Saturday, February 20, 2010

What is Real Food?

In the Beginning… there was FOOD…

This is an incredibly important question, and one that our forefathers did not have to face. Since the beginning of time, all mankind has eaten Real Food, until the development of fake food in the late 19th century. Our ancestors knew what was healthy, and from generation to generation taught their families what was good and wholesome.

Artificial, or processed food soon realized that they could gain market share from the Real Food purveyors (Farmers) by attacking Real Food through fraudulent clinical studies saying Real Food was dangerous, to using corporate power to control the media information about the safety of fake food and the dangers of Real Food, to controlling government officials, to the point that in many states, it is LEGAL to buy marijuana, whisky, cigarettes, etc, but NOT LEGAL to buy whole fresh MILK!
Processed food corporations realized that Real Food did not have the financial wherewithal to rebuke the obscene statements and accusations made against them by the very profitable fake food industry! Real Food has for all intents and purposes become a whipping boy for the companies that want to plunder their customers to their end! The incredibly successful job of brainwashing a nation into believing Real Food is evil is just now becoming realized as chronic disease and obesity crush our once healthy nation.
Because of this fact, we need to re-program our nation that Real Food is not only safe and healthy, it is truly the only safe and healthy thing to eat! Eating anything other is taking our life in our hands! Getting solid information about Real food such as this Liberation Wellness product is a good start, but also avoiding getting your health information from the media is critical!

Real Food is designed by our creator for our health and vitality! In simple terms, the food God made is healthy, and once man gets involved, it becomes corrupt! Unfortunately, it is not as simple as that, as all things natural are not necessarily safe to eat! For example, carrots are natural, but so also is poison ivy and arsenic. Most vegetables and grains actually need to be processed in order to be safe to eat, but the traditional methods that make food truly healthy and digestible are too costly for food manufactures who clearly do not care about the health of their customers when it conflicts with their bottom line. Fresh milk for instance is an extremely safe food and needs no processing and if refrigerated can stay fresh for 2 weeks or longer! Grains on the other hand need soaking or sprouting and delicate care to make the end product safe.

When we go to the supermarket, we find industrial versions of Real Food (imposters) pasteurized milk (processed) that is not healthy for humans, as well as bread processed improperly which can have a devastating effect on human health! These products almost always say they are “Healthy” or “Organic”, but are neither!These products are just genetically-modified microwavable TV dinners!

My first advice is to find a farmer who is doing dairy correctly, there you can start with the great basics of Real Food, milk, butter, eggs, etc, and often he will have cheese and meat and some fermented foods made in the traditional way. If you start with this foundation of Real Food, you will begin to depend less and less on the industrial foods, and will start feeling the great health benefit of eating Real Food. Sometimes you might get fooled along the way, but so have all of us for many years, so now we are empowering you with incredible information that can change your health and life!

There is a journey to begin eating like a human being, and your journey often begins at the farm!

[Via http://liberationwellnessblog.com]

Friday, Friday

This felt like a really long week, although in retrospect, it flew by. Today was a weigh-day…that stinkin’ scale hasn’t move at all! Luckily it’s still down 4 from the original number, but no movement since. I am sure if I changed my eating, I could see some movement, but as of yet, I am not super compelled to do that…I gave up coffee this week for Lent, and the thought of limiting my chocolate intake as well…well, that just brings tears to the brink of my eyes. So for now, I am content with maintaining the awesome workouts and running. Which is going really well, if I do say so myself (and I do!). I am running the Nashville half marathon in April with a friend who was looking for some travel partners, so I have my 2 spring races on paper. That takes a load off, now I can just focus on the running! One slight issue for me is that the races are back to back weekends. I have never pushed myself that hard before, so I am hoping all goes well. If I continue to stick with my training, I think good things will happen! I am also signing up for the Disney half marathon for next January…I have to do the register now, as it fills up SO quickly, and I need to make sure I get my spot. my (s)MIL is running it with me, so I think we’ll have a great time! Plus, my auntie lives pretty closeby, so we’ll get to sneak in some visiting time as well. Good news all around!

I have been drinking tea the past 3 mornings. That has helped me avoid a caffeine headache suprisingly well. I used to drink 2 VERY large cups of coffee each morning, but have been able to just drink one cup of tea with no problem. Even thinking by next week, I could make a clean break from the caffeine! Not my original goal, but I don’t think that can be a bad thing. But the nice routine and warmth of my cup is definitely something I miss…but all for a good reason, I know!

Well, off to try to finish a project tonight, so I can kick back and relax this weekend. Kinda wish I had more work to do, but it will be nice to get a mandatory weekend off for a change! More will be arriving Monday, so I better take the break while I can get it! Have a fabulous weekend, and hope the weather is kind to you!

