Jennifer

Had a bit of a tough go lately with eating too fast which slow eating is key to my success.  My mind seems to be everywhere, but not so much on the enjoyment.  Well not today.  Today I make food awareness and pleasure a part of the routine!  Fresh, fresh, fresh food.  Now what is there not to love!

And a thank you to a friend who said to me and I am paraphrasing, ‘you had this kind of a day (yesterday, not ideal), but you are going to have a more balanced day tomorrow, right?! ‘  Hehe….. very nice one!!   *HUGE smiles*

Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy day….

Tea cheers to you.

I am against picking sides.  I like to use my own brain and see the good in everyone. 

It is so often easy to see the negative in others because it is so very present in ourselves usually.

No understanding, no ears to hear, no eyes to really see.

Afraid that a truth may be discovered or a secret may be pushed deeper?

Who doesn’t want someone to come to their defense?! Of course we do.  But where does anger get anyone, EVER?

(Thoughts & respect for those who have passed, defending our freedoms.)

I was disgusted to hear of the young girl who had a cartoon written about her by students who were contemplating ways to kill her/a student.  My fricking god!!!

 When will people ever get a clue???  - they say it begins with one person.  Me.  You.  

AHHHHHH…….ahhhhh………..then there’s what matters……..

Amongst the garbage and the anger of this world…….. beaUtiful Stillness and Peace.

How I let my anger go today?  I stopped being angry at not having done the cleaning and laundry over the weekend and realised, it is not the end of the world.  I got stood up for numerous outings in the last while and realised, that anger festers inside and does NOTHING but create more negativity.  Now, duh!  A nice *ValleyGirl DUH* …..lol

Let’s it all go!

Peace. 

Today I am inspired by Nancy who is doing her thing and today is dealing with the food fears.  That is a huge task considering so many of us have dieted or at least been aware of food choices for SO LONG.  How does one deal with the food police in their heads?  It does start to be too much sometimes and addressing them is critical in not developing issues with food, eating disorders.

Though I danced with bulimia many years ago and got scared when my teeth started to hurt, I never was what you call a bulimic or at least an extreme case.  It was more stress induced and occassional.  Hell even a therapist said I could not be a part of the group therapy because I was not bad enough…. All righty!  lol  God, the teenage years!  But my bigger issue has been with all my health issues through out my life and then a bigger then bigger issue was the development of an eating disorder that I did not even know was an eating disorder.  It is called Orthorexia nervosa.  This is the obsession with healthy food thinking that it is the way to good or optimum health.  I have tendancies more so towards it, but still.  Yikes!  The thing is, with all obsessions, there comes stress and preoccupations with certain foods.  And if there is one thing the body does not like is the same things over and over….not even healthy food.  Enjoyment, stress reduction, reasonable nutrition, moderate exercise, fresh water, clean air and the body can usually find the balance that it desires.  But piss around with obsessions and imbalance is sure to occur. 

So, I want to eat a little more food because my senses are telling me this is right and suddenly I feel the fear.  Well Nancy jolted my thoughts this AM because she is eating a larger amount of calories and I suspect her body is telling her, “feed me! “I (her body) work so hard for you so give me some damn food!!!”  The key is listening to the voice of wisdom within and not having those thoughts in our heads forming swirling food issues.  So I feel so awesome that, yes I had a good day yesterday until the night came and then I started to feel bad for going over my approximate calorie quota, but luckily I snapped RIGHT our of it, because of a buddy, because of Buddyslim in this instance.  I mean it is good to have somewhat of a goal, otherwise no new places are discovered, but gee!  Let’s get serious about addressing the fear and NOT feeling guilty for living and enjoying some of the yummies of life. 

There is a lot of fear on this site about food.  I have these fears or thoughts sometimes.  And I am for one thankful that Nancy is addressing it like I have read no where, here or anywhere.  Thank you to Nancy for bring up food fears.  We deserve to be free of this insanity. 

Now I am off for a good breakfast and after my food settles, a nice Saturday morning interval walk.  Today will be a great day if I manage to not have shin splints!  I may just start slower then I like since this will be my first interval walk of the year. (…turned out to be a gentle walk around the river.)

