How To Stay Consistent With Diet and Exercise – A Christian Perspective

Blog Post Title: How To Stay Consistent With Diet and Exercise – A Christian Perspective

You bought the meal plan, special food, fitness equipment, and workout leggings, yet…you need help to stay consistent with diet and exercise plan. Why? Several legitimate reasons are probably coming to mind, like lack of time and dwindling willpower. Maybe you got bored with your workout, injured, or never liked exercise. Life’s demands slowly tug at you, chipping away the time you could spend meal planning, taking walks, or going to sleep early so you could wake up for an early trip to the gym.

These challenges are real, and we all face them. Yet rather than listing practical ways to get back into your exercise routine, let’s get down to the root of the issue deep within. Healthy habits will follow when you align your head and heart with what God says about your body.

Why can’t I stay consistent with my diet?

Staying consistent with healthy habits is a common struggle. Time is a huge factor, but let’s be honest – avoiding food we love, like chocolate, burgers, and ice cream, is hard. Trading extra sleep for exercise – is also challenging. Current culture and several health coaches say you need more willpower—the self-control to say no to the burger and yes to the gym. I agree that making healthy habits does require a daily choice to make good decisions, but leaving it all to willpower is leaving someone out of the picture.

That someone I’m referring to is Jesus. In John 10:10, Jesus said;

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

John 10:10

You see, Jesus lived, died, and rose again not just for eternal salvation but that we may experience an abundant life here today. Abundance doesn’t solely equate to material or financial blessings but inner fulfillment with joy and peace. Now, let’s consider how abundant joy and peace within can fuel a healthy lifestyle.

If Jesus came for you to experience joy and peace today, can that joy be a strength beyond your limited human willpower? Yes! His power, joy, and peace are everlasting and never run dry.

How can I stick to my workout plan?

You can stick to your diet and exercise plan by going to Jesus for your strength and power rather than solely your willpower. When you’re feeling burned out, go to Jesus. When you’re feeling tired, go to Jesus. When you’re feeling bored with your diet and exercise, go to Jesus.

The world says you need willpower. But what we need is God’s power.

Tamara Newell

Practical + Spiritual Tips for Success in making healthy choices

• Listen to worship music or sermons while you exercise to fuel you.
• Schedule appointments. For example, I love barre classes because I’m challenged to work hard and have to book my spot ahead. Personally, if I’m putting money down for a class, I’m showing up. By not going, not only do I lose money for the missed class but I’m also charged a fee. The appointment to show keeps me accountable, especially when it’s a 5:30am class.
• Invite a friend. Same idea as booking an appointment, this time you’re staying accountable to a buddy.
• Pray and ask God for His joy to be your strength on a regular basis, not only on tired days. You don’t need to wait until your tank is empty to fill it up.
• Memorize bible verses that you can easily think, speak and pray. These printable Bible scripture cards on health and wellness are great for posting around your house where you can see and read them often. I have one by my sink, bed and in the car. Click the image below to download your bible verse cards for health and wellness.

The last thing you need to know about staying consistent with your diet and exercise