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| 2009 (210 #)Then ~ 2012 (145#)Now |
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Before and After Photos
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
To Continue His Work
So I've been loving reading 1 Kings lately. Today I was reading 1 Kings 5. God showed me something and finally I am writing it down...haha.
You know how so many times, we grow up thinking, I am going to do this completely different than my parents. I am going to get it right. I'm not going to do this or I'm gonna do that. I was thinking about how many of our parents probably thought the same thing. Then....life happens....mistakes are made...gaps are left open...they just plain mess up. But their heart wants a good life for us. They want us to be who we were created to be and do the things we were created to do.
Well today, I was reading about King Solomon and when he rebuilt the temple after His father, David died. He was continuing a work that David wanted to do. He was making something happen that David was incapable of doing because God wouldn't let him do it. But God didn't let His will stop with David...he continued His plan with David's son.
I wonder if David thought...I really want my son to be better than me...like most of us do with our children. But what if we (the children of our parents) are suppose to be carrying on something that was started long ago in our own families. What if God gave us traits that we are suppose to carry on for His plan....these traits that were passed down to us by our family.
I think about Chad and his dad. Chad's dad was the first man I'd ever seen that really got me into God's word and excited about living for Christ. I would listen to his wisdom and I would love it. I could soak his sermons in for hours. Now I wonder, how is Chad suppose to carry that light on? I think about my Dad and how practical he is and what a hard worker he is. That is a trait that I was given as well. Instead of looking at that as something that gets in my way...I wonder how can I use that for God's glory and continue the legacy that He began in our family. I think of how my Mom was good at being active in our life, how creative she was. How can that be a part of what I leave a legacy for from my family? I think about how my step-mom/aunt adopted me into her life after my mom passed away when I was only eleven. How those teenage years could have been so different without a mother figure in my life. How can that story be interwoven through my own life. Adoption? Fostering?
Instead of looking at the ways we want to be different than our family, I wonder if I could look at how He wants me to carry on the good work that was started in my own humble beginnings and carry that light forward.
It says in chapter 5 verse 1. When Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king to succeed his father David, he sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always been on friendly terms with David.
What kind of legacy do I want to leave for my kids? Will others want to bless my kids because of the kind of person I was for Christ....
Just a thought.
You know how so many times, we grow up thinking, I am going to do this completely different than my parents. I am going to get it right. I'm not going to do this or I'm gonna do that. I was thinking about how many of our parents probably thought the same thing. Then....life happens....mistakes are made...gaps are left open...they just plain mess up. But their heart wants a good life for us. They want us to be who we were created to be and do the things we were created to do.
Well today, I was reading about King Solomon and when he rebuilt the temple after His father, David died. He was continuing a work that David wanted to do. He was making something happen that David was incapable of doing because God wouldn't let him do it. But God didn't let His will stop with David...he continued His plan with David's son.
I wonder if David thought...I really want my son to be better than me...like most of us do with our children. But what if we (the children of our parents) are suppose to be carrying on something that was started long ago in our own families. What if God gave us traits that we are suppose to carry on for His plan....these traits that were passed down to us by our family.
I think about Chad and his dad. Chad's dad was the first man I'd ever seen that really got me into God's word and excited about living for Christ. I would listen to his wisdom and I would love it. I could soak his sermons in for hours. Now I wonder, how is Chad suppose to carry that light on? I think about my Dad and how practical he is and what a hard worker he is. That is a trait that I was given as well. Instead of looking at that as something that gets in my way...I wonder how can I use that for God's glory and continue the legacy that He began in our family. I think of how my Mom was good at being active in our life, how creative she was. How can that be a part of what I leave a legacy for from my family? I think about how my step-mom/aunt adopted me into her life after my mom passed away when I was only eleven. How those teenage years could have been so different without a mother figure in my life. How can that story be interwoven through my own life. Adoption? Fostering?
Instead of looking at the ways we want to be different than our family, I wonder if I could look at how He wants me to carry on the good work that was started in my own humble beginnings and carry that light forward.
It says in chapter 5 verse 1. When Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king to succeed his father David, he sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always been on friendly terms with David.
What kind of legacy do I want to leave for my kids? Will others want to bless my kids because of the kind of person I was for Christ....
Just a thought.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Black Bird 10K
Finished my first 10K race today...6.2 miles...1:01:28....yayay!!!! It felt like such an accomplishment. When I got to mile 4 I really wanted to stop but kept hearing Billy Blanks say...anyone can do this when they are fresh...what makes you different is you keep going when you want to stop....okay...okay...I kept saying to myself...with God all things are possible...all things!!! Stopped my a garage sale and found some great deals for $.50 each and even found an "at home" stepper for $3...wonder if that means I should learn these step moves...haha. (BTW, stopped at the garage sale after the race...would have messed up my pace to stop during...hehe)
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Running Posture-Spiritual Posture
So...I've been running for about a year now. I found new places within myself during this journey. God keeps pushing me to deeper levels with Him through this.
A few things God revealed to me today:
1. Running Posture-Spiritual Posture
I've been reading a bit about running. Since I've picked up my pace and increased distance, I've noticed my knee (on the outside) has been feeling an unusual pain. I think it is related to a band that runs from my hip to the outside of my knee. It's strange how this one long band can cause issues from so far away-the hip to the knee-weird. I LOVE to run and I don't want to have to stop. So I've been researching. Something I learned is that my posture may not have been right. I needed to lean more into my run instead of standing so tall while I ran. I've started to change my posture and the pain has pretty much disappeared. It was AMAZING how one small change could have so much affect on whether I was in pain or not. It's not easy though...I find myself without thinking reverting back to my old posture without realizing and have to be mindful of how I'm standing.
This got me thinking about my spiritual posture. If something like that can be true of my physical nature...this certainly can be true of my spiritual nature. I think we all need adjustments...even if they are ever so slight...to be more tuned into the nature of God. What if my prayer posture changed...again....ever so slightly. If I press into Jesus a little more instead of standing so tall in my own strength. If I press into His word for wisdom instead of standing tall in my own wisdom. What if??? Slight posture changes in both the physical and spiritual world can bring huge changes...so what if we adjusted slightly to make it more about Jesus in us instead of us along side of Him....and yes...we will revert back to previous posture but He will remind us to move back in to Him...
