3 Quick Tips to Pause Before Reaching for Comfort Food

Matthew 26:41 (NIV) – “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

When emotional eating threatens to derail your wellness journey, these three faith-based strategies can help you create a moment of pause and make a more intentional choice:

1. The One-Minute Prayer Check

Before grabbing food, take one minute to connect with God. Pray: “Lord, am I truly hungry, or am I seeking comfort in food instead of You?” Take a few deep breaths and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal your current emotional state. This simple pause can help you distinguish between physical hunger and emotional craving, reminding you that your ultimate comfort comes from God.

2. Scripture Meditation and Redirection

When a craving hits, immediately shift your focus to God’s Word. Try these quick alternatives:

• Recite a memorized Bible verse
• Read a short Psalm
• Listen to a worship song
• Write a quick prayer of gratitude
• Reflect on God’s goodness in your life

These activities can help interrupt the automatic response of turning to food for comfort, redirecting your heart towards the true source of peace.

3. The Living Water Reflection

Drink a glass of water and wait five minutes, remembering Jesus’ words about being the living water (John 4:14). During this time, reflect on what you’re truly feeling and bring those emotions to God in prayer. Are you stressed? Bored? Lonely? Understanding the underlying emotion can help you address the root cause and seek God’s guidance instead of using food as a temporary solution.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but progress in your faith journey. Each moment of pause is an opportunity to draw closer to God and make a more mindful choice for your emotional and physical well-being, honouring your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).