REFINED

Are you living a refined life? I have been! However, I am trying to cut back a little on how much refined foods that I eat. Refined sugar and refined flour. Did you know that eating a diet high in refined foods can lead to undernourishment. Now, how in the world could I possibly be undernourished? Well this is because refined foods are processed so much that they are virtually devoid of vitamins and minerals. Refined foods are typically high in fat and calories and eating them as the bulk of the diet causes the overall calorie count to rise. Refined sugars enter the body quickly, thats how I won the pie eating contest (just kidding) Anyway this can spike the blood sugar, causing the body to feel instantly energized. Unfortunately, the energy received from refined sugar is short-lived and will cause a sudden energy drop shortly afterwards. When the energy level drops suddenly it causes the body to crave more sugar. Thus the Merry go round. Its enough to make you dizzy!

Refined flours have been milled so much that nearly all the nutritional value has been lost. They enter the blood stream as quickly as refined sugars, causing the same spike and drop in energy levels. Around and around you go again!

While doing this little bit of research I found out that refined produce also exists they include canned fruits and vegetables. They have been cooked to the point that most of the vitamins, fiber and minerals have been lost, Better to choose fresh fruits and vegetables or flash frozen.

I looked up the meaning of refine in the dictionary and found that to refine means to become pure, free from dross. What is dross? It scum that is thrown off from molten metal. This tells me we need to be rid of scum. Scum reminds me of sin in our lives. I John 1:9 tells us If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just and will purify us from all unrighteousness. I don't know about you but that is the kind of refinement and purity I am looking for.

Keep plugging away ladies and limit those refined products.

New habit exchange: That one dessert a day I was allowing myself has turned into a once a week treat. Now every evening I have chosen to have a piece of fruit with a tasteless diet cookie. I will give you the recipe for it at a later date. They really aren't too bad and they are high in fiber. Hooray! My weight loss is up to 14 pounds working toward that 15 pound short goal!