"Think on these things..."

When I read scriptures, I try to think of how the verses I'm reading might apply to me or to my situations. Recently, I prayed for help in eating healthy (as I often do) and then opened the Bible. I read Philippians 4:8 (King James version). "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."   

In the past, whenever I read that verse, I applied it to what I might be viewing, reading, or participating in; but this time, because of healthy eating on my mind, I saw it in a different light.  Here are some of my thoughts:

...whatsoever things are true ... Truth is something that endures forever. If something is true now, it will be true tomorrow. It doesn't change. This tells me to avoid fad diets, and eat the foods that have been and always will be healthy: fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains...

...whatsoever things are honest  ... I need to be honest with myself (is that really the best food choice available?). Be honest about hunger and fulness (am I truly hungry, or do I just want to eat?). Be accountable and honest.  

...whatsoever things are just  ...  There are consequences - just consequences - to actions, good or bad. When I eat healthy, I can expect better health, more energy, a clear mind, and better moods. When I eat poorly, I can expect weight gain, fatigue, fuzzy mind, and diminished health. Eating like a pig will bring consequences, and they are just. Eating healthy brings consequences, and they are just too!

...whatsoever things are pure ... Eat as wholesome and natural as I can. The fewer hands that have handled my food, and the least processed, the better.

...whatsoever things are lovely ... Make meals attractive. Eat a variety of foods and rejoice in their colors, flavors, textures, and beauty.   

...whatsoever things are of good report ... Every day, it seems, there are new reports on diet research and health, often with contradicting ideas. I need to carefully consider the source (who funded the research) and their agenda. Some researchers report "good" numbers for weight loss, but it doesn't mean it's a healthy method of losing weight.

...if there be any virtue ... (Virtue: a standard of right; beneficial quality or power of a thing; strength or courage; commendable quality or trait; capacity to act.) Select foods that give my body benefit, power, or strength. I have the capacity to act on good choices. I can act (make healthy choices) rather than be acted upon (blame circumstances or eat something because someone else insists).

...if there be any praise ... Acknowledge my successes. Be grateful and praise God for the healthy foods available. Thank God for His Divine help and support. Tell others.

...think on these things ... Think on the positive and good. Think about making healthy choices.  Envision good health and a clear mind. Avoid negative thoughts. Don't let thoughts dwell on foods that are unhealthy. Think on the true, honest, pure, good report, just, virtue, and praise. Think how they apply to healthy eating and rejoice!