Jennifer

If you do not have a problem with constipation, then great.  But anyone who has a problem knows how uncomfortable it is and dealing is ESSENTIAL - both for your sanity/comfort and for your health.  I write this here because it has come to my attention that a number of people are having issues.  I have to work very hard to be regular and happy too.  I also think that Dr. Oz who has been on Oprah is awesome.  Though I have not read his book(s) he was brilliant when doing the poop talks on her show and so I can only assume the books are fantastic!

The purpose here is to help people who are stuck.   Happiness is the goal.  Somethings might be worth a try and then some will say, life is not worth living without that X-food or beverage or whatever.  We must enjoy and find the balance for our unique selves.   Usually the smallest changes can help.  Also, I come from a natural means of healing though in my life I am very much a middle ground thinker.  I am not of the allopathic vs. homeopathic camp.  There are good things to be taken from both schools.  I clearly think we are the sailors of our ships and our health though. 

What I know causes constipation for me and others things that can cause constipation:

-heavy meals - slows digestion

-lack of exercise

-inability to digest bread and dairy and prolonged consumption can even make it worse - good to have a varied diet. Plain active bacteria yogurt is better then milk.  I kid you not and I am getting use to it, but instead of milks, more and more I am adding yogurt and a little water or some kind of milk to my cereals.  I add different things to make it taste good like raisins, cut prunes, seeds, nuts, pineapple, ground flax or hemp seed, etc.).  I am even starting to prefer it and the results, though I had to convince myself it was good for me at first.  Actually I believe early on there was no milk of any kind in the house, so I tried it.  It grew on me….  :) 

-early intake of cow’s milk  (I share with you now, I have been constipated for the majority of my life and this is one of the reasons I chose to study Natural Nutrition.  Also intersting, babies who are breast fed ted to have less digestive issues.) 

-Early inappropriate foods and continued abuse of our guts creates a system that may not be able to function well.  Luckily our bodies are pretty forgiving.  A book I recommend to anyone who has digestive issues is Eating Alive by Dr. Matsen.  It is written in a fun way, but the information is serious and helpful.   MORE IMPORTANT THEN FOOD COMBINING IS CHEWING WELL! 

-chocolate, especially when combined with nuts - my weakness…. *sigh*

-constinuous meals and snacks that do not adhere to the principles of food combining - especially large amounts of meat that because all meats have a significant amount of protein and most have a moderate-high fat content, it really slows digestion and when mixed with carbs slows it down even further and may create fermentation in some individuals.  (yeast problems?   Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition….)

-a lot of fluids with meats (diluting hydrochloric acid -HCl) or not enough fluids with high fiber foods.  HCl in our stomach decreases with age.

 -impropper digeston beginning with not enough chewing - food should be a paste BEFORE swallowing, mixing as much saliva as possible. (25-50 times, may seem tedious, but it is your health!) This begins carbohydrate-sugar digestion and this is very important in not welcoming fermentation.

-high fat diet - fats slow down digestion more then carbs (fast) or protein (about 4-6 hours to digest)

-tea and coffee as they act as diuretcs (Though caffeine can also stimulate some people’s digestion. ??? - Still it is more diuretic I think.) 

-many medications (Tylenol, some heart and depression medications, … so many)

 -calcium without magnesium, and iron supplements

-aluminum (yikes - get that out of the diet or certainly reduce! Aluminum foil that comes into contact with food, pots/pans, antipersperants/deodorants,baking powders, bleached flour, processed cheese, antacids, breathing in dust when sanding from aluminum oxide sandpaper, beverages from aluminum cans)

-starchy fruit like bananas and some sources say cherries (though some say the opposite for both).  We are unique. 

-avoid tea with meal or high protein meals. The tea acids can toughen the protein and slow digestion  (I do like my tea….)

-avoid intense exercise, sleeping, bathing or walking around a lot after eat a meal. Right. *rolls eyes* Anyways, these all interfer with the bodies ability to digest propperly because blood is moved away from the middle of the body. Still I think if one is chewing well and not mixing huge amounts of fluid, one should be able to LIVE after eating….lol

-stopping smoking as nicotine can have a laxative effect.

