I was very motivated to upgrade our home's water purification system after reading Don Colbert's 7 Pillars of Health chapter on Water. Some inquiries quickly revealed that this venture would be a significant investment that neither Shawn or myself were thinking about making. Shawn wants a new motorcycle one day and I really want completely finished decor in my home. We both want to pay off our mortgage and give more money to those who need it. Our water looks clean enough and tasted okay with the intro level charcoal water filter we were using so why spend money needlessly on such an elusive goal and possibly unnecessary system? We debated back and forth on this (some people might call it arguing but we call it a passionate discussion) and finally we were able to reach agreement. No emotional decision here. We would do the research, get the facts, and make a logical decision. In dealing with my husband, I have found that illogical approaches with tears and feelings do not work. I have learned the art of examining my motives and feelings and being patient enough to go through the process of creating logical arguements backed up by facts. This is my husband's language and often the key to reaching a mutually beneficial decision in our home.
My primary motivation for looking into a better water system was because there is a nuclear plant on the Detroit river along with many industrial plants. My perception is that many people in Windsor are combatting or dying of cancer...I don't know if this is more prevalent everywhere, but it seemed I rarely heard of people having cancer until I moved here. Shawn is 41 and I am turning 40 this year. In a decade we will be 50+ years old. I feel strongly that our lifelong choices will begin to show for good or for bad and that these next 10 years are a critical opportunity to make some much needed changes for the bettter. I felt this same urgency with our finances several years ago and it proved to be true when Shawn's job at Ford's came to an end and our income changed dramatically.
I had concluded that I wanted clean, soft, PH-balanced water (more alkaline would be even better). I was willing to wait another year to finish the flooring in our family room and office if it was necessary.
I bought a saliva/urine PH testing kit to measure our bodies PH levels. Many factors influence your body's PH with water being a small part of that equation. We all tested on the more acidic side, but not as bad as we could have.
I then had our water tested and found out that it was 170 (dissolved solids), 10 grains of hardness and was PH-balanced (I guess all city water is). Our filtered water tested at 160 (dissolved solids) so it was only removing a small portion of the dissolved solids in our water.
We then began researching soft water systems, reverse osmosis, and re-mineralizing options. One company wanted $4500 to set us up, another quoted around $2800 and yet another claimed $1500. We charted all the specs: regeneration time, salt usage, water usage, regeneration frequency, warrantees, filter replacement costs, customer reviews, and all sorts of other details that we thought of along the way. The salespeople we dealt with were varied in their knowledge of their own products and were not accustomed to our direct questioning. I think most people make emotional-based decisions when it comes to their drinking water and the salespeople are trained more on how to stimulate shock, fear, urgency and excitement than the actual specs of their systems. Our research showed that the $1500 system was actually less wasteful and less costly than the $4500 system, but even after a calm discussion with the dealer, he still claims we will regret our decision. The next time we walked by his display, he turned his back on us to avoid speaking. I guess we're not friends anymore!
In the end we paid much less than we could have and have a system that compares with the one Home Hardware uses. I know this because I visited the store, read the description of their water system and looked at the equipment. They only difference is that we never invested in the UV module that kills any bacteria (even in cyst form) that manages to get through the other filters. I wonder if we should have got that too...
Shawn is still of the mindset that city water is completely safe no matter how often I play the 7 Pillars DVD for him but he chuckles on how I managed to make him feel grateful for only spending $1500 by making him think it was going to cost $4500. What can I say? It's a gift I have. As for me, I hope he didn't fudge the data in favor of the cheaper model. Boy, do we ever have trust issues or what?
So, that was a major investment for us but the upside was that we were able to claim this on our tax return, we're enjoying our soft water and all it's benefits, and I have a little more peace of mind. If anyone wants an entry level charcoal filter (under the counter) or a couple whole house filters, let us know. Something is better than nothing. If you are thinking about making the water system investment, we'd be happy to share our collected data so you can make a good decision for your family too.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Buyer Beware
I've been taken! Do you ever get frustrated by the packaging of foods in the grocery store that give the illusion of healthy offerings only to find when you look more closely (after you've purchased) to find it isn't quite what you thought? That happened to me and I'm berating myself because I should know better.
I had two challenges at the grocery store yesterday.
First, at Costco I found a new product called "Dark Chocolate Pomegranate". The packaging has beautiful, fresh pomegranate seeds bursting out of their peel and dark chocolate beads. So enticing to the eye and it appears to be a wonderful treat, even for a health conscious person (in moderation of course). I was so caught up in the moment, I forgot to check a couple things on the nutritional label.
When I got home, I opened the package and popped one in my mouth. Mmmm...different than I expected. Sweeter, chewier. I figured it would be a dried pomegranate (the fresh ones would go bad and need to be kept refrigerated) and the treat had a chocolate raisin taste and texture only more sour which actually makes it taste great. I noticied after more careful examination that the dark chocolate percentage wasn't listed anywhere on the package. Strange. It's dark looking, but it doesn't taste dark to me at all.
It was Sheri that made the most startling discovery of all. How could I have missed this?! NO POMEGRANATE! What? Sure enough the filling is actually actually a little jelly made from fruit juices, corn syrup, and sugar. I feel lied to and I want to march right back to Costco to return it and give them a piece of my mind, but I won't. They really taste great and even though I won't eat any more of them, my family is not so discriminating. I'm just mad because I was going to use that $10 to buy a natural fruit snack and I made a dumb mistake that lots of people make every day. I bought without investigating the claims.
Fortunately I was a little sharper at the Superstore when I was looking for "Organic Dark Cocoa Powder". First I was directed to a can that read "Organic Cocoa" but it didn't say "dark" so I asked for help again. This time I was directed to a can that read "Organic Dark Hot Chocolate" and it sounded right, but I was smart enough this time to turn the cans over and make a direct comparison. Oh, yes, the hot chocolate mix was organic and dark but it was definitely not what I was looking for. I wanted dark cocoa powder and the two products are vastly different in the sugar content department. I ended up leaving both behind. I have non-organic, regular cocoa at home and until I find the real deal--I'll just stick with that.
So, my dear readers, take advantage of my research and blunders because food producers and marketers always have an eye on the latest health trends and will make pleasing products that appear to fit into that category. It is our job to read nutritional labels and make intelligent, informed decisions based on facts--not emotions and great packaging!
I had two challenges at the grocery store yesterday.
First, at Costco I found a new product called "Dark Chocolate Pomegranate". The packaging has beautiful, fresh pomegranate seeds bursting out of their peel and dark chocolate beads. So enticing to the eye and it appears to be a wonderful treat, even for a health conscious person (in moderation of course). I was so caught up in the moment, I forgot to check a couple things on the nutritional label.
When I got home, I opened the package and popped one in my mouth. Mmmm...different than I expected. Sweeter, chewier. I figured it would be a dried pomegranate (the fresh ones would go bad and need to be kept refrigerated) and the treat had a chocolate raisin taste and texture only more sour which actually makes it taste great. I noticied after more careful examination that the dark chocolate percentage wasn't listed anywhere on the package. Strange. It's dark looking, but it doesn't taste dark to me at all.
It was Sheri that made the most startling discovery of all. How could I have missed this?! NO POMEGRANATE! What? Sure enough the filling is actually actually a little jelly made from fruit juices, corn syrup, and sugar. I feel lied to and I want to march right back to Costco to return it and give them a piece of my mind, but I won't. They really taste great and even though I won't eat any more of them, my family is not so discriminating. I'm just mad because I was going to use that $10 to buy a natural fruit snack and I made a dumb mistake that lots of people make every day. I bought without investigating the claims.
Fortunately I was a little sharper at the Superstore when I was looking for "Organic Dark Cocoa Powder". First I was directed to a can that read "Organic Cocoa" but it didn't say "dark" so I asked for help again. This time I was directed to a can that read "Organic Dark Hot Chocolate" and it sounded right, but I was smart enough this time to turn the cans over and make a direct comparison. Oh, yes, the hot chocolate mix was organic and dark but it was definitely not what I was looking for. I wanted dark cocoa powder and the two products are vastly different in the sugar content department. I ended up leaving both behind. I have non-organic, regular cocoa at home and until I find the real deal--I'll just stick with that.
So, my dear readers, take advantage of my research and blunders because food producers and marketers always have an eye on the latest health trends and will make pleasing products that appear to fit into that category. It is our job to read nutritional labels and make intelligent, informed decisions based on facts--not emotions and great packaging!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tim Horton's Temptation
Sheri, our border, has recently found a job at Tim Horton's. She works midnights and is responsible for baking. Tim's has a freshness guarantee so at a certain time every night she is required to throw all the old baked goods away. Sometimes local charities pick them up, but if they don't, Sheri and the other employees get to pick what they want and take it home. My home.
I knew right away that we would have to set some guidelines. Sheri is now my kids new hero and I found the ready supply of pastries not only to be a temptation to me, but counterproductive to my attempts to introduce healthier snack options to my family. They just aren't interested in Lara and Kashi bars, trail mix, fresh or baked fruit when they have the option of icing-topped donuts! Even my dog Milo loves to lick Sheri's uniform pants because they are covered in sugar when she gets home in the morning.
Sheri has agreed to only bring home goodies 2x a week and any more than that, I don't want us to see. She can have her own freezer filled with donuts if she chooses so long as my crew isn't being supplied with them. We try to time one batch for Wednesdays so that we can bring them to church and share the wealth and on the weekend when we may have company visit. They're still getting more treats than I would like but I'm walking a fine line with the health campaign.
Sheri was anxious to find something on the Tim Horton's menu that I would enjoy. I appreciate the wheat bagels and rolls, but was unsure about the bran muffins because they do have sugar in them. I know that they are not low calorie but most nutrient dense foods aren't and weight loss is not my sole objective. I watched my children's looks of disgust when they were offered a bran muffin instead of a chocolate chip muffin or a donut. I realized then that they must qualify as a healthy food! Someone has to eat the bran!
Actually, while contemplating my sugar-free lifestyle goals for this year, I did make an allowance for sugars that help make healthy foods more palatable so long as it doesn't create an addiction or trigger overeating. The berry and raisin bran muffins fall under this category and I figure that having a couple a week will not hurt me.
I'm not so deluded to think that this acceptance of bran muffins will enable me to drive up and actually order one on a regular basis. That would be flirting with certain disaster. Before I know it, I'd be ordering a coffee and switching that muffin to a donut. A girl has to know her limitations.
I found out this morning that Tim Horton's is beginning their "Roll Up the Rim to Win" event beginning March 1st and I almost sighed. That marketing campaign brings back happy memories for me and just the mention of it makes me contemplate my recent choice to give up caffeine. I am feeling pretty good about how far I have come and decide that for this year at least, I will skip the rim rolling and enjoy all the extra spending money I have left at the end of the week!
I knew right away that we would have to set some guidelines. Sheri is now my kids new hero and I found the ready supply of pastries not only to be a temptation to me, but counterproductive to my attempts to introduce healthier snack options to my family. They just aren't interested in Lara and Kashi bars, trail mix, fresh or baked fruit when they have the option of icing-topped donuts! Even my dog Milo loves to lick Sheri's uniform pants because they are covered in sugar when she gets home in the morning.
Sheri has agreed to only bring home goodies 2x a week and any more than that, I don't want us to see. She can have her own freezer filled with donuts if she chooses so long as my crew isn't being supplied with them. We try to time one batch for Wednesdays so that we can bring them to church and share the wealth and on the weekend when we may have company visit. They're still getting more treats than I would like but I'm walking a fine line with the health campaign.
Sheri was anxious to find something on the Tim Horton's menu that I would enjoy. I appreciate the wheat bagels and rolls, but was unsure about the bran muffins because they do have sugar in them. I know that they are not low calorie but most nutrient dense foods aren't and weight loss is not my sole objective. I watched my children's looks of disgust when they were offered a bran muffin instead of a chocolate chip muffin or a donut. I realized then that they must qualify as a healthy food! Someone has to eat the bran!
Actually, while contemplating my sugar-free lifestyle goals for this year, I did make an allowance for sugars that help make healthy foods more palatable so long as it doesn't create an addiction or trigger overeating. The berry and raisin bran muffins fall under this category and I figure that having a couple a week will not hurt me.
I'm not so deluded to think that this acceptance of bran muffins will enable me to drive up and actually order one on a regular basis. That would be flirting with certain disaster. Before I know it, I'd be ordering a coffee and switching that muffin to a donut. A girl has to know her limitations.
I found out this morning that Tim Horton's is beginning their "Roll Up the Rim to Win" event beginning March 1st and I almost sighed. That marketing campaign brings back happy memories for me and just the mention of it makes me contemplate my recent choice to give up caffeine. I am feeling pretty good about how far I have come and decide that for this year at least, I will skip the rim rolling and enjoy all the extra spending money I have left at the end of the week!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Water, Water, Water!
The first pillar of health according to Dr. Don Colburt is water. Isn't this a recurring theme in every weight-loss, health and beauty regimen? I hear it, I agree with it, but dog-gone, why is it so hard to implement?
I have bought or at least considered every conceivable size, shape and material of water bottle on the market. Too tall, too fat, too heavy, it leaks, it breaks, it melts, it won't open or close and/or the water gets a funny taste. Every bottle is analysed for suitability and found wanting. I had a client who would check the calibration of every water bottle she bought to make sure that it actually held the amount of water it claimed to hold. I never did that but I have been known to calibrate one myself (rubbed off after a few washes).
