The subject of food is complicated.

We all know that food is for survival, but we also know that food is for more than just survival.

We eat because

• it tastes good

• we’re bored

• it stops stomach pains

• it gives us energy

• to celebrate something

• for comfort

But, are we eating for the right reasons? What are the right reasons?

I looked in the Bible and food was mentioned in the very first chapter.
And the second chapter.
And in many more after that.

In the Beginning,

God gave us every seed bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that had fruit with seeds in it.

He planted a garden with all kinds of trees that were good for food.

He said we could eat from every tree but one.

Of course, we ate from that tree and eating the wrong food brought a curse.

I think that is still the case.

No, I’m not talking about apples and I don’t even know where the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is located or what it looks like.
I’m talking about how eating from boredom or stress or sadness is a curse.

If we are eating when we don’t need to or if we are eating junky food - we are hurting ourselves - cursing ourselves.

Don’t beat yourself up too much if you do these things. Most of us have done this at one time or another. The important thing is to start changing the harmful ways we use food.

I don’t think there is only one, right way to look at food. I think there are a lot of different ways.

Food is not only for survival. It is also a big part of community and celebrations and relationships.

Food is a blessing - like when we bring supper to a grieving friend.
Food is medicine - like homemade chicken noodle soup when you’re sick.
Food is fun - like bobbing for apples on Halloween.

Know the whys and wherefores of your food

Eat - FIRST - the foods that fuel your body and keep it in good shape.

• Get those veggies and some protein in every meal, even breakfast.

• Consume the good fats your body needs.

• Make sure you are fully hydrated.

Listen to your body and how it reacts to the foods you eat.

• Do you get bloated and gassy after eating sugar?

• Does caffeine give you the shakes or jitters?

• Do you feel tired or sluggish after eating bread and pasta?

Make informed purposeful decisions about what you eat.

• What does your body need every day? How much protein? Fat? Carbs?

• What does the label say? Are the ingredients safe? (Hint: red dye #5 isn’t)

• It’s ok to occasionally eat something simply because it tastes good.

We were created in God’s image and are a temple for the Holy Spirit.

Whether you believe in God or not, your body is still a temple for your soul.
It is the one and only place we get to live.
Consider what kind of fuel you want to give the body you live in.

The good and necessary foods don’t have to be boring or gross. Some of the healthiest food are also some of the tastiest. And, as a bonus, they make us feel good!

I’ll be posting recipes that I’ve found that taste great and are even good for you, too, so keep an eye out for those.

Plan to fuel your body well. Happy, healthy eating!