-VARIOUS health problems

 -prolonged sress

-change in hormones

-pregnancy

-traveling

WHAT HELPS….The goal is to speed up digestion. Not decrease the ability of the body to absorb, but to allow the body to DO IT’S JOB! -digest, absorb and elliminate!

 -small meals are better

-limit sweets

-regular and small amounts of water over the course of the day. The standard 6-8 glasses is usually a good start. But water is individual and based on activity, climate, temperature, body weight etc. What is right for one, may not be right for another.

 -not mixing continual high carb and big protein meals or at least keeping the portions smaller. -limit breads if you think you might have problem digesting. NOT forever, but just for a month or so. Add back slowly. I find open faced sandwiches to be easily digested.  Though for awhile I am avoiding wheat.-limit cow’s milk/dairy except low fat quality yogurt (avoid thickeners) - get the real stuff. Ingredients should include milk and bacteria. NOTHING else. Fat free yogurts usually have thickeners. The last thing one needs is cornstarch and caragenum gum plugging you up  - yuck!

I am following (lol) a very controversial diet called the Sacred Heart Medical Diet and I am doing it with some modifications. I believe that the guidance of a nutritionist or doctor is a very good idea. People are different and different people will likely require different things.

Modifications:

1. plain (cornstarch and gelatin free) yogurt (1% m.f.) instead of milk (because of the good bacteria and milk constipates me… )

2. I am eating things like lentils and peas (where the diet says avoid these starchy/protein veggies) WHEN I FEEL LIKE IT because I think fiber is important for me.

3. Since my knee injury I have been eating the same and that means too much fat for my activity level. SO this week I am eating no fat, BUT I am taking my omega-3s. NEVER mistake me for being anti-fat. I think healthy fats are critical for long term health and vitality. But I have been a twink lately when it comes to those healthy fats…lol

4. This diet recommends caffeine from coffee to help with #2 and I think this is just stupid. I am allowing for regular green tea, but mostly drinking my decaf green tea. Chamomile tea too. When I consume foods that normally would constipate me (meat and bananas) I will eat these foods without a lot of fluids to improve with my digestion. Likely have some fiber foods too with them.

5. Instead of a white potato on day 2 I am having a sweet potato

6. I am having my vitamins.

7. I am not relying on the soup like they suggest. I made the soup, but I am not drowning myself in it. Nor other fluids. This is me ACTUALLY DOING A DIET, moderately.

8. Changed the dry soup mixes to some that I prefer.  Not a big fan of MSG so I found some other alternatives. 

WHY THE DIET? I have to wait weeks and weeks to see my new doctor and my weight is really affecting my joints. I need to lose this weight to put less stress on my joints and recovering knee.

ALSO, this diet does allow me to do a cleanse. Lately I have been having food sensitivities to wheat, peanuts, corn, soy and it is time to clean up and feel some energy again. It is so nice to not even want and want. Plus it corresponds well with food combining.

The goal this week - 2-4 pounds loss.

I feel at peace and I am so thankful for this. Life is full of possibilities, treasures, adventures and LIFE IS NOT JUST weight loss and food. HOBBIES ARE SO MUCH FUN!! I really like that the food is taken care of. I do not have to plan. The day is planned and then I am listening to my body, but I am not thinking, “well what am I going to have when we go to this place or that?” PLUS (lol) there is not sneaking extra peanut or cashew butter once I have measured out my portion.

I guess I have always had a bad feeling when I think about myself on a diet (this is why I love Weight Watchers). But now it just seems nice to LET IT GO and know it is one week. Food is my nourishment. That is it. Next week I welcome some of those lovely tempting foods back into my world, BUT I HAVE A TOOL…. The Zen of Eating. Best book ever for those who find themselves fighting with food.

I would not do this diet week after week, but certainly great as a cleanse/and way to deal with some food sensitivities (do your homework if you think you have food sensitivities). I LOVE FOOD. Who doesn’t?…but moderation! Right.

IS THIS EVEN THE SAME DIET? Well it is the same diet tweaked and this is a good thing. Slow and steady and a little cleaning along the way…….

Love ya! Have a great week Everyone.

(also…. consistent activity through out my week.)

