Day 5
Hello and welcome to Day 5!
I felt so much better yesterday....physically. That "I feel like I'm dying" feeling was gone and I wasn't quite as tired. But mentally....whoa! I was so cranky! EVERYTHING just got under my skin and I was a total b*tch to everyone. I managed to force a smile at work, but it was hard.
The worst part of yesterday was my run. I only did 3 miles because I had no energy for running. My legs felt like lead and it was if I was running through mud the entire time. The wind didn't help, but I know it was the lack of carbs and my body adjusting to a different fuel source. In the long run (no pun intended!!), this will be so beneficial to me in the distance runs. I know it will help my endurance to be burning fat instead of glucose. I'm just hoping that the shift won't take long; I'm registered for my first half marathon of the year at the end of May.
Even though I ate well yesterday, I was hungry last night. I drank two cups of herbal tea, but I felt hungry for the first time. But I didn't give in! Yay me!
Lunch yesterday was delicious!!! I braised some cabbage with caraway seed and bay leaf, cooked an organic chicken and apple sausage, and heated up some roasted butternut squash - YUM-O!!! It was a very fall-like meal, but so good! I have enough for leftovers today.
I have some extra time this weekend, so I'm going to do some bulk cooking and have food to just pop in the oven or crockpot or warm up next week. I wanted to do that last weekend, but because it was Easter I was busy cooking our dinner and celebrating with my family instead.
Friday is my day off, so I'm off to yoga, then a run, then getting my nails done. The sun is out and it's supposed to be 50 - happy day!!!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Day 3......
Ah, day 3......
Well, day 3 was, in a word, HARD!!!! I woke up feeling a bit off, and by the time I took Lily to school, I felt like my insides were peeling off of my body and trying to get out. I did manage to get through an hour slow flow yoga class, but the run was out. I doubt that I would have made it down the street.
I felt so awful that I ate chicken soup for breakfast. After I got home from yoga, I warmed up some soup I had made over the weekend. It was warm and comforting, but I could only eat a little. I spent most of the day in the big easy chair, resting and reading and sleeping a bit. Finally, by the time I got Lily from school, I was beginning to feel better.
This is detox. This is withdrawal. This is the result of eating crap for so long.
As I nursed my detoxing body, I thought about what I had eaten growing up. I'm part of the generation whose moms were working full time and who had access to all of the fake food we could stuff in our bodies. My mother, God bless her, would serve us hotdogs with jello, fish sticks, rice a roni, pork chops in Shake and Bake, bologna sandwiches on white bread with slices of American cheese peeled from plastic, Little Debbie snack cakes, kool aid. She worked, we didn't have a lot of money, and she did her best - I understand that. But it's a wonder that I'm as healthy as I am today after a childhood of consuming what is referred to in "It Starts With Food" as "Frankenfood."
I did manage to make some awesome chili for dinner that my kids loved and that will become a staple in my house. It's from The Clothes Make The Girl and here is the link http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/02/22/my-favorite-chili-recipe/. Try it. You will never want another chili recipe again.
I feel much, MUCH better this morning, so let's hope it's a sign of things to come....feeling good and having more energy!!!
Ah, day 3......
Well, day 3 was, in a word, HARD!!!! I woke up feeling a bit off, and by the time I took Lily to school, I felt like my insides were peeling off of my body and trying to get out. I did manage to get through an hour slow flow yoga class, but the run was out. I doubt that I would have made it down the street.
I felt so awful that I ate chicken soup for breakfast. After I got home from yoga, I warmed up some soup I had made over the weekend. It was warm and comforting, but I could only eat a little. I spent most of the day in the big easy chair, resting and reading and sleeping a bit. Finally, by the time I got Lily from school, I was beginning to feel better.
This is detox. This is withdrawal. This is the result of eating crap for so long.
As I nursed my detoxing body, I thought about what I had eaten growing up. I'm part of the generation whose moms were working full time and who had access to all of the fake food we could stuff in our bodies. My mother, God bless her, would serve us hotdogs with jello, fish sticks, rice a roni, pork chops in Shake and Bake, bologna sandwiches on white bread with slices of American cheese peeled from plastic, Little Debbie snack cakes, kool aid. She worked, we didn't have a lot of money, and she did her best - I understand that. But it's a wonder that I'm as healthy as I am today after a childhood of consuming what is referred to in "It Starts With Food" as "Frankenfood."
I did manage to make some awesome chili for dinner that my kids loved and that will become a staple in my house. It's from The Clothes Make The Girl and here is the link http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/02/22/my-favorite-chili-recipe/. Try it. You will never want another chili recipe again.
I feel much, MUCH better this morning, so let's hope it's a sign of things to come....feeling good and having more energy!!!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Day 2 of my Challenge!
