Have Fruit for Breakfast

Incorporate fruit into every breakfast. It's a great way to include those vital servings of fruit and veggies.

Fruit and vegetables are full of nutrients to build health in every way. They are nature's healers. "Fruits and vegetables are full of nutraceuticals, the natural chemicals in plants with pharmacologic action," says Linda Page in Healthy Healing ©2000, page 121.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are also high in water content. I always tell my boys, "Eat water foods." I mean if we're made up of 70% water, I think it's important to replace that and water foods offer a healthful means to do just that.

Whether you love breakfast, or drag yourself out of bed just in time to hop in the car (or to the bus stop) in time for work, you can have fruit for breakfast.

It's just as quick to grab an orange or apple and banana as it is a doughnut or leftover piece of pizza and it's much better for you.

However, if you just 10 to 30 minutes earlier to eat breakfast at home, you can turn an ordinary breakfast at the table into a satisfying moment of self pampering. Instead of an ordinary bowl of oatmeal or yogurt, imagine adding chopped ripe mango, fresh blueberries, dried cranberries or raisins, nuts, flax seeds. . . whatever appeals to you on that particular morning. In this case it's good to spoil yourself. You deserve it, after all, you're up, you're taking responsibilities. So go ahead take care of you. What a treat!

Fruit's bright color satisfies the eyes as well as the palate. The different colors indicate different vitamins too, so include multiple kinds of fruit.

This time of year the local farmer's market is full of berries, peaches and other vibrant fruits. Take advantage of them. . . Have fruit for breakfast.

The Protein Myth

Trainers emphasize the urgent need for extra protein when you workout. Many diet plans promote eating a high-protein diet for those trying to lose weight. 

God's original plan for man's diet was a vegetarian diet. It's true He introduced meat into their diet after the flood, but the healthy, human body still needs the majority of their intake to be fruits and vegetables. 

Our soil has been compromised and many of our plant-foods have been modified, so it's important to read labels and seek out organic when possible, however, a high vegetable (as many raw plant foods as possible) diet is still the best for ultimate health. 

Here's what Jessica Jones, MS, RD said. You can find her complete article, The Protein Myth, Why You Need Less Protein, here.

"The take-home message: Before gulping down that protein shake after a workout, or subbing a large steak for carbs and fats at lunch and dinner, calculate your actual needs to make sure the extra protein is really necessary. It's probably isn't."

~Jessica Jones, MS, RD

Here's another article on the dangers of too much protein 

from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine,

entitled, The Protein Myth

Your New Friend: Kefir

By Guest Blogger: Jessiena Luhman

(find Jessiena at her blog. This post linked to Our Heritage of Health, Old Fashioned Friday)

Wikipedia describes Kefir as: a fermented milk drink made from kefir grains, which are a symbiotic culture of yeasts and bacteria.  Kefir grains are packed with: vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, iron, iodine and probiotics. Why are probiotics so important? They help support our immune system by populating it with good bacteria, these little fighters help ward off infections and boost your immune system.

I bet you’ve seen kefir at the market, but here’s why you shouldn’t buy it there: the present factory-produced kefir, the so-called kefir mild, kefir grains are no longer used, but a precise composed mixture of different bacteria and yeast, allowing the flavor to be kept constant. Long story short; don’t believe every label you read. 

If you want to gain all the benefits of kefir, it’s easy to grow at home. So easy, a friend gave me starter grains, explained the general process and within 24 hours I was enjoying my very own kefir. 

What you need:
-A large canning jar, without the seal, sterilized with boiling water. Be sure to heat the jar with hot water first, so the boiling water does not crack your jar.

- A coffee filter, paper towel or piece of fabric to use as a cover, so your kefir can breathe.

- High quality organic milk. You want to feed your new friend the best, so you will get the highest quality benefits.

- A plastic strainer. Metal will kill your kefir starter. If you only remember one thing, remember that metal kills your kefir grains.

- A vessel to store all of your delicious kefir.

So, what do you do with your strange new buddy? Name him, just kidding! But seriously, I named my Ralph. Trudy, Stella or Gladys are also lovely names for your new pal.

