Conscious Eating: What are you Craving?

Conscious Eating: What are you Craving?

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” ~ 3 John 1:2

Good morning daughters of grace,

This morning I write to you with a whole lot of grace because it’s an issue that I struggle with as well: conscious eating.  The term conscious eating is talking about not just what we eat or how much we eat but truly knowing and being aware of everything we put in our mouths.

• Have you ever driven somewhere and once you got there you did not really remember the drive?
• Have you ever done something and forgot the you did it, such as starting the laundry?
• Have you ever looked at the bag of chips in your hand and wondered how it became empty?

That’s called autopilot, something that many of us live in.  We walk, talk and eat on autopilot.  We go through life not really seeing what’s going on around us.  We get through a day never smelling the roses and truly never knowing what we did.  We do everything unconsciously.  

That’s why conscious eating to so important to this spiritual battle of health.  Yes, I believe that our health is a spiritual battle.  No, I’m not teaching a prosperity message that we all should be healthy and wealthy.  Many great women and men of faith died of illnesses (Elisha for one) and that has nothing to do with their level of faith or trust in God.  There are, however, some things that we do and don’t do that affects our health and quality of life.  This is the spiritual battle I’m discussing.  Our doctor has told us that we have high blood pressure yet we continue to eat highly salted foods.  We know we need to lose weight and it’s affecting our lives yet we continue to sneak to our favorite fast food place and tell ourselves that we deserve it and it’s just this last time.  We have to stop!  

Like a city that is broken into and without walls Is a man who has no control over his spirit. ~ Proverbs 25:28

Knowing what you are putting into your mouth is step 1 to better health. Knowing what you are eating has GREAT benefits!!

• Controlling caloric intake for weight loss.
• Making sure you have enough vitamins and minerals that your body needs.  
• Monitoring food for specific health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Knowing what foods affect your body in different ways (allergies, inflammation)
• Lowering processed foods in your diet

The list goes on and on.  I feel in my heart that we need to talk about this for more than just this one post so I’ll give you some steps that I’m following.  Yes, I’m doing this with you and I challenge you to join me!  

Step 1: Write down every tiny bit of food and drink that you put into your mouth.

I don’t care if you use a notepad or download an app on your smart phone.  Just write it all down!  My favorite apps are My Fitness Pal and Lose it on the iphone.  I use the My Fitness Pal app.  For the next 30 days write down everything you eat and drink.  Don’t worry just yet about calories and all that jazz, just write it down, even that peppermint you ate.  Write that down as well.  Next month we’ll get to step two!  

Of course I’m leaving you with a lovely recipe!  Just make sure to write it down!  :-)    

Marinated Greek Chicken

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic

½ tbsp dried oregano

1 medium lemon, zested

½ tsp salt

black pepper

¼ bunch parsley

3 ½ - 4lbs chicken (a whole cut up chicken)

Combine yogurt, oil, garlic, oregano, salt and black pepper.  Using a grater grate the lemon zest into the marinade.  Roughly chop the parsley and add parsley and chicken.  Cover and allow to marinate for 30 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees, around 25 minutes for boneless pieces and 40 - 45 minutes for bone-in pieces).  I serve with couscous and a salad.

 **Please make sure to attend Re-Ignite with The Mom Sqaud at Root Candle (in Medina) on Saturday, September 20th. Josie, Lisa and I will be leading a workshop on “Reclaiming His Peace in Hustle and Bustle of Hospitality”.  I’ll be preparing a wonderful healthy cooking demo with samples!  Make sure to register for this great event today! Re-Ignite with The Mom Squad