Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Health Ministry
Fad vs. Fact
March is National Nutrition Month The message to take away from this year’s national nutrition month is that the best path to fitness and health is to be 100% fad free when it comes to food choice. Fads that impact clothing and hairstyles come and go. So do those fads that supposedly help us lose weight. Maybe you have heard of or maybe have even tried some of these: The cabbage soup diet, the rotation diet, the calories don’t count diet, and detox diets???
Nutrition professionals agree that an individual can lose weight on virtually any kind of diet; however, the question is if that same individual can maintain a healthy lifestyle (and weight) after going off of the diet plan. There are any number of diet plans available on the market/in the media that promise results by restricting food groups, or other drastic measures. Remember that studies have shown that approximately 90% of dieters (those using restrictive diet plans) gain back the weight they lost within a 2-year period of time. Many health professionals advise viewing “diet” as a 4-letter word, one that you would never dare to utter! And certainly, individuals should discuss the use of any diet plan designed for weight loss with their health care professional before incorporating it into their lifestyle.
Going along with fads can be fun - that is as long as the fad does not impact a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps examining the habits surrounding food consumption, investigating better food choices, and integrating activity back into routines deserves our serious attention. In 2007, BECOME 100% FAD FREE - THINK LIFESTYLE: FOOD CHOICES & EXERCISE!
There are many organizations to consult for helpful/healthful information during National Nutrition Month:
www.eatright.org (American Dietetic Association)
www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines
www.deliciousdecisions.org (American Heart Ass)
Additional information can also be found on the Health Ministry Bulletin Board during the month of March including the National Nutrition Month Quiz, guides to nutrition labeling, and a fad diet timeline (detailing fad diets through the years)! Many thanks to Marian Mathur, Good Shepherd member and retired nutritionist, who wishes all of GS good spiritual and nutritional health.
Good Shepherd is a Stephen Ministry Congregation, with seven members commissioned to serve as Stephen Ministers. A Stephen Minister is a person with the gift of mercy, who shows compassion, gives encouragement to and intercedes for those he or she cares for.
Ongoing Activities:
"Helping Hands"
needs your small travel sized toiletries (soaps, shampoo, conditioner, lotion,
etc) for packages they are preparing for the local shelters. Please put the
items in the designated drawer in the Helping Hands Corner.
The Health Ministry Committee will be meet the third Tuesday of all odd-numbered months at 7:30 pm.
We welcome interested individuals who have a background in the health/social sciences field or those who have an interest in those areas. For additional information, please contact Luci Riegel at lucijeanne@juno.com.