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I hope you enjoy and find my blog useful. Please feel free to link, comment, or give your advice. Make yourself at home and come back daily as I will be updating daily.
Grace and Peace,
Ed
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I'm a 54 year old Husband, Father of Four Daughters, Pastor and Vice Principal of a private K-12 school on Long Island.

Monday, December 31, 2007

Jack Lalanne


The other night while watching TV with my wife we saw someone I hadn't seen in years. It was Jack Lalanne. I remember watching Jack with my Mom over 45 years ago! He was phenominal then and he is absolutely incredible now! He was to the exercise industry on TV what Julia Child was to the food industry back then. Pioneers! Visionarys! Gurus!

Well of course I was glued to the TV to see what Jack was up to now. The guy and his wife are in incredible health and shape! They were vibrant and filled with energy. Jack and his wife are touting the benifits of juicing fresh fruit and vegetables. You can see their juicer here:

http://www.mypowerjuicer.com/. Jack traces his juicing and healthy lifestyle back to another health guru of old, Dr. Paul Bragg.

http://www.bragg.com/ Dr. Bragg was a natural health pioneer back in the early 1900's.

This article was printed in Reader's Digest 2002 it holds what I believe the simple TIME TESTED truth about health, longevity and vitality. Check it out this excerpt:

by Margot Dougherty

Jack LaLanne, the 93-year-old father of fitness knows-maybe better than anyone else-that there’s no secret potion for health and longevity. Having experimented with all kinds of regimens over the years, he now finds himself back where he started: exercising and eating his greens-lots of them. LaLanne consumes ten raw vegetables and several fresh fruits daily and stays away from sugar, white flour and dairy. “I’m not a suckling calf,” he says. LaLanne is out of bed at 5:30 each morning when he begins his two-hour workout.“When I started, boy, all the betting was against me,” says LaLanne, sitting in the window-lined living room of his home in Morro Bay, a quiet California Oceanside community. “I was the first person to have 80-year-old guys working out with weights. In the 1930s! The doctors said, ‘You guys go to that Jack LaLanne, you won’t be able to get an erection. You older guys will get heart attacks.’ I’d be six-foot-four if they hadn’t beat me down.” LaLanne, five-foot-six, chuckles.

With a recent guest appearance on “Arliss” and a star on Hollywood Boulevard in celebration of his birthday, LaLanne is definitely having the last laugh. Not that he hasn’t changed with the times. Gone are the ballet shoes and stretch onesie. In their place is a cropped black leather jacket, navy knit pants and zebra-print sunglasses. Fresh from an hour of weights and another hour in the pool, he’s downed 40 vitamins and supplements, about six at a time. Now his trusty TV remote is by his side for the big screen that nearly touches the ceiling. “I watch Regis’s show,” LaLanne says. “He was one of my first students. I got him working out about 40 years ago. He still works out. But where Regis blew it, he didn’t go in for the nutrition thing like I do, He had that heart problem.”

Love him, hate him, laugh at him or with him, there’ no arguing that LaLanne is a legend who was decades ahead of his time. He says he’s never had a major illness. He holds Mr. America Best Chest and Best Back honors, and a Guinness world record for his 34-year stint on “the Jack LaLanne Show.” He’s written several big-selling books on fitness, has a website (www.jacklalanne.com) selling his philosophy a video, book and even T-shirt form, crisscrosses the country on the lecture circuit (earning up to $12,500 an appearance) and has a new TV ad promoting early arthritis detection.

Each month he and his wife, Elaine, 81, hit Florida to appear live on the Home Shopping Network, primarily pushing their new power juicer. “I feel so good,” LaLanne marvels. “I’m helping people to help themselves.”The son of French immigrants, LaLanne grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and was, by his account, a skinny, depressed, acne-prone weakling addicted to sugar. “I had blinding headaches and an uncontrollable temper,” he says. “I tried to kill my brother on two occasions.”

At age 15, LaLanne attended a lecture by nutritionist Paul Bragg. “My mom and I came in late, and there were no seats,” he says. “I was hoping we could just leave.” Instead Bragg pulled him onstage. “My life changed in the next few minutes,” LaLanne remembers.So ignited by Bragg’s discourse, LaLanne became a vegetarian and cut out sugar. He bulked up, transforming himself in to the school’s most unlikely football star, and began to spread the gospel of good living. His workout of choice was weightlifting, still a relative novelty. And talk about swimming against the tide: He opened his first health club (a coed gym with broadloom carpeting) in 1936- when Lucky Strikes and martinis were still considered the essential relaxation tools.LaLanne never patented his original weight machines such as the leg extension, but they’re barely distinguishable from what crowd gyms today.

On “The Jack LaLanne Show,” which debuted in 1951, he employed Happy, his white German shepherd, to encourage women to get with the program. “I’d talk right to the kids, because they were the ones watching at first,” LaLanne says. “I’d say, ‘Kids, run and get your mom, and I’ll get Happy to do a trick for you!’”Hollywood got hooked. “Some of the big starts like Betty Grable and Bette Davis used to have coffee klatches and exercise with Jack LaLanne in each other’s homes,” he says. “The papers picked this up. If the stars are with you, everyone’s with you. I lucked out.”LaLanne had indeed made the big time.

To prove the payoff of his own philosophy, LaLanne has marked his birthdays with extraordinary feats of accomplishment. At age 60, he swam from Alcatraz to Fisherman’ s Wharf, handcuffed and towing a 1000-pound boat. In the following years, he pulled off five more variations of that stunt. “Now I want to swim from Catalina to Los Angeles underwater,” he says. “It’s 26 miles. I’d change scuba tanks every two and a half hours. Elaine says she’ll divorce me.”Elaine, who has her own line of hand and body creams as well as several fitness books, enters the living room to see if Jack’s ready for lunch-five sliced fruits and four hard-boiled egg whites. He pulls her down for a kiss, and she then does a mini-arabesque, Fred-and-Ginger style. “Have I to-o-o-ld you lately that I love you?” he croons. Elaine laughs.“What’s that thing you say, air beneath your wings?” she asks.“She’s the strength beneath by muscle, “ says Jack, beaming. Married for 44 years, the couple have three grown children-Danny, a photographer; Jon, who runs a pool maintenance business; and Yvonne, a chiropractor.

LaLanne has made some concessions to the passage of time. “I’m not as strong as I was, naturally,” he admits. “When I was a Professional Mr. America, I weighed 173. Now I weigh 155. But I did that on purpose. Just like my buddy Arnold [Schwarzenegger]. He used to weight 240 and now he’s down to nearly 200. Why do you need all that muscle if you’re not competing? I still do everything I want to do: my chins, my dips, my workout, my swimming. And you’ll notice Elaine’s got a smile on her face. You slow down. But it’s gradual.”

There are no breaks in evidence. And his passion for nutrition remains undiminished. He’s outraged by the eating habits of American children. “Soda pop has nine and a half teaspoons of sugar in it, and you wonder why they’re psycho and getting failing grades,” LaLanne sputters. “You know why there are so many fat kids today? We’re exceeding the feed limit!” He pronounces the word fat with an emphasis that makes it sound like bacon hitting a hot griddle. “Remember, the food you eat today is walking and talking tomorrow,” he likes to say. Or, “Would ya get your dog up in the morning and give him a cup of coffee, a cigarette and a doughnut?”

