On Diet

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The Beauty of Abstinence and Moderation

My wife is now on a special diet for persons with severe renal disorder. She cannot eat certain foods. Her diet includes moderation on some kinds of foods. Her nutritionist instructed her to eat more rice or its carbohydrates equivalent. The irony is that some of the forbidden foods are her favorites such as grapes and some vegetables. To make things worse, she needs to take at least five cups of rice a day, although her normal intake is only three cups.

This is how I understand what her doctor told us about her condition. Severe renal disorder is a condition when a person’s kidneys do not function properly. Because the kidneys cannot process all the nutrients in the body, some nutrients turn into toxins, which will harm the body if not checked. To avoid this, diet is required. Foods rich in nutrients must be taken in moderation. Water intake must equal what her kidneys can process.

There is one outstanding lessons I learned from this situation.

Abstinence and moderation is also important in husband-and-wife relationship. There are times when couples must stop doing things that can harm their relationship. Infidelity, manipulation, unrealistic expectations, materialism and other such things must be avoided. Instead open communication, patience, understanding and love must be primary in the couple’s minds.

These things may give you great pleasure while you do them, but in the end, it will only destroy the good relationship both of you have started. Always think of how much you have invested in each other’s lives – moments, muscles, mind and money. Do not let those precious things go to waste in exchange of fleeting moment of pleasure.

There are also good things in our lives that need moderation. As much as possible, we must not bring home our work. When at home, try to give your family quality time, especially your spouse. Another thing that needs moderation is spending. Live within your means. Buy only what is essential, purchase non-essentials only when you have twice as much its price. Set aside 5% of your income for your savings. I suggest you go over this post on how to manage your finances.

My wife told me, “I feel stronger now.” And she is. Although there are things she cannot do yet, being under surgery barely two weeks ago, but I can see how she moves around and do things she cannot do before she was diagnosed with severe renal disorder.

 

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4-8)

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