Jennifer

My school is creating a national cookbook that is going to help give parents healthy simple recipes for their children and entire family.  SO EXCITING !  But, what do kids like?  I have heard on cooking shows that they do not tend to like things smothered in sauces, but they do like dipping things.  What do your kids like to eat?  Healthy whole food ideas (whole grain bread, pastas, etc. are fine) would be greatly appreciated.   I have ideas, but I think you parents are the experts when it comes to what real foods they will eat.  Thank you so much.

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FEBRUARY !!!  Ohhh-yeh!

The Plan:  All weeks, no less then 5 days and preferably 6 days of activity

First & Third week- Structured - Strength MWF, cardio/walking M-F and whatever

Second & Fouth week-Unstructured - whatever I feel I want to do and I feel my body needs

Diet: it is a strange percentage, but it gives an approximation…. 95% sugar free (no articial sweeteners what so ever) and 95% whole foods.  LOL…. it is the only number in my life.  I do not count calories, WW points, I do not get on a scale anymore.  A girl needs a little number once in awhile…. Ha.

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A note on not eating out in January….. we so did not do that.  After 2 weeks we decided to support the economy (yeh that was the reason ) and enjoy some delightful SUSHI… omg, it was SOOOO good.  :)  Oh well, good times.

SO I woke up this AM quite early, but the internet and TV were down.  So I thought I would type out this info.  After all, I did write about PMS yesterday, so it is only fair to share this. We all can’t be PMSing….. :) 

Peri-Menopause is the time prior to the last menstral cylce and this is the time where the body is sending out uneven bursts of estrogen, but steadily downward. The hormonal changes do not just occur in the ovaries though. Also afftected are the liver, the adrenal glands, the pancreas, the thymus and the hypothalamus. When the estrogen is not kept in check by the progesterone (matters become worse when one is over weight because the fat cells are creating even more estrogen), these gaps and intense fluctuations create peri-menopausal symptoms including: hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, tender breasts, moodiness, depression, heart palpatations and low libido. THE KEY TO A BETTER THEN AVERAGE EXPERIENCE DURING THIS TIME is to take care of oneself. All these symptoms can be reduced IF the adrenals are supported, hormones are kept in check, one is getting really good nutrition, exercising and encorporating relaxing type exercises into one’s life.

Ways to help with the transition:

1. Optimal Nutrition !!! Plenty of whole foods, EFAs. It is hard to imagine that what we do now for our choices in intakes is really going to affect our health. It seems that the now is all we can think about, but good health later, starts NOW. This ought to help me stick to developing my new nutrtional lifestyle. Ha.

2. Support adrenals with a good multivitamin and if concerned, research the optimal vitamin and mineral requirements. I will not write about herbs because I do not want to feel responsible for the impropper use or abuse of herbs (they must be taken seriously and treated like other meds). That said, (lmao) I will say that one that is really helpful for supporting the adrenals is Siberian Ginseng and I like the tea. Ginseng is said to be an adaptogen which means it helps us to resist the negative effects of all stress including physical, chemical and psychological. It also helps to regenerate the adrenals and apparently (cool) replace depleted chi.

3. Speak to doctors, pharmacists, and other educators (research yourself) on ways to raise progesterone. Not all progesterone is usable by the body so it is best to get the kind that is.

4. Take care of bones with diet, exercise (weight bearing ones especially), stop smoking and prepare emotionally for the change

MENOPAUSE

How lucky I feel to be able to learn all this now. I really feel for so many ladies who have struggled and then some just do not. How lucky are they!

This is not a time where one is trying to get back to the wonder years. I gather women just want to feel alive and fulfilled. A woman does not need or want I am sure those hormones that kept them furtile. But enough estrogen and progesterone is needed to maintain bones, prevent atherosclerosis, keep hair, skin and mucus membranes health, and maintain (get back?) a healthy sex life.

Adrenal health comes into play when we are pre-peri-menopausal (lol) and peri-menopausal. It just seems that this is a time of increased stress for many people. And who actually felt the impact of the stress on their bodies in their 20s? I didn’t really or at least now it is different.  Now I feel things…. 

