Listen Now
For as long as I can remember, food has been my comfort, my crutch, and if I’m being honest, my addiction. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, cookies, chips, ice cream — I ate whatever I wanted.
The more I tried to stop, the more I realized that food had power over me. I gave in to cravings, even if they weren’t good for my body, my mind, or even my spirit. I looked in the mirror and felt disappointed, but I kept doing the same thing over and over.
But food wasn’t the only issue. I wasn’t taking care of my body at all. I would start a new workout plan, do it for a few weeks, and then go back to my old ways. Still, every time I messed up, I heard a quiet voice say, Don’t give up on yourself.
So I didn’t. I kept trying.
In time I realized my problem wasn’t just about food or exercise. It was about self-control. I didn’t know how to say “No!” to food, spending, relationships, or even how I used my time. That’s when it hit me. I didn’t need a new diet; I needed a new way of thinking.
I talked to God about it. I prayed for self-control. I prayed to stay on track. I asked Him to help me give every part of my life to Him — even the food I ate. That’s when He showed me something powerful.
He is the source of everything that gives life, even food.
I began to see food in a new way. It was not just comfort, but it was something that gives me life. You see, I was an emotional eater. That bowl of mac and cheese? It reminded me of Sunday dinners and feeling loved. When I felt sad and needed comfort — or even when I was really happy and wanted to celebrate — I would reach for my favorite foods.
And I don’t think I’m alone on this. We, in any culture, have favorite foods, fast food, and comfort foods that don’t do our bodies any good.
Now, I pause and ask, Am I really hungry? Or am I just bored, sad, or stressed? Why do I want this? What am I feeling? That little pause has changed everything.
The change wasn’t easy. I started small by eating healthier foods like sweet mangos, juicy blueberries, and colorful salads — things that came from the earth and gave my body energy. Then I added more life-giving foods. The more I made good choices for my body, the better I felt. I had more peace and more confidence.
It hasn’t been perfect. Some days are tough. But I made a promise to eat to live and to love my body along the way. I’m kind to myself, and I keep going.
After five months of healthy eating and exercising, I lost 50 pounds. But more than that, I lost being tired all the time, the pain in my body, and shame. And I got something even better: a clear mind, a free heart, and the confidence that God is with me. I feel lighter in my body and in my spirit!
If you’ve ever thought about giving up on your health, your worth, or your life—don’t. You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You’re just learning. And God will always be there to help you, even in your kitchen.
Here are a few things I’ve learned that might help you too:
✔ Don’t give up on yourself—even if you start over again and again.
✔ Keep going—move your body, even when you don’t feel like it.
✔ Think before you eat—ask yourself what you’re eating and why.
✔ Lean on God—He’s there to help you, even with your health.
✔ Take pictures of your progress—they help when the scale doesn’t.
✔ Love yourself through it—be kind, be patient, and trust the process.
You are worth the effort. You are worth starting over. And you are worth the amazing life waiting for you when you say “Yes!”
KC Johnson is the founder and director of Kingdom Business Etc., a faith-based organization helping people grow in purpose and personal development. For more tips and tools, visit www.kingdombusinessetc.com or contact KC at kcjohnson@kingdombusinessetc.com.