Today went better than I had expected. I was bracing for a headache or some lethargy, but I felt fine and had more energy than I thought I would.
I started the day with getting up early and making a frittata for breakfast. I've made this one before from a recipe that I got from the website everyday paleo. It's got sausage and grated sweet potato and eggs...YUM!!! Here is the link http://everydaypaleo.com/easy-and-delicious-sausage-frittata/. Give it a try...it's easy and so delicious! The whole family loved it.
After a busy morning of helping in Lily's class, cleaning, hot yoga, and errands, I had some leftover frittata and roasted veggies for lunch. A half a banana rounded out my meal. I showered, voted, more errands, got Lily, and went to work.
Dinner was a really big salad. I had an apple with some almond butter as a snack, and some tea at the end of the day.
I haven't really felt hungry, nor have I had that "I'm crazed and need flour!" feeling yet, but I'm sure it's coming.
I'm training for a half marathon the end of May and I'm a bit worried about how my training runs are going to be affected by the reduced carbs I'm consuming. I didn't run today, so I have to get out tomorrow. Fingers crossed that I can do it!!!
Today went better than I had expected. I was bracing for a headache or some lethargy, but I felt fine and had more energy than I thought I would.
I started the day with getting up early and making a frittata for breakfast. I've made this one before from a recipe that I got from the website everyday paleo. It's got sausage and grated sweet potato and eggs...YUM!!! Here is the link http://everydaypaleo.com/easy-and-delicious-sausage-frittata/. Give it a try...it's easy and so delicious! The whole family loved it.
After a busy morning of helping in Lily's class, cleaning, hot yoga, and errands, I had some leftover frittata and roasted veggies for lunch. A half a banana rounded out my meal. I showered, voted, more errands, got Lily, and went to work.
Dinner was a really big salad. I had an apple with some almond butter as a snack, and some tea at the end of the day.
I haven't really felt hungry, nor have I had that "I'm crazed and need flour!" feeling yet, but I'm sure it's coming.
I'm training for a half marathon the end of May and I'm a bit worried about how my training runs are going to be affected by the reduced carbs I'm consuming. I didn't run today, so I have to get out tomorrow. Fingers crossed that I can do it!!!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Whole30 Challenge - Day 1
So, here I am, doing the Whole30 Challenge. What makes this super incredible is that I was once a vegan, and now I'm doing a strict paleo plan!
The science behind the consumption of meat and healthy fats is pretty convincing, and it makes sense. The body needs animal fats to absorb many of the vitamins and minerals that we need. The over consumption of grains keeps the body in a constant state of inflammation without a break and a chance to recover.
Even without the science, one only needs to look around to see that something isn't working. There is increasing obesity, type II diabetes, RA, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune diseases throughout society even though we are eating our healthy grains and legumes. Celiac's disease and other gluten sensitivities are on the rise. Colitis, IBD and other digestive disorders are showing up in young kids now.
We have genetically modified our food and fed so much crap to our animals that it has severely affected our food supply which has compromised our health. We must insist on grass fed and drug free meats, organic produce without GMO's. We must get rid of soda, especially the diet stuff that is nothing but poison. We must take back our health through nutrition and the foods we are consuming.
For me, that's what this challenge is all about....getting healthy. Yes, I would like to lose a few pounds, but for me it's more about getting healthy....having all of the energy I need to do all of the things that I enjoy. I want to be a better wife, mom, athlete, friend, and all of the other roles I play.
I'm planning on blogging about my 30 day journey because, 1) it's one way to stay accountable and, 2) I want a way to look back and see how the next 30 days change me. I'm sure you will be totally bored, but join me!!!
So, here I am, doing the Whole30 Challenge. What makes this super incredible is that I was once a vegan, and now I'm doing a strict paleo plan!
The science behind the consumption of meat and healthy fats is pretty convincing, and it makes sense. The body needs animal fats to absorb many of the vitamins and minerals that we need. The over consumption of grains keeps the body in a constant state of inflammation without a break and a chance to recover.
Even without the science, one only needs to look around to see that something isn't working. There is increasing obesity, type II diabetes, RA, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune diseases throughout society even though we are eating our healthy grains and legumes. Celiac's disease and other gluten sensitivities are on the rise. Colitis, IBD and other digestive disorders are showing up in young kids now.
We have genetically modified our food and fed so much crap to our animals that it has severely affected our food supply which has compromised our health. We must insist on grass fed and drug free meats, organic produce without GMO's. We must get rid of soda, especially the diet stuff that is nothing but poison. We must take back our health through nutrition and the foods we are consuming.