I have to say first off, it is COLD here. Forget about the actual number, the wind is so nasty! Ok. Dealing with this. These reporters from one of the news stations comes up to me the other day and asks me if it is going to storm. I thought he was nuts. So my remark was basicaly whatever, whatever, all will be good. Well the joints are feeling it today. Burrr! The sun shows it’s face and thank goodness for this.

So, we have been eating out a lot, not such bad choices actually, but back to the basics this week. And the poem works. Most of the time just letting the cravings and wanting pass really works. But I thought of something else that worked for me today when I was just wanting for a moment. Over the weekend I heard a story about how there will not be enough food for many countries and this got me thinking about my consumption. How can I eat in such excess when others have none or so little? Clearly my days food does not affect a child elsewhere, but it did change how I was thinking. Not guilt. Just a realization of what I need, what is good for me and what is just shear habit, poor habits.

So, I am thinking food combining is not so bad when I do it most of the time and still allow for some treat type foods. I am eating moderately and exercising moderately as well. I call myself a tortoise today (thank you Kama) and am darn proud of it. The scale went up and I could not see the meaning of it at all. My shape is wonderful with some tweaking to come, but I can not in good faith complain. Complaining is energy not well spent and no one should have to hear about how I have so few to lose and seem to not be able to get there. ALL IN GOOD TIME….. THE RIGHT TIME. My time. The moment is great.

Happy Earth Day everyone! I tell you, even the numerous pregnant robins outside in the trees look mighty confused as to what is happening with this weather. I think they should huddle up, but they seem content to remain on their own, shivering. Strange. Personally, I would go find some shelter. Well, this is where my mind is at this moment. Thoughtful about birds and Buddyslim. I hope those who are here are doing well and finding creative and healthy ways to enjoy their moments…. For those who are not here and are doing their thing as life does call us to do sometimes, I am thinking about you too.

I heard this on Oprah, but of course have heard it on blogs and in life before, if you want to experience goodness and want others to have goodness, give. Give without wanting. And maybe this Earth can someday experience more bliss then bullshit chaos (Montreal!…for instance). Focusing on the good right now Off to make a multiveggie salad and in a bit some halibut for us…..fresh pineapple for dessert.

This week I really work on feeling each moment instead of blindly walking through this life…..hehe

I have made some very poor choices and I just can not take it anymore. I felt so aweful. Yesterday I learned that JUNK= anxiety, bloatedness, general crumbiness and then after this crappy day I felt like I could not get to sleep. SO what is today like? Well I already know that a nap is scheduled for me when ever I need, because I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE THIS SPIRAL INTO AN ILLNESS. I let stress get to me and this is such a poor excuse, but I did. I guess I have never felt like I hated junk foods (brownies, dairy, bread….. that was about it, but just YUCK. Not agreeing with me, SO I NEED TO LISTEN TO THE FEEDBACK!), but I dislike them in me. So what is it going to take for me to not turn to this crap? Do I need to become diseased? I really hope not. My plan which is what I am working on for a lifestyle is starting today. It is not tough for me only because I have eaten like this for a long time, but the key is to maintain it. I need to get cleansed. I researched the many recipes out there and to be honest they may not be for me. I have low blood pressure as it is and I do not need to be falling down with a lack of calories and ancient remedies that say they revive a toxic liver. I just am going to eat well and exercise. Not so hard. For my stress, I am getting back to reading my book, A New Earth. I was dealing so well with all of life’s stresses and then I put it down while I worked on other priorities. Well that was just poor for my self growth. I am opening my mind again to a deeper existence. One where perhaps I will think, breathe and let it all go instead of ingesting sugars and fats, only to feel ill in the end.

No more floundering….. Time for a life long plan that will work for me, I know, because I when I have done it, I have felt the best I have ever felt! But, I am SERIOUSLY starting to realize that the treats do not even feel so nice inside. There is not even the same pleasure in the moment. Just overly sugary waste!

The plan is to be on plan for 6 out of 7 days. No if’s, and’s or but’s about it! On my “off” day, I am not truly off, but I can have a meal, plus a small treat (IF SO DESIRED). But if I chose to eat out, the food I pick will still not be the problem foods for awhile. There is a lovely East Indian restaurant where I can have some nice vegetarian, dairy and bread free foods that are to die for. Other options exist. Love Mexican! Not every meal can be “off” plan on this day or I will seriously feel crappy. But, it will be there if I want. For 6 days I feed myself well. Heal. Become energized and feel like my body is alive, instead of feeling irritated.

