In an article on USAToday.com, Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California is spreading the word about the success of the lifestyle program he initiated with his church called The Daniel Plan. Warren, 58, has lost 60 pounds himself on the plan, and several thousand in his church who have joined him in the program have lost more than a total of 250,000 pounds since January 2011.
The plan was created with the help of three doctors, including Mehmet Oz. It involves healthier eating, regular exercise, prayer and stress reduction, and support from other members in small groups. Warren says the people who were in a small group lost twice as much as those who did the program on their own. The church itself made widespread changes as well, including encouraging healthier potlucks and adding exercise classes.
“God cares about everything in your life. He cares about the body, soul and spirit,” says Warren. “Jesus went into every village—preaching, teaching and healing. Preaching involves our soul. Teaching involves our mind, and healing involves our body. If our body is a temple of God’s spirit, them we had better give him a healthy temple.”
To learn more about the Daniel Plan, click here.
