Tips for Transitioning to a Biblically Clean Diet

Are you struggling with making the change to a Biblically clean diet? Old habits are certainly hard to break, but Scripture says that you can do all things through the Messiah! Additionally, here are some ways you can help to make the process a little easier on yourself.

Tips for Transitioning to a Biblically Clean Diet:

-Keep in mind that the transition is the hardest part. You might feel hungry and frustrated now but these feelings will pass. Your body will naturally adjust and learn to crave Biblically clean foods. I've heard many former pork lovers say that they can't stand the smell of it anymore. This process will get easier as you go!

-Fast. Fasting is a Spiritual practice that has physical benefits as well. You could fast for several days or just a certain meal. You could do this regularly or occasionally. Use that time to pray that YHWH would help you break any unhealthy or unholy addictions or cravings. As a bonus, when you break fast you will be more receptive to the foods you're maybe not as much of a fan of. Hunger helps food to taste better. 

-Try new foods...or not. There are basically two schools of thought on this. You can try all sorts of new recipes and ingredients that you wouldn't normally have before as a way to find Biblically clean meals and snacks that you appreciate. Or you can go with 'cleaning up' some of the things you are used to eating...like switching to chicken or turkey sausage or "bacon" made from lamb or beef. Some people find the familiarity helpful, while others prefer to have things not taste different all of a sudden. Figure out which method works best for you.

-Figure out a new go-to pizza. If pizza is what you are frequently served at get-togethers, office lunches, impromptu meals, etc., you will want to have some new ideas of what to order or look for when pizza is served. Ground beef is available as a topping at most pizza places. Ground beef with onions and peppers is a favorite among believers I know. Barbecue chicken is another popular choice. If you're making your own pizza turkey pepperoni and chicken sausage are both easy to find and go well on pizza.

-Take encouragement from others. I've heard of the benefits from hundreds of people who have made this change in their life. It really is edifying to be obedient to Scripture. People report feeling closer to YHWH, growing spiritually, feeling better, and fewer health problems! Even those who haven't necessarily felt any changes report that they are glad they made this choice!

-Jot down Biblically clean staples to turn to. Make a list of family favorite recipes that are Biblically clean, or write out a list of clean snack options for yourself. Having a visual reminder can be very beneficial if you are breaking old habits. This is especially helpful if you have family members or roommates with unclean items in the kitchen that would be easy to turn to when you're hungry. Set yourself up for success by reminding yourself of what you can eat!

-Make meals at home. When you're making the adjustment it can be easier to cook meals rather than try to navigate restaurant menus. Get used to cooking and eating in a way that honors the Creator in an environment that you have control of. It will make it easier to go out later!

-Identify what you're having the most difficulty with. Is it a certain meal or a craving for a specific thing? Pray for wisdom about how to handle that. Can you fast that meal? How about finding a clean alternative? Remember that Scripture says you can do all things through the help of the Messiah!

-Go out for coffee, rather than a full meal. If friends that you normally go out with are not supportive of the changes you are making, then it might be easier to not eat with them for a while. Or if your local restaurants are hard to eat clean at but you still want to have a place to meet with friends, going out for coffee can be a nice alternative and it will save some money.

-Avoid places or things that might tempt you. Set yourself up for success by steering clear of normal temptations. If you were trying to lose weight, you wouldn't hang out in a donut shop all day and expect good results. As you work to eat Biblically clean, think about staying away from your regular breakfast spot if you would normally get bacon and sausage there. If your office normally has pepperoni pizza in the breakroom on Fridays, then going elsewhere for lunch could make it easier to make different decisions. 

-Remind yourself why you are doing this! Why did you make this decision? Did you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit in this direction? Are you wanting to honor the Creator in your daily life? Do you want to be more obedient to what the Bible says? All of those are worth all the sacrifices we make! 

Related posts:
How to Eat Biblically Clean
Questions and Answers on Biblically Clean Eating

Tips for Eating Biblically Clean at Summer Cookouts

Tips for Biblically Clean Eating at Summer Cookouts

In the summer there are lots of opportunities for gathering with family and friends! Whether it's a cookout at the lake, picnic in the park, a barbecue celebration at a friend's, a company picnic, or a meal after a baseball game or day at the pool, there's no shortage of potlucks and meals with others. Today I want to share some ideas for how you can take part in these activities while sticking to a Biblically clean diet.

Tips for Biblically clean eating at Summer cookouts:

1. Ask what to expect. If you are invited to a meal or get together it's okay to ask what's on the menu! A simple, "Sure I would love to come - what are we having? Can I bring anything?" is a polite way to get an idea of what to expect, so that you can plan accordingly. If it's a more formal event like a company picnic, I would base my expectations off of what was served last year. If you didn't go to the event last year, ask a coworker what it was like.

