Week One: Liquids!

Today is our fourth day of liquids - when I say "our" I mean that all three of us are doing it! Even James! I know it's shocking, but he is doing really good! James has lost 8 lbs. I have lost 4 lbs. Jessie is staying the same - not sure why.

Okay, so we start this to jump start our new way of eating/living - our stomachs are NOT trash cans! We have got to start being accountable for what we put into it! September 2011 I had Lap Band surgery & guess what? It didn't work..... because I chose to eat the wrong foods. I ate lots of chips, ice cream, chocolate, & various other slider foods! I/We all need some self control! People ask me all the time if I regret getting the Lap Band & I am starting to believe I am. This is the first time I have ever admitted it. It's time to get serious now, so here is what we have researched & learned from trying various "diets" we tried & failed at:

*Eating packaged processed food is BAD for our bodies
*Drinking anything labeled diet, zero calorie, or low calorie is a definite NO!
*Grazing all day is not a good habit to get into
*Artificial sweeteners are not natural - just don't do it!
*Gluten free is great - gluten free processed foods are not, it's trading one bad thing for another.
*Eating healthy is not expensive! Fresh food God made is inexpensive & good for you!
*Eating outside of the home is dangerous - no matter where you plan on going!
*Rewarding yourself with a restricted food for sticking with your good eating habits is not smart!
*Don't leave your home without a good eating plan.
*If you don't know what an ingredient is on a label - don't purchase it!
*If you are craving something ask yourself why? What does your body need?
*Drink water with lemon every day!
*What you put on your skin is just as important as what goes inside your body.
*Don't try this alone - ask family & friends to join you in making healthy choices.
*You should never pay for a weight loss plan - ex: Jenny Craig, WW, Nutrisystem - if you have Internet you have all the tools you need! Just google it! There is plenty of great information available for you to choose from - look for blogs that contain the words vegan, gluten free, natural, etc..... just use good judgement.
*Last but not least - clean out your fridge & pantry! Don't keep anything that you should not be eating because you think that you need to keep it for one of your family members - they need proper nutrition too - get rid of it all!

Now here is a sample of what we consume in a typical day:
Morning - Rockin Wellness shake, sometimes we blend it with banana & peanut butter
Snack - a piece of fruit
Lunch - smoothie at home or from Smoothie King
Snack - avocado with lime, salt, & pepper
Dinner - one large bowl of soup with anything in it as long as it is gluten free
One more thing, if you are starving have a cup of coffee - it will keep you from cheating!

I am including a picture of the soup we had on our second day - it is tortilla soup with chunks of fresh avocado, cheese, & grilled shrimp. Like I said you can have any kind of soup, we wanted some grilled food, so that's what we did - we grilled the shrimp & added it to the soup. If you have potato soup, grill a small steak & add that. The main thing is eat a different soup each day - be creative! We are sticking with this way of eating for two weeks! After that we will be on The Earth Diet www.theearthdiet.com. No need to purchase anything on there they have free information & free recipes. Like their Facebook page, they post a new recipe each day. The Earth Diet site mentions Rockin Wellness - click on their link & gather information like we did. We purchased one bag to try it out & we like it (this is expensive, but good quality ingredients - buy in bulk to save more money) They also post helpful info on Facebook.

Now y'all might say this is not really a liquid diet - for the most part it is. This way of eating is what I did before my Lap Band surgery to help shrink my liver so it would not be in the way while the dr worked - if I didn't do it I had a chance of my liver cracking in half. Those two weeks I believe I lost 13 lbs. I am hoping for the same results this time. There was a man about James size that I met in the dr office & his first two weeks he lost 40 lbs! The only thing we are doing different is adding the snack between meals.

If y'all go back & look at my previous posts you can tell I was desperate to get rid of this weight & find something that would work. I just wanted to feel better too. I believe this time will be different & here is why: I went into the store to buy a few things & I honestly believe that the Holy Spirit revealed to me that 90% of everything in there is poison - I felt like I was being blocked from walking down most of the isles. This was very real to me - I am sure God is trying to protect me like I asked Him to do. I believe I am here learning all of these things for a God given purpose! I have a HUGE desire to clean up my body & help others to do the same!

I will be making regular posts to my blog - I would love your questions & feedback!
Kelly :)

Trying To Lose!!

Trying To Lose!!

