SWING AWAY

October 5, 2011Read: Philippians 1

"For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain." --Philippians 1:21

Well, seasons come and go. Baseball seasons, that is. If you've followed PrayFit for any length of time, by now you know we're baseball people. And personally, I have a tradition. Each year, since I left high school, I call my little league coach on the first game of the year and whenever it could be the last. And yesterday, with my beloved Yankees facing elimination, I called coach. The same voice that comforted me as a 9-year-old, somehow does the same decades later.

Not sure if you can relate, but some days just feel like the last game of the season. Whether at work, school or in your quest for greater health, we often feel like one more strike and we're done. But friend, don't quit. Like Paul said, "For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain." Whatever we lose in obedience on earth, God has something better in mind, especially if it's our Game 7. So step out of the box, and call on Him. Hear His familiar voice. And if the sun comes up, it's not just another at-bat. It's God's sign for us to swing away.

--J.P.

THE DAIRY DEBATE

In "PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and a Stronger Faith in 28 Days," we advocate a balanced diet that splits calories evenly between protein, carbs and fat. The diverse selection on the weekly menu includes plenty of milk, cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt, which has raised some eyebrows. While some suggest that dairy can contribute to inflammation and other allergies, the connection may be somewhat overblown.

"There is little clinical data showing a relationship between dairy and inflammation," says Jim Stoppani, PhD, senior science editor for Muscle & Fitness, FLEX and M&F Hers magazines and architect of the "PrayFit's" nutrition plan. "There is, however, a lot of research showing that dairy protein is one of the most effective for building lean muscle. That is not only important for aesthetic reasons, but for quality of life as we age. And since muscle mass is a metabolic tissue, it can help to further aid fat loss.

Stoppani concedes that dairy's bad rap isn't without cause. "Yes, there is some "evidence" to suggest that dairy products may be related to some inflammation. Again, there is not strong enough data yet to fully support this.  If it is a major concern for you, however, on any diet that recommends dairy you can simply replace any dairy foods with other protein choices, such as eggs, poultry, fish, or beef."

>> For more from Dr. Stoppani, visit his official website at www.jimstoppani.com. To try the PrayFit diet for yourself, pick up "PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and a Stronger Faith in 28 Days" today at Amazon.

RUNNING IN THE DARK

November 10, 2010Read: Psalm 119

"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." --Psalm 119:105

By now you've heard the story of Edison Peña, one of the Chilean miners who ran the New York City Marathon this past weekend. Trapped for over two months, 2,000 feet underground, Peña ran 3-6 miles a day -- in the dark. But what motivates me more than the training or even the circumstance, is the fact that he didn't run in order to get out, he ran because he knew he would. Alas, a prisoner of hope.

If you're like me, some days you feel trapped as well. Maybe not underground, but we do suffocate on fear and choke on doubt. When asked how running the marathon differed from the mine, Peña said, "In the mine, I ran alone." (Oh, how his words echo our thoughts.) But you and I know we're not alone and one day, the good Lord will reach down through the darkness to get us. His favorite place to run is to our rescue. We're captured only by grace. Besides, Jesus was buried too. And because He arose, we run.

--J.P.

PRAYFIT RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Banilla Shake

Everyone loves a good smoothie but it can sometimes be difficult to find the right recipe or consistency. And some smoothies can be so laden with sugar that it defeats the joy of trying to mix a little more "health" into your diet. PrayFit contributing nutritionist Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, has a tasty, healthy solution that you can add to your blender repertoire.

Serves 1

Ingredients: ½ medium banana, sliced and frozen (freeze ahead of time) ¾ cup low fat milk 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4-5 ice cubes

Directions: Combine ingredients in a blender- blend until smooth

Nutrition Info Per Serving: Calories: 211 Total Fat: 2 gram Saturated Fat: 1 gram Carbohydrate: 41 grams Protein: 7 grams Cholesterol: 11 milligrams Sodium: 95 milligrams Fiber: 1.5 grams

>> BOOST! Make this a post-workout indulgence by simply adding a scoop of your favorite low-carb, vanilla protein powder. The protein will provide starving muscles with a quick infusion of the amino acids necessary to recover, strengthen and grow.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer, and nutrition and fitness consultant for international food companies, restaurants and marketing firm. Dana is also the nutrition advisor to The Food Network.