Thursday, July 4, 2013 - Independence Day!

Today's Good Things:
Had a fun day celebrating the Fourth of July
Stayed away from the meats from the grill, didn't even mind it
Made great choices for my celebration feast
Enjoyed my afternoon blogging
Got in 20 minutes on Wii Fit and a few games with the boys on Wii Wipeout (I don't count that one as exercise, though)
As a rare treat, I have the house to myself this evening. The little girls are asleep and David and the older children went for a drive. Lovely. :)

Today's Not So Good Things:
I overate at lunch. I didn't over eat calorie-wise, but I didn't eat slow enough or take smaller portions like I should have. I left the table feeling over-full.
This evening I am feeling SO snacky! It must be because the day has been rather lazy. Or, maybe it has to do with this dreaded poison ivy that is making me INSANE!!!  Whatever it is, I gave in and had an evening snack. Sigh.
I've been battling irritability all day.

Some pics of our Independence Day Feast:

 

And here's a pic of what was on my plate. All good stuff!!

 

And, guess what I learned today. Go ahead...GUESSSSS. :) 

 

I like Brussels sprouts!! All these years I thought of them as stinky, soggy, yucky cabbages.  But, today, with the yummy marinade my daughter made, they were divine!! And, with just a brief bit of reading, I can see that Brussels Sprouts are definitely going on my weekly list of vegies. Yum.

 

My snack tonight was a rice cake topped with natural peanut butter and all fruit. Good choices as far as food goes. Just not a great choice as far as timing and intent.  However, it's a holiday, I'm still under on calories for the day, and I did give myself permission to loosen up for the day.  With all that, I can give thanks to the Lord and enjoy my pb&j happily.

Daniel Fast - Day Fifteen

June 24, 2013

Day Fifteen

Today all that energy I've been talking about went missing. I was slow and quiet and not moving much at all. We tidied the house some, but I was mostly directing.  We got in a bit of reading and a couple of people worked on writing some letters. I did some lunch prep, made dinner, and read my book most of the day.  I'm embarrassed to say how much I enjoyed such a relaxing, lazy day. *blush*

I finished my day under on calories again. I'm starting to even out how many calories I eat in a day. When I look at my chart, I can see I may be forming some consistency in my portions and choices for meals.  I'm also going to start dropping snacks and work on consuming all I need during my meals.  It's hard to change my brain about that.  After being pregnant so often, I tend to just eat those snacks as a matter of habit.  I want to try going longer between meals, though, to learn my body's cues for real hunger.

This book, Eat to Live: The End of Diabetes has my mind spinning.  I'm not convinced this is the plan the Lord has for me, but I have certainly gained a great deal of information and learning from it.  I am more firm in my convictions regarding vegetables as the core of my diet. I am intrigued by what I'm learning about legumes and nuts and seeds.  Intrigued enough that I'm considering purchasing the book for myself.  I'm going to keep praying on this. 

One argument that Dr. Furhman makes is that you can easily obtain the amount of protein you need daily from a plant-based diet.  I know that many have said this isn't possible. In fact, that's one of the biggest reasons I almost didn't read the book. Yet, as I've been plugging in my food on myfitnesspal.com, I can see that I am easily achieving the protein goals I set for myself back when I was aiming for a high protein-low carb diet.  Amazing.  Today the largest source of protein I had was one peanut butter ball at breakfast. The rest was simply lentils, beans, broccoli...nothing I would really consider high protein foods. Yet, there I am. Right at my high-protein goal.  And feeling full as all get out at that.

If I wasn't doing this fast, eating a plant-based diet while reading this book, I would never have believed what I'm reading.  But, I'm experiencing so much of what he's saying, I can't help but lend it some validity. 

Off to do some more reading and praying.  My husband has chosen to do a complete fast for this week.  Nothing but prayer and water. If anyone out there is reading this, please pray he remains safe and healthy. He is working hard outside in the heat all week painting on ladders. We need the Lord to keep him alert and clear headed. Thank you!

Daniel Fast - Day Five

June 14, 2013

Day Five

Woke up today barely able to move. My lower back and legs are in great pain. I worked on lying in varying positions. Lying down increases the pain in my legs.  Standing takes away the leg pain, but my back pain lingers.  After a rub with Bio-Freeze without relief, I caved in and took some pain killers.  I can function again and am doing some gentle work around the house.
 
Breakfast this morning was Breakfast Cookies.  Seemed like people sorta grazed their way through the kitchen for lunch before heading out to the beach with David this afternoon. I enjoyed some reheated taco soup and a salad from the lettuce I picked from our garden this week topped with raw cauliflower, almonds, and diced green apples.

