What Does “Food for the Soul” Mean?

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Uncover the spiritual and religious context of this popular expression
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While a balanced diet and lifestyle can help your body stay healthy, what’s keeping your soul healthy? “Food for the soul” is an expression most commonly used to describe things that make you happy and comfortable—it’s how you fill your cup! In this article, we’ll explain how “food for the soul” can be used in different contexts. Plus, we’ve even thrown in a few tips and tricks on how to feed your soul and live a fulfilling life.

Things You Should Know

  • “Food for the soul” is typically used to describe activities and things that make you feel fulfilled and satisfied.
  • In Christianity, “food for the soul” is the Lord’s word, and by following His guidance, you can live a fulfilling life.
  • “Food for the soul” can also refer to “soul food” or Southern cuisine, such as fried chicken and sweet potato pie.
Section 1 of 3:

“Food for the Soul” Meaning

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  1. Close your eyes and think about what makes your life worth living—these things are your soul food! “Soul food” or “food for the soul” are the activities or things that make you feel happy, comfortable, and uplifted. They can be people, practices, or actual food—there are no limits.
    • For instance, let’s say you’re a soccer player. When you close your eyes, you may think of scoring that winning goal or hanging out with your teammates. These are your soul foods.
    • Similarly, “food for the soul," or "soul food," can also refer to Southern African-American cuisine, such as fried chicken, fried fish, sweet potato pie, and black-eyed peas. [1] These foods warm your belly and your heart, helping you feel comforted and loved.
  2. Christians believe that spending time with the Lord can fuel your heart and soul, leading you to live a fulfilling and happy life. By reading the Bible, praying, attending church, and following the Lord’s commands, you’re filling your cup and satisfying your soul.
    • As Isaiah records God saying, “Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live” (Isaiah 55:2-3). [2]
    • Similarly, Jeremiah states, “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty” (Jeremiah 15:16). [3]
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Section 2 of 3:

How can you feed your soul?

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  1. Fill your cup every day by surrounding yourself with people you trust. [4] A good support system can make a world of difference for your mental health, helping you feel loved, supported, and appreciated. [5]
    • Find like-minded people and make friends in your community by joining clubs that pique your interest or asking a classmate or colleague for help.
  2. Thanks to heart-pumping endorphins, exercise can be an instant mood booster! [6] You don’t need to do any hard lifting to feed your soul; simply move your body in a way that feels good. If you’re not sure what to do, try these fun methods of movement:
    • Put on a rocking playlist and dance.
    • Go for a walk with your dog.
    • Follow an at-home yoga video online.
    • Go to the gym and try a new piece of equipment.
    • Swim laps around the pool on a hot day.
  3. Take a quiet moment each day to reflect. Meditation , prayer , and being outdoors are great ways to feed your soul because they help energize your spirit and reduce stress. [7] Whether you're religious or spiritual, a short moment to connect with what matters most can help you feel happy and at one with yourself.
    • If you’re a Christian, take this time to talk to God or read the Bible. Say a prayer for a loved one, or ask Him for guidance.
    • If you’re not religious, use this time to focus on your breathing and let your thoughts come and go. Take a mindful walk through the woods or sit down with an inspirational book.
  4. At the end of the day, the best way to feed your soul is to do what you love . Focus on doing something you love every day to feel fulfilled and satisfied, as this can help uplift you personally and professionally. [8]
    • For instance, try to find a career path or job that involves doing what you love. If you have a passion for helping others, work towards becoming a nurse, doctor, or social worker.
    • Personally, doing what you love might involve reading a chapter of a book, playing fetch with your dog, or listening to your favorite song. [9]
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Section 3 of 3:

What food is good for the soul?

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  1. The best foods for your soul aren’t actually foods at all; they’re states of mind. It’s just as important to nourish your soul as it is to nourish your body. You eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables and avoid processed foods to keep yourself physically fit, and the same can be said to keeping your soul in check. Take a look at the list below to learn what “foods” are healthy and unhealthy for your soul: [10]
    • Healthy foods for the soul:
      • Gratitude
      • Appreciation
      • Self-love
      • Laughter
      • Mindfulness
    • Unhealthy foods for the soul:
      • Self-doubt
      • Judgment
      • Fear
      • Anger
      • Hatred

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.delish.com/food-news/a26356466/what-is-soul-food/
      2. ↑ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2055%3A2-3&version=NIV
      3. ↑ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2015%3A16&version=NIV
      4. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_be_happier_in_the_four_realms_of_life
      5. ↑ https://www.ultimatemedical.edu/blog/importance-strong-support-system/
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
      7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858
      8. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/how-to-be-happier/
      9. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_be_happier_in_the_four_realms_of_life
      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-heart/201304/foods-the-soul

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