Travel along the Right Path!

The parable of the Sower in Mark 4 has always been one of my favorites. I of course immediately connected it with health applications.

You remember the parable, right? Jesus is speaking about the Sower, representing Jesus. The Word of God,  represented by seed, is scattered.

First, the seed lands on the path where birds come and pick it apart, taking it away. Some seed falls on rocky soil where it doesn’t grow because it has no root. Other seed falls among the thorns and gets choked off by other foliage. But some seed grows in good soil and flourishes.

So how does this tie in with health?

1. In Jesus’s first example, seed is scattered but eaten by birds.

The seed, representing God’s Word, never changes. The birds represent Satan and false teachers, who turn away because they either don’t want to believe or desire to follow God’s Truth. They already have a god, themselves. They are unteachable.

Occasionally certain patients are “know-it-alls” who fail to listen and change because “I know all that already.”  Sad for them and frustrating for any health professional who is attempting to change a patient’s unhealthy lifestyle.   “Well, I’ve already read about that in Prevention magazine, Ellie.” Do they really know more than the teacher? Since they are unteachable, they fail to change their ways. They prefer to follow a false diet guru, which leads to a downward health spiral.

2. The second scattered seed falls upon rocky soil.

These patients start out with joy and determination! They have a mountaintop view. But they want instant gratification and therefore fail to grow in rarified air. They create no roots grounded through educational, strategizing processes.

A garden doesn’t grow on rocky soil, neither does a healthy lifestyle. It takes a lot of deeply planted ideas, patience, and nurturing to change one’s habits.  When changing a habit gets tough, they’ll skip appointments because they don’t want to admit failure. They’ll find an excuse as to why they fell off their program.

These are “yes, but” patients. “Yeah, I know I should exercise but I couldn’t this week because I was babysitting my niece.”  Okay, then get her involved and exercise together. “Well, I could, but she needs a nap after kindergarten.”  Okay then exercise while she’s napping. “Well yeah, but the music might wake her up,” and on and on. One must want to change more than I want it for them!!!

3. The third example the seed is scattered among thorns.

The thorns represent the world: temptations. A patient hears what he’s to do but life gets in the way.  Restaurants, Super Bowl parties, stress, emotions, drugs, alcohol, television shows, even Aunt Martha’s cookies, or other unexpected activity becomes a stumbling block to health. The world contains many obstacles (thorns) which block us from studying God’s Word or preventing a healthier lifestyle.

These people play the “victim” card. There’s always an excuse not to do the right thing. “Well, I couldn’t hurt Aunt Martha’s feelings! I had to eat them!”  God always provides a way out so there’s no excuse to fail. Start strategizing other options using God-given Wisdom.

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)

Follow the sensible path to weight loss and you’ll find a lifetime full of rewarding, healthly living.

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Create A Positive Attitude!

Have you ever thought, after accomplishing something extremely tough but satisfying,  Why did I grumble so much, thinking I couldn’t do it? Well, let me ask a question, “Who influences you?”

When you were a child, did you strive for perfection or excellence? God doesn’t expect perfection. In our imperfections God allows us to grow, building confidence through a sense of accomplishment.

“Why didn’t I do this sooner?” is usually the first comment I hear when a person successfully loses weight. All that complaining and believing stinkin’-thinkin’ negativity is time wasted! Whoever said you couldn’t accomplish something?  Unfortunately, whether it’s a parent, employer, acquaintance or sibling, don’t hang around those who express negativity!  It only brings you down.

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Have you found that if you’re around a chronic complainer, it changes your attitude too? Me too. Now I’ll smile and say something my mother used to say, “Now say two good things.”

Associate with positive people. Even though I assured patients they could indeed lose weight, some kept whining, “You don’t understand, it’s too hard.” Actually, the harder a challenge, the more satisfaction comes in conquering it! Besides the Holy Spirit, you are the only one who lives in your body. Success depends on your mental determination.

I’ve worked with patients who had hundreds of pounds to lose. Talk about mountains to conquer . . . well even climbing a mountain begins with a single step. Start walking!

