Rita Madden shares some reflections from the book titled, "How to Live a Holy Life."

Rita Madden shares some reflections from the book titled, "How to Live a Holy Life."

Rita Madden reminds us of the blessing of working together in all facets of our lives, especially as we struggle to change some aspect of our life.

Rita Madden reminds us of the blessing of working together in all facets of our lives, especially as we struggle to change some aspect of our life.

Feasting is not the opposite of fasting, but a most joyful application of the fruits of our Lenten spiritual efforts! Take what you have cultivated during the fast, and feast with joy by following these 5 tips.

Feasting is not the opposite of fasting, but a most joyful application of the fruits of our Lenten spiritual efforts! Take what you have cultivated during the fast, and feast with joy by following these 5 tips.

The Church offers us guidance for what to eat and what to abstain from during the fast, but does not give much guidance in the way of exactly how much to eat. Today, I am hoping to suggest that, when keeping the proper spirit of the fast, the wisdom of how much we need is already within us.

The Church offers us guidance for what to eat and what to abstain from during the fast, but does not give much guidance in the way of exactly how much to eat. Today, I am hoping to suggest that, when keeping the proper spirit of the fast, the wisdom of how much we need is already within us.

In this episode, Krista Fedorchak, the new co-host of Food, Faith and Fasting, unpacks the differences between the fasting mindset and the dieting mindset, so we can better understand and approach this ancient Christian Discipline within the context of our current society's understanding of dieting.

In this episode, Krista Fedorchak, the new co-host of Food, Faith and Fasting, unpacks the differences between the fasting mindset and the dieting mindset, so we can better understand and approach this ancient Christian Discipline within the context of our current society's understanding of dieting.

Modern day medicine is encouraging people to practice gratitude as it is good for health. We are called by our Holy Tradition to give thanks for all things! Following the Holy Orthodox Tradition provides us the tools we need to care for soul and body.

Modern day medicine is encouraging people to practice gratitude as it is good for health. We are called by our Holy Tradition to give thanks for all things! Following the Holy Orthodox Tradition provides us the tools we need to care for soul and body.

Rita Madden shares how to make a change that lasts in our lives through small but persistent choices.

Rita Madden shares how to make a change that lasts in our lives through small but persistent choices.

In this podcast we explore how to make small changes in our life to benefit our soul and body based on various practices that our Holy Tradition provides to us.

In this podcast we explore how to make small changes in our life to benefit our soul and body based on various practices that our Holy Tradition provides to us.

In this podcast we discover wonderful wisdom from A Monastery's Kitchen to bring Christ into everything we do.

In this podcast we discover wonderful wisdom from A Monastery's Kitchen to bring Christ into everything we do.

In this podcast we examine a teaching from the Desert Mother Amma Syncletica to understand how to care for our health in a Christ centered manner.

In this podcast we examine a teaching from the Desert Mother Amma Syncletica to understand how to care for our health in a Christ centered manner.

In this podcast we explore how guidance from St. John of Kronstadt to handle spiritual sickness, following Holy Orthodox Tradition, gives us the answers and when we do this, we just feel physically better.

In this podcast we explore how guidance from St. John of Kronstadt to handle spiritual sickness, following Holy Orthodox Tradition, gives us the answers and when we do this, we just feel physically better.

It's simply so beautiful how our tradition has the answers for what a lot of modern day self-help programs are offering to help one care for their health.

It's simply so beautiful how our tradition has the answers for what a lot of modern day self-help programs are offering to help one care for their health.

Rita Madden shares some wisdom from Abba Pambo to aid us in keeping the correct spirit for the Great Fast.

Rita Madden shares some wisdom from Abba Pambo to aid us in keeping the correct spirit for the Great Fast.

In this brief podcast we look at a beautiful teaching from St. John Kronstadt about our true food.

In this brief podcast we look at a beautiful teaching from St. John Kronstadt about our true food.

In this podcast, we see great teachings for our relationship with material things, our earth and body, through teachings from a saint that lived around 1500 years ago! Starting January 21, 2021, Rita will be offering my Food Faith and fasting workshop in the virtual format. Here is the website to learn more and sign up: https://foodfaithfasting.gumroad.com (Workshop Flyer is attached)

In this podcast, we see great teachings for our relationship with material things, our earth and body, through teachings from a saint that lived around 1500 years ago! Starting January 21, 2021, Rita will be offering my Food Faith and fasting workshop in the virtual format. Here is the website to learn more and sign up: https://foodfaithfasting.gumroad.com (Workshop Flyer is attached)

In this podcast, we see how the teachings of our holy tradition guide us in understanding our relationship to health.

