Last night Jeff and I were laying in bed chatting, actually it was the wee hours of the morning :) He finally decided to read my blog, to me....and had so much fun making fun of my spelling. We had a good laugh as I explained they are not mispelled words, just abreviate (LOL) when the truth was I hadn't yet found the spellcheck button on this publisher. Viola! today I found it, we reaquainted and now my posts will be huby approved.
Life has to be fun and laughter IS the best medicine. I definitely feel more like laughing these days. It's been a full week and I am amazed how vibrant I feel. I weighed in this am and I lost 2.5 lbs! What makes this even more exciting is this came directly after a dinner at Olive Garden last night. Jeff and I shared a steak/pasta dinner. I had some soup and a couple of bread sticks but only ate 1/2 of my half before I was full. I enjoyed my dinner, made wise choices and felt completely satisfied.
In order for this to work for us, we have to be able to still enjoy a tasty meal or treat once in a while.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Happy Saturday to ya'll! Jeff and I love our weekends together, we usually cook a late breakfast which consists of eggs, bacon or sausage, waffles or pancakes. When we really wanted to splurge we would have a Coke and donuts! Soooo nutritous I know!
Well, this weekend we have both enjoyed the pre portioned jars of steel-cut oatmeal I made in the crock pot a few days ago. Jeff loves how easy it is to pop one of those babies in the micro for a minute w/some of his favorite fruit and some pure maple syrup. Winning! This was an easy conversion for our family.
The key i'm finding is being prepared: taking the time to go to the right stores for organics and having only healthy foods on hand for stacking and meals. I'm less likely to eat badly if it's just not around the house. I also always have cooked chicken ready in a container in the fridge for salad or just a quick munch.
Last night, Jeff and I went to the movies. We usually can eat a large popcorn with candy and pop! So instead we shared a small popcorn, and yes...it had butter and salt on it and it was amazing! I refuse to let myself feel guilty but I definitely plan on buying an air popcorn popper so I can make organic low fat options to take with us in the future. When I weighed in today I was up a pound, not the end of the world, just a reminder that being prepared (taking my own popcorn) would have likely saved me that pound.
Well, this weekend we have both enjoyed the pre portioned jars of steel-cut oatmeal I made in the crock pot a few days ago. Jeff loves how easy it is to pop one of those babies in the micro for a minute w/some of his favorite fruit and some pure maple syrup. Winning! This was an easy conversion for our family.
The key i'm finding is being prepared: taking the time to go to the right stores for organics and having only healthy foods on hand for stacking and meals. I'm less likely to eat badly if it's just not around the house. I also always have cooked chicken ready in a container in the fridge for salad or just a quick munch.
Last night, Jeff and I went to the movies. We usually can eat a large popcorn with candy and pop! So instead we shared a small popcorn, and yes...it had butter and salt on it and it was amazing! I refuse to let myself feel guilty but I definitely plan on buying an air popcorn popper so I can make organic low fat options to take with us in the future. When I weighed in today I was up a pound, not the end of the world, just a reminder that being prepared (taking my own popcorn) would have likely saved me that pound.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The small jars are 8 oz which is one serving. There isn't room to add milk or more toppings so I plan on scooping the oatmeal into a larger cereal bowl after I've reheated it in the mason jar that way there will be room to add milk or more fruit. What a great way to portion out a healhy meal. This will last up to a week in the fridge.
The larger jars are 16 oz and I filled them half way, which is one serving like the smaller jars. The reason I chose this size is I will send them to work with Jeff. They have more room at the top so he can just pop into micro and add his toppings w/out overflowing or having to transfer into a different bowl.
I looked at Ross and Target for some microwavable containers for this but was shocked at how much they cost and you have to mindful of BPA, so glass is just a no brainer. I picked up these jars at Target: 8jars/lids=$10. What a bargain! PS. they also make great storage containers for nuts, grated ginger root, spices etc. that you want to keep fresh, refrigerate or even freeze for your juicing/smoothing.
I also froze a couple of servings and I plan to pull one out and let it defrost in the fridge overnight and then reheat....I'll let you know if there's anything funcky about the frozen serving after I try it.
