Health Matters!!!

 Today, we'll be looking at one aspect where our health status may seem to suffer. We're Christians - vibrant ladies (as well as we have vibrant men) who love God so much that we put our flesh under subjection through many ways. One of those ways is that we fast - and pray,of course. Well, one of my sisters has some tips to share to help us maintain health while we fast.

Let's dig right into today's topic then!

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BY SHOLOLA OLUWAFEYISIKEMI

Its another January, almost every Nigerian church has commenced their annual fast-or is at least preparing to start.

And almost every Nigerian sister is prepared for the battle against the flesh.

My dear sisters, while I totally agree that fasting is absolutely necessary to subdue the flesh and feed the spirit, there’s a slight chance you’re going about it the wrong way.

Here are a few tips to keep you healthy and in top shape even while fasting:

Ease into the fasting 

 This tip is particularly useful for those who are new to fasting. Usually, the fasting date is announced a while before it commences, so the pre- fasting period is a great time to cut down on the heavy eating and drinking. This way, your body gets used to not getting food as often or as much as it used to, you won’t experience withdrawal symptoms (LOL), and it would be a lot easier for you to take your mind off eating when you eventually begin the fast.

Stay Hydrated 

 Since while fasting, your body isn’t getting as much food as usual, you would probably experience bouts of weakness, since there’s not much energy in you. The best way to combat this is by drinking lots of water.

 Asides keeping fatigue at bay, drinking lots of water also helps in keeping the skin fresh and moisturized, as well as keeping bad breath at bay- its even more effective (and a lot healthier) than chewing gum.(you heard it here first!). So sister, the next time you’re fasting and you decide to leave the house, keep a water bottle handy. Nobody likes to see a sister faint.

Exercise

 Yes, you read that right. And no, I don’t mean the strenuous, jaw breaking exercise. True as it is that your body is not as strong or energetic as usual, its not the time to slack on exercise. Low intensity workouts like aerobics or even just walking does wonders for the heart and helps to keep muscles in good shape.

 This is because if you don’t exercise when you’re on a fast, you’re simply telling your body that it is indeed too weak to handle a fast (lies! All lies!) and that you do not need your muscles, so it converts all the amino acids building in your muscles into ounces of fat. 

Don’t break fasts with a feast.

 I know I got you there sis! Resist the urge to “eat like a king” in the name of breaking a fast. Avoid heavy meals ad junk. instead, go for healthy options like vegetables,  fish, which is a great source of healthy fat, protein and vitamin D; nuts, another source of healthy fat and protein, and rich in fibre; eggs, which are easier to digest than red meat, are low in calories and prevent muscle loss, etc.

 Don’t go overboard by over eating just to satisfy the accumulated “hunger” .

 Eat just small amounts (about 500 calories is advised). It is also advisable to break a fast with fruits,as fruits help to build and maintain high immunity to diseases that could otherwise plague a person.

Up your hygiene game

While fasting, our body is depleted of certain nutrients and so certain aspects become more noticeable. One of these aspects is body odour. I mean the natural odour our body emits. 

In this period, if we don’t take extra care of our bodies, there would be no masking the terrible odour that will be produced. So, sis, make sure to bathe at least twice daily, brush your teeth as frequently as possible, wash your hair, change your underwear regularly, and, of course, wash those dirty clothes you piled up last week. Remember, cleanliness is next to godliness.

And finally, the news which I must break to you:

Don’t fast if you feel unwell.

I’m talking to you dear sister. Yes, you! I know you so badly want to complete the 100 days of fasting, but if you feel unwell at a point, please, take a break. No, God wont blast you for it. I

fact, it is also his desire that we are in good health, so cut yourself some slack, remind yourself that it is more about what you are fasting towards. Pray, feed yourself with the word of God and nourish your body back to health before easing yourself back into the fast.

So, Queen, with this I say, go in this thy might, and may grace be released unto us all to fast genuinely and subdue our flesh. Amen!