Interview (and giveaway) with the Queen
Published August 11, 2010Monday Note: We’ve decided to leave this post up until midnight tonight due to a glitch with gals getting the She Cooks post sent to their email box a day later than we’d originally planned. So, now you have until midnight tonight PST to leave a comment. Winner of the $25 Starbucks card will be announced in Tuesday’s post.
Okay, now we’re up and running (If you have no idea what I’m referring to, scroll down to the post below)
Today I’m featuring an interview with my dear friend and co-worker for Jesus, LeAnn Rice. You may recognize her from Proverbs 31 Ministries. You may know her from her blog She Cooks. We on the P31 team simply know her as “Queen” 
You can meet her now and hear about her weight loss journey. Be sure to read til the end. There is a fabulous giveaway you’ll want to try for!
And stay tuned to Weight Loss Wednesdays. There are big plans and some changes on the horizon you’ll want to know about!
Now, here’s my friend LeAnn Rice:
I am a single-mom, raising 16-year-old Nick since the death of my husband 13 years ago. I serve as the Executive Director of Proverbs 31 Ministries, where I get to spend my days surrounded by the most Godly women I have ever known. Truly… I am blessed to have each and every one of them in my life.
In between work, church, and running Nick to tennis matches and piano lessons, I cook! Seriously. I know this is “Weight Loss Wednesday” but my hobby is creating new recipes and trying them out on willing victims. I love cooking shows and food magazines. In fact, my treadmill is set up in front of my television so that I can watch Food Network while I walk! Yup… sounds strange but it’s the truth.
I have battled with my weight for most of my life, resulting in much frustration, low self-image, and bouts of depression. Through the love and hope I now have in Jesus Christ, I have finally discovered that my identity is not defined by the number on my scale. It’s amazing what that Truth will do for your self-esteem! I belong to Someone bigger… Someone who loves me beyond measure… Someone who created me just as I am. I still struggle when I look in the mirror but, nowadays, I try to see myself as God sees me. I look at my image with His eyes instead of the eyes of the world. It’s a much better view!
What made you decide to begin your weight loss journey?
Several reasons… I have struggled with my weight my entire life but this time I found myself one pound away from seeing 200 on the scale! When I was pregnant with my son, Nick, I had gestational diabetes so I knew that I was at an increased risk of developing Type II Diabetes if I couldn’t get my weight under control. Also, I lost my husband to cancer so I’m the only parent Nick has. I want to be healthy for him and for me.
How much weight, and how many sizes, did you drop and how long did it take you?
So far I have lost 50 pounds and 4 sizes! I began on April 24, 2009. I have another 10-15 pounds to go in order to be “healthy” and to no longer be at an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Did you follow a specific program or plan that lead to your weight loss?
With encouragement from Lysa TerKeurst and Marybeth Whalen I went to see a naturopathic physician who specializes in weight loss. Her program did not work for me initially but blood tests showed that I had hypothyroidism. (That helped to explain my life-long struggle with weight, although I do have to take some of the blame as I did not make wise food choices.) Once we got my thyroid regulated the program began to work! I have since modified the program for my lifestyle. Basically, I do not eat any sugar or white carbs. My diet consists mostly of lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. (And an occasional bite of dark chocolate!) I do not eat any prepared or packaged foods. I only eat food that I have prepared myself so that I know exactly what I am eating and can control the amount of fat and sugar in my food. It is amazing how much hidden sugar is in prepared foods.
As a single mom of a teenage son, is it hard to cook meals that please you both?
Since Nick was already difficult to please (food wise), it hasn’t been that different . Except for his love of pepperoni pizza, Nick pretty much eats what I eat… just more items on his plate and larger serving sizes. If I make grilled chicken or salmon with a vegetable for dinner, I add a baked potato, some pasta or a roll to his plate so that he gets enough to eat. If I fix ice cream with berries for his dessert, I just eat some of the berries. It really has been easier than I thought. I just have to think ahead when planning our meals and make a good list before going to the grocery store.
What part did your walk with Christ play in your journey down the scale?
HUGE part! First, He entrusted this body to me and it is my responsibility to take good care of it so that I can more effectively do His work. That really motivated me. Also, it has been my faith that has been the biggest help in this journey. There have been times when I would love to eat a bowl of pasta. But, I stop and think of it as I would any other temptation and redirect my thoughts to Jesus. He is bigger and more important than any temptation. I stop and think of Him praying to God in the garden and my desire for pasta just seems so insignificant and selfish.
