Did you know if you are depressed, lifting weights can help reduce that feeling? Resistance training gives you confidence, strengthens your bones and raises your metabolism. It takes work to improve ourselves and our bodies. It takes time to see the rewards of our efforts.
However, do we believe, that as “children of the Most High,” we deserve the best? Becoming a better person is a great investment, right? Are we worth it? Absolutely, yes!
Gratitude is demonstrated when we show appreciation for something. How do we show appreciation? We show appreciation for a gift by caring, respecting and showing kindness to and for that gift. Overfeeding your body with sweets and junk food is not showing kindness to your body.
What can we do to show gratitude for the gift of life?
- Pray: “Prayer will give us the security and peace of mind that will relieve our irritation”—Minister Farrakhan via Twitter, June 9, 2014;
- Eat to live: Eating navy bean soup, fruits and vegetables will help give us adequate vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C. Stay away from the “white stuff” such as processed white bread, white rice, white sugar, etc. What does the book “How To Eat To Live,” by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, say about processed foods such as spaghetti and macaroni? He writes: “If you are overweight, do not eat it at any meal, and if you want to live a long time, do not eat it at any meal.” (pages 30-31, Book One).
Also, eating processed food slows down your metabolism, which is your body’s ability to turn food into energy.
- Get proper sleep: Did you know that inadequate sleep affects your metabolism? No more trying to survive on 4-5 hours of sleep. Not good!
- Reduce stress: We do this by being dutiful and obedient to our God-given instructions to, “Live right, think right, eat right and do right,” as stated in “How To Eat To Live.” (page 44, Book One).
- Lastly, exercise: Exercise trains and strengthens your heart. Think about it. If you only fed a baby and never gave the child a chance to move about, the child would not be healthy. Exercise is necessary for all ages.
If you don’t have a current training program, you can start with one simple exercise: walking. Walking is one of the best exercises that we can perform. It is an exercise that improves your heart, lowers blood pressure, strengthens your muscles, strengthens your bones, improves your sleep and uplifts your mood. All it takes is 30 minutes or more five times a week. Take it one day at a time.
Some of us are in the “redemption and restoration” process of getting and keeping our bodies healthy. Redeem means “buy back” or “to gain or regain possession of something in exchange for payment.” That payment is the work and effort we put in. If we are not working on our body, we will not help it regain a healthy state.
“Restoration,” according to Study Guide No. 13 in “Self-Improvement: The Basis for Community Development,” by Minister Farrakhan, means: “A return of something to a former, original, normal or unimpaired condition. Don’t we all want to continue to have a healthy body or return back to a healthier state?
What are two “get fit for life” tips we can incorporate this week?
- Stop eating pasta and other processed foods;
- Walk 30 minutes a day.
Let’s continue to move because movement is a sign of life. Remember to count your blessings and count your steps (smile). May Allah bless us all with peace, love, health, wealth, and happiness.
Dr. Audrey Muhammad is an educator, aerobics instructor, and author of “Get Fit to Live: Be Your Best You!” Contact her at [email protected] and for more information, visit www.virtuetodaymag.com. Please consult a physician before beginning any new exercise or dietary program.
