DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Guest Post by Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS @SusanNealYoga
When we decide to implement a healthier lifestyle, we need a spiritual plan to ensure success. We are complex beings with a body, mind, spirit, and soul. Sometimes food or beverages may be a stronghold we turn to instead of God to meet our needs. Therefore, these five tips will help when transitioning to healthier eating habits.
1. Accountability/Prayer Partner
Obtaining a support system assists with the emotional aspect of this transformation. As Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (NIV). Therefore, I recommend asking someone to be your accountability and prayer partner.
Having a friend for accountability who you can call when temptation arises is crucial to success. Talking with them can help redirect your thought process away from the food. It is powerful when a friend speaks the truth in love.
At times all of us overindulge in unhealthy foods. When this happens, we may experience guilt and depression. Sharing trials with a friend helps defuse the burden. Bringing our struggles out of the closet and sharing them with someone we trust is valuable.
Ask your prayer partner to pray with you and for you. Knowing someone prays for you is comforting. Prayers are powerful, especially from someone who loves and understands you for who you truly are.
2. Scripture
God’s Word offers guidance to every area of life, including our health and emotions. When we recite Bible verses out loud, we tap into God’s power. So when you are tempted to eat junk food, use this spiritual weapon. I suggest you write down a Bible verse that opposes your food issue. Speak the verse out loud and with authority, believing in its power. The spoken Word of God is a double-edged sword that defeats the enemy.
3. Prayer
When Jesus walked on Earth, he connected with our heavenly father through prayer. We should follow Jesus’s example. Prayer is another way we can receive God’s power to face our struggles. Jesus’s brother told us in James 5:16, “The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results” (TLB). During prayer, ask God to give you a willing spirit to surrender to him and replace your desire for unwholesome food with the desire to please and serve him.
4. Plan for Pitfalls
No one is perfect. You will have days when you eat high-sugar and processed foods. That’s okay. This happens to everyone; don’t let it discourage you. Share your feelings with your accountability/prayer partner. Pray together. Write about your feelings, obstacles, and victories in your journal. Changing the way you eat will be a challenging journey, but one you can conquer.
5. Resist Food Temptations
When you recognize temptation, remove yourself from the area containing the food. Also, write down five reasons you do not want to eat the food. Or you could put the timer on for ten minutes and spend that time with God. Some other strategies for resisting temptation include call your prayer partner, pray, go for a walk, recite your Bible verse, drink two glasses of water, or listen to praise music and start praising God.
The changes in your eating habits are a lifelong lifestyle journey, so you can live the abundant life Jesus wants you to experience. Not a life filled with disease and unwanted, unhealthy symptoms. May God bless your healthy living journey.
Susan Neal RN has a masters in health science and an MBA. She lives her life with a passion to help others improve their health.
After suffering a health crisis, she became an author and health coach to provide others with the tools they needed to heal their bodies and reclaim their ideal weight. Her award-winning #1 Amazon best-seller is 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates. Learn more about Susan at SusanUNeal.com.
Thanks, Susan
