Healthy 2014 Month 3 Day 2

Hi Folks,

So, my new health goal is to follow the 28 detox until I can get all the way through it with out cheating.  It has been a difficult task at times.  Which is really chronicled in my posts.  You can see pockets of updating when things have been stressful and a struggle.  So, this is my commitment.  This month should be better.  Lent starts tomorrow and I will give up caffeinated drinks as I always do, with hopes to be totally off it for good.  I have struggled today already having a grill cheese for lunch.  But, I will get back on the horse and keep moving forward. 
So, Giving up things for Lent is mostly the tradition, but you can also pick up better habits along the way.  I hope to follow my eating plan better as well as exercising a bit more.  Its been hard with the gross weather we have had this past week, and my busy schedule.  So, I hope next week I can pick things up again.

Lets keep this train moving... Spring is just around the corner!

a little tip-- pea protein is all the rage.. and we have been doing it for years!

Healthy 2014 Month 2 Day 18

Hi Dear Friends,

I know it has been a few days since I posted last.  I am so glad to report that Monday's weigh in shows I am down 2LBs over the last week.  I also lost 1/2inch around my waist.  All good wins!  I am excited to see my 'spare tire' that I got from my mom's family is slowly diminishing. 

I have been keeping myself in order this week.  I fixed a chicken avocado salad and had enough in the end to portion it out for 3 lunches this week.  So, my good, whole organic foods and calorie count was down and healthy!
Here is the lunch:

Avocado Chicken Salad
1/2-1 whole mashed avocado
2c shredded chicken
chopped celery(2-4 stalks)
chopped green apple (1/2)
Salt & pepper

Combine ingredients.
Serve on a bed of mixed greens.
I topped with chopped almonds & scallions 


I am excited to see what happens in the near future.  I have a good feeling things will be turning around soon!
Here is to a bright spring and an awesome summer.  I am getting excited for bikini season!

Cheers!
 

Healthy 2014 Month 2 Day 10

Hi Healthy Folks,

So, our day 10 for month 2 is upon us.  I was sick over the weekend so my appetite isn't 100% yet.  But, I am making an effort to clean up some eating habits.  its hard to adjust my eating now that my work schedule is moved earlier by an hour.  I need to get use to my new eating hours and not eat too late in the evening.  I don't have to now!  I get home earlier!!

So today I am going to take Dr. Oz's information to heart!

DAY 10
This information comes straight from Dr. Oz's Clean Detox program
The 411 On Weight Loss:
How and when weight-loss occurs varies for each person. Everyone comes into the detox with a different level of toxicity, a different genetic history, and different hormonal patterns. For many, the body will not begin to reduce inflammation and release extra weight until it has found balance through the cleansing process. Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture of why we might have excess weight in the first place.
It’s often a result of consuming foods that do not work for the body, resulting in poor digestion and toxic overload. Detox helps the body re-balance itself and help repair the damage done by years of poor habits. When you lose weight without doing this important foundational work, the weight-loss typically doesn’t last. It also doesn’t bring about the increased vitality, that in the end is what we really want. Even if you haven’t seen much weight-loss yet, hang in there. You’re doing the foundational work, and that’s what matters most. Daily bowel movements, sticking with the detox diet, and avoiding emotional snacking will encourage your body to find that sweet spot, totally unique to you. Don’t stress yourself out by stepping on the scale every day. Just remember, how you feel is a more accurate measure of success. Instead of numbers on the scale, focus on your energy level, sleep patterns, digestion, elimination, mood, and clarity of thought.

 So- For me I know that I need enough sleep.  Which is still a struggle week to week.  I need between 8-9hrs of sleep.  I have been operating for years on 6-7hrs.  College habits are hard to break.  So, this is a new year challenge for me.  I also see a difference when I take my vitamins on a regular bases, along with my regular medications.  I just have to keep reminding my self.  I also enjoy working out in the evenings.  Opposite of many people.  Working out tires me out and I can get a good nights rest knowing my body is recharging.   

My Challenge to you is to make note of some of these things.  It will help you keep your goals on track as well as knowing your body's needs better.

Cheers!

