Destination Doctorate Part 3

By Shola Oladipo, Food for Purpose CEO 

Greetings friends!

I have a question:

Have you ever been on a journey to achieve a particular life goal, when a momentary occurrence seemingly threatens to sabotage your plans? Whether you answered yes, or indeed no, I hope you can relate to my write up this month.

So, the thesis writing has experienced somewhat of a pause over the last few weeks. This happening was not my choice at all, but rather due to a necessity; here is the context. Since childhood I have lived with poor eyesight, which was corrected by glasses and contact lenses. Recently, this warranted surgery, which has been extremely successful. This essential surgery has left me soooo much more illuminated. However, this same brilliantly beneficial process has also imposed the need to pause all laptop use - which in turn has totally disturbed my planned timelines.

The post procedure aftercare and recovery relies on good eye care, and this includes minimising laptop usage! At first, I was both anxious and angry. The impact on my thesis writing was totally unwelcome!

Looking on the bright side (excuse the pun) however, I see all is not lost. My eyesight is so much better, and - the amount of light I now accommodate makes the world look tremendously different . It is truly amazing to see life in its true clarity. My previous haziness has now become crisply defined, with bold distinguished forms and features.

Whilst this inflicted a delay to the habitual use of my laptop and reading of copious articles. I have chosen to also pause, and remain calm, applying a lens of grateful perspective. I conclude that the benefit to my eye health, far exceeds the thesis journey. And the ultimate benefit will actually enhance, and not compete with my thesis journey.

It’s not fun, and can be frustrating - but I do believe that God will cause this to work for good!

So, what do you do when the timelines for your important goal are disrobed by an important issue?

In this case, I am choosing to allow myself to heal and trust God for the next steps.

Disappointed? Hmmm….yes I guess so. But also grateful for the ‘gift’ of modern science and clearer sight which will ultimately aid my PhD quest.

The lesson learnt here is that spanners will entangle the engine on your journey towards purposeful goals. Instead of losing hope or feeling down, look for the positives. In this case it’s the illumination and clarity which comes post surgery. I will, by Gods grace get back on track… it may not be in the timeline that I proposed but I will finish well! You can too.

Stay strong.

Love and blessings!

Shola

 Featured this Month

• CEO Says - Destination Doctorate - Part 3

• News

• HCI News

• Student’s Corner

• Recipe of the Month - Tabbouleh

• A-Z of Soul Food - L is for Lentils

• August Fitness Challenge

• Special Guest Contributor - Pastor Tim Oladipo, FFP Advisory Group Member

• Miss Tea's Blog

 Food for Purpose News

• Congratulations!

  • Congratulations to Precious Oladipo our director who has achieved a level 3 award in Education and Training. Also thanks to BUD Leaders for the fully accredited course.

• Fitness Challenge

  • We are jumping into August with a new fitness challenge. Join us this month to complete 50 jumping jacks a day! Check out our socials for more info!

• Type 2 Diabetes

  • Did you know that meal timing and Diabetes risk are linked?

    Researchers in France investigated the association between meal frequency and timing and the incidence of type 2 diabetes among 103,312 adults (79% women) over seven years. There were 963 new cases of type 2 diabetes during the study. The risk of developing the disease was significantly higher in the group of people who regularly ate breakfast after 9 a.m., compared to those who ate breakfast before 8 am. This was attributed to the fact that skipping breakfast is known to affect glucose and lipid control, as well as insulin levels.

• Up!Up!

  • Congratulations to the most recent cohort of Up!Up! participants - the latest reunion in July was another success! More details about Up!Up! registration below:

• National Days / Weeks / Month - August

  • 1 - 7 August - World Breastfeeding Week

  • 3 August - Cycle to Work Day

  • 12 August - International Youth Day 2023

  • 19 August - World Humanitarian Day

Reintroducing the HCI

By Gabrielle Julal, FFP Specialist Community Nutritionist

Greetings readers!

I’m excited to begin this new feature covering all things HCI! Whether you are a long time reader or new, allow me to reintroduce you to the Healthy Church Initiative..

The Purpose of the HCI

Like many of Food for Purpose’s services, the HCI exists at the intersection of faith, culture and health. It was designed specifically with Black African and Caribbean faith groups in mind to help address the high number of chronic avoidable illnesses plaguing our community. The HCI is a 6-week programme that takes congregations on a transformational journey towards a healthier lifestyle. At the core of the HCI is the desire for the church to be whole in spirit, soul and body and to be healthy enough to fulfill the great commission outlined in Matthew 28:16-20. We believe that a healthy church is a blessing to both our families and communities, and we hope to continue to partner with local boroughs to help be a part of the solution.

