God’s Amazing pH Design!

Ever wonder how intricately God created us? Consider the pH scale. Okay, I can hear you grumbling now . . .  Great! Back to school. I promise I’ll make it understandable.

Visualize a vertical line numbered from 1-14.

 

Water is right smack in the middle, considered neutral at 7.0. Anything above 7.0 is an alkaline item and anything below is acidic. Stomach acid is between 2.0 – 3.0. It must be that acidic in order to aid digestion processeses.

Balance is the key! Keeping your pH between 7.3 – 7.45 is considered ideal. Remember your body is 55-70% water and the pH of water is neutral at 7.0. Alkaline foods consist primarily of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Exactly how God intended us to originally eat.

Meats, dairy, sugary items, caffeine, sodas, alcohol and foods which have preservatives or been processed are acidic products.

Now you’re telling me, “But that’s how my family eats!”  Bingo, that’s the stereotypical American diet and we consume too many acidic foods today!  Asian countries do not eat this way.  Their daily diet consists of vegetables, rice and very little meat. Asian countries also have less cancer. At least that held true until the fast food industry arrived and with it, the inconvenient truth of additional weight gain and additional health challenges.

An alkaline diet is primarily vegetarian. If you consume five times more fruits, vegetables and whole grains than meat, (approximately 6 ounces daily) you are giving nutrient-dense options a fighting chance to keep you healthy.

Nearly all who suffer from disease are acidic. The simple act of living causes natural stress. Stress creates an acidic environment. When you are ill or under stress, your body is forced to borrow minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium from your bones or vital organs to neutralize the acid and remove it safely from your system.

These same minerals regulate your heart function! Prolonged stress can cause acute diseases, so take steps to relax: music, massage, Bible meditation.

Although the verdict’s still out on whether an alkaline diet prevents cancer, it does make biological sense. By consuming water and eating fruits and vegetables, the body maintains a healthier pH and therefore in most cases people fight off chronic diseases and cancers.

I highly endorse lemon juice, distilled water and apple cider vinegar.

I know what you’re thinking . . . “but lemon is so sour, how can it not be acidic?” True – lemons, limes, grapefruit begin as an acidic element but transform into an alkaline product as it metabolizes.  Isn’t God amazing?!  And some think this just “happened by chance.”

The principle to remember is to eat balanced meals.  A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains and plenty of water will strengthen your immune system.  Too many processed foods, caffeine, dairy, white sugar, meats and white flour products will destroy our godly temple. Change your family’s diet and leave a legacy of health to future generations.

If you don’t believe me, perhpas you’ll trust the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who proclaim drinking lemon water reduces one’s appetite.

Here’s Why It Works:

When your body’s pH is alkaline, it’s not as hungry! Again. lemon converts into an alkaline food.

Important: Soft drinks and any artificial sweeteners, create an acidic environment. Is it worth the risk?  And now you’re hungrier because insulin levels rise because your body is expecting additional food. This defeats the purpose of sugar-free chemicals, doesn’t it?

What an awesome bodily machine God created.  And some believe these intricacies evolved by chance!

“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever”  (Psalm 73:26)

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Choose To Be Mentally Ready For A Healthier Year!

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

One’s Mental Connection to Success:

It’s that time of year when many follow crazy diet plans to lose those pounds which piled on over the holidays. I urge you to use common sense.

How many of you after reading this, would sign up for the following weight loss program if it clearly stated the following:

Volunteers needed to test a new diet program.
Some foods are toxic and will cause paralysis and blindness.

Hopefully none of you, right? Clearly this diet plan states that attempting this eating program WILL cause blindness and paralysis for attempting it. That’s crazy!

However, years ago, Rachel Ray, the American television personality, businesswoman, celebrity chef and author, conducted an experiment on her syndicated talk and lifestyle program, soliciting volunteers to sign up for this particular weight loss plan. Over 1,400 desperate, hopeful people signed up!! Unbelievable! Some people would literally self-destruct for a perceived world-view body image.

You might regard Rachel Ray’s false diet approach as an over-the-top, ridiculous example of a weight loss program, but reflect upon your own diet choices in the past. Are you one of those who tried six different plans and are still searching for the right one? How many have you tried a liquid diet, pills, Atkins Diet, Cabbage Soup Diet, cottage cheese diet, grapefruit diet, cookie diet, no-carbs, no-fat, it goes on and on and on . . . granted, there is no “one size fits all” diet program, everyone’s physiology and chemical makeup is different, but let’s use some physiological sense.