2. Body made for running but needs discipline and training=heart made for worship need training and discipline.
The second thing God revealed to me this morning is that some bodies are born to run, some born to walk, some born to swim, some to ride, etc...but never to just sit it out and ride the couch. I feel like God has made my body in a way that running is something that is more natural to me. My muscles He created in my legs were made for the pounding. I run light...I run quiet...yet...its not completely easy for me. So why is something, that I believe He has created me to be able to do hard? I am thinking its about training and discipline. Just because we were created to do certain things doesn't mean they will be easy to do. I can't put on my running shoes and run a marathon without training...without fuel...without the discipline to get out there several times a week and run short distances. I have to discipline my body so that it is prepared to do what I require of it. I didn't start running at a 9 min mile pace...it was more like a 13-14 min mile pace. The only thing I've done to increase my pace is to keep running.
Spiritual equivalent: We were made to worship our Father. We can choose to worship other things but that hole that we fill with other things was created for one thing alone...for Jesus. No other thing will satisfy. Can I just do this without discipline though? Can I do this without Him training my heart to worship Him. I am carnal...I want to do things in my own way. I want to run an 8 min mile without training...but I can't...its not in His laws of nature. So in my spiritual life...I have to have discipline to worship Him, to spend time with Him, to seek Him, to let Him love on me. Lifting my hands in worship wasn't easy at one time in my life, but with each expression of sacrifice of praise to Him it became easier...now its hard not to lift my hands in surrender to Him. But these things take daily discipline, training, and time. I want Him to cover me completely so I must train to be in Him...everyday...every moment...and I have to do it regularly or it just won't work.
3. Pushing past comfort.
Running has taught me another thing. Its not always comfortable...especially that first and last mile. The first mile...I am continually telling myself to just breathe. The last mile...I want to quit...I want to stop...but my friend Teri pushes me...encourages me...keep going...you are almost there....You can do this.
Pushing past spiritual boundaries is hard. Just getting started in a spiritual journey takes energy. Picking up His word to search out His truth is sometimes hard for me because I have to slow down and sit. But pushing through the boundaries I've set for myself in His word...He teaches me who He is and how much He loves me. How I don't have to get things perfect to have His love and how when I don't know what to do or if I should just sit...I can rest in Him. Chad and I are on a journey to figure out what life with adoption or foster care might look like. This is a huge spiritual boundary for me. Chad and I have a beautiful family. We have a system. We've worked hard at discipling our girls. What does bringing in someone that may not have all that look like...it will push us past boundaries that I'm not sure we can do on our own. Yet, I know that as push through that last mile...He can bring us through in this journey as well.
4. Fuel:
When I first started running 1-2 miles...I didn't eat before a run...I didn't need the extra energy. Now that I am running 5 miles...I need the fuel or I hit a wall and just have a hard time continuing.
When you go for a while without being in His word...you think you might be okay...but to go further...deeper in the journey with Him you need fuel. I need His word...I need His people around me to encourage me...to fill my bucket...in turn I can be encouragement to others...I carry His message but without the fuel of His word...of time with Him...what do I really have to offer?
Anyhow...that's my thoughts for today's run....
A few things God revealed to me today:
1. Running Posture-Spiritual Posture
I've been reading a bit about running. Since I've picked up my pace and increased distance, I've noticed my knee (on the outside) has been feeling an unusual pain. I think it is related to a band that runs from my hip to the outside of my knee. It's strange how this one long band can cause issues from so far away-the hip to the knee-weird. I LOVE to run and I don't want to have to stop. So I've been researching. Something I learned is that my posture may not have been right. I needed to lean more into my run instead of standing so tall while I ran. I've started to change my posture and the pain has pretty much disappeared. It was AMAZING how one small change could have so much affect on whether I was in pain or not. It's not easy though...I find myself without thinking reverting back to my old posture without realizing and have to be mindful of how I'm standing.
This got me thinking about my spiritual posture. If something like that can be true of my physical nature...this certainly can be true of my spiritual nature. I think we all need adjustments...even if they are ever so slight...to be more tuned into the nature of God. What if my prayer posture changed...again....ever so slightly. If I press into Jesus a little more instead of standing so tall in my own strength. If I press into His word for wisdom instead of standing tall in my own wisdom. What if??? Slight posture changes in both the physical and spiritual world can bring huge changes...so what if we adjusted slightly to make it more about Jesus in us instead of us along side of Him....and yes...we will revert back to previous posture but He will remind us to move back in to Him...
2. Body made for running but needs discipline and training=heart made for worship need training and discipline.
The second thing God revealed to me this morning is that some bodies are born to run, some born to walk, some born to swim, some to ride, etc...but never to just sit it out and ride the couch. I feel like God has made my body in a way that running is something that is more natural to me. My muscles He created in my legs were made for the pounding. I run light...I run quiet...yet...its not completely easy for me. So why is something, that I believe He has created me to be able to do hard? I am thinking its about training and discipline. Just because we were created to do certain things doesn't mean they will be easy to do. I can't put on my running shoes and run a marathon without training...without fuel...without the discipline to get out there several times a week and run short distances. I have to discipline my body so that it is prepared to do what I require of it. I didn't start running at a 9 min mile pace...it was more like a 13-14 min mile pace. The only thing I've done to increase my pace is to keep running.
Spiritual equivalent: We were made to worship our Father. We can choose to worship other things but that hole that we fill with other things was created for one thing alone...for Jesus. No other thing will satisfy. Can I just do this without discipline though? Can I do this without Him training my heart to worship Him. I am carnal...I want to do things in my own way. I want to run an 8 min mile without training...but I can't...its not in His laws of nature. So in my spiritual life...I have to have discipline to worship Him, to spend time with Him, to seek Him, to let Him love on me. Lifting my hands in worship wasn't easy at one time in my life, but with each expression of sacrifice of praise to Him it became easier...now its hard not to lift my hands in surrender to Him. But these things take daily discipline, training, and time. I want Him to cover me completely so I must train to be in Him...everyday...every moment...and I have to do it regularly or it just won't work.
3. Pushing past comfort.
Running has taught me another thing. Its not always comfortable...especially that first and last mile. The first mile...I am continually telling myself to just breathe. The last mile...I want to quit...I want to stop...but my friend Teri pushes me...encourages me...keep going...you are almost there....You can do this.
Pushing past spiritual boundaries is hard. Just getting started in a spiritual journey takes energy. Picking up His word to search out His truth is sometimes hard for me because I have to slow down and sit. But pushing through the boundaries I've set for myself in His word...He teaches me who He is and how much He loves me. How I don't have to get things perfect to have His love and how when I don't know what to do or if I should just sit...I can rest in Him. Chad and I are on a journey to figure out what life with adoption or foster care might look like. This is a huge spiritual boundary for me. Chad and I have a beautiful family. We have a system. We've worked hard at discipling our girls. What does bringing in someone that may not have all that look like...it will push us past boundaries that I'm not sure we can do on our own. Yet, I know that as push through that last mile...He can bring us through in this journey as well.
