“An overweight America may be fixated on fat and obsessed with carbs, but nutritionists say the real problem is much sweeter–we’re awash in sugar.  Not just any sugar, but high fructose corn syrup.”   Kim Severson

How much HFCS is in your diet?

And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.  (Haggai 1:11; KJV)

HFCS…interesting letters.  No, they don’t stand for Hawaii Fried ChickenS.  HFCS in all its glory is high fructose corn syrup.  Pick up a loaf of bread in the regular grocery store aisle. You’ll find it right there “big as butch” in the ingredients list.  It’s in almost all soft drinks unless artificial sweeteners are used instead.  It is literally in countless items in grocery stores all throughout the country. 

Almost all nutritionists agree that high fructose corn syrup consumption is a major culprit in the nation’s obesity crisis. High-fructose corn syrup is produced by processing cornstarch to yield glucose, and then processing the glucose to produce a high percentage of fructose. It all sounds rather simple–white cornstarch is turned into crystal clear syrup. However, the process is actually very complicated. Three different enzymes are needed to break down cornstarch, which is composed of chains of glucose molecules of almost infinite length, into the simple sugars glucose and fructose.  A very complicated process indeed.

HFCS has the exact same sweetness and taste as an equal amount of sucrose from cane or beet sugar but it is obviously much more complicated to make, involving vats of murky fermenting liquid, fungus, and chemical tweaking, all of which take place in one of 16 chemical plants located in the Corn Belt. Yet in spite of all the special enzymes required, HFCS is actually cheaper than sugar. It is also very easy to transport–it’s just piped into tanker trucks. This translates into lower costs and higher profits for food producers.

Loading high fructose corn syrup into increasingly larger portions of soda and processed food has packed more calories into us and more money into food processing companies, say nutritionists and food activists. Other experts believe the issue to be bigger than mere calories.  The body processes the fructose in high fructose corn syrup differently than it does old-fashioned cane or beet sugar, which in turn alters the way metabolic-regulating hormones function. It also forces the liver to kick more fat out into the bloodstream.  Nice thought!

The end result is that our bodies are essentially tricked into wanting to eat more and at the same time, we are storing more fat.  So, how do we avoid this “fat-producing” culprit?  By eating more God-type foods.  The least processed a food item is, the better chance you have of avoiding the perils of HFCS.

Prayer Power
Lord, thank You for continuing to give us wisdom and insight.  Father, thank You for Your grace as we continue to learn of Your ways for health and optimal nutrition.

Link of the Day
Feature articles on high-fructose corn syrup

Blessings on you as you become aware of HFCS in your diet.
 

“A good memory is one that can remember the day’s blessings and forget the day’s troubles”  Author unknown

When did you last stop long enough to reflect on the blessings of your day?

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.  (Psa. 23:5; NLT)

Here’s a mid-week break from the regular flow that I thought you would not only enjoy, but also would be a source of encouragement.  A little encouragement for the so-called “hump-day” would seem in order, right?

One of the really neat emails I get on a fairly regular basis is “The Simple Truths Newsletter” by Mac Anderson.  From time-to-time I have forwarded flash movies that he has made available within his newsletter.  (Remember Johnny the Bagger from the 10/12/07 DG?)  Well, he sent out another little movie earlier this week entitled “May You Be Blessed.”  Maybe it’s just where I am at the moment, but it sure blessed me.

Anderson writes, “A few years ago Kate Nowak awoke in the middle of the night and took her pen and paper from the nightstand. She said a gentle soul-whisper poured forth the words to “May You Be Blessed.” And the rest, as they say, is history. From the words of this beautiful blessing, Kate created a short 3 minute movie with the goal of blessing one million people who watched it on the internet in one year. Since then, millions around the world have watched and have been inspired by Kate’s words…including me. This beautiful movie…is not about religious beliefs…it is about joy, gratitude, appreciation, kindness and love. So sit back, turn up your speakers, and watch ‘May You Be Blessed.’ I guarantee you’ll be blessed by doing so. So just click on the link below, but…make sure you share it with your friends, family and co-workers. It’ll make their day!”

What more can I say?

Prayer Power
Lord, please use this little movie to bless and encourage each of our readers this day.  Let this be a reminder to each of them about just how special they are to You.

Link of the Day
May You Be Blessed

Blessings on you as you receive this blessing.
 

