Raise your glasses "To Good Health" Part Deux II

So, the health plan.

You are wondering -- what is the plan?  Right? 
I kind of left you hanging in my last post.... a cliffhanger ending.  Well, almost.  Ha ha ha.

The plan:

I need a plan.  If I don't have a written out plan.  I fail. I struggle. I cheat. I am scattered and don't make the best choices.  So, I NEED a plan.

It has been many years of putting different types of foods into my body, that I know what works and what doesn't work.  And, I admit I am always learning new things about my body as well as understanding that some foods I ate awhile ago don't work now, and some foods I avoided do work now.  It's a tossed salad.

I read this verse lately -- and was encouraged by it. 

Isaiah 55:2

"...eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."

I am being reminded that my hunger and thirst are first satisfied from the Lord.  That is to say, I need to find my strength and nourishment from HIM first to help me through eating the best things for my body.

And, it also applies (at least to me it does)  that if I eat food that is good for me, I will feel better and will be able to delight in the good food that God provides for me and serve HIM better.  I can not only feel better, but have more energy and clear mind to be with my family and do more things with them.  Enjoy them!


So.... The eating plan:


THE NO-NOs

1.  Grains/Gluten -- rice, barley, wheat, corn, oats, rye, etc.
2.  Soy
3.  Limited Dairy
4. Legumes -- seems beans don't like my tummy
5. Refined sugars


YES!! YES!! YES!!

1.  Lean meats
2. Veggies & Fruits
3. Seeds & Nuts - including Quinoa
4.  Natural sweetners -  honey, maple syrup, etc.
5. Limited Dairy - I can have goats milk, cheese, greek yogurt

There you have it!  For the next 60 days I am challenging myself to follow those as my guidelines.
I make my menu around those.   Here is the kicker, though.    I have 2 vegetarians in my household (one of them being my husband).  So, I have to really be creative in menu planning - because I don't want to make completely two separate meals every day at dinner time.   That is a challenge as well.

Here are a few dinner menu items on my plan:

Tacos --
Family - Corn tortillas, Beans, Shredded Cheese
Me - Ground Beef, or Shredded Pork,  Or Fish Tacos (all of my family will eat these)
All of us --  Avocado or Guac, Greek Yogurt, lettuce or cabbage, lime, cilantro

Curry --
All of us -- potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, onion, mushroom in coconut yellow curry sauce
Me --  Add Chicken

Pasta (Spaghetti) --
Family -- Brown Rice Pasta Noodles,  Marinara Sauce
Me -- Zucchini Noodles, Marinara or Meat Sauce


Okay.  That is all you get for now.   I will maybe share some websites next time that I find very valuable. And if you suggestions --  please share!

I do appreciate your support and prayers.   I will be honest,  it is hard for me to be disciplined and diligent.  I think that is why I choose to blog and facebook about it.  I need that accountability.

To better health!  "Cheers"

Raise your glasses "To Good Health"

I am beginning a new season for my health - or maybe just another step on a path towards health.
I know it is time  and I know the path will not be an easy one.  I think that is why sometimes I am fearful to take that first step. 

Just a little bit of a background about me and my health. And, I am skipping a lot of details. Your welcome.

I have always struggled with my weight growing up .. particularly after puberty hit (Junior High and High School - ya know those important years where everything around you is drama).  I have never been extremely overweight or obese...  but, I have not been thin and slim either.  I 've got chub.
And, with extra padding, it does make it hard emotionally and mentally.  You know those thoughts and voices in my head telling me that I am not pretty or attractive or fit.  And, well I was not fit.  But, then the voices of  ugliness, I know were lies.  But, really sometimes it is hard to break free of that. Honestly.

College came and so did the freshman fifteen!  Of course, I met a man who loved me...and said, "You are beautiful" .  We dated four years.  Graduated together.  He loved me unconditionally and we married.  Now, this man.... bless his heart.... got thrown into the first year of our marriage to a women who became terribly ill.  I became so ill I became hospitalized.  And,  yet this man stood by me. I guess he really meant it when said the vows "In sickness and health". (Ya, a keeper!)  It was a VERY mentally and emotionally difficult time for me...