Where we have been

We have been given the opportunity through the funding of local councils to bring the HCI to churches in and around London. Last year, we were privileged to engage with congregations around Bedfordshire. We were invited to do various taster sessions to introduce the HCI and had more than a dozen participants enrol in the programme during our time there! Our time in Bedfordshire was at the beginning of my journey with FFP, and I am still blown away by how warmly the HCI was received. Many participants expressed their gratitude for a health solution that felt culturally relevant to them and they were encouraged by the biblical messaging at the foundation of the programme.

The FFP team is now currently working in Lambeth! I look forward to sharing more about our time there as we continue on by God’s grace. If you are interested in learning more about the HCI or how your church can sign-up, you can find out more at https://www.foodforpurpose.org/healthy-church-initiative or get in touch by email at admin@foodforpurpose.org.

Many blessings for the month ahead!

Student’s Corner

University of Nottingham

Last month, we were joined by four wonderful students from the University of Nottingham. They spent two weeks with Food for Purpose, learning about faith and health in the Black African Caribbean community. Here are two of their placement experiences - we will be sharing the others next month.

We are once again delighted to support Dietetic undergraduate/postgraduate students with culturally relevant placements.

Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is basically parsley salad which originates from Lebanon. There's technically no lettuce in it. It's a salad made up of parsley, tomatoes, bulgur wheat, and green onions – all finely chopped and tossed with olive oil and lemon juice!

It is versatile and goes well with a main of grilled meat or fish. Give it a go this Summer!

Ingredients

• 1 cup bulgur wheat

• 1 1/2 cups boiling water

• 1 large bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 small bunch fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

• 2 medium tomatoes, finely diced

• 1 cucumber, finely diced

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• Juice of 1-2 lemons (adjust to your taste)

• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Place the bulgur wheat in a bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Cover the bowl with a lid or plate and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes, or until the bulgur has absorbed the water and becomes tender.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables and herbs. Wash and finely chop the parsley and mint leaves. Dice the tomatoes and cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.

3. Once the bulgur is ready, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bulgur, chopped parsley, chopped mint, diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped red onion.

5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

6. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until well combined.

7. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning or lemon juice as needed to suit your preference.

8. Let the Tabbouleh sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to combine.

Tip

This also works with couscous if you cannot get hold of bulgur wheat

 A-Z of Soul Food

This month, we’re celebrating Lentils for the letter L

Lentils

Why did the lentil go to therapy?

Because it had a split personality!

Lentils, the tiny legumes with a big nutritional punch, have earned their place as one of the most popular legumes worldwide. With their rich history and countless health benefits, they have captivated the taste buds and nourished civilisations across the world for centuries. From their diverse origins to their versatile cooking methods, lentils offer an array of culinary possibilities. Bursting with essential nutrients and boasting a wide range of health benefits, lentils have become a beloved staple in many kitchens.

Lentils have a long and storied history, dating back thousands of years. While their exact origin is debated, archaeological evidence suggests they were first cultivated in the Middle East around 8000 BCE. They spread throughout the Mediterranean region and eventually made their way to India, where they are now widely grown and consumed (daal or dhal). Today, Canada, India, Turkey, and the United States are among the major producers of lentils.

Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them an essential component of vegetarian and vegan diets. A one-cup serving of cooked lentils contains approximately 18 grams of protein, which is equivalent to the protein found in three large eggs.

Moreover, lentils are rich in dietary fibre, which aids digestion, supports heart health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Lentils also pack a substantial amount of essential nutrients, including iron, magnesium, potassium, and B-vitamins. They are low in fat and contain no cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy and weight-friendly food choice.

One of the reasons lentils have gained popularity is their versatility in the kitchen. They come in various colours, including green, brown, red, and black, each with its own unique texture and flavour. Furthermore, lentils are easy to prepare and cook relatively quickly compared to other legumes.

To cook lentils, start by rinsing them under cold water to remove any impurities. Then, add them to a pot with three parts water or vegetable broth to one-part lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until tender. Cooking times vary depending on the type of lentils, ranging from 15-30 minutes. Lentils retain their shape and texture well, making them suitable for soups, stews, salads, side dishes and even vegetarian burgers. Unlike some legumes, lentils do not require pre-soaking, making them a convenient and time-efficient choice for home cooks.

