Bible verse to inspire stress relief, food freedom, health & wellness
But food does not bring us closer to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
1 Corinthians 8:8-9 (NIV)
A few thoughts...
Has food become a stumbling block? Is sugar or ultra-processed food "addiction" part of why you have a challenging time staying healthy or maintaining your personal health goals?
Sugar and artificial sweeteners are like a drug to some in how it rewires the brain. Added sugars and non-sugar sweeteners are in most processed foods. People eating diets high in ultra-processed food often are eating 5 to 10x the sugar recommended, because of how it is hidden in so many foods.
If you are consuming more calories from sugar than nutrient dense food, you are short changing your body's ability to operate efficiently and to restore itself. This will manifest as more than just obesity. It will prevent you from leading a purpose-filled and fulfilled life.
While it can be painful to feel the crash from coming off refined sugar, added sugars and artificial sweeteners, there is freedom on the other side. It's about regaining personal control and not about depriving yourself of the sweetness in life.
Prayer and Journal
Look at the foods you consume and evaluate for sugar and non-sugar sweeteners. What areas of opportunity do you have to change? What substitutions or swaps can you make to reduce added sugars or non-sugar sweeteners? Where can more ancestral foods be consumed (fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, etc)?
How is your relationship with sweets? Is it possible that one of the factors is due to how the sweetener is impacting your body & mind?
What is your willingness to experiment with reducing (or eliminating) added sugars or certain types of sweeteners?
If you decide to experiment with a detox, how can you marry spiritual transformation with physical detoxification? If there is a physical addiction, there will be some very challenging days at the beginning. Also, some people find other eating psychology factors that arise during a detox, where it would be best to lean into your relationship with God.
My hope for you...
I hope that these words (or what you experience through doing this as a journaling exercise) can serve to inspire and energize changes in lifestyle and food choices. You deserve to have flourishing health to be able to serve God, Family & Country.
