Browsing through the book section of the nearby grocery store, I came across this precious gem: The Pray Fit Diet: The Revolutionary Faith-Based Plan to Balance Your Plate and Shed Weight.
Seriously? I have a million thoughts on this and don't even know where to begin. I need faith in order to balance my plate? I need religion in order to exercise and live a healthier life? If I don't lose weight using this system, is it because I didn't have enough faith? Am I supposed to pray and have god give me the will power to eat better and exercise? What if you're not Christian? Does that mean all non-Christians are doomed to a life of being overweight?
I didn't even pick up the book to read the back cover, I was so busy just face-palming myself. So I admit that I have no idea what is contained on the pages of this book. But if it is anything like the other "faith-based" stuff I've seen, then it's virtually worthless.
I just don't get it. How is faith supposed to help anyone lose weight? How are these two concepts (health and religion) even remotely connected to each other?
I would argue that they are not! In fact, I know a good, many LDS people who strictly follow the Word of Wisdom. In exchange for following it, they are promised that they will "run and not be weary and will walk and not faint". However, I have literally known some people who cannot walk because they are so out of shape and yet they follow the Word of Wisdom.
Other religions forbid certain food. Pork is a meal rejected by Jews and Hindus and perhaps others. The Bible forbids the eating of shellfish. But there is no scientific study that I am aware of that shows any of these things are actually bad for the body when eaten in moderation. Even alcohol can be beneficial.
I am going to try it. A faith-based diet. I am going to have hope and faith that over the next six months, I will shed some of my extra. I am going to put it all into god's hands. In other words, I plan to do absolutely nothing and expect that I will get positive results. Remember, if it's faith-based, then you cannot add any works to it. If I put in any effort, then that means I don't trust in god.
The sad part is that I am sure there are actually people who buy this book and think it will work. I mean, there is nothing wrong with wanting to get into better shape, but there is one way that is done: eat better and be more active. That is what works.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The way to get in better shape ain't broke. It doesn't need to be fixed. If you want to lose weight, go make it happen. But trying to use faith is just another way to say you want to do nothing and still get the results.
Sheesh.....
2 comments:
That's hilarious! I looked on Pinterest and found others like The Eden Plan and The Daniel Diet. There's even a workout video called Stand Up and Praise Chair workout. Oh my!
Has the Mormon church tapped into this venue yet? That shit sells!
Haha, funny! Combine religion with weight loss and you can't go wrong.. I don't know if they have. I wonder what we would find if we ventured to a Deseret Book Store.
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