“The person who knows one thing and does it better than anyone else, even if it only be the art of raising lentils, receives the crown he merits.  If he raises all his energy to that end, he is a benefactor of mankind and its rewarded as such.”  Og Mandino

When was the last time that you ate lentils?  What did you think of them?

They brought sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls, wheat and barley flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, butter, sheep, and cheese for David and those who were with him. For they said, “You must all be very tired and hungry and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness.”  (2 Samuel 17:28,29; NLT)

I’ve mentioned before that for a number of years, Jerry and I ate a vegetarian diet.  Lentils were often on the menu.  I made lentil-walnut burgers, lentil loaf (like a meatloaf only made from lentils and other vegetables), and of course lentil soup and lentil stew.  Lentils are one of those nutrient-dense foods.  You get a lot “for your money,” so to speak.

Lentils are legumes, seeds of a plant whose botanical name is Lens ensculenta. They grow in pods that contain either one or two lentil seeds.  While the most common types in the United States are either green or brown, lentils are also available in black, yellow, red, and orange colors. These round, oval, or heart-shaped disks are small in size.

Even though small, lentils are nutritionally a mighty member of the legume family and a very good source of fiber. Lentils are also of special benefit in managing blood-sugar issues since their high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal.  Six important minerals, two B-vitamins, and protein are also found in lentils.  And there are only 230 calories in an entire cup of cooked lentils.  This tiny nutritional giant fills you up but not out.

They don’t have a strong flavor of their own so they’re good mixed with lots of vegetables.  A little vinegar when ready to serve also gives a nice taste.  Enjoy the stew.

Prayer Power
Lord, thank You for all of our readers.  Bless them abundantly this day.  Pour out Your grace and favor on them as they purpose to live healthy lives.

Link of the Day
Lentil Stew

Blessings on you as you enjoy some lentils this week.
 

“If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”  Chinese Proverb

How did you feel the last time you volunteered to help someone in need?

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.  If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”  (Prov. 3:27,28; NLT)

Happiness.  We’ve been talking about ways to create happiness for a couple of weeks now.  Hopefully you’ve picked up a couple of recurring themes.  One, happiness is, to a great extent, a function of what you are thinking about.  Two, what you think about is a choice that’s within your power to make.  Granted, it may take a little more self-discipline at first, but just like exercising any muscle, choosing the more positive (happier) thoughts becomes easier and easier the more you do it.

Today’s tip from our list of 30 (see 1/4/08 DG) is number 12–Volunteer.  “When you give to others, whether that’s money or the stuff you no longer need or your time and love, you become happier. It’s true. Take 5 minutes today to call a charity and volunteer to donate some time sometime this month. It will make a big difference in your life.”  Hmmmm…sounds like the same song, second verse.

It makes no difference what’s going on in your life, with very little effort you can find someone, or maybe even a whole group of people, who have it much, much worse than you do.  You have a choice…focus on your issues and ignore those less blessed, or focus on their issues with an intent to help them and consequentially ignore yours.  (I don’t necessarily condone ignoring all your issues, but I am suggesting that you give it a whole lot less energy.)  I can guarantee that when you begin to step out to help others, your life will change as a result.  That’s because your whole mental outlook on life will change.  You will likely become a lot more grateful for your particular situation.  You will find yourself smiling more…maybe a lot more.  Voila…you’re happier!!!

Sound a little too simplistic?  Make the choice to give it a try.  You can’t go wrong.

Prayer Power
Lord, open our eyes to see the needs of others that we are in a position to help.  Then give us the grace to reach out and help them.

Link of the Day
Volunteer Match

Blessings on you as you reach out to help someone that’s in a worse place than you are.
 

“Do you remember the things you were worrying about a year ago? How did they work out? Didn’t you waste a lot of fruitless energy on account of most of them? Didn’t most of them turn out all right after all?”  Dale Carnegie

What do you think about when undesirable things happen?

He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward.  (Heb 12:2b; NLT)

Happiness tip #11 reads, “This shall pass. When bad things happen, and you’re having trouble accepting it, think to yourself the same thing the ancients did: ‘This, too, shall pass.’ And it will. And you’ll survive.”  (Again, see 1/4/08 for the complete list of 30 tips.)

What a powerful thought to remember at key times…”This too shall pass.”  I googled the phrase looking for the author and found a wide range of opinions.  Everything from extra-biblical stories of Solomon to Abraham Lincoln.  I concluded that nobody really knows.  Some were even convinced that it was from the Bible, but it’s not.  (That doesn’t mean that the thought is unbiblical, just that the phrase is not found in the Bible.  Big difference.  For example, “Sunday School” is not in the Bible.)  But I digress.  It is a powerful thought to remember when difficulties arise as they inevitably do.

