So, I'm doing some thinking on what direction to go with my blog. It's been a fantastic tool for me to stay motivated, record the many things I'm learning, share all the great ways the Lord is working in my life, and make new friends on this journey.
All that said, I really do sense the Lord is moving me in a new direction on this journey.
No longer am I hunting and searching for the WHAT that I ached to find for years. No longer am I trying this and that and the other thing hoping it will bring results and success.
Today I walk in confidence that what we eat is nourishing our bodies, healing from past choices, and protecting us from future struggles. (Not that we won't struggle, just that we'll be more prepared to face those struggles.)
So, as I started this blog, it was my journal. My place to come and explore and vent and cry and rejoice and dabble and question and fail and start again and just....BE. I liked that, and I still do.
Yet, there is something more happening in my life right now and sharing that is exciting. Because of the obvious physical changes resulting from our new dietary choices, I've got a lot of people asking questions and wanting to know just what life looks like in this plant-strong family.
I'm also discovering incredible ways the Lord wants me to see the foods He made and the body He made working together. There is this beautiful call in my heart right now showing me how I can learn to WORSHIP Him in a whole new way on this journey. I don't want to miss recording that.
So, I'm hoping to spend some time in the coming weeks changing things a bit around here. I don't earn money on this blog. I'm not gaining anything by drawing in readers. I simply want to be sure this place is reflective of the amazing way the Lord is working in my life and pray it blesses others who are looking for Him as I am.
Please leave a note if you have some ideas or suggestions on what would be helpful to you as you visit here. Thanks!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Today is The Day!!!!
It's official! As of today more weight is GONE than needs to GO!!!
It may not seem magical to you, but I've had my eye on that number ratio for years. Today the Pounds to Go number swapped places in hierarchy with the Pounds Gone number and it feels great!!!!
I have two more days left until the new year. I'm ONE pound away from a total of 50 pounds gone for this year. I wonder if I can do it????
It may not seem magical to you, but I've had my eye on that number ratio for years. Today the Pounds to Go number swapped places in hierarchy with the Pounds Gone number and it feels great!!!!
I have two more days left until the new year. I'm ONE pound away from a total of 50 pounds gone for this year. I wonder if I can do it????
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Happy Two!!
Stepped on the scale to see what this week looked like for weight loss.
Two pound loss!! Wahoo!!!
After playing around with .2 increments for the last couple of weeks, it sure was nice to see the numbers drop in a decent way. I'm amazed at how much my hormones affect the weight I hold. Started my cycle this week and the scale dropped like a hat.
Speaking of that, this is the first cycle I've had where I've been dealing with mild cramping and general discomfort the first two days. I've been a lot more moody and have had way less energy compared to previous months.
I was wondering what changed. My cycles have been so un-intrusive, I'm almost embarrassed to feel this way. Not sure if it makes a difference, but I did have several helpings of meat (venison and ground turkey) this past week. Also, I've had some treats of real sugar in the form of Christmas chocolates gifted to us. Not much, but more than my normal.
Now, I don't have scientific proof that these are making a difference for me this week. But, I do find it curious and wanted to make note so I can keep track of things as the months move on.
Really happy to have some jeans fitting loosely and tighter fittings clothes fitting comfortably enough to wear now. I am actually have a ton of fun putting outfits together and learning to accessorize my wardrobe. Such a blessing!
Two pound loss!! Wahoo!!!
After playing around with .2 increments for the last couple of weeks, it sure was nice to see the numbers drop in a decent way. I'm amazed at how much my hormones affect the weight I hold. Started my cycle this week and the scale dropped like a hat.
Speaking of that, this is the first cycle I've had where I've been dealing with mild cramping and general discomfort the first two days. I've been a lot more moody and have had way less energy compared to previous months.
I was wondering what changed. My cycles have been so un-intrusive, I'm almost embarrassed to feel this way. Not sure if it makes a difference, but I did have several helpings of meat (venison and ground turkey) this past week. Also, I've had some treats of real sugar in the form of Christmas chocolates gifted to us. Not much, but more than my normal.
Now, I don't have scientific proof that these are making a difference for me this week. But, I do find it curious and wanted to make note so I can keep track of things as the months move on.
Really happy to have some jeans fitting loosely and tighter fittings clothes fitting comfortably enough to wear now. I am actually have a ton of fun putting outfits together and learning to accessorize my wardrobe. Such a blessing!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Wherefore Art Thou?
