As followers of the one Triune God, Christians recognize that faith infiltrates all areas of life, and nutrition is no exception. While there is no law given to us by God mandating that we have to eat healthy, there are still some very important truths to keep in mind. Since the Bible is not silent on this issue, Christians should take to heart what was spoken and recorded for our good. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." We often forget that we eat to nourish holy temples--not for personal pleasure or indulgence. If you think about it, whole plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables have been proven to exponentially benefit human health and are also the foods explicitly provided by God to human consumption. Genesis 1:29 asserts that, "And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.'" Berries, sprouts, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, the list goes on. All these plants are rich in the nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants needed for optimal function and these are specifically designed for man by God! It's not by accident that individuals who consume a healthy plant-based diet tend to have more energy, better cognitive function, fresher skin, smooth-running digestion, and increased quality of life. When the health benefits and intentional biological design are clearly spelled out, why would anyone want to act contrary to these truths? It is crucial that Christians consider ways to best care for the one body, the holy temple, that was graciously given to them. Honor what your body needs--it will be reflected in the way you think, act, and feel.
At the same time, healthy food choices may not always be available and that's okay! This is why we have flexibility when it comes to diet. However, in this day and age, it has become increasingly convenient to purchase healthier options and we should absolutely take advantage of that.
One last thing to keep in mind is the businesses we support by our food choices. Since there is a significant isolation gap between consumers and their food, many are unaware of who they support with their dollars when they make a food purchase. As stewards of God's creation, Christians must be mindful when they make purchases to ensure they don't support a company that performs unsustainable or unethical practices. Stop buying from a company that uses palm oil, which spurs the clearing of rain forests so that palm plantations can be arranged their instead, translating to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the loss of ecosystem services. Don't buy chicken nuggets from a company that gases live chicks or injects hens with hormones that make their breasts so unbearably large that they can no longer stand or sit up. Don't purchase that brightly colored candies that are loaded with artificial red, yellow, and blue dyes that are shown to decrease cognitive performance and exacerbate ADHD symptoms within children. The good news is that as consumers, we hold the power to change our food systems three times a day. Vote for health, stewardship, and overall well being with your fork and make a difference for the better.
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