One Step at a Time: Planning

My shopping is done, the presents are wrapped.

Friday is the Kindergarten Holiday Parties and then my kids will be out of school for 18 days.

It's time to start thinking about 2013 and what I'm going to accomplish.

To get started....I'm searching for quotes that mean something to me.

I'll be sharing them along with my planning process.  I'm hardwired to plan and organize and achieve!

Today....I'll be sitting down with a Health Coach to make a plan for the next year.  I'll share my findings tomorrow.

How To Work Out In An Apartment

I've been slacking.  I had high hopes of keeping the momentum going after getting home from our walking vacation but all of our routines kicked back in and sadly...exercising is not a part of my routine.

I've got to make this happen!

I thought about joining my friend Heather in the torture that is Jillian Michaels but I can't do any of her videos without peeing my pants.

I was doing laundry yesterday when it occurred to me that I have a perfect place to work out in the basement of our apartment  building!  It is heated, dry and private.

See those stairs?  They are nice and wide, with good tread! I can run up and down the stairs until my knees give out or I can no longer catch my breath!

I did a few walking squats in this hallway but it started to remind me too much of The Walking Dead so I stopped.  Maybe I'll return if I remember to bring my machete with me.  I'd love to secretly install a pull up bar at the end.

The folding table in the laundry room is the perfect place to do leg lifts, squats and push ups against the table.  

I'm not sure what to do with these yet.  Anyone have an idea for me?

I finished in my apartment with a little light weights and sit-ups.  All in all, it took me 15 minutes!  I'm going to start off with three days a week and work my way up from there.

How To Lose Weight on Vacation

Last week we took a family vacation to Orlando.

Every single day...we were busy and walking.

Monday....Sea World, running from show to show and walking through the park visiting sea animals.

Tuesday...Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios, running to Harry Potter World and then walking from ride to ride through the park.

Wednesday...Universal Studios, a little slower paced day but still lots of walking.

Thursday....Epcot at Disney World.  Oh My Gosh we walked to all 10 countries and all over future world and spent 13 hours on our feet at the park.  We also enjoyed a meal in Mexico and a meal in France.  Add in a couple beers and a bottle of wine and we were on calorie overload!

Friday....Animal Kingdom.  Lots of walking plus, I ended up completely soaked on the Kali River Rapids ride.  I think I burned at least 500 calories trying to get warm and dry after that!

Saturday....Pool Day! I laid out by the pool at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort but our room was in the farthest island cluster from the main building.  We walked back and forth three times and it was easily a mile each direction!

All in all....I gained TWO POUNDS!

And....TOM came on the trip with us.

Maybe exercise IS the answer...... Shop Amazon - Hello Kitty Jewelry

Which Connie?

While I was doing the hCG diet again, I read a couple self help books.  I picked up Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears (Shambhala Library) by Pema Chodron.  I didn't really like the book because it was too new age-y for me and I kept feeling my eye glaze over as I read but there was one part that really spoke to me and I can't stop thinking about it.

"A Native American grandfather was speaking to his grandson about violence and cruelty in the world and how it comes about. He said it was as if two wolves were fighting in his heart. One wolf was vengeful and angry, and the other wolf was understanding and kind. The young man asked his grandfather which wolf would win the fight in his heart. And the grandfather answered, 'The one that wins will be the one I choose to feed.'"

I read this passage over and over because an Oprah A-HA moment was forming in my head.

There are two Connie's fighting in my body.  

One Connie is emotional and vulnerable.  This Connie eats her feelings and uses food and wine to numb the pain.  This Connie is introverted and hides behind her hair, watching the world go by.

The other Connie is strong and purposeful.  This Connie deals with her feelings and uses food for fuel.  This Connie is confident and outgoing....she loves life and takes risks.

The question is....which Connie am I going to feed?

