First things...

In which I explain myself.

In this introductory piece I would like to briefly explain how this little project came into being. Simply put, it is the result of a combination of love, frustration, and spare time.

The obligatory identifiers may help here: I am a Christian. I have been sport-mad my whole life. I am not someone who pushes the body into the furthest limits of a comfort and ability for the sake of it, but I enjoy the experience and results of training for sport, strength and fitness.

I also love food, and get a little mood kick in the lead up to a meal (which has made intermittent fasting a real cross to bear - only two joyful anticipations per day!)

Of relevance, I am a medical doctor. I entered the medical field because of M*A*S*H, but have shifted from the pursuit of a surgical career into a primary care focus.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to help many patients through hospitals and clinics during my time since graduation. I wish to continue improving the health and lives of those around me.

Over the past year or so, I have become convinced that the focus of Western medicine is too far down the path of dysfunction and pathology. This has led me to ponder and explore more fundamental influences on human health, namely in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and environmental factors.

I have realised that much of the basic lifestyle and dietary advice from official sources of wisdom is outdated, non-specific, or was never true (the "food pyramid", for example). Our populations and health systems are therefore inadequately equipped to combat the rise of "lifestyle-related" chronic disease in our modern societies.

There needs to be a return to more a more holistic understanding of the integrated body, mind, and spirit of a human being and how they interact with natural and environmental factors. Any preventative practices or interventions will need to reflect this concept.

In fact, I believe they should not be seen only as "preventative" practices, but as measures that recover, optimise and even enhance the function of the body. Most people do not understand that today's "normal" is not really normal.

We take what appears "normal" for what is actually an unhealthy population, and undersell the individuals within the population on what their health could be like if they took some basic, sustainable and accessible measures. There is a difference between good health and "not overtly sick".

I have seen many people whose lives are made difficult or miserable by their health, while blood tests and medical algorithms tell them they are "all good". How many more are experiencing sub-standard health just above the level of noticed symptoms?

For many, recovery from low grade dysfunction will feel like an enhancement, where it is actually just natural baseline health. This is an encouraging thought. If I love those around me, I should desire better for them.

In the same period of time, I have noticed a tendency within modern Christianity that has frustrated me. Unlike the materialists, who consider themselves clumps of stardust, we should have a high view of creation as good, purposeful, and valuable.

Most Christians I know would profess such values when discussing the environment. When it comes to their own bodies, however, often Christians in both evangelical and mainstream circles seem to live by the "it's all gonna burn anyway" principle.

In my experience, this is often a subconscious approach, but shows itself when addressed. It can be tempting to think that since this world is passing away, our stewardship of temporal things is worthless compared to "spiritual" matters (as if they can be separated).

When the only required activities for a godly life are morning quiet times, raising a hand in worship (two hands in a really bangin' bridge), or profound conversations between sips of coffee, the body will begin to adopt the "path of least resistance" physique and physiology. Dysfunction and weakness are unnoticed, ignored, or accepted as necessary consequences of focusing on spiritual things.

It is a baptised Gnosticism, and an excused lack of self-control, that leads not to a supernatural life, but a subnatural one.

Which is where the particular slant of this project comes in. My being is a gift from God. My body is a gift from God. I believe it is the responsibility of the Christian to fuel, develop and maintain their bodies in such a way that they are maximising their chances of good health. Like many responsibilities that God sets before us, it should be a joy to fulfil this duty.

In fact, as the Father of lights gives good and perfect gifts, we find that He coincides the duty and the joy.

Nutritious and natural foods are often the most flavoursome. Lifting heavy loads (either in work or training) is rewarded with short and long term mood benefits, greater capabilities, and more attractive physiques. Stretching decreases stress and improves sleep.

Life is better when you look after yourself. It's not a hard concept to sell.

My gentle admonition is that neglecting your physical body is poor stewardship of a good gift from God. My loving encouragement is to look after yourself well in order to give glory to God. My humble suggestion is that the principles for stewarding your body can be found by studying God's design, purpose and end for mankind.

Of course, there are factors outside of your control. Poor health is not always your fault, just as good health can be in spite of poor choices (the body is forgiving, to a point). Genetics and epigenetics, for example, passed down from previous generations, play a role setting limitations on the body's capabilities and function.

But for the most part, I will do my best to avoid caveats and qualifiers. I hope to find the balance between law and grace. I want to steer clear of misapplying covenantal promises as success formulae.

That said, no one would argue that we should not do what is wise. And wisdom has something to say about caring for your "earthly home", which facilitates your interaction with God's material creation.

So, I hope you will consider following my spare-time ramblings and exhortations. Comment with verbal applause, or push back with rebukes and snarks. If nothing else, it will give me ideas for more content. And who knows? You may just save my soul. That is the only important part of me, after all.