In this podcast, we see how the teachings of our holy tradition guide us in understanding our relationship to health.

The late Father Thomas Hopko outlines 55 Maxims that provide guidance to aid us in the New Years Resolution of putting Christ first—and as we all well know, this is the most important resolution of all!

The late Father Thomas Hopko outlines 55 Maxims that provide guidance to aid us in the New Years Resolution of putting Christ first—and as we all well know, this is the most important resolution of all!

Rita explores the use of modern day medicine and how it lines up with our Holy Orthodox Tradition.

Rita explores the use of modern day medicine and how it lines up with our Holy Orthodox Tradition.

As we continue to move through the fast, it is quite beautiful to see how the physical end of our fasting tradition aids us in the spiritual hunger we all feel.

As we continue to move through the fast, it is quite beautiful to see how the physical end of our fasting tradition aids us in the spiritual hunger we all feel.

We know, with Christ, anything is possible! In this podcast we review the importance of not giving up or losing faith when we are struggling to meet a goal.

We know, with Christ, anything is possible! In this podcast we review the importance of not giving up or losing faith when we are struggling to meet a goal.

With fasting being such a buzz diet, craze right now, Rita Madden helps us to gain some perspective through the teachings of St. Issac the Syrian.

With fasting being such a buzz diet, craze right now, Rita Madden helps us to gain some perspective through the teachings of St. Issac the Syrian.

Rita Madden shares St. Gregory of Nyssa's writing on The Lord's Prayer, and provides insight on stress management and how to eat.

Rita Madden shares St. Gregory of Nyssa's writing on The Lord's Prayer, and provides insight on stress management and how to eat.

Rita Madden encourages us to continue the fast with words from St. Paisios of the Holy Mountain.

Rita Madden encourages us to continue the fast with words from St. Paisios of the Holy Mountain.

Rita Madden encourages us to prepare our lives for the journey of Great Lent by working for the healing of the whole earth.

Rita Madden encourages us to prepare our lives for the journey of Great Lent by working for the healing of the whole earth.

Rita reflects on how physical objects can help us attain food for our soul, and how we can use physical objects to help us in prayer.

Rita reflects on how physical objects can help us attain food for our soul, and how we can use physical objects to help us in prayer.

Rita discusses ways that we can create structure in our lives for silence and prayer.

Rita discusses ways that we can create structure in our lives for silence and prayer.

Rita explains the use of the Sanctification Prayer that we pray before eating, asking the Holy Spirit to fill and guide what we are partaking in.

Rita explains the use of the Sanctification Prayer that we pray before eating, asking the Holy Spirit to fill and guide what we are partaking in.

Following the feasts and fasts of the Church cannot only help us care for our own health, but it can also benefit the environment and God's creation.

Following the feasts and fasts of the Church cannot only help us care for our own health, but it can also benefit the environment and God's creation.

Rita shares her reflections on a short conversation by two desert fathers on laying new foundations in our lives.

Rita shares her reflections on a short conversation by two desert fathers on laying new foundations in our lives.

Rita discusses how we can face our health struggles in a way that aids in the healing and growth of our souls in Christ.

Rita discusses how we can face our health struggles in a way that aids in the healing and growth of our souls in Christ.

Rita reflects on the journey of Great Lent, and encourages those of us who feel we have lost our way. Setting realistic goals can help us to keep our focus on the rest of the journey towards Pascha.

Rita reflects on the journey of Great Lent, and encourages those of us who feel we have lost our way. Setting realistic goals can help us to keep our focus on the rest of the journey towards Pascha.

Rita provides good insights into how we can keep the fast of Great Lent, and encourages us to stay connected to others who can help us be accountable and on the right path.

Rita provides good insights into how we can keep the fast of Great Lent, and encourages us to stay connected to others who can help us be accountable and on the right path.

Jamey Bennett approached me about doing an interview as on ancientfaith.com he has blogged about fasting and created music about healthy eating. Jamey shares his thoughts from his blog post titled, "Paleo Living and Orthodox Lent."

Jamey Bennett approached me about doing an interview as on ancientfaith.com he has blogged about fasting and created music about healthy eating. Jamey shares his thoughts from his blog post titled, "Paleo Living and Orthodox Lent."

Rita encourages us to deepen our Advent Fast by simplifying our choices of what and where to eat, so that we can spend more time attending services, praying and serving others who are in need. She also introduces a new program called My Beautiful Advent which can be found at http://www.mybeautifuladvent.com.

Rita encourages us to deepen our Advent Fast by simplifying our choices of what and where to eat, so that we can spend more time attending services, praying and serving others who are in need. She also introduces a new program called My Beautiful Advent which can be found at http://www.mybeautifuladvent.com.

Caring for our health and fighting our passions requires compassion. We need to start with showing compassion to ourselves to aid us in creating sustainable changes.

Caring for our health and fighting our passions requires compassion. We need to start with showing compassion to ourselves to aid us in creating sustainable changes.

In this podcast, Rita discusses how fasting can actually lead to healthier food choices. She will also look at a 16-hour fasting approach and it's benefits to care for our body and soul alike.

In this podcast, Rita discusses how fasting can actually lead to healthier food choices. She will also look at a 16-hour fasting approach and it's benefits to care for our body and soul alike.

Rita Madden shares the latest research regarding the way fasting helps our bodies to function properly, even as we keep our focus on prayer during Great Lent.

Rita Madden shares the latest research regarding the way fasting helps our bodies to function properly, even as we keep our focus on prayer during Great Lent.

Rita Madden shares some readings from "Meditations for Great Lent" by Archimandrite Vassilios Papavassiliou, and reminds us that the purpose of Lent is to grow in humility and love. Sign up today to be apart of My Beautiful Lent!

Rita Madden shares some readings from "Meditations for Great Lent" by Archimandrite Vassilios Papavassiliou, and reminds us that the purpose of Lent is to grow in humility and love. Sign up today to be apart of My Beautiful Lent!

Rita interviews Cynthia Damaskos about the current research on gluten. Rita and Cynthia are the creators of My Beautiful Lent, a program to help Orthodox Christians in all stages of life to use the fast for the nourishment of the soul, leaving room for the blessings that the Church intends and that God wants to give freely. Find out more at http://www.mybeautifullent.com

Rita interviews Cynthia Damaskos about the current research on gluten. Rita and Cynthia are the creators of My Beautiful Lent, a program to help Orthodox Christians in all stages of life to use the fast for the nourishment of the soul, leaving room for the blessings that the Church intends and that God wants to give freely. Find out more at http://www.mybeautifullent.com

Many people feel they are experiencing some intolerance to foods (and for sure some people do) but some may be experiencing stress and when their body is in stressed mode it can create physical symptoms that do not feel the best. We will look at the teachings of the Desert Fathers for some wisdom to help with stress. In addition we will explore the program My Beautiful Lent (http://www.mybeautifullent.com) which is an online program being released this Great Lent (2016) to help decrease the stress that somehow appears during this time. The program aids to simplify Great Lent to allow it to be a fruitful season.

Many people feel they are experiencing some intolerance to foods (and for sure some people do) but some may be experiencing stress and when their body is in stressed mode it can create physical symptoms that do not feel the best. We will look at the teachings of the Desert Fathers for some wisdom to help with stress. In addition we will explore the program My Beautiful Lent (http://www.mybeautifullent.com) which is an online program being released this Great Lent (2016) to help decrease the stress that somehow appears during this time. The program aids to simplify Great Lent to allow it to be a fruitful season.

This PSA provides information about where to access ideas and guidelines for the FFF Group Setting.

This PSA provides information about where to access ideas and guidelines for the FFF Group Setting.

Rita describes the benefits of creative almsgiving for both our spiritual and physical well being.

Rita describes the benefits of creative almsgiving for both our spiritual and physical well being.

Rita discusses dedicating a fast to someone to aid us in deepening our prayer for them.

Rita discusses dedicating a fast to someone to aid us in deepening our prayer for them.

Rita offers suggestions for how to keep your New Year's resolutions.

Rita offers suggestions for how to keep your New Year's resolutions.

Rita discusses the sixth and final chapter of her new book, which focuses on stress management.

Rita discusses the sixth and final chapter of her new book, which focuses on stress management.

Rita discusses the fifth chapter of her new book, which focuses on exercise.

Rita discusses the fifth chapter of her new book, which focuses on exercise.

Rita introduces her new book Food, Faith, and Fasting: A Sacred Journey to Better Health, published by Ancient Faith Publishing.

