I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike...

By Brittany Mangus

I used to think that riding a bicycle was just for people who had to. Like missionaries or people with too many DUIs.

Now that I've dropped a few pounds and won't get easily winded by just watching people exercise, a bike ride didn't seem too bad. (It still seemed bad. But not as bad.)

Que (my husband) and I have been slowly building up strength this summer by riding our bikes in the neighborhood and taking them to parks and in the mountains. This past weekend we went to Bear Lake and brought our bikes. We rode along a bike trail and before we knew it, we had gone 12 miles! 12 miles!!! (!!!!) (At 7600 ft. elevation!) I couldn't believe my body let me do that without angrily protesting by snapping my knees or deflating my lungs.

As you can see, I brought along a nice picnic basket (which, unfortunately does not hold a golden retriever) so I decided to fill it with some nice sandwiches instead. (Whole wheat sandwiches, of course). And incidently, it's hard to pedal a bike while wearing a dress like that. I'm considering trading it in for a day-glo biking leotard, but I can't even stomach wearing one of those LIVE STRONG bracelets. Maybe that's something else you have to slowly work your way up to.

A Closer Look at the Word of Wisdom and Weight Loss

By Sidne O'Reilly

We are often counseled in the scriptures not to “trust in the arm of flesh.” (Philip. 3:3) What does this mean to you as far as your health goes? Certainly it doesn’t mean to never go to the Doctor or listen to his advice. No, I don’t think this is what was intended.

As I reflect back on my own life, there have been many instances when we first had a priesthood blessing and were then given reassurance and direction concerning how to proceed. Often there were miraculous healings without the benefit or assistance of the medical profession. Sometimes direction was given to seek medical help. There were times in my life when going to the doctor was not an option. We were dependant upon the Lord and our own resources. How grateful I am for his tender mercies at times such as this. Perhaps this is one reason I might have a different view of what it means to have a spiritually based, sustainable healthy lifestyle. (This is my next book, based on the second priority of the “Twelve Week Challenge,” Orange, Health, Mental and Physical.)

I love the word of wisdom. After all it was given for, “the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days.” (D&C 89:2) In D&C 29:34 it says, “Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.” Does this mean that the Word of Wisdom is a spiritual commandment? I think so. It is as much for the benefit of our spirits as it is our bodies. Isn’t it our desire to have a healthy body so that our spirit can shine through unfettered?

When is the last time you took a close look at the Word of Wisdom? Maybe this is a good time. Summer fruits will soon be available. What a great opportunity in this time of plenty to eat “every fruit in the season thereof.” (D&C 89:11)

How about all the wonderful promises that are made in the Word of Wisdom. Did you know that there are eight positive admonitions, three don’ts and five promises made in those twenty-one verses?

Can you find them?

On top of all this, if that weren’t enough, scientific evidence and the latest weight loss systems have a lot in common with the concepts given in the Word of Wisdom. If we adhered to the concepts in this revelation, the LDS Utah population would not have the following claim to fame. According to a BYU/Idaho professor, “The LDS culture in Utah is 14 percent more likely than those of another faith to be obese.” (Roy Merrill -- http://www.byui.edu/Scroll/archive/20060606/news3.html)

Knowing that this is a spiritual as well as a temporal commandment, maybe it would be a good idea to read it again, this time prayerfully seeking for your own personal Word of Wisdom to find the best way to apply it to yourself.

I am cheering for you!

I Need You, Each of You!

I need each of your help. I have a problem and I started a blog that I will post at least 7 times a week about. I can not do it without your help, so please go to http://75poundsgone.blogspot.com/ and lend me your support. I can do this, but it will take friends, family and strangers to help me keep motivated.
Spread the word to your friends and family to help support me also.
Doug

Losing It

by Shirley Bahlmann
We want to look good when we have book signings and public appearances to meet our readers, don't we? I work best with a goal in mind, and I was only trying to motivate myself when I challenged my husband, Bob, to a weight loss contest.
I don't know what possessed me. I must have been as full as a stuffed turkey when I did it.
"Let's see who can lose 20 pounds first," I said.
Bob raised one eyebrow. "What does the winner get?"
A cream filled Boston Cream pie came to mind, but before the words reached my mouth, I realized it was a counter-productive reward. Hm. What would be worth losing weight for?
Then it hit me. "Whoever wins gets to pick the tile for our kitchen when we remodel," I said.
I think Bob nodded. Maybe he lowered his head to his hand, but I turned away so fast I can't be sure.
We started out on even ground. But three days ago, I caught Bob cheating. Can you believe it? He caught some kind of germ that made him so sick he couldn't keep anything down for two days.
Today, he announced cheerfully, "I lost eight pounds."
Maybe I'll tell him he needs to lose 28 pounds to my 20. It's only fair.