How Diet Affects the Spiritual Life

[@lorettagallagher9577]

Fr. Mark-Mary, I am reading your book "Habits for Holiness". It is just what I need to read right now, as is this video. One of your questions for reflection hit me between the eyes. "Am I in touch with my desire for family? At the same time, am I in touch with my desire to escape and isolate and self-medicate?" Wow is that right on. Self medicating with Oreos! Is still self medicating. Please pray for me as I journey to holiness. Sugar is my weakness. God bless you for all you do. Little by little!

[@elizabetho7654]

I love how you even considered mentioning that proteins "will look like animal protein for some people and plant proteins for others!" This is a beautiful chat that connects the body and the soul!

[@VeronicaHeiser]

This is the 3rd video on diet and fasting that has popped up on my suggested video. Think God's trying to tell me something......😇

[@contrabone]

I've been considering intermittent fasting for various reasons. This has pushed it over the top, I'm going for it.

[@Christine-zo4gu]

Obsession with controlling what you eat and developing an eating disorder negatively impacts your spiritual life. Orthorexia (obsession with eating 'healthy') is becoming more common. Balance is important.

[@BitsyBee]

Exactly. And her complicating the subject with food fads (eg gluten free) is what discourages people from eating healthy. She finally says it's bad to call food bad, and idolize diets, but too late, probably after people quit listening.

[@sharonholmes6083]

There is a lot of research that is coming out now how gut bacteria affects the brain. The gut is the "second brain", so sometimes, in reality, it can be difficult to let go of those addictive foods. One needs to keep on keeping on and praying and trusting in the Lord. As a nurse, I tell people to be responsible for yourself, learn about how food affects your body and then take action.

[@sme7385]

So well put.

[@firstname1152]

Was planing on giving up gaming and coffee this week & maybe this video is a sign i should.

[@jamiegermaniuk7900]

Love how this was put into simple terms without sounding restrictive. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this content. It’s appreciated 🌸🥗

[@nolanknows1401]

I really like how there's both spiritual and practical benefits spelled out in the video series on this topic.

[@eileen1820]

Sustain our output...I've never thought of it that way. I'm very interested in this subject - thanks so much for the variety of subjects for spiritual growth! 🌷🌷🌷

[@morgansheila5785]

H S woow chill?

[@teresahagestad9507]

Wow!!! What a great video!! I’ve tried various diets to help heal my body and my children’s bodies. This includes gluten free dairy free, GAPS diet, paleo, WAPF- but the one I found the most healing with is the carnivore diet. I just love that your addressing how food affects our mental and spiritual well being. We beg God to heal us from various illnesses and cancers, while at the same time, poisoning our bodies with the foods we consume.

[@calmcomb7603]

I needed this! I’m realizing I need lifestyle changes to manage my anxiety and I’m trying to eat better and exercise more

[@emilyrosenfeldt1641]

Thanks for making this video! I think that a lot of times Christians think about how they eat and exercise as separate to their body. Thinking about food in relation to our spiritual life is really beneficial to people who have a disordered relationship with food, like me

[@juanis8219]

interesting. I also have a very disordered relationship with food. what exactly do you mean by thinking about food in relation to our spiritual life?

[@emilyrosenfeldt1641]

Well for me, food had been anything from a medicine for boredom or pain that I binged on to something I obsessed over and tried to deprive myself of. I can get into the habit of obsessing: good food, bad food, fat food, skinny food, too many calories, not enough calories, etc. But when I think of eating as a way to honor my body in conjunction with how I am honoring my soul, I'm putting less of the focus on the parts of my relationship with food that are unhealthy and more on doing everything I can, INCLUDING eating, to glorify God and honor the body he has given me... I guess it's just helpful for me, personally, to think that way

[@sanoroo]

Good series. I will watch it again. One challenge I'm bumping up against is approaching this for the right reasons, and not just as a means of losing weight.

[@briankelly85]

You are what you eat. You are what you watch on TV.

[@Srieire]

Great content. I think that fasting is a great way to being closer to God. I think that we've lost a lot of that in the Catholic Church. Our version of fasting isn't really fasting. The Orthodox Church still has fasting as a key component of their practice. I don't think that there is any one way, but I don't think that we should pretend that a few small meals a day (and avoiding meat) is fasting. Not sure that I agree about eating mainly fruits and vegetables. Keep on keeping on!

[@NorthCountry84]

Jag Gunawardana mainly fruits and vegetables with minimal meat helps with disease. That’s where all the nutrients and vitamins are.

[@leoncaruthers]

@@NorthCountry84 Liver is more nutritious per gram than any fruit or vegetable known to man.

[@Koolyococo]

This is exactly what I needed to hear at exactly the right moment 🙏🏼

[@d.o.6014]

it was needed. i feel similar thing. NEVER BE AFRAID OF THE TOPICS THAT NEED TO BE SPOKEN ABOUT AND ARE TOUGH :)!!! we cannot compromise just to be liked or at ease.

