Day 7: Decisions

Agency is a great thing.  I can't blame anyone else for the choices I make.  And I can choose to change!  It's beautiful.  Today I chose to Eat to Live.  And of course I felt much better.  So I think I'll try it again tomorrow! :)

Healthy:
S: 7.5 hours
E: pm yoga
W: 148
11:30 greens, chili, salsa, banana
4:00 Indian Cauliflower Stew (from carrieonvegan.com...delicious soup!), and apple

Debt-free/minimalist:  Sticking with the budget! Susie is trying to do her wedding for $500!  Inspiring!

Day 6: One of those days

I over ate today.  A lot.  But stayed plant-based.  So that's an accomplishment.

Healthy:
S: 6-7 hours
E: n/a
W: 147.2
11:40 3 banana, walnuts
5:30 salad with fiesta mix, banana
7:00 lots of coconut curry (yay!  I make food that helps people enjoy eating veggies!), chips and salsa

Debt-free/Minimalist:  Simple non-spending day of church, family, and friends.

Day 5: enough

I have a hard time saying "no," or "enough is enough."  But I've had enough.  I don't need to stay up this late watching movies.  I don't need to keep procrastinating my thesis.  And all I can do is enough, if I'm depending on God to make up the rest.

Healthy:
S: 6ish
E: pm yoga, kid wrangling
W: 143
10:40 banana and walnuts
1:00 tomatoes, mixed greens, fiesta mix with lime and cilantro tomatoes...delicious! green apple
6:00 India Palace veggie coconut korma
9-2:00 grapes, bananas and walnuts, chips and salsa

Debt-free/minimalist:
Need to say "no" to things I don't need/want.

Day 4: Enduring

I was/am super tired today, but I didn't give in to eating non-ETL food.  I wasn't really even tempted.  Blessed.


Healthy:
S: about 6 hours
E: pm yoga
W: 145.4
7:30 banana
11:30 mixed greens, tomatoes, palta, chili, banana
4:00 broccoli, 2 apples

Debt-free/Minimalist:
It feels good to not spend money when I don't need to.

Day 3: Expect Miracles (and revised goals)

I was going to title this "Unexpected Blessings," but in the temple this evening, I felt inspired to "expect miracles."  They truly are everywhere!  One of mine today was my weight loss.  I'd been expecting some, and thought I would weigh about 145 when I got on the scale.  For some reason, I was thinking that yesterday I had weighed 147.2, so when I weighed in at 146.2 this morning, I thought I'd lost 1lb.  Nope!  I lost 3! I know that it will slow down as I get closer to my goal weight, but I'm feeling great too, and am loving it!

This go 'round of my ETL challenge, I added a goal.  Usually, I have a goal about doing essentrics, and sometimes cardio, and often a sleep goal, in addition to my Eating to Live.  This time, as I was writing my blog post about my goals, the thought came to add gratitude, or "give thanks," to the list.  I am so grateful that I did and that I was blessed to be inspired to add it.  I think it's making a huge difference in my outlook.  I'm seeing the good that's happening now, instead of focusing on not being where I want to be eventually.

I'm simplifying my goals...I would love to do cardio and essentrics every day, but it's not going to happen right now, with baby Xander coming tomorrow, and thesis-writing to be done.


My revised goals:
1) Eat to Live
2) Move daily (essentrics and cardio optimally; pm yoga por lo menos)
3) Give thanks.


Healthy:
S: 4.5
E: pm yoga
W: 146.2 (-3 pounds!)
8:15 banana
11:45 lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms and onions, cilantro, dal; grapes.
3:50 broccoli, grapes, apple, banana

Debt-free:
Didn't buy the crates I was considering.  Don't need them.

