Obese and suicidal, what would finally help this young lady?
This is an interview with Margarida Godinho, revealing how “God’s plan” of healthful lifestyle changes can transform a life of a depressed, obese young woman.
So what happened? Some turn to Jenny Craig, some to Weight Watchers, others to the Atkins Diet. What plan worked for you?
“I tried God’s plan.” Margarida’s answer. “It’s the only way to true health—body, mind, and spirit—the whole soul. I had been of a normal weight for most of my life. But about 13 years ago, I fell into depression, as that dark cloud of despair seemed to descend over me. I sat on the couch for days, then weeks, then months. During that time, I started eating….overeating. My body began to expand on junk food. Although I took medications, nothing helped. I wasted five years of my life in a deep depression.
What was the turning point for you?
“I became so desperate that I tried to kill myself with the medications; but it didn’t work. That roused me to realize the seriousness of my condition. I decided that I needed not only to change my diet, but my whole lifestyle. It was then that God led me to Wildwood. There I learned His plan for optimum health. Fine vegan dining, 8-10 cups of water each day, and plenty of outdoor exercise in fresh air and sunshine were all part of the program to lose weight naturally and permanently.
What were the steps that you took on the way to victory?
Margarida described these steps, “When I worked in the Lifestyle department, I witnessed the guests losing weight; I saw the miracles happen and decided to change my life. It takes a firm resolve. I said, ‘Lord, You did it for these people; You can do it for me.’ So I began putting in to practice the principles that I was learning, and the weight began coming off. It started to become fun! I skipped suppers and went for brisk walks instead. I didn’t have to cut portions, but I did add more raw foods and ate less bread. I drank plenty of water. I was strict about bedtime, as adequate rest is essential. But I have to be honest, some days were hard. When I felt stressed and was tempted to overeat, I would walk away from the kitchen and pray and sing. When I slipped, I got on my knees and asked the Lord to forgive me and to help me. Initially, I was losing four pounds per week, then two to three pounds weekly. After 12 months, I had lost a total of 90 pounds!
“That’s awesome! And did the plan work for your depression as well?”
“Yes! Along with losing weight, I was happy to see other health problems disappear, including pain in my back and legs, fatigue, depression, insomnia, and headaches. In their place, I was blessed with health, energy, joy, peace, and a closer walk with my Savior. But, the greatest blessing I have received is to recognize and heed the voice of my Lord and His Holy Spirit.”
What would be your advice to our readers?
“Philippians 4:13 helped me. It says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It doesn’t say that Jesus will do all things. We know He can. But I have to put down the fork and say, ‘No, I have to get up and walk.’ Indeed, I pray and ask for God’s help. But I have to ask; He doesn’t force. So it was very important for me to say, ‘I am going to do it by Your strength. Lord, help me.’ It is the sum of decisions made daily that add up to victory.