• Start
    Here
    • Start Here
    • About Barb
    • Barb Raveling’s Books
    • Renew Your Mind Seminar
    • Leader’s Guides & Resources
    • Contact
  • Renew
    Your Mind
    • Renewing of the Mind Project
    • Renewing of the Mind Tools
    • Grow Closer to God
    • Transformation 101
    • Renewing Your Mind Bible Study
  • Bible
    Studies
    • Free Bible Studies
    • Leader’s Guides & Resources
    • Online Bible Studies
  • Live In
    Peace
    • How To Live in Peace
    • Anger
    • Worry/Fear
    • Depression & Discontentment
    • Insecurity
    • Stress
    • Boredom
    • Other Emotions
  • Pursue
    A Goal
    • How to Start a Habit
    • How to Pursue a Goal
    • Goals and Productivity
    • Ministry and Blogging
  • Lose
    Weight
    • How to Lose Weight
    • Weight Loss Resources, Classes, & FAQ
    • Taste for Truth Christian Weight Loss Podcast
    • Christian Weight Loss App
    • Weight Loss Bible Study
    • Weight Loss Blog Posts
  • Break
    A Habit
    • How To Break a Habit
    • Habits Blog Posts
  • Podcasts &
    Coaching
    • Coaching with Barb
    • Christian Habits Podcast
    • Taste for Truth Christian Weight Loss Podcast
    • Podcast Interviews

Barb Raveling

Tips, Tools, & Bible Studies to Renew Your Mind

Subscribe

  • Home
  • Podcasts
    • Taste for Truth Christian Weight Loss Podcast
    • Christian Habits Podcast
You are here: Home / Bible Studies/Worksheets / Weight Loss Bible Study Day 3: Justification Eating

Weight Loss Bible Study Day 3: Justification Eating

June 27, 2012 By: Barb Raveling

This post may contain affiliate links. View our disclosure policy here.
Justification Eating

The more I work on breaking bad habits, the more I realize how deceitful my mind is. I rarely come right out and say, I’m going to break my boundaries. Instead, I try to make it seem like I’m not really breaking my boundaries.

Do you ever say, "There's a good reason to break my diet?" This Bible study will help you follow your weight loss plan on those days when you want to justify breaking your boundaries. #weightloss #Christianweightloss #weightlossBible #weightlossGod #weightlossinspiration

I do that by telling myself little lies. See if any of these lies sound familiar:

The Lies We Tell Ourselves

  1. We say, this is part of my lunch, when it really isn’t.
  2. We say, I’ll follow my boundaries tomorrow, when we really won’t.
  3. We say, this is only 200 calories, when it’s really 245 calories.
  4. We say, I don’t eat that much, when we nibble or drink high calorie beverages all day.
  5. We say, I’m hungry, when we’re really not.
  6. We say, I’ve been faithfully following my boundaries, when we’re really breaking them one bite at a time.

In I Deserve a Donut (And Other Lies That Make You Eat), I ask three questions for denial eating:

  1. Will you break a boundary? If so, which one?
  2. How were you planning to justify it?
  3. Is your justification valid? Why or why not?

The first question helps me face the fact that yes, I really am breaking my boundaries. The second questions helps me capture my thoughts: Why am I saying it’s okay to break my boundaries? And 19 times out of 20, the last question makes me think, Of course I don’t want to break my boundaries! 

Justification Eating Bible Study

  1. Look at the list of lies above. Do you ever tell yourself those things – or any similar lies? Explain.
  2. Why do you think you say those things to yourself rather than just telling yourself the truth?
  3. Do you think you’d be less likely to break your boundaries if you started telling yourself the truth? Why or why not?
  4. What do each of the following Bible verses have to do with this subject?
    1. Psalm 120:2
    2. Romans 13:14
    3. 1 Thessalonians 5:21
    4. James 1:16-17
    5. 1 Peter 1:14-16
    6. 1 Peter 5:8
  5. Do you think it’s important to be honest when you break your boundaries and admit that you’re breaking them – even if it’s just one bite? Why or why not?

The following questions are from my iPhone app, I Deserve a Donut. Ask yourself these questions whenever you catch yourself justifying or denying that you’re breaking you’re breaking your boundaries:

Justification Eating Questions

  1. What do you feel like eating?
  2. Will you break a boundary if you eat this?
    1. Yes: If so:
      1. Which boundary will you break?
      2. How were you planning to justify it?
      3. Is your justification valid? Why or why not?
    2. No: If not:
      1. Will you be more likely to break your boundaries later if you eat this now?
      2. If so, what are the chances you’ll be able to eat this without regretting it later?
  3. Are boundaries easy to follow, or do you usually have to give up something to follow them?
  4. What will you have to give up to follow your boundaries this time?
  5. What will you gain if you follow your boundaries?
  6. When you think of what you’ll gain, is it worth the sacrifice?

Discussion question: How would you answer #2 of the journal questions?

