Hello to all,
Good morning to all,
I am so excited at the possibility of Rain. This pollen is getting too much.
I am feeling a need for some HUGE protein, so I think Publix and steak are calling my name. :) I am grilling some onions and mushrooms and making a salad to go with. YUM! Protein, protein, protein. And just what is the benefit of protein?
The following article states:
There are many health benefits of protein. Eating enough protein is essential to maintain a healthy body. If the body sustains an injury, such as a cut, protein helps with tissue repair. Along with carbohydrates, protein provides energy for the body which helps keep us from becoming fatigued. Another one of the benefits of protein is helping the body fight off illness and disease and keeping the immune system functioning properly.
The muscles in our bodies are partly made up of protein. One of the benefits of protein is maintaining healthy muscles. Protein also helps build skin, hair, nails and cartilage. Because the body does not store protein, it’s important to eat healthy protein everyday. Proteins are considered incomplete or complete proteins. Complete proteins contain all the essential amino acids, while incomplete proteins don’t. Good sources of complete proteins come from animals. For instance, eggs, milk, chicken and fish all contain complete proteins. Healthy food choices for incomplete proteins include, nuts, such as almonds, beans and whole grains.
To get the proper health benefits of protein, most people need about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. When additional demands are made on the body, such as in pregnancy or while recovering from an injury, more protein is needed to help the body. Children and teenagers also need additional protein to help with growth.
Without protein, the body would not be able to function properly. Various conditions could develop such as anemia and hypotension. Problems with circulation and healing from an injury would also occur. Because protein helps muscle, without it muscle mass may decrease andweakness can occur.
We must remember though - all protein and no veggies and fruits = BAD combo. Our body needs protein and healthy carbs in order for cells to reproduce properly. But remember - those refined carbs store as fat - not energy sources. More on that from the literature next week.
Best combo - lean protein, low sugar fruits and veggies, and healthy fats. FAB combo.
Have a great day - PK
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
March 29, 2012
Good morning,
Spring break and Easter are right around the corner. MAN.......the warmer temps and no winter have thrown me off. How about you? But in EVERY season, with it's multiple hoildays, we make a plan. Right? Some of you will be starting phase 2 again this week. Easter lunch could be grilled ck breast, steamed broccoli, and stewed apples for dessert. Add some of the fresh water I suggested yesterday - EASY! Some are loading up that weekend - REAL EASY. The rest of us are choosing correctly and not using the holiday to move the boundary and feel bad about the whole day on Monday. It's not worth it - to me. So, let's start sharing recipes this week filled with color and vibe and health.
I am working on a carrot cake recipe - will send it early in the week. Also, I am thinking of taking my brownie recipe and using some sugar free dark chocolate, in chunks, to add on top with some toasted pecans. Do you have a recipe you can email? I will forward all of them to the fam so Easter has some new "favorites."
As you know, I am a big supporter of refueling at regular intervals. If you have a fireplace and you need even heat in your house, you add wood BEFORE the coals are COLD. It takes twice the energy and twice the effort to get that burning process started again. Skipping meals only tells your body you're being mean to it - so it starts to hoard. For goodness sake, EAT! Eat the right things at the right times and I promise you will feel better (sometimes people, like me, get mean when they are hungry - really, I do. I am glad you don't, but I do), have more energy, be more alert and loose more weight. My brother Chip told me Tuesday evening that when he doesn't eat breakfast, he gains weight. He said sometimes several pounds. He suggested getting that protein in the "fuel burner" early morning to start the process. I am not a breakfast eater - but I am considering this as he promises it happens every time he skips the morning meal. We are a family of believers embracing health - not starvation.
Many of you have blood pressure issues. Hug a few people today - REALLY hug them. Then do it tomorrow and the next day. Studies have shown that good, honest hugging can lower your blood pressure. It's cheaper than medicine and a lot more fun. It's my goal for today - increased hugs. :) PK
Spring break and Easter are right around the corner. MAN.......the warmer temps and no winter have thrown me off. How about you? But in EVERY season, with it's multiple hoildays, we make a plan. Right? Some of you will be starting phase 2 again this week. Easter lunch could be grilled ck breast, steamed broccoli, and stewed apples for dessert. Add some of the fresh water I suggested yesterday - EASY! Some are loading up that weekend - REAL EASY. The rest of us are choosing correctly and not using the holiday to move the boundary and feel bad about the whole day on Monday. It's not worth it - to me. So, let's start sharing recipes this week filled with color and vibe and health.
I am working on a carrot cake recipe - will send it early in the week. Also, I am thinking of taking my brownie recipe and using some sugar free dark chocolate, in chunks, to add on top with some toasted pecans. Do you have a recipe you can email? I will forward all of them to the fam so Easter has some new "favorites."
As you know, I am a big supporter of refueling at regular intervals. If you have a fireplace and you need even heat in your house, you add wood BEFORE the coals are COLD. It takes twice the energy and twice the effort to get that burning process started again. Skipping meals only tells your body you're being mean to it - so it starts to hoard. For goodness sake, EAT! Eat the right things at the right times and I promise you will feel better (sometimes people, like me, get mean when they are hungry - really, I do. I am glad you don't, but I do), have more energy, be more alert and loose more weight. My brother Chip told me Tuesday evening that when he doesn't eat breakfast, he gains weight. He said sometimes several pounds. He suggested getting that protein in the "fuel burner" early morning to start the process. I am not a breakfast eater - but I am considering this as he promises it happens every time he skips the morning meal. We are a family of believers embracing health - not starvation.
Many of you have blood pressure issues. Hug a few people today - REALLY hug them. Then do it tomorrow and the next day. Studies have shown that good, honest hugging can lower your blood pressure. It's cheaper than medicine and a lot more fun. It's my goal for today - increased hugs. :) PK
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
March 28, 2012
Water aerobics update: well, i decided to get at least the back of my hair wet and lay in the water, as instructed, to do my ab work. Great difference! It's amazing how sometimes a little sacrifice yields big results. That's a hidden truth isn't it? We are taught that big efforts yield BIG results. That's true also - but sometimes the little things make a HUGE impact. For example, I have a friend who's diabetic and just lost a toe due to an infection. His prayer was that Jesus would help him make the life style changes necessary to produce life. He was praying this, with my husband and I standing beside him in his hospital room, with a 2 liter of Mountain Dew right beside him that he's been ingesting. That's not a good thing to be drinking when your sugar level is high. NOW.......we know that sodas are either filled with sugar (one article said 16 tsp. per can) or salt and aspertame (a neurotoxin) which is equally as bad. Just deleting soda alone can make a difference. I heard that just deleting soda, if you drink it regularly, can pull 10 pounds from your weight in a year. That's a little thing with BIG results. Anyway - I am sore this morning from doing the workout and that is good. Get these muscles all nice and tight - yes! :)
Some are asking about ways to enhance water. Here are some tips: 1) make a lemon or lime smoothy - ice, water, lime or lemon juice (or both) and a couple of packs of Truvia in the blender. 2) purchase a big water container from Sam's (the clear kind with the spigot) and make a container of water and add fresh lemon, lime, and orange slices (or mint - I like chocolate mint) in the morning (the juice from the fruit will flavor the water nicely) and drink throughout the day 3) (do this at night) make a gallon of water and add 1 whole cucumber - peeled and sliced, a whole section of fresh ginger peeled and cut in chunks, several sprigs of mint crushed (you can vary the portion of ingredients to your taste). Then, in the morning, strain the water and consume. BEAUTIFUL taste - especially for summer. As the water is consumed, replenish. You can keep the herbs up to 2 days before needing to start a fresh batch. I keep the ingredients peeled and in containers for easy access. This is also a very healthy detox combo for your kidneys and skin. Let me know what you think - I PROMISE - you will LOVE this!
