September 30, 2011

Thank GOODNESS it's Friday!

Our church is going through a big change right now as we are changing our name - GREAT - but there is a lot of work involved in making that happen.  I am on brain overload.   Could NOT sleep last night due to details, details.  

Let me personally invite you - prayer and worship is being held at my house tonight for our upcoming RAIN Women's Conference (October 20-22).   Everyone is invited to prayer (tonight) and the conference (in October).   This is the last weekend to register at the early bird rate - grab a friend and register.   The Lord told me that whatever "spiritual" container women brought, he would fill.   I felt like he was saying that the size of the container (spiritually brought to the conference) would be an indication of the faith level of the woman.   Bring a "cup sized container" to capture the Rain of the Holy Spirit - it will be filled.   Bring a "bucket" it will be filled - bring a "tractor trailer" it will be filled.   God is going to visit us.  What spiritual container will you use to capture the RAIN?

Tina Hopper was completely healed of suicidal depression when Pastor Giselle ministered several years back and sang over her.  Years of pain and medication BROKE as the song of the Lord brought healing.  POWERFUL!    Set aside time to come, capture, and embrace.  That's why prayer at my house tonight is critical - we are setting the platform.   Let me know if you can come.

Down .2 this morning - so YEA!   

I do want to bring up something - I feel awkward sometimes when I see some of you and I feel a disconnect and then you come and "confess."   That's not what our family or friendship is about.  We ARE here to help each other and to be accountable one to another - but your "staying on protocol" or "cheating" in NO WAY affects my love for you.  I'm not disappointed - I have walked this ROAD many times and am very aware of the intense battle.   I am praying for OUR freedom, OUR transformation, OUR journey.   Please don't feel awkward and don't shy away from me.   This plan is not for everyone.   If you want to remain on the blog list and do something else - cool!   If you want to be removed - I am cool with that too.   NO hard feelings.   What is difficult for me is when I feel you withdrawing and I know that condemnation brings that.  NO WAY!   Our relationship to one another is greater than our relationship to food.   Hands down!   

Choose life and eat to live,

PK 

October 28, 2011

Good morning - as this is a real blog with the real me and the real you - I gotta be real.  :)  I am up two pounds since the conference and have been after this for the last couple of days.  While 2 pounds isn't a lot - it will soon become 10 and so on if I am not PURPOSEFUL in my intentions.  YES?

I have not cheated at all, but very hit and miss with the water and my eating - been too busy and gotten off schedule and you know what that lack of routine does for me.   ALSO.....for the past three days, I have been under A LOT of stress.  It's amazing what just those few things do to our bodies.   Why am I saying all this?  Because some of you have been, or are, frustrated too.  I was after that last 10 pounds and now it's 12.  But, I am declaring a better day today.  I choose to breathe deeply and smile often regardless of the issues surrounding me.   (and these are mostly technology issues - but huge irritation!)  

After the conference, the main speakers were attacked badly and I have been attacked as well.  I guess we should have had more prayer afterwards.  :)   But anyway - gonna keep doing what's right and allow my body to quit hoarding.  :)   I am doing my part - it MUST do it's part.   So, if you are fluctuating too - some times it's really not you - but your body.  You keep making the correct choices (maybe pull back a little on the meat) and let your body heal itself.   I could take some prayer today, as others can I am certain.  My computer and phone are still not working correctly and I am heading back into a day of negotiations and don't want the tears today.  Three days of confusion and issues is enough.  I need to be touching these women who have been SO touched by the Holy Spirit, but instead I am spending HOURS, literally, on the phone solving technology issues.   This is a major distraction of the evil one.

Jennie Vaughn, our little chef, has had her gall bladder die (they feel - she is having an ultrasound this morning) and they want to remove it next week.  I would love for us to believe that LIFE will come to that organ and this morning the ultrasound will not confirm but astound the technician.   She is in a lot of pain, and I know God wants her to be whole.

Much love to you all - thanks for praying today.  

Choose life and eat to live - PK

PS - I would like to hear from you - how is your weight holding or doing?   Haven't heard from some of you in awhile.  I do want to remind all of us - we are always going to have to deal with our flesh.  The moment we quit bringing our flesh (food portions, food allowances, food preps) under God's truth and plan for us, we start down a dangerous plan.  Please keep weighing daily, stay away from the drive thru, don't sneak and eat that sugar, cook ahead so you don't fall for just anything.   We are fighting to stay out of jail - warriors sleep with ONE EYE OPEN!   Just sayin.   

"Everything is permissible for me," but not everything is helpful. "Everything is permissible for me," but I will not be brought under the control of anything."(1 Corinthians 6:12 HCSB).

October 29, 2011

Praise the Lord that the Holy Spirit can fix phones and computers.  I was SO discouraged yesterday as my issues went from bad to worse.  (those of you who know me well know that i have zero patience when all my electronic devices go whack-a-doodle.......my life is communicating with people)  SO - I went to the MAC store in PTC and found NO help!  YUCK!   In fact, now I laugh, but when I walked in I was the only one in store and three employees were standing around the desk.  I announced, "do I look like a woman with a problem?"   They all scattered.  Not a good sign and the one I cornered knew nothing more than I did.   YIKES!  So, I went to a party for a little while, left with tears in my eyes to go home at 8 pm and try to get SOMEONE in technical support (cbeyond, att, apple care -  somebody) who could help me.

I took my laptop and phone, sat in the chair in my office, closed the door and prayed.   After one hour - I came out of the room with both devices working, synced, and without calling technical support.  I kept playing with the settings and numbers and the Holy Spirit finally took pity on me and solved the problems.  :)   I know that sounds crazy - but it TRUE!  I considered sending Apple a bill for solving my own issues while under contract with them - but just decided to suck it up.   They really should pay the Holy Spirit - he did it.  The Holy Spirit always comes through, doesn't he?   PTL!

Anyway - down almost a whole pound - so, on the way back to home base.   I will fight for my freedom (Gal 5:1) and I will not let myself be burdened AGAIN.

Here's a tip from someone in the fam: Noble Juices at Publix are 100% juice from the apple, orange or tangerine with no additives and not made from concentrate.   Plus their bottles are sustainable.  For those who like juices I think this is a winner!!  By the way, my favorite was the Tangerine.

