Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Just a little....Wine

NOTE: 
This blog started due to my struggle to lose weight - So, I am preaching to myself each day through this blog





A Piasano of my mine, 
who's name was  Thomas Aquinas,  was born 1225 In Aquino Sicily. He was a Priest, Philosopher and Theologian.  He was one that took a more expansive view of gluttony,[10] arguing that it could also include an obsessive anticipation of meals, and the constant eating of delicacies and excessively costly foods.[11] 
Aquinas went so far as to prepare a list of six ways to commit gluttony,

The word Gluttony  Now I sound like the Father on "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
Derived from the Latin gluttire, meaning to gulp down or swallow, gluttony (Latin, gula) is the over-indulgence and over-consumption of anything to the point of waste. In the Christian religions, it is considered a sin because of the excessive desire for food or its withholding from the needy 
Depending on the culture, it can be seen as either a vice or a sign of status. Where food is relatively scarce, being able to eat well might be something to take pride in. But in an area where food is routinely plentiful, it may be considered a sign of self-control to resist the temptation to over-indulge.
 *
  • Praepropere - eating too soon, or at an inappropriate time
  • Laute - eating too expensively, luxurious, exotic, or costly
  • Nimis - eating too much eating food that is excessive in quantity
  • Ardenter - eating too eagerly  
  • Studiose -  eating food that is too daintily or elaborately prepared
  • Forente - eating wildly (boringly)

I'm not trying to be a philosopher like my ol Piasano,  
but I'm going to go a step further in this discussion.

Gluttony, sin or no sin.... is a "health hazard" in two ways:

First,  (Physically)  it contributes to obesity and as we all should know leads to diseases, illnesses and an early death

Second,(Mentally & Spiritually) ....go with me for a moment.... food can be an idol    

I know, I know..... you're saying that is a crazy idea that food can be an idol.  But take a moment and think about how "focused" some people are on eating.  Everything is set aside for "eating".  How much Money is spent on eating out?  How much time and effort are focused on what, when and with whom they are going to eat. And the Risk of eating foods that are restricted due to health issues (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidema...etc).  

An addiction ! Yes, 
food can be "addiction" for some.  
A disease! Yes,  I said Addictions are a disease.
Gluttony is an epidemic today in America.... Gluttony Lives!

 It is astounding the statistics today on people in America 





U.S. Obesity Trends

Trends by State 1985–2009

Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is calculated from a person's weight and height and provides a reasonable indicator of body fatness and weight categories that may lead to health problems. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 2009, only Colorado and the District of Columbia had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%.
Thirty-three states had a prevalence equal to or greater than 25%; nine of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia) had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30%.
The animated map below shows the United States obesity prevalence from 1985 through 2009
-------------------------------------------- take a moment to read the  full article : http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html 
          ********************
          So you say ..... I know I "shouldn't eat the dessert" but 
I only have a little piece once in a while.
GOOD FOR YOU if you only have a "little piece" once in a while.  
But, if you have a little here, and a little there... here, there, EVERYWHERE, 
and your overweight,  or have issues with hypertension, elevated lipids, 
"borderline Diabetes".... than WHO ARE YOU KIDDING?
John 2:1-11
Jesus at Cana when he turned water into Wine -


Jesus at the last Supper

God created us not only for His pleasure,
but provided for our pleasures


Our Sight and Taste allow us to enjoy the Fruits of our Labor


 
  
 First Miracle and Last Supper 



were both centered around an event of Eating together

Nothing wrong in our gathering to eat and enjoying food

it's just that.....

We are  OUT OF CONTROL when it comes to our "pleasures"
and I have to say as Christians.... 
You can shoot me now cause I'm going to say it
Obesity can be symptom of an Unbalanced Walk with the Lord.
there.... I said it.

FOOD is not the Problem, it's the uncontrolled obsession 
with the Pleasure of Eating.


Everyone wants to ignore this problem
just like facial hair growth on Women... 

it's a fact!

Being over weight CAN be one of the symptom of an unbalanced life. 
ok,   Ask the person who say's they have a thyroid disorder and that's why they have a weight problem...  ask them when is the last time they ate ice creams, candy, ..... how many minutes a day do they exercise! 
  It is very RARE that weight gain is not associated with poor eating habits and lack of exercise.
 I know I'm being rough but it's a dishonor to yourself to lie and seek out excuses.  
Did you ever think that a  thyroid can be whacked out because  of  weight gain?  It's the chicken or the egg.  Which came first.  Hormones out of whack due to weight gain or weight gain due to Hormones out of whack.... HUMMMMMM "food" for thought. 

You may then say... "hey, I'm balanced"  Really?  Maybe you are... but first Ask some tough questions to get the answer.

can you.....
Physically:   Do 10  or more  push ups, or leg squats or run a few blocks  without being  too weak or out of breath...    Be honest with yourself.  Do you exercise every day?  How about 3 x's a week?   I mean really break sweat exercising!    And then there is the question of : How many servings of vegetables and fruits did you eat yesterday?   How many glasses of water have you drank today?    Being balanced means your physically fit - internally and externally.

Mentally/Spiritually:  Then examine your heart and ask this questions:  is  there someone you have anger, resentment or bitterness towards?  Do you fly off the handle at little events?  Do you have problems falling asleep, staying asleep?   How often are you taking an "antacid"?   Do you have frequent headaches (Migraines), bowel  problems?
Do you have issues with some of the signs of Gluttony as described above ?*
I know I'm being tough, but I'm being straight up about it. 

How about coming to a place where you say.... 
"I don't want that" 
instead of
 "I can't have that"
or it's ok to eat just a little...  (when you know you have a health problem or weight problem) 
There is such a freedom in changing your attitude about eating and food.  
There is such a freedom you experience when you choose to HONOR yourself and your body, mind and spirit.
Eating to nourish your body  
Finding joy in eating Healthy  
Desiring a big bowl of blueberries over a blueberry pie.   
(Allora....  a little whip cream on the berry's, that'sa ok) 

Make your own apple pie filling with fresh organic ingredients.  
Not some store bought packaged frozen pie....   
Ok.... Allora....  make  wise decisions on what holiday dessert and the amount.... 

Again, there isn't any thing wrong with a wise portion of dessert 
if it's made fresh and with love  (hahaha)
But know this....
There is such a freedom when you stop making bargains with yourself 
every time  you eat a large portion of a  high caloric treat. 
Like the Bargain of "oh, I'll start my diet tomorrow... 
or I'll exercise later to make up for this".


 When you balanced in your life 
you'll experience being satisfied with
a "Little Piece"  
 .It is my dearest hope that you discover the freedom in Balancing your life 
Physically, Mentally and Spiritually
....so you may find the Love, Joy and Strength to live a life of Health and Wellness.  
This is my quest and journey.

Ciao
 Salute!  To your Health and Wellness

PS again let me say this
Nothing wrong with dessert IF it is a wise portion, Not part of every meal and snack and best if  made with fresh wholesome ingredients.  Like my Mama's Cannoli's!  
Mangi
Passeggiata
Amore