As a Christian, I must look to the Bible first for instructions on how to live life, and what to do in certain situations. Diet is no different. I forget the exact reference, but I believe it is in one of Paul’s letters to Timothy (could be Titus), and it is speaking of certain unbelievers, “whose god is their belly.” I’ve thought of that phrase lately. What does that mean? Well, in ancient times, the worship of the various gods was to give the gods whatever they wanted–sacrificing your children, livestock, produce–anything to appease the gods.

So what does that mean when your god is your belly? In ancient times the “gods” cried, “Feed me! Give me your offspring, your cattle, your wheat.” Your belly cries, “Feed me! Give me pizza and french fries and milkshakes.” Now, if you give your belly whatever it wants, then you are making your belly into a god–a force not to be denied its desires. But if you master your belly, then you make it eat what you want it to, what would be good for it and you as a whole person–it is the slave, not the master.

So, is your belly your god? When your belly calls for food, do you sacrifice your health to your god? Do you give your god what it demands, or do you give your belly good things, nutritious things, and the right amount?