Healthy in 2018- Winter foods and goodness….

Healthy in 2018…..
WELL Looks like we have officially moved into WINTER….
I have a question for you. “Does the Winter Season tend to make you GAIN WEIGHT?”
Fall came and went and the Holiday Season is closing and we are all feeling alittle FULL. The holidays always bring with it the opportunity for us to INDULGE in a lot of foods that we love, but probably don’t need.
The holiday season usually means lots of calorie-laden foods, like egg nog, turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and cookies, cakes, candy, drinks and chips. For many, this means weight gain. And just when you think it will slow down, Christmas is gone, leading us into New Year’s Eve with more celebration with food and drinks.
Many people also go into hibernation mode due to dropping temps and begin to eat heavier foods. They gain (more) weight. They cozy up and hunker down. I know with todays weather I have sure wanted to stay inside.
Seems we have about 6 weeks of continuous indulging and mindless eating and possible drinking.
So, how are you going to handle the arrival of winter?
Fear not. Winter is a great time to detox, leading into the lightness of spring.
Don’t forget to get your vitamin D. The days get their shortest come winter. Researchers at Aberdeen University found that obese people had 10% less vitamin D than people of average weight. The study also found that excess body fat absorbed vitamin D so the body couldn’t use it. Scientists now believe that there is a direct correlation between obesity and low levels of vitamin D. With that, get out there, even in the cold, and get your sunshine, if only for 10 minutes per day.
Move your booty and continue exercising regularly. It can be as simple as taking a walk or coming to YOGA.
Also don’t forget… even when it’s cold remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Enjoy winter foods. Move toward the more warming winter foods and also emphasize the more warming spices and seasonings including ginger and peppercorns.
Here is a list of the seasonal foods of winter:
Avocado, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Endive, Escarole, Fennel, Grapefruit, Horseradish, Jerusalem Artichoke, Kale, Kiwi, Kohlrabi, Kumquats, Leeks, Lemons, Mandarin Oranges, Onions, Oranges, Parsnips, Pears, Persimmons, Potatoes, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Satsumas, Shallots, Sweet Potatoes, Tangerines, Turnips, Winter Squash*
Enjoy them all. Try new things. Just remember, don’t let the couch lure you into curling up with the unhealthy comfort foods like creamy soups, chips and dip or mac and cheese.
Yoga starts back next week, January 8th. If you’d like to follow along with “healthy information, meal plans, weight loss information”, please go to www.kathystephens.com and subscribe. I will be bringing some tips and tricks your way for a healthier you in 2018.

 

THE BRIDGE…

bridge web

 

Take a moment to gaze upon this bridge. What do you see?
If I was to ask you what takes you OVER In times of trouble, despair, fear, disappointment, grief, illness what might you say? When you come to those bumps in the road, WHO or WHAT carries you OVER? How do you get from POINT A to POINT B? Who or What is the BRIDGE in your life that holds you up, keeps your feet out of the miry clay, mends your broken heart and allows you to keep moving without interruption?
I’ve always loved the Bay Bridge as you go around MOBILE. I was lucky enough to catch this shot yesterday. I love all the architectural aspects of this bridge. The huge steel cables connecting the TOP of the bridge to the actual road. Reminds me of the Great strength that GOD has to hold us UP. ‪#‎carryusinourtimeofneed‬.
IF you look really close you will see two big H’s. Another piece of architecture that is pretty cool. Honestly I didn’t even see those while taking the picture cause I was driving with one knee with camera in hand. ‪#‎toodangeroustotry‬. I only saw them after getting home and uploading the picture. Isn’t that how GOD works sometimes. He is right in the middle of our situation. Carrying us, holding us up, protecting us from things. Sometimes we are aware of His presence and sometimes we are not.
Many months have gone by since my heart was broken into. In seeking GOD everyday I find myself looking at situations different, I look at people different, I find myself looking at church different, my communication is different. Lets just say ‪#‎MYROADSAREDIFFERENT‬.
Let me ask you. “Are you on a BRIDGE right now in your life?” “Has HE set up another way of escape for you again?” “IS HE carrying you over?”
In Isaiah 41:10 it says Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. ( i’m carrying you over) Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. ( SEE the Bridge ahead) I will strengthen you and help you. ( don’t you see my cables are strong ) I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. ( My hand…….. Your bridge of LIFE)……