Posts

Processed and Plentiful: A Look at the Processed Food Epidemic

Image
As we look around and see how things are set up nowadays to make every easy and accessible, I can’t help but think of all the food out there that makes life so convenient while making our health inconvenient. It may be impressive and a time-saver to be able to buy a meal that only takes minutes to prepare and be ready to eat; but I am totally unimpressed with what processed foods do to our health. Let’s review some of the dangers involved in processed foods. Harmful Effects of Processed Foods Weight Gain and Obesity : Processed foods are calorie-dense but nutrient-poor, contributing to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity. Cardiovascular Disease: The trans fats, high sodium levels, and added sugars in processed foods can elevate the risk of heart disease. Type 2 Diabetes : Excessive consumption of processed foods is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to their refined carbohydrates and added sugars. Cancer: Additives and preservatives in processed ...

Rethinking “Truth” in a Processed World

Image
  We live in a world obsessed with convenience, image, and taste. Health-conscious branding is everywhere: “plant-based,” “low-carb,” “guilt-free,” “natural flavors.” It all sounds so good, feels so safe, and fits perfectly into our busy, wellness-driven lifestyles. But underneath the sleek design and sweet flavor… what’s really there? Let’s be honest: much of what’s sold to us as “healthy” is processed, synthetic, and carefully engineered to taste better than it is . We’re drawn in by how it looks and how it makes us feel for the moment—but rarely do we stop to read the label, question the source, or ask: Is this really good for me? When Taste Becomes a Trap This same principle applies far beyond food. We often build our choices—physically, mentally, and spiritually—on what feels right. But Scripture warns us: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” — Proverbs 14:12 That’s not just about morality—it’s about deception. Satan doesn’t show up w...

How to Maintain an Alkaline Diet, Simple Steps for Success

Image
                               The alkaline diet is an eating pattern that emphasizes alkaline-producing foods, like fruits and vegetables, and minimizes acid-forming foods, like animal proteins and cheeses. An alkaline diet has several health benefits including reduced inflammation, weight loss, improved bone and muscle health, improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, improved brain function, reduced risk of chronic conditions. Here are five alkaline foods to include in your diet. 1. Spinach : Rich in chlorophyll, blood builder and potent alkalizer, high in vitamin K, A, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, vitamin E, dietary fiber. 2. Kale : Cancer-fighting and cholesterol-lowering, rich in antioxidants, detoxifying, high in vitamin K, C, A and huge amount of chlorophyll, and containing four proven cancer-fighting compounds 3. Cucumber : Has...

The Loudest Silence Captures The Heart: Just Listen!!!

Image
  It started with a backpack. Stuffed with nothing more than a granola bar, a hoodie, and $1.63, Jerrick ran. Not from war or zombies—but from consequences. At 17, he thought skipping town would erase the firestorm he'd set off: stolen equipment from school, fake profiles, blackmail screenshots. No one had caught him—yet. But Jerrick couldn’t outrun his own mind. Every shadow whispered, “They know.” Every phone buzz made his stomach drop. Even in a different city, under a fake name, the silence felt louder than the truth. Then one night, under a flickering bus stop light, he met Grace. Literally—her name was Grace. She handed him a sandwich and asked a question no one else had: “What are you running from?” He broke. Every secret. Every lie. Poured out like poison needing air. Her only response? “It’s not too late.” That night didn’t erase his past. But it began the slow, hard road back. Restitution. Confession. Forgiveness. And the most surprising part? It was harder running from t...

Testing Your Heart: A Christian Perspective on Intent and Motive

Image
As Christians, we are called to live with integrity and purity of heart in everything we do. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse emphasizes the importance of testing our hearts regularly to ensure that our actions align with God's will. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of doing good works, but the Bible challenges us to examine our motives. Are we serving others out of love and obedience to Christ, or are we seeking recognition and validation? Jesus warns in Matthew 6:1-2 that our acts of righteousness should not be done to impress others but for the glory of God alone. To truly test our hearts, we must be honest with ourselves. Are we motivated by selfish desires, or are we acting out of love and humility? Psalm 139:23-24 offers a powerful prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” By re...

Food, Faith, and Starvation: What 'Nutritional Deficiencies' Are We Missing?

Image
In the world of nutrition, macronutrients and micronutrients are both essential to sustaining life. Macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—are the foundational building blocks of energy, muscle repair, and bodily function. Without them, we wither. Micronutrients—vitamins and minerals—are needed in smaller amounts, but they play critical roles in immune function, cellular repair, and overall well-being. A deficiency in either category can lead to weakness, disease, or dysfunction. The same is true for faith. Some elements of spiritual growth serve as our macronutrients , sustaining us day in and day out. Others act as micronutrients , not always obvious but necessary for strength, endurance, and resilience. Macronutrients of Faith: The Essentials for Growth Like protein, carbs, and fats, these are the big three that fuel a life of faith: Prayer (The Protein of Faith) – Just as protein repairs and builds muscle, prayer strengthens and fortifies our relationship with God...

Micro and Macro? The Full Scoop on Nutrients

Image
This is National Nutrition Month, and we continue to explore ways to improve our food choices for better nutrition, health, and wellness.  We know that nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining and improving our health. The foods we consume should provide essential nutrients that influence various bodily functions, from energy production to disease prevention. These nutrients are classified into macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are essential nutrients that the body requires in large quantities. They provide energy and building blocks for the body.  The three main macronutrients are carbohydrates, which provide energy; protein, which build and repair tissue; and fats, which store energy and provide essential fatty acid. Macronutrients are essential for maintaining body structure, function, and overall health. Micronutrients are essential nutrients that the body needs in small amounts for optimal health. They include vitamins and minerals, which play crucial r...