Having read the title of this week’s blog, you might be wondering what this one is all about!  

Well… in our Healthy Whole and Free group we have been talking about having an internal policing system around things we’ve eaten being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and how we can feel as a result these value judgements we make about food. 

This kind of thinking is not helpful and can derail our health journey, but the good news is we can break free from it. 

In this video and in the blog below I talk a bit more about how we can start to do just that.

Have you ever eaten something and immediately started judging yourself for it? You might tell yourself it was a good or bad choice, and this can lead to feeling either pleased with yourself or overwhelmingly guilty. But where does this judgment come from? It certainly doesn’t come from God. Instead, it stems from an internal policing system that we’ve developed over time.

The Origins of Our Internal Policing System

This internal system of rules and judgments likely has roots in our past experiences. It may have been shaped by things people said to us when we were children or by societal expectations we’ve absorbed over the years. Perhaps it’s a result of various dieting rules we’ve encountered, leading us to set up a strict framework within ourselves that categorises foods as good or bad.

Over time, we may have internalised these dieting regulations to the point where they dictate our feelings about food. But the truth is, all food can serve a healthy purpose. Food can provide nutrition, energy, and replenishment, but it can also be a source of enjoyment.

A Biblical Perspective on Food

We know that God created food for us to enjoy. While it’s true that some of the foods available today might not be the best for our bodies, it’s important to consider how Jesus might approach such situations. If He were here on earth now, there would undoubtedly be times when He would partake in meals that included what some might call “unhealthy” or “ultra-processed” foods, simply because they were offered to Him in a spirit of hospitality.

Food is not just about sustenance; it’s also about community and enjoyment. Jesus understood this, and He often shared meals with others, emphasising the relational aspect of eating.

Re-evaluating Our Choices

We have the power to choose what food means to us in any given moment. For instance, eating a biscuit can be perfectly fine if it’s for enjoyment. However, if you’re eating that biscuit to cope with deeper emotional issues, it might not be the best choice at that moment. The key is to understand why you’re eating what you’re eating and to ensure it aligns with your needs.

Questioning Your Internal Policing System

The next time you hear that internal voice judging your food choices, ask yourself where it’s coming from. Is it biblically based, or is it rooted in societal pressures and past experiences? Reflect on whether your internal policing system aligns with God’s perspective on food and enjoyment.

If you find it challenging to navigate these thoughts and feelings, and would like some more support in this area, the Healthy Whole and Free Course is a great resource, offering live teaching every Monday night and a structured course to follow at your own pace. It’s designed to help you develop a healthier relationship with food and break free from the cycle of guilt and judgment. You can find out more and sign up here.