As for measuring my intake through the day, I've tried using elastic bands and check boxes to keep track, but it seems that as soon as I stop focusing 100% on chugging back that water, I revert to other beverages or stop hydrating altogether. What's up with that?
I like water (some people claim they don't) but I find that it gives me the chills when drinking it ice cold and the frequent bathroom visits are annoying. I've become accustomed now to room temperature water and I try to drink smart--that is, in anticipation of being able to use the facilities!
I am usually a little thirsty when I first wake up, when I workout, and in the evening after supper. Got to watch that I don't save it all to the end of the day or it will be a long night of bathroom visits!
Shawn and I have been drinking filtered tap water for years but after viewing the 7 pillars DVD we debated on whether to upgrade to a better system. In the meantime, I decided to focus on following Don Colburt's water consumption recommendations: Half your body weight (lbs) in water (oz). For me that's roughly 62.5 oz a day. I average 32 oz.
Currently my favorite water container is a washed-out Fruitopia glass bottle with a metal screwtop lid. Many health professionals recommend drinking out of glass or stainless steel instead of plastic and I like the taste better too. The Fruitopia bottles fit into standard cup holders which makes them easier to carry with me through the day. The downside, don't drop it or it will break and make a big mess!
How do I get the empty bottles? Good question. Currently, the only place I have found them is at Shopper's Drug Mart in the refrgerator case. Shawn is not as conscientous about sugar consuption as I am so he graciously drinks the juice and gives me the bottles. If he wasn't so inclined, I would just pour out the juice and keep the glass-still a bargain as far as water bottles go because they last a long time and usually only have to be replaced because I lose them.
So this year even if I don't achieve any other health habits beyond what I have accomplished so far, but only get this water habit to the point where I am doing it without thinking, 2010 will be a smashing success.
I have bought or at least considered every conceivable size, shape and material of water bottle on the market. Too tall, too fat, too heavy, it leaks, it breaks, it melts, it won't open or close and/or the water gets a funny taste. Every bottle is analysed for suitability and found wanting. I had a client who would check the calibration of every water bottle she bought to make sure that it actually held the amount of water it claimed to hold. I never did that but I have been known to calibrate one myself (rubbed off after a few washes).
As for measuring my intake through the day, I've tried using elastic bands and check boxes to keep track, but it seems that as soon as I stop focusing 100% on chugging back that water, I revert to other beverages or stop hydrating altogether. What's up with that?
I like water (some people claim they don't) but I find that it gives me the chills when drinking it ice cold and the frequent bathroom visits are annoying. I've become accustomed now to room temperature water and I try to drink smart--that is, in anticipation of being able to use the facilities!
I am usually a little thirsty when I first wake up, when I workout, and in the evening after supper. Got to watch that I don't save it all to the end of the day or it will be a long night of bathroom visits!
Shawn and I have been drinking filtered tap water for years but after viewing the 7 pillars DVD we debated on whether to upgrade to a better system. In the meantime, I decided to focus on following Don Colburt's water consumption recommendations: Half your body weight (lbs) in water (oz). For me that's roughly 62.5 oz a day. I average 32 oz.
Currently my favorite water container is a washed-out Fruitopia glass bottle with a metal screwtop lid. Many health professionals recommend drinking out of glass or stainless steel instead of plastic and I like the taste better too. The Fruitopia bottles fit into standard cup holders which makes them easier to carry with me through the day. The downside, don't drop it or it will break and make a big mess!
How do I get the empty bottles? Good question. Currently, the only place I have found them is at Shopper's Drug Mart in the refrgerator case. Shawn is not as conscientous about sugar consuption as I am so he graciously drinks the juice and gives me the bottles. If he wasn't so inclined, I would just pour out the juice and keep the glass-still a bargain as far as water bottles go because they last a long time and usually only have to be replaced because I lose them.
So this year even if I don't achieve any other health habits beyond what I have accomplished so far, but only get this water habit to the point where I am doing it without thinking, 2010 will be a smashing success.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Cookies
The past couple days my sleep has been exeptionally sweet. This is good for me but has wreaked havok on my hopes to resume early morning workouts. As I mentioned in "Today Takes the Cake" my evening capacity for workouts is limited. That day I got 14 minutes. Yesterday was much better.
When we first got home from work my husband was in a "Let's do something fun" mood that I don't like to squelch. I needed to get a workout in but when he mentioned a movie, I figured I could do this on my exercise bike which is stationed in our TV room. There is a local production of "My Fair Lady" being advertised and this reminded me of my responsibility to culture my family and suggested renting this classic. Ever challenged to find suitable movies for the family, we tried to find it. Calls to Blockbuster and Rogers revealed that it isn't available. Not on Youtube either. We ended up at our local library but it was out so we put a hold on it.
We left the library with reading material and now the family concensus was to spend the evening reading instead. I still needed to exercise so I went downstairs and put on the P90X Plyometrics DVD workout. It was a lot of jumping and it didn't take long for my right knee to begin twinging. I didn't want to give up so I pulled out my mini-trampoline and did the rest of the workout on the soft surface it provided. By the end of the 58 minutes I was sweaty and my legs were trembling. Great workout!
I'm happy to report that I haven't had any further cake episodes. The eating is back where it should be. Tonight I made a recipe from my Biggest Loser Cookbook called "Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Cookies". I've had enough experience with healthy recipes to know that I shouldn't expect it to taste like the buttery, sugary versions that I am used to. These "cookies" don't look like much but I had one after dinner and it was a pleasant treat. My family was unconvinced, went in search of the Oreo cookies left over from the cake making, and had a milk & cookie fest. I left the room and stayed out!
Now, I'm going to get on that stationary bike...
When we first got home from work my husband was in a "Let's do something fun" mood that I don't like to squelch. I needed to get a workout in but when he mentioned a movie, I figured I could do this on my exercise bike which is stationed in our TV room. There is a local production of "My Fair Lady" being advertised and this reminded me of my responsibility to culture my family and suggested renting this classic. Ever challenged to find suitable movies for the family, we tried to find it. Calls to Blockbuster and Rogers revealed that it isn't available. Not on Youtube either. We ended up at our local library but it was out so we put a hold on it.
We left the library with reading material and now the family concensus was to spend the evening reading instead. I still needed to exercise so I went downstairs and put on the P90X Plyometrics DVD workout. It was a lot of jumping and it didn't take long for my right knee to begin twinging. I didn't want to give up so I pulled out my mini-trampoline and did the rest of the workout on the soft surface it provided. By the end of the 58 minutes I was sweaty and my legs were trembling. Great workout!
I'm happy to report that I haven't had any further cake episodes. The eating is back where it should be. Tonight I made a recipe from my Biggest Loser Cookbook called "Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Cookies". I've had enough experience with healthy recipes to know that I shouldn't expect it to taste like the buttery, sugary versions that I am used to. These "cookies" don't look like much but I had one after dinner and it was a pleasant treat. My family was unconvinced, went in search of the Oreo cookies left over from the cake making, and had a milk & cookie fest. I left the room and stayed out!
Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Cookies
24 pitted dates
2/3 cup old fashioned oats
2 Tbs natural peanut butter
Place dates in a food processor and process until very finely chopped and stick together. Transfer to a small mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and stir (or use hands if preferred) until well mixed. Using a small scoop or spoon to portion, shape each scoop into a ball, then squish flat either between you palms or wax paper. Repeat until all the "dough" is gone. Serve immediately or stack between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight plastic container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Should make 8 cookies. Enjoy!
Now, I'm going to get on that stationary bike...
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
7 Pillars of Health
As I mentioned in "New Year's Resolve" I have taken up studying a book by Dr. Don Colbert called "The 7 Pillars of Health". When I purchased the kit I realized that it is meant for a leading a group. It includes the hard cover "textbook", 7 DVD sessions, enough daily workbooks for 6 people and a leaders guide. I didn't intend to lead a group and figured that when I was done with the materials, I would donate them to our church library. I didn't want to be anyone's role model or leader. This study was about me learning and receiving with an open heart. I was interested in gathering once weekly in a casual setting to watch the DVD's with any interested friends or family, but no one was committed enough to set a time. In the end I drafted my family as co-DVD watchers and to some extent, they co-operated.
It wasn't long before I realized that they must have placed coping with stress at the end because all the information and life changes create STRESS! This is anticipated and it is recommended in the book that you don't try to read through the materials at a fast pace. The readings and workbook questions are formatted to be done daily over 50 days and by taking in the instruction at this pace, it is more manageable to assimilate. Even following these recommendations I know that it would be beneficial to repeat the entire series over again because there is more data than one person can learn and practise at one time. I may be holding on to this set longer than anticipated.
My first impressions of the DVD sessions were that they were kind of hokey. Maybe this is why it was on sale in the first place. The series has good content but it needs updating. I bet another new & improved series will be on the way.
I also experienced anxiety after each viewing because they introduced information about toxins, micro-organisms and other topics that made me afraid to eat, breath, touch or do anything. I've had this paralysis reaction before when attempting to make changes and find it's counterproductive to dwell on every possibility. I understand that there are many things that hinder us from complete health and sometimes we need a little motivation but for my personality, it can be very overwelming in terms of achieving perfection.
I don't want to turn into a health fanatic. I don't even want to follow all the advise that is given. Who wants to be in exemplatory health if it becomes a sterile prison that you live in all by yourself? No, I don't just do things without considering other important factors like: God's will, budget, family, time, and other priorities. I decided that I'm going to sift through the information and pick out what I can change and let the other recommendations go unless I become motivated later to make more adjustments.
I'm in the final week now and will be sharing what I have learned from each pillar in upcoming blogs. I really enjoyed the journey and think that this material helped keep me focused on my goals along the way. Remember, it's not about perfection all at once, but slow, permanent changes towards a better life.
The 7 Pillars are as follows:
Water
Sleep & Rest
Living Food
Exercise
Detoxificaton
Nutrutional Supplements
Coping with Stress
It wasn't long before I realized that they must have placed coping with stress at the end because all the information and life changes create STRESS! This is anticipated and it is recommended in the book that you don't try to read through the materials at a fast pace. The readings and workbook questions are formatted to be done daily over 50 days and by taking in the instruction at this pace, it is more manageable to assimilate. Even following these recommendations I know that it would be beneficial to repeat the entire series over again because there is more data than one person can learn and practise at one time. I may be holding on to this set longer than anticipated.
My first impressions of the DVD sessions were that they were kind of hokey. Maybe this is why it was on sale in the first place. The series has good content but it needs updating. I bet another new & improved series will be on the way.
I also experienced anxiety after each viewing because they introduced information about toxins, micro-organisms and other topics that made me afraid to eat, breath, touch or do anything. I've had this paralysis reaction before when attempting to make changes and find it's counterproductive to dwell on every possibility. I understand that there are many things that hinder us from complete health and sometimes we need a little motivation but for my personality, it can be very overwelming in terms of achieving perfection.
I don't want to turn into a health fanatic. I don't even want to follow all the advise that is given. Who wants to be in exemplatory health if it becomes a sterile prison that you live in all by yourself? No, I don't just do things without considering other important factors like: God's will, budget, family, time, and other priorities. I decided that I'm going to sift through the information and pick out what I can change and let the other recommendations go unless I become motivated later to make more adjustments.
I'm in the final week now and will be sharing what I have learned from each pillar in upcoming blogs. I really enjoyed the journey and think that this material helped keep me focused on my goals along the way. Remember, it's not about perfection all at once, but slow, permanent changes towards a better life.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Today Takes the Cake
Okay, I've got to be honest with you. I ate cake just 5-10 minutes ago. With my fingers. Off my daughter's plate. Sad.
I debated sharing this since it was such a small indescretion but in order for this blog to truely reflect my experience this year--it has to have the good...and the not so good.
It didn't just happen. Today was one of those days that every woman experiences and try as I might to handle it all with inner composure and grace, well...licking cake off my fingers just proves I don't have the control that I wish I had.
It started before dawn when my body did not wake me in the early morning hours as it did last week and even through the weekend. No, today I slept blissfully until my alarm went off. That meant no workout. Still, I was grateful for the extended sleep and figured that I'd fit the exercise in tonight instead.
Then there was the snow. Need I say more? No buses running in the county which meant I had two choices: Stay home with my children or drive them in and go to work. I opted to go in a little late because it's a busy season and my laptop wasn't at home with me.
Got the kids off to school and hit the office rested and ready to tackle my job. Then the bomb hit. My co-worker shared that she had made a little mistake that would mean we needed to re-issue the 700 or so tax receipts that I had spent almost a week mailing out at the beginning of the month. She felt bad and hey, I've made a few mistakes of my own so I reassure her that's it okay and somehow we'll get the new ones out by the end of the week. Inside, I feel like someone just held my head under water after hours of treading just to keep above the surface. Going under...
The day slipped by as I tried desperately to field off the emails, calls, walk-in requests and sort the mail. I left the room for a few minutes and when I got back I noticed that my kid's school had called twice. What time was it? Oh shoot, it's almost 3pm and the school buses aren't running--I'm late. I shove my laptop in my case and any work I think I can handle at home. That's another thing I'm going to add to my evening to-do list a couple hours of work to make up for lost time.