He’s open to new workout regimens, giving two thumbs-up for TaeBo and yoga. But a certain blonde with a Thighmaster gets only his unmasked disgust. Says Clint Eastwood: “Jack knew the value of exercise and nutrition before it became fashionable.” And LaLanne is still hellbent as ever on getting his message out. “You’ve got to count calories,” he says, hitting a table with each syllable for emphasis. “Otherwise, you cannot lose weight-impossible.”Then again, “You don’t have to be a crackpot about it like me,” he adds. “Just make little changes. Instead of white bread, have whole wheat. Get more chicken, fish and turkey. Add another cup of raw vegetables and a piece of fresh fruit. Exercise 30 minutes, three or four times a week.” To date, he’s his own best advertisement. “I can’t die,” he likes to say. “It would ruin my image.”

Think about it. Two actual people doing what they have been teaching for over 78 years AND IT WORKS! You can't look at them or see their lifestyle and say it dosen't work! And what is it that they say? Plenty of raw fresh organic fruit and vegetables, plenty of fresh drinking water and a minimum of 1/2 hour of working out each day. They have a healthy marriage, incorporate faith in their daily lives, believe in altruism and live their dream of helping others unlock their fullest potential by embracing the simple principals taught by the Bragg's and others.

When it comes to fitness and health, Jack and those that have followed his advice are living proof that living a healthy and fit lifestyle is simple when you follow the basics. Their time tested approach to health and fitness is as relevant and true now as it was 100 years ago! Happy, Healthy New Year!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Christmas






















It's Christmas at our house the door is opened wide,

It's Christmas at our house don't knock just come inside.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! We started with dinner Christmas Eve...Lobster, Shrimp, Lasagna, Sausage, Beef and desserts.

After setting up the tree we had our first round of present opening yielded gift certificates and clothes. Whew time for bed!

Christmas morning is the main present opening yielding electronics, clothes, games, books and other assorted gifts of love.

Chinese take out for dinner and then off to the church for prayer. A great prayer service the back home and off to bed.
I thank God for His grace to my family and I. It is most wonderful to know that the real reason for this special celebration is to commemorate the Birth of the Saviour of the world Jesus Christ!

I have included a few pictures to show how we share this holiday together.
Grace and Peace,
Ed

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

URI InstaFresh Drying Process


The core of URI International's nutritional program begins with URI Concentrated Whole Food Nutritional Products, proper diet, pure water and exercise. URI's superior whole food concentrates provide a synergistic source of thousands of naturally occurring nutritional compounds that can only be obtained from Live Whole Foods. Their proprietary low-temperature InstaFresh Drying Process concentrates live whole foods and fresh, raw juices into nutrient dense, great tasting, juice powders for the ultimate in all natural, convenient, cost effective nutrition.

For over two decades, David Uri Lebaron, Founder/CEO of URI International, has passionately pursued and perfected a proprietary and revolutionary low-temperature InstaFresh Drying Process that preserves the nutritional integrity of fresh, whole foods. This revolutionary process enables URI to provide a more cost effective and convenient way for you to consume the naturally balanced form of nutrition your body needs.

The InstaFresh Drying Process concentrates live whole foods and fresh raw juices into nutrient dense, unpasteurized, great tasting, juice powders for the ultimate in all natural and convenient nutrition - within 30 seconds! During this 30 second process, the product temperature averages 65 degrees and never exceeds 100 degrees, which is considered an extraordinary achievement in the food drying industry. All of this is accomplished within hours of harvest! The short period of time between harvest and the locking of the natural life force of the whole foods into a powder form is one of the critical reasons why URI International's products are the most nutritionally dense in the industry today!

Using URI's InstaFresh process ensures that the fresh whole food powder concentrates retain much of their naturally occurring, synergistically compounded vitamins, minerals, ORAC value, live enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids, phytonutrients, co-factors, in their natural balance - just as Nature intended! Even the flavor and aroma are preserved. All of this is achieved without pasteurization or the use of any preservatives. The result is a nutrient dense, whole food powder concentrate that is easily broken down and digested by your body.

The benefits of these organic, raw, live whole food powders are as spectacular as the process itself. Many people are reporting that their youthful energy and clarity of thinking is being restored. Most wonder how they functioned without it! The preventative benefits are also exciting. Everyone knows the importance of eating 5-9 servings of fresh, organic, live fruits and vegetables. Now we can enjoy the health benefits of these powerful fruits and vegetables in an affordable powdered form that you mix with your favorite food or beverage. Tomorrow I will discuss the controlled, organic growing process used by URI International and some of the exotic superfoods in their product line.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

URI International


My next series of blogs will be related to a nutritional supplement company called URI International. I have been using their supplements for about 4 months now and I can honestly say that they are the best supplements that I have ever taken!


Uri International is a manufacturer and supplier of innovative nutritional products with a special emphasis on superior concentrated whole food based nutrition. It was the whole food part that first attracted me to this company. You see, I believe that nutrition should come in it's most natural and organic form to be fully used by our bodies. Synthetic vitamins do not contain the synergy or balance of nutrients that whole food does nor do they include the live enzymes necessary for our bodies to break down and digest the nutrients.

Uri has their corporate offices in Cedar City, Utah which is where they have their processing, packaging and shipping facilities. Only the finest ingredients are used to create each URI International product. URI assures the quality of each ingredient through strict control standards, growing requirements and testing methods. URI's whole food based product line is never pasteurized or irradiated and does not contain any preservatives, fillers, exipients, additives, dairy, MSG or GMO. All ingredients used are either organic, certified organic or are free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers!

My wife, children and I have been drinking "THE FEAST" and "BEYOND BERRIES" and we can definitely feel the difference. I have shared it with several co-workers and friends who all drink the juice daily. One secretary has said that she doesn't know how she's gone without it! Another said that she never had so much energy midday. She gave up her afternoon nap. You have to try it to experience the benefits yourself. Uri even backs up their wonderful products with a 90 day unconditional guarantee. Simply try this live whole food based InstaFresh juice powder for 90 days and you will see why I believe "THE FEAST" is the most powerful and effective nutritional product on the market! But, if for any reason you are not satisfied, send it back for a complete refund. You couldn't take it away from the people that I have shared it with!

URI International has unlocked the secret process (more on the InstaFresh process in a later post) to real nutrition and getting our 5 to 9 servings of fresh, live, organic fruits and vegetables daily in a powder that is convenient, cost effective, and IT TASTES GREAT! For years I was searching for a decent tasting "green drink" and was taking the latest super berry juices all in an effort to support my body and health with the best that nature has to offer. Finally, with The Feast, I have found what I was looking for in one delicious drink. Compare the label on The Feast with any other supplement. No other supplement has the quality and quantity of LIVE ORGANIC WHOLE SUPER FOODS processed without additives or preservatives and with all of their nutritional benefits kept intact by using URI's proprietary low-temperature InstaFresh drying process.

Stop by my site at http://www.urilife.net/realfoodforlife for a risk free sample and feel the URI difference today! Live nutrition for Live people!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Holidays


It's really interesting how advertising shapes our culture. I remember growing up and right after Thanksgiving advertisers would begin their CHRISTMAS commercials. Soon after there would be acknowledgement of HANUKKAH and the lighting of the Menorah. Now in an effort not to offend anyone and to make more sales we now have "THE HOLIDAYS".