I know that's what you've been asking. :)
I guess the holiday season took me hostage. I've been busy cooking (as usual), making gifts with my kiddos, trying new recipes for sharing with friends and family, joining my family in some caroling, visiting, and making some great memories. In short, it's been a lovely Advent Season. :)
I guess the holiday season took me hostage. I've been busy cooking (as usual), making gifts with my kiddos, trying new recipes for sharing with friends and family, joining my family in some caroling, visiting, and making some great memories. In short, it's been a lovely Advent Season. :)
I'll post some specifics on new recipes and fun things we've done over the last couple of weeks. I've also been reading a fantastic book by Dr. Scot Stoll, titled Alive! that I can't wait to share with you. The scale has been stubborn and holding itself still. However, I haven't helped matters much with avoiding the workouts I was planning to get started on during this break from school. Please pray for me to commit and do what's right in that area.
I'm pretty sure I should have asked for some extra hours in my day on my Christmas list. ;)
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Progress pics
Okay, well, for some reason, blogger won't let me update my pages. I made a collage of our last six months of progress. I'll post that here for tonight. I LOVE seeing this!
And....drum roll....I DID IT!!! I got into the next decade today!!!! Feels pretty awesome to have met my goal! :D
And....drum roll....I DID IT!!! I got into the next decade today!!!! Feels pretty awesome to have met my goal! :D
Monday, December 9, 2013
Quick Fix
This was one of my Make-It-Up-As-You-Go dinners. Took pics because it' looked so pretty and tasted pretty amazing too!
Along with some water sautéed potatoes, I cooked up some garbanzo beans mixed with onion, mushrooms, corn, swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, and seasoned it experimentally. (coriander, oregano, turmeric, garlic, I think that was it)
Topped my raw spinach with it. It wasn't a big hit for the whole table, but I really liked it. They did love the potatoes, though. My crew LOVES potatoes. :)
Along with some water sautéed potatoes, I cooked up some garbanzo beans mixed with onion, mushrooms, corn, swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, and seasoned it experimentally. (coriander, oregano, turmeric, garlic, I think that was it)
Topped my raw spinach with it. It wasn't a big hit for the whole table, but I really liked it. They did love the potatoes, though. My crew LOVES potatoes. :)
And, well, this is just cute. Our breakfast line up on mornings I make smoothies for the whole fam.
Stuck on Monday
The weekend was a little defeating. Friday I gave in and we ordered pizza from downtown. I just couldn't seem to move my body off the couch. Emotionally, it was a rough week.
When we order pizza, we get a thin crust (NOT ETL), spinach, broccoli, mushrooms with tomato sauce. Then we ask them to put ONLY feta cheese on top. My husband really likes feta and I can pick most of it off. That leaves me with less fat and salt, but still not all that nutritious.
Then we hit the cookie swap on Saturday. It was so fun. Great time making new friends. I brought some yummy raw brownies that we tweaked and renamed, Christmas Bliss Balls.
So, we brought some great, nutritious treats. But, WOW was it hard to resist the toffee that someone else made!! And...I didn't. I nibbled a few bites and then fought myself the rest of the weekend. We packed away all the treats and are working to deliver them this week.
Church potluck on Sunday but I did to really well there. Just had my own taco salad for lunch and one of my Bliss balls for dessert. Still, I was fixing myself toast all through the weekend, leaving me afraid to step on the scale.
Today, I was at the same weight I've been since last Thursday, I think. Still, way better than a gain after a weekend of poor choices.
I was on track today and I'm looking forward to seeing what the scale holds for me tomorrow. I am SO close to the next decade!! And, it was my goal to be there by the 10th.
Tomorrow is Picture Day!!
When we order pizza, we get a thin crust (NOT ETL), spinach, broccoli, mushrooms with tomato sauce. Then we ask them to put ONLY feta cheese on top. My husband really likes feta and I can pick most of it off. That leaves me with less fat and salt, but still not all that nutritious.
Then we hit the cookie swap on Saturday. It was so fun. Great time making new friends. I brought some yummy raw brownies that we tweaked and renamed, Christmas Bliss Balls.
So, we brought some great, nutritious treats. But, WOW was it hard to resist the toffee that someone else made!! And...I didn't. I nibbled a few bites and then fought myself the rest of the weekend. We packed away all the treats and are working to deliver them this week.
Church potluck on Sunday but I did to really well there. Just had my own taco salad for lunch and one of my Bliss balls for dessert. Still, I was fixing myself toast all through the weekend, leaving me afraid to step on the scale.
Today, I was at the same weight I've been since last Thursday, I think. Still, way better than a gain after a weekend of poor choices.
I was on track today and I'm looking forward to seeing what the scale holds for me tomorrow. I am SO close to the next decade!! And, it was my goal to be there by the 10th.
Tomorrow is Picture Day!!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Cardio Kickboxing
Last night we went for our second Cardio Kickboxing class at the YMCA. We spend an hour kicking, punching, sweating, and attempting to follow along. It gets confusing at time! It was a little more enjoyable than the week before. I don't love it, but I'm glad I went. Not sure I'm excited for next week, either. But, I'll be glad when I've done it, I'm sure. There is a lot of mind/body interaction and, that part, I definitely like. Our instructor is really great, so I end up looking forward to seeing her as well.
After, we went out for burritos at Dos Amigos. We had a coupon. ;) I couldn't finish the whole burrito. They are huge. Did eat the chips and salsa, though.
Was expecting to see the scale up this morning due to salty foods. I usually see a gain if we go out to eat.
I was down by .2 pounds. Not a big loss, but a loss, nevertheless. I'm happy with that.
Busy day out today. A rush in the morning to get schooling done. Drop off big kids for lessons and then a visit with friends with the younger children. I'm excited! I have this sweet friend that knows our food preferences and she's always so sweet to oblige us. She's planning to make a plant strong lunch for us!
Our friends and family don't need to be so accommodating, but I sure do recognize the blessing when they love on us in this way.
After, we went out for burritos at Dos Amigos. We had a coupon. ;) I couldn't finish the whole burrito. They are huge. Did eat the chips and salsa, though.
Was expecting to see the scale up this morning due to salty foods. I usually see a gain if we go out to eat.
I was down by .2 pounds. Not a big loss, but a loss, nevertheless. I'm happy with that.
Busy day out today. A rush in the morning to get schooling done. Drop off big kids for lessons and then a visit with friends with the younger children. I'm excited! I have this sweet friend that knows our food preferences and she's always so sweet to oblige us. She's planning to make a plant strong lunch for us!
Our friends and family don't need to be so accommodating, but I sure do recognize the blessing when they love on us in this way.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
The Nutritarian Lifestyle
Read this today from a friend on an online Eat to Live support group. I'm so thankful for others that encourage and help me learn in this journey.
"There are two approaches to improving health through improved nutrition.
The first is to remove the most offending food products which actively promote inflammation and disease. The most detrimental of these products are animal sourced foods including eggs, dairy (butter, yogurt, cheese, milk, ice cream, sour cream, etc.) as well as beef, pork, poultry and fish.
So many plant based approaches focus on removing these harmful foods from the diet, but they fall short by not also removing manufactured/processed foods which are very low nutrient food-products that contain numerous questionable and sometimes very harmful ingredients; ...they lack the wealth of phytonutrients found only in whole plant foods, and tend to be high in added fat, salt, sugar, and chemicals such as artificial colors, flavorings designed to be addictive, and preservatives.
A more optimal approach to nutrition is to not only cut out the animal products, but also dramatically limit the various manufactured products - even the ubiquitous loaf of bread is processed food - high in sodium and low in nutrients and fiber. Focus instead on whole plant foods - and making meals from ingredients that are recognizable as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.
This is the Nutritarian approach to optimal health and leads to optimal weight, and the reversal and prevention of multiple disease processes." Cher Hunter; professor, nutritionist, mentor
The above explains why I don't fit under the label, "Vegan" or "Vegetarian". The goal is not simply to remove foods from my diet or label something as *evil*. The primary focus for my health and my family's health is that I purpose to put the most optimal foods available INTO our bodies. This not only helps me in my weight loss, healing and protecting from disease, but it builds our bodies to perform at their best, thereby bringing glory to the Lord in all we do.
May we use our physical bodies always to serve you, Lord, in thanksgiving for all you do that enables us in this way. Help us see that every action we take, a food we eat, a nibble we resist, an activity that strengthens us, a choice that guards us, they are a form of worship unto You.
"There are two approaches to improving health through improved nutrition.
The first is to remove the most offending food products which actively promote inflammation and disease. The most detrimental of these products are animal sourced foods including eggs, dairy (butter, yogurt, cheese, milk, ice cream, sour cream, etc.) as well as beef, pork, poultry and fish.
So many plant based approaches focus on removing these harmful foods from the diet, but they fall short by not also removing manufactured/processed foods which are very low nutrient food-products that contain numerous questionable and sometimes very harmful ingredients; ...they lack the wealth of phytonutrients found only in whole plant foods, and tend to be high in added fat, salt, sugar, and chemicals such as artificial colors, flavorings designed to be addictive, and preservatives.
A more optimal approach to nutrition is to not only cut out the animal products, but also dramatically limit the various manufactured products - even the ubiquitous loaf of bread is processed food - high in sodium and low in nutrients and fiber. Focus instead on whole plant foods - and making meals from ingredients that are recognizable as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.
This is the Nutritarian approach to optimal health and leads to optimal weight, and the reversal and prevention of multiple disease processes." Cher Hunter; professor, nutritionist, mentor
The above explains why I don't fit under the label, "Vegan" or "Vegetarian". The goal is not simply to remove foods from my diet or label something as *evil*. The primary focus for my health and my family's health is that I purpose to put the most optimal foods available INTO our bodies. This not only helps me in my weight loss, healing and protecting from disease, but it builds our bodies to perform at their best, thereby bringing glory to the Lord in all we do.
May we use our physical bodies always to serve you, Lord, in thanksgiving for all you do that enables us in this way. Help us see that every action we take, a food we eat, a nibble we resist, an activity that strengthens us, a choice that guards us, they are a form of worship unto You.
Work It Off
So, last night we headed to the YMCA for Family Fun Night.
I admit, it takes everything in me to join in on group exercise. Okay, full truth is it takes everything in me to join in on ANY exercise. I'm just wired that way. Lots of overcoming happens in my head if I want to be part of the Family Fun.
We did have fun. We played some flag football and dodge ball. Of course, it wasn't a major workout, but it was really great to hear my little girls giggle and squeal with delight as Mommy and Daddy chased and cheered for them. The boys especially liked having a fast and furious Daddy on their tail.
Everyone was famished, though, when they got home. Dinner *was* pretty light, as I was trying to get us out the door quickly. I made a vegetable stir fry that was apparently short on vegetables. I served it over crunchy chow mein noodles for the children. I intended to have brown rice, too, so they wouldn't have so many of the processed noodles, but I didn't make the time for the rice to cook.
All of that led to hungry bellies after the gym. I made up three blenderfuls of kale and fruit smoothies while someone else cooked up some peanut butter toast. We munched away while David read our advent reading for the night. Really, it was very sweet.
This morning the scale was up on first step. I decided that since I had had that late night snack, which isn't my norm, I would get in a light Wii workout. The fact that the house was quiet and I was alone helped in a big way.
Twenty minutes later and I'm down .4 pounds. I'll take it.
I admit, it takes everything in me to join in on group exercise. Okay, full truth is it takes everything in me to join in on ANY exercise. I'm just wired that way. Lots of overcoming happens in my head if I want to be part of the Family Fun.
We did have fun. We played some flag football and dodge ball. Of course, it wasn't a major workout, but it was really great to hear my little girls giggle and squeal with delight as Mommy and Daddy chased and cheered for them. The boys especially liked having a fast and furious Daddy on their tail.
Everyone was famished, though, when they got home. Dinner *was* pretty light, as I was trying to get us out the door quickly. I made a vegetable stir fry that was apparently short on vegetables. I served it over crunchy chow mein noodles for the children. I intended to have brown rice, too, so they wouldn't have so many of the processed noodles, but I didn't make the time for the rice to cook.
All of that led to hungry bellies after the gym. I made up three blenderfuls of kale and fruit smoothies while someone else cooked up some peanut butter toast. We munched away while David read our advent reading for the night. Really, it was very sweet.
This morning the scale was up on first step. I decided that since I had had that late night snack, which isn't my norm, I would get in a light Wii workout. The fact that the house was quiet and I was alone helped in a big way.
Twenty minutes later and I'm down .4 pounds. I'll take it.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Half Victories
I'm singing the Lord's praises this morning!
Yesterday, I was able to resist the amazing smell of that ooey-gooey pizza served at the children's cast party. I brought along my salad and crunched-crunched-crunched my way through lunch.
I confess, I did nibble the half-crust that the baby left on her plate.
I'm tellin' ya', it was HARD. I went through the pizza line a few times getting the little girls what they wanted. Then I sat there watching the leftovers just sit and call my name. I couldn't believe how difficult it was to avoid eating that food. I ended up moving to another side of the room so I couldn't see it as readily. David left altogether to go get a coffee. The chips and pizza were too strong of a force. I'm proud of him for doing what he had to do.
And, this morning, I'm so thankful to the Lord. Actually, I wish I had thought to pray for strength while in the battle. I need to think harder that this is a battle for my soul as well as my stomach. I won on the stomach end. The scale was down another .7 today.
My soul? I missed the opportunity to commune with the Lord and see Him at work giving me strength and power to resist. He DID do those things, I just missed seeing him do it because I was so focused on the battle.
Help me be attentive to you, Lord. Help me see that the temptations are there for the very purpose of driving me to you. Give me a heart that is sensitive to your work in my life even in the midst of a foolish thing like a pizza party.
