Body Image, Perfection And The Word Of Wisdom

[Mystery Meat]

I am about to offend everyone. Should be fun.

 

I love the LDS Church, but I have a big problem with how (some? many? most?) members treat one particular issue: the Word of Wisdom. Interpretations can vary and reasonable minds can disagree, but I must say I find it funny how many of our members think they are in compliance with the WOW yet are likely morbidly obese.

 

Now, I know there are healthy people who are fat and overweight (or at least many fat and overweight people claim they are healthy), but by and large if you are fat it is because you are not healthy. I know from experience. I love food. Starburst, pizza, cookies, PB M&Ms, popcorn, etc. are my favorite things in the world. At different times in my life I have struggled to be more moderate. 

 

I personally think the text of the Word of Wisdom was not meant to be an exhaustive list of do's and don'ts. Yes, coffee, tea, tobacco and alcohol are all off limits. But if the WOW was given today what would the Lord have to say about Diet Coke? Fast food? Other junk food?

 

On a related note, one of the things that really grinds my gears is our attitude towards fat folks. The only thing our society hates more than obese people are obese people who are trying to lose weight and be healthy. I cannot tell you how many times I have refrained from eating crap food and friends get visually angry with me. Or after having lost a lot of weight, an overweight friend might say "You looked better before." How is that any less offensive than me saying to them "You looked better before you got fat?"

 

I hate how we view body image in our culture, but I think we have gone the exact opposite direction and way over corrected. The notion of "you are perfect the way you are" is bull when you are overweight and unhealthy. And chances are you are unhealthy if you are overweight. Heaven forbid we actually encourage people to improve rather than coddle and tell them how awesome they are with all that extra weight. Instead we guilt men (and women) who are attracted to...attractive people (gasp!)...by calling them shallow and heartless. 

 

So IMO and interpretation of the WOW I think there are many of us (myself included at times) who are hypocrites when it comes to personal health and are not living the Lord's law of health as he intended it. Drinking a super mega double big gulp every morning? Eating McDonalds on a regular basis? Yeah, I think each of those are violations of our covenants. 

 

 

[VideoGameJunkie]

I was once normal size, then I was prescribed a medication I took to help me sleep for 6 months and it caused me to gain 50 pounds in those 6 months. Now I consider myself fat and I can't seem to lose the weight. I have sympathy for obese people.

[Mystery Meat]

I was once normal size, then I was prescribed a medication I took to help me sleep for 6 months and it caused me to gain 50 pounds in those 6 months. Now I consider myself fat and I can't seem to lose the weight. I have sympathy for obese people.

 

I do too. I know what it is like. I also know how hard it is to lose weight, having done it myself. 

 

I sympathize with not being able to lose weight either. But I have often encountered people who say they can't physically lose weight and then I see how they eat when they are trying to lose weight.

[thesometimesaint]

Come the famine the fat shall inherit the earth.

[Calm]

I was once normal size, then I was prescribed a medication I took to help me sleep for 6 months and it caused me to gain 50 pounds in those 6 months. Now I consider myself fat and I can't seem to lose the weight. I have sympathy for obese people.

Been there and done that one, it is so frustrating.

[Jeanne]

Fat people are jolly is what my husband used to say.  But hey...I am okay with overweight people who have a hard time for different reasons..but they should NOT be the ones who condemn others.

[VideoGameJunkie]

Ya, and in guys it all goes to the belly and face. My arms are skinny, my legs are fine. All my fat is in my belly which sticks out when wearing t shirts. I look pregnant.

Edited September 5, 2014 by VideoGameJunkie

[VideoGameJunkie]

I also sympathize with those who eat to sooth their depression with comfort foods. I feel bad for those with depression. I suffer it myself and know how sad it can make people.

[mfbukowski]

Now my turn to offend everyone.

I lost 120 pounds and feel great- it's been off for 5 years and I am still losing slowly, got another 15 or so before I reached my goal set 6 years ago. Except for all the irreversible damage to my joints, heart, etc. I feel great. No more diabetes, I am in better shape now than I was at age 20.

So neener neener. You do not need to be hungry either- if you eat lean protein the size of the palm of your hand and a plate of as vegetables and fruit as you like, you WILL lose weight. No more than 30 grams of carbs every two hours- you will feel great feel full and have great energy.

I used to smoke, drink and a lot of etc. but got better, because of the word of wisdom. If I did not have to give up so much, I would not have had the discipline to lose weight.

So pretend you are all converts who have been evil smokers and drinkers and coffee addicts, and instead at least conquer your food addictions for the gospel.