And, I have been eating Mott's no sugar added applesauce that is sweetened and colored with veggies and fruits.  All natural.   50 calories per cup - blueberry, strawberry, and peach.   YUM!   My phase 2 people - this works for you as well.   The only problem is that it doesn't have the crunch NOR the fiber a real apple has.   And, I just heard a commercial yesterday for apples that says eating just ONE a day, lowers the bad cholesterol 23% and heart attacks for women by 40%.   Guess what I had last night with dinner?   :)

Gotta run - going out to to the streets today to talk to people about Jesus.   Gonna ask them, "if God would grant you one wish today for JUST YOU, what would that be?"  And if they respond, I am going to ask if I can pray about that one wish for them.   This is a new approach for me and I am excited.   Appreciate your prayers - people are hurting and I want to help.  I want God to be real in their lives.

Loving you today - PK 

October 31, 2011

Good morning to all,

I know today is filled with candy and treats, but we know where that candy settles?  Huh?   Stomach, back of arms and bootie - right?  Praying that we choose the "bob for apples" game and leave the cake walks to the others.  :)

I heard a commercial last night and thought, "have they been reading our blogs?"  The woman on the television said, "Hi, my name is Michelle, and I look at food differently."   AMEN!    "Hi, my name is Kathy, and I look at food differently."  Refueling is a simple concept and not very appealing - but it doesn't have to be.  God has given us creative minds and spirits and while cooking and creating recipes takes time - IT GIVES ME TIME AT THE END OF MY LIFE WHEN MY HEART AND BODY ARE STRONG AND HEALTHY.   Choices - yes?  Life is all about choices.  I can choose to spend time cooking, or loose time at end.   I choose the now!

I went to see the movie Courageous yesterday and it was fabulous!  But the smell of popcorn and butter filled the air and it was NOT fabulous.  It was huge fight for me.  :(   I had just eaten a really healthy lunch, and some hot tea, but it was still a battle.  This scripture comes to mind - 1 Cor 6:12, "Everything is permissible for me, but I will NOT be mastered by anything."   Popped corn, in itself is not a huge, bad thing for us, but I cannot eat it plain.  I love the butter and more of the butter - so since I can't eat a little - I can't eat any.   My bad - I didn't have any fruit with me - so I had to battle against that smell.   But guess who came out on top????   ME!

Gotta run - going to help at our Fall, Family Festival all day.  If you have kids, and want a fun alternative for this evening, bring them to our church tonight from 5-8.  Fun is in the air.

Pray for Jennie - she is going to have surgery this week.   Her gall bladder is sick and needs to come out.  I will keep you posted.  

Choose life and eat to live, PK

October 29, 2011

Praise the Lord that the Holy Spirit can fix phones and computers.  I was SO discouraged yesterday as my issues went from bad to worse.  (those of you who know me well know that i have zero patience when all my electronic devices go whack-a-doodle.......my life is communicating with people)  SO - I went to the MAC store in PTC and found NO help!  YUCK!   In fact, now I laugh, but when I walked in I was the only one in store and three employees were standing around the desk.  I announced, "do I look like a woman with a problem?"   They all scattered.  Not a good sign and the one I cornered knew nothing more than I did.   YIKES!  So, I went to a party for a little while, left with tears in my eyes to go home at 8 pm and try to get SOMEONE in technical support (cbeyond, att, apple care -  somebody) who could help me.

I took my laptop and phone, sat in the chair in my office, closed the door and prayed.   After one hour - I came out of the room with both devices working, synced, and without calling technical support.  I kept playing with the settings and numbers and the Holy Spirit finally took pity on me and solved the problems.  :)   I know that sounds crazy - but it TRUE!  I considered sending Apple a bill for solving my own issues while under contract with them - but just decided to suck it up.   They really should pay the Holy Spirit - he did it.  The Holy Spirit always comes through, doesn't he?   PTL!

Anyway - down almost a whole pound - so, on the way back to home base.   I will fight for my freedom (Gal 5:1) and I will not let myself be burdened AGAIN.

Here's a tip from someone in the fam: Noble Juices at Publix are 100% juice from the apple, orange or tangerine with no additives and not made from concentrate.   Plus their bottles are sustainable.  For those who like juices I think this is a winner!!  By the way, my favorite was the Tangerine.

And, I have been eating Mott's no sugar added applesauce that is sweetened and colored with veggies and fruits.  All natural.   50 calories per cup - blueberry, strawberry, and peach.   YUM!   My phase 2 people - this works for you as well.   The only problem is that it doesn't have the crunch NOR the fiber a real apple has.   And, I just heard a commercial yesterday for apples that says eating just ONE a day, lowers the bad cholesterol 23% and heart attacks for women by 40%.   Guess what I had last night with dinner?   :)

Gotta run - going out to to the streets today to talk to people about Jesus.   Gonna ask them, "if God would grant you one wish today for JUST YOU, what would that be?"  And if they respond, I am going to ask if I can pray about that one wish for them.   This is a new approach for me and I am excited.   Appreciate your prayers - people are hurting and I want to help.  I want God to be real in their lives.

Loving you today - PK 

October 26, 2011

Good morning to all,

Is everyone weighing in daily?  That is the only way to keep a handle on your weight.  Yes, some days fluctuate, but we can always grab a few pounds quickly.  Most research says we can gain up to TEN pounds without much change in our clothes.   YIKES!

I don't know about you, but I am really challenged by the lack of fruit right now, as pineapples, grapes, and bananas are so high in sugar.  I have not added any of these into my diet yet.  I am eating a variety of apples, a few late season peaches and some nectarines.   Strawberries are outrageous, but soooo good with a packet of truvia.  Anybody eating fruits that are low in sugar that are on plan right now?

One of our newest members sent a recipe for dressing that sounds yummy: By the way I came up with a great sweet and spicy salad dressing! Mix some Frank's Red Hot Sauce, red wine vinegar, and a packet of stevia. Tastes like a spicy catalina/French dressing!   Doesn't that sound awesome?   Thanks, girl!   I am so proud that we are all cooking and exploring new ways to enjoy food.  It's amazing how people all around are looking at getting healthy.  Yesterday, while discussing our staff Thanksgiving meal, we were talking through alternative menu items as most of the staff is eating healthy these days.  OMGoodness - it blessed me.  This will be my first holiday season to be healthy as I approach the year anniversary of my deliverance from obesity on Jan 24th.

