Taking Care of your Body

"I am only one, but I am one. I can not do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I can not do interfere with what I can do." ~Edward E. Hale

These are some great tips on taking care of your body. Our body, soul and spirit all work together. If one area is weak the other areas may suffer as well.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says “Honor God with your bodies”. You love to have your house clean & tidy. Your body is the home of the Holy Spirit. Is it a healthy, happy one?
• 8 hrs of sleep min is your goal
• Take naps
• Let things go undone
• Take a daily multivitamin
• Drink more water (8-10 glasses per day is not hard)
• Keep a cold pitcher of water in the fridge
• Order only water with meals
• Keep a water bottle handy
• Have regular medical checkups

Taking care of your body: Beauty
Genesis 1:27 We were created in God’s image; we are a reflection of Him.

Psalm 90:17 “Let the beauty of the Lord be upon us”

Take an extra 15 minutes each day and invest a little bit in yourself. If you are married, taking care of your appearance is a way of showing respect to your spouse.
• Put on perfume
• Pick a bouquet of flowers
• Have your morning beverage in a pretty cup
• Have a candlelight bubble bath
• Be adventurous with your next haircut
• Have a monthly spa night with your girlfriends
• Buy new lingerie
• Get a makeover, facial, massage, pedicure or manicure (go to a school to save money)
• Have a hostess party (I recommend Arbonne!)

Taking care of your body: Healthy Eating

It is critical that we not base the standard for how we look on Hollywood’s perception of what is beautiful. It is unrealistic and boring.

Isaiah 44:24 and 45:9 Why are you questioning why God, creator of all things, made you the way you are. Can you find contentment in looking the way God created you?

Focus on healthy eating to feel better and have more energy, not just to be skinnier. We should be eating healthy all the time, no matter what our weight.

Our primary goals for healthy eating should be: teaching our children to eat wisely, having energy to care for our family, and staying healthy so we can stick around to see our grandchildren.
• Fill up on Jesus instead of trying to satisfy yourself with spending money, working too many hours, or overeating.
• Brush your teeth when tempted to eat.
• Never eat standing up.
• Make your lunch in advance.
• Wash and cut up fruits and veggies as soon as you get home from the grocery store and put them in snack sized baggies to grab on the go.
• Eat at restaurants with healthier food choices.
• Order before looking at the menu. Have a healthy idea in mind like grilled chicken and veggies.
• Eat half of anything (share with hubby or child or save for later)
• Buy treats for your family that you dislike.
• Eat close to the garden, clean foods (the closer to the way God created it, the better).
• Moderation – eat a little, not the whole thing.
• Decide beforehand how much you will allow yourself and stick to it (i.e. one sweet thing each day)
• Fast - give up something for one month or week to rid your body of the toxins (sugar, caffeine, extra salt, white flour, carbonated drinks, etc.)
• Keep a food journal of what you ate, time and reason for one week.
• Choose a proven weight loss program after checking with your doctor (www.gofigure8.com).


Taking care of your body: Exercise
1 Corinthians 9:27 “ I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.”

Hebrews 10:36 “For you have need of endurance so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised.”

Proverbs 31:17 “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”.

Exercise is an investment in yourself, your quality of life and the way you are going to feel all day.
• Do a different “activity” each day
• Watch TV, DVD, or read while on treadmill
• Have a positive attitude about exercise
• If you are tired, exercise instead of a nap
• Get up earlier or exercise on your lunch break
• Park further out when shopping, do arm lifts with your grocery bags, take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Walk with your spouse and/or kids
• Start a stroller brigade with your friends
• Tape or Tivo shows and save for exercise time
• Listen to a Bible CD, great teaching tape, or Christian radio station (Air One)
• Do activities with your kids: biking, trampoline, etc.
• For strong arms do as many push-ups as you can throughout the day
• Mow the lawn (try a push mower) and do other household activities
• Hire a personal trainer, join a gym, or get a new workout video
• Dance around your house, hike, bike, weight train, aquatics- vary your routine
• Buy yourself some new shoes or workout clothes
• Give yourself a reward for doing extra exercise