From the video description: "Levels Advisor Robert Lustig, MD, describes how to change your diet from one that is inflammatory to one that keeps inflammation in check.

❌ You can lessen inflammation by avoiding these ingredients:

• Processed seed oils (i.e., soybean, corn, canola)
• Sugar
• Ultra-processed foods (often laden with seed oils and sugar)

✅ You can eat an anti-inflammatory diet by prioritizing these ingredients/nutrients:

• Fiber: fiber feeds your gut microbiome.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: these support the brain, neurotransmission, the immune system, and cardiovascular health.
• Vitamin D: this vitamin suppresses toll-like receptors, and that suppression helps control inflammation."​

Relevant Scripture: "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." -1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT

About Inflammation: "Studies have shown that chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with the development of a number of chronic diseases.  In particular, it is associated with an increased risk of mortality from all causes, as well as an increased risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and cardiovascular disease.  In addition to physical diseases, chronic inflammation is implicated in the development of mental illness, including depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

Diet plays a key role in inflammation.  For example, Mediterranean dietary patterns, which are rich in fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, poultry, extra virgin olive oil, and whole grains, are associated with lower systemic inflammation.  On the other hand, Western dietary patterns, which are characterized by low consumption of fruits and vegetables and high consumption of ultra-processed high-calorie foods, are associated with increased levels of inflammation." (Source: https://nutrition.org/the-link-between-diet-inflammation-and-disease/ 

Our prayer for you is that you would prayerfully consider submitting to the Lord in all things- including changing unhealthy lifestyle choices.  By avoiding inflammatory food choices, you will enhance your overall health and longevity. May the Lord bless you with the grace to practice a healthy diet and choose healthy, non-inflammatory options, so that you may live the fullness of your Godly destiny. May you one day hear from God, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21) Amen!


​*Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

From the Video Description: "Do you find yourself constantly thinking about food? When the compelling desire for food and drink becomes intensely important to us, it’s a sign that it has become an idol in our lives.  Gluttony in the Bible is a form of idolatry and any form of idolatry is a serious offense to God.  Overcoming gluttony is less about losing weight and more about gaining a new perspective in life.  Food cannot comfort you; only the Holy Spirit does that!  He is the great Comforter, your best Friend.  So ask Him to help your mind, will, and emotions make the right decisions concerning food consumption."

Relevant Scripture: "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?  You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT) 

Our prayer for you is that you would fully submit to the Lord Jesus in your dietary habits and lifestyle in order to be a good steward of your body.  God wants you to live your most healthy, victorious, overcoming life, so that you can let your light shine for Christ as you live your Godly Destiny. Amen! 


*Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

According to CBN reporter Andrea Morris: 

With the ongoing pandemic, many people have been battling mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, bitterness, and unforgiveness.

Doctors say emotional health is directly tied to physical health; however, new research shows people can dramatically improve their overall well-being by reading scripture.

John Plake from the American Bible Society discussed findings from a recent study, revealing that deeper engagement with the Bible can have a positive effect on people." In the midst of a pandemic and this sort of once in a century disruption we've been experiencing in America, we were interested to know, how does the Bible help people? We were extremely heartened to realize that in the midst of languishing and the struggle that the nation's been in, people who are deeply connected to the Bible and to Christian community are remarkably resilient," Plake told CBN's Healthy Living.

Plake said it's clear that stress levels have increased as a result of COVID-19, and that extra stress hasn't ended.
"Stress levels are extremely high. Every indicator of stress that we looked at, and there are 10 of them in the study, was up when the pandemic was really starting to take hold and people's lives were being disrupted," he explained. "Stress hasn't gone down, it's actually up. We saw that 48 percent of Americans say they've experienced a significant, traumatic event in lives." 

Yet, research shows that people who are connected with a strong Christian community and deeply involved with God's Word were more apt to overcome certain challenges.

"What we discovered was if people were scripture-engaged, meaning more than just putting in time to read the Bible, but a consistent interaction with the Bible that begins to shape people's choices and transforms their relationships with God, with themselves and others," Plake said. "When deeply engaged with scripture and allowing it to touch their hearts, we see significantly decreased levels of stress." 

"We see increased levels of hope. Some of the highest levels of hope for the future are among people who are closest to the Bible. Then lastly we see among people who have been traumatized that people who are scripture-engaged are more likely to forgive those who might have hurt them. Even if those people didn't ask for forgiveness."
Plake said the bright spot in 2020 and 2021 is that the American Bible Society recorded a substantial rise in Bible users.

"We saw an increase on the order of 12 million people who are now using the Bible at least occasionally that weren't before. We went from about 169 million people who use the Bible at least occasionally to 181 million people that were recorded in January of 2021. That's really good news."