The United States was not founded on the watering down of our culture and beliefs into something acceptable to all. It was based on freedom! Freedom of speech, freedom of the press and the freedom of religion. What was once a sacred season of celebration and reflection has turned into an almost meaningless "holiday" where everything sacred is lost in a frenzy of commercialized holiday cheer.


It's like having a family of six celebrate their individual birthdays on one day! Let's group them all together and just have one big "holiday". After all we're all celebrating the same thing, right? Wrong! My birthday is the celebration of my addition to my family and the community at large. I am not them and they are not me. We are unique. Variety is good. Each of the "Holidays" that we have grouped together do not celebrate the same thing.


Sure we can group it all under one category "The Holidays" but we lose the importance of what the day or season was about in the first place. Don't tell me that we are all celebrating the same thing. I'm celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world. That has absolutely nothing to do with Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Ramadan or any other religious observance held around this time of year. It's ok that England doesn't celebrate the fourth of July. I wouldn't either if I were them. But they understand our celebration and can join in it with us if they would like to but that doesn't change the reason for the celebration.


I am neither a nationalist nor am I a separatist. I am a Christian wanting to celebrate what I consider to be the most important birth on earth and His name is Jesus. Christmas celebrates His birth. It celebrates the birth of our Redeemer. This is too important of an event to me to celebrate as just a "Holiday". It reminds us that God is with us and that God loves us. All of us! Christians and non-Christians alike. Jesus shed His blood for all men and for that has been given a name that is above all names.


The celebration of Christmas may dwarf the other celebrations going on during this time of the year. But, here in America, there are more Christians than any other religion. I don't think they celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah openly in Pakistan. Not if they want to live. There are still places on the earth today where people are being abused, tortured and killed for believing in Christ. So, in America to be politically correct and to sell more merchandise we celebrate "the Holidays".


Well, they're not totally prohibiting my freedom of celebrating the birth of Christ yet as long as the creche on my private lawn isn't too big and we remember not to wish each other the blessings of Christmas. Better to have a santa and celebrate "the Holidays". We are becoming a nation of politicians without convictions.


May God bless you and yours this Christmas and may you find the joy and peace He came to give!


Merry Christmas,

Ed

Monday, December 10, 2007

Exercise for the Mind


I was watching the Public Broadcasting Network's showing of "The Brain Fitness Program". The Brain Fitness Program explores the brain’s amazing ability to change throughout a person’s life. This phenomenon—called neuroplasticity—is the science behind brain fitness, and it has been called one of the most extraordinary scientific discoveries of the 20th century.

I was fascinated about the topic as I have spent over 20 years in education. As an educator I am aware that with the proper motivation, discipline and materials you can maximize your mental potential. Like a muscle, the brain will change and adapt to stress exerted and become stronger, quicker and clearer.

While this show's intent is to ultimately sell the program, the show is well worth the watch as it has some important and interesting discoveries and research on the subject of keeping our mind in top condition. One of the recommended books is "The Brain that Changes Itself" by Norman Doidge, M.D., a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, researcher, author, essayist and poet. He is on the Research Faculty at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, in New York, and the University of Toronto’s Department of Psychiatry.

According to Dr. Doidge's book the brain is a dynamic, living organ that can actually change its own structure and function, even into old age. Arguably the most important breakthrough in neuroscience since scientists first sketched out the brain’s basic anatomy, this revolutionary discovery, called neuroplasticity, promises to overthrow the centuries-old notion that the brain is fixed and unchanging. The brain is not, as was thought, like a machine, or “hardwired” like a computer. Neuroplasticity not only gives hope to those with mental limitations, or what was thought to be incurable brain damage, but expands our understanding of the healthy brain and the resilience of human nature.

The book is filled with case histories detailing the astonishing progress of people whose conditions had long been dismissed as hopeless. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, a woman labeled retarded who cured her deficits with brain exercises and now cures those of others, blind people learning to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, painful phantom limbs erased, stroke patients recovering their faculties, children with cerebral palsy learning to move more gracefully, entrenched depression and anxiety disappearing, and lifelong character traits altered.

Another book using these principles is "Balance Your Body, Balance Your Life: Total Health Rejuvenation" by Edward A.Taub, M.D. In this book, Dr. Taub, a board-certified pediatrician and family doctor for more than 30 years, makes total health rejuvenation a very reachable and rewarding goal for anyone, at any stage of life, with his revolutionary approach to nutrition, exercise, and spiritual well-being. Shattering the food myths that perpetuate poor health and obesity, this pioneer of Integrative Medicine and his groundbreaking program Balance Your Body, Balance Your Life introduce the world of wholesome and living foods.

While I underscore the importance of Complete Wholeness and Integrative Medicine I rely and trust in The Father, Son and Holy Spirit for my ultimate well being. I believe in applying yourself to be the best you can be but as a Christian I must totally depend on Christ for my life. Health is not an end in itself neither is balance. It just helps our efficiency so we can be ready and fit for the Lord's use.

As you study these ground breaking discoveries be careful not to embrace the doctrine of humanism or another false doctrine in any form. We can sometimes can lose site of the goal of wellness while chasing after it. The Bible says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. It says to renew our minds with the washing of the Word of God. It says to test the spirits to see if they are from God.

So, stay healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit. Feed them well. Take care of them. Exercise them. And with God's divine grace and guidance you will achieve your greatest impact on this world and live a full and meaningful life.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Carbohydrates


Carbohydrates are one of the main types of food. Your liver breaks down carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar). Your body uses this sugar for energy for your cells, tissues and organs.
Carbohydrates are called simple or complex, depending on how fast your body digests and absorbs the sugar. Carbohydrates can usually make up 50% or more of our diet. The amount of carbohydrates we consume is not the only issue. The type of carbohydrates we consume is equally important!


The Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization jointly recommend that national dietary guidelines set a goal of 55-75% of total energy from carbohydrates, but only 10% should be from simple carbohydrates. I try to stay at 40% complex carbohydrates, 10% simple carbohydrates, 30% lean protein and 20% beneficial fats. For my body type and chemistry this works the best.

Complex carbohydrates can be further broken down to starchy or fiber. Starchy complex carbohydrates include bread, cereal, potatoes, pasta, rice, and legumes (dried peas and beans). Fiber filled complex carbohydrates include bran, whole-grain foods, raw vegetables and fruit (especially the seeds and skins), legumes, nuts, seeds and popcorn. We should include more fiber filled carbs than starchy ones, especially when trying to control our weight.

Simple carbohydrates are predominately sugars and are found in the following forms:

Sucrose: commonly known as table sugar, beet sugar, or cane sugar. Sucrose occurs in many fruits and some vegetables.
Fructose: known as fruit sugar. Most plants contain fructose, especially fruits and saps.
Glucose: sometimes known as blood sugar, sometimes as grape sugar. Nearly all plant foods contain glucose.
Maltose: known as malt sugar. Found in grains.
Lactose: commonly known as milk sugar. It is the principal carbohydrate found in milk.