Yesterday, I was able to resist the amazing smell of that ooey-gooey pizza served at the children's cast party. I brought along my salad and crunched-crunched-crunched my way through lunch.
I confess, I did nibble the half-crust that the baby left on her plate.
I'm tellin' ya', it was HARD. I went through the pizza line a few times getting the little girls what they wanted. Then I sat there watching the leftovers just sit and call my name. I couldn't believe how difficult it was to avoid eating that food. I ended up moving to another side of the room so I couldn't see it as readily. David left altogether to go get a coffee. The chips and pizza were too strong of a force. I'm proud of him for doing what he had to do.
And, this morning, I'm so thankful to the Lord. Actually, I wish I had thought to pray for strength while in the battle. I need to think harder that this is a battle for my soul as well as my stomach. I won on the stomach end. The scale was down another .7 today.
My soul? I missed the opportunity to commune with the Lord and see Him at work giving me strength and power to resist. He DID do those things, I just missed seeing him do it because I was so focused on the battle.
Help me be attentive to you, Lord. Help me see that the temptations are there for the very purpose of driving me to you. Give me a heart that is sensitive to your work in my life even in the midst of a foolish thing like a pizza party.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Three Years
Three years since I started this blog, almost to the date.
Three years I've been learning and journaling and fretting and fussing and praying and crying and sweating and juicing and eating and fasting and nursing and losing and gaining and birthing and testing and injecting and reading and watching the Lord do a work.
Three years and today I am down exactly 50 pounds from where I started. It doesn't take most people three years to lose that amount of weight, but I spent way more than three years gaining way more than that.
Truth is, I've lost 43 pounds of that 50 in just the last 5 months. Truth is, I spent 2.5 years working at it with other methods and lost about 20 pounds. Truth is, I nursed a baby, grew another baby, and nursed that second baby all during those three years.
This isn't your typical weight-loss adventure.
I'm taking stock today on how far I've come these past three years. I may have started out slow with a lot of bumps and stumbling. But, all the while I was learning, growing, scales of sin and habits of addiction being peeled away. Every small step has led to this big leap to health and freedom from those areas that had me in bondage before.
Shedding 50 pounds doesn't hold a candle to shedding the chains of sin that kept me there!
Three years I've been learning and journaling and fretting and fussing and praying and crying and sweating and juicing and eating and fasting and nursing and losing and gaining and birthing and testing and injecting and reading and watching the Lord do a work.
Three years and today I am down exactly 50 pounds from where I started. It doesn't take most people three years to lose that amount of weight, but I spent way more than three years gaining way more than that.
Truth is, I've lost 43 pounds of that 50 in just the last 5 months. Truth is, I spent 2.5 years working at it with other methods and lost about 20 pounds. Truth is, I nursed a baby, grew another baby, and nursed that second baby all during those three years.
This isn't your typical weight-loss adventure.
I'm taking stock today on how far I've come these past three years. I may have started out slow with a lot of bumps and stumbling. But, all the while I was learning, growing, scales of sin and habits of addiction being peeled away. Every small step has led to this big leap to health and freedom from those areas that had me in bondage before.
Shedding 50 pounds doesn't hold a candle to shedding the chains of sin that kept me there!
Another Monday Start
And the scale is down BIG! I am shocked.
This weekend I was seeing the scale going up and it was a little disappointing. Heavy on the grains with the holiday meal and I almost didn't even get on the scale this morning.
So glad I did! Down 1.7 pounds! That's a great motivator to STAY AWAY from the pizza at the party today. (Ahem, yes, I was battling that temptation in my head)
I have 2.2 pounds left before I hit that next decade. Pizza ain't gonna help me meet THAT goal!
Got a little spring in my step. Yeah, it's a tiny bit telling that the scale sways my moods like that. I need to work on keeping my eyes on the Lord. He needs to be the source of my strength and my joy.
I AM praising Him for this. I did say no to a lot of temptations whirling in my head this weekend. That only comes by His power.
This weekend I was seeing the scale going up and it was a little disappointing. Heavy on the grains with the holiday meal and I almost didn't even get on the scale this morning.
So glad I did! Down 1.7 pounds! That's a great motivator to STAY AWAY from the pizza at the party today. (Ahem, yes, I was battling that temptation in my head)
I have 2.2 pounds left before I hit that next decade. Pizza ain't gonna help me meet THAT goal!
Got a little spring in my step. Yeah, it's a tiny bit telling that the scale sways my moods like that. I need to work on keeping my eyes on the Lord. He needs to be the source of my strength and my joy.
I AM praising Him for this. I did say no to a lot of temptations whirling in my head this weekend. That only comes by His power.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)