Within a few minutes I'm on the road and I get another call from my daughter saying that a trusted friend is going to drive them home. We'll meet there. Whew! I relaxed. Maybe it was going to be alright after all.
The last thing I want to do when I get home is face the kitchen but I crank up the music and start working right away.
Did I mention my son's birthday is tomorrow but we're supposed to celebrate it as a family today because Grandpa & Grandma are going to take him out for supper on his special day. He's turning 13 and it's not his year to have a friend party, but he's okay because I'm going to make him a cake just the way he wants it. Chocolate with Oreo cookies, hold the icing.
I mix up the cake along with the Trojan turkey meatloaf that I was preparing. I then whipped up the eggs & milk, setting aside the wheat bread for the french toast that I was going to fry up last minute. My son, Trysten, loves french toast and I wanted to surprise him.
With everything in various stages of preparation I glance at the clock and realize that if I'm going to fit in some exercise, now is the time. I lace up the running shoes and turn on the news to log a total of 14 minutes on the elliptical before I jump off, dust the cake with icing sugar and run out the door to pick Shawn up from the bus stop.
Dinner is a flurry of excitement as I simultaneously fry french toast and pipe minimal dabs of white icing to Oreo cookies in order to afix them securely to the cake. The french toast is a hit and I pay tribute by eating one slice (wheat bread, egg & a bit of butter-no harm) without syrup and a serving of my turkey meatloaf creation (yum). I realize I completely forgot a veggie but shrug it off. I had plenty of veggies earlier in the day.
We do the whole birthday cake thing with Shawn & Paris piping extra icing on their portions while Trysten asks if I want a piece.
I debated sharing this since it was such a small indescretion but in order for this blog to truely reflect my experience this year--it has to have the good...and the not so good.
It didn't just happen. Today was one of those days that every woman experiences and try as I might to handle it all with inner composure and grace, well...licking cake off my fingers just proves I don't have the control that I wish I had.
It started before dawn when my body did not wake me in the early morning hours as it did last week and even through the weekend. No, today I slept blissfully until my alarm went off. That meant no workout. Still, I was grateful for the extended sleep and figured that I'd fit the exercise in tonight instead.
Then there was the snow. Need I say more? No buses running in the county which meant I had two choices: Stay home with my children or drive them in and go to work. I opted to go in a little late because it's a busy season and my laptop wasn't at home with me.
Got the kids off to school and hit the office rested and ready to tackle my job. Then the bomb hit. My co-worker shared that she had made a little mistake that would mean we needed to re-issue the 700 or so tax receipts that I had spent almost a week mailing out at the beginning of the month. She felt bad and hey, I've made a few mistakes of my own so I reassure her that's it okay and somehow we'll get the new ones out by the end of the week. Inside, I feel like someone just held my head under water after hours of treading just to keep above the surface. Going under...
The day slipped by as I tried desperately to field off the emails, calls, walk-in requests and sort the mail. I left the room for a few minutes and when I got back I noticed that my kid's school had called twice. What time was it? Oh shoot, it's almost 3pm and the school buses aren't running--I'm late. I shove my laptop in my case and any work I think I can handle at home. That's another thing I'm going to add to my evening to-do list a couple hours of work to make up for lost time.
Within a few minutes I'm on the road and I get another call from my daughter saying that a trusted friend is going to drive them home. We'll meet there. Whew! I relaxed. Maybe it was going to be alright after all.
The last thing I want to do when I get home is face the kitchen but I crank up the music and start working right away.
Did I mention my son's birthday is tomorrow but we're supposed to celebrate it as a family today because Grandpa & Grandma are going to take him out for supper on his special day. He's turning 13 and it's not his year to have a friend party, but he's okay because I'm going to make him a cake just the way he wants it. Chocolate with Oreo cookies, hold the icing.
I mix up the cake along with the Trojan turkey meatloaf that I was preparing. I then whipped up the eggs & milk, setting aside the wheat bread for the french toast that I was going to fry up last minute. My son, Trysten, loves french toast and I wanted to surprise him.
With everything in various stages of preparation I glance at the clock and realize that if I'm going to fit in some exercise, now is the time. I lace up the running shoes and turn on the news to log a total of 14 minutes on the elliptical before I jump off, dust the cake with icing sugar and run out the door to pick Shawn up from the bus stop.
Dinner is a flurry of excitement as I simultaneously fry french toast and pipe minimal dabs of white icing to Oreo cookies in order to afix them securely to the cake. The french toast is a hit and I pay tribute by eating one slice (wheat bread, egg & a bit of butter-no harm) without syrup and a serving of my turkey meatloaf creation (yum). I realize I completely forgot a veggie but shrug it off. I had plenty of veggies earlier in the day.
We do the whole birthday cake thing with Shawn & Paris piping extra icing on their portions while Trysten asks if I want a piece.
"Not this year, Trysten," I say with a big smile and more certainty than I feel. "Maybe I'll have a piece next year when you turn 14."Trysten looks troubled by this and I wonder if he is going to be unduly upset by my rejection of his cake.
"But mom," he says, "Won't it be bad by then?"We all laugh. I was doing fine. Chocolate cake with white icing is my favorite cake combination and as I'm mentally going through all my options I realize that nothing is going to replace the cake. I leave the table and the room and figured I'd pretty much made it through. That is, until my son asked me to help him pack the cake in the fridge. He was having trouble with it so I came along and helped put it away. I was touching the cake as I lifted it & placed it in containers. I popped a couple crumbs in my mouth. Umm...good...very moist...I pop a couple more. Then I see the cake on Paris' plate that she hadn't finished. There's white icing with it and before I know it I am using my fingers (later I did pick up a fork) and scooping the cake into my mouth. Funny thing is, my kids didn't say a word. I don't even think they noticed. It was all over in about 20 seconds. It wasn't much (maybe a 1/4 of a serving) and I did stop, but really I shouldn't have started at all. Refusing to feel guilty because that emotion is counterproductive, but well--I thought I'd better own up to my behaviour. I ate processed sugar in 2010. Not a perfect score, but that won't stop me from dusting myself off and proceeding on. What could I do better next time? I should have asked my husband to handle the cake. Hopefully, I will look back and this event will be only a tiny smudge on a very successful year!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
New Year's Resolve
I've long quit expecting an almost magical transformation of my habits and behaviours via the traditional New Year Resolution so the fact that this year's focus began in sequence with the annual season of good intentions was purely coincidental to me. I honestly didn't see it coming. Here is how I was innocently lured into my new lifestyle choices:
In the midst of our Ciaramitaro celebration my sisters and I had gathered around a table chatting happily about all the topics women revel in. I mentioned some of this briefly in "The Big C-Part II".
As the New Year approached, I conciously decreased my intake of sugar and other junk foods. If I entered such a pure diet after this indulgent phase of feasting, there would be undue suffering. Mentally, I prepared myself and began going through the cupboards to take stock of what we had and what would be needed.
Jaime contacted us by Facebook to let us know that we were challenged to eat fruit/veggies/nuts only for 3 days (although some aimed for a full week). We used Facebook to chat back and forth about our efforts, challenges and success/failure. I found this group participation to be very motivating and helpful.
I started my adventure at Silverstein's and have been visiting there consistantly since. My favorite time to go is 3pm-3:30pm on Saturdays because one of the elderly, Italian employees goes around offering excess produce for very discounted prices. I am able to get more than enough produce to feed me and my family for $10-15/wk. Lettuce, mushrooms, peppers, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, apples, bananas, brussel sprouts, broccoli, green beans, pineapple, squash, zucchini...the list goes on.
I found it helpful to make a huge pot of vegetable soup which I portioned into individual and family portions for freezing. This soup is great as it is for such diet or cleansing events but also makes a great base to which leftover meat, assorted grains and vegetables at any time.
I expected to be uncomfortable as the excess sugars/carbohydrates were drained from my system but I was rather shocked when the symptoms were even worse than when I had quit coffee. I mean, the coffee quitting a couple months earlier should have made this transition easier but it didn't. I had a headache for days! It was during this time that I decided that I didn't want to go back. Caffeine and sugar were horrible, nasty, addictive substances that promise pleasure but their true nature is revealed when you don't have them. Pain, nausia, fatigue, cravings, irritation. Agh. No more!
I also had my eye on a kit that our church bookstore was selling. I had wanted to purchase it for months but had deliberately refrained from doing so because of my "quit quitting" initiative. I have bought many diet related books & kits over the years and didn't need another one to add to my collection. However, I noticed that it was being cleared out at a more than reasonable price so I thought this material might be just what I need to guide me on the new road I was taking towards health-motivated change.
After three days of only fruits/veggies and nuts I decided to reintroduce the other food groups day by day starting with protein. I was amazed during this period at how many things you could eat from each food group without having sugar. My favorites were baked sweet potatoes and pears. Who needs processed sugars?
I was a little gun-shy about proclaiming my new lifestyle to my family and friends because, well, I didn't want to fall on my face later. I wanted to make a timed committment to not having processed sugar--long enough to be a fair trial in order to see some results in my health but short enough that my mind & body wouldn't collapse in self-pity and deprivation. If I had a craving for cheesecake or donuts, it felt more reasonable to say, "Not this year" rather than "Never again in my life". Does that make sense to anyone other than me? I tried it a few times when I was tempted and it worked. After a week or two I felt comfortable with a year-long committment.
So, my dear friends, that is how "Healthy Choices in 2010" began and it has been quite a learning experience over the past 6 weeks. I'm almost finished studying my health materials and look forward to sharing some of the things I've learned with you. Not all needed changes have been made yet but then, I've got all year!
In the midst of our Ciaramitaro celebration my sisters and I had gathered around a table chatting happily about all the topics women revel in. I mentioned some of this briefly in "The Big C-Part II".
"Hey, does anyone want to do a cleanse in the New Year?"We were all surprised to hear Jaime, my youngest sister, initate this statement. This is not a typical interest of hers and she usually declines our soliciations to join us in our various diet or exercise attempts.
"Sure," we all say cautiously, "What would that involve?"Jaime indicated that it would probably be a fruit/veggie cleanse but would let us know closer to the end of the holidays. We resumed our snacking and other festivities but the seed of change had been sown.
As the New Year approached, I conciously decreased my intake of sugar and other junk foods. If I entered such a pure diet after this indulgent phase of feasting, there would be undue suffering. Mentally, I prepared myself and began going through the cupboards to take stock of what we had and what would be needed.
Jaime contacted us by Facebook to let us know that we were challenged to eat fruit/veggies/nuts only for 3 days (although some aimed for a full week). We used Facebook to chat back and forth about our efforts, challenges and success/failure. I found this group participation to be very motivating and helpful.
I started my adventure at Silverstein's and have been visiting there consistantly since. My favorite time to go is 3pm-3:30pm on Saturdays because one of the elderly, Italian employees goes around offering excess produce for very discounted prices. I am able to get more than enough produce to feed me and my family for $10-15/wk. Lettuce, mushrooms, peppers, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, apples, bananas, brussel sprouts, broccoli, green beans, pineapple, squash, zucchini...the list goes on.
I found it helpful to make a huge pot of vegetable soup which I portioned into individual and family portions for freezing. This soup is great as it is for such diet or cleansing events but also makes a great base to which leftover meat, assorted grains and vegetables at any time.
I expected to be uncomfortable as the excess sugars/carbohydrates were drained from my system but I was rather shocked when the symptoms were even worse than when I had quit coffee. I mean, the coffee quitting a couple months earlier should have made this transition easier but it didn't. I had a headache for days! It was during this time that I decided that I didn't want to go back. Caffeine and sugar were horrible, nasty, addictive substances that promise pleasure but their true nature is revealed when you don't have them. Pain, nausia, fatigue, cravings, irritation. Agh. No more!
I also had my eye on a kit that our church bookstore was selling. I had wanted to purchase it for months but had deliberately refrained from doing so because of my "quit quitting" initiative. I have bought many diet related books & kits over the years and didn't need another one to add to my collection. However, I noticed that it was being cleared out at a more than reasonable price so I thought this material might be just what I need to guide me on the new road I was taking towards health-motivated change.
After three days of only fruits/veggies and nuts I decided to reintroduce the other food groups day by day starting with protein. I was amazed during this period at how many things you could eat from each food group without having sugar. My favorites were baked sweet potatoes and pears. Who needs processed sugars?
I was a little gun-shy about proclaiming my new lifestyle to my family and friends because, well, I didn't want to fall on my face later. I wanted to make a timed committment to not having processed sugar--long enough to be a fair trial in order to see some results in my health but short enough that my mind & body wouldn't collapse in self-pity and deprivation. If I had a craving for cheesecake or donuts, it felt more reasonable to say, "Not this year" rather than "Never again in my life". Does that make sense to anyone other than me? I tried it a few times when I was tempted and it worked. After a week or two I felt comfortable with a year-long committment.
So, my dear friends, that is how "Healthy Choices in 2010" began and it has been quite a learning experience over the past 6 weeks. I'm almost finished studying my health materials and look forward to sharing some of the things I've learned with you. Not all needed changes have been made yet but then, I've got all year!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
On a Roll!
After my "One Good Day" I was curious to see where this new strategy would progress. I set my alarm for 5:10am just in case my natural alarm clock fails and we usually retire for the night around 9:30pm. The priority is the quiet time and now I always do that that first no matter how early I get up because once my heart rate is pulsing, sweat is dripping and I've showered, it's hard to slow down and "be still".
