Bound by Numbers: Abandoning the Control Weight Has over You

By Angela Lutz

A TRUE ACCOUNT OUTLINING THE DANGERS OF DISORDERLY EATING, DETAILING HOW TO UNCOVER AND OVERCOME THE ROOT CAUSES OF food, body, AND self-image ISSUES.
Our society is obsessed with numbers.

We are compelled to search for success based on an arbitrary quantity of fat grams and carbohydrates. We are convinced that victory is hidden just beyond our reach in the number of reps we complete or the size stamped on the waistband of our jeans.

So, we buy the hype, join another program, and begin again. Unfortunately, in no time we find ourselves at the losing end of another battle for self-control. We carry around the disappointment, and it glares back every time we glance in the mirror. Our failures mock our clothing preferences, complicate our food choices, and interfere with our relationships.

We would try again, but looking at our past littered with dangerous diet pills and extreme food plans, unused exercise equipment and discarded gym memberships, we are convinced there is no point. If the past is any indication, successeven if it is achievablewill be short-lived and meaningless. Why bother?

The truth is that success is not bound to a number. Disorderly eating and a poor self-image are not things that can be remedied with a product off the shelf. Our issues are more than skin deep when toxic situations from the past dictate current behaviors.

Freedom from numbers can only be found by uncovering and overcoming the root issues that drive beliefs regarding food and body image.

Bound by Numbers is a thoughtful approach to healthy living that begins by addressing internal issues first. Based on extensive research and real life examples, youll learn how to jump off the treadmill of harmful ideas and jump into a brand new life free from the past.

This will be the last time youll ever have to start all over again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 2, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449740962

Angela Lutz

Working more than a decade within the health and fitness industry, Angela Lutz has achieved numerous certifications including Holistic Lifestyle Coaching. She draws on personal experiences and proven methods to help others identify and overcome the root issues of disorderly eating. Angela and her family own a gym in Ohio.

Book preview

Bound by Numbers

Abandoning the Control

Weight has Over You

Angela Lutz

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Copyright © 2012 Angela Lutz

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Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Message version of the bible. Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture noted as NKJV taken from the New King James Version of the Bible. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-4097-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-4098-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-4096-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012903192

WestBow Press rev. date: 3/4/2013

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1. A Recounting of Devastation

Chapter 2. Going On

Chapter 3. Satan’s Tool: Self-Sabotage

Chapter 4. What You Put in Your Mouth

Chapter 5. Reveal and Deal

Chapter 6. Self-Destructive Behavior: The Silent Sower

Chapter 7. Weeding Out Your Soul with Forgiveness

Chapter 8. Vital Vision

Chapter 9. Reevaluating Fixations

Chapter 10. Fueling the Vehicle of Your Soul

Chapter 11. Operation Move It

Chapter 12. Fruits of the Spirit

Chapter 13. Conclusion: Numbers Can Do a Number on Us

Notes

I dedicate this book to my mother, who was wise beyond her years. She celebrated life with a carefree spirit, transcending priceless lessons on life through her journey and departure. Her belief in me was unwavering as she showed me the importance of trusting myself.

I also dedicate this book to my daughter, who was a gift with perfect timing. Olivia’s arrival flooded my world with hope and served as a reminder that every life (even my own) has a divine purpose. It is because of her that I have learned the importance of trusting others.

Acknowledgments

This project has not been a solitary effort. On the contrary, I have been blessed to have amazing people enter my life and support my vision. I gratefully acknowledge the contributions by those who have made the journey possible.

I have learned priceless lessons from so many of my clients as they walked out their own journey to freedom.

To those who have cheered me on in this endeavor—Tracy Cox, Tonda Moore, Ann Ritnour, and Jim and Beth Whittaker—I am honored to have you in my corner.

It takes a team to actually create a book, and I am thankful that my team included Jodi Hufschmitt’s editing skills during the early stages of this manuscript; Deanna Stevens and her writing, coaching, editing, and creative vision in shaping this book for publication; and Brandon J. Schmidt, who designed the cover and poured countless hours into making this project a success.

A heartfelt thanks to Kevin Lafarriere for his inspiring instruction regarding all things pertaining to health, fitness, longevity, and relationship. His wisdom contributed to both my professional and personal success.

Of special note are my spiritual mentors: Pastors Gary and Drenda Keesee, Pastor Clyde and Scheherazade Daniels, Brother Chris D’Amico, and my Aunt Claire Gallagher, an amazing minister of God whose guidance, teachings, and impartations were critical in shaping me into the person I am today and inspiring me to do big things for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am deeply grateful to Kendra Flack—my forever friend and the boss of me. No matter the circumstance, she refused to allow my dream to become anything less than reality. Kendra, your loyal and steadfast friendship has been—and always will be—invaluable to me. Thank you for all your hard work and support.

Connie, God sure knew what He was doing when He placed you in my life when I was ten years old. You have been a constant source of encouragement and one of my biggest fans. Thank you.

To the little great big loves of my life—my daughter, Olivia, and my son, Angelo. Thanks for enduring countless Saturdays in your jammies so Mommy could write. You are an eternal source of inspiration. I am so honored to be your mom.

And finally to my soul mate, Esteban, for his love and undying commitment. Thank you for always believing in me and my dreams. I love you.

Introduction

The dreams, ideas, goals, and works God wants to create through us and in us are often so much more than we can comprehend in the natural world.

The very second this knowledge was revealed to me became a turning point. My life immediately underwent a drastic transformation as my outlook changed from hopelessness and fear into confidence and peace. I began to look at events differently; the future became something to joyfully anticipate. While I continue to grow, learn, and discover the vastness of God’s love and mercy, each season supersedes the previous one, and I am beginning to understand the concept of going from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The Lord came to me in a prophetic dream in November 2005 and showed me a picture of a small group of women whom He was speaking to through me. In the dream, I was praying over these women using God’s words, and the women were being healed of various afflictions. The dream was so real that I woke up feeling refreshed and on fire for what God had planned for me; at the same time, I was extremely confused. I knew that the dream was a representation of my future, but I had no idea what action I should take. I didn’t know what to say or how to say it, nor could I fathom how any of it could possibly come to pass.

At the time I experienced the dream, the idea of praying over people and their being healed was not something I could even imagine. As a matter of fact, I was personally struggling through a series of difficult circumstances, and I needed all the prayers I could get. To put it bluntly, my life was a mess. I was addicted to Phentermine (a habit-forming prescription diet medication) which allowed this single mother to wake up at 4:00 each morning, not eat for the entire day, and still be filled with enough energy to work as a personal trainer and health and fitness educator late into the evening. Additionally, I carried weighty responsibilities as sole provider for my young daughter and, following a failed first marriage, I was struggling with trust issues. I was plowing through life with an I’ll take care of everything! attitude, not allowing myself to slip into the vulnerable position of relying on anyone for anything.

As days passed, I continued to think about the dream and what it might mean, but after taking inventory of my life, it was