4. Fuel:
When I first started running 1-2 miles...I didn't eat before a run...I didn't need the extra energy. Now that I am running 5 miles...I need the fuel or I hit a wall and just have a hard time continuing.
When you go for a while without being in His word...you think you might be okay...but to go further...deeper in the journey with Him you need fuel. I need His word...I need His people around me to encourage me...to fill my bucket...in turn I can be encouragement to others...I carry His message but without the fuel of His word...of time with Him...what do I really have to offer?
Anyhow...that's my thoughts for today's run....
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
A Life Transformed- 1 year anniversary
This week marks a year anniversary of a new life for me. A year ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, triglycerides in the 500's and crazy high cholesterol on top of a long history of high blood pressure.
I wasn't treating God's temple very well. God got my attention! He used my health to bring me back to Him. He gave me friends to encourage me along the way. He gave me strength to move my body. He gave me wisdom to use the knowledge of good things to eat.These things gave me courage to make changes in all areas of my life.
This year is my giving back year. I want to give back and I'm asking God to show me how to take what I've come to know in the past year and use it for HIS glory. I can't wait to see what God is going to do. He is good...He is powerful and He has the power to change lives...He changed mine...forever!
August of 2010, I weighed a whopping 205 pounds. Today, I weigh 148.8 lbs. That is humbling to share. God in His goodness gave me the gift of getting it right.
Thank you to my sweet friends and family that have been such an encouragement to me. My sweet husband who has always inspired me to be better...and whom I've seen Christ change immeasurably more than physically but in the most important way...He has given Him spiritual fitness. It's amazing. I know God used people to pray for Chad and I. That is powerful. That our words can hold so much power. That God allows us to be vessels for blessing. What an amazing way to live...and love.
I wasn't treating God's temple very well. God got my attention! He used my health to bring me back to Him. He gave me friends to encourage me along the way. He gave me strength to move my body. He gave me wisdom to use the knowledge of good things to eat.These things gave me courage to make changes in all areas of my life.
This year is my giving back year. I want to give back and I'm asking God to show me how to take what I've come to know in the past year and use it for HIS glory. I can't wait to see what God is going to do. He is good...He is powerful and He has the power to change lives...He changed mine...forever!
August of 2010, I weighed a whopping 205 pounds. Today, I weigh 148.8 lbs. That is humbling to share. God in His goodness gave me the gift of getting it right.
Thank you to my sweet friends and family that have been such an encouragement to me. My sweet husband who has always inspired me to be better...and whom I've seen Christ change immeasurably more than physically but in the most important way...He has given Him spiritual fitness. It's amazing. I know God used people to pray for Chad and I. That is powerful. That our words can hold so much power. That God allows us to be vessels for blessing. What an amazing way to live...and love.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The most brilliant colors are not in the common places...
Excerpt from The Ark, The Reed and The Fire Cloud-"Above that line are the meadows and the higher you go, the more sparse vegetation becomes. At such high altitudes, plants form into isolated "pillows." It is fascinating to observe that the most brilliant colors of plants are found at the highest elevations, which are exposed the the most severe weather."......"Perhaps it is the strength of the little plant that comes through when it is tested by the severe conditions. The winds sculpt to make it soft, and the sun brings out the brilliant color." said Liz pensively.
That's kind o' like life, then," remarked Al......
That spoke volumes to me last night. My spirit knows these things but sometimes my mind doesn't want to conceive those hard places we have to go to in our lives are the very things that make us beautiful...most brilliant...refined....
It's not a matter of adding things to our life that make us great...its the stripping away of all that is our own doing and letting the fires, heat, and severity of life... chisel us down to who God really wants us to become.
That's kind o' like life, then," remarked Al......
That spoke volumes to me last night. My spirit knows these things but sometimes my mind doesn't want to conceive those hard places we have to go to in our lives are the very things that make us beautiful...most brilliant...refined....
It's not a matter of adding things to our life that make us great...its the stripping away of all that is our own doing and letting the fires, heat, and severity of life... chisel us down to who God really wants us to become.
Monday, July 11, 2011
2nd time watching King Corn
After watching King Corn again last night...I couldn't help but think...what if....we took some of that land that produces WAY too much corn for corn syrup and grew some grass on it and let the cows roam free and eat what God intended for them to eat. Then...eventually...we would see the price of organic grass fed beef come down...and disease in our bodies reduced...its a thought anyways...if we could get our priorities right the economy of it would be so much better...hum...just a thought!
If we spent 20-25% of our income on organic food instead of 15ish% we could see much improvement in our health...our land...and I wonder if just not our general well being...just pondering...pondering...
It's only been in MY generation that we have been fed corn syrup...and its quite literally a mess...
Check it out on Netflix Instant if you have it. Its not a bashing of anything but just a visual documentary of how corn syrup came to be and how it is affecting us.
If we spent 20-25% of our income on organic food instead of 15ish% we could see much improvement in our health...our land...and I wonder if just not our general well being...just pondering...pondering...
It's only been in MY generation that we have been fed corn syrup...and its quite literally a mess...
Check it out on Netflix Instant if you have it. Its not a bashing of anything but just a visual documentary of how corn syrup came to be and how it is affecting us.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Cottage Cheese Smoothie
Cottage Cheese Smoothie
This is (so far) the only way I can stomach cottage cheese. Tastes like liquid cheese cake or something.
1/2 to 1 cup of cottage cheese
1-ish cup of frozen fruit
(I think I'll add a little agave syrup here instead of the splenda she suggested)
ice
Blend until smooth!
You can also add milk or yogurt if you want to drink it, otherwise it's pretty thick. (or let the ice melt). Also you can put whatever you like for fruit in. Banana, strawberries etc. I use a frozen mixed fruit I got at Costco and sometimes add a banana. I also want to try it with my chocolate protein powder. It's a great breakfast or snack. The key is in the cottage cheese and splenda. I don't really know how much of anything I put in, just adjust until it tastes good. I made it for my family and they insisted on tons and tons of milk and tons of strawberries so you could hardly taste the cheesecakeyness. I personally prefer no milk, only adding it if my blender gets stuck.