I've been getting in some time in the word today.  I keep wondering how the Lord is going to just *show* me how I'm supposed to eat. What diet I'm supposed to follow. What plan is the right one for me.  It seems like hocus-pocus to think He's going to flash a word in my face and I'll hear angels singing.  Well, I guess that is like hocus-pocus. It doesn't work that way. 

Being in the word DOES work, however.  I'm not sure if others do this, but I often think, "There's not really a specific answer in here for me. I'm going to have to find some vague principle and apply it. Should I even bother looking? Where would I even start?"  And so goes my one-sided conversation.

God's word is never void.  Just pick a word. I did.  Indulgence.  Led me right to the book of Colossians.  Right to beautiful truths revealing the ugliness that the Lord is cleansing from my life right now.  I'm going to keep working on simplifying this fast so I can enjoy more of these rich truths He has waiting for me. 

*Finished the day with baked potatoes, green beans sautéed in garlic, and a big salad with fixin's. I skipped the potato, but munched on the skin from BabyKinz's potato.  David pulled out the Woven Wheat crackers and topped them with peanut butter and all fruit spread. I had two.  Truly, peanut butter and jelly is one of my hardest things to resist. I was very proud to have only had two.

40 Weeks Devotional

This pregnancy devotional has been a blessing to me for 4 babies now.  Each time I read it, I am challenged in new ways and continue to marvel at the miracle of conception, pregnancy, and birth. I'd like to include the ways the Lord is working in my heart in this pregnancy with quotes and my own thoughts and prayers.  I don't want to forget the wonderful way the Lord is working to help me overcome my fears and struggles right now.

"It is not coincidence pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. In the Bible, the number 40 signifies a time of testing or trial. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights, Moses was on the mountain for 40 days, the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days and he was seen for 40 days after his death before ascending to Heaven.  God will use these 40 weeks of pregnancy to test and grow your faith."

"Goodness can be considered moral excellence, and if this is something you want to pass on to your children, you must possess it first."

"Pregnancy is a time where you have no choice but to develop stronger self-control."

"As you get closer to your baby's birth day, you may find your need for patience and perseverance increases greatly. There is a correlation between the decreasing time until your baby's birth and the increasing desire to have your baby be born.  Whether your like it or not you will develop perseverance because you cannot rush your baby."

"Pregnancy is like a burning bush in that it causes us to stop and pay attention.  God is using this fertile time to grow not only a baby, but also your soul."

The most important point to remember is this: the Holy Spirit will help you in your weakness.  Yes you are weak, but you are not alone.  Yes, you may struggle but you do not have to struggle of your own strength.  Yes, this is difficult, but God has not abandoned you.  In fact, God is using this time of change in your life to further refine your heart so you will be the woman he designed you to be."

"And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him." Ephesians 6:9

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5-6

"Lord,

Relationships are hard enough between friends, when someone is hired to offer advice and expertise the relationship can become muddled.  Help me to understand how to keep a right relationship with my doctor.  Don't allow me to mistreat him or her, but don't allow me to expect too much of them either.

If he or she is not a Christian, help me to be a light shining your love. Help me to be confident in the responsibilities you have given me, and don't allow me to be weak about requesting what I know is right. Amen."

"...before you begin to conform to an image you have created of the perfect mother, let me encourage you to make sure the person you strive to be is the person God made you to be, not some society standard of the perfect mother."

"Jesus called the crowd to him and said, 'Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him "unclean," but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him "unclean". Matthew 15:10-11

"Jesus was very clear about telling us it is not what goes into a person that makes her unclean, but what comes out of her. That is because what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart. Spend some time examining your heart, and be honest about what you see. This is the heart you will have with you while you labor.

You cannot 'prepare' for a peaceful labor by learning a few breathing and relaxation techniques.  Yes, knowing comfort measure is important, but trying to make your body do what your heart is not able to do will only leave you frustrated and feeling defeated.  The stress of labor will bring out your heart because you will not have the energy to hid any attitudes or issues you normally hide.  In other words, you will be more yourself in labor than you ever are. So who are you at heart level?

To have true peace during labor you will need the confidence that comes from a heart that loves, trusts and serves Jesus Christ.  Remember the Pharisees spent all their time making sure their outsides looked goo, but didn't make sure the inside was good.  Which do you spend your time preparing?"

The above quotes are taken from the book 40 Weeks Devotional Guide to Pregnancy by Jennifer Vanderlaan.

Everything but the Elephant

This story comes from the book I'm reading. I've been keeping a page with quotes that challenge me from that book, but I wanted to type out this story here. It's been a wonderful analogy for me in this area of weight-loss and health as well as applying it to every other area of my walk with the Lord. In fact, we've been asking ourselves frequently around here, "Is that part of the elephant?"

