Saturday night was the hardest – and I had no idea why.
I had already eaten two full meals earlier in the day, not to mention some snacking in between. I certainly wasn't hungry and I wasn't eating for the sake of Melava Malka (the traditional meal following the close of Shabbat).
But I just had to eat. I couldn't resist. The magnetism of the refrigerator was overwhelming; the lure of the leftovers too strong to withstand. As hard as I tried, I could not overcome the temptation to binge. Chicken or chulent, kugel or kishka, it didn't matter. I was all consumed by consuming it all.
I knew this behavior kept putting on the pounds -- 300 to be exact. But I couldn't stop.
I knew this behavior kept putting on the pounds -- 300 to be exact. But I couldn't stop. I knew the damaging effects it had on my physical health and emotional wellbeing; the frustration, turmoil and humiliation of not being able to control my eating. It didn't matter. The only thing I didn't know was why I could not stop.
My credibility suffered. Here I was, a rabbi, teaching fellow Jews the wisdom and beauty of Torah and mitzvot, encouraging them to incorporate Judaism as a priority in their lives, and I couldn't get a handle on my hamburgers.
For years, I tried to lose the weight. I did Weight Watchers, Atkins, and diet pills. I joined a gym and worked out incessantly; shot hoops and ran around the track. But the only ride that lasted was on the roller coaster of weight loss – down 20, up 30, again and again.
I had a productive and meaningful life; a wonderful wife and children – but no answer when it came to the weight. Until one day, in utter desperation, God blessed me with the gift of despair. I acknowledged I was a compulsive overeater, that I was truly powerless over food.
I was a slave to sugar and paralyzed by pizza. Quantity over quality often won the day. I could eat a whole bucket of fried chicken and still have room for the main course. I never bothered super-sizing because I always ordered in plural; two of this and three of that.
Like an alcoholic, I was helpless from taking that first compulsive bite. Addiction means being incapable of avoiding a substance or action, despite the known consequence and desire to withstand the temptation. Doing something harmful against my will.
I accepted the realization that nothing I could do on my own would work. I needed a complete overhaul of my attitude and behavior around eating. All my will power didn't stand a chance against the food.
It wasn't an easy pill to swallow. It was a huge slice of humble pie -- but the most important meal I've ever eaten.
I began attending a group fellowship focusing on recovery from compulsive eating. Besides my physical cravings and obsessions with quantities, I understood that I was using food as an emotional coping mechanism as well as a spiritual release valve. I found comfort in the cupcakes, solitude in the salami.
I discovered that my behavior with food was much more common than I thought. The latest statistics tell a sobering tale: 70% of Americans are overweight and more than 30% are obese. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is quickly overtaking smoking as America's leading cause of preventable death and is now among the primary risk factors for heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes and even cancer. The World Health Organization identifies obesity as a pandemic and the "biggest unrecognized health problem in the world."
Not everyone who struggles with food is a compulsive eater. Many people can use a particular diet or weight-loss regiment to harness their behavior and lose the weight they want. For many others, however, it's like trying to ride a wild horse with no reins -- getting thrown off time and time again. I had plenty of bumps and bruises to prove it.
There is a fundamental difference between a regular "diet" and a recovery program for compulsive eating.
I learned that there is a fundamental difference between a regular "diet" and a recovery program for compulsive eating. A diet is primarily about weight. No matter how you package it, it means eating less or eating differently, and exercising more. Lose the weight and you've succeeded. Congratulations and have a nice life, unless we see you again when the weight comes back on – which happens more often than not.
It's not all that complicated. Weight loss is a multi-billion dollar industry, not because we're given hidden wisdom, before which was accessible only to a select few. But rather, because many of us are incapable of sticking with the plan for any extended length of time – because we're unable to institute a significant life change around our behavior with food.
Certain ingredients used in food production possess addictive tendencies – particularly sugar. Physical addiction can, and does, exist within the realm of food. For many of us, myself included, ingesting processed sugar in any form sparks an uncontrollable compulsion to eat more and more. My experience and observation is that the same holds true for flour products, like bread and rolls.
