know better. I’m 60 years old, and I have a general idea of what makes up a nutritionally sound meal. Despite this knowledge, I started my day with two cups of coffee and a banana. I met my niece Tiffani for lunch and ordered a salad, then had a smaller salad during an evening dinner meeting. I returned home to binge on chips, soda, and Netflix. Let’s just say that I woke up during the night regretting my choices.

In 1826, Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote, “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” This phrase has been turned into a more popular one, “You are what you eat.” Now I don’t know the science on this, but the older I get, the less I am able to tolerate poor food choices. Regardless of how good it tastes in the moment, I always pay a price when I feast on junk food.

The same holds true for what I feed my mind. When I spend too much time focused on tragic news stories or reality television shows that I hope are scripted, I’m left sad, or sometimes angry. I’m learning (yes, I am still learning…) that what I feed my body and mind greatly impact me.

Additionally, Proverbs 4:23 serves as a reminder for me to protect my heart – to clean out anything that needs to go and embrace all that is good. The scripture reads, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

If I want a healthy body, mind, and spirit, I must be diligent to make good choices.

 

Ronny Michel can be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.