Jennifer

Firstly I will be reading blogs as soon as I can.  And I know there are some ladies I need to go back and read some of your older blogs.  I miss you and I have not forgotten about you.  I have just needed to do some things and refocus and I am one of those people who is really good at multitasking until I am not….lol  So, things are busy this week, but still I can feel myself starting to RELAX.

What has been working for my blues and weight loss?  (And the two do go hand and hand.)

-regular exercise (30 min of cardio/day and I am at 5 consecutive days)

-balanced eating

-reaching out to a friend

-a reduction of stress and stressful situations

-no more exposure to renovating chemicals and materials (paint, drywall and drywall dust, paint thinner, paint stripper, crack filler, tub instalation chemicals and product) - these things do place stress on our bodies and cause a depeletion in vitamins and minerals.  I detest chemicals and so that in itself is added stress.   Could write more about chemicals, BUT NO.  Yah, done with them.

-making sure I have been taking my regular vitamins plus other supplements.  I do not take many supplements as I do see them as medicine.  And St. John’s Wort is seriously helpful for me.  I am not taking the full dose, but do find I am really less anxious and less likely to EE.

-Relaxation and self care (meditation, fall clean up that is not rushed, good comedies, good music, getting a new hair cut today)

-Finding out from any source, that I am not alone in what I am feeling and experiencing

 -I am recording just for 5 days to make sure my nutrition is back on.  It has been all over the place and not a desirable place for weight loss.

-REMEMBERING (this has been tough lately) that a high fiber/phytic acid diet can reduce zinc levels and low zinc levels CAN cause a variety of issues including a decreased immune system and low sex drive (among other issues).  One of my favorite high fiber cereals DOES NOT have added zinc where as others do.  Since adding a little zinc when I was ill and when ever I see that I am having those high fiber foods some what frequently I have been feeling a lot better. ;)  Mostly I am eating zinc rich foods.  I am writing this company to ask them why their cereal does not contain added zinc. One serving contains 8 grams of fiber and eaten semi regularily with a healthy diet also contributing to good, I SAY GOOD *smiles* fiber, could lead to low zinc levels.  It is important to know that the requirement of vitamins and minerals is VERY INDIVIDUAL and the symptomalogy is often a better indicator then blood tests.  My tests showed that everything is fine and yet my health was not fine.  Things are finally better.

And what I can believe is INCREASED SERETONIN.  :) 

Today David and I are going to the Trans Siberian Orchestra and I am feeling like it is Christmas.  Not because of the show, this was David’s pick (I picked the James Blunt concert) but rather it IS ELECTION DAY.   I will enjoy the show!   But this election affects more in this world then Canada’s resent election.  SO as soon as I am home tonight, my eyes will be glued to the TV.  I am so excited!!  Yep, I am a giddy kid.  Let’s go Obama voters!!!  I am cheering on my McCain supporting buddies too especially because you have (a) heart(s) of gold.  Love you all!  *hugs*