Feel Like A Rock Star

Hey all! I thought I'd give you an update! I'm a month out from my last weight in on hCG and I'm happy to say that I'm maintaining at 205.4! My clothes are still fitting well and I'm being really careful with my diet. I'm feeling like a rockstar!

hCG Results with Pictures

Pre-Load                 215.6
Day 1 vlcd               217.4
Week One:              210.6 (-6.8)
Week Two:              205.4 (-5.2)
Week Three:            204.4 (-1)
Final:                        202.6 (-1.8)

Total Released: 14.8 pounds

Whew!  I'm really glad that this is over.  It's really nice to not have to be so careful with what I'm eating but I'm also being very mindful.  Just have to keep on top of this because I love how my clothes are fitting right now.

Look at the difference in my face!

The shorts that I wore for my before and after pictures are really baggy now!  I'm always amazed at how the hCG makes you shrink....all over!  Over all....I lost 9 inches and dropped two sizes!

My observation is that I lost more weight and inches with the injections in 2010 vs. the drops this time.

Scared

Today is the day!

I get to eat like a normal person again.  Well....a normal person that can't eat sugar or starch. I'll be having bacon later.  Gosh I love bacon.

Here's the thing.  I'm scared to eat normally again.  I didn't meet my goal, but I got close.  I'm terrified of the scale going above the magic number (I'll reveal that number and my before and after pictures on Monday).

Maybe this fear will help keep me from putting the weight back on?  Or maybe this means I have more work to do.  Either way....I'm going into Phase 3 completely aware.

See you Monday!

Cheating is ALWAYS a Bad Idea

R1P2D22

Pre-Load              215.6
Day 1 vlcd            217.4
Week One:           210.6 (-6.8)
Week Two:          205.4 (-5.2)
Today's weight:    204.4 (-1)
Total Released:     13 pounds

I felt like last week was a bust until I took my measurements.  I've lost another half inch everywhere!   I guess it's better than nothing.

So mad at myself for cheating last week.   It takes so many days to get back to where you were.

Cheating is ALWAYS a bad idea.

My in-laws are leaving today so the next 8 days I should be able to finish strong.  Unless.....TOM makes a mess of things.

My clothes are fitting better and I had to get rid of another pair of pants.  I'd love so much to get into my 12's.

I had many people tell me last week that I look amazing and my father in law grabbed my ass.

If that isn't a testimonial,  then I don't know what is!

My ultimate goal is to get under 200 pounds.  I wanted to be WELL UNDER but I'll take 199 for now.

I'm Not Much Fun Since I Stopped Eating

R1P2D15

Pre-Load                  215.6
Day 1 vlcd               217.4
Week One:              210.6
Today's weight:      205.4 (-5.2)
Total Released:      12 pounds

Week One:   6.8 pounds released
Week Two:  5.2 pounds released

I only lost .2 pounds this morning because I cheated.  It was a dumb thing to do but my husband hadn't been home for two nights (he was visiting his parents at his brother's house) so I'd been with my kids non-stop for two days and.....I ate mac and cheese.

Today I feel like POOP!  I don't think I can ever eat mac and cheese again.  It's evil.

The good news is....that on Tuesday when I worked at school all day.  I did NOT cheat.  They had meals for us....sub sandwiches and BBQ with cornbread but I did not eat any of it.  I drank my water and ate when I got home.

GO ME!

So.....I'm considering extending this round past 23 days because I have more hCG than I thought  I would.  I'm not really sure what quantity I purchased.  Must be a 30 day supply?

The problem is....I have a date on August 26th (with my husband and The Book of Mormon) and I really wanted to be in Phase 3 by then.

Also, my husband is really tired of this diet already, and says I'm not much fun since I stopped eating.  Although....he should be thanking me because he's lost almost 10 pounds.  Actually, this pisses me off.

This next week might be tricky....TOM is coming.  Lord help me.

Candy Wrappers in My Fat Pants

My diet is going really well! I've lost a few more pounds and have removed some too big clothes from my closet. I was sad to realize that a favorite pair of pants no longer fit me and even more surprised to find an empty Peanut M&M bag in the pocket.

 Imagine that....candy wrappers in my fat pants!

