IT'S A JUNGLE DOWN HERE

August 19, 2010Read: Psalm 32

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” –Psalm 32:8

Not sure if you’ve seen Bear Grylls in The Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild series, but he’s a former military guy with some serious survival skills. Each show begins with a helicopter dropping him in the middle of some uncharted land where his mission is simple but brutal: Get through the dangerous, unfamiliar territory until he’s lifted to safety. And while each episode finds him in a different death trap, his advice always has some consistent themes: stay nourished, use the sun as your guide, look for shelter before the weather hits, and seek the higher ground.

I particularly enjoyed one segment when he revealed what keeps him going when the going gets rough; he hides a laminated photo of his loved ones in the sole of his shoe. Hmm…love in his soul.

When our days are like the jungle, I say we take Bear’s advice. Let’s stay nourished with God’s word and use the Son as our guide. Seek His higher ways in the storm, and one day, He’ll be back to lift us all to safety.

--J.P.

PRAYFIT RECIPE OF THE WEEK:Nectarine and Avocado Salsa Add some new flavors to a traditional Latin favorite

Nectarine & Avocado Salsa

Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients: 3 nectarines, chopped ½ red bell pepper 2 scallions, finely chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped 1 avocado, diced ¼ cup chopped radish Juice of 1 lime 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste)

>> Place ingredients in a medium bowl and toss to combine. This fresh salsa is fabulous with tortilla chips, fajitas, or fish tacos.

Nutrition Info Per Serving Serving Size: 1/4 cup

Calories: 32 Total Fat: 1.5 grams Saturated Fat: 0 grams Carbohydrates: 4 grams Protein: 0.5 grams Cholesterol: 0 grams Sodium: 24 milligrams Fiber: 1.5 grams

PrayFit contributor Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is a nutrition expert for Food Network.com and the Healthy Eats blog. She is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.