[Via http://craftykristi.wordpress.com]

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Day 21: New Updates to Stats/Measurements/Pictures

Having just completed my third week, I have updated my stats/measurements and comparison pictures.

Here’s one comparison from day 1 - 14:

———————–Day One ——————————————–Day 21————————

Click here to view the rest of the pictures

Click here to view the weekly changes in measurements

This was a good week. I was able to follow the nutrition plan pretty well, I did eat two junk dinners on two days however; all in all it wasn’t too bad.

I didn’t see as many results as I have in the past week but I’ve been reading online that most people quit the program after 30 days and after 30 days, once your body is no longer in “shock” mode of getting back in shape, that you really get great results after the 30 days. So I’m hoping that the next couple weeks of really pushing myself plus following the nutrition plan will allow me to see some measurable results in the coming weeks.

Week 4 is next up…

Thanks for visiting!

[Via http://p90xversusafatguy.wordpress.com]

Maximize Your Metabolism

You most likely don’t need a rocket scientist to reveal to you why you are having a difficult time losing stomach fat. Your metabolism slows with age. But middle age weight gain is not really unavoidable: there’s a diet plan that can address these changes.

This specialized metabolism-boosting session will help you shed unwanted stomach fat. Most important, you’ll create firm, lean muscle tissue, the secret to a strong metabolism. Start today and you’ll rest better, have more energy, feel firmer, and notice your clothes are looser in as little as 14 days. Here’s how:

EAT ENOUGH: When you eat less than you need for common biological activity, your body applies the brakes on your metabolism. Consume just enough so you’re not starving.

PERK UP IN THE MORNING: Eating breakfast jump-starts metabolism and keeps energy elevated throughout the day. It’s no accident that folks who skip this meal are 4 1/2 times as likely to be obese. If nothing else, grab a yogurt.

DRINK TEA: A cup of brewed tea can raise your metabolism by 12%, according to one Japanese study. Experts conclude that the antioxidant catechins in tea supply the boost.

BATTLE FAT WITH FIBER: Studies from research find that individuals who eat the most fiber gain the least weight over time. Aim for around 25 g a day–the amount in about 3 servings each of fruits and vegetables.

JUMBO SIZE IT: Researchers revealed that drinking about 48 ounces of cold water a day can raise resting metabolism by about 50 calories per day–enough to shed 5 pounds in a year.

GO ORGANIC: Always choose organic when purchasing peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, and pears; non-organic versions tend to have elevated levels of pesticides.

NEVER OMIT PROTEIN: Your body needs protein to maintain lean muscle. Add a portion, like three ounces of lean meat, two tablespoons of nuts, or 1/2 pound of low-fat yogurt, to every meal and snack.

EAT FOODS RICH WITH IRON: Until menopause, women displace iron each month as a result of menstruation. Unless you restock your supply, you run the risk of reduced stamina and a flagging metabolism.

DRINK MILK: Research shows that consuming calcium through dairy foods such as fat-free milk and low-fat yogurt may cause a decline in fat absorption from other sources.

[Via http://nomorebellyfat.wordpress.com]

i remember how beautiful i used to think you are

I took my mom to her GP last week and she asked if Mary could squeeze me in. Lucky for me, she did. I am the proud owner of a sinus infection, an ear infection, a deviated septum (that has been undiagnosed my entire life – my nose has never been broken), and a Split S2 (also undiagnosed my entire life – lucky for me, not life threatening). That was an interesting doctor’s visit, lemme tell you.

I’ve been taking my antibiotics like a good little girl, but I’ve been getting progressively worse. Normally when I’m on Augmentin, I start feeling better within a day of beginning the meds. Today, I looked at the bottle, disgusted with the fact that I had no voice and a throat that felt like hamburger meat, and realized that I haven’t been taking my meds properly. When I first got them, I read “take one pill once a day” but it really said “take one pill twice a day”. *facepalm* So, I’m taking them correctly now on top of drinking gallons of water and cranberry juice (my kidneys are hating me right now and I’m praying I don’t end up with a UTI on top of everything else). I stopped by CVS and picked up some Mucinex DM, three bags of cough drops, some daytime Theraflu (since I have nighttime stuff and I hate taking it since the stuff knocks me out so hard that I can’t get up the next day), and some Zicam.

When I get sick, I don’t play around. I hate being sick and I want to get better RIGHTTHATVERYMINUTE!

Of course, I also had to go and think about everything that was sitting on my to do list. I hung up the new curtains in the living room (I hung the ones for my bedroom yesterday and will hang Emma’s tomorrow), threw on some laundry (I actually need to go change it over, but I don’t wanna go downstairs to use the dryer), and cooked dinner despite the fact that I wasn’t hungry. What did I cook, you ask? Twice baked potato casserole, chicken tortilla casserole, Italian wedding soup, and chicken proscuitto ravioli. No, I didn’t eat it all (I couldn’t even eat that much when I was eating everything in sight!), I only had the Italian wedding soup (chicken broth on a sore throat is win), but the rest smells freaking GOOD. I cooked it all because I had to… I bought the soup kits (that I turned into casseroles) a while ago, and if I didn’t use them today, I’d have to throw them out. I bought the chicken proscuitto ravioli the other day and today was the use or freeze by date (I bought 2 packages, so I used one & froze the other – there’s a lot in the packages).