Okay friends - gotta run - check your fluid level today. :)
PK
Some are asking about ways to enhance water. Here are some tips: 1) make a lemon or lime smoothy - ice, water, lime or lemon juice (or both) and a couple of packs of Truvia in the blender. 2) purchase a big water container from Sam's (the clear kind with the spigot) and make a container of water and add fresh lemon, lime, and orange slices (or mint - I like chocolate mint) in the morning (the juice from the fruit will flavor the water nicely) and drink throughout the day 3) (do this at night) make a gallon of water and add 1 whole cucumber - peeled and sliced, a whole section of fresh ginger peeled and cut in chunks, several sprigs of mint crushed (you can vary the portion of ingredients to your taste). Then, in the morning, strain the water and consume. BEAUTIFUL taste - especially for summer. As the water is consumed, replenish. You can keep the herbs up to 2 days before needing to start a fresh batch. I keep the ingredients peeled and in containers for easy access. This is also a very healthy detox combo for your kidneys and skin. Let me know what you think - I PROMISE - you will LOVE this!
Okay friends - gotta run - check your fluid level today. :)
PK
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
March 27, 2012
Beautiful spring morning - filled with the brilliant color of yellow (all over everything) - dripping with the effect of such radiant color (from our noses) and bursting forth with NEW life everywhere. :) I LOVE the spring. I love life and color! It's a time to stop and be grateful that even in the yellow pollen that can be such a nuisance, God brings forth LIFE. God doesn't need PERFECT conditions to bring forth LIFE. Does he? He is not limited by time nor our "way" of bringing forth LIFE. Let's stop today and thank God that we are on a path of health even in the midst of our daily circumstances. There will never be a PERFECT time to commit to a healthy life style - we decide, we commit, we fight! That's it. Sometimes I would like a candy bar or a donut. YEP - I said it. But, I fight! I KNOW the open door that creates and I keep my foot on that door. Just because I WANT it doesn't mean I ALLOW it into my body. Right?
However, we cannot spend out entire life fighting for the approval of others by "dieting" so we look good in our clothes and folks will accept us. I LIVED in that world. It brings strife and NOT peace. Peace comes from knowing no matter what we weigh or look like in our clothes, our GOD loves us and accepts us! Also, if we ARE choosing health and eating ONLY what we need to regenerate our cells, that to brings peace. Yes? That's one aspect of peace worth "fighting for." I copied a devotional by Joyce Meyer that really reminded me of this. Maybe it will be your reminder today. :)
Make God Your Source of Approval
An epidemic of insecurity is stealing the joy of life from many people in our society today and causing major problems in their relationships. I know the effect insecurity can have on lives because I experienced it myself. I know what it does to a person.
Those who are insecure, often seek the approval of others to try to overcome their feelings of rejection and low self-esteem. They are approval addicts.
When we struggle with insecurity, only one thing will set us free, and that is God's truth. The truth is that we don't need to struggle to get from man what God freely gives us: love, acceptance, approval, security, worth and value.
He is our Refuge, our High Tower, our Strength, our Stronghold in times of trouble and our Hiding Place (see Psalm 9:9; 31:4; 32:7; 37:39; 46:11). Our worth, value, acceptance and approval come from Him. As long as we have those, we have the most valuable things in the world.
Enjoy LIFE today - be grateful that God brings forth LIFE even when we think the circumstances are not perfect. PK
However, we cannot spend out entire life fighting for the approval of others by "dieting" so we look good in our clothes and folks will accept us. I LIVED in that world. It brings strife and NOT peace. Peace comes from knowing no matter what we weigh or look like in our clothes, our GOD loves us and accepts us! Also, if we ARE choosing health and eating ONLY what we need to regenerate our cells, that to brings peace. Yes? That's one aspect of peace worth "fighting for." I copied a devotional by Joyce Meyer that really reminded me of this. Maybe it will be your reminder today. :)
Make God Your Source of Approval
An epidemic of insecurity is stealing the joy of life from many people in our society today and causing major problems in their relationships. I know the effect insecurity can have on lives because I experienced it myself. I know what it does to a person.
Those who are insecure, often seek the approval of others to try to overcome their feelings of rejection and low self-esteem. They are approval addicts.
When we struggle with insecurity, only one thing will set us free, and that is God's truth. The truth is that we don't need to struggle to get from man what God freely gives us: love, acceptance, approval, security, worth and value.
He is our Refuge, our High Tower, our Strength, our Stronghold in times of trouble and our Hiding Place (see Psalm 9:9; 31:4; 32:7; 37:39; 46:11). Our worth, value, acceptance and approval come from Him. As long as we have those, we have the most valuable things in the world.
Enjoy LIFE today - be grateful that God brings forth LIFE even when we think the circumstances are not perfect. PK
Monday, March 26, 2012
March 26, 2012
Good morning friends.........I'm back.....did you enjoy your week without my mouth running? Just kidding - we are running together through this journey to look and feel our best! Right?
First, thanks for all your prayers. These last three weeks have been some of the toughest. :) But I have seen God move in immeasurable ways!
Second, some of you know I went to water aerobics last Thursday night. It was a sight. :) I was determined to not get my hair nor my makeup wet. Can anybody go to water aerobics without getting their hair wet? NO. But in my trying, I must have conveyed to them all that I was pitiful, that I couldn't swim, and I needed a lot of help. So, in order to "save face and my hair" (I am a good swimmer but a prissy swimmer who didn't want to re-straighten my hair) I smiled and did all the modifications "so I wouldn't drown." I was extremely thankful no one had a hidden camera, but I couldn't help but laugh at me too. What a sight! LOL
Third, yummy recipe for you: zucchini squash, sweet onions, cooked for about 20 min in a little butter and a little water w/salt. Drain fluid after 20 min and add chopped tomatoes. Cook for 5 additional min ONLY. Add a cup or so of low fat mozzarella cheese and remove from stove. Cover and let sit for 5 min to melt the cheese. Serve immediately so the tomatoes don't get drippy. YUM!!!!! This is a phase four recipe.
Read this article Saturday evening that talks about increasing our brain power. Please keep reading to the end as our healthy eating also adds strength to our brains:
"Exercising actually helps grow bigger brains," he said. "We have more brain cells that grow through our life."
More than 400 clapping, cheering fans, some wearing T-shirts that said "I'm a mental athlete," crammed into a Manhattan conference room to witness the champs sweat it out. Contestants ranged between 14 and 59, with backgrounds that included unemployed, computer programmer, nurse and TV presenter.
During a break a special guest, "International Man of Memory" Chester Santos, wowed the brainy crowd by asking them to name any one of the 435 members in the US House of Representatives. To each name he then supplied, from memory, that member's state, district, party and which -- often obscure -- committee he sits on.
"This is actually pretty difficult, thousands of pieces of data, so if I get something right, clap," he said, before getting all but one challenge right.