It always comes back to Intuitive Eating…. live, laugh, eat consciously, move, feel well.

I hope everyone has wonderful thoughts today and if any of the junk pops in for a visit, well, swoosh them right out!  This is what I had success with today.  And peace of mind is EVERYTHING!

An article on the topic of Orthorexia nervosa:

http://www.beyondveg.com/bratman-s/hfj/hf-junkie-1a.shtml 

Sometimes you stumble onto things at just the right time in life.  You can feel the changes happening.  It is like some force in life is pulling you away from the very thing you always thought was your path.  Funny how these things happen.  Annoying and funny.  What to do, what to do in this life.  But I feel a life change.  A big change…………. What?  I do not know. 

I am thankful for the results of my test as it was confirmed that food is not my problem. The nutritionist was pleased that I had such a varied diet. Sure I could go easier on the dairy, I should avoid large amounts of certain seafoods (which I do) and I should limit the amount of lentils, but mostly it was good to chat with a nutritionist who could provide a little more perspective and guide me towards some other areas that might be helpful. Just thought I would share that.   Happy to also share that I am FINALLY enjoying food again.

I think so highly of my wonderful buddies here. I just really adore you all and admire you, well, for your uniqueness and strengths. I must apologize to my newer buddies who I have not gotten to know so well. I needed to step back from this place just a little and you know, it worked for me to do so. I feel so much more patience with my body (not all the time, but a lot of the time). I will share one thing. I was in this interesting position the other day, strangely, in the kitchen light, and I could see my loosey goosey skin/fat just hanging and jiggling and you know, a smile came over my face. WHO cares! I decided to just see the humor in it… The humor in how I have fought for so long to try and change out of vanity. Ahhhh NOW this moment was peaceful. I accepted me in all that I was. Mind, body and spirit merged in bliss and that was priceless. There will be a day when I am a little less to be sure, but I wouldn’t say that I could be happier then than I was smiling at that moment with my imperfect perfection. Today I am thankful for my peacefulness within, my lovely sweetie who I hope has a good time in Vancouver and my lovely lovely cat who after he meowed and meowed decided to sleep at my feet. Sure I was awake, but it was priceless.I have been and will be continually influenced by numerous people here, my buddies whether I am here or gone. 

I just realised thanks to a buddies blog (thank you Kimmi) that some one left here and I was in fact missing a buddy.  When I checked a special list on the back of my bookmark of  buddies I was able to decifer who it was who left - Jillian!  I am most sorry if I missed a post saying she was leaving.  She was such a lovely lady, so positive.  Things change in life and certainly big changes are needed sometimes in life inorder to shake things up. This site is not the end all be all for weight loss.  In the end we have to be accountable to ourselves.  I have been thinking a lot about how important it is to feel and be independent on this journey.  You know, feel supported and support others who you connect with, but still do for myself more.  This is my weight loss journey after all and I have choices to make, consistant ones.  

Jillian, I wish I could have told you how special you are.  Well I hope you know it anyways.  Maybe you will read this.  I wish you all the best.  Hugs to you……………..

I see Tasha too left.  Always hugs to you.  A lady who when I got to kind of know her a bit, I saw her as a truly great one.   

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!

I know that a lack of regular exercise has compounded everything lately, so after reading my buddies blogs, I have decided to put consistancy and love for my body into practice.  On my Christmas list: a calm mind and maintenance. Any loss is a bonus. 

I am being accountable HERE and will share..mostly for me.

Well only my choices and actions will gets results.  I do not want to forget anyone, but the buddies that come to mind who get things done are Kama, Catrina, Shannon, Anj and Lori.  Jane too has been doing absolutely awesome with her new diet.  And Jo, we have these ups and downs, but you have been my inspiration since you have been back.  Things are rough sometimes and it catches us when we least expect, but you have been doing so well, so please remember the progress and strides you have made to bring activity back into your life.  *hugs*  Clearly you gals are going to be on the Nicely done list!  Kudos to these woman and everyone else who is consistant and no matter what, eating reasonably and WORKING OUT CONSISTANTLY!  Yeh baby.  Some of us just slip and fall nearly off the radar, but getting back to it is key for many of us.  Loved the messages of not getting down on yourselves, but rather just starting new, each and every day and moment.  I love this and I wish we all could just shout it from the roof tops.

