I made that chocolate.
Funny story. My intention was to make a bunch and to cut it in little squares, put it in little boxes, and give it out to friends and family, including shipping it all over the country - New England, Florida, Northern California.
I had put together the prototype - wrapped the chocolate squares in plastic wrap, and placed them on colored tissue paper in the box, put the lid on, and left it on the kitchen table. I realized I wanted to get some of those mini cupcake liners to put the chocolate in, and stopped to get that the next day.
I got home and went to re-do the chocolate squares I had already boxed up. What I found was a mess of melted chocolate, luckily wrapped in plastic. Oops!
I quickly realized that I wouldn't be able to ship it across the country, and came up with a plan B.
Since it is still before the Holidays, I'm not going to write about my new solution yet, as some of the recipients may be reading this.
Suffice it to say that plan B seems to work just fine and all shipments have gone out, and should be arriving by Friday or Saturday at their various locations.
In the meantime, we had a whole tray full of this most delicious chocolate.... You notice I said HAD, didn't you? Both Avery and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff! I like it better than regular chocolate, and the added benefit is that it's HEALTHY!
I have discovered, however, that "healthy" doesn't mean it's okay to eat a ton of it. It's loaded with fat - even if it is good fat. A small piece or two a day is plenty.
I'll probably make another tray of it later this week.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Avoiding Sugar During the Holidays
OK, I must admit that not eating carbs has made me feel better. It really does. And yes, I miss it, but I don't miss feeling yucky. My energy is up, my blood sugar is lower. These are GOOD things!
I learned recently that grains ALWAYS turn to sugar in the body. Because of that, I will be MUCH more selective of what I eat, even if I DO eat carbs again. I'll choose a small potato over a piece of bread, or a nut cracker over a wheat cracker. Of course, at present, I'm not eating ANY of that, so it's irrelevant.
But get this - holiday season is upon us, and that often means libations! I love red wine, but I haven't been drinking it except VERY occasionally, because it's made from grapes and grapes are sugar. So, the wine will have to wait. But even other alcoholic beverages are made from grain. If I even have a shot of scotch, I notice a blood sugar spike. The only alcoholic beverage I have these days is organic vodka with lime juice and seltzer water, and after what I learned about grains, I am going to look for vodka made from potatoes, if I drink at all.
I also have a great recipe for healthy chocolate that should assist me in making it through all of the cookies and pies and other sweets that the holidays bring. Here it is:
Recipe for anyone who is interested in healthy chocolate:
1 16 oz jar coconut oil
1 16 oz jar almond butter
1 cup egg protein powder
1/2 cup cocoa powder or carob powder
1 tsp white stevia extract powder
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or roasted almonds
1 tsp Celtic mineral salt
Melt the oil in a pan on very low heat and add the nut butter. Turn off heat and stir with a wire whisk. Add rest of ingredients and continue stirring until all mixed together. Pour into 8X8 or 9X9 glass pan and place in fridge to cool. Cut when firm. Can also use organic peanut butter instead of some or all of the almond butter. Keeps in fridge for several weeks.
Enjoy your food, but eat to live! Don't live to eat.
I learned recently that grains ALWAYS turn to sugar in the body. Because of that, I will be MUCH more selective of what I eat, even if I DO eat carbs again. I'll choose a small potato over a piece of bread, or a nut cracker over a wheat cracker. Of course, at present, I'm not eating ANY of that, so it's irrelevant.
But get this - holiday season is upon us, and that often means libations! I love red wine, but I haven't been drinking it except VERY occasionally, because it's made from grapes and grapes are sugar. So, the wine will have to wait. But even other alcoholic beverages are made from grain. If I even have a shot of scotch, I notice a blood sugar spike. The only alcoholic beverage I have these days is organic vodka with lime juice and seltzer water, and after what I learned about grains, I am going to look for vodka made from potatoes, if I drink at all.
I also have a great recipe for healthy chocolate that should assist me in making it through all of the cookies and pies and other sweets that the holidays bring. Here it is:
Recipe for anyone who is interested in healthy chocolate:
1 16 oz jar coconut oil
1 16 oz jar almond butter
1 cup egg protein powder
1/2 cup cocoa powder or carob powder
1 tsp white stevia extract powder
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or roasted almonds
1 tsp Celtic mineral salt
Melt the oil in a pan on very low heat and add the nut butter. Turn off heat and stir with a wire whisk. Add rest of ingredients and continue stirring until all mixed together. Pour into 8X8 or 9X9 glass pan and place in fridge to cool. Cut when firm. Can also use organic peanut butter instead of some or all of the almond butter. Keeps in fridge for several weeks.
Enjoy your food, but eat to live! Don't live to eat.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Doing what it takes
Urgh. Debbie asked me to stop eating carbs again. She thinks that my raising blood sugar and lack of weight loss has to do with the carbs. Could be. I don't know. It's frustrating. I really haven't lost weight since BEFORE she let me have carbs again, so I don't really think it's that.
To say I am happy about this would be a lie. I am not. I don't eat many, and I only eat healthy carbs. But obviously SOMETHING isn't working right in my body. After eating so healthily for just about a year now, I should be weighing a lot less, rather than plateauing since last May. That's 6 months where I have bounced up and down with the same three to four pounds.
This has happened before. When I was on Weight Watchers, I lost 35 pounds within the first 5 months and then nothing for a year. I finally did some sort of drastic fad diet to reach my goal weight (which had been modified by my doctor, who said that my meds kept me from losing more).
My intention is to finish out this week with carbs, so I can use up what is in the house. That basically means eating the leftover spaghetti squash and having a piece of toast each day, and maybe a potato or two. Then I'm cut off again.
Not sure if I can go the full two weeks, because the end of next week is Core Strength Experience and they feed us. A lot harder to eat NO carbs there, but I'll definitely be conscious and do my best to bring my own food.
A part of me hopes that it doesn't make a difference whether I eat carbs or not. But honestly, I do want my body to get well and if this is what it takes, so be it.
To say I am happy about this would be a lie. I am not. I don't eat many, and I only eat healthy carbs. But obviously SOMETHING isn't working right in my body. After eating so healthily for just about a year now, I should be weighing a lot less, rather than plateauing since last May. That's 6 months where I have bounced up and down with the same three to four pounds.
This has happened before. When I was on Weight Watchers, I lost 35 pounds within the first 5 months and then nothing for a year. I finally did some sort of drastic fad diet to reach my goal weight (which had been modified by my doctor, who said that my meds kept me from losing more).
My intention is to finish out this week with carbs, so I can use up what is in the house. That basically means eating the leftover spaghetti squash and having a piece of toast each day, and maybe a potato or two. Then I'm cut off again.
Not sure if I can go the full two weeks, because the end of next week is Core Strength Experience and they feed us. A lot harder to eat NO carbs there, but I'll definitely be conscious and do my best to bring my own food.
A part of me hopes that it doesn't make a difference whether I eat carbs or not. But honestly, I do want my body to get well and if this is what it takes, so be it.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Eat to Live!
Yesterday I was at a conference all day, and it turned out all evening too. I knew I would have a bit of a challenge with protein snacks between meals, so I made sure I had my raw almonds with me. And I am so thankful I had them! There were no breaks for me to go to a cafe or store to get anything else.
I had had my usual protein shake in the morning, and that did me well for a few hours. Halfway through the morning, my companions were munching on some snacks that I wouldn't touch - they were complete carbs, sugar, and chemicals. It's been a long time since I would even thinking of indulging in something like that. So, as they munched, I nibbled on a couple of almonds. That got me to lunch. Lesson number One: Be prepared!
The event served us box lunches. I HADN'T prepared a lunch because the event was a Kangen Water conference, and the hotel was a high-end hotel, so I figured anything they served would be decent. Oops. Lesson number Two: Don't assume!
Although they served the wonderful, alkaline, micro-clustered water that I have come to love so much myself, the box lunches were not as healthy. They tried. The roast beef was served on whole wheat rolls, and the chicken caesar was in a multi-grain wrap. I ate about half the wrap, and the salad and chicken inside. So, that wasn't too bad. The lunch came with baked potato chips - another item I have not had in a long time! I confess, I did eat the chips, and I was grateful for the treat, even though I knew they weren't the best, and I was wishing I had brought a small baggie of organic blue corn tortilla chips. They also served little containers of macaroni salad. I ate out all of the vegetables and barely touched the macaroni, and put it back on the box to bring home, along with the cookie they also gave me, as I knew my partner would appreciate both.
The day went on. There was a big gap between lunch and the 6:00 close time. Around 3:00, I was hungry again, and took out a few more almonds and had a few bites of the macaroni salad. At least I was balancing the carbs with protein, I reasoned. That actually appeased me until supper. Lesson number Three: Make the best of the situation!
I was unexpectedly invited to stay for the grand sit-down dinner that was offered, and realized that I would have to go another hour or more without eating. I had the last of the almonds I had brought with me, and one alcoholic drink - a shot of vodka with seltzer water and lime. I sipped on that until dinner was served.
When the salads came, I was disappointed to see only iceberg lettuce, but, I made the best of it. I avidly ate the salad with a trickle of the balsamic vinaigrette dressing that they served. Dinner was chicken breast in some sort of really tasty sauce, on top of root vegetables and mashed potatoes. By then I was really hungry, so I ate the vegetables and the chicken, and had a few bites of the potato.
Then they brought the dessert. I looked at that mass of white sugar and white flour with a little sweetened raspberry syrup over it and thought, "all I can eat on that are those two little raspberries," and so I did. I confess. I had a bite of the cake. I am glad I don't eat cake anymore. Even that one bite, I could feel that crap (for lack of a better descriptor) flowing through my body. Lesson number Four: Nourish yourself!
I had a cup of coffee after the meal, and luckily, I carry stevia with me, so I enjoyed that, and soon after that, we left. When I got home, I could still feel the sugar in me, so I drank a few glasses of water and had a bit of protein (lamb) to counteract it.
All in all, I think I did pretty well, considering all of the factors. I even got in some good walking because the hotel is on a hill, and I got to walk around quite a bit, including some incline walking.
In the future, I would bring some sort of healthy trail mix or other healthy protein-laden snack, probably fix my own lunch, and stay away from the sugar!
This morning, my blood sugar was only up a few points from usual, and I again committed to myself that I eat to live, not live to eat.... my food is my nourishment, and keeps me healthy. Better to eat well to live well than to give in to the foods that prevent that.
I had had my usual protein shake in the morning, and that did me well for a few hours. Halfway through the morning, my companions were munching on some snacks that I wouldn't touch - they were complete carbs, sugar, and chemicals. It's been a long time since I would even thinking of indulging in something like that. So, as they munched, I nibbled on a couple of almonds. That got me to lunch. Lesson number One: Be prepared!
