Saying Yes

I want this to be a year of saying "yes" to The Lord. In whatever he asks of me. That's my mission for 2014. That's my prayer for 2014. I know it's February, so I'm a little behind on my new years resolution, but better late than never right?

The word yes is an extremely powerful word. It's a very common word, so it's importance sometimes get's overlooked, but one yes can change your entire life. Saying "yes" to my husband when he proposed four years ago changed my whole life for the better (love you babe!) The I's became we's, mine became ours, and suddenly I had a partner to go through life with. Everything changed because of that one yes. In the same way, saying yes to a new job, buying a home, having a baby, moving to a new city, etc. these are huge things that will change your life forever.

But even the smallest yes's have the ability to change things. Saying yes to joining the gym could have a life altering affect on your health. It could add years to your life. Saying yes to joining a Bible Study on Tuesday night could end up being the place where you meet your future business partner. Every yes has a major impact on your life.

In the past three years I've said yes to some pretty crazy things. I went back to school to become a certified holistic health coach, I quit my corporate job to health coach full time, I got certified to teach Holy Yoga, and I moved across the country. What I've come to realize, is that it's easier for me to say yes to the big things. It's the small things that I say no to because I think they don't matter.

But guess what? Our God is a God of detail. Everything matters to Him. The littlest things matter just as much as the life altering things. I can say yes to quitting my secure job, but when there's a car broken down on the side of the road I keep driving despite that tug I feel on my heart that's telling me to stop. What I've been learning lately is that every yes matters to God. No matter how big or small. Every single yes matters.

So what about you? Do you struggle to say yes to God? Maybe you're like me where you're just "too busy" to say yes to the small things. Or maybe, you're really good at saying yes to those seemingly insignificant things, but when it comes to the big things, there's no way you're going to relinquish that control! Or maybe you're really good at saying yes when it has to do with your career, but when it comes to your finances, no way.

Here's the thing about saying yes. It's IMPORTANT! When God asked things of people in the Bible, it was always for a REASON. It was always for a good reason. In Acts chapter 8, the apostle Philip was just hanging out doing his own thing when the Spirit tells him to go over to a chariot. What does Philip do? He drops everything he's doing and he RUNS over to the chariot and immediately starts witnessing to the man inside. He doesn't wait until he's finished what he's doing before going over to the man, he doesn't question God, or second guess God's direction. He doesn't complain that he's too busy, he doesn't go over to the chariot begrudgingly. Instead, he drops everything he's doing and runs toward God's bidding. Philip understood the importance of saying yes to God.

The Bible tells us that all things work together for GOOD for those who love The Lord. So the bottom line is: he's not going to ask something of us that is going to harm us. Saying yes to God is either going to benefit you, or it's going to benefit the people around you. In Philip's case, saying yes to God was for the benefit of the man in the chariot. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be the reason that someone misses out on Heaven because I refused to say yes to God!

Saying yes gets tricky because there's never enough time in the day. Because we don't want to give up control. Because we don't trust that God knows better than we do.

News flash: There is enough time and you can give up control of your life because God does know better. So choose yes this year friends. Join me in saying yes to God, in the big things and in the little things.


Wishing you all Health, Hope, & Happiness
Abby

February's Oil of the Month is... Peppermint Oil

For centuries, Peppermint Extract has been used to soothe digestive difficulties, relieve colic, gas, headaches, heartburn, and indigestion. It is also a strong anti-inflammatory.

Peppermint Oil is my hubby's favorite oil and we use it a lot in the Shroka household. We use it most often as a natural anti-inflammatory. We both try to stay away from over the counter anti-inflammatory medication. As we have experimented with natural forms of anti-inflammatories, we have struggled to find something that actually works. There are quite a few different Essential Oils that are said to work as effective anti-inflammatories, however we have found that Peppermint works the best for both of us.

Peppermint has a strong cooling sensation when it is applied. (Think Icy Hot. Peppermint Oil has the same effect). This really helps to immediately soothe pain. I use it on my back and hips when my sciatica is acting up. I apply a few drops of Peppermint Oil right along my spine where I have back pain, and on my hip. Once the pain has eased, I then go back and apply other oils that are specific for sciatica.

