Is Your Food Addiction Keeping You from Connecting with God?

Hey there, beautiful souls!

Let’s chat about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately: food! I mean, who doesn’t love a good meal, right? One of my absolute favorite things to do is to get dolled up and head to a charming spot for a delicious meal. There’s just something about well-presented food that makes my heart sing. And you know what? I’m definitely the “always get a to-go box” type because I want to savor every bite of the goodness when I get home.

But here’s the thing—I’ve been doing some soul-searching lately and realized that my relationship with food might not be as healthy as I thought. See, with a fast metabolism and being on the thinner side, I never really paid much attention to what food was doing to my body. In my 20s, the negative effects of my overindulgence weren’t as visible, but now that I’m in my 30s, I’m starting to both see and feel them.

Lately, I’ve been feeling a gentle nudge from God about my eating habits. And it’s not just about vanity—it’s about treating my body, which is the temple of God, with the respect and care it deserves. It’s about being intentional with how I nourish myself and honoring what God has given me. Just like I’ve been working on quitting a few other harmful habits, I believe God is now guiding me toward a healthier relationship with food.

I was feeling a bit lost on where to start until I stumbled upon a documentary on Netflix called “Blue Zones.” One particular segment on a community in Loma Linda, California, caught my attention. These people not only live long lives but also radiate happiness. And you know what they attribute it to? “The Bible Diet.” Yes, you read that right—apparently, the Bible has guidelines on how to eat for a healthier and happier life.

So, I decided to dive into the Scriptures and see for myself. And you know what I found? The Bible indeed offers clear instructions on what foods we should eat and what we should avoid. Let’s break it down:

What to Eat:

1. Fruits and Vegetables:

   • Genesis 1:29 (NIV): “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.'”

2. Lean Proteins:

   • Genesis 9:3 (NIV): “Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.”

3. Whole Grains:

   • Genesis 3:18 (NIV): “It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.”

What to Avoid:

1. Unhealthy Meats:

   • Deuteronomy 14:3 (NIV): “Do not eat any detestable thing.”

2. Fatty Foods:

   • Leviticus 7:23-25 (NIV): “Say to the Israelites: ‘Do not eat any of the fat of cattle, sheep or goats. The fat of an animal found dead or torn by wild animals may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it.”

3. Shellfish:

   • Leviticus 11:9-12 (NIV): “Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams you may eat any that have fins and scales. But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales—whether among all the swarming things or among all the other living creatures in the water—you are to regard as unclean.”

4. Blood:

   • Leviticus 17:10-12 (NIV): “I will set my face against any Israelite or any foreigner residing among them who eats blood, and I will cut them off from the people. For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. Therefore I say to the Israelites, ‘None of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner residing among you eat blood.'”

5. Certain Birds:

   • Leviticus 11:13-19 (NIV): “‘These are the birds you are to regard as unclean and not eat because they are unclean: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, any kind of black kite, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.'”

I used to see the Bible as a rulebook, something intimidating and distant, but now I understand it as a loving guidebook from God Himself.

You see, I believe that God wants us to live our best lives, to thrive in every aspect, including our health. Our bodies are more than vessels; they’re sacred spaces, temples where the Holy Spirit dwells. And just like any sanctuary, they deserve our utmost care and reverence.

So, as I embark on this journey to reset my eating habits, it’s not just about food—it’s about drawing closer to the Creator. It’s about honoring the gift of life He’s given us and embracing His guidance to nurture our bodies and souls.

I’ve come to realize that these dietary guidelines aren’t restrictions; they’re invitations to a deeper connection with God. By following them, I’m not just improving my physical health; I’m nurturing my spiritual well-being, too.

And I invite you to join me. Let’s walk this path together, supporting and encouraging one another as we strive to honor God with every choice we make, body, mind, and soul. Together, let’s discover the joy of living in alignment with His wisdom and love.

-Renée Bhagwandeen