Tips/Guidance
Choose Joy
I pray that as you read this, your heart is open to the love it contains. Many years ago I created something I call my Joy Jar. I encourage you to do the same.
Each day place a scrap of paper with a note of something you are grateful for in that jar. A blessing from God. On those days when you feel life is pushing you down, reach in that jar and pull out one or more of those notes. Read, smile, and give thanks to God for all your blessings.
God didn't promise us that life would never be hard. He did promise to give us what we need to get through. Lean on Jesus. When you feel like you can't take another step, He will carry you through.
That state of gratitude is what brought me through the loss of my brother, a few months later my mother, and then a short 2 years later, my father. We will have times when we feel we have nothing to be grateful for. As I did in these losses.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
How you start your day matters.
Do you struggle to maintain your energy level throughout your day? It may be the food choices you are making to start your day. Starting the day with healthy fats and protein may be a good place to start.
If you choose eggs, whenever possible, buy pastured eggs. Organic doesn't make much difference and cage free can be very deceptive. The chickens may not be in small individual cages but may still be in a house, eating grains. You want eggs from hens that have been eating the things God intended them to eat, insects and all the wonderful things they find out in a pasture or barnyard.
The nutritional profile difference between grain feed and pastured is a big deal. Pastured eggs come from hens that are free to walk around and scavenge food outside, eating a more natural diet. They are higher in vitamins A and E, Omega-3's, and lower in cholesterol and saturated fats. You should aim for the most nutrient dense foods possible.
If you choose eggs, whenever possible, buy pastured eggs. Organic doesn't make much difference and cage free can be very deceptive. The chickens may not be in small individual cages but may still be in a house, eating grains. You want eggs from hens that have been eating the things God intended them to eat, insects and all the wonderful things they find out in a pasture or barnyard.
The nutritional profile difference between grain feed and pastured is a big deal. Pastured eggs come from hens that are free to walk around and scavenge food outside, eating a more natural diet. They are higher in vitamins A and E, Omega-3's, and lower in cholesterol and saturated fats. You should aim for the most nutrient dense foods possible.
Farm to Table
Have you ever thought about the importance of where your food comes from?
Closer to home, for most foods, is always a more nutritious option. In season is how we are designed to eat. Don't live close to a farm, find a farmer's market.
If you live close to a farm, do yourself a favor and get to know your farmers. No farmers, no food. Knowing where your food comes from and how it's grown can bring great joy and make your food taste even better.
Connect to what you eat and what you eat will become more important to you. You will make better food choices. You will be rewarded with health benefits in one of the simplest ways-awareness.