So my "One Good Day" turned into two! This time however, my body's wake up call was at 3:30am. I used the bathroom and thought, "No way, this is too early, I'm going back to bed." I laid down, but within minutes realized that no, I was definitely awake and I could choose to stay in bed but I might as well begin my day. Is this a sign of my age? I definitely recall my mother experiencing this phenomenon!
I made some naturally and lightly sweetened hot cocoa, lit a fire in the fireplace and enjoyed the quiet solitude that can only be found in those early morning hours.
I think I shocked my friend Jenn when I met her at the door ready for exercise. My girlfriends have been doing the "Insanity" workout series and I was a little nervous about jumping in after a prolonged period of little to no exercise.
The workout series lives up to it's name, but fortunately my fitness experience has taught me how to modify exercises and I'm not too proud to go at my own pace. It felt good to work out early with a friend and I realized then, how much of a sacrifice it had been. I hope that this new arrangement works out long-term.
I definitely had a jump on my day but noticed a significant increase in my appetite. Here is what I had to eat progressively in the morning before noon:
Finally, I began to feel sated in the food department but then the early rising hour caught up to me and I started having difficulty focusing on my work due to fatigue. I just wanted to go home and go to bed!
I barely lasted until it was time to leave and every cell in my body said "Eat out, go to bed", but with Shawn's help, we made a full supper of BBQ steak, potatoes, corn and freshly steamed asparagus at home. It was delicious and definitley put an end to the munchies I was experiencing. I enjoy my protein.
Still tired, I debated whether I should just go to bed for the night even though it was still early. I decided to do my blog first and see if my supper gave me a second wind. It did.
So, I guess we're going to have to wait and see if these good days continue. The important thing is to establish priorities, listen to the body, seize the opportunities when they come and hang on for the ride.
So my "One Good Day" turned into two! This time however, my body's wake up call was at 3:30am. I used the bathroom and thought, "No way, this is too early, I'm going back to bed." I laid down, but within minutes realized that no, I was definitely awake and I could choose to stay in bed but I might as well begin my day. Is this a sign of my age? I definitely recall my mother experiencing this phenomenon!
I made some naturally and lightly sweetened hot cocoa, lit a fire in the fireplace and enjoyed the quiet solitude that can only be found in those early morning hours.
I think I shocked my friend Jenn when I met her at the door ready for exercise. My girlfriends have been doing the "Insanity" workout series and I was a little nervous about jumping in after a prolonged period of little to no exercise.
The workout series lives up to it's name, but fortunately my fitness experience has taught me how to modify exercises and I'm not too proud to go at my own pace. It felt good to work out early with a friend and I realized then, how much of a sacrifice it had been. I hope that this new arrangement works out long-term.
I definitely had a jump on my day but noticed a significant increase in my appetite. Here is what I had to eat progressively in the morning before noon:
8oz hot cocoaStephanie, my co-worker, made a terrific green salad and offered me some which I accepted gratefully. I baked an apple for an early afternoon snack but by 1:30pm, I was ravenous again. I followed the routine I wrote about in "Hungry at Work" and this time I found a container of mixed nuts in my dad's office. BINGO! Just what I needed. Thanks Dad!
1 Wheat bagel, toasted w/cream cheese, cucumber, tomato and Spike seasoning. Yumm!
Carrot/apple juice
Kashi Bar (Almond something)
Vegetarian Lasagna
Finally, I began to feel sated in the food department but then the early rising hour caught up to me and I started having difficulty focusing on my work due to fatigue. I just wanted to go home and go to bed!
I barely lasted until it was time to leave and every cell in my body said "Eat out, go to bed", but with Shawn's help, we made a full supper of BBQ steak, potatoes, corn and freshly steamed asparagus at home. It was delicious and definitley put an end to the munchies I was experiencing. I enjoy my protein.
Still tired, I debated whether I should just go to bed for the night even though it was still early. I decided to do my blog first and see if my supper gave me a second wind. It did.
So, I guess we're going to have to wait and see if these good days continue. The important thing is to establish priorities, listen to the body, seize the opportunities when they come and hang on for the ride.
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Big "C" (Part Two)
I can't even remember how many times I have quit drinking caffeine over the past years. Shawn would wisely preface his coffee-making routine with "Are you drinking coffee today?". Smarty pants. I have endured more caffeine withdrawal symptoms than a sane person would self-inflict.
Believe it or not, the headaches are not what brings me back. Often, I would return to my caffeine habit after several months of being "clean" when headaches were nothing but a distant memory. What I couldn't handle was my lack of "pep" and long term I had trouble adjusting my expectations of what I can accomplish daily without artificial energy. I also found myself justifying my relapses with the "Everybody's doing it so why can't I?"
I finally decided the last time I resumed my daily coffee & diet soda routine that I would quit quitting. In my marketing class I had learned that consumers often make purchases based on their conception of their "ideal" self and then get dinged again when they make other purchases based on their "real" self. This is demonstrated by the individual who idealizes being fit and thus purchases an expensive piece of fitness equipment only to let it collect dust while they head off to McDonald's. In my case, I decided, I was idealizing being healthy but it was simply not who I was. Other than being a dedicated exerciser and a fairly proficient dieter, I liked pleasure foods and was not likely to change my mind about that.
When I heard that nagging voice (the ideal self, the Holy Spirit, or both) inside me, I would argue silently that everyone had some bad habits and this one was mine. Why try to be perfect anyways? I figured that maybe my discontent at not being perfect was really the problem. I just need to accept that there's a vice that I can't shake and I need to let go of that expectation. Darn it, why can't I just enjoy life? So I reasoned and it almost worked.
It worked until in a Facebook conversation I suggested that someone get some coffee and they replied back, "No thanks, only water for me!" That irritated me. Goodie two shoes. Nothing is more irritating than someone who is succeeding and happy doing exactly what you have failed at again and again! Then a close friend of mine had to give up caffeine because it interacted with the medication she was taking. On the willpower scale, I had judged myself superior (sorry, friend) and here she was doing what I could not. All the caffeine-free people in the world were getting on my nerves!
I also had some menopause symptoms this past summer and when I read about what you can do to minimize them, "No caffeine" was top of the list. Could caffeine really be triggering the menopause-induced anxiety that beginning to bubble out of control? How random was that? It was like a pebble in my shoe and I was getting a blister!
So, with the knowledge that it is achievable and a new motivation (sleep unhindered by dreams of sudden death, loss, and other traumatic experiences) I decided to quit one last time. That was October 17th, 2009. I've been completely caffeine-free now for 4 months!
The headaches were horrible and I remember commenting on Day 3 how much in pain I was. A friend gave me some nutritional products (Isogenix) that significantly eased my suffering and taking them gave me a new focus for those first few weeks.
I quickly discovered that as humans we have a tendancy to replace our old habits with new ones. I might even go on to reason that "For every healthy action there is an equally unhealthy reaction" just waiting to surface. In my case, I noticed a significant rise in my sugar intake. It was as though my body said, "Hey, fine, you don't want to get your energy from caffeine? That's cool. Just give me sugar instead, I can work with that."
I was lamenting about this on Christmas Day, sitting around the table with my sisters, eating and drinking whatever I wanted (except coffee & diet pop). I joked that I was thinking about giving up sugar in the New Year but I was afraid of the new unhealthy substitute that I might turn to instead...say like...smoking or something! We had a good laugh, but I was seriously concerned. I didn't realize that this very conversation was going to set the stage for many more healthy changes that would define 2010 for me.
Believe it or not, the headaches are not what brings me back. Often, I would return to my caffeine habit after several months of being "clean" when headaches were nothing but a distant memory. What I couldn't handle was my lack of "pep" and long term I had trouble adjusting my expectations of what I can accomplish daily without artificial energy. I also found myself justifying my relapses with the "Everybody's doing it so why can't I?"
I finally decided the last time I resumed my daily coffee & diet soda routine that I would quit quitting. In my marketing class I had learned that consumers often make purchases based on their conception of their "ideal" self and then get dinged again when they make other purchases based on their "real" self. This is demonstrated by the individual who idealizes being fit and thus purchases an expensive piece of fitness equipment only to let it collect dust while they head off to McDonald's. In my case, I decided, I was idealizing being healthy but it was simply not who I was. Other than being a dedicated exerciser and a fairly proficient dieter, I liked pleasure foods and was not likely to change my mind about that.
When I heard that nagging voice (the ideal self, the Holy Spirit, or both) inside me, I would argue silently that everyone had some bad habits and this one was mine. Why try to be perfect anyways? I figured that maybe my discontent at not being perfect was really the problem. I just need to accept that there's a vice that I can't shake and I need to let go of that expectation. Darn it, why can't I just enjoy life? So I reasoned and it almost worked.
It worked until in a Facebook conversation I suggested that someone get some coffee and they replied back, "No thanks, only water for me!" That irritated me. Goodie two shoes. Nothing is more irritating than someone who is succeeding and happy doing exactly what you have failed at again and again! Then a close friend of mine had to give up caffeine because it interacted with the medication she was taking. On the willpower scale, I had judged myself superior (sorry, friend) and here she was doing what I could not. All the caffeine-free people in the world were getting on my nerves!
I also had some menopause symptoms this past summer and when I read about what you can do to minimize them, "No caffeine" was top of the list. Could caffeine really be triggering the menopause-induced anxiety that beginning to bubble out of control? How random was that? It was like a pebble in my shoe and I was getting a blister!
So, with the knowledge that it is achievable and a new motivation (sleep unhindered by dreams of sudden death, loss, and other traumatic experiences) I decided to quit one last time. That was October 17th, 2009. I've been completely caffeine-free now for 4 months!
The headaches were horrible and I remember commenting on Day 3 how much in pain I was. A friend gave me some nutritional products (Isogenix) that significantly eased my suffering and taking them gave me a new focus for those first few weeks.
I quickly discovered that as humans we have a tendancy to replace our old habits with new ones. I might even go on to reason that "For every healthy action there is an equally unhealthy reaction" just waiting to surface. In my case, I noticed a significant rise in my sugar intake. It was as though my body said, "Hey, fine, you don't want to get your energy from caffeine? That's cool. Just give me sugar instead, I can work with that."
I was lamenting about this on Christmas Day, sitting around the table with my sisters, eating and drinking whatever I wanted (except coffee & diet pop). I joked that I was thinking about giving up sugar in the New Year but I was afraid of the new unhealthy substitute that I might turn to instead...say like...smoking or something! We had a good laugh, but I was seriously concerned. I didn't realize that this very conversation was going to set the stage for many more healthy changes that would define 2010 for me.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
One Good Day
I am supremely proud of a decision that I made this morning. A decision that I have contemplated for several weeks now and could not follow through on. I don't know about tomorrow and the day after, but today, I succeeded.
Up until this past December I was faithful to get up early and workout with my girlfriends every weekday morning. We did this consistantly for almost a year. Oh, sure, I had my mornings where I slept in and my peeps did the workout without me but for the most part, I was there.
Just before Christmas, however, my dad was preaching up a storm about the things we put before God and I felt convicted. My morning quiet time had slowly disappeared from my schedule and try as I might to find another time slot to set apart on a regular basis, I found myself ending each day realizing that I hadn't visited with God much at all. Subtly, I had made a choice that I couldn't bear to face--my workouts were more important to me than spending time in prayer and bible study. This was a true reflection of my value system and I didn't like what I saw.
What were my options? I couldn't see a way to fit it all in and I couldn't imagine getting up earlier or staying up later. If I quit working out in favour of the spiritual pursuits, I would get fat and unhealthy and that couldn't be God's will either!
In a step of faith I decided to put aside my reasoning and trust God on this one. I would attempt to get up earlier, but if I couldn't, then my exercise time would become my quiet time instead. If Jesus could turn water into wine and feed 5000 people with a little boy's lunch, then I would believe that He would make a way where I saw no way.
At first this worked great. I didn't get up earlier so my friends did the workouts without me while I worshipped instead. I was finding the time in the evening to exercise on my own--albeit in a much more relaxed manner. I also began to make better choices in my eating and this year of committment to healthy choices was birthed in the process. Then slowly and steadily, over a matter of time, the holidays, and several family illnesses--I began to sleep through the quiet time and slack on the evening workouts. What was I going to do now? I was worse off than before!
I contemplated my options. I could go back to morning workouts and at least be successful in one area with a hope that eventually I'd get back on track in the other or I would have to "buckle up" and haul my butt out of bed super early. I didn't like either of those choices.
In the meantime, I noticed that I would sleep soundly all night long until 4:30ish, wake to go to the bathroom and sleep fitfuly until 6:30am. I began to see the futility of those 2 post-bathroom hours, but at 4:30am, every cell in my body said "It's the middle of the night--more sleep!" and I would inevidably snuggle back into my warm, welcoming bed.
This morning was different. I made that gut-wrenching choice to dawn my robe, scoop up my workout clothes and go downstairs. I had time to do manage both of my priorites and the expected energy crash never happened--I had a great day!
I'm not sure about tomorrow and the days that follow after that, but somehow, I know that what is really important to me will prevail in the end.