 I'm so proud of myself for how I handled the weekend. We went to the Denver Bronco Scrimmage and I brought my own food so that I wouldn't be tempted by the hot dogs and popcorn.

 Turns out my kids were also more interested in my apple slices and hard boiled egg whites. They stole my food!!

 I also think the people seated around me took me for a crazy person feeding my kids that kind of stuff at a football game.

 I have a busy day working the PTA table at packet pick up today but I'm bringing my food with me.

Panic Attack

R1P2D8  (round 1, Phase 2, day 6)


If you want to see my daily weigh ins...click the hCG Again Tab


Pre-Load                 215.6
Day 1 vlcd:              217.4
Todays weight:        210.6  (-1.4)
TOTAL Released:       6.8 pounds


Week One:       6.8 pounds released!


Alright, alright, alright!

I'm very happy with my loss this week.  I'm feeling a little groggy in the head and weak but I looked back on my posts from the last time I did this diet and it appears that it's normal.  Hopefully that will correct itself soon.

I had a full on panic attack yesterday and without caffeine, sugar or alcohol to numb it....I felt the full effect.  It was crazy!  I had a physical reaction to stress and it took hours to go away.  I wondered how it would effect my weight in today.  I know that stress messes me up!

Hunger

R1P2D6 (round 1, Phase 2, day 6)



Day 1 vlcd:              217.4
R1P2D4:                   215.2
Todays weight:        212  (-3.2)
TOTAL Released:       5.4 pounds

Whew! This is freakin hard!

I don't remember it being this hard last time.  It's probably like childbirth and you block it out.

Once again, it's difficult to train your brain to stop sending you 'IT'S TIME TO EAT' signals and listen to your body.  Am I really hungry?

No, I'm really not.  I just want to eat because my brain will not shut the hell up!

I do believe that the sugar detox is brutal and I'm trying really hard to ignore the cravings.  These too shall pass in a few days.

Do you know what else is brutal?  The smell of potato chips.  I dished some out to my kids yesterday with them lunch and I almost licked one of them.

But....I'm standing strong!

Next week is packet pick up at school and I'm running the PTA Membership table with my tall, thin, supermodel like friend and I get to pick out a PTA shirt.  My goal for the week is to fit into a LARGE and not an XL.

I can do it!

Party Pooper

Start weight:     215.6
Day 1 vlcd          217.4
Todays weight: 215.2
Released:                  2.2  pounds


 Day one of the vlcd wasn't hard hunger wise. The hCG works well and I really wasn't hungry. The problem was that I had to take my children to a birthday party and I couldn't eat or drink anything!

I wanted a glass of wine soooo badly!

Going to a social event has to be the hardest part of sticking to this plan.  I'll be avoiding them from here on out!

I also forgot that you have to pee a hundred times a day and this interrupts sleep.  It's like being pregnant again!

vlcd= very low calorie diet

The Numbers

Good Morning!

Boy was loading fun! I'd forgotten that by day two the hCG has started to kick in and suppress your appetite and you don't want to eat anymore. Forcing yourself to eat your favorite foods and grocery shop is a little bit hard.

This time around I tried to focus on fat and not just sugar and carbs. I did have sweets here and there but I also had a steak, guacamole, nuts and my favorite Indian Food.

The thing I that I had the hardest time with that I used to get all the time.

 A white chocolate mocha from Starbucks.

 When I first started drinking coffee, that was my drug. Now I drink unsweetened iced coffee with a slash of cream. That sweet drink was too much to handle. Gross!

 So lets go over the numbers.

Beginning weight: 215.6
After 2 load days: 217.4
Gain: 1.8 pounds

This is less than I've gained in the past with hCG. I hope it doesn't mean that I didn't load enough.

I took my measurements the other day and I was pleased to see that even thought I gained back all of the weight I lost with hCG last time. I'm less fat. HA!

My waist and hips are an inch smaller than when I started in 2009. I can't wait to see those numbers go down!

HCG Load Days

I just returned from the grocery store.

I purposely went at 6:30 in the morning so that there would be less people watching me load my little basket with junk food.   You also have to scan and bag your purchases at that time of the morning.