Dottino insisted that in this fight, anyone can become a contender.
"Myth number one," he said, is "you're either born with it or not. It's a skill you can practice."
Memory experts use techniques like the "chunk" method, in which different bits of information are tidied up and grouped. A basic example would be to reduce a series of individual numbers into pairs, so 2-0-1-2 becoming twenty twelve.
But Dottino says you also need to feed the brain omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA. That's found in fish like salmon and mackerel, or, he pointed out, fortified formulas produced by the contest's sponsor, life'sDHA.
At a minimum, Dottino said, keep away from those comfort foods. "Lots of carbs, starches, refined sugars are bad news!" he said."
So, when we're tempted to cheat and eat those "comfort foods," let us ALL remember that denying our bodies the comfort of sugary, starchy foods can actually be causing health to come to our minds. And at my age, that's a great thing! wink - wink
Choose foods for your brain today and remember - water causes the electrical current to flow WELL. Let's give our minds what they need to be all WE NEED THEM TO BE. :) PK
First, thanks for all your prayers. These last three weeks have been some of the toughest. :) But I have seen God move in immeasurable ways!
Second, some of you know I went to water aerobics last Thursday night. It was a sight. :) I was determined to not get my hair nor my makeup wet. Can anybody go to water aerobics without getting their hair wet? NO. But in my trying, I must have conveyed to them all that I was pitiful, that I couldn't swim, and I needed a lot of help. So, in order to "save face and my hair" (I am a good swimmer but a prissy swimmer who didn't want to re-straighten my hair) I smiled and did all the modifications "so I wouldn't drown." I was extremely thankful no one had a hidden camera, but I couldn't help but laugh at me too. What a sight! LOL
Third, yummy recipe for you: zucchini squash, sweet onions, cooked for about 20 min in a little butter and a little water w/salt. Drain fluid after 20 min and add chopped tomatoes. Cook for 5 additional min ONLY. Add a cup or so of low fat mozzarella cheese and remove from stove. Cover and let sit for 5 min to melt the cheese. Serve immediately so the tomatoes don't get drippy. YUM!!!!! This is a phase four recipe.
Read this article Saturday evening that talks about increasing our brain power. Please keep reading to the end as our healthy eating also adds strength to our brains:
"Exercising actually helps grow bigger brains," he said. "We have more brain cells that grow through our life."
More than 400 clapping, cheering fans, some wearing T-shirts that said "I'm a mental athlete," crammed into a Manhattan conference room to witness the champs sweat it out. Contestants ranged between 14 and 59, with backgrounds that included unemployed, computer programmer, nurse and TV presenter.
During a break a special guest, "International Man of Memory" Chester Santos, wowed the brainy crowd by asking them to name any one of the 435 members in the US House of Representatives. To each name he then supplied, from memory, that member's state, district, party and which -- often obscure -- committee he sits on.
"This is actually pretty difficult, thousands of pieces of data, so if I get something right, clap," he said, before getting all but one challenge right.
Dottino insisted that in this fight, anyone can become a contender.
"Myth number one," he said, is "you're either born with it or not. It's a skill you can practice."
Memory experts use techniques like the "chunk" method, in which different bits of information are tidied up and grouped. A basic example would be to reduce a series of individual numbers into pairs, so 2-0-1-2 becoming twenty twelve.
But Dottino says you also need to feed the brain omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA. That's found in fish like salmon and mackerel, or, he pointed out, fortified formulas produced by the contest's sponsor, life'sDHA.
At a minimum, Dottino said, keep away from those comfort foods. "Lots of carbs, starches, refined sugars are bad news!" he said."
So, when we're tempted to cheat and eat those "comfort foods," let us ALL remember that denying our bodies the comfort of sugary, starchy foods can actually be causing health to come to our minds. And at my age, that's a great thing! wink - wink
Choose foods for your brain today and remember - water causes the electrical current to flow WELL. Let's give our minds what they need to be all WE NEED THEM TO BE. :) PK
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
March 20, 2012
Hey guys - I have been trying to write for some time this morning. Again - another TOUGH pastoral issue and late night hospital visit yesterday. So I apologize for brevity this morning.
While I know and trust God, my heart is tender this morning and writing is more difficult. My only comments would be to several of you who have contacted me and are feeling energized to turn and embrace your health again.......good for you! When on an airplane, they ALWAYS encourage the adult to secure their mask FIRST and then the child. I know that is difficult sometimes to conceive, but it's okay to concentrate on you, fix dinners that you can eat, slow down and drink the water you need. If not, who's gonna be cooking those meals and taking care of the fam if our health gets compromised. I give US permission to put OUR health needs on the top of table and on the top of the list. Then.......we'll be able to serve those around us for YEARS to come.
Love you! PK
While I know and trust God, my heart is tender this morning and writing is more difficult. My only comments would be to several of you who have contacted me and are feeling energized to turn and embrace your health again.......good for you! When on an airplane, they ALWAYS encourage the adult to secure their mask FIRST and then the child. I know that is difficult sometimes to conceive, but it's okay to concentrate on you, fix dinners that you can eat, slow down and drink the water you need. If not, who's gonna be cooking those meals and taking care of the fam if our health gets compromised. I give US permission to put OUR health needs on the top of table and on the top of the list. Then.......we'll be able to serve those around us for YEARS to come.
Love you! PK
Monday, March 19, 2012
March 19, 2012
Good Monday morning - I hope you survived the Saint Patty's Day celebrations. :) I made green velvet brownies (sugar and starch free, of course) which were a huge hit with some funny after experiences. (green food coloring not only caused the brownies to be green, but OTHER things - oh well, change is good) My son came for the weekend and laughed so hard, after eating almost the entire pan of brownies, at the "green after effects." Enough said. :)
I have been thinking about a line from the movie Pearl Harbor that I want to share this morning. If you remember after the harbor was bombed, the Japanese were celebrating and the commanding officer turned and looked at his leaders and said, "I fear we have only awakened a sleeping giant." Here's what I want us to keep in the center of our choices today - while eating 2 cookies, or a McDonald's hamburger, or a candy bar may not show up too terribly on tomorrow morning's weigh in - the greater picture is the awakening the "sleeping giants" of heart disease and diabetes and other weight-related issues (I could make a list.....)
These are not possibilities - these are definite issues that bad food and living choices awaken. And no one forces us to make those choices. BUT......we CAN choose the correct refueling items and leave those food-induced diseases sleeping. Just because my family struggles with cholesterol issues, doesn't mean I have to. My family lived for the next gathering and eating ritual of seeing who could "out cook" the other. The more decadent the better - the more unhealthy - the better! We would laugh and pat each other's bellies after stuffing ourselves and make jokes about how fat we were. (all while our children watched) And yes, I awakened "sleeping giants" and found diabetes, arthritis, reflux, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure had "bombed" my life and were destroying me.
BUT GOD - whose spirit is bigger than any "sleeping" giant gave me the courage to fight back. Loosing weight and keeping it off - choosing to eat right DAILY - keeps these sleeping giants SLEEPING.
We are bodies of flesh and these enemies lurk and wait......come on fam, let's choose health and keep these giants from stealing our lives. We CAN win! But, we can't be asleep and look the other way while eating that doughnut and not expect these giants to position themselves for destruction.