Healthy 2014 Month 2 Day 8

Hi My Healthy Bugs,

I am grateful for the continued changes in my life.  I have had success' and set backs this week as anyone will have.  I am a week in to my old medication that was giving so many issues last month.  I had some major acne, mood swings, and bloating that was just to much for me to handle.  I was able to get things back on the right track today.  I am slowly seeing my skin improve and my bloating is way down.  So, this is all good stuff.  I had some sort of stomach flu on Friday night and was in bed most of Saturday.  I only really had liquids.  So, we can see that as bad and good for the weight loss.  I really didn't loose any weight from being sick, just a 1/2 inch around my waste.  So, that's a win even if it was brought on by being sick. 
I am still needing to stay on a healthy eating.  My slip ups are not helping me with my goal.  It's great that I have changed a lot of habits.  My biggest food monster is Soda.  I love it, I go through phases when I will just drink soda water... But I always slip back into drinking it.  I have taken wheat out successfully, and 95% meat free, my soda is my one area.  I don't even eat candy or chocolate as much as I enjoy soda.  Its is down from a year or two ago.  I am down to an average of 3 a week.  But its the biggest habit to break this year!!  Slowly, I am sliding down my sugar intake.  So, this is an area to work on.  

My current goals are to continue my detox program until I can get through an entire 28 days with out cheating!
Loose my elusive LBS
Commit to 3 work outs a week. 

For my 10,000 steps I am averaging around 7,000 right now.  So, I need to get up a few more times during the day to get that healthy stepping up. 

Who's ready for this journey!

I know it was a bit negative today.  But, its to show I am not always doing as well as I hope even though I have made some good long lasting changes!

Cheers!
 

Healthy 2014 Month 2 Day 5

Hi All,

The end of January got away from me.  Even though I was trying to keep up with my eating... the blogging not so much.  So, here we are in the new month with a new detox on deck for all of Feb.  I will take some before and after pictures to share in this month.  I am continuing to eat organic whole foods.  Occasional slip for a meal. But, I am back on the horse the following meal.  This week I started eating two shakes a day to see if I can get the bloating under control.  I am excited to see what my spring time goal looks like.  I  will just have to stick to good eating while I am out on dates as that area of my life has picked up. 

I hope you all will be interested in this program as well.  It really has helped me get my life on a path of wellness that I enjoy so much!

If you are interested in finding out more about what kind of food plan I am following check out the recorded message detailed in this flier!

Love to have you along for the ride this year!!

Cheers!

Healthy 2014 Day 14

Hi Friends-
Fair warnng that this might not be the most positive of posts.  We are half way through the 28th day journey.  This detox has been positive and helpful in the past.  Even when I have had set backs I can get back on the horse and move forward.  This time has been difficault for another reason.  I has looking forward to this reset in the new year because I had fallen off the healthy eating wagon over the holidays and for a few weeks proir to that due to being unemployed.
However, it occurred to me over the weekend that my starting weight and the bloating I have experienced recently might be a change in medication rather then just a little bit of holiday weight.  This has me a bit down and upset.  I am usually very excited to get back to my healthy lifestyle and exercise.  I feel a little more defeated this time around.  I started evaluating some of the other side effects I have experienced over the last few months.  More night sweats, bloating in new areas around my waist, need for a new bra size, dry scalp.  After realizing these are all main size effects of my medication and I did allow my doctor to put me on a new brand.  I am going to continue to move my healthy lifestyle in to the new year despite set backs of any kind.  I am glad that I realized these changes now and not let it get me more frustrated.
Are you gaining unexplained weight?
There are many factors in weight gain
Stress
Medications
Menopause
Medical Condition
Food allergy

When you have changed you eating or exercise plans to become a healthier you... Evaluating the factors on this list may be a good start. Being aware of them can help you in your healthy lifestyle journey and also help in your frame of mind during this transition to a new lifestyle.  If necessary you should consult a doctor (as I will) if you feel that something is hindering you from seeing healthier results.  There may be an under lying cause that needs additional attention from a medical professional.

** Warning... be careful when googling symptoms as not to over self diagnose.  But, do some personal check in as I have and see if there are other factors that can be addressed with someone in a health care profession.

I will let you all know how this change effects my over all health.  I will be continuing my journey in to February with a new outlook!
YAY!

Cheers!


http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/5-surprising-reasons-you-are-gaining-weight

Healthy 2014 Day 9

Hi All-

It was brought to my attention today that going out to eat on a new healthy lifestyle may be difficult for some.  So, I hope to give you some options tonight of good places to try.

** First you should always have the mantra that "it is okay to ask for what you want at a restaurant." 
I always try and find something that is easiest to mortify as not to annoy the waiter or cook.  But most importantly getting what I want.

So, Lets start with a few places that are easy to go to in the LA area that will follow your new healthy lifestyle.

Sharky's
The Counter
Chipotle
Tender Greens
Hugos
Grais Madre
Sun Cafe
Just Coffee

When you go out try and pick places that have lots of veggie options.  You can always as for olive oil and lemon juice as a salad dressing.  For people such as me (wheat issues) ask for things with out bread or buns.  You can always ask for things like cheese on the side.  Some places like to give  a slice of bread as a topping, ask for those to be left off.  Less temping :)


Good Luck and eat on foodies!!

Cheers!