Do What Works

Do you want to?

Stephen opens the episode with reference to his personal challenges of self-assessment and desires to change in regard to the content he discusses. With any new information one receives, we must always ask ourselves, "Is this for me?" Sometimes the information we're learning and collecting is spiked out of mere interest. Other times it may seem like random facts. Either way, the knowledge you gather is never random as it is either going to be beneficial for you, for someone else, or for both. The real question is whether or not the information challenges you to change in areas that you may need growth or improvement. More specifically, do you want to change?

Do What Works For You

A common theme reiterated throughout this episode is "Do what works for you." Interestingly enough, I had a conversation with a friend last weekend about my personal journey to eliminate toxins in my hygiene products, specifically soap and skincare lotions. As I was sharing my experience of the new soap I've been using and recommending she try it, her response was that what she was using worked for her and she didn't want to risk disrupting her own established routine. This was golden to me. When you know you have a good thing going, everything is working and functioning as it should, then the old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," really proves true. However, if you're stuck in a routine, using the same products, eating the same foods, and practicing the same habits with no improvement to your health goals, it may be time to switch things up a bit.

Be Virtuous

Proverbs 31 speaks of a virtuous woman, how strong, hardworking, God-fearing, wise and resourceful she is. What would a virtuous woman look like today? Our world today has made everything so easily accessible. Not only do we have grocery stores lined with all the food and clothes we can imagine, we also have delivery services like Amazon, Uber, or DoorDash that will pick up our goods and deliver them to our front door. Now realistically, we do not all have the means or resources to harvest all of our own grains, fruits, and vegetables. Nor do we have the land to breed and butcher our own livestock. Many of us have no need or desire to sew our own clothes for our families either. There is no doubt that life today is far different than Biblical times, and if you're not growing your own food or making your own clothes, that's okay. However, there are other ways you can be virtuous when it comes to your health.

The definition of virtuous means to have high moral standards. Some synonyms are upstanding, principled, and right-minded. A virtuous woman today may be someone who is researching, learning, and taking interest in feeding her family the healthiest foods, eliminating as many toxins as possible within the home, and educating her family on things that are beneficial to both the mind and body. Becoming invested in your own health and the health of those you care for is one of the greatest things you can do to improve the quality of your life and the lives of others.

Oddly enough, I recently turned 31 and I feel more in my Proverbs 31 era than I ever have previously. This year alone, I've researched and learned more about a healthy diet and mental stability than I ever have before. Granted, I've known about low calorie, low carb, high protein, and anti-inflammatory diets for a few years, but this year I feel as though I'm finally tapping into what works for me after years and years of yo-yo dieting and trying to do what has worked for others around me. As Stephen said in the episode, YouTube is a phenomenal resource with a plethora of information. There is unlimited access to numerous homeopathic doctors such as Dr. David Jockers, Dr. Mindy Pelz, and Dr. Josh Axe. Now again, as Stephen said, do not take everything from these videos and assume it will be the cure to all of your health issues, and be mindful to consult with your physician for your medical and health related questions.

Foods to Avoid At All Costs

Since we're talking specifically about physical health, it's important to consider what you're consuming, especially if you're dealing with frequent sickness, obesity, fatigue, brain fog, or unexplainable pain. All of these symptoms are warning signs that the body is either consuming too much, not enough, or a combination of both in certain nutrients. Again, the standard American diet is high in processed foods, so more than likely your body is lacking vital vitamins and nutrients for it to function ideally. Below is a list of food items that are not only considered harmful to the body, but are actually banned in other countries. Next to it is a list of harmful chemicals and toxins within these foods that causes them to be banned.

As you look over this list, you may be surprised, and slightly overwhelmed. Your initial thought may be something along the lines of, "Well if I can't eat any of these things, what can I eat?" You also may be wondering how in the world you're going to budget higher-grade foods into your diet, especially for those of us with large families. Then there's the issue of false marketing. Though opting for organic, wild-caught, and grass-fed seem ideal, it's still important to consider the source given many companies slap on these labels for marketing purposes, and the USDA allows it.

