Day 5 - down 7 pounds!
I started my morning staring at the scale. How could it be that in 5 short days I was down 7 pounds. I felt strong, powerful and even a little cocky. I went out to lunch with my mom and girls and made good choices. Again feeling strong and powerful as I asked for an apple instead of my usual wheat bread. But then a few hours later, the ground shifted. God slammed the door we have been asking for an answer for: I lost my job. We were at the library when this happened. I listened to the polite "let go" as I watched my daughters play amongst the puzzles, two of my closet friends wrangle up their kids and mom's worried look as I slumped against the window seat. I no longer felt strong, powerful or even remotely cocky. I wanted a cookie, a cake (yes an entire cake), a cupcake, a bottle of wine and a carton of cigarettes. I wanted all of this as my thoughts ranted with swear words at the man on the other end of my phone. As I hung up the phone I had no words and yet God was there. I could feel His whisper, His love telling me it will all be okay. He is here. He is in control. He is powerful. He is strong. He is the calm to my raging storm. I do not know what the future holds, but I do know He has a plan and I am going to rest in that plan. Not saying we didn't freak out a little last night. Not to say that I didn't stumble last night. I did I ate Georgio's calazone and I gained 3 pounds back this morning. I've asked for forgiveness and ate a healthy breakfast and back on the journey.
Three different versions of Psalm 27:14. I am waiting for the next door to open now that one is closed.
New International Version (©1984)
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
New Living Translation (©2007)
Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.
English Standard Version (©2001)
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Day 4 = a day of headaches
Day 5: down 5 pounds!!
My head hurt today. Maybe it is the caffeine withdrawal or the weather, but either way I'm thankful that Sophia took a long afternoon nap and I could rest my aching head. As I read another chapter in Made to Crave today, these verses really hit home.
1 Peter 1:3-11
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;6 and to knowledge, self‑control; and to self‑control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I know its a lot of verses to handle at once, but the gist for me is that God has given me everything I need to get through this journey. As I seek good eating/better health I will be filled with knowledge of how to keep going. I will have self control (whoa big word for me!) and with self control... perseverance (not sure if this word has ever been in my vocab!) I can be free from this control of food in my life and God gave me everything I need to do it. I will also gain characteristics of self control and perseverance, two words that have NEVER described me. A very big breakthrough for me today!
I also skipped on ice cream and cookies at my parent's house for dessert! It felt powerful to say no even when they said "but it's sugar free".
Breakfast - 2 egg muffins (Sophia did not steal any today)
Snack - no time since we headed to the grocery store
Lunch - salad with romaine, red peppers, chicken and goat cheese
Snack - vanilla yogurt with mixed berries
Dinner - caesar salad with romaine, chicken, parm cheese and yes some croutons plus carrots
Now time for bed, my head is still hurting.
My head hurt today. Maybe it is the caffeine withdrawal or the weather, but either way I'm thankful that Sophia took a long afternoon nap and I could rest my aching head. As I read another chapter in Made to Crave today, these verses really hit home.
1 Peter 1:3-11
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;6 and to knowledge, self‑control; and to self‑control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I know its a lot of verses to handle at once, but the gist for me is that God has given me everything I need to get through this journey. As I seek good eating/better health I will be filled with knowledge of how to keep going. I will have self control (whoa big word for me!) and with self control... perseverance (not sure if this word has ever been in my vocab!) I can be free from this control of food in my life and God gave me everything I need to do it. I will also gain characteristics of self control and perseverance, two words that have NEVER described me. A very big breakthrough for me today!
I also skipped on ice cream and cookies at my parent's house for dessert! It felt powerful to say no even when they said "but it's sugar free".
Breakfast - 2 egg muffins (Sophia did not steal any today)
Snack - no time since we headed to the grocery store
Lunch - salad with romaine, red peppers, chicken and goat cheese
Snack - vanilla yogurt with mixed berries
Dinner - caesar salad with romaine, chicken, parm cheese and yes some croutons plus carrots
Now time for bed, my head is still hurting.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Do my cheeks look different yet?
Day 3 - Down 3 pounds!
Of course I don't look different yet, but the scale is moving in the right direction! Today's chapter in Made to Crave was titled "Growing Closer to God". How do you grow closer to God during a health journey? Lisa explains, "By making choices to deny ourselves something that is permissible, but not beneficial. And making this intentional sacrifice for the sole purpose of growing closer to God. After all Jesus said Himself, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me' (Luke 9:23). I have to say I do look at this 14 day commitment as denying myself. I passed on the homemade cookies at small group last or sharing graham crackers with Sophia today or looking past the leftover cake in my fridge. I would normally scoop those up and not think twice about it. But now to think that denying myself could bring my closer to God and end this roller coaster feels very freeing. By growing closer to God it "reestablishes that God not food is in control of my life". I'm posting that last part in my kitchen: GOD IS IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE, NOT FOOD!
