The Plunge: Nutrition
Welcome to The Plunge, your daily dive into Christian Wellness!
Today, we focus on a subtle yet powerful connection between your State—the overall condition of your mind and body—and an essential, often overlooked sub-topic: Nutrition. What you consume affects your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Nutrition is not just about fueling your body but nurturing your entire state of being.
The foods you eat directly impact your mood, energy levels, cognitive function, and emotional stability. Just as a car requires the right fuel to run efficiently, your body and mind need proper nourishment to perform at their best.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we’re reminded that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." This passage calls us to care for our bodies through our choices, including food. When we honor our bodies with proper nutrition, we also honor God by maintaining the temple He’s given us.
The food you eat can influence your mood and mental clarity. Research published in The Lancet Psychiatry supports this connection, finding that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are associated with lower risks of depression and anxiety, while diets high in processed foods and sugars increase the likelihood of these mental health issues1. Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, help regulate neurotransmitters—chemicals that transmit signals in the brain and affect how you feel. Foods rich in these nutrients, like leafy greens, fish, nuts, and whole grains, can boost your mood, improve focus, and even reduce anxiety.
Conversely, highly processed foods, sugary snacks, and refined carbohydrates may cause energy crashes and mood swings, impacting your emotional state. Proverbs 25:27 reminds us, "It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep." This passage reflects the wisdom of balance, even in our diet. Overindulgence, particularly in things that provide quick but fleeting pleasure (like sugary or unhealthy foods), can lead to imbalances in our bodies and minds.
Here are a few practical nutrition tips for a balanced State:
Eat Whole Foods: Focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods rich in nutrients. Vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats help maintain a stable and healthy state.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and functioning at its best. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Balance Your Meals: Include a balance of macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—in each meal to maintain steady energy levels and avoid crashes.
Listen to Your Body: How different foods make you feel. Do you notice a dip in energy after eating certain foods? Are there specific meals that leave you feeling energized and focused? Adjust your diet accordingly.
Moderation: Practice moderation in all things. It’s okay to enjoy treats, but keep them balanced with nutritious choices that fuel your body and mind for optimal performance. A helpful rule of thumb is to concentrate 80% of your diet on nutrient-dense foods and no more than 20% on less healthy “snacks.”
Ask yourself:
How has your nutrition affected your emotional, mental, and physical state lately?
Could you adjust specific foods or habits to improve your overall well-being?
What small changes could you make today to honor your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
Today, take a moment to assess your nutritional habits. Choose one meal this week to intentionally plan with balanced, whole foods. Pay attention to how you feel afterward, both physically and mentally.
Reflect on how you can better honor your body through the foods you choose, keeping in mind the connection between what you consume and the state of your mind and body.
Remember, maintaining a balanced, healthy state isn’t just about what you do but about what you fuel yourself with. Let your nutrition reflect your commitment to wellness and your reverence for the body God has given you.
As always, in Christ, engage, adapt, and overcome.
Remy Sharpe
Jacka FN, O'Neil A, Opie R, et al. A randomized controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the "SMILES" trial). The Lancet Psychiatry. 2017;4(3):230-239.