Any final words of wisdom for our Weight Loss Wednesday gals?
Yes – lots of them!
First and foremost… do this for you because you are worth it. You are beautiful and special and uniquely created and you deserve to be the best you that you can be.
Don’t use the word “diet.” It’s an evil four-letter word that sets you up for failure. Instead, come up with a system that works for you and that you can live with. It should be an ongoing lifestyle change that is healthy without leaving you unsatisfied.
Make sure you have a great support system. Lysa continues to send me quick little encouraging emails telling me how proud she is of me. She’s been like a cheerleader through this entire lifestyle change. Marybeth always tells me how beautiful I am (although, she has always said that… no matter how I looked). And, the girls in the office have supported me by changing their meal choices along with me. Now that’s love!
Set small, achievable goals and celebrate each and every one of them. I celebrated every ten pounds. This has kept me motivated and it helps me when my goals don’t seem so overwhelming. Ten pounds seems doable. Fifty pounds… not so much. But, I have reached and celebrated a ten pound goal five times now!
Way to go LeAnn!
Okay, now for the giveaway. LeAnn is graciously giving away a $25 Starbucks card to one of you who leaves a comment on this post. You don’t have to be a regular WLW gal to comment.
Simply leave us a comment on anything LeAnn spoke of or just letting us know how eating and moving is going for you. I’ll leave the post up until Monday when the winner will be announced.
Sweet Blessings,
93 Responses to Interview (and giveaway) with the Queen
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You are an inspiration LeAnn!
Great life story.
Thank you for this, LeAnn! I needed this encouragement today as I feel stalled on my weight loss journey and find myself struggling with the same-old mindsets rearing their heads. I especially liked what you said about treating food temptations as any other temptations and directing your mind to prayer.
Thanks for sharing LeAnn. You are an inspiration to all of us struggling with our weight. Also I love your new website, “She Cooks”. The recipes so far have been delicious.
Thank you for this post, LeAnn! I have struggled with low self-esteem and weight struggles for my entire life. Even when I was thin, I always thought I looked awful and needed to lose weight. I grew up with a father that constantly ridiculed my mother for her weight and called her names that were demeaning and hurtful. As I got older and went through puberty, my father commented on my changing body in a less-than-favorable light…He would especially comment if I had gained weight, so I began to feel so self-conscious even in my own home. My brothers were allowed to call me names referring to the no-so-thin size of my thighs. As I reached my upper high school years and college — and then beyond — I used eating and weight as a way to control my life. I became very, very thin; skipped meals regularly; and loved anyone who told me I looked like I was wasting away! I would exercise 3 hours a day to keep burning calories and losing weight.
Fast forward to my late 30′s (i.e. now); four kids later; horrible pain from fibromyalgia; and thyroid & adrenal problems that make weight gain easy and weight loss nearly impossible, and I find myself struggling with the same insecurity and low self-image. I have let it keep me from being the woman God means for me to be! I have avoided friendships; kept away from social activities; declined to volunteer during church activities (after all, it means people might be looking at me!); and even resulted in me being uncomfortable around my own husband.
I have tried and tried to lose weight MY way, thinking for some reason that God shouldn’t be let in to this part of my life. I am always successful for a time, but most diets put the focus on food and the scale first — not God. I end up discouraged and going back to my own ways. Yet, I feel God nudging me, whispering to me that I need Him during this struggle. I need to hand this to Him just like other things in my life — and to stop doing this my way or the world’s way.
Thank you again for your inspiration. This is my first time posting on WLW, but I have been reading the posts every Wednesday and look forward to them so much.
Well I’m slowly but surely picking up all of you P31 girls on your blogs. Lysa was my first, then Karen, then LeAnn, just added Sheri. I am enjoying each and every one of you. Thank you so much LeAnn for sharing your weight loss experience. It strengthens each of us when we share our journeys. I thank God for godly women encouraging and uplifting us all.
LeAnn,
Thank you for sharing your story of you weight loss journey.