No one to judge me.

I have to admit that even though I was avoiding all of the people that I thought would judge me.  I felt ashamed to be buying all of that food.

$25.  It also felt wasteful to spend that much on food that isn't good for you.

Except for the Avocados.  I believe they are the only saving grace in my basket.

Also to be included in these two load days:

• Breakfast (muffin and White Chocolate Latte) at Starbucks
• Taco Bell
• Indian Food
• A Red Robin Swiss and Mushroom Burger

Obstacles in the next 23 days:

• My in laws will be visiting for most of these 23 days.
• My sister and dad will be visiting.
• I'll be working an 8 hour shift at the PTA table on Packet Pick Up Day
• Family BBQ

Coming tomorrow: Starting Measurements!

HCG....Again

I'm drinking lots of water today....getting ready to do a round of HCG again.

I did a couple rounds in December 2009.  I lost 30 pounds in all but was NOT able to keep it off.

I blame several things for this.  Stress of moving and looking for a new job for my husband, TOM (time of the month) and having my wisdom teeth pulled.

Bad timing.

I'm hopeful that THIS TIME will be different.

I'm going to be loading on Thursday and Friday.

Wish me luck!

Morning Wood

All this week....I've been setting my alarm for 6 am so that I could get up and move my ass.

I'm starting slow....yoga and weights, running in place.  

I have one problem with my plan.  

My alarm keeps waking up my husband.

The good news is that I've lost 2 pounds this week and the bad news is that my husband is very frustrated.

Everything Is Bigger

My dear friend has an au pair and I became very good friends with the one that just went home to Denmark.

I talked to her about adjusting to life in the United States and she mentioned to me that she gained 10 pounds in the first month because of the food we eat here.

In her family, they don't eat out and fast food is 30 minutes away.  She told me the last time they had a meal in a restaurant was 5 years ago.  Can you imagine?

The newest au pair is from Brazil.  I observed her the first day I met her, at the going away party for my friend.  She ate a very small plate of rice and beans.  And she drank water.

I vowed to go on the rice, bean and water diet the next day. 

I've spent some time with her recently and in only three weeks, she's adapted to our eating habits.  And she's now addicted to soda.

I watched her eyes the first time she ordered a coke in a restaurant and she was amazed how BIG it was.  She said this container of soda was more than she drinks in a month back home.

She was also amazed at the size of our food.  Giant boxes of cereal, crackers and other snacks.

I know Americans are fat and we eat more fat and calories than other countries.

Talking with these gals has opened my eyes and I'm making changes in my home.

Less sugar and smaller servings!

Green Coffee Bean Extract...FAIL

I started taking this a week ago.

 I'd seen it on Dr Oz and a friend (who shall remain nameless) blogged about her muffin top disappearing after only 9 days.

It is NOT working for me.

 In fact....I've gained a pound and a half. AND I've been eating (and drinking) less. I'm really starting to worry about my metabolism. I'll give it another week but I don't think I'll be ordering anymore.

Have you ever tried the Green Coffee Bean Extract?  Did it work for you?

Stuck

It's been four weeks....and now my knee is feeling so much better!  I think I found the cause of my knee trying to pop out and find greener pastures.

My shoes.

My adorable little black 2.5 inch wedges from Target.   I love them because they go with everything, they are easy to slip on and they are cute as a button.

But....they provide NO support and they are slightly loose so I'm always fighting to keep them on my feet as I'm walking.

I'm cray cray for shoes.

I've been wearing my running shoes as often as fashion will allow and my knee healed up quickly.  Except for yesterday when I walked all over town in my cute little black shoes.

Anyway,  I've been working hard on my diet and managed to not gain weight during TOM but now I can't get below 213.2.

I'm stuck!

I guess it's time to start walking again.

I Broke My Knee....In California.

I'm starting to sound like my Dad.

Why me?  Why is everyone trying to kick my ass?

It seems like every time I think I'm going to get my ass in gear and DO something.