Please remember that planning ahead will be the key to all holiday parties and gatherings.  Also, remember that alcoholic beverages are HIGH in sugar and calories.  You could replace them with sparkling water, lime, and truvia.   Great taste - no calories and safe for driving.  I am still examining all labels for hidden things - sugar is everywhere.  :(

Thanks to those who sent their confessions on Monday.   The Bible says we overcome by the blood of the lamb (salvation) and the word of our testimony.  Keep confessing the truth of God's word over your life and health DAILY.  When we are obese and depressed - it is a distraction.  2 Peter 1:3 declares that "His divine power has given us EVERYTHING we need for life........"   John 10:10b says, "but I have come that you may have LIFE and that life abundantly."  I don't know about you, but carrying around 56 extra pounds and taking so many meds was not LIFE - it was death.   Confessing the word each day causes satan's boys to scatter and allows the scars of our past to heal and our testimony to have power.   Keep trusting God.   I know it's hard, especially when the family is eating differently.  But remember, our walk with God is an individual journey.   He gives you LIFE this day.  Praise him!

Choose life and eat to live,

PK

October 25, 2011

Good morning all - weight back into a stable pattern after gaining during the conference from lack of food and water.   That still amazes me - I think it should be the other way, but it is not.  I ate on plan and got all my water in and voila - back in the pocket.

Remember - for long-term maintenance health - being creative in the kitchen is important.  Our past will always draw us back to what's easy and shout to us, "you are bored with this."  I don't know about you, but when I get bored, I start looking for alternatives.  I told someone last night, I made chicken, steamed broccoli/cauliflower,  almond flour "cornbread" and stewed apples with xylitol, butter, and pumpkin pie spices that we added a little half and half to while they were warm.   YUMMY!!!!     I gotta keep exploring with healthy, life-long foods so that my body can enjoy all that God created but in a healthy fashion.    I know it takes some time in the kitchen, but I would rather do that than cry when my pants won't button in the morning.  I went yesterday and got my xylitol for holiday cooking.   I bought three large bags - guess I plan to be "in the kitchen."   :)  Almond flour arrived last week - bring it on.   I love a good challenge and loosing weight through the holidays and still enjoying parties is mine for this year.  I will keep you posted.

Also - just a reminder - watch your calories.  On phase 3-4 maintenance, we can use half and half.   I have been thinking I was drinking a lot in my coffee.  I was "thinking" right.   :)   So yesterday I actually measured not once but twice the amount I am drinking each morning.  YIKES!   I like my coffee light - but who knew it was that many calories?  I said all that to say this - while I don't count calories, they do matter.   We must always keep a watchful eye on everything we put in our mouths.  Remember, "too much of a good thing is TOO MUCH."   Even though I can make "cornbread" that is yummy (and healthy), I had to limit myself last night.  Our new life includes enjoying lots of healthy foods - but even then we can gain weight if we over eat.   Stick to the basic plan - it works.   Two proteins, different fruits, different veggies EVERYDAY and healthy fats (phase 3-4).  I challenge you - are you still getting in the lean proteins, and lots of color on your plate at least two meals daily????    I have to watch myself - like last week during the conference - on the run - grab a handful of nuts.   NO!   They are great, but our cells need all the things we do to reproduce.   Keep fighting for YOU - you are your biggest advocate and I am right behind you.

Choose life and eat to live, 

PK

October 24, 2011

I'M BACK......   :)   

OMgoodness, what an amazing women's conference and then a word from Pastor Mike yesterday that "dove tailed" into the conference - and he had no idea what was spoken - but GOD did.  :)   BREAKTHROUGH.   We understand that, don't we?   I remember God telling me one day when I was crying out in prayer. "I need a break - my family needs a break."   He responded to me, "no, you need to BREAKTHROUGH!"  Amen, and yes Father.  :)  It was great also to go to a conference with sugar free options - apples, bananas, Jenny's mock s'mores (thanks, girl.  I know you worked hard.  And how funny to see non-hcg folk eating them as well), grilled chicken without the stuff on it.  YUM!   Now it's really time to focus on the holidays.   Don't forget our taste party at my house on November 6th.   I need to know if you are coming, so I can plan accordingly.

I made spaghetti squash last week - "to die for" and almond flour pizza last night that my husband said was the best pizza he had ever eaten.   Thanks be to God who helps us with creative recipes to live life in a healthy manner.

Someone asked me about medications.   Let's review: STAY on all meds until released by your doctor.  I am NOT a doctor nor a nurse, only a health advocate who desires to see people walk in freedom!   You should visit your doctor before you begin and then every three to four months in the beginning to have your blood checked.  That is the ONLY way to remain safe.  I so do that!   The only medication I took myself off was the reflux med.  All others my doctor is weaning me off after 30 years of taking some of them.  :)   Great report from the dentist again last week!   She said, "you must be doing something right - your gums really tell the story."   She said the gums will confess when people are eating too much sugar.  Two weeks ago my eye doctor told me that looking at the veins in my eyes told him a lot about my health - and he said, "you look amazing from the inside."   Isn't it cool that our bodies "rat us out."   Two different types of visits - but both confessing that my body is healed and whole - AMEN!

Keep making great choices and living one day at a time.   Confess as Cheryl does, "Hi, I am Cheryl, and I am loosing 100 pounds."   SOOOO proud of you, girl!   Mine........ "Hi, I am Kathy, and for the first time in my adult life, I am healthy."  What is your confession today?   :)

Choose life and eat to live,

PK

October 19, 2011

Hey all - today will be my last blog until next Monday, as the RAIN conference starts tomorrow and I will be joining the leaders for prayer from 6-7 in the morning then off to church for a long day.  :)

Paulette sent this Monday and I forgot to forward to the fam: Swanson Health Products website has xylotol, coconut flour and other products at less price than health food stores swansonvitamins.com    This is great if you can't find, but Peachtree Natural Foods has most of the same stuff and you don't have to pay shipping.  But THANKS, Paulette, sometimes it's easier to have it arrive at the door.  :)   The almond flour I buy in bulk is from Honeyville.

