For years churches have taught programs that advocate healthy lifestyles.  Most have failed because they emphasize the spiritual aspect of health with little, if any, focus on the physical and emotional aspect.  Countless people participate in these programs with hope that if they ‘get it right spiritually’ success will inevitably follow.   Although we share the belief that God should be first in the life of every believer, that is only the beginning. If someone is malnourished and tries to rely only on will power they will end up frustrated.  The believer is doomed to fail when the mental and physical fight becomes a spiritual breakdown.   Without an understanding of how our physical body works this is going to be a never-ending cycle of frustration. 

The Bible tells us to “work out our faith.”  We do that by understanding what the Word says and how to apply it.   Romans 12:2 tells us to "not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."