Honoring Your Temple: A Christian Guide to Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain


The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and for many, an abundance of delicious food. However, it can also be a challenging time for those trying to maintain a healthy weight. As Christians, we are to glorify God with our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) — and this includes taking care of our physical health. Here are some tips to help you avoid holiday weight gain while honoring your temple from a Christian perspective.

Reflect God’s Image in Your Choices

Always keep in mind that we were created in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and our bodies are a reflection of His beauty. Make choices that honor this by choosing healthy food and appropriate portions to avoid the sin of gluttony (Deuteronomy 21:20).

Practice Mindful Eating

Eat slowly and with gratitude, savoring each bite as a gift from God. This means avoiding the temptation to eat on the run or while watching the television. When you eat mindfully and thankfully, you honor the rich blessings that God has provided, while helping to avoid gluttony and the extra calories that lead to weight gain.

Prayer

Don't underestimate the power of prayer not only before a meal in the giving of thanks, but we are also instructed by Paul to pray without ceasing throughout the day. This is an excellent opportunity to ask God to provide us with wisdom (James 1:5) and self-control in all things (Galatians 5:22-23) — including our food choices and portions. 

 Be Active with Family and Friends

Incorporate physical activities into your holiday traditions. A nature walk, ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing, a stroll along the beach, or playing a family-friendly game of tag football are all fantastic options to get everyone moving.  

Snack Wisely

Choose snacks that nourish your body and spirit. Focus on healthy options, such as fruits, nuts, or dark chocolate that is at least 90% cacao. Remember, every choice is an opportunity to honor God with your body.

Seek Fellowship, Not Just Food

Focus on the fellowship and joy of being with loved ones rather than just the food. Engage in meaningful conversations and create memories that feed your soul.

Serve Others

Use the holiday season as an opportunity to serve others. Volunteer at a local shelter or organize a healthy meal for those in need. Serving others can shift the focus away from food and towards God’s love in action.


Give Thanks

Before each meal, take a moment to give thanks to God for His provision. Gratitude can help you approach food with a sense of reverence and contentment, reducing the temptation to overindulge.

Plan Ahead

Prepare healthy dishes to share at gatherings and decide in advance how you will navigate the buffet table. Planning ahead will help you to resist the temptation to overeat and stay true to your health goals and Christian values. 

Remember the Reason for the Season

Keep Christ at the center of your celebrations and make sure to spend plenty of time in His word. When your focus is on the birth of Jesus, it’s easier to make choices that honor Him, including the way you care for your body.

By integrating these tips into your holiday season, you can enjoy the festivities without compromising your health or your faith. Remember, honoring your temple is not just about avoiding weight gain; it’s about living a life that glorifies God in every aspect, including your physical health. 

May your holiday season be filled with joy, love, and wellness as you celebrate the greatest gift of all – the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Deepen your walk with Christ this season.