• I wasn't honest with myself. I made promises to myself that I didn't keep. For example: "I'm going to start eating better on Monday" or "I'll exercise tomorrow," knowing deep down that I wasn't going to do it.

• I didn't listen to myself. I ignored the voice inside of me that would say "You don't need to eat that" or remind me "You said that you were going to exercise today."

• I didn't treat myself with honor. I took care of everyone's needs, but didn't even put myself on the list.

• Responsibility: Your body is God's temple and you accept responsibility for taking care of it. This means showing up for "work": You prepare or buy healthy meals for yourself and exercise most days of the week as part of your caretaking responsibility.

Scripture Motivation: 1 Corinthians 6:19

• Encourage yourself: You fill yourself with courage messages daily like "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." You avoid discouraging yourself with "I don't feel like it" messages. You make up your mind to do the right thing whether you feel like it or not. Besides, even if you don't feel like it at the beginning, you will feel good at the end when you've kept your promise to yourself.

Scripture Motivation: Psalm 18:29, Philippians 4:13

• Self-control: You recognize as a believer in Jesus Christ, you have self-control since it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Self-control glorifies God. You don't allow bad habits to control you. If you do, then you admit it, repent, ask God for help and wisdom, and allow the Holy Spirit to direct you, day by day or moment by moment if necessary. When it gets hard, you allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen and comfort you. It can be painful to say "no" to yourself sometimes, but you can survive with the Holy Spirit's help and help from others who have made good health a priority.

Scripture motivation: Galatians 5:22-23, John 15:8

• Perseverance: A Chinese saying goes, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." Whether your weight loss journey takes 1,000 steps or 1,000,000 steps, you commit to taking the steps necessary toward your goal every day.

Scripture motivation: Philippians 3:14

• Eat Consciously: You pay attention to the food you put into your mouth. No more do you allow your tongue to be the dictator that rules your body. You eat foods that both taste good and help you reach your health goals. You also avoid overeating, plus regular second helpings and supersizing your meals.

Scripture motivation: Proverbs 23:1-3

• Time: You use your time wisely, ensuring you spend your time on what you value. Since you value your health, you commit to putting in the time to protect it. Whether that is exercising regularly or eating well, you recognize your time investment will pay off.

Scripture motivation: Psalm 90:12

Be blessed in health, healing and wholeness