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The little dose of spring we just had last week really gave me spring fever. For a while now I’ve been grooming my winter hibernation coat with many pastries and sweets. But after a few days of sun and warm temps I feel the urge to get the snacking under control. It reminds me of a recent decision to make “healthy choices” that drove home a spiritual application in my life.
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PINIMAGENot long ago I was standing in the baking isle at WalMart studying sweeteners. The deal is I love sugar but I don’t love all the negative ways sugar affects me. Yes, pounds are one thing but, the older I get, I also see other symptoms of too much sugar – sluggishness, intense cravings, depressed mood, foggy brain. I could go on. But I’ve realized large doses of processed sugar are just not worth it to me.
While I stood there looking I noticed an attractively packaged bottle of Blue Agave. I had never tried it but the packaging was so appealing. And the name…Organic Amber Raw Blue Agave. Doesn’t that just ring with healthy?? Being a graphic-designer, sometimes I’m sold by the packaging.
I was sold by the packaging.
Most sugar substitutes have their shortcomings: bad after-taste, chemical derivatives, and health risks. But this was USDA ORGANIC! It said it was low-glycemic. AND it was non-gmo verified. Whatever that means. (Okay, I know -genetically modified organisms). Not to mention it was in the healthy sugar alternative section of the store. So it MUST be healthy! I dropped it in my cart and went on my way. After a few weeks of enjoying this sweet elixir in my coffee I brought it up to friend who knows a great deal about nutrition.
“Hey, Guess what!? I have found the best sugar substitute! AGAVE!”
Her face said it all. I saw a mix of concern and empathy.
She said, “Agave is high in fructose. It’s not good for you.”
“What?! But it’s in the healthy sugar alternative section! Even its packaging looks healthy and inviting!”
She encouraged me to do some research. In no time at all the bottle ended up in the garbage.
I read excerpts like this from scientific studies:
Agave is actually manufactured using a highly processed procedure that basically strips the naturally occurring agave juice (referred to as piña) of all nutritional value. Shockingly, the end product contains more fructose than HFCS, which makes it extremely dangerous to consume!
And I found more information here:
It was unsettling to think now that I learned this truth, that the product was not pulled from the Walmart shelves! I thought to myself, “WalMart deserves to know!” But then I got to thinking, wouldn’t they have to toss a whole lot of foods if they began to base the sale of these items by their contribution to our health? Twinkies? Doritos? Gummy…anything? Hot pockets? You know I could go on for hours. So I decided to forgo the letter.
Why was I more bent out of shape about this product than all the others I already knew weren’t healthy to consume? I guess it was the fact that it touted being a solution to our sugar problem, claiming it was the “healthy alternative”. You are never going to see the slogan on the side of a Twinkies box “Twinkies…for your health.”
I stewed over this for several days. And then, not long ago I drove to our local farm market, Willies. It’s more expensive than WalMart but there are many health foods available and fresh organic produce. Not only that, they offer supplements and jams and pickled things. There’s a gift shop at one end and a garden center in the back. I love Willies. I feel healthier just by walking the isles there. Sometimes I just study the supplements and google what they’re for. In other words, I take my time when I visit. But just a few days ago as I strolled to the end of an isle, I turned to see a whole end-cap devoted to the agave brand that I had just tossed in my garbage can.
My mind screamed, “Oh, No! Not Willies!” Willies is where you go when you want to have healthy alternatives. Why would they sell agave?
First I want to say, Willies is a store and I will still do some shopping there. They are not responsible for my health choices. I am. But what I realize is that I MUST BE INFORMED. I must learn the truth about what’s a good healthy choice and what is not. Even a place that sells “good stuff” is not responsible for my health!
I share that whole drawn out story to make a spiritual application.
Those who profess to follow Christ can be duped by shiny, attractive packaging. We can base our beliefs and our choices on what “looks good to me”. If we don’t seek the truth in all things we can actually be hurting ourselves. Even having a favorite healthy food store cannot give you the guarantee there will be no “bad products”. It’s the same with the church you attend where you seek spiritual nourishment. That’s why I know it’s the prayer at our church that people are continually pointed to God’s Word which is the truth to live by.
We will find life and health in the truth of God’s Word.
Consider these verses from Psalm 119
1 Joyful are people of integrity (truth),
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
4 You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!
9 How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.
35 Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found. (emphasis mine)
Can you believe that even after I read the articles and researched about agave, I struggled to throw the bottle away? I did. I thought, Well, who makes them the authority. Maybe the COUNTLESS articles are wrong.
I mean, how could it be so bad?
I felt fine.
I loved the taste.
It was packaged so lovely.
Even the description on the bottle told me how wonderful it would be for me. (Here’s the words taken from the bottle.)
Agave is an all-natural sugar replacement made from the juice of the agave plant. It’s a simple plant-based food that is a healthy alternative to processed sugar and artificial sweeteners. Just pure deliciousness. Certified organic by: Colorado Dept. of agriculture.madhavasweeteners.com.
Madhava Organic Amber Raw Blue Agave:
Non GMO project.
nongmoproject.org.
USDA organic.
Just pure deliciousness.
Not only that…A local farm market known for their organic produce and health supplements carries it. So it must be good right?
I had to make a choice. Would I listen to the truth or not?
I threw it away.
Do you see where I’m going here? Friends, we can’t live our lives uninformed or misinformed. We can’t base our decisions on shiny packaging or even church gatherings with all the bells and whistles. Instead, we must understand we were created in the image of God. He designed us and knows what’s best for us. More than that, we just happen to be blessed by our Creator to have access to His Words to us in the Bible. He shows us how to live. His words are tried and true!
You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. John 8:32
So friend, consider this silly example about agave. What will you do when you are confronted with truth? Perhaps you’ve succumbed to the enticements of the enemy. Will you continue down the same road? If so, you may be in danger and not even know it. I’m thankful for the friend that told me to research and find the truth about agave. I tell you to do the same today. Find instruction in God’s Word – our blueprint for life. THAT is truth you can count on!
Proverbs 4:13 says, Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.
One last note, I now have an Email address tammy@tammyontuesday.com. Please feel free to Email me if you want to learn more or if you have questions about how you can know God through a personal relationship with Christ.