Rita discusses the fourth chapter of her new book, which focuses on fasting.

Rita discusses the fourth chapter of her new book, which focuses on fasting.

Rita discusses the third chapter of her new book, which focuses on portion control.

Rita discusses the third chapter of her new book, which focuses on portion control.

Rita discusses the second chapter of her new book, which focuses on how to create balance with our food choices and also sugar consumption.

Rita discusses the second chapter of her new book, which focuses on how to create balance with our food choices and also sugar consumption.

Rita introduces her new book Food, Faith, and Fasting: A Sacred Journey to Better Health, published by Ancient Faith Publishing.

Many times we eat outside the home—be it at work, at a friend’s home, or at a restaurant. This podcast will provide strategies on how to eat in a spiritually minded manner in the work environment.

St. Maximus the Confessor explains to us that nothing that God has created is in itself bad. It's the gluttony that is bad, not the food. In this session, Rita looks at snacking and how it can have a negative impact on our health. She also provides some practical tips for moving away from mindless snacking.

This will be the last podcast for quite some time as Rita takes a break to focus on conducting food and faith workshops. Here she reminds us of the importance of allowing the traditions of our church to be the basis for our health management.

This will be the last podcast for quite some time as Rita takes a break to focus on conducting food and faith workshops. Here she reminds us of the importance of allowing the traditions of our church to be the basis for our health management.

Supporting each other with our health efforts can be an act of love. Rita discusses the importance of taking advantage of the buddy system.

Supporting each other with our health efforts can be an act of love. Rita discusses the importance of taking advantage of the buddy system.

Rita encourages us to enter into the true spirit of the fast as we begin Great Lent.

Rita encourages us to enter into the true spirit of the fast as we begin Great Lent.

In his book For the Life of the World, Father Alexander Schmemann writes, "In the Bible the food that man eats, the world of which he must partake in order to live, is given to him by God, and it is given as communion with God. Rita explains how we can work toward making eating a time of communion with God.

In his book For the Life of the World, Father Alexander Schmemann writes, "In the Bible the food that man eats, the world of which he must partake in order to live, is given to him by God, and it is given as communion with God. Rita explains how we can work toward making eating a time of communion with God.

Rita explores ways in which to have a healthy relationship with alcohol.

St. John Chrysostom gives us a rule that can help with portion control in the era of Super Size and the Double Big Gulp. He states that we should “eat just to alleviate your hunger.” This sounds like a very good rule, but how do we apply it to our everyday eating practices? The listener will walk away from this episode with tips on portion control and being satisfied with less. The listener will also learn how this can help with longterm weight and chronic-disease management.

Around the tenth century, we hear the venerable St. Simeon the New Theologian explaining that many illnesses are caused by a disorderly and irregular diet. Does a saint speaking to us one thousand years ago have answers for our food choices today in the world of egg beaters, diet sodas, and fat-free foods?

Did you overdo it during the fast-free period of the Holy Nativity? Are you frustrated with how you ate and that lack of attention you paid to your body? Do you struggle with overindulgence on foods and beverage? Rita discusses how and why we must forgive ourselves and move forward.

Did you overdo it during the fast-free period of the Holy Nativity? Are you frustrated with how you ate and that lack of attention you paid to your body? Do you struggle with overindulgence on foods and beverage? Rita discusses how and why we must forgive ourselves and move forward.

Eastern Orthodox Christians eat in a very specific way. With all the discussions about the various diets out there, is this traditional way of eating a way to share the faith? Rita answers in the affirmative and explains why.

Eastern Orthodox Christians eat in a very specific way. With all the discussions about the various diets out there, is this traditional way of eating a way to share the faith? Rita answers in the affirmative and explains why.

Stress that is not managed affects our health and increases our appetite. Rita discusses ways to handle stressors during this time of year.

Stress that is not managed affects our health and increases our appetite. Rita discusses ways to handle stressors during this time of year.

What do you do when you are the only one in your home who is fasting? You have become Orthodox and your spouse has not, or you live with people who simply do not fast. What are some strategies for you to keep the fast? Rita offers some suggestions.

What do you do when you are the only one in your home who is fasting? You have become Orthodox and your spouse has not, or you live with people who simply do not fast. What are some strategies for you to keep the fast? Rita offers some suggestions.

Rita discusses ways to show brotherly love through feeding the sick.

Rita discusses ways to show brotherly love through feeding the sick.

