You are what you eat

My husband and I have been really impressed by our semi-Paleo diet, Whole 30. We did 30 days of it late last spring, then several times since, and have pretty much decided that it will be our permanent way of eating.

So no dairy. No grains. No sugar. No legumes. No alcohol.

At least most of the time.

It’s been a good ride. I have some arthritis issues that disappear about 15 days into our 30 day plan. Not eating dairy, alcohol and grains is easy for me. Sugar isn’t that bad. Legumes are tough. This isn’t what I thought would be hard when we first did it last year. I thought for sure I’d struggle with sugar or grain. I didn’t even think about legumes. And I still wouldn’t if peanut butter wasn’t a legume.

Sigh.

And it’s Easter, so there are Reese’s peanut butter eggs, not to mention those lovely, lovely homemade ones from the Robertsdale Church of God youth group in Fulton County. THOSE are to die for. But they are chock full of things I can’t have – legumes, dairy, sugar.

The attention I pay to my diet these days reminds me of an aphorism that I’ve found to be true. You truly are what you eat. When you put only whole foods, especially focusing on whole vegetables and fruits, in your system, you get good things back out – a reduction in inflammations of all kinds (allergies, arthritis), a lessening of disease (diabetes, high blood pressure) and a feeling of health and well-being.

How true for us in many areas.

In our mind, we are what we allow in. In our emotions, we are what we feed. In nearly every area of life, what you sow into something is what you reap.

It truly is Garbage In, Garbage Out.

When we dwell on the negative, or do things that we know are not good for us, we run the risk of making that negativity part of our very substance. When we feed our sinful and unhealthy desires, we run the risk that they will become even more a part of us. When we put junk in our bodies, physically, mentally or emotionally, then why should we be surprised when that’s what’s inside us?

Instead, we need to consider a diet for our souls. I challenge you to consider only what is good, right and true this week. Put into yourself the things that will build you up and not tear you (or others) down. Focus on positivity – what’s going well, what is wonderful, what is lovely. Keep your mind, your body and your emotions well stocked with good things, and you will get good things back out.

From Paul’s writings in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Still good advice.

If you are having a hard time staying positive, and find yourself in destructive patterns that put garbage into your system, give us a call. We would love to help you figure out what is healthy for you, and how to begin to live the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Call 717-377-0869 or ellen@sanctuarychristiancounseling.com, susan@sanctuarychristiancounseling.com or andrea@sanctuarychristiancounseling.com.