Up until this past December I was faithful to get up early and workout with my girlfriends every weekday morning. We did this consistantly for almost a year. Oh, sure, I had my mornings where I slept in and my peeps did the workout without me but for the most part, I was there.
Just before Christmas, however, my dad was preaching up a storm about the things we put before God and I felt convicted. My morning quiet time had slowly disappeared from my schedule and try as I might to find another time slot to set apart on a regular basis, I found myself ending each day realizing that I hadn't visited with God much at all. Subtly, I had made a choice that I couldn't bear to face--my workouts were more important to me than spending time in prayer and bible study. This was a true reflection of my value system and I didn't like what I saw.
What were my options? I couldn't see a way to fit it all in and I couldn't imagine getting up earlier or staying up later. If I quit working out in favour of the spiritual pursuits, I would get fat and unhealthy and that couldn't be God's will either!
In a step of faith I decided to put aside my reasoning and trust God on this one. I would attempt to get up earlier, but if I couldn't, then my exercise time would become my quiet time instead. If Jesus could turn water into wine and feed 5000 people with a little boy's lunch, then I would believe that He would make a way where I saw no way.
At first this worked great. I didn't get up earlier so my friends did the workouts without me while I worshipped instead. I was finding the time in the evening to exercise on my own--albeit in a much more relaxed manner. I also began to make better choices in my eating and this year of committment to healthy choices was birthed in the process. Then slowly and steadily, over a matter of time, the holidays, and several family illnesses--I began to sleep through the quiet time and slack on the evening workouts. What was I going to do now? I was worse off than before!
I contemplated my options. I could go back to morning workouts and at least be successful in one area with a hope that eventually I'd get back on track in the other or I would have to "buckle up" and haul my butt out of bed super early. I didn't like either of those choices.
In the meantime, I noticed that I would sleep soundly all night long until 4:30ish, wake to go to the bathroom and sleep fitfuly until 6:30am. I began to see the futility of those 2 post-bathroom hours, but at 4:30am, every cell in my body said "It's the middle of the night--more sleep!" and I would inevidably snuggle back into my warm, welcoming bed.
This morning was different. I made that gut-wrenching choice to dawn my robe, scoop up my workout clothes and go downstairs. I had time to do manage both of my priorites and the expected energy crash never happened--I had a great day!
I'm not sure about tomorrow and the days that follow after that, but somehow, I know that what is really important to me will prevail in the end.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Big "C" (Part One)
I've always enjoyed soda, but my love affair with coffee, ice caps and diet pop exploded with the birth of my two delightful children. It was then that I experienced sleep deprivation and indentured servitude to extremes that drove me in search of a comforting, energy reviving elixir. I was whirling precariously in the priority dance that every mother experiences and these drinks helped me dance faster and longer.
I once extolled the virtues of a Tim's Ice Cap to a friend by claiming that I didn't need to eat anything for six hours after consuming one and I would literally buzz with energy.
My morning cup of java took on spiritual significance as I sipped it in the pre-dawn hours before my kids woke up and interrupted my daily quiet time of prayer, bible reading and journalling. I was having coffee with God and it was good!
Shawn was initially unaddicted like myself but I admit that I was instrumental in introducing him to the pleasures of daily coffee breaks. Tim Horton's had a lot to do with our growing addiction too. Their "Roll up the Rim & Win" event brought us back to their drive-thru repetitively and when it was over (we didn't win the car) we were groomed for lifelong dependance. I often reflect that I'm not a true coffee drinker at all, I definitely crave Tim Horton's or Starbuck's to the exclusion of all others. To keep our habit budget-friendly, we bought Tim Horton's grounds and perculated at home.
If I had any qualms about my growing caffeine addiction, I was put at ease by my first personal trainer. I figured my coffee would be the first thing he'd recommend I quit when he examined my first food diary. I pointed this out and he encouraged me to keep indulging. The sugars & carbs had to go but the coffee could stay--it would give me energy for my workouts. Wow! I was relieved at the time and all worries about caffeine intake disappeared for a time.
Before long Shawn & I were sipping a second coffee together at 3:15pm every day when he got home from work. It was our way of avoiding the late afternoon crash and downloading our individual day's events together before facing the demands of our evenings at home. Even once I went to work full-time, we still tried to preserve our daily tête-à -tête by meeting for "Coffee-time" every afternoon.
I was going along quite contentedly until my encounter experience that I blogged about in "The Beginning". Sure the caffinated drinks made me a little edgy...you know that tone you get in your voice that makes everything you say sound terse. I also noticed that my stomach would "clench" up if I experienced any stress at all and nothing seemed to relax it. I was kind of used to the bathroom visits and dehydration, but I hated waking up at my regular early time on the weekend when I finally had the opportunity to get a couple hours of much needed sleep. If I didn't wake up and get my fix on time, I would wake with the most horrible headaches and never mind if I accidently missed altogether! There were all sorts of drawbacks to my habit, but I loved it nonetheless.
Addictions are like that. There's usually a nerve-altering chemical, a pleasurable delivery system or payoff of some sort, usually a buzz of some kind and to make an addiction truely strong, a relationship bond with another significant person that revolves around your shared habit.
Please don't misunderstand. I don't believe that coffee drinking is morally wrong or even truely damaging to your health if done in moderation. In fact, part of my journey has been accepting that while this may be acceptable for others, it is not the best for me. I've had to get over the whole "but everybody else does it" whine in my head and do what's best for my body and my health. I wish I could say that I came to this realization quickly and just stopped, but that was not the case. If it was, I wouldn't have a story to tell!
I once extolled the virtues of a Tim's Ice Cap to a friend by claiming that I didn't need to eat anything for six hours after consuming one and I would literally buzz with energy.
My morning cup of java took on spiritual significance as I sipped it in the pre-dawn hours before my kids woke up and interrupted my daily quiet time of prayer, bible reading and journalling. I was having coffee with God and it was good!
Shawn was initially unaddicted like myself but I admit that I was instrumental in introducing him to the pleasures of daily coffee breaks. Tim Horton's had a lot to do with our growing addiction too. Their "Roll up the Rim & Win" event brought us back to their drive-thru repetitively and when it was over (we didn't win the car) we were groomed for lifelong dependance. I often reflect that I'm not a true coffee drinker at all, I definitely crave Tim Horton's or Starbuck's to the exclusion of all others. To keep our habit budget-friendly, we bought Tim Horton's grounds and perculated at home.
If I had any qualms about my growing caffeine addiction, I was put at ease by my first personal trainer. I figured my coffee would be the first thing he'd recommend I quit when he examined my first food diary. I pointed this out and he encouraged me to keep indulging. The sugars & carbs had to go but the coffee could stay--it would give me energy for my workouts. Wow! I was relieved at the time and all worries about caffeine intake disappeared for a time.
Before long Shawn & I were sipping a second coffee together at 3:15pm every day when he got home from work. It was our way of avoiding the late afternoon crash and downloading our individual day's events together before facing the demands of our evenings at home. Even once I went to work full-time, we still tried to preserve our daily tête-à -tête by meeting for "Coffee-time" every afternoon.
I was going along quite contentedly until my encounter experience that I blogged about in "The Beginning". Sure the caffinated drinks made me a little edgy...you know that tone you get in your voice that makes everything you say sound terse. I also noticed that my stomach would "clench" up if I experienced any stress at all and nothing seemed to relax it. I was kind of used to the bathroom visits and dehydration, but I hated waking up at my regular early time on the weekend when I finally had the opportunity to get a couple hours of much needed sleep. If I didn't wake up and get my fix on time, I would wake with the most horrible headaches and never mind if I accidently missed altogether! There were all sorts of drawbacks to my habit, but I loved it nonetheless.
Addictions are like that. There's usually a nerve-altering chemical, a pleasurable delivery system or payoff of some sort, usually a buzz of some kind and to make an addiction truely strong, a relationship bond with another significant person that revolves around your shared habit.
Please don't misunderstand. I don't believe that coffee drinking is morally wrong or even truely damaging to your health if done in moderation. In fact, part of my journey has been accepting that while this may be acceptable for others, it is not the best for me. I've had to get over the whole "but everybody else does it" whine in my head and do what's best for my body and my health. I wish I could say that I came to this realization quickly and just stopped, but that was not the case. If it was, I wouldn't have a story to tell!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Rubber Tippie
There's a whole slew of "should do's" that I've never quite mastered. I can juggle one or two at a time but when you get them all in the air, inevidably they get dropped. I had an epitame last year when I mastered the discipline of...get this...rubber tipping! My dentist was delighted and as a result I was able to significantly reduce the bleeding induced by my regular cleanings.
I can't tell you how many times I sat in the dentist's chair looking like a vampire who'd just been gorged, being gently scolded because of my refusal to pick up the darned rubber tipper and take like 20 seconds to stimulate my gums twice a day after brushing. I can't tell you how many times I went home in humiliation and self-chastisement resolving that between this cleaning and the next one, I would show them that I could do it. I'd last a week or two and then I'd be late for work or too tired at bedtime so I would skip "just this one time" and before long, it was time for that cleaning appointment again and the whole cycle would repeat.
My dentist was clever and used many different strategies to get his point across. He compared caring for my gums to being as important as working out my muscles (he knew I personal trained). He suggested multi-tasking by rubber tipping during my commute to work & back (would that even be legal now?) He showed me pictures of varying degrees of gingivitus and told me tales of my impending demise. The worst was when he said nothing and just looked at me with those sad, disappointed eyes. I felt guilty but nothing translated to long-term change.
My ah-hah moment came when my regular cleaning appointment fell on the same week as my children's did. My entire family has dental issues of one kind or another and I end up getting a lecture from my kid's dentist that I should be "hand over handing" my children to ensure that their teeth are cared for properly. I looked at her in amazement because it takes three of them to hold my son down for an examination and until recently a cleaning had to be done under full anesthesia in the hospital. Did they really expect me to wrestle my son single-handedly every day when I was struggling with perfecting my own oral routine? Still, my son's rather disturbing behaviour at the dentist, the "now, if you were a good mom" lecture, my own impending cleaning visit with all it's implications and this rising sensation of being trapped in my own version of "Groundhog Day" literally brought me to tears.
I divised a plan right then and there. This wasn't just my problem, it was a family problem. We were going to make this a priority until it was right. I asked the dental receptionist for teeth diagrams and other pictures which I laminated and put in the bathroom. At my dental visit a couple days later, I shared my plan, asked for extra rubber-tips and asked for them to demonstrate one more time what they wanted me to do so I could instruct everyone else. Then I made a big production of gathering the family for daily family oral hygiene sessions. Strangely, my kids really liked this new "family time" game and were like the Gustapo if I got too busy and forgot to show up on cue.
I've stuck with it though and even though it's a small change, I feel oddly proud of my new skill. We don't have those family oral hygiene meetings in the bathroom any more and I'm thinking we should restart them because I think the kids are getting lazy again. Isn't that human nature though? The point is that we give healthy behaviours our time and focus when we can and never give up trying to change our lazy ways. Behaviour modification, one behaviour, one day at a time.
I can't tell you how many times I sat in the dentist's chair looking like a vampire who'd just been gorged, being gently scolded because of my refusal to pick up the darned rubber tipper and take like 20 seconds to stimulate my gums twice a day after brushing. I can't tell you how many times I went home in humiliation and self-chastisement resolving that between this cleaning and the next one, I would show them that I could do it. I'd last a week or two and then I'd be late for work or too tired at bedtime so I would skip "just this one time" and before long, it was time for that cleaning appointment again and the whole cycle would repeat.
My dentist was clever and used many different strategies to get his point across. He compared caring for my gums to being as important as working out my muscles (he knew I personal trained). He suggested multi-tasking by rubber tipping during my commute to work & back (would that even be legal now?) He showed me pictures of varying degrees of gingivitus and told me tales of my impending demise. The worst was when he said nothing and just looked at me with those sad, disappointed eyes. I felt guilty but nothing translated to long-term change.
My ah-hah moment came when my regular cleaning appointment fell on the same week as my children's did. My entire family has dental issues of one kind or another and I end up getting a lecture from my kid's dentist that I should be "hand over handing" my children to ensure that their teeth are cared for properly. I looked at her in amazement because it takes three of them to hold my son down for an examination and until recently a cleaning had to be done under full anesthesia in the hospital. Did they really expect me to wrestle my son single-handedly every day when I was struggling with perfecting my own oral routine? Still, my son's rather disturbing behaviour at the dentist, the "now, if you were a good mom" lecture, my own impending cleaning visit with all it's implications and this rising sensation of being trapped in my own version of "Groundhog Day" literally brought me to tears.
I divised a plan right then and there. This wasn't just my problem, it was a family problem. We were going to make this a priority until it was right. I asked the dental receptionist for teeth diagrams and other pictures which I laminated and put in the bathroom. At my dental visit a couple days later, I shared my plan, asked for extra rubber-tips and asked for them to demonstrate one more time what they wanted me to do so I could instruct everyone else. Then I made a big production of gathering the family for daily family oral hygiene sessions. Strangely, my kids really liked this new "family time" game and were like the Gustapo if I got too busy and forgot to show up on cue.
"Are we going to brush our teeth together?" They would yell down the stairs, beakoning me away from the computer. Sometimes I wondered what I'd started.Three months later when I showed up for that deaded cleaning appointment I was given rave reviews (it was kind of embarassing...like everyone clapping because you used the potty...as an adult). When I rinsed, even I noticed the absense of bleeding. I was sheepish with my dentist about only taking 5-6 years to finally get it. He laughed and said it happens that way all the time. Some patients just need longer than others and then he reassured me that I wasn't the worst case.