I hope this inspires all you cereal, oat, and bread lovers out there to try something new and replace the wheat and gluten in your diets with this calcium and protein rich oat. Enjoy
how can you get started?
Listen, I am soooo NOT a nutritionist....however, my knowledge is gaining! So how did I get started? How do you know what to put in your juicer or bullet? Here's a quick way to step into the green life....
1. Buy a juicer and a nutribullet, if you can't afford both, I'd start with the bullet at Target for $99. Go to Youtube and watch the infomercial which features juice guru, David Wolfe who is also featured in a documentary on my play list below titled, "Food Matters". I got a great GE juicer at Walmart for $50,( 800 watts) and both devices have a two year warranty so, save your receipt and boxes and you can return or exchange in the store at Target and Walmart if it dies on you.
2. Turn off your TV and turn on your computer....this is where you are going to find documentaries and nutritional guides that will change your life instantly. Here is my Must Watch play list:
"Fat, sick & nearly Dead"
"Food matters"
"The Gerson Miracle"
"King Corn"
"Chow Down"
"Vanishing of the bees"
All of these are on Hulu which gives a one month free trial- more than enough time for anyone to see these films. And lets not overlook our richest source of information..... Youtube baby! look up videos on Dr. Robert Young, David Wolfe, Dr. Gerson: all have videos that are uber educational. Plus, there are soooo many videos of fellow juicers/smoothers that love to post "how to's" and recipies....endless hours of them. My personal fav this week is RahBrahs....if you check it you, you'll understand LOL
3. Go organic-whenever possible, or shop local farmers markets, many of them do not use pesticides: just ask. Organic foods have up to 300% more micronutrients than regular raw foods. When you cook it you lose another 50%, after it's traveled to you for a week or more from Mexico or wherever, it's lost another 50% .....not much left when you aren't buying local and organic. Plus....we love our local farmers and want to send a message to the government that we want healthy food to eat.
4.Be realistic. You want to make a lifestyle change....this is NOT a diet. My first week I did my smoothy/juice for 2 meals, raw fruit or veggy for any snack and 1 meal w/either a sald or steamed veggie with a 4oz portion of lean meat. What can I say, I like to chew! going on a liquid fast will come eventually I'm sure, but easing into this is suggested.
PS. dont' skimp on the fruit in your smoothy at first, you'll need the tast to buffer the greens until you get more used to it. Starting out with a 50/50 mix works well for me as well as some stevia cuz i like it more on the sweet side :)
5. Commit with a goal - find some accountability and document your journey.
I started this blog for accountability, to myself. I never imagened anyone else would read it. Keeping a journal of what you eat keeps you honest, and if you don't want to be that detailed at least keep a journal of how you felt at the beginning and how you are feeling along the way. Document your beginning weight and measurements so you can easily identify your bench marks and set reasonable obtainable goals.
6. Recruit! The more of your family, friends and co workers find out what you are doing....they are going to see the immediate changes in you and start asking questions. This is your opportunity to share what you have learned and inspire and even challenge them to join you. In the long run you build a buddy system and a small empire of health minded Americans that consume and vote. Ultimatley the consumer dictates what is made available: ye old supply and demand. If we start demanding more healthful food choics by NOT purchasing the garbage, it will send a big message to law makers and corporations that control our food sources.
So good luck ya'll and think green!
1. Buy a juicer and a nutribullet, if you can't afford both, I'd start with the bullet at Target for $99. Go to Youtube and watch the infomercial which features juice guru, David Wolfe who is also featured in a documentary on my play list below titled, "Food Matters". I got a great GE juicer at Walmart for $50,( 800 watts) and both devices have a two year warranty so, save your receipt and boxes and you can return or exchange in the store at Target and Walmart if it dies on you.
