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Impulsive emotional eating is the primary dieting downfall. The practice of eating to fill a void begins in childhood whether with sugary rewards or Grandma's comfort foods. The presence of food is constant. Co-workers talk about what their eating for lunch, family members offer sweets to console, and friends invite us to dinner. We are told to write down what we eat, count points; eat less of one food, and more of another. These suggestions seem plausible but they focus on the one thing we struggle with, making food a socially acceptable and promoted obsession.

Control, self-discipline, and willpower are a few of many "motivational" words dieters live by. If self-discipline and willpower were within our grasp, we would all be naturally thin, with no need to "control" our weight. According to a study conducted at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Human Nutrition, 66% of U.S. adults were overweight or obese in 2003-2004. Women 20-34 years old had the fastest increase rate of obesity. These statistics grow at an alarming rate despite the plethora of diet guides, books, pills, and the like at our disposal.

The 12-step support group is perhaps the greatest testament to the power of faith to alter perception, implement lifestyle changes, and improve lives. Roxanne S. founded overeaters Anonymous in 1960, adopting the Twelve Steps and Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. Currently, OA has an estimated 70,000 members in 70 countries. Contrary to popular belief in control, self-discipline, and willpower, OA's basis is admission of "powerlessness" and "unmanageability." In Step 3, you decide to turn your will and life over to a power greater than yourself. As you work each step, you develop a closer relationship with the higher power of your choice and yourself.

This is an ongoing daily process, diverting focus from eating to living. The results extend far beyond weight loss improving relationships with family, friends, higher power, and self. The program teaches non-judgmental accountability, and how to deal with life on life's terms regardless the magnitude of the situation. OA works through spiritual principles such as honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness.

The faith so many find allows for imperfection, staves off the need for instant gratification, and teaches not only to pray, but also to wait for an answer. If you feel horrible after eating two candy bars, that is your higher power signaling you to regroup and think before you eat. If you are at the market and you feel doubt about buying a certain food, that is your higher power telling you that food could sabotage your weight loss and health goals.

Through the steps, meetings, and prayer, you find your triggers and learn to avoid and work through them. You may also discover there are certain foods that trigger overeating and you should avoid them. In addition, they offer monthly newsletters, books, and conventions to aid your journey.

Faith gives you an inside view to what many believe to be an outside problem. There is no easy way to weight loss, no five-minute cure, and no magic diet. Faith itself is not always easy, but with it, comes hope and the belief that you are worth it every step of the way to success.

For more information, visit www.oa.org.

Learn more about this author, TC Crumpton.
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