Did I offend everyone? How's that for self-righteousness?

Don't worry- I still have a long way to go to match 90% of where you guys are anyway!

[mfbukowski]

I also sympathize with those who eat to sooth their depression with comfort foods. I feel bad for those with depression. I suffer it myself and know how sad it can make people.

Agreed! It is very hard. But you would be surprised how much a healthy diet changes body chemistry. I honestly honestly now feel down and depressed and non-energetic if I eat junk food.

[mfbukowski]

Come the famine the fat shall inherit the earth.

A few AK's could help too !

[VideoGameJunkie]

I need to lose 45 pounds to be back to normal. I don't know how I'll find the will because with obesity comes tiredness. It takes energy to exercise.

[cinepro]

 

So IMO and interpretation of the WOW I think there are many of us (myself included at times) who are hypocrites when it comes to personal health and are not living the Lord's law of health as he intended it. Drinking a super mega double big gulp every morning? Eating McDonalds on a regular basis? Yeah, I think each of those are violations of our covenants. 

 

I'm not offended, but I'm also not fat.

 

I think the problem with your theory is that the Church only focuses on things like smoking, alcohol etc. because those things are so easy to quantify.  You either smoke or you don't.  You either drink or you don't.  Those are "yes and no" questions that are easy to determine.

 

The other factors you are talking about are much harder to define.  Sure, eating at McDonald's isn't "good" for you, but a person in good health could surely eat there every once in a while without any ill effects.  I eat fast food once or twice a month (usually an In-n-Out Burger), and I'm no worse for the wear.  So how would the Church quantify such a thing? 

 

And that assumes we have an ideal standard against which to judge "health".  But recommended health guidelines for diet and exercise are always changing with new research (and fads).  So the Church would have to constantly be adjusting their recommendations based on general nutritional guidelines and trying to tailor it to specific circumstances.  When the government tries to do it, it's just kind of silly, but if God's Church tried to do it, it could be very stressful.

 

 

[VideoGameJunkie]

I'm worried about dying of a heart attack in my 40s and leaving a wife and kids behind without me. I worry about my health for family sake.

[Jeanne]

Now my turn to offend everyone.

I lost 120 pounds and feel great- it's been off for 5 years and I am still losing slowly, got another 15 or so before I reached my goal set 6 years ago. Except for all the irreversible damage to my joints, heart, etc. I feel great. No more diabetes, I am in better shape now than I was at age 20.

So neener neener. You do not need to be hungry either- if you eat lean protein the size of the palm of your hand and a plate of as vegetables and fruit as you like, you WILL lose weight. No more than 30 grams of carbs every two hours- you will feel great feel full and have great energy.

I used to smoke, drink and a lot of etc. but got better, because of the word of wisdom. If I did not have to give up so much, I would not have had the discipline to lose weight.

So pretend you are all converts who have been evil smokers and drinkers and coffee addicts, and instead at least conquer your food addictions for the gospel.

Did I offend everyone? How's that for self-righteousness?

Don't worry- I still have a long way to go to match 90% of where you guys are anyway!

Congrats..you deserve a special "high five"..way to go.  It is not easy!!  I have recently quit smoking and it is easier than I thought simply because I really do want to breath..I love the gym and running and stuff and did not want to give that up.  Way to go!!  Proud of you...actually, I feel the WOW is just a "no excess of anything"..the best Bishop I ever had and loved waved at me and stop to talk to me whether I had a cigarette or not.  This has to do with health..not religion.

[VideoGameJunkie]

A bad thing I do is on Saturday mornings before my early shift I'm always wicked tired so I stop by the 7-11 and grab a Monster Rehab energy drink to get me through my day.

[Calm]

I need to lose 45 pounds to be back to normal. I don't know how I'll find the will because with obesity comes tiredness. It takes energy to exercise.

Make sure you get at least 8 hours sleep if you can and go do some online research for proper sleep hygiene. Sleep deprivation is very, very likely to lead to obesity and obesity leads to sleep debt so bad vicious circle. With your drugs and problems, good sleep may not be possible but get as close to it as you can.

[VideoGameJunkie]

Thanks cal, I try to get as much sleep as I can. Last summer I went through 2 different stretches where I didn't sleep for 3 or 4 straight days. One time sent me to the hospital. It was crazy. The mind starts playing weird tricks on you when you're sleep deprived.

[ERayR]

I am about to offend everyone. Should be fun.