I've stuck with it though and even though it's a small change, I feel oddly proud of my new skill. We don't have those family oral hygiene meetings in the bathroom any more and I'm thinking we should restart them because I think the kids are getting lazy again. Isn't that human nature though? The point is that we give healthy behaviours our time and focus when we can and never give up trying to change our lazy ways. Behaviour modification, one behaviour, one day at a time.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Valentine's Confessions
This Valentine's Weekend was full of friends and fun. Isn't it always a struggle on special occasions to find the balance between "Ah, it's a special occasion! I'll do whatever I feel like doing" and "No. That's not in my diet". The problem with the earlier statement is that special occasions come around pretty often and if they don't you can kind of make them up. The latter statement is a challenge too because life can be tedious without little breaks from everyday discipline that can give you just enough wiggle room to stay on the straight and narrow. So how do you celebrate without guilt or wondering where the joy in life is?
I'm not an expert. I wish I was, but I'm finding my way just like everyone else is. Aren't you suspicious of people who put themselves out there and claim to know everything? Don't you wonder if Jillian Michaels from the Biggest Loser is ever going to get caught by the Inquirer stuffing pizza and chocolate into her mouth? I do...all the time!
Okay, so I went into this weekend knowing that I was going to have very little control over my dinners on Friday or Saturday night. Friday we had another couple over and it was their idea that the men would cook for the ladies (it certainly wasn't Shawn's--his cooking involves eating out!). They bought and brought the food and we paid for half. The only preparation I did was to make some tapioca pudding that was lightly sweetened with maple syrup to ensure that there would be a reasonably good option for dessert. The rest I was going to flow with.
We had a great dinner that included: Caesar salad & bruschetta, chicken cordon bleu, rice (a roni), honey'd carrots, and garlic green beans. There was also pita chips & hummus out and chocolate cake with whipped cream & strawberries for dessert (I opted not to have). The only questionable decision I made was to have the glass of sparkling wine as the meal was made. An occasional drink is not an issue usually, but this year I am trying not to have processed sugars and I felt that the wine represented a compromise in my resolve. No crazy guilt over it--just a note to self not to do that again...this year.
Saturday's dinner was at the Keg! Shawn had gotten a generous gift certificate a month or so back and kept it a secret. I was delighted when he turned into their parking lot and told me that we could order whatever we wanted. I was very happy and wanted to enjoy this special meal, but I also wanted to make good choices so that the memory of our evening wouldn't be tainted.
Instead of wine (I mean really, I'd just had a glass the night before!) I opted for sparking mineral water which felt just a bit better than drinking plain water. We never order appetizers but this time I ordered their vegetable treo platter that featured mushrooms, sweet potato fries and asparagus spears. By the time we ate the veggies and had some bread, I realized that we could have shared an entree. I barely touched my prime rib and baked potato. Shawn was excited to order his absolutely favorite dessert--the brownie sundae. I was tempted (more for the emotional connection) to pick up the extra spoon and help him out but I couldn't do it without breaking a committment I made to myself. I asked the waiter if they happened to have a dish of strawberries and he said that they really didn't have any healthy dessert options at the Keg. So, I just enjoyed watching Shawn groan as he tried to make room for his dessert.
We went to show after and before we went in, I noticed that they were selling frozen yogurt. I still had that "the meal isn't finished" feeling so I decided to check it out. The only viable option for me was the "no sugar added" frozen yogurt. It had Splenda in it, but I ordered it anyway. I had them mix it with strawberries and aside from the chemical taste, it was the perfect end to my eating for the day.
I'm doing really good, right? Okay, so here comes the confession. On Sunday afternoon our family was having a really good time together and we wanted to do something special together so we...went to McDonalds. We picked it up and brought it home so there was no pop. I also dropped the fries bag upside down by accident, but Shawn quickly salvaged it. So there the Cassidy's sat watching the latest taped episode of "The Biggest Loser" eating hamburgers, chicken nuggets, mcchicken (me), and french fries. Believe it or not, I never made a committment not to eat these foods this year but that's just symantics.
The good news is that the Biggest Loser showed the contestants doing a workout circuit and my kids asked if I would set one up for us to do as a family. So, we went downstairs and did a cardio circuit together for 20 minutes. It wasn't a huge workout but I was happy to see my children eager to move and enjoying our time together. Maybe it's going to be okay after all!
I'm not an expert. I wish I was, but I'm finding my way just like everyone else is. Aren't you suspicious of people who put themselves out there and claim to know everything? Don't you wonder if Jillian Michaels from the Biggest Loser is ever going to get caught by the Inquirer stuffing pizza and chocolate into her mouth? I do...all the time!
Okay, so I went into this weekend knowing that I was going to have very little control over my dinners on Friday or Saturday night. Friday we had another couple over and it was their idea that the men would cook for the ladies (it certainly wasn't Shawn's--his cooking involves eating out!). They bought and brought the food and we paid for half. The only preparation I did was to make some tapioca pudding that was lightly sweetened with maple syrup to ensure that there would be a reasonably good option for dessert. The rest I was going to flow with.
We had a great dinner that included: Caesar salad & bruschetta, chicken cordon bleu, rice (a roni), honey'd carrots, and garlic green beans. There was also pita chips & hummus out and chocolate cake with whipped cream & strawberries for dessert (I opted not to have). The only questionable decision I made was to have the glass of sparkling wine as the meal was made. An occasional drink is not an issue usually, but this year I am trying not to have processed sugars and I felt that the wine represented a compromise in my resolve. No crazy guilt over it--just a note to self not to do that again...this year.
Saturday's dinner was at the Keg! Shawn had gotten a generous gift certificate a month or so back and kept it a secret. I was delighted when he turned into their parking lot and told me that we could order whatever we wanted. I was very happy and wanted to enjoy this special meal, but I also wanted to make good choices so that the memory of our evening wouldn't be tainted.
Instead of wine (I mean really, I'd just had a glass the night before!) I opted for sparking mineral water which felt just a bit better than drinking plain water. We never order appetizers but this time I ordered their vegetable treo platter that featured mushrooms, sweet potato fries and asparagus spears. By the time we ate the veggies and had some bread, I realized that we could have shared an entree. I barely touched my prime rib and baked potato. Shawn was excited to order his absolutely favorite dessert--the brownie sundae. I was tempted (more for the emotional connection) to pick up the extra spoon and help him out but I couldn't do it without breaking a committment I made to myself. I asked the waiter if they happened to have a dish of strawberries and he said that they really didn't have any healthy dessert options at the Keg. So, I just enjoyed watching Shawn groan as he tried to make room for his dessert.
We went to show after and before we went in, I noticed that they were selling frozen yogurt. I still had that "the meal isn't finished" feeling so I decided to check it out. The only viable option for me was the "no sugar added" frozen yogurt. It had Splenda in it, but I ordered it anyway. I had them mix it with strawberries and aside from the chemical taste, it was the perfect end to my eating for the day.
I'm doing really good, right? Okay, so here comes the confession. On Sunday afternoon our family was having a really good time together and we wanted to do something special together so we...went to McDonalds. We picked it up and brought it home so there was no pop. I also dropped the fries bag upside down by accident, but Shawn quickly salvaged it. So there the Cassidy's sat watching the latest taped episode of "The Biggest Loser" eating hamburgers, chicken nuggets, mcchicken (me), and french fries. Believe it or not, I never made a committment not to eat these foods this year but that's just symantics.
The good news is that the Biggest Loser showed the contestants doing a workout circuit and my kids asked if I would set one up for us to do as a family. So, we went downstairs and did a cardio circuit together for 20 minutes. It wasn't a huge workout but I was happy to see my children eager to move and enjoying our time together. Maybe it's going to be okay after all!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Balance
Although we are not what we weigh it is important to recognize that there is another extreme that Christians are likely to gravitate to. Laziness, indulgence and neglect. Yes, we are not defined by the world's standards and no, we should not measure ourselves by an impossible image of beauty BUT neither are we exempt from the devestating effects of abusing our physical bodies.
Overeating, or gluttony (a much less politically correct term) is rampant in the church and not only does it reflect poorly on our Lord, but combined with lack of phyical activity, it cuts short the very lives that our saviour poured out His life to redeem. I think overeating (even simply overeating foods that are harming us) is more prevelant amoung Christians because it is more socially acceptable than drinking, smoking, doing drugs, indulging in sexual sins and so on. Even though we confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we inadvertantly turn to food for pleasure and comfort. It's the flesh's last stand. I'll give up everything else, but don't take away.....(you fill in the blank).
So how do we know if there is a genuine problem or if we are being obsessive? There is a phyical approach and a spiritual approach to diagnosing where we stand in the battle of the bulge. I will address both informally:
Overeating, or gluttony (a much less politically correct term) is rampant in the church and not only does it reflect poorly on our Lord, but combined with lack of phyical activity, it cuts short the very lives that our saviour poured out His life to redeem. I think overeating (even simply overeating foods that are harming us) is more prevelant amoung Christians because it is more socially acceptable than drinking, smoking, doing drugs, indulging in sexual sins and so on. Even though we confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we inadvertantly turn to food for pleasure and comfort. It's the flesh's last stand. I'll give up everything else, but don't take away.....(you fill in the blank).
So how do we know if there is a genuine problem or if we are being obsessive? There is a phyical approach and a spiritual approach to diagnosing where we stand in the battle of the bulge. I will address both informally:
Phyical Indicators
- BMI (Body Mass Index)-This chart takes your height and weight and assigns a numerical value. The ideal BMI is between 20-25. At my most fit, I had a BMI of 17 and still was unhappy and desiring more results. This is an example of unhealthy obsession. Now I'm more like a 23 and of course, I feel morbidly obese, but I have come to realize that the facts speak otherwise. Find a chart and locate yourself on it. You may be like me or in your case, the facts may say that you are above 25 and are now in a zone that increases your risk of illness & disease. If this is you, then I encourage you to heed the warning and tighten your belt. Not out of shame or trying to glorify your flesh--but in order that you can serve God and others with a long, healthy life!
- Body Fat-The one fault of the BMI is that it doesn't take body fat into consideration. You can have two women the same age, height, and weight....let's say 135lbs. One can have a lower body fat reading and the other could have a higher body fat reading. These women will likely appear very different. The one with the higher body fat (assuming the other is within healthy guidelines of course) is likely to be the one more at risk for injury, illness & disease. Have your body fat tested and if you are above the recommended guidelines, exercise and diet alteration will help bring you to a safer reading.
- Injury, sickness & disease-This is the last indicator I will speak of. If your body is not working properly and you are showing outward signs, then you need to take heed. Muscle pulls while doing everyday activities, a persistantly run-down immune system, diabetes, heart disease etc. are sure signs that your body needs more attention. Don't wait until it gets to this point to take care of yourself. Do something now!
Spiritual Indicators
- Holy Spirit-As Christians who have accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour, been water-baptized, and have been filled with the Holy Spirit, we have a tremendous benefit! The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to guide us in our day to day life. It's God's inner voice of truth within us. If you are sensitive to the Spirit, you will hear his quiet, gentle leading in all matters. If you are not hearing, perhaps it is because you have turned up the "noise" around you or have deliberately ignored his leading so long that you have become desensitized. I say this from experience. The good news is that you can quiet the outside distractions and be obedient again if you choose. If you do, you will be amazed to find that you will be at peace. Disobedience to the Spirit within us creates inner conflict and when that conflict is gone, it is almost a shock. Most of us don't even realize what inner peace is.
- The Word of God-I want to quantify the above indicator with this safety check. If your "inner voice" is telling you to do something that is contrary to the theme and teaching of the Bible, it is not the "Holy Spirit". God's word is not silent when it comes to food issues and more importantly, the attitudes of the heart. If you read the Bible and it speaks to a behaviour in your life that needs to be addressed, then you are truely blessed because God is speaking to you! I would listen.
- Authority-One excellent, but secondary way to know if we need help is to ask those who watch over us. Parents, spouses, mentors and involved spiritual leaders are great sounding boards if we are having difficulty sifting external informaton and inner struggles. If we are getting a little "out there" in an area of our life, we need to be open to receive guidance from the individuals who are invested in our life success. Remember though, that you cannot abdicate your responcibilities to someone else. You are accountable for your decisions and need to make sure that they are your own.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Nana, I love you!
Starting in the New Year I have tried to eliminate all processed sugar from my diet. I've been successful at this since Janary 3, 2010. I started with a fruit/veggie/nut cleanse for three days and then I began adding food groups back in slowly until I was eating most foods again. I've been discovering naturally sweetened indulgences along the way and I use them to pepper my weeks breaking the monotony of healthy eating. Fresh fruit smoothies, trail mix with dried fruit & dark chocolate, baked pears & apples, carrot-apple juice are a few of the treats that I've come to enjoy. My sweet-tooth, however tamed, still finds a way to be gratified.
I miss cakes, cookies, muffins, and donuts a lot. They show up in my environment frequently at the church office or even at home when Sheri, our border, brings home the stuff her Tim Horton's store was going to throw away. They still get my attention but I remind myself that having just one won't be enough and that the gravitational pull of them will only get stronger if I succumb even a little. Then I turn my back, avert my eyes and walk away.
