Over the years I have learned a lot about the brain and the wonderful way God designed it. I have also learned a lot about our immune system and how it was designed, by the Ultimate designer, to repair itself- IF we would just treat it like the Temple it is.
I am not fearful of going home (that's Christianese for our real home, Heaven)- but while I am here I want to feel good. I want all His plans fulfilled for my life.
Sometimes we forget there is Joy in the land of the living(Psalms 56)!
I have a strong mom who has been healed from a high degree of hormonal cancer, survived a stroke and she has more energy now than I do! And just recently- my dad had some sort of mini stroke- and he is a very healthy guy! Both of my parents are in their early sixties (sixty just keeps getting younger- doesn't it?). I have high cholesterol and have since I was in my early twenties. So- I have an interest in this feeling good stuff .
God wants us to feel good too. Your body is His temple. He created you. He knit you together in your mother’s womb! He has mighty plans for you! I love the Lord's prayer. It is our ultimate example of prayer. Our Father... Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Ok- there is no sickness in Heaven.
My nickname back in NC is granola. I’m ok with that, although I certainly don't always munch on granola as evidenced in my earlier posts!
Here a few practical tips…
Stay hydrated with H2O. It’s a must for optimal brain functioning, your brain is about 78% water. Studies show that most folks who have a heart attack or stroke were dehydrated at the time of the incident. Dehydration is also a major problem in our schools.
Oxygenate your blood. Get up and move. Cancer is not suppose to grow when your blood is oxygenated. Think Lance Armstrong. Optimal brain functioning is also correlated with movement. Moving impacts mood, learning, attention etc... and I am feeling convicted because I don't move enough...really even with a 3 year old at 42, I need to be intentional about this one.
Eat Smart- ok you already know I have a weakness for sweets- but I am working on it. Get your colorful veggies, whole grains, omega 3’s(did you know kiwis are full of omega 3’s??).
More tips later... but for now, there are some truths about health that are far more important than any factoids.
All the granola in the world cannot give you His joy and healing...
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 1:2 This truth not only speaks of our health, but also examining our spiritual condition.
Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
What we speak and how we speak them over our situations and circumstances matters. We can't speak negativity into a situation and expect a positive outcome!
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward. Isaiah 58:8
The "then"part of that verse is God sharing that He wants our true worship... not religious legalism. A close examination of Isaiah 58 reveals that He wants us to get right with our brothers and sisters, share bread with those in need, cover those who are hungry... and then He shares the blessings that come from a life of worship. Worship isn't just what we do on Sunday- it is how we live every moment for Him.
So being a real health nut is about serving Him in our every moment with worshipful living.
I know what you are thinking, cause I am thinking it too- I'll never measure up. I can't always live a life of worship- life gets in the way, my flesh gets in the way.
You have a Helper who is continually transforming us into His image. Call to Him. Be real with Him. Spend time in His Word. He is attracted to your weakness and made strong!!!!! That is an awesome promise that I call on all the time!!!!!! You were not meant to do this life thing solo!!!!!
Here is a healthier option to our favorite taco fast food restaurant... NJ has a lot of GREAT Italian food- but so far haven't found a restaurant that serves up broccoli tacos (really I have never found a restaurant that serves a broccoli taco). I'll also share a link to a calorie/nutrition calculator if you are interested in that kind of thing! You would be amazed at how you can reduce the sodium and fat by just adjusting a few things...and by cooking at home!
Tortillas (makes about 12 )
Ingredients:
3 cups unbleached flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp butter (shocker, I know- but I really believe a little of the real thing is better than a lot of chemicals)
about 1 1/4 cups warm water
Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cut cold butter in with a fork, pastry cutter or just do it the old fashioned way and use your hands. Next, add warm water a little at a time until your dough is soft and not sticky. Knead the dough for a few minutes. Pull off pieces of dough and form into 12 dough balls. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes. You can also cover them and refrigerate. Heat a non stick pan or griddle. Set at medium to high heat. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin (fairly thin). Lay your tortilla on the hot griddle or skillet. It takes just a few seconds to cook. Flip to the other side. When they are done it should have lots of nice brown speckles. Stuff them with whatever you like- carrots, broccoli, almonds, low fat cheese, a little cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless. And this is a quick recipe!! In less than 20 minutes you can have dinner on the table! Yum!
Ingredients:
3 cups unbleached flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp butter (shocker, I know- but I really believe a little of the real thing is better than a lot of chemicals)
about 1 1/4 cups warm water
Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cut cold butter in with a fork, pastry cutter or just do it the old fashioned way and use your hands. Next, add warm water a little at a time until your dough is soft and not sticky. Knead the dough for a few minutes. Pull off pieces of dough and form into 12 dough balls. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes. You can also cover them and refrigerate. Heat a non stick pan or griddle. Set at medium to high heat. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin (fairly thin). Lay your tortilla on the hot griddle or skillet. It takes just a few seconds to cook. Flip to the other side. When they are done it should have lots of nice brown speckles. Stuff them with whatever you like- carrots, broccoli, almonds, low fat cheese, a little cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless. And this is a quick recipe!! In less than 20 minutes you can have dinner on the table! Yum!