Adrenals are so important because they produce DHEA, a steroid hormone that is interconvertable into estrogen and progesterone and it is so important because it can make the transition into peri- and menopause much smoother and also protect the cardiovascular system and bones. Adrenals do not decline, but they must be supported with a good lifestyle otherwise their function becomes exhausted and decreased.The medulla secretes adrenaline and noraadrenaline which stimulates receptors and this prepares the body for “fight or flight”. Energy is taken away from all other systems that are not seen as critical in times of little, moderate and extreme stress in order to deal with some ordeal or stress. It is good because it allows us to react and run from that big bear that might be behind us so we do not become dinner. But seriously, in times of stress, digestion is decreased because at that moment of intensity it does not see food as a priority. NOT good for those who are aiming for good digestion. So eating in peace is a good tip. No worries! Adrenaline also stimulates ACTH secretion which releases cortisol and too much is NOT good for weight loss, especially around the adbomen because it affects the blood sugars. In excess itt can also affect the immune system, accelerate aging and cause stomach ulcers.

What stresses the adrenals?

1. stress, people, things, NOT DEALING WITH STRESS. The time seriously might be here for us to get out of our heads and deal better. I know! GRRR…just a little gurr…..

2. stimulants - caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate), high sugar diet, chronic alcohol

3. chronic inflammation and allergies

4. cigarette smoking, drugs

5. working long hours

6. lengthy exposure to fluorescent lights

7. excessive exercising or physical demands

8. a sedentary lifestyle

9. by responding to the environment as if it is a threatening or fearful place

The adrenals need a healthy diet rich in vitamin C, bioflavenoids, B vitamins and EFAs. And by looking at what causes the stress from above, it is pretty evident all the ways that one can help themselves and their adrenals. Not everything can be adjusted, but some tweaking for good health seems like a place to start. I KNOW I could reduce in my middle and thighs if I could just continue with what I am doing diet and exercise wise and also worked on stress reduction.

This is info. I wanted to share because in reading so many ladies’ blogs I see it is an issue.  And I thought I would share a little on this topic.  PLUS, sharing more here when it applies, is actually really good for me, since I will be tested, yikes, sometime this year.

Symptoms of PMS, as many of us know: changing emotions, headaches, fatigue, fluid retention, constipation, sugar cravings, weight gain, acne, backache, abdonimal cramping, panic attacks, low libido  (some say that these occur from too much estrogen and not enough progesterone.  There are a variety of ways that xenoestrogens are getting into our bodies and causing something like you might have heard in the news or in papers called Estrogen Dominance.)  Anyways…… You can let me know if you want this list.  I do not want this blog to be a downer.  It is about doing positive things for ourselves!!

4 Identified Types of PMS

PMS-A   ‘A’nxiety, emotional changes, outbursts  (a sign of high copper and low zinc)

PMS-D   ‘D’epression, forgetfullness, withdrawl, fear, paranoid, suicidal  (a sign of low serotonin)

PMS-C   ‘C’ravings for certain foods (sign of higher insulin or deficiences, low serotonin.  Possibly low magnesium or low prostaglandin)

PMS-H   ’H'eaviness or ‘H”eadache, fluid retention, bloating, weight gain (affecting it could be high aldosterone, stress low magnesium, poor B6 metabolism)

There are numerous things that can be done to help with PMS : ( just a few)

1. Increase intake of phytoestrogens - flax seeds, unprocessed plain soybeans, Edamame, legumes, whole grains, sprouts, parsley, apples, seaweed, cabbage, broccoil, kale, bok choy, cauliflower, collard greens, brussel sprouts, sesame seeds, garlic

2. Low glycemic foods (stabilize blood sugar), Whole foods, reduce or get rid of the junk, Vegetarian type diet, high fiber (this will all increase serotonin and help with constipation), Limit dairy and choose organic when ever possible.

3. Support the adrenal glands that really suffer in times of stress - be sure to eat foods high in vitamin C (fruits and veggies) and Bs (whole grains and legumes)…. more too, but this is a good start.

4. Avoid stimulants like caffeine (coffee, tea and chocolate) that over stimulate the adrenals causing anxiety, forgetfulness, moodiness, unstable blood sugars and an increased turnover of vitamins and minerals.  Depleted is not a good state to be in!

5. Calcium and Magnesium rich foods (supplements if need be) help with muscle aches and cramping.  Magnesium rich foods can also decrease sugar cravings and help one to be more calm and have better sleep.  Magnesium is also good for constipation.  Also increasing omega 3s and reducing animal fat is a way to help with inflammation and pain.

