Picture: Counsel #17 — Health Over Convenience CWe 135.1
Although consuming processed foods may be more convenient than preparing a home-cooked meal, these types of foods pose serious risks to your health. Whether you love snacking on Doritos or enjoying a juicy burger during your lunch break, processed foods should not be the primary choice when considering meals. CWe 135.2
Processed foods such as cookies, chicken nuggets, fries, and hot dogs are high in sodium, artificial ingredients, sugars, and unhealthy fats. Even though these foods are tasty to many, they are often stripped of their natural fiber and nutrients, making food addiction more likely and feeding your body empty (nutrient-deprived) calories. As you go through each day, pay attention to how you feel after each meal. Do you feel more energized and productive, or do you feel more inclined to take a nap? If you’ve been working out consistently but haven’t seen a change in your weight, check in on your dietary habits! Sometimes, no amount of working out will give you the results you want until you eat healthier. As Christians, we must always prioritize food quality over cravings and indulgence as we keep in mind our bodies are God’s temples—a place He desires to reside.[171] https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/processed-foods/ CWe 135.3
“At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.” Daniel 1:15 NIV CWe 135.4
“It is a sin to place poorly prepared food on the table, because the matter of eating concerns the well-being of the entire system.” Ellen White in Medical Ministry, p. 270 CWe 135.5
Reflect: What processed foods do you consume regularly? CWe 135.6
