This week, we’re doing something a little different on the podcast: we’re talking about food and faith. The Bible has a lot to say about love, trust, wisdom, and following Jesus, but have you ever wondered what the Bible says about food and feeding our kids?   In this episode, I sat down with  Susan U. Neal, RN, MBA, MHS, an author, speaker, and certified health and wellness coach. Susan’s passion and mission are to improve the health of Americans. Her latest book, “Eat God’s Food: A Kid’s Guide to Healthy Eating” teaches kids about the differences between healthy and unhealthy foods, and helps them learn how to eat foods that are good and that God intended for us to eat. Susan talks about what the Bible says about food, and whether or not God cares about what we feed our kids. She also offers easy ways you can move away from processed foods and include more real food in your kids’ diet, how to get them excited about healthy eating, and how we can all stop striving for perfect meals. Welcome 1:48 Let’s talk about your story! 3:29 Food isn’t something Christians talk about so what does God say about our bodies, the food we eat, and our eating habits? 5:12 What do you think about some Christians who believe we shouldn’t eat meat? 7:27 What are your favorite Bible verses about food? 8:23 Does God care what we eat and feed our kids? 9:06 Why do you find that it’s hard for families to stick to eating more real, whole foods? 12:47 In the U.S., all we think about is food. I love Matthew 6:25. How can we use this guidance in our lives? 17:50 Church is one place where food can be a main focus: events, classes, and of course, the candy for kids after they recite a Bible verse. Thoughts? 20:19 Parents are stressed and turning to food. What does the Bible say about overeating, emotional eating, etc? 22:18 In your book, you talk about “God’s food?” What is it? 23:53 It’s completely impossible to avoid processed foods so how do you approach that?  24:23 What do you recommend for parents who are looking to move from mostly processed foods to real foods?  26:56 I love how you break the book down into questions: why did God plant a garden? and Why did He give you fruits, vegetables, seeds? How can we talk to our kids about these ideas? 28:40 Are there ways to glorify God with our food and meals?  LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Julie talks about "Made to Crave" by Lysa TerKeurst. Susan talks about her books, “Healthy Living Series: 3 Books in 1: 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates” and “Eat God's Food:  A Kid's Guide to Healthy Eating.” Learn more about Susan U. Neal on her website. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family.