6. Increase serotonin.  There are a variety of ways to do so including eating foods rich in tryptophan and B vitamins like grains. Being around full spectrum lighting or going outside to enjoy the beautiful SUN.  Also ways to increase serotonon: exercise lightly to moderately (excessive stresses the adrenals IN SOME PEOPLE who are already prone to having stressed out adrenals - like those who are stressed), eat well and balanced meals to ensure you get all the vitamins needed, EFAs like that from flax and oily fish, eat a complex carbohydrate rich diet with good protein sources, meditate, sleep and rise at the same time, do fun activities that raise your spirit, find social supports, change your circumstances to relieve stress, organize your environement and work on an improving mental state 

7. Foods that tend to be naturally diuretic - dandelion greens, asparagus, parlsey, watermelon, grapes, cucumber

I need to relay some info. from my notes that woman who are on the pill tend to be low in vitamin B6, B12 and B2.  Vitamin C and iron can also be low.  But unfortunately copper can be high and excess copper is not good for moods.  Infact, it can be a reason for depression.  New copper pipes? Oh yeh, not good.   Hmmmm….. we had some new copper pipes installed in the summer of last year because one was leaking.  Anyways, the point is, we are surrounded by pollution, stressful situations and junk food, just to name a few.  The very least we can do for ourselves is to feed ourselves like the goddesses we are, exercise, find ways to be happy and live a good life.  There is only one, right?  lol   Hmmmm….

 Have a great day Everyone!

Gentle CleanseWhy? The body can do a great job of detoxing itself with just a few elliminations from the diet. I do not think that most extreme cleanses are safe OR should be done by most people. Those who should not do intense cleanse, should be very careful and should seek the help of a certified professional when wanting to make changes and become healthier: the malnourished or who have a poor diet, those who have a severe dysbiosis or candidiasis, those who are hypoglycemic, have syndrome X or are diabetic, the pregnant, those with ulcers, those who are sick, have a fever, those who are very stressed, very thin, very obese or those who have cancer.   Of course with the guidance of a professional, individual tweaking can be done to make it more appropriate. We are all unique.  But I had to present this warning as changes in diet can be both good and bad sometimes. Life is never simple, this is for sure.

I have not done the ReCleanse detox in years, but the menu plan is just smart and a great way to cleanse with out herbs/pills or dare I say, some of the crap that people are pushing on the general public that should not be pushed/advertised. http://www.recleanse.com/fe-d.html

I start with something like….warm filtered water, juice of at least 1/2 a lemon, little fresh ginger (Stimulates stomach acid and is good for me who needs that)  or unsweetened concentrated cranberry juice w/ filtered water

Some kind of a vegetable and/or fruit blended drink (today: beet, spinach and cranberry concentrated juice, water) or salad (spinach, 1/2 orange, few walnut halves)

Then eat normal balanced meals: breakfast, lunch, snack, supper

Whole foods, smaller portions puts less stress on the digestive system and allows for good cleansing.  Any concerns with a slowing of the metabolism, do you own research.  This is a way to assist the organs of the body and it can last as long or as short as you like.  One should not be hungry.

Protein: beans, lentils, chickpeas, almond butter, walnuts, fish, shrimp, salmon, sardines, yogurt (must make this though, have not done this yet), eggs

Carbohydrates: vegetables, fruit, brown rice, quinoa, anything else whole in my cupboard, little almond or brown rice milk (not sweetened)  

Good fat: FLAX SEEDS, nuts, other seeds, olive oil, coconut oil (the body likes a little saturated fat), avocado

Eating like this provides good fiber !!!  Fiber, fiber, fiber…..

Flavor add-ons: herbs, spices (kind of avoiding hot spicey stuff though), Bragg soy sauce, fresh lemon juice

I am avoiding: sugar, most dairy, vinegar (this is tough for me, but I crave it…makes me feel not so good to consume it. Might think about apple cider vinegar…maybe), all caffeine, alcohol, wheat, all gluten foods, corn

I will be aiming for only organic animal products in the future. I really am beginning to understand the negative impact of the junk that is in our food. Hormones, pesticides, herbicided, xenoestrogens (in plastics and household chemicals.) If you do your own research and find anything interesting, please let me know if you could. Thanks. No chemicals or preservatives (especially tartrazine and all other food colorings)

I salt my food lightly with sea salt as the body needs sodium and sea salt offers other minerals too. With out salt I get too light headed and shakey. PLUS, salt and zinc are needed to help the stomach produce hydrochloric acid which is needed for protein digestion. Without adequate stomach acid, PROBLEMS.  

