

Making a New Year's Resolution to lose weight, diet, exercise, save money, etc., again? I encourage you to just be sensible and moderate this year, and perhaps not go on a crash New Year's Diet or radical new program.  Simple...

There's a new fad for this New Years, and for Common New Years Resolutions -- of course, there's a new diet fad every New Year.  I'm skeptical.It's called "Sassy Water," a part of a new book titled "Flat Belly Diet."The...

It is deep winter and it has been very cold up north.  There is lots of snow on the ground; ice on the roads and sidewalks make moving treacherous.  The trees are bare.  The birds are searching non-stop for scarce...

Sugar and sugar addiction is a big topic with me, and I know it is with a lot of our readers, too, going by the number of comments and page views we've received.Of course, the amounts of food I overate...

I've been baking some Christmas cookies this morning and afternoon: some butterscotch oatmeal, and whole wheat sugar cookies for decorating.Always baking, especially for holidays, Christmas cookies are a favorite of mine.  It's just not the holidays without them!  This year,...

As snow begins to fall and the deep freeze of winter sets in, we again gather with family and friends, singing and dancing around the Christmas tree or lighting the menorah or Kwanzaa candles. All will be well as we...

Try this meditation today. It's very peaceful. Do it BEFORE you overeat. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Focus your mind's attention on your breathing: in and out, in and out. Do this for as long as you can. End...

There is only so much you can do well. You may want to be perfect, or do everything in the whole wide world, but alas--there are limits. Since there are only 24 hours in a day, don't try to do...

A friend has been singing the praises of detoxing and cleansing for the better part of a year.  He even gave me his old vegetable and fruit juicer, along with a list of supplements he swears by. Every time I...

I want to give you my eclectic list of recommendations for great books on religion, spiritual practice, and health. In no particular order, just a short list of books that came out or that I discovered this year, 2008, that...

I am SO delighted today.Not just because I am alive again today (yes, God woke me up this morning and I thank Him).  Not just because it is a beautiful day.  Not just because I am so lucky to be...

Instead of a big lunch or dinner, have only one sandwich or small plate of food. Then use the extra time to get full from something else -- like being in nature or having a good conversation with friends. Or...

Science finally caught up with what I've suspected for years: sugar is definitely, conclusively addictive, and causes permanent brain changes.  It has the same negative effect on the brain as heroin or cocaine!At the annual American College of Neuropsychopharmacology meeting...

How do you experience, or know God?  Or perhaps you don't feel you do.  Please tell us in a comment by posting below.Perhaps you pray out loud, or in silence. May be you know God in church, or at home,...

Announcing my new endeavor.  Each week on Monday I'll pick the COMMENT OF THE WEEK from the previous week.The weekly most insightful, experiential, authentic posting by you, our readers!This is a badge of honor, a place of distinction for helping...

I am really "fed-up" with being only thought of as a "consumer!"Here we are with years of world financial problems that we're trying to solve, years of massive "consumer" spending and over-spending, debt and mortgage crises, foreclosures, people losing jobs...