We live in an instant gratification society. Most want a quick fix to lose ten pounds in a week. Many try fad diets and actually lose five to seven pounds the first week. But it won’t be 10 pounds of fat but rather water, muscle and brain they are losing. It is physically impossible to lose 10 pounds of fat per week! You can even starve yourself and not lose 10 pounds of fat! I’ll address that fallacy soon. Please don’t fall for gimmicks or only your wallet will be lighter.

Fad diets might seem tempting, but as we will learn, this is not how God originally designed us to live. We are to cherish our bodies for we were created by God with love and designed for a special purpose. Quit desperately seeking over-promised, under-delivered fad diet plans. Be mentally ready to reject impulsive, self-destructive diets.

It is not easy to conquer physical, emotional and physiological challenges alone. Remember you are never alone! Your partner is God. Let Him be your ultimate Champion!

In today’s society, everyone longs to look like Kim Kardashian or Brad Pitt. People are so desperate to lose a few pounds that they will even risk their health with dangerous diet plans or pills to do so, as we discovered by Rachel Ray’s false diet offer.

To some the adoration and applause of man is worth more in their eyes than the approval of God. Why would anyone want to destroy their eternal godly temple for a plate of earthly pleasure today?

Your goal is life-long healthy living. Please do not become Essau who thought so little of his birthright that he sold it for a bowl of pottage. (Genesis 25: 2)

Excerpt from my book, “Life’s Too Short to Eat Bad Cheese” (Nutritional and Life Lessons God Teaches Us) available from amazon.com Life’s Too Short to Eat Bad Cheese!: (Nutritional and Life Lessons God Teaches Us) – Kindle edition by Marrandette, Ellie. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Living Sanely in a Topsy-Turvey World

What a topsy-turvey world we’re living in – Lord, please come soon! Right is wrong and worshipping rebellion is king. If Christians defend Truth, professing “wait that’s against God’s Word!” we are vilified. Therefore the majority remain silent and fearful. Isn’t silence compliance? We allow that unknowing frog in the frying pan to get cooked without even realizing the frog is us.

“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)

Even if I knew I could riot and break into an establishment, snatch money, merchandise, destroying and taking someone livelihood and get away with it, I wouldn’t! Have you noticed some condone this? People resort to crime and the police are supposed to be the bad guys? All of them??? (Isn’t that the definition of prejudice which the lawbreakers profess to hate?)

I don’t care what someone looks like – if they smile, are kind, courteous, I immediately want to be friends. If they are cruel, cantankerous, complaining, I avoid them. Choose your company wisely.

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

May I ask you something? Do you like what you see around you? No? Then make changes, starting with the one in the mirror. Are you someone you’d like to be friends with? Do you exemplify a kind nature? Begin with one kindness a day and become the compassionate, decent human being God wants you to be!

Start allowing God control over your life. A happy person is a healthy person in mind, body and spirit.

Face it – it’s been a challenging year. Isolation has led to depression which has led to consuming comfort foods for energy and to mask loneliness, boredom and pain. It takes a lot of discipline to resist sugary treats which both energizes a boring, stay-at-home existence and calms the restless soul.

Now you’ve added at least ten pounds to your girth and you’re blaming the government and God for that too. Did it not occur to you that one can exercise inside the home, read a book, sew, paint, clean or write instead? It’s your choice. (I’ve used this time to complete one of my sequels and have 60,000 plus words on the next one.)

Even if I knew I could consume restaurant food every night, I wouldn’t do it. First I enjoy creating meals with my own hands. Secondly, I crave a healthy lifestyle for my husband and myself more than food.

As a nutritionist, I’ve seen what happens when people constantly eat unhealthy foods. Fatty foods simply make us sluggish. It takes longer (5-7 hours) to burn fat for energy. Unhealthy food creates an acidic pH which leads to heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, cancers and other illnesses. Is that your goal? “It’s my life, I’ll do what I want!” Okay . . . then own it. It’s your choice. Personally, I love God more than McBurgers and French fries. Don’t make food your idol.

