Resisting Swine Flu

According to Prevention on the web, one of the indications that your immunity system needs a boost is: You've got a lot of weight to lose.
"You know excess weight is unhealthy for your heart, brain and other organs. But it's also bad for your immune system", the site says and continues:

"In fact, those who become most seriously ill with swine flu tend to share the same characteristic: a body mass index over 40, meaning they are morbidly obese. Excess weight can cause hormonal imbalances and inflammation that impairs the immune system's ability to fight infection."

Getting it Straight and Keeping it Straight

I first saw this quote by Jerry Bridges at Leah's blog: 

"Our first problem (with holiness) is that our attitude toward sin is more self-centered than God-centered. We are more concerned about our own 'victory' over sin than we are about the fact that our sins grieve the heart of God. We cannot tolerate failure in our struggle with sin chiefly because we are success-oriented, not because we know it is offensive to God."

Now, I know that weight loss and dieting is not always equivalent to holiness.  But I also know that my personal failure to exercise self-discipline in the areas of healthy habits is a result of failing to appropriate God's grace and power by an deliberate act of faith.  And whatever is not of faith IS sin....And sin IS "offensive to God", as Bridges states.

As I continue the journey of a healthy lifestyle, I want to keep my eyes on the fact that failure in this area is not so much about me - my failure or success - but is about the heart of God - His glory, His holiness, His power, and His love for me, His child!

Make No Excuses!


I didn't bask long in the glow of achieving my weight loss goal.  Instead, I got back to my walking routine (after several days "off" during vacation), prepared our dinner of two Cornish hens (in my crockpot), and used the left overs along with some black beans and a can of diced tomatoes to create chicken/black bean chili for our healthy dinner tomorrow.  

I glowed long enough to facebook about my success--sincerely seeking to give the Lord Jesus the credit.  (I've tried too many times unsuccessfully to think that it was "MY" success.)  When someone congratulated me and inquired about my advice for weight loss, I responded this way:

"Thanks, friends! A few of you have seen me yo-yo through the years. This IS my most visible area of weakness (I think!) I have no credible advice, except give it your serious and concentrated effort and make no excuses...."

The more I think about it, the more I want to underscore AND remember this myself.  "Give it your serious and concentrated effort and make no excuses!"  This will be my mantra in my new phase of maintenance of habits, healthy weight, and holy awe at the amazing grace of God!

The Great Salmon Pay Off


I selected salmon for most of my dinners while on vacation.  I also enjoyed at least one baked fish entree.  I enjoy sampling the various ways restaurants prepare and serve salmon. I still haven't baked or grilled any salmon at home. 

This morning when I weighed, I was thrilled to have reached and surpassed my weight loss goal.

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but LATER it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11. 

My future focus will be continuing the habits of healthy eating and exercise that have helped make my efforts successful.  Ultimately, I recognize and praise the under-girding grace of God.  Apart from Him I HAVE done and CAN do nothing of eternal value.  My health, habits and happiness are dependent on Him from whom ALL blessings flow. 

Cherish Your Health

Cherish your health. 
If it is good, preserve it. 
If it is unstable, improve it. 
If it is beyond what you can do, get appropriate help.

If you want to see other suggestions of how to stay young and live well, go to Donna's blog (click on Donna's).  They're ALL good and very do-able.
 

Exercise with Winnie the Pooh

OK.  I don't know where the video went....but it was cute while it lasted...

Cold Weather Exercise


I found one for $5 at "my" thrift store.

After reading of all these benefits, I plan to begin today!

It increases the capacity for breathing.
It circulates more oxygen to the tissues.
It helps combat depression.
It helps normalize blood pressure.
It helps prevent cardiovascular disease.
It increases the activity of the red bone marrow in the production of red blood cells.
It aids lymphatic circulation, as well as blood flow in the veins of the circulatory system.
It lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
It stimulates the metabolism, thereby reducing the likelihood of obesity.
It tones up the glandular system, especially the thyroid to increase its output.
It improves coordination throughout the body.
It promotes increased muscle fiber tone.
It offers relief from neck and back pains, headaches, and other pain caused by lack of exercise.
It enhances digestion and elimination processes.
It allows for easier relaxation and sleep.
It results in a better mental performance, with sharper learning processes.
It relieves fatigue and menstrual discomfort for women.
It minimizes the number of colds, allergies, digestive disturbances, and abdominal problems.
It tends to slow down aging.