Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
That's The Spirit
"But the helper, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." --John 14:26
Read: John 14
"Well, that's the spirit!" Someone who changes their attitude towards a task or who chooses optimism over the alternative is often given such affirmation. You've likely said it to someone. Why? Because it's great to watch a friend, coworker, or family member have a change in heart for the better. With that thought, when we as believers feel a stirring inside of us to witness for Christ, or to stress honesty at the office, where does that come from? Or when you and I are comforted during trying times or soothed during periods of loss, who is that we hear?
I thought about that recently when a reader wondered why she can't seem to heed the longing inside her heart to make better decisions about her health. And all I can do is pray with her and offer my own version of encouragement. But if it helps her or you perhaps, try and remember that when a Christian hears that still, small voice inside to be a better steward of their time, or to share financial blessings in church, that's not an accident. It's not karma, the universe or your own set of values. No, the source of the call is far more critical than the call itself. So when you hear, "It's time to take better care of this body God made with his own hands with better food and more exercise" be encouraged to follow through. Why? Well, that's the Spirit.
--Jimmy Peña
Question: What are you being encouraged inside your heart to do this week? Is stewardship of time, money or health among them? As we begin this Monday, jot down the things you know the Holy Spirit is urging you to do. Make a list. Etch on paper what God has etched on your heart. When you do that, it becomes His list. Have a great week everyone.
WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: Total Body 10
One way to constantly challenge yourself, and therefore effect change in your body, is to outdo your previous performance. And to do that doesn’t require a gym — just the willingness to push.
>> Click here to learn how to get stronger and leaner, head to toe, in just 10 minutes.
RED LIGHTS, RED LETTERS
February 9, 2011Read: Psalm 119:107
"Revive me O Lord, according to your word." --Psalm 119:107
This morning, I woke up anxious. With barely one eye open, I stumbled across the room to check my phone. If you're like me, you look for that red light that screams, "You have a message!" But in my case, nothing. I grabbed my coffee and made my way to my favorite morning spot, but not before checking that measly phone...again. Alas, no red light. But as I sat there for a moment, I looked and realized that I had set my phone down right next to my bible. From across the room, I grinned, because I could feel the Holy Spirit say, "You do have a message..."
Rather than look for the red light, I should have been looking for the red letters.
--J.P.
8 WAYS TO EAT BETTER...FOREVER
By Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC
As a registered dietitian, I share many of the same tips with clients over and over again. For instance, I always tell my clients to give up saying they don’t have enough time to eat better and exercise, and remind them: Health should be a priority!
We asked nutrition experts from across the country to share their most valuable tips. Here are their top nutritional landmines to avoid when it comes to eating for better health.
Don’t Stock Your Pantry With Junk Even if it’s not for you (yeah, right!), leaving junk food at arm’s length is just asking for trouble. Mitzi Dulan, RD, CSSD says “never put junk food on your kitchen countertop.” There’s a time and place for cakes, cookies or whatever junk food you love, but it shouldn’t be an everyday thing. How about a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter instead?
Don’t Ignore Hunger Cues Chef and dietitian Katie Cavuto-Boyle says don’t “clear your plate just because.” Read her recent post all about mindful eating.
Don’t Guzzle Your Calories Healthy Eats’ “Veggie Table” dietitian Janel Ovrut reminds her clients to bypass gulping endless calories. “Even seemingly healthy enhanced waters and beverages are usually loaded with sugar. Get nutrients from food, and hydration from water,” she says. Not a fan of water? We’ve got ways to flavor it up that won't compromise your waistline.
Don’t Buy Into the Latest Diet Craze Food writer Jessica Cox, RD, reminds her clients to “avoid defined meal plans and ‘diets.’ It’s hard to stick to a boring meal plan for more than a few days. Instead, resolve to make a few healthier choices each day within your normal routine.” Alma Kay Nocchim, RD, CD, LD backed this up by also warning against “diets” altogether. “Changes must be considered a positive change in lifestyle to work!” Melissa Buczek, MS, RD, CDN says “don’t follow the latest ‘fads.’ Instead, seek out reliable, health information from professional source. Don’t think of your daily food intake as a ‘diet;’ make every meal and snack a pleasurable experience, a healthy part of your day-to-day life.”
