The definition of health...

In my last post, I reflected on the way we see food. This entry will be about how we see our journey to being healthier. There isn't one woman, one particular friend, or one family member -for that matter- that inspired me to write this post. It has been a long time coming.

Many of you know- and some of you won't -but I am a bit of a word nerd. I think it is important to know the true meaning behind the things we are saying about ourselves and even speaking over others.

This post will begin with a vocabulary lesson. Please indulge me for a moment; I am coming to a point. For time and patience sake, we are going to go with the primary definition of each of these preconceived unseemly words.

diet 1 |ˈdī-it|nounthe kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats 

exercise |ˈeksərˌsīz|noun1 activity requiring physical effort, carried out esp. to sustain or improve health and fitness 

self-controlnounthe ability to control oneself, in particular one's emotions and desires or the expression of them in one's behavior, esp. in difficult situations 

discipline |ˈdisəplin|noun1 the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior

change | ch ānj|verb1 make or become a different substance entirely; transform



Did you read anything inherently evil in these words or their meanings? I know, right? (Me, either.) And yet, the thought of dieting makes me break out in clammy hands. And you don't want to know what the word -gulp- self control does to me. But this isn't just me.

I can't tell you how many times I have heard people say these words, dripping with disdain, fluttering with fear, angled with anxiety. I think that our quest for health needs to come from a positive place. Instead we degrade, we condemn --we literally abuse ourselves. How do we think we can reach a positive place of wellness when we are lacing every attempt with self contempt and disgust? Self control is difficult enough without belittling the self you are attempting to manage...

So I have a new motto. I am worth it. I am worth it. I am worth it. What does it mean to be worth it? What does that look like for you? What would it take to look in the mirror and see you and the potential you have? Stop looking at yourself and seeing what you aren't, instead look and see what you can be. We need to make our journey towards health a result of momentum begun in us through loving ourselves. Each of us has an inner champion.

champion |ˈ ch ampēən|noun1 a person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals

I'll leave you with a definition of champion to ponder. Remember  two things in your pilgrimage towards a better you.

1. The only rival you have to contend with is you.
-and -
2. You have already won if you choose.

What is Food's Function?

     Close your eyes and imagine you have a small square of semisweet chocolate. Observe the faint aroma of cocoa. I want you to place it on your tongue, but do not chew. Savor the slow melting sensation as your body temperature leisurely turns it into a warm chocolate sauce. Luxuriate in the silky feeling on you tongue. Take note of the slight bitterness. Indulge in the reminiscent feeling of calm or for some falling in love induced by the experience.

     Now, open your eyes. The above illustration takes the long winding road to proving my point: food has a purpose, but it has become muddled by its many characteristics. Food is comforting. Food is nostalgic. Food is nourishing. Food is sensory. Food is decadent. But ultimately, none of these are its true purpose. Food is FUEL. Food is the means by which our bodies run their many splendored tasks. Without food, the body cannot run effectively. And with the wrong food -- it doesn't run efficiently.

     
     Many people have become so addicted to the experiences that food provides; they no longer pay attention to its purpose. Living on bonbons may feel good in the heat of the moment, but eventually the lethargy and sugar induced coma that results --not to mention the weight gain that puts strain on your body-- will leave you regretting your choice of momentary pleasure.
These things are not evil. Enjoying food is part of its thrall. It is what drives people to try a diversity of food which in turn provides the body with a diversity of necessary nutrients. But culturally, we have lost sight of the primary role food plays in our lives. I believe this comes from insufficient understanding of our worth. When we value ourselves, we value our health.

Scripture says that:

19 Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,
 20 You were bought with a price [purchased with a [a]preciousness and paid for, [b]made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Amplified Bible (AMP)

     We are prized by God. We are a dwelling place for His eternal spirit. If we begin to believe that we have a divine purpose, fulfilled in part by honoring God with our bodies, physically displaying His glory wherever we go, then the choices we make concerning our health will change.

   
     Join me in choosing to glorify God in the most rudimentary fashion by making healthy choices concerning our bodies -- starting with what we choose to put in them.

Dose of Wholesome:

He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything. ~Thomas Carlyle