I’ve put together six categories with my personal favorite five items (it was hard to pick only five in some!)—five fitness and wellness rules to live by, five free ways to get fit, five favorite workouts, five fitness books, five favorite snacks, five favorite drinks and a bonus category. These lists are not limited to all that I believe, eat and participate in, but they are the ones I like best and do most often. Included are links to sites that I believe will assist you in gaining knowledge about your weight loss/maintenance efforts. I believe in you, and more importantly so does God! He promised to bless everything you do, and you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Ps. 1:3; Phil 4:13). Here goes:

List One—Fitness and wellness rules to live by:

Christianity is a lifestyle, and so is healthy living. It’s perfectly fine to have a piece of cake at the birthday party, or enjoy your favorite high-calorie meal occasionally. The goal is to live everyday treating your body right—it’s proper maintenance. Then when you do choose to indulge, your body barely notices it and quickly discards the junk. What you do on a consistent basis will eventually bear fruit. You want to enjoy a whole life all your life.

1. Don’t diet, change your life. Romans 12:2 AMP says, “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” It’s not about some rigid set of rules. It’s just like when you became a Christian. You just changed your lifestyle. When you did that you stepped into the abundant life God had for you. And just like your Christian walk, it’s in your hands as to how prosperous you are in the endeavor.
2. Allow God to help you. Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV advises, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” And, Proverbs 16:3 NIV echoes, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
3. Face reality and set realistic goals. Remember my testimony. It took me more than a year to successfully lose the weight. If you are facing health challenges or are trying to lose even as little as 20 pounds, be practical and safe. Little by little is how things grow according to Proverbs 13:11. Resource: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/50-ways-to-lose-your-love-handles
4. Do your own research. Paul wrote in Romans 14:5, “Let every man be persuaded in his own mind.” You need to discover the truth about things for yourself. Don’t let what others say sway you one way or the other. He also told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 to study to show himself approved. There’s nothing like learning and knowing a thing for yourself—just like getting to know Father God. Read books, talk to physicians and fitness professionals.
5. Know that you are loved. God loves you. He wants you living well in every way. He made you in His image and if He lives in you, your body is His temple (Psalm 139; 1 Cor. 3:16). He came to give you life more abundantly (John 10:10). He has great plans for your life (Jer. 29:11). Look at this verse from The New Living Bible—it’s absolutely beautiful.

Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.—Isaiah 43:4.

Be blessed friends and have the perfect day everyday

Psalm 138:8

Shontta

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

The world is external and superficial and we are told here not to conform to it. You may be inflexible emotionally because circumstances have you down. You may not have been taught that you can take authority by speaking and acting on the Word. I encourage you to be flexible and be transformed in your mind and emotions. Don’t allow religious dogma (or any mental negativity) to stifle your growth and pending flexibility. Be willing to change your thoughts by feeding on the Word. Take the old, impure and negative thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:2) — do it verbally. Under emotional pressure, call on God. Be flexible by speaking the Word instead of having a meltdown. Whatever your usual derogatory action, intentionally deflect it with the Word. And remember, all you need is one Word! Know that God has exalted above all things His name and His word (Psalm 138:2; Philippians 2:9-10).

Select one or two scriptures that cover your situation and commit them to memory. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17).

These actions will relinquish the control of your flesh from your emotions to your spirit. Once you create spiritual flexibility, you are on a collision course with success in life. For it is the Spirit, that guides us into the Truth (John 16:13-15). And if your mind and emotions are not in flex, how can your spirit lead you? Luke 8:18 AMP says that to him who has spiritual knowledge will more be given. Once again, flexibility begets flexibility. Feed your spirit and it will feed you. I trust you were enriched and encouraged by this series of articles. I welcome your feedback.

Be blessed friends and have the perfect day everyday!

Psalm 138:8

— Shontta