I am 54 and for the first time in my life, this year, I have trully
committed my weight loss journey to Him. I am trusting Him to giude me and help me to learn to eat healthy. I am not trying to lose 50lbs in 30 days. I am trying to be patient and get healthy to better serve Him and others. I want Him to be the more that I need in my life.
Thanks for the encouragement and advice today! I never struggled with weight as a young woman and developed some pretty bad eating habits and a tendency to “medicate” myself with food. Four children and passing the dreaded 35 have not been kind to me. A few months ago, I finally made a (hopefully) permanent change. I now eat a MOSTLY vegetarian diet, mostly raw focusing on whole grains and plant based foods. I have SLOWLY lost almost 20 pounds (I would probably have lost more except for my too frequent cheating with peanut M&M’s). I love what you said about how you overcome temptation. A lifetime of eating to soothe has made me feel like I deserve to cheat or I need it to make myself feel better. I will definitely use that advice. I enjoy your blog and hope to continue to get some good recipes from you!
What an inspiring story! It is wonderful that you are doing this weight loss for health reasons and especially for your son. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Karen for sharing the trials you have been facing this week as well as telling us about the good times. I’ve had kind of a trying week myself. My 15 year old daughter is on a missions trip and she went cliff diving on Saturday – lost her cell phone.
But no broken bones. 
I was very touched by LeeAnn’s stoy. I especially loved the statement that you think about Jesus in the Garden praying to His father and realize that your desire to eat something you know you shouldn’t is pretty insignificant.
Thank you both.
As one who has struggled with the same 30 pounds up and down for years, thanks for sharing your journey. Blessings!
WOW! This speaks to my heart immensely! I’ve struggled with my weight all of my life, and I drew a line in the sand as recently as last week. I can no longer “serve the food idol”. As a Jesus girl, He is the only One I serve!
Thanks for sharing your story and pictures LeAnn! I also refuse to use the “diet” word…it is a lifestyle change for me. These past 5 weeks have been rough..stress, don’t you know. Yet I know that’s an excuse for not focusing enough on making healthy food choices. I’m re-focusing on God who loves me as I am and knowing He wants me to be healthier.
Thanks for the encouragement today! I’ve been participating in a Bible study at church that also encompasses fitness: loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. This week was good. I was able to get away with my husband for a few days to belatedly celebrate our anniversary. During the trip he made it easy for me to keep making wise food choices. I was down another pound this week. That makes six pounds lost in the last six weeks! I’m happy with that number even as I know I will push a little harder for the next six weeks (to the end of the Bible study) to meet my 20 pound goal for the study. Thanks for your encouragement here! Praying for us all as we continue our journey!
Thanks so much for sharing your photos and the story, LeAnn. I once saw my scale at one pound away from 200 and was so shocked to think that I could let myself go like that. At 5’2″, any extra pounds show up immediately. Since March I have been eating lean proteins, lots of vegetables and fruits and only small amounts of grains. The scale shows a 30 pound weight loss and I feel so much better, have more energy and have a better self-image. Oh yes, and all my old clothes now fit again! I love your idea of thinking of eating a bowlful of pasta as you would any other temptation and redirecting your thoughts to Jesus.
I love the “do this for you because your are worth it.” I’m in the process of learning that now. I’ve been leveling out on weight loss but only because I lost my focus. Back to conscious eating and doing away with mindless eating!
Thanks LeAnn for sharing.
God challenged me this morning to go to my WW meeting where I had yet another gain (honestly, I reckon that since I have the Holy Spirit in me, I should be able to do this!) but the word that God had challenged me with in my quiet time was FAITH. So I faithfully went, trusting that whatever happened would be ok. But it wasn’t. I felt like crying! Anyhow, after my meeting, the rest of my day has been really nice, I have been seeing that God is showing me how faithful He is to my decision to go to the meeting. I know that I should feel really encouraged and I kinda do but I also feel a bit stuck. I am not sure what healthy eating ideas I should be following having been on WW for 2 years and having lost about 36kg but I now eat more junk food than I did before I began WW so that I am not missing out (I think) and am putting worse stuff into my body than I was at my heaviest. I feel that I am just floundering around with no set ideas so am easily distracted and become unfocused. All I can come up with is healthy eating but I am not sure this will give me results that I want to get to a healthy weight, but then, I guess, maybe God has something else He wants me to learn. Sorry for babbling and thanks for listening
Interesting post interview. thanks
Thanks for the encouragement, LeAnn. You are an amazing woman. (And so are you, Karen.) I have lost 25 lbs. since August by making healthy changes. I have hit a plateau and my next big change is to cut out all sugar and white stuff. Thanks for the reminder that it can be done.
Thanks for your story, LeAnn. I also hate the ‘diet’ word since I think it sends the wrong message to my daughters… and let’s face it, since when has a ‘diet’ really worked? In reality the only thing that works for the long term is a lifestyle change. I’ve been uttering the word ‘temptation’ 100 times a day, honestly, it really does work as long as I say it and mean it!
YOU ROCK, LEANN! Keep losin’!!
Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom and testimony. I adore each of you Proverbs 31 staffers – you touch my heart everytime I read about your lives and experiences!
Fun giveaway too – thanks for donating the Starbucks card!
Thank You for being YOU
LeAnn said, “…He entrusted this body to me and it is my responsibility to take good care of it….” This really hit me because I have been thinking all week about how our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are bought with a price. We belong to Him.
I overheard a college student say to another, “You can do what you want – it’s YOUR BODY.” That statement offended me as a public health nurse and as a Christian. And as I studied this further, it seemed the Lord spoke to my heart to say that eating is no different. I should be asking HIM what HE wants me to eat. For me to fill His temple with junk food is to disrespect what God Himself owns.
Well – anyway – I am down a pound this week.
Thank you LeAnn for sharing your story. I, too, have struggled with my weight all of my life. I love the part of your story where you said
“I have finally discovered that my identity is not defined by the number on my scale. It’s amazing what that Truth will do for your self-esteem! I belong to Someone bigger… Someone who loves me beyond measure… Someone who created me just as I am. I still struggle when I look in the mirror but, nowadays, I try to see myself as God sees me. I look at my image with His eyes instead of the eyes of the world. It’s a much better view!”
You put words to my thoughts. I have put my scale away and feel so much more freedom now that I don’t face that number every morning
I lead a weight loss group and share honestly with them about my history with low self-esteem. It’s awesome to see how people respond to positive (truthful) words of encouragement.
Thanks again for this blog.
I enjoy both of your blogs and am thankful for your testimonies in helping and sharing with others. Sweet Blessings, Karen
Karen, Thanks so much for your continued inspiration! I really enjoy visiting your blog on Wednesdays (sometimes the day after ; ) and being reminded that God created me . . . fearfully and wonderfully . . . no matter the number on the scale; however, it’s my duty to take care of the Holy Spirit’s Temple.
Today, I was extra surprised when I saw that you interviewed LeAnn! I LOVE She Cooks and was so impressed by the food we enjoyed at She Speaks. I am guessing that LeAnn had a lot to do with that ; ).
The interview with LeAnn has reminded me to set goals with rewards. I tend to be really hard on myself, and I honestly never thought of rewarding myself at different increments along my weight loss journey. Thank you for that reminder!
I really enjoyed reading LeAnn’s story. I am inspired by her life and love for Jesus.
I appreciated all the final words — “do it for yourself” “don’t use the word diet”. The entire article was encouraging; and I love the new SheCooks website. Thank you!
Great story!! I have to keep reminding myself that God loves me just as I am…. overweight and all!!
Wow Leann, I just got to read this (Thurs) a strange week.
Thank you for the inspiration, and thank you for the chance to win something fun.
Way to go LeAnn! I can relate to many things you shared including cooking for family (who don’t desire to eat lean). I am inspired to try harder.
You are truly inspiring. I’ve struggled with my weight for years, but I’m slowly turning that around.
Congratulations! It would be so easy to give up, but God.
I like the 10 pounds at a time out look for losing weight. I am trying to help my brother lose weight after losing over 50 pounds…he gained it all back and more.
Leann, what an inspiration you are!! I also love your She Cooks sight. I love to cook as well. It’s my favorite thing to do!! Thanks for the insights. Way to go with your 50 lb. loss and good luck with the last little bit which always seems to be the hardest!!
Leann, thanks, you truly are inspiration. Little bit by little bit,
I have weight to loose.
Pingback: All Day Enchilada Beef — She Cooks
Thank you for your encouragement and words of wisdom! Both of you inspire so many! Blessings!
Thanks so much LeAnn…appreciate you sharing another part of you with us!