Want to share an experience I had on Monday - maybe you can relate.  I was resting after doing the dishes following a long day and for a second I "wandered off" to a place in my mind's eye where I saw myself stuffing my mouth with pizza and brownies.  As I "watched" myself eating that, my eyes filled with tears.  My heart was so burdened - I was like "Oh, God, no."  Then I was literally sick to my stomach and so upset for a few seconds - stunned at what I "saw."   The dread in my heart was, "please, I can't go to jail again."   I saw myself trying to get into my clothes, struggling to live, depressed at what I looked like, taking a hand full of pills daily.   I wasn't afraid - just that gut wrenching - I JUST CAN'T DO THIS AGAIN. NO!   It was at that point that I realized all these people that keep pronouncing over me that I cannot live in fear, that I have to eventually add all foods, in moderation, back into my diet and that I cannot continue to allow fear to torment me - have no clue.  I am not afraid of "jail" - I detest it!   It makes me sick to think of eating the way I used to and accepting the death sentence I shoved in my mouth each day.

I was so happy when I came to my "right mind" and was reminded of the truth from Galatians 5:1.  My prayer for each of us is NO fear, but a healthy vision of foods that lead to death.  We have talked a lot about those - you know.  :)   Okay, so maybe I am little whacked - but this really happened and I am glad.   That deep sorrow reminded me that jail (being obese) is NOT an option AGAIN.   "I will stand strong and no longer let MYSELF be burdened AGAIN with a yoke of slavery"   (Gal 5:1)

 

Choose life and eat to live, PK

PS - if you want to join a group of us who are praying at the same time, in our own homes, tomorrow morning from 6-7 for the RAIN conference, feel free.  

October 18, 2011

Good morning - weighing in at the same weight today - PTL - amazing with all the stress (good stress mind you) surrounding the conference.  BUT - choosing to eat right and hydrate my body means I have to plan.  I already have 2 meals packed to take to work as I have a 12 hour day in front of me.  "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."   How true is that?   I can always default to grabbing something, but the BEST plan is cooking so I know exactly what amount of salt and sugar are in the dish.   Trust me - sugar is in everything!

I love reaching out daily and knowing that I have a group of people that care that I am healthy.  I care that you are healthy also - we care about one another.  Right?  

Just a wee reminder that small changes in your routine can make a difference.  I have noticed a difference lately in the area of constipation that I have not been bothered by in awhile.  I started REALLY watching what is going on about a week ago.  At first I thought it was the lack of watermelon that I consumed EVERY day for 4 months, but it wasn't.  Yesterday as I was taking my vitamins I realized - I haven't been taking magnesium.   YIKES!  I have been taking the calcium BUT NOT the magnesium to balance it.  I must have been out for a couple of weeks and have been too busy to really notice.  WELL.....my body noticed.

While calcium is so great for so many things, it will tend to constipate you without the magnesium balance.   Magnesium helps with restless leg syndrome, leg jumps, etc. but left along can bring diarrhea.  BUT in combination - these two bring better results.  The ratio my doctor told me was a 2:1 (cal/mag).   So, 1000 mg of calcium needs 500 mg of magnesium to balance.  Both are great - but without one another can bring not so wonderful results.  Much better together - just like us.   :)

Keep enjoying life and your new found health - and remember, "God has not changed His mind about you!"

Choose life and eat to live,

PK 

October 17, 2011

Hey, good morning - what a great and exciting week. I had some women over to pray last night for the RAIN conference that starts Thursday and it was sooo powerful.  It's gonna be a great conference!

Just a few reminders this morning:

1. Group meeting at my house on Sunday, November 6th at 5:30.   If you would like to bring a dish you've perfected, that might especially help as we prepare for the holidays, and the recipe(s) - that would be fab!   This will be an evening of taste testing and celebrating.  YUM!

2. For those coming to the conference, I know it can be filled with lots of food that could get us off track.  I do want you to know that I have asked our caterer to please cater to those of us eating healthy and she is.  :)   There will be lots of apples and waters.  I DID purchase some sugar free candies - if you have a melt down.  I don't like to have them, as they have aspartame and you know that's not good - but all things in moderation.  Soooooo, if you are having a melt down - see me!   I will have it close by and I would rather you do that than eat the processed, sugar filled stuff.  Don't be afraid to ask.   AND, on Friday night, the ladies are making roasted s'mores over fire pits and that really left us out.  Jennie said she saw some diabetic marshmellow cream, and after putting our heads together - we have a plan.  We will provide all the fam with almond flour cookies and marshmellow cream for that evening to make "mock" s'mores so we can do what the others are doing.  You don't HAVE to make this choice - but it's available.   See one of us for your "special" box and we will give you the hook up.   HOWEVER, if you want to make the real ones - please do so and don't feel bad about it.  I want you to have a great time.

3. Watch the apple cider at your fairs and mountain trips - they are often loaded with sugars.

4. Please check back in your HCG Made Simple book as to the 101 pages of names for sugar.   Someone asked me about agave nectar last night - it is on the list (if I remember correctly)

Anyway - gotta run - today starts the prep work for the conference.   Love you all more than you know.   

Choose life and eat to live, 

PK

October 15, 2011

Good morning all - better day today on tap - my husband wants to take me on a golf cart ride, spend the day outside, grill a steak, build a fire and watch the Georgia game.   I think I will take him up on this and let my brain rest.   As the Lord leads, please continue to pray for the conference as it opens this Thursday.  This conference will produce breakthrough testimonies and we all know - I am all about that.   Someone sent Ezekiel 34:25-end of that chapter as a picture of what God is doing.  What a great scripture of breakthrough in many areas!   

