Intertribal Life Newspaper -

Many of us are in the crowd that annually makes resolutions and keeps them for a day or two. What are these noble intentions about?

Most of them deal with losing weight, getting more exercise, having a better diet, giving up tobacco in any form, quit drugs and gambling.

Being grossly overweight is one of the big problems in our nation. It may bring on diabetes, heart problems, difficulty in breathing, ability to get around is hindered, high blood pressure becomes dangerous and new clothes must be purchased to keep the body clothed and food bills continue to rise.

My friend, Dale, set out to lose 200 pounds and was making good progress. A friend asked, “Dale, you will have to buy a lot of new clothes as you lose all that weight.” He replied, “I still have all the clothes that no longer fit on my way up and can use them on my way down.”

Some years ago, I was also among those who had too much weight. Shirts and trousers did not fit. My gained weight affected all I wore except my shoes and hats. I was uncomfortable; indigestion was an accepted part of life. Walking was not enjoyable. It was tough trying to play basketball. I did not have any money to use for bigger clothes.

It was a miserable way to live. I then remembered what I heard from my dear friend, Charlie Kissell. He had come to the United States from Lithuania, settled in Alabama, worked in the coalmines and was hired to be a custodian at Anderson College in Indiana. He always said, “Brudder, leave da table hungry.”

Many of us eat so much that we cannot take another bite. In 35-40 minutes, we feel like a stuffed pig - miserable, can’t think and usually fall to sleep. If we had left the table knowing we could enjoy eating more, but did not, 35-40 minutes later, we would feel very comfortable and alert.

I began to eat that way while recalling that my good friend, Cleo Carlile, was an advocate of drinking more water. His health pitch was, “Water, water, water.”

What most of us need is not more resolutions to break, but a determined change in lifestyle. Our family physician, Dr. Stephen C. Smith, talks about “moderation” when it comes to diet.

Just 25 pounds ago, I knew I had to stop eating as though calories did not count.

I do not know of any magic diets for losing weight. Use your own will power, positive attitude and determination to be the kind of person you want to be.

Words of wisdom, but out of context, come from Hebrews 12:1, “. . . let us lay aside every weight . . . and let us run . . .” A lot of things can be laid aside, new habits developed and a new lifestyle initiated any day of the year.

© 2013 Assist News Service. Used with permission.

Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 2,000 newspaper and magazine columns, articles and contributions to books.