This makes about 300 calories worth (depending on milk fat % and exact quantities, this includes banana which is like half the calories almost but no protein powder) and it makes easily 2 servings (150 each) or a large snack you can sip for like an hour. it's got 34 g of protein and 50 g of carbs and with 1% cc and skim milk 4 g of fat.
It tastes like it's so bad for you but it's not, it's just fruit and cottage cheese. very healthy. If anybody else has a cottage cheese recipe, or a smoothie recipe or a go to recipe for something that seems bad but isn't please share!
http://thenextthingtotry.blogspot.com/2007/09/cottage-cheese-smoothie.html
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Morning Prayer Run....
Praying on my run today for Marci and John Ferguson and those going on the mission trip to Africa. Heard this song while I was running and God brought them to mind. One of the verses talked about the sinners and saints colliding and how God's glory would be shown in it! I can't help but think of you guys and how you are colliding with those you are going to serve and bringing Jesus into their world!
Also God pointed out to me today a single mom leaving for work this morning with her three kids. I prayed for her and those that struggle with this life. I can't imagine having to do this on my own and I pray for God to mightily intervene and be their comfort, their resource, their plenty when times get tough.
Also God pointed out to me today a single mom leaving for work this morning with her three kids. I prayed for her and those that struggle with this life. I can't imagine having to do this on my own and I pray for God to mightily intervene and be their comfort, their resource, their plenty when times get tough.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
How to Store Produce
How To Store Produce
By trevorjustice
Citrus is best kept at room temperature of 60-70 degrees and used within two weeks. Do not store in plastic bags.
Berries and Cherries are best covered in the fridge. Don’t wash until you use them-too much moisture in the package speeds spoilage.
Avocados & Bananas are best stored and eaten at room temperature. Both will ripen with time. To speed ripening of green bananas store them in a paper bag with an apple in a warmish place. If they still don’t ripen after 1 week, they have been transported at a low temperature, and you might as well make chutney of them. If you don’t use the whole avocado in one sitting, store the remainder with the pit intact in a bag in the fridge- the pit will keep the fruit from discoloring.
Apples are best kept in the fridge, stored loose-they need to breathe to stay crisp. Use within a month.
Eggplants, Potatoes, Onions, Winter Squash, Rutabagas, & Sweet Potatoes are best kept
moderately cool, no lower than 50 degrees. A cool, dry dark place is best- on the counter, in a cupboard or basket.
Apricots, Peaches, Pears, Nectarines, Mangoes, Kiwis, Plums and Melons should be ripened before refrigeration, stored in plastic bags when ripe. Melons should be used as soon as possible after ripening.
Tomatoes should be kept uncovered at room temp, but can be refrigerated if very ripe.
All other fresh vegetables belong in the refrigerator
Green Beans and Peas should be kept in plastic bags or containers. They’ll last 3-5 days in the fridge.
Corn keep in its husk in the fridge. Eat as soon as possible because it’s sugar quickly turns to starch, causing it to lose it’s flavor.
Carrots, Radishes, Turnips, Beets, and Parsnips should be stored in plastic bags. They’ll last two weeks in the fridge. Take tops off carrots before storing, leave greens on radishes, turnips and beets, with both roots and tops in the bag.
Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Scallions, and Summer Squash will last 4-7 days in plastic bags in the crisper.
Spinach, Kale, Chard, Lettuce, Salad Greens, and Cooking Greens have the same crisper life and should be kept in plastic bags. Any bunch greens can be freshened by cutting an inch of the bottom stalks and soaking the entire bunch in cold water for 10 minutes. Place in a plastic bag in the fridge for a few hours to revive.
Peppers, & Cucumbers should be stored in the crisper, and washed before use. Cauliflower, Fennel, Jerusalem Artichokes and Leeks wrap in plastic and use within a week.
Cabbage and Celery has a fridge life of up to two weeks. Wrap celery in plastic.
HERBS: Parsley and Cilantro are best with bottoms of stems trimmed, placed upright in a jar of water in the fridge. Basil can be stored upright in a jar of water at room temperature, or in an open bag on the counter. These three all do well frozen also (they will lose texture but not taste).
Thyme and Rosemary should be stored in the fridge in bags for up to a week, after that they can be brought out onto the counter to dry. Dry herds should be stored tightly in a jar
Asparagus is delicate and should be used within 2-3 days, wrap in a damp towel and store in plastic bags or bins.
Mushrooms do well kept in a cool, dark place in a bag. Do not wash until ready to use.
Ginger will keep in the fridge for a week or two, but for longer term should be frozen in a bag or jar. You can easily grate the root direct from the freezer.
Do you have other tips? If so, please post them below.
http://thrivingvegetarians.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/how-to-store-produce/
Friday, June 3, 2011
Running...today...
So...I got up this morning...not wanting to run...but knowing I should. I've been frustrated lately because I've been working hard exercising, and eating relatively well with no change on the scale. I don't know when it became a numbers game on the scale but getting healthy is sometimes easy to measure on a scale...when you can't see what's happening in your body, the scale gives you some indication that things are changing and moving in the right direction. Well, for the last month or month and half I've been stuck between 156-157 pounds. I am so close to my 50 pounds lost goal. I know that I should be so proud of that and I really am...but I am not satisfied. I want to be really healthy...and I still have somethings I need to purge in my life to be where I want to be.
So...I went ahead on my run and was so glad. God has been speaking loud and clear to me. It began last night and in the front of Chad and I is a mountain of what seems impossible...the ability to sell our house. Our desire is to move out to more land and live a simpler (however, we know not easier) lifestyle. Getting back to basics is what we are thinking about. We had our house on the market last year to try to move to the Reservoir when Chad was working in Canton. Since then God has moved us in a different direction so I know that is why the house didn't sell last summer.
This time we are going to list it ourselves with God as our realtor. He has inspired this dream in us so I am fully leaving it in His hands because I don't have the energy to stress about it nor do I think He really wants that. I have seen Him sell our house before under worse circumstances...twice...so I have NO doubt He can do it again if its what He wants for us. Whew....that's a relief....burden gone.
Then I started to get excited because for the first time in a long time or maybe ever I can't wait to see how God is going to move in our lives. I have no idea what the future holds but I am so excited because I know God is in control and He has great plans. I am in anticipation and not anxious for once and that is a great place to be....
We are desiring to GREATLY decrease our material things and increase what God wants in our lives...I wonder why that is so exciting...but it is...