Don’t Believe Everything You Hear Along the same lines as those diet crazes is our nutrition expert Toby Amidor’s number one no-no. “Don’t believe everything you see on TV or read.” she says. “There is lots of nutrition and diet information swirling around out there. Before you go and buy the newest buzz food, gather the facts by looking for information published by registered dietitians. To find a registered dietitian near you, check out www.eatright.org.”
Don’t Throw In The Towel Any nutrition professional will tell you that mistakes are part of the learning process. Registered dietitian and author of "The Thin Diary," Cindy Guirino warns against giving in if you slip up. “Don’t collapse when you spot too many lapses,” she says. “Correct the behavior that is causing it.” For instance, if you are prone to hitting the drive-thru because you're pressed for time, you may want to consider prepping healthy, easy-to-eat meals ahead of time that you can have anywhere.
Don’t Skip Meals Dietitian and life coach, Linda Eck Mills discusses a topic that RDs bring up on a daily basis. “Stop skipping meals, especially breakfast! If you don’t like traditional breakfast foods, eat foods you do like.” she says. “You will actually slow your metabolism by skipping meals.”
Don’t Weigh-In Daily It’s super-easy to get hung up on that number on the scale. What most people don’t realize is that daily weights are not always an accurate measure of your success. Don’t “weigh yourself every day” says Heather S. Zeitz, RD, Vice President of Health Content at Alere. “If you are going to monitor weight, pick one time a week where you weigh yourself first thing in the morning, before you eat or drink,” she says. “Fluid fluctuations throughout the day and week will be discouraging and won’t help build confidence in your efforts to manage your weight.”
TELL US: What are some of your major nutritional hurdles? Discuss in the comments section below.
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.
HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT
August 25, 2010Read: Romans 5
"Hope does not disappoint." --Romans 5:5
I've always loved today's theme verse. Read it again. I've purposefully held out the surrounding verses, because I want to focus on this phrase for a second. See, when the world mentions the word 'hope,' its tone is usually one of question or doubt. I hope I get an "A". I hope she likes me. I hope nobody notices. I hope....
Well, the bible says that strength comes to those who hope in the Lord. No question there. No sign of doubts. It's a done deal. Why? God...will...come...through...for...us. How do we know? He died for us. That's why Paul said in Romans 15, "May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace." Look up and read the verse again out loud.
Are you in need of a sure thing? When dreams allude us and people fall short, and all we want is a glimmer:
"We know that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." --Romans 5:3-5
It's the ultimate catch-22. If we invite the God of hope into our hearts, He delivers it on impact.
And you know what they say about hope.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bars
You don't need to pour your life savings into mass-produced energy bars. This tasty recipe from PrayFit contributor Dana Angelo White (www.danawhitenutrition.com) gives you plenty of fuel for your day -- and without the fancy wrapper.
Ingredients: Cooking Spray 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon canola oil 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups rolled oats 2 cups crisp brown rice cereal 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots 1/2 cup chopped dried figs 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions: Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, maple syrup, canola oil, brown sugar, cinnamon. Stir and cook until mixture just begins to bubble, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, wheat germ, peanuts, apricots, figs and salt. Pour peanut butter mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir gently with a spatula until well combined. Transfer to baking dish, cover with parchment paper and press firmly into dish. Allow to cool completely (mix will cool faster in the refrigerator). Cut into squares or bars and serve.
Calories: 240 | Total fat: 10g | Saturated fat: 1.5g | Carbohydrate: 30g | Protein: 6g | Sodium: 70mg
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is the nutrition expert for Food Network.com and the Healthy Eats blog. She is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.
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