How to lose weight - The hard way

 

This is my story. And maybe you can relate. I'm calling this, how to lose weight - the hard way. Well, actually, I'm not sure there's an easy way.

A few years back I hit 150kgs (330 pounds) and I looked at myself in the mirror and said to myself, "I need to make a change." I felt embarrassed, disappointed and frustrated. Why did I not have the self-control or the will power to do something about this?

My parents visited from the other side of Australia, and we sat in a coffee shop sipping extra hot lattes. We spoke about leadership, and namely credibility and authenticity in leadership. It was a beautiful Godly moment where the question came up, "How can I possibly lead others, if I can't even lead myself?" Here I was, in my forties, with tears in my eyes (and not because the latte was weak), knowing I needed to change.

I made some immediate changes. And here's the key (I think), on how to lose weight. Make small changes. Substitute the toast for high fibre cereal. Walk to the shops instead of driving. Eat an apple instead of those incredibly addictive biscuits. Make a small change. Maybe once a week. I chose early on to start drinking sparkling water instead of soft drink. You don't make all these small changes at once, otherwise you can just fall in a heap when you don't succeed. 

Another thought on how to lose weight: Get an accountability partner. This might sound crazy to you, but I text my Dad every Monday morning with my weight. Not out of judgment. Not because I have to. But because I need the accountability. I tell you, I get to Friday morning and if I've had a tough week (of eating too much), I feel a bit of fear in me, to get moving and scale back my eating, because Monday morning I'm weighing in. You might have a friend who is healthier than you... Ask them if they can touch base via messenger once a week.

How to lose weight: point number 3. Get back up again. I fail all the time. Every third day, I eat something I shouldn't. Or I sleep in rather than go for a run. If you want to lose weight, just choose to get back up again. Go again. God helping you: stop the slippery slope and start again. No shame. No judgment, just start again. 

On December 26th, 2023, the day after Christmas, I felt God speak a little whisper into my heart... "I want you to complete a Half-Marathon." I said, "Lord, you sure that's you??" So that day, I got up and I jogged and walked 1km very slowly. I shared this word with a few guys from church. Now there's 4 of us booked in for a Half-Marathon on October 6th, 2024. I'm following the NIKE RUN app, and it's got a training regime. I call it a regime. It's a little brutal. I jogged 10km the other week. I still don't know how I can possibly complete a Half-Marathon (21.1km), but I'm getting there. This one goal has given me focus this year. The cut-off time is 3hrs 30mins: so I can't walk it!!

I want to say. I'm not where I want to be yet. BUT: I'm not where I used to be. That my friend, is a key thought. You may not be where you want to be. You may have not arrived yet at your ultimate goal, but two days of watching what you eat, and you're healthier than you were two days ago!

In my new book, "Who am I to change the world?", I speak about physical intelligence. Believe it or not, it's a section in a book from me, about getting healthy. Who would have thought? I don't come as an expert. No way. I am just offering some thoughts on one aspect we need to deal with if we're going to make a different in the world. 

Japhet Ncube writes these words in the endorsements of my book, "Change has never been easy. People always find an excuse to resist change that is being suggested, either because of ego or fear of the unknown. Over the years, Pete and I have walked this journey and talked about healthy living. We have even done some activities like box fit, walking and running together to achieve this goal. However, it takes more than walking and talking about it. It takes the implementation of some very challenging goals like changing your eating habits, getting some accountability partners and putting in the hard work."

Here's some action points for you. Firstly, go and get my new book and have a read. Click here: Who Am I To Change The World? (salvationarmysupplies.com.au)

Secondly, if you want an accountability partner - someone to reach out once a week or so and see how you're travelling, let me know. I can help a handful of people. I want to cheer you on. (And you can cheer me on, because I'm still chipping away). 

Thirdly, set a goal (even if it's small), and go for it!! Let us know what you decide in the comments, or via email or facebook. God bless you.

You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength! Let's go friends!!