"So what do I do?" This is the question many of us are left with when considering improving our diets. If we're to avoid certain foods at all costs, we're going to have to count the cost in other areas. Food becomes the one place to not cut costs because it has direct relation to your health. However, cutting down the purchasing and consumption of processed foods and dining out can leave more in the budget for whole food grocery items. This is also going to require us to cook at home. If you're anything like me, that's one of the biggest hurdles. Some days I just have absolutely no desire to cook and would rather order a pizza and call it a day. Then I remember how it makes my stomach hurt and gives me acid reflux every single time. There is a trade-off that takes place and it all comes down to how you feel versus how you want to feel.

Detox

Along with eliminating certain foods from your everyday consumption, it's crucial to detox at least every three to four months. There are all sorts of detoxes and cleanses that greatly benefit the liver, gut, cells, and essentially the entire body. The simplest detox is a 17-72 hour water fast. There is an abundance of research and studies available on fasting and the many benefits it provides to the body. Dr. Mindy Pelz has great information on the best times to fast for women that align with their monthly cycles, and even for woman who are peri- and postmenopausal. I personally strongly believe that women's bodies respond differently than a man's body when it comes to food, detoxing, fasting, and pretty much everything else. Above all, as a man or a woman, do your research and pay close attention to your body and how it responds to everything you put in and on it. The more you pay attention, the more you'll notice how you respond mentally as well.

Something Has to Change

The "something" that has to change is what we consume. Everything we put in and on our body directly affects our health, our mood, and ultimately the quality of our lives. It's so easy to get carried away with what the news and articles say about what is and isn't healthy for us to eat. I heard someone say that kale was bad for you, but instinctively I knew it couldn't be true. The same has been said of coconut oil, yet it has a vast amount of benefits to the body. Ultimately, you have to do what works for you. Brussels sprouts are a phenomenal source of vitamin K, and I love them, but they usually leave my stomach bloated and hurting, so I try to stay away from them. For others, that may not be the case.

There are all kinds of foods, herbs, and supplements that can improve your quality of life. Many diseases have proven to be reversed and eliminated through diet alone. Pay attention to the symptoms and warnings your body is giving you, and be quick to investigate them rather than dismiss them. For example, a headache may be a symptom that requires a simple solution such as hydration and electrolytes. Learn to listen to your body, not in a way that caters to the flesh, but in a way that fuels you to become stronger, healthier, and happier.

Major Takeaway: Pay close attention to how you feel physically and mentally.

The latest episode of Something Has to Change is heavily focused on physical health, namely what to do, and what not to do when it comes to your food consumption. As Americans, it's no secret that nearly 60% of our diets consist of processed foods that offer little to no nutritional value. It's also no secret that majority of our food is filled with preservatives, pesticides, additives, neurotoxins, and bioengineered ingredients. It can be very overwhelming to make healthy diet choices when it seems that most of the food in our grocery stores is toxic anyway. Pair that with an abundance of conflicting information and many will choose to abandon the idea of healthy eating altogether. However, the host of Contemporary Speaks, Stephen, shares information on how improving your diet can improve your quality of life while also encouraging the listener to "do what works for you."

Foods to Avoid (Banned in countries outside of the U.S.):

1. U.S. Corn

2. U.S. Pork

3. U.S. Chicken

4. All processed meats

5. U.S. Milk

6. U.S. Bread

7. Pre-packaged Ground Beef

8. Farm-raised Fish

9. Gatorade/Citrus Sodas

10. Maraschino Cherries

11. Cereals

12. Stevia

Harmful Chemicals & Toxic Ingredients to Avoid:

1. GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms)

2. Carcinogens

3. High Fructose Corn Syrup

4. Sodium Nitrates

5. BHT Perservatives

6. Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Sucralose, etc.)

7. Potassium Bromate

8. Brominated Vegetable Oil

9. rBST

10. Food Coloring & Dyes

11. Monosodium Glutamate

12. Soy Protein Isolates

Want to dive deeper?

Watch the full episode