Bible Verses for Weight Loss, Dieting, and Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3. Those are beautiful words. The truth simply resonates from them. Living a healthy lifestyle is absolutely in accordance with living in the light of God, so when we commit to a healthy lifestyle we find nothing but support on a Divine level.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. This verse is great to use as a mantra when things get tough. Dieting can be discouraging- so discouraging that a lot of people don't even like to use the word diet! When you feel discouraged, tell yourself over and over that you can find strength in Christ.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you....So glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20. I like to think of this verse when I run into a saboteur. (And we all know they're out there!) Or sometimes it's not even a saboteur, but a friend who takes me by surprise with a plate of brownies. I have to remember to think of my body. And my body needs fuel, not junk, to thrive. My body is a temple- another good verse to tuck in the back of your mind for tough times.

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31. This is similar to the previous verse, but this one works better for me in situations where I'm tempted to overeat. Overeating is not part of living in the light of God. To live in the glory of God is to make healthy choices, right down to what I'm eating and drinking.

"And Jesus said unto them ... , "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to younder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you." Romans 1:17. This verse is so inspirational in so many situations, but I find it particularly motivating for weight loss. It's good to know that when we're tempted by unhealthy foods, exaggerated portion sizes, and a lack of motivation to exercise; all we need is a little faith. We don't need great faith, not right now, just faith the size of a mustard seed. We start with just a little bit of faith in ourselves to make weight loss possible, and God will guide us through the rest.

"Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it." Ezra 10:4. I've talked about the strength of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; but there's also an element of personal accountability in weight loss, dieting, and making healthy lifestyle changes. We need to empower ourselves- and rise up and take the matter into our own hands- in order for God to help us. When we do that, because we are doing it in the light of God, we will find the support of the Spirit.