Apparently I don’t know the meaning of “go get some rest”. I still have to do some homework (two assignments due by 11pm tonight) and toss Emma in the tub. I hope Jason gets home soon so that I can have him toss the kid in the tub. I no longer have the energy to deal with it all.

Since this is my weight loss journal, I figure I should probably announce that I joined 24 Hour Fitness today. I have Richard Simmons, MTV Yoga, Denise Austin, Jillian Michaels, etc. DVDs, but come on – how often have I used them? I paid for three sessions with a personal trainer, set an appointment, and I’m going to go to the gym even if it kills me (although, if I try to go right now, it probably will).

My aunt Donna, cousin DeeDee, and my friend Ashley are all either getting ready to join or already are members of 24HF, and we’re all going to go together (or variations thereof… ie: me & Ashley, DeeDee & Donna, me & DeeDee, etc). I find that I do better when I work out with a friend. And going to see the personal trainer will give me an idea of what I need to do and how to do it safely.

Now playing: “London” – AJ McLean

[Via http://notsopleasantlyplump.wordpress.com]

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Jesus Gets My Share of the Soda

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, a.k.a. the start of the Christian time period of Lent. I’ve spent the bulk of my life as a perpetually-lapsed Catholic, so generally, I haven’t paid more attention than the time it takes to make a derisive snort to others when they’ve said they’re giving something up for the duration.

Fat Lisa didn’t need Fat Tuesday in order to mow down an entire refrigerator’s worth of eatables on any given day. Fat Lisa saw absolutely no point in giving up any sort of the calorie-laden items she regularly binged on, and didn’t see why anyone else would want to, either. I mean really, who gives up Cheetos, Twinkies, and cheesecake voluntarily? Crazy folks, that’s who.

Well, as a bigger part of this WLJ, I’m trying to become a better person. And though I don’t post about it, reconnecting with my religion is part of that. I’m down with G-O-D, Jesus is my homeboy, and all that stuff along those lines.

So I’m going to give up soda.

I can hear you all now – “Awww, c’mon now, be more inventive!” I know, right? It’s what every person under the sun, their Uncle Ted, and their pet gerbil gives up for Lent. However, I think it’s perfect for me, because as my number of daily points has dwindled and waned, I have become a serious diet soda addict. Srsly.

For example, last weekend I went through an entire 12-pack of Diet Sunkist Lemonade. That’s six cans of faux-sugary sweetness per day. And, as my Twitter buds know, I’m also best friends with Sugar Free Rockstar (an energy drink), which (TMI) will make you pee the color of battery acid, but also promises to keep your chin from crashing into your desk at your 9-5.

Diet soda generally has less than 10 calories. It really doesn’t hurt your WLJ in terms of poundage. BUT, all things in moderation, and I’m certainly having no part of the “moderation” section of that saying right now. So really, this is a good thing. I hereby swear (on pain of… death? Lightning bolt straight from Heaven? I dunno) that starting tomorrow, not a single sip of soda will pass my lips until Easter Sunday.

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility if severe caffeine withdrawals cause me to become an incredibly crank-tastic Broad Broad. Read/Tweet from now on at your own risk.

[Via http://thebroadbroad.wordpress.com]

Food Journal Feb. 8th - 15th (weeks 5- 6)

Food Journal

Feb 8th – Feb 15th (weeks 5 thru 6)

8th –

8:30 am 2 oz. grilled chicken breast and a cup of ruby red grapefruit

10:30 am 2 oz. roasted turkey breast, 100% ww bread thin, lettuce, tomato, chipotle mustard

1:00 pm 1 oz. tuna steak (I tired to eat brussels sprouts but they were gross and I really wasn’t hungry…)

3:30 (1.5 hours before yoga) protein drink and a banana

7:30 (after yoga) 2.5 oz. grilled chicken breast, 1/2 roasted sweet potato, steamed green beans

9:30 pm some apple slices

Fit Day Calorie Counter ( I assume, in actuality, that these numbers are slightly higher): 

Calories, 1013 – Fat Grams, 16 – Carb Grams, 142.8 – Protein, 81.7

9th –

9:00 am 2.5 oz. roasted turkey breast and a cup of ruby red grapefruit

11:00 am protein shake, blended w/ 1/4 cup blueberries & 2 strawberries

2:00 pm 12 boiled shrimp cocktail

4:45 pm roasted asparagus, spicy broccoli and chicken sausage soup

8:00 pm 1 egg, 1 egg white, 1 slice turkey bacon, 100% ww bread thin

Fit Day Calorie Counter ( I assume, in actuality, that these numbers are slightly higher): 

