TO KNOW JACK...

January 28, 2011Read: Hebrews 12

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees." --Hebrews 12:11-12

We thought it only appropriate to end the week with a word about one of the pioneers of fitness, Jack Lalanne. Truly, we doubt we'll say anything that hasn't already been said or written about what Jack did for the world of health and wellness. And if Jack taught us anything, it's the simple fact that you can lead a long, healthy, vibrant life through regular exercise and good food. But alas, his passing teaches us that life is not about the body.

You know, today at a traffic light, as I was thinking about Jack's life and tonight's entry, I watched a young lady in a wheelchair actually pulling the wheelchair of a blind person along the crosswalk. A timely reminder that from the strongest and fittest, to the weak and blind, we're all in dire need of a Savior.

Jack swam pulling boats. Others pull a friend's wheelchair to the next bus stop. From my vantage point, both required an equal dose of uncommon strength. Thankfully, it's God's grace that pulls us to safety.

--J.P.

PRAYFIT: WEEK IN REVIEW A look back at a week of healthy living tips

>> WORKOUT: Master the push-up in minutes a day

>> NUTRITION: Three eggs a day -- doctor's orders

>> OUTREACH: Interested in having Team PrayFit help you start your own fitness ministry? Write us at [email protected].

>> NUTRITION: A closer look at the health-packed, unsung hero of the citrus family -- the lemon

PRAYFIT IN PRINT: Don't delay your fitness goals any longer. End your week by setting up success for the next by picking up a copy of "PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and a Stronger Faith in 28 Days." Authored by some of the best minds in faith and fitness around, "PrayFit" provides daily devotionals that are accompanied by a bodyweight-based exercise program that you can do in the comfort of your own home. The book also includes meal plans, healthy living tips and additional resources to help you tie it all together. To pick up a copy for yourself or a friend, visit Barnes & Noble or Amazon today!

IT'S A JUNGLE DOWN HERE

August 19, 2010Read: Psalm 32

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” –Psalm 32:8

Not sure if you’ve seen Bear Grylls in The Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild series, but he’s a former military guy with some serious survival skills. Each show begins with a helicopter dropping him in the middle of some uncharted land where his mission is simple but brutal: Get through the dangerous, unfamiliar territory until he’s lifted to safety. And while each episode finds him in a different death trap, his advice always has some consistent themes: stay nourished, use the sun as your guide, look for shelter before the weather hits, and seek the higher ground.

I particularly enjoyed one segment when he revealed what keeps him going when the going gets rough; he hides a laminated photo of his loved ones in the sole of his shoe. Hmm…love in his soul.

When our days are like the jungle, I say we take Bear’s advice. Let’s stay nourished with God’s word and use the Son as our guide. Seek His higher ways in the storm, and one day, He’ll be back to lift us all to safety.

--J.P.

PRAYFIT RECIPE OF THE WEEK:Nectarine and Avocado Salsa Add some new flavors to a traditional Latin favorite

Nectarine & Avocado Salsa

Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients: 3 nectarines, chopped ½ red bell pepper 2 scallions, finely chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped 1 avocado, diced ¼ cup chopped radish Juice of 1 lime 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste)

>> Place ingredients in a medium bowl and toss to combine. This fresh salsa is fabulous with tortilla chips, fajitas, or fish tacos.

Nutrition Info Per Serving Serving Size: 1/4 cup

Calories: 32 Total Fat: 1.5 grams Saturated Fat: 0 grams Carbohydrates: 4 grams Protein: 0.5 grams Cholesterol: 0 grams Sodium: 24 milligrams Fiber: 1.5 grams

PrayFit contributor Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is a 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.