Phil Parham (29 page)

Isn't it fun to ride on a roller coaster? The anticipation you feel when you slowly go up the incline and then the thrill of the sudden drop is both scary and exciting. Riding a real roller coaster is fun, but it's not fun when you're riding one with your energy levels. I'm talking about being up one minute and down the next. One minute you feel happy and full of energy, and the next you are tired and cranky.

You ride the energy roller coaster because your body isn't getting the proper fuel it needs, and your blood sugar gets out of balance. When you are unbalanced, your energy levels go out of whack. The only way to keep it balanced is to eat whole, healthy foods and to always combine a protein with a carbohydrate.

We need to eat the right stuff. Sugary foods such as candy, cookies, and sodas are an instant ticket on the energy roller coaster. The sugar quickly gets into your bloodstream and gives you a sugar high for a while, and then it takes you back down the hill.

Remember, keeping balance in your life starts with what you eat. So choose your food wisely and keep off the roller coaster.

1. What foods are an instant ticket on the energy roller coaster?

2. What should you always eat together to keep your blood sugar stable?

3. How do you feel when your blood sugar is not stable?

Part of keeping your blood sugar stable starts with eating a balanced breakfast. Stay away from sugary cereals and choose a whole-grain cereal and some form of protein, such as eggs or turkey bacon or sausage.

A Word from Amy

I can't tell you the exact day it happened, but I remember one day thinking about my life and realizing that I had a lot of people around me helping me get healthy. I had a doctor, a dietician, a therapist, my family, and my friends to support and encourage me. I was also fortunate to have an amazing trainer and coach when I first lost a lot of weight. He would pick me up on Saturdays, and we would hike or run bleachers at the local high school. He held me accountable each and every day. I truly believe I would not be where I am today without his encouragement.

I want you to remember one thing: Everyone needs a coach. A coach challenges and pushes you. A coach will help you realize your potential. I have friends who are very successful, and every time they take on a new project, they hire a coach. This is the strategy of many wealthy and successful people. Even famous athletes have coaches. A coach can be a teacher, a mentor, or even a big brother or sister who is your cheerleader during your journey to better health.

Who are the coaches in your life? Your parents, pastor, friends, or other family members? Lean on them for support, and you will be more successful in whatever you do.

1. Do you have coaches in your life?

2. What have you learned from them?

3. Why should you have support as you change your lifestyle habits for the better?

The next time you go to a sporting event, watch how the players interact with their coaches. Notice that the team looks to their coach for guidance on how to play the game and win.

A Word from Amy

God made our body to need times of rest in order for us to grow strong and healthy. Your parents know this. That's why they always make sure you get enough sleep. We need eight hours of sleep per night (more if you are young) so that we can regenerate ourselves and be ready to go the next day.

Have you ever had a sleepover where you stayed up all night with your friends? Did you notice how you felt the next day? I bet you were so tired you couldn't think clearly. You probably didn't make much sense when you talked because your brain and mouth didn't seem to be working together. And I bet you went home and slept, and when you woke up, you felt like a different person.

Getting your rest is a big deal, so go to sleep and have sweet dreams about being healthy.

1. Why do we need sleep in order to be healthy?

2. How many hours of sleep do you need per night?

3. If you are not getting enough sleep, what changes do you need to make to ensure you get enough?

Make sure you try to keep a set bedtime every night. Doing that will help you get the proper amount of rest you need.

A Word from Amy

Have you ever heard a joke or watched a funny movie that made you laugh so hard you could hardly catch your breath? Even though you couldn't breathe for a second, I bet that afterward you felt so good.

Do you know that laughing is actually good for your health? You've probably heard the saying “Laughter is the best medicine.” Well, it's true. People who laugh a lot are healthier than people who are sad, mean, or angry all the time. This is just one reason why we need to make the effort to have a good time and enjoy our friends, family, and our lives.

The Bible even says in Proverbs 17:22 that “a cheerful heart is good medicine.” What does it mean to have a “cheerful heart”? It means to be happy and full of joy. It's easy to get angry when someone is mean to us or upset when things don't go our way, but we should not let those feelings stay in our hearts.

If we become angry with someone, we need to forgive them quickly. When we are mad at people and don't forgive, we can get a root of bitterness in our hearts. This keeps us from being cheerful. This is not healthy for our attitude or for our bodies.

I love to be happy. I love to be around people who make me laugh. I love funny movies and television shows. I love to laugh because it makes me feel good and it's good for my heart. So keep laughing and keep being healthy.

1. Why is laughter like good medicine?

2. Why should you forgive other people?

3. What is something that makes you laugh?

Watch a funny movie tonight with your family and laugh your way to good health.

W
hen you want to get physically stronger, you have to start with your mind. The power to succeed is found there. Learn how to be in charge of your mind and make the commitment to never give up.

A Word from Amy