The Long Shortcuts to Weight Loss
Shortcuts.
Don’t you love a good shortcut?
Isn't fun to think something might get you “there” faster and easier.
I don’t know about you, but I am often sucked into shortcuts when it comes to losing weight or getting healthy.
You know the ones…
- “Lose your food urges and drop 10 pounds today.”
- “Take this drug and never feel hungry.”
- “Eat this pre-packaged food to get all the nutrients you need.”
- “Use this 5-minute HIIT routine to make the fat melt.”
Of course, we are attracted to these!
Learning to manage your food urges is hard work.
Listening to your body and learning to eat only when it needs food takes effort.
Slowing down to prepare food and think about your choices takes time.
Strength training and movement feel complicated and overwhelming.
Notice how the enemy loves to distract us with shortcuts.
We want what we want... when we want it… with the least amount of effort possible.
Less time with better results. That's what you need the most, right?
So, you rush to get “there” by hopping on the shortcut bandwagon.
But, let’s look at the world around us… how are the shortcuts working out for us?
“Shortcuts is the longest path you’ve ever chosen.”
I don’t know who said this, but I read this the other day and it stopped me in my tracks.
This is exactly it.
Shortcuts are illusions.
They don’t exist.
They are deceptions that Satan whispers to us… they sound so true, but they are only meant to distract us from where God is leading... where God is healing.
Simple, uncomfortable work with God will be the only thing that gets you to your goal and then KEEPS you there.
“You will definitely enjoy what you’ve worked hard for — you’ll be happy; and things will go well for you.” Psalm 128:2
Have you ever noticed… the harder you work for something the more you appreciate it?
The trainer at my gym made me chuckle today.
We live in Minnesota and often hear, “You must be used to the cold.”
No. Actually, we don’t get used to it. It's freezing up here.
But when it “warms” up to 20 degrees after being below zero for a week, we sure do have more gratitude for the increase in temperature!
What if GRATITUDE and APPRECIATION are what God is trying to build in you by making the progress of weight loss and becoming healthier take a little more time and require a little more effort?
Would it be worth it to you?
Would the rushing and shortcuts actually be the best nurtures of your faith, commitment, self-discipline… even joy?
From my experience, that answer is no.
It’s way more rewarding to slow down, be present and…
Make the next loving decision with God…
And that may take some effort, some time, so uncomfortable moments.
It’s going to be a little hard because you won’t see immediate results and all the doubt and fear will flood your brain.
That’s GOOD.
It builds faith, love, and rejoicing in the midst of it all.
If you really want to lose weight and keep it off PLUS grow your faith, I encourage you to…
Learn how to handle urges for food, rather than just wishing for them to go away.
Practice checking in with your body and only eat only when you’re hungry, rather than using a short-term medication.
Slow down and cut up the apple or carrots rather than grabbing the “healthy” bag of snacks.
Learn how to manage your stress with God rather than eat through it.
Plan and track all your food rather than just letting your old habits take over.
Work on believing you are capable through Christ, rather than letting the enemy deceive you.
And know this…