When you get your kefir starter, put him in your freshly sterilized, room temperature jar and add milk. Make sure he is covered completely, that is the least amount of milk you should ever use. You can make as much or as little as you want. I drink daily blueberry kefir smoothies, so I fill it almost full.

Once your kefir friend is in its jar and has milk to nosh on, cover it with fabric, secure it and wait for 12-24 hours. I like to set an alarm on my phone, for a time the next day when I know I will be home. It says, "Strain it or Refrigerate it." 

Place your buddy in a cabinet or on the counter and wait.

Making too much kefir, life too busy, or going out of town? Refrigeration presses the pause button on your kefir pal. 

You may also notice your new friend getting too big for his glass britches. Simply remove a section, using a plastic spoon and give it to a friend or save it in the back of your fridge, in a smaller jar with a small amount of milk for him to cozy up in and take a nap. In the event that your original starter goes bad for some reason, you have a backup!

Is that the alarm? Kefir is ready. Check your kefir. Does it look strange? It is probably ready. For a better description, Google ‘homemade kefir,’ there are a lot of excellent resources. Strain your kefir into a vessel, using a plastic spatula; roll your starter friend around to get all of the thick, tasty kefir.

You may notice that your little buddy has a tendency to get a little slimy and thick with kefir, simply rinse him off on occasion with non-chlorinated water or water that has sat on your counter, in open air, overnight. 

Straining complete? 

Rinse your jar out with hot water to create a nice, clean environment for him to grow good bacteria, plop your friend back in, feed him more milk, set your alarm and put him back in his spot on the counter.

Now enjoy your tangy kefir and wait for your new friend to make you some more.

Easy peasy!

Time to get started on your adventure with fermentation!

Your local health food store doesn’t carry kefir starter? Try this great website:

http://www.culturesforhealth.com/

Lots of great FAQs about kefir:

http://www.yemoos.com/faqmmain.html

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir

T'ai Chi and Happy New Year

Recently my husband and I along with a couple of friends attended the Chinese New Year celebration at the Twin Cities T'ai Chi Ch'uan studio in St. Paul. My T'ai Chi instructor, Julie Cisler, is very involved there and participated in some of the performances.

T'ai Chi is a Chinese martial art, which is very beneficial for health, strength and focus. It is the only martial art that can be continued late in life, some have even kept up the discipline through their nineties. 

Here's what Dr. Andrew Weil said about T'ai Chi in his blog today:

"Another option [to strengthen the core] is tai chi, a gentle form of movement, perfect for those with osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal impairments [as well as the rest of us]. It can build core strength and musculature of the lower limbs, as well as improve posture, balance, flexibility, and mobility. Tai chi can also facilitate relaxation and focus even while executing the moves. And it synchronizes the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, helping to develop concentration and coordination and so reducing risk of falls."

T'ai Chi is varied and keeps your interest. There is enough to learn that you really can keep learning for 40-60+ years. After learning the solo form you can also learn the two person form, which demonstrates how the postures would work in an actual conflict with another person. You may also learn the sword form, fan form and spear form, which are all very cool and beautiful. 

This is my instructor, Julie, demonstrating one of the postures in the solo form. 

Chinese New Year was February 10 this year, so our celebration was a little late, but . . . HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here's to Your Success

Do you feel successful?

To answer that we need to know what success means to our individual life.

Off the top of my head, my answer is: I'd like to know I follow the plans God has for me and that I'm pleasing Him along the way. I'd like to use fiction writing and my interest in natural things to generate income. I'd like to earn enough money so that my husband and I could travel and visit family on a regular basis. I'd also like to be involved in our local community.

What does success look like to you?

Discovering your deepest, most valued goals takes time, time to think, ponder and pray. Here's where we Americans lock ourselves in a "no-success" closet. We rush through our day trying to check off as many things from our to-do list as possible. We rush through our meals, wishing food could be faster, then run to our evening activities. Finally we plop into bed and set the alarm to begin again.

If we don't schedule quiet time for prayer, meditation and just plain thinking, we'll never discover our real goals. Without this quiet time, we can't create either. It takes time to develop new ideas.