I get hurt or the weather doesn't cooperate or I get chased by angry raccoons.

I went to California two weeks ago for a girls weekend!  It was a blast and I walked a lot.  In fact, I came home without gaining a pound!

Part of this might have been due to the massive hang over I had on day 2.  I threw up and could barely eat all day.

Hmmm.....maybe.  Nah, I'd suck at being bulimic/anorexic.

My bedroom was on the third floor of our amazing beach house and I wore 2.5 inch heels the entire time.  It was either over use from the stair climbing or it was folding my very long legs up in the third row of a suburban for our 3 hour tour of Hollywood.

Whatever it was....my right knee is messed up!

I thought it would be better by now but it feels like it wants to pop out and be on it's own.  Before that....it felt like it was full of fluid.  It just really hurts and I'm pissed that I can't walk around the beautiful lake and run along side my son on his new bike.

I guess I'm going to have to go to the dreaded doctor.

I Better Get Moving!

April Goals

I like having goals.  I'm the kind of person that needs something to look forward to and plan for.

Since April is half over, I've decided on only two goals for April.

• Start walking (conditions: If the temp is at least 45 degrees and the sky isn't falling)
• Water (drink AT LEAST 6 glasses a day)

What are your goals for the month?

Fat and Happy

Winter is over.

Colorado is experiencing fantastic weather with an occasional snow storm to remind us that we live in Colorado and can get snow in June.

I tried.....to get my ass in gear last week and went for an early morning walk.

It was 43 degrees at 6:30 in the morning so I thought it was warm enough.

It was a little chilly.....

But it was beautiful!

This lake is only a quarter mile from my house.  It is a beautiful place to walk and half way around....there is a Starbucks.  It's like a dream come true!

And there's a coyote.

Now I'm scared.....and I really need new shoes.

What prompted this April jump start?

Denise from Eat Play Love.  She told me to start showing up and to throw my Little Debbies in the trash.  Thanks Denise!

Now....I just need to show up at the lake every single day!  And carry a big stick.

Yummy Pancake

This is my version of the DUKAN pancake.  It does not follow the rules.

Connie's Breakfast Pancake

1 egg
1.5 tablespoon oat bran
1.5 tablespoon greek yogurt
Dash of Cinnamon
Smidge of Salt

Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl and pour into a heated pan.  You can make two or three of these but I've found making three the perfect amount.  Turn the pancakes after a couple minutes when you see bubbles forming.

Spread with fruit spread and cottage cheese.

Under Attack!

My Dukan Attack phase was short lived.

About two days in....TOM showed up 3 days early.  The more I work on my diet, the crazier my cycles become.  I want to blame menopause but people keep telling me that 41 is too young for that.

I lost half of a pound and then I stalled.  The combination of no coffee, wine, chocolate and TOM was too much for my family so my husband begged me to stop and have a drink.

I'm only kind of kidding.

I stopped the diet but kept up the higher protein because I actually liked how I was feeling on the diet.   I just added a few carbs and a glass of wine a night.

I'm happy to report that as of this morning, I'm down 2.8 pounds!  My pants are feeling looser and I have lots of energy.

So.....I'm going to keep on keeping on.  Mostly high protein with some carbs and wine here and there.

My husband is happy because he threatened not to take me on Vacation at the end of the month if I stayed on the diet.  He doesn't want to deal with my eating restrictions at Disney Land and while visiting his very overweight family.

I don't want to go without wine while visiting his very overweight family.

Have I told you that I'm addicted to the Dukan Pancakes?  OH MY GOSH!  I love them.

I'll post my version with a picture tomorrow.

6 days....No Coffee

Or wine.

Or carbs.

Or sugar.

Or Wine.

Oh wait....I said that one already.

Started Dukaning it this morning and so far I'm doing fine.

I decided to drink tea and not coffee for this first 6 days because I can't drink coffee without cream.

Although....by day three I might be a black coffee convert.  I'll let you know.

Do You Dukan?

I had to make a decision yesterday.

I was making our menu plan and grocery list for the next two weeks and I had to decide if I wanted to try the latest diet that I've never tried before.