Imagine my excitement when I remembered a bakery in Windsor that bakes healthy, no sugar added treats. Nana's Bakery. How could I have forgotten? Maybe because when I was initially introduced to Nana's goodies the first time, I was eating low-carb and even these naturally sweetened snacks were off-limits. I had to admit even then, that they tasted darned good. My first taste experience was at the Health & Beauty Expo around 5 years ago and then again later when Nana visited one of Goodlife's Anniversary celebration events.
I wondered if they were still open after all these years, but I needn't have worried. I took my spending money over to their shop which is still located at 2936 Dominion (where the old Schwab's meatshop used to be) and ordered my two favorite treats, Yuckies and Cherry Turnovers.
Now I could be wrong but I suspect that Nana is really the bearded, grey-haired baker that mans the shop and visits community gatherings to talk about his healthy creations. I give my order and ask for reassurance that nothing has changed about these products. Although he makes many wonderful treats sweetened with Splenda, he assures me that the items I have chosen are sweetened only with fruit--no sugar added. I'm suscpicious because they taste really good, but I'm willing to take the risk--they also taste healthy and I need a treat really bad.
Yuckies are dates, apples, raisins, and bran of some kind that form a thick, moist, and surprisingly pleasant cake-like cookie. I say surprisingly because it looks...well...yuckie and I don't typically eat things with dates & raisins in them.
The Cherry Turnovers (that's just one featured flavour) are like generous envelopes made of a bland oatmeal mixture that is cake/biscuit-like in texture with a no-sugar-added cherry pie filling centre. I used to buy these from Arnone's Bakery but Nana's has more healthy products displayed and are more forthcoming about ingredients and nutritional info.
I still have to be vigilant not to over-indulge in these baked goods and if I catch myself reaching for them too often, I may have to save these treats for "coffee" dates with friends. Still, it's more wholesome and satisfying than the empty-calorie alternatives out there and much easier than trying to bake something myself.
It's 9am Saturday morning and I'm starved. Haven't had breakfast yet. Trying to decide if I want to eat my scheduled omelet or just have some of Nana's fare instead. Oh no, this is not a good sign!
I miss cakes, cookies, muffins, and donuts a lot. They show up in my environment frequently at the church office or even at home when Sheri, our border, brings home the stuff her Tim Horton's store was going to throw away. They still get my attention but I remind myself that having just one won't be enough and that the gravitational pull of them will only get stronger if I succumb even a little. Then I turn my back, avert my eyes and walk away.
Imagine my excitement when I remembered a bakery in Windsor that bakes healthy, no sugar added treats. Nana's Bakery. How could I have forgotten? Maybe because when I was initially introduced to Nana's goodies the first time, I was eating low-carb and even these naturally sweetened snacks were off-limits. I had to admit even then, that they tasted darned good. My first taste experience was at the Health & Beauty Expo around 5 years ago and then again later when Nana visited one of Goodlife's Anniversary celebration events.
I wondered if they were still open after all these years, but I needn't have worried. I took my spending money over to their shop which is still located at 2936 Dominion (where the old Schwab's meatshop used to be) and ordered my two favorite treats, Yuckies and Cherry Turnovers.
Now I could be wrong but I suspect that Nana is really the bearded, grey-haired baker that mans the shop and visits community gatherings to talk about his healthy creations. I give my order and ask for reassurance that nothing has changed about these products. Although he makes many wonderful treats sweetened with Splenda, he assures me that the items I have chosen are sweetened only with fruit--no sugar added. I'm suscpicious because they taste really good, but I'm willing to take the risk--they also taste healthy and I need a treat really bad.
Yuckies are dates, apples, raisins, and bran of some kind that form a thick, moist, and surprisingly pleasant cake-like cookie. I say surprisingly because it looks...well...yuckie and I don't typically eat things with dates & raisins in them.
The Cherry Turnovers (that's just one featured flavour) are like generous envelopes made of a bland oatmeal mixture that is cake/biscuit-like in texture with a no-sugar-added cherry pie filling centre. I used to buy these from Arnone's Bakery but Nana's has more healthy products displayed and are more forthcoming about ingredients and nutritional info.
I still have to be vigilant not to over-indulge in these baked goods and if I catch myself reaching for them too often, I may have to save these treats for "coffee" dates with friends. Still, it's more wholesome and satisfying than the empty-calorie alternatives out there and much easier than trying to bake something myself.
It's 9am Saturday morning and I'm starved. Haven't had breakfast yet. Trying to decide if I want to eat my scheduled omelet or just have some of Nana's fare instead. Oh no, this is not a good sign!
Friday, February 12, 2010
You Are Not What You Weigh
My weight-loss versus health dilemna continued and I decided to buy Lisa Bevere's book, "You Are Not What You Weigh" hoping to gain a little more insight on this battle within me.
The premise of Lisa's book is that in lieu of the Old Testament idols and images that are so predominantly sought after and worshipped by pagans and the Children of Israel in the bible, our modern-day world has erected it's own. This image is the "Perfect Woman of Beauty". We all know what she looks like and we have all strived in one way to compare ourselves to and measure up to this "Goddess". Lisa points out that this image is false because it has been created by choosing select pre-child-bearing, meticulously groomed, photo-altered and enhanced subjects who look nothing like the average woman. This is demonstrated so well in the Dove commercial that we show on the Encounters--"Dove Revolution".
We see her in magazines, commercials, t.v., movies, posters, catalogues, internet, and every conceivable place in between.
With a focus on weight, Lisa discusses the lengths to which women will go to conform. She discusses her own battle with bulimia during her college years.
For the record, I have never made myself throw up on purpose, ever! I hate vomitting with a passion and cannot conceive of using this as a method of food control. When I talk of bad habits, this is and never was one of them. Some women do struggle with this though.
The book goes on to share how Lisa came to focus on the word of God and began eating more healthfully for hunger only and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit was able to pick a healthy weight for herself and stick to it.
I don't remember all the details of her book, but I do remember that I picked a more reasonable weight for myself and gave away all the clothes that I wouldn't fit into anymore because of it.
I also was inspired to cover my bedroom & bathroom mirrors with butcher paper (from the neck down) and covered the butcher paper with posters quoting scripture that talked about God's definition of a virtuous, Christian woman. I did this because I noticed that as I dressed/undressed daily, I automatically examined myself and judged myself by the world's standards. It was a little weird, I admit, but when I reflectively glanced in the mirrors, instead of focusing on myself and my perceived shortcomings, I saw the reflection of Truth. It was a valuable exercise and I benefited greatly from it.
The premise of Lisa's book is that in lieu of the Old Testament idols and images that are so predominantly sought after and worshipped by pagans and the Children of Israel in the bible, our modern-day world has erected it's own. This image is the "Perfect Woman of Beauty". We all know what she looks like and we have all strived in one way to compare ourselves to and measure up to this "Goddess". Lisa points out that this image is false because it has been created by choosing select pre-child-bearing, meticulously groomed, photo-altered and enhanced subjects who look nothing like the average woman. This is demonstrated so well in the Dove commercial that we show on the Encounters--"Dove Revolution".
We see her in magazines, commercials, t.v., movies, posters, catalogues, internet, and every conceivable place in between.
"Be like me," she beakons, "and everyone will like you, men will desire you, and you will be the ultimate woman!"Inevidably as we scrutinize ourselves next to this image, we come up short. We are too tall or short, fat or thin, disproportioned, hairy or lacking hair where needed. We are too light or too dark, too straight or too crooked. The list of violations goes on and on.
With a focus on weight, Lisa discusses the lengths to which women will go to conform. She discusses her own battle with bulimia during her college years.
For the record, I have never made myself throw up on purpose, ever! I hate vomitting with a passion and cannot conceive of using this as a method of food control. When I talk of bad habits, this is and never was one of them. Some women do struggle with this though.
The book goes on to share how Lisa came to focus on the word of God and began eating more healthfully for hunger only and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit was able to pick a healthy weight for herself and stick to it.
I don't remember all the details of her book, but I do remember that I picked a more reasonable weight for myself and gave away all the clothes that I wouldn't fit into anymore because of it.
I also was inspired to cover my bedroom & bathroom mirrors with butcher paper (from the neck down) and covered the butcher paper with posters quoting scripture that talked about God's definition of a virtuous, Christian woman. I did this because I noticed that as I dressed/undressed daily, I automatically examined myself and judged myself by the world's standards. It was a little weird, I admit, but when I reflectively glanced in the mirrors, instead of focusing on myself and my perceived shortcomings, I saw the reflection of Truth. It was a valuable exercise and I benefited greatly from it.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Juice It Baby!
One comfort I've found in my new lifestyle is freshly juiced fruit/vegetables. Gone are the days where I pop open an ice-cold can of Diet Coke or reach for a steaming hot java laced with cream & sweetener. Now it's water, water and more water! I'm getting used to it but a few times a week I treat myself to a new indulgence. Carrot/Apple juice.
If you've had any experience with juicing, you will know that there are some great benefits but there are also some challenges too.
I was introduced to juicing as a child when my mom travelled through her own healthy lifestyle pursuits. I remember pulling out her juicer occasionally in my teen/young adult years. I bought my own juicer from Sears in my early 20's but quickly returned it when it struggled with carrots & apples. Having used a good juicer, I knew this wasn't a good sign.
My next juicer was purchased early in my marriage to Shawn. He wanted me to get one with an indestructible motor so we bought a "Champion". We got a good deal on one in the States and it was identical to it's Canadian counterpart except it didn't have a protective screen to prevent fingers from accidentally reaching up to the juicing blade. I never hurt myself but that detail always bothered me.
I went through an intense juicing phase which Shawn enjoyed. This came to an abrupt end when I realized how much work juicing was and that I was actually gaining weight instead of losing! The Champion was relegated to the cupboard and finally when I was in the depths of my low-carb diet, it was sold.
Well, I did go a very long time before I regretted that decision. My next juicing phase happened in the middle of our Total Money Makeover. I was doing some fasting and wanted to juice during certain days where full abstinance from food was impractical. No money to go out and buy one. A dear friend offered her used Juiceman for me to use and keep indefinitely. This juicer was missing the pulp collector and was as ugly as all the previous juicers I've used in my life but it was solid quality and produced great results. Once the fasting phase was over, the juicer ended up in my cold storage.
Now, the Juiceman is back in action, but my eyes have wandered. Costco sports a Jack Lalaine stainless steel/black juicer that got my attention immediately. It was on sale for $99 in the New Year but I was just starting out tentatively and wasn't sure how long I was was going to last at eating healthy. Now it's $139.99, but I'm watching for it to go on special again or for a clearance sale. Is it possible to stalk a juicer? I go to Costco twice a week. Did you know that they've moved it's location 3 times? Oh yeah, I'm in trouble.
I could get a Jack Lalaine juicer on Kijiji in white/stainless steel for much less but if you look carefully, you can see the orange tinge. Any experienced juicer knows that a white or off-white juicer will look horrible after you've used it--major staining!
2) Lots of great vitamins and minerals.
3) Tastes good.
2) Lots of vitamins and minerals but also a lot of natural sugar/carbohydrates depending on what you juice. It's not a free food. There are calories. Also, depending on whether you are juicing organic or not, you could also be getting a good dose of pesticides too. Yum!
3) Tastes good....depending on what you juice. If you're juicing parsley, spinach and squash...maybe not so much.
4) Prep & clean up. This is killer. Look for a juicer with a generous feed tube that doesn't require significant chopping of your produce to fit it in. No matter how much you want to kick up your feet and enjoy your juice, put it on ice and clean the juicer right away. Nothing stains and cements like fresh juice & pulp.
So why do I do it? My carrot/apple juice tastes sweet and refreshing. It makes me feel healthy and it makes for great conversation. The tedious prep and clean up prevents me from becoming overly addicted and well...that stainless steel/black Jack Lalaine juicer is going to look fab in my newly renovated kitchen!
If you've had any experience with juicing, you will know that there are some great benefits but there are also some challenges too.
I was introduced to juicing as a child when my mom travelled through her own healthy lifestyle pursuits. I remember pulling out her juicer occasionally in my teen/young adult years. I bought my own juicer from Sears in my early 20's but quickly returned it when it struggled with carrots & apples. Having used a good juicer, I knew this wasn't a good sign.
My next juicer was purchased early in my marriage to Shawn. He wanted me to get one with an indestructible motor so we bought a "Champion". We got a good deal on one in the States and it was identical to it's Canadian counterpart except it didn't have a protective screen to prevent fingers from accidentally reaching up to the juicing blade. I never hurt myself but that detail always bothered me.
I went through an intense juicing phase which Shawn enjoyed. This came to an abrupt end when I realized how much work juicing was and that I was actually gaining weight instead of losing! The Champion was relegated to the cupboard and finally when I was in the depths of my low-carb diet, it was sold.
"Are you sure you're never going to juice again?" Shawn asks. "No way!" I say with all the certainty in the world. "Okay, but I'm never buying you another one," Shawn warns. "No problem, sweetie..."