2. Turn off your TV and turn on your computer....this is where you are going to find documentaries and nutritional guides that will change your life instantly. Here is my Must Watch play list:
"Fat, sick & nearly Dead"
"Food matters"
"The Gerson Miracle"
"King Corn"
"Chow Down"
"Vanishing of the bees"
All of these are on Hulu which gives a one month free trial- more than enough time for anyone to see these films. And lets not overlook our richest source of information..... Youtube baby! look up videos on Dr. Robert Young, David Wolfe, Dr. Gerson: all have videos that are uber educational. Plus, there are soooo many videos of fellow juicers/smoothers that love to post "how to's" and recipies....endless hours of them. My personal fav this week is RahBrahs....if you check it you, you'll understand LOL
3. Go organic-whenever possible, or shop local farmers markets, many of them do not use pesticides: just ask. Organic foods have up to 300% more micronutrients than regular raw foods. When you cook it you lose another 50%, after it's traveled to you for a week or more from Mexico or wherever, it's lost another 50% .....not much left when you aren't buying local and organic. Plus....we love our local farmers and want to send a message to the government that we want healthy food to eat.
4.Be realistic. You want to make a lifestyle change....this is NOT a diet. My first week I did my smoothy/juice for 2 meals, raw fruit or veggy for any snack and 1 meal w/either a sald or steamed veggie with a 4oz portion of lean meat. What can I say, I like to chew! going on a liquid fast will come eventually I'm sure, but easing into this is suggested.
PS. dont' skimp on the fruit in your smoothy at first, you'll need the tast to buffer the greens until you get more used to it. Starting out with a 50/50 mix works well for me as well as some stevia cuz i like it more on the sweet side :)
5. Commit with a goal - find some accountability and document your journey.
I started this blog for accountability, to myself. I never imagened anyone else would read it. Keeping a journal of what you eat keeps you honest, and if you don't want to be that detailed at least keep a journal of how you felt at the beginning and how you are feeling along the way. Document your beginning weight and measurements so you can easily identify your bench marks and set reasonable obtainable goals.
6. Recruit! The more of your family, friends and co workers find out what you are doing....they are going to see the immediate changes in you and start asking questions. This is your opportunity to share what you have learned and inspire and even challenge them to join you. In the long run you build a buddy system and a small empire of health minded Americans that consume and vote. Ultimatley the consumer dictates what is made available: ye old supply and demand. If we start demanding more healthful food choics by NOT purchasing the garbage, it will send a big message to law makers and corporations that control our food sources.
So good luck ya'll and think green!
So I made Irish Steel-cut oatmeal in my crockpot last night. Its the one grain superfood!
So here's my recipe:
1 cup oats to 4 cups distilled water (2 cups of oats filled my pot to the top)
cinamon to taste
salt
vanilla
fresh cut fruit (i added to ripe peaches diced)
cook on low 6-8 hours
top w/strevia, organic pure maple syrup, and various fruits
I smoothied for breakfast and 3 hours later I ate 1/2 cup of my oatmeal/peaches...yum! feeling totally satisfied.
So here's my recipe:
1 cup oats to 4 cups distilled water (2 cups of oats filled my pot to the top)
cinamon to taste
salt
vanilla
fresh cut fruit (i added to ripe peaches diced)
cook on low 6-8 hours
top w/strevia, organic pure maple syrup, and various fruits
I smoothied for breakfast and 3 hours later I ate 1/2 cup of my oatmeal/peaches...yum! feeling totally satisfied.
Day 6 is here! Woke up not hungry, drinking my first glass of water before I juice. I'm feeling clear headed, no cravings, less hunger, much less joint pain and have so much energy!!!
All the experts say it takes about two weeks to really see or feel results but I think it's more immediate....maybe because I was such a lazy eater, whater ever is easy/handy/quick....ie:processed refined fast food.....poisen.
I feel like a smoker that just gave it up....every time I drive my McDonalds or other FF restaurants I remind myself that its a poisen factory. Those things do not go into this body. I'm trying to train my brain to have a difference response when I think I might want something from those places.
I'm also a sugar junkie, but am surprised other than some stevia in my juices...I don't crave it. When I was eating it every day it was like a drug...had to hav it! Dinner wasn't complete w/out dessert.
Jeff asked me for something sweet when I went to the market the other night and I happily brought back a sweet ripe pinneaple. Yeah for making better choices :)
All the experts say it takes about two weeks to really see or feel results but I think it's more immediate....maybe because I was such a lazy eater, whater ever is easy/handy/quick....ie:processed refined fast food.....poisen.
