My Issue with Diet Books

You see them all over the place.  Again and again you see something like this - "This is the one that EVERYONE needs to follow", "It's the ONLY ONE that will help with the obesity problem in the USA", "SOMETHING needs to be done about the obesity problem as well as the problem of Type 2 diabetes: the answer?  Read MY book!"

Just recently, I've come across a few that seem intriguing.  The Paelo Diet, and the Metabolism Miracle, both of which tell you how to lose weight and keep it lost just by eating the way they tell you!  Then there's Eat Right for Your Type, which doesn't seem to claim to be the ultimate weight loss guide, but according to this book description, does claim that it has "The secret to healthy, vigorous, and disease-free living". 

The question I have is this:  If these authors truly have such information that will change the lives of everyone who gains it, why are they not giving away the information for free?  Wouldn't it be better - to turn around the obesity rates; to help fix the problem of Type 2 diabetes; to help everyone to be healthier, more energised, and less prone to disease - to give this information in a news interview, or put it on YouTube, or write a blog detailing the specifics, or SOMETHING? 

To put it a little differently, if I said I knew how to cure cancer, or the common cold, or eczema, etc. - and you could know too!  (For just $14.95 plus shipping and handling)  Would you believe me?  And, if there were 7 different authors claiming the same thing with 7 different books, which one would you buy?  All of them? 

To me, it seems simple.  Use up more calories than you take in, and you'll lose weight.  It won't be fast, probably won't be easy, but it'll work!

One guy ate nothing but potatoes for 60 days, and he not only lost 20 pounds, he ended his diet with better health all around.   It wouldn't be the best long term thing, but sounds good to me! 

I can't find the article now, but I remember reading about someone who ate nothing but fruit for a while, lost a lot of weight, but did end up diabetic after several years. 

Then, of course, there's the famous Jared of Subway.  I'm sure there are other examples, but these few show that it's not rocket science, it's really not even worth $14.95. 

It Only Took Six Years

Even though they were too tight - I took them off as soon as the ceremony was over - I kept the shoes I bought and wore for my wedding.  They've been in my hope chest ever since we got home from our honeymoon.  I pulled them out on Saturday, and tried them on yet again. 

They were still too tight - as was expected - but this time, I noticed something.  The strap along the back was buckled almost as small as could be.  In a fit of genius, I loosened the strap, rebuckling it on the largest setting.  Tried them on again, and they fit!  I can't believe it!  It only took six years to figure out I could loosen that silly strap. 

I'm a Hobbit

My husband and I have figured out that the Hobbits probably ate every 2 hours, starting at 7 am, and ending at 7 pm.  Here's our figure of their meal schedules:
7 AM - Breakfast
9 AM - Second Breakfast
11 AM - Elevensies
1 PM - Lunch
3 PM - Afternoon Tea
5 PM - Dinner
7 PM - Supper

I have Gestational Diabetes again, and have to follow a fairly strict diet.  However, I do end up needing more snacks throughout the day so that my sugar levels stay where they should.  So, here's how my eating schedule typically ends up:
Somewhere between 8 and 9 AM - Breakfast
2 hours later - Morning snack
Noon - Lunch
2 PM - Afternoon Snack
5:30 PM - Dinner
7:30 PM - Evening Snack
Somewhere between 9 and 10 PM - Bedtime Snack

So, you tell me - Hobbit? 

It's Been Awhile

A lot has been happening here, I'll try to catch up tomorrow, but wanted to put a post out there to say I haven't disappeared!  I'll be back with some fun topics - hopefully soon. 

I recently came across a question that prompted a good deal of thought.  It was an interesting question, and I've spent a bit of time thinking about it.  Here are my thoughts.  (No, you don't get the benefit of the original question. :D )

If I refused to submit to my father's wishes (in any area that those wishes did not go against Scripture) before I got married, what would that say about my willingness to submit to my husband in the future?  If I'm starting that relationship based on rebellion against my current authority, it only bodes ill for the future of that relationship. 

If I refuse to submit to the wishes of my boss at work (again in any area that those wishes do not go against Scripture), I will likely not have that job for very long. 

If I refuse to submit to the driving laws, I will likely get ticketed and possibly lose my license. 

There is no Bible reference telling me that I have to gain my father's permission to marry a certain man, and he may have irrational reasons for his disapproval, but if I go against his wishes I might end up marrying into an unhappy, possibly abusive marriage. 

There is no Bible reference that tells me to call in if I'm not going to make it to work, or to schedule my vacation days a month in advance, and it may be irrational to have to fold the fabric cuts into thirds and then quarters, but if I don't submit, it may cost me my job.

There is no Bible reference that tells me to stop at a red light and avoid turning left at an intersection until it's clear, and it may be irrational to have to slow to 50 for that half mile, but refusing to obey/honor/submit to those laws could cost me and others dearly. 

These are just 3 examples that popped into my head, but the concept can be taken into each aspect of life.  The simple truth is, we are always going to need to submit to those in authority.  There will always be those in authority over us, and it will be so much better for us all if we choose to obey the Bible references that clearly tell us to "Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves" (Hebrews 13:17)

UFOs

How many do YOU have?  I have far more than I should.  You see, I'm horrible about getting bored with a project, so starting another, getting bored with it, but not yet ready to get back to the previous one, and "Oh Hey!  That one looks cool!"  So, I start another...and another...and another.  So, my Un Finished Objects (UFOs) start piling up. 