I am thinking RAW and will lightly steam the tough vegetables for good digestion.

WHOLE FOODS. Are brown rice cakes whole? I think not, but then there is some common sense allotted here.

Decent food combining most of the time. No meat with complex carbs. Good solid vegetarian food combining for energy and protein. Fruits alone and not within 4 hours or so after protein. Pineapple and papaya are the exceptions if so desired.

Chew food well, 20-50 times depending of course on the food.

NO SUGAR, FLOUR, BREAD WHEAT PRODUCTS, CAFFEINE OF ANY KIND for a good damn long time.

NO DAIRY, except yogurt.

8-12 servings of fruits and veggies per day.

A little good healthy fat, my omegas

30-50 grams of fiber per day. Not actually going to keep track long term, but for a few days just to get a feel for what is good. I know I need a lot. (Beans, lentils, chickpeas, fruit, vegetables, psyllium, grains…) I had no flatulence when I was eating well. It only came back when I started to eat junk. Even eating all the legumes, NOTHING. Cool! One of my faves is beans in tomato sauce and it does have added sugar, that is one of the worst. Nasty! T.M.I….lol But like you weren’t thinking it!

Continue to drink my water and herbal teas between meals as to not dilute my stomach juices when I eat. Sips of course are fine, but no diluting.

Vitamins.

Appreciate and give thanks for all that I have.

Back to a happy me….. I really did need to feel rotten to get back to a more relaxed and healthier way of living. Eating well is not a strain! I do not want dead and deadening food in me. I do not want toxins floundering in my blood doing damage and this is what sugary junk foods and chemicals do….. they overwhelm our organs like our Liver and then all systems do not do as well as they could otherwise. For instance, our metabolism can slow down when our Liver becomes sluggish. I want a healthy metabolism. I want a healthy me. I deserve to be healthy, despite what my screwed up ego of a mind tells me sometimes.

Wow…. RELIEF. I do not feel sad or frustrated. I just needed to feel and know where I want to be. My body yelled and I will respect this.

Next section in my course…. Optimal Nutrition for the Mind. Looks great and I am excited to start it. I love it when statements are backed up with really good studies and I feel really confident with the contents…. from just doing a quick overview of it.

Bowling yesterday was GREAT. I mean I was awful! Plum awful. I have not bowled since I was 10 years old, but it was good. So much fun. But I noticed with all the sugar I had before we went out (EE for completely stupid reasons), I really felt anxious. Still good times and I can not wait to go again. I swear I used different muscles then when I play the Wii and it really was, well a good workout. The shoes fit nice too. Almost wanted to take them home…lol

Have a great weekend everyone. Hope it is sunny where you are. Looks amazing here so I am going to make myself a fresh juice, start a crockpot of slow simmering vegetable soup/broth and enjoy the day…. outside, with a book, tidying a little. Might go play mini golf. David seems to think that I would get a rush out of doing some target practice. Good lord, either he knows me too well or I do not know me at all. We will see what adventures we can find. I am opting for mini golf, but I am into stepping outside my box these days, like a younger me would have done …… I may give almost anything a whirl! *smiles* Have a great one!

This is the question.

Well David is not one to beg, lol, but he did suggest that I not weigh in. In fact he said I should stand naked infront of the mirror and let that image be the factor that tells me that I am doing well. I know that with this diet I have not lost anything and this was not my goal. My goal was to feel better. Find some health. I am sure not losing has more to do with the fact that I did not exercise enough this month. A combination of busyness and laziness for sure. So, he rarely suggests anything weight loss/diet related (he knows…hehe) but I agree with him. At some point in the coming month I will get on that scale because I think it is a good time. It will tell me whatever. But I feel good and I do not want to let a number dictate my mood. It will not tell me a thing. Sure I feel like a cop out, or maybe a little in denial, but it is not for me at this time.

