The 5 Most Impactful Foundations of Christ-Centered Health with Alex Ford

podcast
Written By Joyful Health

When you get “off track,” do you turn to quick fixed or tried-and-true foundations?

Chances are, you want to get back on the path as quickly as you can.

But is that always the right move?

Often, turning to a quick diet or cleanse or set of rules can be an easy way to feel like we’re doing it right, but may set us up for failure, repeating the cycle.

What if instead of resorting to a crash diet in the New Year, we start practicing the foundations of health? That way, when we feel unbalanced, we know what we’re missing and can gently and sustainably add in the right behaviors.

In our conversation with Alex Ford, we talk about the 5 fundamentals of health and how they can be a soft landing place for us when we aren’t sure where to turn or how to get well.

We could all use a little less new information and perhaps a bit more ancient wisdom. While talking about foundations may not feel novel or exciting, they are what we need. Let us not overlook these fundamentals, because they are the building blocks of your sanity when it comes to choosing healthy habits.

About Alex Ford, EdD, A-CFHC

Alex is passionate about equipping believers to live well for the glory of God. She has a 16-year background in health and wellness, and serves as a certified coach and consultant through her practice Cultivate Well, and is a mentor-professor for Redemption Seminary. Alex teaches and writes on topics related to theology of the body, faith and whole-person wellness, and related subjects in various ministry settings. Alex holds a doctorate in education from Southern Seminary, where her research focused on the intersection of spiritual formation and human embodiment. She also holds an MA in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Seminary.

Connect with Alex:

What to Focus on for Your Health

In Episode 57 of the Joyful Health Show, we talk through the often underestimated yet crucial foundations of health. Join us as we delve into the "first-things-first" principles that form the bedrock of well-being, often neglected in the chaos of modern life and the temptations for quick fixes. In this conversation, Alex shares with us how God turned her heart to a more holistic approach and taught her about five foundations of health that she abides by and teaches in her profession.

What You’ll Learn:

  1. Start Small, Grow Well: Learn why beginning with small, intentional steps in spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being can lead to lasting transformation. Alex shares practical insights on integrating life-giving habits into diverse seasons, ensuring long-term growth.

  2. Foundations Over Fixes: Distinguish between temporary fixes and foundational habits. Explore why quick solutions and micromanagement may not lead to long-term health. Discover the wisdom in relying on the Lord for sustainable, life-giving practices.

  3. Assessment and Alignment: Hear about the importance of self-assessment and aligning your wellness journey with God's guidance. Alex offers guidance on starting where you are, praying for discernment, and adapting habits organically to your unique season of life.

Scripture to Highlight Whole Person Health

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

In our conversation, Alex Ford highlights 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 as biblical evidence for whole person health. We cannot neglect spirit, soul, or body when it comes to how we were made and what we need to take care of. To get aligned with God’s Word for your health, read this verse and ask the following questions:

  1. Who is doing the work of sanctification?

  2. What entails “completely”? What does God sanctify?

  3. What is the purpose for us being kept blameless?

Take your answers to God in prayer and let His Spirit inform your view of health and goals for wellness.

Resources to Continue Sustainable Growth for Your Health

Take Our Body Blessings Course to Start Healing Your Relationship with Your Body, by Grace

Do you want to become empowered in your body to know what you need and praise God for His provision?

If you want to start tuning in to how you were made to eat and move, our Body Blessings Course will walk you through intuitive health tracking pages, prayer journaling, and more exercises to move you from being preoccupied with culture’s impossible standards and leaning into your own God-given body.

It’s never to late to start improving connection over control!

If you can answer "yes and amen" to the following, then we think this course would be a great fit:

  • Get unstuck with a body image centered prayer practice

  • Integrate emotions and sensations into a healthy body image with printable guides

  • Discover intuitive eating and movement patterns and respond with kindness

  • Uncover how to fully enjoy God in your right now body

  • Move from preoccupation with self to worship and praise

Connect With Us!

Do you need a space to talk about the podcast with other like-minded Christian women? Join the Facebook Group and share your thoughts with us! We can’t wait to connect with you.

Joyful Health
Next

Honoring Your Body When You Don’t Feel Like It with Dana Schaub, RD