Enjoy the sunshine, add a slice of lime to your water, take a stroll in your neighborhood tonight and continue to affirm yourself by saying, "I AM WORTH IT!" PK
I have been thinking about a line from the movie Pearl Harbor that I want to share this morning. If you remember after the harbor was bombed, the Japanese were celebrating and the commanding officer turned and looked at his leaders and said, "I fear we have only awakened a sleeping giant." Here's what I want us to keep in the center of our choices today - while eating 2 cookies, or a McDonald's hamburger, or a candy bar may not show up too terribly on tomorrow morning's weigh in - the greater picture is the awakening the "sleeping giants" of heart disease and diabetes and other weight-related issues (I could make a list.....)
These are not possibilities - these are definite issues that bad food and living choices awaken. And no one forces us to make those choices. BUT......we CAN choose the correct refueling items and leave those food-induced diseases sleeping. Just because my family struggles with cholesterol issues, doesn't mean I have to. My family lived for the next gathering and eating ritual of seeing who could "out cook" the other. The more decadent the better - the more unhealthy - the better! We would laugh and pat each other's bellies after stuffing ourselves and make jokes about how fat we were. (all while our children watched) And yes, I awakened "sleeping giants" and found diabetes, arthritis, reflux, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure had "bombed" my life and were destroying me.
BUT GOD - whose spirit is bigger than any "sleeping" giant gave me the courage to fight back. Loosing weight and keeping it off - choosing to eat right DAILY - keeps these sleeping giants SLEEPING.
We are bodies of flesh and these enemies lurk and wait......come on fam, let's choose health and keep these giants from stealing our lives. We CAN win! But, we can't be asleep and look the other way while eating that doughnut and not expect these giants to position themselves for destruction.
Enjoy the sunshine, add a slice of lime to your water, take a stroll in your neighborhood tonight and continue to affirm yourself by saying, "I AM WORTH IT!" PK
Saturday, March 17, 2012
March 17, 2012
Good morning all,
There's a lot to be said for carrying the spirit of JOY everywhere you go. I realize there are times when we cannot, and are NOT supposed to, be happy. But happiness and JOY are two different things. Life has many unfortunate experiences that it shoves in our face, doesn't it? But in the middle of the most unfortunate, our spirits can be at peace and have a STEADY place where joy, not happiness, resides. We have to fight for this and realize that internal JOY is worth fighting for and can have a very profound affect on our lives.
Many leading researchers have substantiated the fact that stress can produce hormones which cause extra fat to store around our bellies. It's called cortisol. (most of you have heard of this, I am sure) At first I was convinced that it was another ploy for vitamin companies to abuse we "over weight" folk and taunt us with the next CARROT. I don't know about you - but I spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on those "carrots" only to come back to the basic foundation of discipline. And.......what's worse........I continued to confess that I HAD NONE. It was a "laughing matter" which was really a place of DEEP HURT within me. I could ACT happy, make jokes about being fat, and go home only to stare in the mirror and confess that I hated myself. My life walked this road for many years and while I could laugh with the best of them, I had NO JOY. What is sad is that I really believed I had NO WAY of getting joy again - ever.
I continued to ask God how I could have discipline in so many areas and not in the area of FOOD as it affected ALL areas of my life. HOW???? Now discipline is an ugly word sometimes with a not-so-happy connotation. Often, when we think of discipline, we think of being punished or contained or pressed down. It wasn't until I committed to the HCG plan and brought others into my place of hurt who could help me that I began to experience JOY in life again. I made a promise to Chip, my brother, that "with God as my witness", I would not CHEAT ONCE in the 42 days. After that - "I would cheat if I wanted" - but not for that period. I started counting backwards (critical in the journey) and when I reached the final day, I had a new level of discipline and JOY in my life. I discovered that when I denied myself certain things - contained my appetite - pressed down the temptations - and embraced discipline I could laugh again and have REAL JOY following discipline. GO FIGURE! I came to understand the value of being disciplined and that I needed it desperately.
Today - 15 months down the road - I am still disciplining myself and loving life. How about if we make an agreement today to 1) embrace discipline and 2) laugh more? Let's melt that belly fat and have JOY give us strength.
Be encouraged - we CAN be healthy. PK
PS - keep those victory stories, recipes, and photos coming so I can share with the fam. They encourage us all!
There's a lot to be said for carrying the spirit of JOY everywhere you go. I realize there are times when we cannot, and are NOT supposed to, be happy. But happiness and JOY are two different things. Life has many unfortunate experiences that it shoves in our face, doesn't it? But in the middle of the most unfortunate, our spirits can be at peace and have a STEADY place where joy, not happiness, resides. We have to fight for this and realize that internal JOY is worth fighting for and can have a very profound affect on our lives.
Many leading researchers have substantiated the fact that stress can produce hormones which cause extra fat to store around our bellies. It's called cortisol. (most of you have heard of this, I am sure) At first I was convinced that it was another ploy for vitamin companies to abuse we "over weight" folk and taunt us with the next CARROT. I don't know about you - but I spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on those "carrots" only to come back to the basic foundation of discipline. And.......what's worse........I continued to confess that I HAD NONE. It was a "laughing matter" which was really a place of DEEP HURT within me. I could ACT happy, make jokes about being fat, and go home only to stare in the mirror and confess that I hated myself. My life walked this road for many years and while I could laugh with the best of them, I had NO JOY. What is sad is that I really believed I had NO WAY of getting joy again - ever.
I continued to ask God how I could have discipline in so many areas and not in the area of FOOD as it affected ALL areas of my life. HOW???? Now discipline is an ugly word sometimes with a not-so-happy connotation. Often, when we think of discipline, we think of being punished or contained or pressed down. It wasn't until I committed to the HCG plan and brought others into my place of hurt who could help me that I began to experience JOY in life again. I made a promise to Chip, my brother, that "with God as my witness", I would not CHEAT ONCE in the 42 days. After that - "I would cheat if I wanted" - but not for that period. I started counting backwards (critical in the journey) and when I reached the final day, I had a new level of discipline and JOY in my life. I discovered that when I denied myself certain things - contained my appetite - pressed down the temptations - and embraced discipline I could laugh again and have REAL JOY following discipline. GO FIGURE! I came to understand the value of being disciplined and that I needed it desperately.
Today - 15 months down the road - I am still disciplining myself and loving life. How about if we make an agreement today to 1) embrace discipline and 2) laugh more? Let's melt that belly fat and have JOY give us strength.
Be encouraged - we CAN be healthy. PK
PS - keep those victory stories, recipes, and photos coming so I can share with the fam. They encourage us all!
Friday, March 16, 2012
March 16, 2012
Happy Friday - hope the sun is shining where you are. It is shining here and I love the light. Light soooooo does great things for us - we need it desperately! One of the greatest benefits of light is giving directions. I think sharing new recipes and giving words of hope helps us all with illumination. It's like this - when you share your victory stories and pics, I feel light coming into the window of my health journey. This helps me to "see" the victory path AND STAY ON IT. I really believe that we need a connection to others who are opening our eyes and hearts. When one of you shares your blood results and rejoices in the victory - I rejoice. That opens my eyes and illuminates "there's victory in the camp." Just LOVE, love all these victory stories!