Be blessed!
Your words are such an inspiration! I have also battled my weight all my life. I am 41 years old. I have type II diabetes. I have had a heart stent since I was 39. I love my family more than anything and really want to get healthy for them and me, but I seem to fail daily. I get so overwhelmed with family, husband, kids, job, family finances, and the list goes on. I want to be so different. I’ve asked God to be in this process with me, but MY will seems to overide His will for me. I used food as my comfort and lots of time do it before even thinking about it. I don’t understand how I can know what I need to be doing, and just keep not doing it. Even when plans are made to do what I should, something (or someone–Devil) keeps trying to throw me off track, and unfortunately gets me off track so much! Today, I’ve heard God’s sacred echos (as Margaret Feinberg calls them) through your words. Thank you so much for sharing!!
I am enjoying your new blog, She Cooks! Thanks for sharing
I found your interview very encouraging. I haven’t had a weight problem, but my husband has been/is in a lifelong struggle with weight control, and my desire is to understand and support him better. Thanks for sharing your journey! God is good!
Dear LeAnn….you are doing a great job with the Lord’s help and many blessings to you and Nick as you go through this journey of life. I marvel at what God is doing through you and the hardships that you have encountered but I see that you keep
giving God the glory as you encourage us all to be strong. I will be embarking on uncharted territory as we take in my elderly parents. Mom suffered a stroke and both Mom & Dad could use a helping hand. I am encouraged as I read your entries! God is good in the midst of problems, trials, hardships…Everyday Life!!!
Thank you for your blogspot. I have been a WW member as well
as a former leader and found that it is such a healthy program and easier to follow as it uses real food. The enchilada beef crock pot meal looks awesome & now off to figure the points!
You are beautiful LeAnn~!
Great testimony! Love the reference to temptation and Jesus in the garden- puts it all into perspective!
Thank you for your encouraging story. A great reminder to depend on God even in the small things of life.
Thanks for the new blog! I have just begun to see weight creeping up on me as I ‘age gracefully’ and need to get it under control. I have been enjoying She Cooks and will now enjoy WLW!!
Sweet Blessings!
Very wise words.
My “duh” moment came the day I stepped on the scale and was the heaviest I’d ever been….even pregnant! Since the beginning of the year I’ve been walking, using the eliptical (in the cooler months) and watching what I eat (food choice wise as well as portion size). I’ve lost nearly 40 pounds and have 15 to go to reach my first goal.
Your recipes sound great, but a lot of the ingredients are not available in the UK – especially the packaged/canned goods. Can you suggest alternatives?
Thank you for sharing LeAnn. Two years ago I lost 60 lbs, felt terrific, had energy etc. Since those two years I have had two partial knee replacements. One knee had significant problems and it became a year long healing process. I have since gained back 30+ lbs and do feel low self-esteem. Now that I have read a different perspective in your story in regards to how Jesus sees me as a beautiful woman that gives me hope. No matter how I look he will always love me and never judge me for my size. This gives me the encouragement to get back into the healthy eating and exercises to lose that 30+lbs. Thank you so much and love to you and Nick!
You are so right that we are worth it! Our families depend on us, and we can not serve Christ with a weakened body. I was weakening mine through poor food choices and lack of exercise. I still make bad choices, but I am so thankful that He gives me a portion of His power to avoid temptations whenever I ask it from Him.
Blessings,
Patty
Hi, I have been a follower of P31 for several years, a friend introduced me. I love LeAnn and her recipes. God Bless You All! Keep up the good work!
Thanks,
Ellice
As a retiree who used to be so active, I truly have to watch food intake more closely than ever. What makes it hard is now that I have time to experiment with new recipes, I’m really into cooking healthy meals…and I really enjoy them. However, being less active has contributed to my hanging on to about 25-30 more pounds than I want. The scripture about our body being God’s temple has popped up in several readings recently…OK, I get the message! Thanks for the additional insight and encouragement…and the great recipes on She Cooks.