The event served us box lunches. I HADN'T prepared a lunch because the event was a Kangen Water conference, and the hotel was a high-end hotel, so I figured anything they served would be decent. Oops. Lesson number Two: Don't assume!
Although they served the wonderful, alkaline, micro-clustered water that I have come to love so much myself, the box lunches were not as healthy. They tried. The roast beef was served on whole wheat rolls, and the chicken caesar was in a multi-grain wrap. I ate about half the wrap, and the salad and chicken inside. So, that wasn't too bad. The lunch came with baked potato chips - another item I have not had in a long time! I confess, I did eat the chips, and I was grateful for the treat, even though I knew they weren't the best, and I was wishing I had brought a small baggie of organic blue corn tortilla chips. They also served little containers of macaroni salad. I ate out all of the vegetables and barely touched the macaroni, and put it back on the box to bring home, along with the cookie they also gave me, as I knew my partner would appreciate both.
The day went on. There was a big gap between lunch and the 6:00 close time. Around 3:00, I was hungry again, and took out a few more almonds and had a few bites of the macaroni salad. At least I was balancing the carbs with protein, I reasoned. That actually appeased me until supper. Lesson number Three: Make the best of the situation!
I was unexpectedly invited to stay for the grand sit-down dinner that was offered, and realized that I would have to go another hour or more without eating. I had the last of the almonds I had brought with me, and one alcoholic drink - a shot of vodka with seltzer water and lime. I sipped on that until dinner was served.
When the salads came, I was disappointed to see only iceberg lettuce, but, I made the best of it. I avidly ate the salad with a trickle of the balsamic vinaigrette dressing that they served. Dinner was chicken breast in some sort of really tasty sauce, on top of root vegetables and mashed potatoes. By then I was really hungry, so I ate the vegetables and the chicken, and had a few bites of the potato.
Then they brought the dessert. I looked at that mass of white sugar and white flour with a little sweetened raspberry syrup over it and thought, "all I can eat on that are those two little raspberries," and so I did. I confess. I had a bite of the cake. I am glad I don't eat cake anymore. Even that one bite, I could feel that crap (for lack of a better descriptor) flowing through my body. Lesson number Four: Nourish yourself!
I had a cup of coffee after the meal, and luckily, I carry stevia with me, so I enjoyed that, and soon after that, we left. When I got home, I could still feel the sugar in me, so I drank a few glasses of water and had a bit of protein (lamb) to counteract it.
All in all, I think I did pretty well, considering all of the factors. I even got in some good walking because the hotel is on a hill, and I got to walk around quite a bit, including some incline walking.
In the future, I would bring some sort of healthy trail mix or other healthy protein-laden snack, probably fix my own lunch, and stay away from the sugar!
This morning, my blood sugar was only up a few points from usual, and I again committed to myself that I eat to live, not live to eat.... my food is my nourishment, and keeps me healthy. Better to eat well to live well than to give in to the foods that prevent that.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Stress and Exercise
It's been a month since the last post. I have noticed that when my stress level is up, my blood sugar also goes up, no matter how true I am to the nutritional plan. Do you know what that means? It means I need to do more to decrease my stress levels.
I am currently working through The Living Well Plan: 30 Days to Health, Wealth, and Happiness (http://livingwellplan.com), and there is a whole module on Stress that I am finding QUITE helpful. Just in the past four or five days, I have been able to lower my fasting blood sugar almost 40 points just by using some of these techniques.
It's true that I haven't been exercising as vigilantly either, since it's gotten a bit too cold to swim in the pool any more this year. I could swim at the gym, but I really don't like all of the chlorine they use, even though I understand that it is necessary.
Through the Living Well Plan, Debbie included an article on some great exercises I can do at home with relative ease, so I am going to start carving out time to do them. I know that exercise helps so much in keeping me healthy. I also know that regular exercise will help with stress levels, so it's a win/win!
I am currently working through The Living Well Plan: 30 Days to Health, Wealth, and Happiness (http://livingwellplan.com), and there is a whole module on Stress that I am finding QUITE helpful. Just in the past four or five days, I have been able to lower my fasting blood sugar almost 40 points just by using some of these techniques.
It's true that I haven't been exercising as vigilantly either, since it's gotten a bit too cold to swim in the pool any more this year. I could swim at the gym, but I really don't like all of the chlorine they use, even though I understand that it is necessary.
Through the Living Well Plan, Debbie included an article on some great exercises I can do at home with relative ease, so I am going to start carving out time to do them. I know that exercise helps so much in keeping me healthy. I also know that regular exercise will help with stress levels, so it's a win/win!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Undoing Stress
Lately I have been inundated with stress.
Are you at all aware of how much damage stress does to the body? Well, I can say that I know first hand!
Since this bout of stress in my life - and it's all kinds of stress, from financial to time management, to stuff that wasn't taken care of when it should have been, etc. etc. On top of that, we have recently done some traveling.
In any case, I am noticing that, not only do I have more little aches and pains, but my blood sugar readings have been getting higher. I actually temporarily raised my medication up a bit to compensate.
Another thing that has happened is that I gained 3 pounds! This is without changing my diet!
Stress is not your friend.
As a result, I have started to do breathing exercises. I also started doing a meditation I recently learned that has to do with remembering a time when I felt peaceful and relaxed, and allowing that to permeate my body. This seems to have a profound effect pretty quickly.
Let's see if it makes a difference in my numbers.
Are you at all aware of how much damage stress does to the body? Well, I can say that I know first hand!
Since this bout of stress in my life - and it's all kinds of stress, from financial to time management, to stuff that wasn't taken care of when it should have been, etc. etc. On top of that, we have recently done some traveling.
In any case, I am noticing that, not only do I have more little aches and pains, but my blood sugar readings have been getting higher. I actually temporarily raised my medication up a bit to compensate.
Another thing that has happened is that I gained 3 pounds! This is without changing my diet!
Stress is not your friend.
As a result, I have started to do breathing exercises. I also started doing a meditation I recently learned that has to do with remembering a time when I felt peaceful and relaxed, and allowing that to permeate my body. This seems to have a profound effect pretty quickly.
Let's see if it makes a difference in my numbers.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Collaboration
Debbie and I, and three other women, have decided to get together and collaborate on an amazing project! We are calling it the Living Well Plan, and we are, collectively, the Living Well Group. We have put together 30 Days to Health, Wealth, and Happiness.
It's been a dynamic process, which all started with a conversation I was having with Debbie. After that, it took on a life of its own. The five of us are all coaches of one sort or another, and we all have our own practices. We have come together because we realize that we each hold a key to a vital part of every person's life, and that together we can really shift someone into a better, more fulfilling life.
Transformation will come within the program as people go through the steps. All of them will be easy and achievable.
We have just launched the first version of our website so that we can capture emails and keep people informed of when we start collecting payments and when the actual program will launch. You can check it out here:
http://livingwellplan.wordpress.com
Who knew that working with Debbie and getting myself to live a healthier life would lead to this?
It's been a dynamic process, which all started with a conversation I was having with Debbie. After that, it took on a life of its own. The five of us are all coaches of one sort or another, and we all have our own practices. We have come together because we realize that we each hold a key to a vital part of every person's life, and that together we can really shift someone into a better, more fulfilling life.
Transformation will come within the program as people go through the steps. All of them will be easy and achievable.
We have just launched the first version of our website so that we can capture emails and keep people informed of when we start collecting payments and when the actual program will launch. You can check it out here:
http://livingwellplan.wordpress.com
Who knew that working with Debbie and getting myself to live a healthier life would lead to this?
Friday, August 5, 2011
15 Minutes of Movement
It's been just about a month since I have last written. In the past month, I have seen no difference in my weight at all. However, I notice a difference in my body - my legs look slimmer, my arms have lost a lot of flab, my stomach is getting flatter.
One of the things I have added to my regime is at least 15 minutes of movement at least 5 times a week. It really has made a difference.
Mostly it means I take a 15 minute walk. Do you know how easy it is to walk for 15 minutes? It barely cuts into my busy schedule at all. Besides, it's nice to be outside, getting some sun. We all need more vitamin D3 than we get, and we can get it directly from the sun.
My favorite exercise is doing water aerobics in the pool. I have some concerns about the chlorine in the pool, but as long as I rinse off right away, I think I am mitigating most of the damage. The exercise, I believe, far outweighs the detriment of chlorine.
Usually when I get in the pool to do aerobics, I do more than 15 minutes, though. Once I am in the water, I don't want to get out. I need to plan it so I get in the pool when I have at least a half hour of time. Often, that means late at night, which is actually quite pleasant, but I don't get the benefits of sunlight.
I have a "noodle" that I use to do some of the more strenuous exercises in the deep end of the pool. I love my noodle!
I really believe it's the water aerobics, more than anything else, that is firming up my body.
Ultimately, the secret is to do ANYTHING that gets you moving - dancing to your favorite song, taking a walk, water aerobics, jumping on a rebounder. Anyone can do 15 minutes a day.
One of the things I have added to my regime is at least 15 minutes of movement at least 5 times a week. It really has made a difference.
Mostly it means I take a 15 minute walk. Do you know how easy it is to walk for 15 minutes? It barely cuts into my busy schedule at all. Besides, it's nice to be outside, getting some sun. We all need more vitamin D3 than we get, and we can get it directly from the sun.
My favorite exercise is doing water aerobics in the pool. I have some concerns about the chlorine in the pool, but as long as I rinse off right away, I think I am mitigating most of the damage. The exercise, I believe, far outweighs the detriment of chlorine.
Usually when I get in the pool to do aerobics, I do more than 15 minutes, though. Once I am in the water, I don't want to get out. I need to plan it so I get in the pool when I have at least a half hour of time. Often, that means late at night, which is actually quite pleasant, but I don't get the benefits of sunlight.
I have a "noodle" that I use to do some of the more strenuous exercises in the deep end of the pool. I love my noodle!
I really believe it's the water aerobics, more than anything else, that is firming up my body.
Ultimately, the secret is to do ANYTHING that gets you moving - dancing to your favorite song, taking a walk, water aerobics, jumping on a rebounder. Anyone can do 15 minutes a day.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Every day in every way, I am getting better and better!
Wow! Yesterday, Debbie showed me how ALL of my numbers had gone down since January when she tested me last. EVERYTHING has gotten better! Not only that, but my blood sugar is now pretty much stabilized, AND I am on 50% LESS medication than I was in January!
The lady knows what she is doing!
I have about four new supplements now, including some form of Iodine, and some fancy form of Vitamin E, some Black Currant Oil, and some homeopathic drops made JUST for me, based upon my profile. She is also ordering two other supplements that will help with thyroid.