So, how do I know I have gained a little? Well, I like how I look, but where my skin was really, really lose, well it is only a little lose. So I know I have not lost, this is for sure. The old skin needs to take it’s time, just like me. I need to be patient and enjoy the journey. CERTAINLY, I am kicking my behind into action. More workouts!!! Consistency. Persistence. Dedication to my heart, muscles, cleansing, improved mood…. Cheers to our improved health! Every day we make choices for ourselves and though some are not for our diets, we do make them. And I think that we are coming to a better and better place as we just make more and more healthy choices. What are you doing for you that is making you feel amazing about yourself? Keep it up. Thank you for being my inspiration. Have a great week *hugs*

Tea cheers to you all……

(by the way, did I tell you that I am not drinking or eating caffeine??? I was studying yesterday and I wanted a tea so bad to stay awake. I took a 45 minute nap and awoke to finish my section. NO TEA. I will finish this detox with food combining as the path because I want some darn green tea. I miss it more then anything and it is not even about being addicted to the caffeine. Just had a feeling like I wanted. Also, I am journaling/counting points just to make sure I get proper food and calories. Have not been eating enough some days. Too much other days…. ahhh the story of our lives. Anyways… something to share )

I am now a firm believer that people do not always know what they are saying or how it will affect others. I did not always know this. I only thought that they were this or that, or that I was being too this or… that. Well there comes a time when you have to let it all go…. I found this image when I needed and I thought I would post it.

I have not been exercising nearly enough. So that most important thing for weight loss, movement has been missing and I think it will affect this month’s weigh in. Oh well, Life! But I have also been learning that exercise is great for the elimination of waste and toxins in the body and this keeps the body better able to heal itself. The lymphatic system loves it when we exercise because it can do it’s job that much more efficiently - ELIMINATION! - Especially using those big thigh muscles of mine helps to detox. Cool. I need to get rid of it all today. The garbage, the toxins, the frustration, the negativity in my head and the belief that I am not good enough. So I am keeping calm & carrying on…. ‘nough said!

Had a great workout this AM which involved some great cardio and some pilates. Well it is about time I get back to some activity. Very good for dealing with stress too.

Enjoyed some good walking, conversation and games with my friend yesterday. I was conservative with my spending, thank you know who. Just purchased some beads to make a refreshing new necklace and bracelet for the spring.

I have started to take some enzymes to help with some digestive problems and my health issues have improved. By watching what I eat I actually have identified the culprits that really are hindering my health right now. Wheat/gluten, yeast, simple white foods and sugar are the things that are irritating my digestive system. My doctor said that I have arthritis and though she did not say what kind and I am guessing because she hardly asked me any questions, I think that it is rheumatoid arthritis. As I study it seems clear and I believe the main issue I have is abnormal bowel permeability or a “leaky” gut which was causing a variety of issues including allergy like symptoms and the one thing that lead me to the doctor in the first place, sore joints. Well I am thrilled to say that with some digestive enzymes, I am feeling much better. Now I am also keeping my meals simple, protein portions small, chewing well and this is all helping too. I hope to see a doctor this spring who knows about such things, but at least I am feeling better now. Funny how things just work out sometimes. I would not have returned to my studies had it not been for my elderly client who went into a nursing home. It makes me sad that she had to leave her home, but this is how the life works, hey? We all get old. I am hoping that with age, decreased health does not have to come so quickly. ANYWAYS…. living in the moment. Sometimes I forget to value it.

I do not mean to sound negative. I really am in great spirits. In fact I am loving the positivity in the air! LOVE IT! Have a great week and I just needed to get this out there.

Life is good. I am back at Day one again (Food combining), but I find it funnier, not disappointing. I am human and food is a bit of an addiction or go-to at times. But I am not going to worry about it. Just make the next meal healthier. I am really feeling so good eating simple meals, with usually my complex carbs early, a bit after my fruit. Eating plenty of veggies (many steamed) and enjoying the lighter. Getting the protein and good fat in too. I sure do feel it when I eat something that is not on my plan (cookies and ice cream, for instance) because it makes me feel like crap! So, listen, feel and learn. Sooner then later I suspect it will just plain not be worth it!

I really am aiming to make it to day 7 so I can move onto the next phase. But seriously, someday I will get there. Today I enjoy a day with a friend who is coming to visit. I must confess yesterday I only thought about how another friend was moving away. Ahhh well, we do have emails and such, but still I will miss him. Today, I enjoy some good old fashion time with another friend who is visiting…. shopping.

