Finding Food Freedom with Brandice Lardner of Grace-Filled Plate | Episode 153
On this episode of the Pastor Wife Life podcast, I’m chatting with Brandice Lardner of Grace-Filled Plate. At Grace Filled Plate, Brandice guides Christian women to overcome the diet mindset and discover food freedom through a relationship with Christ. Despite knowing our needs are met in Jesus, many of us get swept up in worldly thinking and past struggles. We try to fix our food issues with tools that aren’t from the Lord. While God may use various tools, it’s ultimately about putting Him first.
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Breaking Free from the Diet Mindset
Brandie knows what it’s like to wrestle with food issues. Starting at the age of 14, she has experienced every eating disorder imaginable. Despite her extensive knowledge as a personal trainer and nutrition coach, it wasn’t until she sought the Lord for healing that real change occurred. When she began sharing what God had done in her life, she witnessed Him pouring His grace into women who were exhausted, discouraged, and self-critical.
Even if food struggles aren’t your issue, the truths Brandice shares from God’s Word are universally applicable.
Why Our Relationship with Food Matters
Food is essential; God created it for our nourishment and enjoyment. But anything that occupies our hearts and minds above God is a concern. Where do you spend your resources? Is it on weight loss more than missions? Do you think more about your next meal than praying for others?
Our relationship with food becomes problematic when it takes away our confidence, joy, or time that God wants to use elsewhere. God loves us regardless of our food struggles, but He offers us a better way. He uses our struggles to grow our relationship with Him.
Defining a Healthy Relationship with Food
A healthy relationship with food means being grateful for it, enjoying it without guilt, and not being overly emotional about it. You should be able to give thanks for your food, enjoy it, and not be upset if you occasionally eat a little extra or miss a meal. It’s about having a balanced and non-emotional relationship with food, just like with things you don’t struggle with.
Recognizing an Unhealthy Relationship with Food
Where do you turn in times of stress or sadness? If it’s food, it might be an issue. Are you anxious or overly protective about what you eat? If your relationship with food disrupts your ability to walk in love, joy, or peace, it’s worth examining. Ask the Lord to show you if this is an area that needs attention, and He will guide you.
Embracing food freedom through faith is a journey worth taking. Whether you’re a pastor’s wife, a homeschooling mom, or someone struggling with food, God’s grace is sufficient to lead you to freedom. Remember, it’s not just about the food; it’s about putting God first and allowing Him to transform every area of your life.
Does God Really Care About Our Relationship with Food?
We know He cares because we’ve seen His hand in our lives. Those moments when we call out for help, asking Him to release us from temptation or to fill us with peace, He shows up. When we follow His voice, tasting the joy and excitement of obedience, the difference is palpable.
His character is one of getting into the nitty-gritty of our lives, caring about our character, hopes, and dreams. Food is one area where He wants us to be free. Bondage, whether clear-cut or subtle, is something He seeks to release us from because it’s about making us more like Jesus. The ultimate goal is transformation, and if food can be a tool for this transformation, He will use it.
Walking in Freedom as a Testimony
As women walking in freedom, especially those in visible roles like pastor’s wives, people are watching us. If we can find freedom in our relationship with food, it’s a powerful testimony. It’s a chance to showcase the Lord’s faithfulness. We can’t say God delivers except in this one area of food. No, He wants to deliver us from all bondage, including that related to food.
It’s no coincidence that food is a recurrent theme in the Bible. The first sin involved food. Throughout the scriptures, food symbolizes both blessings and trials. Heaven is depicted as a place with amazing food, yet the enemy tries to twist God’s gifts into something that enslaves us rather than allowing us to walk in the freedom Jesus died to give us.
The Emotional Connection
Emotions play a huge part in our relationship with food. For many, including myself, it’s a struggle to handle emotions without turning to food for comfort. Whether it’s stress, reward, or any other emotion, food often becomes the solution. But the root issue isn’t the food itself; it’s the emotional and spiritual void we try to fill.
Getting to the Root
Our default response to challenges often involves food. We might overeat due to stress or as a reward at the end of the day. We then try to cut out certain foods, only to overindulge in others. This cycle continues because we don’t address the underlying issues.
As a perfectionist, Brandice’s insatiable urge to perform led to overeating. Accepting God’s unconditional love and allowing herself to be a flawed human trying her best transformed my relationship with food. The key is inviting Jesus into those moments of struggle, even the ones we’re embarrassed about. Journaling, walking, and brain dumping can help us uncover what’s really going on.
Practical Strategies for Transformation
- Brain Dump and Prioritize: Take time to write down everything you think you should be doing regarding food, exercise, and diet. Categorize these ideas into ones that excite you and ones that feel restrictive. Focus on the green ideas—those that feel doable and appealing. Start small and work your way through the list.
- Start Small: Begin with simple, sustainable habits. For example, if you want to start walking, begin by just putting on your walking shoes each day. Gradually increase your walking time. Similarly, drinking more water or getting adequate sleep can significantly impact your relationship with food.
- Create Healthy Boundaries: Boundaries are essential for freedom. Like children feeling secure in a fenced playground, healthy boundaries around food can provide structure and peace. These boundaries should feel protective, not restrictive, and will vary from person to person.
- Embrace Grace: Recognize the difference between condemnation and conviction. Condemnation makes us want to hide from God, while conviction, though it can sting, brings peace and motivates us to make positive changes. Allow grace to guide you, not a perfectionistic mindset.
- Gratitude and Grace: Start your journey from a place of gratitude. Be thankful for what you have and the opportunities before you. Instead of focusing on what you’re trying to fix, appreciate your current blessings and see food as a gift rather than an enemy.
CONNECT WITH BRANDICE
[book] Grace-Filled Plates: Ditch Diets and Find Food Freedom Through God’s Grace – a 30-day devotion
Just wanted to let you know that I just finished this episode while on my lunch walk. I’ve only been a pastor wife for a few years now, and I’m still kind of getting my mind wrapped around it. I haven’t listened to many yet, but I am trying to walk more on my lunch. And there are many days where I am simply overwhelmed – emotionally, mentally, physically. I just wanted to encourage you. Your podcast is helping me, tremendously. I look forward to listening to every episode you have, and the new ones as you add them. I just wanted to thank you. My words aren’t doing justice to my feelings right now, but what you’re doing matters. It’s needed. Thank you for walking alongside me when I feel so alone.