Congratulations, Week 2!

Hey everyone!

We’re almost through week 2 of the step challenge. How is everyone doing? Has anyone done anything out of the ordinary just for the sake of the step challenge? I have been doing more snowshoeing! This is not a winter activity that I used to enjoy doing but for some reason this winter I’ve done it a bunch. It’s an activity that my grandfather loves doing as well so we’ve been out in the woods together and it has been such sweet fellowship.

When I was a freshman in college, I decided to become a plant-based vegan.  It was during the Lenten season that I prayed over my health and asked God to heal me and make me healthy again. Praise the Lord, I have come a long way in my health. God has given me a passion for helping people create healthy lifestyles. I hope you find some encouragement in this.

In this season of Lent, perhaps God is asking you to be more deliberate with your food consumption.

​Part of the motivation to stay active comes from feeding our bodies the proper nutrition to stay moving. With the winter months being cold and long, we tend to pack in the carbs and leave out the fruits and veggies.


Conveniently, this week is the beginning of Lent! I encourage you to evaluate what you’re consuming and see if there are some adjustments you can make.

Consider the following questions about your dietary habits:

1. Do you pray before you eat? If you aren’t praying over your meals already, I challenge you to make this a priority.
   
2. Are you eating foods that are wholesome and pleasing to the Lord? By that I mean, are you consuming foods that are produced by local farmers, Fair Trade, or support a good economy? John Wesley, the father of the Wesleyan denomination, had a wholistic natural view on diet. This is the link to his book on health; I encourage you to read it.
   

Bottom line, is what you’re consuming edifying to God? Lots of rhetorical questions here, but food for thought. Pun intended.

Here are some recipes that I have become staples in my diet for long days:

• These overnight oats are great for busy weeks and require an easy 5 minute prep before bed.
  
• These little nuggets have been a life saver for me! They are nut butter oatmeal energy balls. I eat them for a pre workout/post workout snack, as a dessert, or whenever I’m feeling calorie deprived.  The sweetness in them curbs the sweet craving I get and the salt provides natural electrolytes.
  
• Buddha bowls are my go to dinners. They are super easy to make, inexpensive, and can be catered to whatever you’re craving.
  

I love suggestions! What are your meal and snack staples? Do you have a favorite smoothie recipe?

Eat well!
Abbey

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2