REDEEMED

August 23, 2011Read: Job 19

"I know my redeemer lives." --Job 19:25

In a recent sermon, my good friend Dr. Aaron Tyler said, "The story in the book of Job is a story that tests the foundations of faith." As you know, God allowed Job to be tested beyond belief. His family, wealth and even his health were taken from him. But like Dr. Tyler said, "Job suffered faithfully." And in a remarkable surge of faith Job said, "Etch this in stone...I know my redeemer lives."

Friends, we might be going through all kinds of tests -- from finances, to relationships, to our health. But may we follow Job's example, that even as our lives unravel or our bodies break, our foundation of faith remains. Oh, we may not have books written about us, but our little stories are no less important to God or those around us. And if you happen to be asked why you care for a body that will surely fade away, just remember Job as you say, "Because my redeemer lives."

--J.P.

GET DAIRY THIN

It’s not just a tagline: Milk does do a body good. So do cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese. A new study showed that women who followed a regular exercise program on high-protein, high-dairy diets lost more total fat – and more from their abdomen – than those on adequate-protein, medium-dairy and adequate-protein, low-dairy diets.

>> For more detail on the study, click here.

HE WROTE THE STORY

March 2, 2011Read: Luke 12

"Indeed, the very hairs on your head are numbered." --Luke 12:7

Today we at PrayFit were blessed to receive a highly favorable book review from a prominent critic in our industry. Praise the Lord for it. It's such a pleasure to hear what others are saying about the book we've written. The best part? She's telling others our story.

I wonder...would she write with the same favor of the book I'm writing with my life?

Isn't it comforting to know that despite our typos and mistakes, the rewrites and rough drafts, our lives are still page-turners to God. He just can't put us down. His book marker sits on our today, between our yesterday and tomorrow. The best part? He not only hangs on our every word, He wrote the story.

--J.P.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA Forget delivery. Stay on track with this healthy alternative to a guilty favorite

Ingredients:

• 2 whole wheat English muffins, sliced
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 medium scallion, finely chopped
• 3 oz grilled chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F. Place English muffins on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Top with barbecue sauce, scallion and chicken. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Data:

Calories: 160 | Total fat: 16g | Saturated fat: 2g | Carbohydrate: 16g | Protein: 13.5g | Sodium: 428mg

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.

>> FEEDBACK TIME! Team PrayFit is actively seeking reader feedback on a few specific items...

PrayFit the book: Have you done -- or are you currently doing -- the exercise program presented in "PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and a Stronger Faith in 28 Days?" If so, we want to hear from you. Write us with your successes, challenges and input at [email protected]. Feel free to include before and after pics if the situation calls for it!

Family life: We're looking for a few good 100-200 word accounts of how you are fostering a culture of health in your home. Whether it's dinners at the table every night, or planning your menu as a family, we want to hear how you are encouraging better eating and exercise habits under your own roof. E-mail us at [email protected].

CAPTIVE AUDIENCE

February 2, 2011Read: Isaiah 40

"They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings as eagles." --Isaiah 40:31

For a couple weeks now, the Orange County Zoo has had a special guest come to visit. Every day, a wild bald eagle has been seen perched on a tree overlooking the eagle exhibit. And each time he draws near the enclosure, he can be heard vocalizing with the birds below. Imagine, a majestic bald eagle, free and able to go anywhere in the world, is most content near the captive. Why? Simple. He's in love. Experts say the wild eagle has an infatuation with a female eagle inside the enclosure, even though the two will likely never meet.

Makes me think...In all His majesty and freedom, nothing captures God's attention like you and me. He shows up in our days, loves to talk with us, and He never leaves our sides. Why? Simple. He's in love. The object of His affection? Us. And like it says in Isaiah, although at times we feel trapped, if we wait on Him, we'll do just like that eagle...and fly.

--J.P.

HEALTH, ON THE SIDE Side dishes are supposed to be an accompaniment, but many favorites can jam in more calories than you want for an entire meal. Lighten up your plate with these healthy (but still delicious) substitutions.

Instead of: French fries Choose: Oven-baked fries The Payoff: At least 30 percent less fat

Instead of: Mac and Cheese Choose: Rice Pilaf or 5-Ingredient Cheesy Rice The Payoff: A healthy reduction in fat, cholesterol and calories.

(If it’s mac and cheese or bust, try our tips for lightening up your favorite recipe.)

Instead of: Mashed potatoes Choose: A baked sweet potato or sweet potato oven fries The Payoff: Half the calories and piles of vitamin A

Instead of: Butter-drenched vegetables Choose: Roasted seasonal veggies The Payoff: Big flavor for a fraction of the fat and calories

Instead of: Creamy salad dressing Choose: Vinaigrette The Payoff: Healthier fats and 40 calories less per tablespoon

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.

THE LORD NEVER PANICS

September 1, 2010Read: Isaiah 55

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” --Isaiah 55:9

Things on the ground look pretty small from 35,000 feet. I know, because that’s where this entry was written. Halfway through a five-hour trip cross country, the flight attendant announced, “If there is a physician on board, please come to the back of the aircraft.” She repeated it three times.

Immediately two young men, including a man sitting in my row, jumped from their seats and rushed to help. The rest of us simply sat and watched as a huddle formed in the back of the plane. After maybe a minute, a grey-haired man from the front of the plane walked passed us, almost casually, to join the effort. It wasn't long before the man from my row returned to his seat and explained that a young lady had suffered a panic attack.

Curious, I asked him if he was a physician. “No," he said. “There was only one doctor among us back there. Two of us were firemen, but only one doctor -- an older man. When he showed up, we all stepped back to let him work.”

(Get me a laptop, stat.)

In life, we tend to panic, and the world responds will all sorts of solutions. But like today, I know I can’t run to the rescue. Only God can. Isn't it assuring to know that He is never rattled or stressed? He's always in control and is never late. And the problems that find us, even at 35,000 feet, are well under His.

Now I think I’ll sit back and relax. We still have a ways to go.

--J.P.

PRAYFIT RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Quesadilla Lasagna The perfect dish for health-conscious cheese lovers

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 tsp olive oil 1 pound ground turkey breast 1⁄2 red onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp chili powder 1 small zucchini, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, minced (optional) 3 whole wheat flour tortillas 1 cup shredded low fat cheddar cheese 1 avocado, diced 3⁄4 cup salsa Salt and pepper to taste Canola oil spray

Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add turkey and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, cumin and chili powder; stir to combine. Add zucchini, bell pepper and jalapeno and cook, stirring continuously until turkey meat is no longer pink and vegetables are slightly tender. Turn off the heat and set the skillet aside.

Spray a 9-inch pie plate or square casserole dish with non-stick spray. Place one flour tortilla on the bottom of the pan and top with half the turkey mixture and 1/4 cup cheese. Create second layer with another tortilla, and add the remaining turkey mixture and another 1/4 cup of cheese. Create top layer with remaining tortilla, 1/4 cup of salsa and the remaining cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, about 15 to 20 minutes. In a small bowl, combine diced avocado with remaining salsa. Slice the lasagna and serve topped with salsa-avocado mixture.

Calories: 437 | Fat: 15 grams | Saturated Fat: 2 grams | Protein: 47 grams | Carbohydrate: 42 grams | Sodium: 892 milligrams

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is a registered dietitian and is currently the nutrition expert for the Food Network.com, and has worked as a media spokesperson for Cooking Light Magazine. She has appeared on Good Day Street Talk, Food Network.com, Access Hollywood and GMA Health. Visit her at www.danawhitenutrition.com