Fluids: filtered water, cranberry juice, herbal teas and one advanced cleansing herb/tea and one herbal extract for the detoxing of microbes like yeast (these last two are only for one week), CafLib as a treat beverage if I feel like it  Chorella and my vitaminsWHY DO I HAVE TO BE SO INTENSE WITH MY DIET WHERE IT SEEMS OTHERS DO NOT?

Fave quote:  “Do your best and forget about the rest!”

Jan1- walking   x

Jan2- circuit -weights, pilates, cardio & Wii boxing    √ 

Jan3-elliptical  √

Jan4- intense activity, stretching  √

Jan5- strength training, kickboxing , walking √

 Jan6- elliptical, butt exercises (listening to The Tea Party…..very relaxing)  √

Jan7- elliptical, strength training  √

(6/7)

Jan8 - elliptical, butt exercises, 10 of my fave yoga poses  √

Jan9- x

Jan10-walking √

Jan11-walking  x

Jan12- moving furniture so that elliptical is right infront of window where I can enjoy, elliptical(while listening to Nickleback), Butt exercises (The Tea Party)  √

Jan13- elliptical, intense free and new strength training DVD  for biceps and back (P90X)  √ √ 

Jan14-elliptical, P90x -legs and back, but I left out the pull-ups (arms and back are feeling the burn from yesterday) and did Butt exercises and Abs instead  √

(5/7)

Jan15- pilates  √

Jan16- elliptical, P90X mostly legs, chest, triceps  √

Jan17-Butt exercises (4), windsor pilates butt and thigh (I no longer watch the dvd as I have a list of the ex’s), ab wk,  - all done to the new Battlestar Galactica  & lots of walking  √

Jan18- long early morning walk (listening to  Hinder, Britney Spears and my classical mix), long walk shopping, elliptical , mulekicks √  √

Jan 19 - did not feel so well so I took the day off , didn’t feel awful, just not 100% -  x

Jan 20 - circuit: alternating free weights, abs, butt exercises and elliptical (no music, watching the news and pre-inauguration) √

Jan 21 - Hard Body Yoga √

(6/7)

Jan 22 -Hatha yoga x

Jan 23 -elliptical, walking √ 

Jan 24 - elliptical x

Jan 25 - dancing, Butt book exercises (4), cleaning…..oh cleaning, elliptical  √ √

Jan 26 - elliptical, Hard Body Yoga, step ups for as long as I can (moderate speed & effort) x2   √

Jan 27 -butt exercises, pilates √

Jan 28- walking, yoga tape (new/old one), butt ex’s √

(5/7)

Jan 29- my own made up routine of dancing (cross between, dirty dancing and Senegalese…lol Oh good I learned something positive from that ex-boyfriend  Ha!), kickboxing, strength training and playing string with Oscar.  Also butt ex’s.  Not sure how long, but it was the entire length of Nickleback’s new CD.  :)  √

Jan 30- butt exercises, pilates, walking √

Jan 31- strength (Get Ripped)

February: What a perfectly laid out month my birthday month is!  ha.

The Plan:  All weeks, no less then 5 days and preferably 6 days of activity

First week- Structured - Strength MWF, cardio/walking M-F and whatever

Second week-Unstructured - whatever I feel I want to do and I feel my body needs

Third week-Structured - Strength MWF, cardio/walking M-F and whatever

Forth week-Unstructured - whatever I feel I want to do and I feel my body needs

Well the pictures do not lie and let me tell you, I put the worst one up on my before and afters, because why not.  Is there anything more depressing then the first pictures taken since you realised you are right where you started here 3 years ago.   I changed my 250 pound picture from high school, because I am just not her anymore.  I refuse to see myself as any number.  I am not about to dwell more then I have - a couple hours now.  I am a bit exhausted with disgust actually.  But I am brushing myself off, throwing some cold water on my face, cranking the music REALLY loud, putting a real smile on my face and I am going to do this all over again. 

http://www.chep.org/gfb/index.html

The Good Food box was such a surprise!!!  And it was all organic as I ordered.  I do believe I would have spent more at the store for the same amount.  I buy all of this from the grocery story (except I have not had squash FOR SO LONG), but not all is organic.  So this is so neat!  Better then Christmas!  ;) 

They said during the winter season not all can be collected locally, of course.  I am just so pleased.