Today, as I was running....I had a choice whether to turn back and run a flat road or go in a forward direction towards my final destination and run up a hill. I knew the road behind me and that it was flat...I knew the hill before me and knew it would be hard. I went back and forth...back and forth...back and forth...was I feeling it this morning...then I finally decided God was telling me something...its okay to know the hill in front is going to be hard...don't go back to the easy way...go to the hill in front and I'll get you up there and over it...so I did. Was I fast? No. Was it easy? No. Did I make it over...YES....Life Lesson learned!
Then as I was running I would notice different smells in front of houses...its funny when someone is drying their clothes how you can smell their fabric softner. Some houses I passed it smelled a bit like well, dirty diapers....Sorry guys, I know...many of us have been there...then I started to wonder...I think we must be a little like that to God when our attitudes reflect Him or don't reflect Him...or when our lives are lived in His will or not in His will. I wonder do we smell like lavender to him when we are in His will for our lives or do we smell like dirty diapers when we are doing our own thing. What a real life lesson for me today...I'd much rather smell like the good stuff. I know there is a verse in the Bible that says something about this but I can't recall it right now.
Anyhow...on to school for today...It's going to be a good day!!!
So...I went ahead on my run and was so glad. God has been speaking loud and clear to me. It began last night and in the front of Chad and I is a mountain of what seems impossible...the ability to sell our house. Our desire is to move out to more land and live a simpler (however, we know not easier) lifestyle. Getting back to basics is what we are thinking about. We had our house on the market last year to try to move to the Reservoir when Chad was working in Canton. Since then God has moved us in a different direction so I know that is why the house didn't sell last summer.
This time we are going to list it ourselves with God as our realtor. He has inspired this dream in us so I am fully leaving it in His hands because I don't have the energy to stress about it nor do I think He really wants that. I have seen Him sell our house before under worse circumstances...twice...so I have NO doubt He can do it again if its what He wants for us. Whew....that's a relief....burden gone.
Then I started to get excited because for the first time in a long time or maybe ever I can't wait to see how God is going to move in our lives. I have no idea what the future holds but I am so excited because I know God is in control and He has great plans. I am in anticipation and not anxious for once and that is a great place to be....
We are desiring to GREATLY decrease our material things and increase what God wants in our lives...I wonder why that is so exciting...but it is...
Today, as I was running....I had a choice whether to turn back and run a flat road or go in a forward direction towards my final destination and run up a hill. I knew the road behind me and that it was flat...I knew the hill before me and knew it would be hard. I went back and forth...back and forth...back and forth...was I feeling it this morning...then I finally decided God was telling me something...its okay to know the hill in front is going to be hard...don't go back to the easy way...go to the hill in front and I'll get you up there and over it...so I did. Was I fast? No. Was it easy? No. Did I make it over...YES....Life Lesson learned!
Then as I was running I would notice different smells in front of houses...its funny when someone is drying their clothes how you can smell their fabric softner. Some houses I passed it smelled a bit like well, dirty diapers....Sorry guys, I know...many of us have been there...then I started to wonder...I think we must be a little like that to God when our attitudes reflect Him or don't reflect Him...or when our lives are lived in His will or not in His will. I wonder do we smell like lavender to him when we are in His will for our lives or do we smell like dirty diapers when we are doing our own thing. What a real life lesson for me today...I'd much rather smell like the good stuff. I know there is a verse in the Bible that says something about this but I can't recall it right now.
Anyhow...on to school for today...It's going to be a good day!!!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Prayer Run!
Good run today! Only stopped once and that was for a few seconds to retie my shoe. It took me around 40 min to finish 3 miles. I forgot to look at the exact times though. The weather was perfect for running this morning. That really helped! Came home and did my 50 seconds of planks, 10 side plank push ups, and some other ab work with some good stretching. I had an egg omelet with cracked pepper, chipolte pepper, ground whole flax seed, spinach and pepperjack cheese. Also had half an orange (they are really big), and a big glass of water.
Usually when I'm running I see the kids out waiting for the bus. This prompts me to pray for them and the spiritual war zone called public school. It is a hard place to be. Today the kids were not there...summer break...and now I pray that they will stay in HIS will this summer. Many parents will be working while there kids stay at home alone. This is when we got into the most unChristlike situations when I was growing up. I pray God to shield their minds from destructive ways and that they will seek HIM. There is so much available to kids today...its easy for them to slip into unhealthy activities.
I also felt called to pray for the homes that were empty without children. There are couples that long to have just one child to love. I pray these sweet families will seek Christ as He gives them the desires of their hearts.
I prayed for my family and friends that don't know Jesus the way He wants them to know Him. I pray earnestly for them and for me to know Him because He wants to be known.
So thankful for this time with Him this morning. All the while, praising with the David Crowder band on my mp3...
Usually when I'm running I see the kids out waiting for the bus. This prompts me to pray for them and the spiritual war zone called public school. It is a hard place to be. Today the kids were not there...summer break...and now I pray that they will stay in HIS will this summer. Many parents will be working while there kids stay at home alone. This is when we got into the most unChristlike situations when I was growing up. I pray God to shield their minds from destructive ways and that they will seek HIM. There is so much available to kids today...its easy for them to slip into unhealthy activities.
I also felt called to pray for the homes that were empty without children. There are couples that long to have just one child to love. I pray these sweet families will seek Christ as He gives them the desires of their hearts.
I prayed for my family and friends that don't know Jesus the way He wants them to know Him. I pray earnestly for them and for me to know Him because He wants to be known.
So thankful for this time with Him this morning. All the while, praising with the David Crowder band on my mp3...
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
My Get Fit Journey
So...how far do I go back? Warning: This will have all kinds of grammatical errors and typos. I have no mental energy right now because it's been a long day. But if you can get out of it what you need, then I have done my job. :0)
During Jr. High and High School I was one active chic. Between playing softball and cheerleading, I was very busy. I could eat the same amount my dad ate and not worry about gaining one pound. Well, until my senior year when that all slowed down. I went from a size 10 to a size 12. By the time I graduated, I was in a solid size 14.
College was another story. I went from being crazy active in high school to hanging out with Chad anytime I was not in school. He took me out to eat all the time...fast food...nice restaurants...you name it...I was EATING GOOD!!! I had NO activity going on...nodda....I was taking big afternoon naps...living the good life. I put on 15 pounds at least and went to a size 16...easy!
By the time we were married, I was in a Size 18. I didn't really know how to make changes but was not happy with myself or what had happened to my body.
