HOPE FOR HEALTH

July 6, 2011Read: 3 John 1

"I hope all is well with you, and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." --3 John 1:2

If you missed it like I did, read the verse again. Yep, that's it. In one verse, God has woven permission for a healthy concern of the body. Never at the expense of what's most important, but when was the last time you and I hoped the same for someone? Oh, we often ask how the kids are, how the job is going, and the progress of one's golf game -- but what about their health? Not the casual, "So how you been" or "How you doin?," but rather a real longing to see your friends and family as healthy on the outside as they are on the inside.

Truth is, we may be as timid to ask as we are to be asked. But either way, it's okay. Because we have both permission and an obligation to hope for health.

--J.P.

PERMISSION, OBLIGATION

Sometimes we as believers hide behind the truth that "God looks upon the heart" when it comes to our physical self. But not caring for the body, or disregarding our health because it won't last, is in fact a "heart problem." Do you believe that somewhere between vanity and gluttony lies healthy, abundant living? And whenever possible, should believers be the example of that middle ground? Leave us your comments below.

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HOPE FOR HEALTH

March 1, 2011Read: 3 John 1

"I hope all is well with you, and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." --3 John 1:2

If you missed it like I did, read the verse again. Yep, that's it. In one verse, God has woven permission for a healthy concern of the body. Never at the expense of what's most important, but when was the last time you and I hoped the same for someone? Oh, we often ask how the kids are, how the job is going, and the progress of one's golf game -- but what about their health? Not the casual, "So how you been" or "How you doin'?," but rather a real longing to see your friends and family as healthy on the outside as they are on the inside.

Truth is, we may be as timid to ask as we are to be asked. But either way, it's okay. Because we have both permission and an obligation to hope for health.

--J.P.

PASS THE PECANS Research shows that almonds may not sit alone in the nut hall of fame

Over the last several years, the almond has become the rock star of the nut family and rightly so -- it's a wonder food that promotes heart health and aids in fat loss in addition to a host of other health benefits. But new research is showing that the pecan, which is also rich in healthy fat, may deserve at least co-billing as top nut.

Researchers at Loma Linda University demonstrated that the naturally occurring antioxidants in pecans, specifically Vitamin E, may help contribute to heart health and disease prevention. The findings, published in the Journal of Nutrition, showed that a pecan-enriched diet lowered levels of LDL cholesterol by 16.5 percent -- more than twice the American Heart Association's Step I diet, which was used as the control diet in that study. Similarly, the pecan-enriched diet lowered total cholesterol levels by 11.3 percent (also twice as much as the Step I diet).

"This does not give you permission to pound down pecan pie," says Jim Stoppani, PhD, co-author of "PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and a Stronger Faith in 28 Days" (Regal Books). "But having three ounces of raw, unsalted pecans daily, as in the study, could help you ward off heart disease and some cancers."

Source: Science Daily

IN A FOOD FIGHT

January 19, 2011Read: 1 Corinthians 9 "And everyone who is striving, has self-control in all things." --1 Corinthians 9:25

At PrayFit, we place a great deal of emphasis on healthy eating habits in order that you might live more abundant lives. Now of course, we believe that this life is vapor-quick and that no matter how many good foods we eat or bad foods we avoid, our days are numbered. Let's face it, food can't save us.

And many say, "Since life is so quick, why not eat up?" We say "Since life is so brief, why not stay the course?" Think about it: Where does God live? He lives inside of us. Our bodies are his dwelling place, right? How much respect are we showing if we have a willful disregard for what certain foods, not to mention what certain amounts of foods, can do to our bodies? Again, this won't translate into long-lasting change unless you see healthy eating as an act of obedience.

Now, we're not saying we can't enjoy food -- even the cheat kind -- but too many of our friends and siblings, parents and kids are struggling in a battle against food-related illness. And we'll lose the fight unless we...

--push away from the table sooner --shop smarter --teach our kids portion control --put up a fight

Besides, God didn't design us to be at the mercy of food. Of everything He created, we're his top priority. Let's learn to eat in such a way that pleases Him.

--J.P.

DANA'S HEALTH FOOD QUIZ

PrayFit nutritional consultant Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, is the best in the business when it comes to helping people develop healthy eating habits. A stickler for education, Dana came up with this simple quiz to gauge just how much you know about the difference between processed foods and fresh foods.

1. Which typically contains the most additives and preservatives?

A. Frozen dinners B. Sugary cereals C. Canned tuna

2. Which is lowest in sodium?

A. Frozen pizza B. Frozenvegetables C. Canned soup

3. Which preservative is typically used to add color to hot dogs and lunch meats?

A. Xanthan Gum B. Sodium Nitrite C. Citric Acid

4. On food packaging, "natural" means...

A. Nothing B. The ingredients meet federal requirements C. The ingredients come from nature

RESULTS

Add up your score based on the following points system: 1. A: 5 points; B: 3 points; C: 1 point 2: A: 3 points; B: 5 points; C: 1 point 3: A: 1 point; B: 5 points: C: 3 points 4: A: 5 points; B: 3 points; C: 1 point

Your Score:

15-20 Points: All About Fresh You know better than to mess with frozen pizzas and breakfast sandwiches and instead opt for mostly fresh ingredients and the healthiest of processed foods like frozen veggies, canned tomatoes, dried fruit and whole grain crackers.

10-14 Points: On the Fresh Track While you may not always be making it to farmers’ market or produce aisle, your diet has a healthy balance of fresh and packaged foods.

4-9 Points: Packing in the Preservatives A quick lesson in fresh foods 101 would do you some good. Pay closer attention to those labels and tally up the sodium count, are you getting way more than you need?

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.

GULLIVER'S BODY DOUBLE

December 16, 2010Read: Romans 12

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." --Romans 12:2

Watching the news tonight, a story came up about a local man who recently served as the body double for the actor Jack Black in the poster ads for the upcoming movie Gulliver's Travels. The man was honored to do his duty, saying that he's now famous from the neck down. The producers needed an overweight, out-of-shape man with Jack's bodytype, and this lucky guy fit the mold. Well, hoo-ray.

As the story unfolded, they asked what the man did for a living to which the he proudly replied, "I'm a pastor."

Now folks, we realize that life is not about the body, but tonight's story is a good indicator of just how much of a paradigm shift we need. As always, it's not about perfection, and it's not about chiseled biceps for sure. But we need a renewed mind in the area of health. When 70% of Americans are overweight, and 1 in 3 children born today might not outlive their parents due to obesity-related illness, isn't it time to consider our effort toward better health as a means of silent evangelism? Again, it's not that the pastor doesn't care about the message he's sending, but maybe he doesn't know that he's sending a message.

WE WANT TO KNOW >>Should we be striving to be a healthy example for those around us? >>What kind of impact would the Pastor have made had he said no to the opportunity because he wanted to be a better example about his health? Please leave your comments here or in our forums about today's topic. We realize it's a sensitive one, and we pray it's received well. But let us know what you think.