Saturday 28 November 2009

Self Control --- Essential For Your Temple

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31


That time of the year is upon us again. The time where over indulgence of a lot of things, especially food and dink, becomes the order of the day.

Many people indulge themselves during Christmas time, calling it 'a treat' , which is really an excuse to eat more food that is necessary, which in turn is not good for the temples.

The spirit man should always be given top priority to the physical man. Feed our spirits with God's word and it will help to direct our lives, including how to look after our temples, especially when it comes to eating and drinking.

During this season, the sin of gluttony is embraced much more severely; food and drink primary becomes the god of millions. The bible however has a lot to say about gluttony like in Proverbs 23:20-21, it tells us "Oh listen, dear child—become wise; point your life in the right direction. Don't drink too much wine and get drunk; don't eat too much food and get fat.Drunks and gluttons will end up on skid row, in a stupor and dressed in rags".

Also in Proverbs 25:16 we are taught "Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick" Everything, including eating, should be done in moderation. We should strive to eat first, God's word and then our eating habits (in all seasons) will be directed by it.

I see foods that God created as 'natural living foods'. They are fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, beans and grains. These are good foods. Foods that are highly refined (which is usually what is available at Christmas parties), I consider to be 'dead foods', because they are highly refined and when you look closely,they have no nutritional value. They also tend to be more expensive than fresh vegetables and fruits.

To help you battle over indulgence during this holiday season, here are some things that I do, and I hope that it will help you too:
  • Eat a small snack before you go to a party. If you go hungry you are more likely to eat everything in sight. Refuse the attempt to be on a 'see food' diet (that is you see it, then you eat it).


  • Drink some water before and with meals. Drinking water will slow down digestion because there is more volume to digest. Furthermore water is the only natural drink with zero calories so go for it!


  • Salad, eat some of it as your starter, it will leave less room for fatty foods. You could also fill half your plate with salad and the other healthy food, such as turkey.

  • At the party, engage in more walking and talking. You did not go to the party to glue yourself to the chair, in front of the buffet table. Fill your plate with healthy food and then walk the room. At the end of the event, you will be amazed how much less you would have eaten.


  • Continue your exercise programme throughout the holiday season. Yes, the holiday seasons are here, school is out, but guess what? The gym is still open, and the pavement is still there for running. Remember the times you could not exercise frequently because you had to work long hours? Well now is your chance to catch up on some fitness and use the gym that you might have been paying for, but have never used. The change you see, will inspire and encourage you to continue, even in the new year.


  • If you don't have an exercise programme, start one before Christmas, well before the new year. Don't make a desperate attempt on January 2 to try and loose the possible 10kg gained in one week! It sure is easy to eat and gain it, but it is not that easy to loose it.


  • Yes, enjoy your Christmas dinner, but avoid excess of it, when you are full, walk away. You really don't have to clean your plate. You can always save it for later, when you are hungry. Do your best to avoid processed foods that are high in salt and sugar - again, this is usually the type of food offered at Christmas parties or events.


  • Don't spread yourself too thin. That is accepting all party invitations and then ending up tired. Studies have shown that tiredness encourages over-eating, which will result in weight gain. Concentrate on having a rich holiday in terms of friendship, doing good work for others, showing and practising love and compassion and telling someone about Jesus Christ.

Our bodies are the temple of the living God - All the time. It does not stop being a temple during certain times of the year. We must continue to look after our bodies in all seasons.

God wants us to be in good health, however, we have a part to play in the promise of Good Health. We must educate ourselves and do what is right and fitting to help our bodies continue to His Fit Temple, always ready for service.

Have a fit, healthy holiday season, and let your eating and drinking glorify God, making Him famous along your way.

Much Love
Remi
***pictures by photobucket***

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is just so right on time, what with office parties, families who think they can only show their love but stufffing us full of the entire contents of Waitrose or Lidl

As we walk, let us concentrate also on giving thanks for the ability to do so and step out with joy!

The Activist said...

Very interesting and educating post. Happy new year to you.