LeadershipConnexion 1st QRT 2021

6 WAYS TO reSET
Aaron Lawrence
Lost 70 pounds in 2 years
Aaron@bagcburg.org
Close to the start of my journey, I got engaged. It definitely
changed the way I thought about my health. I thought to myself,
“If I can’t take care of my body now, then it won’t just be me
that suffers down the road, but my family as well.” I want to be
around as long as possible for those I care about. Also, I was just
discouraged. I didn’t like the way I looked or how I felt.
Aaron Lawrence currently serves as the Associate/Youth Pastor at Bethel
Assembly of God in Chambersburg, PA. He is engaged to his fiancée, Abby
Kauffman, and they will be getting married this April. He is looking to complete
his first ever marathon this year and the goal is to finish below four
hours - he's big into sports and his teams reign in the New England region.
reSET with a PLAN
The program that kickstarted everything was the “4-hour Body
Diet” by Tim Ferris.
• Eat four times a day. Each meal has protein/vegetable/
beans or legume.
• Do this for six days. No sugars or carbs.
• On the seventh day, you get to have a cheat day. And on
cheat day you get to splurge.
I never gained weight following a cheat day... even after eating
ten Krispy Kreme donuts for a challenge!
This was great for a season. I’ve been able to sustain an ideal
weight these past two years because the most important thing
to do with any plan is to build habits. I now try to shoot for four
to five salads a week, focus on high protein foods, and make
sure that I’m not drinking my calories (diet soda, sugar-free
sports drinks and lots of water). I’m made fun of in the office for
how many times I use the restroom! AARON
I’m following Optavia which is a healthy version of a lite
Keto. Balanced lower-carb vegetables, lean protein, limited by
healthy fats and sixty-four or more ounces of water a day. Once
you reach your goal weight, you add in more whole foods and
a variety of vegetables, fruits and smaller portions of starch or
bread. The program teaches you to fuel your body efficiently,
portion control and implement healthy habits (i.e. eating/
hydrating, motion, mind, and sleep). They emphasize changing
mindsets to change your lifestyle to support a healthy weight
and optimal health in every area of your life. ANGELA
reSET your PRIORITIES
Health is wealth. Our health is paramount and we take it for
granted. We think that it will always be there, and it won’t. I think
in ministry we put others first - our family, people in need. But in
order to be able to continue being there effectively for people,
we must first take care of ourselves - not just spiritually (which I
was good at) but physically. ANGELA
I think the biggest thing is to take control of your health and stop
making excuses. For years, I would justify fast food or eating
unhealthily because I didn’t have the time to make something
or I didn’t know how to choose healthy options. When it comes
down to it, I did have the time and I did know what was good
for me, but my priorities were out of whack. In order for change
to take place in your health, you have to prioritize it. AARON
reSET with ACTIVITY
At first, I was going to a gym in town that focused on HIIT
workouts. That was a lot of fun because I’m very competitive,
so it was fun competing against other people on a daily basis.
After about a year and a half, my goals changed. I wanted to get
into running. I began training for half-marathons and now I’m in
the process of training for my first full marathon.
The other activity that has helped me is to aim for at least
10,000 steps a day. Don’t underestimate the power of walking!
It really does make a huge difference. Sitting at a desk all day is
not really great for us ministers, so take a break to take a walk
or do pushups/sit ups.
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