The TBYT website has been online for 10 years now and I receive a lot of emails from people asking for assistance with their weight loss goals. While I am eager to assist, I've discovered a surprising fact over the years:

Some people really do not want to change.

I would provide answers only to be given many reasons as to why they could not do what I suggested. One day, the Lord showed me that my approach was wrong.

Proverbs 18:13 says, "He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him."

My new path to assist was clear: I needed to hear the person's heart before I tried to provide an answer.

What else was going on in their lives beside having excess weight on their bodies?

With probing questions, I discovered that most times, the excess weight was the LEAST of their problems!

So suggesting an eating plan when their husband was having an affair on them or their child was going astray was not what they needed most at that moment.

They needed Jesus and the wisdom from the Word! They needed ministry to the heart.

So when someone writes me, I typically ask them to respond to the questions below because I want to get a picture of their whole life - not just the excess weight.

I discovered that the excess weight is just a small portion of how they are managing their lives.

Here are some questions for you to also think about because they can help you uncover your "WHY" in achieving a healthy weight - one that is important "enough" to change your daily habits:

1. What is your daily relationship with the Lord like today?

2. What brings you joy in your life?

3. What are you grateful for in your life?

4. Who do you love and who loves you?

5. What do you risk by not changing regarding your health and weight loss?

Your "Why" is important because you will need to remind yourself of it every day. If it is deep enough, it will help you stay the course and achieve the weight loss results you desire. 

So take some time to think about your answers to the questions - it will be time well spent !

Kimberly Taylor

Creator of the 'Take Back Your Temple' program'