Tempting with Food

     I read something interesting this week that was quite a revelation. In every instance in the Bible where Satan came to personally tempt someone, he used FOOD to tempt them. In the Garden of Eden, he tempted Eve with the fruit. In Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, he tempted with bread. How interesting that our appetites are one of our most vulnerable areas of life. Satan knows how to stop your ministry!! How many missionaries do you know that have had to leave the field because of health issues that could be simply prevented by following a limited, healthy diet?? Yet, we continue to fill ourselves with sugar. When visiting missionaries, we fill a suitcase with their favorite junk food. We stock up on pharmaceuticals, ignoring the plethora of side effects from the chemicals. God, our Creator, knows best how our bodies operate. He has provided ways to heal through the things He created in this world. Yet, doctors have become our gods. We take their word, their prescriptions, their advice before ever consulting the One Who created us. We are reaping what we have sown. Cancer, diabetes and obesity are taking over. We are filling our bodies with preservatives, drugs and chemicals with no thought for the consequences.

      I have been amazed to see the ways that God has provided full nutrition in areas of the world where you would think that some certain nutrients are lacking. For instance, I have friends who are missionaries in the Baffin islands, way up near the north pole. Nothing green grows there. You can't get fresh, green leafy vegetables. There are times of the year where they never see the sun. Yet, they eat large amounts of fish-- chock full of the vital vitamins A and D and healthy fats!! They also harvest wild blueberries that grow on the frozen tundra. Super nutrition!! I would encourage people living in foreign countries to adopt the local diet. Limit processed foods and sugar. Eat whatever grows naturally there. Get sunshine often. Ask the locals what they use for healing common maladies. I just read recently about Dengue fever. The one thing that greatly helps to relieve the symptoms and helps the healing process is papaya fruit and leaves. Isn't it interesting that the countries where Dengue fever is prevalent are places where papaya grows in abundance?? Is it any wonder that cancer is very uncommon and almost non-existent in 3rd world countries? Have you ever noticed that tribal people have beautiful white teeth, even though they've never even seen a toothbrush?? Just something to think about.............

Foods that Heal: Pumpkin

 

 

 It's that time of the year when we begin filling our houses with the delicious scents of the fall harvest. Pumpkin is always at the top of the list of favorite fall flavors. Though it is the main ingredient in our favorite desserts, pumpkin not only tastes good, it packs a strong boost to your health!

 

  
     Pumpkin breads, muffins and desserts are a great way to get super nutrition into your children as well.  Even canned pumpkin is a good choice.  The canning process does not require any added preservatives.
     So, what is in this super food?  The beautiful bright orange color should give a hint as to the type of vitamins that are in pumpkin.  Pumpkin contains high amounts of carotenoids, which are also present in carrots, which contain high amounts of vitamin A which we know to aid in eyesight.  Vitamin A also is a great immunity booster, preparing our bodies for the approaching cold weather! Carotenoids also assist your body in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
    Pumpkin is also full of other great vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, which also helps to boost immunity, but is also effective in preventing signs of aging and helps your body produce collagen. The pumpkin is also a diuretic, which means that it is very effective in flushing toxins out of your body.  Magnesium, potassium and zinc are other vital nutrients that your body needs which reduce hypertension, support bone density and promote reproductive health.

     We all know that fiber and protein are essential parts of out daily intake, and pumpkin packs plenty of these! The fiber in pumpkin will aid in gastrointestinal disorders, but also helps lower bad cholesterol and helps to regulate blood sugar.
    When seeking good pumpkin recipes, find ones that use a good portion of it.  A cup in a recipe is a good amount, but a whole can full is better.  Paula Deen's pumpkin bars are good and include a whole can of pumpkin as well as 4 eggs-- super protein packed!!  The frosting is extra yummy and contains good amounts of dairy fat (sour cream and butter), though eat in moderation!! To add nutrition to the recipe, I substituted coconut oil for the vegetable oil and used whole wheat flour for half of the flour.(http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/pumpkin-bars-recipe/index.html) My picky, protein hating 5 year old loved it!! :)

       Pumpkin is rather versatile and can be used equally in the place of sweet potato puree' (and vice-versa).  One of our favorite healthy muffin recipes is included below.  Enjoy your pumpkin this fall and also add some nutrition to your life!

Pumpkin Muffins
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin (or sweet potato) puree'
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup oil (I like coconut)
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine all ingredients.  Line muffin tin with muffin papers. Fill with batter 1/2 way up.  Bake for 15 minutes @ 350.