The Israelites complained almost every day after fleeing Egypt and meeting struggles along the way.  “Oh to be back in the days of leeks, onions, cucumbers, meat and garlic.”  Complain, complain!  I miss a nice drink of water . . . complain! I wish I could take a hot shower . . . complain! Even Moses couldn’t stay positive as he led through challenging circumstances. He lost his optimism around complainers. He then sought positive influences through quiet time and prayer with his Lord.

I understand legitimate gripes – that’s totally different. Everyone has to vent some time. If one holds stress inside, it will come out in self-destructive ways. But either rectify the situation or let it go before it destroys your godly character.

“or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”   (Proverbs 22:25) 

Negative speech corrupts good thought patterns no matter how strong one is. Remember Job’s friends who simply sat with him at first as a supporter? Then they opened their mouths. As the saying goes, with friends like those, who needs enemies? Pray for spiritual friends who will build you up, not drag you down! Find happy, optimistic people to be around and it’ll change your outlook.

How does one increase positive development?

• Develop your assets. Don’t know what they are? Ask a trusted friend. Remember you’re unique. You don’t have to like everything about yourself but everyone has good points. Discover and embrace yours!
• Do something nice for others. Remember life isn’t all about you. Sharing happiness while helping others is an uplifting feeling!
• Find ways to learn different activities to attract upbeat friends into your life: photography, art, sports, theater, comedy, or some other club.
• Find new influences. Invite positive friends over for coffee or go shopping.
• Read motivating biographies or self-help books. Highlight inspiring points.
• Reward yourself with small non-food treats, Chart accomplishments after reaching goals. It’ll build confidence.

Happiness is a choice. Choose to glorify God and find the peaceful JOY He gives! Rid yourself of the negative influences, both spirituality, and nutritionally.

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:18)

Diet Confusion? Begin Strategizing Actions

Is your head spinning from all the diet advice that is posted out there on the news and TV? How does one know Truth? Well, it shouldn’t be that complicated.

God did not originally create food as either good or bad, food is simply nutrients. As Paul urges with his letter to the Corinthians 10″23, “all things are permissible but not all things are beneficial. Some foods are permissible but not all are constructive.”

We’ve discovered that some foods contain more nutrients than others and serve a purpose, while some are simply pleasurable to eat. But none are forbidden. Please don’t throw away all the food in your cupboard that some people consider “bad.” Throwing away food would be wasteful and against God’s principles of good monetary stewardship.

Start with Small Changes. It Creates Positive Habits.

Another truth we should learn is to establish that it’s always best to begin with small changes. This will anchor habits and develop a positive attitude to instill lifetime practices. Habits are like muscles that get more powerful with use. As you create and reach realistic goals you will begin to get mentally stronger. (In the past did you set unrealistically high goals that were unattainable and therefore discouraged you enough to quit?)

Begin by Meditating on These Points:

Try to understand why you do what you do. Romans 7:15 laments “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

Understand the WHY. Why are you eating? Start with recognizing your routine habits and behaviors. Do you feel out of control? Conquered by food triggers? Discouraged?  Bored? Do you need something to crunch on when you feel frustrated? Grab comfort food like chocolate when you’re sad?

Please understand that sometimes a cookie isn’t just a cookie. Sometimes a cookie represents your subconscious thoughts of warmth, comfort, memories of home, love and security.  It is not wrong to eat a cookie if you are in control, but if the desire for a cookie is “calling your name,” controlling you, then you need to discover the psychological or emotional reason you need it to feel fulfilled.

Be truthful with yourself. It’s your choice, so why lie to yourself? If you defiantly state that you are going to eat that cookie, then OWN that decision! It was nobody else’s. No one put a gun to your head and forced you to consume that cookie. Now exercise – you own that too.

If you fail to control your emotions, figure out why you do what you did! Failure is actually the beginning of success. It is an opportunity for discovering the reasons for actions. To make excuses or to believe that the devil made us do it is a delusion.