I applaud all of you who continue to fight ONE day at a time for your health.   That's all I ask.  At the close of each day, no excuses.  Don't cheat and say, "well, tomorrow I'll start over."    I lived that way for years and gained weight steadily.  NO, if you had a bad day - really stop and ask the Lord to show you where you went off track and annihilate any excuse.   Life DOES throw things our way (RAIN conference, etc) that get us off track, but I cannot stay camped there.  I still did badly with my routine yesterday, although my weight was the same this morning.  I got the water in, but only one meal.  Now you would think NOT eating would cause us to loose weight - but when I am too busy to fuel my cells - I gain.   I am home all day and will EAT all I am supposed to WHEN I am supposed to.   That's what I mean - we can't fix yesterday, but we can CHOOSE to not repeat it.  That choice becomes life over flesh.   While my flesh would love a pumpkin muffin from Dunkin Donuts - that one muffin weakens my resolve to see LIFE as the bigger choice.  SOOOOO, I choose life and let someone else who can eat pumpkin muffins have mine.   :)    Yes, I do.  

Love testimonies from the fam!   Here is one you'll love from Jackie:

This HCG journey has had a fantastic impact on me. 

First: I went to the doctor today and he said I don't have to take metformin anymore! My A1c was 4.5 (down form 6.7). He said whatever I am doing - keep doing it!

Second - I want to share some information that is helping me to take the process slowly and let God complete the work He has begun in me.

I have always researched healthy food choices and tried to feed my family with foods for life. Of course, sugar and refined carbs still made their way into our diets. Yet God continues to shed light on changes that will help us. 

Some years ago, I purchased "The Healing Power of Whole Foods" and I pulled it out again as I plan my meals for phases 3 and 4.  Here is a passage from the book that speaks to avoiding damage that can be done by not completing this process properly.

"Test to Determine If You Are Ready to Liberalize Your Diet.

Eat one bite of something containing just a little refined carbohydrate-for example, whole wheat bread sweetened with honey or molasses-just one bite! If you have a return of a previous symptom or simply don't feel well after the test, you know that you are not ready to liberalize. If you mistakenly eat something containing a refined carbohydrate and are not ready to liberalize, you will get the same reaction. "

It goes on to say

"In most cases, your body becomes super sensitive to refined foods when you first totally eliminate them from your diet-so sensitive that if you do eat a small amount of sugar, refined complex carbohydrate, alcohol or caffeine, you are likely to have a return of one or more of your symptoms. After you have been on the perfect diet for 3-6 months, the sensitivity will disappear. Your health will have improved so that you are able to eat refined foods occasionally without provoking symptoms. Since re-contact with refined foods during the sensitivity period slows progress it is important to be patient and remain on the  perfect diet long enough."     (The Healing Power of Whole Foods, Beth Loiselle,pg. 35)

Thanks for the many wonderful recipes I can use as I make changes for a healthy lifestyle! 

Thanks Jackie and we are proud of you!  I encourage all the fam to continue to have your blood checked and stay on your meds until released by your doctors.   Our bodies can heal themselves BUT we must feed our cells the foods that bring LIFE to them and they, in turn, will bring LIFE to us.  It's not always easy (like going to Carraba's and watching my husband and daughter eat the warm bread with dipping oil.  I used to eat an entire loaf MYSELF each time I went - yes, I did - but I had to keep telling myself as I was eating my Caprise salad, "I CHOOSE Life!") 

I pray that God strengthen each of us today and give us all a renewed vision that the choice is ours.

Choose life and eat to live, PK

PS - need to order your Almond Flour (Honeyville blanched almond flour - 5 lb bag $30 - on line) and xylitol for the holiday baking.   The flour took over a week to get to me this time.  And Xylitol is getting very popular and may be harder to find as we get closer.  Peachtree Natural Foods has a 2 pound bag of the xylitol for right at $13.   That's a DEAL!

October 13, 2011

Good morning - hoping that you are enjoying the daily journey of living in a healthy body.  :)    A friend and I were together yesterday and we were encouraging each other concerning the journey.   Every day is a choice and somedays it's not easy to do what's right.  Can anybody identify????    It's those days that having friends who can encourage you really helps. Doesn't it?   We talked about KNOWING ourselves well enough that the smallest cheat would lead us down a path we've been so many times.  Licking the spoon while cooking, tasting a bite while we cook for our families, taking a pinch off the cookie are all SMALL things.   But the Bible says it's the small foxes that spoil the vine.    

I am not fearful of licking the spoon when cooking for my husband - I am conscience of the results of one slip as I have done it so much!  Try to cook for your families when you are refueled and not hungry.  Try making things for your family using almond flour and xylitol.   One of the fam made cookies and pancakes for her family last week that are on our maintenance plan, and they loved it.  If nothing else, substitute xylitol for sugar in all your recipes.   The more I read the more I understand the importance of eliminating white sugar.

Praying your day is filled with laughter and the joy of the Lord gives you strength!

Choose live and eat to live,

PK

October 12, 2011

I love the rain - but the cloudy skies day after day really mess with me.   I LOVE the showers that bring live to the earth - but please God, can we see the sun today?  :)

Last night I was talking with someone and reinforcing that while maintenance is the place where we increase our food, it can really be the place where we have to "watch it."   I was thinking isn't this like the children of Israel?   They came out of bondage - out of slavery - out of chains and a week later were complaining.  God help us.  Leaving Egypt and going into the Promised Land represents our house of abundance.  BUT......there are giants in the land.  God NEVER promised to destroy the giants - he left that for us to do.

Those giants for us are tiny excuses to cheat that lead to paths we never need to travel again, false expectations, overeating a little here and there and not weighing (remember you can gain 10 pounds before your clothes show it), getting tired of doing what is right and reverting to fast foods - all of these can still be in our land of promise.    So let's be mindful - let's help encourage each other - prayer is our best weapon.   If someone has dropped their sword (as I did many times) come along side and grab them and pray your way to safety!  Don't start looking back and accepting the lies of the past.  Each of you are on the path to health - grab your sword and choose life.

Gotta run - early appt.   Lots to do for the women's conference - love for you to come!  

Choose life and eat to live,

PK

October 11. 2011

The book of Jude closes with a doxology that I love: "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God and Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore!  Amen"

It is a real declaration that God is able to keep us from falling.....and He is!   However, I basically blamed God for years for not taking away my hunger and punishing me by leaving me in a fat, sick body.  I continued to confess that God was able to deliver me and that if he would JUST DO IT, I would be free.   Ever been down that road???

