•  Faith, put your Faith in Action (James 2:17). In  James chapter 2 the writer reminds us that it is important to demonstrate our faith by our actions.  Many of us pray to God for healing and improved health, however, we fail to put our faith in action. Faith in action is partnering with your doctor and following his/her instructions and asking important questions as well as reporting side effects or problems immediately. Jesus stated many times in the bible “your faith has made your well, go in peace and be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5:34 NKJV). Research has proven that a person’s faith in their doctor and medication can have a positive outcome on their health. Our faith in God has a powerful effect on our health and wellness - mind, body and spirit.  Faith is important because it allows you to see yourself healthier and to speak positive words of trust in God and provides preserve along your wellness journey.

   

 

•  Food , it is important to eat the right “type “ of foods in 2011. One of the best programs on television is the Dr. Oz Show.  The show often scientifically proves that God created and designed food to be medicine for our body. In 2011, you can make it your healthiest year if you starting eating more “plant based foods” and natural foods.  Plant based foods are vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes and beans. Plant based foods contain phytonutrients. Phyto-nutrients are plant (phyto) nutrients created by God to fight all types of diseases from cancer to diabetes. It is important to eat a variety of colorful plant foods every day!  Natural foods are foods that do not contain preservatives and artificial ingredients. Many people participate in the Daniel Fast (Daniel 1) in January. I am challenging you to take the Daniel Fast a step further and make it a way of eating for life and health. In the book of Daniel, the three Hebrew boys were healthier and wiser after eating a plant based diet for 10 days. 

 

You do not have to become a Vegetarian!  Here’s the challenge:  

 

 

 

•  Fitness, exercise is medicine for the body. This year walk, play, dance and enjoy life.  Find ways to incorporate a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes of physical activity in your life and your family’s life.  When you vacuum the rug or wash the car put on some music and make it a fitness experience. Take a walk with your family. Enjoy the fitness programs on the Wii or X-box you got for Christmas.  Try Piliates for core strength improvement. Remember to include resistance exercises with bands, weights or cans from your kitchen. Resistance training is important for strong bones and healthy muscles. Pastors and Church Leaders you can make this the healthiest year ever for the congregation by taking the lead and starting fitness and  a walking program at your church and including Health and Wellness seminars at all major meetings and events.

   

   

Faith, “Healthy” Food and Fitness will make this YOUR healthiest new year!

1.     10 days starting January 2, 2011 eat only “plant based foods”.  

 

 

Breakfast examples: Oatmeal and Pecans or Black Beans and Rice with Coconut Milk – I recommend “So Delicious Coconut Milk by Turtle Mountain” 

 

 

Lunch example: Veggie Burger on a Whole Grain Bun and Baked Sweet Potato Fries and Glass of Water with Fresh Lemons. I recommend The Source Bottled Water – 1-800-682-2341  

 

 

Dinner example: Baked Potato topped with a stir-fry of Broccoli, Red Peppers, Beans and Carrots, Tomato Soup, Whole Grain Bread and Hot Peppermint Tea with Fresh Lemon

 

2.     20 days – add in a “PALM” size portion of meat, fish or chicken – only a “palm” size portion. 

 

 

When you complete your 30 days you will be on the road to a healthier new year. If you continue to apply the Daniel Fast principles and serve “meatless” meals once or twice per week, for the rest of 2011, you will see positive changes in your health.

Make 2011 your healthiest one ever with three simple words faith, healthy food and fitness.

FAITH, FOOD & FITNESS

Pastor Natalie Mitchem, Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist and Certified Fitness Instructor

What you can do to make it your healthiest one ever!

You need to register to comment.