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.

WILL POWER - STICKING WITH IT!

You aren't the only one to be distracted from the presence of God:  I understand completely.  Our minds are so flighty.  But remember that our God-given will governs all of our strength.  It must recall the mind to God.  Otherwise, our spirit may wander, dragging us down to the things of this earth.
Brother Lawrence, "Eighth Letter" in The Practice of the Presence of God

Although a humble cook, Brother Lawrence learned the greatest secret of living in the Kingdom of God here on earth: communing with the Lord throughout our daily tasks. He mastered the art of living in the presence of God throughout the day. As he exclaimed, "I am doing now what I will do for all eternity. I am blessing God, praising Him, adoring him, and loving Him with all my heart."

Humor Helps!

Bonnie Hunt said, "My mother
always said if she was one inch taller she'd be perfectly round."  
Isn't that funny?  
A sense of humor is
SUCH a gift.

If You Are What You Eat....


...then I'm a Baby Ruth.
It wasn't a very good evening!

No "Ho-Hum" in Hummus


While away at our son's home Monday and Tuesday,  I managed to maintain my pursuit of health and good eating habits.  Our "mission" was to help with some landscaping projects.  In spite of some rainy weather, I was able to wield a clippers and shape several shrubs while the men filled in some low spots with top soil in preparation for planting some grass.

We took our grandson out to lunch at Mika's, a great coffee shop in their hometown.  He and I both selected the hummus plate which included cucumbers, tomatoes and pita.  The others chose the chicken chili and turkey wraps or sandwiches.  The hummus was delicious!  While I didn't come away with the specific measurements, I did learn they made their hummus with chick peas, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and cumin.

I can't wait to blend my own tomorrow!  Hummus is a healthy and filling protein alternative.

Hurray for the Crock Pot!


"I found out the Chicken Ceasar Salad I got at Chili's had 900 calories, 71 grams of fat and 1740 mg. of sodium. So muich for trying to make a healthy choice. And the Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl I got at Applebee's last time has 1,709 calories, 69 grams of fat, 209 grams of carbohydrate, and 1781 mg. of sodium. What an eye-opener."  (Cindy)

After reading this, I was happy that I'd used my crock pot that morning!  I follow few recipes when I use the crock pot.  Sometimes I start with the meat -- in this case, a couple of pieces of frozen chicken breast.  I cut some garden tomatoes into large hunks; then went to the refrigerator to see what else would work--celery, carrots, some chopped onion--ANYthing healthy works. Light on the meat; heavy on the vegetables!

Often I add about a cup of liquid - yesterday I used chicken bouillon.  A look at the clock told me to set my pot for 6 hours (that would be medium).  Just before lunch, I prepared a small portion of whole wheat pasta per the directions on the box.  I added the cooked pasta to the crock pot and cooked for another 15-20 minutes.

This will be my practice as we go into fall and winter.  The aroma and enjoyment of the delicious, nourishing meal bring me much pleasure.

Beware those Half-Centimeter Rocks!

I’m very proud of my nephew, a Captain in the U.S. Air Force.  He is a doctor assigned as Team Chief in the Intermediate Care Ward at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. In recent communication he described an evening tour of the flight line on the base. He was invited to the runway by one of the F-16 pilots in one of the two F-16 squadrons left in Iraq. My nephew wrote:

We meet him outside the hospital after dark at 8pm. We in the macho minivan and he in the heavy-duty pick-up truck.  We follow him toward the runway.  There is a secure perimeter around the runway, of course, with a gate guard.  We have to ditch the pick-up truck and he vouches for all of us with a wink to the young female guard and takes the wheel of the minivan.  Just inside the check-point he stops and goes around the vehicle inspecting each tire.  You're to make sure you're not bringing any pebbles or nails onto the flight line, he explains. A half-centimeter rock can deflate the tire of a speeding fighter jet.  With that it's back into the van and we drive slowly along one of the side runways to the end where the F-16's are kept.”

I read the rest of the interesting letter and then returned to the words: "A half-centimeter rock can deflate the tire of a speeding fighter jet."  That's less than 1/4 "!  One fourth inch of debris can sideline a powerful F-16 fighter jet!

In weight-loss and the establishment of healthy habits, it is equally important to “stop and go around the vehicle inspecting each tire.” Tiny habits and small lapses CAN deflate one’s motivation and progress! So don’t become careless. Stay vigilant and diligent. Keep your eye out for those “half-centimeter rocks” that can deflate the tire of a speeding fighter jet!

I think we can also see the seriousness of allowing sin - however "small" it may seem to us - to hinder our spiritual progress and deflate the joy of fellowship with our Heavenly Father. But that's another post....

Delicious AND Nutritious!

I cut up 3 sweet potatoes (with skins on) and added 1 cup of chicken broth along with some slices of turkey sausage. I cooked them in the crock pot for 6 hours - and we had a delicious meal. I didn't realize how nutritious it was until I read the following:

According to nutritionists at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), the single most important dietary change for most people is replacing fatty foods with foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes.

CSPI ranked the sweet potato number one in nutrition of all vegetables. With a score of 184, the sweet potato outscored the next highest vegetable by more than 100 points. Points were given for content of dietary fiber, naturally occurring sugars and complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. Points were deducted for fat content (especially saturated fat), sodium, cholesterol, added refined sugars and caffeine. The higher the score, the more nutritious the food.

The numbers for the nutritional sweet potato speak for themselves: almost twice the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A,  42%of the recommendation for vitamin C, four times the RDA for beta carotene, and, when eaten with the skin, sweet potatoes have more fiber than oatmeal. All these benefits with only about 130 to 160 calories!

Walking - Again


I got out of vacation mode and walked this morning. It was cool, but the air was heavy with humidity. The horses gathered under this tree just outside the cemetery. The sight was calming and peaceful. It was good and right to walk this morning. I was lazy about not walking yesterday and it didn't feel good. Sometimes you just have to do the right thing whether you want to or not!