Monday, February 2, 2009

Nutritious Food vs. Junk Food

Yeah, I know. I'm on a food kick. As a kid, I dreamed about having the ability to eat whatever I wanted for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Why not have cookies and milk for lunch? Why not have dessert before icky veggies? Immediate satisfaction of my desires trumped good nutrition.

Unfortunately, such a diet does not provide what the body needs to function properly. A number of years ago, I was working full-time, going to Bible School nights full-time, and living alone. For a couple of months, I lived on frozen dinners and cereal. One morning, I dragged myself out of bed, wondering why I felt so tired. My body didn't have the fuel to keep up with my schedule. A change of diet alleviated the fatigue and generally yucky feeling.

As readers and writers, do we exist on literary junk food? Our reading habits will not only affect us as writers, but also as people. Content which mocks and undermines decency and our relationship with the Lord may temporarily satisfy fleshly desires, but it will ultimately harm us and affect our quality of life. The Word of God keeps us on track and focused on His precepts. It may cause us to squirm at times and isn't always candy sweet, but is necessary to a healthy inner life.

There's a saying, "You are what you eat." My saying: "You are what you read."

9 comments:

Kevin said...

Susan: Thank you for your wise words. My goal this year is to dig into God's Word more, so my faith will grow. I long for Jesus to say to me: "Woman, great is your faith-- be it unto you as you have believed!" And of course, since I made that committment, I am more temtped than ever to waste time reading secular news and humor writing, which i NEVER did before! I can feel it if I'm on a diet of 'fluff'; it's like my spirit is laying down instead of standing up with Sword in hand. I needed this reminder! Jen

Jessica Nelson said...

Uh-oh! Susannnnn!!!! (that's a whine)
I am not a healthy eater. I don't like vegetables or fruit.
As for what I read, well, I think it's fine but it's definitely fun fiction. Hmmm. So my fatigue can't be blamed on my kids? That stinks. I have to blame my Cinnamon Toast Crunch?

Sarah said...

Good post. I'm guilty of both eating and reading "junk." But I've been trying to phase into a more "healthy" diet in both areas.

Hope you're having a great Monday!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

I love Honey Nut Cheerios. They're sweet, but a lot better for you. Also, I don't eat anything after 7:00 P.M. It gives my body a rest.

Speaking of rest, getting a couple of hours of shut-eye before midnight is more refreshing than an extra two hours after midnight. (10 P.M. - 6:00 A.M. is better than 12:00 A.M. - 8:00 A.M.) Works for me.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

Glad this helped you. There are so many distractions - mind junk food. It's an area where I have to be vigilant too.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Sarah said...

I commented yesterday, but it didn't show up. That's ok. I just said that my eating and reading habits both have the tendency to be unhealthy.

I'm trying to stick with a more sensible diet in both areas.

Thanks for always telling it like it is.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sarah -

Good for you! I have more problems in the food area than the reading area. Sigh. I'm still trying to increase my water intake.

Blessings,
Susan :)

quietspirit said...

Susan:
I don't want to be a literary junk-food reader or writer.
I had an idea that I may have to alter for my blog. But, I will reread what I have to see what I have is nourishing.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit -

Sometimes we think an idea has merit until we examine it thoroughly. I hope your thought stands up under your further scrutiny.

Let me know how things turn out. :)

Blessings,
Susan