Wow, where has the time gone? I have not updated my blog since August! I am happy to report that since April my daughter Jessie & I are still gluten free! There have been some challenges & I was glutened by accident a few times. On one occassion I ate gluten an entire weekend to see what would happen! It was not a good idea to do that! My IBS came back in full force & the benefits I was feeling went away & I cannot seem to feel as good as I once did! Jessie says staying away from gluten has not really helped her much other than she is not gaining any weight because she is avoiding alot of foods that contain gluten.

Well the new year will of course spark some kind of commitment to losing some weight. I always tell myself this time it will be different, I won't give in to temptation..... but I disappoint myself every single time! At work we are starting a biggest loser contest, we each put in $25 and after three months the biggest loser will get all the cash. I am going for it. What can I lose? Hopefully the weight!

I recently had a stomach virus or food poisoning, with my lapband I should not vomit at all, but this could not be helped. I had to make an appointment with my lapband doctor to have the fluid removed so my stomach would have a chance to heal. While I was there he made sure the band hadn't slipped. A couple of weeks later I went back in to get the fluid put back - good thing because I was able to eat alot of food without it!

Lately, I have been putting some thought into getting the band taken out & getting a gastric sleeve done instead - I just don't know what to do, except keep doing my research! I know this I will first do the biggest loser contest to see what I am capable of losing! I really need everyone's support around me. I would love for my husband to get on board with getting the weight off, I worry he will have some health issues the older he gets.

Ok, I have been researching the Specific Carbohydrate Diet & really think that it makes alot of sense - it is similar to the Paleo Diet. I would be completely cutting out all grains, corn, potatoes, & sugar. If you ever get a chance to read the book Breaking the Vicious Cycle please do it! There are tons of recipes on the internet that should keep me from being to hungry or bored, lol. Whatever I start come January 3, I will let yall know! Hopefully you will join me :)

Thanks for reading my blog! Kelly

God Is In Control!!

Not sure where to start! The last time I updated this blog was late in April! I was beginning a new gluten free lifestyle, & I am happy to report that Jessie & I are still gluten free & loving it! So far the results are positive. The arthritis I had in one of my fingers is completely gone as well as some skin issues have been drastically reduced - hopefully gone soon. I feel less bloated & lighter. However the downside is I started gaining some weight! My lap band is loose right now so I am able to eat more. My starting weight before my lap band was 224. The lowest number on the scale has been 193! Then last week I jumped on the scale only to find out I was 203! Yikes!! I feel like I have worked so hard - but the weight is still creeping up on me, ughhh!


The lap band is just one tool that I use to help control my weight. Last Monday I decided to join Weight Watchers again. I signed up online & tomorrow I weigh in to see how I did my first week. I cheated & went ahead got on the scale a couple of days ago & it read 199! Glad to be under 200 again. So between the lap band, WW, & being gluten free I am hoping the weight will come down more. This is no walk in the park! Lots of planning & reading labels. 


My health issues come & go - last week I was under a great deal of stress & my body just couldn't handle it anymore! I stayed home from work Thursday & Friday & slept most of those two days - I really needed the rest. Some days I feel like I have a huge disability, others I do ok. I feel like I look so normal on the outside & everyone around me thinks that I exaggerate how my body is feeling. I actually had one of my bosses ask me if I think that I am a hypochondriac?? Really? I guess you didn't hear me tell you all of my diagnosis' from my doctors. Not sure I shared with the rest of you all of my test results from all of my specialists but here is the list of things I have: fibromyalgia, Barrett's Esophagus, IBS, PCOS, pre diabetes, gastritus, reflux, chronic knee problems & a fistula that won't heal. 


I don't feel sorry for myself, I am just frustrated! I don't remember the last time I had a good day - where I actually felt good & free. I have had to leave my health issues in God's hands & strive each & every day to make sure I feed  my body the proper nutrition so that I can hopefully get some relief! The hard part is handing it over to God, I start thinking that I can do things to heal myself but that is not possible. Every day I have stop & ask myself did I talk to God about it? Did I trust Him to heal me? Did I ask Him for some relief?


Here is some bad news, Jessie may have PCOS (poly cystic ovary syndrome) too! She already has auto immune thyroid disease, now they are testing her for PCOS because she has most of the symptoms associated with it & they are sure because I have it she will have it. Just more things I need to pray about. God is in control & I know that all of this will not be in vain. I want to use what I have been through to help others. I want to be strong in the Lord. I want God to use me. I want to be strong for my family!