Table sugar and white processed flour should be eliminated from the diet completely. Their nutritional value is next to nothing and they take the place of other simple carbohydrates like fruit which have fiber, vitamins, minerals and live enzymes. Table sugar and foods loaded with sugar cause a quick insulin response which triggers weight gain. They are empty calories that provide no health benefit at all!

Being Italian I am a carboholic and my body has paid the price over the years. In my teens and twenties it was no problem. The metabolism and life style of an active, athletic young man just burned them away. In my mid thirties however they began to take their toll. Remember that carbohydrates are predominately used to provide energy. As our need for energy (due to a slowing metabolism and usually a more sedate lifestyle) decreases whatever is not used for energy will be stored by the body as fat. So lately it has been less pasta and more chicken. Less rice and more fish. Less potatoes and carrots and more leafy and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.

The body needs a certain amount of carbohydrates to function properly, and insufficient intake may cause fatigue, muscle cramps, and poor mental function. Although carbohydrates are an important part of our diet, the body can produce energy from fat and proteins alone. While this may do for short periods of time, avoiding all carbs will adversely affect your body. Many low-carb diets have been touted as healthy, but if taken to the extreme, they can be very dangerous to a one’s overall well-being. It's important to remember that "low-carb" doesn't mean "no-carb." Be sure to eat moderate amounts of the right type of carbs to keep your body fueled properly.

Grace and Peace,
Ed
http://www.urilife.net/realfoodforlife

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Dietary Fiber


Dietary fiber is the term for several materials that make up the parts of plants your body can't digest. Fiber is classified as soluble or insoluble.

The American Heart Association recommends eating a variety of food fiber sources. Fiber is important for the health of the digestive system and for lowering cholesterol. Foods containing fiber often are good sources of other essential nutrients. Depending on how they're prepared, these foods can also be low in trans fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Fruits, vegetables, whole-grain, high-fiber foods, beans and legumes are good sources of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.


Dietary fiber intake among adults in the United States averages about 15 grams. The Institute of Medicine recommends consuming 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories you need. So we can see how most of us may be falling a bit short.

When eaten regularly as part of a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, soluble fiber has been associated with increased diet quality and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Soluble or viscous fibers modestly reduce LDL cholesterol beyond levels achieved by a diet low in saturated and trans fatty acids and cholesterol alone. Oats have the highest proportion of soluble fiber of any grain. Foods high in soluble fiber include oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, strawberries and apple pulp.

Insoluble fiber has been associated with decreased cardiovascular risk and slower progression of cardiovascular disease in high-risk individuals. Dietary fiber may promote satiety by slowing gastric emptying, leading to an overall decrease in calorie intake. Foods high in insoluble fiber include whole-wheat breads, wheat cereals, wheat bran, rye, rice, barley, most other grains, cabbage, beets, carrots, Brussels sprouts, turnips, cauliflower and apple skin.

The proper intake of fiber may help with weight loss. In a recent study of more than 1700 overweight and obese men and women, those with the highest fiber intake had the greatest weight loss over a two year period. One of the reasons that fiber may have an impact on body weight is its ability to slow the movement of food through the intestines. The gel-like substance that soluble fibers form when they dissolve in water causes things to swell and move slower in the intestines. This increase in time that foods stay in the intestines has been shown to reduce hunger feelings and overall food intake. It has also been shown to decrease the number of calories that are actually absorbed from the ingested food. One study showed an increase in the number of calories that were excreted in the stools when high-fiber psyllium gum-based crackers were given in comparison to low-fiber crackers. Whenever fewer calories are taken in, or more are excreted, weight loss will generally occur.

Not only can a diet rich in fiber help with weight control but together with ample water intake it may help relieve symptoms of constipation which over extended periods of time can affect our overall health. Many types of fiber within the intestine bind to water and keep the water within the intestine. The fiber adds bulk (volume) to the stool and the water softens the stool.

The best way of adding fiber to the diet is increasing the quantity of fruits and vegetables that are eaten. This means a minimum of five servings of fruits or vegetables every day. For many people, however, the amount of fruits and vegetables that are necessary may be inconveniently large or may not provide adequate relief from constipation. In this case, fiber supplements can be useful. I recommend Food -N- Fiber by URI International. Food n’ Fiber provides a unique profile of nutrients that are specifically characteristic to nuts, sprouted grains & seeds. This superior blend has extraordinary whole food value and is a rich source of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytonutrients, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and protein. Food n’ Fiber provides a highly usable, nutrient dense, vegetarian source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber without additives in a live whole food state. Here is a link to try a risk free sample http://uriinternational.com/wholefood/wholefood_fiber.asp

Because of concern about obstruction, persons with narrowings (strictures) or adhesions (scar tissue from previous surgery) of their intestines should not use fiber unless it has been discussed with their physician. Some fiber laxatives contain sugar, and diabetic patients may need to select sugar-free products.

The fiber should be started at a low dose and increased every 1 to 2 weeks until either the desired effect on the stool is achieved or troublesome flatulence interferes. (Fiber does not work overnight.) If flatulence occurs, the dose of fiber can be reduced for a few weeks and the higher dose can then be tried again. (It generally is said that the amount of gas that is produced by fiber decreases when the fiber is ingested for a prolonged period of time; however, this has never been studied.) If flatulence remains a problem and prevents the dose of fiber from being raised to a level that affects the stool satisfactorily, it is time to move on to a different source of fiber.

Grace and Peace,
Ed


Monday, December 3, 2007

Water


The importance of pure water cannot be overstated! Water makes up more than two-thirds of the weight of the human body. (Water also encompasses two-thirds of the planet!) Without water, humans die in a few days. All of our cells and organs need water to function. Water also serves as a lubricant and is the basis of saliva and the fluids surrounding the joints. Water can also help with weight control as thirst is sometimes confused with hunger and a glass of water can help overcome urges to eat. Water also helps with bowel function and the removal of waste from our body. Our body also uses water to regulate temperature.


So then, how much water is enough? One way to individually calculate how much you need is to take your weight in pounds and divide it by two. The result is the number of ounces of water you should drink a day. In so doing you can assure that this important element to our overall health and fitness is being taken care of. That's a lot you say? Then at least begin to realize this important component to your health and slowly work your way up to that amount. If you are obese then you will have to scale this amount down according to your level of obesity. You can start by using your ideal weight as a starting point and gradually increase as advised by your physician.


The felt improvements to your overall health will be noticeable in proportion to your current level of fitness and hydration. Some dieters notice a benefit in a week or so. Some folks that are constipated notice improvement in a few days. In severe dehydration improvement can be felt within hours. The unfelt benefits of proper hydration are hidden and sometimes never recognized but they are very real none the less!


A word of caution. You can drink too much water but in my 52 years of life I have never heard of anyone I know of even coming close. What type of water should we drink? For optimum health, experts recommend clean, spring water, or filtered water, and some experts advise against drinking tap water, fluoridated or distilled water. For health reasons, some experts advise us all to check the safety of our tap water supply, in order to ensure it is free from heavy metals, bacteria and other contaminants.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Bloggers With Integrity

Wow! I just received this award from Lady Rose over at http://dietpulpit.com/ . I am really excited about this award! I have only been at this for two months and I have received over 1,000 guests to my blog, and now this. An award from a peer, especially one that is more proficient than you, is a real honor and I accept this as such.