I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease.    What? What is that?   My first year of marriage.  Sick. Ill. Depressed.  And, now another added into our marriage for the rest of our lives.

I was put on high doses of steroids and other medications.  I became very depressed, puffy face, gained even MORE weight and was miserable. 

Someone -- I don't remember who.   I wish I did remember who, because I would thank them from the deep trenches of my heart.  This "Someone"  gave information to me about a doctor locally who was a chiropractor, homeopathic, certified nutritionist.  

He was  a life saving gift.    I slowly went off medication.  I was healed with foods, supplements, herbals, chiropractic.   It took almost a year to become symptom free.... there was damage that took time to heal. 

For the next 10 years, I  was not on any medications.   I had 3 babies -- and felt WONDERFUL during my pregnancies.  But, then I also started eating bad, stop taking herbals .... those french fries, coke, and hamburgers, etc.  were becoming way too often my bad habit.

I had another flare-up.  And, had to be back on medications to help lighten the inflamation.  Thankfully, I had a great gastronologist this time and I was able to slowly get of the medications once again. I became pregnant with my last baby.... and again felt WONDERFUL.

But, since my last babe was born in 2011.... I have gone up in my weight and not always eaten the best.... and have battled with my weight up and down -- attempting all kinds of "diets.
   I did go to a Doctor and had blood work done and had very low levels of iron, B12, and others.  I am sure my adrenal glands were messed up.    I started taking supplements and still do today. (If I remember to take them!!)

It wasn't until 2012 that I realized about gluten.   And, even until August of 2013 I struggled with giving up foods with gluten off and on.   And, to truly have the benefits of going off  gluten.. you have to really GO off gluten.  In August 2013, my hubby was introduced by one of his clients to go off of grains altogether.    We took on the challenge for me to do this for 31 days.   I did it.

And, I felt VERY good.  It was one of the times I have felt my best.  But, then school starts and stress comes back in and I go back into bad habits.   I gain more weight.  And, I start feeling horrible.

So, now it is today.   March 2014.

I begin today on better health.  I have a plan. And, praying God will be my strength to endure.

 

Journey to the Cross

 

 I love Easter time -- a time where  I feel refreshed, renewed --   And, as I have been growing older in years (those wrinkles are growing more in numbers) and a developing deeper relationship with Christ - I have come to revere Easter as one of my favorite "holidays" -

I have had a desire to really go further in celebration of the Easter season.  I want to learn more. I desire to delve deeper into its meaning. Yes, I know the basic "story" --  Christ's life here on earth, His ministry, His death on a cross and His resurrection --but, I feel as if I should go further into all of those things. There is still so much for me to learn.

I have never fully experienced a time of Lent or fasting for 40 days.  I think when I was a child I lented of gum or something of that sort, but not really knowing what I was doing.  I think I did it because of my friends at school talking about assortment of things they were "giving up" for Lent - and I remember all my catholic friends coming back with ash on their foreheads on that "Wednesday" of school.  I was curious.

But, I never fully understood it.  I guess I didn't really seek that time as important or worth really understanding.   I just went to church on Palm Sunday waved the palm branches - and on Easter Sunday wearing my pretty Spring dress sang those classic hymns "Up from the grave He arose!" and "He lives, He lives. I can face tomorrow".   I loved that time. And, my memories of Easter growing up are fond.
But, coming into Easter with an expectation, a time to reflect on the cross and the miraculous truth it holds for us, a joy unspeakable, a grace uncomprehendable  - was not really practiced in my journey thus far.
I know that some people have done lent for years upon years -- almost rote in their ritual.  It was just something that was done or expected to be done.  Not necessarily done out of true desire or passion. 

I don't desire to do this season of lent  because it is something "I must do" -- but, rather I want to experience Jesus in a new way, a deeper more intimate way  --  I want to experience HIS passionate LOVE for us.  I am not even really calling it a time of "Lent" - but rather I am calling it -

A JOURNEY TO THE CROSS

I plan to fast, pray, and meditate on the gospel for 40 days.  I will explain further in the details of what I will be doing in a future post.

I can tell you it will be a season

to REMEMBER

to REFLECT

to REPENT

to REJOICE

in the life and ministry of Christ and the beautiful gift of grace and joy He gave to us.

