as an atheist, i have to say god hasn't helped one bit.

Original Post by aasil:

as an atheist, i have to say god hasn't helped one bit.

Same for me.

i am mormon.. ive been having trouble with my religion for the last 6 years or so... and even more so now, but as i get my llife together in every way.. not just getting healthy, i feel as if god is watching over me and making my road a bit easier every time i push myself harder to do things that are right. in a way getting over myself and losing weight along with several other things (like quitting drugs, leavin my bf, bein around good ppl) has brought me closer to god and i feel like im taking another step closer every day to being worthy of his presence.

*edit*i think i had to take the first step tho.. and in no way do i think god specifically commanded me to be healthy.. i think its just a given, its part of MY religion anyway. to be good to your body.

hmm I don't know if God would have anything to do with wanting to lose weight..????

I think that by giving me the strength to cope with things in my life - cancer, bereavement, stroke.  It has been a traumatic 2 years but I know God will not give me more than I can handle.  It would have been very easy to have "lost the plot" with things going on in my life but my Higher Power is still with me and looking out for me

I'm glad things are looking good for you and your mother!

I'm a Christian and have been one for twenty years, but I can't say that I think God has anything whatsoever to do with my weightloss... God doesn't control what you put in your mouth, He doesn't control how much you exercise, and prayer doesn't physically exercise anything except your brain... that sort of thing is entirely up to US. I've seen books like 'the God Diet' and 'pray yourself thin' etc etc (titles are made up but you know what I mean) and I think they're generally a pretty bad idea. If you try one of these diets and fail at it, does that make you a bad person? Nope, it just means that diet wasn't right for you... but stick the word 'Christian' into the equation and all of a sudden it brings up all sorts of self-doubt about whether you're a 'good enough' person etc etc.  

God rocks!!
That is all. :)

I'm another atheist, so I definitely claim credit for my hundred-pound loss for myself.

But if your personal religious values have helped you achieve results, then more power to you! Congrats and best of luck to you both - Obviously, you both are aware that "God" will not just do it for you, you have to be committed as well, you you both deserve credit too, even if you do feel you've had divine assistance.

Original Post by kajikit:

I'm a Christian and have been one for twenty years, but I can't say that I think God has anything whatsoever to do with my weightloss... God doesn't control what you put in your mouth, He doesn't control how much you exercise, and prayer doesn't physically exercise anything except your brain... that sort of thing is entirely up to US. I've seen books like 'the God Diet' and 'pray yourself thin' etc etc (titles are made up but you know what I mean) and I think they're generally a pretty bad idea. If you try one of these diets and fail at it, does that make you a bad person? Nope, it just means that diet wasn't right for you... but stick the word 'Christian' into the equation and all of a sudden it brings up all sorts of self-doubt about whether you're a 'good enough' person etc etc.  

I think it's difficult for non-Christians to understand how deeply God affects every single part of the Christian life-- yes, it can deeply affect dieting as well. I can understand what you are asking, and I would say yes. I feel like a lot of times I binge eat and get fat out of GREED and FEAR. Greed because I am not respecting my body, and I eat until I make myself sick. Fear out of being hungry before my next meal. Or fear/stress when I'm trying not to deal with problems in my life. Using food as an escape is no answer, and I try to remember to turn to God first before I stuff everything in sight into my mouth. 

God gave me a slow thyroid so I don't think he really cared for me to be thin. I'm doing this on my own but I still believe in God to care that I'm doing it.

Another atheist, just me and my weight.

I'm agnostic.. I helped myself become healthy, all I need to believe in is myself.

But if religion helped you lose weight then thats fantastic :)

I'm not judging, but I'm amazed by how many people catergorize themselves as atheist. (my Hubby is also one).  Just seems like such a common trend now. 

Another athiest here - just me being responsible for my weight loss and lifestyle!  But Kajikit - I love your answer - you are so sensible!!  Ax

have you heard of the Way Down Diet. This woman who was very obese and a nutritionist did a diet based on what the Bible. I think most of what she says is Kosher..but she believes in the power of prayer before a meal and enjoying food. I am not talking about prayer in the way of "God Bless this food AMEN". Some of her followers pray for several minutes before eating any meal.

One the other side of that it depends on what Sect of Christian faith you fall into.  I grew up Baptist and several times a month there has always been a reason for a pot luck..that also included soda ans sweet tea.  There were also bake sales to raise money for just about anything. That would most certainly make one gain weight as a result of becoming a Christian. A lady I know is a member of the UU church and that church only serves organic, vegan meals.....that's a vast contrast to the friend chicken, dumplings and biscuits of the Christian churches I attended. :) 

Congrats on living in Christ.  We can all support each other.  :)

Well, I am an Asatruar, who also practices traditional folk magic. My beliefs have allowed me to become more mindful in cooking, and more mindful when I exercise. My religion is very centered on self reliance. So my beliefs in being able to depend on myself do fit with my weight loss, as they help me become more healthy and better able to care for myself.

I have added some charms in my kitchen, some to fend off negative energy and some merely to remind me to eat well. I spend more time in nature, which improves my heath, and my fitness levels. But this, I see as my lifestyle, not just my religion.

I have noticed, in the grand scheme of things, when people make what they feel as positive life changes (religion, quit smoking, quit drinking, ect) they tend to look to make MORE positive life changes. I made a change to express myself artisticly, and as a result, have made more positive life changes.

My mother is a devout fundamentalist Christian, and also losing weight. She often tells me "God didn't make me fat, and God won't make me thin. He made me with a mind to know I eat too much and the ability to do something about it."