That's where a program for emotional, physical and spiritual recovery comes in. It's all about the food. It's not about the weight. More precisely, it's all about developing a healthy and consistent relationship with food. Weight loss is a benefit, not a goal. It's the wonderful consequence of using food in a normal way – to nourish, not to indulge; to satisfy and invigorate physical needs instead of medicating and suppressing emotional distress.
Let's face it: We've all got issues. Whether it's parents, children, spouses, bosses or friends, money, prestige, career, school or simply getting out of the front door each day, every one of us has things that can cause stress and anxiety.
My first meeting was on a Sunday morning. The room was almost filled and it was barely past 8 o'clock. The 100 or so people were as varied in their dress as they were in their backgrounds. The one commonality many shared, however, was a normal body size.
I was expecting a room full of people like myself: overweight, overwhelmed, timid and tired. I certainly wasn't the only one fitting my description; but we were outnumbered, if not outweighed, by a host of vibrant folks. One after another, they introduced themselves as food addicts or compulsive overeaters, sharing a five-minute synopsis into their experience in battling food addiction.
They had tried every diet or weight-loss program under the sun and even a few I never heard of: from seaweed to sewing your mouth shut. Freedom from the compulsion only came when they made a conscious decision to outsource their will and determination to their Higher Power, seeking strength, success and sanity around food.
Those ideas certainly resonated with me. I was a religious Jew working to have an active relationship with God, the infinite Creator and Sustainer of the universe. King Solomon in Proverbs (21:23) speaks about "guarding one's mouth and tongue." Maimonides explains that guarding one's tongue means to avoid gossip and speak only what's necessary; guarding one's mouth means to refrain from eating harmful foods, or from overeating.
Maimonides writes (Laws of Knowledge 4:15):
Overeating is like poison for anyone and it is the primary cause of illness. Most illnesses are caused either by harmful foods or overeating even healthy foods.
But I was not at a synagogue or any other religious service. I was in a lecture hall at a local hospital, attending a meeting for compulsive eaters, comprising people from all different faiths and religious commitments.
I began working the tools of the program such as attending regular meetings and finding positive outlets for my negative inclinations to overeat. I followed a suggested food plan that had me eating nutritiously for the first time in a long time. I learned to treat food for what it was – fuel for my body, and not for what it wasn't -- a clandestine friend who promised contentment and camaraderie, but never delivered.
It's all about regaining a healthy relationship with food, one day at a time.
Lo and behold it worked. I lost 110 pounds in a little less than a year by incorporating a fundamental attitude change -- it wasn't about losing weight. It was all about regaining a healthy relationship with food, one day at a time.
That was one of the key principles for my success. For many a time in the past, I couldn't even get a running start. I suffered interminably from the disease of "tomorrow." Tomorrow I'll start the diet. Tomorrow I'll do better. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow...
Tomorrow was too overwhelming. For me, tomorrow didn't just mean the next 24 hours. Tomorrow meant that I had to accomplish everything in one fell swoop. I had to begin a diet that would cause me to lose 100 pounds. In my mind, tomorrow was a counterfeit cure for my obesity, a promise of rapid weight loss demonstrated by the ads for the newest and greatest – always accompanied by the asterisk disclaimer of "results not typical."
Only upon coming into a recovery program did I finally get an answer: "Today" is the cure for the disease of "tomorrow." Focus on today and today only. Don't worry about the weight. Don't stress over having to lose 100 pounds. Take it one day at a time, one meal at a time even, and the results will take care of themselves.
This core idea that we are powerless today over the end results of tomorrow is critical in helping reframe our mindset about compulsive overeating.
For the first several months, my mind would often wander toward the thoughts of never again being able to eat pizza or fried chicken, two staples of my addictive eating. I'd feel sorry for myself and start to question my resolve. Until I'd catch myself and realize I only had to avoid those foods for today.
The first few weeks I had bouts of hunger. After all, I was significantly reducing my intake of protein and fat. But my body quickly adapted. I was eating fruits and vegetables on a daily basis for the first time in my life, in addition to moderate servings of protein and grains. My portions were healthy, certainly sufficient to nourish and sustain.
