Season: 22 Episode: 321
As the new year approaches, many people feel pressure to “fix” themselves after holiday overindulgence, often through extreme diets or unrealistic fitness goals that don’t last. In this episode, Shanda Fulbright offers a biblical view of fitness and gluttony, helping listeners think clearly about health, discipline, and stewardship without shame or deprivation.
Drawing from Scripture, practical experience, and wisdom rooted in self-control, this episode addresses why most New Year’s resolutions fail, how to set realistic fitness goals, and what the Bible actually says about overeating and gluttony.
Whether you’re joining the 2026 challenge or simply want to build healthier habits, this conversation will help you pursue lasting change physically, spiritually, and mentally.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Why extreme restriction and “cold turkey” diets rarely work
- How to set realistic, sustainable fitness goals using the SMART goal framework
- Why comparison sabotages progress—and how to start where you are
- The difference between dieting and nutrition awareness
- How to make lifestyle changes without feeling deprived
- What Scripture teaches about fitness, gluttony, self-control, and discipline
- Whether gluttony is a sin—and why the issue is ultimately a heart issue
- How fasting, moderation, and intentional eating help train the flesh
- Practical ways to overcome overeating and build healthy habits
Setting Realistic Fitness Goals (SMART Goals)
A goal isn’t just something you say—you have to actually want it. Using the SMART framework helps turn vague desires into actionable plans:
- Specific – Clear and well-defined (e.g., exercise three times a week)
- Measurable – Trackable progress (minutes walked, weight lifted, consistency)
- Achievable – Realistic for your season of life
- Relevant – Aligned with stewardship, not vanity
- Time-bound – Attached to a clear timeframe
If your goal doesn’t include a plan, it’s not a goal, it’s a wish.
Nutrition Without Restriction
Instead of following rigid diets, Shanda encourages nutrition awareness—learning how food fuels the body and making informed, sustainable choices.
Topics include:
- Why restrictive diets lead to binge cycles
- The role of protein, carbs, and healthy fats
- Why whole foods are more satisfying than empty calories
- How meal prepping simplifies consistency
- Choosing manageable changes that last beyond a challenge
The focus isn’t perfection, it’s progress and long-term stewardship.
Discipline Without Deprivation
Healthy living doesn’t mean eliminating everything you enjoy. The key is moderation.
Shanda shares:
- How to choose non-negotiables (and limit them wisely)
- Why discipline is about ruling your appetite—not letting it rule you
- How self-control honors God without turning food into the enemy
As Philippians 3 reminds us, our stomachs were never meant to be our god.
Is Gluttony a Sin? A Biblical Perspective
While Scripture may not use the phrase “gluttony is a sin” in modern terms, the Bible consistently warns against excess, lack of self-control, and indulgence of the flesh.
This episode explores:
- Biblical definitions of gluttony
- Cultural factors contributing to overeating
- Why gluttony is rooted in comfort-seeking and entitlement
- How the fruit of the Spirit—especially self-control—applies to food
- Why the church must talk honestly about bodily stewardship
Gluttony isn’t just about food- it’s about unchecked desire.
Practical Tips to Overcome Overeating
If you struggle with overeating, try starting here:
- Ask why you’re eating—hunger or emotion?
- Eat slowly and intentionally
- Stop at satisfaction, not discomfort
- Plan meals and portions ahead of time
- Stay hydrated
- Give your body time to adjust to healthier patterns
Transformation begins with renewing the mind.
Final Encouragement
This challenge, and this episode,is about more than food and fitness. It’s about discipline in every area of life: reading Scripture, growing intellectually, stewarding the body, and cultivating self-control by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Prepare now. Plan wisely. Start small. Track progress through photos and measurements—not just the scale.
Healthy habits don’t start on Day One, they start with the decisions you make before you begin.
Happy New Year, and I’ll catch you on the next episode of Her Faith Inspires.
Questions? Email me at hello@shandafulbright.com
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