It seems there was an artist who, one day, found that a large piece of granite had risen unexpectedly from the yard outside his home. Now, I don't know about you, but if that had happened to me I'd be upset. Just one more annoying thing I'd need to take care of before I could mow the lawn. Reportedly, it did annoy the artist, and he knew he'd eventually have to do something about it. He debated about borrowing a jackhammer from a friend until he remembered that, of course, he had no friends with jackhammers. Then he thought about getting some dynamite and blasting the granite into smaller stones that he could then carry away. But that didn't seem right either so he sat and thought about what to do. As he sat and thought and looked at that stone, he began to look past his problem. He forgot about his goal of getting rid of the stone. He actually started to see the stone. He noticed the lines and the shape. He decided to be grateful for the stone. Then one day he got out his chisel and hammer, and within a short time, he created an unbelievable reproduction of an elephant. Neighbors and passersby alike were amazed when they saw what appeared to be a real elephant grazing in his yard.

A friend asked the amateur sculptor how he'd managed to do such a good job in reproducing a realistic form of an elephant without even a model or picture to go by. The artist replied confidently, "It was really pretty easy, actually. I just chipped away everything that didn't look like an elephant."

This story comes with the challenge to focus on the person you most wish to become. As I read this story, I am struck with how it illustrates the fact that God's spirit is at work within me to chip away at everything that doesn't look like Christ. Because of His finished work on the cross, the victory of His resurrection, His application of righteousness to my life, and the gift of His Holy Spirit, I am now becoming the person God created me to be. In His word, I see that He is at work to reveal and remove those habits, weaknesses, and desires that keep me from loving my Lord fully.  I am seeing this in new ways as I work to face the addictions and desires that hold me in the area of what I eat and how I use my body.  When I read through this blog, I see the excuses and habits that have defeated me in the past months. Magnify that by the number of years I've been alive and I see a life that needs some chipping. 

The author give the challenge, "If you are serious about continuing your walk on this spiritual path to weight loss, you will work hard to chip away everything that does not look like the person you most wish to become." 

I give myself the challenge, Just chip away everything that doesn't look like Jesus.

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  Romans 8:29

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 1 Peter 1:14-15

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;  for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again ; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all ; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness ; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. Romans 6:5-13

My Daily Burst of Sunshine

Grapefruit has become my all time favorite food. The juicy, tart-yet-sweet, aromatic burst of sunshine greets me every morning. I love the heavy feel of it's smooth skin and the amazing citrus smell as the juices pour out at the first slice. That gorgeous red, pink, or even white flesh is irresistible. No sugar, please. No salt either. Just plain, fresh, preferably chilled, tropical dreams dripping from my spoon.

My reason for choosing grapefruit as a main staple in my diet is due to the high fiber and high water content along with the great taste. I can get a bit of sweet without sugar. The rejuvenating citrus smell is one of my favorites. Any citrus fruit will win my heart, but grapefruit is at the top of my list. I'll admit, I'm quite selfish with my fruit of choice. At our house, grapefruit is a Mommy-Only food. Occasionally, my husband will have one, but he doesn't care for them, really. (so, more for me..yay!)  If Mommy shares her grapefruit with you, you're getting a real treat. ;-)

Along with my personal affections for these little gems, I've found some other great health benefits locked up in my fruity treasure. Here's a quick list and a link. You'll find more than you ever thought you needed to know about this Paradise Fruit. (I learned that today! :D)

Grapefruit: One of the World's Healthiest Foods

Powerhouse of Vit. C - boosts immune system, promotes healing of conditions such as asthma and arthritis, and reduces risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Provides the antioxidant, Lycopene - believed to fight cancer

A source of Limonoids - inhibit tumor formation, may help prevent breast cancer

Lowers cholestoral

Prevent kidney stones

Protection against colon and lung cancer

May help prevent weight gain by lowering insulin levels

Boosts liver enzymes - clears out toxins

Repairs DNA

Wowzers!

One last thing I can say about the gift of grapefruit. Not only has it become my favorite way to wake up in the morning, but it has become a welcome way to end the day on occasion. When I've had a day with some bad choices food-wise, I will enjoy another bowl of juicy goodness before bed. I love knowing that I can put something in my body that will help undo the damage I may have done. Every bite and slurp is helping to cleanse my system.  I love that I actually *enjoy* this prescription for healing. I love that I can enjoy a snack before bed without guilt or regret. I love that what I am enjoying is a food created by the Lord and given for me to use and enjoy. I can truly praise Him for that!

Grapefruit has become my Ultimate Comfort Food.

