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!
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