Shamefully, I fall into that category. But, the funny part is you would never know it just by looking at me. I have always been naturally skinny. I remember in high school being asked if I had an eating disorder. “I am naturally skinny but I eat,” would always be my response.

The destruction of my body is due to my large sweet tooth. Anything that is baked and has sugar is my mortal enemy. I should be embarrassed to admit the amount of sugar I consume on a regular basis.

Even though I am extremely aware of my despicable eating habits and addiction to sugar, I can’t help but think God doesn’t want it to be this way.

As stated in the aforementioned Bible passage, we as human beings are supposed to treat our bodies as temples. As I think about my eating habits and lack of exercise, I feel as though I am disrespecting God in some way.

This is because, for some reason, I was put on this Earth. Whether it is to help the less fortunate or write my heart out, I do not yet know. But what I do know is this: I am repaying God in a very disrespectful way for letting me live on this Earth.

I am not treating my body as His temple because of lack of exercise and the unhealthy food I eat.

I believe it’s vital to treat our bodies the way God intended.

Not only is it because we are all created in His image, but also because we will feel better as individuals. We will feel better not only physically but also spiritually because, in a way, we are serving God by treating our bodies correctly. Taking care of my body brings me closer to God as it makes me feel less stressed, and so, I am able to open myself up to Him more.

We should not be stuffing our faces with high-calorie and high-sugar foods.

Instead, we should be eating natural foods such as fruits and vegetables (even if they do not taste as good as the sugary food). We should also replace our laziness with a burst of energy by exercising. Go for a walk, go swimming with friends or even take up Pilates. It does not matter as long as you are moving.

As we enter Lent, I want to take better care of myself not only for myself, but also for God. I want to become closer to Him spiritually and by taking better care of my body, I will do just that.

(Dziengo, 21, is a media studies and journalism student at the University of Guelph-Humber.)