Okay....there might be a couple other diets out there that I've never tried.  Jenny Craig being one of them.

My friend is on the Dukan Diet and having great success.  The only problem is....she seems to be miserable.

I'm a glutton for punishment.  So why not!

I'm going to give it a trial run. Three weeks.

At the end of that three weeks I'll decide if I get to cheat on my daughters birthday....and stop.  Or keep going.

The good news is that we're getting closer and closer to spring and then I'll be able to walk outside again.  You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to that!

Kicking My Ass

I'm trying to find little snippets of time to do some exercise.

It's too cold and snowy for me to really get in a good cardio workout but that doesn't mean that I can't be doing some little things to get me on track.

I found this great Daily Butt Workout on the app store and after doing it for only 5 minutes yesterday, my glutes are sore!! 

The good kind of sore.

I love the good kind of sore.....

Saving Money with Walgreens

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I avoid going to the doctor at all costs because I really don't like paying for prescriptions.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid of the doctor and I go if it's necessary.  It seems like the cost of medication keeps going up along with my doctor's co-pay! 

Walgreens is now offering a special discount on their annual membership for the Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens.  For just $35 a year, the family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including your spouse, dependents (as long as they're 22 years old or younger) and your pets. If it's just you, an individual  membership is only $20. 

But that's not all!  Included in your membership is savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications, discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic testing supplies.  Added bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services. 

What a great reason to shop at Walgreens.  I know in our house they are the go to place when we have an illness and need even the most basic items!

Support Walgreens and find out more about how they can save your family money by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter.

I Want It

I'm feeling really motivated and it's because of my gaggle of friends that are supporting me. It's amazing what having a friend kicking your ass (or texting you) everyday can do for you.

Thank you friend....you know who you are!

source

Bachelor Ben NON Drinking Game

I've been creating a 'drinking game' for The Bachelor TV show for several seasons now and it occurred to me last night that I should create a healthy version of the game for people like my friends Impulsive Addict and JennyKate.  They are both on very strick diets and haven't been drinking.....at all!

For this game you will need the following:

• A Gallon of water
• A head of celery
• Two dumbbells  
• Comfy clothes

Let's get started!


Each time Chris Harrison is on your screen.....Do 15 sit ups.

Each time Ben kisses someone....eat a piece of celery.

Each time one of the ladies takes a drink of wine/beer/soda.....take a drink of water.

Each time Courtney says winning.....raise your dumbbells over your head 10 times.

Each time someone says *open*, *Journey* or *rest of my life*.....do 10 lunges.

If Courtney gets a rose..........do downward facing dog.

Bonus:

During the commercials....run in place.

Addicted To Coke

source

I'm giving up Coke again.

This time for good.

I'm not even going to substitue the Zero.  

I'm going to switch to water. 

Daily Affirmations

It seems like motivation is the topic of the week. I've read several posts about it and I'm encouraged by the comments I've gotten. Thank you to those of you that have lent support. I'm always amazed how I get what I need, when I need it.

I just saw this on pinterest. I think this should be my new affirmation. I'm going to print it out and put it all over the house.

Along with this picture.

9 Months of Training

I went out for drinks with my Kinder Mom friends the other night and I jokingly said that I was training for the Eagle Bolt 5K race at the kids' school.

I'm serious but the joking part is that it's 9 months away.

Is there a Couch to 5K plan for people that take 9 months to train for something?

I've tried those programs before and I've never finished because I have to start week 1 over a half dozen times.  Or the weather turns crappy and I quit.

Does anyone have tips for staying motivated on these plans?  Is there a new and exciting app I need to know about?

Help me out!

My Beauty Resolutions

BlogHer has asked me to answer a question about looking my best.  They've obviously been spying on me and my brillant transformation from frumpy mommy to well dressed mother of a Kindergartener who has to interact with people every day.

What are your beauty resolutions this year?  How do you plan to shake up and streamline your routine?  What are the good habits you are committing to developing?