Then about two years into our marriage, Chad and decided to try to get pregnant. Well, that took a while...and after lots of meds and not taking care of myself because I was depressed, I was up to a size 20. Even at 5'7 a size 20 doesn't carry well on my frame. By age 24, I was struggling with IBS and then found out I had high blood pressure. I was 25 when I decided I was going to make a change. I joined Fitness Lady and began working out with guidance from the GREAT ladies at the gym. I lost 25 lbs from mainly just working out not really changing the way I ate. At that time my friend, Jody Byrd was such an inspiration to me. I wanted to do what she was doing! I was down to about 175 and feeling good. Then....I was surprised with Hannah. I had a horrible pregnancy, was miserable, gained all my weight back and then some. I struggled with my BP and diabetes.
I was nursing Hannah but went back to the gym when Hannah was about 6 months old. I couldn't lose the weight. I gave up after a few months...but then found out when Hannah was 9 months old that I was pregnant with Mikayla. That pretty much halted any fitness or good nutrition. Then my BP was fine but the diabetes got worse. I was on insulin from the middle of that pg.
After I had Mikayla, I started back to the gym and lost about 25 pounds and was feeling great again. Right after Mikayla turned one, I had a breast reduction because I was miserable. After nursing 2 babies...it was killing me to stand up straight.
I kept working out...not changing my eating habits too much. Then we had the opportunity to move back to Florida. I struggled for a while to stay in shape but the emotional changes were too much for me and I gained all the weight back after I stopped working out.
We lived in Florida for about three years and it was a tough three years. Our family went through some really hard times. During this time, I was a member at several gyms. But what I didn't know then, was the BP meds I was on from my pregnancies was a Betablocker and wouldn't let me get my heartrate up enough. I was running in circles...working out diligently with no results. I think I lost 10 pounds in 6 months. It was frustrating and I gave up! During that time, (because of the difficult things we were going through), I was also on Prozac. Now, I know that it pretty much will HALT your metabolism.
God opened the way for us to move back to Mississippi. During that transition, we found out we were pregnant with Autumn (SURPRISE!).
I immediately was put on insulin and monitored for my BP. She was the only one of my babies that made it to 36 weeks and 3 days. I was doing great!
My OB told me if I wasn't careful the diabetes would come back (it would disappear after each pregnancy). Well, he was absolutely right. I wasn't careful and last year, 2010, after I went to MEA because of a horrible headache, found out I had full blown diabetes. I was started on Metformin.
I had a really hard time on the meds at first. I referred myself to a Diabetes Specialist. They helped me really get my eating under control. I was having to check my sugar 2-3 times a day. But I knew, I didn't want to have to go the insulin route again...I knew I had to make changes I could live with always.
The beginning of this part of the journey....
My sweet friends prayed for me. Knowing I didn't like a big array of foods, they literally prayed for my palate to change. Slowly it happened. I began introducing things like spinach to my diet....garlic...choosing better things...choosing whole grains instead of white breads....
The first 20lbs: (August-mid October)
I started at 205 at the end of July. I had my last pig out at Fernando's the last week of July. This was a pivoting week for me. I looked at my girls. I thought about all I had lost in the past few years. (Parent's divorcing, my step-mom having kidney cancer for only 3 months before passing away), losing my real mom when she was just 29 to Leukemia. I thought about how my sweet sisters was suffering so much physically with Fibro and migraines. I knew I HAD to do something. I knew Chad had to do something. What legacy were we leaving for our children...? I WANTED to be here for them....and I decided as much as it is up to me...I will do what I need to do to be healthy.
The first 20 pounds came off from the major diet change. I started making sure every meal had a even ratio of protein:veggies:carbs. This was the hardest change to make. I LOVED rice crispies with a pile of sugar. I LOVED sweet tea! I gave it up! Drinking only water helped so much! During that time to make the transition I used Splenda. Since then I've dropped that. I loved PIZZA (still eat it on occasion-but feel awful afterwards).
My breakfast:
Omelet: 2 eggs, pepper, cheese, flax seed, spinach cooked in Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil. (since then, we've changed to cold pressed, organic coconut oil-I use this for EVERYTHING!!!-We use Nutiva).
or Shredded Wheat, granola, flax seed, mixed together with banana (if we had them and 1%milk).
Lunch: sandwich (on wheat bread)- instead of mayo-I'd use hummus. I might have a big salad with grilled chicken (left over), with salsa, cheese, and greek plain yogurt. This is crazy filling.
Supper: Chad is my awesome cook...
Something like hamburgers (on flat bread buns-whole wheat), sweet potato-lots of fiber fries...(YUMMMO) (baked in the oven-tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper, and seasoning). We would just make sure I was eating the equal portions. Salad or green of some sort.
Dessert: Yogurt and homemade granola, Popsicle, fudgesicles, something yummy sweet. Graham Crackers and Milk,
I also started making some easy switches. Instead of Sour Cream, I'd use plain Greek Yogurt....Pretty soon I couldn't even tell the difference.
I started making homemade dressing...with greek yogurt...yummmo.
We switched from margarine to real butter. Don't be scared...I'm proof you can have real butter and lose weight and get healthy.
I started avoiding MSG as much as possible (because my friend has a son that is allergic to MSG. So I researched this a little more and it has things in it that make you hungry...make you come back for more. Look it up and all the names that it has. You will be SURPRISED!
I try if at all possible to avoid using anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup. Its the same thing...it makes you want more of it. You'd be surprised how many things have all this in it. It's crazy.
If you really want to go crazy and you have Netflix....check out Food, Inc...it will change the way you buy food FOREVER.
We are literally looking for land to buy so we can have our own cow, chickens and maybe goats for milk. TOTAL lifestyle change. We have NO idea how hard this is going to be but we feel like this is what we need to do for us all!
Back to business:
The last 25 pounds: (Octoberish)
I started working out again. I knew I could work out in the beginning but I had to learn how to eat right first. I knew working out would make me hungry. I had to find some balance. So I started with the hardest thing first.
I started using my old Taebo DVD's. It was hard...I was out of shape. I could barely make it 20 min. But slowly I gained more endurance. The weight was still coming off. I also started walking. In November I decided to try out running. I started with about 6 or 7 mailboxes on each road. (NOW after the C25K program, I'm running 6 or 7 streets instead of mailboxes). I also started using my old POWER 90 DVDs. And mixing that up with Julian Micheals-shred DVD.
I'm a little ADD...so I need variety. I really do think that is the key. The new thing is really the new thing...it keeps my body guessing. The balance of weight training and cardio really works. I weight train 2 x a week at most and try to do cardio 3 x a week. No more than about 40 min each day.