Rita explores ways to care for health and lose weight and at the same time share alms through decreasing food waste.

Rita explores ways to care for health and lose weight and at the same time share alms through decreasing food waste.

Rita answers two questions that she have received from listeners: (1) What do you do when someone prepares a meal for you that has not been made with quality ingredients? (2) What is the best way to participate in exercise while fasting?

Rita answers two questions that she have received from listeners: (1) What do you do when someone prepares a meal for you that has not been made with quality ingredients? (2) What is the best way to participate in exercise while fasting?

Many of us have family and friends who are not Orthodox. What do we do when company is in our home during a fasting day or period? Rita gives suggestions for showing the gift of hospitality and still keeping the fast. 

Many of us have family and friends who are not Orthodox. What do we do when company is in our home during a fasting day or period? Rita gives suggestions for showing the gift of hospitality and still keeping the fast. 

Rita explores ways in which to have a healthy relationship with alcohol.

Fasting should not be legalistic, and it involves way more than just food. Rita explains the various ways in which we can help our children understand and practice all the aspects of a fasting period.

Fasting should not be legalistic, and it involves way more than just food. Rita explains the various ways in which we can help our children understand and practice all the aspects of a fasting period.

Proper prayer, helping others, hobbies, healthy laughter, simplifying our lives, and singing can all be ways for us to manage our stress and benefit our health and weight. This podcast will review these various concepts and give us strategies for how to implement them into our daily lives.

We all must embrace fasting with a willing heart. In addition, we need to nourish our bodies during the fast. Rita provides information about the nutritional value of various fasting foods, whether for children or adults. 

We all must embrace fasting with a willing heart. In addition, we need to nourish our bodies during the fast. Rita provides information about the nutritional value of various fasting foods, whether for children or adults. 

Rita discusses additional ways to help children develop a healthy relationship with food.

Rita discusses additional ways to help children develop a healthy relationship with food.

Family dinnertime goes beyond a balanced meal. This is when we sit together and are nourished both spiritually and physically. Rita shares things to do in everyday life to increase physical activity and improve stress management throughout a child's day.

Family dinnertime goes beyond a balanced meal. This is when we sit together and are nourished both spiritually and physically. Rita shares things to do in everyday life to increase physical activity and improve stress management throughout a child's day.

For a variety of reasons, many of us have to eat alone. Rita presents strategies for eating alone in a healthful and satisfying manner. She also provides strategies for helping those who have to deal with the struggle of eating alone.

For a variety of reasons, many of us have to eat alone. Rita presents strategies for eating alone in a healthful and satisfying manner. She also provides strategies for helping those who have to deal with the struggle of eating alone.

The Holy Apostle’s fast is upon us. Fasting is not legalistic; rather, it is a medicine we choose to take to deepen our communion with God. Rita focuses on approaching the fast from a willing heart. She also discusses how joyful fasting can lead to health benefits.

The Holy Apostle’s fast is upon us. Fasting is not legalistic; rather, it is a medicine we choose to take to deepen our communion with God. Rita focuses on approaching the fast from a willing heart. She also discusses how joyful fasting can lead to health benefits.

Many of us have to eat away from home as a result of our work situation. Others are going to be eating away from home for extended periods of time due to vacationing. Whatever the scenario might be, how do we practice eating on the road with watchful attention? Rita offers several strategies.

Many of us have to eat away from home as a result of our work situation. Others are going to be eating away from home for extended periods of time due to vacationing. Whatever the scenario might be, how do we practice eating on the road with watchful attention? Rita offers several strategies.

How are we supposed to enjoy our bodies when advertising markets unrealistic ways of looking, living, and eating? Rita discusses ways to celebrate the Paschal season, and life in general, without succumbing to media-imposed standards of beauty.

How are we supposed to enjoy our bodies when advertising markets unrealistic ways of looking, living, and eating? Rita discusses ways to celebrate the Paschal season, and life in general, without succumbing to media-imposed standards of beauty.

Eating disorders are on the rise, and we see them in both men and women. Negative thinking and depression due to an unhealthy body image are also very common. Rita discusses ways to develop a healthy relationship with our bodies in keeping with the Holy Orthodox Faith.

Eating disorders are on the rise, and we see them in both men and women. Negative thinking and depression due to an unhealthy body image are also very common. Rita discusses ways to develop a healthy relationship with our bodies in keeping with the Holy Orthodox Faith.

