The Weight Loss Academy with Zach Vago 👨‍🏫

13 “‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.

“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.”

Key points

• Messianic prophecy, written and inspired roughly 1,000 years prior to the crucifixion.
  

• Jesus quoted Psalm 22 on the cross
  

• Movement from suffering → victory
  

• Specific language, not exaggeration
  

English clarification for worm- Weak, small, insignificant, dirty, gross, slimy, used as bait, a creature not appealing to the eye, something we dont desire to touch or have as a pet

Hebrew clarification

• Tola‘ath
  
  

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” — Isaiah 1:18

“Scripture does not need nature to prove Christ, but creation often echoes redemption.”

Notice the pattern. The crimson worm gives its life to protect the next generation. Its children live because the mother’s work is complete.

Christ did the same, but perfectly and fully. He poured out His blood to cover our sins, and because His sacrifice was finished, we live spiritually and eternally.

By this image, I do not mean we find our identity in nature, but that we see, in a small and earthly way, a picture of the covering Christ has given His people.

Scripture: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” — Matthew 26:28

Key Points:

• Law fulfilled: Christ perfectly obeyed God’s law on our behalf
  

• Sacrifice final: His blood secures forgiveness completely
  

• Sin washed away: Just as the crimson stain in nature eventually fades and becomes white as snow, our sins are removed and we are made pure before God (Isaiah 1:18)Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Wool here symbolizes purity, softness, and complete cleansing, showing that God not only removes our guilt but restores us to a clean and tender state.New life through the Spirit: Communion reminds us we are not dead in trespasses; we are alive, baptized with the Holy Spirit, and have eyes opened to see God’s work in us
  

“We do not come as striving servants, we come as covered children.” Our past sins are gone, our present struggles are met with grace, and our future hope is secured. Communion reminds us that we are spiritually alive, covered, and walking in the new covenant.

Tonight, we remember that we are not protected by our obedience, but by His sacrifice. We are not saved by our righteousness, but covered by His blood. We come as the children of the Crimson Worm,  not because creation defines us, but because Christ has covered us completely. By this image, I do not mean that we find our identity in something from nature. We see, in a small and earthly way, a picture of the covering Christ has given His people.

Reflect on this:

• Past sins → covered Sin no longer has dominion over our lives. We do not need to live in shame or guilt because Christ’s blood has fully covered us. As Isaiah 1:18 says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” God has made us pure.
  

• Present struggles → protected Though we still face trials and temptations, God’s Spirit guards our hearts and gives us strength to persevere. He reminds us that His grace sustains us in the moment, even when the weight of the world feels heavy.
  

• Future hope → secure We can have a sure hope, knowing that salvation comes through faith alone. Works cannot earn eternal life. In our depraved state, Christ was and is the only way to salvation. Because of Him, we know our future is secure.
  

• Alive in Christ → eyes opened through the Spirit Through the Holy Spirit, our eyes are opened. We now have conviction, the ability to repent, and the desire to live for God. When we were spiritually dead, we had no inclination to die to ourselves and live as a sacrifice. Now we are called to glorify God in all we do.

Example 1

1,400 Calories

50% Protein = 700 total calories protein /

30% Fat = 420 total calories fat

20% Carbs = 280 total calories carbs

Calories per 1g Macro

Protein = 4 Calories

Fat = 9 Calories

Carbs = 4 Calories

Macro Goals

Protein = 700/4 = 175g Protein

Fat = 420/9 = 46g Fat

Carbs = 280/4 = 70g Carbs

1,400 Calories

175g Protein

46g Fat

70g Carbs

EXAMPLE 2

1,400 Calories

40% Protein = 560 total calories from protein / 4 = 140g Protein

30% Fat = 420 total calories from fat / 9 = 46g Fat

30% Carbs = 420 total calories from carbs / 4 = 105g Carbs

1,400 Calories

140g Protein

46g Fat

105g Carbs

1,400 Calories

175g Protein

46g Fat

70g Carbs

PLEASE DONT BE IN A CALORIE DEFICIT IF YOUR BMR IS ALREADY 1.1k!

PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM MEAL PREP COMPANIES!

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been shown to offer various health benefits for women, particularly in terms of hormonal balance and reducing symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. When done correctly, IF can help regulate insulin levels, support weight loss, and reduce inflammation—factors that play a significant role in improving reproductive health.

1. Hormonal Balance:
Intermittent fasting enhances insulin sensitivity by reducing the frequency of glucose spikes, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. This stabilization of insulin is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance, as excessive insulin can lead to increased androgen levels, a key contributor to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other hormonal disorders.

2. Inflammation Reduction:
Fasting has been linked to reduced levels of inflammatory markers, such as CRP (C-reactive protein), which can help alleviate symptoms like cramping, bloating, and pain during menstruation. Chronic inflammation is a common contributor to more severe menstrual symptoms, so lowering inflammation through IF may provide relief.

3. Improved Estrogen Metabolism:
Fasting may also affect estrogen levels positively by promoting fat loss. Since estrogen is stored in fat tissue, reducing body fat through fasting can help lower excessive estrogen levels, which are often linked to symptoms like heavy periods, bloating, and mood swings.

4. Enhancing Cellular Repair:
During fasting, the body initiates processes like autophagy, a form of cellular repair that can help reduce oxidative stress and promote healthier cellular function. This process may contribute to reduced symptoms of PMS and help in regulating the menstrual cycle.

5. Cycle Symptom Reduction:
Women who fast and focus on proper macronutrient and micronutrient intake often report reduced PMS symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, and cravings. A diet rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, paired with intermittent fasting, ensures the body remains nourished while reaping the hormonal and metabolic benefits of fasting.

Disclaimer:
Before starting intermittent fasting, it's important to get a blood test to assess your current hormone, blood sugar, and nutritional status. Certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, pregnancy, or diabetes, may require modifications to fasting protocols or may not be compatible with fasting at all. Consult your healthcare provider to determine if intermittent fasting is suitable for your unique health needs.

https://sistersrepublic.shop/blogs/news/fasting-while-on-your-period#:~:text=It%20decreases%20cycle%20disturbances%2C%20detoxifies,use%20it%20without%20realizing%20it.

https://amymdwellness.com/blogs/news/should-you-fast-when-you-have-your-period

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/does-fasting-on-period-improve-or-worsen-menstrual-symptoms-1714636453