Try this exercise: Find a quiet place in the house where you won't be disturbed for at least 20 minutes. Sit comfortably. Breath slowly, allowing your breath to go deep into your abdomen. Think about the sounds around you for a moment. Now block out those sounds and think about your breath, slow and deep. Next focus your thoughts on an aspect of God's character, or on an idea you'd like to develop. Ask God to bless your thoughts and give you insight. Don't push your mind to hurry and come up with all the answers. Just relax. Breath. Ponder.

Once you decide what you really want, then you must make judgements about every opportunity that comes your way. This means saying "No." That one little word will enable your success more than any other single word or act. Read the last two sentences again. . . Ponder that!

You have to say "No" to everything that does not directly or indirectly feed your goals.

Another thing that increases creativity and productivity is allowing time for the basic necessities of life. We need to schedule time in our day to brush our teeth, bathe, clean house, organize our papers, pay the bills, check our emails, etc. (Be careful not to get sucked into Google search-land while on the computer. #1 Time-waster). These are the things that can bog us down and halt our creativity and thought life if we let them get out of control. And please don't forget sleep, water, and proper nutrition. Without these our brain doesn't function at optimal capacity.

It really is okay to take care of yourself.

So, to sum up:
1. Schedule time to pray and think. Use breathing exercises to help you relax and focus.
2. Decide on your goals
3. Say "No" to those things that don't fit in with your goals.
4. Keep up on the basics: neatness, cleanliness, exercise, drinking water, eating healthy food and sleeping.

Success isn't the biggest house with the most/best stuff in it. Success ins't working 60+ hours a week or even having the most prestigious title at the company. Success is accomplishing your own personal goals, while maintaining good relationships with those you love (first of all God), and enjoying good health along the way.

Why Whine About Wheat?

For years I've struggled off and on with an allergy, or should I say, weakness, to wheat. I've fought skin rashes and discovered that when I eliminate flour products from my diet, the rashes subside and don't return. If I stay off wheat for a long time and then eat it again I may not have a rash for while, but then one day it returns.

All this has been confusing to understand. Even more confusing because when I grind Kamut (an ancient variety of wheat) at home to use in baked goods, I never have a reaction. I've thought maybe it's because flour sits on the shelf for so long after being ground that it becomes rancid. I read that in an article one time. And that may be it, or part of it.

Recently, however, I read another article about wheat, "A Closer Look at Wheat," Taste For Life magazine January 2013 page 30. It describes the modification that wheat has endured since the 1960s. "The wheat of today has been crossbred and hybridized to make it drought- and fungi-resistant and to drastically increase yield per acre. The result? Wheat that contains 1) high levels of a starch called amylopectin A, which dramatically raises blood sugar levels and encourages overeating; 2) a 'super gluten' that causes inflammation, which can trigger autoimmune diseases obesity, diabetes, irritable bowel, cancer, and numerous other conditions; and 3) highly addictive polypeptides that keep you craving more and more wheat products," says Jane Eklund in this article.

That sounds about right for many people today. But Eklund goes on to point out that we do have options. Some farmers are growing heritage varieties of wheat. These varieties are pre-1960s. Eklund points to organizations such as the Massachusetts-based Heritage Wheat Conservancy and Canada's Heritage Wheat Project, who seek to grow and preserve wheats like einkorn, emmer, red fife, and ladoga.

I personally think Kamut is a viable option. I can buy it in the coop or natural food store whole or ground and it doesn't seem to bother me. Check out Kamut International, which sells their khorasan wheat to these stores.  Kamut is one of those ancient varieties of wheat.

**This post is linked to Old Fashion Friday (Our Heritage of Health).

New Year Intentions

I read an article recently on www.care2.com, suggesting three different ways to usher in the new year. It's short and interesting, you can read it here.

The author makes a good point about New Year's Resolutions. They usually don't work. They're often lofty goals that are out of reach and have no action plan attached. This author suggests "New Year's Intentions" instead. I like to set goals for myself for the new year. I try to make them about something I'm already involved in, something in which I'd like to improve. It's important not to set goals too high. 

In 2012 I planned to send out my completed fiction novel to three agents, write my first non-fiction, get it published in eBook format and begin the second non-fiction. I accomplished the first two and began some research for the last one. Looking back, I can say to myself, "Not bad." I realize these weren't huge, but they were doable. 