Start to recognize your emotional food triggers so you can be aware of them and begin taking steps to change your habits.

Resolve not to purchase any more processed foods or foods laden with chemicals and preservatives. Stop bringing it into your home! Let’s face it, as the adage goes: “if it’s in your house, eventually it’s going to be in the mouth.” If you don’t place junk in your house, then you won’t be placing it in your personal bodily temple of the Holy Spirit.

Life is a chess game. Develop upcoming strategic moves as you continue toward your goals. It’s similar to an athlete developing muscle memory. Before you know it, you’ll choose the correct action without even thinking about it.

Remember you are setting life goals, not weight-loss goals.

This Should Be Your Favorite Gift!

What Will It Take to Make You Happy This Christmas?

How many times have we overheard someone say, “If only I could win that lottery, my troubles would be over!” “If only we lived in a larger home, we wouldn’t fight all the time.” or “If only I were thinner, I would be happy!”

Christmas is coming soon. What would it take to make us happy?  Would incredible wealth, a great home, Lamborghini, a perfect body, or perhaps gourmet meals with servants to wait on you every night make us happy?

What happens when you reach that goal and there is still emptiness within your soul? What fills the void then?

Adam was created by God Himself, with the perfect physique, and placed in a perfect world but he still wanted something more. Walking with God wasn’t enough for him, and he reached for something he shouldn’t have. Even living in a perfect environment didn’t bring happiness!

Don’t judge him too harshly however for we are still like that today. It’s called “Keeping up with the Joneses.” Many desire what someone else has: a 60-inch TV, a nifty sports car, luxury vacations, an Oscar . . .  a 22-inch waist.

Do you believe having a perfect body will make you happy?

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”  (1 Samuel 16:7)

A pure and grateful heart is more pleasing to the Lord than a small waistline or celebrity status.

Perhaps relationships will make us happy? Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob thought that but quickly discovered that spouses, siblings, friends, and children can break a heart. Humans have character flaws and will eventually let you down. Let our plumb line be centered not on others, but on Christ who is truly perfect.

Will money instill happiness? It is futile to believe that if we won the lottery, our worries would be over.  Does great wealth provide security?

No, not even King Solomon found happiness in wealth. Solomon possessed greater monetary possessions than anyone and yet declared, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”  (Ecclesiastes 1:1b).  He had it all: wine, women, and song but it didn’t buy happiness. Power and other materialistic provisions require a heavier responsibility.

Searching to fill a void in your life without God, leads to various addictions and pain. All Solomon’s wealth, power, and countless idol-worshiping wives drew him further away from his Center of Influence, his LORD God.

Who is your center of influence? Do other people’s opinions mean more to you than the Lord’s? Who controls your temple of the Holy Spirit?  Do you love some component of your life more than God? Have you made a graven image out of your work, a hobby, a relationship, an addiction to food?

If you are not happy within yourself, no amount of materialism or gifts received will change that. You will never be content. You will ultimately search for additional fulfillment. The more wealth Solomon accrued, the more meaningless his life became.

Let God make a difference in your life. Find real Joy by trusting in Christ’s generous sacrifice which brings Salvation and peace. It is a gift from the Lord!

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”  (Philippians 4:12)

How Do You Value Your Worth?

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3)

Hurricane Ian blew through our town in Florida. We already knew the destruction hurricanes can cause. This time we left our home a day before and escaped to a safer area in SE Florida, understanding we might lose everything.

When people go through trials such as this, they tend to question what is important if all was lost.

When faced with challenges, it’s normal to analyze how we’d react. Do we fret about the unknown? What if we lost those precious photos of our children? To me, memory is the most important commodity in my life. That’s what I’d regret.

Would we agonize over the cost to rebuild?  Perhaps. Our lovely church on the Peace River was flooded and gutted, but still stood strong. Friends banded together and donations came in from all over the country. And from disaster, God created Good.

I’m not talking about monetary worth, however – although that is what the world focuses on today. I know where my future lies and it’s not here. But have you ever wondered how much you are worth in another’s eyes?

