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Many of us are in the crowd that annually makes resolutions and keeps them for a week or two. What are these noble intentions about?

Most of them deal with losing weight, more exercise, better diet, giving up tobacco, drugs and gambling in every form.

Being grossly overweight is one of the big problems in our nation. It may bring on diabetes, heart problems, difficulty in breathing, ability to get around is hindered, high blood pressure becomes dangerous and new clothes must be purchased to keep the body clothed.

Dale, formerly of Decatur, Illinois, set out to lose 150 pounds and was making good progress. A friend said, “You will have to buy a lot of new clothes as you lose all that weight.” Dale replied, “I still have all the clothes that no longer fit on my way up and can use them on my way down.”

Some years ago, I was also among those who had too much weight. Shirts and trousers did not fit. My weight affected all I wore except my shoes, gloves and hats. I was uncomfortable; indigestion was an accepted part of life. Walking was not enjoyable. It was tough trying to play basketball. I did not have money for bigger clothes.

It was a miserable way to live. I then remembered what I heard from my dear friend, Charlie Kissell. He had come to the United States from Lithuania, settled in Alabama, worked in the coalmines and was hired to be a custodian at Anderson College in Indiana. He always said, “Brudder, leave da table hungry.”

Many of us eat so much that we cannot take another bite. In 35-40 minutes, we feel like a stuffed pig – miserable, can’t think and usually fall to sleep. If we had left the table knowing we could enjoy eating more, 35-40 minutes later, we would feel comfortable and alert.

I began to eat that way while recalling that my friend, Cleo Carlile, was an advocate of drinking more water. His health pitch was, “Water, water, water.”

What most of us need is not more resolutions to break, but a determined change in life-style. Our family physician, Dr. Stephen C. Smith, talks about “moderation” when it comes to diet.

Just 25 pounds ago, I knew I had to stop eating as though calories did not count.

I do not know of any magic diets for losing weight except our own will power, positive attitude and determination.

Words of wisdom, completely out of context, from Hebrews 12:1, “… let us lay aside every weight … and let us run …” A lot of things can be laid aside, new habits developed and a new lifestyle initiated any day of the year.

© 2013 Wm. C. Ellis

All Rights Reserved

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Dr. William “Bill” Ellis of Scott Depot is a weekly syndicated columnist who writes on a wide variety of subjects. Ellis has spent 25 years as a radio and television broadcaster and as a guest speaker and teacher on college campuses.