I also believe it's important to set goals/intentions that motivate you to take care of yourself. Purpose in this new year to set aside time to rest, to exercise, to meditate, to be thankful for your health, accomplishments and family. Remind yourself throughout the year that you are valuable, talented and good. Remind yourself that you are the apple of the eye of God. He rejoices over you and wants all the best for you. He's cheering you on and empowering you to do and be all He's made you to do and be. 

Here's my non-fiction eBook that came out in October. You can find it at my website, www.christiannaturalist.com, or on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or anyplace you find eBooks. 

For comment, please share any success with New Year's goals you've had or any goals you're making for 2013.

Enzymes - A Key to Health

image from Taste For Life 

Enzymes are proteins that bring about change inside a cell. Some split cells apart, or break them down, while others join cells together. Without them our body could not absorb nutrients or break down food for assimilation during digestion.

Every living cell produces enzymes, so our body already has some. We can add more and different enzymes by eating foods with enzymes or taking enzyme supplements.

We all know that vitamins and minerals are absolutely necessary for good health, but did you also know that the body cannot assimilate them without the work of enzymes?

You may understand the importance of digestion. All the functions of the body are affected by the digestion and assimilation of our food. If it is not properly digested all sorts of health problems arise. IBS, colitis, crone's disease, and constipation are all directly associated with poor digestion. Many other illnesses come about as a result of poor digestion as well. Without enzymes to break down the food, there would be no digestion at all.

< SIDE NOTE: Can any scientist who studies the complexity of the body, and who understands mathematical probability, honestly deny intelligent design? >

Click here to see a short, simple video about how enzymes work.

Our body needs enzymes. Below is a chart listing several helpful enzymes for the body. These can be found in food and supplements.

http://www.tasteforlife.com/nutrition-plus/conditions-treatments/digestive-enzymes 

Published: November 19, 2012Updated: 03:04 November 19, 2012

Digestive Enzymes

WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR YOU

Have you noticed that your digestion isn’t what it used to be? There’s a simple reason for that. The body’s manufacturing of enzymes slows as we age. These protein molecules work throughout the digestive tract to give us energy.

The good news is that supplemental enzymes, taken when you eat a meal, can aid digestion. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common enzymes and their uses. 

Enzyme	What It  Digests	Used For
Bromelain	Proteins	Pain and swelling, sinus infections, colitis
Cellulase	Fiber	Blood sugar and cholesterol regulation, intestinal tract detoxification
Invertase	Carbs	Sugar digestion, bacterial infections
Lactase	Lactose (milk sugar)	Lactose intolerance
Lipase	Fats	Celiac and Crohn’s diseases, indigestion, IBS
Pancreatin	Proteins, fats, carbs	Digestive problems, viral infections, sports injuries, food allergies, autoimmune disorders
Papain	Proteins, fats, carbs	Pain and swelling, diarrhea, psoriasis

SELECTED SOURCES

“Bromelain”; “Lactase Enzyme Oral”; “Papain;” www.webmd.com

“The Health Benefits of Cellulase,” 5/29/11; “The Health Benefits of Invertase,” 7/1/11; by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, Global Healing Center, www.globalhealingcenter.com

 

 By: Jane Eklund

Phytonutrients Could Save Your Life

"Phytonutrients play perhaps the most important part in preventing cancer and heart disease." ~Don Colbert, M.D.

"Phytonutrients are . . . highly protective against heart disease and cancer." ~Andrew Weil, M.D. 

What are these miraculous nutrients? 

They are plant compounds that come from fruits and vegetables. Phytonutrients are what give fruits and vegetables their color, flavor and scent. And they are naturally disease resistant so they help your body fight disease.  

So how do we get more phytonutrients into our bodies? We eat more fruits and vegetables.

You thought I was going to suggest some expensive supplement or juice, didn't you? 

There may be some of those products that add phytonutrients to your diet, but they are not as effective as adding more fruits and vegetables. You see God made the things we need. Given enough of the food God made, and told us to eat, we will have what we need. 

