“One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”  unknown

What do you suppose is generating the surge in interest in healthy eating?

Destruction is certain for those who say that evil is good and good is evil; that dark is light and light is dark; that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.  (Isa. 5:20; NLT)

Junk, according to Wikipedia is “any undesired thing or substance.”  Reading on, Wikipedia wisdom declares, “Junk food is an informal term applied to some foods which are perceived to have little or no nutritional value, or to products with nutritional value but which also have ingredients considered unhealthy when regularly eaten, or to those considered unhealthy to consume at all…. Foods more likely to be considered junk food generally are those that are more convenient and easy to obtain in a ready-to-eat form, though being such does not automatically define the food as ‘junk food.’”

Why do people eat junk food?  They wouldn’t think about putting “junk” gasoline in their car or truck.  They recognize that before long, they’ll pay a real price for such a poor choice.  They wouldn’t drink nor take a bath or shower using “junk” water.  (Many people do, but that’s the topic of another DG, isn’t it?)  They wouldn’t buy “junk” software and load it to their computers.  You wouldn’t invest your hard-earned money in “junk” bonds, nor want your children’s minds being filled with “junk” science in school.  In all these cases, you quickly recognize that “junk” probably means short-term gain followed inevitably by long-term pain.

I’ll ask the key question once again, “Why do people eat junk food?”  One reason, according to the Wikipedia definition above might be convenience or speed.  In the middle of the afternoon or morning, you’re hungry.  It’s so quick and easy to reach for a donut, and/or a cup of coffee, and/or “feed” the vending machine for a snack bar or a package of crackers and peanut butter.  Short-term gain.  Is there long-term pain coming?  Just ask the more that 70% of our population that is overweight or obese.  Would you stop at the “junk” gas station just because you were in a hurry?  Or would you take a little longer to drive a mile or two up the road to get “real” gas?

Why don’t more people eat healthy?  More often that not, it’s because they don’t want to give up some favorite food(s) that they even will admit is unhealthy for them — take that chocolate covered donut for example.  Everybody knows the apple right next to it would be a better choice.  Why do they keep putting sugar in their own gas tank?  Is it because they don’t want to give up “living?”  Living defined as having fun, enjoying life, enjoying food and drink, etc.  Have you ever seen a more blatant case of deception?  That kind of living comes with a very great price.

Who said that healthy food doesn’t taste good, who says you can’t have great fun at a party where veggies and dip are served instead of chips and dip?  Where is it written that eating healthy means eating bland and boring food?  Where is it written that eating junk food that is slowly killing you is living?  Wouldn’t living be better equated with feeling better all the time, having more energy (without the use of stimulants), having a body that fits into your last season’s clothes, being able to get down on the floor with your children and grandchildren and enjoy them?

Almost two months ago, I posted a DG titled “Eating Out Can be Hazardous to Your Health.” There are ways to survive in today’s junk food culture, even if your lifestyle is one of having to eat several meals a week in restaurants instead of at home where you can be more selective.  But even at home, how many of the items you brought home from the grocery store  are the overly aggressive sugary, salty, artificial flavors that we have been trained to favor?

I leave you with this challenge — ask yourself…”Why am I doing this?  What am I getting out of eating junk food?  Short-term?  Long-term?  Be honest and stop putting sugar in your tank.  It wasn’t designed to run that way.

Prayer Power
Father, as our Master-Designer, You designed our bodies to thrive on certain fuels, and in Your graciousness, You even made sure that we had access to those fuels in ample supply.  Forgive us for turning our backs on Your perfect plan.

Link of the Day
Health Foods That Aren’t Healthy

Blessings on you as you shop for groceries this weekend.

Photo by Scott Ableman