Health 101: Back 2 Basics
I was telling my class this morning about how thankful I am to be a part of Faithful Workouts. There are so many ways I pray I can help on your way to physical and spiritual fitness.
I believe you want to get healthier but the best path to better health can be so confusing. There are so many viewpoints it can be overwhelming. To me it boils down to these basics.
“Fitness”
I know you want to exercise effectively but it’s hard to know what’s best. I have been in the fitness industry for 26 years and I have seen so many phases. I am still a believer in total body workouts with a combination of cardio and strength training. Most of us are not looking to get big bulky muscles (if you are you would want to do heavier weight and fewer repititions) we just want to get healthier. Here’s my suggestion, when you’re done with your workout do a body check. Did I get my heart rate elevated, did I work equally all the muscles in my body, did I stretch all the muscles out. When I finish my workout (or making a DVD) I start on the top of my body and work my way down to be sure I didn’t forget a body part.
If you are tight on time you can accomplish tons if you do multi-muscle moves. This would include exercises like lunges with bicep curls, core with light weights to work your shoulders. You don’t have to work out for an hour or more to make it count you can get lots into 20 minutes. Part of the Faithful Workouts membership plan includes emails with weekly exercise video clips with topics like, 20 minute workout, exercising with a partner.
“Fuel”
It can be so challenging to eat healthy. Trying to figure out what healthy eating looks like almost requires an extra college degree!! Actually, I think the health industry has made it harder than it needs to be. Here is my version of nutrition 101:
- God made your body, He made food, eat what God created in its most natural state, He knows what your body needs.
- Eat a wide variety of foods. This is especially important with your fruits and vegetables the more colors the better.
- Eat 100% whole grains instead of white flour when possible (doesn’t mean you can’t have a slice of white bread but try and have your grain source come mainly from whole grains.)
- Get your protein from beans, nuts, fish and lean meats. Does it mean you can’t have a ribeye steak the rest of your life – no – just eat more of the lean meats.
- Drink lots of water
- Eat breakfast
OK there is a bit more that goes into it then just that but start with this list and you will be amazed at the difference it can make.
“Faith”
Stress is so damaging to our bodies. The opposite of stress is peace. How can you have less stress and more peace? I have to tell you I tried for my first 40 years to do it without God and it didn’t work. For me the best way to push stress and worries out of my life is to fill up with the peace that comes from knowing God. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
God’s words, love and presence changed the way I live. Stress is out of control in our country (it’s even effecting our kids). Stress is physically killing us. The more we can fill up with God the less room there is for the devil to come in and start stressing us out.
I hope this note is just a simple reminder to focus on the basics to better health. Don’t look for a new fad that promises instant benefits. Change the way you do life so that you focus on your fitness, your fuel and most importantly your faith.
Take on your day!
I’m praying for you.
Michelle