I lived in depression and a hidden cave called OBESITY for sooo long. Those who know me well know I love windows, lights on and brightness - it's part of who I am. I only really discovered this in my health walk in January of 2011. I am blessed that so many of you are finding it also. Keep going - don't accept failure - we are created in the image of God to WIN! Continue to confess out loud the truth that "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." Maybe you need to do that when walking down the isle with chips and crackers at the store??? Maybe you need to do that when passing up the birthday cake at your OWN party??? Yikes! Or, maybe like me, it's when there's pizza on the counter and I try to reason that "one slice won't hurt me." There are times even today I still feel like my flesh wants to drag me to a dark, hidden cave - but the confession FROM MY MOUTH and knowing that God's word is TRUE and he will never fail me - gives my sliding feet traction. :)
Let's do this - half the time we open our mouth to insert food today - we either declare God's truth or PRAISE him. Both options are powerful and bring life and light - especially if you are discouraged and feeling defeated. We can do this! PK
I lived in depression and a hidden cave called OBESITY for sooo long. Those who know me well know I love windows, lights on and brightness - it's part of who I am. I only really discovered this in my health walk in January of 2011. I am blessed that so many of you are finding it also. Keep going - don't accept failure - we are created in the image of God to WIN! Continue to confess out loud the truth that "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." Maybe you need to do that when walking down the isle with chips and crackers at the store??? Maybe you need to do that when passing up the birthday cake at your OWN party??? Yikes! Or, maybe like me, it's when there's pizza on the counter and I try to reason that "one slice won't hurt me." There are times even today I still feel like my flesh wants to drag me to a dark, hidden cave - but the confession FROM MY MOUTH and knowing that God's word is TRUE and he will never fail me - gives my sliding feet traction. :)
Let's do this - half the time we open our mouth to insert food today - we either declare God's truth or PRAISE him. Both options are powerful and bring life and light - especially if you are discouraged and feeling defeated. We can do this! PK
Thursday, March 15, 2012
March 15, 2012
I am so grateful to hear from a couple of you that you're keeping up with your doctor visits and staying on top of listening to those reports. I was explaining to someone yesterday that we can hide a lot of things under clothes, staying inside, choosing our activities, but we cannot hide our blood reports - nor do we want to. :) I am looking into a deeper level of testing to define some still unanswered questions in my mind. More to follow.
I have never been more excited to see the warmer temps come and the fruits increase! (remember maintenance folks - watch the glycemic index on the fruits though. Try to LIMIT the high sugar ones) I am looking forward to an abundance of them and at a lower price - although the strawberries at Publix were fairly reasonable this week. The one thing I have to continue to accept is that groceries, across the board, are expensive. Eating healthy is certainly not cheap - and I have to remind my husband, as Crissy said, I am worth the extra. I know that sounds bad sometimes but given the choice of a $3.89 bag of chips, I'll take four Honey Crisp apples. I know that's a lot for 4 apples, but the chips are a horrible choice. Taste is everything to me and if I can't have a Papa Johns pizza, then the ingredients for a cauliflower pizza ARE MORE, but they are so worth it in the long run.
I still would like to host a pre-Easter share a dish at my house on March 25th at 6:00. This is always a time of good food, fellowship, and encouragement. Please let me know if you can attend, so I can prepare. I may make a sugar free carrot cake and see how we do. :) Please find your spring recipes, create one, bring copies for the group, and come. We are normally about 90 min and I used almost all of the recipes I got last time. So fun! Plus, bring your before and after photos to share with the group. If you're coming, please respond so I know how to plan. If you're from out of state, you can send a recipe and we will share it. :) I need some healthy, NEW recipes for my family Easter gathering.
As you plan your journey today, remember we conquer of health issues "one bite at a time." Make those bites count - don't eat to comfort or sedate - eat for YOUR health. The older I get the more I appreciate long life and happiness. I am exploring some new vitamins - will pass along after they pass the test. AND.....I start to water aerobics next Tuesday and Thursday night at the Kedron swimming arena in PTC. I want to do some toning before it gets too hot. wink.
Know that someone cares about your health and supports your efforts. Choose well this day! PK
I have never been more excited to see the warmer temps come and the fruits increase! (remember maintenance folks - watch the glycemic index on the fruits though. Try to LIMIT the high sugar ones) I am looking forward to an abundance of them and at a lower price - although the strawberries at Publix were fairly reasonable this week. The one thing I have to continue to accept is that groceries, across the board, are expensive. Eating healthy is certainly not cheap - and I have to remind my husband, as Crissy said, I am worth the extra. I know that sounds bad sometimes but given the choice of a $3.89 bag of chips, I'll take four Honey Crisp apples. I know that's a lot for 4 apples, but the chips are a horrible choice. Taste is everything to me and if I can't have a Papa Johns pizza, then the ingredients for a cauliflower pizza ARE MORE, but they are so worth it in the long run.
I still would like to host a pre-Easter share a dish at my house on March 25th at 6:00. This is always a time of good food, fellowship, and encouragement. Please let me know if you can attend, so I can prepare. I may make a sugar free carrot cake and see how we do. :) Please find your spring recipes, create one, bring copies for the group, and come. We are normally about 90 min and I used almost all of the recipes I got last time. So fun! Plus, bring your before and after photos to share with the group. If you're coming, please respond so I know how to plan. If you're from out of state, you can send a recipe and we will share it. :) I need some healthy, NEW recipes for my family Easter gathering.
As you plan your journey today, remember we conquer of health issues "one bite at a time." Make those bites count - don't eat to comfort or sedate - eat for YOUR health. The older I get the more I appreciate long life and happiness. I am exploring some new vitamins - will pass along after they pass the test. AND.....I start to water aerobics next Tuesday and Thursday night at the Kedron swimming arena in PTC. I want to do some toning before it gets too hot. wink.
Know that someone cares about your health and supports your efforts. Choose well this day! PK
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
March 14, 2012
Good morning to all,
Hope everyone is gearing up for a beautiful spring. I think It's going to be amazing! Too bad the bugs didn't get enough cold weather to slow them down - they are already out with a vengeance! UGH. I had dinner last night with my fam outside on the deck and it was so nice - baked wings, sweet potato tater tots (I didn't eat these as they contain a little sugar, but my fam LOVED them), mixed vegetables, strawberries with xylitol and chocolate whipped cream - all sugar free. YUM! It was GLORIOUS!
Those of you who have been with me for almost a year now - can you believe it - this April is a year - know that I am BIG on going to the doctor and having your blood tested. I feel it is critical to know how all the levels in our blood are and to use the results to make changes. Of course before HCG I had NO plan or energy to make changes, but kept my blood checked anyway. (horrible to pay to be stuck and learn you're sick) The Bible says that "life is in the blood." The word in the Hebrew for life is mind, being, desires, passion, appetite. Now I know that this reference in Leviticus is speaking of the cleansing power of the blood pointing toward the cross, but I really feel that for us our blood is a GREAT indicator of how clean our LIFE is.
We know that recent studies show eating one apple a day can lower your bad cholesterol by 36 points in one year, we know that sugar raises our triglyceride levels and affects our liver, we know that fatty foods will raise our cholesterol and clog our arteries, we know that sugar and starch raise our blood sugar level and can promote diabetes. We know all this - and all this takes place IN THE BLOOD. These blood tests do not lie - they reveal our desires, passion, and appetites. Don't they? No one knew how much sugar and fat I was consuming UNTIL I had my blood tests done every 6 months. Then all was revealed - my blood showed clearly that my passion was food and a lot of it - especially A LOT of the wrong stuff. However, after loosing over 60 pounds and learning how to eat properly, my blood now reveals my NEW desires and passion - GREAT HEALTH!