 

I love the LDS Church, but I have a big problem with how (some? many? most?) members treat one particular issue: the Word of Wisdom. Interpretations can vary and reasonable minds can disagree, but I must say I find it funny how many of our members think they are in compliance with the WOW yet are likely morbidly obese.

 

First. just because someone is obese does not mean they are violating the word of wisdom.  There are many contributing factors to the problem.  I am a little uncomfortable but will use myself as an example.  I observe the word of wisdom and do not over eat.  I would wager that my intake is less than most others.  About 20 years ago a serious injury caused a metabolic change.  Up to that time I had not varied from a normal weight range in over 40 years.  Eating levels were not changed and activity levels remained the same. I just gained weight..  

 

Now, I know there are healthy people who are fat and overweight (or at least many fat and overweight people claim they are healthy), but by and large if you are fat it is because you are not healthy. I know from experience. I love food. Starburst, pizza, cookies, PB M&Ms, popcorn, etc. are my favorite things in the world. At different times in my life I have struggled to be more moderate. 

 

This is a pretty presumptuous statement.

 

I personally think the text of the Word of Wisdom was not meant to be an exhaustive list of do's and don'ts. Yes, coffee, tea, tobacco and alcohol are all off limits. But if the WOW was given today what would the Lord have to say about Diet Coke? Fast food? Other junk food?

 

It is ard to tell as I do not profess to read his mind or make pronouncements for him.

 

On a related note, one of the things that really grinds my gears is our attitude towards fat folks. The only thing our society hates more than obese people are obese people who are trying to lose weight and be healthy. I cannot tell you how many times I have refrained from eating crap food and friends get visually angry with me. Or after having lost a lot of weight, an overweight friend might say "You looked better before." How is that any less offensive than me saying to them "You looked better before you got fat?"

 

Yep people are insensitive and rude.  Even Mormons.

 

I hate how we view body image in our culture, but I think we have gone the exact opposite direction and way over corrected. The notion of "you are perfect the way you are" is bull when you are overweight and unhealthy. And chances are you are unhealthy if you are overweight. Heaven forbid we actually encourage people to improve rather than coddle and tell them how awesome they are with all that extra weight. Instead we guilt men (and women) who are attracted to...attractive people (gasp!)...by calling them shallow and heartless. 

 

Most people with weight problems are well aware of them.  This super lean body image is a relatively new thing, especially for women.  Fifty years ago a fuller body image eas the norm.

 

So IMO and interpretation of the WOW I think there are many of us (myself included at times) who are hypocrites when it comes to personal health and are not living the Lord's law of health as he intended it. Drinking a super mega double big gulp every morning? Eating McDonalds on a regular basis? Yeah, I think each of those are violations of our covenants. 

 

Lets not start judging everyone by body image and our perception of their faithfulness due to body type and size.

[Calm]

Thanks cal, I try to get as much sleep as I can. Last summer I went through 2 different stretches where I didn't sleep for 3 or 4 straight days. One time sent me to the hospital. It was crazy. The mind starts playing weird tricks on you when you're sleep deprived.

Yep.  And one of the worse if for those who are just slightly sleep deprived and think they are doing just fine.  Studies show they are significantly lower in memory and other cognitive functioning but they are unable to judge it accurately and think they are doing better and don't judge their sleepiness either so they don't do something about it.  You can even feel better with sleep deprivation for a time so that really sends the wrong message.

[VideoGameJunkie]

Ya, and don't drive under those conditions. I take a medication every night to get me to sleep and it takes 2 hours at least before it even kicks in, so I have to plan accordingly.

[Tacenda]

Make sure you get at least 8 hours sleep if you can and go do some online research for proper sleep hygiene. Sleep deprivation is very, very likely to lead to obesity and obesity leads to sleep debt so bad vicious circle. With your drugs and problems, good sleep may not be possible but get as close to it as you can.

I was at the doctors today for prescription meds for generic Ambien. While waiting for the doc I read an article about breathing techniques to help you sleep. I didn't get to finish the article, but that's something to look at trying. I know I need it.

[Calm]

Yes, Ambien is nice, but it may impair memory and if you advent taken it before make sure someone is there. My mom first time took it before a bath and then couldn't get out. Had to pull her out, then she crawled to the bed and I pushed her up on it. I've heard stories of people coming down and finding groceries (which mean they drove) or all the knives laid out. Start with small dose (half what they gave you) and the up it only if needed.

