As I was reading my regular news articles online and exploring I came across this very interesting article on the TIME website. It immediately caught my eye and I explored further what this was all about. I haven't decided what I think about it as a whole yet, but initially I had some thoughts that's for sure. I think many aspects and parts of the program philosophy are true.
The American population is very overweight- fact.
Something needs to be done or our obesity numbers are going to continue to spike- fact.
Unhealthy, inactive, bad diet lifestyles are hindering the opportunities we have to live a fuller life dedicated to ministry- fact.
This program called The Daniel Plan was created by Rick Warren. Name sound familiar? He is the author of the book that you see everywhere called The Purpose Driven Life. He created this program along with the counsel of 3 other people you may be familiar with; Dr. Mehmet Oz, Daniel Amen (psychiatrist) and Mark Hyman all of whom are of different faiths. The slogan of The Daniel Plan is "Glorifying God in the way we eat, move and think!"
For me, this is personally the first time I have ever heard of a Christian based diet or lifestyle program that encompasses so much. Pastor Rick Warren's church called Saddleback Church, in California is doing this program and as a congregation has lost a lot of weight.
The article does not list exactly where in the Book of Daniel this passage they use for the program is, so I looked it up and found it was conveniently in the first chapter. If you find any of this interesting I would encourage you to at least go read the first chapter of Daniel to understand where they are pulling this from. Specifically the verses mentioned are Daniel 1: 8-17 ish.
Here is the article-- titled: Blessed Are the Sleek? Why God Wants You to Be Thin.
You should take a look for sure. The link is below along with 2 videos that are related as well.
Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2012/05/31/blessed-are-the-sleek-why-god-wants-you-to-be-thin/?xid=newsletter-daily#ixzz1wlCuY8mO
Our society is one of the best at encouraging women to be comfortable in their own skin, to be happy with who they are and not feel like they have to strive for perfection. Our culture is also great with portraying women who are normal and have blemished skin, imperfect hair or other body parts. Another thing our culture and society is marvelous at is showing women with a figure and frame that is larger than a size 0, maybe 4. [INSERT SARCASM HERE!!!] That was a huge joke. I think our society stinks at all the previously mentioned things. As someone who has dealt and currently deals with body image issues and body image as a whole, I find this program interesting. Struggling through our "lovely" societies obsession with looks, outward appearance as opposed to the heart, and its erroneous message that the outside is really what is important is something that has definitely affected me personally as well as many women close to me. Throughout times of struggle in this matter I lean into what I know to be true through Christ and that I am beautifully made. Better yet, I am who I am and He knows every part of me and accepts me for exactly who I am. When the sometimes overwhelming screaming society begins to beat down on me physically, emotionally, and spiritually I have to turn to my Creator for truth. While it can be a struggle I am glad that deep down I do know the truth and that I do not have to be what society often tells me I have to be. One thing that hurts me to know though is that many people do not know this. Many women and girls are deeply and terribly affected by the message of perfection preached by advertising, the fashion industry and popular culture. That breaks my heart and I only wish those ladies knew their true worth and where their true identity lies. This program may be more on the extreme side, maybe it's not. I need to explore it further myself. One thing I have gathered though is that I like the part of the message it sends ---> Live your life in a way that honors the One who made you. Be healthy, take care of the body you have here on earth, and glorify God with it. Exercise, eat healthy, and incorporate a community with you as you "diet" to help you do it in spiritually good way.
Let me know what you think if you feel so inclined. I am always happy to hear.
Thanks for reading my friends! Happy thoughts :)
i read this article earlier this week and I was really excited about it. our nation has a huge problem with the unhealthy diets, portion sizes and lack of exercise, and this is a great marketing idea. "God wants you to be physically healthy." seems like common sense, but also like such a new idea!! I hope that others catch on and use God if they so choose, to help them get healthy.
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