How does someone create worth? With your employer: Do you demonstrate as much integrity as the hardworking cleaning lady who scrubs the commodes in your building? With your community: Would you serve food to the homeless or would that be too humbling for your Executive position? Money means nothing in God’s Eyes. Million-dollar mansions and mobile homes were undistinguishable in the rubble.

What about family? Many had no clue where their family was during the carnage or what trials they endured following the storm because cell service was nonexistent. How much would a kind word or a phone call afterward be worth? Priceless.

As a counselor, I know patients sometimes numb themselves against heartache by imbibing in harmful chemicals. Yes, drugs and alcohol contain chemicals but you’ll also find feel-good chemicals in foods.

It’s normal to feel sad and lethargic after a shock. Sugar instantly increases energy levels. Sugar is an instant natural mood booster. It sends a signal to the brain to release dopamine, one of the feel-good neurotransmitters.

Chocolate releases endorphins and serotonin, another feel-good chemical. (So does spinach, but get real – which would you reach for?)

The daylight is growing shorter. Do you find yourself rummaging around in the pantry lately, searching for something to make you feel better? How much is that worth? Is it any wonder that we crave something sweet to ease depression and subconsciously, crunchy foods relieve stress?

Is your self-worth tied to your lifestyle? I’m not talking about popularity, even though celebrities get most of the attention and real heroes from Monday are forgotten by the weekend. Our Sports celebrities get recognized while EMTs heroes get relegated to the back of the pack.

Who values your worth? Someday, ask a friend how they’d describe you. What would they say? Are you outgoing? Quiet? Happy-go-lucky? Studious? Aggressive? Kind? Giving? Thrifty? Do you consider these descriptions your true worth?

No, these actions aren’t your real value! Only God sees your true value. He loves and chose you before the beginning of the world.

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love” (Ephesians 1:4)

What someone cherishes, they take care of. Are you, worth the cost? Do you cherish your life as much as Jesus cherished you? To Christ, you were worth dying for! You are priceless. Honor your true worth.

Temptation Season Begins

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “You are about to enter the Twilight Zone?” Well, hold on to your hats, for we are about to enter the “Temptation Zone.” It lasts four months, at which time, you’ll wonder mysteriously why your clothes shrunk.  

It begins on Halloween – my least favorite holiday, coming up soon. Candy, costumes, and witchcraft. Then comes Thanksgiving, a holiday totally dedicated to family tradition and food.

During December, we have Christmas parties, (both office and personal.) Then Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner. Within another week, we celebrate New Year’s Eve with more parties. The following day, we attend a New Year’s dinner.

January begins with football playoffs every weekend until the Superbowl with an abundance of drinks and appetizers.  A week later, Temptation Season finally ends with a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.

It’s a long season in which we hibernate from the cold, dreary days of winter. Who wants to walk in the cold, snowy weather? Okay, walk around the mall, or take Zumba classes. Play with your kids, build snow forts, and snow angels, or learn to cross-country ski. No excuses.

Have you ever noticed that no one is tempted by something they didn’t like? No one is tempted to go to the dentist, right? If we served liver instead of turkey at Thanksgiving, I doubt if the holiday would have ever taken off. But no, that day, all our favorite foods are laid out on the table family style. We are encouraged to dig in and even take seconds. Who could resist?

Those who are easily tempted need a plan this season. Recognize there will be speed bumps and roadblocks coming over the next months. There’s always something that might trip you up. Have a plan.

For example, let’s take Trick or Treating. You enjoy seeing those sweet children strolling around in their costumes. So, you bought some candy you enjoy, knowing it wouldn’t all be given away, right? Oh my, what can I do with the rest??? If you bought Candy Corn, no temptation there. But I bought Snickers!!! I can’t throw those away, can I? That would be a travesty. It’s amazing how easily those little bars of chocolate got wrapped around our waistlines, isn’t it?

