Overcoming Food Fixation: Finding True Satisfaction in Christ

Let Not Food Destroy the Body

Food fixation has become a new normal in American life. From the latest popular baking show to the newest fad diet, or being a self-proclaimed “foodie,” it’s no secret that many of us are obsessed with food. However, as Christians, we must be careful not to let food become an idol that destroys our bodies and souls.

The Problem with Food Fixation

Asheritah Ciuciu describes food fixation as “the inordinate preoccupation with thoughts and longings for food” (Full). We might be tempted to think someone fixated on food is obese and given to gluttony, but gluttony (defined as living a life of excess) can also manifest through excessively counting calories or obsessing over clean and organic foods. Both diets expose the idolatry of using food to satisfy our deepest longings for love, comfort, and control.

Food fixation can also lead to a distorted view of our bodies. We might become so consumed with our appearance that we forget our bodies are not our own but belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with care and respect. This includes nourishing them with healthy food but also avoiding harmful practices like overeating, undereating, or purging.

The Biblical View of Food

The Bible has much to say about food, and it’s helpful to understand the biblical perspective on this topic. In the beginning, God created food and declared it good (Genesis 1:29-31). Food is a gift from God, intended to nourish our bodies and bring us joy. Jesus himself ate and drank with his disciples, enjoying food as a means of fellowship and celebration (Luke 22:19-20).

However, sin has corrupted every aspect of our lives, including our relationship with food. The fall brought thorns and thistles, making it harder for us to grow and harvest food (Genesis 3:17-19). Sin also brought death, meaning that every time we eat, we are reminded of our mortality. We cannot sustain our bodies forever, no matter how healthy or clean our diets may be.

Food and Idolatry

Food can become an idol when we use it to satisfy our deepest longings for love, comfort, and control. Rather than turning to God for these things, we turn to food as a substitute. We might overeat to numb our emotions or undereat to gain a sense of control. Either way, we are using food as a means of self-preservation rather than trusting in God’s provision and care.

Jesus warns us against the dangers of idolatry, saying, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). While this verse specifically refers to money, the principle applies to anything that can become an idol in our lives, including food.

The Gospel and Food

The good news is that Jesus came to rescue us from our sin and idolatry, including our fixation on food. He invites us to come to him for true satisfaction and rest. He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

When we turn to Jesus, we no longer need to use food to satisfy our deepest longings. We can trust in his provision and care for us, knowing that he will meet all our needs (Philippians 4:19). This doesn’t mean that we should neglect our bodies or stop enjoying food altogether. Rather, it means that we can approach food with a healthy perspective, recognizing it as a gift from God but not an ultimate source of satisfaction.

Practical Steps for Overcoming Food Fixation

Overcoming food fixation is not always easy, but it is possible with God’s help. Here are some practical steps we can take:

1. Confess our idolatry to God and ask for his help.

It’s important to recognize our sin and turn to God for forgiveness and guidance. We can ask him to help us overcome our fixation on food and to show us how to use it in a way that honors him.

2. Practice gratitude for God’s provision.

When we focus on the abundance of God’s provision, we are less likely to obsess over food. We can cultivate gratitude by thanking God for each meal and recognizing the hard work that went into producing it.

3. Seek community and accountability.

It’s helpful to have others who can encourage us and hold us accountable in our journey towards healthy eating habits. We can seek out friends or join a support group to help us stay on track.

4. Develop a balanced approach to food.

We can aim to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, without obsessing over every calorie or nutrient. This means enjoying treats in moderation and not depriving ourselves of the foods we love.

5. Find other ways to cope with emotions.

Instead of turning to food to cope with difficult emotions, we can find other healthy ways to process our feelings. This might include talking to a friend, journaling, or engaging in a creative activity.

Conclusion

Food fixation is a common struggle in our culture, but as Christians, we must be careful not to let it become an idol that destroys our bodies and souls. We can approach food with a healthy perspective by recognizing it as a gift from God but not an ultimate source of satisfaction. When we turn to Jesus, we no longer need to use food to satisfy our deepest longings. We can trust in his provision and care for us, knowing that he will meet all our needs. With God’s help, we can overcome food fixation and find true satisfaction and rest in him.