Morning - 2 egg muffins (see previous post for recipe) *shared with Sophia who apparently likes eggs now
Snack - vanilla yogurt with mixed berries *shared with Sophia who apparently thinks her yogurt is boring
Lunch - leftover turkey taco salad minus cheese and corn chips (in total honesty I did have some corn chips on my salad last night) and 1/2 a tortilla with chicken enchilada (yep not on the diet plan but I was getting concerned about calories for the day and Tim didn't want the rest....yes I feel guilty....yes I'm forgiven myself and moved on)
Snack - vanilla yogurt with blueberries
Dinner - Chicken with mushrooms and onions with broccoli
I didn't have Worcestershire sauce so I used a bit of steak sauce and some low-fat sour cream with the mushrooms and onions. Frozen broccoli just added a little bit of seasoned salt and some lemon juice.
CHICKEN WITH MUSHROOMS AND ONIONS
Marinate two boneless, skinless chicken breasts in 1 tsp olive oil, the juice of one lemon, chopped garlic and black pepper. Pan fry with non stick spray, dump the whole thing in the pan, juices, garlic and all. When chicken is done, transfer to plate, cover with foil and DO NOT clean pan, just add a bit of water to bring up the tasty browned bits from the bottom then add finely chopped onion and mushrooms. Sautee until soft and the mushrooms release their moisture. Season with pepper and just a dash of Worcestershire sauce (not too much as there is a lot of sodium, literally just a few drops). Top your chicken with the mushrooms, add a generous side salad and enjoy!
Pretty sure I'm eating an apple later because I'm still hungry, but heading out for a walk with the family first.
Of course I don't look different yet, but the scale is moving in the right direction! Today's chapter in Made to Crave was titled "Growing Closer to God". How do you grow closer to God during a health journey? Lisa explains, "By making choices to deny ourselves something that is permissible, but not beneficial. And making this intentional sacrifice for the sole purpose of growing closer to God. After all Jesus said Himself, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me' (Luke 9:23). I have to say I do look at this 14 day commitment as denying myself. I passed on the homemade cookies at small group last or sharing graham crackers with Sophia today or looking past the leftover cake in my fridge. I would normally scoop those up and not think twice about it. But now to think that denying myself could bring my closer to God and end this roller coaster feels very freeing. By growing closer to God it "reestablishes that God not food is in control of my life". I'm posting that last part in my kitchen: GOD IS IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE, NOT FOOD!
Morning - 2 egg muffins (see previous post for recipe) *shared with Sophia who apparently likes eggs now
Snack - vanilla yogurt with mixed berries *shared with Sophia who apparently thinks her yogurt is boring
Lunch - leftover turkey taco salad minus cheese and corn chips (in total honesty I did have some corn chips on my salad last night) and 1/2 a tortilla with chicken enchilada (yep not on the diet plan but I was getting concerned about calories for the day and Tim didn't want the rest....yes I feel guilty....yes I'm forgiven myself and moved on)
Snack - vanilla yogurt with blueberries
Dinner - Chicken with mushrooms and onions with broccoli
I didn't have Worcestershire sauce so I used a bit of steak sauce and some low-fat sour cream with the mushrooms and onions. Frozen broccoli just added a little bit of seasoned salt and some lemon juice.
CHICKEN WITH MUSHROOMS AND ONIONS
Marinate two boneless, skinless chicken breasts in 1 tsp olive oil, the juice of one lemon, chopped garlic and black pepper. Pan fry with non stick spray, dump the whole thing in the pan, juices, garlic and all. When chicken is done, transfer to plate, cover with foil and DO NOT clean pan, just add a bit of water to bring up the tasty browned bits from the bottom then add finely chopped onion and mushrooms. Sautee until soft and the mushrooms release their moisture. Season with pepper and just a dash of Worcestershire sauce (not too much as there is a lot of sodium, literally just a few drops). Top your chicken with the mushrooms, add a generous side salad and enjoy!
Pretty sure I'm eating an apple later because I'm still hungry, but heading out for a walk with the family first.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Cheeks on a Diet - Day 2
DAY 2 - lost 1 pound!
I probably shouldn't call this a diet. It is a commitment, a pledge, an opportunity for real change. I am optimistic of this change, but that is easy to say on day 2 when I can confidently say yes I passed on the mint cookies that Abby just asked for, yes I passed on the toast this morning and yes I avoided eating the rest of Sophia's graham cracker. Temptation is easy to resist on day 2, we will revisit the subject of temptation another day.
Today I read in Made to Crave about the importance of accountability and prayer from others. I have been blessed with some great women around me that are praying for me, reading this and putting up with my emails, questions and comments as I start this journey. Definitely helpful that some have come before me on this health journey and others are starting out with me.
