I think it's great that you want to take care of the body that God has given you. When you're exercising regularly (not excessively) and eating right, your body will naturally start falling to its ideal weight. It does take time, but hopefully my "10 Tips for Eating Right" will help. Here they are:
#1—Don’t Use Food as an Escape
God didn’t make food to fill an emotional hole in our hearts or to keep us busy when we’re bored. Eating sweets when we’re upset, browsing the snack cupboard when there’s nothing else to do, and social eating, are all unhealthy food escapes. (“Social eating” is especially common in the church. Have you noticed that there are almost always refreshments—like doughnuts and coffee—at church functions?)
#2—Don’t Torture Yourself
I’ll be honest: I have the willpower of a starving elephant stuck in a peanut tree. I’d like to think I’m strong and self-controlled and all that, but put me in a house with chocolate chip cookies or salt and vinegar chips, and they’ll be gone before dinner. I know this about myself, so I no longer keep them stocked in the cupboards. Know your limits; then replace the tempting foods with healthy ones. (You might need to solicit your parents’ help on this one. If you tell them your reasons, I’m sure they’ll be happy to help you on your road to healthy eating. They may even join you!)
#3—Eat Just Enough
I don’t remember where, but I once heard someone say, “Don’t eat until you’re full; just eat until you aren’t hungry any more.” Most of us are blessed not to have to wonder where we’re going to find food for our next meal. We know that when we next get hungry, there will be food enough. So there’s no point in stuffing yourself at any meal. Proverbs 30:8-9 says, “Give me enough food to live on, neither too much nor too little. If I’m too full, I might get independent, saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’” I think this verse applies particularly to us in America!
#4—Keep a Water Bottle with You
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. If you’ve always got water on hand, not only will you stay hydrated, but you’ll also eat less and drink soda less frequently. Remember, you’re supposed to drink at least 64 ounces of water each day!
#5—Just Say No
We already talked about this one under the emotional benefits of eating healthy. Discipline yourself to say no to good treats every so often just to remind your body who’s in charge and to practice the fine art of self-control.
#6—Say Good-Bye to Cravings
Your body works a little bit like memory foam when it comes to cravings. It remembers the last thing you ate, and it wants more of it. For example, if I splurge one night and have one of those chocolate chip cookies I love so much, guess what I’ll be craving first thing the next morning. If I eat salt, I’ll crave chips; if I have those delicious breadsticks from Olive Garden, I won’t be able to get them out of my mind. The best way to break a cycle of cravings is to “Just Say No” to whatever it is you’re craving.
#7—Plan Ahead
Eating right takes planning—you have to think about what you’re going to eat before you’re starving and ready to scarf anything in front of you! If you don’t already, consider packing snacks and your lunch (ideally right after you’ve eaten breakfast or after dinner the night before, when you aren’t hungry).
#8—Stay True to God’s Food
Eat foods as close to the way God made them as possible. For example, instead of a packaged fruit cup, try an actual piece of fruit. Remember: God made food the way He did for a reason, sister. We’d better trust Him and not mess it up!
#9—Have a Goal
Your goal should be your ideal size for your body (not your friend’s or a cover model’s). Having a goal is good for two reasons: one, it will help motivate you as you see yourself getting closer to the finish line, and two, it gives you a finish line. We girls have a funny habit of taking things way too far when it comes to thinness. (If you think you’ll know when to quit, just remember that all the girls that struggle with eating disorders are girls just like you and me.) Promise yourself that once you’re at a healthy weight, you’ll stay there.
#10—Ask God for Help
This should be a no-brainer, but unfortunately, we consistently forget that God actually cares about our health and well-being. Ask Him to help you stay disciplined and to motivate you to eat right for the right reasons.
Love,
#1—Don’t Use Food as an Escape
God didn’t make food to fill an emotional hole in our hearts or to keep us busy when we’re bored. Eating sweets when we’re upset, browsing the snack cupboard when there’s nothing else to do, and social eating, are all unhealthy food escapes. (“Social eating” is especially common in the church. Have you noticed that there are almost always refreshments—like doughnuts and coffee—at church functions?)
#2—Don’t Torture Yourself
I’ll be honest: I have the willpower of a starving elephant stuck in a peanut tree. I’d like to think I’m strong and self-controlled and all that, but put me in a house with chocolate chip cookies or salt and vinegar chips, and they’ll be gone before dinner. I know this about myself, so I no longer keep them stocked in the cupboards. Know your limits; then replace the tempting foods with healthy ones. (You might need to solicit your parents’ help on this one. If you tell them your reasons, I’m sure they’ll be happy to help you on your road to healthy eating. They may even join you!)
#3—Eat Just Enough
I don’t remember where, but I once heard someone say, “Don’t eat until you’re full; just eat until you aren’t hungry any more.” Most of us are blessed not to have to wonder where we’re going to find food for our next meal. We know that when we next get hungry, there will be food enough. So there’s no point in stuffing yourself at any meal. Proverbs 30:8-9 says, “Give me enough food to live on, neither too much nor too little. If I’m too full, I might get independent, saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’” I think this verse applies particularly to us in America!
#4—Keep a Water Bottle with You
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. If you’ve always got water on hand, not only will you stay hydrated, but you’ll also eat less and drink soda less frequently. Remember, you’re supposed to drink at least 64 ounces of water each day!
#5—Just Say No
We already talked about this one under the emotional benefits of eating healthy. Discipline yourself to say no to good treats every so often just to remind your body who’s in charge and to practice the fine art of self-control.
#6—Say Good-Bye to Cravings
Your body works a little bit like memory foam when it comes to cravings. It remembers the last thing you ate, and it wants more of it. For example, if I splurge one night and have one of those chocolate chip cookies I love so much, guess what I’ll be craving first thing the next morning. If I eat salt, I’ll crave chips; if I have those delicious breadsticks from Olive Garden, I won’t be able to get them out of my mind. The best way to break a cycle of cravings is to “Just Say No” to whatever it is you’re craving.
#7—Plan Ahead
Eating right takes planning—you have to think about what you’re going to eat before you’re starving and ready to scarf anything in front of you! If you don’t already, consider packing snacks and your lunch (ideally right after you’ve eaten breakfast or after dinner the night before, when you aren’t hungry).
#8—Stay True to God’s Food
Eat foods as close to the way God made them as possible. For example, instead of a packaged fruit cup, try an actual piece of fruit. Remember: God made food the way He did for a reason, sister. We’d better trust Him and not mess it up!
#9—Have a Goal
Your goal should be your ideal size for your body (not your friend’s or a cover model’s). Having a goal is good for two reasons: one, it will help motivate you as you see yourself getting closer to the finish line, and two, it gives you a finish line. We girls have a funny habit of taking things way too far when it comes to thinness. (If you think you’ll know when to quit, just remember that all the girls that struggle with eating disorders are girls just like you and me.) Promise yourself that once you’re at a healthy weight, you’ll stay there.
#10—Ask God for Help
This should be a no-brainer, but unfortunately, we consistently forget that God actually cares about our health and well-being. Ask Him to help you stay disciplined and to motivate you to eat right for the right reasons.
Love,