Newspaper
USA Today - by Christine B. Whelan:
"Indeed, some of the newer Christian weight-loss groups are preaching moderation in language that even spiritual seekers might find appealing:'God wants balance, and it's more than the size that you are. The key to the program is being really loving,' says Barb Swanson, co-founder of BABES (Beautiful, Accountable Babes Exercising Sensibly), a women's faith and diet group with chapters in more than 20 cities. 'We're not into sin and judgment. That'd make them afraid to come. These women already feel bad enough about themselves.' God might not care whether you're a size 6 or a 16, but contemplation, prayer and forgiveness can still serve as food for the dieter's soul. As you head to the table this Thanksgiving, be mindful of your choices — and take a pass on the extra helpings of fire-and-brimstone with your pie."
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The Daily Oklahoman - by Carla Hinton
"Barb Swanson is familiar with the usual talk of new beginnings that often eases into conversations as each new year rolls around. In the past, the Edmond woman tried several times to lose weight, sometimes on specific dates such as Jan. 1. Eventually, every Monday became the "new beginning” she craved, but the good intentions didn't last long. Today Swanson is 45 pounds lighter and a self-described "babe."
Television
The News On 6 - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Web
Faith-Based Diets: by Tom Venuto, NSCA-CPT, CSCS, Fat Loss Coach
"One such group mentioned in the USA Today article is BABES - Beautiful Accountable Babes Exercising Sensibly. The mission of babes is “connecting with others to lose weight and build friendships.” Accountability. Exercising. Connecting with others. That all sounds pretty sensible to me! Moreover, according to BABES co-founder, Barb Swanson, “we are not into sin and judgement. God wants balance and it’s more than the size that you are.”
Indeed it is. As I have said before, body fat is not a person, it’s a temporary physical condition. What we really are is far more than physical bodies.
There’s enough guilt, fear and shame for people who are struggling with weight issues already. They don’t need any more negativity from their spiritual leaders. Instead, if you are a person of faith, use your spiritual community as a source of social support and inspiration, and motivate yourself by focusing on the positive and uplifting side. It will pay you eternal dividends."
Read the full article here