Integrity is such an important charecter trait! Gone are the days when a word and handshake were all that was needed to make a covenant. Now with all of our legal contracts and situational ethics it's getting harder and harder to trust anyone these days! The good news is that as those of us like Rose and others of you reading this blog come together and refuse to allow the prevelant spirit of the day to move us from the position of integrity. Integrity in writing. Integrity in speaking to each other. And integrity in our daily life and the decisions we all must make. Thank you Rose. I will display this award proudly and look for someone to pass it on to.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Saturday, December 1, 2007

World Aids Day


A fellow blogger wrote, "Dec 1st is declared World Aids Day. Please take the time to remember all those that have died, suffered and still suffering from this horrible disease. I am dedicating 2 of my blogs to this issue. It is estimated (according to the World Health Organization)that around 6,000 children will lose a parent to Aids. Let us hope that one day they will indeed have a complete cure.ONELOVE..IRIE". You can read more from her at http://iriejamaica.blogspot.com/

It is getting so that everyone knows either someone who currently has Aids, is HIV positive or already died as a result of this terrible disease. We must fight back before we lose a whole generation! There are things that can be done!

As an educator I know the value and importance of education. We must get the word out concerning this epidemic. Ways of preventing it's spread, ways of treating this disease, and how it can be avoided. Money must be spent on meaningful educational programs as well as on looking for the cure. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

As a Pastor I know the value and importance of Love. We must pray for those with this terrible disease and do our best to comfort them. We must also pray to push back the powers and principalities that would continue to promote the spread of Aids.

We must also realize that the spread of this disease is not just local but global and that together we must fight it at all fronts. The Bible states that all of creation groans for the manifestation of the sons of God. I believe that as we turn to Christ and allow Him to redirect our paths, together with His grace, we can overcome this hideous disease and redeem these families torn by it's touch.

Grace and peace,
Ed

Friday, November 30, 2007

Breakfast


Many experts call breakfast the most important meal of the day. It is exactly what it's name implies. Breakfast is the breaking of a fast. Most people have not eaten or drank anything in the 8-12 hours before eating breakfast so it certainly is reasonable to believe that what we ingest at this important meal will either help to "make" or "break" your day's nutritional goals.

The first and most important element is to drink water. After 8-12 hours our bodies are depleted of water. In those areas that experience winter this condition can be worsened by the use of dry heat throughout the night. The lack of water wears on all of our organs, even our skin.

So I recommend starting the day with a nice tall glass of pure water. An ideal breakfast will have lean protein to replenish our muscles and provide long lasting energy. Complex carbohydrates supply a good source of vitamins and minerals while providing quick burning energy to get your day going. Also some beneficial fat such as coconut oil or fish oil for the cardio vascular system and slow burning energy for mid morning.

I start my day with a large glass of pure water. After stretching I have a protein shake with soy milk, whey protein and a high fiber powder called Multi Clean. Then it's onto my exercise bike for 30 minutes followed by 15 minutes of weight training. Next it's time for the best and most nutritional drink I have ever made. It's made with one scoop of each, The Feast, The Feast Supercharged, Beyond Berries, Barley Pure and Sweet Careet. I mix this with 12 ounces of pure water in my URI shaker cup.

This start of the day sets up my metabolism to burn calories all day long and provides all of the nutrients I need to get my day going. I have a large garden salad for lunch and some lean protein and fresh veggies for dinner. I try to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water per day.

Not only have I lost some unwanted pounds using this model but i feel better than ever. At 52 I have the energy and the clarity of mind of a twenty year old. Breakfast is the start of our day so get going on the right foot. Look in the mirror and remind yourself of your blessings and the love that surrounds you and say, "Today I am going to have my best day possible. I am loved and will love. I am blessed and will bless".
Grace and Peace,
Ed



Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Ministry


I have something personal that I would like to share on the blog today. I will be writing tomorrow about the importance of Breakfast to give a deeper response to Jerry's question concerning it's importance.

I realized and remembered that this month marked my 28th year of ministry with Upper Room Christian World Center! I started 28 years ago in a small basement church in Brooklyn, NY called Upper Room Ministries. The Apostle of the work was Bishop Anthony D'onofrio and he ordained the Pastor I ministered with Pastor Vincent Salonia.

I started as the Bass Player in the basement of a three family home in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. The church had about 60 people that met twice a week to Worship God and experience His love through our praise, worship and the preaching of the Word of God. I saw and experienced some wonderful things in that small cramped basement.
As the Presence of God increased in the meetings so did the size of the group attending and there were often people listening from the outside steps of the basement that we were in. As the church grew in size we moved into larger and larger buildings until we bought a movie theatre on Kings Highway. From the Basement to the Theatre was approximately 8 years and there was a congregation of 600. The signs and wonders continued as the Love and Message of the Gospel went forth. But, the best was yet to come!

Through the prompting of the Lord, with much prayer and the counsel of my Pastor and my Apostle, my wife and I decided to move with our four young daughters to Long Island, NY to join our self directly with our Apostle and the wonderful work he and his elders were doing on Long Island. We sat for two years and just helped out here and there as needed. The Lord was giving us a rest and a time of reflection.

I then started playing the bass again as well as volunteering for youth church. 18 years latter I am a Pastor here on Long Island. I am also the Vice Principal/Dean of Students for Upper Room Christian School. My wife and I do marriage counseling through the Church's Marriage Team Ministry.

Ministry is service! Service to God and service to mankind. It is the giving of yourself to the Lord and for others. This is the core message of the Gospel. God sent His Son. His Son sent us! The service you do is not as important as the way in which you do it! First we minister in Faith that works through the Revelation of the Love that God has given us to give to others. We do everything AS UNTO THE LORD with all of our effort just like Jesus did. We lay down our life for each other. We believe the best about each other. We edify each other.

Whether you are a janitor, nurse, sanitation worker, lawyer, homemaker, Pastor, or ANY OTHER PROFESSION, God wants to use you as His minister, His ambassador. Second Corinthians says, "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation". And Colossians says, "And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

The best 28 years of my life have been my years of service in God's House in whatever He had need of at the moment. From cleaning toilets, to setting up chairs, to playing bass, to running a coffee house, to making money to fund the move of God, to being a puppeteer, to wrestling with "The Power Team, to Pastoring the most precious people in Queens and on Long Island. And THE BEST IS YET TO COME! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
Grace and Peace,
Ed

Monday, November 26, 2007

Antioxidents


Antioxidents help to protect our bodies from the damaging effects of "free radicals". Some "free radicals" arise normally during metabolism. Sometimes the body’s immune system’s cells purposefully create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. However, environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides can also spawn free radicals.

Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. Of particular importance is that free radical damage accumulates with age.

Other chemicals and substances found in natural sources of antioxidants such as fruit and berries may also be responsible for the beneficial effects. So for now, the best way to ensure adequate intake of the antioxidant nutrients is through a balanced diet consisting of 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Beyond Berries is a supreme blend of Nature’s most nutrient rich fruits and berries. Beyond Berries is the one and only product on the planet that delivers a full, synergistic combination of antioxidant rich concentrated fruits and berries, active enzymes, fulvic minerals and probiotics.
Beyond Berries provides more antioxidant rich fresh fruit and berry concentrates per serving than any other fruit or berry supplement.