What could we have done? First purchase candy that we don’t particularly enjoy but children do. Give away the rest or freeze, “outta sight, outta mind.” Get rid of the temptation. Why be tempted by seeing it on the counter?

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.”  (James 1:13-16)

It’s important to realize that God states anything is fine in moderation. (1 Corinthians 10:23) The problem is creating an idol and loving it more than God. It is also important to recognize that God provides a way out of temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13) and third, we are to flee temptation. (James 4:7.)

This practice can be incorporated into any tempting situation. You know what to do – as Nike used to say, “just do it!” The longer one debates right or wrong, it tends to lower our resolve. Turn your back and don’t debate temptation.

You have willpower – tap into it now. I guarantee – it feels powerful to overcome!

Reaping the Consequences of the Hippie Generation

In 1967, the popular rock band, The Grassroots, released a song entitled “Let’s Live for Today.” It epitomized the growing culture of the ’60s hippie generation. Since I look at health through a Biblical lens, I see a correlation here between healthy and destructive choices. Please indulge me.

Young people today believe the older generation doesn’t understand what it was to be young. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The ’60s Hippie Generation enjoyed a “free love philosophy” too. Don’t worry about tomorrow, grab hedonistic pleasure today! Looking back, what seemed like a good idea at the time turned out to be nothing but waking up the next morning with regrets, guilt, or a splitting headache, bowing before a porcelain god.

This ’60s philosophy of allowing others to live the way they want without boundaries became harmful. It morphed into an “I’m okay, you’re okay” attitude. This produced apathy. “Sorry, too busy to care.” Apathy is the opposite of love. We need to inspire a seemingly uncaring generation to cherish kindness and discipline.

There’s a price to pay for optimum health. There is no “free” anything. When presented with a buffet, ever thought, free food?! “I better eat as much as I can now because it won’t be there tomorrow!” Then, wake up the next morning with a food hangover, the digestion system rebelling? Ugh. Seemed like a good idea at the time.

Excess food creates acidity which generates various illnesses. Thankfully, God gave humans common sense. When we know better, we make wiser choices. Enjoying nutritious flavorful clean food with a disciplined attitude is ultimately beneficial, so why go backward?

In Genesis 3:6, Eve saw that food was pleasing to the eye, and we have been seduced by food ever since!  God is pleased when we conquer worldly pleasures and honor Him!

We have produced an unhealthy generation. I endorse 1 Corinthians 10:23 to moderate culinary boundaries.  By Free Will, you either accept or reject God’s dietary boundaries. Your choice, you can eat anything, but remember, there are no victimless crimes. If you become ill, everyone you love suffers.

With the emergence of mid-century fast-food establishments, came an attitude of why cook when one can simply make a quick stop and bring home dinner?  So what if it’s made from chemicals, preservatives, and other items we can’t pronounce?  Kids will eat it when they won’t touch carrots! Busy parents justified: “Live and let live!” – at least we’ll eat together. Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and childhood obesity increased accordingly as additional processed foods adorned the shelves of many supermarkets.

We morphed into a “do our own thing” society. Few attend church nowadays, many have no clear direction ethically/morally.  Parents have become friends not disciplinarians, allowing their children to live as they chose. Religion? “Whatever you embrace darling, as long as it fulfills your need.” The result? Children are ensnared by false doctrines and cultish beliefs. Crime soars.  If our young aren’t taught basic Biblical Truths and behaviors, we indeed reap what we sow. Their Spirit dies.

There definitely IS an eternal tomorrow. It’s called either Heaven or Hell and we can accept or reject that fact. I choose Heaven. To God, All Lives Matter!  Choose Life!

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”  (2 Timothy 4:3)

What is Your Isaac?

What would you do if God asked you to offer a heart-wrenching sacrifice?

God asked Abraham to do the unthinkable, sacrifice his most cherished possession, Isaac, on an altar to God. How Abraham must have been in torment those 3 days traveling to Mount Mariah. But he trusted God and knew he loved God even more than his beloved son.

Has God ever asked you to sacrifice?