I am really looking forward to seeing how these changes affect my results in the months to come.
AND, she added some carbs to my diet. Just a few fruits and sprouted products - and it's not like I HAVE to eat them. I just CAN. One of the items was garbanzo beans. You know what that means...... I can now have HUMMUS! Woo hoo!
The lady knows what she is doing!
I have about four new supplements now, including some form of Iodine, and some fancy form of Vitamin E, some Black Currant Oil, and some homeopathic drops made JUST for me, based upon my profile. She is also ordering two other supplements that will help with thyroid.
I am really looking forward to seeing how these changes affect my results in the months to come.
AND, she added some carbs to my diet. Just a few fruits and sprouted products - and it's not like I HAVE to eat them. I just CAN. One of the items was garbanzo beans. You know what that means...... I can now have HUMMUS! Woo hoo!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Re-test
Last week, Debbie tested me again with her machine and also did the saliva and urine testing.
I saw the results of the machine test - one of the things we noticed is that my thyroid needs some help. I am expecting to get a new list of supplements from her any day.
The good news is that she felt pretty positive about my saliva and urine tests, and even ventured to say I could start taking on limited carbs. I will find out more tomorrow.
I haven't been losing weight, and therefore did not make my June 30th goal, but my blood sugar has been good on 50% meds, so that's very positive. Hopefully new supplements and change in eating plan will bring about good weight loss results also.
I am pretty proud to say, though, that we went away for five days, and I didn't GAIN any weight. I pretty much stuck to the plan, except for imbibing in a bit of alcohol.
Also, this weekend was a 3-day weekend, and we did get together with friends. Again, I stayed true to the plan. I'm getting pretty good at this.
Finally, I went two days without a car, and had to walk a LOT in 110º heat. Insane. I walked at least 3 miles each day. Since then, I've wanted to stay close to the A/C so not moving as much as I would wish, but I did manage to jump on the rebounder for a bit today.
I saw the results of the machine test - one of the things we noticed is that my thyroid needs some help. I am expecting to get a new list of supplements from her any day.
The good news is that she felt pretty positive about my saliva and urine tests, and even ventured to say I could start taking on limited carbs. I will find out more tomorrow.
I haven't been losing weight, and therefore did not make my June 30th goal, but my blood sugar has been good on 50% meds, so that's very positive. Hopefully new supplements and change in eating plan will bring about good weight loss results also.
I am pretty proud to say, though, that we went away for five days, and I didn't GAIN any weight. I pretty much stuck to the plan, except for imbibing in a bit of alcohol.
Also, this weekend was a 3-day weekend, and we did get together with friends. Again, I stayed true to the plan. I'm getting pretty good at this.
Finally, I went two days without a car, and had to walk a LOT in 110º heat. Insane. I walked at least 3 miles each day. Since then, I've wanted to stay close to the A/C so not moving as much as I would wish, but I did manage to jump on the rebounder for a bit today.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
New Habits = New Results
On Friday, I weighed myself, as I do most mornings, and I was down another pound, making it a total of 39 pounds lost since Nov. 1, 2010. One more pound to 40. And 6 more pounds to release before the end of July (to reach my goal).
Last night I went to a party. It was a potluck, and as usual, I brought stuff I could eat, to be sure I had stuff I could eat. It started out well, but so many people brought so many wonderful things that I decided to have a few "tastes." Honestly, I didn't overdo, but I did do more than usual. A couple of blue corn chips here, a sliver of mint chocolate brownie there. The result? My blood sugar was up this morning (surprise, surprise), and my weight was back up 1.5 pounds.
It got me thinking about how we sabotage ourselves - that internal thermostat we have for success, and how much we believe is "right" for us. I realize I do it to some extent with my weight, as well as in other areas of my life.
Now, I know that my weight will go back down, and that this is temporary. I know that my blood sugar will correct again as I resume eating in my normal way. I know I am creating new habits in my life that will keep me getting healthier and healthier, so I also know I am on the right track.
AND, I do not feel guilty for enjoying a few treats last night. And I DID enjoy them! The memory of that spicy bean dip lingers....
However, seeing the results of those decisions right away, as I did this morning in my blood sugar reading and my weight, can be used as reinforcement for staying on track.
How can this be applied to other areas of my life?
The best we can do to change our inner thermostat is to build new habits, and when it comes to my health, that is exactly what I am doing. The same principle can be used for growing my business or growing wealth.
New habits = new inner thermostat settings = new results.
Last night I went to a party. It was a potluck, and as usual, I brought stuff I could eat, to be sure I had stuff I could eat. It started out well, but so many people brought so many wonderful things that I decided to have a few "tastes." Honestly, I didn't overdo, but I did do more than usual. A couple of blue corn chips here, a sliver of mint chocolate brownie there. The result? My blood sugar was up this morning (surprise, surprise), and my weight was back up 1.5 pounds.
It got me thinking about how we sabotage ourselves - that internal thermostat we have for success, and how much we believe is "right" for us. I realize I do it to some extent with my weight, as well as in other areas of my life.
Now, I know that my weight will go back down, and that this is temporary. I know that my blood sugar will correct again as I resume eating in my normal way. I know I am creating new habits in my life that will keep me getting healthier and healthier, so I also know I am on the right track.
AND, I do not feel guilty for enjoying a few treats last night. And I DID enjoy them! The memory of that spicy bean dip lingers....
However, seeing the results of those decisions right away, as I did this morning in my blood sugar reading and my weight, can be used as reinforcement for staying on track.
How can this be applied to other areas of my life?
The best we can do to change our inner thermostat is to build new habits, and when it comes to my health, that is exactly what I am doing. The same principle can be used for growing my business or growing wealth.
New habits = new inner thermostat settings = new results.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Is it cheating? Or is it treating?
I haven't written anything lately because I haven't had any particularly significant results in the past several days. Weight is stabilized right now, although it usually does that for a few days, and then I lose a few pounds. I feel healthy. I am out of one of my supplements, and won't be able to order more until next week, so that may account in part for the plateau in weight.
Blood sugar is still doing well, although, on average, it's running just a tad higher than I would wish. Again, replacing that supplement should help with that too. It is the Raintree Nutritional - Pancreas Support, which also does quite a bit to lower/stabilize blood sugar. Some people ONLY take this to keep their blood sugar stabilized. I am looking forward to that day!
I think Debbie and I will be getting together in the week ahead to retest me, and see where I stand in all of my systems. It's been over four months, so it's time. Maybe some things need adjusting.
I "cheated" today, or rather, I "treated myself" today. I had a lox and "thin" bagel from Einstein Bagels this morning. It was delicious! I got the everything thin bagel, so there were a lot of seeds on it. I am hoping that offsets the gluten.
I then proceeded to walk around for about 2-3 hours, so I think I am okay.
I also spent a good amount of time outside today, which I know adds to Vitamin D stores as well as a host of other health benefits.
My body is looking better and better, but I still have a stubbornly large middle area. I will be SOOO happy when I have a flat stomach again.
Blood sugar is still doing well, although, on average, it's running just a tad higher than I would wish. Again, replacing that supplement should help with that too. It is the Raintree Nutritional - Pancreas Support, which also does quite a bit to lower/stabilize blood sugar. Some people ONLY take this to keep their blood sugar stabilized. I am looking forward to that day!
I think Debbie and I will be getting together in the week ahead to retest me, and see where I stand in all of my systems. It's been over four months, so it's time. Maybe some things need adjusting.
I "cheated" today, or rather, I "treated myself" today. I had a lox and "thin" bagel from Einstein Bagels this morning. It was delicious! I got the everything thin bagel, so there were a lot of seeds on it. I am hoping that offsets the gluten.
I then proceeded to walk around for about 2-3 hours, so I think I am okay.
I also spent a good amount of time outside today, which I know adds to Vitamin D stores as well as a host of other health benefits.
My body is looking better and better, but I still have a stubbornly large middle area. I will be SOOO happy when I have a flat stomach again.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Camping Food
Last weekend, Avery and I went camping. It was wonderful.
We have this great tent that we bought about 5 years ago. It's tall enough to stand up in, and it's an easy pop-up tent, so we can get it up in about 5 minutes, even in the dark. We also have a great double high queen size air mattress that I swear is more comfortable than my bed! We zip up two sleeping bags and bring pillows from home, and we are as comfy as can be.
For this camping trip, I bought food that was on my nutrition plan for the most part, so we ate healthily all weekend. OK, I splurged a bit. I bought some turkey bacon which isn't on my plan, but it was nitrite and nitrate free, from free-range birds, no hormones, etc. In other words, pretty healthy stuff.
Here's the breakfast I made for myself last Sunday:
We have this great tent that we bought about 5 years ago. It's tall enough to stand up in, and it's an easy pop-up tent, so we can get it up in about 5 minutes, even in the dark. We also have a great double high queen size air mattress that I swear is more comfortable than my bed! We zip up two sleeping bags and bring pillows from home, and we are as comfy as can be.
For this camping trip, I bought food that was on my nutrition plan for the most part, so we ate healthily all weekend. OK, I splurged a bit. I bought some turkey bacon which isn't on my plan, but it was nitrite and nitrate free, from free-range birds, no hormones, etc. In other words, pretty healthy stuff.
Here's the breakfast I made for myself last Sunday:
And I usually don't eat potato, but I had cooked some in the coals the night before so couldn't resist some homemade hash browns cooked in butter. That cheese is raw organic cheese. The eggs are organic eggs. I made organic coffee in a french press using Kangen water.
So, even though I was camping, I still ate very well!
I did have an incident due to pushing my nutritional limits. I drank some wine on Saturday night, and I forgot to take my meds. Even though the meds are decreased by almost half, it's still important that I take them. On Sunday morning, my blood sugar tested over 200 again. Yikes! It took me two more days to get it normalized again! Wine isn't a good idea at this time.
When I came home, I had gained almost 2 pounds! That's even with walking and hiking! But it's gone now. Still at 37 pounds released and holding.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Still going strong
The other day, I found myself in a situation where I ended up walking for about 4 miles. The best part was that I have been walking pretty regularly lately - not quite 4 miles a day, but at least walking. I was very surprised to find that my legs weren't sore at all the next day! My lower back was a bit inflamed, but my chiropractor, Steve Hruby of Kai-Zen Wellness Center, took care of that in short order!
The BEST part is, when I weighed myself yesterday, I had lost two more pounds! That brings the total weight release to 37 pounds! Not only that, but blood sugar has been holding its own around 120.
I love that my body is getting stronger and healthier.
The BEST part is, when I weighed myself yesterday, I had lost two more pounds! That brings the total weight release to 37 pounds! Not only that, but blood sugar has been holding its own around 120.
I love that my body is getting stronger and healthier.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Score!