YES!   God is able - but mankind was given a free will.  Just because I "stand" on truth - God is not going to shut my mouth and keep that next brownie from being swallowed.  I used to get upset with God and with others who "seemed" to have breakthroughs and deliverance - when I didn't.  On this side of victory - I have a different perspective about God's part of the journey. KNOWING that God COULD ABSOLUTELY keep me from falling became another lie, another excuse for me.  JUST me.   I would "reason" - well, if this really mattered to God, he would help me.   God loves me fat and it doesn't matter.  GOD DOES LOVE US FAT - but his plan is not to see his kids trapped and ineffective.

I don't know about you - but when I was fat, I was too tired, sluggish, depressed, and self loathing to REALLY be effective.  I was glad to get home, get in my slouchy clothes, eat to comfort myself and find the next excuse to eat another piece of cake.  YEP!   Just sayin......maybe only me.   But I gotta be honest.

My new level of health has given me stamina, joy, passion, renewed sense of purpose.   John 10:10 declares satan's purpose for EACH of us and he'll use food as a weapon against us if we're not careful.   BUT the 2nd half of the verse (oh, I wanna preach) declares BUT I (Jesus) have come to give you life and that life abundant.   YEA!

So, let's make certain we understand what standing on God's word really means as opposed to "hiding on it."

Please - no condemnation here - NONE.  I am simply making a confession from my own journey.

Choose life and eat to live,

PK

October 10, 2011

Hey gang - busy day here.  How about you?  My weight continues to hold and for that I am grateful.

My new found love - real peaches, sliced, with truvia.  OMGoodness!  It makes me think I am having something way sweet and delicious, and I am.   I am surprised that apples are as costly as they are now especially when it is apple season.  Anybody know where to come up with some less expensive ones?   I did have someone mention that they found an un-sweet apple sauce at the store in the snack packs and they keep them for lunches or afternoon snacks. What a great idea!

Have been vitamin shopping again - I like the GNC silver brand.   They clearly say no starch, sugar, gluten.  That's a good thing.  I ran out and tried to go to Wal-mart, along with one million other people, only to discover that almost everything I picked up had some form of sugar.  Make sure to check your list in the HCG Made Simple book for those 101 alternative names for sugar.   The producers are trying to keep us hooked.  I can't imagine how something I love so desperately can be so destructive.   When I get to Heaven and get up off the floor from worshipping God, I am checking out the cookies.  :)   You know that finally we will be able to eat without frustration.  AMEN!

Did you see the FB pictures of Jennie's Moroccan shrimp?  She's amazing!  Let me know after you try them.

Gotta confess that I was outside in the cool this evening and for a SPLIT second I thought "wow, I could eat more and wear a sweater tomorrow."   But in the next split second I was shaking my head and going - NO WAY!   What is it about cooler temps that causes me to want to eat?  I have no idea.   But as I told my husband today - maintaining is easier that starting over.  I'm making my stand right here!   Gotta run - still working on details for the women's conference NEXT week.   There's still time to register.

Choose life and eat to live, PK

October 8, 2011

Good morning - wow, I LOVE these cool mornings.   Coffee, hubs, and the word........yummy combo.

Not too much time this morning - need to visit with Terry.   I've had a busy couple of weeks getting ready for our women's conference and he is needing my time.   :)   He is my first priority.

I do feel like the Holy Spirit wants me to encourage the team this morning.  I applaud you for trying and diligently seeking health for your bodies - keep looking at labels, keep trying new recipes, keep repeating to yourself that YOUR health is worth the effort.   YOU are worth the effort.  I realize that eating out, and fast foods, and the drive thru are EASIER options as opposed to cooking fresh, whole foods (where you KNOW exactly what's in it) - but I would sacrifice ease for a LONG, HEALTHY life any day of the week.   How about you?

Enjoy your day - and Go DAWGS!

Choose life and eat to live, PK

October 7, 2011

YEA - it's Friday.   Weight stable all week.  Love it!

I am on point for the women's conference in two weeks, so my days are long and full right now.  My blogs may be shorter the closer we get to the conference and then for a few days I won't blog as my full attention will be on the ladies God is drawing to this gathering.  Good news:  we are working on some special foods for the upcoming RAIN conference.  The lady doing all the food for me knows I am a whole foods girl now and she has agreed to do LOTS of natural, no sugar foods for us.   YEA!  If you haven't registered, don't miss it.   Lots of prophetic words about the conference are flowing already and we haven't started.  All are welcome - this is not an ACC thing.

I am really excited about the way our team planning is shaping the holiday meals for this season.   I baked a small roasting hen - couldn't find a turkey breast - and will work on the dressing recipe this weekend.  Jennie brought her spaghetti squash to lunch yesterday and WOW what a hit.  I love knowing I can eat delicious things that are good for me.  Go figure.  :)  Gone are the days of denial as people trying to be healthy were forced to live on Barley Green and oats.  Paulette has a friend who is working on a peach cobbler recipe with almond flour and xylitol.   We will share these recipes as they come together.   I get so excited.   The ONLY issue - you gotta cook.  I know this can be time consuming, but when I cook - I cook!   I made a big pot of soup with cabbage, lean beef, onions, beef stock, fire roasted tomatoes and tabasco last night.   (Thanks, Bree)   SO good - it reminded me of a recipe my mom made as a child called goolosh.   (I know I'm old - but that is what she called it)   It tasted JUST like that, but had no macaroni.   The cabbage was the only difference.  My husband loved it - very healthy - and he ate TWO huge bowls.   At the same time I was roasting my chicken to have for the weekend and use as a base for our dressing recipe that is forth coming.   At the same time I cut up a watermelon someone blessed me with and that will be several days of fruit.   

Plan ahead - cook in volume - freeze what you need and portion out the others.  On nights you are rushed and tired - food ready.  :)   When I am hungry - I get mean.   :)   And when I am tired AND hungry - I need prayer.  :)   So I have to make a plan and stay with it.   Coming up on 10 months.   The times I drop the ball - no planning.   Remember I quoted this to you - "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail."   Don't know who wrote that but it is SO true.

