If we are honest, most of us will only stick to something long term is if we truly enjoy it; Which is why it is so important to think about our health as a journey instead of a sprint. So many times we find ourselves getting impatient with our bodies, and we want quick results in a short period of time, but oftentimes we neglect to think about what will happen to our bodies after we go on that quick fix diet or program. This is why I often refer to our health as being just that- a journey; Because I believe that it can be an enjoyable act of traveling, learning, exploring, and caring for our bodies throughout our entire lifetime!

As we walk along our journey to health, it is important to realize that our goal should be progress, not perfection. We can expect that it will be filled with moments of highs and lows as we learn the art of patience, commitment, and perseverance. As we grow and make progress along the way, it is also important to find ways to enjoy the journey!

One way of doing so is by finding foods that are both enjoyable to your tastebuds and nourishing to your body. What I mean by this is that you don’t have to force yourself to eat kale and drink green smoothies in order to be healthy, (unless of course that is enjoyable to you!) I suggest finding healthier alternatives to your favorite foods. If pizza is one of your favorites for example, find a recipe that is beneficial to your body, and offers all of the flavors of pizza, (Dashing Dish is a great place for these kinds of recipes)!

I would also encourage you to change your focus of food. Start by thinking about how good your body feels when you are eating healthy, and let that be your driving force. Instead of thinking about what you “can’t” have, think about the ways you can improve your health long term, and honor God with your body. By doing so you are investing in your health and expanding your potential to impact His kingdom!

Second, find an exercise routine that you look forward to incorporating into your routine on a regular basis. Try things that you never imagined such as lifting weights, hiking a mountain, or sign up to run a race! It doesn’t take long to notice the improvements in your health once you start exercising consistently, and eventually your energy levels, endurance, and confidence will grow in more ways than you could imagine!

Lastly, learn enjoy the journey exactly where you are right now. One thing is for sure, when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, we are all in different places in the journey. Some are just starting out and feel they have a mountain to climb, while others feel they have been going around the same mountain for years. Regardless of where you find yourself today, refrain from the temptation to look for the quickest route available, compare yourself to others, or strive for perfection. Instead, learn to celebrate the victories no matter how big or small. If you put on your tennis shoes and took a walk today, be proud of the fact that you have made one small step towards furthering your health!

Recognize that consistent daily choices you make to improve your health count as progress in your journey, and they should be celebrated. In addition, keep in mind that while we will make progress, none of us will ever reach a place of total perfection in this life. In our journey to health, let us focus on one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. Let us press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:13-14)

We all get one life, one soul, and one body, each being a gift from our Heavenly Father, and He has given us the choice how we will care for them. The good news is, He loves you, He is for you, and He has already prepared a way for you! God is asking you to take the next step with Him, are you ready to embark on the journey? If so, let’s pray this prayer together!

Dear Heavenly Father, Today marks the day that I begin my journey to health with you. I pray that you would take me by the hand and guide me, and that you would give me the courage, faith, and patience that I need in order to stay the course. Regardless of my past, please help me to see myself as a new creation, and have a heart revelation of just how loved I am by you.

Help me to divide truth from a lie, and uproot anything that may have had had me bound in the past. As I spend time in your word, I pray that you would cultivate the soil of my heart and that I would be transformed by the renewing of my mind. As I abide in your presence, I pray that I would begin to see fresh life spring up from my soul. Help me to guard my heart and mind with all diligence, and to put off behaviors and mindsets that are according to the flesh. Help me to become strong in the battle, taking up my shield and sword, refusing to give into any of the tactics of the enemy.

I pray that I would be filled with knowledge of your will in all wisdom and understanding; And that you would give me wisdom on how to best care for the body you gave me. Help me to establish a plan that would make living a healthy lifestyle enjoyable and maintainable long term; And above all, I pray that you would help me to see myself as you see me, and that I would find my comfort, strength, and nourishment in you alone. In Jesus Name, Amen!

-Excerpt from my book Nourish.

To read more, visit www.NourishBook.com to pick up a copy today!