Calories, 1032 – Fat Grams, 30.3 – Carb Grams, 106.2 – Protein, 88.6

10 th –

9:00 am  2 oz. grilled chicken, 12 blueberries, 6 raspberries, 2 strawberries

11:00 am 10 boiled shrimp cocktail

1:00 pm 2 oz. grilled chicken, raw broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber and carrots

3:30 pm protein shake blended with 2 strawberries, 1/3 banana, 1/4 cup blueberries

7:15 pm salmon patty, 100%ww bread thin, lettuce, onion, cucumber, yellow pepper rings, chipotle mustard

9:15 pm some apple slices

Fit Day Calorie Counter ( I assume, in actuality, that these numbers are slightly higher): 

Calories, 917 – Fat Grams, 20.4 – Carb Grams, 97.6 – Protein, 90.2

11th –

9:00 am 2 over medium eggs

1:15 pm 6 boiled shrimp, 2 oz. grilled chicken, 1 cup ruby red grapefruit

3:30 pm (before yoga) protein drink blended w/ 1/2 banana, blueberries, and 2 strawberries

6:45 pm mushroom burger, 100% ww bread thin, onion, lettuce, 8 cherry tomatoes, 20 raspberries, chipotle mustard

9:15 pm some apple slices (mostly skin)

Fit Day Calorie Counter ( I assume, in actuality, that these numbers are slightly higher): 

Calories, 1017 – Fat Grams, 28.6 – Carb Grams, 128.3 – Protein, 70.6

12th –

9:00 am 2 oz. roasted turkey breast, 1/4 cantaloupe

12:00 pm 2 oz. grilled chicken, a cup of ruby red grapefruit

1:30 pm 1 energy bar

4:00 pm Portobello burger, 100% ww bread thin, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, pepperochini, chipotle mustard

7:00 pm 1.5 oz. grilled chicken breast, 1/3 roasted sweet potato, 1/2 cup broccoli

Fit Day Calorie Counter ( I assume, in actuality, that these numbers are slightly higher): 

Calories, 912 – Fat Grams, 22.9 – Carb Grams, 119.9 – Protein, 65.4

13 th –

10:00 pm 3 oz. grilled chicken breast, 1 cup ruby red grapefruit

1:15 pm spicy tomato, chicken sausage and broccoli soup

3:45 pm few cubes roasted butternut squash, onion slices, fennel slices (not very yummy…)

8:00 pm we went to a Valentine’s Day Dinner/Dance and after 6-weeks of being cheat-free I inhaled food like I’d been stranded on an island for 6 weeks.  I ate breaded chicken breast with sauce, mashed potatoes, buttered veggie, 4 chocolate chip cookies, a brownie, and a piece of rum cake.

12:00 am, still on my sugar high, I ate 4 LARGE shortbread cookies halfs dipped in chocolate.  I could barely shove the last one down my throat but I did.

Calories, 10,000? – Fat Grams, 1,000? – Carb Grams, 3,000? – Protein, 20  UGH!  Oh well.  40 days good and one day bad – No Biggie…  As long as I get right back on plan.  I will.  I’ve worked too hard and look so much better than I did 6 weeks ago!  Gotta keep going!

14 th -

I can’t wait to go to yoga and detox that sugar out of my system!

 10:30 am 3 oz. grilled chicken breast and a cup of ruby red grapefruit

12:00 pm (2 hours before yoga) protein shake blended with strawberries and a banana chunk

4:15 pm (after yoga) a Portobello veggie burger, 100% ww bread thin, lettuce, pepperochini, chiptole mustard, spinach salad with touch of olive oil dressing, 7 grape tomatoes, 4 cucumber slices

8:30 pm 2 chicken sausages sautéed with green peppers, onions, and grape tomatoes

Fit Day Calorie Counter ( I assume, in actuality, that these numbers are slightly higher): 

Calories, 1,088 – Fat Grams, 26.7 – Carb Grams, 144.7 – Protein, 74.8

15 th –

10:30 am 2 oz. grilled chicken breast and a cup of ruby red grapefruit

12:30 pm 1 egg and 1 egg white omelette with green pepper, onion, and cherry tomatoes

3:45 (a little before yoga) protein shake blended with strawberries and peach chunks

7:30 pm (after yoga) 3 oz. grilled chicken and a cup of ruby red grapefruit

9:30 pm some baby carrots

Fit Day Calorie Counter ( I assume, in actuality, that these numbers are slightly higher): 

Calories, 835 – Fat Grams, 15.2 – Carb Grams, 114 – Protein, 63.7

[Via http://isladeangela.wordpress.com]