Finding lentils in the UK is a breeze, as they are widely available in supermarkets. Whether you prefer dried or canned lentils, you'll find a vast selection to choose from. So, go ahead and explore the culinary possibilities of lentils to experience their delicious flavours and reap their many health benefits.

August Fitness Challenge

By Precious Oladipo, FFP Director & Fitness Lead

Are you ready to kick-start your August with an exciting and energising challenge? We're thrilled to announce the "August Jumping Jacks Challenge" - a fun-filled, month-long event that will get your heart pumping and your spirits soaring!

Here's the deal: Throughout the entire month of August, we challenge you to complete 50 jumping jacks every single day. Yes, you read that right - just 50 jumping jacks a day! It may sound simple, but the benefits are enormous. Here's why you should jump on board (see what I did there):

1. Cardiovascular Health: Jumping jacks get your heart rate up, improving cardiovascular endurance and overall heart health.

2. Full-Body Workout: They engage multiple muscle groups, including your legs, core, and arms, giving you a well-rounded workout.

3. Stress Buster: Exercise is known to release endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, reducing stress and boosting your mood.

4. No Equipment Necessary: You don't need any fancy equipment or a gym membership. Just a bit of space and your enthusiasm!

You don't have to complete all of them at once. You can break it up throughout your day and if you're feeling ambitious - you should do an extra, 10 or 50! Remember, it's not just about completing 50 jumping jacks a day, it's about forming healthy habits that will stay with you long after August ends. Share your journey and tag us on social media, we're all in this together!

So, are you up for the challenge? Join us and let's make this August a month to remember!

 Special Guest Contributor

Timothy Oladipo

Pastor at King’s Chapel, London and Advisory Group Member

DONT KILL THE HORSE: a reminder for church leaders

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come

1 Timothy 4:8

The focus of this passage from the Bible is not solely on physical exercise and fitness, but rather on the ‘exercise’ that benefits both our body, soul and spirit.

However, we should not overlook the importance of physical activity as a discipline. It holds value in this world as it helps to keep us healthy and contributes to our overall wellness.

There is a poignant story about Robert Murray McCheyne, a young Scottish minister, who, on his deathbed at the age of 29, expressed regret for neglecting his physical health. He realised that he had not taken care of his body, which hindered his ability to fulfil his calling and deliver his message.

He is quoted as saying:

“God gave me a message to deliver and a horse to ride. Alas, I have killed the horse and now I cannot deliver the message.”

This serves as a reminder that many encounters with death and illness aren’t ordained by God. Sometimes, we neglect our bodies and are unwise about taking care of ourselves, which can have detrimental effects on our ability to fulfil our purpose.

It is crucial to prioritise a healthy lifestyle over dieting or losing weight. We must be intentional about our well-being, practicing self-care and allowing ourselves time to rest. It is okay to say no at times in order to prioritise our health. We are not super heroes and cannot do everything!

Taking time off is essential too, and as leaders we should delegate tasks to ensure the church functions when we are taking a break.

As a church leader I believe that we must approach the care of our bodies with the seriousness it deserves, so that we can we live effective wholesome lives.

Timothy Oladipo

Timothy Oladipo is the Pastor at King’s Chapel, London.

He is an avid blogger, and teacher with a passion for equipping people to maximise their gifts and calling.

Greetings, everyone!  How are you all? 🥰 Thank you for subscribing and loyally following Purposeful You each month! We’re so happy to know that you’re enjoying our publication, that’s always filled with knowledge and positivity 😊

This month, inspired by a conversation I had with some of my Ops team colleagues last week (in which I confessed to being terrible at drinking water!) - I thought I’d explore the wonderful world of Infused Water. I’m hoping this will help me improve my water intake 🤞🏾 🚰💧🫗

Infused water is a refreshing and flavoursome drink made by infusing fresh fruits, herbs, or spices into plain water. The process involves placing various natural ingredients into a container with water, allowing their flavors and aromas to infuse into the liquid. This results in a delicious and thirst-quenching beverage with the essence of the added ingredients.

Don’t forget - we’re always more than happy to consider the incorporation of any ideas you may have in terms of articles you’d like to see in Purposeful You in future👍🏾