Related Posts:

  • How to Choose Weight Loss Boundaries (and Lies That Make Us…
  • 10 Lies that Make Us Give Up on New Year's Resolutions
  • How to Stop Being Angry – 12 Tips
13372 shares
  • Share174
  • Tweet

Comments

  1. tcavey says

    June 27, 2012 at 8:24 am

    I say those things because I WANT to eat and not feel guilty. Simple as that.

    • Barb says

      June 28, 2012 at 6:29 am

      That’s exactly what I do – I want to eat with a “clear” conscience!

  2. Deb Wolf says

    June 27, 2012 at 10:36 am

    Hi Barb, I love this series. Food is an area of my life that I have carefully controlled since my twenties. A blessing of having weight issues in my teens. However, fitness and activity are my downfall. I’d rather not eat than workout. So, I’m working to apply your boundaries in that area.

    5 – 10 minute spurts of energy throughout the day. Trying some new things. Thanks for your great inspiration. Blessings!!

    • Barb says

      June 28, 2012 at 6:28 am

      Hmm – that’s a good idea. I might be able to do better with 5-10 minute spurts of energy throughout the day rather than one long exercise session. Plus it would be nice to break up writing a bit. I might have to try that!

  3. Paula says

    January 11, 2013 at 8:04 am

    I also love this study. Suggestion, could you link the Bible passages to online bible?

    • Barb says

      January 11, 2013 at 8:06 am

      That’s a great idea, Paula. Yes, I could do that.

  4. Connie says

    March 17, 2013 at 5:31 pm

    I have had long stretches of time (for me at least) – several months of eating properly and releasing weight. But then comes a gradual downfall and then more of a downfall and suddenly I’m thinking that’s not so much weight I can go back anytime and get that off, then pretty soon I’m not caring about how much weight I’ve gained back. . . I think maybe that when I don’t tell myself the truth then I get close to that slippery slop of getting to the place that I don’t care – I want that to change this time!! I’ve been doing pretty good since the first of the year and I’ve released 34.8 lbs. Sooo excited and I feel good cause I’m also using my pedometer again and getting 10,000+ steps in a day except Sunday – except today (Sunday) my husband and I went on a fairly long “fun” walk! :o)

    • Barb Raveling says

      March 17, 2013 at 8:19 pm

      I used to do that all the time, Connie – down and up, down and up. It’ sounds like you’re doing great now – 35 pounds AND you’re telling yourself the truth. That’s what we’ll make the difference in the long run. I can’t tell you how many times I had to truth journal to change my thinking about food. Too many to count! I also love to walk – the pedometer sounds like a great idea.

  5. Connie says

    March 17, 2013 at 8:58 pm

    Thanks Barb! It is a battle to keep speaking the “truth” and I am becoming more and more aware of how subtle the enemy is. Question – I’ve kind of jumped in the middle of this study. Are you all on Week 3 now? — Appearance Eating – I’ve read a lot of stuff today. It appears that there are two “Week 3” – how long do we spend on each of these? I’m guessing we do both of these this week. Is that correct. I need to saturate my mind with the Word! This is so good! Thank you!

    • Barb Raveling says

      March 17, 2013 at 9:36 pm

      Hi Connie, I think she just posted a schedule last week sometime. If you click on Heidi’s blog and look back to the posts she just posted there should be a schedule. She usually has her assignments on Monday, so you could also just check tomorrow and see what she’s assigning. She’s actually running the study at her blog, and I think she goes through two different studies each week – which might be why there’s two week Threes. Yes, I agree, it’s a battle to keep speaking the truth. Sometimes it’s hard to keep going back to God again and again for the same issues. But it’s worth it!

  6. g. marie says

    March 27, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    Thanks so much for this study. I’m so profoundly grateful to you and Heidi for wanting to help others in this area. Especially without cost. I’m finally having to come to grips with losing this weight because I need two knee replacements and the doctor says I have to lose 30 pounds for the surgery. I’ve tried everything. but just doing these questions and establishing boundries is making a difference in my life. I’m on day two of this eating change and I was able to wait until hunger last night, although I did overeat. but, now after today’s lesson, I have some new questions to put to myself BEFORE I overeat, which changes the equation a bit. Thanks once again for being generous in giving your time, talent and treasures to those who need it the most.I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.

    • Barb Raveling says

      March 27, 2013 at 5:07 pm

      That’s so good to hear, G Marie. I’m glad the questions and Bible studies are helping. Hang in there! It can seem like FOREVER to change. The thing that helped me the most was to renew my mind as soon as I broke my boundaries – that way I wasn’t tempted to keep breaking them.

  7. Toni Peinado says

    May 2, 2017 at 11:40 am

    Thank you for having this online. I’ve been having weight issues for a long time and had just about given up When God truly led me to you. I have a renewed confidence that Jesus will bring me out of my overweight status to a healthy temple for Him. I love the commitment I have to trust Jesus to stick with boundaries that will glorify Him. Ive told others about this so be ready for a new crop of 2017 fired up folks..