I feel like a smoker that just gave it up....every time I drive my McDonalds or other FF restaurants I remind myself that its a poisen factory. Those things do not go into this body. I'm trying to train my brain to have a difference response when I think I might want something from those places.
I'm also a sugar junkie, but am surprised other than some stevia in my juices...I don't crave it. When I was eating it every day it was like a drug...had to hav it! Dinner wasn't complete w/out dessert.
Jeff asked me for something sweet when I went to the market the other night and I happily brought back a sweet ripe pinneaple. Yeah for making better choices :)
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
day 5
Day 5 and I'm still alive! I feel great, lots of energy, sleeping well at night (no insomnia so far) and I'm losing about a pound a day so far which is close to the Medifast that I felt starved on.
Jeff is still having a lot of diaharrea so he's transitioning a bit slower but he's not eating candy and fast food or pop so that is a good start. He gets a smoothy in the am and a sald w/lean meat or boiled eggs for lunch w/his regular ranch dressing. Tonight he chose to eat clam chowder and I'll make him a smoothie later.
I started the day off w/a large glass of water and followed 30 min later w/a smoothie. I've been focusing on lots of green veggies and I have some def likes and dislikes....I don't like too much carrot so I bought organic baby carrots to control the amount and flavor a bit better. Greens have really not buch taste but the cilantro does, it's very healthy so I use small amounts. Today i used an avado and I couldn't believe how thick and creamy it was, but didn't taste it. I also added 1/2 water and 1/2 coconut water for probiotics, no flavor that I could tell.
I'm still not experiencing hunger or cravings like I usually do in general, let alone if I'm trying to follow a diet. I don't feel like I'm dieting, just eating differently. I went to subway for lunch and had half a turky sandwich w/lots of good greens and peppers, I found myself throwing away the last part of the bread because it was too much bread! Never thought that would happen :)
Jeff is still having a lot of diaharrea so he's transitioning a bit slower but he's not eating candy and fast food or pop so that is a good start. He gets a smoothy in the am and a sald w/lean meat or boiled eggs for lunch w/his regular ranch dressing. Tonight he chose to eat clam chowder and I'll make him a smoothie later.
I started the day off w/a large glass of water and followed 30 min later w/a smoothie. I've been focusing on lots of green veggies and I have some def likes and dislikes....I don't like too much carrot so I bought organic baby carrots to control the amount and flavor a bit better. Greens have really not buch taste but the cilantro does, it's very healthy so I use small amounts. Today i used an avado and I couldn't believe how thick and creamy it was, but didn't taste it. I also added 1/2 water and 1/2 coconut water for probiotics, no flavor that I could tell.
I'm still not experiencing hunger or cravings like I usually do in general, let alone if I'm trying to follow a diet. I don't feel like I'm dieting, just eating differently. I went to subway for lunch and had half a turky sandwich w/lots of good greens and peppers, I found myself throwing away the last part of the bread because it was too much bread! Never thought that would happen :)
Monday, September 24, 2012
So this is the end of my 3rd day. I haven't had too much hunger, no headaches but I have did wake up to a charlie horse so apparently I need to drink more water or ff milk. I have lots of energy and all in all feel great.
I did have a few moments when I was out that I saw pizza and fast food but it only took reminding myslef that I have 20 years of eating that crap to make up for and I could move on.
I weighed in using the Doctors office scale at 262....which I have weighed before but for some reason today it hit me....I'm TWO people!!!! I should only weigh about 135. No wonder I feel like such crap all the time.
I made juice and smoothies today, I also had two salads, no meat only boiled egg and for dessert I cut up a great pineapple....i feel completely satisfied and ready for day four.
I did have a few moments when I was out that I saw pizza and fast food but it only took reminding myslef that I have 20 years of eating that crap to make up for and I could move on.
I weighed in using the Doctors office scale at 262....which I have weighed before but for some reason today it hit me....I'm TWO people!!!! I should only weigh about 135. No wonder I feel like such crap all the time.
I made juice and smoothies today, I also had two salads, no meat only boiled egg and for dessert I cut up a great pineapple....i feel completely satisfied and ready for day four.
