Dear Serial Dieter,
When my son was little, I remember kicking the ball back and forth on the driveway with him. He ran after that ball again and again in delight with his short little legs! Wanting to keep him safe, I walked him to the line that separated the driveway from the road and pointed, “Now this is the end of the driveway.” Stepping onto the asphalt, I continued, “And this is the road. To be sure you are safe, it’s important that you do not cross this line into the road. If the ball rolls into the road, Mommy will get it.”
At the time, the road looked safe as there were no cars driving up or down the road. Actually, it looked like a pretty amazing play area where we could run and play much easier without constraints. But the truth was – it was only safe temporarily. In a matter of moments, it could be deadly. I explained to my son that the boundaries I gave him that day were because I loved him and wanted to keep him safe.
Similarly, God gives us healthy boundaries with food; these boundaries might feel like the restrict us and restrain us – in reality they empower us to have the best life possible. Just like when I told my son that he should not run out into the road after his ball.
What are God’s food boundaries???…..
They’re quite simple:
- Eat when you’re hungry
- Stop when you’re satisfied
- Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial
Our stomach growls when we’re hungry and there is a sense of satisfaction that we experience (when we tune in) to tell us we’ve had enough. Doesn’t the food taste delightful when you’re truly hungry? And quite tasteless when you aren’t…three bites and then there’s hardly any flavor. By listening to and obeying the natural boundaries that has God set in our bodies, we will rarely have an issue with our weight.
Sounds pretty easy doesn’t it? Just like when I urged my son not to chase the ball into the road? Did he? Of course! Admittedly, we all chase after things that aren’t the best for us. The same is true when we eat when we’re not really hungry. We all do this from time to time but we, serial dieters, um, seem to do it more.
When we’re used to eating without waiting for a hunger pang or not stopping when we’ve really had just enough – it’s not easy. Especially when you’re at a super bowl party and see luscious double fudge brownies…and hear them calling your name…..
How often do we really stop to think, “Am I truly hungry????
Oh, when brownies call my name… I have to be honest – it’s not natural for me to stop and analyze whether I’m truly hungry. What comes naturally is to answer the call – of my flesh. Yet, answering the call to satisfy my flesh – often brings anguish to my soul. Anguish in the form of extra weight, tighter clothes, insecurity, guilt, shame, condemnation, regret, etc.
Why is it that those natural boundaries that God has set up don’t come easily? We’ve formed a habit of feeding our flesh – and food tastes amazing! Not only that…food is comforting. Besides our mothers holding us close to them, food was our first tangible comforter in life. We even have an entire category of food called “comfort foods!” You know: chicken noodle soup, macaroni and cheese, ice cream and whatever foods you attach to a nostalgic memory or sentiment that warms your heart.
Maybe the thought of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches on a cold rainy day warms your heart. Or you can’t do without the buttery popcorn at the movie theatre – it just makes the “experience!” You should be free to enjoy foods as God prompts you.
Food isn’t the problem. Another diet won’t cure us. When we eat when we’re truly not hungry we are craving something that isn’t food.
Cravings that happen outside of those parameters serves as a barometer that something is going on within us.
We’re craving something satisfying and comforting that no food can offer. Perhaps we’re longing for approval, security, order, direction, peace, joy, love, etc.
The bible says that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. In those times I feel close to God, food is not on my mind – those empty spaces are filled! I’m at peace and secure in who I am with almost no outside cares.
Are you up for a challenge this week? To only eat when you have God-given hunger and satisfied signals?
And in those times when you want to eat – pray. Hit pause and use those times to draw near to God. Offer those times to God as type of gift. Your offering to Him…. to help you get beyond the preoccupation with food. This isn’t another dieting rule – it’s just an “offering” between you and God.
Remember that God is Love and Love wants the best for you. In light of that, I have another challenge for you. It’s easier I promise!
Take a couple minutes today (before the urge to eat comes upon you), and write a letter from God to you. What would a loving God say to you about your eating? What would He say when you mess up? Why would he want you to wait for hunger signals and stop when you’re pleasantly satisfied rather than eating to your heart’s content?
God is so loving that He wants all of your cares (1 Peter 5:7). He cares so deeply that He will walk through this time with you (Psalm 46:1). Be sure to look for Him.
I urge you to remember to seek God instead of dieting and look at this from a point of curiosity instead of judgement.
It is a process. Processes take time.
Be patient with yourself. When you stumble, get right back up and start over again – just like when you learned to ride a bike! You can do this! One step at a time! Give yourself credit for every single step!