-baby spinach leaves

-romaine lettuce heart

-alfalfa sprouts

-squash (YUM… so excited)

-bag of carrots

-many potatoes (When it is the end of the week and we are thinking about going to the grocery store for ‘wants’, I am going to create a comfort meal with a few of these potatoes…. so many potatoes.  Glad they last a long time.  Recipe ideas are welcome…. Tx)

-garlic

-bag of dried green peas

-bag of whole wheat flour  (pancakes as a treat?  not sure what I will make)

-celery

-many apples

-bananas

-kiwi(s?)- Usually our kiwi are from NewZealand, but this AM I read these are from the USA.  Well thank you to the US for my kiwi. 

Well worth the 30.00 and I will be placing another order in the coming weeks.  They say they vary the produce so it should be a nice surprise each time.   

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Oh, and I am taking a cue from Jane I am doing a light cleanse today.  Though I will be having a little salmon for supper.  But all fruits, mostly veggies and some walnuts (I do not have almonds).   It works out well because I have this new produce plus some older produce too.  I have studied about various cleanses and short and light cleanses are best for most people.  

The reason we detox or cleanse is to rid our body of various chemicals and organism (which are in too high numbers like bad bacteria and yeast. PEOPLE WHO CRAVE SUGARY THINGS often will have excess yeast) and doing so too quickly will cause these organisms to be destroyed and it is thought that the chemicals they then release from their dead cells is actually quite unhealthy.  Hence the ill feeling many people have when doing intense or extreme detoxes.  The body does not actually “get rid” of the bacteria so effectively as I understand it (constipation and when there is an excess), though some are clearly excreted.  They must die.  So the key is to not feed them the sugar they want and poop regularly.  We need some broken down sugars to live, but NOT the excessive amounts we so often have.  Oh yeh, I know this… *sigh*   A gradual end to these “critters” lol is best, so says many experts.  They don’t say critters though, they use words like pathogens and microbes….hehe.  Thank you Jane for inspiring me to write this.  I read about this, dysbiosis, in what seems like every new section.  A healthy digestive system is ESSENTIAL to good health.  But regular gentle cleansing helps all body systems to do their best and that means a better quality of life.

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Speaking of doing my best….. update on accepting that I will be a success…..

I am most pleased that this week I have steadily and dramaticly seen a change in my mental game with food.  I am so at ease.  AS SOON as I say I can have it all, peace.  When I say no to anything I want I want.  So just no rules is really affective for me.  And then also enjoying the small portions has been an absolute success.

But most of all, I have been so into my studies and good at saying no to certain domestic things that bug me usually if left (like not unloading the dishwasher or doing only 1 load of laundry instead of 3).  Basically I am pacing myself and putting my goals at the top of my list.

I have been more relaxed and way more at peace.  Just telling myself that I will do something has worked.  Plus, the activity is there and it is here to stay!  Love it.  Though I still do have to be aware of it so it does not slip from my day.  Love the list of activity so that I am doing at least 6 days a week.

After the cleanse last night I did have a bit more food as it was needed after some additional activity.  Listening to what my body tells me, NOT the voice in my head which can be so negative.  Voice: “that is too fattening” or “you know you will never be a success”.  All good.  But then I think balance has been achieved.  I got so much studying in this week.   More success to come.

So everything has been great, but by far the greatest success has been the peace and happiness that resides in me and around me.  I placed some old and new pics up too on my home page for motivation.  I love that strong picture.  Makes me smile. 

Most days I am feeling well.  I still feel ill if I eat certain foods, but all will be figured out soon with the help of science.  If I were to drop all the suspects, what I can eat would be cut by a quarter.   (corn, soy, dairy-I LOVE DAIRY, peanut butter, tomatoes, wheat, broccoli - I LOVE STEAMED BROCCOLI, all chemical preservatives)  I think I have a bit of an imbalance/dysbiosis, because my moods are all over the place… blah

Well just thought I would update.

Have a good one!

The plan was to just read some blogs and not blog myself.  Well some other blogs made me think. 

Yesterday was such a positive day with the Inaugaration of President Obama.  I was so absorbed with the energy and messages of peace and hope.   Then I thought about Martin Luther King who lived a short but precious life of non-violence.   It all led me on a path of thinking.  We as citizens desire peace, but where does peace begin and where does injustice end?  Does peace begin with a new president or policy?  Hope and action, ok.  But peace?  Peace begins with ourselves.  If we hope for peace on the grand stage, this world, then how can we over indulge and violate our spirit and bodies by over indulging in excess and chemical filled foods?  Non-violence begins with each small and large choice or action we make for ourselves and then beyond.  (ahhh..reminds for me *taps self* )

Prayers and wishes.

