Out of Egypt-Part 2

How did I lose the weight and focus on being healthy? Well, the most important key for me was submission. I had to give up the right to my body; I had to acknowledge that everything I am is the Lord's. I had to view myself as a steward of my body--it belongs to God, and I have been given the responsibility to care for myself and use my body to glorify Him. Wrapping my mind around this central concept made the rest of the journey have purpose, therefore a bit easier in the tough times.

I believe that submitting and surrendering in this area is what enabled me to be successful. So many times we "commit" to do something, but that still places us in control. Surrender and submission yields that control to the Lord. We must come "palms down" to the Lord. Satifying self can not be the focus. So I truly believe that you apply the same Biblical principles to being physically healthy, as you do to being spiritually healthy!

So many of you wanted to know the specifics of my plan. I will outline below some of the basic principles I used over the past 8 months.

• I believe that one must focus on both diet and exercise to achieve optimal health and optimal weight loss results.
• I work out 5-6 times a week. Typically 30-45 minutes of cardio--step aerobics, elliptical, or treadmill. I also do 30 minutes of weight training 4 days a week--2 days on arms and 2 on legs. You may need and want to start with a more moderate program--don't overwhelm yourself or you will quit. Just try walking 15-30 minutes each day.
• As far as diet, I have not followed a specific plan, but have used principles from the Zone and Weight Watchers, predominately. I try to eat 3 meals a day with 2 snacks. This keeps your metabolism up. Another helpful approach is Bob Greene's Best Life (Oprah's trainer).
• A typical day might be: 1 egg omelet (w/cheese & real bacon bits) or oatmeal with brown sugar for breakfast with juice, yogurt with flaxseed meal and blueberries for mid-morning snack, salad with chicken or egg (for protein) with blue cheese dressing, an apple for afternoon snack, and chicken or fish with twice-baked potato and broccoli for dinner.
• Don't be too restrictive. You need to eat enough and things you enjoy or you won't stick with it. Healthy eating is delicious--it doesn't have to be the stereotypical diet food.
• Drink a lot of water! I bought a great sweat proof mug at Target that has a straw. I seem to be able to drink more with a straw.
• Avoid a lot of soda and sweet tea. Notice I did not say eliminate. I enjoy both of these, so just enjoy in moderation. Make water the primary thing you drink. I am a big fan of Perrier and juice when I want a drink with some bite.
• Avoid eating late a night.
• Get good sleep--for me, this is 7-8 hours.

Well, these are some basic guidelines I have used.

As you look at making changes, I would encourage you to talk with your husband and/or family. Focusing on being healthy is important for everyone and the support is helpful to your success. I am blessed to have an amazing husband who has supported and encouraged me on this journey in a phenomenal way! I have enjoyed getting fit and looking healthier for him--and he has, too!

Thank you for letting me share and for your kind comments and words of encouragement. I pray that I will bless you, as you have blessed me.

Kelly