Make healthy eating compliance easy. Anything is fine in moderation but primarily eat for nutrients!!! Fast food has very few nutrients but is awash in calories. Listen to your body and strive for a life filled with vitality, contentment and mental perceptiveness. A happy person doesn’t destroy other people’s property nor themselves!!!

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11)

Changing Your Diet Philosophy Forever

We are all on “diets.”  A diet only means what someone consumes each day, every day. A true diet plan is a lifelong one, something practical, restoring energy, metabolizing nutrients and one a person can realistically stay on. If not, they are only setting themselves up for yo-yo dieting. Ask yourself before you begin, “Is this how I can eat forever?” God gave us a bounty of nutrients and each has a purpose. Enjoy them all!

Whenever I hear of some diet guru claiming they’ve found the latest fad diet or pill, I shudder. Today, everyone is searching for an instant fix. I heard a great quip years ago which stated, only today’s generation will stand in front of a microwave and be angry it’s not quick enough! Everyone wants instant gratification!

There are so many qualified Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists in today’s world. Creating menus and assisting patients with overcoming their illnesses was challenging. I too, wanted to challenge and motivate others to be successful in their healthy aspirations, but I felt there was a step missing. The root cause in their self-destructing nature. Awareness is always the first step in recovery.

So I became a Nutritional Counselor. What I enjoy most about being a counselor is seeing the “lightbulb” come on when patients figured out for themselves, why they ate as they did. Until one recognizes why he/she acts in a particular way, they won’t change. They are only masking the problem. Therefore, change begins at the source.

Trusting in God’s guidance and my degree in counseling, I continued to study physiology, anatomy, biology as well as countless books on nutritional basics while working for family physicians to create my diet philosophy. I would never be so arrogant as to say I know all the answers. No one will really know until we are in front of God, our true Creator, and can ask Him.

Nutrition is a never-ending research project! But man’s truth has shifted with the wind – God’s Truth stands fast! A potato was as acceptable in the Garden of Eden as it is now. (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Scripture has the answers. It contains Absolute Truths. They cannot be dismissed, even in advanced physiology. There’s a wonderful Chinese saying that states, “Even if 5,000 men are wrong, they are still wrong.”

I believe in Absolute Truth. God declared “It is Good” when He completed Creation. That meant fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and herbs were ALL under that umbrella, (Genesis 1:29, Genesis 9:3) debunking the Paleo, Keto, Atkins and various other restrictive diets (unless you have an illness or allergy preventing certain foods of course. Common sense prevails.)

Always go back to God’s basics. ” We are fearfully and wonderfully made . . .” (Psalm 139:14.) There’s a reason we need nutrient variation.

No matter how many times someone tries to create their own fad diet plan, it’s still a fad and the wrong way to lose weight forever. Just look at all the diets which have come and gone through the decades: grapefruit, cottage cheese, cabbage soup, Scarsdale, Atkins, cookie (no really, a cookie diet – that really educates the person doesn’t it.) liquid diets, and on and on.

Yet the nutritionally-based Mediterranean diet prevails as does the Volumetrics and DASH diets. I also like the NOON diet plan which also educates and stresses getting to the source.

So ask away, submit your question below, and in time I hope this blog will truly inspire you to become your own New Creation!

*** The above post is based on My Diet Philosophy which is posted on my main page.

Dr. Oz Says “Skip Breakfast!” Should We?

In a video-taped interview this week with Fox News, Dr. Oz admits that doctors don’t learn much about nutrition in med school. I wondered then, how did he discover this remarkable “new” idea of skipping breakfast? He learned this dietary concept through Hugh Jackman. A terrific, talented and one of my favorite actors, but hardly an expert on physiological nutrition.

Dr. Oz went on to claim the average person eats continually over a 17 hour day. Very few healthy people I know eat “continuously.” If consuming potato chips at 11pm is a habit, then we have a counseling problem.

I do agree that eating before bedtime is not beneficial to sleep. Sleep releases beneficial growth hormones – lack of it leads to mental deterioration, internal stress and illness.

“I think for 2020, the first thing I’m going to do is ban breakfast,” the celebrity doctor recently told TMZ. “I don’t think we need to eat breakfast. That’s an advertising ploy.”

Well that settles it doesn’t it? If that bastion of newsworthy journalism, TMZ broadcasts it – then it must be true.