For the rest of this month and beyond (but I will focus on this, this month)…. EXERCISE!  Everyday I will do something and no less them 30 minutes.  Yes, even on Christmas day.  My parents have a recumbant bike so that will be a nice change.  I am aiming to alternate cardio/long walks and pilates/yoga but any activity will do.  Fun and energizing activity.  I think it is time to get back to some Wii boxing and bowling too. 

After all, balance is essential for good health and happiness.

I am already thinking about all the treats.  Had some yesterday at an old clients apartment.  This is what she does, herbal tea (she can not have caffeine) and treats.   Key for me is to know what I love and enjoy portions.  Yesterday I had a few too many cookies and cakes, but the long walk in the blistering cold had to at least balance the sweets.  Ha!

Still what am I looking forward to having?

My Mom’s date cookies, wheat salad (yummy and ONCE A YEAR, yah), turkey, homemade cranberry sauce (I will make,  my Mom is an open the can lady), sweet potatoes, egg nog, Turtles (I LOVE TURTLES), my Aunts broccoli salad, fruit cake.  Yep if I can get a little of this in, I will be a happy gal.  The big goal when I go home…. not to be the old me who just says it’s ok to get let loose.  Portions are still important and I do not mean for weight loss.  I mean I am forseeing the results of ‘letting go’ and I want to be good in my mind and not let the food be a comfort blanket.  Fun, pleasurable treats and some progress (in mind and maybe in body, maintaining is cool) to start the New Year.  This is what is on my list this month. 

Accountability List:

Dec. 3 - 45 min. walk in the cold

Dec. 4 - 18 min pilates (butt and thigh), 5 min. of continueous Ab work (alternating specific muscle groups) & 20 min. walk 

When I think about Thanksgiving I think of giving thanks for all the things that are in my life, but I must confess I did not think of those who have given up so much and lost so much as well. I am thankful for my loved ones and friends and I appreciate and think of the struggles of The Many.

I do not believe the majority of the exchanges made with early explorers, settlers,  priests, governments and Native Americans/Canadians were made fairly. We know this. We are not our forefathers and mothers and so we can not feel poorly for what was done to the true First Peoples of this great continent. But I think it is important to know that First Nations people struggle in our society due to numerous socio-economic, health and racial issues and that there livelihoods today are mostly a result of early conditions and experiences. That without saying, Aboriginal people have a rich and beautiful culture and a strength that will help them grow and hopefully help them to achieve very prosperous futures. I see this lately more and more where Aboriginal companies and leaders are flourishing, but still I see extreme poverty too.  As with everything in life, it takes time, determination, strength and voices.   

Today when I require a little more strength and determination I look to those who also struggle and I find beautiful character that is so admirable. Thank you to all my wonderful buddies here. I have found peace in some necessary escapism lately and this is okay. More on this later. I will say, I am treating this body more like a temple and living life quite moderately. I am making it a part of my day to breathe, just breathe and feel the perfection of The Moment.  Peace and love to Everyone……

So I am writing this because one of my buddies made the cool choice to write a blog instead of eating mindlessly and I think that is just so great.  So, last night I did not chose sweets after supper, but rather I read blogs, ate some mini mandarin oranges (I guessed 6 was a serving once peeled) and watched the Oilers win, YAH.  I really, really, really wanted to eat something and was a little hungry so later in the evening, I had 2 cups of air popped popcorn.

http://www.efreshfruit.com/fruits-info/oranges2.htm  

Anyways, these mini mandarin oranges are so AMAZING and can you believe they are about an inch and a half wide.  SO CUTE!

I love all fruit nearly equally though I am not the biggest fan of most melons.  Good on occasion though.  I guess I love berries and fresh pineapple the best. 

