Counsel #2 — Physical Self-Care

Picture: Counsel #2 — Physical Self-CareCI 91.1

We millennials and Gen Zs love our avocado toast and our açai bowls. But, let's be honest, many of us also have a soft spot for pizza and ice cream. When we consider our bodies to be temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20), we will learn to treat them better by fueling them with healthy, nutritious foods.^{[88]https://ivu.org/history-legacy-pages/2013-02-17-21-30-33/articles/2272-the-seventh-day-adventist-church-s-impact-on-vegetarianism-and-veganism.html}CI 91.2

Do you want to ditch processed food and embrace a healthier, more vibrant life? Switch to plants. Plant-based diets are packed with antioxidants and nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and they’re loaded with fiber, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer and provides sustained energy throughout the day. Additionally, plant-based diets have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and high blood pressure, helping to keep your heart healthy as well.CI 91.3

“And God said, ‘See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.’” Genesis 1:29CI 91.4

“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet.” Ellen White in Homeward Bound, p. 229.5CI 91.5

Reflect: How could you introduce more plant-based meals into your life? If you are already plant-based, in what ways could you make your diet even better?CI 91.6