If suddenly, God asked you to sell all your earthly goods and move to a foreign country and work as a missionary? Would you, do it?

That was us in 2005 when we felt called to the mission field. I had moved many times with my military linguist/golf pro/full-time Christian service husband. That included six wonderful years in Europe, so I loved adventure, meeting new people, and adapting to different cultures.

Giving up worldly goods was no problem. Twice we’ve sold everything we owned to travel the country in our RV. We thought we’d be perfect candidates to relocate overseas and serve the Lord.

There was only one deterrent. We discovered we’d have to give up our dogs. Would I be willing to do that??? After all, our pooches were family! Every time I gazed upon our sweet Cocker and ornery Lhasa, my eyes filled with tears. Oh, my dear God, please don’t ask that of me. Who would love them as much as we would – especially stubborn Jewel?

Each time, while walking our dogs, I prayed – my heart struggling over this sacrifice. During that time, however, we continued with the application.

Finally, I reconciled what I needed to do. Alright, LORD, I love you more than my precious pets. I’ll trust you’ll find a caring home with someone who will love them as much as we do.

Immediately, I felt at peace about my decision and eagerly anticipated the Mission Agency’s acceptance letter.

BOOM, the door closed!

“I’m sorry,” they replied, “but the Board feels you’re too old . . .”  Too OLD? How dare they?! We were in perfect health and only in our mid-50s! I’ll never be too OLD!!! Even at 100!!!

Then it dawned on me, this was my Isaac. God wanted to know where He stood in my life. My pets were my most cherished possessions. I was ready to sacrifice my Isaac to Him.

What is your Isaac? What is your most cherished possession? To some it’s their lifestyle, sports, business, money . . .  how about food? Ridiculous, you say? Not so fast.

Have you attended Sunday services simply for the coffee and donut social hour or after church luncheon? Have you looked at your watch and thought, wish he’d stop preaching before it’s too crowded at the restaurant!? Or: hope my pot roast hasn’t dried out by now.

“Their God was their belly. Their mind was set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19)

So, think of it this way: are you willing to present your body as a living sacrifice in every aspect of your life – including what you eat?

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

God sacrificed His Son for you. Is it a sacrifice limiting sugary sweets, fattening processed foods, bacon cheeseburgers . . .? Isn’t honoring our earthly temple by sacrificing unhealthy food a small sacrifice compared to what God sacrificed for us?

Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22:37)

Do you love God more than your belly? Silly question.

Avoid Being Lured into a Marketing Net

A preacher once compared fish being lured by enticing fishhooks to humans being ensnared by the temptations of this world. Fishhooks can look very enticing to fish, but they are also dangerous.

Now being a nutritionist, I view everything through a nutritional lens. I immediately thought, hmmm, how true. Another similarity between nutrition and spirituality.

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16 (KJV)

How many times have we innocently strolled along the grocery aisles or the local mall when we suddenly get a whiff of cinnamon, coffee, or popcorn and start salivating? Or walk past the Food Court and a McDonald’s calls our name? (Eating at a restaurant is not wrong. However, as we attempt to become healthier, we cannot allow food to control us, then we have a problem.)

As we focus on finding that perfect pair of jeans, we can’t get the thought of those cinnamon pretzel sticks out of our minds, no matter how hard we try! Now we notice that every corner has an Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, or Wetzel’s Pretzels. Temptation begins to lure us in through its cinnamon, buttery aroma, and a feast for the eyes as we observe others pulling apart its flakey bounty.

“Look at that delicious item over there! It smells so GOOD!” That’s all it takes, and we’re hooked! Losing control, we feel like failures and Satan gleefully dances while we suffer.

Why is it that as determined as we are to eat healthily, we notice tempting food choices abounding everywhere?! Satan wishes to destroy our bodily temple with unhealthy fats, preservatives and chemicals. He can’t read our minds but he sure is attuned to our human nature. He’s deduced what our weak links have been. It takes Herculean power to resist his hook baited with temptation, but it sure feels even better when we do!

