You truly can have a healthy relationship with food! God loves you and wants what’s best for you. He wants to be first in your life. He does not want you to be controlled by the power of food. He wants you to know that if you feel discouraged or like giving up at any point, He is there to pick you up. He wants you to take back your temple and your health and be the best version of yourself. You CAN do this with God’s help – all things are possible with God!

 

I hope you’re ready to take back your temple. Here are some practical steps you can take to win the daily battle:

 

• Begin Your Day by Reading Your Bible and in Prayer: Ask God for guidance and strength to make healthy decisions. Replace negative thoughts with His truth. Consider setting a specific time each morning for Bible study and prayer. Choose verses that speak to your identity in Christ and His strength within you.

 

• Take an Emotional Check: Before reaching for food, determine whether you’re eating out of hunger or emotional triggers. If you discover it is emotions or boredom, take a deep breath and redirect your behavior.
  • Drink a glass of water, go for a walk, or pray. Be ready with an alternative action.
  • Keep a journal to track your emotions and eating patterns. Note when you are eating out of hunger versus emotions and identify patterns that need addressing.

 

• Eat Mindfully: Practice eating without distractions, such as turning off the TV and putting away your phone. Make sure to pay attention to each bite. This will help you recognize fullness and satisfaction. When you eat mindlessly, you will be tempted not to stop when you’re full. Learn to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Remember it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that you’re full.

 

• Drink Water: If you drink water before each meal, it will help curb hunger. Sometimes, your body can mistake thirst for hunger. Carry a water bottle with you and set reminders to drink water throughout the day.

 

• Have a Plan: Create a weekly meal plan and grocery list. You’ll be less likely to binge eat if you have a plan and healthy groceries in the house. Make a schedule on your calendar to include exercise.

 

• Find an Accountability Partner: In today’s video, I talk about how important it is to invite someone to join you on your journey to a healthier relationship with food (I also talk about reframing and repetition, so be sure to listen)!

 

God’s power is greater than any temptation you may face. Through personal responsibility, prayer, the help of the Holy Spirit, and incorporating these practical steps into your daily life, you can find freedom from overeating, feel better, and transform your body into a temple that truly glorifies God!

 

PSALMS 5:3

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait expectantly.

 

MATTHEW 4:4

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

 

MATTHEW 19:26

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

 

JOHN 14:26

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.