And I was actually eating breakfast. That was the biggest miracle of all. I woke up with an appetite each morning instead of bloated and distended. I enjoyed my meals and paced them throughout the day: breakfast no later than 9 a.m., lunch between 12 to 1 and dinner around 6. Snacks, which for me were often compulsive acts and what I call "mood" eating, were no longer part of my day. My lunch had to be sufficient enough to carry me over to dinner. If the compulsion for binging at night started creeping in, I did something radical -- go to sleep.
Satiation from Hunger
The fact that my wife, Zakah, was also successfully recovering from her struggles with compulsive eating provided me with a constant example of strength and willingness which I strove to emulate. She was a lifelong struggler, having joined Weight Watchers at 8 years old. Now she's lost 125 pounds -- and kept it off for the last six years. She is a true role model for me and many others.
As my recovery and weight loss progressed, I tried on a daily basis to outsource my governance over food to God, allowing Him to do for me what I could not do for myself. And that's why, more than five years later, I have maintained a 110-pound weight loss. One day at a time.
As a rabbi, I know that this problem affects our Jewish community as much as the general population. We have to look no further than our eating behavior at Shabbat meals, kiddush tables and weddings to honestly ask ourselves if this is how God really wants us to observe these occasions. Picture Maimonides, one of Judaism's quintessential thinkers, authors and leaders in the following scenarios: standing in a tea room in a hotel during Passover, or at the end of a smorgasbord -- or watching our children indulge in the proliferation of candy, soda and junk food at school, synagogue and community events.
Zakah and I have created an organization, Soveya (Hebrew for satiation from hunger), specifically to raise awareness about compulsive eating and obesity in the Jewish community, and the urgent need to address the situation. We know firsthand how difficult it is to regain a healthy relationship with food, to lose the weight as well as the daily obsession. We encourage people to seek out solutions that work for them, including fellowships focusing on overeating.
Our goal is to bring these crucial issues to the forefront of discussion and action in the Jewish community, and at the same time help people get a better sense of what, for many of us, is among the most difficult challenges we face -- establishing a healthy relationship with food.
In addition, Soveya provides confidential counseling for individuals and families who have found frustration and failure with other diet and weight-loss programs. We have crafted an approach based specifically on Torah principles for self-growth and healthy eating, combined with proven tools adapted from recovery programs for compulsive behaviors.
As well, we have developed a Wellness Campaign for Jewish Day Schools, in which we seek to partner with parents and teachers to implement educational strategies and provide practical tools in helping create an improved wellness environment both at home and in the school.
For more information, you can contact us at info@soveya.com or visit www.soveya.com.
(An abridged version of this article originally appeared in Binah magazine) .
(34) Malka, April 7, 2008 7:43 PM
Thank you!
I read this article three weeks ago. It was just what I needed at that moment in my life. I have since joined OA and am really working the program. It has been the perfect antitode for infusing spirituality/ruchnius and my eating habits. I cannot say that it has been a miracle- but it is a terrific journey. Thank you for the inspiration!
(33) Yisroel from Brooklyn, March 14, 2008 1:32 PM
TWO SUPER HEROS - WHO HAVE WON THE BATTLE
UNBELIEVABLE, I can't wait to hear your secret.
Thanks for the Jewish Inspiratation.
(32) Annette, March 13, 2008 8:47 PM
Mazal Tov...
What ever the reason or excuse, as my daughter would say 'you can be a part of the problem or the solution'...
you chose to be a part of the solution;
for some of us who, Thank G-d, don't share this problem your article does help us understand others who might
(31) Anonymous, March 13, 2008 8:34 PM
recovery works
Thank you for writing this. I too am in recovery for food addiction and it has changed my life incredibly. When I got the correct information that sugar, flour and wheat are addictive substances (Food Addiction: The Body Knows, author Kay Sheppard)my life changed in an incredible way. The 12 step program combined with this food plan saved my life and I am forever grateful.
(30) Zahavah Devorah, March 13, 2008 3:19 PM
You are truly an inspiration!
Rabbi:
I was so moved and motivated by your article. I think what you and your wide are doing is amazing!
