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
Opinion
11-4 Letters: your view
- Opinion
-
-
Aerospace tax credits ensure viability of industry
April 15, 1953. Tax day again. It also marked the last time the U.S. lost a soldier from an enemy air attack.
-
Tax outrage stems from moral distaste
A study published this week in the journal Symbolic Interaction revisits the relationship between taxation and morality.
-
Suddenly, Asperger’s Syndrome is cured
My 11-year-old grandson just took his first trip off the diving board.
-
Book recalls Anastasia's story
In February of 1916 a young woman was pulled from the icy waters of a canal in Berlin, Germany.
-
iRead, you read, we all win
I’m thrilled to be able to announce the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s iRead initiative. Check out our iRead page on our website, http://ok.gov/sde/newsblogs/iRead.
With iRead, our goal is to ensure literacy for all Oklahomans from birth to 12th grade. Literacy is more than just reading. Being literate encompasses listening, speaking, reading, and writing — really all of communication. -
Growth revenue should go back to taxpayers
Over the next few days, the Legislature will consider a proposal to reduce Oklahoma’s income tax.
-
Thunder Up for Oklahoma
The Thunder basketball team has a big impact on the state of Oklahoma. Not just because we are excelling in the NBA playoffs.
-
Growth revenue should go back to taxpayers
Over the next few days, the Legislature will consider a proposal to reduce Oklahoma’s income tax. This year, Oklahoma state government will have more than $200 million of new growth revenue to spend. I believe it is vital for this revenue to go back to the taxpayers who overfinanced state government. This is important, because if the money is not returned, it will almost certainly be used to grow the size of government.
-
Tax cuts don’t make the grade
When is not big enough also too big?
-
Tax plan means keeping more of what you earn
The discussion about cutting Oklahoma’s income tax started before the legislative session.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Aerospace tax credits ensure viability of industry
