Exercise and weight loss

If you ask beginners why they are exercising, most will likely say to lose weight. However, you do not have to exercise to drop those unwanted pounds. Consider this, 3,500 calories equals one pound, so if you consume 3,500 calories, and don’t burn them, you will likely gain a pound. It does not matter that those 3,500 calories come from healthy foods or junk foods Let’s compare two imaginary people: one attempting to lose weight through exercise alone, and the other through diet alone.

The person using exercise alone worked out consistently for 30 days. During each workout session they burned 3500 calories. However, after each workout session, they consumed 3600 calories. At the end of 30 days, this person would have made great strides toward improving their fitness; their weight would have remained the same. It does not matter how much or how hard you exercise, you consume more calories than you burn, you will not lose weight.

The second person lost weight through diet alone. It was determined that their metabolic rate was 2,500 calories. Our metabolic rate is the rate at which our body burns calories. For 30 days, this person did no exercise but consumed 2,000 calories a day. At the end of 30 days, they did not make any improvement toward fitness, but experienced weight loss.

The purpose of exercise is not only to lose weight but to develop, and maintain a level of fitness. If exercise is done in conjunction with an adequate diet and proper nutrition, weight loss and improvements in health will be the end result. Instead of focusing on weight loss, I would suggest that your focus on your body fat percentage. Consider this; if you weigh 190 pounds, and you lose ten pounds of muscle then gain ten pounds of fat, you will still weigh 190 pounds. However, you won’t be as fit.

The imaginary people used in this illustration are in fact imaginary, but the results are real. Try to understand the principles of the illustration.

Jonathan Kelsey

The Benefits or Risk of fast food consumption

In our rapid moving society that functions at a rate which continues to move faster and faster each day, in this high tech age we live in, fast food has quickly been adopted as the no.1 food of choice. As advertisements have premiered on billboards throughout  our neighborhoods, schools, and of course the billion dollar business of television. Burger king promotes its famous whopper and Mcdonalds its Big Mac. Each item on the menu for decades has defined the expected American diet.

As the corporate goals aim to make these American fast food chains much more of a household name in our homes than the word of God. The media takeover in our communities, mostly the poor communities takes control of our minds, and stomachs; Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken to name a few. Their success comes from the fast pace of each parent or single parent in the home working with no time for the togetherness of family dinners.

So they offer consumers a quick, cheap, convenient meal Thus, our delicate bodies become deteriorated by improper eating habits. But let’s never fool ourselves. Sin and Satan’s desire that we all lose sight of Christ saving grace lies at the door. Thus, allowing the door to become our mouth and what we consume each and every day. Which is all too often high in fat, salt content and low in fiber and calcium. But what they don’t tell you is that.

Fast food is a major contributor to rising state of Obesity; Calorie-laden fast food meals can contain nearly a full day’s worth of calories and fat, and if eaten regularly, increases your chances of obesity. According to CBS News Health Watch, almost one-third of U.S children between the ages of 4 and 19 consume fast food, which, depending on the regularity with which fast food is eaten, can cause a 6-pound weight increase per year.

Also Fast Food increases Diabetes; Consumption of fast food has been linked to an increased chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes. In Type 2 Diabetes, either your body is unable to regulate blood sugar with insulin, or is unable to produce insulin. Increased body fat, along with a high-sugar and high-carbohydrate diet, can increase your body’s resistance to insulin, which monitors your blood sugar levels. An article published by the US Department of Health and Human Services states that people who ate fast food two or more times per week were twice as likely to experience insulin resistance.

Fast food is also typically very high in Sodium. A large order of fast food french fries can contain as much as 30% of your daily value of sodium. While important to consume in small amounts, excess sodium builds up in your bloodstream. Your heart must work harder to pump blood successfully, which can cause hypertension and high blood pressure. Also excess salt consumption is associated with strokes. A chronic consumption of excess sodium may lead to edema or water retention.

In addition, some studies have shown that calcium competes with sodium. In other words, as the intake of sodium increases, there is an increase in the urinary excretion of calcium. This increased excretion of calcium may be responsible for reduced peak bone mass and increased bone demineralization. Which, in turn, increases the risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures among women. This concept is extremely important when thinking in terms of children who are in the critical stage of developing bone density.

The recommended limit for sodium is 2,200 mg. On average, exceeding these recommendations in our fast food culture is quite easy since a Burger King Whopper contains 870 mg of sodium and a large order of McDonald’s fries contains 290 mg, making it possible for individuals to reach more than half the limit in one meal.

Fast Food is Low in Nutrients such as Hamburgers served on white bread, french fries, high-fat meats, and other high-carbohydrate which lack important nutrients. Such as, vitamins found in fresh produce, fiber found in whole grains and protein served without added fat. Foods which are high in sugar and carbohydrates but low in nutrients are also often less filling than healthier options, and can lead to overeating. Furthermore, non-nutritious fast food several times per week can impact your energy levels and mood, and may put you at risk for vitamin deficiency.

So we see, these diets that are high in fat with no nutrient dense foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, are also typically low in fiber. Because of the lack of complex carbohydrates which are often high in fiber, and lower cholesterol levels, which brings about an improved digestive function, which usually decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.