(29) Chana Zelasko, March 11, 2008 2:54 PM
You look great
You and your wife look great. I am so happy for you that you lost all of that weight. Hashem should bless you with good health.
(28) hila, March 11, 2008 10:29 AM
yashar koach!
it takes a great deal of strenght and humbelness to share your personal story like that. well done.
(27) DB, March 11, 2008 9:53 AM
well done!
I just attended a class on korbanos - how modern Americans can understand a practice that seems so bizarre. One point made is that humans, standing someplace between earth and heaven, are assisted by animals in our effort to grow closer to heaven. This is a whole new way to think about salami, for sure.
Rabbi, you and the Rebbetzin retain the radiant smiles you always had, but the pictures show additional radiance that -you are correct- communicate volumes to those in your community (which now includes cyberspace).
A helpful and well-written article.
(26) Donna, March 10, 2008 4:03 PM
awesome. god bless you
I was totally blessed. I got a bowl of raisin bran for dinner. Thanks
(25) Michael Cooper, March 10, 2008 3:28 PM
What inspiration
Thank you so much R. Eliezar for sharing your inspiring story. You have really encouraged me in regard to self control and personal growth. The next time my wife asks me if I really need one more slice I'm going to think twice!
(24) Anonymous, March 10, 2008 2:55 PM
great article
great article. I have been in a recvery program for compulsive eating for about a year and a half. it has absolutely turned my life around. i am more calm, micer to my kids and am able to see when i am in the wrong. i am very excited about the frum perspective on the program. Thanks!
(23) Carl Muller, March 10, 2008 2:40 PM
Success
The scriptures says:
Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
This is the only place where it speaks of success. May Hashem bless you in your life.
(22) Sirena, March 10, 2008 1:29 PM
Thanks!
I read your wonderful testimonial and we took the liberty to share with dieters in www.sparkpeople.com. We are a couple of million people that enjoy a free program that has helped many over the years. Continued success! Have a blessed day, Sirena
(21) anonymous, March 10, 2008 10:21 AM
for comment #2--smoking
i was a smoker for a while, and have found that what worked for me was quiting cold turkey. it was difficult for three weeks or so, but then it worked! reducing gradually does not for some reason. also, i made a deal with myself: each week that i did not buy a pack on cigarettes, i put the money aside...after a few months, i bought myself some fashionable clothes which look a lot cooler than a cigarette! and best of all, i feel great! no more wheezing, more energy for the gym, not to mention my coas smell better! Good luck! yasar koach!
(20) Nechama, March 10, 2008 9:49 AM
SCHOOLS POISONING OUR CHILDREN
My grandchildren attend kindergartens and cheders where the teachers are constantly giving out sweets and salty, fried noshes as prizes and as ways to celebrate. I am appalled. What can we do?
Fruit and whole wheat cookies would do just as well but you'd think they'd never heard of the stuff.
We need a revolution. I'm willing to join! Let's get organized!
A very concerned grandmother.
(19) Anonymous, March 10, 2008 7:06 AM
Kosher Products- we deserve better!
Mazel Tov on your success! Your story is truly inspiring. I was happy to read that you and your wife are bringing awareness to the food and eating issues of the Jewish community. What I would love to see is an overhaul of what is acceptable as far as kosher packaged food items go! I am shocked at the ingredients list of many of these popular products (most are chemicals, not food!) To me, the hardest thing about keeping kosher is the substandard products that are available in the supermarket. Even things that give the appearance of being heathful (lately I've seen refrigerated salad dressings in the kosher deli section), upon closer examination, are really not! What really confuses me is that if G-d wants us to fuel our bodies, and protect our spiritual essence.. how do these so called food products get the kosher (rabinical) seal of approval for our consumption?????
(18) Mary Dixon Sweeney, March 10, 2008 6:10 AM
Now if I could only apply this to stop smoking!
Rabbi Glaser has found a great way to stop over-eating. I had to find out the hard way when the foods I ate attacked my digestive system. I want to stop smoking but I've tried everything available to no avail. I wish there was a "meeting place" for smokers nearby. Thanks for the encouragement, Rabbi.