For me, that's what this challenge is all about....getting healthy. Yes, I would like to lose a few pounds, but for me it's more about getting healthy....having all of the energy I need to do all of the things that I enjoy. I want to be a better wife, mom, athlete, friend, and all of the other roles I play.
I'm planning on blogging about my 30 day journey because, 1) it's one way to stay accountable and, 2) I want a way to look back and see how the next 30 days change me. I'm sure you will be totally bored, but join me!!!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Unmanaged chaos
I know that I have ADD. There is no other way to explain my constant bouncing around from job to job, activity to activity, blog to blog, obsession to obsession. If I could focus on ONE thing with the intensity that I use to focus on 20 different....tasks, interests, jobs, you name it.....I would be a big time expert in something with a big time salary. Instead, I find my thoughts and my life scattered in pieces and places - and usually not in any way coherent or cohesive. Aw....the life of a crazy cat woman.
At least my cats are satisfied with my neurosis. They curl up on my lap, yawn, and sleep. Does a cat ever get an ulcer?
I'm knitting coffee sleeves for gifts, and making peppermint bark and baking cookies. I love knitting coffee sleeves because I can finish one in a few hours and I don't get bored or have to change projects. And baking is also always a new experience.....changing up recipes, finding something new for apples, adding a new spice....it makes the creative process a way to scatter my focus.
Many years ago I was in therapy and my counselor told me that I should embrace my varied and numerous interests. She said that my completely sold out, all in attitude when it came to anything was just part of me, and that I should learn to love and accept that. So, after all of these years, I've finally come to the conclusion that she was right. Life is never boring for me, and I know its never a dull moment for those who love me. Sorry, folks!!!
Off to bed now. I shall sleep and dream of a life of normalcy.....not really....
At least my cats are satisfied with my neurosis. They curl up on my lap, yawn, and sleep. Does a cat ever get an ulcer?
I'm knitting coffee sleeves for gifts, and making peppermint bark and baking cookies. I love knitting coffee sleeves because I can finish one in a few hours and I don't get bored or have to change projects. And baking is also always a new experience.....changing up recipes, finding something new for apples, adding a new spice....it makes the creative process a way to scatter my focus.
Many years ago I was in therapy and my counselor told me that I should embrace my varied and numerous interests. She said that my completely sold out, all in attitude when it came to anything was just part of me, and that I should learn to love and accept that. So, after all of these years, I've finally come to the conclusion that she was right. Life is never boring for me, and I know its never a dull moment for those who love me. Sorry, folks!!!
Off to bed now. I shall sleep and dream of a life of normalcy.....not really....
Saturday, October 6, 2012
New beginnings!
I've taken a long break from blogging. A VERY long break!!
Ok, allow me to revise that statement. I've taken a very long break from blogging here. I did do some blogging on our mission team's blog. Allow me to elaborate.....
I went to Peru for eight days on a mission trip. We spent our time in the Amazon jungle area of Peru, just outside of Pucallpa, a city of about 500,000 east of the Andes. The area is heavily deforested, so it's not thick, green, lush jungle; it's red, dusty, HOT jungle. Our team of 13 worked in the villages of Todos Unidos and Monte Rico with Food For The Hungry (FH), an international ministry. Our church partners with FH in communities in Peru and commits to an 8 to 10 year partnership with each community. FH works to ensure that each community is completely self sufficient at that point and moves on to the next community. Our church, Blackhawk, has partnered with FH in several communities over the years and has had great success in creating self sufficient, thriving communities.
I was able to share the experience with my oldest daughter, Margo. She and I were both vegetarians for years and suddenly realized that, hey, we won't have any choice in foods in the jungle. We had better start eating meat again now so we won't get sick in Peru and we won't starve to death.
Since our return, I've been doing some research and have discovered that our vegetarian diet may have actually been causing more harm than good. After reading research by Dr. Weston Price, DDS, and Dr. William Davis, cardiologist, I am firmly convinced that it's grain in our diets that is causing disease. We have since adopted a more paleo-style diet, with grass fed beef and other meats, eggs from organic chickens, fresh vegetable, nuts and seeds, and some fruits. I've also begun using raw dairy.
Boy, do I feel better!!! I'm excited to see how much better we all fare this winter when the daylight is shorter, the skies are grayer, and we usually experience our seasonal depression. I'm expecting a much smoother time during the colder months, but I'll let you know.
In addition, I will be posting my new favorite Nourishing Tradition and Paleo style recipes. I've just begun to experiment with almond and coconut flours for baking and, some new crock pot meals. Oh, how I have missed butter and bacon!!!
Ok, allow me to revise that statement. I've taken a very long break from blogging here. I did do some blogging on our mission team's blog. Allow me to elaborate.....