I would love for you to join me during this time.  I plan to post as often as I can through this journey with thoughts, encouragement, scripture and whatever the Lord leads me to share.  I pray that this will be a time where you can also grow to a deeper understanding of HOW MUCH GOD LOVES YOU -- the gift of His Son Jesus would just permeate your entire being and Truth would reign in your heart. The gospel message would just even be more real to you during this time.

Here are the dates we will begin and end.  Next post will be about what I will be doing and questions for you to think about as you plan for your own journey to the cross!

February 22 -April 5, 2012Job 19:25
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

God is painting ....

God is painting a picture on the canvas of our lives. Our bodies are merely the frame. God intends to paint a beautiful picture -- a picture to others of our character and unique expression of Christ's life -- and place it in this frame.
(Calm My Anxious Heart, Linda Dillow)

I am quite nervous writing this...

I am just being honest here and now even more so, I going to be even more honest, open, laying myself out there before you, raw and vulnerable. This is hard for me to share or even attempt to do, but stepping out of my comfort zone so that I may be held accountable by others and hopefully influence others as well is what I need to do....

So what am I about to embark upon? What is it that am I so "nervous" to share with you?

I feel that God has been chiseling at my heart for awhile to become more healthy, clean, purified in my way of living. I have become more and more unhealthy in all areas of my life: spiritually, emotionally, physically -- my spirit, soul, mind, and body need the hand of the Lord to renew, change, adjust, cleanse all of these areas.

I am still sorting through in my mind exactly what God wants to do within me, but I am certain of these two things:

1. There needs to be a change in me. (I am a work in progress)

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you,
will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day
when Christ Jesus returns. ~ Phil 1:6

2. God is the One that will change me.

The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever--
do not abandon the works of your hands. ~ Psalm 138:8

*******

More so that I can become more of what HE has designed for me to be and to ultimately glorify HIM with this life HE has set before me.

God has chosen a path for me. I sometimes wonder what I would do if I knew what really did await me. Would I run and embrace it, or would I run in the opposite direction? There is no doubt that the uncertainty of the future can be overwhelmingly scary at times. But even the Apostle Paul faced the same uncertainties. He didn't know every detail of his future. Instead, he understood the miracle of living in the moment. Though he did not know the path the Lord would lead him down, he realized wherever that path led, he had but one task and one responsibility to live out.
I struggle with what the future holds. I like control and I tend to focus on the what ifs and shoulds of the journey. However, I try to remember that God's dream for me is to focus on what I have been given. Focus on where I am. I embrace the privilege I have to testify to the Gospel of Gods grace now.

"Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again."
1 Thess. 5:23

Prayer: Dear Lord. Transform me into the dream You want me to be-perfect and holy. Help me to see Your vision for me as You sanctify my life. Amen.

In the next few days, I will be sharing some goals that I have prayed about in regards to changing over to a more healthy way of life. So, stay with me and walk with me on this journey, will you?

Stepping Forward

Proverbs 16:9, “A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”

Remember those little feet in the big shoes?

Well, those were my sweet little daisies feet inside of brand new running shoes.

I took the picture of her wearing them for several reasons to demonstrate a point - a journey I am about to embark upon:

1. Fillin' My Mama's Shoes: The first reason being she wanted to wear them - because playing in your Mama's shoes is fun - funny! Have you heard of the term "Fill your Father's Shoes" Well to step into someone's shoes is an idiom meaning:

• to take over a job or some role from someone.
• to take the job or position that someone else had before you

Well, that is my hope and desire to take upon the steps that God has laid out before me, that HE has created, designed. I am like a child stepping into the BIG shoes of God. I don't quite fit, but I am taking steps of faith that HE will indeed guide my feet.

2. Baby Steps: Do you remember watching your small child take that first step? When it happens, excitement comes over you. An unexplainable joy fills a parent as they watch.
But for the one taking that first step, you see fear and adventure on their face. When the task is achieved you may see confusion and joy combined on that little face. And then as that next step is taken you will hear laughter and joy.

I am like that child taking her first steps. I am afraid but excited to see what God has in store for this journey. And, I know that God is faithful to bless my efforts and obedience. And, I will be able to rejoice and find joy.


These 5 verses remind me that God will now be fully guiding my steps in this life.

1. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5)
   
2. Thus says the Lord, Your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17)
   
3. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8)
   
4. “For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.” (Psalm 48:14)
   
5. “The Lord will guide you continually …” (Isaiah 58:11)

Notice the specific words that God will “guide you continually, be our guide even to death, guide you with His eye, leads you by the way you should go, teaches you to profit, instructs you and directs your paths.”

All of these verses make it very clear that it is God’s job to fully guide and direct my steps in this life.


Sooo - I am stepping out! With God as my guide.

I bought some new running shoes with the intentions to begin a journey of having a healthy body. And, I am taking baby steps -- little things at a time. Because I find if I go full force on something, I become overwhelmed and end up not doing it. The vicious cycle gets me all the time.


So, my first step into having a healthy body is to:

1. WALK MY DOG MALLIE: EVERY MORNING - My goal is to wake-up at 6am and walk her for about 15-20 minutes before the rest of my family rises. Eventually, I will work up to running.

Let me tell you that this will be a difficult task (but not too difficult for God) because I am NOT a morning person by any means and it has always been really hard for me to get up in the mornings. BUT, this is the only time that really works for me to do this. So, I am being obedient and planning to allow God to be my strength, endurance, and guide through this challenge.
It is important that I have exercise, but also that I spend time with the Mallie. It is good because I am hoping that I can pray while I am walking too.

I hope YOU can keep me accountable as well and follow me in this process. I will be posting on facebook my daily progress and then also sharing with you weekly here on the blog. You can follow me in both places.

Stepping Forward ...

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ~ Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

Q & A : "Sickie Kit"

Question:

Tara asked Lil Daisies:
I wanted to know if you had any recommendations for having a "sickie" kit at the house ... stuff you have on hand for upset tummies, fevers, etc. I feel like I'd be ill-prepared to deal w/ a sickness in the middle of the night if one came up!


Lil Daisies Answer:

Tara,
I understand how difficult it can be scrounging through the house in the middle of the night when you are half asleep trying to comfort and deal with an ill child....it can be chaotic. I love the idea of having a sickie kit for your children, so that you can more effectively be able to give them the attention and care they need.
I have a two-fold answer to your question. I had an instant answer to your question, but then I thought more about it and researched a little bit more into the elements I would use for a home sickie kit.

First of all, I currently have a medicine kit that I have used for awhile. The container is a plastic tool box. It has different compartments and sections for me to place my medicine. This works really well. I keep the box high up in a cabinet (so little fingers don't get to it).

The cabinet also serves more as a medicine cabinet.... In the cabinet, along with the medicine box, contains heating pad, wash clothes, first-aid kit, Q-tips, Humidifier, etc.
I will list the contents of my box below, so you can see all that is contained in there at the moment.

Secondly, I found in my quick research, that I would really like alter/add/delete items to my sickie kit. I really found the idea of having more homeopathic items in the kit would be more effective and not contain as many chemicals as many over the counter drugs do. I happen to already have some homeopathic medicines in my kit and I love using them. I also like to try and use aromatherapy essential oils in remedies for my children. I currently have some basic oils that I use...for example a couple drops of lavender in the bath to help calm down, or a couple drops on a warm wet washcloth when they cuts and scrapes, or eucalyptus or tea tree oil on a cotton ball placed by the humidifier to help soothe coughs and cold symptoms.

Here is a few websites and a book that I think will help me in adjusting my new sickie kit. I am really interested in learning more about making homemade remedies for my children.

Homemade Medicine

Lastly,
I must state for some of the readers who might have their nose turned up against homeopathic medicines. I am one for conventional medicines -- but, I do find the overuse a bit abusive in today's society and I do believe it is easy to run to the Doctor for little ailments that can easily be remedied at home. There is not a cure or antibotic for every ailment- even your Pediatrician will say that. Sometimes you have to let the sickness run its course...however, you can find ways to bring comfort to your child as they "wait" through it.
And, if your child is really sick (trust your mommy instincts!), please call your Doctor and talk with them about it.

Thanks Tara for an insightful question!
I hope this helps you in creating your own "sickie" Kit! How about you -- do any of you have ideas or kits that you have created?