Today I achieved my first consciously set short-term weight release goal... 35 pounds! Actually, 35.4 pounds :) AND it was one day early. Woo hoo!
Next goal - 10 more pounds by July 4th. That gives me about 2 months. I can do it.
Next goal - 10 more pounds by July 4th. That gives me about 2 months. I can do it.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Making it work
I am working as a volunteer at a seminar this weekend - the Millionaire Mind Intensive. As a volunteer, we don't get much time to eat, so they provide food for us. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to eat much, so fortified myself with a small cooler full of things I can have - hard boiled eggs, coconut milk and protein shake, etc.
I have been pleasantly surprised. The hotel I am staying at serves breakfast, so I get to eat eggs every morning. The lunch and dinner always come with salads, fresh vegetables, and plenty of protein. Even the night we had pasta and chicken, it was easy enough to pick out just the chicken.
On top of all of the great, healthy food, I've been getting LOTS of exercise - I've spent more time on my feet in the past 24 hours than I have in quite a while.
I love that I can make my eating plan work no matter what!
I have been pleasantly surprised. The hotel I am staying at serves breakfast, so I get to eat eggs every morning. The lunch and dinner always come with salads, fresh vegetables, and plenty of protein. Even the night we had pasta and chicken, it was easy enough to pick out just the chicken.
On top of all of the great, healthy food, I've been getting LOTS of exercise - I've spent more time on my feet in the past 24 hours than I have in quite a while.
I love that I can make my eating plan work no matter what!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Great news!
I have been experimenting a bit with my medication. For two weeks now, I have cut down the metformin to 1500 per day instead of 2000. No change in my blood sugar at all. It's still pretty much in normal range.
For the past two days, I have also cut the glyburide in half, and still no change.
This is GREAT!
The fact that my blood sugar is still testing at or close to normal and I have cut down my medication by over 25% means my body really is healing.
Oh, and another pound has been released, so now I'm down 33 pounds. Only about 10 more days until my birthday, when I hope to reach 35 released.
For the past two days, I have also cut the glyburide in half, and still no change.
This is GREAT!
The fact that my blood sugar is still testing at or close to normal and I have cut down my medication by over 25% means my body really is healing.
Oh, and another pound has been released, so now I'm down 33 pounds. Only about 10 more days until my birthday, when I hope to reach 35 released.
Monday, April 18, 2011
32 and counting
As of 3 days ago, I have lost 32 pounds. I want to lose 3 more before my birthday on May 7th. That would be awesome. Shooting for at least 50 before the end of the year.
Today I noticed that I had the urge to exercise! When I don't get to walk, I have been jumping on the rebounder again. It still hurts my knees somewhat but not as bad as it used to, thankfully.
Also, I have resumed regular chiropractic care which feels great.
Blood sugar still holding steady.
Eating plan is going GREAT.
Today I noticed that I had the urge to exercise! When I don't get to walk, I have been jumping on the rebounder again. It still hurts my knees somewhat but not as bad as it used to, thankfully.
Also, I have resumed regular chiropractic care which feels great.
Blood sugar still holding steady.
Eating plan is going GREAT.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Water and Walking
It's been over a week since I've posted, mostly because there really isn't much new to report. I haven't lost any more weight - which probably means I will lose a couple of pounds in the next day or two. That's what usually happens.
I've been very faithful to my eating plan, even while I worked leadership for a personal growth course for three days. I have to admit, I lived on raw nuts most of the weekend, which may account for lack of any more weight loss, but it could have been a lot worse.
My blood sugar remains pretty stable, hovering between 83 and 130, which is pretty darn nice for a change! Yes, I am still on meds, but it's only a matter of time.
I've set a weight release goal for myself of losing another five or more pounds by my birthday in less than a month.
I haven't been going to the gym, but I have been walking several times a week, and over the weekend, I got quite a bit of exercise dancing and jumping and running up and down stairs.
I am finding that Kangen water and walking are two key components of my life these days.
I've been very faithful to my eating plan, even while I worked leadership for a personal growth course for three days. I have to admit, I lived on raw nuts most of the weekend, which may account for lack of any more weight loss, but it could have been a lot worse.
My blood sugar remains pretty stable, hovering between 83 and 130, which is pretty darn nice for a change! Yes, I am still on meds, but it's only a matter of time.
I've set a weight release goal for myself of losing another five or more pounds by my birthday in less than a month.
I haven't been going to the gym, but I have been walking several times a week, and over the weekend, I got quite a bit of exercise dancing and jumping and running up and down stairs.
I am finding that Kangen water and walking are two key components of my life these days.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Quickie post
I love that I can fit into my skinny jean capris again. :)
You probably can't really tell from this picture, but I sure can. I am gaining a wardrobe!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The big 3-0
As of yesterday, April 1st, I have released a total of 30 pounds since November 1st. That is GREAT! I still want to release at least 20 more, to get back to my Weight Watchers' goal from 2007. And, if I am totally honest, I'd like to lose 20-30 more after that. I'm not looking to get back to 120, but 140-150 would be SWEET.
I got many compliments today about looking thinner. Boy, does that feel good!
Thanks to adjusting my meds slightly and drinking Kangen water, my blood sugar is much more under control. That feels great too. It's been a long and scary road for the past six months. As soon as I know I have been stable for 30 days, I'll go get another A1C done. I am pretty sure my numbers will look pretty good, on the whole. Eating really well and exercising pretty regularly have to have made a difference. I know I FEEL a lot better.
I like how I am eating, for the most part. Sometimes it feels very limited - sometimes I crave some sort of treat. But I love my results more than the temporary satisfaction of eating something that is empty of nutrition, and ultimately poisonously harmful to me.
I allow myself two "treats." First, I have been drinking more coffee - and thus drinking even MORE water due to dehydration issues. I've been buying organic coffee and organic cream to have in the coffee. With a couple of drops of stevia, it's a real treat. Even just one cup makes my day.
My other treat is plain yogurt mixed with stevia, cinnamon, protein powder, and sometimes flax seed. It's yummy. It's my dessert. I don't have it every day. I have it when I am really craving a treat. It works.
This morning, I even allowed myself some berries in my protein shake. It was SOOO good.
When you limit what you eat, it's amazing how much you appreciate EVERYTHING you eat!
I am very happy to be finally getting healthier, and it's being reflected in my weight release. Yay 30!
I got many compliments today about looking thinner. Boy, does that feel good!
Thanks to adjusting my meds slightly and drinking Kangen water, my blood sugar is much more under control. That feels great too. It's been a long and scary road for the past six months. As soon as I know I have been stable for 30 days, I'll go get another A1C done. I am pretty sure my numbers will look pretty good, on the whole. Eating really well and exercising pretty regularly have to have made a difference. I know I FEEL a lot better.
I like how I am eating, for the most part. Sometimes it feels very limited - sometimes I crave some sort of treat. But I love my results more than the temporary satisfaction of eating something that is empty of nutrition, and ultimately poisonously harmful to me.
I allow myself two "treats." First, I have been drinking more coffee - and thus drinking even MORE water due to dehydration issues. I've been buying organic coffee and organic cream to have in the coffee. With a couple of drops of stevia, it's a real treat. Even just one cup makes my day.
My other treat is plain yogurt mixed with stevia, cinnamon, protein powder, and sometimes flax seed. It's yummy. It's my dessert. I don't have it every day. I have it when I am really craving a treat. It works.
This morning, I even allowed myself some berries in my protein shake. It was SOOO good.
When you limit what you eat, it's amazing how much you appreciate EVERYTHING you eat!
I am very happy to be finally getting healthier, and it's being reflected in my weight release. Yay 30!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Was it the water?
Wow! My blood sugar was NORMAL today for the first time in months and months! What a relief! I had to get up and eat immediately, as I was feeling shaky.
This is GREAT news.
This is GREAT news.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Slow but sure
Latest update includes the fact that I released another pound, so now down 29 pounds. One more pound and it will be 30. Hopefully I will release another 20 after that. I had made a personal goal to lose 50 pounds this year. Looks like I am well on my way!
I started drinking Kangen water this week, so that may change some of my results for the better. I know that others have had dramatic changes in their blood sugar after drinking Kangen water for awhile. I know we aren't supposed to make health claims, but my hopes are high.
Most of my exercise has been coming from walking. At least I have been, and I find that my step is stronger and lighter. I enjoy it more, and don't feel lower back pain after a half a mile anymore. Yay!
I started drinking Kangen water this week, so that may change some of my results for the better. I know that others have had dramatic changes in their blood sugar after drinking Kangen water for awhile. I know we aren't supposed to make health claims, but my hopes are high.
Most of my exercise has been coming from walking. At least I have been, and I find that my step is stronger and lighter. I enjoy it more, and don't feel lower back pain after a half a mile anymore. Yay!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
It's happening, even when you don't see it.
This week, I've been busy and haven't been able to make it to the gym yet. However, I've been walking, and last night I did something completely different - Tai Chi! It was interesting. I have to admit, though, I'd prefer to take a brisk walk or dance or ride on the exercise bike at the gym. I miss the gym. (Did I really say that???)
Blood sugar is continuing to be very stubborn, which has me more than concerned. I even upped my medication to try to make it come down, but nada. I may have to see a medical doctor soon.
However, weight continues to go down. I have now lost 28 pounds! AND I have the satisfaction of knowing that I am eating REALLY well! That HAS to be making a difference, even if I don't see it yet.
Blood sugar is continuing to be very stubborn, which has me more than concerned. I even upped my medication to try to make it come down, but nada. I may have to see a medical doctor soon.
However, weight continues to go down. I have now lost 28 pounds! AND I have the satisfaction of knowing that I am eating REALLY well! That HAS to be making a difference, even if I don't see it yet.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Working it!
It's been a great week. I started a new part time job that I love which is less than a mile from my house. I've also been continuing with getting exercise just about every day, whether it be the gym or walking.
Because I don't have a car right now, I sometimes find myself walking to or from work or on some days when I have other things to do, riding the bus. This usually means walking more, often from one bus stop to another, and sometimes I have found myself walking about 2 miles in a day. I consider this very good!
The job fits with my eating schedule pretty well, so I have been able to keep up with my meal plan. Still going strong in that department.
I noticed this morning that I lost another 2 pounds, for a total of 27 pounds released to date. I like that!
Blood sugar is still too high, even with this very stringent diet, regular exercise, and lots of affirmations. However, I learned a bio-energetic technique today that may help. I'll keep you posted.
Because I don't have a car right now, I sometimes find myself walking to or from work or on some days when I have other things to do, riding the bus. This usually means walking more, often from one bus stop to another, and sometimes I have found myself walking about 2 miles in a day. I consider this very good!