(17) Apryl Anderson, March 10, 2008 3:45 AM
Words of truth are choice morsels
Thank-you and rich blessings on you for gently laying out the truth. It's my prayer that others will be encouraged to live better... just for today, God.
(I lost 16kg in 18 mo. It doesn't sound like a lot, but I'd been carrying that weight-- give or take countless diets-- for 25yrs. The real change started in my heart and moved to my head before the baggage could be laid down for good.)
(16) raye, March 10, 2008 12:44 AM
Hand to mouth activity
Paying attention is the key, not the food itself. Substitute "chewing on a problem, a lack, a disappointment" for "chewing on food". Write it down. Then the next time you want to grab something to eat, ask yourself what frustration are you grappling with.
(15) Tammy, March 9, 2008 8:30 PM
Weight loss
I too had a problem with weight gain. I kept mine on for 20 years. It was a security blanket for me. But when the time was right I lost 130lbs. I have kept it off for the last year and counting. It is something I have to deal with on a daily basis. I find I am fighting the urges to eat unhealthy constantly. I lean completely and entirely on G-d whom I owe all of the weight loss. I never would have been able to do it without him. It is a whole new life style and way of eating plus exercise. I am now working at a job that is pure exercise for me and I am enjoying it so much. (Never thought I'd be saying that.) I am living walking proof that weight loss is possible and keeping it off as well, sometimes one second at a time but nevertheless keeping it off. Thank G-d.
(14) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 8:04 PM
WOW !!!!!!!!!
Rabbi,
Your article really hit home!!!! You said it all...with honesty, emotions & humor!!! I have been trying SO many times to lose weight. Yes....food controls me. But when I read your article it really struck a cord in me. Why does it control me??? I am now trying to stand back & really try to analyze this. But the best idea you had/have is ...one day at a time!!!! Not really setting a goal. It was always..OK..for Rosh Hashana...then when that didn't pan out it was...OK for Pesach...for Shavuot...for Rosh Hashana, etc. No, for today!!! Thank you SO much!!! And you all look FABULOUS in the picure!! I can actually say, in this case, a picture really does say a 1,000 words!!!! I hope you are proud of yourselves!!!
(13) Marsha, Stamford, CT, USA, March 9, 2008 6:32 PM
oy!
Did you have to bring this up a week and a half before Purim??? Just kidding, thanks for the inspiration!!
(12) Joey, March 9, 2008 5:21 PM
Thanks for reminding me, a moderate overeater, what to think about food. God bless you and your efforts!
(11) compulsive-overeater, March 9, 2008 4:52 PM
motto
I have lost much weight with one of the off-shoots of the 12 step program, of which there are several. I left the program because of the conflicts with religion, where I was not allowed to make Kiddush or Havdallah or change my morning fruits to the evening to celebrate Tu B'shvat. My Jewish 'religious' trainer said that G-D will forgive me, as he realises I am on this program. My answer is that this program will in my case have to forgive G-D. I wish to follow my fathers' traditions.
I changed my motto that we were to say before speaking so that it will not conflict with my truth. The motto that is said is "... abstinence (from carbohydrates) is the most important thing in my life, and I will do everything in my power to keep off it..."
It is clear that they got their priorities wrong.
Abstinence is a means and not the end.
I have been away from the group meetings for over a year and am still sticking to the meal plans, more or less, with adjustments that suit me better (having more cooked veges than salads) Also Shabbat and Haggim I do something more special and give myself more allowances, whereas with the group -Shabbat is not a special day.
Need to get our goals right- in order to do Avodat Hashem, we have to learn to curb our desires, whether it be for food, sex, drugs, alcohol or other behavior.
I still have downfalls, mostly out of the house, as I am a compulsive over eater, still, just at home I have succeeded better with sticking to my program.
I am greatful that I learnt what a right sized meal is. Before I also only ate healthy food, but did not know what a right size meal was.
Before I did not realise that by eating carbs, I was preventing my body from using the fats stored.
I am still abstaining, mostly, one day at a time....
