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mkipp
Guest
I need to get in shape and lose weight, but discipline and motivation are my problems. Do any of you use the Bible, God, the Saints or any other religious motivation when exercising or living healthily?
Do any of you use Religion or God to help you motivate yourself to keep in shape or to exercise
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PaulinVA
Guest
I am almost 50, and when I go on my five mile runs, I can’t help but thank God that I am in good enough shape to actually run five miles.
And, just to keep me humble, I have a friend at church, around the same age, that no matter what I do, he is doing more. Run five miles? He ran *six *today. Kinda funny.
I stay in shape for my family, but, yes, there is a component about doing the best you can because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
And, just to keep me humble, I have a friend at church, around the same age, that no matter what I do, he is doing more. Run five miles? He ran *six *today. Kinda funny.
I stay in shape for my family, but, yes, there is a component about doing the best you can because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
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chevalier
Guest
To live a healthier lifestyle, more like. Less coffee, more sleep, some regularity.
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Theophila
Guest
Are you trying to lose weight or just maintain an healthy eating and exercise regimen to stay in shape? I turned to The Light Weigh, a Catholic Spiritual Growth and Weight Loss Program, a couple of years ago to lose weight. I knew I needed to take a spiritual approach to weight loss. I recommend it, although some people are turned off by the initial start up cost to cover your materials (book, CDs, sacramentals, etc).
When I am exercising, I often pray the rosary or novenas, and try to focus on uniting my suffering (or temporary discomfort) with Christ’s suffering during the Passion.
When I am exercising, I often pray the rosary or novenas, and try to focus on uniting my suffering (or temporary discomfort) with Christ’s suffering during the Passion.
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Cajun_Girl
Guest
When I first found the faith, I realized that temperance is a virtue we’re all called to practice. I decided to stop eating when I was not hungry–and, eventually, I even learned to walk from the table when I was not entirely full. I wasn’t trying to lose weight, but I lost 30 pounds over a period of 2 years. I was able to keep it off for 7 years!
Of course, now that I have some baby weight to lose, I’m having to get back to this principle. It’s not easy, but I definitely believe that the way we eat has an affect on our relationship with God, since we’re all called to practice self-denial on some level.
Let’s pray for each other!
Of course, now that I have some baby weight to lose, I’m having to get back to this principle. It’s not easy, but I definitely believe that the way we eat has an affect on our relationship with God, since we’re all called to practice self-denial on some level.
Let’s pray for each other!
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Sierrah
Guest
In a way. I think of it as an obligation to keep the body that God gave me in good shape with plenty of exercise, healthy eating and plenty of sleep. That in no way entails getting as skinny as a stick or bloating myself with muscle but keeping to a healthy steady weight is both good for the heart and the soul. Just my humble opinion…of course. 
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KCT
Guest
Sort of . . .
I figure I can’t fulfill the mission God has planned for me if I don’t keep healthy. (Within my control, that is. If he chooses that some sort of illness is part of the plan, then so be it.)
I figure I can’t fulfill the mission God has planned for me if I don’t keep healthy. (Within my control, that is. If he chooses that some sort of illness is part of the plan, then so be it.)
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whatevergirl
Guest
Yes! I don’t think the human body was ever meant to remain idle…and we certainly are not to be gluttonous, for that is one of the deadly sins. I have overeaten before…I love brownies. 
But, what keeps me going, is that each day, I ask God to help be a good steward over all He has blessed me with…and that is my family, my health, my job, etc…
We have control over our health, to a degree. And our bodies are on rent from God, and He trusts that we will take care of them. Not to the point of obsession, as vanity, and so forth, isn’t healthy, either. Everything belongs to God…even our bodies. So, what we put into them, matters to Him.
Good luck on whatever plan you choose…find something you like, eat balanced and healthy meals, and you’ll be on your way.
But, what keeps me going, is that each day, I ask God to help be a good steward over all He has blessed me with…and that is my family, my health, my job, etc…
We have control over our health, to a degree. And our bodies are on rent from God, and He trusts that we will take care of them. Not to the point of obsession, as vanity, and so forth, isn’t healthy, either. Everything belongs to God…even our bodies. So, what we put into them, matters to Him.
Good luck on whatever plan you choose…find something you like, eat balanced and healthy meals, and you’ll be on your way.
