2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT)
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.
Much like sin destroys the soul, toxins wreak havoc on the body. More than ever, our environment- no matter how positive we are- is contaminated with all sorts of unhealthy toxins. The good news, however, is this: Jesus wipes away the sin from our soul, and we can rid ourselves of many of the toxins affecting our health now. Start by using a portion of your next paycheck or the remaining balance on that Wal-Mart gift card to invest in a Brita water filter. I know, I know, you've been drinking Greenville’s dirt-tinged water for years and you’re “fine.” But with cities pumping more and more chlorine and other chemicals into its systems, clean, pure filtered water is the way to go. (Plus, you’ll save money on bottled water and rid the environment of more needless plastic). Another way to remove toxins also takes a financial sacrifice but is well worth it for your health. When possible, eat organic foods. Organic foods are those in which no harmful pesticides, chemicals, or hormones are used in its growing process, thereby making it pure and wholesome. Studies have shown that cutting foods sprayed with pesticides from your diet- even in small amounts- leads to greater health.
Application: Drink plenty of water for your body…and your soul. Remember that Jesus is the “living water,” which will never run dry. So, with apologies to Max Lucado, come thirsty.
Nutrition Tip: Speaking of water. If you despise drinking plain water, there are healthy additives you can mix in for taste. Lemon. Lime. Or a variety of other flavors. Just make sure the ingredients in those drink mix packs don’t negate the benefits of your water.
Go buy a water filter and a drinking bottle. It may embarrass your spouse when you carry it around (like it does mine, who often forces me into pouring my water into a “regular” water bottle) but you’ll keep you body hydrated. And a bonus benefit if you’re trying to lose weight, water keeps you feeling full. So you’re less likely to swing through that drive-thru for nasty foods and a sugary soft drink.
Exercise Tip: Interval Training. Running (without a soccer ball) bores me. And most other people. For both your sanity and the health benefits, run wind sprints instead of jogging for half an hour. The starting and stopping does more for your heart and lungs than a steady pace stretched out for a longer amount of time. And bonus: you can complete them during commercials and be back in before [ insert your favorite TV program here] comes back on.
