Health and Pension Resources

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The Rev. Cynthia Stewart
Confessions of a clergy member on Weight Watchers

When I attended annual conference in June 2007, I took advantage of the health screening. Even though my cholesterol numbers and blood pressure numbers were good, I found out that I was at high risk for stroke and heart attack due to another factor. As I talked with my primary doctor about this, the recommendation was to lose some of my "winter" weight that wasn't coming off, get in shape, and establish better eating habits as preventive care.

Weight Watchers was appealing to me because of the discounted rate for clergy. I went through the General Board of Health & Pensions Web site to sign up. When I considered the limited schedule of meetings in my area, I knew that I had to find another alternative. The online version of Weight Watchers seemed like a good fit−I could track my weight, list my food "points," and participate in the online community boards with other busy people like me.

I would be lying if I said that the first few weeks were not frustrating for me−I was starving! All I could think about was food! Suddenly, I began to understand why I couldn't keep the weight off−I was thinking about food and indulging in my cravings when I was busy, tired or stressed out. In the first few weeks of Weight Watchers, the weight came off so easily!

Weight Watchers has taught me about portion control and what foods are better than others for filling me up. Weight Watchers has also taught me about the importance of drinking water and eating fruits and vegetables! Through the plateaus, I have learned that I need to be faithful to my "plan," (I count food points every day) but I can indulge every once in a while. In fact, I can reward myself with very rich food, but a little less than before. Let's face it: churches have potlucks, funeral dinners and wedding receptions, and pastors eat out often and in the car! I can still do all of that with some self-control and planning my days accordingly.

As of January 21, I have lost a total of 20 pounds. I am almost to my ultimate goal and then I will focus on how to maintain my weight. When that time comes, I'm not worried because I know that I have the best resources to help me to achieve my goals.

Weight Watchers' Web site says, "Stop dieting. Start living." I believe that Weight Watchers works because this program helps you to personally find the right balance of food and exercise to help you to lose weight. Thus far, I have been supported through the online community, and the tools have encouraged me to reward myself along the way! The best reward has been to put my health first and by doing that, I feel much better about myself, and I have more energy to be a better mother, wife and pastor.

Happy New Year! May God bless your endeavors to live healthy!

Cynthia Stewart

Stanton and Pilger United Methodist Churches