 Plans and actions.

Weightloss is hard work and will take time.

PLEASE take some time to visit Catrina’s blog with regards to her sister-in-law.   Surgeries, pills and radical cleanses are not the answer.  Just because they might SEEM to work for some does not mean they should be used EVER.  It is my opinion.  Be mad if you will, but I do not recommend it.  Stress is weight loss’s adversary.  My behind would have to agree.  Our bodies are so good at giving us feedback.

http://blt4ever.buddyslim.com/2009/01/20/update-on-my-sister-in-law-who-had-gastric-bypass-surgery/

This log is really working for me.  I thought this week, now why can’t I make a plan that is nice and neat and gets everything in and then just stick to it?  Then I thought, I am not a machine.  I need to decide on each day with no pressure what I am going to do.  Besides, everyday I need to listen to what my body is telling me.  Maybe it really feels like I can do a lot and other days, not so much.  So I am listening and getting to it.

I am enjoying everything and trying to relax, especially when I feel like I could scream….lol  Seriously the exercise is keeping me smiling. 

My Activity log

√ = at least 45 minutes of activity.  And the goal is 5/7 days per week of activity and preferably 6.  Fun is good.  Whether it is a mind set, a fun activity or doing something I enjoy while working out, whatever!   Fun and no pressure is the goal, because I want to keep the activity going…. and going. 

Fave quote this week:  “Do your best and forget about the rest!”

Jan1- walking   x

Jan2- circuit -weights, pilates, cardio & Wii boxing    √ 

Jan3-elliptical  √

Jan4-let’s just say intense activity, stretching  √

Jan5- strength training, kickboxing , walking √

 Jan6- elliptical, butt exercises (listening to The Tea Party…..very relaxing)  √

Jan7- elliptical, strength training  √

(6/7)

Jan8 - elliptical, butt exercises, 10 of my fave yoga poses  √

Jan9- x

Jan10-walking √

Jan11-walking  x

Jan12- moving furniture so that elliptical is right infront of window where I can enjoy, elliptical(while listening to Nickleback), Butt exercises (The Tea Party)  √

Jan13- elliptical, intense free and new strength training DVD  for biceps and back (P90X)  √ √ 

Jan14-elliptical, P90x -legs and back, but I left out the pull-ups (arms and back are feeling the burn from yesterday) and did Butt exercises and Abs instead  √

(5/7)

Jan15- pilates  √

Jan16- elliptical, P90X mostly legs, chest, triceps  √

Jan17-Butt exercises (4), windsor pilates butt and thigh (I no longer watch the dvd as I have a list of the ex’s), ab wk,  - all done to the new Battlestar Galactica  & lots of walking  √

Jan18- long early morning walk (listening to  Hinder, Britney Spears and my classical mix), long walk shopping, elliptical , mulekicks √  √

Jan 19 - did not feel so well so I took the day off , didn’t feel awful, just not 100% -  x

Jan 20 - circuit: alternating free weights, abs, butt exercises and elliptical (no music, watching the news and pre-inauguration) √

Jan 21 - Hard Body Yoga √

(6/7)

Jan 22 -Hatha yoga x

Jan 23 -elliptical, walking √ 

Jan 24 - elliptical x

Jan 25 - dancing, Butt book exercises (4), cleaning…..oh cleaning, elliptical  √ √

Jan 26 -

Note: the scale has been kidnapped !  Great.  It is not my tool for measuring my success.  Maybe if I feel like it, when I am “there” I will post a pic of me in my undies…lol  Other buddies have done this.  I am not seeking perfection, but when I am there, I will know it.  I just want to be leaner and firmer.  I am embracing my big thighs.  I shall not wish for any other genes then the ones I have.   Yah, that is it!!!

Have a super week Everyone! 

A personal test for me: Just for 5 days this week I want to know that I can have success, and plan to do well and except that I deserve this.  This is for me.  No one, not me, not any kind of temptation shall stop me, because I deserve it damnit.  No past issue shall get in the way.  This is loving me! I will update on Friday night or Saturday AM.  I know what a successful week is.  I know how it feels.  Now I just need to do it and enjoy it.  *smiles*    (The goal is to really start the process of change and it starts small and then I have to think about it and do it for many (30) thoughtful days.  But for now, just 5.)