Become A New Creation

After I began working as a physician’s nutritionist, I soon discovered that my average patient had attempted at least six weight loss plans. That didn’t surprise me. With as much media coverage today on “diets” from morning news shows, cable health programs, the Internet, magazines, and infomercials, everyone seems to be an “expert” in the field. Beware! There are many “false health and diet gurus” who preach what people’s itchy ears want to hear and desperate dieters fall for it.

Let me be clear. Health is more important than weight loss. The word “diet” simply refers to what a person eats each day and the best diet is a nutritious, lifelong one. Besides, if one goes on a diet, eventually they’ll go off the diet. Then what? Have they learned how to maintain their healthy routine, or will they simply revert to their old, unhealthy habits?

Then what steps should someone take to effectively get healthier? Understanding physiology is a good first step.

My husband was a golf pro for twenty years. When he taught the golf swing to a new student, he always began with the basics: grip, aim, stance . . . I do the same when it comes to healthy living. I start with the basics.

After initially discussing a new patient’s health history and goals one morning, I routinely began by conveying the basic requirements for healthy weight loss. These included consuming colorful nutrient-dense foods, dishing out smaller portions, slowing down, exercising, and drinking water. This particular morning, my patient sat back and stated discouragingly, “Oh Ellie, I know all that already. Tell me something I don’t know.”

Well, I didn’t doubt it. Most people “know” what is required to lose weight but they fail to follow through. Why they aren’t successful is the question. No one wakes up each morning stating, “Gosh, I can’t wait to feel lousy today!” Why then, do they fail?

My new patient’s statement that day got me thinking. I was curious. If patients know “all that” already, then why aren’t they following those suggestions? Immediately a Bible verse popped into my head, James 2:19. “You believe in God? Good!  Even the demons believe that-and shudder.” The demons also had all this “head” knowledge but no “heart” knowledge. They knew who God was but had no desire to follow Him. They fell away too.

As I meditated on that verse, I thought how very similar to those who say they have the knowledge to become healthy but ultimately are unsuccessful. What was interfering with transitioning that knowledge into action? Knowing and doing are two different things!

A person must subconsciously understand what motivates them to act in certain ways. Then they can begin to control their habits to obtain optimum health. Conquering self is empowering indeed.

To change the mind, one must first change the heart. As in salvation, change must come from within!

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
“Eat and drink!” he says to you,
But his heart is not with you. (Proverbs 23:7)

My objective in writing for Christian Grandfather Magazine is threefold:

1. To point out our mental attitude toward health. Achieving vibrant health is an individual endeavor. View it as the Westminster Dog Show. God created us uniquely. Therefore, we shouldn’t judge ourselves against others. Rather, we must ask ourselves, am I the best I can be? Striving for abundant health means implementing effective habits, educating ourselves, and striving toward rewarding goals.

2. Scripture is Truth! God’s Word never changes. Similarly, physiology doesn’t change. If one believes the profession in 1 Corinthians 10:23 that anything is permissible but not everything is beneficial, then yes – we live under grace. We can consume chemically-altered, dyed, processed, fattening foods. God gave us free will. But should we? Are eating these unhealthy foods daily, conducive to honoring our earthly temple? No. Understand how our bodies’ physiology works, empowering us to become well-run bodily machines.

3. God urges us to live a healthy life, mentally, physically, and spiritually. I urge you not to create an idol out of food. Love God more than a potato chip. Scripture encourages us to present our bodies as living sacrifices before the Lord as it states in Romans 12:1-2, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

If we love the Lord our God, with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, we will long to transform our behaviors to glorify our personal Temple of the Holy Spirit. We must ask ourselves, “Am I ready to discard my old nature and put on the new nature to glorify my LORD?”

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Let’s begin with the mental, physiological, and spiritual basics and build a strong foundation for vibrant, healthy living. I promise, it will be worth the journey.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

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After attending Graham Jr. College in Boston and Moody Bible College, Ellie Marrandette earned her Bachelor of Ministry (BMIN) from Trinity Theological Seminary. Fascinated by psychology and physiology, God directed Ellie toward a rewarding healthcare career. She became a licensed, certified nutritional counselor, working with doctors, nutritional centers, and independently as the founder of New Creations Ministries , a faith-based solution in overcoming health challenges.

In recent years, God has focused Ellie’s path toward writing. She is the author of four Christian novels, a novella, and a non-fiction book on healthy living entitled, Life’s Too Short to Eat Bad Cheese (Nutritional and Life Lessons God Teaches Us.) All can be found on: Here. Her current endeavor is to complete a children’s devotional this year.

For more about Ellie’s profile go Here:

Artical by Ellie Marrandette published with permission.

Photo By Engin Akyurt Published With Permission