Newsletter

Dear Friends by Carole Lewis
We are approaching the end of a long, difficult labor of love and are expectantly awaiting the delivery of our new baby First Place 4 Health on June 10, 2008. The original First Place program began in March, 1981. The first revision occurred in 1991, when LifeWay became our publisher. The second revision was in 2001, when Gospel Light became our publisher. This third revision is the first total re-write of the program and has taken two years to complete.
The changes are many, beginning with our new name, First Place 4 Health. As with each change made, we have endeavored to enhance what we have had all along by changing the way we present the materials. We have not changed the basic tenets of the program, which have always been based on Matthew 6:33, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given you as well. We have not changed the foundational truths of seeking a lifestyle change by learning how to live a life of balance in all four areas; emotional, spiritual, mental and physical.
During the month of April, we will have three Kick-Off events to preview and teach the basic tenets of the new program. Our First Place 4 Health staff will be present at all of these events. For more information and to register for an event, please go here.
This month I will give you some of the highlights of the new First Place 4 Health.
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Leadership Training by Vicki Heath
What's New in Fitness for First Place 4 Health
One of the changes coming in First Place 4 Health in the area of exercise is our new philosophy: Something is better than nothing and more is better than less. What could be simpler than that! Gone are the days when we thought our exercise didn't "count" if it wasn't performed in thirty minute increments. Studies now show that all activity is cumulative. That means that even something as simple as increasing your daily activity will have health benefits, and the more significant the increase the greater the benefits.
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Balanced Living-Emotional by Bill Heston
Seeds Sown for Good…the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:8b-10
"For good" could mean for a positive purpose or it could mean that it will last forever. In this title both things are intended. We can plant seeds that are for eternal benefit. What a great opportunity.
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Balanced Living-Physical by Jeannie Blocher
Exercise: burn fat, don't store it!Many people ask, "Do I really have to exercise in order to lose weight?" Certainly, people have lost a few pounds and not changed their exercise habits, right? The simple answer is that you don't "have to" exercise, but if you understand the process that happens in your body when you exercise, you will want to! When you add modest exercise to your lifestyle your body responds in powerful ways that God has designed to improve your health, and the result is that your body actually "releases" fat.
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Nutrition Notes by Erin DuBroc
A Taste of something NEWThe staff of First Place is just bursting with excitement these days! We are so excited to soon share with you the First Place 4 Health program – a new and improved version of First Place! A lot has changed since the last revision back in 2001, and in order to provide you with the best program ever for achieving a healthy weight, as well as establishing godly balance in your life, we have been busily researching and writing new materials for this wonderful program that continues to radically change lives after 27 years this month!
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Devotional
Letting Go of Fear
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.Isaiah 41:13
To leave something that is known and enter a place that is unknown might seem adventurous to some, but most folks who encounter change experience some level of fear. I began pursuing a different life for myself when I turned 22. After spending years walking a path paved by self-destruction, I made a decision to flee from the only life I had known to pursue the unknown. I knew very little about God, but I was certain that I wanted a different life.
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Recipes: Soups On!
Spring RollsServes: 6
Dipping Sauce:
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon chile paste with garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
Spring Rolls:
12 (8-inch) round sheets rice paper
3 green leaf lettuce leaves, quartered
3 cups fresh broccoli sprouts or alfalfa sprouts
36 (2-inch) julienne-cut carrot strips
36 (2-inch) julienne-cut cucumber strips
36 (2-inch) julienne-cut yellow bell pepper strips
24 medium shrimp, cooked, peeled, and halved lengthwise
36 fresh mint leaves
To prepare spring rolls, add hot water to a large, shallow dish to a depth of 1 inch. Place 1 rice paper sheet in dish; let stand 30 seconds or just until soft. Place rice paper sheet on a flat surface. Arrange 1 lettuce piece in center of sheet. Top with 1/4 cup sprouts, 3 carrot strips, 3 cucumber strips, 3 bell pepper strips, 4 shrimp halves, and 3 mint leaves. Fold sides of sheet over filling; roll up jelly-roll fashion. Gently press seam to seal. Place spring roll, seam side down, on a serving platter (cover to prevent drying). Repeat procedure with remaining rice paper, lettuce, sprouts, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, shrimp, and mint. Serve with dipping sauce.
Exchanges: 1/2 bread, 1/2 meat, 1 vegetable
Pasta with PestoServes: 4
2/3 cup basil
1 9-oz. pkg. fresh fettuccini
1 tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups sliced roasted red bell peppers
1/2 cup pitted olives, halved lengthwise
Salt and pepper, to taste
Place the pesto in a large bowl. Cook the pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring until soft, about 30 seconds. Add the peppers and olives and cook, stirring until hot, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/3 cup of the water. Whisk the pasta water into the pesto. Add the pasta to the pesto and toss to combine. Add the peppers and olives and combine.
Exchanges:2 breads, 1/2 vegetable, 1 fat
Fruit Freeze Serves: 8
1/2 Cantaloupe (about 4 cups cut up) OR 4cups Fresh Strawberries (Not both)
1/4 cup Orange Juice
1 tbsp. Splenda/Sugar or Honey (optional)
Put all in blender and process until smooth. Should make about 2 1/4 cups. Chill until ready to serve. Roast 1/4 cup sliced almonds; cool. Chop very fine. Place 1/2 cup frozen sugar free/fat free vanilla ice cream (or yogurt) in bowl. Pour 1/4 cup fruit blend over top of ice cream. Sprinkle with almonds.
Exchanges: 1/2 bread, 1/2 milk, 1/2 fruit