Boss Your Taste Buds Around

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. — Romans 8:5

Thought for the Day: “Taste buds, you aren’t the boss of me!” Whatever my physical struggle, I can’t believe the lie that victory isn’t possible for me. It is.

One thing that helped me so much in my physical struggle with unhealthy eating was realizing I’m more than a sum total of my taste buds. And it really is possible to boss my taste buds around!

When I was a little girl, I was never one who liked to be bossed around. As a matter of fact, I distinctly remember wondering who was the boss of all the bosses? That’s who I wanted to be. So, in my little girl brain, I reasoned the President of the United States was the job for me. I’d sit behind a big desk and get paid to remind people, “You’re not the boss of me! It’s my way or the highway.”

I’m not proud of my childish attitude, which has certainly been humbled since then.

But I sure do wish I could bottle up some of that tenacity when it comes to eating healthy. I’d do well to put my hands on my hips and remind my taste buds, “You’re not the boss of me. It’s my way or the highway!”

My heart doesn’t crave that candy bar. My arms don’t desire those French fries. My brain doesn’t need those chips. My soul doesn’t cry out for that milkshake. And my heinie certainly doesn’t want that cheesecake. Only my taste buds want that. So, I must let my arms, brain, heart, soul, heinie, and the whole of who I am boss my taste buds around.

But this won’t be easy if I don’t come up with an arsenal of yummy-tasting foods that are healthy. God gave me taste buds, which leads me to believe I am supposed to enjoy eating. It’s not just a function of sustaining life. Eating is to be enjoyed. But eating was never supposed to sabotage my life either. Deep fried, smothered and covered, drizzled and drenched, salted and seasoned beyond reason are all words that speak of the sabotage to which I’m referring.

Fresh, whole, organic, raw, and natural are all words that speak of the life sustenance we can learn to enjoy. Some of my favorite new healthy options are raw veggies dipped in hummus, strawberries and other fresh-cut fruits sprinkled with Stevia, and oatmeal mixed with berries and nuts.

Just a few years ago I would have turned my nose up at those healthy options and reached for a doughnut. But that’s where bossing my taste buds has come into play.

I’ve trained myself to enjoy healthy options and you know what amazes me? I now crave what I’ve trained myself to enjoy.

Amazing. I now happily and willingly choose fruit over fried every time. I guess a little of that childish sass isn’t so bad after all. You might want to try it: “Taste buds, you aren’t the boss of me!”

Dear Lord, thank You for loving me despite my struggles. You know me and love me every day and I thank You for that. Help me to change my food cravings. I desire to eat healthy. Help me to be victorious today. I know I was made for more than what my taste buds tell me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

* * *

Your Turn

We all need Jesus’ help changing our food cravings from unhealthy to healthy. Are you the boss of your taste buds? Are you ready to be victorious? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment or prayer request on our blog!