Dale Carnegie’s quote is particularly insightful.  Most of us can’t begin to remember what consumed our thoughts a year ago…probably not even six months ago…maybe not even one month ago.  Some of us have wasted a lot of our precious time on earth worrying about things that never happened.  What a tragedy! 

Far better to follow the example of Christ as shown in the verse in Hebrews.  Think about the prize at the end of the race.  Think about achieving the goal and how you  will feel once you get there.  Remember, your mind cannot hold two thoughts at the same time.  Make the choice to replace your thoughts about the bad you are currently experiencing with the happy thoughts of what life will be like when the prize is yours.  That makes a very empowering choice.  That also gives you the strength to face the new day and press on toward the next phase (intermediate goal) of securing the prize.

Notice how the word “choice” pops up again and again in these discussions.  Choose happy thoughts!

Prayer Power
Dear Lord, please forgive us for wasting Your time and ours unnecessarily by nurturing thoughts that keep us from our assignments.  Give us the grace to focus on the joy that is ahead.

Link of the Day
Helen Steiner Rice

Blessings on you as you resolve to think as many happy thoughts as you can this weekend.
 

“If MSG wasn’t harmful, it wouldn’t be hidden.”  www.truthinlabeling.org

What action would you take if you knew that a certain food you frequently eat is actively destroying your brain cells?

“Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”;  (Romans 3:13; NKJ)

I know I won’t win any popularity contests for this Daily Gram.  I can hear the groans when people read this and think, “Well what CAN I eat?”  The truth is there is a “killer” running loose in our grocery store aisles and it’s no respecter of persons.  Most everyone on the earth has heard of MSG, the initials for the food additive called monosodium glutamate.  MSG is used in countless foods in your supermarket, favorite restaurants, and school cafeterias.  Everything from soup to crackers to meats can contain MSG.  I have yet to find a canned soup in the regular grocery store aisles that does not contain MSG.  It’s in all of the favorite “cream of” soups and even the famous chicken noodle soup that many of us grew up eating. 

Incredibly, even infant formulas and baby food contain this poison, even though babies and infants, who are four times more sensitive than adults to the toxic effects of this chemical, are the most at risk.  Dr. Mercola states that almost all infant formulas contain some processed free glutamic acid or (MSG) with soy formula being the worst.

Dr. Russell Blaylock, a brilliant neurosurgeon and scientist has authored a book entitled  Excitotoxins:The Taste that Kills.  Dr. Blaylock states that MSG is an excitotoxin, meaning it overexcites your nerve cells to the point of damage, acting as a poison. It’s a neurotoxic substance that causes many adverse reactions such as dizziness, seizures, migraine headaches, violent diarrhea and even anaphylactic shock.  It is now associated with incidences of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS.

MSG is also a probable cause contributing to the obesity epidemic. As the FDA continues to vouch for its safety, scientists have known that MSG causes obesity since the 1960’s!  Another frightening fact about MSG is that it can literally be hidden in food labels, under names such as broth, casein, hydrolyzed, autolyzed, and yeast, making it extremely difficult to identify.

There is so much information available about this toxic food substance that I’ve barely scratched the surface.  So, I’ve offered several web sites for your perusal.  Let’s not walk in fear.  But become empowered to make wiser food choices.  The more we choose God-made foods in their natural state, the more we can avoid eating foods with this toxic substance.

Prayer Power
Lord thank You for continuing to give us knowledge and revelation.  May we be diligent in applying what You reveal to us.

Links of the Day
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
How “Modern Medicine” Killed My Brother
Hidden Sources of … MSG

Blessings on you as you become more conscientious in reading your food labels.
 

“The name of the game is taking care of yourself, because you’re going to live long enough to wish you had.”  Grace Mirabella

What did you last do to refresh and energize yourself?

The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.  (Mark 1:35, NLT)

Self care sounds so selfish and self-centered.  But no matter how it sounds, it is so very necessary.  An incredibly large number of people find out the hard way that the cost for not taking care of themselves can be quite high.  This is a trap that is especially deceptive to those whose very profession involves caring for others.  The prime example that comes to my mind is pastors.  But there are so many other people that are performing service-oriented tasks as well.  Quoting from today’s link, “Outside the world of paid work, the people more prone to burnout than any other group are caregivers: people who devote themselves to the unpaid care of chronically ill or disabled family members.”

