What is NEWSTART?

 

Nutrition

The best diet to follow is the Bible diet found in the first chapter of Genesis. A wholefood, plant-based diet is what our Designer originally gave us humans and this recommendation has not changed over millennia. Science now backs this up with voluminous studies on the overwhelming benefits of such a diet. Whole plant foods, simply prepared, are not only nutritious but delicious as you will discover at Shalem Health Retreat.​​

Watch the NEWSTART Nutrition video - Finding Forever Fuel: Nutrition | NEWSTART Now | Episode 1

 

Exercise

"Use it or lose it" as the saying goes. We were designed to move! And the best exercise? Gardening. Being outdoors in the garden provides an overall workout for the body and incorporates a host of other benefits including breathing in fresh air and soaking up the warmth of the sun. A second best is a brisk walk preferably amongst trees or around water. At Shalem, our guests look forward to the gentle gardening activities and walks along our spectacular bush trails.

Watch the NEWSTART Exercise video - Made to Move: Exercise | NEWSTART Now | Episode 2​

 

Water

​Perhaps the easiest yet most overlooked health activity we can do is to drink liberally of pure water. Just water! Not tea, coffee, herbal tea, lemon water, but plain, pure water. Why? For starters, we are mostly water. Every organ, every system in our body needs water to function. Secondly, we need water to flush away all the toxins that build up daily. Finally, water is healing. Often our illnesses are the body's cry for water. Drink the right amount - 30ml/kg - at the right time - 2 hours after eating and up to 30 minutes before eating - and you'll find yourself the much better for it. In line with this health principle, pure rainwater is our beverage of choice at Shalem Health Retreat.

Watch the NEWSTART Water video - Water Works!: Water | NEWSTART Now | Episode 3

 

Sunlight

Intuitively we've always known sunlight's blessings. Who doesn't feel good when looking up into the blue sky, soaking up the sun's gentle warmth? And remember grandma hanging up her sheets in the sun to disinfect them? Sunlight is life-giving. Get out into that early morning blue light to boost your serotonin levels and reset your body clock. Build up sun exposure gradually by going out before 10am and after 3pm in summer. 10-15 minutes in the midday sun will maintain good levels of Vitamin D that science is now discovering is critical for disease prevention and healing. Judicious sunlight therapy is scheduled into Shalem's health programs to support overall well-being.

Watch the NEWSTART Sunlight video - Sunny Side: Sunlight | NEWSTART Now | Episode 4 - YouTube​​

 

Temperance

​An old-fashioned word that basically means self-control. When we abstain from things that are harmful and use wisely things that are good, we are practising temperance. What is considered harmful? Well, substances like caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, illicit drugs, processed food, animal products. All of these cause harm to the body to a greater or lesser degree. Have you noticed that the food that comes from the Creator's Hand is not addictive. You'll never hear someone say, "I just have to have a piece of broccoli!" And how to we achieve self-control? By asking Jesus to fight the battle for us, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Our health programs enable you to practice temperance which sets you up to maintain these good habits at home.

Watch the NEWSTART Temperance video - Balancing Act: Temperance | NEWSTART Now | Episode 5 - YouTube

 

Air

​Breathing in deeply of fresh air is vital to good health. Conversely, shallow breathing or breathing in old, stale air is attributable to many diseases. Good posture, adequate exercise and good ventilation are all necessary to ensure the lungs are filled with life-giving air. At night, always sleep with a window open and during the day open doors and windows to allow for proper ventilation. Get out into nature amongst trees as much as possible to breathe in their healing properties. Negatively charged ions that occur in the air just after rainfall or when walking near flowing water will also give you a natural dopamine hight! You can experience an abundance of fresh air on our 146-acre bush property.

Watch the NEWSTART Air video - Take a Breath: Air | NEWSTART Now | Episode 6 - YouTube​

 

Rest

​The recuperative, healing power of rest cannot be overestimated. Did you know that your body does most of its repair work during the hours of 9pm and 2am. Work with your body, not against it by reworking your schedule to ensure you are in bed with lights out by 9pm. You'll feel so much better in the morning. And make sure you go to bed on an empty stomach. It needs rest too! If you have an evening meal, ensure it's all finished by 6pm, if possible. Fresh fruit is best as it only needs two hours to digest. Remember too, the Sabbath commandment, which tells us to rest on the 7th day. What a blessing to have a weekly day of rest! The NEWSTART principle of rest is woven into our schedule at Shalem and has been instrumental in restoring health to many of our guests.

Watch the NEWSTART Rest video - Time Out: Rest | NEWSTART Now | Episode 7 - YouTube

 

​Trust in God

The foundation of NEWSTART is to trust God with every aspect of our lives. He made us, He loves us supremely and He knows what is best for us. Not only that, but God is the only one who can see into the future; He knows what lies ahead of you and me and of this world. Doesn't it make sense to trust someone like that? The Bible invites us to "taste and see that the Lord is good." He is a gentleman who will never force us into a relationship with Him. Shalem offers guests the opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a safe and relaxed setting.

Watch the NEWSTART Trust video - Out of Control: Trust | NEWSTART Now | Episode 8