provides the essential fuels necessary for the
body to function properly.
We learn a lot about the importance of
healthy food choices through various stories.
One of the most compelling stories about
nutrition and a favorable outcome for the
mind, body spirit is located in the book of
Daniel, chapter 1, where King Nebuchad-
nezzar of Babylon ordered Ashpenaz, his
chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of
the young men of Judah’s royal family and
other noble families, who had been brought
to Babylon as captives. Daniel, along with
three other strong, healthy, and good-
looking young men was taken to the palace.
Daniel 1:8 illustrates the importance
of individual knowledge and discernment
about consuming unacceptable foods that
would defile the body. Eventually, Daniel
spoke with the attendant who had been
appointed by the chief of staff to look after
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
“Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegeta-
bles and water,” Daniel said. “At the end of the
ten days, see how we look compared to the other
young men who are eating the king’s food. Then
make your decision in light of what you see.”
The attendant agreed to Daniel’s suggestion
and tested them for ten days. At the end of the
ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked
healthier and better nourished than the young
men who had been eating the food assigned by
the king. So after that, the attendant fed them
only vegetables instead of the food and wine
provided for the others. – Daniel 1:12-16
Debra Peek Haynes, founder of Debra's
Healing Kitchen, asserts that “in order to
change your body, you must first change
your mind.” She states that “negative
thinking, stress and roller coaster emotions
will keep you hostage and inhibit your
desire to eat and live healthy.” Our conver-
sation with Debra in the May/June issue
should encourage us to receive, process, and
act on the knowledge (evidence-based) that
whatever your condition—diabetes, obesity,
heart disease, stroke, cancer, lupus or other
chronic diseases, you must begin the healing
process by changing your mindset in order
for your body to follow.
Celebrating Mothers and Fathers in Our
Families and Communities
Resources for Nutrition Health
Debra’s Healing Kitchen
https://www.debrapeekhaynes.com
Haynes, Debra Peek
(2018). A Simplified
Guide to Healthy Living.
Mary Shaw-Ridley, PhD, MCHES is a health
education professional with over 25 years of
experience. She is the President of Shaw & Asso-
ciates, LLC, a health & education consulting
group. She is also Chair and Professor of the
Department of Behavioral & Environmental
Health at a new School of Public Health/
Jackson State University.
www.himpowermagazine.com 15