BELLA

My Medicine Kit (I have a Kit for the Kiddos & a Kit for the Big People -- this is just a list of what is contained in the Kiddos Kit)

On the Lid:
Phone numbers on the lid of the kit (Doctor's Numbers, Pharmacy Number, etc.)

Thermometer
Tissue
Lip Cream
Losenges
Heating Pad

Medicines:
Fever Reducers/Headaches:

• Ibuprofen
• Tylenol

Allergy Medicine - Claritin
Benadryl - in case of hives, inflammatory reactions, etc.

Nose - allergies/stuffy nose, etc.

• Saline Nasal Spray

Leg - for leg cramps

• hylands leg ointment creme

Ear

• Hylands Earache Drops

Cold/Flu/Cough Medicines

Flu -

• Hylands Flu Care 4 Kids

Cold/Cough -

• Hylands Cough Syrup
• Hylands Cold & Cough

Essential Oils:
Lavender Oil
Tree Tea Oil
Peppermint Oil
***************************

Here is a whole "kit" from Hylands that offer a varitey of remedies for a variety of illnesses. I would love to have something like this.

If you have questions for Lil Daisies -- I would love to try an answer it for you. Click the "Contact" button above to ask your questions!

Is it time for a muffin/coffee or tea break?

There is just something comforting about a homemade muffin -- straight out of the oven, moist, warm, deliciously nutritious~! Comfort!

Wouldn't you like to come over for a cup of coffee or tea and warm delicious homemade muffin? Let's make a date!

This recipe was actually given to me from a friend of mine and with scratch handwriting I wrote it down on a piece of note paper. I found this scratch paper when I was cleaning and organizing my office. I was so delighted! I hadn't made these in awhile -- and so inspired to make some!
However, I did not write the name of the original recipe on the paper-- so, I decided to call them Lil Daisies Fabulous Oatmeal Muffins!

I am delighted to share the recipe with you! I am going to make some either today or tomorrow -- because just writing about them is making my mouth water with a craving for them.

One thing I love about this recipe is that it is simple, but diverse! You can literally make them "your own" flavor and liking with just the snap of a few ingredients. It is a great recipe.
If you try them out -- I would love to hear what you came up with. Please share!


Lil Daisies Fabulous Oatmeal Muffins

Oven: 400 degrees
Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 18 or 12 large

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 2 cups cold liquid (cold coffee, milk, juice --anything cold --not hot!)
• 1 cup fruit pulp puree ( applesauce, pumpkin puree, smooshed bananas, -- any fruit pulp!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 cups flour

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
2. Soak Oatmeal in cold liquid till softened about 10 -15 minutes
3. Add fruit pulp and mix
4. Stir in salt, soda, baking powder
5. Add flour, stir to blend. DON'T over stir!
6. Bake until lightly browned and toothpick comes out clean -- about 15 minutes.

NOTES:
* Can freeze these!!
* Can add in other ingredients at the of # 5 (right before baking) -- such as dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, apricots, cherries, etc.) or nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)

Enjoy! .....let's get together to share the yummy muffins and coffee or tea!

Throw en' up Compliments

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, more foul than vomit. Unless it’s your kid’s vomit and it’s on you.

Pause for gag reflect.

Well, I have to just give praise and words of affirmation to my husband....

...BECAUSE....

He is the one in our home to hold back our daughter's hair when she is throwing up...change her soiled clothing, put her in the shower, wash her soiled hair, hold the bowl while she is throwing up again, wipe her messy face with a wet warm wash cloth, clean the soiled sheets ....AND on top of that....

put a towel down on a pillow right next to him in bed so that he can be there for her when she does this all over again inside the bowl.

YES, he has done this many times.... YES, he did this just last night.... YES, I am blessed beyond words that my husband is the best Father in my world!

I realize that with being pregnant, my senses are BEYOND sensitive and with the smells and messies of vomit...I can't cope with that. So, having a husband who will step up and fill that typical roll of a Mother is a beautiful thing to me. And, in reality he has done this even when I am not pregnant. He is just a Motherly Father -- if that makes sense?

He is so deserving of fresh brewed coffee and a nap!