Dr. Oz goes on: “Unfortunately, a lot of the dogma that we were fed for decades came out of advertisements. It wasn’t really based on the truth around our health.”

Well that’s true – advertisements are meant to manipulate the public into purchasing their product; but let’s break his statement down.

Never did the doctor clarify what a healthy versus unhealthy breakfast is. Eggs contain countless nutrients which I’ve written about, whole wheat French toast is better than white. There’s a huge distinction between sugary Honey Smacks with a quarter teaspoon of fiber and 5 teaspoons of sugar and Shredded Wheat with a quarter teaspoon of sugar and two teaspoons of fiber. Add a banana, berries and cinnamon for nutritious fructose and added fiber because fiber also allows the body to rid itself of toxins through bowel movements.

Thankfully Mark Wahlberg (who wakes up at 2:30am and eats breakfast at 3:15) and Dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick, the manager of wellness nutrition services at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute respectfully disagreed with Dr. Oz’s finding.

In response, Dr. Oz shot Mark down, “Well, powerful medical literature and lots of athletes support me and show that intermittent fasting flips the switch so it bolsters your physical and your mental performance.”

Great, I can recruit just as many athletic directors and dietitians who would declare the opposite. But the response of “Oh yeah, did not,” “Did too,” is kind of childish isn’t it? Even if 5,000 men are wrong, they’re still wrong! (old Chinese saying.)

We are all uniquely created. I don’t eat breakfast immediately either – I like to be awake. I don’t measure portion sizes anymore – after measuring several times, usually you’ll know how much is normal.

I DO eat for nutrients. My morning begins around 7am with two cups of coffee, creamer, cinnamon and turmeric, an hour later, ¾ cup of quality yogurt, walnuts, berries and milled flaxseed. About 1/2 to 1 hour later, whole grain cereal and a half banana. At lunch I’ll have variety: a small salad, a half sandwich or planned-overs from the night before. Dinner consists of 3-4 ounces of meat with 5xs more veggies. A small dessert is eaten about 2 hours later. Sometimes in the afternoon I’ll eat a square of dark chocolate.

For my dietary advice I will go to The Great Physician. He lovingly created us individually according to Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1:5. In Exodus 16:21, God ordered the Israelites to gather manna every morning. Even God believed in breakfast! I’ll cast my lot with my LORD. I believe God’s smarter than any man.

So Today’s the Day? Start with a Basic Overview

“This is the day,” you vow.  You and millions of your closest friends pledge to lose those pesky pounds you’ve gained over the holidays, January 2nd. Good for you.

Here’s my first advice:   Don’t Stress About It!!! Anything’s fine in moderation.

Start with the basics. When a the golf pro begins golf lessons he always starts with the basics: grip, aim, stance, etc. It’s the same with a health quest: start with the basics.

Begin with realistic, smaller goals. Don’t attempt everything at once – it’s too overwhelming. You’ll get frustrated and quit. Start small:

1. Consider why you want to change. If you’re not ready you’re simply spinning your wheels. Start when you’re determined.
2. Recognize what you’re eating now, is it primarily processed foods or whole foods? Whole foods should be one of your first goals.
3.  How much stress is in your life?  Stress changes chemistry into a acidic pH which creates hunger pangs and worse, illness. Practice relaxation techniques, soft music, massages, aroma therapy . . .
4. Do you eat too quickly? Why? Do you lead a hectic life? Put that fork down in between bites and savor your food. Chewing releases enzymes.
5.  How much exercise do you incorporate into your daily routine? Find something you enjoy; walking, gardening, pickleball, dancing . . . exercise should be play. You know: fun! It was when we were kids, why not now?
6.  Are you skipping an entire food group because of crazy diet fallacies? Contrary to popular belief there are only three food groups: carbohydrates, proteins and fats. (water, mineral, vitamins are included in those basic food groups already.)

Target one unhealthy habit a week. I know, I know, we live in an instant gratification society and everyone wants instant weight loss. Quick weight loss doesn’t stay off. Physiologically, your body will rebel and hold on to calories to “protect you.”

There’s a cute saying I heard years ago which professed: Today’s generation is the only one who can stand in front of a microwave and complain it’s not fast enough!

