Benefits of Being Thankful

The Benefits of Being Thankful

I heard a minister, Greg Moore, say, “Expect nothing from anyone and give thanks for everything.” It is one of the most powerful statements I’ve heard in a long time! It actually has helped me through some tough times as I realized how much I put expectations on others and forgot to pay attention to what God has already done for me! It’s great to put expectations on yourself (such as setting goals) but not before being thankful for what has already been accomplished or what God has already provided. There really are benefits to being thankful, however, it doesn’t come naturally. It takes some discipline.

I started to write about it, in my book, 10 Basics for Living Naturally.

Several years ago, I decided to go on a primarily plant-based diet. Initially, I was pretty strict about not eating meat because I thought it helped me to get through some health issues. Maybe it helped for a season, but later food testing revealed it may have been processed food or too much wheat (maybe genetically modified?) that was causing havoc. Regardless, I then realized that health shouldn’t be so focused on any one food to improve our health. We can and should try a variety of healthy foods, always with thankfulness.

 

Why Eat Good Foods?

I like to focus on vegetables because what God did with plants was miraculous. God is so good and so faithful that He gave humans and animals every nutrient we need from plants, seeds and nuts! I must add, certain blood types really do benefit from eating animal products, so He provided that, too! For certain blood types, eating beef for example can actually be beneficial. So, a vegan diet might not be as beneficial for them. (Dr. D’Adamo has a wonderful series of books on foryourtype.com. Another wonderful resource on the benefits from animal products and gut health comes from WestonAPrice.org.)

Does that mean I am only vegetarian or vegan? No. I never liked those labels because eating specifically one way was never really possible for me, or even what I felt God was leading me to do. It can become an idol for us if we look for health in a specific food or lifestyle. It does help, though, to recognize the value of the different foods God has placed in our world and discern what is helpful or beneficial.*

Direct or Indirect Benefits of Being Thankful

A very dear minister friend advised me to eat a different food every day and not repeat anything for three days. Doing this helped me to stop being so focused on expecting health to come from any specific food. Avoiding the same diet week after week helped me from becoming bored or food intolerant. When I fail to consume a range of different foods in my diet, I miss out on a variety of nutrients and also the fun of experiencing new and wonderful flavors!

Experience variety with thankfulness…

1 – in eating habits…to get an array of nutrients

2 – in experiences…to keep you flexible

3 – in exercises/weight training…to protect you from injury

4 – in friendships…to develop humility and learn to value other people’s gifts.

5 – in general…thankful people are less stressful to be around and are less stressed!

Variety and thankfulness make you more beautiful on the inside and on the outside!

*All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
1 Corinthians 6:12

 

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