Nutrition
Turkey Facts
- A great source of protein
- Low in fat
- Good source of iron and vitamin B
- A serving is 2 to 3 ounces
- 3 ounces white meat without skin is just 164 calories
- Turkey is the other, other white meat
Does turkey make you sleepy? It was thought that the amino acid, tryptophan, which is an important building block of protein, was the cause. Tryptophan also acts as a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin forms in the brain and plays a part in relaxation and sleep production. However, it would take a tremendous amount of turkey to cause you to get sleepy. The most likely reason for the sudden onset of sleep after the holiday meal is related to the number of carbohydrates consumed which makes you sluggish and lazy feeling.
It would be wise to stay clear of all the sugar and starches and enjoy more fresh fruit, vegetables and good old protein, turkey.
Exercise
Stay on Track
Fall is here, get outside and go for a stroll. Winter is the time of the year when it's hard to stay motivated. It's cold and it's very tempting to snuggle under the covers and forget the workout.
Get back to basics, walking outside at a brisk pace or riding your bike. Get a yoga mat and tape to exercise at home. I got my favorite step aerobics tape to get me through the winter. I also like jogging in place. You can do this in front of a mirror to watch your running form. If you like to swim, find out if your town has a natatorium or if the local recreation center has an indoor pool.
In addition to exercise, it is also very important in the fall and winter to watch what you eat. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not as vibrant and colorful this time of the year as they are in the spring and summer. However, there's still a great selection such as acorn squash, cranberries, sweet potatoes, pears, pomegranate, kale, turnips, radishes, rutabaga and oranges. Explore new recipes with fall and winter favorites.
Wellness
Bell's Palsy
Bell's Palsy is not well known but I have been acquainted with 3 young ladies that experienced Bell's Palsy in their 20's. Out of nowhere they woke up with a droopy face and an eye that wouldn't close and a crooked mouth.
All three had just given birth and it has been shown that Bell's Palsy seems to occur more in women that are pregnant or have diabetes. Bells Palsy is caused when the nerves that control facial muscles become swollen or compressed. Mild case will disappear within a month but can reoccur on the opposite side. More severe cases can cause redirection of the nerves and causes facial problems.
Diabetes increase your risk factor for several illnesses. Refer to women insulin levels and find out more about diabetes and how to reduce your risk. If you should find yourself with Bell's Palsy then find out what have increased your risk. It is also associated with viruses of different kinds.
Women Devotion
Gift Giving
Deuteronomy 10:14 -18 (The Message) Look around you: Everything you see is God's-the heavens above and beyond, the Earth, and everything on it. But it was your ancestors who God fell in love with; he picked their children-that's you!-out of all the other peoples. That's where we are right now. So cut away the thick calluses from your heart and stop being so willfully hardheaded. God, your God, is the God of all gods, he's the Master of all masters, a God immense and powerful and awesome. He doesn't play favorites, takes no bribes, and makes sure orphans and widows are treated fairly, takes loving care of foreigners by seeing that they get food and clothing.
This year more than ever, people will most likely think about their needs more than their wants when it comes to Christmas gifts and presents. As you think about buying for Christmas and gift giving, think about those in need. God gave us the greatest gift of all, His Son, Jesus Christ. Once accepted, the gift lasts a lifetime. God looked at a broken, sinful world and sent help for his needy people, me and you.
The needs are many and ways to help are many. It's not about us but it's about helping those who are less fortunate than we are. Your help can be just a pray for those on the mission field, a helping hand, or donations. Some organizations that come to mine are the battered women shelter, the different children homes, and the homeless shelters. Those in need of donations are clothe closets, food banks and of course the many charity organizations needing help.
There are also many people out there that need to hear the news about the first Christmas gift, Jesus Christ. As Christians we are commanded to share the good news of salvation. But it doesn't stop there; missionaries called to the mission field also need help. There are many reputable organizations that give full support to those missionaries so that they may spread the news about how all can have the gift of salvation.
Please read the lyrics from If We Are the Body by Casting Crown:
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
Jesus is the way
As you buy this Christmas season, remember Christ is the reason for the celebration and we should think about those in need. I pray that you will be blessed and touched by the true spirit of Christmas. My family and I are challenged more and more each year to share the gift of Christmas with others in need.