The She Cooks website is the only one that I’ve ever seen. I appreciate the candidness since I’ve had the inaccurate impression that Christian writers don’t have daily struggles like people like me. I’m fortunate that I dont have weight issues which I attribute to lucky genes but I do need to plan healthy meals for my family. Thank you for sharing what you like to eat! I will now try the enchilada recipe this week. Can’t wait!
i loved reading this encouraging. interview. i have 15 pounds that have to go and i have been praying about the process so it’s done right and stays off.
thanks for your blogs.
and great recipes and encouragement.
in HIM,
nan m
Weight watchers is an awesome program I also have used the live strong plan on line. I have been slacking lately and need to get back in to the plan again. I am currently a size 12-14 and weigh 140 at 5 foot the scale chart says I should should be 110 I have been really low at certain times in my life and felt like it wasn’t healthy for me. So my goal is to loose 10 pounds maybe 12 at the most and move more. I have a treadmill a healthrider and a bike in the garage. Since I quit work last year non of them have been used. I do walk outside though.
Thank you for the encouragment. I feel I need to re evaluate the plan… you inspire me.
I’m glad to hear about Weight-Loss Wednesdays. I have struggled with my weight all my life. I was already overweight when I had my children, but the pounds haven’t come off since. I also have been recently diagnosed with Type II diabetes. Thank you for reminding me to keep care of God’s temple.
Grace
Congratulations on your weight loss. I’m so sorry for the lose of your husband and so young. I am a cancer survivor, eight years cancer free in September. Your story is very encouraging to me as I have battled my weight since being a teenager. I am now retired and older, so it seems so much more difficult then when I was younger. I am suffering from depression, and this makes it even more difficult. After reading your story, I see some light at the end of the “tunnel.”Thank you for sharing your wonderful story, and I look forward to more recipes from “She Cooks”. I want to try them all!
I, too, had lost a good bit of weight doing the Weight Watchers plan but dropped out a month ago. I am maintaining my weight loss but still need to lose a lot more. I plan to return to the weigh in this week and resume my membership. I find the weekly weigh in keeps me motivated. Thanks also for your before and after story.
This was very inspiring. I have weight to lose and have to keep my focus on the Lord rather than the pantry when trials come my way. Thanks for the blog.
cindy
I love your spirit!. I have been recieving She cooks for a few weks now . but i didnot know about your weight loss success. You have inspired me. Thank you Ps. You look great!
Congratulations on sticking to it and finding what works instead of giving up when it got tough. We loved your baked penne meal!
Because we belong to Jesus and are His, we are indeed beautiful, heavy or thin! Having our outside match how we feel on the inside seems like a good way to honor the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. Good for you and your weight loss success!
I love “She Cooks” and Proverbs 31 Ministry! It was so encouraging to read your weight loss story. I have struggled with my weight for years, going down to 106lbs on a 5′ frame, back up to 145lbs…It’s very hard, and even though I know this is the body the Lord gave me to present as a living sacrifice., sometimes I don’t even stop to think about that as I make my food choices. You have started a new desire within me to begin again – and I will pray every step of the way! God bless you and thank you!
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been reading Proverbs31 for a few months now (thank you SO much, by the way!!), and a few weeks ago began eating less sugar… actually none now. I will at some point bring back whole grains and fruits to see how my body reacts, but I also feel so much better without the sugar and processed foods!! I really enjoy your new She Cooks blog I signed up to get emails last week
Way to go! Wooohooo! 50 pounds. I would also love to know the N.P. that Lysa referred you to. You are an encouragement. My carbs do seem insignificant compared to what life is really about.
I was greatly encouraged by this interview. I liked how LeAnn mentions thinking of Jesus praying in the garden when she is tempted. I will keep this in mind when I am tempted.
I am just starting my journey to lose 25 lbs. I know to many this doesn’t seem like that much but it feels like a mountain to me. I am encouraged by reading about your success so far. I am glad that we have the opportunity to share our stories and support one another through our challenges. God Bless and best wishes!
I am so proud of you for chosing to be healthy for your sake as well as your child’s. I also chose to live a healthier lifestyle so I could enjoy my children and do activities with them not just from the side line. It sure has made my life a lot happier. God bless you in your journey!
I have been trying (unsuccessfully) for the past several years to lose weight. The harder I try, the more weight I gain. After reading your story today, I am ready to approach a new strategy. For some reason, I never prayed for God to help me. Don’t get me wrong, I pray all day long – usually for guidance in making the right business decision or for help in dealing with a husband that is not healthy. But I never thought about asking for help for me. But, I am on my way right now! I need to celebrate 3 ten-pound victories. I’ll let you know how I do. Thank you!!!