(10) ruth housman, March 9, 2008 4:16 PM
food for thought
Hi, I just returned from viewing the documentary movie, King Corn, which is about the food industry in this country, how the main additive in just about all foods is corn, and how the amounts we are consuming are unhealthy in the extreme. The documentary show quite clearly the link between fast foods, all the junk we are eating in this "corn"ucopia of "plenty" and how the animals are mistreated by feeding them a diet of mainly corn, which is ultimately deadly for them and how they are penned up in order to fatten them for market. I am saying that yes, there are deep psychological factors involved in eating disorders and I have found that "surrender" to a higher power is very important but it is also most important to educate oneself about what is driving us all to overeat these very unhealthy foods and how our economy is pushing us into this in perhaps, often unseen ways.
For example, there are schools that benefit from the subsidies they get from soft drink machines in the schools, namely they get a cut of sales to fund "essential programs". It is paradoxical and sad, because we are, as a whole obese and unhealthy as a nation.
(9) Lisa, March 9, 2008 1:57 PM
Addiction is psychological not physiological
It is difficult to accept in our culture that we have certain needs exemplified by addictive behaviors as though there were shame attached to being human with our needs. Needs seems to convey weakness. Not so. We all experience things that make up who we are. Needs that only seem fulfilled by addictive behaviors but it can change. Gambling is highly addictive and not one thing is ingested. So how is that explained? Our relationships with addictive objects are conflicts of ambivalent attachment. We love/hate the addiction. Its a longer hill to climb, but settle the ambivalent attachment and you are permanently recovered.
(8) A visitor, March 9, 2008 1:33 PM
Thank you Rabbi Glaser for speaking up!
Blessings on you and your family and on the organization you have started.
Your courage and honesty here may well reach others who, like me, could exercise and eat veggies and all those things and still be trapped by compulsive eating, destructive yo-yo dieting, and general misery.
Working a spiritually-based program to address my compulsions around eating and body image has made me not just happier but more responsible, and more eager to be present in my religious observance.
I'm still pretty low on that observance ladder, but at least I'm not just mouthing the words and then turning to worship at either the altar of the "perfect" body or the altar of the unlimited dessert buffet.
(7) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 12:55 PM
Very Important Article
Kudos and thanks to Rabbi Glaser for sharing his experience, strength and hope for observant Jews who are also compulsive overeaters, and for demystifying the 12-step program which really does work, including for frum people! Many observant Jews fear that a 12-step program is "not kosher" or that it is "not Torah" but consider that Hashem could reveal his power through these groups of like-minded people. Many people also are comfortable entrusting Hashem with every other area of their life -- parnassa, children, etc. -- but believe, as one poster below states, that "if they just had more willpower or motivation" they'd lose the weight. In fact Hashem is with us for every bite and every food choice we make, and your best hope for finding a healthy relationship with food and body is inviting Him into the kitchen and the grocery store with you, not just the Shabbos table. How to do this can be learned in a private and safe way at a 12-step program. May Hashem bless the Glasers through their efforts with Soveya and further reveal His greatness by helping sufferers find their healthy right size.
(6) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 12:46 PM
I don't have an unhealthy relationship to food B''H, but i found your story moving and inspirational. I counsel addicts (non-food) and know how powerful a problem it can be. I think Soveya fills a tremendous need in our community (and the world at large) and i commend you for using your experience to reach out to others. Best of luck with it and tizku l'mitzvos!
(5) Barbara, March 9, 2008 12:16 PM
Thank you!
Thanks you so much for this article. it's a relief to know that i'm not failing alone and that i actually could succeed with the right help.
(4) Anonymous, March 9, 2008 11:15 AM
un-supersizing...
As a full time law student, it is nearly impossible for me to maintain a healthy diet. This article really did inspire me to think about dieting as something I should do one day at a time, not incessantly for a month. I am going to try out a "work out with a buddy" program, and hopefully that will motivate me to go to the gym more, instead of going to the vending machines...mazeltov to you both on your successful weight loss. It has been a struggle for me to lose just ten pounds, and I am amazed and motivated at hearing how you lost over a hundred.
