When searching through the vast catalog of christian books available today, you will find thousands of titles. Most are dedicated to spiritual growth, daily devotionals, or theological studies. Yet, there is a glaring gap on the shelves. Very few christian books teach believers how to practically manage their physical bodies.
At As for Me and My Body, we believe taking care of your health is an act of worship. Through our foundational book and Community, we guide individuals to holistic health. True transformation happens when faith and fitness intersect.
If you are looking for christian books that finally bridge the gap between your spiritual life and physical wellness, you are in the right place. This guide will walk you through the core theology of a truly fit lifestyle.
The Theology of Physical Health
The world often approaches fitness with a mindset rooted in vanity or punishment. Scripture challenges us to dig much deeper. True health requires a paradigm shift. We must change how we view our bodies.
Your Body is a Temple
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, the Apostle Paul writes about the body. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… Therefore honor God with your bodies”.
This is a profound truth. Your physical body is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Neglecting our bodies means neglecting the temple God entrusted to us. Eating well and exercising are not burdensome tasks. They are joyful acts of stewardship. As Dr. Tony Evans powerfully noted, we must do what we do as a calling. This extends to how we serve the purposes of God with our health.
Renewing Your Mind
Romans 12:1-2 urges believers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice. We must be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”. Physical transformation always begins in the mind. Your mindset must be aligned with God’s truth. Otherwise, your physical habits will not be sustainable.
The 4 Pillars of Optimal Performance
Many popular health resources promote an “80% diet and 20% exercise” rule. Unlike other christian books, we completely disagree with this fragmented approach.
Through Candice’s foundational program, Candice McField University (CMU), we teach a holistic focus. Exercise, nutrition, rest, and genetics are all 100% necessary independently. The intersection of all four is the bullseye for unleashing your full potential.
Pillar 1: Exercise (Strength & Movement)
Movement is a gift, not a punishment. Incorporating regular strength training and cardiovascular movement honors your physical capabilities. You must keep your body guessing. Mix high-intensity and low-intensity workouts for the best results.
Pillar 2: Nutrition
Nutrition goes far beyond counting calories. It is about fueling the temple. You should eat clean, small meals every 2 to 4 hours. This establishes a healthy energy balance.
Breakfast sets the standard for your daily energy. It should provide 25% of your daily nutritional requirements. This balance is vital. Proteins and complex carbs present acid loads to the blood. You must balance these acids with alkaline-rich fruits and vegetables. This prevents the loss of bone strength.
Pillar 3: Rest
Rest is not a weakness. Sleep profoundly affects our quality of life. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep restores and rejuvenates your brain.
Rest also has a deeply spiritual component. God commands us to rest. A powerful practice to implement is the “5-Minute Pre-Prayer Ritual.” Take five minutes of absolute stillness to clear your thoughts. Listen to what God is telling you before you begin praying.
Pillar 4: Genetics
Understanding your unique genetic predispositions is key. It allows you to stop the harmful habit of comparison. You are not competing against anyone else. Focus purely on becoming the best version of the body God gave you.
Mastering Your Limiting Factors
Roadblocks will inevitably appear. As you explore Christian literature on personal growth, you will notice a common theme. In Romans 7:15, Paul admits his internal battle. “I want to do what is right, but I do not do it”. Many people experience this exact same struggle with diet and exercise.
Many christian books talk about overcoming sin, but we must also apply this to our daily wellness habits. You must understand the As for Me and My Body equation:
Outcome Goals – Limiting Factors + Behavior Goals = Arise! to a New You.
Outcome vs. Behavioral Goals
- Outcome Goals: These are the intended results you want to see (like losing 12 pounds). You cannot directly control an outcome goal.
- Limiting Factors: These are the hurdles holding you back. This could be an undisciplined sleep schedule or a pantry full of temptation.
- Behavioral Goals: These are the specific, daily action steps you can control.
To move beyond limiting factors, replace them with positive behavioral goals. For example, if your limiting factor is a lack of time, your behavioral goal is meal prepping on Sundays.
Relapse Prevention and the 90% Rule
One refreshing concept missing from modern christian books is the idea of relapse prevention. Fitness is a lifelong journey, not a perfection challenge. Lapses during training are completely normal. They should be viewed as opportunities for fine-tuning.
Setting Active Management Boundaries
To prevent a small lapse from turning into a relapse, set an “Active Management Boundary.” This acts as your body’s “check engine light.” If your goal weight is 130 pounds, set your boundary at 135 pounds. If the scale hits 135, that is your signal to tighten up your regimen.
The 90% Accuracy Rule
If you aim for 100% accuracy all the time, you will inevitably fail. Instead, we teach the 90% Accuracy Rule.
Spiritual Relapse Prevention
- If you eat 35 meals a week, 90% accuracy allows for 3 cheat items per week.
- If you sleep 49 hours a week, you have a grace period of missing 5 hours of sleep.
- If you work out 20 times a month, you can miss 2 workouts and still be successful.
Finally, preventing a spiritual relapse requires you to build memorials. Keep a spiritual journal. Write down your thoughts, prayers, and past victories. You can reflect on how God has always been present. This provides unshakeable faith to keep moving forward.
Take the Next Step in Your Journey
Reading christian books about wellness is a fantastic start. However, application is where true transformation happens. Are you ready to balance your physical, mental, spiritual, and career health?
Click here to take our free 5-Minute Wellness Scorecard today!
Looking for more accountability? Join the As for Me and My Body Community to start your Free Trial and journey alongside our expert Christian wellness coaches!