“Why bother?”

That’s the point I’m (almost) at when it comes to trying to eat healthy and taking care of my body.

Why bother saying, “No, thank you” to that piece of chocolate cake?

Why bother skipping that slice of pizza?

Why bother trying not to eat after dinner?

Nothing’s working. The scale stays stuck. The cellulite remains supremely stubborn. The only thing that shows signs of budging is my heart—it plummets to the pit of my stomach as I look down at the blinking numbers on the scale. That ladoo (okay, two ladoos) last night may not have been such a brilliant idea.

As a woman in her early forties, I’ve put my finger in a whole lot of health and fitness pies (Yes, there’s something very wrong about that sentence.) I’ve been told to give up meat entirely but also to eat only meat because Keto is life. I’ve been told that whole grains are okay but also that gluten is the devil’s invention. I’ve been told to eat only egg whites but also that whole eggs are good for you as get older, but going vegan is the best. I’ve been told that I should fast for 16 hours, skip just one meal, or actually make that two, but to make sure one “meal” is a green smoothie with copious amounts of kale in it (which, to me, is the most likely the devil’s food.). I’ve been told that sugar is the enemy and that chemical sweeteners won’t spike your blood sugar but they might give you cancer, but so can sugar, so take your pick.

Can you tell I’m a little frustrated? Maybe you are too. Especially if you’re a woman and more so if you’ve traversed this planet for at least thirty years (All the while wearing yoga pants, of course, because you clearly have good intentions about working out.)

You’ve heard the spiel: It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change. It’s not about getting skinny, it’s about getting stronger. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.

I’ve heard them too. And they are actually sound ideas. I would wholeheartedly endorse them (not that anyone cares). But is it enough to answer the “why bother?” question when your frustration mounts and you’re ready to quit?

Perhaps not.

Today as I spent time with God, He reminded me of some life-giving truths that revolve around taking care of ourselves. Truths that I need to rehearse and marinate in so they seep deep into my heart. Truths that I hope encourage you in your journey toward becoming all God created you to be.

When I ask, “Why bother?” my Creator responds, “Because I declare that you’re fearfully and wonderfully made.”

That really is the starting point, friend. Not in trying to make ourselves skinnier or even healthier or stronger. But in resting in that place of approval before God. We begin this journey by accepting that He looked at the pinnacle of his creation—you and me—and declared us ‘ very good.’ Who are we to complain and criticize ourselves when the God of the universe has given us the biggest thumbs-up? We don’t follow a healthy lifestyle because we want to make ourselves fit a certain external standard. We follow a healthy lifestyle because God has already declared that we are created with thoughtfulness and love. He has given us these precious earthy forms and made us stewards of them. He reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit which means we ought to treasure them in a way that glorifies Him.

That’s the answer to my, “why bother?”

That’s the reason I need to live from a place of gratitude and thankfulness and not complaining and criticism.

But God doesn’t stop at the “why?”.  He also answers the “how?”.

As I read the Word this morning, I came to this verse in Proverbs 26

“If you find honey, eat just enough—

Too much of it and you will vomit.”

Here are three M’s from the verse that God prompted me to hold to as I walk this journey.

Morality is not part of the food label: In our culture today, we’ve demonized certain foods. We’ve cast them as “bad” or “good.” When we eat the so-called “bad” food, we label ourselves as “bad.” But in this verse, God says, “Hey, eat the honey.” Don’t go looking for it. Don’t crave it like it’s the only thing that can “fix” some stressful situation in your life. But “if you find honey,” eat it. Of course, in other parts of Scripture, we are instructed that we are not to push the limits on our freedom.  “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. (1 Corinthians 10: 23). As a guiding principle for us here’s what God says in His Word: Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10: 31).

Mindfulness is Biblical: I love how practical this verse is: “Eat just enough.” We have to pre-determine what “enough” is. My friend Shalini Verghese, a health and wellness coach and certified personal trainer in Boston has an acronym for this which is incredibly helpful: HALT

Am I really Hungry?

Am I Always reaching for a (category of) food item, or any food when I pass through the kitchen?

Do I Love the Idea of eating it?

Am I Tired/ stressed/ bored?

Before we go into default, mindless eating, may we learn to HALT. (Also, check out Shal’s website for more info on this and much more. Be sure to check out her FB page too).

Also, some of us can be wary of the word “mindful” because it sounds distinctly New-Age-y. But the Bible points out that we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2: 16). I believe we would do well to actually use it, even when it comes to making food choices.

Moderation is a blessing: The verse goes on to say: “Too much of it and you will vomit.” Er, does the Bible speak the truth in super lucid terms or what?? Here’s the thing, though: we have made moderation seem like a slap on the hand instead of a blessing that brings freedom. Drowning your sorrows in a bucket of KFC or a tub of Missippi Mudpie ice cream can’t make things right. In fact, it most likely will make things wrong. Overindulgence, very simply put, leads to us being sick, either physically or emotionally.

This morning before I read this verse from Proverbs, I’d prayed asking Jesus to be the center of my life. Little did I think He would speak to me about being the center of my health choices and patterns of thinking about food.

I don’t believe this is the last word on healthy eating and fitness. But I think it can be a helpful start for me. I hope it is for you too.

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