September 30, 2025
Have you noticed the inconsistency in recommendations about healthy eating? It can feel overwhelming when you are trying to improve your diet, but you don’t know where to start. Some doctors say to eat vegetables, and others say they are harmful. Some say don’t eat red meat, while others tell you that it’s a superfood. So, what is the truth, and how can we confidently implement the right dietary changes for optimal health? This article will help you get on the right track as you embark on your journey to eating healthy and honoring God with your body.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
You Are What You Eat, But What Are You Eating…REALLY?
Have you ever heard of the phrase, “You are what you eat?” This is true in a much bigger sense than the mere cliche speaks of. The first thing you need to do to begin eating healthy is to learn what you are eating exactly. When you consume food, it enters your body and can produce either life or decay.
For example, eating a nutrient-dense meal of protein, vegetables, and a small amount of healthy carbs will fuel your body, provide nourishment, vitamins, minerals, and energy. However, a cheeseburger with fries and a milkshake from your favorite fast food restaurant is often full of artificial and chemically induced flavors, dyes, and ingredients that cause negative impact on the human body over time because they were never intended to go into the human body.
Many people deal with illness, joint pain, allergies, and other health challenges because of the foods they’ve been consuming. This is why it is important to learn what you are really eating. Just because the label says “gluten-free” or “no additives” does not automatically mean that it is safe to eat. It can be easy to think your frozen breakfast sausage is a healthy option, but it’s important to do a little more digging before putting it in your mouth. Let me show you how.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
How to Eat Healthy for Beginners
Here is a simple guide to help you eat healthily. These tips will allow you to make informed decisions about what you are eating. If you are just getting started, take it slow. This can be an informative and fun experience, so don’t allow it to be stressful.
Get Rid of the BIG 3
The first thing you want to do is take an inventory of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. There are three main things that you want to get rid of today, and once they are removed, you will drastically notice an improvement in the way you feel in time. Throw out anything made with refined (white) flour. Get rid of anything made with refined (white) sugar and remove any seed oils.
Seed oils include canola oil, vegetable oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, etc. If you have these oils, trash them and replace them with extra virgin olive oil, unrefined coconut oil, grass-fed butter, and even avocado oil occasionally. Also, check the ingredients of your prepackaged foods because most of them do contain these oils.
These three things are very low in nutrients, which means they don’t add anything good to your body, and they cause inflammation, weight gain, chronic diseases, and an unhealthy gut microbiome.
Focus on Whole Foods
You may find that those 3 things make up a large part of your diet, so you may be asking, “What can I eat then?” Great question! Start with whole foods. These are the foods that God created, and He called them good. This includes whole fruit, vegetables, and fresh meats that you can prepare (avoid breaded or seasoned). This can also include legumes, nuts, seeds, and high-quality dairy. Try to purchase these things in a minimally processed state, and as close to the way that God created them as possible.
And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Genesis 1:29
Learn to Read Labels
Learning to read labels is going to be your greatest ticket to success when it comes to learning how to eat healthy. When you flip over a package or a box, let your eyes drift immediately to the ingredients. This is one of the most important things to check for. Choose items that have ingredients that you recognize, and ideally, you want to select items that have a very small number of ingredients. For example, if you are buying heavy cream, you only want to see one ingredient, and that is cream!
If you enjoy learning about foods and what goes in them, consider looking up certain ingredients that you see in foods frequently. I often noticed natamycin was put in shredded cheese, and when I researched it, I learned it is an anti-fungal eye medication. Having this knowledge gives you a greater incentive to read labels so that you can be informed, know what to avoid, and shop smart.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… Hosea 4:6
Wrapping Up: The Truth About Food: How to Eat Healthy
The journey to eating healthy does not have to be discouraging. As you begin, pray and ask God for wisdom. Ask Him to help you as you are learning, and He will teach you and show you what to eat and what to avoid.
Remember, just because a box or bag says that it’s a healthy and wonderful product, it doesn’t mean that the claim is true. Instead, flip it over and read the ingredients and be the judge of that for yourself.
Remove refined flour, refined sugar, and seed oils from your diet because it is the quickest win and a huge boost to your health. Replace these things with whole foods, and read the ingredient label on the products before you buy them.