This is the most celebratory time of the whole year! Rita shares ways to joyfully celebrate Pascha without forfeiting a healthy relationship with food.

This is the most celebratory time of the whole year! Rita shares ways to joyfully celebrate Pascha without forfeiting a healthy relationship with food.

Rita explains that feeling hunger can benefit both our physical and spiritual wellbeing. She also discusses a few oil-free meal ideas.

Rita explains that feeling hunger can benefit both our physical and spiritual wellbeing. She also discusses a few oil-free meal ideas.

Rita offers tips and encouragement to assist listeners in their fasting journey.

Rita offers tips and encouragement to assist listeners in their fasting journey.

When a fast is just around the corner, the fridge gets stocked with non-dairy creamer and margarine. Rita explains how these foods sabotage the very essence of fasting and are detrimental to health.

When a fast is just around the corner, the fridge gets stocked with non-dairy creamer and margarine. Rita explains how these foods sabotage the very essence of fasting and are detrimental to health.

St. Gregory the Theologian cooked! And he used the expression “the magic and wizardry of the cooks.” It is beneficial for our health to eat foods that are prepared in the home. In this episode, Rita discusses quick cooking strategies.

St. Gregory the Theologian cooked! And he used the expression “the magic and wizardry of the cooks.” It is beneficial for our health to eat foods that are prepared in the home. In this episode, Rita discusses quick cooking strategies.

In this episode, Rita shares a story from a monk that explains what is needed to cook. Whether you currently do not cook and know you need to start or are an avid cook, the wisdom in this story will provide you with a way to look at cooking as a component of our spiritual life. 

In this episode, Rita shares a story from a monk that explains what is needed to cook. Whether you currently do not cook and know you need to start or are an avid cook, the wisdom in this story will provide you with a way to look at cooking as a component of our spiritual life. 

Rita reminds us that cooking can be a way to glorify God—to pray and to care for body and soul alike. In this episode, the listener will learn how to get back into the kitchen. 

Rita reminds us that cooking can be a way to glorify God—to pray and to care for body and soul alike. In this episode, the listener will learn how to get back into the kitchen. 

We are called to be stewards of the earth. Rita explains how we can try to eat in an uncorrupted manner to carry out this duty?

We are called to be stewards of the earth. Rita explains how we can try to eat in an uncorrupted manner to carry out this duty?

With the New Year around the corner, people are making decisions about which diet to try. In this episode, Rita shares what the research shows about eating the Holy Orthodox way. 

With the New Year around the corner, people are making decisions about which diet to try. In this episode, Rita shares what the research shows about eating the Holy Orthodox way. 

After a long seasonal fast, one will be tempted to overeat. What can we do to prevent overeating and properly enjoy the foods of the season? Rita has a few suggestions.

After a long seasonal fast, one will be tempted to overeat. What can we do to prevent overeating and properly enjoy the foods of the season? Rita has a few suggestions.

Rita looks at proper seasonal fasting, as well as some strategies for practicing this discipline when we are in the world.

Rita looks at proper seasonal fasting, as well as some strategies for practicing this discipline when we are in the world.

None are without temptation. Even Christ was tempted. What do we do when we are tempted to use food for the wrong reasons? Rita discusses strategies to handle the misuse of food.

None are without temptation. Even Christ was tempted. What do we do when we are tempted to use food for the wrong reasons? Rita discusses strategies to handle the misuse of food.

For it is written, "If a righteous man falls down seven times"—that is, repeatedly throughout his life—"seven times shall he rise again" (Prov. 24:16). We will fall. Relapse does occur. Setting realistic goals is a great way to handle not giving in to the passions of overeating and slothfulness. Realistic goal-setting is a way to make positive changes that last. 

For it is written, "If a righteous man falls down seven times"—that is, repeatedly throughout his life—"seven times shall he rise again" (Prov. 24:16). We will fall. Relapse does occur. Setting realistic goals is a great way to handle not giving in to the passions of overeating and slothfulness. Realistic goal-setting is a way to make positive changes that last. 

St. Issac of Nineveh tells us that “a small but always persistent discipline is a great force; for a soft drop falling persistently hollows out hard rock.” In this episode, Rita discusses ways to set realistic goals for healthy behavior change.

St. Issac of Nineveh tells us that “a small but always persistent discipline is a great force; for a soft drop falling persistently hollows out hard rock.” In this episode, Rita discusses ways to set realistic goals for healthy behavior change.