Slow down!!! Trying to accomplish too much only leads to frustration. But surely you can overcome ONE habit and then go on to the next, right?

Conquering a bad habit by replacing it with a good one builds discipline and self-esteem.

Let’s say you want to eat healthier. Start out small – by adding more vegetables and different whole foods and less processed foods into the daily mix. Search for interesting recipes which are simple to make and chocked full of nutrients. Eat for nutrients!

“But carbs are fattening!” You declare.  Not if  you eat fruits, veggies and whole grains. In fact that’s where we get most of our B vitamins. A whole grain means corn, sweet potato, flaxseed, beans, quinoa, couscous, oatmeal, whole wheat or whole grain pasta to name a few.

Please distinguish the simple versus complex carb difference. Whole grains are packed with B vitamins. Riboflavin, Thiamine, Niacin and the various other B’s convert fats, protein and carbohydrates into energy. If you fail to eat complex carbs how are you going to absorb B vitamins? Become cognizant of what you eat.

Are you planning to weigh yourself daily? Some dieters swear by it; but I wouldn’t recommend it. A pint = a pound and sodium holds water weight. Rather weigh yourself once weekly at the same time. In the meantime, how do your clothes fit? Take a photo and compare your facial characteristics a month later. You’ll probably notice a thinner face. That’s true, noticeable progress.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Colossians 3:23)

This has only been an overview. In the next few weeks we’ll dig more deeply into our mental, physiological and spiritual relationship to food.

What are You waiting For? Get Healthy Now!

We’re approaching that time of year again when approximately 45% of people resolve to go on a diet and 70% resolve to become healthier. They check out diet program after diet program, read countless magazine articles professing a secret formula, spend a fortune on boxed food and profess, “The eighteenth time is the charm! This time it will happen! This year, I’m resolved!”

That resolve usually lasts 2-3 weeks. But hope springs eternal – Your friend said she lost 20 pounds in a week on yet another diet and surely if she did, so will you!!! Nope.

Why don’t these programs work? Because each of us have different physiology, personalities, stress levels, metabolism, employment, family responsibilities, etcetera,  etcetera . . . Next, even if you eliminate 3500 calories, the amount needed to lose a pound each day, for a week, you’d only lose seven pounds.

Face it, everyone knows how to lose weight. Eat less, exercise more. Drink water, exercise, slow down and consume smaller portions. Easy peasy, everyone says – until everyone fails. Then everyone believes they have no willpower, they give up and pompously declare, “Well, this is how God made me, therefore, “so be it.”

Wrong! God wants you healthy whether you’re a size twelve or two. Health is more important than weight loss.  True health incorporates energy level, how your clothes fit, emotional wellness, whether you are mentally alert or “fuzz-brained.”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve overheard someone speak about their current diet announcing proudly, “I’m cutting out all carbs!” while the companion nods his head in agreement.  AAARGGHH! (If you don’t consume wholesome carbohydrates, your brain doesn’t get energized daily. Our brain feeds on glucose, a carbohydrate!)

It gets discouraging when few listen to the nutritionist who has kept her weight off for thirty years but they follow false diet gurus. Now I don’t expect you to be a size two, but I do practice what I preach and enjoy a vibrant and energetic lifestyle – I only want you to also.

What I follow is a diet plan based on Genesis 1:29 and Genesis 9:3. Anything is fine in moderation. Very similar to the Mediterranean, DASH or Volumetrics diet plan. Over the next few weeks I’ll offer the “why” and provide practical applications.

For now: Consume five times more veggies and fruit than meat on your plate. Eat healthy omega 3 fats and wholesome whole grains. In leu of processed foods, choose fibrous foods. Next exercise, relax and don’t sweat the small stuff.

No one gets healthier unless they are mentally, physically or spiritually ready to. It’s the main reason I started this blog and wrote, Life’s Too Short to Eat Bad Cheese (Nutritional and Life Lessons God Teaches Us) available on amazon.com.

Everyone starts out with good intentions. No one starts out wanting to fail; it’s humiliating!  But people self-destruct for different reasons;  could be educational fallacies, while other times psychological. Do you realize that sometimes when you reach for a cookie, it’s not a cookie that you desire but the warmth and security of family memories?