2. Take food that is Biblically clean. No one is responsible for what you eat except yourself, so take initiative! Whenever I go to a cookout I am sure to take Biblically clean foods that I and my family can fill up on. That way if everything else fails, we still have food to eat. I tend to take salads or sides because that's what I like to eat, but you could also take a protein like chicken or hot dogs to grill. I would recommend clearing that with your host before commandeering their grill or kitchen, "Would you mind if I stuck these hot dogs I brought on the grill at some point? My family has some dietary restrictions." Bring enough to share.

3. What to watch out for. Hot dogs and brats are your most likely unclean offenders. Most brands of these are pork or contain pork, so I wouldn't eat these unless I was absolutely certain they are all beef or chicken. If the package is handy, take a look at the label and see. The good news is that there are lots of Biblically clean versions of these made from beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian options. Bring your own if that's appropriate, or forgo the hot dogs in favor of side dishes if that's the best option. I also skip baked beans because they almost always have bacon in them. Most marshmallows contain pork gelatin, so I take my own if I expect we'll be roasting smores.

4. Don't be afraid to ask what's in something. It really is okay to ask what is in a dish. "This looks great - do you know what's in it?" or "I heard you made the broccoli salad, what's your recipe?" are polite ways to ask about the ingredients without coming off like the food police. Please note though, that you should also talk about other things! It does not come off well if you don't even say hello and just start grilling someone on the ingredients they used. Make it a point to also make time for normal conversation with everyone you bring up food questions with.

5. Look for simple ingredient offerings. I love summer because it's so easy to slice up tomatoes or melon and stick them out on a buffet. Salads with just a handful of ingredients make it easy to identify what's in them. If something is store-bought you can also check the ingredients list on the label.

6. You don't have to eat anything. If for any reason you don't feel like any of what's being served at a cookout is Biblically clean, you are not required to partake of it! You don't need to make a scene, but you can choose to forgo the buffet line. I've done this many times, and it's never an issue. Most people don't notice and the ones that do know I eat a little differently. If you expect this to be the situation, you can eat beforehand or take food with you. If you didn't expect it, you can make your excuses and leave or choose to be hungry for a bit and continue spending time with friends and family.

7. Share why you've changed if it comes up. Now I'm not saying that you have to tell everyone there five times that you don't eat pork, but opportunities will come where you can share about how your faith is growing. Use discernment about when and how to best talk about this. In my experience, people are more receptive to hearing that I feel called to keep the Bible's instructions than to hearing about how pig eating is an abomination and will make you sick, while they are chowing down on a hot dog.

8. Do not complain! Yes, it can be frustrating to not have many food options but remembering that many believers are being persecuted can help to keep that in perspective. We are doing well if skipping a meal occasionally is the worst of our troubles. Take joy in spending time with loved ones, even if the meal is disappointing. No one is going to be positively impacted by your faith if it's causing you to grumble and be miserable. Keep a good attitude and show others that you are happy to be honoring YHWH with your dietary choices. 

Related posts:
Biblically Clean Cookout Recipes
How to Eat Biblically Clean
Brands of Biblically Clean Marshmallows
Questions and Answers on Biblically Clean Eating

Biblically Clean Meal Ideas

Are you new to Biblically clean eating and not really sure what meals should look like? Or maybe you've been doing this for a while and feel like you're stuck in a recipe rut? Find inspiration here! I'm sharing recipes for Biblically clean meals today. Most of these include meat or fish - because many of you have shared that you have a meat-and-potatoes family and I wanted to show that it's possible to Biblically clean and still consume plenty of meat if you wish. If you're looking for more vegetarian recipes see this post.

Hawaiian Chicken Tacos from Pinch of Yum

Instant Pot Pot Roast from Pinch of Yum

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas from How Sweet Eats

Black Bean Sweet Potato Enchiladas from Cookie and Kate

Spicy Baked Fish Tacos from Minimalist Baker

One Skillet Greek Sundried Tomato Chicken and Farro from Half Baked Harvest

Jalapeno Lime Chicken Soup from Pinch of Yum

Sicilian Style Salmon with Brococli and Tomatoes from Half Baked Harvest

Loaded Veggie Nachos from Cookie and Kate

Mexican Shredded Chicken from Minimalist Baker

Parchment Baked Lemon Salmon and Potatoes with Yogurt Dill Sauce from Half Baked Harvest

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Florentine Pasta from Pinch of Yum

Weeknight Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken Meatballs from Half Baked Harvest

Garlic Basil Whitefish Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce from Pinch of Yum

Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili from Half Baked Harvest

Please know that all of the recipes I share here, whether for the Sabbath or Passover or whatever else are of course Biblically clean and can be enjoyed whenever you like!

Related posts:

How To Eat Biblically Clean - this post is a practical guide to changing your diet.

Biblically Clean Slow Cooker Recipes

Tacos That are Biblically Clean
Biblically Clean Summer Salads