The book also suggests, as you are making food choices, singing "Stop in the name of love, before you break my heart. Think it over!"Yes I have had that song in my head all day, you're welcome for getting it stuck in your head too. Again didn't need it today, but I'm thinking as soon as I head to a party with a mountain of desserts, that song is going to be the soundtrack.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Menu for Day 2:
Breakfast: 2 egg muffins
Recipe from Katelyn at http://www.kalynskitchen.com/ a great resource for South Beach recipes
Egg Muffins Revisited Again
(Makes 12 muffins)
15 eggs (for silicone muffin pans, use 12 eggs for metal muffin tins or individual silicone cups. You can use less egg yolks and more egg white if you prefer.)
1-2 tsp. Spike Seasoning
1-2 cups grated low fat cheese (I like sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar/Jack cheese, use less cheese if using meat)
Optional, but highly recommended, 3 green onions diced small.
Optional: chopped veggies such as blanched broccoli, red pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, etc. (Using veggies will reduce the fat content)
Optional: diced Canadian bacon, lean ham, or crumbled cooked turkey sausage
Preheat oven to 375 F. Use regular or silicone muffin pan, 12 muffin size. If using silicone pan, spray with nonstick spray. If using regular muffin pan, put two paper liners into each slot, then spray liner with nonstick spray.
In the bottom of the muffin cups layer diced meat, if using, vegetables, if using, cheese and green onions. You want the muffin cups to be about 2/3 full, with just enough room to pour a little egg around the other ingredients. Break eggs into large measuring bowl with pour spout, add Spike, and beat well. (I used to add a bit of half and half or milk, but lately I like the way they turn out without it.) Pour egg into each muffin cup until it is 3/4 full. I like to stir slightly with a fork. Bake 25-35 minutes until muffins have risen and are slightly browned and set.
Muffins will keep at least a week in the refrigerator without freezing. Egg muffins can be frozen and reheated. For best results, thaw in refrigerator before reheating. Microwave on high about 2 minutes to reheat.
Snack: vanilla yogurt with frozen berries (shared with Sophia)
Lunch: salad with chicken, romaine, green peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, little bit of cheese and some caesar dressing
Snack: apple (again shared with Sophia)
Dinner: taco salad with ground turkey on romaine
Dessert at small group: Sorry SG love your desserts, but NOPE!
I probably shouldn't call this a diet. It is a commitment, a pledge, an opportunity for real change. I am optimistic of this change, but that is easy to say on day 2 when I can confidently say yes I passed on the mint cookies that Abby just asked for, yes I passed on the toast this morning and yes I avoided eating the rest of Sophia's graham cracker. Temptation is easy to resist on day 2, we will revisit the subject of temptation another day.
Today I read in Made to Crave about the importance of accountability and prayer from others. I have been blessed with some great women around me that are praying for me, reading this and putting up with my emails, questions and comments as I start this journey. Definitely helpful that some have come before me on this health journey and others are starting out with me.
The book also suggests, as you are making food choices, singing "Stop in the name of love, before you break my heart. Think it over!"Yes I have had that song in my head all day, you're welcome for getting it stuck in your head too. Again didn't need it today, but I'm thinking as soon as I head to a party with a mountain of desserts, that song is going to be the soundtrack.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Menu for Day 2:
Breakfast: 2 egg muffins
Recipe from Katelyn at http://www.kalynskitchen.com/ a great resource for South Beach recipes
Egg Muffins Revisited Again
(Makes 12 muffins)
15 eggs (for silicone muffin pans, use 12 eggs for metal muffin tins or individual silicone cups. You can use less egg yolks and more egg white if you prefer.)
1-2 tsp. Spike Seasoning
1-2 cups grated low fat cheese (I like sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar/Jack cheese, use less cheese if using meat)
Optional, but highly recommended, 3 green onions diced small.
Optional: chopped veggies such as blanched broccoli, red pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, etc. (Using veggies will reduce the fat content)
Optional: diced Canadian bacon, lean ham, or crumbled cooked turkey sausage
Preheat oven to 375 F. Use regular or silicone muffin pan, 12 muffin size. If using silicone pan, spray with nonstick spray. If using regular muffin pan, put two paper liners into each slot, then spray liner with nonstick spray.
In the bottom of the muffin cups layer diced meat, if using, vegetables, if using, cheese and green onions. You want the muffin cups to be about 2/3 full, with just enough room to pour a little egg around the other ingredients. Break eggs into large measuring bowl with pour spout, add Spike, and beat well. (I used to add a bit of half and half or milk, but lately I like the way they turn out without it.) Pour egg into each muffin cup until it is 3/4 full. I like to stir slightly with a fork. Bake 25-35 minutes until muffins have risen and are slightly browned and set.