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Cupofkindness
Guest
The key to losing any weight for the rest of your life is obedience. The Light Weigh program teaches the importance of obedience. And so does a program like Weight Watchers, if you don’t work the program, it won’t bring about the changes you seek. I see LW as another tool, and one of the most important tools, to losing weight. I do think the program is short on nutritional and fitness information. You cannot deny the benefits of physical activity. You must exercise. Muscle=metabolism, and while I’m not advocating a weight-lifters physique, you must strengthen yourself through weight and aerobic training as you are able to. The material is perhaps 12-14 years old, and more is known about health than was available in the mid-1990s. So some of the things Suzanne Fowler tells you to do seem a bit inappropriate or lacking to me, but that’s just my two cents. However, the ideas about spiritual obedience, the Ignatian spiritual exercises and St. Therese are priceless. Well worth the $135. That’s about three months of Weight Watchers fees. Another notion of Light Weigh is grasping that your stomach can only hold so much food unless it is so stretched out by constant overeating. Anatomically speaking, for most of us women, that is about 20-24 ounces. Light Weigh has you cut back your portions to about 12 ounces per meal. Roughly, the size of a large mug. This is how you measure your food per meal, and then you only eat when you feel a pang of hunger to the level of a stomach growl. So eat a half-sized portion just when you are really hungry. You will lose weigh and quickly. On Light Weigh, I eat about four times per day, plus a small, healthy snack before bedtime.
I lost a tremendous amount of weight with Weight Watchers. Light Weigh has helped me whittle off the last few pounds but more importantly gain some perspective. However, others in my group are really struggling. It’s the obedience thing… and that takes humility. It’s like the first step in AA. You have to admit that you are powerless and that you cannot do it on your own. This acknowledgement will bring you to your knees, begging God for His grace. Light Weigh is priceless in that it will change the way you see yourself vis a vis the sin of overeating. The other idea of Light Weigh is the need for sacrifice. Rather than having that last bite of cheesecake, offer it up for someone who needs the sacrifice more than you need the cheesecake. This is very good for the soul. Light Weigh isn’t easy, but if nothing else works for you I would recommend it. It might take a long time to lose the weight, but if you are faithful, you will lose the weight eventually. I have also read the “Body for Life” book by Bill Phillips. It is a very sound approach to fitness with excellent information about exercise. Don’t think that this book isn’t for you just because there is a handsome young man on the cover–it is excellent reading. Many good Catholics that I know do a “Body for Life” approach to fitness, it is the best way time-wise and money-wise to keep yourself very healthy. My husband lost 10 lbs of fat, not by eating differently, but by exercising faithfully, over a twelve week period. The difference was visible and he looked 5 years younger too. So your weight loss resources need to address the spiritual, food, and physical aspects of you, not to mention any other practical or medical issues you may face.
Finally, don’t despair, just make a small change, a simple beginning. Baby steps are the key to any growth. God loves you, don’t give up, be faithful.
I lost a tremendous amount of weight with Weight Watchers. Light Weigh has helped me whittle off the last few pounds but more importantly gain some perspective. However, others in my group are really struggling. It’s the obedience thing… and that takes humility. It’s like the first step in AA. You have to admit that you are powerless and that you cannot do it on your own. This acknowledgement will bring you to your knees, begging God for His grace. Light Weigh is priceless in that it will change the way you see yourself vis a vis the sin of overeating. The other idea of Light Weigh is the need for sacrifice. Rather than having that last bite of cheesecake, offer it up for someone who needs the sacrifice more than you need the cheesecake. This is very good for the soul. Light Weigh isn’t easy, but if nothing else works for you I would recommend it. It might take a long time to lose the weight, but if you are faithful, you will lose the weight eventually. I have also read the “Body for Life” book by Bill Phillips. It is a very sound approach to fitness with excellent information about exercise. Don’t think that this book isn’t for you just because there is a handsome young man on the cover–it is excellent reading. Many good Catholics that I know do a “Body for Life” approach to fitness, it is the best way time-wise and money-wise to keep yourself very healthy. My husband lost 10 lbs of fat, not by eating differently, but by exercising faithfully, over a twelve week period. The difference was visible and he looked 5 years younger too. So your weight loss resources need to address the spiritual, food, and physical aspects of you, not to mention any other practical or medical issues you may face.
Finally, don’t despair, just make a small change, a simple beginning. Baby steps are the key to any growth. God loves you, don’t give up, be faithful.
A
Angels_Heart
Guest
I use my faith in the church to keep excercising the weight I have already lost and to keep a healthy balance.I also use my faith so that I can keep my educational goals in sight .
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TheRiver
Guest
What saint can possibly be used as an inspiration to stay fit? Most of them were one less meal away from death by starvation. What motivates me to gym regularly are girls, and physical fitness for the army for which I currently enlisted in.
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shannyk
Guest
mkipp yes, I have found reading Magnificat daily,sometimes while I"m walking on the treadmill,is really inspirational in so many ways that it makes me want to and feel more of a reason to exercise, which is my lest favorite thing of all time hands down. I’d rather hand scrub a toilet.
Loosing weight (and now trying not to loose too much
) has been a challenge for me all of my adult life pretty much. This is a challenge that I have to take on not just shirk off, and it’s one of the hardest…no, make that THE hardest thing I’ve had to tackle in my life. Being a single mom of three, working full time, and all that goes with that has paled BIG time in comparison with the struggle to loose weight for me. I know your struggle. I’ve lost 93 pounds now and don’t really want to loose anymore, but it keeps coming off! I never thought I’d be in this position.
