FIRST GLIMPSE: A Different Question

“How did you do it?”

It’s the question I hear most often since reaching several fitness and weight loss milestones. It’s a natural question. After losing 80 pounds, my appearance has changed dramatically, especially for those who haven’t seen me recently.

I’m happy to answer, but the response is rarely the one the asker wants: fresh veggies, lean meats, nothing fried, low sugar, even lower salt, no sodas or sweet drinks, cardio training six days a week, accompanied by at least three days of resistance and weight training. (Not to mention getting more sleep and working fewer hours at night.)

Usually, heads start shaking halfway through my answer. Before I can share the incredible benefits that outweigh the pain of these lifestyle changes, they quietly check out of the conversation. One brutally honest friend stared at me in utter disbelief and bluntly replied, “I’d rather stay fat and die early. At least I would be happy.”

Ouch!

The truth is, I wish they would ask why I did it before they ask how. Again, the answer is straightforward, though more painful to confess. After decades of yo-yo dieting, working unreasonably long hours, ignoring early warning signs of neglected health, and making food a convenient (though tasty) escape from stress, God convicted me. Deeply. I was not setting the right example for those around me.

Specifically, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminded me my body is not truly my own. It is the temple of the Holy Spirit, bought with a price and intended to bring glory to God. Every glance in the mirror or quick jog up a flight of stairs reminded me how far I had fallen short. My physical body wasn’t bringing glory to God or helping me serve Him effectively.

I repented. And, together, my wife and I made it our goal to be better stewards of our health. Along the way, we learned some hard but important lessons.

• Find what works for you. Everyone is different. One may need only cut back on sodas or dial back the caramel frappuccinos to shed excess pounds. Another may need a total lifestyle change. Set simple goals and decide how you will reach those goals.
  

• Seek help and accountability. I turned to a member of my Sunday School class. A personal trainer, Will helped me design a lifestyle of exercise and eating that was attainable, though challenging. Then he pushed…hard. And I’m so glad he did. (He will push you, too. Read his article It’s Time to Move!).
  

• Don’t rely on shortcuts. While I’m not discounting the use of supplements, healthy diets, or fitness regimens, don’t be fooled. There are no shortcuts to good health. All require work, discipline, and self-control.
  

• With that in mind, be prepared to commit. It’s tough. Period. And it takes time. Making good choices after decades of poor ones is hard, especially at first. It takes sheer determination, and some days, even that will not be enough. I suggest a prayer team to pray for you daily and encourage you faithfully.
  

The journey to better health has not been easy. Nor do I think I have arrived or set myself as an example to follow. The truth is—day in and day out—I battle my ongoing addiction to the sweet and savory. But I have come to see each new day as an opportunity to give my all back to the One who gave His all for me. Please pray I will have the strength to continue.

About the Columnist: Eric K. Thomsen is managing editor of ONE Magazine. Email: eric@nafwb.org.