Published: November 03, 2009 07:34 pm      

11-4 Letters: your view

EDMOND — Reader wants to limit chocolate worship

To the Editor:

Obesity is a dark cloud in America’s bright future. But we can win the battle of the bulge. If we chow down a whole box of chocolates, we get only a few seconds of pleasure from the sense of taste. A dizzying sickness or a tummy ache could ruin our day. Self disgust punishes us because we have lost our self control. Our clothes may be getting tight and uncomfortable. Our budget does not include new clothes.

We may laughingly say about our favorite food, “I could die for it.” That’s right. You might die early because of any consistent overindulgence. So what is the permanent remedy? It isn’t different diets every month falsely promising success. It isn’t giving up, because of genetics. Many fat families have adult children who are a normal size and eat properly. Very rarely is genetics the reason. Children observe their parents’ every action, and usually copy what they do, both good or bad. When we have fears or worries, we tend to overeat. What is the permanent answer? Discipline and love, or self respect.

Most of mankind hates restrictions. Some say self-discipline prevents freedom or denies having a good time. But those are lame excuses. No one wants to be told what to eat. We certainly wouldn’t tolerate government Food Police. We all have freedom to worship the Chocolate God, or to eat until we are huge. Nor should we dislike overly fat people, for they are our neighbors. They need compassionate help. Although no one likes discipline, it can accomplish miracles and eliminate bad habits. Self-discipline builds up our confidence and self respect.

In the Bible, Matthew 6, verse 31, Jesus said, “Take no thought for what ye shall eat.” Surely He meant to take no excessive thought about what we shall eat. It is almost impossible to eat gross amounts of food and to grow spiritually. We cannot help or change any obese person unless he knows we really care about him. And you cannot change yourself to stop worshipping the Chocolate God (or any material thing) unless you respect yourself. Say “I love myself enough to eat normally for the rest of my life.”

During the year, our number of celebration meals should be limited with Thanksgiving gratitude for extra goodies and principle control. Our continued self-discipline with self love will influence our neighbor, as well as our family.

We could create our own healthy menu of our favorite foods. Servings would be large or small according to calorie count. We could enjoy a low-count dessert once a day or a higher-count dessert or goodie once a week. A glass of water at the beginning, during or end of our meal fills us up.

These are helpful suggestions. But the most important tools for lifetime success in destroying over indulgence are displine and love with self-respect.

When we reach our goal, we can have a magnificent coming out party. A new look and a new life.

Our sun will shine brightly through the clouds, and America will be proud of us.



Eloise Rodkey Rees

Edmond