Minimalist:  Simplified goals! :)

Day 2: Victory Jar

As I was cleaning out my peanut butter jar a few days ago  (done with the jar, done with peanut butter for a while!),  a thought came to make it a Victory Jar.  I've never heard of one of those before, but here's what I think I will do with mine.  Every day, I  put a sticky note in my victory jar with the day's date, and a blessing that being plant-based or making another healthy decision gave me that day.  (I may also make a companion jar, a Motivation Jar, with quotes and other reminders to help me on days that may be hard to remember why I'm doing this).  It may be more energy, it may be the courage to stand up for something that I know is right for me...any thing that has made me victorious, and one step closer to being the healthiest I can be.  I just realized, too, that having a Victory Jar will help me with my goal to Give Thanks!  :)

I haven't decided exactly what I will do when my jar gets full...go get a massage, or put some $ towards a kitchen gadget that I would like...or just get a bigger jar!  :)  Stay tuned!

Healthy:
S: 6 hours
E: a little pm yoga
W: 149.2
7:30 banana
11:30 greens, mushrooms and onions, cilantro, tomatoes, palta, dal; grapes
4:00-6:00  banana, broccoli, carrots, apple, pumpkin with almond milk and honey
7:00 few bites of dal (to avoid having to put those few bites in a container), and a banana.

Debt-free:
Check in the mail from insurance company=the last little bit of my emergency fund!  Super blessed.

Minimalist:
Beth's moved out of my room again.  I'm loving the empty space!  AND I threw more things away, and have two DI boxes.  Hooray for getting rid of things I don't love or need!

Day 1: Battle for Freedom

Here's why I keep trying:

God's Greatest Creation


And here is my latest plan: 45 days for freedom

October 15-November 28

1) ETL 100%
2) daily essentrics
3) 20 minutes of cardio daily
4) Sleep 7 hours as many nights as possible.
5) Give thanks.


Healthy:
S: 5 hours
E: pm yoga
W: 153.4
7:30 banana, walnuts
11:30 greens, tomatoes, cilantro, dal, grapes
3:45 broccoli, apple, pineapple


Debt-free:
Budgeted today...it feels good to tell my money where to go! :)


Minimalist:
Organized school pictures.

Day 3: Stress

I wanted to stress eat all day long. But I didn't.  At least not as much as I wanted to.  And it was all plant-based, even though pizza and ice cream sounded like good-way-to-get-out-of-my-head food.  So I did better than Tuesday or Wednesday.  And all of the peanut butter is gone.  So tomorrow should be easier.

Healthy:

S: 10 hours +

E: n/a

W: 147.6

8:00 banana

10:00 banana, 3 dates, an apple with peanut butter
1:30 greens, apples, pears, tomatoes, chili
7:00 lo mein with veggies, extra veggies, fortune cookies, 1 date
10:00 vegan peanut butter cookie dough

Debt-free:
Got paid today! :)

Minimalist:
Day of work and play.  Super excited to have a schedule to write again!

Day 2: Detox?

I have had an impending head-ache this afternoon and evening...don't know if it's stress related, or if I'm just detoxing after my over-dose of sugar, fat, meat and dairy on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Either way, I managed to stay plant-based today, and didn't even over do the India Palace food.  (The hug that Kulwinder gave Beth was awesome! And she was so excited to meet Mother! :)  And I lost 3+ pounds since yesterday.  ETL is the best.

Healthy:
S: 6.75 hours
E: n/a
W: 148.2
8:20 2 bananas, 2 pears, a tomato, a few pieces of apple
12:00 lettuce, mixed greens, grape tomatoes, black beans, sliced apples and pears...HUGE salad.
6:30 rice, mutter mushroom, veggie coconut korma, and bindi aloo (sharing is fun!:), a banana, 3 dates

Debt-free:
Excited for payday!

Minimalist:
Day of helping.

Day 1: Day of Decision

Tuesday and Wednesday, Beth and I jumped (we didn't fall, it was very intentional) off the plant-based wagon with a vengeance.  On Tuesday, we ate Chinese food including pork-filled dumplings and orange chicken (even though I liked my veggie lo mein best).  Then we went to Maverick and stocked up on all the junk food we wanted to eat...candy bars, doughnuts, and chips.  We watched a movie while we snacked.  By bed-time, (even though I wanted to get pizza too!) we were both regretting our decision.  But on Wednesday, we did it again.  I stayed plant-based until dinner again, and then ate pizza.  We went out for sushi and had ice cream to boot.

