The above title was inspired by a dynamic lecture Minister Christopher Muhammad of San Francisco, Calif., recently gave at Muhammad’s Mosque No. 26B. He incorporated modern information with the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, as we recently saw at Saviours’ Day in Detroit, is a master of explaining things “right down to modern times.” When we are consistently studying, we will see signs daily that bear witness to the teachings. (A side note: We should keep up with the current events and discoveries on a daily basis.)
Min. Muhammad referenced an article about “Twinkies,” which appeared in the March 5, 2007 edition of Newsweek magazine (pg. 50). The article, which discussed a book by Steve Ettlinger entitled, “Twinkie, Deconstructed,” explains how a “Twinkie” contains 39 ingredients. In the article, a core question that is raised is “Why is it you can bake a cake at home with as few as six ingredients, but Twinkies require 39?” And why do many of them seem to bear so little resemblance to actual food? The answer: To stay fresh on a grocery store shelf, Twinkies can’t contain anything that might spoil, like milk, cream or butter.”
Therefore, something has to take its place and it’s scary “just how closely the basic ingredients in processed foods resemble industrial material. Corn dextrin, a common thickener, is also the glue on postage stamps and envelopes. Ferrous sulfate, the iron supplement in enriched flour and vitamin pills, is used as a disinfectant and weedkiller.”
Granted, all food is made up of various ingredients or “chemical compounds,” however it is best to eat food in its most natural state and that is beneficial for your body. The book by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad–“How To Eat To Live”–says to stay away from “processed food.”
What is “fit” for you? Is it the food of pigs or the cuisine of righteous kings? According to the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, “fit” means: “Adapted or suited, appropriate, proper or becoming qualified or competent.” In order for our bodies to be in the best condition, we must have the best food and physical exercise incorporated into our lifestyle.
There is no pill or supplement that will replace the benefits of exercise.
I like the way Harvey Diamond, one of the authors of “Fit for Life,” a book about proper nutrition, describes the benefits of exercise. On pg. 116 of his book he states, “The real benefits became apparent to me one month after I started. When I first started exercising regularly, my resting heartbeat was 72 beats per minute. One month later, it was 54! In one month, I had strengthened and improved the function of my heart by 18 beats per minute. That’s over 15,000 fewer beats per day. This translates to millions fewer beats a year. We’re talking about longevity.” What pill can claim that benefit?
Engage in some exercise as soon as you are able so that you can enjoy a more healthier life. However, keep in mind–your body will function more efficiently if you have the proper nutrition.
May Allah (God) bless us all with peace, health, wealth and happiness.
(Audrey Muhammad is a certified aerobics instructor and personal trainer. Please consult a physician before engaging in a new fitness or dietary program.)
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