I went to Peru for eight days on a mission trip. We spent our time in the Amazon jungle area of Peru, just outside of Pucallpa, a city of about 500,000 east of the Andes. The area is heavily deforested, so it's not thick, green, lush jungle; it's red, dusty, HOT jungle. Our team of 13 worked in the villages of Todos Unidos and Monte Rico with Food For The Hungry (FH), an international ministry. Our church partners with FH in communities in Peru and commits to an 8 to 10 year partnership with each community. FH works to ensure that each community is completely self sufficient at that point and moves on to the next community. Our church, Blackhawk, has partnered with FH in several communities over the years and has had great success in creating self sufficient, thriving communities.
I was able to share the experience with my oldest daughter, Margo. She and I were both vegetarians for years and suddenly realized that, hey, we won't have any choice in foods in the jungle. We had better start eating meat again now so we won't get sick in Peru and we won't starve to death.
Since our return, I've been doing some research and have discovered that our vegetarian diet may have actually been causing more harm than good. After reading research by Dr. Weston Price, DDS, and Dr. William Davis, cardiologist, I am firmly convinced that it's grain in our diets that is causing disease. We have since adopted a more paleo-style diet, with grass fed beef and other meats, eggs from organic chickens, fresh vegetable, nuts and seeds, and some fruits. I've also begun using raw dairy.
Boy, do I feel better!!! I'm excited to see how much better we all fare this winter when the daylight is shorter, the skies are grayer, and we usually experience our seasonal depression. I'm expecting a much smoother time during the colder months, but I'll let you know.
In addition, I will be posting my new favorite Nourishing Tradition and Paleo style recipes. I've just begun to experiment with almond and coconut flours for baking and, some new crock pot meals. Oh, how I have missed butter and bacon!!!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Knitting and scones
First, allow me to confess....I'm a terrible blogger.
I have been MIA due to some family issues, but as I must be home most of the time now, one of my to-do's is to be regular is my writing. Writing is therapeutic, and a skill requiring practice, so I shall write and bore you, dear friends, with my rambling thoughts.
Baking and knitting are two of my favorite things, and I think I shall change the words to that old song to be "baking fresh scones and knitting a blanket" instead of "raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens." (Although I love cats more, so those darned cute kittens really are a favorite thing.....) Anyway, I awoke this morning to a beautiful, sunny sky and feeling so revived after finally sleeping well, so I decided to get my bake on and whip up a batch of chocolate chip scones. They smelled divine and look beautiful.....and taste just as wonderful!
I have been MIA due to some family issues, but as I must be home most of the time now, one of my to-do's is to be regular is my writing. Writing is therapeutic, and a skill requiring practice, so I shall write and bore you, dear friends, with my rambling thoughts.
Baking and knitting are two of my favorite things, and I think I shall change the words to that old song to be "baking fresh scones and knitting a blanket" instead of "raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens." (Although I love cats more, so those darned cute kittens really are a favorite thing.....) Anyway, I awoke this morning to a beautiful, sunny sky and feeling so revived after finally sleeping well, so I decided to get my bake on and whip up a batch of chocolate chip scones. They smelled divine and look beautiful.....and taste just as wonderful!
Aren't they beautiful? And with a big mug of delicious Ethiopian coffee, well, it was a wonderful way to start the day! After, I took a very long walk in the gale force winds we are having today and did a quick workout. Now I'm ready for a day of knitting and the Big Ten basketball tournament.
Here is the recipe....enjoy!
Chocolate Chip Scones
(from The 400 Calorie Fix, by Liz Vaccariello and Mindy Hermann, RD)
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. old fashioned oats
3 T. sugar (I used brown)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 T. unsalted butter (I used Earth Balance vegan margarine)
1/4 c. plain low fat or fat free yogurt (I used soy yogurt)
1 egg (I used Ener-g egg replacer)
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 c. mini chocolate chips (I used vegan regular choc. chips)
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2) Mix together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a food processor. With the processor running, add small cubes of butter one at a time. Process until the mixture looks crumbly. Add the yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract. Process just until well mixed. Add the chocolate chips. Process for 1bout 10 seconds.
3) Place the dough on a lightly floured cutting board. Knead lightly to finish combining all the ingredients. Form into a ball, flatten into an 8" circle (1/2" thick) with your hands or floured rolling pin, and cut into 8 wedges. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray or use a nonstick baking sheet. Place the 8 wedges on the baking sheet.
4) Bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned.
VARIATIONS: Use raisins, chopped dried apricots, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, or dried cherries in place of the chocolate chips. Brush with a beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking.
Per serving (one scone) : Calories - 160; Total fat - 6 g; Saturated fat - 3 g; Sodium - 115 mg; Carbs - 24 g; Dietary Fiber - 2 g; Protein - 4 g; Calcium - 6%
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