Today, though, I intentionally climbed back on the wagon and hereby commit to the following:

7 weeks of pure Eat to Live eating!

I know that I've started this so many times.  And I don't know if I will be 100% successful this time.  But I'm going to give it my all!

In conference on Sunday, Elder Nelson talked about how our decisions affect eternity.  He said, "Each time you look in the mirror, see your body as your temple.  That truth---refreshed gratefully each day---can positively influence your decisions about how you will care for your body, and how you will use it. And those decisions will determine your destiny. How could this be?  Because your body is the temple for your spirit.  And how you use your body affects your spirit."

I'm doing this so that I can be a better steward of this amazing gift of a body that my loving Heavenly Father has given me.  Bendiciones!


Healthy:
S: 7 plus hours
E: n/a
W: 151.4
12:00 zucchini, a banana
5:00 a couple of plums, another banana?
9:30 lettuce, chili, tomatoes, onions and mushrooms, another banana

Debt-free:
Used some savings today. :(  At least I'm not going into debt for things!

Minimalist:
Spent the day helping.  Love my family.

Plant-based Binge Day.

Healthy:
S: 6.5
E: essentrics a/a
W: 144.6
8:00 apple
11:30 lettuce, grape tomatoes, rainbow chili, an apple
4:00 2 peaches, zucchini
6:00 3 dates, refried beans, few bites of chili, a dehydrated tomato, couple of grape tomatoes
7:00 vegan peanut butter cookie dough.  Finally found what I was craving.
7:20 chili


Debt-free:
Still within my budget.

Minimalist:
Trying to keep almost all of my study stuff in one place.

Keep going.

How many times have I listed this as the title for a post?  Many, I'm sure.  It's a common theme.  I have been wanting to eat the world lately, but it doesn't solve anything.  But I keep wanting to try.  Thankfully, I've been blessed to not to.  I have eaten more than usual, and some things that aren't strictly Eat to Live (corn chips, anyone?) but I have stayed on the vegan train as far as I'm aware (I did have the awful thought the other day that the rice at India Palace might not be vegan...but it hasn't caused any adverse stomach reactions, so I think that we're good....hopefully).

I am always wanting to have 100% ETL for 6 weeks or longer.  And when I eat something non-ETL, I immediately want cookie dough and pizza to compensate for my weakness.  I may make it the entire 6 weeks this time (starting anew on President and Sister Monson's wedding anniversary seems like a good start!), and I may not.  But I know that I need to keep going with this.  And I'm excited to read Elder Nelson's talk again.  I think it will help.  Bendiciones!

Healthy:
S: 7 :)
E: n/a
W: 144.8
11:00 banana, apple, left-over mutter mushroom and rice
1:00 3 dates, raisins, bite of rainbow chili
5:30 2 servings of rainbow chili, corn chips, lettuce, delicious garden tomatoes.

Debt-free:
No spending today! Super easy on a Sunday.

Minimalist:
Down-sized my medicine box.  I don't get colds often anymore anyway.  Now it all fits nicely in own shoe box, and that shoe box has a nice new home.  No more jumping off shelves during conference!

Conference! :)

I ate more than I needed to today, and rested lots...don't love being sick.  But conference was AMAZING.  Watch it.  It will make your life happier and better and more hopeful.

Healthy:
S: 8 plus hours
E: essentrics l/b (this is becoming habit to just do it every morning...sure love it!)
W: 145.4
11:30 green smoothie
12:15 roast cauliflower, can of black beans, banana
4:00 2 bananas, a confetti cornmeal muffin, several grape tomatoes
10:00 mutter mushroom and rice, banana, several servings of raisins

Debt-free:
No spending today! :)

Minimalist:
Sleep and conference and a little organizing and family time.  Simple, beautiful day.

Day 25: Subject to Change

Last night a lady commented on how the chair I was sitting in had moved from location to another.  She said, "We're all subject to change."  For some reason, that was something I needed to be reminded of.  We're HERE to change, to become better, to become like our Heavenly Father.  I thought of two ways to take her comment...If something is subject to change, it's liable to change, it can change, it has the ability to change.  You can also think of it as being subject to something, under the rule of change.  While I think both are true, I prefer to focus on the former.  I AM changing.  I change every day.  And I love that I can choose many of those changes based on my daily, hourly and momently :)  choices.  So blessed.  This week I'm going to focus on getting 7 hours of sleep a night.  6 is nice, but it's not enough.  I think it will be a change for the better! :)


Healthy:
S: 5.5 hours
E: essentrics a/a
W: 143.6?
8:00 2 bananas
11:30 2 cups of split pea soup, greens with grapes, and a diced apple.  Yummy!
2:00 rest of my greens, apple chunks and grapes
4:00 fruit roll-up (Thanks, Amy!)
6:00 grapes, chips and salsa
9:00 LOTS of veggie coconut korma (Thanks, Bethie!), poora, and veggie samosas.  Delicious.

Debt-free:  Called to get a refund on a product I don't use.  Wasn't as painful as I thought it would be! :)

Minimalist:  Giving back lots of papers to my students...many of them I'd already graded...I just hold onto things sometimes.  Also, family is not coming into town until Sunday night, which gives me a pretty minimalist day with just Conference and Thesis to worry about...nice!

Day 24: Peace

I loved listening to this talk this morning.  One of my favorite truths from it is, "When our only desire is to please Him, we will be blessed with a deep inner peace."

I don't think that Heavenly Father cares so much about how much we weigh, or what we look like, as what we do with what we have.  We've been commanded to be good stewards.  And while my decision to eat a dozen (ish) cornmeal muffins last night was not the wisest, I know that, in general, I'm on the right track towards being a good steward of my body.  It doesn't matter so much that I gained almost 2 pounds, as that I'm trying to be healthier than I was before, and that I'm trying again today.  There have definitely been times that I've been down on myself for gaining weight, and although I've still got a ways to go before I reach my goal, I'm trying each day, I'm moving forward, and I am at peace.

Healthy:
S: 6 hours
E: essentrics l/b
W: 145
7:50 banana
11:30 greens, rainbow chili, extra peppers and tomatoes, banana
3:30 squash
10:00 few bites of soup and fruit during lunch prep for tomorrow.


Debt-free:
No money spent today.  (Confession:  When I write this, sometimes I have Dory in my head saying,  "No eating here tonight, no eating here tonight...you on a diet!")


Minimalist:  Didn't change from pjs to workout clothes...one less step.

Day 23: Cansada

I am so tired.  Getting up this early is going to take some adjustment time...just hope my body gets used to it soon! :)

Healthy:
S: 6 hours
E: essentrics a/a
W: 143.2 or. 4
8:00 1 cup of steamed squash, 5 mints to stay awake (totally not healthy).
11:30 greens, 2 white flesh peaches, 1 cup steamed squash
6:00-10:00 LOTS of confetti cornbread muffins (thanks Susan at fatfreevegan.com for the great recipe!), 2 plain cornbread muffins with honey and 2 servings of black bean rainbow chili.  WAY too much food, but delicious, and still feeling MUCH better than I did after my last girls' night...in which I binged on sugar and dairy and was sick for two days!

Debt-free:
No money spent today.

Minimalist:
Getting things organized and more stream-lined at work.

Day 22: Keeping on keeping on.

Healthy:
S: 5 hours
E: essentrics l/b
W: 143.6  I gained a little bit from yesterday, which isn't surprising, considering I only had 1 meal on Sunday, and had 3 filling meals yesterday.  But I am feeling so toned!  Daily essentrics has me feeling like I'm getting more toned now than where I was at 135 lbs!  And I know that I'm doing good things for my body when I eat plant-based, regardless of how much I weigh.  And I'm still down 12 pounds from where I was 22 days ago!  So, yes, smaller numbers every day would be nice, but I'm not worried.
7:50 2 bananas, a mint (sugar-filled)
11:30 mixed greens (non baby, but just fine), couple of cherry tomatoes, a chopped apple; 2 cups of split pea soup.
3:45 can of pineapple

Debt-free:
No money spent today!

Minimalist:
Another day of work, eating and thesizing.

Day 21: Let the craziness begin! :)

I woke up at 4 this morning to get everything done so that I could study.  I AM going to get my thesis done this semester!!!  I will still be blogging daily, but my entries will often be short for the next 8-12 weeks.   Wish me luck!  In the strength of the Lord, I can do ALL things, including finishing my thesis!

Healthy:
S: 6 hours
E: essentrics a/a
W: 143 :)
7:00 oatmeal with raisins and cinnamon
11:30 spinach, tomatoes, grapes, corn, onion, 2 cups of split pea soup
3:45 buffalo cauliflower (with homemade buffalo sauce!) and a banana
10:00 few bites of apple during lunch packing.

Debt-free:
Spent less than $20 on groceries...think I can make it the week without buying more.

Minimalist:
Just studied, worked, and shopped today.

Day 20: Hope

Our lesson in RS today was about hope.  I loved it.  I keep doing what I'm doing because I have hope (a SURE thing, we were taught today) that I'm becoming healthier and stronger, more independent financially and less cluttered as I stick to my goals of Eating to Live, and becoming debt-free and minimalist.

Healthy:
S: 8+hours
E: n/a
W: 143.6
4:00 1 cup split pea soup, spinach, few grape tomatoes, apple, corn cut off the cob...delicious! 2-3 bites of Amy's yummy pumpkin stuff...it had no added milk or eggs, but I realized afterwards that there may have been milk in the cake mix itself...
7ish 2 grape tomatoes fresh from the garden! :)

Debt-free:
Made a CC payment and paid extra principal on the mortgage, as usual.  Beth's plan for us to go to Alaska next summer sounds great financially...I can't imagine being able to pay off $10,000 on the house in one fell swoop, but then I don't know how much I could make not driving, and I am not sure if Alaska is the right choice for me.  Vamos a ver.

Minimalist:
Didn't eat more than one meal...didn't need more than what I ate after fasting.

Day 19: Moderation

Today I ate too much...cansansia, stress, whatever.  But I stopped because of it being fast Sunday tomorrow.  And in just a few hours, I was feeling better and lighter, which is yet another blessing of being plant-based...food hangovers don't happen.  Even when I eat a ton, I'm comfortable again within a few hours.  Super blessed.
I have had a goal to get down to 140 by the end of September.  I don't think I'm quite going to do it. I'll keep at it, and be there by conference, instead.

Healthy:
S: 7 hours
E: n/a
W: 144.4
10:00-2:00 2-3 bananas, 2 cups of peaches, 1 cob of corn with lime, 2 bowls of split pea soup, spring mix with nuts, grapes, raisins, and tomatoes.

Debt-free: Spent $2 on milk for Erin.  No other spending.  It's going to take some stretching to make it through the next couple of weeks, but I can do it!

Minimalist: I'm loving living with less in my room! :)

Day 18: Sleep

I don't get nearly enough sleep.  And it effects how and what I eat.  Was totally eating to compensate for my cansansia tonight.  Hopefully it won't effect my reaching my Monday weight goal too much.


Healthy:
S: 4+ hours
E: essentrics a/a
W: 143
7:30 2 peaches
11:30 spring mix with mushrooms and onions and dal.
2:00? apple
4:30 sliced peaches
5-8 2 bananas, lots of dal, some peaches.

Too much food?

Debt -free:
Spent money on vegan ice cream I didn't need.  Better next time!

Minimalist:
Going to go to bed instead of write more!

Day 17: Intentions and Covenants

This evening I read a couple of articles in the New Era.  This one made me think about all the work I've been INTENDING to do on my thesis.  Granted, I have been working on it more in the last couple of weeks than I have for a long time, but if I don't pick up the pace, it's going to drag on forever.   The girl in the story makes up her mind and DOES something.  I will too.  I will finish my thesis and graduate this semester.
I've known for a long time that I should do my thesis because Heavenly Father wants me to.  Tonight I realized that I've covenanted to do my thesis because I've covenanted to do God's will.  Here we go! :)

Healthy:
S: 6 hours
E: essentrics l/b
W: 143.8 :)
7:30 peach, few bites of black-eyed peas
11:30 spring mix, romaine, tomatoes, black-eyed peas, mushrooms and onions
4:00 2 peaches, 1 Asian pear

Debt-free:
Bought gas.  And am going to take my car into the shop tomorrow, if possible.  It needs some help.

Minimalist:
Beth decided that she needs her own space, and is going to move back into her room.  But I'm glad that we went through this process, because it's gotten me started on minimizing my things.

Day 16: A Change of Heart

I have been thinking about changing hearts lately.  My heart has been changing as I've prayed to know the needs of my school kids...I'm happier (so they are too!) and I'm having more fun with them.  My heart is changing towards my thesis...I've actually found myself WANTING to work on it lately, which is a BIG deal for me.  I love how Heavenly Father is helping me change physically, mentally, and spiritually to be more like Him....willing to submit in all things, submissive, meek, humble, patient, etc.  I'm still FAR from perfect, but I'm changing day by day with His help. 

(Bonus: I love the message about changing hearts in this song.)

Healthy:

S: 5 hours

E: essentrics a/a

W: 145 (discouraged at first, because I was feeling so fit yesterday that I thought I had lost more...it will come, and it IS coming)

7:30 lunch prep pick-ins

11:30 spring mix, tomatoes, grapes, onions, mushrooms, pinto beans

4:15 2 peaches

Debt-free:

Zero money spent today. 

Minimalist:

Last night Beth and I (with much help and entertainment by JJMAX!) rearranged our rooms so that Star can have Beth's  room, and so that Beth and I are sharing a room.  I have an overflowing bin of DI donations! And when I put my books back on my bookshelves after moving them, I sorted them into categories (Desert Island books, to-read and then decide books, books to for sure give away, books to sort later, etc.) for further purging!  Hooray for less stuff!

Day 15: Obedience=Liberty

I LOVE this talk.  General conference is in less than 2 weeks, and I've been looking forward to it for weeks, if not months!

Obedience is powerful.  I am blessed with peace, joy, and direction as I obey God's laws.  I truly feel that Eat to Live is in keeping with God's law of health, the Word of Wisdom.  I love the freedom from long colds (and the prevention of more serious illness like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease!), excessive weight, cravings, etc. that eating predominantly plant-based gives me.  

Often, with things that are hard, I just want it to be done (thesis, anyone?!) But there's something beautiful and powerful about working towards something too.  I'm not perfectly healthy...I have some excess body fat (although, according to the SAD standards, I'm good to go), but I love that I get to fight for freedom every day as I choose to take care of my body.  

Healthy:

S: 6+

E: essentrics l/b

W: 145.6

8:00 banana, lunch-making nibbling

11:30 spring mix, tomatoes, onions and mushrooms, black beans, grapes, raisins, walnuts.  Yum!

3:45 banana, 2 peaches

Debt-free/Minimalist:

Spent money to help a former student with his fundraiser...but I didn't sign up for any of the accompanying magazines.  Don't need or want more.  

Day 14: Step by step

It's so easy to give into the trap of not enough.  I've lost 10 pounds in less than 2 weeks, but I worry that it's not enough, that I'll never reach my goal weight.  However,  my "key indicators" are so much more than loosing weight!  I am feeling more svelte, and can see and feel more definition and strength in my body.  I am feeling more energetic and hopeful.  I am blessed to be able to be like the pioneers, who made it to Zion one little step at a time, one day at a time.  Here's to today's (and tomorrow's!) steps towards being better.  Each step in the right direction is enough for now.

Healthy:
S: 4.5 hours (need to work on this! :)
E: essentrics arms and abs
W: 145.2
8:00 banana
11:30 spring mix, tomatoes, canned black-eyed peas (so delicious!), onions and mushrooms (Beth wondered what smelled good this morning...maybe we'll convert her to onions yet!), 2 peaches
4:00 2 peaches, a banana
7:00-8:00 a few baby carrots, 2 bananas, lots of peanuts.

Debt-free:
No money spent today.  Love having a plan and sticking to it.


Minimalist:
Beth is thinking about sharing a room with me after all...minimalist bedroom coming right up! (Before Saturday if that's what she decides to do).

Day 13: God's timing

I am loving being in the family ward.   But last year, I sure wasn't ready to be here!  I'm so grateful that God knows us so perfectly, so intimately, and that if we'll pay attention and listen, He'll tell us what to do and how to do it so that we can find peace, joy, and ultimately return to live with Him.  What greater blessing could there be? (And in 2 weeks, we'll get to listen to His message through His living prophets!  Best weekend ever!)

I'm also grateful for God's timing in teaching me things and bringing new learning and growing opportunities to me.  5 years ago I would have balked at the idea of being plant-based.  Now I know that it's what is best for me personally right now.  I feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually when I am eating to live!

Healthy:
S: 7.5
E: pm yoga
W: 145
10:00 banana
12:00 2 DELICIOUS peaches
4:30 spring mix, fiesta mix, lime juice, 2 more yummy peaches!
6:00 banana
7-8 herbal tea

Debt-free:
No spending on Sunday!  Easy to work towards not having debt!

Minimalist:
I think that Beth has decided not to move into my room when Star comes to live with us, but I still want to get rid of enough stuff so that my space is more minimalist (and so that I'd be ready to share if needed).  I feel like the major purging will not happen until I'm done with my thesis, though, so for now, I'm going to focus on being minimalist by getting that done! :)  Maybe I'll report on it here each day.

Day 12: Consequences

Dairy is my body's arch-nemisis.  I have had stomach issues. All. Day. Long.  The bathroom has been my very best friend.  I think it's safe to say that I can use "Meat and dairy make me sick," as an honest-to-goodness reason for being as plant-based as possible.

Healthy:
S: 7
E: essentrics l/b Beth said my waist looks tiny... and this after a binge night. Sure love what plant based eating (most of the time!) and essentrics does for me!
W: 149  Yep, I ate 4lbs worth of junk yesterday.
9:00 banana
2:30 Cafe Rio salad (beans, rice, lettuce, pico, guacamole)
6:00 2 veggie burgers (they had an egg and oil in them...someone else was cooking for me, and I hadn't been specific enough) with lettuce, onions, peppers, and spicy mustard...yummy!
12:00 lots of delicious fresh peach slices!

Debt-free:
Stickin' to the plan!

Minimalist:
My "cute" clothes today are starting to look frumpy to me.  I need to get new jeans and maybe some new shirts, but they are still in the wanting more than needing category, so I haven't done it yet, and won't for awhile.

Day 11: Breaking up with dairy

I ate dairy tonight, and am in the throws of painful regret now.  We are NEVER getting back together.  Like ever.

Healthy:
S: 6-7?
E: essentrics a/a
W: 145
8:00 picking in during lunch prep
12:00-3:00 lots of carrots and hummus, spring mix, tomatoes, fiesta mix (great with smoked paprika!), banana
4:00 rice milk ice cream
6:00-10:00 2 bananas, salad, dressing, homemade mac and cheese, nutella and cookies and fruit.

Debt-free:
Still paying for life with cash.

Minimalist:
M's house is beautiful, but I'm happy and more comfortable in my little what-I-need house.

Day 10: Progress, not perfection

Yesterday I read about 2 pages for my thesis.  Which I know is not a lot, but is more than I have been doing for a long time.  I'm making progress, one baby step at a time.

I'm getting better at not diving headlong into a binge when I eat something that is less than stellar nutritionally (coconut cookie Monday, toast with delicious honey on Tuesday).  And I'm getting better at not eating when I don't need to! (And to eat when I do! Breakfast was necessary today!)