Beyond Berries
Does not contain synthetic, isolated or inorganic vitamins and minerals.
Dried at temperatures below 100°F.
Preservative free. Non-pasteurized.
Nutritious and delicious. Tastes Great!
Each serving contains naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, antioxidant compounds, amino acids, enzymes, essential fatty acids, fiber & phytonutrients.
Our proprietary low-temperature drying process concentrates live whole foods and fresh, raw juices into nutrient dense, great tasting, juice powders for the ultimate in all natural, convenient nutrition.
One jar of Beyond Berries live whole food based, instafresh juice makes approximately 180 fluid ounces of juice.

Beyond Berries provides a quality, quantity and variety of ingredients that is superior to synthetic, pasteurized or preserved liquid and powder supplements.†
For optimal convenience in all natural nutrition, there’s nothing better than nutrient rich, non-pasturized, unpreserved, concentrated fruits and berries like those found in Beyond Berries.†

Beyond Berries contains no fillers, additives, excipients, animal products, gluten, dairy, pesticides, chemical residues or GMO.
*Typical ORAC Value: Per suggested use 4,410. Per jar 124,200.

For a risk free sample of Beyond Berries go to http://www.urilife.net/realfoodforlife
Grace and Peace,
Ed


Saturday, November 24, 2007

Pure Barley Juice Powder



Barley Pure provides 100% pure juice powder concentrate from fresh young, certified organic barley grass. Barley grass provides one of the most balanced nutrient profiles of all green plants and is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, amino acids, glycosylisovitexin, plant proteins, and active enzymes.
Abundant in chlorophyll.
Naturally alkaline.
100% organic whole food nutrition.
Dried at temperatures below 100º F.†
URI International is a manufacturer and supplier of innovative nutritional products with a special emphasis on superior live whole food nutritional products. For over two decades, the Owner of URI International, Uri LeBaron, has passionately pursued the perfection of a proprietary and revolutionary drying technology that preserves the nutritional integrity of fresh, whole foods. Upon reaching this goal, URI International was created to provide a way for millions of people to achieve optimal health through nutrient dense, live whole food nutritional products.
URI International has one focus and one purpose: To continue to provide the highest quality, most effective and affordable whole food nutritional supplements on the market for superior results. Each product contains premium, wholesome and synergistic ingredients that promote optimal health. The quality and value of our exceptional product line has enabled us to experience rapid growth and become recognized as the industry’s premier source for superior, live whole food nutritional products.
Through vertical integration in all phases of product manufacturing, URI International is able to provide you with a freshness, quantity, quality, variety and affordability that is simply unmatched in the industry. From the farm to your home, URI International ensures the quality and potency of every product we sell.
URI International is a strong, ethical and consistent company that is committed to an uncompromised quality, quantity, variety and value that remains unsurpassed by any other company. Our quality and commitment will never be compromised.
Grace and Peace,
Ed

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Nutrition and Uri Life


Today I'd like to discuss the role that URI International's "FEAST" can have on a persons overall health through a natural and organic approach to diet and nutrition. Uri International provides the most superior and complete products on the market today. Products that will help you achieve your potential for optimal health, energy, vitality and longevity.

With nutritional supplementation and health awareness at an all-time high, why have health problems skyrocketed over the last 100 years? What is the secret to enjoying the health and vitality experienced by our forefathers? The answer is simple and indisputable: Live Whole Food Nutrition! For thousands of years, our ancestors received nourishment from whole food sources; Vegetables, berries, seeds, greens, sprouts, fruits, grains and nuts grown in chemical and pesticide free soil – soil that was rich in probiotics, fulvic acid, enzymes and minerals.


In today’s world, our bodies still require the complete balance of pure nutrients and energy provided by live whole foods. The modern demands of our fast-paced world have led to the processing of food to the point of non-nutrition. Authentic food value has been sacrificed for convenience. Natural food has been replaced with chemically modified products that can promote illness and disease. Today we are not only eating food – our food is eating us. In an attempt to counteract the impact of poor nutrition, we supplement our diet with “processed nutrition” in the form of isolated synthetic vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are only slightly more beneficial than the processed foods that created the problem!

The URI solution to the nutritional crisis facing our world is pretty simple … “Back to Basics” Back to a complete balance of live whole-foods, just the way that nature intended for healthy living. Supplementing your diet with URI live whole food nutritional products provide that balance. Feed your body the live whole food nutrition your body knows, Nutrition your body needs.

"THE FEAST" is the One And Only Live Whole Food Product on the planet that delivers a full, synergistic spectrum of:

• 30 Antioxidant Rich Fruits & Berries

• 30 Powerful Greens & Vegetables

• 11 Nutrient Dense Seeds, Nuts & Sprouts

• 83+ Active Enzymes & Fulvic Minerals

• 22 Strains of Resilient Living Probiotics !


"THE FEAST":
Does not contain isolated, synthetic or inorganic vitamins and minerals.
Dried at temperatures below 100°F. Fresh live whole foods to powder concentrate in seconds.
Non-pasteurized. Preservative free.
More variety, quality and quantity than any other concentrated wholefood supplement!
Nutritious and Delicious! Tastes great!
The most powerful, nutrient dense nutritional product on the market today!

Every Scoop Provides:
1000’s of naturally occurring nutritional compounds from fresh wholefood concentrates.
70+ nutrient dense concentrates from fresh live whole foods.
Our proprietary low-temperature drying process concentrates live whole foods and fresh, raw juices into nutrient dense, great tasting, juice powders for the ultimate in all natural convenient nutrition.
All of this in one, all natural, convenient, nutrient dense live whole food based supplement!

Typical ORAC value:
Per Scoop: 1,990. Per 300 Gram Jar: 59,700

"THE FEAST" contains no fillers, dairy, preservatives, additives, excipients, chemical residues, pesticides, animal products or GMO. 100% Vegetarian.


My family and I have been enjoying "THE FEAST" for over 3 months now and we love it! It has increased our energy without the jitters, given us a sense of clarity and overall vitality. We will never again take unnatural, synthetic pills again! And we have the confidence in knowing that we are getting a complete spectrum of organic nutrients from whole fresh food in one great tasting drink.


Grace and Peace,
Ed


Monday, November 19, 2007

Diabetes Prevention


Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common health conditions among older adults. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include hypertension, poor diet, increased body fat, high cholesterol and inadequate physical activity. Proper diet and a regular, moderate exercise program have been shown in recent studies to effectively delay the development of diabetes by up to 71% in people age 60 and over according to the Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Nov.6, 1990.


A diet filled with fresh raw organic vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, sprouts and legumes, and low in processed foods, sugar and white flour combined with an exercise program that includes stretching, strength and cardio conditioning is the best prevention for most health conditions. While we cannot prevent all illness and disease we CAN eliminate those conditions that are a result of bad life style choices such as smoking, bad diet choices and a sedate lifestyle.


In fact, God created our bodies with a wonderful ability to repair itself if supported by the right lifestyle! It's never too late to begin making small positive changes to your lifestyle that will increase your quality as well as the quantity of your life! Take one thing and change it. For example you can choose something as simple as not adding any salt or sugar to your food or drink. Or, beginning a easy stretching program for 10 minutes a day upon getting up in the morning.


Slow and Steady wins the race! Take one area of your health and make a minor improvement. And continue with one small improvement each week. Before you know it you'll be looking and feeling better. And you will have the good feeling of knowing that you are doing all you can to take care of your body.