Now, the Juiceman is back in action, but my eyes have wandered. Costco sports a Jack Lalaine stainless steel/black juicer that got my attention immediately. It was on sale for $99 in the New Year but I was just starting out tentatively and wasn't sure how long I was was going to last at eating healthy. Now it's $139.99, but I'm watching for it to go on special again or for a clearance sale. Is it possible to stalk a juicer? I go to Costco twice a week. Did you know that they've moved it's location 3 times? Oh yeah, I'm in trouble.
I could get a Jack Lalaine juicer on Kijiji in white/stainless steel for much less but if you look carefully, you can see the orange tinge. Any experienced juicer knows that a white or off-white juicer will look horrible after you've used it--major staining!
Benefits of Juicing:1) Juicing is supposed to be healthy because you can consume the essence of many more fruits/veggies than you would likely eat.
2) Lots of great vitamins and minerals.
3) Tastes good.
Challenges of Juicing:1) Yes, you consume more fruits/veggies, but you don't get the fibre which slows the absorption of the natural sugars and helps with keeping your digestion/elimination system healthy.
2) Lots of vitamins and minerals but also a lot of natural sugar/carbohydrates depending on what you juice. It's not a free food. There are calories. Also, depending on whether you are juicing organic or not, you could also be getting a good dose of pesticides too. Yum!
3) Tastes good....depending on what you juice. If you're juicing parsley, spinach and squash...maybe not so much.
4) Prep & clean up. This is killer. Look for a juicer with a generous feed tube that doesn't require significant chopping of your produce to fit it in. No matter how much you want to kick up your feet and enjoy your juice, put it on ice and clean the juicer right away. Nothing stains and cements like fresh juice & pulp.
So why do I do it? My carrot/apple juice tastes sweet and refreshing. It makes me feel healthy and it makes for great conversation. The tedious prep and clean up prevents me from becoming overly addicted and well...that stainless steel/black Jack Lalaine juicer is going to look fab in my newly renovated kitchen!
Carrot/Apple Juice
2 Granny Smith apples, washed and chopped to fit into your juicer's feeding tube.
4-6 carrots, peeled and chopped to fit into your juicer's feeding tube.
Ensure that your juicer is clean, your pulp collector is in place, and that you have a clean glass with a bit of ice under the juice spout. (A non-slip mat under your juicer will be helpful too if yours has a habit of shimming across your counter during the job)
Start juicer and feed produce in steadily and firmly, alternating between apple & carrot pieces. Stop juicing when your glass is full. Put aside. Clean up your mess. NO SOAKING YOUR JUICER PARTS WILL NOT MAKE THE CLEAN UP JOB EASIER LATER!
Stir your fresh juice with a straw, put your feet up and enjoy.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Conflict
Just because I had this amazing spiritual experience didn't mean that I miraculously stopped eating/drinking the foods that were unhealthy and embrace the ones that were. I did begin trying to make better choices but almost immediately experienced weight gain. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.
The real root issue was exposed. I valued how I looked on the outside more than what I was on the inside and I had some very real food addictions. Even though I knew this and was trying to change, it was going to take years for this issue to be resolved, if ever.
I would make healthy choices, gain weight or lose the tight grip of control I used to have over my eating and I would scurry back to my old habits only to find they didn't fit so well anymore. After a couple weeks or so I'd realize that I didn't want to eat that way anymore and would give a more moderate diet a try. Unfortunately, my lack of true discipline was being exposed and I'd inevidably let my food addictions take over. This healthy stuff doesn't work for me and I would go back to old habits. Back & forth, back and forth. I eventually wrote notes to myself when I changed my mind to remind myself why--predicting that I would likely change my mind again.
The real root issue was exposed. I valued how I looked on the outside more than what I was on the inside and I had some very real food addictions. Even though I knew this and was trying to change, it was going to take years for this issue to be resolved, if ever.
I would make healthy choices, gain weight or lose the tight grip of control I used to have over my eating and I would scurry back to my old habits only to find they didn't fit so well anymore. After a couple weeks or so I'd realize that I didn't want to eat that way anymore and would give a more moderate diet a try. Unfortunately, my lack of true discipline was being exposed and I'd inevidably let my food addictions take over. This healthy stuff doesn't work for me and I would go back to old habits. Back & forth, back and forth. I eventually wrote notes to myself when I changed my mind to remind myself why--predicting that I would likely change my mind again.
"You stopped eating low carb because you don't want to consume so many artificial sweeteners and there are so many healthy carbs that you enjoy"I can't tell you how many cases of diet pop, packages of artificial sweetener and other various diet foods I have given away over the years only to replenish them again later. I just did this again recently and Shawn who has witnessed this repetition questioned me on it.
"You stopped drinking coffee & diet pop because you get edgy towards others, sleep less deeply and get dehydrated"
"You went back to eating low carb because you gain weight, don't like feeling hungry all the time, and can't stop reaching for the sugar"
"You went back to drinking coffee & diet pop because they taste great, give you energy, and make life just a little more pleasureable"
"Didn't you just give these things away not so long ago? Didn't you go out and buy them again? What are you going to do when you change your mind?"
"I'm not going to change my mind. I've really decided this time." He wisely doesn't comment but I can hear his thoughts...and mine..."How many times have you said that before?" It sounds pathetic, even to me.So there I was, trapped between two impossible, conflicting worlds. To make things worse, people look at me, Miss Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, and Nutrition/Wellness expert to guide them and set the ultimate example. Sure, I was able to help a little by sticking to the guidelines my certifications set for me, but how to do lead others to victory when you are getting beat up in the battle yourself?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Hungry at Work
I'm going to alternate daily between history and the present.
Today I started the day with a glass of pure water and scrambled eggs (1 whole, 2 whites) w/cheddar wrapped in wheat tortilla followed by 1 tiny square of dark chocolate. Yes, I can't resist a bit of dessert first thing in the morning and the Swiss Delice 72% dark chocolate squares from Costco are the perfect way to tell the body that the meal is over!
I knew I was in trouble when I was ready for my morning snack by 9:15am. I used my magic bullet to blend the orange/banana/strawberry protein shake that I packed for work. Sure enough I was hungry again by 11am so I ate my celery w/organic peanut butter too.
Lunch was at 12:30pm. Leftovers from dinner last night--Spaghetti Squash w/Ground Turkey Meat Sauce...followed by another piece of dark chocolate. It was very satisfying but I knew I wouldn't last until supper.
Work closed early but my husband & I decided to stay around. We checked Buskids and our kid's school buses were still running so we didn't feel the need to leave. All the better to get more work done! Unfortunately, of all days to not pack enough food, today was the day.
I called Shawn to see if there were any volunteer lunch leftovers. Nada. Then I went to the staff kitchen but everything in the fridge looked like part of someone's lunch, was questionable in age or frozen solid. I resorted to searching my parents offices and even one co-worker's too but all I found was a box of honey-nut cheerios, a can of chili, a can of chunky soup, some saltines and a bunch of candy! No nuts or healthy snack bars. I got kind of panicky and thought about my options. Finally I popped a piece of gum in my mouth like they recommend on The Biggest Loser and believe it or not, I was able to go back to work again!
On the way home my husband posed the question "Do you want to eat out?" It's snowy, I forgot to defrost meat for dinner and I'm starving so I seriously consider this. Trouble is, he wants fast food and I'm thinking something healthy and substantial. We stopped at a bbq rib/chicken place but balked at what it would cost to feed our family. Was I sure McDonald's wouldn't be a good idea? We can eat there for $20. Take me home...I'll make dinner. I say this with an edge in my voice that warns Shawn this is not up for debate.
I ate a Kashi bar and some trail mix when we got home and then defrosted chicken breast, put on the wheat rice and cut up the veggies and we had an excellent stir-fry. My kids don't like stir-fry so I didn't tell them that they could've had McDonald's and I had opted to make one of their least favorite dinners instead. Now that's just cruel.
Today I started the day with a glass of pure water and scrambled eggs (1 whole, 2 whites) w/cheddar wrapped in wheat tortilla followed by 1 tiny square of dark chocolate. Yes, I can't resist a bit of dessert first thing in the morning and the Swiss Delice 72% dark chocolate squares from Costco are the perfect way to tell the body that the meal is over!
I knew I was in trouble when I was ready for my morning snack by 9:15am. I used my magic bullet to blend the orange/banana/strawberry protein shake that I packed for work. Sure enough I was hungry again by 11am so I ate my celery w/organic peanut butter too.
Lunch was at 12:30pm. Leftovers from dinner last night--Spaghetti Squash w/Ground Turkey Meat Sauce...followed by another piece of dark chocolate. It was very satisfying but I knew I wouldn't last until supper.
Work closed early but my husband & I decided to stay around. We checked Buskids and our kid's school buses were still running so we didn't feel the need to leave. All the better to get more work done! Unfortunately, of all days to not pack enough food, today was the day.
I called Shawn to see if there were any volunteer lunch leftovers. Nada. Then I went to the staff kitchen but everything in the fridge looked like part of someone's lunch, was questionable in age or frozen solid. I resorted to searching my parents offices and even one co-worker's too but all I found was a box of honey-nut cheerios, a can of chili, a can of chunky soup, some saltines and a bunch of candy! No nuts or healthy snack bars. I got kind of panicky and thought about my options. Finally I popped a piece of gum in my mouth like they recommend on The Biggest Loser and believe it or not, I was able to go back to work again!
On the way home my husband posed the question "Do you want to eat out?" It's snowy, I forgot to defrost meat for dinner and I'm starving so I seriously consider this. Trouble is, he wants fast food and I'm thinking something healthy and substantial. We stopped at a bbq rib/chicken place but balked at what it would cost to feed our family. Was I sure McDonald's wouldn't be a good idea? We can eat there for $20. Take me home...I'll make dinner. I say this with an edge in my voice that warns Shawn this is not up for debate.
I ate a Kashi bar and some trail mix when we got home and then defrosted chicken breast, put on the wheat rice and cut up the veggies and we had an excellent stir-fry. My kids don't like stir-fry so I didn't tell them that they could've had McDonald's and I had opted to make one of their least favorite dinners instead. Now that's just cruel.
Spaghetti Squash w/Ground Turkey Meat Sauce
1 Spaghetti Squash, cut into generous pieces, pulp & seeds scraped out
1 lb Ground Turkey, browned & drained
1 Jar White Linen Original Marinara Sauce (Costco)
Basil, Oregano, Sea Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Parmesean Cheese
Preheat oven to 350. Sprinkle spices on spaghetti squash and brush with olive oil. Turn down in shallow pan and bake for 40 minutes.
Sprinkle spices in ground turkey and add jar of marinara sauce. Bring to boil and simmer on low until ready to serve.
Place piece of spaghetti squash on plate and spoon a generous serving of meat sauce over it. Use fork & knife to separate squash strands from the rind and mix into sauce. Top with parmesean and enjoy!
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Beginning
This past summer I discovered that I had begun "Menopause" at the early age of 39. While doing research on how to reduce the symptoms associated with this female rite of passage, I read all the healthy recommendations I've been hearing forever. No caffeine, reduce--if not eliminate processed sugars, eat your fruits & veggies, drink lots of water, exercise....the list goes on and on. Sigh! Why does every path lead back to this? Why is this information so simple and yet so hard to practise consistantly?
Truth is, we all know the basics and yet most of us just don't do it. Or we do it...for a little while and go right back to our bad habits. Maybe we know someone who does do all the healthy things but we don't want to be like them.
My call to live a healthy lifestyle actually began when I attended my first WCF encounter in 2004 (not sure of actual date). I had lost a lot of weight by practising the Atkin's diet and was existing primarily on coffee, diet pop, meat, vegetables & sugar-free chocolate. That and exercising hours daily as a fitness instructor. It felt good to be sculpted and thin but in my heart, I knew I was risking my health but I didn't care.
On that first encounter weekend I was pretty self-satisfied and deciding that I liked my life the way it was, I was open to receive so long as God left my perfect little world alone. Don't touch anything! But, Lord, if I am really wrong and headed for destruction--show me.
It was the next day when I got my answer. I sat at a table with some other Christian ladies and unainimously they began confronting me with all the bad things they heard about artificial sweeteners and what they do to your body. This was an unprovoked attack and I listened, but I was mad. I debated for a while and politely left the table when I could do so without appearing upset. I went to my room fuming and regretted going on the weekend. Some Christians are so opinionated and can't just live and let live! Was there any way I could leave without causing a scene? I was furious. How dare they?
It was then that I heard that calm voice inside me say, "Melissa, you asked me a question--you just don't like the answer." That deflated my anger instantly. It was true that those women couldn't have known my inner doubts and I hadn't asked their advise...could it be that they had been used by God to reveal the answer to my own question?"
But I can't stop what I'm doing and eat healthy, it's too hard," I protested inwardly."I know it is but I will help you," was that familiar voice inside.
I prayed and decided I would stop risking my health to be thin. I knew it wouldn't be easy but I figured that if God cared enough about me to confront my behaviour, then it was probably really important. I made some changes right away but had no idea that I was beginning a struggle that would take years to conquer. Many times I looked back on that weekend thinking that I must have made the whole thing up in my mind and read into the circumstances. I tried to return to my old habits that had made me look & feel successful, but after that, it just didn't work anymore. The Holy Spirit would gently remind me that I was making a choice and that there would be consequences. Sometimes I wished that I hadn't had that experience because before that weekend, I just had a suspicion that I could be headed for trouble, but now I was certain. I could no longer enjoy blissful ignorance!
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