Tip 10 from the happiness list (1/4/08 DG) reminds us to “treat yourself.”  It suggests that you “take a few minutes each day to give yourself a little treat, whether that’s something like chocolate [dark and organic according to Sharon], or berries, or a bubble bath, or walking barefoot in the grass, or taking a nap. Whatever it is, treat yourself. You deserve it.”  So very fundamental, yet so very easy to overlook.

We cannot long ignore the fact that we must minister, or serve, others “from the overflow.”  In other words, we must have our cup filled and overflowing in order to be able to give our best to others.  That which we give should be from that overflow rather than from our lack.  It should be obvious that continually giving from your lack will just increase the lack over time until there is just nothing left to give at all–aka burnout.  Then those you are serving are suddenly left with no service at all.  How much better for all if the service provider would remember to provide service to self first.

Ever think about the warning from the flight attendants on every flight you take?  Something like, “In the event of an emergency which causes the cabin to lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling above you.  Those of you traveling with small children should put your mask on first and then help your children with their masks.”  Why is that?  Minister from the overflow.  You’re not going to be much help to those children if you pass out because you can’t breathe. 

Jesus did it.  He withdrew daily to spend time in prayer with His Father.  He was “filling His tank.”  He knew that He could not effectively accomplish His mission if He was drained. 

It’s so vital–no only for happiness, but also for overall well-being and productivity.  Take time each day, and maybe some time many times during the day, to do the little, seemingly non-productive, things that will fill your tank.  It’s so easy to do…but the insidious reality is that it is so easy not to do.  But understand that if you don’t do it, it will catch up with you.  Don’t believe me?  Read the Designer’s manual.

Prayer Power
Lord, forgive us for ignoring our very design and trying to serve others without taking the time to recognize the absolute need to care for ourself first.  We thank You for our bodies and minds that are so “fearfully and wonderfully made.”  Give us the grace and wisdom to get our priorities in alignment with Yours.
 
Link of the Day
Preventing Burnout: Signs, Symptoms, and Strategies to Avoid It

Blessings on you as you stop to “fill your tank” today…and tomorrow…and the day after.
 

“There is nothing like a bowl of hot soup, it’s wisp of aromatic steam making the nostrils quiver with anticipation, to dispel the depressing effects of a grueling day at the office or the shop, rain or snow in the streets, or bad news in the papers.”  Louis P. De Gouy

If you could ask a question about nutrition, what would it be?

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!  (Psalm 34:8; NKJ)

I would enjoy hearing from you.  Are there certain recipes that you would like to see in our Tuesday Daily Grams?  Is there something specific that you would like to know how to prepare in a more healthy way?  I can’t promise that I’ll be able to provide exactly what you’re looking for, but I’ll certainly give it a shot, (within reason.)  J

Or, is there some nutritional question that you wish you knew the answer to?  Write and ask?  Again, I don’t have all the answers, but as most of you who know me know that I have an opinion and I’ll quickly share it.

Years ago when Jerry and I were both vegetarians, I had some very interesting cookbooks and recipes.  Today’s recipe comes from those days.  It was a recipe that I’ve rewritten and worked on through the years.   The title might sound odd and when you look at the ingredients list, you might turn-up your nose (or maybe raise your eyebrow).  However, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you make it.  It’s a rather rich soup.  So, small bowls or cups of this soup could be served as a first course for the meal.  Or the soup with a salad could be quite filling and satisfying.  I always serve it hot and add a little plain yogurt to each bowl.  It could also be served cold in the hot summer months.

Enjoy some carrots and cashews!

Prayer Power
Lord, we love and adore You.  You are a most gracious and loving Heavenly Father.  May we tune our hears to listen to Your voice, lift our hearts to know You’re knocking, and open our eyes to see Your mighty hand at work!

Link of the Day
Cashew Carrot Soup

Blessings on you as you try a new soup recipe!
 

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”  Antonio Smith

When is the last time you took time to “smell the roses?”

Cease striving and know that I am God.  (Psa. 46:10a; NAS)

Friday a week ago, I mentioned that since I started this little series on happiness, I keep finding happiness messages popping up all over the place,  As just another example, the most recent Mercola newsletter had a major piece on happiness.  I’ve included it as today’s link in case you want to see what the good doctor has to say about all this.