So yes, the LIFE is revealed in the blood at many levels. Have you been checked lately? Much love this day, PK
Hope everyone is gearing up for a beautiful spring. I think It's going to be amazing! Too bad the bugs didn't get enough cold weather to slow them down - they are already out with a vengeance! UGH. I had dinner last night with my fam outside on the deck and it was so nice - baked wings, sweet potato tater tots (I didn't eat these as they contain a little sugar, but my fam LOVED them), mixed vegetables, strawberries with xylitol and chocolate whipped cream - all sugar free. YUM! It was GLORIOUS!
Those of you who have been with me for almost a year now - can you believe it - this April is a year - know that I am BIG on going to the doctor and having your blood tested. I feel it is critical to know how all the levels in our blood are and to use the results to make changes. Of course before HCG I had NO plan or energy to make changes, but kept my blood checked anyway. (horrible to pay to be stuck and learn you're sick) The Bible says that "life is in the blood." The word in the Hebrew for life is mind, being, desires, passion, appetite. Now I know that this reference in Leviticus is speaking of the cleansing power of the blood pointing toward the cross, but I really feel that for us our blood is a GREAT indicator of how clean our LIFE is.
We know that recent studies show eating one apple a day can lower your bad cholesterol by 36 points in one year, we know that sugar raises our triglyceride levels and affects our liver, we know that fatty foods will raise our cholesterol and clog our arteries, we know that sugar and starch raise our blood sugar level and can promote diabetes. We know all this - and all this takes place IN THE BLOOD. These blood tests do not lie - they reveal our desires, passion, and appetites. Don't they? No one knew how much sugar and fat I was consuming UNTIL I had my blood tests done every 6 months. Then all was revealed - my blood showed clearly that my passion was food and a lot of it - especially A LOT of the wrong stuff. However, after loosing over 60 pounds and learning how to eat properly, my blood now reveals my NEW desires and passion - GREAT HEALTH!
So yes, the LIFE is revealed in the blood at many levels. Have you been checked lately? Much love this day, PK
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
March 13, 2012
Good morning all,
I have the day off today as well - YEA! It's been a very busy couple of months at the church and a day off to slow down is great! Often times we are so busy, we forget how critical a pajama day and some "sofa time" is in the journey of our lives. Sometimes I feel guilty about that, but my husband is always there to insist that I STAY home and rest. So, today is that for me. :)
I was reading in Luke 4 this morning about how Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and THEN immediately tempted. I thought about us - sometimes we have a revelation about our health and our journey to walk in victory. We declare, "I'm gonna do this - no matter what it takes. I'm going to do this!" And in the next moment temptation shows up in the form of our favorite food. I think it was cool that Jesus was FIRST tempted by FOOD. Satan knows how weak we are in this area. But the TRUTH that confronted the temptation turned the appeal around. Truth triumphs!
When the temptation comes to grab a third cookie or 2 more pieces of chocolate - what is the truth? The truth is that we do need food, but food cannot be our master. Jesus didn't say "man shall never eat bread." No He said, "man does not live by bread alone, but by the TRUTH of God's word." There are a lot of spiritual applications here - and we cannot read into the scriptures and make them "say" what we want - but Jesus confirms that we need natural food, but it cannot be what our lives are dependent upon. Eating a cookie or a piece of chocolate for some of us may be okay. For me not - as food was an idol in my life. Definition of idol: "anything one runs to in a time of trouble OTHER THAN God." So, for ME, I had to smash that bridge to food, demolish the crutch, beat down the escape hatch. If there's NO WAY to return to that idol - then it's easier to walk in victory.
I am not certain what that looks like for you, but it is something worthy of consideration. Yes?
Choose life this day and eat to live, PK
I have the day off today as well - YEA! It's been a very busy couple of months at the church and a day off to slow down is great! Often times we are so busy, we forget how critical a pajama day and some "sofa time" is in the journey of our lives. Sometimes I feel guilty about that, but my husband is always there to insist that I STAY home and rest. So, today is that for me. :)
I was reading in Luke 4 this morning about how Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and THEN immediately tempted. I thought about us - sometimes we have a revelation about our health and our journey to walk in victory. We declare, "I'm gonna do this - no matter what it takes. I'm going to do this!" And in the next moment temptation shows up in the form of our favorite food. I think it was cool that Jesus was FIRST tempted by FOOD. Satan knows how weak we are in this area. But the TRUTH that confronted the temptation turned the appeal around. Truth triumphs!
When the temptation comes to grab a third cookie or 2 more pieces of chocolate - what is the truth? The truth is that we do need food, but food cannot be our master. Jesus didn't say "man shall never eat bread." No He said, "man does not live by bread alone, but by the TRUTH of God's word." There are a lot of spiritual applications here - and we cannot read into the scriptures and make them "say" what we want - but Jesus confirms that we need natural food, but it cannot be what our lives are dependent upon. Eating a cookie or a piece of chocolate for some of us may be okay. For me not - as food was an idol in my life. Definition of idol: "anything one runs to in a time of trouble OTHER THAN God." So, for ME, I had to smash that bridge to food, demolish the crutch, beat down the escape hatch. If there's NO WAY to return to that idol - then it's easier to walk in victory.
I am not certain what that looks like for you, but it is something worthy of consideration. Yes?
Choose life this day and eat to live, PK
Thursday, March 8, 2012
March 8, 2012
Could NOT pass this up this morning. There are several key elements in this, but one that especially grabbed me is: "a dream without a strategy is merely wishful thinking." AMEN! We can "dream" all day long of being healthy, but without a plan - and sticking to the plan - it's just wishful thinking. I hope you enjoy the article. These are great leadership principles, but I apply a lot of this on my health journey. Can you see the parallels? This is the last blog this week - headed to a marriage retreat to be challenged on being a better wife and spend some quality time with the hubs. :) We'll talk again Monday. PK
PS - Daylight Savings Time happens this Sunday. Set those clocks back on Saturday night!
March 8, 2012
Thinking Like a Leader
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Romans 12:2
Some years ago a magazine pictured a man staring out of a window; the caption read: "Why does this company pay this man $100,000 to look out a window?" The answer: Because the lifeblood of any organization lies in ideas and creative thinking. Thinking is powerful. Flying a plane, air conditioning, cell phones, vaccines, the World Wide Web--without thinking, these would have been impossible. Everything begins with a simple thought.
Ideas are a great moving force of history. We are never free to do what we cannot conceive. Having a godly mind enlarges our thinking capacity. A leader's thinking must be shaped by the following:
Vision: What is our dream? Carl Sandburg was right: "Nothing happens unless it is first a dream." Vision is a process of the mind--it's mental, not visual. Vision is seeing what everybody has seen but thinking what nobody has thought. What is needed to build a pyramid? One person who can think and ten thousand people who can grunt.
Values: What is important? Values have to do with how we treat people, how we do our work, what is vital to us. Values are the standards, the principles, and the code of conduct that characterize the organization. Values aren't dreamt; they already exist. Leaders shape and form the organization's values. Some universities decide to pour sidewalks after students have first worn a path. Where are the well-worn paths--the actions, the beliefs, the attitudes--that matter most to you? Those are your values.
Venture: What are we willing to risk? Organizations that make a difference are willing to think outside the box. For example, a company that was in the well-digging business began to think in terms of efficient and effective means of making holes, and they soon discovered that lasers dug holes better than augers. They achieved the same goal but accomplished it more efficiently.
Vehicle: What will get us there? How can we accomplish our desired outcome? A dream without a strategy is merely wishful thinking, but with a strategy it becomes powerful thinking.
Victory: What will the celebration be like? A leader thinks like a champion. The end result is to move forward, to accomplish goals, to be God's faithful servant, to celebrate being a part of God's kingdom.
Wake up and start thinking. Take off your nightcap and put on your thinking cap. Ask God to continually renew your mind.
PS - Daylight Savings Time happens this Sunday. Set those clocks back on Saturday night!
March 8, 2012
Thinking Like a Leader
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Romans 12:2
Some years ago a magazine pictured a man staring out of a window; the caption read: "Why does this company pay this man $100,000 to look out a window?" The answer: Because the lifeblood of any organization lies in ideas and creative thinking. Thinking is powerful. Flying a plane, air conditioning, cell phones, vaccines, the World Wide Web--without thinking, these would have been impossible. Everything begins with a simple thought.
Ideas are a great moving force of history. We are never free to do what we cannot conceive. Having a godly mind enlarges our thinking capacity. A leader's thinking must be shaped by the following:
Vision: What is our dream? Carl Sandburg was right: "Nothing happens unless it is first a dream." Vision is a process of the mind--it's mental, not visual. Vision is seeing what everybody has seen but thinking what nobody has thought. What is needed to build a pyramid? One person who can think and ten thousand people who can grunt.
Values: What is important? Values have to do with how we treat people, how we do our work, what is vital to us. Values are the standards, the principles, and the code of conduct that characterize the organization. Values aren't dreamt; they already exist. Leaders shape and form the organization's values. Some universities decide to pour sidewalks after students have first worn a path. Where are the well-worn paths--the actions, the beliefs, the attitudes--that matter most to you? Those are your values.
Venture: What are we willing to risk? Organizations that make a difference are willing to think outside the box. For example, a company that was in the well-digging business began to think in terms of efficient and effective means of making holes, and they soon discovered that lasers dug holes better than augers. They achieved the same goal but accomplished it more efficiently.
Vehicle: What will get us there? How can we accomplish our desired outcome? A dream without a strategy is merely wishful thinking, but with a strategy it becomes powerful thinking.
Victory: What will the celebration be like? A leader thinks like a champion. The end result is to move forward, to accomplish goals, to be God's faithful servant, to celebrate being a part of God's kingdom.
Wake up and start thinking. Take off your nightcap and put on your thinking cap. Ask God to continually renew your mind.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
March 6, 2012
Hello to you all,
Thanks for your prayers for mom - a miracle happened - there was a lot less damage when they got inside her shoulder than the MRI showed. She said she felt God had healed her. :) Fabuloso!
We have several who are getting ready to start a spring round on the drops. When I went to order them last night, they were listed as discontinued. The second time I checked they were listed as out of stock. But I kept digging through my orders and found a way to order some. YEA! White Dove is a great company and makes a great product. I am asking the Holy Spirit to help me to understand how "OTHER THAN WEIGHT LOSS" people have experienced a tremendous decrease in heart arrhythmia issues (one of the fam has NONE while taking them), blood sugar levels normal and no cravings while on the drops, night sweats ceased as well as hot flashes greatly diminished. These reports are not from just one person, but MANY in the fam experience these. Don't get me wrong - I am HAPPY! But, as a "scientist," I really want to know why. :) Praying.
Loved this from my morning devotional:
March 6, 2012
For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
Psalm 84:11, NLT
God does not promise to give us everything we think is good, but he will not withhold what is permanently good. He will give us the means to walk along his paths, but we must do the walking.
I like the sun and shield part because Satan NEVER gives up trying to destroy any good thing that God wants to bless us with. Health is at the top of the list! But we can be assured that if we stay on the health path, God will do his part which is keep us from the full attack of the evil one. Thank you, Father. But again - we must do the walking. :) So today - stay on the path, walk in confidence that God is your shield and sun, and enjoy the fact that God plans to "do good by you and not harm you." (Jer 29:11)
Have an awesome day, PK
Thanks for your prayers for mom - a miracle happened - there was a lot less damage when they got inside her shoulder than the MRI showed. She said she felt God had healed her. :) Fabuloso!
We have several who are getting ready to start a spring round on the drops. When I went to order them last night, they were listed as discontinued. The second time I checked they were listed as out of stock. But I kept digging through my orders and found a way to order some. YEA! White Dove is a great company and makes a great product. I am asking the Holy Spirit to help me to understand how "OTHER THAN WEIGHT LOSS" people have experienced a tremendous decrease in heart arrhythmia issues (one of the fam has NONE while taking them), blood sugar levels normal and no cravings while on the drops, night sweats ceased as well as hot flashes greatly diminished. These reports are not from just one person, but MANY in the fam experience these. Don't get me wrong - I am HAPPY! But, as a "scientist," I really want to know why. :) Praying.
Loved this from my morning devotional:
March 6, 2012
For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
Psalm 84:11, NLT
God does not promise to give us everything we think is good, but he will not withhold what is permanently good. He will give us the means to walk along his paths, but we must do the walking.
I like the sun and shield part because Satan NEVER gives up trying to destroy any good thing that God wants to bless us with. Health is at the top of the list! But we can be assured that if we stay on the health path, God will do his part which is keep us from the full attack of the evil one. Thank you, Father. But again - we must do the walking. :) So today - stay on the path, walk in confidence that God is your shield and sun, and enjoy the fact that God plans to "do good by you and not harm you." (Jer 29:11)
Have an awesome day, PK
Saturday, March 3, 2012
March 3, 2012
Don't you love cold, rainy mornings? Yes, except when my husband wakes me up at 7 wanting to go to Senoia and drink coffee. UGH! I was in the middle of a dream (which I never do) and then couldn't get back to it. :( But, my husband did get up and make the coffee. He's special. We opened the front door to listen to the rain and the birds while drinking our coffee - great start to a weekend.
True confessions - I went to bed sick to my stomach last night from eating too much. :( I ate all good stuff, but too much! I was off on my time of meals due to a work issue and it threw me for a loop. Then, in a starving moment, as well as "have the grand babies over" moment, I just grabbed too much.........and too much of a good thing is tooooo much.........meat, salad, no sugar added ice cream, root beer, fruit - YIKES! When my husband put his arm around me last night, I felt sick to my stomach. TOOOOOOO full!!!!
BUT, how many of you know that occasionally we need that "I'm stuffed feeling" to remind us that the boundaries of our stomach can be a good reminder. :) Even though I felt sick last night, I laid there trying not to be sick, talking to myself, and reminding myself, "wow, my stomach is smaller and praise God - I need to LISTEN to my stomach!" We have to listen don't we? Listen to our stomach, to the scales, to our clothes (reminder - when you're clothes speak, you are probably up TEN pounds), listen to the mirror, listen to each other, listen to our families. Let's open our ears and LISTEN.....yes???
