Hi Friends,
Eating healthy and hydrating properly are the two most vital actions we can take to have optimal health. They not only help us be fit, but it also brings God glory. Listen:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jn 10:10 NIV
Lifespan vs health span. As this verse clearly states, God not only wants us to have life, but He wants us to have it in abundance. God desires for us to enjoy our lives as much as we possibly can. But before I share some practical tips of how to have a healthier life, let’s make sure we understand the difference between lifespan and health span. The good news is that many people are living longer now, but the question is: what condition are they in as they live longer? Are people fit, energetic and mentally vibrant OR are they filled with diseases, in need of walkers and struggling even to get out of bed? This, of course, is an issue of quantity versus quality. I am a firm believer that God has already determined how long our lives will be (Ps 139:16), but the quality of our lives is mostly up to us. As we said last week, if we choose to eat whole foods versus processed ones, if we keep ourselves well hydrated instead of lacking water, we will be able to increase our health. We will be able to keep illnesses away. And we will be able to have a better health span. The goal is to make our health span equal our lifespan. Think Moses here. He is a great example of how at the age of 120, he was still mentally sharp and physically fit. Yes, God’s Grace has a lot to do with this, but as we make the “life choices” that work with Him, instead of against Him, we will reap the benefits of a better health span too.
The best healthy diet is one you will stick with. While the following are general things you can do to be more fit nutritionally, do not get hung up on the trendy diets that are out there. What you want to do is:
1- Do not get overwhelmed. We live in an information overload world, and while I encourage you to do as much research as you can, we can easily get lost in all the particulars out there. Each “life choice” you make will add value to your health, so focus on making better decisions with each meal choice you make. And the key is to just start somewhere, then add better choices as you go.
2- Have mercy on yourself. If you fall into temptation…which is all around us unfortunately… forgive yourself, and jump right back into making better choices with the very next meal decision you make. Do not allow yourself to become further tempted by saying things like, “Oh well, I messed up already today so I might as well forget about this week. I will start again next Monday.” Don’t do this! As the wise old saying goes, if you fall off the saddle, get right back on!
3- Choose whole foods. Refuse to go for the processed, refined carbohydrate, high sugar foods that are sold in boxes and bags. Also it should go without saying, but this of course includes all the fast food “restaurants” out there too. The idea is: if God made it, enjoy, but if man made it, run away! God did not design our bodies for all that artificial junk, so don’t fight against what God created. Stay away from the Standard American Diet because it will leave your health exactly that, SAD.
4- Eat the rainbow. Enjoy all sorts of organic, fresh vegetables and fruits of every color. Each type will offer you different nutrients and fibers that, together, will combine to cause your body to thrive. Not a veggie lover like me? Learn to use different spices that will help make your veggies yummy. Good news is your palate is teachable. That means your taste buds get used to, and enjoy, whatever it is you eat on a regular basis.
5- Have moderate amounts of proteins. Shoot for about 4-6oz per meal of fatty fish, chicken, turkey, beef or eggs. And of course, go for the free range, hormone and antibiotic free options. And for fish, no farm raised, just wild caught. Again, make your choices to be as close to how God intended animals to be. Note: God never wanted animals in tiny little cages, all stressed out. Remember you are what you absorb…if the animals you eat are all stressed out, you will eat and absorb those stress hormones they release too! Many are now turning to vegetarian/vegans diets exactly because of these horrible conditions these creations of God are being put through. If this is you, then for protein think tofu, tempeh, legumes & beans, seeds, nuts & nut butters.
6- Choose healthy fats. Fat is not the evil macronutrient some have tried to make it out to be. We need fat in order to be healthy. Fat constitutes about 60% of our brains. Fats are essential in producing every hormone in our bodies. And both brown and white adipose tissues (fat) are needed for maintenance of proper energy balance and metabolic health. So please make sure your diet includes lots of good fats! Some great options are olives of every kind, coconut & olive oil to cook with or as a dressing for your salads, and one of my favorites, avocados. Here we can also include some from the protein list above like nuts & nut butters, seeds and fatty fish (think salmon, sardines, tuna and mackerel).
7- Eat slow & enjoy it. It has been proven that, if we slow down and really enjoy what we are eating, our bodies will absorb more of the good nutrients we are taking in. Instead of gulping down your lunch at your desk while distracted with the work you are doing, for instance, take your healthy lunch outside and savor each bite in a relaxed setting. This not only helps with digestion, but it will help you destress also.
8- Make a shopping list. Never, ever shop while you are hungry! We just don’t make good decisions in that state. Make sure you make a list of what good, whole foods you need for your healthy meals, then ONLY buy what’s on the list. If you don’t have it at home, you won’t be able to be tempted to eat it. Also shop on the outside aisles of supermarkets. This is where the better choices are available for you to pick.
9- Drink plenty of fluids. We usually say to drink eight 8oz glasses of water per day, but most people are a bit dehydrated already so I recommend anywhere from 80 to 100 oz a day. That translates to about 8 to 12 glasses. And it doesn’t all have to be water, although that tends to me my go-to. You can have tea also, which is very healthy for you, providing all sorts of other great nutrients your body will love. Absolutely NO sodas, juices or pre-made iced tea drinks! Those are basically sugar which will only cause all sorts of inflammation and diseases if taken regularly. Stick to good old H2O or teas please.
10- Pray. As Christians, the goal is to pray without ceasing, right? (1Thess 5:17) When we pray before eating and drinking, gratitude will fill our hearts and also release all kinds of good chemicals in our bodies that will help with digestion, absorption and general functions in all our systems. In all things, have an attitude of gratitude, including when we eat our meals and drink our fluids.
Again, the more “life choices” we make, the better our health will be. I know you want that, so won’t you join me?
Until we meet again, keep lifting your eyes to God, He’s closer than you think.
<>< Peace, Diane