(Yes. I did just write an entire post on a food. And you just read it! :-P

And guess what I've asked for for my birthday. Yep, a fancy grapefruit spoon. Heehee! )

Updating My Reading Notes

I added some great quotes from the book I'm reading. I started part 2 earlier this week and have been greatly challenged. If ever you want to find this page of quotes other than following the link noted in this post, click on the My Tools button near the top of my blog to get there.

Here are a couple thoughts you'll find there:

"Little is much if God is in it. Learn to live a simple life and eat accordingly."

"Daniel looked beyond food. The Bible says he did not let food defile him; but he also did not let food define him..."

"Instead of working toward perfection in weight management, the people who suceed inch toward progress."

"There are no shortcuts to successful weight management and good health -- physical or spiritual health."

That Time of Month? Eat Well

pineapple image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com

Best Foods to Eat While on Your Period

Most women experience symptoms of bloating, fatigue, cramps, headache, digestive problems and mood swings before and during their menstrual cycle. One of the best ways to prevent and treat these symptoms is via a healthy diet, which can also aid general health and overall well-being.

Beans

The high fiber content of beans and peas reduces the congestive symptoms of cramps by producing bulkier stools with higher water content. This rids the body of excess fluid and also normalizes digestion, reducing both constipation and diarrhea, according to Dr. Susan Lark, director of the PMS Self-Help Center in Los Altos, California, and author of "Dr. Susan Lark's Menstrual Cramps Self Help Book." Legumes are also a good source of B vitamins, which prevent cramps and menstrual fatigue. Although beans can create excess gas, this can be minimized by eating small amounts and increasing slowly, or by taking a digestive enzyme like Beano.

 

Green Vegetables

Green vegetables are high in calcium, magnesium and potassium, which relieve and prevent the spasms that lead to cramping pain. Lark also adds that these minerals can calm and relax emotions, reducing irritability. Dark green vegetables also contain high amounts of vitamin K, which is needed to coagulate blood and prevent excess bleeding.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

A group of hormone-like substances in the body called prostaglandins are involved in muscle contractions and menstrual pain. One way to shut down the prostaglandin effect is by consuming omega-3 fatty acids like those contained in salmon, walnuts and flaxseed. A 1995 study in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that women whose diets are balanced in favor of omega-3s, rather than other fats, tend to have milder menstrual symptoms.

Pineapple

A report from Dr. Phyllis Johnson, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, found that young women who consumed low amounts of manganese had an increased menstrual flow of up to 50 percent, leading Johnson to recommend that women with menstrual discomfort increase their manganese consumption. Fruits are high in manganese, but one of the richest manganese food sources is pineapple. Pineapple also contains high levels of bromelain, an enzyme thought to help relax muscles and therefore prevent menstrual cramping.

Tea

Tea is another source of manganese, according to Johnson, although women should avoid the caffeinated version, which can actually lead to greater menstrual discomfort. Ginger tea may be helpful in relieving nausea and bloating, and chamomile tea also contains properties that relieve muscle spasms and reduce the tension that can lead to anxiety and irritability.

Water

Excessive fluid retention is one of the main causes of congestive symptoms seen with cramps, which are characterized by dull, aching pain. One of the very best ways to help decrease water retention, even though it may seem counterintuitive, is to increase water consumption--if a woman isn't drinking enough, her body may overcompensate by retaining extra water.

Whole Grains

A study by British doctors found that eating small amounts of carbohydrates every three hours and within one hour of going to bed combated PMS symptoms in 70 percent of women. Dr. Lark adds that whole grains are excellent sources of magnesium, which reduces neuromuscular tension. Whole grains also have B-complex vitamins and vitamin E to combat fatigue and depression.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains live and active cultures of bacteria that promote a healthy digestion. Yogurt is also a good source of calcium, and getting twice as much calcium as an average women consumes on a daily basis, 1,300 milligrams instead of 600, seems to alleviate menstrual discomfort, according to James G. Penland, Ph.D., a psychologist at the Department of Agriculture. However, since meat and dairy products contain arachidonic acids, which increase the production of cramp-causing prostaglandins, women may prefer to choose nondairy forms of calcium such as broccoli, kale, canned salmon with bones and calcium-fortified foods like cereals and juices.

References

• "Food: Your Miracle Medicine"; Jean Carper; 1994
• "Dr. Susan Lark's Menstrual Cramps Self Help Book"; Susan M. Lark; 1995
• Mother Nature: Menstrual Cycle
• Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Using Foods against Menstrual Pain
• Dr. Christiane Northrup: Menstrual Cramps and Pelvic Pain

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/99082-foods-eat-period/#ixzz1Bol5zLhB