Obviously in today's world of technology, our food, water and air have been polluted, which is what makes it difficult to eat right. I don't claim that any of us can avoid all things that cause cancer or heart disease, but we can help the situation by being mindful of what we choose at the store. Organic produce is always better since you avoid the pollution of chemicals used as pesticides. Choose brightly colored produce. Eat whole, raw, or slightly cooked fruit and veggies as often as possible. And eat LOTS of different varieties, in all the colors God has created. 

Enjoy your phytonutrients! 

Yummy ImmuniTEA Boost

Have you felt that little tickle in the back of your throat yet? Or the dry throat syndrome that often accompanies cooler weather? Well here are a couple of yummy recipes that can help. 

Honey Lemon Tea
-2 Tablespoons (or more to taste) each Raw Honey and freshly squeezed Lemon Juice. Add to a mug
-Pour steaming water over them to fill the mug. 


Spicy Apple Tea
(recipe from "Organic & Natural," October 2012, by Lunds and Byerly's)

-Equal parts water and fresh apple cider or bottled apple juice.
-1 spiced rooibos tea bag, or 1 tsp loose rooibos tea per 8-oz serving.
-Cinnamon stick

1. Bring water/apple cider mixture to a boil. Remove from heat.
2. Add tea and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove tea bag or strain, if using loose tea.
3. Serve immediately. For added sweetness, add a cinnamon stick to each cup of tea.

Each ingredient in these two recipes has wonderful, healing properties for winter colds and coughs. Plus they're just warm, sweet and comforting even if you're not feeling under-the-weather. Mix and match any of the ingredients or add other healing teas, herb or fruits to make your own delicious tea. 

Honey has been known for its healing properties for thousands of years. Up until World War II many used it for its antibacterial properties. Its wide-spread use dropped considerably when chemical antibiotics such as penicillin began to be produced. However, honey's healing properties have not changed. It is a powerful medicine, both internally and externally (on skin abrasions, for example).

Honey is good for joints, helps fight colds and respiratory infections of all kinds. It can help the battle against environmental allergies, bacteria and even parasites. Raw honey contains natural antibiotics, vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which all help the body to heal. And honey is a natural cough suppressant. A spoonful of honey alone can calm a cough and boost the immune system. 

*Note about honey: Raw is better for its healing properties. Do NOT give honey to children under one year of age. 

Lemon have an abundance of Vitamin C, famous for treating colds, flus, and respiratory infections as well as a host of other benefits. Lemons contain antioxidants which boost the immune system and speed up the healing process. 

Rooibos is an herb from which a deliciously mild tea is made. It's full of antioxidants and has been known to aid in digestion, sleep, relaxation, and more. It comes from the bark and leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, which grows in South Africa. It's often called red tea, or African tea.

Apples, well, we all know the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." There are many reasons for that. Of course, apples contain Vitamin C and are good for the immune system. But did you know that they're known to help the body fight cancer, obesity, and diabetes? Apples are cleansers and can help eliminate radiation. Apples help reduce bad cholesterol while building the good stuff into the blood. You may want to take a Google journey to find out more about all the healing properties of apples.  

Cinnamon is not only delicious, but healing as well. "Cinnamon raises vitality, warms the system, stimulates all the vital functions of the body, counteracts congestion, improves digestion, relieves abdominal spasms and aids in peripheral circulation...The health benefits of cinnamon can be attributed to its antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, astringent and anti-clotting properties. Cinnamon is rich in essential minerals such as manganese, iron and calcium. It is also rich in fiber," says Kevin Hayden in www.truthisreason.net. 

How do you use these medicinal powerhouses?

Stop Cheating Sleep

We in the West seem to have a love/hate relationship with sleep. We always talk about wanting more sleep. Many deal with chronic fatigue, yet we cram more and more things into our schedule robbing minutes or hours from our sleep time.

We look for ways to stretch the day. We're so busy trying to accomplish and buy more, or just have more fun. This is how we interpret success. But in order to do it we have to work harder and sleep less. I see it in middle-aged people who're desperate to build their retirement as well as keep up on the current bills and put children through college. I see it in young people, as if some unseen force compels them to stay awake late into the night. Often they don't even use those sleeping hours for homework, they just stay awake with friends, in front of the television, or on Facebook. Like toddlers who are so afraid they might miss something they don't want to go to sleep even if they're about to drop from exhaustion.

