The Strength Approach to Christian Wellnessਨਮੂਨਾ

T=Tastes that Satisfy

Tastes are powerful motivators and distractors! Did you know our taste buds replenish themselves every ten to twelve days?

New cells can develop new tastes that satisfy as we begin to learn the value of intentional eating and why God’s garden is so good.

More importantly, tasting the Word of the Lord has more value and purpose than what He placed in the garden. King David, the Psalmist reminds us:

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" (Psalm 34:8 ESV).

We develop a taste for physical foods when we are in our mother’s womb. Shortly thereafter, as we develop and grow, we learn about tastes of a spiritual sense.

For instance, a fetus develops taste buds in her mother at around 10-13 weeks’ gestation.

Food flavors are transferred to the fetus through the continuous swallowing of amniotic fluid in the womb. Whatever the mother eats consistently throughout her pregnancy, is present for her child’s future preferences.

We all have favorite tastes. Some prefer the dark, rich, brew of morning coffee while others a fresh cup of juice. We consume salty chips with relish or a mouth-watering chocolate brownie fix with delight. The palate preferences of bitter, salty, and sweet all evoke emotions and satisfy.

However, the one thing they all have in common … taste is fleeting.

It’s here one moment and in the belly the next. There is no lingering contentment, just desire for more. Furthermore, our memory of it creates mouth-watering anticipation when our eyes see the favored morsel again.

On the other hand, the idea of tasting the “heavenly gift” and the “goodness of God’s word” is far superior to any earthly item we consume (Hebrews 6:4-5). It provides lingering contentment for our souls. When we are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, we crave and savor God’s word more than our favorite meal.

Therefore, strategies for lasting change in tastes that satisfy begin with these simple steps:

1. Appreciate the flavors you are experiencing by slowing down the chewing process to 20 -30 seconds. Savor your favorite taste slowly and leisurely. Jean Kristellar, PhD., developed a Mindfulness Eating Program to help people with eating disorders. She suggests being aware of all the flavors in the food, as well as the feelings associated with hunger and fullness. The more aware a person is of those true hunger pains and fullness, the less likely he or she is to overeat.

Research shows the first two bites of food a person eats are the most pleasurable, then taste sensation diminishes. So, a technique suggested in Kristellar’s program is to pick a favorite snack and make the first two bites last in your mouth a whole minute. One square of chocolate, for instance, may be enough to meet the pleasure spot on the pallet rather than an entire candy bar loaded with sugar and calories.

2. Replace sugar-loaded sides as the main meal or desserts with fresh fruit. Whole fruits, rather than fruit juice, provides nutrients and fiber alongside their natural sweetness. If the fresh fruit is chosen as dessert the meal itself will have plenty of protein to avoid sugar spikes and lows.

However, if it replaces a sugary breakfast choice, add a couple of walnuts or almonds for protein. An example of this is peanut butter on an organic apple for breakfast or kiwi and plain yogurt with walnuts. The quality nutrients in this choice will give us more energy, and a sense of fullness throughout the morning.

3. Fasting From Processed Food with Prayer

Removing processed food from the pallet for four weeks will diminish the desire. I know, who does that nowadays? We as Christ-followers, that’s who. A fast of this nature can be done with prayer and scripture memorization.

"But he answered, It is written 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God'” (Mathew 4:4 ESV).

He also said:

"Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35 ESV).

The goal is to look beyond food for emotional satisfaction and think logically about what you and me, as Christians, consume each day. Do we live as though every day is a feast day? Or do we practice restraint when we sit down for a meal? Are you and I eating mindlessly and not chewing slowly and savoring each bite with gratitude? I must admit, I am guilty of this more than I care to admit.

4. Eat Less Often and Smaller Amounts

People in Jesus’ day walked everywhere and ate what was available fresh. They ate fresh milled bread, curds, cheese, fish, fruits, and vegetables (Genesis 18:8, Deuteronomy 32:14, Genesis 1:29, 1 Samuel 17:18, 2 Samuel 17:29, Daniel 1:12-16) We have an idea of how much was acceptable to eat daily from the amount of manna the Israelites collected in the wilderness. The dry measure of one omer was about 3.7 quarts of bread per day for the entire family (Exodus 16:16).

A simple strategy to implement as we follow their lead is to stop and think! Pausing to ask ourselves if we are really hungry or just thirsty is a good strategy. Not eating between meals and after dinner at night is helpful, too.

Another is to remember the size of our stomach is roughly the size of our hand and using a plate size helps us with portion control. Although the stomach’s stretching capacity is 40 times that size, Hiatal hernias and reflux disease are common among those who practice testing its limits.

Eating items rich in fiber, protein and nutrients may not only help us feel full but also remove cravings. Drinking water to offset false hunger is helpful alongside the first step of eating slowly during our meals and recognizing when we are truly hungry and full.

I hope with prayer and gratitude towards God and His provision, we will truly appreciate tastes that satisfy. More importantly, may we learn to rely on the goodness of His Word as the taste that truly satisfies! I am confident the strategies for lasting change can be done when our focus is off ourselves and on God.

Don’t forget, I am on this journey with you and I am here for you!