Having a goal to become healthier is more important than weight loss. Building muscle creates the physiological furnace that burns fat. Get moving! Exercise releases feel-good endorphins; so find some form of exercise you enjoy! Walking, gardening, dancing, biking . . . Being out in the fresh air contributes to an extra endorphin bonus.

Over the next several weeks, I’ll provide practical information so you won’t “spin your wheels” on another useless diet program. Get Healthy Now!

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

 

News Flash??????? Red Meat’s Now Okay!

Oh gracious, stop the Presses; there’s been a remarkable News Flash proclaiming: “Red Meat is NOW acceptable to eat!”

Well, when wasn’t it? Oh right, about thirty years ago when scientific studies came out claiming it caused horrific artery blockage, while little nutritionist me, was scoffed by declaring, “it’s fine in moderation.”

“He feeds on ashes; a deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” (Isaiah 44:14–20)

This recent study didn’t go into detail as to how much red meat one should reasonably consume. Nor did I see where it even distinguished between the skinnier sirloin or filet mignon, as opposed to fattier prime rib or 73% hamburger.

Why is that important? First, one cut of beef is not the same as another. Secondly, more is not better. Depending on its type, it takes longer to digest the protein and fat in beef, from 4-8 hours. (Plant/fruit/grain protein is normally 2-4  hours.)

Of course red meat is very beneficial in moderation. Red meat contains iron for red blood cells and is one of the only protein ways to obtain B12 as well.

But so many misconceptions! I was appalled when I overheard a trade show vendor pitching a product which supposedly absorbed fat. She proclaimed as her selling point: ” . . . and red meat rots in your stomach!” People believed this claim!

Actually, stomach acid has a pH of 1- 3, about the same as battery acid. This acidic environment helps create pepsin, the enzyme which breaks down food in the stomach. Not much can survive intact within that acidic pH!

But I can hear the critics exclaim, “How then are we to know what to believe? Nutritional scientists are always changing their minds on what we can eat!”

Well, that’s what happens when people listen to science. They begin to worship the creation instead of the Creator. My Creator God told me in Genesis 9:3 that it was perfectly all right to consume meat. So I do . . . in moderation . . . as I’m also told in 1 Corinthians 10:23. What’s moderation? About 6-8 ounces of meat per day.

Balance is needed. Red meat has many benefits: It’s high in minerals including zinc, iron. phosphorus and selenium, a “feel-good” nutrient. It also contains amino acids and the antioxidant Glutathione. L-Carnitine metabolizes fat and is proactive in heart health.

But beef has a few precautions as well.

Cows nowadays are pumped up with growth hormones to hurry beef off to market. People ingest these hormones because they’re eating out much more – especially at convenient, fast food restaurants. Young people are affected greatly. Why do you think children as young as 8 – 9 approach puberty sooner?

I know someday, someone will sit near me consuming a huge 20 ounce bacon-wrapped steak, happily stuffing themselves into oblivion because some study told them it was okay to do so.

Regarding the study, I’d need to know more. It simply acknowledged it used a large, diversified demographic and geographical group. I’m skeptical. What type/categories of people participated?

We are all unique with a different physiological makeup. Did they use many more athletic high school and college aged men who worked out five times per week, an elderly or overweight population or those who took a cholesterol-lowering drug daily? Who paid for this study? Was it the beef industry or someone with an agenda regarding the outcome?

I urge you to never become a sheep when reading any study. Don’t follow blindly. I know what I believe and why. I’d rather trust God than men. Men make mistakes, God does not!

 

Caterpillar or Butterfly?

Does a butterfly look back on its life and wish it had remained a caterpillar? (I do wonder about strange things, don’t I?)

Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder but most of us, if given a choice, would choose to be a butterfly I believe, rather than a caterpillar.

When it’s a caterpillar it’s pretty adorable; all soft and fluffy. And we usually “ooo” and “aah” over a butterfly and only “aahh, so cute!” over a caterpillar. Most of us just  aren’t content to be cute – we’d rather be beautiful, it’s human nature.

The caterpillar had the DNA inside him to change his nature, so do we? Some are naturally meant to be thinner than others; but we should ALL  desire to be our healthiest self. The butterfly eventually changed into the best of himself, so can you! Don’t be content to settle for a second best you.

