January 16, 2012

Hey gang,

I know several of you started this new year with a fresh, health commitment. How is everyone doing? (hit me back and tell me where you are, please. I care)

Did the "old timers" shed those few Christmas pounds and are the "new timers" shattering the stronghold of unhealthy eating to satisfy the flesh? :) Was that a good way to ask that? I know making a decision to choose a new life style always encounters opposition. ABSOLUTELY! The enemy of our soul loves to keep us bound in a death perspective and therefore we never see the REAL "LIFE" PERSPECTIVE God purposed for us. Breaking addictions takes commitment to change and determination. If the boundaries CAN be moved, I can assure you we will return to our past. Eliminate that choice. Shatter the stronghold that always pulls you back to failure. Making a covenant to walk in health REGARDLESS is such a life-giving commitment on so many levels. You can do it! We CAN LIVE life as healthy adults.

Many people ask about vegetables.......aren't all vegetables the same? NO, they are not. As many of you know, I have chosen to delete the rewind button on sugar and starch. I want to remind us that some veggies have more sugar and starch than we need. They metabolize differently than low carb veggies. As you will read, those starchy veggies break down into a sugar base eventually. I'm not saying don't do this - I am saying be informed and choose wisely. I will be sharing articles most of the week as I am refreshing my health perspective by reading a lot during this season. If you find great articles or tips - send them. The fam can always benefit from healthy information. As a former teacher, I believe that being informed is critical to success! Choose a healthy life today and eat to live - PK
Low-Carb Vegetables

This list is roughly arranged from lowest to highest carbohydrate counts, but all are non-starchy and generally low in carbohydrates. Exact carb count depends on serving size. Remember when counting carbs in vegetables that the fiber is not counted, and can be subtracted from the total. For more information about each vegetable, including carbs, calories, glycemic index, and recipes, click on the vegetables that have a link.
Sprouts (bean, alfalfa, etc.)
Greens – lettuce, spinach, chard, etc.
Hearty Greens - collards, mustard greens, kale, etc.
Radicchio and endive count as greens
Herbs - parsley, cilantro, basil, rosemary, thyme, etc.
Bok Choy
Bamboo Shoots
Celery
Radishes
Sea Vegetables (Nori, etc)
Mushrooms
Cabbage (or sauerkraut)
Jicama
Avocado
Asparagus
Okra
Cucumbers (or pickles without added sugars)
Green Beans and Wax Beans
Fennel
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Peppers
Green Bell Peppers
Red Bell Peppers
Jalapeno Peppers
Summer Squash
Zuchinni
Brussels Sprouts
Scallions or green onions
Snow Peas/Snap Peas/Pea Pods
Tomatoes
Eggplant
Tomatillos
Artichokes
Turnips
Pumpkin
Rutabagas
Spaghetti Squash
Celery Root (Celeriac)
Carrots
Onions
Leeks
Starchy (High Carb) Vegetables

The main vegetables to be avoided when reducing carbohydrates are the starchier and sweeter vegetables:
Carrots (some diets flag carrots as a problem, though they are lower in carbs than others in this group)
Beets
Peas
Winter Squashes, such as acorn and butternut
Water Chestnuts
Parsnips
Potatoes in all forms
Sweet Potatoes
Corn
Plantains