The job fits with my eating schedule pretty well, so I have been able to keep up with my meal plan. Still going strong in that department.
I noticed this morning that I lost another 2 pounds, for a total of 27 pounds released to date. I like that!
Blood sugar is still too high, even with this very stringent diet, regular exercise, and lots of affirmations. However, I learned a bio-energetic technique today that may help. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Feeling Great!
Thursday already! And what a week it has been!
I went to the gym on Tuesday night, but last night I had a meeting and couldn't make it. Plus I am pretty tired. I have been really busy all week, and only getting about 4-5 hours of sleep.
I am actually finding, because of my busyness, I haven't been getting in all of my snacks. One would THINK that would make me lose more weight, right? Wrong. I have been bouncing up and down a pound or two, but this morning, still holding solid at 195. My blood sugar has shown no sign of improvement at all, even with exercise in the mix. *sigh*
On the whole, though, I feel great - better than ever. And I am loving the compliments I am getting as my weight release starts showing more on my body.
Tonight my intention is to go to the gym, which means I will have gone three times this week, and I am aiming for four or five times.
Do you believe it? I am going to the gym!
I went to the gym on Tuesday night, but last night I had a meeting and couldn't make it. Plus I am pretty tired. I have been really busy all week, and only getting about 4-5 hours of sleep.
I am actually finding, because of my busyness, I haven't been getting in all of my snacks. One would THINK that would make me lose more weight, right? Wrong. I have been bouncing up and down a pound or two, but this morning, still holding solid at 195. My blood sugar has shown no sign of improvement at all, even with exercise in the mix. *sigh*
On the whole, though, I feel great - better than ever. And I am loving the compliments I am getting as my weight release starts showing more on my body.
Tonight my intention is to go to the gym, which means I will have gone three times this week, and I am aiming for four or five times.
Do you believe it? I am going to the gym!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Exercise Makes a Difference!
I was away at a three-day seminar this past weekend, and although I prepared my own lunch each day, and stayed within the parameters of the diet, I found that I had one more snack per day, usually of nuts. That's all that really changed from my normal routine. And what happened?
I gained 2 pounds back! Who would think that one more snack per day for three days would have that effect?
Well, I realize it was something more than that. Most of the seminar took place in chairs. We didn't have much chance to move around - not even as much as my usual walking and moving within a typical day. There was some dancing, which I took advantage of, but I was acutely aware that my body is used to eating like this now, and the next step is to ramp up the exercise.
Good thing I went to the gym the other day, breaking that stigma. I have every intention of going this week at least three times if not more.
Exercise really does make a difference!
I gained 2 pounds back! Who would think that one more snack per day for three days would have that effect?
Well, I realize it was something more than that. Most of the seminar took place in chairs. We didn't have much chance to move around - not even as much as my usual walking and moving within a typical day. There was some dancing, which I took advantage of, but I was acutely aware that my body is used to eating like this now, and the next step is to ramp up the exercise.
Good thing I went to the gym the other day, breaking that stigma. I have every intention of going this week at least three times if not more.
Exercise really does make a difference!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Gym!
Yes, I did it! I went to the gym! It's been so long since I have darkened those doors that I didn't know that they don't swipe membership cards anymore. They have some kind of finger-scanner set up. I'm sure it works on some sort of energy that probably produces low levels of radiation, but I am thinking it's probably no worse than my wireless mouse. So, I registered to use their handy finger-scanner in the future. Avery, however, would rather use his license than put his finger in that thing. Ah, how times change.
Yes, I brought Avery with me. I bought him a one-month membership with a Groupon special so that I would have moral support to go, until I re-develop the habit. It's very nice to have company! It also felt just fine to be back at the gym. What fears had I built up in my mind that kept me away? I honestly have no conscious idea!
At the gym, I did 20 minutes on the stationary bike. There were two kinds. I did 10 minutes on each kind, so I could try them both. Then I did about 20 minutes of strength training on various machines, working arms, legs, and abs. That felt like enough so we left.
When I got home, I felt weak and hungry. I took a shower, and then made that new veggie drink which hit the spot.
I'll bet I will feel these muscles tomorrow! In the meantime, though, I am staying uber-hydrated today!
Yes, I brought Avery with me. I bought him a one-month membership with a Groupon special so that I would have moral support to go, until I re-develop the habit. It's very nice to have company! It also felt just fine to be back at the gym. What fears had I built up in my mind that kept me away? I honestly have no conscious idea!
At the gym, I did 20 minutes on the stationary bike. There were two kinds. I did 10 minutes on each kind, so I could try them both. Then I did about 20 minutes of strength training on various machines, working arms, legs, and abs. That felt like enough so we left.
When I got home, I felt weak and hungry. I took a shower, and then made that new veggie drink which hit the spot.
I'll bet I will feel these muscles tomorrow! In the meantime, though, I am staying uber-hydrated today!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
New Month, New Additions to the Program
I met with Debbie today and she added a few things to the program.
The first thing she added is an old friend of mine - psyllium, with some additional ingredients known to lower blood sugar. She wants me to take it twice a day. Ah, I am already doing so much fiber. But I know she knows best, so I will do it. I have friends who do psyllium every single night - and not just one or two teaspoons either. The stuff works! So, psyllium, we meet again, albeit in a different form :)
The next thing she added is a green drink - but not just one of those powdered green drinks from a can. This is made of actual greens, chopped up in the blender with some organic vegetable broth and a few other things. I need to drink it twice a day! How the heck am I going to get to do that? I haven't figured that one out yet logistically. Often, I leave my house at 10 in the morning and not home again until 8 at night. Perhaps those are the two times - just before leaving, and just coming home. I'm sure I will figure it out.
The third thing she added is exercise! I AM going to exercise! I actually took action and bought my partner a one month membership at my gym so we can go together - just to get me into the habit of going again. He actually has been quite supportive about taking walks with me every few days also. I know that once I get into going to the gym again, I will continue to do so. I just have to break through this barrier and start going. It will help if I have someone's hand to hold as I start out.
She has also ordered me some new supplements that should also help with lowering my blood sugar levels. I know that combining these new supplements along with the new additions above and exercise will do the trick.
Oh, and I lost another two pounds - total weight lost since Nov. 1st is 25 pounds! And people are starting to notice! I love that. :)
The first thing she added is an old friend of mine - psyllium, with some additional ingredients known to lower blood sugar. She wants me to take it twice a day. Ah, I am already doing so much fiber. But I know she knows best, so I will do it. I have friends who do psyllium every single night - and not just one or two teaspoons either. The stuff works! So, psyllium, we meet again, albeit in a different form :)
The next thing she added is a green drink - but not just one of those powdered green drinks from a can. This is made of actual greens, chopped up in the blender with some organic vegetable broth and a few other things. I need to drink it twice a day! How the heck am I going to get to do that? I haven't figured that one out yet logistically. Often, I leave my house at 10 in the morning and not home again until 8 at night. Perhaps those are the two times - just before leaving, and just coming home. I'm sure I will figure it out.
The third thing she added is exercise! I AM going to exercise! I actually took action and bought my partner a one month membership at my gym so we can go together - just to get me into the habit of going again. He actually has been quite supportive about taking walks with me every few days also. I know that once I get into going to the gym again, I will continue to do so. I just have to break through this barrier and start going. It will help if I have someone's hand to hold as I start out.
She has also ordered me some new supplements that should also help with lowering my blood sugar levels. I know that combining these new supplements along with the new additions above and exercise will do the trick.
Oh, and I lost another two pounds - total weight lost since Nov. 1st is 25 pounds! And people are starting to notice! I love that. :)
Friday, February 25, 2011
Exercise blocks
Since I have been home, it's been more of the same. Eating is becoming easier and easier, and I am feeling really well.... lots of energy, well-being, and even a more positive attitude towards everything. I even lost another pound, making it a grand total of 23 pounds now since November 1st. Pretty good for someone who wasn't able to lose anything for almost two years!
I still haven't conquered my block about exercise, though. I don't really understand it, to be honest. Every time in my life that I got into the habit of exercising, I loved it, so why the reluctance? There is a gym literally a half mile from my house, and I am already a member! This should be a no-brainer.
I have been walking, but not nearly enough. I really need to make this a priority and build it into my day. In the past, I was able to exercise regularly when I conveniently scheduled it into my life. Trouble right now is that I don't have a regular schedule. It varies from day to day, and always changes. At some point, I need to just make the decision to put this first, and not let anything else intervene with my exercise time. It really is necessary for me to regain optimal health.
I still haven't conquered my block about exercise, though. I don't really understand it, to be honest. Every time in my life that I got into the habit of exercising, I loved it, so why the reluctance? There is a gym literally a half mile from my house, and I am already a member! This should be a no-brainer.
I have been walking, but not nearly enough. I really need to make this a priority and build it into my day. In the past, I was able to exercise regularly when I conveniently scheduled it into my life. Trouble right now is that I don't have a regular schedule. It varies from day to day, and always changes. At some point, I need to just make the decision to put this first, and not let anything else intervene with my exercise time. It really is necessary for me to regain optimal health.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The ease of travel
I was away from Thursday morning through Tuesday morning. I brought a lot of the food I was to eat for the weekend, and honestly, it was really nice to have it! It wasn't too much work to prepare meals for the day and take them with me, and it was very handy to have food available when I was hungry. AND it was a lot less expensive!
I did get creative. I cooked things overnight in a crockpot so they would be ready for the day ahead. I already had a lot of things prepared, so it was just a matter of throwing them into a salad or putting something in a plastic bag to bring. Mostly, though, I lived on almonds as my in between meal snacks, and they did a great job of assuaging hunger.
The biggest challenge is that my days were very long. We usually left for the event by 9 am, which meant arising around 7 am, and we often didn't get home after the day until between 2-3 am. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep, and had to adjust and eat 7 small meals per day, rather than 6.
I did NOT succumb to the snack food and alcoholic beverages all around me at this event, and believe me, there was plenty. Well, except for a shot of scotch one night and the absinthe tasting on the final night. How could I resist the absinthe tasting? I walked more than usual, took stairs more than usual, and all in all, did a great job of making up for it.
I still managed to lose another pound while away. Yay!
I did get creative. I cooked things overnight in a crockpot so they would be ready for the day ahead. I already had a lot of things prepared, so it was just a matter of throwing them into a salad or putting something in a plastic bag to bring. Mostly, though, I lived on almonds as my in between meal snacks, and they did a great job of assuaging hunger.
The biggest challenge is that my days were very long. We usually left for the event by 9 am, which meant arising around 7 am, and we often didn't get home after the day until between 2-3 am. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep, and had to adjust and eat 7 small meals per day, rather than 6.
