Written By: Ibrahim Promise Oluwagbogo
As much as society tries to determine how we should physically look, we must first and foremost remember that our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139:14). In appreciating how we look, we honor God’s creation and find rest for our physical and mental selves. Nonetheless, we must also keep in mind that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and must be appropriately cared for, so we can be healthy and fit to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.
In appreciating how we look, we honor God’s creation and find rest for our physical and mental selves.
To achieve this, many people often seek diet plans that promise immediate and rapid results. Some may work, others may not, but the truth is that such diet plans: fads, quick fixes, or eating plans that promise rapid weight loss and miraculous health benefits are often built on misinformation, false hypotheses, and exaggeration. These leave us disappointed, frustrated, desperate, and sometimes even cause harm to the very bodies we’re trying to take care of.
Also Read: SELF BREAST EXAMINATION & MENSTRUAL HYGIENE
…but the truth is that such diet plans: fads, quick fixes, or eating plans that promise rapid weight loss and miraculous health benefits are often built on misinformation, false hypotheses, and exaggeration.
Prominent examples of fad diets include:
- Quitting carbohydrates entirely to lose weight.
- Skipping meals, sometimes for an entire day, in an attempt to shed pounds.
- Eating only papaya or pineapple for a week to “cleanse” the body.
- Drinking coconut water and cucumber juice daily to avoid gaining weight.
- Relying on junk and fast food to gain weight quickly.
- Following a 7-day weight loss program that exempts certain food groups while focusing on various drinks.
- Overusing the keto diet, which has legitimate medical benefits in specific cases but has been misused as a fad due to its extreme carbohydrate restrictions.
- Drinking excessive amounts of milk and malt (or Milo) to gain weight quickly.
- Blending bananas with peanut butter for rapid weight gain.
- Consuming large quantities of bread and butter to enhance weight gain.
- Mixing raw eggs with milk to build strength and muscle.
There are countless more fad diets claiming to cure diseases, improve skin or hair, aid detoxification, and so on.
As Christian women, it is important to seek wisdom and discernment in how we care for our bodies. Proverbs 3:7-8 reminds us:
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
Fad diets often appeal to vanity and impatience, but God calls us to trust Him, even in our health and fitness journey.
Yes, sis! Instead of chasing quick fixes, focus on what truly nourishes your body and spirit. Choose a well-balanced diet. If you can’t afford that, go for an adequate diet that contains essential nutrients. Eat a variety of nutritious foods, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, eat in moderation, and most importantly, tell God about your body. Trust me, it works! He cares that badly!
Healthy choices yield better results over time than fad eating ever could. Trust God’s wisdom and let Him guide you toward a lifestyle that glorifies Him in all things, even in how you care for yourself.
Also Read: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Prayer Point:
(Please don’t despise this prayer. Let it come with faith from your heart)
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me in Your image and for making my body a temple of the Holy Spirit. Help me to honor You by caring for my body wisely and rejecting anything that may harm it. Teach me to trust in Your provision for my body. Help me to make choices that glorify You in my eating and lifestyle. Please Daddy, give me wisdom and discipline to maintain a healthy and balanced life that fulfills Your purpose for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.