Now that I have updated you all I want to start using this blog to help & encourage others by sharing things that I learn about food & nutrition. I took several nutrition classes in college & did very well. Now to apply the things I know to everyday living - that is the challenge! Also I want to rename this blog; something that reflects - clean eating, organic, gluten free, & all things healthy. Help me find a new name for the blog & I will send the winner a special gift - something to help you on your journey to proper nutrition! 



Psalm 103:3-4
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,





Love you friends! Kelly :)

Losing The Wheat!

We are going gluten free folks! I have researched online for over a month now about all of the health benefits and I have also read these two books:

  

I wish I could buy every single one of you a copy of these books! Unbelievable the amount of knowledge I have gained from them. This is not like our attempt with the Daniel Fast - definitely failed on that one! I feel so strongly about getting rid of the gluten in our lives and have been spending alot of time gathering information to make our kitchen a gluten free zone.


 From what I have been reading getting rid of the gluten can reverse our pre-diabetic conditions, possibly eliminate Jessie's autoimmune thyroid disease, help us drop some weight, clear up our skin, and give us our energy back! I am hoping all of my health issues will be completely gone within a couple of months too.




James & Jessie want us to get back into good health. They will join me in getting rid of our gluten filled lives. However it seems lately that with every bite that has gluten they say this is my last fling with pizza or my last doughnut. I am having to arm them with all of this information too. Focusing on what we can have versus what we can't is going to be a challenge. 


The date we have set for our new lifestyle is Wednesday April 25. The reason I chose this date is it is the day before my upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. I will be taking in only clear liquids that day and cleaning out my system it only makes sense that if I am already going to feel bad physically go ahead and get it all out. They say it takes 2-5 days to get out of the withdrawal phase. It could possibly take longer in some cases. 


All right folks we could use the prayers! I am also believing in God's Word:

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!!

Matthew 19:26

I want a garden!

  

  

I really want to grow a garden this year!! I am trying to convince James to build us some raised garden beds for our empty back yard, I don't know if he has the time or energy though. Maybe we can start simple with just one raised bed?? I also want to make sure that we can grow organic veggies - not sure how to go about doing that, google is my friend so I will do some research. I would appreciate any advice you all would have to share!




  

How about a cute garden shed too?? That would be a great addition for the backyard! James is really going to get me if I keep coming up with all of these projects for him. lol. I have so many ideas and so little money. That's ok a girl can dream & all things are possible with God - I just gotta ask! 


Well this past few weeks have been really busy for us. I have been trying to get meal plans together, research the foods that we eat, & go grocery shopping. It is not easy trying to get prepared - too many choices. I think about everything we buy for our meals and its hard to get foods that are not processed or full of chemicals. I make the rounds - Kroger has an ok selection of organic foods and it is close by. Central Market is my first choice but it is far to drive over there. Costco has alot of the foods we buy, I try to get over there about twice a month to stock up on organic meats. Just trying not to drive myself or my family crazy with facts about our food supply!


As far as my health goes, I don't have many answers yet after visiting with three specialists - they did rule out lupus and that is great news. My GI Doctor has scheduled the dreaded colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, he wants to get a biopsy to see if I have celiac disease. The rheumatologist is testing for celiac too through a blood test as well as arthritis 
 - she prescribed a pain medication to help me sleep through the night and control the pain that keeps waking me up. Last night was my first dose and I slept good and some of the pain was gone, maybe it will help. The surgeon for the mass I have in my left breast has ordered another mammogram and will see me later to discuss the results - no worries from me there, I do not have a family history of breast cancer and the last time I went through this it was nothing to worry about. I will keep yall posted on the results.


Jessie was diagnosed this week with autoimmune thyroid disease and will have to take medication for it. We definitely didn't want that kind of news but God has a plan and a purpose for everything! Celiac disease is thought to have a connection to this disease so I am waiting for my results to come back before we have her tested for that too. I am doing lots of research on the two diseases so we can be better prepared for it.


