Chapter Four: "Jesus Is The Answer. What Was The Question?"
In this episode, we'll explore the topic of whether Jesus truly cares about our food struggles and find answers to some of the hard questions we may have. So, let's embark on this journey of faith, hope, and food freedom together.
What Is The Dear Food Program?
In this episode, we’ll talk about the three-part workbook series designed to help individuals overcome food strongholds, food addiction, and other food challenges. Unlike traditional diet culture programs, this program focuses on cultivating a healthy mind, emotional well-being, and spiritual life as the foundation for achieving lasting change.
What Is The Dear Food Program?
In this episode of the "Dear Food Podcast" hosted by Julia Fikse, the focus is on the topic of negative self-talk and how to overcome it. Julia begins by expressing her excitement and gratitude for the listeners' victories and invites them to share their own success stories with her. She emphasizes that the victories come from the goodness of the Lord and serve as inspiration for others.
Julia shares a victory from Granny B., a reviewer of Workbook 1, who expresses her love for the book and how it provides a fresh perspective on weight loss. Julia commends Granny B.'s determination and willingness to share her journey, highlighting the hope it brings to others.
Moving on to the main topic of the episode, Julia introduces Chapter Five of the book, titled "Why Am I so Mean to Me?" This chapter delves into the issue of negative self-talk and its impact on our lives. Julia opens the discussion with a prayer, inviting God to be a part of the conversation and guide their understanding of their thoughts and identities.
Julia reflects on her personal experiences with the cruel inner voice that plagued her during her struggle with obesity. She shares examples of the negative self-talk she experienced, such as feeling embarrassed in photos, believing she was too fat for the gym, and doubting that anything would ever change. She asks the listeners if they also have a harsh inner voice that criticizes them.
Describing negative self-talk as "the gremlin" or "the inner critic," Julia explains that it manifests in various ways, either in the third person or the first person. She refers to the negative self-talk that enters our thoughts as the Accuser (third person) and the Robber (first person). Julia emphasizes the need to identify and silence these voices to avoid self-sabotage and shame.
The Accuser's words are characterized by quick and harsh accusations in the third person, often originating from influential people in our lives or spiritual sources. On the other hand, the Robber represents self-shaming self-talk in the first person. Julia suggests separating these voices and closely examining their impact.
To combat negative self-talk, Julia provides practical steps. She encourages listeners to write down the exact phrases that come to mind and compare them with the truth found in scripture. By refuting the lies with God's truth, she explains that we can regain control over our thoughts. Julia mentions the importance of memorizing scripture and seeking wisdom and help from God to fight against negative self-talk.
The episode offers five tips to get started on combating negative self-talk. They include recognizing the Accuser and the Robber, refuting their lies with scripture, actively removing their influence, refocusing on God's truth and promises, and taking positive action steps towards better health and well-being.
Julia concludes the episode with a prayer, expressing gratitude for God's Word and the ability to combat negative self-talk with its truth. She reminds listeners to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Finally, she encourages listeners to celebrate their progress and reminds them of their worth as beloved children of God.
Overall, the episode provides insights into the damaging effects of negative self-talk and offers practical strategies, guided by scripture, to overcome it. By recognizing the power of God's truth and replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations, listeners can restore their confidence, joy, and ability to pursue better health and well-being.
Julia Fikse, FMCHC, NBC-HWC is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, specializing in Emotional Eating as well as Mental Health and Weight Loss. Julia has personally experienced the frustration of weight gain, weight loss, weight related health issues and emotional eating challenges. Julia is not a therapist or a doctor and this should not in any way replace doctor’s advice.
Share this post