Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Balanced Health
Two of my primary passions are cooking and eating. For me, the excitement begins by choosing as many fresh and organic ingredients as possible. Then my imagination runs wild as I create most of my own healthy recipes based on the plethora of foods from my kitchen or my own backyard.
If I have three organic chicken breasts, some fresh bell peppers, cilantro, and cheese, then I opt for sizzling fajitas. If I get down to a bare cupboard with flour, sugar, and salt, then I go for some amazing crepes, filled with eggs and cheese (while I send my hubby to the store for some sweet strawberries and whipped cream).
The key is working with what you've already got at home. If you have to run out for ten more ingredients (some that you've never even heard of), you're less likely to cook from home. And that's when take-out starts to sound like a cheaper and better option. But it's not!
The thing about well-rounded but tasteful cooking, is that you have to indulge frequently. Scrumptious consumption occurs by using high quality ingredients, such as organic and responsibly grown fruits and veggies reflecting every color of the rainbow. These colorful choices reward your taste buds while providing healthful antioxidants and vitamins.
But you've got to try new things! Instead of just carrots and broccoli, saute some eggplant and blueberries as well. Add in your favorite meat with some olive oil and a bit of balsamic vinegar; then toss the cornucopia of flavors over some rice or noodles.
The payoff of cooking with decadent ingredients is that you're more likely to savor each bite while also eating less. And when it comes time for dessert, opt for a metered helping of a lavish dessert or you could enhance the dining experience with a larger portion of low-fat sorbet or sherbet. Don't deny yourself, just eat smarter!
Balanced eating affects your overall health. If you nourish your body and mind with the stuff God cares about, then you will stop eating when your body says you are full. You'll also feel more motivated to exercise as you care for God's temple, which is your body (Romans 12).
I have frequently found myself in the trap of eating just because it makes me feel better. Or, I'll go for another soda instead of water because I feel tired. But that's when we need to turn our thoughts over to the Lord. Ask Him to give you self control. Trust Him to give you more energy!
God cares about your eating and exercise habits and wants to give you wisdom about your body and your overall physical and mental health. Take a walk and meditate on God's goodness instead of spending two hours on Facebook. Try to walk away from those menacing M&Ms since you've already eaten two hand-fulls today. Remember that God is your strength:
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26).
As you cook with healthy and environmentally friendly ingredients, you will take pride in your culinary masterpieces and will feel good about yourself and God's planet. By choosing great eco-friendly foods, you will never compromise on life's daily indulgences.
Also, remember to surround your table with love, no matter what you're serving. Even when budgets are tight, take heart in this verse from Proverbs:
"Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred" (15:17).
Finally, as you carefully choose what foods fill your mouth this summer, always TAKE TIME TO PRAISE our KING:
"My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long" (Psalm 71:8).
If I have three organic chicken breasts, some fresh bell peppers, cilantro, and cheese, then I opt for sizzling fajitas. If I get down to a bare cupboard with flour, sugar, and salt, then I go for some amazing crepes, filled with eggs and cheese (while I send my hubby to the store for some sweet strawberries and whipped cream).
The key is working with what you've already got at home. If you have to run out for ten more ingredients (some that you've never even heard of), you're less likely to cook from home. And that's when take-out starts to sound like a cheaper and better option. But it's not!
The thing about well-rounded but tasteful cooking, is that you have to indulge frequently. Scrumptious consumption occurs by using high quality ingredients, such as organic and responsibly grown fruits and veggies reflecting every color of the rainbow. These colorful choices reward your taste buds while providing healthful antioxidants and vitamins.
But you've got to try new things! Instead of just carrots and broccoli, saute some eggplant and blueberries as well. Add in your favorite meat with some olive oil and a bit of balsamic vinegar; then toss the cornucopia of flavors over some rice or noodles.
The payoff of cooking with decadent ingredients is that you're more likely to savor each bite while also eating less. And when it comes time for dessert, opt for a metered helping of a lavish dessert or you could enhance the dining experience with a larger portion of low-fat sorbet or sherbet. Don't deny yourself, just eat smarter!
Balanced eating affects your overall health. If you nourish your body and mind with the stuff God cares about, then you will stop eating when your body says you are full. You'll also feel more motivated to exercise as you care for God's temple, which is your body (Romans 12).
I have frequently found myself in the trap of eating just because it makes me feel better. Or, I'll go for another soda instead of water because I feel tired. But that's when we need to turn our thoughts over to the Lord. Ask Him to give you self control. Trust Him to give you more energy!
God cares about your eating and exercise habits and wants to give you wisdom about your body and your overall physical and mental health. Take a walk and meditate on God's goodness instead of spending two hours on Facebook. Try to walk away from those menacing M&Ms since you've already eaten two hand-fulls today. Remember that God is your strength:
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26).
As you cook with healthy and environmentally friendly ingredients, you will take pride in your culinary masterpieces and will feel good about yourself and God's planet. By choosing great eco-friendly foods, you will never compromise on life's daily indulgences.
Also, remember to surround your table with love, no matter what you're serving. Even when budgets are tight, take heart in this verse from Proverbs:
"Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred" (15:17).
Finally, as you carefully choose what foods fill your mouth this summer, always TAKE TIME TO PRAISE our KING:
"My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long" (Psalm 71:8).
Labels: balance, faith, food, health