I'm exited to begin day 3! It hasn't been hard AT ALL to avoid sugar and pop. I feel very satisfied and yet not bloated and sluggish. I had so much energy yesterday it was unbelievable.
So far I am eating one small green/lean protein meal a day and juicing or smoothing for the other meals or snacks. I really don't snack though.
I have found I'm probably not drinking as much water as I should so when I get hungry in between juices I need to be better at drinking water. It isn't recommended drinking water 30 min before or after you juice for maximum absorbtion of the nutrients.
Today I'm going to weight and measure myself....OH MY!
So far I am eating one small green/lean protein meal a day and juicing or smoothing for the other meals or snacks. I really don't snack though.
I have found I'm probably not drinking as much water as I should so when I get hungry in between juices I need to be better at drinking water. It isn't recommended drinking water 30 min before or after you juice for maximum absorbtion of the nutrients.
Today I'm going to weight and measure myself....OH MY!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Today I juiced and then Jeff and I went to Octoberfest, it was fun and we had a beautiful drive up the Gorge. We stopped at Edgefield to have lunch, had a small salad and chicken pesto sandwhich and ice tea, felt stuffed! glad to have had to walk a ways back to the car :)
tonight I'll do another juice before bed. I feel great! have so much energy and no headache today!!
tonight I'll do another juice before bed. I feel great! have so much energy and no headache today!!
So it's been 24 hours since I began juicing, the first full day was really not difficult but by dinner I definitely wanted a meal. We went to Black Angus and shared a meal. I only ate 2 oz of steak and 2 prawns plus a salad and bread. I was stuffed. I was surprised I wasn't hungry all day. I did have a low grade headache all afternoon and evening but hey, I didn't eat any sugar or caffeine!
Unfortunately, I stayed up late w/my hubby who was eating candy and the tempation got me so I had a bowl of rocky road ice cream. Within 15 min I had a tummy ache! Not sure if it was the sugar or the milk....
Unfortunately, I stayed up late w/my hubby who was eating candy and the tempation got me so I had a bowl of rocky road ice cream. Within 15 min I had a tummy ache! Not sure if it was the sugar or the milk....
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Today is my first day of a healthier lifestyle. I've spent a week straight researching how to juice and what health beneifts it brings. I am amazed and exited to start this journey.
I've been overweight for half of my life. I've tried many diets and joined gyms....I'm still overweight and now I'm also sick. Last year I had back surgery, I have degenerative joint disease with extreme joint pain in my ankle, knees, hips, and shoulders, fibromyalgia, shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety....I can't live the life I want to.
I've decided I'm done taking meds that mask the symptoms and I'm going to see if I can heal myself with juicing.
I was inspired by the documentary, "Fat, sick & nearly dead". I highly recommend it and then you will want to watch "the Gerson Miracle".
Soooo, today is my first day on juice. I bought a Nutribullet for $99 at Target and I think I'm going to get a juicer too. This morning I made a smoothie of the following: baby kale, baby spinach and lettuce, carrot, apple, 1/2 bannana, handful of rasberries, handful of walnuts, celery. It wasn't bad at all! I'm exited for my next juice in a couple of hours.
I'm going to post my weight and measurements later on but I'm off for a short hike at the falls with my hubby for now :)
I've been overweight for half of my life. I've tried many diets and joined gyms....I'm still overweight and now I'm also sick. Last year I had back surgery, I have degenerative joint disease with extreme joint pain in my ankle, knees, hips, and shoulders, fibromyalgia, shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety....I can't live the life I want to.
I've decided I'm done taking meds that mask the symptoms and I'm going to see if I can heal myself with juicing.
I was inspired by the documentary, "Fat, sick & nearly dead". I highly recommend it and then you will want to watch "the Gerson Miracle".
Soooo, today is my first day on juice. I bought a Nutribullet for $99 at Target and I think I'm going to get a juicer too. This morning I made a smoothie of the following: baby kale, baby spinach and lettuce, carrot, apple, 1/2 bannana, handful of rasberries, handful of walnuts, celery. It wasn't bad at all! I'm exited for my next juice in a couple of hours.
I'm going to post my weight and measurements later on but I'm off for a short hike at the falls with my hubby for now :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)