Consistent time with God's Word and the importance of going to church were also examined during the study. 
Plake noted that involvement in church and the faith community can provide answers for those who are hurting.
"In this time when people are struggling with grief, displacement, disappointment ... their hopes have been dashed in many ways for many people across America, I think it's an opportunity for the church to say there's a bigger picture here. There's a bigger story here and there's a community of people who love you," he explained.
"The church provides that community of people who love you, the Bible provides the bigger story. The Bible is the story of how God is at work in the midst of our struggles to overcome those struggles and bring about a preferred future and the hopes that we all have for a better life."

We pray that your time spent reading and engaging the message contained in the Bible, along with enjoying the fellowship of other believers, will help you to enjoy better overall health so that you can Discover, Unlock, and Live your Godly Destiny! Amen!

In this article from DrChristianson.com, Dr. Alan Christianson shares eight mindsets of healthy people. He opines, "Have you ever read the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People? I try to get through it at least once per year. In it, the late Steven Covey teaches us that our professional lives are products of how we think more than any other factor.

I would argue that the same is true for our health.

My mentor Dan Sullivan, the founder of Strategic Coach, challenged me to find the common mindsets among my healthiest patients. I thought about those who seemed to have natural health as well as those who had overcome major challenges. It was a powerful exercise. Despite practicing for nearly 20 years, this was a question I had never explored.

After thinking hard about who I would consider to be in this group, I interviewed them and gathered the data which evolved into a list of eight mindsets that I wanted to share with you.

Mindset 1 – Live with purpose

This habit is first on the list for a reason. Purpose matters. People who have a compelling ‘why’ can make do with almost any ‘how.’  What would you say if someone asked you what your purpose was? If you did not have an answer that came to mind, put 'figuring it out' on the top of your to do list.

Mindset 2 – See health as essential

There is a saying that a person who has health has a hundred goals yet someone without health has only one. It is impossible to focus on anything else when you have ongoing pain or frustration with your body.

Mindset 3 – Believe you can heal

Do you have a bad set of genes? Are you powerless to change your diet? Does it seem unfair that the foods you like best don’t make you feel good? These beliefs themselves may be more powerful than your genes or your diet. Henry Ford said whether you think you can or think you can’t, either way you’ll be right. Know that every atom in your body is replaced regularly. Most in just a few months. Your mind is so powerful. Never use it to keep yourself trapped in frustrating symptoms.

Mindset 4 – Be flexible
​
Yoga is great, but I mean mentally flexible. I was at a book signing recently and got to talk to lots of my readers. One asked me how she could get more energy. She knew she was fatigued because her diet was limited to little more than raw vegetables. She explained in detail how she was unwilling to eat any other foods because of all the reasons she had read about how fruit, nuts, legumes, animal protein, and grains were all bad for her. When she was done I did my best to summarize her question: “So you want to do exactly what you’re doing now without changing anything but get completely different results from it?” She and I both had a good laugh and I think the new perspective made her think. If your health is exactly the way you and your doctor want it to be, don’t change a thing. If it is not, being mentally flexible and receptive to change will be necessary for your recovery.​

Dr. Josh Axe shares, "In this video I want to talk to you about how to overcome food cravings and sugar cravings naturally.  If you want to overcome sugar cravings, then you need to follow these four steps:

• Getting the right foods into your diet.
• Adding in foods that balance out your blood sugar levels and insulin, such as healthy protein, fat, and fiber.

​

• Get the sugar and grains out of your diet.
• Slowly wean yourself off the sugars and grains and find some healthy replacements that satisfy the sweet craving.

​

• Taking the right supplements that will help balance out blood sugar levels.
• Chromium is a great option (200micrograms 3x a day), a B complex vitamin, and a probiotic supplement.

​

• Start doing the right kind of exercise.
• Weight training or Burst training instead of long-distance cardio exercise (isometric exercise like barre class or yoga)

If you follow these four steps, you will see major improvements in overcoming your sugar cravings naturally."

Being free from food addictions, like sugar, is an important step in unlocking your Godly destiny.

*Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Is sitting too long the new smoking?  Oftentimes it is the simple little things, done consistently, that can make the biggest impact.  As it is perpetually our mission to discover, unlock, and live our Godly destiny, we like to integrate healthy lifestyle ideas as often as possible. 

To that end, and according to Ted, "Nilofer Merchant suggests a small idea that just might have a big impact on your life and health: Next time you have a one-on-one meeting, make it into a 'walking meeting' — and let ideas flow while you walk and talk."

We hope you will move toward Divine health and Christ's ultimate purposes through you!

Lifestyle choices are an important part of unlocking your Godly destiny.  To that end, Brian Wansink teaches how small changes to our physical environments can have a big impact on our behaviors (and waistline!)

As you seek to discover, unlock and live your Godly destiny, be sure to laugh often.  As this article explains, it is good for your health, but beyond that it is all part of enjoying the purpose of your life with the One who overflows with unspeakable joy.  So laugh your way all the way to your Godly destiny.

