NSV: Non-scale victories

Today is Day 25.  It has been crazy busy around the homelife the past couple of weeks.  We are preparing for a pig roast for our daughter's 16th birthday this Saturday.  The weather is going to be cool, so we had to clean out the family room in the basement, in addition to other Fall chores.  Closing the pool, cleaning out the garden, final grass mowing, have all been on the list.  So, I haven't had much time to sit and write.

So, this morning, I am taking the time.  I am motivated by simply putting encouraging experiences on paper.  So, here is a list of my Non-scale Victories I am experiencing with Whole30.

• Sleep-I fall asleep quickly, stay asleep, and wake up alert. I also do not feel drowsy half the day.
• I did not have a major migraine before my period this month. Also, fewer cramps.
• I love the food. I admit I get sick of cooking, but I do love the food.
• I am satisfied by my eating.  Sometimes at work, I just wish I could grab the candy and junk that is sitting around.  But, then I eat what food I have brought with me. I am no longer hungry, and then I can easily say no to sugar.
• My clothes are fitting better.  I don't know how many pounds, if any, I have lost.  I don't know how many inches I have lost.  But, I don't feel as bloated and stuffed into my clothes.
• I am noticing subtle changes... my double chin seems a little smaller.  The sides of my waist seem flatter.  It will be months before I can say that about my front.  lol.
• I have energy.  I find myself walking faster.  I find myself just getting up and doing stuff because I can't stand sitting around.  Like I have to get rid of this energy.
• I get through night shift WITHOUT soda.  Sometimes it is hard about 4-5am.  But, I can do it.  I make sure that I have food to eat to keep up my energy, and I drink water, water, water.
• My anxiety is controlled.  I do not take meds.  So, with the upcoming busy weekend, I would typically be very anxious and want to cancel the whole thing.  I would be curled in bed, trying to forget about everything.  So, to be motivated and energetic about it, is nothing short of amazing.

So many of these victories are definite reasons to be careful with my nutrition.  I am very motivated right now, if you couldn't tell that already.

Now, on to a very busy weekend...

One week down!

I survived a week on whole30.  Well, "survived" really only applies to the first 3 days.  After that, it was leaning more towards thriving on that spectrum. 

My energy has increased.  I don't feel sluggish all the time.  Even at work when I am tired because of lack of sleep, I still feel good, just tired.  I didn't slip up at all at work, which is a miracle.  That is usually where I have problems.  Being tired, stressed, and hungry, makes for a horrible trifecta against healthy eating.  But, I took food with me, and resisted temptation to indulge in the junk laying around.

I feel happier.  I don't feel like my moods shifted as rapidly as they have been.  It seems that in recent months that I would go from happy/content, to angry/upset with very little prodding.  I have hated that about myself but felt powerless to do anything about it.  It feels much better.  I hope it improves even more.

Along with that is my anxiety issues.  With the approaching winter, I have gotten concerned.  The last 2 winters I have battled anxiety and depression.  Last year was worse than the year before.  So, I have been worrying about how it was going to go.  I feel more in control with those issues, just in my daily life, and it gives me hope for this coming season.

Physical changes.  yep, those.  I feel my body changing.  I feel healthy.  I look in the mirror and think... really...all that excess is still there??  I don't feel like a busted can of biscuits anymore.  Even though most of it is still there, I'm at least not busting the seams!  I did weigh and measure myself, even though whole30 does not want you to do that.  There are some losses, which is encouraging.

So, now we see what the next week will bring.

Day 3 of whole30.

So, in the past I have done paleo several times.  I always had maple syrup and honey when I did paleo.  Well, on whole30, there are no sweeteners at all.  So... whew!  Talk about withdrawal.  Yesterday afternoon it hit me like a brick wall.  I laid down on the couch last evening because I had a headache, and could NOT stay awake.  I think my hubby got mad at me because he wanted to chat.  I really was not that bored with talking to him.  really.  Anyway, I fell asleep and slept for an hour or so, then got up, put the 4 year old to bed...and went to bed myself.  I slept pretty restless until about 3:30 this morning.  Technically, I had 8 hours of sleep, but it was really early to wake up. I will definitely be ready for my nap this afternoon before work tonight. 

Otherwise, I am feeling ok, I guess.  General aches, pains and a nagging headache.  I think maybe I haven't been eating enough, so I am going to increase my food volume today.  Plus I am going to work tonight, so I will need to keep my hunger at bay so I don't eat junk there!!    I am having trouble concentrating and remembering things.  For example, I think of something to do, and then when I go to do it, I can't remember what it was!  I will be glad when I am clear headed again.  I can't seem to focus on getting any chores done.  My poor brain is shorting out and running all over the place.  That should make for an interesting shift at work.  Thankfully it is only 8 hours, 11pm-7am. 