I did NOT succumb to the snack food and alcoholic beverages all around me at this event, and believe me, there was plenty. Well, except for a shot of scotch one night and the absinthe tasting on the final night. How could I resist the absinthe tasting? I walked more than usual, took stairs more than usual, and all in all, did a great job of making up for it.
I still managed to lose another pound while away. Yay!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Revisions
I met with Debbie, and yes, for the next week, I am not to have any carbs at all - no rice, no potato, no sweet potato, no winter squash, no fruit. Hm, I guess that means no blueberries in my morning protein shake either. We're going to see how it goes.
No carbs and I am traveling! Yikes! But I can do it. I know I can. In a way, it's easier to just say no to anything that isn't salad, vegetables, or protein. I can still have my protein shake with coconut milk that fills me up so well. I can still have egg. I can still have all the salad I want. I can still have my two ounces of protein with lunch and three to four with dinner, and that leaves a variety of options; free range chicken, fish, organic beef, egg, almonds, yogurt.
She explained to me that it has to do with an insulin resistance in my body, and this is what will break it - or at least it should. So, if I can break through this resistance, I am well on my way. I am naturally stubborn, so I would imagine my body tends to be too!
Heh, and that has to do with mindset. We talked about that today too. She told me I am doing great on the diet and she is really proud of me. I've done everything perfectly (well, except exercise). So, she wants me to add a few affirmations that I say a lot every day.
One is: Every day in every way, I am getting better and better. (One I learned over 35 years ago from Silva Mind Control)
Another is: I am in the process of lowering my blood sugar to be 110 every day.
And the third one is from Louise Hay: This moment is filled with joy. I choose to experience the sweetness of today. All is well!
I really do need to get better control of my mindset. I know that when I am thinking right, all things are possible.
Speaking of thinking right, I have been visualizing my weight to be under 200 pounds, and today, I achieved it! 199.2 for a total of 20.8 pounds lost since the beginning of November. Woo hoo!
No carbs and I am traveling! Yikes! But I can do it. I know I can. In a way, it's easier to just say no to anything that isn't salad, vegetables, or protein. I can still have my protein shake with coconut milk that fills me up so well. I can still have egg. I can still have all the salad I want. I can still have my two ounces of protein with lunch and three to four with dinner, and that leaves a variety of options; free range chicken, fish, organic beef, egg, almonds, yogurt.
She explained to me that it has to do with an insulin resistance in my body, and this is what will break it - or at least it should. So, if I can break through this resistance, I am well on my way. I am naturally stubborn, so I would imagine my body tends to be too!
Heh, and that has to do with mindset. We talked about that today too. She told me I am doing great on the diet and she is really proud of me. I've done everything perfectly (well, except exercise). So, she wants me to add a few affirmations that I say a lot every day.
One is: Every day in every way, I am getting better and better. (One I learned over 35 years ago from Silva Mind Control)
Another is: I am in the process of lowering my blood sugar to be 110 every day.
And the third one is from Louise Hay: This moment is filled with joy. I choose to experience the sweetness of today. All is well!
I really do need to get better control of my mindset. I know that when I am thinking right, all things are possible.
Speaking of thinking right, I have been visualizing my weight to be under 200 pounds, and today, I achieved it! 199.2 for a total of 20.8 pounds lost since the beginning of November. Woo hoo!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Missed meeting
I was supposed to be meeting with Debbie today to discuss next steps - and to get a different diet, or at least a few food items added to the one I am on now.
But alas, life had other ideas and I didn't get to meet with her.
We talked on the phone for a bit and she is going to send me a new meal plan and hopefully we can find some time to meet face to face tomorrow to discuss it.
She told me that, since my blood sugar is still high, we may have to cut out all fruit. Gosh, it's not like I eat a lot of fruit at all, but *shrug* what do I know? She also said she may need to cut out all carbs. As it is, I eat brown rice maybe once a week and a small potato once or twice a week, and that's it. It's a little frightening to think of eating even less than that!
She also said I should be doing at least a half hour of rigorous exercise each day. I've at least been exercising every day, but not rigorously, and not for a half hour. *sigh*
Maybe when I get back from my trip this week, I will start going to the gym again or something. Notice my enthusiasm.
But alas, life had other ideas and I didn't get to meet with her.
We talked on the phone for a bit and she is going to send me a new meal plan and hopefully we can find some time to meet face to face tomorrow to discuss it.
She told me that, since my blood sugar is still high, we may have to cut out all fruit. Gosh, it's not like I eat a lot of fruit at all, but *shrug* what do I know? She also said she may need to cut out all carbs. As it is, I eat brown rice maybe once a week and a small potato once or twice a week, and that's it. It's a little frightening to think of eating even less than that!
She also said I should be doing at least a half hour of rigorous exercise each day. I've at least been exercising every day, but not rigorously, and not for a half hour. *sigh*
Maybe when I get back from my trip this week, I will start going to the gym again or something. Notice my enthusiasm.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Party
Last night I went to a Valentine's Day party. I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't have good food to eat, so I made sure to bring a very large green salad with almonds in it as my contribution to the potluck. Well, it was a hit. Every plate I saw had salad on it, and it was completely gone in less than an hour! Now I know that I will always bring such a salad to potlucks!
We also brought oranges which I periodically throughout the night cut up into slices. They were also a big hit.
I must say the red velvet chocolate cake and the cheesecake that someone else brought were also hits, but I didn't have any!
I'm proud to say that I made mostly good healthy choices all night. I stayed away from the pasta dishes, the rice, any of the really delicious-looking sandwich rolls, anything with mayonnaise on it, and all of the desserts except for a handful of blueberries. I allowed myself a few little treats: one piece of sushi, 2 gluten free crackers with hummus, more hummus with carrots, some guacamole on 4 flax-seed and veggie tortilla chips, and I had one piece of mint chocolate and 2 glasses of wine. Other than that, it was salad, vegetables with no sauce, and about 2-3 ounces of chicken. So, even my "treats" were pretty healthy.
The wine, however, affected me adversely. I noticed when I awoke this morning that my lower back and right knee were hurting again, and I felt dehydrated (even though I drank water all night long except for the wine!). I will be omitting it in the future, except for small tastes now and then, at least until I get my health back on track.
All in all, I felt pretty proud of myself for making good choices for me, and taking care of myself.
We also brought oranges which I periodically throughout the night cut up into slices. They were also a big hit.
I must say the red velvet chocolate cake and the cheesecake that someone else brought were also hits, but I didn't have any!
I'm proud to say that I made mostly good healthy choices all night. I stayed away from the pasta dishes, the rice, any of the really delicious-looking sandwich rolls, anything with mayonnaise on it, and all of the desserts except for a handful of blueberries. I allowed myself a few little treats: one piece of sushi, 2 gluten free crackers with hummus, more hummus with carrots, some guacamole on 4 flax-seed and veggie tortilla chips, and I had one piece of mint chocolate and 2 glasses of wine. Other than that, it was salad, vegetables with no sauce, and about 2-3 ounces of chicken. So, even my "treats" were pretty healthy.
The wine, however, affected me adversely. I noticed when I awoke this morning that my lower back and right knee were hurting again, and I felt dehydrated (even though I drank water all night long except for the wine!). I will be omitting it in the future, except for small tastes now and then, at least until I get my health back on track.
All in all, I felt pretty proud of myself for making good choices for me, and taking care of myself.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
New motivation
This morning I realized that my fasting blood sugar has been about 30 points lower for the past 5 days or so than it has been for a few months. This is GOOD news. It's still higher than I would like, but something is starting to kick in. How very exciting.
There's nothing like seeing results from your efforts to keep you motivated, is there?
I have had days where it's lower, just for the day, but then shoots right back up the next day. This is actually a TREND now. I think I can consider 5 days in a row a trend. ;)
It is especially good for me to increase my motivation now because I will be going away for five days next week, and this gives me the impetus to work really hard to stay on the plan while I am traveling.
It is especially good for me to increase my motivation now because I will be going away for five days next week, and this gives me the impetus to work really hard to stay on the plan while I am traveling.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Another new recipe
I created this Chicken-Cabbage Soup the other night - basically because I had some leftover chicken that I had to do something with. I checked in with Debbie today and she said it sounded fine. It tastes fine too!
I had the bone left from one of those store-bought roasted chickens with a fair amount of meat still on. I peeled off all of the skin and put the whole thing in a large pot with about a gallon of water. I boiled it for a few hours, making a really nice chicken broth. I let it cool and then took out the bone, getting as much of the meat off of it as I could, and discarding the rest.
I cut up an onion, a couple of stalks of celery, a few carrots, and threw them in the pot. I let them boil with the meat for awhile.
Then I added some leftover brown rice (less than a cup) and a 1 pound package of sauerkraut I had bought. I put in my usual spices - Celtic sea salt, turmeric, garlic, and a bit of freshly ground pepper.
I let it all simmer for about an hour or so.
I have lots of leftovers, but honestly, it's so good, I have had it for three meals now - supper tonight, lunch yesterday, and supper the day before.
In other news, my weight is holding steady right now (a bit disappointing), but my body is getting stronger. Today I walked almost two miles, pretty much pain-free.
I had the bone left from one of those store-bought roasted chickens with a fair amount of meat still on. I peeled off all of the skin and put the whole thing in a large pot with about a gallon of water. I boiled it for a few hours, making a really nice chicken broth. I let it cool and then took out the bone, getting as much of the meat off of it as I could, and discarding the rest.
I cut up an onion, a couple of stalks of celery, a few carrots, and threw them in the pot. I let them boil with the meat for awhile.
Then I added some leftover brown rice (less than a cup) and a 1 pound package of sauerkraut I had bought. I put in my usual spices - Celtic sea salt, turmeric, garlic, and a bit of freshly ground pepper.
I let it all simmer for about an hour or so.
I have lots of leftovers, but honestly, it's so good, I have had it for three meals now - supper tonight, lunch yesterday, and supper the day before.
In other news, my weight is holding steady right now (a bit disappointing), but my body is getting stronger. Today I walked almost two miles, pretty much pain-free.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
I am noticing
Debbie wants me to stay on the cleansing diet for another 7 days. I am okay with that. I am finding that I like how I feel so much that I am okay with sticking to this. Even better, yesterday I was only 0.2 pounds away from 20 pounds released since the beginning of November. That's amazing and makes this all worthwhile.
As for exercise, I've been walking about every other day - but only 1/2 mile, and I am usually feeling hip pain by the time I get done. That's one of the reasons she is keeping me on the cleansing diet. I still have some stuff to clean out. If I didn't, I wouldn't be in pain.
Today, I actually bounced on the rebounder for about 2 minutes and my knees are not sore. True, I took it easy, and just bounced gently, but it's a start. I am going to work on increasing my bouncing until I can get up to 15-20 minutes again. If this goes well, I can start doing it every day again.
