Protein is not just for great skin, hair, and nails; it’s critical for health. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to repair damage, digest food, fight infections, build muscle and bone, create hormones, and even think and have good moods. Higher protein diets can help fight high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Not to mention protein’s great benefits for metabolism boosting, satiety (feeling full after a meal), and weight management. Protein is important, and this is a given. There are a few factors to consider when calculating how much protein we need. So, let’s go through those ca ..read more

Water is essential for life. You can only survive a few days without it. And being hydrated is essential for health. I could argue that water is the most essential nutrient of them all. Water is needed for every cell and function in your body. Water is a huge part of your blood; it cushions your joints and aids digestion. It helps stabilize your blood pressure and heart beat. It helps to regulate your body temperature and helps maintain electrolyte (mineral) balance. And that’s just a few of its roles. Dehydration can impair mood and concentration, and contribute to headaches and dizziness ..read more

Turmeric is a rhizome that grows under the ground like ginger. It has a rich, bright orange color and is used in many foods. Originally used in Southeast Asia, it’s a vital component for traditional curries. You can find dried powdered turmeric in the spice aisle of just about any grocery store. Sometimes they carry the fresh rhizome too (it looks like ginger root, but smaller). Turmeric contains an amazing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant compound called “curcumin.” The amount of this bioactive compound is around 3-7% by weight of turmeric. Curcumin has been studied like crazy for its health ..read more

Migraine headaches can be terrible, especially when you’re a Ministry Leader. The pain, vision problems (including aura), nausea, etc. can be debilitating; particularly if they stick around for hours or even days. Migraines affect about 15% of adults, so they’re fairly common. And, while the exact cause is not known, there are lots of known triggers. Many foods and drinks are common triggers of migraines. You may have noticed certain foods, and drinks trigger your migraines. Sometimes the migraine comes on within an hour of the food/drink. Other times it may happen several hours, up to a day ..read more

Fat is back!  Many of our friends at church are following high fat diets.  So, you’re probably trying to add fat to your diet WITHOUT seeking the help of a nutrition consultant or doing any research.  Let me just say this…. All fat is NOT created equal! Fat is one of the three critical macronutrients; along with protein and carbohydrates. Some fats are super-health-boosting; and, others are super-health-busting. Health-building fats support your brain, hormones, immune system, heart health, and moods. Health-busting fats pretty much bust all of these (brain, hormones, immune ..read more

April 1st is tomorrow and, not only is it my birthday in April (April 5th if you want to send me a gift ) but April is also National Minority Health Month!  Woot woot!  If you’ve been following me for some time, you know that I have shared some startling statistics with you, regarding the health of African-Americans and the health of A.M.E. Pastors.  If you haven’t seen these stats, here they are: The CDC states that African-Americans in their 20’s, 30’s & 40’s are living with or dying from high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke A study of South Carolinian African ..read more

We are all stressing out right now.  We don’t know what to do about this invisible enemy.  To make matters worse, we are forced to be “socially distant” which means no human contact.  This stress can wreck our health! If we don’t learn how to manage it in a healthy way, we can develop chronic diseases later.  One very easy practice you can do is breathe. Shallow breathing and stress go together like PB&J. Retraining your body to take deeper breaths will help you feel more relaxed and it can even help strengthen your deep core muscles. Make time for belly (aka diaphrag ..read more

I know it’s hard for Ministry Leaders to admit when they are in a bad mood.  I mean, EVERYONE expects you to be at everyone’s beck and call.  When you need a “mood boost”, sometimes you need more than reading the Bible.  Did you know what you eat can affect how you feel? Mental health and brain health are complex. So are the foods we eat, and the ways our bodies interact with those foods.  While, we don’t know the exact mechanisms  of how food and nutrition help, we know a few ways food impacts our moods. phattlife #blackoutday2020 #georgefloyd #weloveo ..read more

It’s March, 2020 and we are in the middle of a pandemic.  Not just here, in the U.S., the entire World is in the middle of a pandemic.  Last night, California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, announced the “stay home” order to “bend the curve” in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  I’m sure other states will follow suit.  Not only has this pandemic shaken the world, it’s divided the church!  There have been two camps: Camp 1. You should NEVER close “the church” and I don’t care if the CDC and “the Government” are urging all Americans to practice social dis ..read more

With all the news about the coronavirus pandemic, it’s easy to feel powerless over your health. But there actually are some steps you can take to help your immune system in top shape.  Taking action goes a LONG way toward moving you from overwhelmed to empowered. I’ve got a list of healthy immune-boosting actions you can take to get back that sense of control.  I also have a checklist for you here. NOTE: Remember, it’s still super important to follow prevention guidelines for handwashing and avoiding people who are sick …. even if you follow these steps! 5 Immune Boosting Tips G ..read more