I feel like I can't even corral my thoughts to write this post.  Ah well, maybe in a few days I can explain things better.

Starting the whole30 challenge

Over 2 1/2 years since my last post.  What happened?  Life.  Life seems to keep derailing my best intentions.  Well, in that time frame, my health is nearly back to square one; not being a good thing, I mean.  I am nearly at my max weight, only 7 more pounds to go!  I have mysterious aches and pains, headaches, mood swings, the gamut.  So, my dear sister-in-law asked if I would try the Whole30 Challenge.  So, here we go.

How is day One going?  Well, I have the urge to munch on anything and everything.  Do I really eat like that?  Evidently I do.  I am also dealing with caffeine withdrawal.  I don't care for the taste of coffee or tea, so I have been drinking coke zero for that fix.  Well, can't have that, now.  So... today has been difficult with a nagging headache.  I also am not able to focus very well.  I had planned to work on a quilt that has been on the board for awhile, but I'm not able to stay on it for very long.  I have an underlying feeling of anxiety.

I started with cashews and strawberries for breakfast; smashed potatoes, roast beef, and green beans for lunch.   My afternoon snack was apples and homemade cashew butter.  I am finally feeling full, but still have the urge to munch.

I know that if I keep going it will get better.  I've gone through these feelings before. I just keep thinking about how I have to just pace myself through the first few days or week, and then I will start feeling better.  That time will pass either way.  Do I want to end them feeling better or worse?  That is what I need to keep my focus on.

Today's choices

What are you doing today?  What are you doing to preserve life?  What are you doing to take care of yourself?  What is the one step today, that will make a difference 10 years from now.

Sometimes that step is simply the one step in the right direction that leads to many more steps.  And it doesn't need to be a big step.  There are times in life when we need to make BIG decisions.  But, frequently it seem that the small decision are the ones that make a big difference over time.  Those daily small decision really add up!

I think that we seem to have the "all or nothing" mind set.  And so often, if we make a bad decision, we want to throw in the towel.  Well, that simply is not a healthy mindset.  We will be in situations that are not the best for our health.  We may be around unhealthy food, or in an unhealthy experience.  But...that  doesn't mean it needs to change our outlook on life.  Just as life changed to put in you in the negative situation, it will change to get you out of it.  So, make the best decisions you can, in the experience, and then move on.

I am learning more about nutrition and the affect of micronutrients (fresh fruits and veggies) on detoxifying our body.  There are toxins all around us.  It is in our environment.  There is no escaping some of it.  This could get us down, and make us want to give up.  BUT... our amazing creator gave us food to clean our bodies.  They are those yummy fruits and vegetables and herbs! 

Unfortunately, in the last 70 years or so, the American diet has transitioned to one of processed foods.  Foods that are processed are toxins to our body.  Our body was not designed to handle these chemicals.  And this is as basic as the "simple" ingredients like flour and sugar.  Those bags that you buy are so far from the natural ingredient that they are unrecognizable.  And yet, this country considers them normal. 

It is very sad to me that "health nuts" are viewed negatively.  If you eat to feed your body at the cellular level; vegetables, fruits, nuts, and protein, people think you are crazy.

But listen here.  Isn't it more crazy to put food like substances into your body that are slowing down its ability to function?  Isn't it ridiculous to keep subjecting yourself to illnesses because your body doesn't have the core nutrition to fight it off?  Isn't it frustrating to live tired, weary, and depressed?  Why do people choose that?

I used to.  before I knew better.  Before I knew how good it felt to feel good. 

I am humble by the compliments that I get everyday about how good I look.  I never used to get comments like that.  And it isn't because I am thin and fabulous.  Obviously, I'm not.  But, it is because I feel good, and it shows. 

So, what are you doing today, to improve your life?  Eating a new vegetable?  Trying a new yummy dish?  Taking a walk?  Researching this "crazy" business I have been talking about?  Baby steps, my friend. 

Accepting and Making Change

I have been thinking some about change.  I for one, love change. I thrive on it.  I change my furniture around, repaint walls, redecorate.  I love change.  I love for things to be different. It challenges me, my thinking, my confidence, my comfort.  These are all short changes... they only take a day or two.  When it comes to long lasting commitment changes, that is a bit different.

Why is long lasting change so difficult?  This is my own exploration..so bear with me. 

In my mind, I see my self as a healthy, energetic, busy mom.  I see myself in the yard working.  I see myself teaching my kids to play volleyball the way I used to.  I see myself walking 4 miles/hr like I did when I was a teenager.  I do not see this overweight sluggish person, who allows negativity to take over.  So, how do I get my physical being to match the mental one.  When I look in the mirror at my physical, it seems so foreign.  Like it doesn't belong to me.  Like I'm looking at someone else.

