Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want to Do? (Food Edition)

If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you don’t understand, you’re not alone. The apostle Paul wrote:

“For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”

Romans 7:15

Even Paul, a devoted follower of Christ, wrestled with the tension between flesh and spirit. His honesty reminds us that struggling isn’t a sign of failure—it’s proof that the Spirit is alive in us and pointing us toward growth.

For many of us, this battle shows up most clearly in our relationship with food. Maybe you’ve been caught in the cycle: restrict a food, crave it more, “give in,” and then feel defeated. Over time, this back-and-forth erodes our peace and keeps us trapped in frustration.

But here’s the truth: your struggle is not the end of the story. Feeling dissatisfied with old patterns is evidence of God’s transforming work in you. Instead of condemning yourself, you can step into curiosity. Ask yourself: What’s really happening beneath the surface? Is it stress, loneliness, exhaustion, or a lack of nourishment throughout the day?

When we take the time to observe with gentleness—and then invite God into those moments—we can begin to replace coping with food with the comfort of His truth. And slowly but surely, those small shifts create space for lasting freedom.

Remember, God doesn’t condemn you. He understands how hard it is to live in this world, and His Spirit is with you every step of the way.

In “Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want to Do?” we discuss:

• Why even strong believers struggle with doing what they don’t want to do
• How dieting and restriction fuel unhealthy food patterns
• The simple mindset shift that leads to curiosity instead of condemnation

Links mentioned:

• Get your 15 Tips from the Bible to Overcome Overeating
• For a deep dive, check out Grace Filled Plate Platinum and be sure to get on the waiting list

You may also love:

• Grace Filled Plates: A 30-Day Devotional
• Season 1 Episode 5: Why You Need to Trade Food Guilt for God’s Grace
• Season 2 Episode 12: Why Do We Eat in a Way Contradictory to Our Goals?
• Season 3 Episode 20: How to Pause and Bring Jesus into Your Struggle
• Season 4 Episode 7: How Do You Follow God’s Leading in Your Food Choices

Get a FREEBIE: 

• Get your FREE Faith [is greater than] Food Jumpstart

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