CBN Medical reporter Lorie Johnson pens, "Laughter! It’s one of the most often overlooked ways we can, and should, live better.

Yes, the ability to laugh seems to come naturally to some people. But everyone, even the most serious personality types, can develop a funny bone. It’s a wonderful way to stay healthy!

As researchers examine the keys to longevity, they are now discovering overwhelming evidence that living long has a lot less to do with exercise and eating right than the way we THINK.

Just look at the majority of centenarians and you’ll notice they all have a zest for life, a natural curiosity and, yes, a sense of humor. You’ll notice a light-heartedness among people who’ve outlived their counterparts.

This is all about stress. Stress is far more devastating than most people realize. It literally debilitates your entire system. Anger, fear, unforgiveness and yes, a sour attitude all contribute toward stress.

Conversely, letting go of anger, resentment, and taking ourselves too seriously immediately contribute toward stress relief and an overall healthier you. Research shows:

We believe that God intends for His purposes to be accomplished through His family.  His original plan was to have a family spread from the garden and work in concert with Him to accomplish all He intends.  As such, we must value and place a high priority on family.

CBN Medical Reporter Lorie Johnson shares, "We desperately need to bring back the family dinner. Most families just don't have the time, or the desire, to sit together around a table and eat at the same time with no electronics in the way.

That sad trend has led to a number of troubling consequences that we need to reverse.

Dr. Anne Fishel is a family therapist at the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School. She's also a wife and mother.

In her new book, Home For Dinner: Mixing Food, Fun, and Conversation for a Happier Family and Healthier Kids, she uses scientific studies to build a solid case for making the effort to eat together as a family....whatever your family happens to look like at the moment.

Regardless of whether you have have babies and toddlers who are difficult to get sitting still, school-age kids loaded-down with homework and extra-curricular activities, sullen teenagers who don't want to participate in anything, or perhaps an empty-nesters, the scenario is the same: eating together around a table will improve your health in a variety of ways.

Researchers considered a family that "eats together" as one that gathers around the table, with food, without electronics, a minimum of five meals per week. That can be breakfast, lunch or dinner. More is better than less. Here's what they found:

CBN Medical Reporter Lorie Johnson blogs, "It's great that more people are now recognizing the harmful effects of consuming too much sugar. This bad habit leads to obesity and diabetes. Eating or drinking too much sugar also causes inflammation, which leads to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and other health problems.

Clearly, the best way to eliminate sugar from our diets is to stop eating and drinking anything that tastes sweet. We will go through a withdrawal period from three days to a week, which can be difficult. But I'd like to encourage you to exercise self-control and stick with it, because after that, we no longer crave sweet foods, which is a joyful, liberating way to live.

Unfortunately, many people who recognize the dangers of sugar opt to take what appears to be the easy route, which in reality, is more difficult. They choose to replace sugar with sugar substitutes, which cause all kinds of problems including weight gain.

There are dozens of sugar substitutes on the market, and the number keeps growing. This is because food manufacturers recognize that people are always looking for that magic bullet: a sweetener that tastes just like real sugar, but doesn't have the consequences of sugar.

IT DOESN'T EXIST. Nevertheless, manufacturers keep claiming they've come up with a sugar substitute that satisfies all our desires, and people fall for it.

There are a number of reasons why we should avoid sugar substitutes. The most glaring is the fact that sweets are addictive. No matter what kind of sweet taste you lay on your taste buds, it's going to make you crave more sweet. So if you are drinking a diet soda, for instance, loaded with artificial sweetener, you may feel proud of yourself because you think you're beating the system: there are no calories and you still get to enjoy that sweet taste.

But what is actually happening, is you are programming your brain to call for more sweets, such as that piece of chocolate cake in the office break room, that candy bar at the check-out counter, or those doughnuts as you drive past Krispy Kreme. Eventually, you will give in.

Several studies, including one conducted at Purdue University, conclude artificial sweeteners actually lead to weight gain, because they lead to overindulgence on real sweets.

Aside from weight gain, there are a number of other troubling health problems associated with sugar substitutes, such as that they feed the bad bacteria in the gut. Health professionals only recently discovered that the trillions of bacteria in our small intestine, also known as the gut, determine our overall health.

In fact, 70 percent of our immune system is located in our gut. That's why having lots of good bacteria is vitally important, and why taking a probiotic supplement, which increases the number of good bacteria, is such a good idea. Conversely, as it turns out, artificial sweeteners feed the bad bacteria in the gut.

Other concerns are that sugar substitutes impair glucose and insulin regulation.

Most people are confused about the various types of sugar substitutes. While, as I mentioned above, it's best to avoid all sweeteners, both real and artificial, many people reject that notion and are determined to find a sugar substitute that doesn't have the calories of sugar, but does have the taste, and in the process, want to choose the healthiest one.

So here goes: