You are what you eat

I watched an excellent documentary on Netflix this week.   "Hungry for a Change?"  I finally got my husband still enough to watch it with me.  He was totally amazed what we are truly eating.  Processed, chemical laden poison.  The first thing he said was "NO MORE soft drinks for the kids.  I don't care what they say!"  This documentary will educate you about what we are truly eating.   I also suggest watching another fascinating documentary, "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead"!  Netflix has many others I plan to watch. Please make the time to watch them. You won't be let down. Check it out and let me know what you think. 

Where to shop

The Daniel Plan is a wealth of information in ways to change your eating habits.  Also, new places to shop for food. Some are Farmer's markets, Community-supported agriculture (CSA), and food co-ops.  Check out localharvest.org to find one of these markets by you.   Healthy eating on a budget is also a challenge.  We need to be smart about our choices.  The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) created a wonderful guide called Good Food on a Tight Budget.  This website is a wealth of information.
The Daniel Plan good food list is also a great tool when planning you shopping center.  Lastly, we are blessed to have an organic bulk food Co-op delivery out of Dufur, Oregon,  www.azurestandard.com      You place your order online.  A text message will let know delivery date and time.  The drop off point is at Feliciana Baptist Church in Clinton, LA.  I personally use this service and give it excellent ratings.  I plan to be on the lookout for local farms and resources. I'll share my findings.

Kitchen Gadgets

On a recent Bible study at my home I shared a couple of gadgets I find very helpful in food prep. You asked that I share where I got them.  So, here ya go.  The first is my pineapple slicer by OXO. Click here to be brought to the page at Amazon for more details.   

The next item is a Borner V-shape Mandoline slicer.  It is irreplaceable in the kitchen for slicing, shredding and julienne. MUCH safer that most Mandoline slicers.  I have the one from Pampered Chef and tried it once.  It's somewhere in the back of a cabinet.   Borner comes in an all in one great vertical storage box.  Click here for more information.
.

The Daniel Plan

Most of the information I will be sharing on my blog will be from "The Daniel Plan".  Whether you are following The Daniel Plan or not it has TONS of wonderful resources.  The plan offers a book, study guide, DVD,  journal,workout DVD, jump-start guide, and an incredible website.  Honestly, of all methods, diets or bible studies I have tried for a healthy lifestyle change this has by far been the most balanced with the best resources/tools.


Currently I am on week 4 of the bible study.  Reading chapter 5 & 9 is the homework assignment this week.  Is is about FITNESS. Partnering food and fitness has always been a BIG challenge for me.  I know that without fitness I will not succeed, but I give in to excuses, pain, timing, and just quit. Having a weekly fitness video challenge in the bible study has been SO helpful.   Simple stretches, moving hourly,  these baby steps I can do.

In chapter 5 they talked about a "one word" focus challenge.  My one word for now is "COMMITMENT".  I have committed to healthy eating choices for the last three weeks.  Now time to commit to exercise.  My local Physical Therapist center offer former patient a program called the "Wellness Plan".  An opportunity to provide a supervised workout plan while using all their equipment. I am committing now to 3 days a week of exercise.

Now I have a plan & a goal.  My goal is to be under 200 lbs on January 1, 2016.  I have not seen that since 1985 after our son was born.  So, I have a goal, a plan and now a place to document the journey.  Looking forward to sharing the journey together.  I would love to hear feedback as I go along.  Better yet....join me.

The journey starts with the first step...

You know you have a problem when your 83 year old friend helps you to your vehicle with a bag of Epsom salt to soak your hurting knees from all the excess weight I lug around.   Did I say, she is 83 and I am 54!  Seriously??   Will I even make it to 83 at this rate.  Insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome. 

"I" have tried every diet, exercise program, prepackaged food programs and finally in 2003 Gastric Bypass surgery.  Nothing "I" have done has been a successful in a healthy lifestyle change.

In steps God. On a recent girlfriend's day to Barnes & Nobles for a coffee and catch up, one of the girls picked up a copy of  "The Daniel Plan" by Rick Warren.  She proceeded to tell me she planned to start the 6 week Bible study on the upcoming Monday. When I started the program I weighted 273, was sluggish, tired and craving food 24x7.  That was  3 weeks ago.   I now weight in at 265, more energetic and positive with.........NO cravings.  My taste buds are actually experiencing the flavors of food and enjoying them.  Just as God intended when he created fruits, grains, vegetables and meat for us to enjoy.  I haven't completed the recommended 10 day detox yet , but plan to start on Sunday, February 22.

So there ya go.  My first post is finished.  Moving forward.......with God as my pilot!   Keep posted as I will share tips, tools, links and menus I find helpful along the way.