It's a well known fact that I'm addicted to resolutions.  I love starting a new year with a list of things that I'd like to accomplish and ways to make my life better.  Lists are a very big part of my mental health!

Once I turned 40, I really started to look at how I could work on my beauty routine.  Those pesky little lines are starting to form and I'm not getting carded at the liquor store anymore.  I've purchased a number of products that I think are working very well.

My Beauty Resolutions:

• Wash my face every night.
• Use eye cream.
• Drink 60 ounces of water a day.
• Monthly masks.
• Wear sunscreen AND make-up everyday. 
• Keep nails painted.  

What has been helping the most is getting into the habit of taking care of my skin before I go to bed at night.  Making a promise to myself that I'm important enough to spend 5-10 minutes taking care of.

This ritual is really very calming and prepares me for a good night sleep.  Speaking of sleep, another resolution for 2012 is to go to bed at the same time every night....even on the weekends.

BlogHer has a great article about ways to look your best. Come by and leave a comment.

Please visit the Life Well Lived Sweepstakes starting on January 26th and enter for a chance to win a Kindle Fire and a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

Nut Chips....YUM

In my quest to be gluten free....I'm always looking for something I can eat to replace the things I can't have anymore. 

Sometimes....I just want something crunchy.

I went to Sunflower Market on Saturday and wandered down the chip isle.  This caught my eye.

Chips made from RICE and NUTS?  You wouldn't think it would be good....but I love them!

Dr Google and Menopause

My husband is horribly ill.  He had two seperate colds over the holidays and now he has what could be the flu but I'm convinced that is mono.

That's what I get for consulting Dr. Google.

We'll find out if I'm right this afternoon when he sees the doctor again.

And as if that isn't enough on my plate.....I think TOM is trying to visit me again.  After only a 12 day break. 

This is bullshit!!!

I woke up with 3 extra pounds, a migraine and spotting. (sorry guys that might read this)

I seem to remember that this is how it started for my Mom.  CRAP!

We Interrupt This Experiment....

photo credit

In all of my research of Dandelion Root Tea....I did not read about it being a natural LAXATIVE.

In other news.....OMG!

An Experiment

I drank my tea yesterday and I figured out what it smells/tastes like.

An ashtray!!

I read up on the benefits of Dandelion Root and I liked what I learned.

Digestive issues
PMS
Detox of the liver and kidneys
Cleaning of the blood
Milk Supply

I could use help in all of these areas....expect the milk supply.  The barn is closed thankyouverymuch.

So...on to my experiment.

I decided to wear workout clothes today AND set a couple alarms on my phone encouraging me to do 15 minute spurts of working out.

Nothing serious....just squats, lunges, sit ups and lifting little hand weights.

I'm completely against wearing workout clothes to pick up my son from school but this is just a one day experiment.  We'll re-evaluate at the end of the day.

The Gates of Change

“Each of us guards a gate of change that can only be unlocked from the inside.”

—  Marilyn Ferguson

Unless it's this gate.

Photo credit ME!

I'm finding it so hard to get started! Between being sick and TOM arriving unexpectedly, I'm struggling.

I'm restarting the Bloat Blast Tea this morning.  According to a school friend of mine, the dandelion root tea is sold out all over our town so it must work, or lots of people are doing it.

Here we go...again! 

Let's Get This Party Started!

My cold is finally on it's way out so I'm going to get started! Yesterday I weighted in at 211. It seems to be a magic set point that I'd like to never see again.

Today.....I'm doing a juice fast with some fruit and veggies thrown in. And I'm starting the Bloat Blast.

I read conflicting reports about how that was supposed to be done. One said to mix the tea and juices in a 16 ounce glass. Another said to mix it with 60 ounces of water.

The 60 ounces seems like it would dilute the other ingredients so I'm going with the 16 ounce.

Dandelion Root Tea steeped in 16 ounces of water for 15 minutes.
Add.....1 tablespoon cranberry juice, 2 tablespoons for lemon juice.
DRINK!

In addition, I will then drink 60 ounces (or more) of water.