Weight Loss Truth or Myth

Walk through the doors of your local bookstore, scan the magazines as you stand in line at the grocery store, or drive down the road with blinking signs begging for your attention and you will be bombarded with 527 ways (give or take a few) to lose weight.  Everyone “claims” to have the solutions.  But which way is the “right way?” Or better yet, which solution is the one that will work for you?  

Millions of people are dieting or have been on a diet – more than once – without any long-term success.  These frustrating failures create mental fatigue, steal our motivation, and stimulate the growth of untrue beliefs.  We begin to believe lies about our body and what it can or can’t do.  We begin to focus on what is not working, what is broken, and what is flawed.  These thoughts hold us captive.  

Wait! We are supposed to hold them captive… “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)

Truth sets you free.  It’s that simple and that complicated because there are a lot of myths posing as truth out there.  Today, let’s clear up 5 myths about weight loss, all using the only standard of truth there is – our playbook, the Word of God.

Myth #1: My metabolism is ‘messed up.’ I just can’t lose weight.

Wrong.  Your body is beautifully and wonderfully made!  It is complex.  It is intricate.  You can’t even imagine every detail that allows you to breathe, communicate, live life, walk, solve problems, or make decisions.  If you play this card, you show your disbelief that you can walk in supernatural power.

God doesn’t create brokenness.  He creates beautiful things.  However, the presence of sin did invite brokenness into the world. We aren’t promised a “trial-free” life, but we are promised that He has already overcome all of our challenges and problems. (John 16:33)

So, how can you choose truth?

1. Ask God to reveal to you 1 non-weight related behavior you can change that will honor your body – just one – and then give your full attention to this action.
2. Metabolism is a very general term for dozens of pathways and activities occurring in the body. Make an appointment with a quality healthcare practitioner for an exam to look at labs, nutrition, exercise, stress and a variety of components that all synergistically affect your metabolism.
3. Set up an appointment with a counselor to help you identify untrue beliefs you have about yourself and your body.  Replace these with scriptures that speak life into your heart and mind.

Myth #2: I have failed at weight loss so many times I can’t even count them all. Trying again is useless.  

Paul explicitly tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus in order to run with perseverance.  He reminds us to “throw off everything that hinders us,” to run with abandon.  If you haven’t made it where you want to go with your health, that’s okay.  Re-focus and get back up. Only you can take the steps to get there, but you have to be focused on the right point – Jesus.  

When we focus our attention on spiritual gifts and His supernatural power, our eyes aren’t on Jesus.

If you aren’t pursuing relationship then it will begin to feel like an overwhelming struggle. Trying, again and again, will only wear you out.

So, how can you choose truth?

1. Commit to a daily quiet time, even if it is only 5-10 minutes.  Make Him your only priority during those few minutes.
2. Ask a friend for support!  Have them pray for you, encourage you and speak truth to you.

Myth #3: I just need someone to tell me what to eat.

This doesn’t work.  We hear, see, and read messages from healthcare professionals all the time, but that doesn’t lead to action for most.  At least, not long-term.  Becoming educated and increasing awareness is a proactive measure that everyone should engage in, but education and action are different.  

Individuals don’t need anyone to tell them to eat more fruits and veggies, reduce intake of processed foods and cut out sugary beverages.  We all know this.  These recommendations haven’t changed for years and more and more research reinforces the importance of following them.  

Less than 5% of adults and kids eat the recommended servings of produce.  And, more than 50% of individuals drink too many sugary beverages.  

The Truth states that all foods are lawful but not all are beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23). Manufacturers will continue to make new products. Marketing will continue to capture our attention and make our mouths water.  It’s up to you to decide what you consume and how much.

“I set before you life and death – choose life.”  That is your decision.  With each day, each meal, each food decision – you get to choose.

You have the best teacher inside of you – the Holy Spirit.  Consult Him first.

So, how can you choose truth?

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become more self-aware and mindful about your dietary choices and behaviors.  Invite Him to show you where you are being deceived, apathetic, or ignorant.
2. Talk with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is grounded in nutrition science.  She or he can help you create an effective plan, provide perspective, and offer creative and tasty ideas.

Myth #4: She is ‘naturally thin.’  It must be easy for her.  I bet she never struggles like I do.

Projecting assumptions on others is wrong. While some individuals have body chemistry and genetics that may make it easier for them to maintain a healthy weight, it is unfair to assume what they think or feel.  Unless you know someone’s story, your opinions of others’ struggles, or lack thereof, are your own biased thoughts.  

Believing this lie also indicates that you believe that being ‘naturally thin’ or a healthy weight is a sign of freedom from food, negative thoughts, and self-acceptance.  Freedom encompasses the whole person – spirit, soul, and body.  That’s what we all want, right?!

Jealousy and envy of someone else’s situation – perceived or not – only reveals the discontent in our own heart.  

So, how can you choose truth?

1. Repent.  Ask God to help you see value in your own body and develop body kindness.
2. Refocus. Remove your eyes from the world and fix them back on Jesus.

MYTH #5: I just need more self-control.

Self-discipline is a positive attribute.  Individuals who exert this character trait often accomplish tasks and goals efficiently.  But, wishing or hoping for more self-control with food is foolish. It won’t emerge. There are 2 keys: vision and the Spirit of God.  

Without vision, my people perish (Proverbs 29:18).  The Message version says it this way, “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.”  

If you don’t have an understanding of your identity and you don’t understand purpose, you are like the children of Israel wandering around, circling your mountain over and over without knowing the power you possess to rise to a new level.  As a child of the Most High God, you must know whose you are and have a vision for where you are going as an empowered, called, and beloved son or daughter.  Your vision for the future allows you to brave the process of creating a disciplined life.  

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Knowing your identity and trusting the Author of your future produces excitement and determination to make food and lifestyle choices that will allow you to live out your passions and calling with vigor.  But, that knowledge and even belief isn’t the only answer. It requires complete surrender to the Spirit of God.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,… and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, TLB).” When Holy Spirit is in control, we have self-control.  It’s a natural result of this surrendered stance.  Then, verses 24 and 25 remind us that surrender means giving access to every part of our being.  

“Those who belong to Christ have nailed their natural evil desires to his cross and crucified them there.  If we are living now by the Holy Spirit’s power, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

So, how can you choose truth?

1. Look beyond your current weight or health-related stumbling blocks and ask God to reveal purpose, calling, and passion.  Seek out the assistance of a counselor or coach if needed.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal 1 area that is not surrendered.  Then, ask Him to show you what it looks like when you are surrendered.

Myths and lies are all around.  They are loud.  They are bold.  They are deceptive.  Your knowledge, belief and verbal affirmation of the truth is what will break the chains.

So, what’s the playcall?

What you think about and meditate on determines your future.  So the 2 questions to ask are:

1. What are you thinking about?
2. What are you going to do about it?

Yes! I would like prayer. Please pray for me.