    • Barb Raveling says

      May 2, 2017 at 12:34 pm

      Thank you, Toni. I appreciate that. I’m also happy to have another crop of fired up folks! Plus it’s always nice to have the camaraderie of having others share the journey with you. Hope you’ve found some folks to go through the Bible study with! And thanks again for sharing!

  8. Sarah says

    October 26, 2017 at 3:54 am

    I can’t thank you enough for posting such a wise, Spirit-led study online, for free. :)

    Pregnancy, babies, and postpartum depression have all caused me to put on so much weight over the last few years, and I have been completely unsuccessful in getting it off. Even though I’m only a few days in, I already see God breaking down barriers and revealing truth about areas of brokenness that I need to have healed in order to overcome my food addiction. I’ve tried unsuccessfully to count calories and lose weight, but I’ve failed because I haven’t treated the underlying causes. My weight is only a symptom of something deeper, and for the first time in years, I’m starting to find relief through Jesus Christ.

    Thank you so much.

    • Barb Raveling says

      October 26, 2017 at 10:27 am

      Oh, that’s so good to hear, Sarah! So glad you’re starting to find some relief in Jesus, and I’m glad the Bible study has been helpful! It’s hard especially in those baby years with weight and eating – I remember those days! Praying God will continue to bless you as you go through the study and work through things with Him!

    • heather says

      November 8, 2017 at 11:14 am

      Sarah – I love your comment and it really touches me because I like you, suffered all those things after giving birth. It has taken a good decade to see those “underlying issues” that you mentioned. I am so glad you are seeing them so much sooner than I did. Hospital stays, meds, etc….it was a long journey to now where daily I try to stare truth in the face and be pruned of these lifelong habits I adopted with food being a cure-all. Best to you and your precious family! – Heather

  9. Cindi says

    January 25, 2018 at 7:50 am

    I tell myself lies so that I can hide behind the guilt and depression of being overweight. The lies seem easier only because its the comfort zone I’m so used to being in. Reality is, the truth will set me free. God will set me free as I move closer to the truth.

    • Barb Raveling says

      January 25, 2018 at 9:22 am

      Yes, He will. I’m excited for how He’ll work in your life through the truth, Cindi!

  10. Ashley says

    February 5, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    Hahaha. Um.. oops. Such an eye opener when you are shown a boundary you should have, but neglected to write down. I am going to fix that right now.

    • Barb Raveling says

      February 23, 2018 at 9:41 am

      Haha, I love that, Ashley! And love that you’re willing to put in a boundary when you realize that you should have one! Hope things are going well!

  11. Tami says

    March 21, 2018 at 7:24 am

    Thank you so much for this study! These questions are helping me get to the bottom of food issues I’ve had my whole life! Oddly, I never thought I needed boundaries because I’m not obese. I just battle the same 10 pounds over and over and really would feel better to be down those 10 plus 10 more. My justification was always, “I’m not fat, I just would like to take off a few pounds so it’s not a big deal to eat what I want this one time.” Which of course is a million times. Yesterday was eye opening to me. I have all three of the issues you mentioned for alcohol needing a boundary but with food. THAT’s why I need boundaries. Not for weight but so I can not be gluttonous and be self-controlled and to have peace! I’m tired of beating myself up over what I ate and being mentally exhausted as I constantly search for the perfect food plan!! My little bit of pudge is a very clear showing of something being off in my life. I’ve always known it…I just could never seem to figure it out until now. THANK YOU!!!

    • Barb Raveling says

      March 21, 2018 at 3:30 pm

      So glad this has been helpful with your food issues, Tami! It’s easy to keep that last five or ten pounds around forever but it becomes stressful when we keep trying to lose it and focusing on it. So glad the Bible study is helping!

Search Blog

Connect with us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Popular Posts

  • Spiritual Attack: 10 Tips for Spiritual Warfare
  • How to Meditate on Scripture
  • Weight Loss Bible Study: Day 1
  • How To Renew Your Mind
  • Freedom from Food Addiction through Truth Journaling with Debbie
  • Feeling Guilty: 10 Bible Verses & 8 Questions
  • How to Break Free from Idolatry
  • Christian Accountability Partner: A Beginner’s Guide
  • 29: 6 Steps to Breaking Free From Self-Condemnation
  • 28: Help for Emotional Eating: Bible Verses & Questions

Archives

Categories

  • Anger
  • Bible Studies/Worksheets
  • Boredom
  • Christian Habits Podcast
  • Depression/Discontentment
  • Goals and Productivity
  • Grow Closer to God
  • Habits Blog Posts
  • Insecurity
  • Letting Go of Negative Emotions
  • Marriage
  • Ministry and Blogging
  • Other Emotions
  • Stress
  • Transformation 101
  • Uncategorized
  • Weight Loss Blog Posts
  • Weight Loss Podcast
  • Worry/Fear
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (www.lockman.org).
Copyright © 2023 • Custom blog design by The Pixelista • Built on the Genesis Framework
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT