‘Treasures of Healthy Living: A Journey Unveiling God’s Plan for Ultimate Health and Relationships’ by Annette Reeder and Dr. Richard Couey – Book Review

One of the priorities of my husband, Fred, and I, as the years add up, is to maintain good health. We know that staying close to what the Lord has in mind is best. The latest book on my reading book is perfect for that – ‘Treasures of Healthy Living: A Journey Unveiling God’s Plan for Ultimate Health andRelationships’  by Annette Reeder and Dr. Richard Couey focus on many vital areas.

Here is the synopsis of this book: 

Did you know you can find the answers to many health problems in the pages of Scripture? Think of God’s Word as a treasure map that leads straight to the healthy life you’ve always dreamed of. It reveals how you can move from a sickly, lackluster life to one that is full of energy and hope. This practical Bible study will reveal the truth about the foods you eat and provide simple tools to begin improving your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. You won’t believe how much your life can change when you grab hold of the treasures God has provided for you.

In this Bible study, you will:

·         Discover the basics of nutrition to build a firm foundation for your health

·         Obtain the tools you need to evaluate and improve your health

·         Examine the harmful effects of altered food and household products

·         Find healthy alternatives to unwholesome foods

·         Learn how diet, exercise, and your spiritual health go hand-in-hand

·         Lay the groundwork for a lifetime of positive health

Here are the biographies of the authors:

Annette Reeder will lead you on this journey to biblical health – a journey she knows all too well, as her own family once traveled this same path to discover God’s treasures. Annette is a biblical nutrition consultant and the founder of Designed Healthy Living, a consulting program that teaches individuals how to follow a biblical nutrition plan. Her degree in Nutrition from Huntington College and diploma in biblical studies from Liberty University gives her a combined insight and expertise into how to use the gift of food and health from God's perspective to lead others to recognize this treasure in their eating and lifestyle. She is a living, happy and healthy example of the victory possible as her family has overcome problems such as cancer, heart disease, cholesterol, obesity, and much more.

Dr. Richard “Dick” Couey is Professor Emeritus of Health Sciences at Baylor University.  Dr. Couey has spent nearly fifty years studying the physiology of the cell. He has especially studied how nutrition, exercise, and stress affect the cell’s biochemistry and physiology. Dr. Couey’s students praise how he can make the complexities of the cell seem understandable.

Here is an overview of this valuable study, featuring both authors:

Treasures Of Healthy Living Bible Study Promo from Sowing Seed Designs, LLC on Vimeo.

This book is a 12 week study, with the following topics:

·         Week 1:   Treasure of Health

·         Week 2:   Beverages

·         Week 3:   Grains

·         Week 4:   Vegetables and Fruits

·         Week 5:   Herbs, Spices, Oil, and Vinegar

·         Week 6:   Protein and Meat

·         Week 7:   Fasting and Self-Discipline

·         Week 8:   Sweets

·         Week 9:   Environment and Toxins

·         Week 10: Stress and Forgiveness

·         Week 11: Exercise

·         Week 12: The Fullness of Christ and Health

Here are some of my important ‘take-aways’ from this awesome book:

·         Today, scientific research is providing evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, Purdue University researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improves the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. (p. 59)

·         One of the fun discoveries I have discovered in this hunt was the meaning of the word cruciferous. Cruciferous refers to plants that have flowers with four petals that botanical historians describe as resembling the crucifix or cross; thus, they are called cruciferous. Many authors and health books refer to them as the “Magnificent Twelve” because of their ability to dramatically reduce and prevent disease. Only our God could design foods like that and then place a reminder on the plant that the ultimate healing was given to us on the cross!

The following are the Magnificent Twelve Cruciferous Vegetables:

Broccoli             Kale                      Rutabaga     Brussels Sprouts

Kohlrabi            Turnip                   Cabbage       Mustard Greens

Cauliflower        Radishes                Watercress   Horseradish  

(p. 95)

·         Salt has healing properties. It kills most germs on contact. It burns when it hits a raw spot, but is very effective in cleansing a wound so it can heal. “Don’t rub salt in my wounds” is a statement often heard when a person is hurt from good advice. We bring healing to those around us with words of comfort and encouragement. (p. 129)

·         Stretching is essential for maintaining flexibility, reducing muscle soreness, and preventing injury. Take at least ten minutes each day to stretch out all of your main muscle groups; this will help keep you relaxed and limber. Stretching in the morning will help keep you ready for the day. (p. 278)

This book offers a great overview of how to gain and maintain health of mind, body, and spirit – all three are very important! I think this would be a terrific study for ladies looking for a book for the summer season. In fact, I may talk my friend Natalie into studying it with me! I will definitely refer back to this helpful resource time and time again.

This book was published by Pleasant Word, and provided by Glass Road Public Relations for review purposes.