Does God Care About What We Eat?
“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.”
Genesis 1:29
We were created by a loving God who designed us in His image.
He knew what diet would be best for us to be able to perform the tasks required to live life well, serve Him, be healthy, and thrive.
Thankfully, He outlined what we should eat very clearly!
Disease and illness were not part of His plan in the Garden of Eden, and they are not part of His plan for us today!
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
The enemy of God and all humanity wants the exact opposite for us.
“The thief comes only to steal and to kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” -John 10:10
If what we were meant to eat was clearly outlined at creation, would it make sense that it was the best diet for us and important to God?
Does it also make sense that the enemy of our soul would want to pervert that and tempt us in ways that would lead to sickness, death, and sorrow? Of course!
The diet most people consume today is far from what we were created to eat, and the effects are seen and felt intensely. Disease and illness are rampant. Cancer is prolific, as is diabetes, heart disease, auto-immune disease, obesity, and endless other ailments.
I will outline 10 benefits of eating healthy foods and then 10 health issues associated with consuming the standard American diet (SAD).
Ten Benefits of Eating Healthy, Living Foods
Abundance of Nutrients. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals supporting health and vitality.
Digestive Health. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, aids in digestion, and helps keep our gut bugs happy. It is their favorite food, and a healthy gut equals a healthier you! This microbiome makes 80-90% of our feel-good hormones.
Weight Management. Obesity leads to a long list of health issues. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, meaning you can eat them until you are full, helping to maintain a healthy weight while feeling satiated.
Better Immune Health. Consuming abundant plant foods and getting adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports a healthy immune system better equipped to fight infections and illnesses.
Heart Health. Leafy greens and root vegetables are high in nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide. This dilates blood vessels, improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases today. Vegetables contain phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the whole body and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Better Eye Health. Certain fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene and lutein, which may help reduce the risk of age-related cataracts and macular degeneration.
Hydration. So many people are chronically dehydrated. Fruits and vegetables are high in water and contribute to better hydration and fluid balance.
Improved Skin Health. Beautiful skin starts from the inside! The vitamins and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables can promote healthy skin and reduce blemishes.
Increased Energy. Don’t we all want more energy? YES! The nutrients and natural sugars in fruits and vegetables provide energy and vitality. One of the first things I noticed when going plant-based was sustained energy and lack of fatigue.
When I Look At The Rainbow of Colors That God Created For Us to Eat, I See Abundant Life and Love!
Compared to abundant life, the repercussions of consuming the Standard American Diet, which is high in processed foods, animal products, and low-nutrient foods, paint a different picture.
Ten Health Issues Associated With The Standard American Diet
Shortened Lifespan. A diet high in processed foods is linked with a higher risk of death from various chronic diseases and health complications.
Inflammation. Ingredients in processed foods, such as refined sugars, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats, contribute to inflammation in the body. This can lead to heart disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, and many other ailments.
Increased Cancer Risk. Some additives and preservatives in processed foods have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
Mental Health Problems. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems have been linked to a nutrient-poor diet. As mentioned above, about 90% of our feel-good hormones are produced in our gut. Our gut bugs use fiber to make them. A diet low in fiber does not provide adequate food for the bacteria to produce the feel-good neurotransmitters.
Nutritional Deficiencies. Processed foods are low or lack beneficial nutrients, leading to health deficiencies.
Digestive Issues. Food devoid of fiber can disrupt our digestion, leading to issues like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, and other ailments.
Type 2 Diabetes. Diets low in fiber and high in processed foods and animal products can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Obesity. Processed foods are high in calories, refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and refined sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Dental Issues. Processed foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to gum disease and cavities.
Cardiovascular Disease. Heart disease is the top killer in the U.S. We can thank processed foods for contributing to that. The high fat, sodium, and sugars can elevate blood pressure and increase cholesterol.
Compare The Consequences Of Eating Processed “Food Like Substances” With The Benefits Of Eating Whole Food That God Created.
When you see the stark differences in the health outcomes each way of eating produces, there is no denying which way of eating we should follow.
Here’s the bummer part. The food industry is a trillion-dollar industry, and they got that way by producing addictive food-like substances that tantalize our tastebuds and hijack our pleasure receptors, causing us to consume in excess and often to our demise.
One of my favorite plant-based doctors, Dr. Joel Furhman, has been quoted saying, “The American diet today couldn’t be better designed to create a nation full of diseases like heart attacks, strokes, dementia, and cancer. It’s like it was designed by al-Qaeda.”
I think it would be fair to say it’s like satan designed the standard American diet. Satan is the master of deceit. If he can get us to believe how we eat doesn’t matter, he can continue to cause disease, death, and sadness.
When you don’t feel well, haven’t slept well, feel anxious, are struggling mentally, were just given a scary diagnosis, feel like you got run over by a truck, are so tired you fall asleep sitting up, have horrible heartburn, have terrible joint pain or are worried about the health of a loved one, how joyful do you feel? How apt are you to want to share about the amazing love of Jesus? Sometimes, it’s hard just to make it through the day!
Realizing the consequences of eating a diet high in these disease-causing foods is the first step toward realizing the tremendous blessings when we return to eating our designed diet.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.”
3 John 1:2
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good, and acceptable, and the perfect will of God.”
Romans 12: 1-2
Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food.
-Hippocrates
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
-1 Corinthians 10:31
I don’t know about you, but I feel good eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables! I feel like I have a pep in my step, I feel clear-headed and able to think better, I sleep better, I have more energy to go for a walk or work out, and I have a much better attitude about things!
On the contrary, I feel pretty crummy when I eat foods full of sugar, simple carbs, unhealthy fats, or unrecognizable ingredients. I feel tired, unmotivated, and overly full.
No matter what diet you adhere to, adding an abundance of greens, fruits and vegetables is going to benefit you in countless ways!
Being a light in this world includes being an example of glorifying God with our bodies and minds. Being healthy and ready to serve is what God wants from us…
Pray for God to guide you and give you the strength and desire to make the changes you want to make.
I pray Gods abundant blessings on your life as you seek to glorify Him in mind, body, and spirit!