I also use Peppermint Oil for headaches. I get headaches "behind my eyes" and along my temples. I apply one drop of Peppermint Oil to my temples and then I massage the oil in to relieve some of the pressure. I have to be careful applying Peppermint Oil to my face, because it can have a burning sensation. If you have sensitive skin, be careful to apply this oil in very small amounts. 

Peppermint Oil can also be taken orally. It's a great addition to tea, and helps to relieve inflammation from the inside out, and soothe digestion. This oil is strong, so be careful to apply only 1 drop if you try taking it this way.

If you are interested in purchasing Peppermint Oil for yourself, you can order it here:
www.mydoterra.com/abbyshroka 
- Click on "shop for products" in the top right hand corner.
- After entering the country of shipping, click on "single oils" to find Peppermint Oil.
- Try using it the next time you need some anti-inflammatory medication

Wishing you all Health, Hope, & Happiness
Abby

If you missed last month's essential oil, click here, to read all about Wintergreen Oil and it's affects on arthritis pain.

February's Newsletter - Live Love Through the Power of Partnership

Of all the nutritional programs I offer, the one that clients tend to do the best in is my couples program. Why? Because this program is done with a partner. When two people learn how to support each other, day in and day out, they both tend to reach their individual health and weight loss goals faster, and they tend to maintain their successes longer. Why does this couples program work so well?

In Ephesians, Paul tells us that we must be equipped with all the power that God supplies to us. "Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground,"(Ephesians 6:13). Most people would agree, that standing your ground is much easier when you have a partner watching your back!

Satan knows our weaknesses and he knows where we are vulnerable when it comes to our health. It's a serious battle every.single.day. to make healthy choices for yourself and for your family. Living a healthy lifestyle is tough, but it's a lot easier when you have a partner in your corner, supporting you through it.

This couples nutritional program works! It works because there is power in partnership and accountability. For THIS WEEK ONLY, I am offering this couples program at a 30% discount, so find a partner, and get signed up! It doesn't matter if you and your partner have different health goals, and it doesn't matter who your partner is, as long as you're both willing to put in the work in order to achieve better health.

To sign up, you can visit my website here, where you will be asked to fill out your basic information.

"Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Wishing you all Health, Hope, & Happiness

Abby

Jesus At The Core

Jesus At The Core is coming to SoCal!! I can hardly contain my excitement!! If you live in the area, I encourage you to look into it and sign up!

What: Jesus at the Core is a FREE (seriously what is free anymore?) two day women's wellness event designed to promote wholeness and community. It is put on by the founder of Holy Yoga, and the founder of Revelation Wellness. There will be a combination of Holy Yoga, fitness, and Jesus (of course!).

Where: Jesus at the Core will be held at Mariners Church in Irvine CA

When: Friday, February 21st and Saturday February 22nd, 2014

Who: You! Anyone who is interested in bringing Jesus into fitness, health, and wellness.

Although this is a free event, space is limited, so you must register ahead of time. Below is the link where you can register for this event.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jesus-at-the-core-oc-tickets-6311232065

Jesus at the Core OC

www.eventbrite.com

If you have any questions about the event, you can check out their website: www.jesusatthecore.com or you can email me at abby.shroka@gmail.com

I hope to see you all at Jesus at the Core on the 21st and 22nd!

Wishing you all Health, Hope, & Happiness
Abby

Is "Low Sodium" Right For Me?

Before you jump on board the "low sodium train," take some time to think about whether or not a low sodium diet is right for you.

Sodium is an element found in many foods. The body requires sodium in small amounts in order to control blood pressure and blood volume. A diet without sodium would lead to eventual death. However, most people consume many times the necessary amount.

By definition, a low sodium diet is a diet that contains fewer that 2.3 grams, or 2300 milligrams of sodium (roughly one teaspoon), per day.

Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart problems can benefit tremendously from a diet that is lower in sodium. In addition to directly reducing blood pressure, a lower sodium intake may also help to reduce your risk of dying of a stroke, may reverse heart enlargement, and reduce your risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis.

