In America, the grocery stores are riddled with highly processed foods, ingredients with names that we couldn’t possibly recognize, low-fat this, low sodium that, fruit juices that don’t actually contain fruit, vegetables sprayed with poisonous chemical substances. On top of that, there are SO many fad diets that the pursuit of health is now a relatively challenging goal to achieve. There is so much information to sift through and everyone seems to have a well-supported opinion as to why you should follow THEIR advice.
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| picture courtesy of roostblog.com |
The other day, I got discouraged. I am highly motivated to be healthy and to do the research, attempting to go straight to the facts. But what about those who aren’t motivated? What about those who want the easiest, fastest way to health even if it compromises quality and long-term benefits? There is just too much information. Then I began to think about what my top two tips would be, if I could only chose two, to those looking for optimum health. Here is what I came up with
1. Cut out all processed foods. Eat foods that do not have labels.
This alone will automatically force you to cook more, which will require planning ahead and more effort. For the most part, this will rule out restaurants. Salt intake will be lower, without having to limit the amount of salt you cook with. You’ll increase in awareness of what goes into your food. You will no longer be taking in harmful chemicals, artificial flavors, and additives with dubious effects on our bodies. This will take us back to the art of cooking. I realize this turns a lot of people off. Many are not willing to make this a priority, and that is certainly a choice that you can make, but that doesn’t really change the fact that this is one of the most important factors in losing weight, achieving health (both short and long term), and gaining a lifestyle that will promote fullness of life.
2. Drink water.
We tend to drink anything but water. We drink soda, fruit juice, vegetable juice (not necessarily bad), coffee, tea, etc. Water is life giving, bringing oxygen and nutrients, regulates body temperature, and boosts metabolism, among many other benefits. While coffee and tea are still regular visitors in my daily life, water is what I seek to consume the most of.
You see, I have this overwhelming desire to help people attain the health they desire. My discouragement that I talked about earlier nearly brought me to tears as I talked to Matt about it, but then I felt the Lord telling me that like anything else, this hope of a healthier nation is a process. I felt Him impress upon me the beauty of process and the idea that shortcuts are usually something to be avoided. Fad diets or quick weight loss solutions might work for some, but they are (practically speaking) not the healthiest or the safest option. Jesus didn’t take the shortcuts. As He sat in the boat telling the crowds parables and teaching them how to live life, he said offensive things. Many left and never returned, even talked badly about Him. He, by no means, did the popular thing by directly challenging the Pharisees, the rich, and the complacent. This required His followers to pursue Him, to stick around, to ask questions, and to take an honest look at their lives and what needed to change. His parables required thought and study, as they still do. The Christian life is an active pursuit. Jesus really gave me peace in this. It is okay that achieving health and honoring our bodies takes research, sacrifice, effort, and perhaps a little more work. Our God is not a God of convenience and don’t you think if God cares about every hair on your head, he obviously cares about the health of your body? We have people to reach, and great, MIGHTY things to do for the kingdom-bigger things to take care of (widows, orphans, the poor, to name a few...).
I guess I’m trying to encourage you to live the life worthy of the calling ahead of you. To take responsibility for that, to think of more than instant gratification, and to press on into the fruit that God has for you. It is worth the effort and for me, cooking and health even became a passion-something fun! And as if I already haven’t gotten sappy enough, you are not in this alone. We are in it together, by his grace and through His strength, in community. To end, here is a recipe of brilliance to tickle your tastebuds:
Sweet Potato and Lentil Chili
Ingredients: (makes 8 servings)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 red pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably home-made)
- 1.5 cups green lentils (soaked overnight with 3 tbsp. lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar)
- 28 oz crushed or diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- salt to taste
Directions:
In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp of coconut oil on medium heat. Add the onion, sweet potatoes, carrots, and red pepper. Sauté for a few minutes. Then add in the spices (chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, cayenne). Sauté and stir everything together for about 8-10 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the chicken broth, lentils, and tomatoes. Stir and bring to a boil. Take it down to a simmer and stir occasionally. The chili is done when the lentils are cooked through. This usually takes anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Feel free to add more liquid or tomatoes to suit the consistency you like. Salt to taste.
Bon Appetite!
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