There is a lack of trust deep within us that tells us we must control our day. It borders on neurotic.

"Cease striving and know that I AM God."

~Psalm 46:10

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; 

yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"

~Matthew 6:26

We know that sleep is important to our physical well-being. Studies show that the lack of sleep (eight or nine hours is optimal for adults) increases our risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood-pressure and Alzheimer's. It causes foggy thinking and poor memory, lack of sex drive, and it breaks down the collagen that protects the skin and keeps it looking young. These are just a few of the problems connected to lack of sleep. 

Our first and most important remedy for this serious problem is to make sleep a priority. Guard the sleeping hours diligently. Remember that the hours before midnight are the best for the body to repair itself. A good rule of thumb is to plan to get in bed by ten on a regular basis. 

If you have trouble falling asleep you can take a bath with some soothing essential oils such as Lavender, Valerian, or Clary-sage. Any combination of them would work too. You only need 5-10 drops in a bath.  

Check your diet. A healthy diet full of living foods increases ability to get good rest. You may also enjoy a small glass of wine with dinner for minerals, digestion and relaxation. A cup of herbal tea before bed is helpful.

If you just can't fall asleep or you wake up during the night and can't get back to sleep, take one tablespoon of Nutritional Yeast in a small amount of water or juice. Stir and drink. The chromium in the yeast balances the blood sugar and allows you to sleep. It works for me every time, even if I drink a Latté in the evening. (I don't suggest coffee in the evening if you have trouble falling asleep). 

So here's my prescription for better sleep:

   -Trust God to help you accomplish what you need to do in your waking hours. Let go of the need to control.

   -Set aside 7 - 9 hours each day for sleep and guard them diligently.

   -Eat right.

   -Plan a routine of relaxation during the hours before bed. (wine with dinner, herbal tea and/or warm bath before bed).

   -Nutritional Yeast for difficulties falling asleep. 

(Also resist the urge to nap during the day if you have trouble sleeping at night).

Let's stop trying to cheat sleep. Let's make friends with sleep. It's a buddy we can't live without.



What helps you sleep? Please share it here in the comments. Thanks!

A Bounty of Ginger

I found a big tray full of fresh ginger at the Farmer's Market last week. I usually don't use that much ginger, but I know how good it is so I couldn't resist. Now I need to use it. I'd hate for it to dry up before I can make good use of it.

Ginger is a wonderful natural medicine. It's the best thing for digestion and upset stomach. It works well as a tea for stomach issues. And it's so soothing! Ginger is also an anti-inflammatory. It's great for joints.

It's also a great flavor to add to savory or sweet dishes.

I cut a few thick slices to put in some chicken vegetable soup. It tasted great.

With cold season approaching, keep in mind that you can boil a few slices in water as a soothing, healing tea with a tablespoon of honey.

Ginger is wonderful in Chinese and Indian food as well as most Fall/Thanksgiving recipes. Ginger can enhance any of your standby dessert recipes that call for spices.

Help me use up my ginger stash. Tell me how you like to use ginger.

The Story Nature Tells

Jackson's Tree, photo by Joshua Thompson

 "We could do an immense service to our world if we would let nature heal, counsel, and teach again."

~Christensen and Laird (Henri Nouwen), "Spiritual Formation: following the Movements of the Spirit"

When we see nature as only something to be used, we miss the story it was created to tell. Even environmentalists can take nature for grantit when they hurry by a city park to get to their recycling rally. They may not notice the beauty and lessons of the old trees swaying above the playground equipment or the wildflowers trampled below the feet of dozens of children on a field day.

Spiritual Formation, based on Nouwen's teaching, goes on to say, "When we contemplate creation rather than manipulating it, we are able to see nature as a gift of God to be cherished and cared for." And I would add, "...to be learned from".

God created the plants for our nourishment and for our enjoyment (beauty). "Out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food..." Genesis 2:9. We also learn that the leaves and other plants are for healing. We see the use of oil for healing in scripture again and again. By example, we learn from scripture that we can take life lessons and lessons about God from nature. 