In this journey with you,
If you’d like to receive the worksheets each week as we walk through (with curiosity) this journey, just subscribe in the box on the sidebar and I’ll be sure to send the worksheets to you so you don’t miss any steps!
If you’d like to walk the journey together we’d love to have you join our private FB group “Trekking Thru to Freedom!”
Michele Morin says
So many good thoughts here, Char.
When we’re serious about taking this on, we really have to view those hunger pangs as a good thing, a way God has designed our body to communicate with us. I think it’s a process of re-educating ourselves.
Char says
It is definitely a reprogramming Michelle. A daily exercise of building new habits. We’re gonna talk about that next week. Thanks for stopping in!
Cheryl says
I agree with everything you spoke about regarding food, diets and how they relate to our relationship with God. I truly believe that God provides us with an innate sense as how our bodies respond to certain food groups and how these food groups can trigger a sense of “out of control-ness”! There are so many foods on the market that are designed to encourage overeating in the effort to buy more. God created foods that will sustain us and promote health. I have found that eating the foods that God created promote not only physical stability but emotional health, as well. I would love to receive the worksheets!
Char says
I agree with you – if we listen to our bodies and that innate sense that God gives us we would be so much healthier – spiritually, mentally, and physically. I will send the worksheet your way Cheryl! They will also be posted on the Facebook group every week.
Crystal Twaddell says
I’ve rarely thought of God’s boundaries with food. And the simple question of “Am I really hungry?” is a perfectly curious way to hold ourselves in check. Brownies are my favorite too!
Char says
That’s the key Crystal, tackle this with curiosity! Actually, chips are my ultimate temptation…
Laurie says
Char, I have to admit that for the first time in my life, I have to watch what I eat. I am a runner who logs a lot of miles in a week, but between an injury that has me sidelined and my metabolism slowing as I age, I have gained a few unwanted pounds I would like to get rid of. This post could not have come at a better time for me. Thank you!
Char says
You’ve always inspired me Laurie. I’m glad to encourage you.
April says
There was a faith based program in the 90’s that was based on these principles of eating only when your body signals you to. It also encouraged pushing passed the tummy growl at first as to reprogram it from how often you may have been eating. There’s also great tests at finding balance (faith based ministry) for people that may suspect they have an eating disorder. Many times emotions will affect our eating patterns! It’s such a great topic since we most definitely need reminding that we are to be taking care of the body have us!! This post was insightful! I recently found I have celiac and had to get off gluten entirely, it’s been a little challenge but same principle, I have to take care of this temporary body. Thanks for the encouragement to keep pressing forward.
Char says
Thanks for sharing April. I went off gluten several years ago due to the pain it causes me. I thank God for that natural restriction! You’re right… these bodies are temporary so we need to nurture them and honor the gifts we’ve been given. I’d love to know about the tests.
April says
I work for a faith based crisis chat line. We have many teen/college age that have come seeking help with thinking but not knowing if they may have an eating disorder. It’s very common to carry some of these traits on as we get older even if it’s not a full blown condition. Figuring out our triggers is a key to the process.
findingbalance.com has a lot of guidance in this.
Char says
Thanks April! What an wonderful ministry. I so appreciate you sharing.
Rebecca Hastings says
Ooohhh…now this is something that is definitely hitting a weak spot of mine, and challenging me to change!
Lauren Sparks says
Great advice. laurensparks.net
Rebecca Jones says
Sounds like good advice, God is not the food police, He gives us grace and wisdom, He made us to have an innate knowing, sometimes I crave apples, or a PB sandwich, I am drinking more milk.
Char says
It sounds like you listen for what will satisfy your hunger. 👍
Tammy L Kennington says
Hi Char.
While I don’t struggle with boundaries and food, there are other boundaries that would be easy to violate. I love red wine, for example, but indulging in too many glasses would be an attempt to fill something in my life that only God can meet.
I think your guidelines can be applied to these areas, too. Great post!
Char says
Yes Tammy they do apply to many areas that we use things to satisfy a spiritual longing. Thanks for sharing that!
Bernadette says
Wow, I’ve never thought about my relationship with food in connection to my relationship with God. This way seriously eye-opening for me Char. Thanks for sharing!
Char says
Good for you to consider it Bernadette. It can be very revealing when we watch ourselves curiously.
Char says
Thanks for reading Bernadette and reaching out! Love your blog too!!!
Patrick Weseman says
Such wonderful words. I wish that my parental unit did this. I think it is the reason that I have some food issues. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Char says
I wish I had done some thing differently…. 😔