And Saskatoon berries in a pie are just HEAVEN.  LOL… no pie right now.  I know it is not the most ideal thing to see food as a reward, but sometime before this year ends, I would like a piece of this pie.  OOH ooh, I know, the next person to tell me this year that I have lost too much weight will have to buy me a piece of Saskatoon Yum!  Ok, I may have to just treat myself!  Dieter’s Power!  Like Girl Power, but I am in just the best place in a long time with diet.  I know things will just happen when they happen.  And I am ok with slow, because my overall form will look better as I do not rush it.  Ok, I wrote about it and it is done.  The pie fantasy is out of me.  *wink* (I fully recognize that this was NO fantasy.  I do not want to temp others, so it was in my head, a talk briefly about it and BAM, done. )

What is your favorite fruit?

Jo, did you get your 2 servings of fruit in???

Yesterday I had a banana, prunes and mini mandarin oranges.  I count my tomato as a veg, but I guess it is a fruit.

Happy munching on that sweet juicy piece of fruit that’s just dying for you to savor it’s delightful nutients.  What a terrific way to give your body energy and life!

Little tiff last night with my sweetie over the fur child, so today I am really going to think only positive.  I love myself today and ALL thoughts and choices will reflect my desire to choose Happiness.  I am looking at the big picture and not the tiny unimportant things.  I know that one way I can chose to love myself is giving myself fruits and veggies.  If I am doing this then I will be less likely to eat senselessly.  So….. here goes… Breakfast, workout and studying…..

On this Rememberance Day, my prayers go out to family of military personel and soldiers serving their countries and also I remember the past soldiers who have fought for what I have in this society.  May peace come to us all someday…. 

I listened to the little voice today and it lead me to some wise blogs.  I learned so much that I must share.  I do not want to lose site of two important things.

1. Sometimes we need to step back and look at The Bigger Picture.  What do we want for ourselves?  The time has come for me to toughen up a little, stop acting like a child who just wants and wants and mindlessly indulges.  I want something and my choices now have to reflect that future image.  And so the bigger future and smaller me picture helps me to re-focus.  This week I do not deny as much as I really ask myself if I REALLY WANT it and will ENJOY it as much as I will enjoy that future me I have in my mind.   And yes it is a realistic one.  It’s even more realistic then the one my doctor seems to think is okay.  After all, I know my body.

2. Our choices now can make us sad and moody OR they can help us to feel good about ourselves.  We Choose Happiness with every little choice.  Happiness is not something that happens to others and boo hoo.  Sure things can be tough, but every moment we have an opportunity to do something well or better.  Tis a choice!  Happiness!!  This week I make a choice to eat more whole foods.  This is for my well being and happiness.  Must leave out the wheat for awhile too.

This is my guide for the week.  Intuitive Eating is another guide, but if I do not follow the principles of The Bigger Picture and Choices For Happiness, then I might not see anything at all.  These ideas are immersed in Intuitive Eating, but I needed to see it from the human experience.  I have been walking blindly, but thanks to a wise voice in my head that I actually listened to (”go read this ladies older blogs”), I have some guidance and can see things again.

Must give thanks on this Sunday to a lady here named Stacey.  She has much to do in her life and yet she shares here and inspires.  Thank you to her and Buddyslim.

This week if I have had a good week (based on intuitive eating, these 2 principles stated here and general feeling of peacefullness), then I will have motivation that continues for a long time.  I apparently am getting some gift from David too.  I said I need something as I was desperate to motivate myself.  Now a gift.  But I wanted to find that internal motivation and in my search I found it.  Brilliance is everywhere.  Sometimes it just takes me bending over to lift a rock to unvail a naturally radiant seeking worm dancing like Stevie Wonder.  (Just feel like listening to Stevie Wonder for some reason.)  Other times it just takes me listening to the voice.  The voice in my head that is more wise then the fear and the sadness that holds me back.

Turn over a new leaf or a rock….

International Rock-Flipping Day 

Have a great day everyone.