Have a great weekend Everyone! *hugs*

Please read if you have read my blogs lately. Thank you.

Well, after only about 3 days with this diet I was feel so amazing and I kind of knew I would, but this diet which is so clean and for me NO EGGS and NO DAIRY and nothing processed just for, well it really should be 4-6 weeks, is so strict. I wished for good health ( no more joint pain, urinary problems, rash on my hand, fogginess), got it briefly, but what I realized early into the “going off plan because it is Easter time so it is ok” is that IT IS NOT OK TO CHEAT ON MYSELF. This is a detox and after a nibble of this and some of that, little of that which were not on plan, I felt some of the symptoms that were worse then before. So, I guess I have some food sensitivities. Any one, two or three of the sugar, flour and chocolate could have been the culprits…. plus there was some not so good food combining. Anyways, I realize that I have to be focussed and dedicated to my health just for the next month or so. After my discomfort yesterday, the diet does not seem so bad at all. I know what to do and I am going to do it. I was completely free of pain, but the the feed back (discomfort) my body gave me was much more informational. I have some things that I want to do and that is, I want to rid my body of these toxins and consequently these sensitivities. It is written in many places that these sensitivities will go away after a good cleaning so that one will likely be able to re-introduce them back sslloowwllyy…. So, I feel good. I feel empowered, I feel like I am on my road to health.

With how I am starting to see food, less about pleasure and more about healing and energy (more often, because I still have some tendencies towards food in emotional times), I think I could actually live very healthily and happily without dairy Well….. maybe a once a month treat of dark chocolate. That is just a secret date I feel I could not give up…hehe

I do not recommend this diet to anyone, unless you have health problems and see a person who is a specialist in such diets. In fact, if I could I would see the Naturopathic Doctor in West Vancouver, right now, but I will follow it and really work to get a good amount of calories in. Guidance I think is crucial. I will check out what is here in Saskatoon. I am going to try contacting him, though it does say that he only corresponds over the internet with clients that he has seen already. That is responsible and ethical. I guess the important thing is that I do not feel starved, which I do not. But then I have not been working out as hard lately either, so this helps. Anyways, I am off to work out a little and get my energy flowing.

So, now I am wishing for world peace and peace with in myself too ……… What, what would you wish for? *smiles*

Have a Happy Weekend everyone! *hugs*

P.S.: I am so close to being at peace with myself. Yesterday I nearly only freaked out once with someone, then I realized, all is well. Her words are not about me. Some people really do feel the need to fill in the quiet air with words. I realized that this person is struggling and SHE who hates self help books, David’s mom, actually wanted A New Earth after we talked (she about her personal stuff and neither of us agreeing with her ego, just listening), so we got it for her for an Easter present. She wanted to buy me an Eater Lily and I could not refuse. I was admiring them in the grocery store and at Walmart they were a quarter of the price. So cool of her. We could have left the little chocolate Easter eggs wrapped in tin foil in the store, but no. It was my fault as I said even though the chocolate is not even that great, they still remind me of the happy days of my childhood - eating lots of chocolate *rolls eyes* Anyways, I am done now. Diet starts up Monday officially, but I am having Eggs Benny that she is making tomorrow. I think she is like so many moms in that she loves through cooking. And since David and I were so excited about the breakfast and she was even more so to make it, I will let that be my one meal before Monday that is not on my plan. If I eat well in all other ways, it will all be good.

The food combining things is really helping to improve my digestion and give me energy. Now, I am currently reading Eating Alive by Jonn Masten, ND (comical, satirical and yet serious look at digestion) as a required text and learning some shocking things. I am keeping my mind open, but I must admit I did throw the book down yesterday and snack. So silly. But some of the news is shocking to me. I felt like giving up. Sure, yeh on eating *rolls eyes*…lol But I figure there is not one solution, but I do have to listen to my body and what I have been doing (what “they” say is healthy to do) is not working! I ACTUALLY learned something new yesterday. Too much fiber can be not so good! What? Personally I need to have a little water with my meals, it just helps, but certainly the old mentality of trying to make myself “regular” with water is so the wrong way to go about things. But, I think some is necessary. But, fiber? I am planning to steam more of the tough veggies and I think I will try sprouting my grains….see if this works too. Grief! Sprout seeds, ok (gave up on this a long time ago *sigh*), but grains too……. well it is about time I started something different. New can be fun……