Grace and Peace,
Ed






Thursday, November 15, 2007

Super Foods...Blueberries


There is a new buzzword out these days in the field of nutrition called "Super Foods". So what are some "Super Foods" and what makes them so super? That will be my topic for the next few days. While I do not believe that any one food or nutrient or one piece of exercise equipment is sufficient for total health. Optimal health is a product of a combination of disciplines. A good, wholesome Diet filled with Live Raw Whole Foods and lean sources of protein, Exercise at least 6 days for a half hour a day, enough Rest and proper Hydration.


However, there are some foods that pack a "special" nutritional punch and deserve extra attention. One of those foods are blueberries. The blueberry of the genus Vaccinium is a native American species. In fact the blueberry is one of the few fruits native to North America. The Northeast Native American tribes revered blueberries and much folklore developed around them. The blossom end of each berry, the calyx, forms the shape of a perfect five-pointed star; the elders of the tribe would tell of how the Great Spirit sent "star berries" to relieve the children's hunger during a famine. Parts of the blueberry plant were also used as medicine. A tea made from the leaves of the plant was thought to be good for the blood. Blueberry juice was used to treat coughs. The juice also made an excellent dye for baskets and cloth. In food preparation, dried blueberries were added to stews, soups and meats. The dried berries were also crushed into a powder and rubbed into meat for flavor. Blueberries were also used for medicinal purposes along with the leaves and roots.


Antioxidants are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. Fresh fruits, including blueberries, and vegetables contain many of these naturally occurring antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E. Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E per 1 cup of blueberries. In addition, blueberries contain anthocyanins and phenolics that can also act as antioxidants. Based on data from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (Boston, MA), blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity with a very high ORAC value.


We eat different colors of vegetables and fruit because the colors of the fruits and vegetables determine the healthiness of the various foods. Blueberries, for example, are dark in color and are filled with nutrients—almost more than any other food. Blueberries are felt to have anti-cancer properties, powerful antioxidant properties and might actually prevent cancers from occurring in the first place.


While blueberries are thought to possibly help prevent cancer, they are also being researched for other health benefits. One of those health benefits found is in the area of brain protection and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of memory loss. One other benefit is that of enhancing the function of the urinary system. This versatile berry has also been studied to see if it can help set back the aging process.


So, while there is no "wonder food" that will solve all of our health challenges. The blueberry can certainly be classified as a "Super Food". One of many that we should ingest daily.


Grace and Peace,
Ed







Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Meditation


Joshua Chapter 1 and verse 8 says, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Meditation is an important part of life. A time for reflection and projection.

The first Psalm says, " Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 63 says, " My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me". Beautiful! What soothing and encouraging words!
Actually the book of psalms has over 19 references to meditation. That was David's strength! He would meditate and write inspirational songs and poems. And what a life he had! Take time to meditate on the goodness of God each day. Take time to empty your mind of the cares of this world. Take time to refocus on the important things in life, our relationship with God, our relationship with our family, friends and community and our service to God and His Church.

Psalm 145:5 " On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate."

Grace and Peace,
Ed

This brief study was done with Logos Bible Software. E-mail me at Rjonodde@aol.com for a 25% discount on one of their powerful packages!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Veterans Day


Today's post is for all of the veterans and present service men and women who have and continue to fight for freedom. While I enjoyed the day off watching TV with my wife, making macaroni with meat sauce and shopping at Costco, service men and women went on patrol, cleaned their weapons and prepared for battle.

The show I watched today was "Hamburger Hill". It is the story of a relentless group of Army Paratroopers who fought for 10 days straight to secure a hill in Vietnam. While war should never become popular the soldiers fighting in that war had enemies when they came home as well! As a line in the movie said, "The love generation loves everyone but us!"

In order for there to be war there must be two sides in disagreement. I can see how a person can form an opinion of what, when, how, where and why we're fighting and if we are correct but if it were not for those men and women who were willing to lay down their lives for our country where would we and the rest of this world be?

I thank God that I live in the United States! I thank God that we have a strong military! I thank God that hundred's of thousand's of men and women have given and continue to give their lives for us back home and that freedom and democracy will always have a voice as long as great men and women like those in the United States Armed Forces continue to lay down their lives without question for this great country.

While I am not a nationalist, I firmly believe in Freedom and Democracy! I believe that America, while not perfect, has the best economic and political system in the world. With the emergence of the Internet and other modern day technologies, it is my hope and prayer that as people increase their communication with each other that Veterans Day will be a day of remembrance only and that we will all be able to look back on what got us to the place of peace on earth!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Exercise is Important!


Exercise is necessary due to our modern sedate lifestyle. The expression use it or loose it is so true! With all three aspects of our being our spirits, our minds and our bodies need to be used each day or they begin to atrophy (loose prior ability). As we get more and more technologically advanced the need for an efficient daily exercise program becomes more and more necessary.
As stated in previous posts, there are three components to a good exercise program. They are stretching or flexibility, strength and cardio-vascular. All three of these components can be exercised at home, on the road or at the gym. The location is a matter of personal preference. As with diet, the best exercise plan is the one you stick to!
When stretching I use a head to toe approach. Starting with neck stretches I move down to shoulder rolls then to trunk twisters and side benders to touching the floor with my fingers to holding my ankles to stretch the Quads and leaning against the wall to stretch the calves. I also get on my back and stretch my mid-section and sit up to stretch the inside of my legs. Then its over on the stomach to do a few superman stretches and to stretch the outside of my legs while on alternating sides.

For strength I use dumbbells, chairs, isometric and isotonic exercises. With the dumbbells I can work my shoulders, triceps, biceps, deltoids, trapezoids, and pecs. I also do strict squats with the dumbbells for my legs. The chairs can be used for various push ups, dips and sit ups. I also put one muscle against another in pushing and pulling exercises.

For cardio I either walk or ride my bike. I like to do my cardio outside to take advantage of the fresh air and sunshine. I also listen to the Bible while walking or riding and I meditate on the Word of God as I exercise. In today's world it seems like you don't have enough time for everything unless you multitask! So get creative!

Remember, we must take care of our bodies or they will deteriorate faster than they should. Pay now or pay later! Take the time necessary to work out for a half hour to an hour a day. Split the workout between the three components even though you will like like one more than another. Also, use your exercise time to remind you to drink plenty of good drinking water! Seek medical advice if you have any health problems or concerns.

Grace and Peace,
Ed


Saturday, November 10, 2007

Healthy Snacks


Serving healthy snacks is important to providing good nutrition, supporting lifelong healthy eating habits, and helping to prevent costly and potentially-disabling diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Most of the snacks we eat should be fruits and vegetables, since most of us do not eat the recommended five to thirteen servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Eating fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables also contain important nutrients like enzymes, vitamins and fiber. Serving fresh organic fruits and vegetables can seem challenging. However, good planning and smart shopping can make it easier.

Though some think fruits and vegetables are costly snacks, they are actually less costly than many other less-healthful snacks on a per-serving basis. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of a serving of fruit or vegetable (all types – fresh, frozen, and canned) is 25 cents per serving. This is a good deal compared with a 69-cent single-serve bag of potato chips or an 80-cent candy bar. Try lots of different fruits and vegetables you like best.