What does it mean to truly love and care for ourselves? How is this related to our health and faith? In this episode, Rita takes a look at the Akathist of Thanksgiving service to gain insight on how to properly nurture ourselves to aid us in proper care of body and soul alike.

What does it mean to truly love and care for ourselves? How is this related to our health and faith? In this episode, Rita takes a look at the Akathist of Thanksgiving service to gain insight on how to properly nurture ourselves to aid us in proper care of body and soul alike.

In this episode, listeners will continue to learn ways to make exercise a regular part of their everyday routines.

In this episode, listeners will continue to learn ways to make exercise a regular part of their everyday routines.

Exercise does not have to be a laborious and taxing process. And you don’t have to run marathons to attain its benefits. Writings from the second century by Clement of Alexandria explain that when it comes to physical activity we must keep a balance—neither doing nothing nor killing ourselves with exhaustion. In this podcast, listeners will attain practical ways to make exercise a practical and lasting part of their lives.

Exercise does not have to be a laborious and taxing process. And you don’t have to run marathons to attain its benefits. Writings from the second century by Clement of Alexandria explain that when it comes to physical activity we must keep a balance—neither doing nothing nor killing ourselves with exhaustion. In this podcast, listeners will attain practical ways to make exercise a practical and lasting part of their lives.

Proper prayer, helping others, hobbies, healthy laughter, simplifying our lives, and singing can all be ways for us to manage our stress and benefit our health and weight. This podcast will review these various concepts and give us strategies for how to implement them into our daily lives.

St. Gregory of Nyssa explains to us that the life of the body is one of flux and change. We have sleep to relax tension. But what should this look like, and how can we attain it in a healthy manner? This podcasts looks at the importance of silence and proper sleep as ways to manage our stress and care for our health.

St. Gregory of Nyssa explains to us that the life of the body is one of flux and change. We have sleep to relax tension. But what should this look like, and how can we attain it in a healthy manner? This podcasts looks at the importance of silence and proper sleep as ways to manage our stress and care for our health.

Elder Paisios constantly stressed the power of positive thinking. In this episode, the listener will learn the effects of poor stress management on the body and how positive thinking is important for our health and weight management.

Elder Paisios constantly stressed the power of positive thinking. In this episode, the listener will learn the effects of poor stress management on the body and how positive thinking is important for our health and weight management.

Many meals are eaten in the restaurant setting. This podcast will provide strategies on how to eat in a spiritually minded manner at the restaurant and explains how these good food choices can benefit your health. 

Many meals are eaten in the restaurant setting. This podcast will provide strategies on how to eat in a spiritually minded manner at the restaurant and explains how these good food choices can benefit your health. 

Many times we eat outside the home—be it at work, at a friend’s home, or at a restaurant. This podcast will provide strategies on how to eat in a spiritually minded manner in the work environment.

St. Seraphim of Sarov states that “everyday we should partake of just enough food to allow the body, being fortified, to a be a friend and helper to the soul in performing the virtues. Otherwise with the body exhausted the soul may also weaken.” In this episode, Rita provides wisdom from the early Church Fathers regarding what foods we should be eating and how to consume them in a sensible and healthful manner.

St. Maximus the Confessor explains to us that nothing that God has created is in itself bad. It's the gluttony that is bad, not the food. In this session, Rita looks at snacking and how it can have a negative impact on our health. She also provides some practical tips for moving away from mindless snacking.

St. John Chrysostom gives us a rule that can help with portion control in the era of Super Size and the Double Big Gulp. He states that we should “eat just to alleviate your hunger.” This sounds like a very good rule, but how do we apply it to our everyday eating practices? The listener will walk away from this episode with tips on portion control and being satisfied with less. The listener will also learn how this can help with longterm weight and chronic-disease management.

Around the tenth century, we hear the venerable St. Simeon the New Theologian explaining that many illnesses are caused by a disorderly and irregular diet. Does a saint speaking to us one thousand years ago have answers for our food choices today in the world of egg beaters, diet sodas, and fat-free foods?

St. Seraphim of Sarov states that “everyday we should partake of just enough food to allow the body, being fortified, to a be a friend and helper to the soul in performing the virtues. Otherwise with the body exhausted the soul may also weaken.” In this episode, Rita provides wisdom from the early Church Fathers regarding what foods we should be eating and how to consume them in a sensible and healthful manner.