God is referred to as our rock, our light and His voice is compared to thunder. Examples abound. But how did the psalmists and other writers come up with these comparisons?

They took time to meditate on aspects of nature.

I recently received a lesson from an old tree at a retreat center where our church leaders met for prayer. This is what I wrote:

Looking out the window at a very old tree, I notice deep grooves in the trunk, thick chunks of bark protruding and a deep hole in the bark at one place. It has been through so much history. I wonder about all the changes and things it has seen. I sense God say, "It's amazing what one can see or experience when he/she just stays in one place. Stay. Wait. Pray. Watch."

Healthy Eating Basics

Recently I've gotten a number of questions about how to eat healthy, or how to transition into a more healthy diet. I'd like to address some of those questions here. If you have more specific questions about diet, nutrition or alternative healing, you may post a comment here or email me here.

My first and most basic rules for diet come from Rex Russell, M.D. in his book, What the Bible Says About Healthy Living. I read his book years ago and always come back to his three principles. It makes choices so simple, though not always easy. Those principles are:

1. Eat only substances God created for food.
2. As much as possible, eat foods as they were created.
3. Avoid food addictions.

We'll explore each of these in more depth in the coming days.

Cholesterol & Flax

I recently learned that I have high cholesterol. This surprised me because I eat healthy and have for years. High cholesterol runs in my family, but I guess I thought diet alone would prevent the problem for me.

The nurse explained that I need to exercise more. Ah, that discipline is a little more difficult for me. But since then I've started a Tai Chi class (which I love, by the way) and tried to be more consistent and more vigorous in my daily exercise routine.

Learn more about Flax here: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/agnic/flax/wales%203.htm

Today I read an article about Flax and the benefits it has for cholesterol, menopause and more.  I'd like to share it with you here. You can read this article and other short articles about herbs that heal at this link.

_________________________________________

Flaxseed for Menopausal Discomforts and Prevention of Osteoporosis and Heart Disease

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is rich in plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). At Laval University, Quebec, researchers gave 25 menopausal women hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or flaxseed (1.5 ounces daily mixed into food). Six months later, flaxseed relieved hot flashes as well as HRT. Flaxseed also mimics HRT’s bone-preserving ability. Oklahoma State researchers gave a placebo or flaxseed (1.5 ounces daily) to 38 postmenopausal women for 14 weeks, and measured calcium excretion in their urine, an index of calcium loss from bone. The flaxseed group showed decreased calcium excretion, meaning reduced bone loss. Recent research published in Drug News and Perspectives also suggests that flaxseed lowers cholesterol and risk of heart disease.
Dosage: 1.5 ounces per day, mixed into food.
Red Flags: Women who cannot take estrogen should consult their doctors before using flaxseed.

Read more: http://www.herbcompanion.com/Health/Great-Natural-Remedies-Herbs-for-your-Medicine-Cabinet.aspx?page=3#ixzz1CvdBBSAL

_________________________________________

Other things for lowering LDL cholesterol are garlic, fenugreek, chromium (nutritional yeast is a great source of chromium. Just mix a tablespoon into a small glass of juice or water and drink), niacin and, of course, exercise or other stress-reducing practice like yoga or tai chi.

Feel free to leave your own suggestions in the comments section.

After-Holiday Blues?

I've been feeling sluggish, unmotivated and can't seem to shake the five pounds I picked up since the holidays. My body is crying out for a detox plan. Today as I arrive home from work I open the mail box to discover my "Whole Living" magazine with a 28-day Detox plan.

At this moment I might be persuaded to believe that the "Law of Attraction" theory is correct. My body cried out for something and the universe provided it. (Though I much prefer to think of God as the One who provided. He's much more personal and we have history). Anyway, I discovered this great plan for detoxifying your life including: Diet, Exercise, and Mental Focus. And it's not too difficult.

I came to the 28-Day Challenge late since I just renewed my old subscription. They started the plan at the beginning of January but it can be useful at any time. I think Spring would be a good time too--coming out of hibernation and into the sunlight. A great time to start fresh.

They've included a plan for each of four weeks with recipes and exercises (mental as well as physical). I'll let you check it out here. Let me know what you think.