Article By Nadiyah Harris // EEW Magazine // Health & Fitness

You may have already heard about KFC’s Fried Chicken & Donuts Sandwich. What you may not have heard, however, is that the sandwich contains a whopping 1100 calories and 1310 mg of sodium. Yikes!

Before you sink your teeth into one of those sandwiches—or even your favorite donut—ask yourself, is this the best thing for my health?

That question isn’t something food-lovers like to ask often enough. In fact, some people get offended by the notion that food is for fuel and not pleasure. Even though a healthy balance teaches us that food can be a little of both, it is dangerous to worship delicious dishes and fall in love with decadent, fattening meals.

Our lack of discipline in the name of being a “foodie” is fueling the obesity crisis and causing many of us to live a life of sickness and pain. If you have trouble saying no to the donut or extra slice of cake, that’s a discipline problem.

It’s okay to be hungry sometimes.

We live in a culture that teaches us that we shouldn’t deprive ourselves and that hunger signals mean we must eat. But it’s okay not to eat every time our belly calls out for something. Hunger will not kill you. You will not die in your sleep if you don’t consume that snack to quiet your grumbling stomach a few hours after dinner is over.

Fasting is good.

Going extended periods of time without eating is a good thing—for both practical and spiritual reasons. According to those who are against practices like intermittent fasting, not eating for long periods is dangerous. But quite the contrary is true. Fasting is good and has been known to reverse Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and obesity. Furthermore, it has been practiced since ancient times and is even endorsed in Scripture. Jesus fasted. Be like Jesus.

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Deprivation is necessary.

If you have an eating disorder and struggle with restricting calories, this does not apply to you. But, for the average person, depriving yourself of the foods you want for health reasons is necessary. The next time you drive by a fast food restaurant and the scent of its famous menu items hits your nose, keep on driving, otherwise, you’ll consume unnecessary calories and pay for it with your health. Eat at home.

Practice telling yourself no.

Exercising self-control in your eating will improve other areas of your life, like spending, so practice telling yourself no. Say no to the donuts and yes to the salad; no to the soda and yes to the water; no to carbs and sugar and yes to the fruits and veggies; no to the late-night cravings and yes to the earlier bedtime; no to being a couch potato and yes to working out 3-5 times per week. Saying no to the wrong things gives you more room to say yes to the right things and better yourself.

Strive to improve your life.

This year, commit to doing better with your eating habits. Don’t make excuses, just start doing the things you know you should do. Make a decision that you will not suffer with diet-related diseases when you have the power to change your lifestyle and heal yourself. While others choose to worship food, shun discipline and justify their toxic, unhealthy behaviors, do the opposite. Strive to improve your health and overall life.