D. Sager

How many fellow Christian Care Members can relate to the frustration of dieting, trying to lose weight and get in shape? Last year, that was me. Seemed like every ten years I'd put on ten pounds. No matter what diet I tried (low-fat, etc. plus herbal supplements, etc. and exercise), I'd lose a few pounds, then it'd creep back on. I kept diet journals and prayed for the Lord to give me His appetite and guide me. I even got to the place where I told Him I'd give up chocolate!!! To be honest, I was slipping into depression and felt like giving up. Right before the first of the year, I called CCM to ask about their Health Initiatives website. I got to talking with the receptionist and she asked if I'd read a book CCM recommends, Eat to Live, by Joel Fuhrman, MD. What did I have to lose? Right on the cover, it says, "lose twenty pounds in six weeks." That sounded too good to be true. I decided I'd take this challenge, DO this diet, whatever it was, but if I didn't drop those twenty pounds then I'd give up for sure. The first six weeks (I started January first), I lost eighteen pounds, then slower over the next few weeks until June where I leveled off at minus 33 pounds. I've lost eight inches off my waist! Since then, I occasionally go off the diet because of eating at friends, parties, etc. but the weight has stayed off. I actually prefer eating the diet, it tastes better than all the junk out there. I have tons of energy. I started walking two miles five days a week last winter, but through the year have been active with gardening, conditioning and riding my horse in 50 mile Endurance rides, helping my husband with our firewood and I bucked 64 bales of our hay by myself! I even ran nine miles one week. I have to tell you, this diet is really easy and satisfying! I was never hungry and most amazing of all, the pounds just melted off!!! I've been so excited and encouraged with the results. People that know me comment all the time: WOW, you look FANTASTIC, what did you do? The best part of all is my husband is so proud of me! He's been supportive from the start. He lost twenty pounds as well. FYI, I'm 5'2", 55 years old. I started at 156 lbs., now am 123 lbs. and can fit into my wedding dress! Praise the Lord, He does answer prayers! Blessings, Denise Sager PS~ Another helpful tool is thedailyplate.com website.