God just opens doors and answers prayers in profound ways sometimes!
This past Saturday I had the privilege and honor to be the keynote speaker at Christ Fellowship, Port Saint Lucie campus, as they hosted a Community Leadership Gathering.
I was able to speak about stress, anxiety, and the role of nutrition from a Biblical perspective. It was such a huge honor and blessing to share some of my struggles with these key issues while serving in the ministry with my husband.
I always joke God gave me one gift and I use it well- the gift of gab! Lol Honestly, I love sharing from the stage because it allows me to reach more people with God’s message that nutrition, contrary to current culture, does not need to be complicated.
The feedback I received on Saturday was overwhelmingly positive. What one person shared really hit home, “My body is the Holy Temple that houses the Holy Spirit, it’s not a trash can!” Wow, that was an amazing mental image! I don’t think I would refer to our bodies as trash cans, but I can see how one might make that correlation if eating too many chips, candy, soda, etc.
As summer winds down and we draw closer to Labor Day, here is an easy tip to remember as you work on making healthy food choices at the social gatherings that surround the upcoming holiday:
Pray
Anticipate
Unfathomable
Supernatural
Equanimity (peace under stress)
And if staying close to scripture is more your thing, here is a reminder from Jesus about stress and worry to keep in your back pocket, whether you’re stressed about life in general, or making healthy choices at the end-of-summer social gatherings you have coming up:
Matthew 6:32b-34, “your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Grace-Fueled Calm: Embrace God’s Plan to Reduce Stress
Join me for a 3-session dive into this very current, intriguing topic of how we can use God’s guidance to support our mental well-being.
We will explore the destructive nature of anxiety and stress and gain new power tools from God’s word. We will explore the role of nutrition and lifestyle changes to reduce the outcomes of anxiety and stress on our spiritual, mental, and physical health.
Register today for this impactful class. August 21, 22, and 23, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Pauline’s Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ c molasses
- 1 ripe Hass avocado
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 c. chopped Brazil nuts
- 1 ¾ c. pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 c. All-purpose flour
- 1 c. raisins (opt.)
- ½ c. sunflower seeds (opt.)
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Puree avocado and banana in food processor until smooth, add in remaining wet ingredients and puree well, set aside. Shift and mix dry ingredients together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to wet and blend only until combined. Pour into a greased and floured muffin pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Test by inserting a toothpick into center of muffin. Ready when the toothpick pulls out clean. If the bread needs to stay a bit longer, cover the top of the bread with foil so it doesn’t burn.
Quips & Tips
Chromium rich foods have been shown to help reduce depression, anxiety, and stress. The recommended daily intake of chromium for adults 19-50 is only 30 mcg. It is recommended to get this wonderful mineral from food sources rather than supplements.
Some ways to incorporate more chromium into your day include:
Burger night! Use whole wheat buns and now you’ve add some magnesium too!
Nibble on a few Brazil nuts!
Have a 4 oz glass of grape or orange juice with breakfast
Enjoy a baked potato night for dinner- create a toppings bar that includes broccoli and nacho cheese!
Toss some minced ham cubes into omelets, stir-frys, or casseroles.
Fun Facts About Brazil Nuts
- Haven been shown to lower risk of heart diseases such as high blood pressure and dyslipidemia
- Excellent source of selenium, zinc, copper, and magnesium
- Contain heart healthy fats
- Are linked to improved health outcomes such as certain cancers, infections, wound healing, mood disorders
- Research has found Brazil nut may help with brain health due their rich source of selenium
- Brazil nuts have been shown to reduce oxidative stress on the body
- Help to maintain thyroid health
- Brazil nuts are Pauline’s favorite nut!
For more great information on Brazil nuts: https://thenutmarket.com.au/blogs/health-benefits/recipes-with-brazil-nuts
Family Nutrition Tip
How can we reduce family stress without trying very hard? The answer is one step at a time!
Pick one magnesium or chromium rich food and try different ways to incorporate it into your family’s snacks and meals this month.
Maybe Brazil nuts aren’t your thing-that’s ok! Remember, many foods contain magnesium and chromium. These are three generally kid-friendly ideas:
- Homemade grilled chicken nuggets, green beans, and baked fries
- Oatmeal with blueberries, whole wheat toast, and a cup of low-fat milk
- Spaghetti and lean ground beef meatballs with a garden salad
Let’s Gather Together This Month!
We have had a long summer and many of us are ready for it to be over and a new season to begin.
If you’re looking for even more support, take a moment and read the full story of how Jesus instructs us to handle worry.
