A New, Healthier Way to Look at Dieting

People do NOT like the word diet. It’s like a bad 4-letter word that’s offensive in all languages. The fact is, everyone has a different definition of diet. I admit, I use the word all the time but never thought of it as a bad thing until someone scolded me for using the word in a social media post. To me, diet meant healthy eating and practicing self-control. So now I like to tell people I am not dieting. I am just practicing self-control.

Dieting = Practicing Self-Control

“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” Proverbs 25:28

This scripture is very powerful, but what is interesting is the message taken in context. This verse follows verse 24, “It’s not good to eat too much honey”. While it is possible they are two different thoughts since we know Proverbs often give stand alone “life tips”, I find it interesting that the verse about self-control follows a verse warning us not to eat too much.

Also, if you think about how cities were built back then, cities were only as safe as their walls. A city with broken-down walls was a vulnerable city, easily taken over and eventually destroyed. This is a pretty big warning. If we don’t learn how to practice self-control, God is warning us that we will become vulnerable to attack that could eventually destroy us.

Self-control is a powerful word. When I think of people who practice self-control, I think of some of the most successful people on the planet. I think of our heros, star athletes, corporate dreamers (like Henry Ford or Steve Jobs) and all the people who made sacrifices to make our world a better place. But, not everyone thinks of positive things when they hear those words.

Sadly, some people run from the thought of practicing self-control. Notice the key word “practicing”. That already should prepare us for the reality it takes time to master. However, God encourages us to practice self-control. There are countless scriptures on the importance of controlling our body, cravings and desires. Instead of focusing on what self-control costs, let’s look at the benefits of practicing self-control.

Self-Contol is Good For You

As you know, I like chips and salsa. I can’t eat it every day (but I WANT TO), but I do eat it. What if you let your kid eat whatever they wanted to eat every day? That’s a scary thought right? Well, it’s not too much worse than a grown adult eating whatever they want to eat every day. It might “look” healthier than PopTarts and Happy Meals, but it’s not much different when it comes to self-control.

Self-Control is Empowering

Stop looking at dieting (or practicing self-control) as a horrible thing. Instead, look at it as empowering! Every time you resist your favorite cheat food, you are reminding yourself you are strong, you are one step closer to your goal, you are in control, you are not letting food rule your life, you are bettering yourself, and you are doing the right thing. Every time you are eating healthy, you’re fueling your body with the foods it needs to help you reach your goals. Be proud, be excited!

Self-Control Is Rewarding

Self-control requires sacrifice. Sacrifice requires being uncomfortable at first, but pleasure follows. Lack of self-control is the other way around. You experience pleasure first, followed by discomfort that typically way outlasts the pleasure. Dieting (eating right, practicing self-control, managing calories) is investing in your future – and it’s SO worth it!!

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Scripture of the Day:

“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” Proverbs 25:28

Mantra of the Day:

“I’m not dieting. I’m just practicing self-control“. – Bonnie Pfiester

30 Days of Motivation