Gotta run - HUG lots of people today, spread joy everywhere you go, and choose life.   PK  

October 6, 2011

Hey gang,

I love it when everyone helps in a family, how about you?  I had two girls come recently who are gonna be partners during this journey, people have shared clothes one with another, some are good researchers, and some yet are pioneering the food journey for us.   I applaud your commitment to our family.

I know sometimes I appear to stay on the negative side of food, but I really don't mean to be.   I LOVE food!   My devotional yesterday re-emphasized the importance of food to us daily.   1 Kings 19:8 - "So, he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled 40 days and nights."  Food was designed by God to fuel our cells, our cells fuel our organs, our organs fuel us and we serve God.   That's the progression.  Cells are much like humans - the eat, drink, rest, reproduce, and die.   They must rest in order to divide properly and must be refueled to fulfill their God-given purpose - just like us.   BUT - in order for them at their basic, functioning level to do their best - they need the RIGHT food and water.   Just like us.

As we ALL have a God-given purpose, let's make certain our cells have what they need so they do what they do and allow us to serve God and others as we were created to do.   (better stop before I start preaching) 

Here are some recipes for phase 4 maintenance submitted by one of our family.   YUM:

Eggplant Lasagna

All the following ingredients are subject to likeness and taste, as well as amounts of ingredients.  Other veggies can be added such as onions, peppers, and mushrooms, etc.    Make this your own creation.

1 lb. ground meat (I used ground sirloin)

1 or 2  cans of diced tomatoes ( I used no salt added)

1 pkg mozzarella cheese (shredded)

1 pkg Italian Blend cheese (shredded)

1 container Ricotta cheese (15 oz)

Parmesan Cheese (optional)

1-2 Medium/Large Egg Plants

Medium Casserole Dish

Salt/Pepper /Italian Seasoning/Garlic Powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.   Ground the meat in sauce pan.  Add the canned tomatoes and seasonings.  Simmer meat sauce for about 10 minutes.  In a separate mixing bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and Italian blend cheese (all to taste preference).  Cut up the eggplant into slices as preferred.   Line about ½ of the eggplant slices in the bottom of the casserole dish.  Then layer about ½ the meat sauce on top of the eggplant slices.  Then layer about ½ the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the meat mixture.  Then sprinkle about ½ the mozzarella cheese.  Repeat the layers ending with mozzarella cheese on the top.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 35-45 minutes.  Enjoy! 

*Extra liquid/water is created while baking.  If you have any ideas how to eliminate this, let me know.

Taco Soup

All the following ingredients are subject to likeness and taste, as well as amounts of ingredients.  Other veggies can be added such as onions, peppers, and mushrooms, etc.    Also, this soup can be served with shredded cheese and/or sour cream mixed with the soup.  Make this your own creation.

1 lb ground meat (I used sirloin)

1-2 cans of diced tomatoes (I used no salt added)

1 can Rotel

Salt/Pepper/Homemade Taco Seasoning by Kathy Hill

Ground the meat in a medium sauce pan.  Add the cans of diced tomatoes and Rotel.   Add all the seasonings.  Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes.  Then simmer on low for about 20 minutes.  This is similar to a chili type of soup, but with taco seasonings.  

Choose life and eat to live,

PK

October 5, 2011

Praise God for each other this morning!   My weight is holding steady and for that I praise Him.   I know that without the strength I find in the Holy Spirit, I would fall backwards in a heart beat.

Someone asked me yesterday what motivates me after 10 months to keep going.  They said they talked with someone who lost weight doing HCG and gained it all right back.  My response, "I wanna live."   I know that sounds simple, but desperation - sometimes - is not such a bad motive.  The added benefits to sustaining my weight loss are new clothes, healthy blood, greater enjoyment of life.   But make no mistake about it - the bottom level motivating factor is "I wanna live."   It's the picture of seeing myself swallow pills each morning just to obtain some "quality of life," and the picture of looking in the mirror when I got out of the tub and my eyes filling with tears, and the picture of having no energy and sneaking through the drive thru window and telling myself I would start again tomorrow.   That, for me, is death.   I choose life.   Is it easy - NO!   Is it worth it - YES!   A million times YES is what I scream.

I know that there are many routes to health running around - my real prayer is that no matter what each of you do, you CHOOSE life and never make excuses nor lie to yourself about your health again.   This is not a fad to me - it can't be or I will stumble.  Some have said to me, "you'll eventually stop this - no one can live life without starch or sugar."   I hate that!   BUT........these people have seen me try and fail more times than I care to tell you.  So I have to move past everyone's watchful, doubting eyes and get up each day and find new recipes, follow the plan, drink my water, fill my plate with whole, colorful foods, watch my portions, weigh daily and ENJOY a life I've never had.    Is that worth the effort?    YES!!!!

Choose life and eat to live,

PK

October 4, 2011

Well, my work week begins today.   :)   It's always a little slow on Tuesday mornings and yet good to get back on the plan.  Over the weekend, and when my husband is home, it's harder to stay right on the spot of schedule and water when he wants to eat late, early, not........YIKES!   Getting to work means I control all that.   :)   It's all good.  I was blessed when my youngest granddaughter came home yesterday saying they had a sandwich and a peach on her plate, no fries.   YEA!   Maybe the schools are coming to determine the importance of nutrition for our children.

I went Friday afternoon to have my eyes checked.   It has been over three years since my last visit and at my age the eyes start progressing downward and beginning to move to bi-focals and tri-focals.   I had no idea what to expect.   But, he was shocked.  My eyes haven't changed in three years and actually my left eye has improved.  Go figure.  :)   I immediately said "perhaps" good nutrition and water could have helped - but not sure.  Any of my medical people have any insight into this?   Bounce us back.   :)

I hope all of you are considering joining us for our night of sharing on Sunday evening, November 6th at my house.  Let's prepare to start at 6.  IF you want to bring a dish that could be used for the holidays or winter months, please bring that and a recipe to share.  (don't not come because you can't bring a dish - come to learn)    Those who can attend, plan to use the sampling as dinner.   We will take a tablespoon of various foods and use that as our dinner.  There will be such a variety of healthy foods, it will cover our protein, veggies, and fruits for that meal.   Chip found a recipe for a BBQ sauce recipe without sugar that he is tweaking.  Maybe he could share it.  :)

Gotta run - need some time in the Word.   I felt snappy and less patient yesterday - maybe tired, maybe needing more time with Jesus????   :)   But anyway - I pray that I will always know when I need to be adjusted and run to the foot of the one who adjusts - the Holy Spirit.  I need him!    Tired, frustrated, put out - doesn't excuse snapping, does it?   :)    Sometimes just need to be reminded that if I am WORKING (striving to make something happen) - the Holy Spirit is RESTING.  I want to rest (no striving) and trust him to WORK out all the details.   Amen?   God is so good to all of us.  Let's spend today singing our BEST love song to one who sings over us each night.