Do you think the caterpillar knew its destiny or was it content to crawl around the leaves and up stems of flowers and never soar? Was it aware that it would eventually transform into a beautiful creature? I would think it was probably content in its ignorance. Just like discouraged dieters who sigh, “Well, I guess this is how I was made, so I’ll just accept it.”

In God’s timing, the caterpillar metamorphosed into a butterfly; and with its beautifully extended wings alighted on a flower for the first time. What a glorious accomplishment! Do you think it then grieved for its past life or rather rejoiced in its new abilities to fly? Did it ever wonder, “Why didn’t I do this sooner!”

So many of us are content in bodies that crawl or even stumble exhausted through life without any desire to reach greater heights! Strive for something better than mediocrity, you deserve it!

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

As a nutritionist, I usually heard a patient, after they met their goal, exclaim, “I feel wonderful! Why didn’t I do this sooner?!!!” In God’s timing He won’t force us to becomes healthier. It’s our decision. Only when we are ready to make him LORD over our choices will we be ready to become a new creation.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Don’t be content to drag yourself through your day with extra pounds and potential health issues. Are you tired of taking countless pills for blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a heart condition? Instead allow yourself to become a New Creation.

I very much enjoy watching the television show, Aerial America? Isn’t it amazing how soaring over this country can change our perspective on how we view objects we’ve seen countless times?! Isn’t it about time you saw life from a different perspective? Choose a healthier lifestyle and take control of your life.

Don’t crawl through life, SOAR with wings like the butterfly.

 

Braving Our Personal Storms in Life

As we sit here, enjoying a beautiful sunset over western Florida, escaping the wrath of Hurricane Dorian, I can’t help but wonder how many have cried out, “Why, God?” when destruction hits.

Why does God allow storms to enter our lives? How are we to deal with them?

Reflecting, I saw a comparison of personal godly storms and how we can get through them by trusting God.

God is Loving in spite of our rebellion

Twice in our married life we have turned from God, who brought us back through loving discipline. True, we suffered and are still reaping consequences but never have we complained it’s God’s Fault!!! In fact God graciously forgave our immaturity and we’ve learned from that experience. It’s helped us to counsel others because we’ve “been there.” We accepted the fact that we were far away from God’s Will and absolutely recognized we deserved more punishment than our loving LORD dished out.

Have you ever strayed from healthier eating? Of course, everyone has. When you did, what were the consequences? Stomach ache? Fatigue? Diabetes? Something worse? Well, did God force you to eat those double cheeseburgers – make you ill? No, we did it to ourselves and must accept the consequences. God however, graciously prepared a way of escape with wisdom, medications, exercise, healthier foods . . . and you know what? I bet you like yourself better when you eat better!

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) LSV

As a father lovingly disciplines a child, God warns us, might even punish us for what we have done. Just look at King David and what resulted after his sin with Bathsheba. God doesn’t play favorites.

God sometimes creates storms to navigate us to safer ports.

Last year we were working in a toxic environment but prayed we could still make a difference. God loved us enough to prod us out of that unhealthy environment and to move us into a blessed Christian opportunity and lifestyle experience.

Sometimes we remain in an environment we shouldn’t. We settle for mediocrity. Nutritionally, have you ever thought, “Okay, one piece won’t harm me.” However one leads to another and suddenly it’s ten extra pounds gained. Don’t settle in a bad habit! God desires so much more for you.

Knowing God’s Word Prevent Storms

False prophets twist and turn God’s Word around making it sound better to anyone wanting to believe it. I saw this with politicians while working in public relations. They proclaimed promises the crowd wanted to hear. People who fall for these haven’t researched what Truth is! There’s little distinction between false prophets or false diet gurus. Know what you should believe and why. Do. Your. Research. Understanding physiology is important!

God is Good. He instilled in us common sense. Provided great nutritious foods to enjoy. Therefore eat what you desire in moderation. Avoid man-made, chemically-based foods most of the time, consume good fats and colorful food. If you crave a particular food, ask why. Are you physically hungry, sad, bored, lonely, stressed? Decide for yourself whether you are really hungry or simply emotional. Know yourself.

It’s not easy traveling a Christian path. Nor is it easy reaching a healthier goal. In nutrition no one wants to suffer, yet everyone wants a quick fix. There is no need to continuously sacrifice. Enjoy His Bounty and Stay Healthy in Body and Spirit.