Overcoming Eating DisordersSample

Part of finding healing from battles with food involves changing our negative self-talk. But to do that, we have to identify and remove any triggers that cause us to struggle. Scripture says: 

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 NIV 

To guard your heart is not an afterthought. It’s something to do “above all else.” It’s not something to do when you find yourself in a compromising situation—it has to happen well before we’re tempted. 

Guarding the heart looks different for everyone. We all have unique weaknesses, so our strategy to preserve our spiritual, mental, and emotional health must be tailored to our specific battles. In a world where diet culture is very real, you must put boundaries in place to guard your heart from the things in this world that trigger you the most. 

An excellent place to start is by cutting out anything that causes you to have negative self-talk. This could include unfollowing all fitness accounts on social media as well as other accounts that bring feelings of guilt or shame about your eating habits. 

Maybe it’s time to stop watching award shows or reading fashion magazines that provoke negative feelings about your self-image. Consider creating a zero tolerance rule on watching movies or shows with inappropriate scenes or reading anything that could trap you into comparison of your body with someone else’s. 

Only you know what your triggers are. Take time today to reflect on the settings in which it has been more difficult for you to fight your battle against eating disorders, and ask yourself what could have stopped negative thoughts and behaviors in their tracks. The only way to protect ourselves from what has the potential to hurt us is to gain awareness of what endangers our mental health and well-being.

Identify your triggers by starting a list of them—and keep adding any more that come up. Use that list as accountability for yourself to keep you strong and focused on the things that bring light and truth to your life—not destruction. 

Another way to guard your heart is to find things that fuel your overall well-being. Explore new books that inspire you. Find social media accounts that motivate you. Watch whatever uplifts your spirit and sparks meaningful conversation with people you trust. Guard your heart and fuel it with things that will bring you closer to God. 

Pray: God, help me guard my heart today. Reveal to me anything that causes me to spiral into unhealthy habits, and help me replace it with something life-giving. Thank You for guiding me and leading me always. In Jesus’ name, amen.