Choose life and eat to live,

PK

October 3, 2011

Good morning,

What a busy and full weekend - how about you?   I tell you one of my greatest joys is seeing so many of you on a weekly basis and realizing that you are doing so well living in your new bodies.  It just brings me smiles every time I look up.  My life's message is HOPE and for many of us being freed from our "sick and trapped" bodies says HOPE to many others.  I applaud each of you for living your life in such a way as to bring HOPE.

I heard a message again Saturday morning on the curse of comparison.  Jealousy is a wicked thing right out of Lucifer's heart and DNA.   His jealousy of God caused him to sin and be kicked out of God's presence, along with his band of jealous followers.   It started right there and Satan perfects that jealousy scheme daily.  We have to really fight - don't we?   I want to bring a word of encouragement today - we are going to all loose differently and look differently in our clothes.   But those are EXTERNAL.   The real measure of health comes when our blood test says: blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides all normal to perfect!   That's INTERNAL, but it is the REAL truth.  The external is driven by what the media portrays as perfect and what we have been taught since childhood. And for a lot of us - that is when we think we are winning.  I'm telling you, don't dwell on that.  

The Bible says "whatsoever is of  a good report, dwell on that."   Let's look at each other and celebrate victory, let's ask for help when we are struggling, let's keep offering food ideas, let's stand and fight when one of us is weak, let's intercede when one of us wants to "throw in the towel."   Tossing that towel into the circle of defeat may relieve the "pressure" of feeling like "everyone is doing better than me" but it DOES NOT relieve the pressure of sickness from our body.  Freedom, for us, is not just loosing.   It's freedom from comparing and getting depressed and quitting.   I OPERATED IN THIS FOR MANY YEARS AND AM A PRO AT THIS!  Let's operate in truth here.

Weigh daily, whether you want to our not, and then look at your week's picture - not daily.  Don't cheat and make excuses for it.  If you're hungry - eat, but fill your body with whole foods that enrich your cells.  A candy bar or another McDonald's isn't doing that.   Right?  A friend suggested I watch a documentary "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead."  Haven't done it yet, but definitely on my list.  Let me know if any of you have already seen it.  :)

Eat on time, eat on plan, and drink your water.   :)   You're friend in the trenches, PK  

October 1, 2011

Happy Saturday to everyone,

We had a wonderful time of prayer last night at my house for the RAIN conference.  Four of us pressed in for about 90 minutes.   Hope all of you will get registered this weekend and spend the next three weeks getting your containers ready.   THE RAIN IS COMING!

I am down another pound this morning and really think my nightly indulgence of watermelon and sea salt over the summer may have keep a little fluid on me.   Anyway - I am now in withdrawal, officially, as Publix had not ONE watermelon left.  Ask my daughter - I have had some everyday for four months.   YIKES!    Maybe I can visualize watermelon as I consume my apple?????   

Had a very interesting talk yesterday with someone who came for prayer and support that is struggling.   He just discovered his adrenal glands are almost destroyed.   Symptoms - tiredness all the time, not sharp mentally, weight around belly, insomnia, generally feeling bad daily, even to the point of depression some/most days.  He had been through months of testing and ekg's.   Finally a blood test pointed him in the right direction and into the care of a Naturopathic doctor.    Cause - poor nutrition, stress, not enough rest, inability to cope with pressure.    WOW!   But, the doctor told him the body CAN heal itself. We know that don't we?  :)    

Remedy: 8+ hours of sleep (in bed by 10 to train the body that it is "sleep time" regardless of whether we go to sleep - start a routine and train the body.   Dr. told him the body HAS to be trained.  TV off, lights out.  Most recent studies show the best time for adults to be in bed is between 10-10:30.  He said yesterday that kids need 10+ and the doctor said we are doing our children a medical injustice when we allow them to stay up and not fulfill this commitment to health - that long term it can cause trouble), healthy eating plan - NO starch and NO sugar.   The doctor told him that sugar is so destructive in our bodies that it may be one of the leading causes in adrenal failure.   He went on the say that most diseases can be avoided/and some cured by simple nutrition but Americans are hooked on sugar and starch. The doctor said we are allowing our children to poison their bodies.  The worse part, in my opinion, is that we purchase it.   The doctor told him 70% veggies and 30% protein and fats to begin.  Once adrenals are working again reintroduce fruits - as they have sugar too (although natural) and he wants his body free of all sugar until healed.  Detox - doctor has him doing a sauna twice a day - we use Epson salts, same experience.  Supplements - not sure all of these but they are building the endurance of his internal organs. And finally - stress management - doctor said one hour of prayer or meditation or reading or something in a quiet, reflective mode.   After 2 weeks of following this plan, this man feels so much better.  After two weeks of loosing weight, I was off medication for reflux and arthritis.   Our bodies CAN respond - but we are in charge of what fuel goes in.   BAD FUEL - BAD RESPONSE.   Right?

I was really blessed to hear all this - I feel like we are on course to assist our adrenals in their proper function.   Isn't it GREAT to know that our efforts are bringing healing on so many levels?   Speaking for me - I am happier and not fighting pockets of depression on this side of health.   I do go bed between 10-10:30 (95% of the time) as I read a sleep study late last spring that said the exact thing.   God created a GREAT vessel for himself to live in - not Solomon's temple, but our bodies.   God deserves a house that is the BEST "on the block."  (think spiritually now)   I am proud of each of you for "fixing up His house."     :)      Talk again on Monday.

Choose life and eat to live,

PK