I also do my best on most days to do it before I eat in the morning. I'm not promoting that but I have found that it works best for me. And why fix what ain't broke. ***Edited to add: I do eat within 20 min of working out to give my body the necessary proteins to rebuild muscle and give me good nutrients!
Since March or so...we've transitioned into eating Organic as much as possible. We've had to give up eating too many organic things because we just can't afford it.
I really believe in Coconut Oil...We use it in everything. Research it. I've heard Tropical traditions is the best but its too pricey for me. So we use Nutiva from Amazon. I've also tried something called hemp hearts. It is suppose to keep you fuller longer. Research that if you are interested.
Oh...I love protein shakes. This is my FAVORITE recipe: Spinach (don't knock it til you try it), blueberries, strawberries, rasberries, blackberries, flax seed, hemp hearts, plain greek yogurt, some milk, 2 scoops of protein powder....yummy. I also like p'butter and cocoa, protein powder, bananna and milk...yummy! You may have to play with it a few times to see if you can get it right.
I get Chad to grill as much as possible. We don't fry anything.
Speggetti...I made an easy change from white to whole grain.
Mexican-corn tortillas or low carb whole wheat tortillas.
I've found the less refined carbs I have the better off my body is. I can't go low carb because I struggle with kidney stones...so I have to keep a good balance. But there are plenty of carbs in fruits and veggies.
I've also learned to love cauliflower garlic mashed potatoes.
My friends have thrown great recipes our way...I've googled alternative ways to cook my favorite foods.
My favorite books I've used are: South Beach Diet, EAT This not That, COOK THIS NOT THAT. If you have a library...check them out!!!
When I need a quick on the go food...I try Lara bars (an aquired taste-but only a few ingredients...the less ingredients in a food the better!), or Luna protein bars.
I've struggled on weekends that we are out of town because even though I try to eat right, I still gain a few pounds. But it isn't long before I work them back off. I've come to just expect it but still be wise in my choices. I've had months were I stayed at the same weight the entire month then the next week lose 2 pounds then the next 1 pound.
Watching Biggest Loser has had no negative affect on me. I love it and its so inspiring to watch!
I've gone from a tight size 16 to a size 10...crazy! I still have saggy tummy but I have my three beautiful girls to thank for that (and the beautiful-I'll never wear a bikini again-stretch marks) but they just remind me of how BLESSED I am!
I've had beautiful friends pray for me, encourage me, and help me along on this journey. Most of all God has been leading the way. He has taught me so much through this journey and that is exactly what it is-a journey. I'm not too proud to know that I can go back to who I was but I want to keep holding on to Jesus and He will keep me focused on the real prize...HIM!!!
During Jr. High and High School I was one active chic. Between playing softball and cheerleading, I was very busy. I could eat the same amount my dad ate and not worry about gaining one pound. Well, until my senior year when that all slowed down. I went from a size 10 to a size 12. By the time I graduated, I was in a solid size 14.
College was another story. I went from being crazy active in high school to hanging out with Chad anytime I was not in school. He took me out to eat all the time...fast food...nice restaurants...you name it...I was EATING GOOD!!! I had NO activity going on...nodda....I was taking big afternoon naps...living the good life. I put on 15 pounds at least and went to a size 16...easy!
By the time we were married, I was in a Size 18. I didn't really know how to make changes but was not happy with myself or what had happened to my body.
Then about two years into our marriage, Chad and decided to try to get pregnant. Well, that took a while...and after lots of meds and not taking care of myself because I was depressed, I was up to a size 20. Even at 5'7 a size 20 doesn't carry well on my frame. By age 24, I was struggling with IBS and then found out I had high blood pressure. I was 25 when I decided I was going to make a change. I joined Fitness Lady and began working out with guidance from the GREAT ladies at the gym. I lost 25 lbs from mainly just working out not really changing the way I ate. At that time my friend, Jody Byrd was such an inspiration to me. I wanted to do what she was doing! I was down to about 175 and feeling good. Then....I was surprised with Hannah. I had a horrible pregnancy, was miserable, gained all my weight back and then some. I struggled with my BP and diabetes.
I was nursing Hannah but went back to the gym when Hannah was about 6 months old. I couldn't lose the weight. I gave up after a few months...but then found out when Hannah was 9 months old that I was pregnant with Mikayla. That pretty much halted any fitness or good nutrition. Then my BP was fine but the diabetes got worse. I was on insulin from the middle of that pg.
After I had Mikayla, I started back to the gym and lost about 25 pounds and was feeling great again. Right after Mikayla turned one, I had a breast reduction because I was miserable. After nursing 2 babies...it was killing me to stand up straight.
I kept working out...not changing my eating habits too much. Then we had the opportunity to move back to Florida. I struggled for a while to stay in shape but the emotional changes were too much for me and I gained all the weight back after I stopped working out.
We lived in Florida for about three years and it was a tough three years. Our family went through some really hard times. During this time, I was a member at several gyms. But what I didn't know then, was the BP meds I was on from my pregnancies was a Betablocker and wouldn't let me get my heartrate up enough. I was running in circles...working out diligently with no results. I think I lost 10 pounds in 6 months. It was frustrating and I gave up! During that time, (because of the difficult things we were going through), I was also on Prozac. Now, I know that it pretty much will HALT your metabolism.
God opened the way for us to move back to Mississippi. During that transition, we found out we were pregnant with Autumn (SURPRISE!).
I immediately was put on insulin and monitored for my BP. She was the only one of my babies that made it to 36 weeks and 3 days. I was doing great!
My OB told me if I wasn't careful the diabetes would come back (it would disappear after each pregnancy). Well, he was absolutely right. I wasn't careful and last year, 2010, after I went to MEA because of a horrible headache, found out I had full blown diabetes. I was started on Metformin.
I had a really hard time on the meds at first. I referred myself to a Diabetes Specialist. They helped me really get my eating under control. I was having to check my sugar 2-3 times a day. But I knew, I didn't want to have to go the insulin route again...I knew I had to make changes I could live with always.
The beginning of this part of the journey....
My sweet friends prayed for me. Knowing I didn't like a big array of foods, they literally prayed for my palate to change. Slowly it happened. I began introducing things like spinach to my diet....garlic...choosing better things...choosing whole grains instead of white breads....