Muffins will keep at least a week in the refrigerator without freezing. Egg muffins can be frozen and reheated. For best results, thaw in refrigerator before reheating. Microwave on high about 2 minutes to reheat.
Snack: vanilla yogurt with frozen berries (shared with Sophia)
Lunch: salad with chicken, romaine, green peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, little bit of cheese and some caesar dressing
Snack: apple (again shared with Sophia)
Dinner: taco salad with ground turkey on romaine
Dessert at small group: Sorry SG love your desserts, but NOPE!
Monday, April 11, 2011
These Cheeks Need a Diet
I am a sugar addict and a carb addict and a food addict and then back to a sugar addict. It's true. I could walk in a meeting and say "hi my name is Jen and I'm an addict". I'm been on a roller coaster with this food addiction for too many years and have tried all of the "magic" diets. I have had a true kick in the pants, this time from God. God has a lot to say about my food addiction and what I've been doing to my body. I've been reading Beth Moore "Breaking Free", "Made to Crave" by the president of Proverbs 31 and "17 Day Diet" by some doctor who I don't know if I believe everything he says, but he is on the right place. So all this to say I'm committing 14 days (until Easter) to cleansing my house, my soul, my addiction. It starts today. D day if you will. I'll post everyday for the next 14 days what I've been eating, my weight loss and overall cleansing thoughts. Get ready, it's going to another fun ride. PS diet is loosely based on the 17 Day Diet, counting carbs for diabetics, my chiropractor and South Diet.
Breakfast: 2 egg omelet with cheese
Snack: vanilla yogurt with frozen berries
Lunch: Romaine lettuce, goat cheese, small amount of pear and small handful of sliced almonds with raspberry dressing and carrots
Snack: vanilla yogurt with blueberries
Dinner: salad, grilled turkey burger and corn on the cob
Dessert: NOPE
Breakfast: 2 egg omelet with cheese
Snack: vanilla yogurt with frozen berries
Lunch: Romaine lettuce, goat cheese, small amount of pear and small handful of sliced almonds with raspberry dressing and carrots
Snack: vanilla yogurt with blueberries
Dinner: salad, grilled turkey burger and corn on the cob
Dessert: NOPE
Friday, January 7, 2011
A New Year with New Recipes
We kicked off the new year with two small get togethers. New Years Eve we had 4 adults and 3 kids. I made bbq beef sandwiches in the crock pot, asian coleslaw, potato bundles and watergate salad. It was delicious and so easy to make.
Here are the recipes:
From kraftfoods.com
Watergate Salad http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/watergate-salad-53771.aspx
From Pioneer Woman:
Potato Bundles http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/07/potato-bundles/
BBQ Beef samis I modified from kraftfoods:
In the crock pot, add 4 pounds of beef or pork shoulder. I used beef brisket
Add 1 jar of your favorite bbq sauce
Add 3-4 tablespoons of orange juice
Cook on high for 6 hours
at about 5 1/2 hours I like to shred the beef and add back in the crock pot for the last 1/2 hour
Serve on hoagie rolls with or without mayo or extra bbq sauce
Asian coleslaw
1 bag of broccoli coleslaw
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 package ramen
Mix together and toss in Kraft's Asian salad dressing
Let me know if you tried any of these! I'll post our New Years get together recipes over the weekend.
Happy Eating!
Here are the recipes:
From kraftfoods.com
Watergate Salad http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/watergate-salad-53771.aspx
From Pioneer Woman:
Potato Bundles http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/07/potato-bundles/
BBQ Beef samis I modified from kraftfoods:
In the crock pot, add 4 pounds of beef or pork shoulder. I used beef brisket
Add 1 jar of your favorite bbq sauce
Add 3-4 tablespoons of orange juice
Cook on high for 6 hours
at about 5 1/2 hours I like to shred the beef and add back in the crock pot for the last 1/2 hour
Serve on hoagie rolls with or without mayo or extra bbq sauce
Asian coleslaw
1 bag of broccoli coleslaw
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 package ramen
Mix together and toss in Kraft's Asian salad dressing
Let me know if you tried any of these! I'll post our New Years get together recipes over the weekend.
Happy Eating!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
School lunches
I've jumped on the band wagon of being concerned about kid's school lunches. It started with Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution tv show (http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution) and continues when I read blogs like The Lunch Tray http://www.thelunchtray.com/. How can we solve the obesity problem in our children if school is serving them garbage and filling their stomachs with sugar? In a few days, our government will vote on the Child Nutrition Act which would finally be a step in the right direction for our kids. Won't you join me in reading up on this cause and writing to our officials for a change?!
Find out more here: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5986/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4198
Find out more here: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5986/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4198
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