In addition to all the afore-mentioned serendipities, there have also been a few testings.  (Isn’t that the way it always goes?)  I have to confess that I didn’t pass some of those testings with flying colors, so I’m sure I will get a few more chances to get it right.  But I am certainly getting higher scores than I once did.  Hallelujah!!!  This past weekend for instance, the blower fan on our heating system went out…meaning no heat!  Of course, it just happened to be the first snow of the season and coldest weekend we’ve had all winter.  You know, it’s hard to remember all these little happiness tips when you’re in the middle of a storm, isn’t it?  So, just know that it’s a process and much like when learning to ride a bicycle, if you fall off, you need to get up and get back on or you’ll never learn to ride.  (BTW, they’re supposed to come tomorrow to replace the fan motor.)

Today, I’m focusing on happiness tip #9 (see DG 1/4/08 for the complete list of 30).  “Notice small things.  …try to notice when you feel good, or you’re not suffering, or you are tasting something really delicious, or you feel something cold or hot, anything. Noticing the little things will help keep you focused on the present.”

Sometimes it seems like we’re programmed like the news media…programmed to notice only the bad news.  After all, good news doesn’t sell very well.  We only notice our toes when one of them is sore; we only notice how wonderful it is to breathe clean, fresh air when we’re where we can’t; we only notice how warm and cozy our homes usually are when the furnace goes out, et al.  Why is that? 

Certainly part of it is a natural byproduct of the busyness of our lives that we talked about last Friday.  When our pace of life is frenetic, it’s always “the squeaky wheel” that gets the attention.  It’s when we can s-l-o-w  down enough to recognize that most of the wheels aren’t squeaking that we can really begin to focus on the abundance of blessings in our lives.  Hard to do when it’s freezing cold outside AND inside, but as soon as we can shift our focus from the problem back to the perspective that we are incredibly and wonderfully blessed, the problem begins to fade into the shadows.  Of course, we also have the choice to stay focused on the problem.  Not a very happy thought!

So smell the roses!

Prayer Power
Lord, we are so incredibly blessed…just to be alive.  Thank You for all the wonderful things that You continually do for that we don’t even notice.  Forgive us for taking Your multitude of gifts for granted.  You are an awesome God!!!

Link of the Day
Simple Secrets of How to be Happy

Blessings on you as you look for a few roses to smell today.
 

“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”  Socrates

Who has control of your schedule?

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Back to our list of happiness tips (DG 1/4/08).  Today, I would like to highlight tip #8, “Take time to savor life. Instead of rushing from one thing to another, resolve to have less to do each day, less appointments and fewer tasks. Then do each thing slowly, with mindfulness and ease, and try to be present in the moment. And truly enjoy whatever it is you do, from talking to eating to walking to just sitting.”

I need to confess up front that much of what I’m about to write falls into the category of “Do what I say, not what I do.”  Sadly, I am very guilty of “rushing.”  I keep thinking that it’s just for a short season (and there certainly are times when intense activity is required), but have you noticed (like I have) that the short season can all too easily morph into a lifestyle?

If I may quote our friend and mentor, Dr. Randy Peck again, he’s always reminding us that we must “ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives.”  He wrote the following in one of his daily devotionals late in 2006:  “Jesus was NEVER in a hurry! Not even one time.”  He went on to write in that same devotional, “Life is a journey, not a destination. Life is much more about who we become than what we do. Discipleship is the process of becoming more Christ-like. This is one of God’s top goals for His children. Yet, what I observe is that most of Jesus’ followers are rushing around trying to “do things for God,” instead of abiding in Jesus to allow Him to do things for them. It’s sad — very sad.”

In the age of cell phones, WIFI, Instant Messaging, Blackberries, et al., it is undeniable that the pace of life is accelerating beyond what most of  us can handle.  But, you know, it all comes down to choice again, doesn’t it?  Just like we have seen with almost every one of the happiness tips we had looked at so far, it always seems to be a choice between being a victim and being responsible.  Who is truly responsible for your schedule and your to-do list?  One thing I’ve learned is that if I don’t make myself responsible, there is a whole lot of people lined up and just waiting for the job…and the results are never good.

It’s your (and my) choice…life or stress!

Prayer Power
Lord, grant us the grace to be able to slow down in the midst of an increasingly frantic culture.  We ask you to step in and be the One Who takes charge of our schedule and of our to-do list.

Link of the Day
The Devil’s Convention

Blessings on you as you take steps to…SLOW DOWN.