(3) Rochie, March 9, 2008 11:09 AM
Poor Choices vs Healthy Choices
Rachel makes an important point about the children in her Synagogue being given Poor Choice Snacks (sugar laden snacks) although this problem is rampent throughout the USA. Our children can purchase sodas, candies and chips (all made with addictive and fattening chemicals) in their schools. Parents are making these same poor choices as they are harried and have little time to prepare wholesome and healthful meals, thus we are "teaching" our children that these addictive and poor choice snacks are okay. I recently saw a crowd of women purchasing what looked like a large bottle of Jelly beans. They were pushing each other to get to these bottles. They were CHILDREN'S Vitamins in the form of sugar laden Jelly Beans. So the message to each child is, "eat your jelly beans, they are good for you!"
There is a National Guideline for Healthy Snacks in Schools movement. Many schools are removing the vending machines and are offering more healthful food and snacks. As the Rabbi pointed out, it is difficult to overcome the HABIT and YEARNING for sweets when they have been thrust upon you. Eating is essential, WHAT we eat is our choice but predicated on EDUCATION, which comes from parents.
Need a healthful, all natural (Kosher) snack that will sate the appetite for sweets? I have found these delicous cookies actually reduce the appetite and sate the soul! I am concerned about sugar levels (diabetes) and they are diabetic friendly. www.rsm.EasyDietCookie.com
(2) Rachel, March 9, 2008 9:12 AM
An Eating Plan for Life
I also don't think diets usually work. One needs to have a healthy eating plan to last a lifetime, and needs to recognize which foods are as addictive as crack cocaine. Around 10 years ago, I actually swore a Neder to never again eat potato chips, cheese curls, candy, cookies, and a few other junk food items. The power of a neder has kept me from craving those items. I had noted that I never craved ice cream after a meat meal, so why not make other things essentially not-kosher for myself? Avoiding the wrong things was a start, but not enough. The trick is to have a healthy diet full of plants (fruits, veggies, and whole grains) that satiates so that one doesn't go around feeling hungry. No 'diet' will last if the dieter feels hungry.
Interestingly, all of the 7 species of the land of Israel are super sources of healthy, satisfying nutrition. Crave a sweet? Eat a fig or a date - get an infusion of potassium or calcium, and the fiber. Olive oil - loaded with anti-oxidants. Pomegranates - also loaded with anti-oxidants. Barley is loaded with healthy fiber and is the most delicious grain that goes with so many other things. Whole wheat is loaded with Vitamin E and fiber, and all the B-vitamins. Hashem promised us we would eat and be satisfied, and all of the 7 species are satisfying foods!
I deplore how on Shabbat morning, the small children at my shul are given lollypops and licorice and other things that are really bad for them. How will they ever grow to appreciate the unique flavors of each fruit that Hashem has bestowed upon us, and how will they ever appreciate the true meaning of saying a bracha on a fruit or a vegetable if the tongue has been seduced into preferring sweets, salty treats, and junk?
Whenever I make a Borei Pri Ha-Etz or Ha-Adama bracha, I have a consciousness of all these nutritional benefits in the God-created fruit or vegetable that scientists may not even have discovered, but Hashem put them there for our health and protection.
I truly agree with the Rambam that a healthy diet is one of the biggest things we can do to keep ourselves healthy, and the key is eat plant foods as much as possible.
(1) Rosen, March 2, 2008 7:38 AM
balance of lifestyle
One must find balance and moderation in their lifestyle. Diets don't necessarily work since they tend to deprive people from eating certain foods they would otherwise normally enjoy. It's a matter of consistency of exercising and eating right, as well as eating other various foods occasionally and moderately.
Unfortunately, many people tend to say, "I eat because I'm unhappy, and I'm unhappy because I eat." Dr. Phil once mentioned that eating isn't necessarily what you eat, but why you eat. Another explanation of why people eat is probably sheer boredom.
It all depends on how much energy one has to burn off calories and fat, and it is best to start off young (sometimes elderly people can start exercising too to lose weight and be more healthy, even if they haven't exercised most of their life - they would have to have the motivation and will-power).
It all depends on attitude and motivation, regardless of age.