Sometimes listening means we have to change and SOMETIMES change is not easy. But, listening and submission are critical to our journey. Right??? You wouldn't be in the family if you didn't want to listen - I know this. So let's agree to listen at a deeper level today. What did the scales say to you this morning? Your jeans when you put them on? Your stomach during breakfast? When the boundaries are saying, "stop," are you willing to obey? I so didn't last night and I paid. Today - if I don't listen, I will stretch my stomach, push the boundary, and see the scale start to increase. So today......my stomach got my attention and I am listening carefully. How about you???
Choose life and eat to live, PK
True confessions - I went to bed sick to my stomach last night from eating too much. :( I ate all good stuff, but too much! I was off on my time of meals due to a work issue and it threw me for a loop. Then, in a starving moment, as well as "have the grand babies over" moment, I just grabbed too much.........and too much of a good thing is tooooo much.........meat, salad, no sugar added ice cream, root beer, fruit - YIKES! When my husband put his arm around me last night, I felt sick to my stomach. TOOOOOOO full!!!!
BUT, how many of you know that occasionally we need that "I'm stuffed feeling" to remind us that the boundaries of our stomach can be a good reminder. :) Even though I felt sick last night, I laid there trying not to be sick, talking to myself, and reminding myself, "wow, my stomach is smaller and praise God - I need to LISTEN to my stomach!" We have to listen don't we? Listen to our stomach, to the scales, to our clothes (reminder - when you're clothes speak, you are probably up TEN pounds), listen to the mirror, listen to each other, listen to our families. Let's open our ears and LISTEN.....yes???
Sometimes listening means we have to change and SOMETIMES change is not easy. But, listening and submission are critical to our journey. Right??? You wouldn't be in the family if you didn't want to listen - I know this. So let's agree to listen at a deeper level today. What did the scales say to you this morning? Your jeans when you put them on? Your stomach during breakfast? When the boundaries are saying, "stop," are you willing to obey? I so didn't last night and I paid. Today - if I don't listen, I will stretch my stomach, push the boundary, and see the scale start to increase. So today......my stomach got my attention and I am listening carefully. How about you???
Choose life and eat to live, PK
Friday, March 2, 2012
March 2, 2012
Yea, it's Friday and the forecast - 80 degrees and sunny. Don't you love days when everything is going great, the sun is out, the birds singing and HCG life is fabulouso??? I am THANKFUL for those days when all the water gets consumed, the meals fall together perfectly, and I rejoice over an apple. :) Those days need to be BURNED in our memories because there are some days that are polar opposite. We ALL have them. Yes?
Creating a place of remembrance is critical in life, period. I told someone last night, make certain to record your weight. Then, when you are struggling, you can go back and have a VISUAL reminder that you did make a stand for your health and have experienced success! Having a visual of where you want to be IS NOT BAD, but having a place of remembrance is also a GOOD THING! We all need places that are safe where we can return and see a victory, see where someone helped us or stood with us, a place where we overcame an obstacle. That's another reason to keep our "before and after" photos current. When people want to "tempt" us to return to our OLD mindsets about food, which dragged us to obesity, by commenting, "oh, a little of _______ won't hurt you, " or "everything in moderation," we have the photos to serve as a place of remembrance of where we came from and where we plan to NEVER return! People mean well, but many of them have not been in a fight for their lives and they don't understand the victory dance as we do. wink!
Finally, let's serve as reminders to one another. I see your comments, your photos, your dedication and I will help you remember your victory journey. Stop today...........STOP..........look at your photos and celebrate where you've come from and celebrate that you've chosen a different path. AND if you've strayed from the path, dance your silly self back on the bath and do what YOU KNOW is right and stay on the path. Let's remember together this day.
Choose life and eat to live, PK
Creating a place of remembrance is critical in life, period. I told someone last night, make certain to record your weight. Then, when you are struggling, you can go back and have a VISUAL reminder that you did make a stand for your health and have experienced success! Having a visual of where you want to be IS NOT BAD, but having a place of remembrance is also a GOOD THING! We all need places that are safe where we can return and see a victory, see where someone helped us or stood with us, a place where we overcame an obstacle. That's another reason to keep our "before and after" photos current. When people want to "tempt" us to return to our OLD mindsets about food, which dragged us to obesity, by commenting, "oh, a little of _______ won't hurt you, " or "everything in moderation," we have the photos to serve as a place of remembrance of where we came from and where we plan to NEVER return! People mean well, but many of them have not been in a fight for their lives and they don't understand the victory dance as we do. wink!
Finally, let's serve as reminders to one another. I see your comments, your photos, your dedication and I will help you remember your victory journey. Stop today...........STOP..........look at your photos and celebrate where you've come from and celebrate that you've chosen a different path. AND if you've strayed from the path, dance your silly self back on the bath and do what YOU KNOW is right and stay on the path. Let's remember together this day.
Choose life and eat to live, PK
Thursday, March 1, 2012
March 1, 2012
Good morning and happy March 1st,
The storm was pretty intense last night and it reminded me again how powerful our fight for health can be! Just when we feel comfortable in our new regime and body, we start to "enjoy" some of the extra calories, or we relax a bit - POW - the scale sends a powerful message and it's like lightning. The scale shouts - "extra pound, two pounds - slow down, make the change." Sometimes our flesh has to be "jolted" back to the reality that our new weight isn't JUST permanent. We still must do what we know to do that helped us achieve our health goals OR we will see the scale change. YIKES!
But remember - we are making a LIFE STYLE change, not simply a weight loss change. "Life style change" means we won't be as quick to relax when we arrive at our goal weight because we KNOW what foods brought us to this place. Yes? And we choose to not reintroduce those as well as choosing our new "best friend" foods - that's a life style change.
I met with someone yesterday who is loving maintenance. I talked her through some new ways to cook and bring her children into the realm of healthy pancakes. :) Almond flour can be used in a 1:1 ratio, as well as xylitol, to make your favorite recipe. Then take water, butter, xylitol, and maple flavoring and cook it until it cooks down and thickens into a syrup and serve over your pancakes. YUM!
We can do this!
Choose life style change and not weight loss change. (wink) PK
The storm was pretty intense last night and it reminded me again how powerful our fight for health can be! Just when we feel comfortable in our new regime and body, we start to "enjoy" some of the extra calories, or we relax a bit - POW - the scale sends a powerful message and it's like lightning. The scale shouts - "extra pound, two pounds - slow down, make the change." Sometimes our flesh has to be "jolted" back to the reality that our new weight isn't JUST permanent. We still must do what we know to do that helped us achieve our health goals OR we will see the scale change. YIKES!
But remember - we are making a LIFE STYLE change, not simply a weight loss change. "Life style change" means we won't be as quick to relax when we arrive at our goal weight because we KNOW what foods brought us to this place. Yes? And we choose to not reintroduce those as well as choosing our new "best friend" foods - that's a life style change.
I met with someone yesterday who is loving maintenance. I talked her through some new ways to cook and bring her children into the realm of healthy pancakes. :) Almond flour can be used in a 1:1 ratio, as well as xylitol, to make your favorite recipe. Then take water, butter, xylitol, and maple flavoring and cook it until it cooks down and thickens into a syrup and serve over your pancakes. YUM!
We can do this!
Choose life style change and not weight loss change. (wink) PK
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