Marketing departments know what it takes to lure us in too.  As the world becomes more globally secular through the internet, television shows, musical jingles, food commercials, etc. It’s easy even for a strong Christian to be side-tracked nowadays with the many lures of those enticing worldly advertisements.

So how do we resist the fishhook of temptation? It’s extremely tough, so we must be prepared. God wants us healthy!

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Logically, when it comes to food, think ahead to challenges. You already know as you shop for gifts, there are plenty of stumbling blocks at the mall. Don’t allow yourself to be lured into failure – be prepared:

1. Don’t go hungry. Duh, right?
2. Love cinnamon? Have it on your yogurt, in your coffee, or on your whole-wheat toast before you go. Your hypothalamus, (the little traffic cop in your brain which controls nutrient pathways) will disperse desire for that particular substance.
3. Bring a snack with you, such as homemade granola, peanut butter on whole-grain crackers, a peppermint, grapes, a banana or an apple.
4. Shop with a disciplined friend who isn’t a “yes ‘man” when it comes to being tempted and will keep you in control.
5. At home, mute commercials, play solitaire, or talk to your spouse, children or friend.
6. Reward yourself with something you want more than food when you overcome temptation! Perhaps a scarf, book, CD, earrings, a manicure, or another non-food reward.

I promise you; nothing tastes as great as being Victorious will! Remain strong and disciplined.

“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

How Do We Change Behaviors?

Remember the old saying, “If you always do what you always did, you’ll get what you always got?”

Have you tried every diet plan under the sun and still haven’t kept your weight off? Others have but you keep hitting a brick wall or worse yet, a mudslide of weight returning your way. Why?

What’s the secret to those who lost weight and kept it off? How can they lose weight and not me? you ask.

One Answer: First change a mindset to change a behavior!

Are you stuck in your same behaviors? Restrictive diet plans?  Giving in to peer pressure? Exercise – Who has time to exercise???

If you look at the most successive healthy humans, like Tom Brady, Sabrina Williams, Cindy Crawford among others, they hold a disciplined, goal-oriented mindset. They like themselves too much to ever return to an unhealthy lifestyle even if they could. There would be no ‘up’ side. They like themselves healthier.

It’s simple really – their desire to be healthy is more desireable than that second donut. They enjoy walking more than sitting around watching the latest Judge Judy episode. They like the way they feel more than they liked feeling sluggish and unhealthy. 

All successful people have a goal that means more to them than anything else and they’ll work to reach it! How much did you want that healthier living? Did you give it your best?

“Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philipians 3:13,14) NASB

I didn’t like myself much being overweight. When my mindset changed I ate for nutrients in all food groups. Why would I want to return to an unhealthy lifestyle? Food isn’t a god to me anymore. (Philippians 3:19.)

Once you become healthy, your desires change too.

Are you willing to change to a positive mindset to change your behaviors? Are you tired of the old you and crave a new lifestyle, energy level, appearance?

Accept a better you. Each of us are unique, having a different physiology and personality created by God. Our pH, blood type and activity level is different. Strive to be your best within that structure. 

Are you feeling worthless? Sometimes one has to reach bottom before they can crawl to the top.

Change your beliefs:

God gave us a bounty of nutrients on Earth so one shouldn’t suffer. He wanted us to eat for the pleasure of it. He didn’t want us to consume a “sticks and twigs” diet. Denying oneself an entire food group is not a healthy way to live. He created balance for our optimum biological function.

There are basically three food groups: fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Carbs aren’t the enemy. They break down to simple and complex. Complex are excellent sources of fiber which stabilize blood sugar (reducing hunger) move bad bacteria and dangerous chemicals out of your system. That in turn improves energy levels, attitudes and appearance.

Ensure you drink plenty of pure, clean water.  (Anytime we add ingredients to water, it takes longer for the body to break it down. Adding lemon or lime to water improves our good pH  so go at it!)

As a Believer, honor God with your body. Why would you mess it up by throwing unhealthy food onto the floor of your temple?  Start living an abundant and healthy lifestyle now.