[@WashingtonDC99]

I have never drink alcoholic beverages, I have never smoke tobacco products....but, I love my cup of coffee. Three times a week I drink two cup of coffee, four days a week a drink just one cup of coffee. Thank God that coffee does not give me anxiety or makes me angry. Thank you so much for the video clip. God bless you. Stay healthy so, eat healthy.

[@Shelf_Improvement]

THANK YOU so much for this video! Everytime I say that junk food leads me away from God, ppl tell my I'm scrupulous, which, believe me, I am not! Thank you also for these practical suggestions.

[@peggylyons9885]

Not having food absolutely effects spirituality. Not enough is detrimental, too much is not not good either. Healthful eating is very important. Whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. This is yet a other reason viable employment is extremely important. Without it we can't eat or function properly.

[@NorthCountry84]

This is a great little series! I think it’s a very overlooked area in relation to the spiritual life. I’ve had an bad attachment to caffeine (coffee in particular) and it often has a negative effect on me. Raises my irritability and anxiety levels which can distance myself from God and others. I am Long overdue to eliminate that attachment. Thanks. Very timely for me.

[@sme7385]

I got rid of Pepsi 5 months ago. Just quit it like that. I used to drink 4-5 pepsis a day, and I asked God to help me quit, and He did.

[@andreagonsalves7788]

Great content! This has been on my mind a lot lately, love that I can back it up and learn more with this information, and of course the overall harmony with Our Lord is the most important. Its all in the little things 🙌

[@maricelaregino6289]

This was so helpful. I have a different outlook on eating. Thank you for all you do. Have a blessed day.

[@terijohnson3110]

Love this series, thanks to you all!😍

[@gillianlindeen5823]

The personal journey I have found keeps me healthy, benefits the environment with my effort, and fulfills my Wednesday and Friday fast is I try to be as whole food, plant based as possible unless it is a church or family (family and family, right?) holiday :) On those weeks I’m really struggling to let go dairy and meat I challenge myself on Wednesday’s and Friday’s God Bless

[@giselav123]

Thank you so much for this video! Nobody talks about this important issue. I had to learn the hard, hard way :(

[@michaelkeenan7367]

This is an amazing video, I was led to do this I by the Holy Spirit a year ago. I learned about lifestyle medicine, which is prominently diet focused. Then I switched to a whole grain plant based diet for lent and my body changed miraculously. It gave me and overall feeling and medical levels of healthiness that I would recommend to everyone.

[@BoomerAnn]

"Inch by inch it's a cinch." (Mother Elizabeth, Prioress, Carmel of Maria Regina.) Take baby steps.

[@paulheffron4836]

Here's a little extra, Ann.......By the mile it's a trial by the yard ii's hard.....by the inch it;s a cinch. God Bless you on your journey.

[@blocksandtulips8436]

Advice for sugar addicts? It always has such a negative effect on me but on celebrations/get togethers it's so hard to "miss out on it"! But if I indulge it turns into a binge.

[@annaholley2885]

yes, thank you 💝

[@mizuza12]

I am curious , is there a book on this topic of nourishing body and soul to get closer to God?

[@recadinawebi4078]

You spoke to me i had gone alkaline vegan last year and i was very much full of energy, then i got a job in a country where bread is the staple food, i feel tired all the time, i miss my alkaline diet! i will definitely go back.

[@GreenKnight1979]

Fasting on water only for 1-3 weeks is one of the best things you can do for your health - physical, mental, and spiritual.

[@praytherosaryeveryday2709]

Agreed

[@royston1433]

That dude has a great beard!

[@Jkp1321]

I recall someone saying that religious men are actually supposed to have somewhat unkept and ugly beards if they chose to have them as a part of their humility. I'd like someone more knowledgeable to verify this

[@lordmozart3087]

Josh Patterson ye I no the orthodox do that

[@koberamirez1784]

Josh Patterson many saints actually did this. I think, St Alphonsus let his hair and beard grow out and didn’t trim out of humility. It’s said he looked homeless.

[@HAHA-rm3ii]

I lost almost 100 lbs over time. I carried it for years. I can't explain it correctly but my prayer life and sleeping improved. Does this make sense to anyone?

[@RoseBaggins]

As someone with Celiac and mild hypoglycemia, I approve. 😆

[@Cationna]

Get outta here, convicting me like that. Yeesh. No, but seriously - what a mind-blowing perspective, that if we're to glorify God through everything, we should do that through our food choices, too?? And if we're body and soul food actually affects us spiritually, too??? I definitely have a disordered relationship with food and I've admitted it means a disordered relationship with myself, but like... To admit that it also directly affects my relationship with God???? That is an uncomfortable truth and now I need to rethink and redirect my life drastically. Thanks very much, guys :/ (Also "what you cling to the most is probably what you need to let go of the most"? "Would I give up God for a day"? OUCH WOW OKAY THEN)

[@cbentler4528]

A video on fasting posted on Friday....coincidence? I think not!

[@tracydankanich8866]

Thank you!