Tonight, I noticed for the first time that my stomach is feeling smaller when I touch it. That is VERY exciting!
As for exercise, I've been walking about every other day - but only 1/2 mile, and I am usually feeling hip pain by the time I get done. That's one of the reasons she is keeping me on the cleansing diet. I still have some stuff to clean out. If I didn't, I wouldn't be in pain.
Today, I actually bounced on the rebounder for about 2 minutes and my knees are not sore. True, I took it easy, and just bounced gently, but it's a start. I am going to work on increasing my bouncing until I can get up to 15-20 minutes again. If this goes well, I can start doing it every day again.
Tonight, I noticed for the first time that my stomach is feeling smaller when I touch it. That is VERY exciting!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Turkey burger Supreme
Another great recipe. I made this one up.
I used about 1/2 pound of free range, hormone free turkey burger, sauteed with chopped onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil. To that, I added about 1.5 cups of leftover steamed vegetables, and 1 cup of steamed brown rice. I put in about 1/4 c. of organic chicken broth, some Celtic Sea Salt and turmeric and let it heat up thoroughly. It was SO delicious, and so easy. I had about a third of it. Avery had the rest.
Today was the last day of my 7 days of cleansing. I think that means my recipes will vary a little as of tomorrow. I really haven't minded eating like this, though. I feel great and I love that I am losing weight.
I used about 1/2 pound of free range, hormone free turkey burger, sauteed with chopped onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil. To that, I added about 1.5 cups of leftover steamed vegetables, and 1 cup of steamed brown rice. I put in about 1/4 c. of organic chicken broth, some Celtic Sea Salt and turmeric and let it heat up thoroughly. It was SO delicious, and so easy. I had about a third of it. Avery had the rest.
Today was the last day of my 7 days of cleansing. I think that means my recipes will vary a little as of tomorrow. I really haven't minded eating like this, though. I feel great and I love that I am losing weight.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Raintree Nutritionals
I got my Amazon Pancreas Support today! I am so excited! I just know that this supplement is going to make a great difference in my blood sugar levels. It is a proprietary blend of six herbs from the Amazon Rainforest, all known for lowering/balancing blood sugar levels.
In fact, I have been given warnings that I have to watch my blood sugar levels carefully, as I could easily go hypoglycemic very easily on these herbs. Believe me, although, I know it's not healthy to go TOO low, it would be a welcome relief to see a healthy drop!
I'll let you know how things go in the next few days.
In fact, I have been given warnings that I have to watch my blood sugar levels carefully, as I could easily go hypoglycemic very easily on these herbs. Believe me, although, I know it's not healthy to go TOO low, it would be a welcome relief to see a healthy drop!
I'll let you know how things go in the next few days.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Hamburger Soup
I had no idea what to expect when I made this soup. I just knew I wanted something different from the foods I have been eating for dinner each night - usually steamed vegetables and some sort of protein; chicken, turkey burger, salmon.
I followed the recipe exactly. The pound of ground beef was grass-fed, organic, free range 85/15 beef - more fat than I usually eat, but I felt that the organic, grass-fed part was more important than the fat content.
I let the soup simmer for an hour, enjoying all of the wonderful aromas wafting around my kitchen. When it was done, I filled my bowl, and upon first taste, I was in love - the soup was hardy, flavorful, and filling. Yum, yum, yum!
Here is the recipe from Debbie:
1 pound free range hamburger
1/3 cup olive oil
5 cloves garlic
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped yellow squash
3 cups free range chicken broth
1 T paprika
2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp Celtic or mineral salt
1/2 cup Thai Coconut Milk (canned)
1 T finely chopped parsley (fresh)
In large pot, stir-fry the hamburger, olive oil, onions, squash, and cauliflower on low heat to slowly cook the beef. Add rest of ingredients and simmer over low heat for 1 hour. You can also make this in a crock pot and simmer on low for several hours. Can also double this recipe and add other vegetables that are tolerated.
I followed the recipe exactly. The pound of ground beef was grass-fed, organic, free range 85/15 beef - more fat than I usually eat, but I felt that the organic, grass-fed part was more important than the fat content.
I let the soup simmer for an hour, enjoying all of the wonderful aromas wafting around my kitchen. When it was done, I filled my bowl, and upon first taste, I was in love - the soup was hardy, flavorful, and filling. Yum, yum, yum!
Here is the recipe from Debbie:
1 pound free range hamburger
1/3 cup olive oil
5 cloves garlic
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped yellow squash
3 cups free range chicken broth
1 T paprika
2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp Celtic or mineral salt
1/2 cup Thai Coconut Milk (canned)
1 T finely chopped parsley (fresh)
In large pot, stir-fry the hamburger, olive oil, onions, squash, and cauliflower on low heat to slowly cook the beef. Add rest of ingredients and simmer over low heat for 1 hour. You can also make this in a crock pot and simmer on low for several hours. Can also double this recipe and add other vegetables that are tolerated.
Thank you, Debbie. This was SOOO delicious and enjoyable!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
History
In 1994, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I had gone in for my annual woman's wellness exam, and they found sugar in my urine. My blood sugar at the time was over 300. Everyone in the office was in a panic, but I just felt like I always felt and didn't really know what the fuss was about.
I was pretty anti-drug at the time, and asked the doctor to work with me with diet and exercise to get my blood sugar down. I was very diligent in my eating and I took a walk every day. I got my blood sugar down to about 170. At the time, I wasn't taking it very seriously, but I did watch what I ate.
I moved to Arizona in 1996, and my first visit to a doctor came in 1997 when I was on public access insurance. At that time, the doctor put me on a mild drug - I believe it was Glyburide - which I took, but again didn't make too many major changes.
It was at my job in 1999 where one of our clients came in and told me about her father who had diabetes, and how he had to have a leg amputated, and how important it is to really take care of yourself - that the damage is being done INSIDE even if you don't feel it on the outside. For some reason, her warnings stuck, and I found a doctor who specialized in diabetes.
I went to Sobel Family Medicine for 10 years. My primary doctor was a physician's assistant, Diana Saylor. Diana was great! We had a good rapport. She did what she could to control my blood sugar with the necessary drugs, and also seemed able to motivate me to take the right actions for myself. For most of that time, my sugar was very controlled, although it did come with a rather high dosage of drugs. For most of the time, I was on 2000 mg Metformin and Avandia, which I got down to 1000 mg Metformin with some help from Weight Watchers and Curves.
Diana left Sobel Family Medicine in 2007, and the three physician assistants I had after that were not as effective, at least not with me. They changed my drugs to get me off the Avandia which had highly publicized negative side effects. One of them tried to convince me every time I was in to go on injectibles. Another one kept telling me to go off one drug or another, each time with disastrous results. After three years of not-as-controlled blood sugar levels, I finally gave up on Sobel in September 2010, and started searching for alternatives.
I had looked into some options and in October, I was able to get a 4 month supply of Eleotin tea which has been wonderful. My weight started coming off after a month of drinking the tea. I had lost over 10 pounds by the end of December. In January, I also started seeing a new doctor who is involved in integrated medicine and open to new ways to do things.
On January 20th, I met with Debbie Cyrel, my nutritionist, to discuss the results of my tests, and I am going forward with confidence that I am doing the best I can for myself at this time.
I was pretty anti-drug at the time, and asked the doctor to work with me with diet and exercise to get my blood sugar down. I was very diligent in my eating and I took a walk every day. I got my blood sugar down to about 170. At the time, I wasn't taking it very seriously, but I did watch what I ate.
I moved to Arizona in 1996, and my first visit to a doctor came in 1997 when I was on public access insurance. At that time, the doctor put me on a mild drug - I believe it was Glyburide - which I took, but again didn't make too many major changes.
It was at my job in 1999 where one of our clients came in and told me about her father who had diabetes, and how he had to have a leg amputated, and how important it is to really take care of yourself - that the damage is being done INSIDE even if you don't feel it on the outside. For some reason, her warnings stuck, and I found a doctor who specialized in diabetes.
I went to Sobel Family Medicine for 10 years. My primary doctor was a physician's assistant, Diana Saylor. Diana was great! We had a good rapport. She did what she could to control my blood sugar with the necessary drugs, and also seemed able to motivate me to take the right actions for myself. For most of that time, my sugar was very controlled, although it did come with a rather high dosage of drugs. For most of the time, I was on 2000 mg Metformin and Avandia, which I got down to 1000 mg Metformin with some help from Weight Watchers and Curves.
Diana left Sobel Family Medicine in 2007, and the three physician assistants I had after that were not as effective, at least not with me. They changed my drugs to get me off the Avandia which had highly publicized negative side effects. One of them tried to convince me every time I was in to go on injectibles. Another one kept telling me to go off one drug or another, each time with disastrous results. After three years of not-as-controlled blood sugar levels, I finally gave up on Sobel in September 2010, and started searching for alternatives.
I had looked into some options and in October, I was able to get a 4 month supply of Eleotin tea which has been wonderful. My weight started coming off after a month of drinking the tea. I had lost over 10 pounds by the end of December. In January, I also started seeing a new doctor who is involved in integrated medicine and open to new ways to do things.
On January 20th, I met with Debbie Cyrel, my nutritionist, to discuss the results of my tests, and I am going forward with confidence that I am doing the best I can for myself at this time.
Releasing more pounds
I am down another pound and a half this morning. I love how the weight is dropping off of me!
My blood sugar is still running high, but I just ordered a new supplement on Tuesday - Raintree Nutrition's Amazon Pancreas Support - and hope to have it by this weekend. I am expecting that it will make a big difference. I wasn't able to order it prior to the cruise, so I am really looking forward to adding this to my repertoire.
On Tuesday night, I also went shopping at Trader Joe's and Sprouts and got some really fresh organic vegetables, and organic, hormone free, free range meats and eggs.
I was noticing this morning that, even on this cleansing diet, I seldom feel hungry. That's a great testament to the value of eating healthy foods. I don't need to eat as much to feel satisfied.
My blood sugar is still running high, but I just ordered a new supplement on Tuesday - Raintree Nutrition's Amazon Pancreas Support - and hope to have it by this weekend. I am expecting that it will make a big difference. I wasn't able to order it prior to the cruise, so I am really looking forward to adding this to my repertoire.
On Tuesday night, I also went shopping at Trader Joe's and Sprouts and got some really fresh organic vegetables, and organic, hormone free, free range meats and eggs.
I was noticing this morning that, even on this cleansing diet, I seldom feel hungry. That's a great testament to the value of eating healthy foods. I don't need to eat as much to feel satisfied.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Cruising
I am home from our cruise and my big news for the day is that I managed to LOSE 2 pounds since I left last week. Isn't that amazing? Most people GAIN 5-10 pounds on a cruise!