I love the recipes from SheCooks! You are an inspiration to us all!! May God help you with your weight loss! I too, suffer from Hypothyroidism, and I feel better now that I am on new medication for it. Best wishes!
I find your story very inspiring and love She Cooks. I have lost 43 lbs with Weight Watchers but have been in a maintenance mode for the last 8 months. I still have a significant amount to lose but feel inspired by your suggestions and attitude. I have learned to be happy with my progress and not disappointed that I am not down to the healthy 140 lbs at 5’7″ recommended weight. I will get there eventually or at least I know I will get to where I am content with myself.
Wow…great read! Thank you. What hit me square in the face and mean HARD, was where you talked about temptation;
“There have been times when I would love to eat a bowl of pasta. But, I stop and think of it as I would any other temptation and redirect my thoughts to Jesus. He is bigger and more important than any temptation. I stop and think of Him praying to God in the garden and my desire for pasta just seems so insignificant and selfish.”
I can’t thank you enough for the kick in the pants on that one!
LeAnn – I’m so encouraged to hear about your successful battle with your weight. I have battled this same issue all of my life. I recently read about naturopathy and am very interested in this lifestyle change. You are right – our bodies have been entrusted to us by God and we need to take care of them. Congratulations!
I subscribe to She Cooks, but through this interview I really felt like I got to know LeAnn. My husband is a CrossFit coach and I am a nurse practitioner. We follow many of the eating rules that LeAnn does (nothing processed, no sugar, etc) so it was really refreshing to see someone else, especially someone who writes a cooking blog to be living a healthy lifestyle. Way to go!!
A few of LeAnn’s comments hit a cord with me. I have never struggled with my weight until about 3 years ago. Putting on an extra 30-45 pounds pushed me straight into a depression that I didn’t know was possible. But, thank our Lord, I, too, realized that my self-worth is not based on how I look…..Jesus said I am worthy!! He loves me, my heart, and that’s what matters. I have not made the best food choices for me or my 11 year old daughter over the past 4-5 years. I feel guilty and responsible for that…..and, I know I can make the changes that we need to make. Thank you, LeAnn for the testimony and for your courage and commitment to!
I love your “She Cooks” site. Some of the recipes don’t seem like they would be helpful in this journey to lose weight. How do you handle such good smelling foods that you don’t get to eat—like the desserts? I want to try the enchilada recipe. Is there a way to make the enchilada sauce instead of using canned–processed somewhat sauce? Congratulations on the weight loss and the new site.
Sheila
I like what you said about doing this lifestyle change because you are worth it. I think we too often feel like a fauilure and our self worth goes down the drain! Thank you for the encouragement! I want to get started on my first 10 lbs. and then celebrate with a Starbucks coffee!
I loved the article! She Cooks is very encouraging. Proverbs31 has been a blessing to me for years. Thank you and thank GOD for you! I struggle with my weight. Food has been my comfort in the past but I am praying and trying to change that pattern. I am working on putting my LORD as my source of comfort. I want to be healthy and energized for the plans He has for me.
I have been following LeAnne’s articles lately and love her recipes. I’m glad she posted this website as I can certainly use the support and hope to lose some weight myself.
Thank You so much LeAnne!! I just love She Cooks! I love to cook and really don’t have much time to do so (raising my Granddaughter and employed!) Even if I don’t use your recipe It gives me ideas!! Now seeing you’ve lost 50 pounds I am encouraged to stay healthy Bless You!
congratulations leanne on your journey….and thanks for sharing your recipes
What really hit me was when she said, “do this for you because you are worth it. You are beautiful and special and uniquely created and you deserve to be the best you that you can be.’
I have tried several times to shed the pounds, but I can honestly say, that I have never tried to do it for ME!
The heat has zapped my energy for eating healthy and exercising!
I was checking out Hearts at Home…I haven’t been for a few years. Anyway, I had attended a few of Karen’s classes. When I saw her picture, I thought…whoa…she has REALLY lost weight. How did she do it. That brought me here…to LeAnn’s story. I desperately need to change my eating and lose the extra weight that I am carrying. I have 2 teenage children who need a Mom in much better shape and health. I need to start tracking what I eat and making healthier choices. I’ve done this many times…said I would NEVER let myself gain it back…and here I am…looking at that “100″ club. It is 10:15 pm and tomorrow is a new day to walk with my LORD as LORD of what goes in my mouth and LORD of my exercising. Tomorrow…August 17th, 2010 begins by new journey toward being who He wants me to be for His Honor and His Glory. See you next Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 with the results of my week.