[@hassiearaya8024]

I need an espresso every morning can’t function without

[@MexicanHopper135]

The best thing she said was "there is not one generalized way to eat." I am a Masters student studying to become a registered dietitian (aka a nutritionist that has gone to school, studied research, and has been taught how to apply that research to you). If there is one thing I've learned, it's to not overcomplicate it (as long as you don't have any conditions that need to be taken into affect like Celiac Disease). You're already busy enough. You're already stressed enough. Eat in a way that works for you, but also remember that your body is the Lord's temple. Nourish it as best you can, but recognize that time is sacred. There is nothing wrong with eating out. There is nothing wrong with having a burger, pizza, or slice of cake. God wants you to enjoy life. He also wants you to nourish your body. Don't get strapped into diet culture. Find the balance that works for you. Eat for health but also for happiness. Health is so much more than your physical health. It's your spiritual and physical health as well! Food isn't supposed to be complicated. Listen to your body and it will tell you what sits well with you and what does not. Please don't go on a week long cleanse or just drink water. If you need help, contact a registered dietitian who can take into account your goals and your life.

[@millier9658]

💯 Yes, if you suffer from anxiety you might want to ditch coffee.

[@rinjaminbutton]

I've been thinking about this a lot recently!

[@samiaosner1141]

Great content!

[@ewadziatkowskaewahesed9910]

Good to do break from gluten ,sugar , milk from time to time, but some bread so tasty, especially Polish bread ;)

[@martinmartin1363]

Try the keto diet , and use fasting time for prayer or contemplation on the bible which is Catholic meditation

[@radulazar5485]

1.st: spiritual fast could not be ok without food fast; 2.nd: the best fast is how eastern christians fast: no mear, deary, fish, wine! Try it

[@GeorgeVirginia]

This was a Good video. Jackie is pretty smart! Thanks!

[@jcawalton]

Quitting fruit got rid of my asthma. Not sure why, but there you go.

[@charmendro]

I’m all for healthy eating but how does one manage with low income? These heathy things ain’t cheap

[@Psyop666]

Healthy eating doesnt necessarily have to be expensive. Just eat responsibly. Control the quantity. I used to eat a lot. Now I eat strictly two times a day. No sugar no soda. Just lot of water. Eggs and Milk help.

[@mvhLinda]

Hi, could you make a video about food from a more global perspective? In a time with global warming couldn't potentially eating so much meat as we do in the western world be a sin? or consuming coffee and chocolate which isn't always fairly traded (not necessarily "fair trade" but ethically produced), supporting businesses which mistreats people?

[@Lebanna2121]

Wheat and soy make my whole body ache. I feel like a new person having stopped eating those.

[@hyunjooseong8990]

It would be helpful for the dietitian can leave room for the brothers to speak more.

[@euge.sosa.b]

Actually, lots of studies have been turning away from the idea that fruit should be a major part of your diet

[@jadealexander8233]

#hangriness

[@bbssssssssssssssssss]

Dont!

[@trejosam00]

I guess the "big jolly friar" has become an inappropriate stereotype.

[@petercarlson811]

That jolly friar usually dies of heart stroke and has horrible blood pressure up to his death.

[@maximiniusthrax2209]

How about over consuming amphetamines. I reckon thats bad 4 ur health too.

[@petemiller7205]

Speaking of beards... Why do some guys shave their heads and let their beards go, and some do the opposite?

[@paulmiller3469]

Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways?

[@nolanknows1401]

Paul Miller so down Gallagher!!

[@andiebrodie3936]

Eating animals who have been butchered for us is totally wrong how can this be good for your spirituality? A plant based diet is the way forward. God bless.

[@zwijac]

With all due respect......God literally made eating the flesh of an animal, a covenant with his chosen people. If I or anyone else refused to eat the Passover Lamb because it was "wrong", I would wake up in the morning and my first born son would have been dead.

[@zwijac]

My son would have been killed as a punishment to me handed down by God himself, because I refused to eat a butchered animal.

[@xxFairestxx]

@@zwijac Eating a killed, innocent animal is ok under certain circumstances. You're exactly right - it was a sacrifice. God also sacrificed His son for us. The lamb is symbolic and fulfilled by Christ. If you know the history of the church and the roots of the early apostles and back to the Jews...God called for the sacrifice of the BEST and most profitable animals. It was a SACRIFICE...a word lost to the English language. Sacrifice contains a difficult decision and an apprehension to fulfill the act. Eating meat in OUR world is worthless. Garden of Eden forever ;)

[@praytherosaryeveryday2709]

Unclean spirit of veganism be gone

[@sebastiansantillan4988]

Can someone explain to me why I feel the effects of the animals death Everytime I eat meat Except for white meat like fish and chicken breast (idk why I don’t make the rules) But seafood and other mammals are definitely a no for my spirit.

[@Ha-zu6wv]

Plants are not healthy. We should be eating a minimal amount of plant foods (fruits, vegetables, flour, plant oils) and eating more animal foods: organs, muscle meat, eggs, dairy (if you can tolerate it). Animal foods are well-tolerated and also promote healthy hormone levels and FERTILITY. Great message but unfortunately quite a bit of misinformation.

[@mariettaljiljic1903]

Why do you call this new age lady to teach us?

[@petercarlson811]

Please stop idolizing people (saints included) who have mistreated their bodies horrendously in a act of demented piety.