Well friends its been a long day! Keep us in your prayers and thank God for all the blessings that He gives. Kelly


P.S. the weight loss has stopped, I think one of my medicines is messing with me or it could be all the nasty food that we out! At least I am not gaining :)

Day One

Daniel Fast Day One: Today was a good day for me! I believe there were prayers sent up on my behalf! There were no headaches from lack of caffeine or sugar lows - just a good day. I ate some trail mix that I threw together for breakfast it included: slivered almonds, roasted pecans, two types of raisins, & some oats made with cinnamon & honey - very delish! Lunch was half an avocado w/ fresh squeezed lime, organic refried beans, organic blue corn chips, & a spinach salad. Dinner (pictured above) included brown rice with lots of roasted veggies; cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli, onion, mushrooms, & squash - lots of good seasonings & olive oil. My snacks included one clementine, fruit leather, & pistachios. 


So today was a little bit overwhelming preparing all of our food, this morning I spent about an hour getting our lunches put together and cooking rice for tonight's meal. I have tons of dirty dishes too! I need to figure out a way to get these meals out quicker! It is worth it though and Jessie did really well today too. James had a headache and is very drained! I feel bad for him, I just want to give him some coffee loaded with cream & sugar but I know he wouldn't take it - he wants to fast with us.


I went to my physician this weekend to get the results back from some blood tests I had done. Losing weight fixed my bad cholesterol. No thyroid problem, no diabetes - all the numbers looked good - with the exception of one: my anti nuclear antibodies (ANA) were elevated - not off the charts but enough that they are sending me to a rheumatologist to check for auto immune disorders. I have sensed that I may have a problem in this area because you can't wake up feeling like I do and not have something going on. I have to get straight into a hot shower every morning just to get moving & by the end of the day I am in tears from the pain I have all over. 


TMI Section: I also had a mammogram that didn't look too good so I will be going to a specialist for that March 20 - same issue as five years ago - getting older lumpy breasts, lol. Also my lap band doctor wants me to see a GI specialist from a problem I am having with too much gas, bloating, & other issues that need to be looked into - very embarrassing - but yall know me I like to share. All in all I think once I can get some answers I will be able to concentrate on my issues and make it manageable. 


God is good to me through all of this I have a very good support system and I don't have any fear. I am hoping this fast will help me become closer to God and feel better. 


Please send me some ideas for vegetarian meals. We definitely do not want to get bored! Thank you for checking out my blog! Yall are awesome! Keep the prayers coming :) Kelly

 

Daniel Fast for Spiritual & Physical Health

What is the Daniel Fast?

Taken from:   http://daniel-fast.com/about.html

The Daniel Fast is a Biblical based partial fast. It is a method of fasting that men, women and young people all over the world are using as they enter into the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting. 

There are two anchoring scriptures for the Daniel Fast. In Daniel 1 the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast:

1. Only fruits and vegetables

2. Only water for a beverage

Then in Daniel 10 we read that the Prophet ate no meat nor any precious breads or foods and he drank no wine for 21 days. So from this scripture, we get a third guideline:

3. No sweeteners and no breads

Another important guideline is drawn from Jewish fasting principles, where no leaven is used during the fast.  So that's why yeast, baking powder and the like are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. 

Finally, with all the above puzzle pieces, we conclude that no artificial or processed foods nor any chemicals are allowed on the Daniel Fast. 

When asked about the eating plan on the Daniel Fast, I often say it is a "vegan diet with even more restrictions."

_______________________________________________

Ok I have spent all week studying up on the Daniel Fast - need more info? Please google it, you will find alot of useful information there. Friends on facebook posted some info about the fast and I decided to look into it. Once I began my research I found out that there were others interested in doing it as well sooooo this coming Monday we are going to start the fast together. So far my husband, daughter, & four co workers are joining in. We will support each other on this Spiritual journey to become closer to God and cleanse our bodies from all the harmful things we put into it! Let me know if you are interested too. Today I went to my lap band doctor to get another fill and I asked him if it was ok to begin this way of eating and he said as long as I am getting in enough protein then go for it. I am excited and ready to start!

Please be in prayer for me as I begin the fast on Monday. I am asking God to heal me physically, I have some health issues that I have been dealing with for years and I am tired and broken. I know God can heal me however it might not be His will and I will have to come to terms with that - God has a purpose for everything. I just want an answer to why I feel the way I do. There are a couple of specialists that I need to go to in the next month to maybe get some answers and my primary doctor is running some tests. I will keep yall updated. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. God Bless!

Kelly