God Makes Apples, Not Apple Juice

Posted by Yakuti in Archives | | 2 comments

One of the most common and universal struggles we as women have is losing weight. I think for those of us who usually write down resolutions or goals we wish to accomplish by the end of the year, losing weight is top among them. Losing weight for me has become a year-after-year resolution. I tell you it is a permanent feature in my list of goals and the reason it remains so is because I have been too lazy (it’s so hard to admit this) to change my eating habits and I end up getting frustrated when yet again I have to painfully say goodbye to my favorite jeans!

However, this year I decided I am really going to do something about it and not just sit back and watch the weight miraculously vanish, ha! how I wish! And you know what, I have lost 5 kgs so far. My target is to loose 10 kgs so now I have 5kgs more to lose. I am so proud of myself. I know many ladies are going through the same thing and that is why I want to help and let you know that yes you can lose the weight in a natural and healthy way but you must be prepared to do the work. God makes apples, not apple juice!

Taking care of our bodies should be very important to us. You know, this is the only body you get, so girl, you better treat it with care. Sometimes we treat temporal possessions better than we treat our bodies.

So, how can I take care of my body?

First, take the time to examine your body and take note of how you can be kinder to it. Sometimes we are so harsh to our bodies because of our eating habits and our bodies protest with all manner of aches and pains. Treat your body with tender loving care; after all it is yours. Be honest about the things you submit it to that are damaging and get someone to walk with you through this journey and get you on the right track. Examine the things you eat and be honest with yourself about what you need to set aside.

After taking the time to carefully reflect on these then now is the time to roll up our sleeves and do the work. Remember that nothing is impossible with Christ so do not think that you can never lose weight. Change this negative mindset and have a positive image of yourself and where you are heading.

You may have developed an unhealthy relationship with food because of an obsession with your weight, leading to repeated dieting. Your focus should be on healthy eating patterns. This will help you in your weight management. Isaiah 55:2 says Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good, your soul will delight in the richest fare.

What should I do to ensure I have a healthy eating plan?

• Consume a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. When it comes to vegetables we should have a variety in terms of colour. Half your plate should contain veggies. Different colours of veggies contain different types of vitamins hence the need to balance. Orange and yellow veggies contain vitamin A. Green, leafy veggies are rich in zinc which is good for our skin and immune system.
• Consume low fat proteins e.g skinless chicken, lean meat or fish rich in essential oils. Lentils and leafy green vegies make better sources of calcium as they also contain the vital bone building nutrients: magnesium and vitamin K. Calcium is very important to us because it is the most obvious mineral for our bones. Did you know our bones keep growing until about 21 years? so staying away from nutrient depriving fatty diets is all the more important.
• Reduce your salt and sugar intake (if you can stop taking sugar the better). Reduce your intake of ‘hard’ fats and processed foods, deep fried and highly refined foods.
• Consume 6-8 glasses of water DAILY.
• Exercise regularly about 3-5 days a week for half an hour. Some people don’t like exercise but who says you cant make it fun?! I love dancing so I make sure I dance till I sweat, I bought a skipping rope and I ensure I skip daily (in sets of 100) and I walk briskly every day. You dont need to go to a gym; be creative and make it fun, swim, run, jog whatever makes you happy and makes your heart beat faster literary spaeking. The key is any activity that raises your heart rate and keeps it up for an extended period of time will improve your muscle allowing them to work longer.

In all these remember balance, moderation and variety. Also, pray about these, God already knows what you need casting yourself at Gods feet in helpless desperation is all well and good but ultimately we are likely to get more out of the experience if you can take some action on your end. God makes apples not apple juice.

I cannot stress enough the importance of taking good care of our bodies. Afterall it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is my prayer that you have been enlightened. Ladies remember, it is never just about you, though it is your body, the state of our health will affect others. How can you take care of someone else well if you dont take care of yourself?

You are beautiful!

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