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Friday, March 29, 2024

Bible-based plan said to lead to a healthier lifestyle

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At a time when health concerns are on the rise, many people are looking for long-term changes. Some people are turning to the Bible for the answer and have discovered the Daniel Plan based on Biblical hero Daniel and his diet while under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. 

The Daniel Plan is a six-week program developed by popular pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren.

“You can’t love if you don’t have the energy to love,” said Warren. “If you go home every night exhausted from not eating right and your blood pressure is too high, well, how can you make a difference? Change your life and change the world. That’s our goal with this plan.”

The plan encourages a healthy lifestyle founded on biblical principles and focuses on “The Essentials”: Faith, God wants us to chew on his word; Food, the Daniel Plan plate consisting of non-starchy and starchy vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, low glycemic fruit, and water or herbal tea; Fitness, getting a “Daniel-strong” body; Focus, honing in on God’s love; and Friends, building authentic relationships.

The Daniel Plan isn’t a short-term diet ending once one has achieved a certain result, but rather should be followed for an overall healthier lifestyle. The Daniel Plan is also meant to be completed in small groups. According to the official website, faith and friends are the “secret sauce” that make the Daniel Plan effective. The benefits of the plan are accelerated when in conjunction with a support group and accountability partners. Those who do the plan believe the support of God and those in your group will give you more willpower helping  you to make positive changes in your lifestyle. 

Lindsey Dirlam, registered dietitian at Eskenazi Center Westside, had positive feedback about the Daniel Plan. 

“By replacing unhealthy foods with fruits and vegetables, an individual is going to increase the fiber, vitamins, and minerals they receive from their diet. Cutting out foods, such as processed foods, red meat, and sweets, will decrease the sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, simple sugars, and calories one is consuming. This can result in weight loss and a decreased risk of many diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and many cancers.”

The Daniel Plan teaches people step-by-step ways to incorporate healthier choices into their lives. Throughout the program participants are encouraged to rely on God’s power as well as the application of dependable biblical principles. Groups are encouraged to exercise together, whether it’s just taking a walk in a local park or taking a class at a local gym.

According to the American Heart Association adults should get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises each week. That breaks down to working out for 30 minutes, five days a week. Adults should also add muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week. 

Nu Corinthian Baptist Church, located at 5935 W. 56th St., will be participating in the Daniel Plan beginning May 28and will be taking registration until then. Tammie Barney, the coordinator of the church’s Daniel Plan said, “The Daniel Plan should not be mistaken for a diet. This an opportunity for us to live a more abundant life by making lifestyle changes that will transform us mind, body and soul.” 

Sessions will be on Wednesday nights and childcare will be provided so that children can make a switch to a healthier lifestyle along with their parents. Also Nu Corinthian will be hosting Community Day June 14from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Families can come by to get health screenings, take a Zumba class, and get other information about their health. Children will also have cooking demonstration and fun games to play. 

For those who would like to join Nu Corinthian’s Daniel Plan small group, visit nucornthianbaptistchurch.com.

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