Quote:
Originally Posted by missourimary
What if, rather than preaching against obesity, we taught that supersized Cokes were a sin, or Quarter Pounders with Cheese? Or pizza or chocolate? 
Food and weight aren't easy to preach against. There is no harm in an occasional Coke or Quarter Pounder. They are not addictive (not really... but almost), and by watching intake of other foods we can have one without hurting our overall health.
I was able to sit through a group of classes several years ago where my pastor taught about basic living. He included diet (as in there are five basic food groups, and potato chips and catsup are NOT veggies) as part of the course. Several people later admitted this was the most helpful part of the class for them or their families.
Basic lessons on self control and moderation might also be in order... but those could apply to alcohol and movies and internet and (on and on)... too. That's scary to some people, and that may be why this method is avoided. However, this method would keep people from crash diets (also harmful) as well as giving opportunity to also discuss and speak out against anorexic and bulemic tendencies, which can also be a problem in churches today. |
I don't know if you had a chance to watch the Video, but there were some interesting approaches to helping our society face and deal with this dilema.
They brought out how increased taxes on Cigarettes has helped this Country almost do an about face on Tabacco use. Taxing the known foods that are causing this problem (Sugared drinks, Fast Food joints, Vendors of processed foods) might help curve this slide into a National Health Crisis.
What is interesting, the cheapest foods are the worst for you. So, lets try and change that. Fresh fruits, Vegetables, Lean meats, and Organic type foods, lets bring these into the affordable price range and reward Americans for the right choice.
Stop the "giving away" of meals that almost cost nothing at Fast Food places, where cokes, fries, and a burger are killing us, and increase the taxes on this food that is sending so many to the hospital.
We had better do something before this goes any further.
I've thought about teaching some classes at our church about diet and exercise, which I think is a great idea. An educated people is a powerful people. This has also worked in the area of Tabacco use. Years of stringent advertising guidlines and commercials about how cigarettes kill have helped many to quit, or never even smoke.