The first 20lbs: (August-mid October)
I started at 205 at the end of July. I had my last pig out at Fernando's the last week of July. This was a pivoting week for me. I looked at my girls. I thought about all I had lost in the past few years. (Parent's divorcing, my step-mom having kidney cancer for only 3 months before passing away), losing my real mom when she was just 29 to Leukemia. I thought about how my sweet sisters was suffering so much physically with Fibro and migraines. I knew I HAD to do something. I knew Chad had to do something. What legacy were we leaving for our children...? I WANTED to be here for them....and I decided as much as it is up to me...I will do what I need to do to be healthy.
The first 20 pounds came off from the major diet change. I started making sure every meal had a even ratio of protein:veggies:carbs. This was the hardest change to make. I LOVED rice crispies with a pile of sugar. I LOVED sweet tea! I gave it up! Drinking only water helped so much! During that time to make the transition I used Splenda. Since then I've dropped that. I loved PIZZA (still eat it on occasion-but feel awful afterwards).
My breakfast:
Omelet: 2 eggs, pepper, cheese, flax seed, spinach cooked in Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil. (since then, we've changed to cold pressed, organic coconut oil-I use this for EVERYTHING!!!-We use Nutiva).
or Shredded Wheat, granola, flax seed, mixed together with banana (if we had them and 1%milk).
Lunch: sandwich (on wheat bread)- instead of mayo-I'd use hummus. I might have a big salad with grilled chicken (left over), with salsa, cheese, and greek plain yogurt. This is crazy filling.
Supper: Chad is my awesome cook...
Something like hamburgers (on flat bread buns-whole wheat), sweet potato-lots of fiber fries...(YUMMMO) (baked in the oven-tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper, and seasoning). We would just make sure I was eating the equal portions. Salad or green of some sort.
Dessert: Yogurt and homemade granola, Popsicle, fudgesicles, something yummy sweet. Graham Crackers and Milk,
I also started making some easy switches. Instead of Sour Cream, I'd use plain Greek Yogurt....Pretty soon I couldn't even tell the difference.
I started making homemade dressing...with greek yogurt...yummmo.
We switched from margarine to real butter. Don't be scared...I'm proof you can have real butter and lose weight and get healthy.
I started avoiding MSG as much as possible (because my friend has a son that is allergic to MSG. So I researched this a little more and it has things in it that make you hungry...make you come back for more. Look it up and all the names that it has. You will be SURPRISED!
I try if at all possible to avoid using anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup. Its the same thing...it makes you want more of it. You'd be surprised how many things have all this in it. It's crazy.
If you really want to go crazy and you have Netflix....check out Food, Inc...it will change the way you buy food FOREVER.
We are literally looking for land to buy so we can have our own cow, chickens and maybe goats for milk. TOTAL lifestyle change. We have NO idea how hard this is going to be but we feel like this is what we need to do for us all!
Back to business:
The last 25 pounds: (Octoberish)
I started working out again. I knew I could work out in the beginning but I had to learn how to eat right first. I knew working out would make me hungry. I had to find some balance. So I started with the hardest thing first.
I started using my old Taebo DVD's. It was hard...I was out of shape. I could barely make it 20 min. But slowly I gained more endurance. The weight was still coming off. I also started walking. In November I decided to try out running. I started with about 6 or 7 mailboxes on each road. (NOW after the C25K program, I'm running 6 or 7 streets instead of mailboxes). I also started using my old POWER 90 DVDs. And mixing that up with Julian Micheals-shred DVD.
I'm a little ADD...so I need variety. I really do think that is the key. The new thing is really the new thing...it keeps my body guessing. The balance of weight training and cardio really works. I weight train 2 x a week at most and try to do cardio 3 x a week. No more than about 40 min each day.
I also do my best on most days to do it before I eat in the morning. I'm not promoting that but I have found that it works best for me. And why fix what ain't broke. ***Edited to add: I do eat within 20 min of working out to give my body the necessary proteins to rebuild muscle and give me good nutrients!
Since March or so...we've transitioned into eating Organic as much as possible. We've had to give up eating too many organic things because we just can't afford it.
I really believe in Coconut Oil...We use it in everything. Research it. I've heard Tropical traditions is the best but its too pricey for me. So we use Nutiva from Amazon. I've also tried something called hemp hearts. It is suppose to keep you fuller longer. Research that if you are interested.
Oh...I love protein shakes. This is my FAVORITE recipe: Spinach (don't knock it til you try it), blueberries, strawberries, rasberries, blackberries, flax seed, hemp hearts, plain greek yogurt, some milk, 2 scoops of protein powder....yummy. I also like p'butter and cocoa, protein powder, bananna and milk...yummy! You may have to play with it a few times to see if you can get it right.
I get Chad to grill as much as possible. We don't fry anything.
Speggetti...I made an easy change from white to whole grain.
Mexican-corn tortillas or low carb whole wheat tortillas.
I've found the less refined carbs I have the better off my body is. I can't go low carb because I struggle with kidney stones...so I have to keep a good balance. But there are plenty of carbs in fruits and veggies.
I've also learned to love cauliflower garlic mashed potatoes.
My friends have thrown great recipes our way...I've googled alternative ways to cook my favorite foods.
My favorite books I've used are: South Beach Diet, EAT This not That, COOK THIS NOT THAT. If you have a library...check them out!!!
When I need a quick on the go food...I try Lara bars (an aquired taste-but only a few ingredients...the less ingredients in a food the better!), or Luna protein bars.
I've struggled on weekends that we are out of town because even though I try to eat right, I still gain a few pounds. But it isn't long before I work them back off. I've come to just expect it but still be wise in my choices. I've had months were I stayed at the same weight the entire month then the next week lose 2 pounds then the next 1 pound.
Watching Biggest Loser has had no negative affect on me. I love it and its so inspiring to watch!
I've gone from a tight size 16 to a size 10...crazy! I still have saggy tummy but I have my three beautiful girls to thank for that (and the beautiful-I'll never wear a bikini again-stretch marks) but they just remind me of how BLESSED I am!
I've had beautiful friends pray for me, encourage me, and help me along on this journey. Most of all God has been leading the way. He has taught me so much through this journey and that is exactly what it is-a journey. I'm not too proud to know that I can go back to who I was but I want to keep holding on to Jesus and He will keep me focused on the real prize...HIM!!!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sneaky Spinach in the Kids Breakfast
I just served the girls a smoothie with spinach in it and they so didn't
know. It was really yummy. The blueberries, strawberries and bananas
covered it all up. Check out http://www.howdoesshe.com/popsicles-for-breakfast
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