Here are some examples of healthy fruit snack ideas:

Apples
Apricots
Bananas
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Cherries
Grapefruit
Grapes
Honeydew Melon
Kiwis
Mandarin Oranges
Mangoes
Nectarines
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Pineapple
Plums
Raspberries
Strawberries
Tangerines
Watermelon
Applesauce
(unsweetened applesauce include Mott’s Natural Style and Mott’s
Healthy Harvest line.)
Dried Fruit - Try raisins, apricots, apples, cranberries, pineapple, papaya, and
others with no added sugars.
Frozen Fruit – Try freezing grapes or buy frozen blueberries, strawberries,
peaches, mangoes, and melon.
Fruit Leathers – Try Natural Value Fruit Leathers and Stretch Island Fruit Leathers, which come in a variety of flavors and don’t have added sugars.
Popsicles – Look for popsicles made from 100% fruit juice with no added caloric sweeteners, such as Breyers or Dole “No Sugar Added” fruit bars.
Smoothies – Blend "The Feast" or "Beyond Berries" with juice, yogurt or milk, and ice. Many store-made smoothies have added sugars and are not healthy choices.
Deliveries – Deliveries of fresh fruit or platters of cut-up fruit are a convenient option offered by some local grocery stores.
Vegetables can be served raw with dip or salad dressing:

Broccoli
Carrot sticks or
Baby Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery Sticks
Cucumber
Peppers
Snap Peas
Snow Peas
String Beans
Tomato slices or grape or cherry tomatoes
Yellow Summer
Squash slices
Zucchini slices

Dips – Try low-fat salad dressings, like fat-free Ranch or
Thousand Island, store-bought light dips, bean dips,
guacamole, hummus (which comes in dozens of flavors),
salsa, pesto, or peanut butter.

If you'd like to try a sample of the Feast or Beyond Berries just go to my site at http://www.urilife.net/realfoodforlife . Remember, add more fresh, organic unprocessed, whole foods and less processed, genetically engineered, mass produced "fast food"!

Live Food for Live People!
Grace and Peace,
Ed

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Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Aging


The lifestyle choices found to be most influential on extending life expectancy are:

Physical activity (about 30 minutes daily), found to be the single greatest protector against death, lowering risk by37%

Refraining from smoking, cutting the risk by 35%

Following a diet high in fruit, vegetables, and fish, and low in red meat and dairy products (“Mediterranean diet”), reducing risk by 23%

Moderate alcohol consumption (about 4 glasses of wine or equivalent per week), lowering risk of death by 22%

Several researchers have found in their studies that when older persons adopted all four of these measures, their risk of dying was 65% lower over 10 years!

Greater


I woke up about an hour ago and the word greater kept reverberating in my mind. Being a Christian, I knew that the Lord was wanting to speak to me. So I turned my attention to Him and He began to speak to me through the Scriptures.

The first scripture that came to mind was, "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." For he who is in you is greater! Greater........larger, stronger, better, predominate, preeminent,! Greater is He who is IN you.

In John 14 Jesus said, " “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." And in Acts we read, " This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing." You see, after Jesus was crucified, died and was buried He rose from the dead and ascended back to the Father. Upon completing His Holy sacrifice and atoning for our sin He sat down and the right hand of God. And the best part is that He did not leave us comfortless or without His Presence!

God sent His Holy Spirit to live and dwell in every believer! The same Spirit that was in Christ is in those of us who believe. The Greater One living inside! Leading, guiding, empowering, changing us into the image and likeness of His Son Jesus. Filling us with knowledge, wisdom and authority. Paul writes to the believers in Corinth, " Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" And again, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?"

As Christians, let us strive to enter into the rest that God has provided for us through His Son Jesus Christ and the active present day ministry of the Holy Spirit. Let us glorify God in our bodies and let us glorify God in His body His Church. By acknowledging the very presence of the Holy Spirit in our life and seeking His direction and leading in the context of our every day lives we will see the glory of God manifest in and through us in ways we couldn't even imagine!

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1Cor.2:9

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Thanks again to Logos software the best Bible software around!
E-mail me for a 25% discount on Logos! Rjonodde@aol.com


Monday, November 5, 2007

Acid vs Alkaline


Human blood pH should be slightly alkaline ( 7.35 - 7.45 ). Below or above this range means symptoms and disease. A pH of 7.0 is neutral. A pH below 7.0 is acidic. A pH above 7.0 is alkaline.
An acidic pH can occur from, an acid forming diet, emotional stress, toxic overload, and/or immune reactions or any process that deprives the cells of oxygen and other nutrients. The body will try to compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals. If the diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur.
An acidic balance will: decrease the body's ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, decrease the energy production in the cells, decrease it's ability to repair damaged cells, decrease it's ability to detoxify heavy metals, make tumor cells thrive, and make it more susceptible to fatigue and illness. A blood pH of 6.9, which is only slightly acidic, can induce coma and death.
The reason acidosis is more common in our society is mostly due to the typical American diet, which is far too high in acid producing animal products like meat, eggs and dairy, and far too low in alkaline producing foods like fresh vegetables. Additionally, we eat acid producing processed foods like white flour and sugar and drink acid producing beverages like coffee and soft drinks. We use too many drugs, which are acid forming; and we use artificial chemical sweeteners like NutraSweet, Spoonful, Sweet 'N Low, Equal, or Aspartame, which are poison and extremely acid forming. One of the best things we can do to correct an overly acid body is to clean up the diet and lifestyle.
To maintain health, the diet should consist of 60% alkaline forming foods and 40% acid forming foods. To restore health, the diet should consist of 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid forming foods.
Generally speaking, alkaline forming foods include: most fruits, green vegetables, peas, beans, lentils, spices, herbs and seasonings, and seeds and nuts.Generally, acid forming foods include: meat, fish, poultry, eggs, grains, and legumes.
Foods are classified as acid-forming or alkalizing depending on the effect they have on the body. An acid-forming food contributes hydrogen ions to the body, making it more acidic. An alkalizing food removes hydrogen ions from the body, making it more alkaline. It is important to note that this classification is based on the effect foods have on the body after digestion, not on their own intrinsic acidity or alkalinity (or how they taste to us).
A common misconception is that if a food tastes acidic, it has an acid-forming effect on the body. This is not necessarily true. Very often, an acidic-tasting food is alkalizing. Citric fruits are a good example. People say that lemons, for example, are "too acidic"; however, they are actually alkalizing because the minerals they leave behind after digestion help remove hydrogen ions, decreasing the acidity of the body. (Many people use the term "residue" or "ash" to explain the effect of a food on the body. A food with an acid ash after digestion contributes hydrogen ions, making the body more acidic; a food with an alkaline ash after digestion removes hydrogen ions, making the body more alkaline.)
Another misconception is that acid-forming foods are "bad." This is not correct; acidity and alkalinity are opposites and one is not intrinsically better than the other. This misconception has developed because the North American diet is excessively acidic, which does result in health problems.
Once again we can see the benefit of a diet loaded with live fresh organic fruits and vegetables served as raw as possible. Also note the dangers of white sugar and white flour. Not only do they have empty calories but they are acid forming and a real detriment to our quest for optimal health.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. You should consult with your medical professional before beginning any diet or exercise program!

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