The spiritual aspect of this challenge can’t be ignored, in my opinion. Find something that inspires you, to help you along. Listening to some Catholic podcasts while exercising? Getting outside in nature and really soaking God’s wonders in? Saying the rosary while walking or listening to an MP3 of it? Of course you need to* ask you guardian angel to help you, *and keep you on track every.single.day. Most of all when you do falter, forgive yourself immediately and MOVE ON.
I have found that when I’m exercising too, and feel like blah, I hate this, I don’t want to do this, I think of Our Lord on the cross and how much more he endured, and His Mother, and how much SHE endured, and realize I need to quit whining and keep moving. Harsh maybe, but true.
What it comes down to is self discipline, and we all know that is a virtue we all need to strive for. Those of us that struggle with weight are specially challenged in this department.
I’ve also found a Paleo/Primal diet and exercise way of life to be healthiest, and easiest to follow and most natural in comparison to low fat high carb nonsense diets.
www.marksdailyapple.com ( my absolute holy grail site)
paleodiet.com/
I just want to add…being overweight is not always about being gluttonous, I think people have to be careful to come to that judgment about a person automatically. Me, I was a person who always was super health conscious and a real food snob, eating only the healthiest things, but what is healthiest for ME as an individual was different than the typical person, or better yet than what the mainstream would have you believe is healthy… I ended up very overweight but never (and I say this with a clear conscience) ever was gluttonous.
Whatever you decide mkipp, prayers for your journey to a more YOU, you
Loosing weight (and now trying not to loose too much
) has been a challenge for me all of my adult life pretty much. This is a challenge that I have to take on not just shirk off, and it’s one of the hardest…no, make that THE hardest thing I’ve had to tackle in my life. Being a single mom of three, working full time, and all that goes with that has paled BIG time in comparison with the struggle to loose weight for me. I know your struggle. I’ve lost 93 pounds now and don’t really want to loose anymore, but it keeps coming off! I never thought I’d be in this position.The spiritual aspect of this challenge can’t be ignored, in my opinion. Find something that inspires you, to help you along. Listening to some Catholic podcasts while exercising? Getting outside in nature and really soaking God’s wonders in? Saying the rosary while walking or listening to an MP3 of it? Of course you need to* ask you guardian angel to help you, *and keep you on track every.single.day. Most of all when you do falter, forgive yourself immediately and MOVE ON.
I have found that when I’m exercising too, and feel like blah, I hate this, I don’t want to do this, I think of Our Lord on the cross and how much more he endured, and His Mother, and how much SHE endured, and realize I need to quit whining and keep moving.
Harsh maybe, but true.What it comes down to is self discipline, and we all know that is a virtue we all need to strive for. Those of us that struggle with weight are specially challenged in this department.
I’ve also found a Paleo/Primal diet and exercise way of life to be healthiest, and easiest to follow and most natural in comparison to low fat high carb nonsense diets.
www.marksdailyapple.com ( my absolute holy grail site)
paleodiet.com/
I just want to add…being overweight is not always about being gluttonous, I think people have to be careful to come to that judgment about a person automatically. Me, I was a person who always was super health conscious and a real food snob, eating only the healthiest things, but what is healthiest for ME as an individual was different than the typical person, or better yet than what the mainstream would have you believe is healthy… I ended up very overweight but never (and I say this with a clear conscience) ever was gluttonous.
Whatever you decide mkipp, prayers for your journey to a more YOU, you
R
royal_archer
Guest
For the record round is a shape.
Prayer and exercise can go togther. especially when biking or running or other endurance oriented exercises. In College, when I had a problem I would get on my bike and ride for miles praying and listening.
You can also tune in to catholic radio and grow in your faith while burning calories.
Prayer and exercise can go togther. especially when biking or running or other endurance oriented exercises. In College, when I had a problem I would get on my bike and ride for miles praying and listening.
You can also tune in to catholic radio and grow in your faith while burning calories.
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puzzleannie
Guest
I have found certain books like the story of Matt Talbott and Getting Free by Bert Ghezzi, Time Management for Catholics by Dave Durand, and Tools Matter for the Spiritual Life by Margaret Funk OSB to be extrememly helpful in forming right attitude and practice toward food, eating, fasting and care of health, including exercise. My daily walk is tied to my daily rosary so if one is lacking both are usually lacking.
we will start up Rosary is for the Birds soon, as the migrant birds are returning. we meet in the evening to walk the trails and pray the rosary in the local Wild Birding Center.
I find when I am neglecting prayer in general I am also neglecting exercise, attention to diet and diabetes management, even household duties in general. They go together, it is about self-discipline and summarily about obedience as Cupo’kindness says. her post is great
we will start up Rosary is for the Birds soon, as the migrant birds are returning. we meet in the evening to walk the trails and pray the rosary in the local Wild Birding Center.
I find when I am neglecting prayer in general I am also neglecting exercise, attention to diet and diabetes management, even household duties in general. They go together, it is about self-discipline and summarily about obedience as Cupo’kindness says. her post is great
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