Hey Sunday friends!
Can you believe Christmas is ONE WEEK AWAY?!
That means time to eat ALL the cookies and other treats of the season! Aaaand it’s also why we’re talking about “gluttony” today.
Now, when we think of the holidays, I think it’s safe to say that a lot of us see how gluttony, as the dictionary defines it, can be association with this season. The dictionary defines “gluttony” as “excess in eating or drinking”
So, all those cookies and glasses of mulled wine? (Which is my fav by the way!) DEFINITLEY in excess during Christmas Time.
It may seem kind of strange that we’re talking about this subject on a healthy food blog, and when you guys know that I struggle to actually eat these “not so healthy foods” so I am definitely not doing it in excess. However, I want to talk about a different kind of gluttony.
I’ve been reading the book “Love to Eat, Hate to Eat” by Elyse Fitzpatrick and it’s about breaking the bondage of destructive eating habit, with a Christian-based approach.
She talks about the sin of gluttony in the traditional way that we think about, but then she said something that really struck me: “as long as what you eat dominates your affections, thoughts and behaviors – even if you are eating small portions, starving yourself or only eating ‘healthy’ foods – your eating is gluttonous because your life is focused on food.”
WHOA. TOTALLY different perspective on gluttony. It’s not just eating too much, it can be thinking about eating too much where it IMPEDES your life.
Which, as you know, is what I am working to change.
So, I want us to have a different approach this season. Instead of focusing on not being gluttonous with all the treats and yummy, festive drinks this season, and trying to make sure we don’t overdo it, let’s ALLOW ourselves to enjoy those things. God created them, and they are only around once a year!
Instead, let’s watch ourselves so that we don’t allow enjoying those “usually don’t have treats” to totally over take our minds with the fear of eating “unhealthy” foods, “what will food XYZ do to me if I eat it, I should exercise more to burn off that cookie” etc kind of thoughts.
Let’s not allow thoughts of food, what we ate and/or are going to eat, to rule our minds. This is actually a SIN.
Let’s focus on enjoying this season, creating memories with our families and remembering the true reason for the season: Jesus.
Because, without His birth, I know that I could never break free from food bondage.
Are you with me?
Kasey Goins says
As someone who’s struggled with disordered eating, over-exercising, and a terrible relationship with her body, I love this approach to overcoming it all. My life was definitely centered around food! I’ve read Intuitive Eating and am in a much better place now, but I do love this faith-centered perspective! Thank you so much for sharing! Merry CHRISTmas!!
Taylor Kiser says
I NEED to read that book! I am so glad you loved this Kasey and Merry Christmas!
Melissa Barth says
Taylor, thank you so much for this post! Your openness and transparency on the things you are walking through really inspiring. The verse you opened this post with was a timely reminder for me. Just 30 minutes before I had quoted this exact verse while sharing some of my food struggles with my Dad. While I may not eat enough (I need to gain some weight), my mind is so often focused on what foods I will and will not eat and then how I physically feel after every after eating. So often I let thoughts of food dominate my mind and rob me of the fellowship that I could be enjoying with God and my loved ones. I read a couple verses this morning in my devotions that I think are applicable to this post.
I Tim.4:4-5 “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer”.
Once again, thank you so much for the encouragement Taylor!!! When I read your posts it is almost like I’m reading my own mail. We even share an interest in culinary arts (I originally found your blog searching for recipes-some of which I have really enjoyed :).
Yes, I am totally with you!!!
Taylor Kiser says
Hi Melissa! I am SOOO glad this post resonated with you! I also need to gain some weight, and understand exactly what you’re going through! You are not alone and we can do this with God’s help! Here is to ENJOYING some treats this season and focusing on memories! <3