Your post has left me in tears… I am struggling with weight loss. Have been on a similar diet for a few weeks and lost 10 pounds… thank you for your encouragement! I will pray and remember Jesus’s temptation when I crave the bowl of pasta or the huckleberry muffins I make for my family of ten. Thanks for your recipe site! I have loved it!
Be blessed ladies!
Hello. I too have struggled with weight my entire life. I have recently found a Spritual Mentor who is helping me through my weight loss journey. It turns out, that God has everything to do with my success!!! I have lost 20 pounds thus far and continue on this lifelong journey with new and eternal joy. I had always thought of loosing weight as my battle, something “I” needed to deal with. No one can change me but me, etc. etc. Since I have gotten closer to God (thanks to my Mentor Noelle & Wendy Blight) and am building our relationship daily, I see the reality and spirituality of my existance and why health is my priority now. I have been given this gift of life with responsiblities and love to cherrish and nourture my body as He has planned.
I am so glad to have found this blog and this post
I struggle with my weight and have been up and down and up and down and up and down all my life… I just got back on the “losing” wagon this weekend and this blog will be a great thing to keep me focused 
LeAnn, we certainly have much in common battling weight all our lives. I’ve been a Lifetime member of Weight Watchers since 1971, and lost 170 lbs on the WW plan.Of course, the eating plan is much different now than it was way back when. Even though I lost that much weight, I continued to fight, but had an unduly amount of stress that caused me to fail again. I then had a stomach stapling, which is not God’s answer to obesity. It helped for the first 100 lbs loss…then I had to work extremely hard to lose the rest. Since then, I’ve grown up and know how to be responsible for my weight and my health. I had an illness ten years ago that nearly took my life. I was in and out of the hospital for years and in rehab 3 times. The disease that struck me was necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh eating bacteria that required 4 surgeries that put a football size wound in my left haunch. Over the years, I’ve naturally stuck to the WW plan to take the weight off again and have kept it off. It is a shame that my health was almost ruined to the point of death. God had other plans for me…and I’ve survived. I’m now healthy because I live a healthy life. I was left slightly immobilized and have lost a lot of my ability to walk and be on my feet for long periods of time. My God is a God of many chances until I get it right!! I’ve learned to laugh a lot…and enjoy laughing hard because it is so healthy and healing. Isn’t it wonderful when we finally let God be in control!! I’m almost 72 and am embarking on an entirely new path. I want to write because I have many traumatic/dramatic and unusual happenings during my life that can be put in a book or more than one. I’m very proud and pleased for you that you’ve been able to stay in control with God’s help. I pray that God will guide you to help and instruct others with this dibilitating problem of excess weight. You go, girl!!!
Sharing Christ’s Love,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
Thanks for the motivation, weight loss is a constant struggle of mine. I just found your site and hope to visit often. Judy
What an inspiration!!!!
Thanks so much!!
I’m In
This was a devotion that reminded me to always be willing to share the Love of Christ to others.
Knowing that I miss these opportunities often and praying that I will be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and just do it.
You really made me think….would I have done that? Thanks so much for sharing your experience and for inspiring me. You are so right that we are being watched…always.
I just ran across this by accident but now I’m beginning to believe that it was not an accident. The Lord showed this to me because of His love for me and knowing how sensitive I am about my weight. I am an obese 64 yr. old mother/grandmother/wife who is a complete failure when it comes to this subject. I have tried everything and I’ve always it didn’t work but I believe that they all work if you want them to. I don’t understand why I can’t lose because I think about it from the time I get up until I go to bed. It consumes me, I’m so ashamed of myself, I try to dress in dark colors year round because I don’t want to draw any attention to myself. I’m pathetic. My husband is the administrator our our 1000 member church and I feel so badly that I look like I do but I have no will power. I have a wonderful relationship with the Lord but know I am letting Him down in this way. I could go on but its really pathetic. People don’t know how I feel, I keep it to myself and in my prayers.