Right now I have:

• one adult sweater I'm knitting
• one baby outfit that needs sewn together and the finishing work done
• four quilts in varying stages of completion
• one baby bonnet I'm tatting
• one knitted pillow that needs sewn together and stuffed
• one baby shirt that needs buttons and buttonholes
• one baby shirt that is cut out
• one macrame watchband that is about half done
• one fuzzy scarf I'm knitting
• one set of curtains that I need to revamp to fit my windows
• one afghan I'm crocheting

That's all that's actually in progress, then I also have materials for several other projects that I'm longing to start.  Specifically, I have:

• fabric for a Winnie the Pooh quilt
• fabric for a Christmas throw quilt
• yarn for a sweater for me
• yarn for a couple of pairs of socks - for me and others
• yarn for soft fuzzy mittens
• fabric for a baby quilt
• fabric for several little projects that I have in the back of my mind, waiting for the right time. 
• a few sewing kits I was just given that look like so much fun

While I'm letting my arms/hands/fingers have a little break from knitting and tatting, I think I'm going to finish the sewing projects that I have started, so that I can make the things from the kits.  Yup!  That's my goal for the next little while.  I'll keep you updated, and may even give pictures of finished projects!  :D

I Am Thankful

I have a goal of writing a list of 100 things I'm thankful for.  I thought I'd share it here. 

1. I'm thankful for my Salvation
2. I'm thankful for God's grace
3. I'm thankful that God deals with me as His beloved child
4. I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit working in my life
5. I'm thankful for my husband
6. I'm thankful for my son
7. I'm thankful for my brothers and sisters
8. I'm thankful for my church family
9. I'm thankful for parents who taught me well
10. I'm thankful that I have the Bible in my language
11. I'm thankful for the freedom to worship Christ openly
12. I'm thankful for a beautiful home
13. I'm thankful that my sister is cancer free for almost 4 years now
14. I'm thankful for my niece and nephew and the new one on the way
15. I'm thankful for AWANA and the firm biblical foundation it gave me. 
16. I'm thankful for my health
17. I'm thankful for entertaining yet clean, books to read
18. I'm thankful for heat and air conditioning in our home
19. I'm thankful for abundant, good food to eat
20. I'm thankful for good friends
21. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a stay at home wife and mother
22. I'm thankful for the 4 months I had the opportunity to love our foster children
23. I'm thankful for a safe neighborhood to live in
24. I'm thankful for the Police, Firemen and other emergency personnel
25. I'm thankful that my husband stands for the truth of God's word
26. I'm thankful for my independence
27. I'm thankful for transportation
28. I'm thankful that I got to see my Grandma again, and introduce her to my son before she passed
29. I'm thankful that my Dad was here with family when he had his stroke
30. I'm thankful that my Dad is still alive, and seeing improvement daily
31. I'm thankful for an electric stove and oven
32. I'm thankful for a washer and dryer
33. I'm thankful that I have the knowledge to fix some things when they break
34. I'm thankful for music
35. I'm thankful for a soft bed
36. I'm thankful for mail
37. I'm thankful for technology that helps me keep in contact with friends and family all over the world
38. I'm thankful for the soldiers and their families who sacrifice daily so that I may have freedom
39. I'm thankful for my sewing machine
40. I'm thankful that God is in control.  I don't have to worry
41. I'm thankful for modern advances in medicine
42. I'm thankful for thunderstorms
43. I'm thankful for creative people who write patterns and recipes
44. I'm thankful for my husbands good job
45. I'm thankful for clean water
46. I'm thankful for hot running water
47. I'm thankful for electricity
48. I'm thankful for indoor plumbing
49. I'm thankful for precise measuring devices
50. I'm thankful that I have all 5 working senses
51. I'm thankful for disposable diapers
52. I'm thankful for our furniture
53. I'm thankful for hangers
54. I'm thankful for pharmacies
55. I'm thankful for local stores
56. I'm thankful for farmers who work hard so I can have food to eat
57. I'm thankful for an electric steam iron
58. I'm thankful for my KitchenAid
59. I'm thankful for beautiful flowers
60. I'm thankful for boneless meat
61. I'm thankful for a refrigerator
62. I'm thankful for nice clothes
63. I'm thankful for shoes
64. I'm thankful for cameras
65. I'm thankful for memories
66. I'm thankful for sharp knives
67. I'm thankful for tools
68. I'm thankful for chocolate
69. I'm thankful for paper products
70. I'm thankful for doctors
71. I'm thankful for white flour
72. I'm thankful for pens, pencils, and writing paper
73. I'm thankful for written history
74. I'm thankful for logic and reason
75. I'm thankful for soap
76. I'm thankful for fluffy towels
77. I'm thankful for hair
78. I'm thankful for working drains
79. I'm thankful for plumbers
80. I'm thankful for year round produce
81. I'm thankful for truck drivers and freight trains
82. I'm thankful for pacifiers
83. I'm thankful for nice neighbors
84. I'm thankful for the ability and freedom to choose
85. I'm thankful that my Sr Pastor brings biblical messages and encourages me to live in accordance with the Word of God
86. I'm thankful for shopping carts
87. I'm thankful for synthetic fibers
88. I'm thankful that I can paint my walls
89. I'm thankful for the ability to read
90. I'm thankful for laughter
91. I'm thankful for games
92. I'm thankful for free time
93. I'm thankful that I am not alone
94. I'm thankful for the promise of a future without sin or pain
95. I'm thankful for plastic bags and containers
96. I'm thankful for my soft fuzzy robe
97. I'm thankful for clocks
98. I'm thankful for phones
99. I'm thankful for George Washington Carver
100. I'm thankful that my wish list was fulfilled in my husband

I may expound on some of these later on.  If there are any that you would like to hear more about, please let me know in a comment on this post.