The REAL Meaning of Self-Control (And How Diet Culture Gets It Wrong)

The REAL Meaning of Self-Control (And How Diet Culture Gets It Wrong)

Have you ever been told you “just need more self-control” to stick to your diet plan?
Maybe a trainer, a well-meaning friend, or even a voice in your own head told you that if you could just muster up enough willpower, you’d finally see the results you want.

Been there.
Heard that.

But here’s the thing:
That diet culture definition of self-control isn't only wrong—it’s robbing you of the freedom God actually wants for you.

Today, we’re diving into what the Bible really says about self-control (⚠️spoiler: It’s a lot more life-giving than you think), why diet culture has twisted the concept beyond recognition, and how to start living out self-control in a way that brings peace, joy, and freedom.

The Struggle Is Real: When “Self-Control” Feels Like Punishment

A while back, I had a client who was really struggling to stick to a low-carb meal plan her trainer had given her. She was convinced the problem was her lack of willpower:

“Brittany, I just need more self-control. Scripture says I need it. I should be able to do this if I pray harder.”

I gently reminded her of something that completely changed the way I view self-control:
It’s called the Fruit of the Spirit—not the fruit of me.

We can’t produce spiritual fruit on our own. We can’t just “work harder” to be more joyful, patient, or self-controlled. It’s the Holy Spirit who grows those fruits in us. Our role? Stay connected to the vine (John 15) so we’re positioned for growth.

When I said that, it was like a weight lifted off her shoulders. And friend, maybe you need that reminder too.

Why Christian Women Struggle to Reconcile Faith and Food Freedom

Here’s where things get messy:

Diet culture and biblical truth use the same words (“self-control”), but they mean completely different things.

• Diet culture says: “Control yourself with willpower, restriction, and punishment.”
  
  
• The Bible says: “Let the Spirit guide you in wise stewardship, grace-filled boundaries, and freedom.”
  
  

No wonder so many women feel confused, exhausted, and stuck in shame.

So, let’s clear it up once and for all.

What the Bible Actually Says About Self-Control

Self-Control in Scripture

Galatians 5:22–23 says:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

That means biblical self-control is:

• Spirit-empowered — not willpower-driven
  
  
• Freedom-giving — not restriction-heavy
  
  
• God-honoring — not body-obsessed
  
  

In 1 Corinthians 9:24–27, Paul talks about running the race with discipline, but the goal isn’t to punish the body—it’s to align with God’s ways and turn away from the “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19–21).

Think of God like a trusted hiking guide—He’s leading you on a safe path with the best views, not like a drill sergeant barking orders at you to keep moving faster.

How Diet Culture Gets Self-Control Completely Wrong

Diet culture’s “self-control” looks like:

• Endless food rules
  
  
• Labeling foods “good” or “bad”
  
  
• Punishing yourself for “slip-ups”
  
  
• Obsessing over the scale or body checking
  
  
• Living in constant guilt and shame
  
  

One client told me she’d “failed every diet” she’d ever tried.

My response?
You will never fail a diet.
The diet will always fail you.

Because diets are built on external control, not Spirit-led guidance. They lead to cycles of:

1. Restriction → 2. Inevitable “failure” → 3. Guilt and shame → 4. More restriction
   

…and repeat.

Meanwhile, your peace, joy, and body trust are nowhere to be found.

Applying Biblical Self-Control to Food and Recovery

Here’s the truth: chasing our own ever-changing desires might feel like freedom in the moment, but without biblical self-control, those desires end up controlling us.

1. Make Faith Your Guide (Not Feelings Alone)

Feelings matter—but they’re not always telling the truth.
Instead, pair your hunger/fullness cues with prayerful reflection:

“Lord, help me honor the body you’ve given me with kindness and wisdom today.”

2. Set Boundaries With Grace, Not Rigidity

Grace-filled boundaries protect your peace without chaining you to harsh rules.

Practical Challenge:

• Write down all your current “food rules” (ex: If I eat dessert, I have to run for 45 minutes.)
  
  
• List the self-imposed consequences tied to each rule
  
  
• Pick one rule at a time to break on purpose
  
  

Yep. Permission granted to go rogue.
Will it feel uncomfortable? Absolutely. But the more you do it, the more you’ll see that the “disaster” you feared either (1) never actually happens, or (2) is way less intense than you built it up in your mind.

3. See Health as Worship, Not Punishment

God made Adam’s body first, then breathed life into him (Genesis 2:7). Your body isn’t an afterthought—it’s a vessel for your calling.
Caring for it isn’t about “earning” worth—it’s about worship and gratitude.

The Gardener Analogy: Pruning for Growth

Think of your recovery like a tree in winter.
In my neighborhood, they cut our big Bradford pears down to bare branches every winter. They look dead. But come spring? They’re lush and gorgeous again.

Sometimes God’s pruning—removing unhealthy patterns, breaking old rules—feels uncomfortable (or downright scary). But it’s what prepares you for the season of flourishing He’s bringing next. 🌸

Recap: The Truth About Self-Control

• Biblical self-control = Spirit-empowered, grace-filled, freedom-giving
  
  
• Diet culture “self-control” = Willpower, punishment, shame
  
  
• True self-control transforms your approach to food, your body, and health—bringing peace, not bondage
  
  

Ready for More Peace and Less Pressure?

If you’re tired of trying to “white-knuckle” your way to health and you want to learn the real meaning of self-control in a supportive, Christ-centered space…

👉 Join my free Facebook community: Food Freedom & Body Image Support for Christian Women
community.brittanybraswellrd.com

You’ll get:

• Encouragement from over 550 women who get it
  
  
• Practical strategies for replacing harmful food rules
  
  
• Ongoing conversation about faith-filled food freedom
  
  

Want to Go Deeper?

Doors are open now for The Joy-Filled Eater LIVE, my group coaching program for Christian women ready to:

• Fully release guilt and fear around food
  
  
• Stop the endless cycle of diet-start-diet-fail
  
  
• Heal body image struggles at the root
  
  

That’s a wrap, friend!
Until next time, keep chasing joy and choosing freedom. 💛

Cheering you on as always,
Brittany Braswell, MS, RDN, LD
Registered Dietitian & Christian Food Freedom Coach