Detox my Home: Favorites

Here are some of my favorite cleaners and cleaning "agents" that I like to use.
I try to use cleaning supplies that do not contain bleach or other harsh chemicals. I am actually in the process of making my own cleaners. I am gathering recipes and in my little spare time researching alternative methods for cleaning. I do use vinegar and tea tree oil in a lot of my cleaning, but I am looking into more recipes for natural cleaners to make at home. Hopefully I can share another post about that sometime.
In regards to cleaning our bodies, I try to find products that do not contain parabens, sodium laureth Sulfates, etc.
I have found this website helpful in the past in searching for products that are better to use on our skin. Even with "Natural" products you have to be careful and look at the ingredients.

For my Lil' Daisies Skin and Hair:

Earth Mama AngelBaby: Lotions & Shampoos (This is currently what I am using on the girls)
Nature's Baby Organics: I am currently using some lotion from them and really like it.
Burts Bees: Baby Shampoo
California Baby
Weleda
Rose Water --The rose also offers a soothing property to the nerves and emotional psychological state of mind. It is regarded as a mild sedative and anti-depressant. It is increasingly used in treatments for conditions of stress: nervous tension, peptic ulcers, heart disease, among others

Cleaning Products:
The Body Shop scented oil ( I use this to help scent my home...I love the smell)
Mrs. Meyers
Method -- I have used this sparingly.
Trader Joes Hand Soap & Dish soap



What I like to use on me:
Arbonne Awaken Sea Salt Rub
Weleda
Alba Botanica

A Pathway to Healing

I met via phone conference with my certified nutritionist/homeopathic Doctor yesterday. After the phone call, I felt like just crying and crying as a release of all the emotions that have been trapped inside me this past few years. I am VERY excited to get back into health and I am VERY happy to be working with my Doctor. He has been such a blessing to my life in the way of health.

I got my "protocol" of what I will need to do in order to heal.

Restrictive Diet
Herbals
Supplements
Detox/Cleansing

So, the next few days I will be going through all of the information and digesting it ---figuring out how to adapt these HUGE changes in my life.

Thankfully, I have been through this before (just not with 3 kids) and I am not at a total loss as what I have to do. The biggest challenge is just getting on that path and taking one step at a time. Each step I take, I walk in the embrace of my Lord Jesus.

I felt like it was a little bit of sunshine for me the past few days. I am on that path to healing. I am finding joy in the midst of it.

Beer Belly

I am awaiting for Ric and myself to figure out my Picasa picture situation. Apparently we have used up our maximum space for pictures. So, I can't put any pictures on my blog until we get that all worked through. Blogger says I have reached my limit. I wish my stomach would do the same to me. I wish it would say: "Bella, you have reached your limit of food consumption for the day." But, it doesn't and so I eat...

Well, not being able to post pictures really is hard on me. It makes me feel naked. What is a blog post without a picture of some sort? So, I hope you will just enjoy words. Words. Just words.

Random Sidenote: Lydia comes into the kitchen while I am writing this and matter of factly states: "I want more beer!"
Of course, I am caught off guard, confused, and stunned at what she just said. "Oh, ha ha ha! Honey, you want more ROOTbeer."
"Yes M-aaahM! I want more Beeer!"

Back to reality of this post:
So, I have begun the ever treacherous trek of "eating healthy"....meaning I am trying to lose my 6 years of baby pudge! Now, it is not really a New Year's Resolution (though, I suppose it could be). I don't want to put it on the list of resolutions, because most of the time it ---okay all the time I never complete my resolutions.
I have actually wanted to join WW (weight watchers) for awhile now, but I wasn't able to because of the moolah issue. But, thankful to Grandma's who hand out Christmas money, I have been able to start.
Why am I letting you know? Because I am hoping that you can at least join me in prayer, motivation, your thoughts, encouragement etc. I don't want your criticism, so leave that at your side of the computer web!
It is week two and for my first week I lost 3lbs. Hoo-rah! So, it is a start. So, I celebrated with eating a piece of cake! Ah, I know. Acutally, it was my friend's birthday and I made a cake and a pie---and of course I HAD to eat it.
Well, thankfully, today is anew and I am not quitting, but trying again.

Okay friends,
Any tips?
What has kept you motivated to keep exercising, eating healthy, etc.

I am off to drink some water, not Beer! Yeah me!