One of the most important things I learned about myself while doing the Whole30 is that I needed to eat every meal, three meals a day. If I didn’t eat, I set myself up for failure. I’m sure many of you are thinking that should have been a no-brainer, but it really wasn’t. Prior to doing the Whole30, I rarely ate breakfast and was the type of person who could get up and not eat anything until dinner time. My body had become so accustomed to this routine that it was a major effort to get up and make myself breakfast, then lunch, let alone actually eat the food I prepared. Those first few weeks were a war with a frying pan, but I learned quickly that if I didn’t feed myself, I would sabotage my chances of success on this journey.
In order to move forward, I also had to learn to feed the source. I had to learn to nourish my mind properly as well. The mind is a powerful thing, that can manipulate you into believing untrue things about yourself which can then be detrimental not only to your physical body, but to your spirit as well. If all you ever feed your physical body is junk food, then you can expect your body will feel like junk. It is the same with your mind and soul. If all you ever feed yourself are the hurtful words of others, your own negativity and the whispers of the enemy, it will put your spirit in starvation mode. When a person is starving they will eat almost anything, even if it will ultimately kill them.
Another one of the first things I did was get back into an exercise routine. I had to do this because I needed accountability and help. I have always exercised, but I needed the extra discipline of an accountability partner. I needed someone who would push me when I didn’t feel like going any farther, but not a drill sergeant who would berate me. I was good at doing that all on my own. I needed encouragement, not a death wish. Exercising also releases endorphins, which make you feel better. I may have had a hard time getting started, but I’m always happy I exercised. Also, exercise made me hungry because I was burning up calories which became a win-win and made me want to eat without feeling like I was forcing myself.
It is the same thing when we have fallen off course with our spiritual walk with God. We all need an accountability partner to ask us how we are doing, what we are learning or how they can pray for us. Personally, I think an accountability partner is a great gift we can give to ourselves. Find a person you trust to love you enough to encourage you and tell you the truth when you need to hear it, but only in love.
Another way I began to feed myself was by finding recipes and articles which pertained to eating healthy. I knew I had to shift my thinking away from what I couldn’t have, but onto all the things I could have and the immense benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. I came to the realization that God wasn’t taking anything away from me, but wanted to give me more.
The apostle Paul states in 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV) “’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.”
The world would trick us into believing that if we are not feeding on what the world tries to make attractive, then somehow we are missing out on life’s opportunities and fun. There are many things the world does, however, which aren’t beneficial or constructive for us. We need to be careful what we feed upon. The Devil is always going to make sin look palatable. After the first taste, however, many times we can find ourselves choking on the bitterness of our regret.
When I am feeding my body healthy things, my mind becomes more aware of my need for God and makes my soul hungry for the things of God. Simple Fact. This world is our enemy, but God has prepared a feast for each of us, even right in the midst of those who would do us the most harm. Our job is to make sure we are feeding on the right things.
Psalm 23:4-6 (NLT)
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever
Yes, my Whole30 has become so much more than just about food. It has become my new way of understanding the importance of being still and learning to never fear when God is on your side, to stay determined and keep the faith by feeding yourself good things so you can have the blessing of a well fed soul.
christine lakers says
Oh how this inspires – many thanks to You Sheila, and to Carri, whose beautiful postings are body and soul warming. God surely is with you ladies!!!
Cindy says
Thank you Sheila! Great thoughts and such an encouragement.