Biblical Nutrition

To enjoy good health, we must start with a sound mind. The secular world often emphasises diet and exercise, but the bible tells us how to achieve a healthy lifestyle by reading the Word of God.

The bible provides all the information we need for healthy living. If we investigate the scriptures, we will find many references to health and well-being.

Father wants us well in order that our bodies will glorify him for the purpose to which we were made. (1 Cor 6:20)

We need a healthy mind and body to glorify God. Our body gives access to God for Him to reach the earth with his plans and purposes, therefore our wellbeing is of paramount importance to him.

Spirits are not permitted on the earth, so they need a body to inhabit, however as God’s children we have full access to the earth realm. (Pls 115:16)

Your body is needed to be used of God to reach mankind, we must not give the enemy any room to operate, hence we need to have a healthy body and mind. (1 Cor 3:16)

We are used to carrying out God’s assignments on the earth, our spirit is invisible and cannot be seen, but our bodies are visible, t h e r e f o r e our bodies can be seen and used. (Genesis 2:7)

How to access healthy living

Healthy living is not merely about healthy food, supplements or exercise. For Christians a consistent quality intake of God’s Word is far more beneficial to our wellbeing. Time spent studying God’s Word cannot be excluded from any healthy lifestyle programme or regime that any Child of God undertakes. God’s Word is light and anytime light is taken

in our body; we are built up to become strong. For example, we need vitamin D as a precursor to many biological effects. Without vitamin D (also known as the Sunshine vitamin because its main source is derived from the sun) our body cannot absorb essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and phosphate. Most healthy plants such as spinach, greens, peas, have an abundance of the important pigment chlorophyll which allows them to absorb energy from light. Putting these nutrients into our body improves our health. The same effects are achieved when we put God’s Word into our mind and body. Discipline yourself to inject God’s Word into your spirit each day. The Word energises and gives life to your soul. (Proverbs 20:21-22). The Word of God will tell us to renew our minds and begin to think the way Jesus taught. Jesus lived a blameless life without stress by being obedient to his Heavenly Father and the Word of God. Think about the last time you felt run down, were you reading your bible consistently? We must never get too busy for the word. If your body is sick then pursuing a career, promotion, pay-rise etc is futile. Listening consistently to the Word will also allow the light of the Word to enter your body to build up your mind, spirit and faith. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (2 Corinthians 5:17) A conscious renewing of mind will change the way you think (Romans 12:2). Changing the how you think to how Christ teaches us to think will enable us to live a healthier life, however some Christians wrongly believe God is trying to teach them a lesson through sickness. This is a completely wrong perception of our heavenly father. Father God wants us to be healthy in mind, body and spirit. Our thinking will affect all these areas. Proverbs 4:23 “above all guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (NIV)

Health and Nutrition Tips

In some studies people who do not consume a healthy balanced diet were more likely to report symptoms of depression or other mental issue. This relates to the point made earlier concerning the role the Word of God plays in renewing our mind. Having a renewed mind our mental health capacity becomes more resilient. In turn consuming a healthy balanced diet and taking regular exercise is more achievable when our mental health is stable. A healthy diet and exercise will contribute to our wellbeing in all areas included our mental health. In some studies people who do not have a healthy diet were more likely to report symptoms of depression or other mental health issues. Fasting is a biblical requirement in order to achieve a closer and deeper relationship with our heavenly father and a practical way of allowing our digestive system to rest and recuperate from constant need to digest food. However biblical fasting should not be used to merely lose weight. When we fast, we must remain in the Word and in prayer so we can hear from God through the Holy Spirit. Fasting should be a regular part of our Christian walk, in order to renew our minds and rest our bodies. “A heart of peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30)

Nutrition and health

There are some association between our emotional wellbeing and the nutrients in our food. These nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins and tryptophan. These are all found in foods that are part of a healthy diet. The Mediterranean Diet is considered a beneficial diet for overall health including brain health and should contain all the nutrients mentioned above, however there are many types of diets and it can be confusing. Dieting is not always necessary, having a healthy balanced diet is more sustainable that trying to keep to a strict or fad diet. Our meals should contain a wide variety of food from all the 5 main food groups in order to get a range of nutrients. Plenty of fruit and vegetables and a limited amount of salt, sugar and fats. (See www.NHS.co.uk eatwellguide.) As mentioned previously some food contains nutrients that are known to help reduce stress and these should be included in any healthy eating plan. Whole foods and natural foods are best to obtain the vital vitamins and minerals require when going through periods of stress. Avoid processed foods which often contain a high amount of salt, sugar and fats and are often lacking in vital nutrients. Foods rich in omega 3 and B vitamins such as oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), nuts and seeds, leafy greens, turkey, oatmeal, avocado and blueberries. God has given us all we need for healthy, happy and stress -free living. With his word in our spirit and the provision of his creation we are well equipped to handle all that life has for us. (Genesis 1:29 Genesis 9:3)

Sonia Morris RNutr (Public Health) is a qualified nutritionist who is a passionate. dynamic experienced registered nutritionist. Sonia equips individuals to make healthy lifestyle changes, enabling clients to live happier, healthier lives. She is inspired to teach biblical truths concerning all aspects of health and wellbeing. Sonia Morris is based in London, UK.