I find I am almost always with an empty stomach, but I rarely feel hungry. Or, with all the energy I just feel Good. REALLY CHEWING takes a lot of time. Small meals take a good length of time to eat. Simple meals. Though that is the plan, I did make Sheppard’s Pie (Shannon’s recipe) last night, which was a hit I think. Company has come for the weekend, David’s Mom, and so already I have gone away from my plan a bit. But, I am going to do as well as I can and not worry about the “diet”. Enjoyment, relaxation and having some of the things I love, seems like a good plan. Apparently his mom is making Eggs Benedict for Easter breakfast…. OK THE BEST NEWS OF ALL, as many will recall, I felt bad about eating when we went to see her at Christmas due to somethings she said, but this time I feel relaxed. I am just doing what is good for me. I do believe A New Earth could be marketed as an ‘Anti-Anxiety: Read & Implement’ kind of thing. Anyways, my goal: to do well in each moment, think about the principles and have a good weekend. No worries about not following it super well. Still, making better choices is progress compared to poor thoughtless choices.

So how am I eating? Well not with a super amount of thought. I do alternate carbohydrate and protein meals and have my fruit if I have any, early in the day. I am making sure I take my vitamins and drink room temperature water (cold water stops the stomach from producing digestive juices? - so the book says!). I have heard that cold is bad before, but for some reason I always thought it was good for the metabolism. Well I will take a normal metabolism and good digestion ANY DAY.

I learned a friend is coming next weekend and I am so excited !!! Truly, truly, truly I can not wait!

I really look forward to meeting Jo and making an appointment to see the author of this book. Well they do reside in the same province ………It is going to be a terrific summer. David wants to visit his sister so, it seems that British Columbia is the place where it’s all happening….hehe.

Well all are sleeping, including a noisy cat who woke me up, ever so early…. so I think I am will head out for a walk.

So Happy Easter, have a great weekend everyone.

Cheers to you!

A specific one anyways….

It is true, I have never followed a diet before. I adhere to portions and have recorded, but have never restricted foods (not for long anyways), but for a little while I will be using food combining rules for good digestion. At present I am losing or maintaining, I have no idea really, but this is not about weight loss. It is about helping myself and being excited about the possibilities of being free from health ISSUES. I feel so alive!

I will follow the diet for a good 2 (maybe 4) weeks because I need to address some joint soreness which I believe is related to some food sensitivities. Buy doing this I will also improve my digestion too, lol I HOPE! The idea is that some foods take longer to digest and that combining them with certain other foods creates issues with the digestive system. The goal is to digest the foods quickly so that my system is not plagued with fermentation (NOTE: some do not seem to struggle with this.) I do not want to be all control freak-like, but it is needed, because I want my health to be better. And ya know, I feel good. All I want is to be free of pain and issues * ‘nough said*…on that one. The most important thing that I will do is to not have fruit or juices with meat. I am trying to not have certain other foods that I usually have because I want to give my system a bit of a break. I am also trying to chew my food more. Little less water with meals then I use to too. I am recording with WW points simply to make sure I am eating enough calories. I do not believe I will be able to give up yogurt and dark chocolate for long, but I want to see some improvement so I will try. You can bet your sweet behind that I will be looking forward to that yummy chocolate, soon. Hehe….. My hope is to have a cleaned up system that is not sensitive to those things that I want, enjoy and some things that are actually quite nutritious.

It is true that some do not struggle with health or digestive issues and some actually need to combine starches and proteins to slow down their digestion…damn those thin people who have high metabolisms….hehe JUST KIDDING. Hey we all have to deal and I feel good. Except for my little episode yesterday, food is not an obsession, it is my energy. I am curious to see how my energy will be during this. I am a firm believer in sustained energy for weight loss, yet, my system needs a cleaning. Grief. Well….. just go with it and I am an experiment in progress… Shocking !!! hehe

Have a good one!