​Temperance

Why is self-control necessary? 

Well, because the world is FULL of unhealthy, unwholesome foods
and other things
that we could allow into our bodies!
We may allow harmful media/movies/music/food into our bodies and then try our level best to find health inside these containers we walk around in, but logic says to me that that simply won't work.

So yes, it can be difficult to check the ingredients on that store-bought loaf of bread and put it back on the shelf when you see all the harmful additives listed on the label.

But if you practice self-control in choosing with care what you allow into your body, I can assure you that you will reap the benefits. 

Always

No matter the situation, ALWAYS ask yourself if it will benefit you, or harm you.

Ask

Ask the questions: what is this really adding to my body & brain. 
Make a habit of reading labels (on physical & intellectual food). 

Check

Check with a health expert if you are unsure, but be sure to check everything they say by the real measure of truth:
​Isaiah 8:20

In a NEWSTART renovation of your health, your body and your ultimate happiness, there is much to be said for the discouragement we feel when we fail to keep it up. When we set goals to live a better, healthier life, and fail to stick to our new plans, we feel a weight of disappointment that makes it difficult to keep going. 

I am bias in this regard. I have personally lived a life-long failure of upholding the health principles I was brought up to respect and known to be true. When studying medicine and learning "science" that contradicted with what I know to be truth from Scriptures, I failed to exercise the self-control needed to live according to what I knew was right. 

I know no better way to encourage you than to suggest praying to God. You may not believe in Him. That I can understand. But I know He heard my prayers because without His help, our family would not have been transformed as it has been during the past year. In my own strength, I have never had the power to resist tempting and unhealthy treats, snacking or other habits I knew to be harmful. The only true change in our family, came from the deeper understanding that God is our Creator, that He knows what is best for our bodies and our health, and that He has promised to give us strength if we ask. "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

“God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. In all that He does he has the well-being of his (own) in view. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that he has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. No real (and lasting) joy can be found in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is best and who plans for the good of his creatures. The path of transgression is the path of misery and destruction.”
​--Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ--