And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite» (Proverbs 23:2).
Adam Richman is an icon in American television. Known for his show Man vs. Food on the Travel Channel network, he has dealt for years with huge plates full of fried food, burgers and ice cream which he devoured with no fuss. After consuming considerable amounts of calories during the four years of the show, Richman announced his retirement from television due to health problems. Since then, a new lifestyle, based on regular intake of healthy food and exercise, was important to gradually regain his physical well-being. Before his decision of changing his eating habits, Richman told People magazine—according to The Huffington Post—that, he had «the biggest, richest dish, but it was nice saying no.”
Saying «no to harmful practices is good. Saying «no» even to healthy overindulgences is also good. Moderation is needed in food intake even for healthy food. But how do you stop thinking about food after saying «no”?
Some therapists propose using distraction as a psychotherapeutic strategy such as going out for a walk, tidying their room, or cleaning their home and other similar things. Others recommend proposing a daily series of aims or tasks ordered according to their priorities in order to focus their attention on these tasks and not on food. Some others even came up with the idea of identifying a person in need and helping that person. «Frequently, if you slightly step back from yourself and get closer to others, the problems often disappear,» said e famous Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist Victor Frankl.
However, many people have difficulties in controlling their diet because they use it as a way of expressing their feelings. If they are anxious, they overeat. If they are suffering, they stop eating. Likewise, alcoholics or drug addicts use food as a way to escape feelings and fears. For these people, limiting their diet would mean limiting their emotions. Our Creator, who knows each one of us like there is not any other soul or whom He had not given His beloved Son, wishes we take our burdens before Him and freely express our feelings-wherever joys, sorrows or fears.
The Bible urges us to refrain from anything harmful and to wisely use what is healthy, remembering the apostle Paul’s words, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil.4:13).
Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Yidith C & Alejandra Zavala