I have allowed myself excuses.  "hey, I'm the mom of 4 kids, I'm gonna be fat.  I had my gallbladder out, that has affected my digestion permanently.  I'm a nurse on a very stressful unit.  I'm tired.  I deserve to eat whatever I want.  blah. blah. blah.

But the reality?  NONE of those excuses are reasons.  Everything I deal with is reversible.  I can be healthy, energetic, and clear thinking.   I CAN heal my body, mind, and spirit.  It will take time.

I often tell my patients who are overwhelmed with their disease process, "take it a day at a time, or a minute at a time, whatever is manageable".  I need to apply this to my own experience.  Change is a progressive thing.  It won't always be easy.  But to live without fear of death/disease...now that is WORTH IT!

So, it seems to me that long lasting changes starts today...and ends at some indeterminate point in the future.  But, just like finding the motivation to redecorate a room, you have to start.  Once the ball starts rolling, it is easier to keep it rolling, than it was to get started.  Some days it will take just a little nudge for me.  Other days it will probably be more like a kick in the seat of the pants!

First:  I need to get and keep my head in the right place.  I need to feed my body.  I need to feed it for me.  I need to feed it for my kids, and my husband, and my parents, and my siblings, and my inlaws.  I need to feed it for my church, my coworkers, my friends, my acquaintances.  I need to take care of ME, so no one else has to!  I need to teach my family, and friends how to take care of themselves, so no one else has to. 

This concept keeps going over and over in my mind.  We don't put water into a car gas tank and expect it to run properly.  Why would be put chemical food into our body, and expect to stay healthy?  When I have started to understand what our food supply really is, well, it has been clear to me, it is no wonder that people are sluggish, cranky, miserable, drowsy.  This all leads to obesity and disease.  If you are obese...guess what is around the next corner?  And then the next, and the next.  It is a journey towards death, and not a healthy one.

So, I want to renew my commitment to my health every day.  What can I do today... to make a lifetime of a difference??

Researching... learning...exploring...

So, I have been spending time reading, watching, and researching.  I feel like I am learning so much, my brain must be getting full, but then I realize there is so much more to learn.

There may be some of you who think I have gone off the deep end.  I realize that this journey I am on, is going in a completely different direction than most people.  But, I want you to see how good it can be.  Healthy lifestyles needs to be the future of this country.  Lets turn around this epidemic!!

I have watched a few movies recently.  They are currently on Netflix, but I think they are probably available on DVD, too.  Anyway.

Food Inc, was the first one, I watched.  Wow.  That changed my opinions about even the "healthy" food that you buy in the supermarket.  Is it really healthy?  The movie really just confirmed what I have been thinking for awhile... if you don't get your food from the source, it probably isn't as healthy as it could be.  Leigh thinks I'm crazy, but I want to get as much of our food from our backyard as possible!

The next movie I watched recently was Vitality.  An excellent movie about how holistic we are as humans.  What we eat gives us energy to live, which gives us the ability to rest, which gives us the energy to be productive, and the cycle continues...  

Today, I watched Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.  It is a story of a man who treated, and put in remission his autoimmune disease by juicing for 60 days.  The premise is to give your body the best nutrition, in the easiest form, so it can do the job of detoxing.  He says that 60 days may be extreme, but juicing vegetables and fruits is wonderfully healthy.  I like the concept that you can juice/blend together several servings of veggies/fruits into a drink... talk about rapid nutrition.  How long would it take to eat 6 servings of veggies/fruits?  In our fast paced world... this is a pretty cool option.  Give your body at the cellular level, just what it needs to function.  Once those toxins are cleaned out ( in a couple of days) your health will start to improve!!

Somehow, we need to break the cycle.  Why eat chemicals?  Why eat food that does nothing to feed your body?  Even the "healthy" food that is marketed today, is processed to the point of very little actual nutrition.  In one of the movies they said that we are OVERFED, but UNDERNOURISHED.  Does that make sense to you?

Feeding your body incredible nutrition, will reverse everyday aches and pains, in addition to reversing disease.  It will dramatically decrease or remove the risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, obesity, and the 1000s of issues that go along with those and many others. 

It just has deepened my resolve to change this for me, and for my family.  I do not want my kids to do further damage to their bodies.  I want to reverse this for the future.  I would love to encourage anyone else who wants to do this too.  I have lived in fear of a diagnosis that would change my life for the negative.  I work at a hospital, and I see on a daily basis, what this does to people, and families.  I want to fix the problem before it starts.