And I didn't deprive myself either. I just limited portions.
Truly, though, it was a Royal Caribbean Cruise and I was delighted to see very healthy options for dinner each night. I was able to stay pretty much on track for most of the cruise. I indulged in a few healthy dessert options, and even there, I am happy to say that I only had a few bites each time.
My typical meals on the cruise were to have an omelet with vegetables and salmon for breakfast, accompanied by some plain yogurt and fruit. For lunch I had a green salad each day plus a bit of protein. For dinner, as I mentioned, I chose the healthy heart choice each evening, which usually meant a nice cut of fish and some vegetables. I kept my fish consumption to 3 ounces per meal and gave the rest to my partner.
I snacked on almonds in between meals.
It became apparent that I would have a difficult time doing the protein shake while on the cruise. I am really happy to be back home where I can do the plan in earnest for the next week.
I'll let you know how it goes.
And I didn't deprive myself either. I just limited portions.
Truly, though, it was a Royal Caribbean Cruise and I was delighted to see very healthy options for dinner each night. I was able to stay pretty much on track for most of the cruise. I indulged in a few healthy dessert options, and even there, I am happy to say that I only had a few bites each time.
My typical meals on the cruise were to have an omelet with vegetables and salmon for breakfast, accompanied by some plain yogurt and fruit. For lunch I had a green salad each day plus a bit of protein. For dinner, as I mentioned, I chose the healthy heart choice each evening, which usually meant a nice cut of fish and some vegetables. I kept my fish consumption to 3 ounces per meal and gave the rest to my partner.
I snacked on almonds in between meals.
It became apparent that I would have a difficult time doing the protein shake while on the cruise. I am really happy to be back home where I can do the plan in earnest for the next week.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
What a week!
It's hard to believe a week has gone by since I updated!
Debbie and I met on Jan. 20th, where she gave me the results of my tests, my meal plans, and recipes. I was eager to get started and went right to the store to buy several of the supplements and products she suggested, including sugar-free whey powder and Betaine HCl. Ironically, it appears that my body is too alkaline, so she wants to make it more acidic.
She also put me on a candida cleanse. I started that yesterday because I was away from Friday through Sunday. I didn't stay ON the diet plan for those three days, but I did my best to stay CLOSE to it.
I had a very traumatic Monday. My 8 year old cat, who I have had since he was 8 weeks old, had to be put to sleep. He was having trouble urinating, which could have been cured by an operation, but when they tested his blood, they found that his blood sugar level was over 600, where normal should be around 120. There was also sugar in his urine. It was treatable, but it would mean insulin injections every day, testing his blood every day, and unfortunately, the food he would need to control the urinary tract would actually worsen the diabetes. It sure opened my eyes to the damage of diabetes, and I am really glad that I am taking steps to eradicate it in myself.
This has also made my partner want to look at natural cures for pets. Needless to say, when we are back from our cruise this coming weekend, we will be buying a different kind of cat food for the two remaining cats, going forward. I found a source of raw organic cat food today.
I am staying as true to the diet as I can this week. Tonight I slipped up a bit because I let myself get too hungry, so I had organic lentil soup for supper instead of one of the protein and veggies in the meal plans. At least I know it was healthy.
On Thursday morning, we leave for the cruise, and won't be back until Monday night. I will make as healthy choices as I can, and I will bring the diet plan with me. I also plan to bring my whey protein powder and all of the supplements.
To be honest, I seem to have caught a cold over the weekend gone by and I have not felt very well for the past two days. Couple that with the loss of my beloved pet, and it's been rough. I hope that tomorrow can return to a level of normalcy and well-being so I can do what I need to do to be ready bright and early Thursday.
I won't have internet access, so I won't be updating here for the next several days. However, I will keep physical notes so I can update when I get home again.
Bon Voyage!
Debbie and I met on Jan. 20th, where she gave me the results of my tests, my meal plans, and recipes. I was eager to get started and went right to the store to buy several of the supplements and products she suggested, including sugar-free whey powder and Betaine HCl. Ironically, it appears that my body is too alkaline, so she wants to make it more acidic.
She also put me on a candida cleanse. I started that yesterday because I was away from Friday through Sunday. I didn't stay ON the diet plan for those three days, but I did my best to stay CLOSE to it.
I had a very traumatic Monday. My 8 year old cat, who I have had since he was 8 weeks old, had to be put to sleep. He was having trouble urinating, which could have been cured by an operation, but when they tested his blood, they found that his blood sugar level was over 600, where normal should be around 120. There was also sugar in his urine. It was treatable, but it would mean insulin injections every day, testing his blood every day, and unfortunately, the food he would need to control the urinary tract would actually worsen the diabetes. It sure opened my eyes to the damage of diabetes, and I am really glad that I am taking steps to eradicate it in myself.
This has also made my partner want to look at natural cures for pets. Needless to say, when we are back from our cruise this coming weekend, we will be buying a different kind of cat food for the two remaining cats, going forward. I found a source of raw organic cat food today.
I am staying as true to the diet as I can this week. Tonight I slipped up a bit because I let myself get too hungry, so I had organic lentil soup for supper instead of one of the protein and veggies in the meal plans. At least I know it was healthy.
On Thursday morning, we leave for the cruise, and won't be back until Monday night. I will make as healthy choices as I can, and I will bring the diet plan with me. I also plan to bring my whey protein powder and all of the supplements.
To be honest, I seem to have caught a cold over the weekend gone by and I have not felt very well for the past two days. Couple that with the loss of my beloved pet, and it's been rough. I hope that tomorrow can return to a level of normalcy and well-being so I can do what I need to do to be ready bright and early Thursday.
I won't have internet access, so I won't be updating here for the next several days. However, I will keep physical notes so I can update when I get home again.
Bon Voyage!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Testing 1,2,3
January 18, 2011
Today I did the Asyra test. Debbie gave me two copper diodes to hold, one in each hand. I hold them for awhile as the tests run. Somehow they are able to measure the energy in my body in all of my organs and systems, and a report is generated that shows indications of problems, and suggested solutions to correct those problems.
This is the second time I have done the test. I did it about 7 months ago also, so it will be interesting to see how it has changed.
We will be meeting on Thursday to go over this test as well as the results of the urine and saliva, combined with the questionnaires, which I turned in to her today.
I found that I like keeping the food diary, so I made more copies of that page so I could continue to keep track of what I eat on a daily basis. It keeps me accountable and it gives me some sort of comfort to actually be recording what I eat. I know I am pretty good about choosing healthy foods, but this will be a great way to see when I don't and how often.
I also realized that my attempts to exercise have been difficult - all the more reason to get back into some sort of exercise on a regular basis, even if it is just a 1/2 mile walk each day. I can do that.
Today I did the Asyra test. Debbie gave me two copper diodes to hold, one in each hand. I hold them for awhile as the tests run. Somehow they are able to measure the energy in my body in all of my organs and systems, and a report is generated that shows indications of problems, and suggested solutions to correct those problems.
This is the second time I have done the test. I did it about 7 months ago also, so it will be interesting to see how it has changed.
We will be meeting on Thursday to go over this test as well as the results of the urine and saliva, combined with the questionnaires, which I turned in to her today.
I found that I like keeping the food diary, so I made more copies of that page so I could continue to keep track of what I eat on a daily basis. It keeps me accountable and it gives me some sort of comfort to actually be recording what I eat. I know I am pretty good about choosing healthy foods, but this will be a great way to see when I don't and how often.
I also realized that my attempts to exercise have been difficult - all the more reason to get back into some sort of exercise on a regular basis, even if it is just a 1/2 mile walk each day. I can do that.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Seeing results!
January 17, 2011
On Saturday, I woke up and my blood sugar was down to 155. Still high, but the lowest it has been in a couple of months. Could it have been the low fat plain yogurt I had last night with cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger in it? I also had some blueberries in it.
Yesterday I weighed myself and I was down to 205. When I first started this journey in November, I was up to 220. That means I have lost 15 pounds in two months! I know that some of it is the Eleotin Tea I have been drinking on my own. And some of it is that I started to get scared when my blood sugar was so high, so I adjusted some of my eating. I also stopped drinking alcoholic beverages.
However, I am not really sure HOW to eat anymore, which is why I am glad to be working with Debbie. I have been doing a sort of modified vegan diet; very little protein, very little carbs, mostly vegetables and fruit. I'm not hungry, but I also don't feel as though I am eating correctly.
Debbie had told me a month ago about the yogurt and spices. I've been doing it off and on since then.
At some point, I will go more into the history that got me here, and the decision to change it.
On Saturday, I woke up and my blood sugar was down to 155. Still high, but the lowest it has been in a couple of months. Could it have been the low fat plain yogurt I had last night with cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger in it? I also had some blueberries in it.
Yesterday I weighed myself and I was down to 205. When I first started this journey in November, I was up to 220. That means I have lost 15 pounds in two months! I know that some of it is the Eleotin Tea I have been drinking on my own. And some of it is that I started to get scared when my blood sugar was so high, so I adjusted some of my eating. I also stopped drinking alcoholic beverages.
However, I am not really sure HOW to eat anymore, which is why I am glad to be working with Debbie. I have been doing a sort of modified vegan diet; very little protein, very little carbs, mostly vegetables and fruit. I'm not hungry, but I also don't feel as though I am eating correctly.
Debbie had told me a month ago about the yogurt and spices. I've been doing it off and on since then.
At some point, I will go more into the history that got me here, and the decision to change it.
The next step
January 14, 2011
Today Debbie and I met and she had me give her a urine sample and a saliva sample. It wasn't easy to get enough saliva in the container, but she told me to think about lemons. That seemed to help. She was going to do another assessment on me, but didn't have the right connecting wire to hook up her computer appropriately. We'll have to do that next week.
In the meantime, she gave me some forms to fill out, including a three-day food diary. I will start that tomorrow.
Today Debbie and I met and she had me give her a urine sample and a saliva sample. It wasn't easy to get enough saliva in the container, but she told me to think about lemons. That seemed to help. She was going to do another assessment on me, but didn't have the right connecting wire to hook up her computer appropriately. We'll have to do that next week.
In the meantime, she gave me some forms to fill out, including a three-day food diary. I will start that tomorrow.
And so it begins
January 11, 2011
Today Debbie and I had an initial meeting. She and I will be meeting on Friday to do saliva and urine tests, so she can do a better assessment about what I need. In the meantime, she requested that I start drinking 100 ounces of water per day. I will need to figure out how many ounces are in my water bottle, so I know how many times I must fill it each day.
We will be meeting on Tuesdays going forward for an indefinite time.
I am excited.
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