Besides loss of memoryand doing weird things like undressing in the wong pace (thankfully ive never done really weird stuff, just memory issues as I completely forgot that I had cut my hair last night until I saw the remains in the sink.hadn't taken much off thank goodness, one night I almost made myself bald on one side because instead of scissors, I thought I'd try electric hair cutter....there can be dizziness and halluncinations...the letters will come off the page and start marching for me, very minor, heard of more significant ones. Ambien is one of the better ones iirc because it doesn't disrupt deeper sleep, but you can get quickly dependent on it.

And it for awhile would make me suicidal when I woke up, but after several years of not taken it, it no longer has that effect for me, but I've heard of others so be careful agin and keep someone around who knows what might happen just in case. Also can be very addicting though I've been able to get off of it pretty easy by just cutting it down for a week to half, than quarter dose.

Iow, read all the safety material they give you for once. Great drug but strange side effects.

Try put some CDs with relaxation techniques, can be very helpful (unless you have RLS which gets worse when relaxing). And if you do it every night...take a hot bath, no reading or TV aor computer and some stretching exercises, light snack, and bed with no lights on, even a clock light might be too much, I cover all the electronic little red and green lights with black electrician's tape and then finish off with a cd same time every night, it can be very helpful. Use your body if it works, mine won't and oh how I wish it did.

Tryptophan helps with sleep as well, amino acid so empty stomach or with juice....precursor of serotonin, makes me less groggy and no nightmares I get with melatonin.

Edited September 6, 2014 by calmoriah

[Tacenda]

Yes, Ambien is nice, but it may impair memory and if you advent taken it before make sure someone is there. My mom first time took it abefore a bath and then couldn't get out. Had to pull her out, then she crawled to the bed and I pushed her up on it. I've heard stories of people coming down and finding groceries (which mean they drove) or all the knives laid out. Start with small dose (half what they gave you) and the up it only if needed.

Besides loss of memoryand doing weird things like undressing in the wong pace (thankfully ive never done really weird stuff, just memory issues as I completely forgot that I had cut my hair last night until I saw the remains in the sink.hadn't taken much off thank goodness, one night I almost made myself bald on one side because instead of scissors, I thought I'd try electric hair cutter....there can be dizziness and halluncinations...the letters will come off the page and start marching for me, very minor, heard of more significant ones. Ambien is one of the better ones iirc because it doesn't disrupt deeper sleep, but you can get quickly dependent on it.

And it for awhile would make me suicidal when I woke up, but after several years of not taken it, it no longer has that effect for me, but I've heard of others so be careful agin and keep someone around who knows what might happen just in case. Also can be very addicting though I've been able to get off of it pretty easy by just cutting it down for a week to half, than quarter dose.

Iow, read all the safety material they give you for once. Great drug but strange side effects.

Try put some CDs with relaxation techniques, can be very helpful (unless you have RLS which gets worse when relaxing). And if you do it every night...take a hot bath, no reading or TV aor computer and some stretching exercises, light snack, and bed with no lights on, even a clock light might be too much, I cover all the electronic little red and green lights with black electrician's tape and then finish off with a cd same time every night, it can be very helpful. Use your body if it works, mine won't and oh how I wish it did.

Tryptophan helps with sleep as well, amino acid so empty stomach or with juice....precursor of serotonin, makes me less groggy and no nightmares I get with melatonin.

Luckily I've avoided the known side effects. And when I do take them, I bite them in half. This has been going on for several years. I inherited sleep problems from my mom she was the same way, but I don't believe she took anything for it, just suffered through.

My husband OTOH, is horrible right after taking Ambien. He acts very strange, so I hide them from him, they're my prescription!! And besides he sleeps fine...IMO.

About the WoW, I can't stand it when people misjudge overweight people as being either lazy or overeaters. They've no right, there are several diseases and medications that can cause one to get obese. And I don't think wine, coffee or tea in moderation is bad for you, though I don't drink any of them I just chug my Diet Dr. Pepper down, which is bad for you. We need an overhaul on the WoW methinks.

PS: I think looking into breathing techniques may help, sometimes we just don't get the oxygen we need and it can disrupt sleep.

Edited September 6, 2014 by Tacenda

[Alan]

The WoW was adapted to the weakest of the saints. In other words, it should most probably have been more strict and prescriptive.

But even then, we try to wriggle out of it.

We tend to focus on the don'ts (the ones that suit us at least), and mostly ignore the do's.

 

Having said that, I take issue with it being considered a commandment, because the revelation goes out of it's way to say it isn't. But on the flip side, look what the RLDS have done with it. They serve coffee at church and generally ignore the WoW nowadays because, well, it isn't a commandment after all.