When my energy dips or my stress level goes up, I want to run to Starbucks for a pink drink or grab a piece of chocolate from my candy bowl at school.
But although sugar gives me a temporary spike, I have learned that those small treats do not boost my mind and energy in the way that nutritious food does.
The Importance of Nutrition
According to Harvard Health Publishing,
“Good nutrition helps fuel your body. The foods you eat supply the nutrients your body needs to maintain your brain, muscle, bone, nerves, skin, blood circulation, and immune system.”[1]
God created our bodies with great complexity. He also created a variety of foods with nutrients that keep our bodies going. Interestingly, Harvard Health Publishing recommends following a plant-based diet.[2] This makes sense considering that in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve ate the fruit of herbs and trees (Genesis 1:29–30). However, after the Flood, God instructed that people could eat meat in addition to plants (Genesis 9:3).
The challenge today is that people live on the go. To compensate, companies have manufactured foods that can be heated quickly. We also have many sugary food options that give us pleasure. As we juggle the demands of life, incorporating nutritious food into our daily lives can be a struggle.
In the last few months, I have made a greater effort to add nutritious food to my diet. An app exclusively for women called Lively makes recommendations for what I should eat to maintain energy and balance hormones. I love this app because it tells me the benefits of each food or supplement and how I can easily incorporate it into my diet.
Ideas for Nutritious Combos
Now, I feel like I am playing a game to see how many nutritious foods I can combine into one meal or snack. Here are a few of my favorite combos so far.
- Yogurt Mania. Yogurt is a source of probiotics, calcium, and protein. I enjoy having yogurt for breakfast or a snack, and there are so many nutritious items to add in. First, I stir in a collagen powder supplement, which contributes to skin elasticity and joint health. Sometimes I add cinnamon powder for its anti-inflammatory properties. Then I sprinkle in chia seeds, a healthy fat that contains fiber. Next go berries that are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, such as frozen raspberries and chopped fresh strawberries. Then I top it off with pecans, another healthy fat that, according to Organic Facts, is the best source of plant-based protein.[3] Pecans contain magnesium, which is especially helpful to women.
- Salad Mash-Up. Salad is another dish that can be dressed up however you want. Add kale for antioxidants, fiber, and magnesium, as well as vitamins K, A, and C. Add other dark leafy greens for the vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties they contribute. I add a boiled egg for its protein and hormone-supporting properties. Then I tear a grilled chicken strip seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika into small pieces so that I get more protein. (You can also get a whole cooked chicken from Sam’s Club to shred for an easier source of protein.) Let’s add berries—I prefer fresh strawberries. And, once again, let’s throw in those pecans and other nuts. Oh, can you find or make a nut mix with cinnamon? There’s that anti-inflammatory property again. With everything else I add to my salad, I find I do not even need to add dressing.
- Secret Supplements. Both powdered supplements and fresh berries can be added to baked goods. I add collagen powder to waffles as well as soups and stews. But protein powder can also be sneaked into baked items. Although waffles are more of an indulgence, I enjoy making a batch of Belgium waffles with collagen powder added in, and I eat one-fourth of the waffle with a protein-filled breakfast. For topping, I make homemade strawberry syrup. The recipe I use from Love and Lemons calls for strawberries, maple syrup, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla—and leaves out Red Dye #40, which I am allergic to. And, three of the five ingredients have nutritious benefits.
God’s Amazing Design
The psalmist spoke the truth when he praised God, saying,
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” –Psalm 139:14 (KJV)
God created our bodies with great complexity, and He gives us a variety of ways to nourish them. What are your favorite ways to get needed nutrients? Are there foods that you like to combine for a meal or a snack? Let me know in the comments!
[1]. Harvard Health Publishing, “Nutrition,” 2023, https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/nutrition.
[2]. Harvard Health Publishing, “Nutrition,” 2023, https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/nutrition.
[3]. Meenakshi Nagdeve, “15 Surprising Benefits of Pecan Nutrition,” Organic Facts, 2024, https://www.organicfacts.net/pecans.html.
Copyright © 2025 by Carmen Dillon. All rights reserved.
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Check out more biblical insights and tips about homemaking in my book Opening the Hope Chest: A Single Girl’s Guide to Homemaking.
The rotisserie chicken at Wal-Mart or Sam’s is one of my favorites. So easy to tear apart, eat on the go, or save for recipes later. Great tips!