A low sodium diet does not help with weight loss. This is not a diet to go on if your goal is to lose weight. People who reduce their salt intake may experience an initial weight loss that is rapid, but this weight loss is limited. Sodium causes a person to retain water, which adds to body weight. However, in the vast majority of people, this extra water weight is a small amount, and once the extra sodium is out of your diet, so is the extra water. Therefore, you won't experience any additional weight loss.

The main source of sodium in the American diet is the salt added to packaged and processed foods and in foods from restaurants. Processed foods include prepared frozen meals, canned foods, pickled foods, snack foods, lunch meats, cheese, condiments, sauces, dressings, breads, cereals, and soda (including diet sodas). The sodium found in processed foods accounts for about 80% of a person's daily sodium intake, so it adds up very quickly.

For this reason, cooking your own meals is the best way to ensure that your diet is truly a low sodium diet. Below are a few different low sodium recipes. Enjoy!

Beef Brisket

Ingredients: 

• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• A 4lb Beef Brisket
• 2 Onions Sliced
• 2 Cloves of Garlic Sliced
• Black Pepper to Taste

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season the brisket generously with black pepper. Place in the pan and cook until the surface is a rich brown color, not burnt, but dark. Lift the roast and scatter the onions in the pan. Place the uncooked side of the roast down onto the onions. Repeat the browning process.
2. Add the garlic to the pan, and fill with enough water to almost cover the roast. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover with a lid or tight fitting aluminum foil. Simmer for 4 hours, turning the roast over once halfway through. The roast should be fork tender.
3. Remove the brisket to a serving platter. Bring the broth in the pan to a simmer, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Cook until reduced to a thin gravy. 

Balsamic Roast Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 Chicken Breasts
• 2 Tbsp Rosemary
• 1 Clove of Garlic
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/8 Tsp black pepper
• 1/2 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 Tsp Brown Sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a small bowl, mince together the rosemary and garlic. 
3. Pour olive oil into a bowl, then rub chicken breasts thoroughly in the oil. Sprinkle the herb mixture onto the chicken breasts.
4. Sprinkle black pepper on chicken breasts.
5. Place the chicken breasts in a pan and place in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
6. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Heat until warmed and the brown sugar dissolves, but don't boil.
7. Once the chicken breasts have been removed from the oven, pour the vinegar mixture over them and serve immediately.

Avocado Dip (appetizer)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
• 2 Tsp Chopped Onion
• 1/8 Tsp Hot Sauce
• 1 Avocado, Peeled, Pitted, and Mashed

Directions: 

1. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, onion, hot sauce, and avocado. Mix to blend the ingredients.
2. Serve with baked tortilla chips or sliced veggies.

Strawberry Shortcake (Dessert)

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 Cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour, Sifted
• 1/4 Cup All Purpose (Plain) Flour, Sifted
• 2 1/2 Tsp Low Sodium Baking Powder
• 1 Tbsp Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Trans-Free Margarine (Chilled)
• 3/4 Cup Milk (Chilled)

For the Topping

• 6 Cups Fresh Strawberries, Hulled and Sliced
• 3/4 Cups (6 Ounces) Plain Yogurt

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, re-sift the flours, baking powder, and sugar together. Using a fork, cut the chilled margarine into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 
2. Add the chilled milk and stir just until moist dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a generously floured work surface and, with floured hands, kneed gently 6 to 8 times until the dough is smooth and manageable. 
4. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 8 squares.
5. Place the squares onto the prepared baking pan and bake until golden, 10 to 12 minutes.
6. Transfer the biscuits onto individual plates. Top each with 1 cup of strawberries and 1 1/2 tbsp of yogurt (or whatever the individual prefers), and serve immediately.

I hope you enjoy these recipes! Let me know how they turn out for you.

For more low sodium recipes, you can contact me here.

For more information on eating a low sodium diet, or for help incorporating a low sodium diet into your lifestyle, contact me here. 

For other health and nutrition related questions, contact me here.

Wishing you all Health, Hope, & Happiness

Abby