Decreased in physical activity also plays a major roles in the the fast food epidemic; As the Technological age has fewer children getting any physical activity, as idol time is spent surfing the net instead of hitting the net on the basketball court. The temptation of fast food is great because the fast foods are easily available, convenient and cheap. But as parents, educators and churches we must forever set examples and councils on diets and foods. And since many food patterns begin during childhood, parents, teachers, and our churches should avoid using fast foods as rewarding meals.

But to attempt to educate our children on healthy food choices. While  advocating nutrient dense diets, that are rich in whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables along with an increase in physical activity. And as we draw closer to Christ’s soon return we must continue to focus our attention on Paul’s statement in 1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Mrs. White also tells us in Ministry of Healing “In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God’s original plan for man’s diet. He who created man and who understands his needs appointed Adam his food.”

“Behold,” He said, “I have given you every herb yielding seed…., and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.” Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. Because they impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect that prepares us for God’s pure and holy kingdom. Remember my friends “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2

Is television detrimental to our health and salvation?

Our over saturation of television programming has turned the United States into a nation of zombies who are easily manipulated by government and corporate advertisers.  Sin and Satan’s desire that we all lose sight of Christ saving grace, while forgetting that life is too short to squander away in front of the TV.

For we only have but a short period of probation, from birth to death in which to prepare for God’s pure and holy kingdom. Watching TV immediately shifts our brain activity from beta waves, associated with logical thought and analytical processes; to alpha waves, commonly associated with susceptibility, suggestibility and an unfocused state of mind which lacks the act of knowing, perceiving, or remembering the things God deems beneficial, and precious for our salvation.

Recent studies suggest that the more TV you watch, the more likely you are to develop a host of health problems and to die at an earlier age. In the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers combined data from eight such studies and found that for every additional two hours people spend glued to the tube on a typical day, their risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases by 20% and their risk of heart disease increases by 15%.

And for every additional three hours the study participants spent in front of the TV, their risk of dying from any cause during the respective studies jumped 13%, on average. Extended TV watching has reached epidemic proportions, especially in the U.S. The connection between TV and disease isn’t a mystery. TV watching eats up immeasurable time that could be spent walking, exercising, or even just moving around, But most important it takes away time that should be spent studying the word of God and doing His will.

One day God will question us about our time and say to each and everyone, EITHER “Well done, good and trustworthy servant! Since you’ve been trustworthy with a small amount, of time I’ll put you in charge of a large amount (Eternal life). Come and share your master’s joy!” OR, He will ask you, one final question, why was, house wives of Atlanta, Scandal, DWTS, The Voice, and Grays Anatomy more important then studying my word and doing my will? And the saddest words we will ever here repeated, He will say, I know you not.

In Ephesians 5:15-17 Paul states “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is”,Moses had seen an entire generation wander aimlessly in the desert because they refused to believe God’s word. Instead, choose to believe the ten spies who said the land God had promised them was too difficult to conquer.

Therefore 40 years, the Israelites roamed the wilderness, with no specific destination in sight. An entire generation was sentenced to an inactive and slothful wandering in the wilderness. It has been estimated that an average of almost 90 people a day died during those years. Then only Moses, Joshua and Caleb remained to represent the generation that left Egypt. Many of us experience this same dilemma, wandering in the wilderness of TV! TV! And More TV as the years flies by.

We must realize as Christians our stay on this earth is only for a little while. Time is precious, and how we spend and use it for God’s glory and honor, is of vital importance to our spending eternity with Christ. God in the wise foresight and anticipation teaches us how we should be discerning and perceptive about the proper use of our time.

The time never should come in a Christian’s life here on earth. When, if he were asked to mention the period of his greatest love to Christ, he would not say without thinking, “Right at this present moment. And we as future citizens of Gods pure and holy society will never realize the importance of that statement and what it means to our salvation.

By allowing the foolishness of what we watch on TV to consume our precious time that should be spent focusing on our love for Christ and how he changes our lives each day as we study His word. The constant watching of TV only allows us to loose sight of our journey here on earth, as it begins to influence our lives, and not God’s word and His relationships with us.

As Fenelon tells us, “Time is given to us to prepare for eternity.” And we may also reverse that statement and say – eternity is given to prepare us for time. But if we fail to live out our time wisely here on earth by watching those things on TV, that takes our focus away from Christ. Then, our character becomes what we watch on TV and not what the Spirit of God prepares us for.

So my friends, today decide to turn off that TV and spend each precious moment you have left on this earth searching to capture the mind and character of Christ. In 2 Peter 3:8-11 Peter tells us But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and our works, and time, that are done on this earth will be exposed. So my friends let’s decide today, to give it all to the Master. Of course the first step is to turn off your TV and open the word of God as you stay focused on His promises, and continue to tell yourself “This world is not my home. I’m just passing through my treasures are not here but laid up somewhere way beyond the blue. I can fill the presence of God’s Spirit each day as the celestial Angels beckons me from heaven’s open door. And that is why I can never feel at home on this earth anymore. Oh, Lord, I know there is no friend like you, so please continue to lead, guide and show me, to live throughout eternity with you, what must I do?”

The answer is very simple. Open up the word of God and study as if your life depended on it, because it does. As John says in John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.