GAINING weight is so easy for so many of us, and losing weight is so difficult. Often we hear someone say, "Oh yes, I can lose weight, but it doesn't stay off. It isn't long until I have gained it all back again." Unfortunately, this is too true, and this yo-yo method of losing and gaining, losing and gaining, is really very detrimental to our over-all health status. There must be a better way--a right way to lose weight.
This was the thinking when the new program entitled Wa-Rite was prepared by the General Conference Department of Health. There are so many programs for weight-conscious individuals; in fact, almost as many programs as there are people interested in losing, so really do we need another program? No, we don't need just another program, but it was felt that a uniform program that could be con ducted by interested lay persons in any church who were given proper instruction would fill a real need in the Community Services program of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The needs are great. We will state a few of them.
One of the first needs that arises during a Five-Day Stop Smoking Clinic is expressed in the question "How do I keep from gaining weight after I've stopped smoking?" Another we often hear in cooking schools is, "Won't I gain if I stop eating meat?" Some have even asked me, "Why are there so many overweight people in the Seventh-day Adventist Church?"
There are individuals in every walk of life who would give any amount of money if they could find a weight-management program that they could live with for the rest of their lives. Not just a program for a few weeks but a pro gram of a better way of life, a program that teaches the changing of habits in an attractive way. Not just a list of "don't eat this" or "don't eat that" or worse yet--"don't eat!" So the Wa-Rite program has been developed to fill this need.
What is the Wa-Rite program? First of all, it is pronounced weigh right. The program is a weight-management program designed for a group of people who meet together once a week for at least a twelve-week period. In this setting they are trained in a new life style for living. It is a combination of instruction in nutrition, exercise, and general good health practices. Psychological needs and motivation are dealt with in both lectures and commitment groups. Specific suggestions are made for controlling weight, and when these are carefully followed, the individual will gradually attain his proper weight and hold it there. A loss of one to two pounds per week is encouraged.
This weight loss is accomplished by applying a variety of techniques as needed. Some of those taking this course have accomplished weight loss by simply refraining from eating be tween meals and adding one-half hour of exercise, such as walking briskly daily. Others need to develop a little stronger discipline. A 1,200-calorie diet is described and explained, and many find this to be a very acceptable diet program. Another plan that seems to work for some is to eat a substantial, nutritious first meal of the day, a smaller lunch, and refrain from eating in the evening.
Good health habits are explained, demonstrated, and encouraged at every session. In order to weigh what one should weigh it is necessary to ad just our daily living pattern and not just follow a few weeks of diet control.
The Wa-Rite instruction kit is avail able for $5 from the Department of Health, General Conference of SDA, 6840 Eastern Avenue NW., Washing ton, B.C. 20012. Contents of the kit include a loose-leaf instructor's manual in a three-ring binder, a "Wa-Rite Control Booklet," and a sample copy of the brochures and pamphlets that are given out one each week. The control booklet by itself sells for $1.50 and should be ordered for each individual who joins the program. The "Instructor's Manual" is quite detailed and explains how to organize a class, the materials needed and where to order them, how to finance the program, suggestions for staff qualifications, suggested topics to cover (including motivation studies), source material for talks, and other important information. The control booklet contains motivation ideas, recipes, menus, spiritual encouragement, and recommended exercises.
The recently produced 16mm. twenty-eight minute color movie film Melinda has been prepared especially for use with the Wa-Rite program. This film can be used to generate interest for the organizing of classes and is a must for use during the twelve weeks. Some have found it beneficial to show at the beginning as well as again after the sixth week. Every large church and conference should order this film from Audio Visual Services, 1100 Rancho Conejo Boulevard, Newbury Park, California 91320. The price at present is $200.
The home-nutrition instructor or an interested and trained layman who has the ability to organize and implement a program would be an excellent leader for this group in your church. Wa-Rite is not only designed for Seventh-day Adventists but as a community out reach program to include our neighbors and friends. It is proving to be another effective avenue for introducing our message of a beautiful and healthful way of life. Nothing is more enjoyable and satisfying than to have a part in winning souls for Jesus and His kingdom.
Some testimonies of individuals who have been through this program at least once are very interesting.
"This program has been the most encouraging that I have ever experienced, and I never expected the results that I have attained within a twelve-week period. Please continue these projects and encourage many who have such a problem and feel such a hopelessness." This woman lost seventeen and one-half pounds, and her blood pressure decreased.
"It is the best program I have ever participated in. My goal was not reached, but I learned a lot and intend to keep on with it." Weight loss, nine and one-half pounds.
"I have really enjoyed the course and feel I have learned enough about nutrition so that I can change my family's eating habits." Weight loss, twelve pounds.
"Good! if you cut down on sweets and walk one or two miles a day. The program has been very interesting every evening. Have enjoyed every meeting." Weight loss, twenty pounds.
We also suggest a follow-up program of indefinite length, which we call Sta-Rite (stay right). It is planned that these meetings be spaced farther apart, possibly every two, three, or four weeks. Group therapy is beneficial in a weight-management program. It provides excellent motivation, especially when group members have to make a specific weight-loss commitment and report back the following week on whether or not they met their goal.
Every Adventist church member should be engaged in at least one soul-saving endeavor. Wa-Rite may be just the program that some of your members can become interested in.
