Soybeans Over the years I have tried many diets, some healthy and some not-so-healthy. The craziest weight-loss plan I ever tried was in college: I ate 1,000 calories on alternate days, four days a week, and fasted with only water, skim milk, and diet soda the other three days. I dropped 35 pounds in a month. Of course, when I began eating seven days a week again, I found those 35 pounds quickly, and they brought a few friends with them!

I have had mild to moderate success with Weight Watchers, First Place, and South Beach. They are healthy plans with some flexibility, but I lack the discipline to hang in there when I plateau on the weight loss.

I have decided it will take an overhaul of my entire self to really become a healthy person inside and out. After careful research, I think I have found a good basic diet to help me be a happier person.

Appetizer: Crow (should be eaten as needed; may be hard to swallow) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
Salad: Fruit of the Spirit (partake as much as you desire) But the fruit of the spirit islove, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22)
Entrée: Feast of God’s Word (indulge as often as you wish) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)
Dessert: Honey (partake as often as you like) The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. (Psalm 19:9b-10) Humble Pie (not as sweet as honey, but it is good for you) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3) Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
Beverage: Living Water (drink freely) Jesus answered,…“everyone who drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4: 13a, 14)
Seasonings: Salt (use daily) You are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5: 13a)
Grace (apply generously) But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king as a friend. (Proverbs 22:11)
For occasional internal upset, fast and pray. “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” (Joel 2:12)

I will probably never be a size 12 again, but I hope to keep my spiritual shape. It will take more discipline than Atkins or Weight Watchers, but the rewards to me will be immeasurable. The great thing about this diet is that it is just as good for the new believer just beginning to get into spiritual shape as it is for the experienced believer. I am serious about being disciplined with this plan for a healthy menu for my spiritual self.

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