For Weight Loss Spirituality Makes The Difference

“Daniel Plan” participant Chiquita Seals went from 260 to 128 pounds and “feels the spirituality makes the difference” according to a story by Lori Corbin of KABC in Los Angeles.

There has been much discussion in the news about obesity and how it’s of epidemic proportions in the U.S. A recent tweet by Health People 2020 reported that in 2008 medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion. And here in Michigan obesity is listed first on our Health and Wellness Dashboard on a list of health behaviors needing attention.

Most of us would probably agree that regular activity is helpful. First Lady Michelle Obama has created her “Let’s Move” program to get America moving. And you’ve probably heard of the virtues of balance and moderation when it comes to eating. Corbin’s article about the Daniel Plan caught my attention when it identified spirituality as an important ingredient.

The Daniel Plan is based on a Biblical account in the first chapter of the book of Daniel in which Daniel and his friends reject the king’s royal diet and instead eat vegetables and drink water and after 10 days appear better and more robust than those on the king’s diet.

Looking into the Bible account, it’s interesting to note that the men who were selected for the king’s program, including Daniel, were picked because they were young, well-educated and already healthy. So the king’s diet wasn’t primarily about acquiring health.

And it wasn’t just the king’s food that was being served to those selected. They were also served education – or indoctrination – in Babylonian language and crafts including magical arts. So it appears that Daniel didn’t want to take in everything on the king’s menu and his choice of diet had less to do with food and more to do with his worship of God. Did he feel spirituality makes the difference?

Citing Deuteronomy 8:3 Jesus said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” ~ Matthew 4:4 (KJV)

The Daniel Plan’s website lists six principles:

  • 1-Connect for success.
  • 2-Rely on God’s power.
  • 3-Eat delicious whole foods.
  • 4-Move your way to health.
  • 5-Think sharper and smarter.
  • 6-Heal for life.

And it states: “The Daniel Plan is not a diet. It’s a lifestyle.” It’s one example that shows the difference that spirituality can make.

Here’s another. Patty Wilson of Clearwater, Florida gained victory over weight issues. She found that she did not want to give in to anything that worked against her spiritual progress. Did she feel spirituality makes the difference?

Her experience is both inspiring and encouraging, and you’ll enjoy reading how she gained victory over weight issues in her account republished from the Christian Science Sentinel. To read her account, click here.

“Spirituality makes the difference”.

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2 comments on “For Weight Loss Spirituality Makes The Difference”

  1. Don Ingwerson Reply

    Hey Bob, I really enjoyed the article. It makes a lot of sense to me.

    • admin Reply

      Don, thanks – I agree – good ideas from these two examples of how spirituality can help. I just need to work more at implementing them.

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