Healthy foods and the Bible

“Because He holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.” 

Colossians 2:19

Nutritional Foods

The way you nourish your body is an essential factor in taking care of your body. God provided us with an abundance of nutrient rich sources to help our bodies grow healthy and strong for the very purposeful work He has planned for our lives. As the gospel says, “I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food” (Genesis 1:29). The food that we eat is meant to do good things for our bodies. That was what God intended. However, the majority of our food has now become unhealthy and lacking in nutrients due to being altered, manufactured, and processed for different reasons including being quick and easy, cheap, and getting more for less. These shortcuts equates to greed, neglect, and laziness for many of us, and these qualities are not of God. The fact also is that some consumers of these products purchase because of socioeconomic reasons, and cannot help it. Healthier alternatives like fresh fruits and vegetables are either not as available in certain communities or are too expensive. Everyone should have the option to eat healthy the way God intended and we should not opt for unhealthy foods because manufactured ingredients make it more appealing to our senses.

Purposeful Eating

We know food can be a rich and satisfying thing for our body but we have to be aware that depending on how we utilize food, it can work against us, negatively impacting the harmony of our body with our soul and mind. Food can be harmful not only when it is nutritionally unhealthy but also if it is associated with an eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia), and if it is used for emotional eating (turning to food for comfort, not because you’re hungry). However, if we are conscious of the purpose of food for being a delicious and nutritious gift from God which should be used to maintain a healthy body, and follow what the gospel says, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) we will be on the right track. Also remember as you feed your body also feed your soul and your mind “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Start. In order to begin achieving your healthy food goals you must pay attention to your nutrition. Learn about the foods you are eating and why certain things are bad for you and good for you. Read your nutrition labels and let that information guide your purchases. Cut out unhealthy foods and substitute with healthier alternatives. Learn about the health benefits of different foods and the types of things they are responsible for in the body. Be well informed about your nutrition and apply it to your eating habits.