Half way through January...

 which is so hard to believe. Time seems to go by so fast. For the past 15 days my family and I have been on a new journey, one of restoring our health. It has not been as hard as what I thought it might have been. For me, it's a journey that I hope to stay on for the rest of my life, but I have to remember to take it one day at a time. I think what has made the transition easier is that we are doing this as a family.

We have added more vegetables to our diet, and even though I have seen some improvement, it was not until my youngest son's teacher said to me that he has made major improvement in his study habits and in his attitude during school and asked me what we were doing differently. That was an eye opener for me. I knew that what we eat does make a difference in our attitudes, but to have someone who did not know that we were cutting out unnecessary sugars and fats out of our diet say that they have already noticed a difference was such a positive reinforcement of what we are doing!

And as far as Parker, our 4 year old dog, he has shown great improvements in his health too. He is on insulin 2 times a day (for now), but I told the vet today that we are making our own dog food for him, and for his sister (she's just over 1 years old). We have noticed more energy in him, and he seems to be more alert and overall, more happy. It's amazing to me the difference.

This is only the beginning, and I do plan on giving updates, to include inches lost, weight lost, and body fat loss. It is going to be a hard road ahead, but as I read today on a friends page, it's not easy, but it's worth it.


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Encouraged!

 Today I went to my youngest child's school. I have been going twice a week to help him with his reading. They have this program called AR, and he wants to "get more points". This is the first time he has ever shown excitement towards reading, so I want to be a positive encouragement in this change.

When I got up to the school, I spoke with his teacher and she was just so excited to tell me that she loves the new improved positive attitude that she has seen in the past couple of weeks. She asked me what is different. The only thing that has changed is our eating habits. And yes...it has made a real difference in not just his life, but all of us! Real food, that our bodies can process, digest and use gets us feeling better, restores the natural balance that our bodies are craving for, and by golly, you can eat more, consume less calories, feel satisfied, and have overall better for you energy that lets you focus and get more done.

It was so encouraging to hear her say that she has seen a difference! (because she had no idea that we were making these changes at home) Maybe you want to make a positive change in you or your family. I'm not saying it's easy (because it's not), but it is so worth it. Start with baby steps. Instead of drinking a soda, drink a glass of water. Instead of eating a candy bar (or several) buy a bag of cherries (it cost about the same and is so much better for you). I'm sure that I'll be sharing more as we continue to change our eating habits. I hope that you are encouraged to make a change too.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

A Thinner Thanksgiving

This is a great blog from Chuck Barney, Contra Costa Times. So if you are looking for a way to keep off gaining the weight this Thanksgiving, check out Chuck's Blog...

Five ways to lighten the Thanksgiving Day calories

By Chuck Barney
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 11/22/2010 01:00:00 AM PST

Ah, Thanksgiving -- the holiday that wages war on our waistlines. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) estimates that the average citizen inhales 4,500 calories and gains 3 to 7 pounds on Thanksgiving. But it really doesn't have to be that brutal. By making better choices you can still indulge without breaking the caloric bank. With that in mind, we invite you to check out these five strategic alternatives.

-- Chuck Barney

Turkey

That drumstick might look inviting, but dark meat is about twice as fatty as white meat. A four-ounce slice, with skin, carries 206 calories -- even more if it's cooked in loads of butter. Healthier option: Sticking with breast meat -- with a portion the size of your fist -- will save big on calories and fat.

Pie

At 450-500 calories per slice, pecan pie is a big, gloppy disaster just waiting to happen. Proceed at your own risk. Healthier option: Go for the pumpkin pie (330 calories) instead -- and don't be so quick to pile on the whipped cream.

Stuffing

Traditional stuffing is loaded with fat and sodium and the calories pile up even more if it's cooked inside the bird. Healthier option: If a green bean casserole (without the cream sauce) is on the table, it's your better choice at only 100 calories per cup.

Potatoes

Those
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candied sweet potatoes -- all covered in marshmallows -- are more sinful than sweet, packing up to 250 calories per half-cup. Healthier option: The mashed potatoes are your better bet -- especially if you don't slather your spuds in gravy (170 calories per serving).

Spirits

Mixed drinks tend to have a high amount of concentrated sugar and quickly add empty calories. Healthier option: Wine is typically the most diet-friendly choice. Each five-ounce glass carries about 100 calories with no cholesterol, sodium or fat. Or save the calories for dessert and drink water.

Sources: ACE, Men's Health, calorieking.com.

**If I may add...Drink at least 8oz of water prior to your meal and feel fuller faster! Have a Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving.
~Peace & Blessings~
Jen