The bible tells us that while all things are permissible, all things are not beneficial. As we find what foods are most beneficial for us (which foods best meet the nutritional needs of the body) and focus on those foods in our diet, we will begin to experience better health and find our ideal weight.

Here are a few guidelines that can be used as a foundation for a beneficial “health plan”.

1. God designed food to feed our physical bodies - just as His word is the spiritual food that feeds us spiritually. Feeding on spiritual “junk food” will produce ill spiritual health. Feeding on physical “junk food” will produce ill physical health and can add excess weight. A junk food can be classified as a substance that is low in beneficial (or nutritional) components and high in non-nourishing or other harmful components. Another way to look at this principle is “we reap what we sow”.
2. Those foods that were in God's original plan (Gen 1:29) provide the highest amount of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytonutrients. Nutritional science today is telling us that if we would eat more fruits and vegetables we would be healthier. Because these were the primary foods in God's original diet plan, this does not surprise me. Hunger is a sign that the body needs nutrition. Fighting consistent hunger or uncontrollable food cravings can be a sign that we are not providing the body with the nutrition that it needs. When we eat a diet rich in these optimal, whole foods (and concentrated sources of nutrition like juicing and Barley Max) this constant hunger is replaced with a feeling of satisfaction.
3. Eating a food in its least processed form will provide us with the most nutrition. Simply put, the more a food is processed (changed from its original form) the less nutrition that food has to offer us. Additionally, the more a food is processed, the more additives and other nonfood components are generally added to it and the more potentially harmful it can become. Be sure to read labels when purchasing foods. If an ingredient doesn't sound like a food - it probably isn't! (NOTE: Ingredient labels are not needed on unprocessed whole foods – like those found in the produce section. So, save time – buy fresh fruits & vegetables!). Natural foods help to bring balance into the body and can be a cornerstone for regaining health and losing weight. Natural foods, properly prepared, are not only nutritious but also very delicious.
4. Make sure to drink adequate amounts of pure water. This not only aids in weight loss but it also helps the body to overcome many ailments thus bringing about better health. Did you know that your hunger can sometimes be caused by your body’s need for water? And soft drinks, coffee, tea & bottled juices don't count! Caffeine, phosphates & other properties in these drinks purge water from the "water system” of your body, so they are actually dehydrating. Raw fruits & vegetables as well as freshly extracted juices are not only a good source of good clean water but they also provide lots of wonderful nutrients that can aid in rebuilding health. Distilled or Reverse Osmosis purifiers are the best means of producing clean, pure source of drinking water.
5. Exercise! The body needs adequate amounts of movement to maintain health. The lymphatic and the circulatory systems both require exercise to function properly. Also, it has been shown that the body better utilizes the nutrients available to it when proper exercise is maintained. Also, most people have experienced that it is easier to lose weight when some form of exercise is including in the "program".
6. Remove the stresses of life by giving every issue of your life over to the Lord. Constant stress robs us of optimal health. The glandular response to stress can cause imbalances that can be a contributing factor in weight problems as well as other health-related issues. God did not intend for us to carry the load that many people are carrying around today. As we release the issues in our life over to Him, we can experience His peace, which will effect every aspect of our lives – including our health! God’s word is a tremendous source of help & encouragement. Reading His word will build us up in every area of our lives. I have also found in my own life that spending time in the presence of God is the most life transforming experience I have ever known. It is vital to set aside time to read God’s word and to spend with Him each day.
7. Get adequate oxygen, sunshine & rest. These basic physical needs promote optimal health.

I encourage you to begin today to set realistic goals for you (and your family) that will lead you to achieving optimal health. Continue educating yourself concerning health issues. Healthy lifestyle principles will not only put you on a road to attaining and maintaining proper weight, but they will also point you toward better health. At Abundant Living lifestyle Center our goal is to encourage people towards better health. We teach classes & seminars that expound upon the principles outlined in this article. We also offer other health education & lifestyle tools that can help make transitioning into a healthier lifestyle easier. If we can help you in any way as you seek information in this area, please give us a call.