For many, the season of unhealthy holiday eating begins all the way back in October with Halloween. Two Snickers bars for the kids, one for mom; five Twizzlers for you, two for me. Then, before you’ve even had time to catch your breath – or loosen your belt – the Thanksgiving eating extravaganza arrives. Immediately after Thanksgiving come seemingly endless Christmas parties, work functions and social events. More food, more cakes, more sweets, more choices. While previous studies suggested that the average weight gain during the holiday season was 5-10 pounds, more current research shows that the reality for most […]

Perhaps you have been contemplating starting a new fitness routine. You have bought new sneakers, new workout clothes, and even a new recipe book for your new healthy lifestyle. Then, right as you begin, all your friends, family and co-workers begin to advise you what to do or what not to do. We have heard things such as “women should not lift weights,” and “low/no fat foods are better for you.” Let’s explore some of these common myths in health and fitness and determine what is true and what is not. Myth #1 – “The substitute” Consider this: the average […]

Atkins, South Beach, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig… all diets claim to be the best. The list grows every year, and yet so do the waistlines of an overwhelming number of Americans. While these diet plans serve their respective purposes and are often successful in helping people lose weight, most of them include a shocking amount of toxic chemicals and artificial ingredients. It’s no surprise that the conventional American diet is not working. Statistics show that over a third of Americans 20 years of age and older are classified as obese. The same studies show that when we combine the classifications […]

According to a recent study by the World Health Organization, 5.3 million people die each year as a result of illnesses tied to lack of physical activity including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and colon cancer. Now is the perfect opportunity to get moving in order to proactively prevent these illnesses, as well as possibly prevent premature death. Follow these simple steps to a get started on a journey to a whole new you! Identify what motivates you You were created to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of […]

“I just don’t have time” or “I can’t afford it.” These are the most common excuses in the physical fitness world. In today’s economically tough times, yes, anything can be expensive; and, yes, most of us lead very busy lives. However, taking control of your health and fitness does not have to be overwhelmingly time consuming or cost any money whatsoever. If you are ready, motivated, and prepared for change, here are five great exercises that can be done starting today, right now, with no driving, gym membership or equipment required. Remember to always warm up before exercising, and concentrate […]

Nearly everyone has dabbled in the world of health and fitness to some degree. It may be as small as the fitness-related New Year’s resolutions many of us make, or as intense as training for an Ironman competition. Some people choose to focus on the nutritional aspect of health, while others choose to spend time exercising; typically trying to burn unwanted calories. There are others still who have seemingly mastered the art of health and fitness and have conquered both the giants of eating to fuel their bodies correctly and training their bodies to peak physical performance. Some people prefer […]

Father’s Day is approaching and it is time to speak to the men. (Hint: this article will be totally helpful to women as well, but do not tell the men that!) To all the men out there, especially you guys who are near or over 40, the days when you felt like an invincible warrior may seem so long ago. But there is great news for you! You can feel vigorous and alive, strong and powerful, and full of energy all day long, just like you did in the “glory days” of your teens and twenties. There are some very […]

What is your first impression when you think of health food? Do you think of all the good things you must give up? Or maybe you think of boring rabbit food. Certainly you’re not thinking of enjoying the things you’re used to. However, there are ways to stay healthy while at the same time enjoying some of your favorite indulgences. What does it mean to indulge? It means “to yield to, satisfy, or gratify desires or feelings.” Is this entering some forbidden territory for a Christian? Aren’t we supposed to crucify the desires of the flesh? It is a common […]