Healthy:
S: almost 6.5
E: essentrics l/b Sure love what it does for my mind, body, and spirit.  So blessed.
W: 145.6
8:30 banana
11:30 spring mix, grapes, walnuts, raisins, black beans, mushrooms, and onions.  Sweet salad, literally:)
3:45 yellow squash, and a honeycrisp apple


Debt-free:
No money spent today! :) And my savings account is growing, slowly, but surely.

Minimalist:
Didn't go to India Palace even though the thought was tempting.  I didn't need the food, or need to spend the money.  I'm making progress!

Day 9: Day by Day Transformation

I just watched this Mormon Message about daily bread.  What a great reminder that God has given us to remember Him.  At the end of the video, Elder Christofferson is talking about how these day by day things (prayer, immersion in the scriptures, meditation) transform us.  I LOVE how things that I'm thinking about (doing daily things that lead up to big goals) align with things I come across.  Tender mercies!

I feel doubly blessed with the physical daily bread because in addition to being able to have food at all, I have access to food that really nurtures my Spirit and nourishes my body.  And I LOVE that I am able to transform my body day by day through plant-based eating.  So, so blessed.

Healthy:
S: 6ish hours?
E: essentrics a/a
W: 146.2
11:30 spring mix, can of tomatoes, can of chili, 2 bananas
3:40 delicious Honeycrisp apple, 2 bananas
Thought about eating something else when I came home, and especially when


Debt-free:
No money spent today! :) And played Cashflow with J, J and B.


Minimalist:
Didn't do anything particularly minimalist today.  I took a nap instead of eating when I didn't need to.  That's minimalist, right?

Day 8: Forward, pressing forward.

Today I attended the funeral of my cousin's grandpa, Walden Johnson.  When I was little, I got to see him when he and grandma Johnson would come visit Uncle John and Aunt Evonne's family in Snowflake.  They are and were such wonderful, kind, talented, hard-working, gracious folk.  He was a man that did what needed to be done.  I want to be like that.  To press forward always.

I've been blessed to be able to press forward with Eat to Live this week.  I lost 8.2 lbs between last Tuesday and today!  Who just gets to lose weight and get healthier that fast?! I LOVE that I am never hungry (and if I am, I can eat!) and that the food I choose to eat makes me happier and more energetic.  I am so blessed.  The longer I do this, the more that I know it's for me.  I'm gaining a testimony of plant-based eating, by living it! :)  (To the point where tonight I was thinking about giving my chickens and barn back to Father...I don't need them.  I will talk to him and see what he thinks.  I would rather have people eat eggs from my happy, healthy, homey chickens than factory farmed chickens).  

Healthy:

S: 4.5 not enough

E: essentrics l/b

W: 147.2

10:00 apple and walnuts

1:45 banana

3:30 spring mix, romaine, mushroom, tomatoes, chili; another banana; 2 pieces of bread with Alaska fireweed honey! Delicious! (And even better, Beth is back!)

Debt-free:

Paid cash today, and stayed within my grocery spending budget for the week! :) $20 for all I needed.  So blessed. 

Minimalist:

Gave one of my to-give-away pairs of shoes to Beth.  Didn't buy a new undershirt, because I didn't need it. (I have to wear two undershirts sometimes to be sufficiently modest and the new Downeast kind covers everything in one! But I have the two I need...) But Beth bought it for me, so I don't know if that really counts as being minimalist after all :)

Day 7: Catch Up!

Here are my blog posts for the last few days:

Friday, September 13, 2013
S: 5.5 hours
W: 148.8
E: ess a/a
8:00 grapes and packing picking in.
11:30 spring mix with tomatoes, grapes, raisins, walnuts, black beans, and balsamic vinegar
3:30 buffalo cauliflower

I was feeling insecure that evening, but I don't need the approbation of others for what I eat or look like (although it's nice to have).  I'm doing this because God wants me to, and because I feel better when I do it.  I'm doing this for me and my God.

Saturday, September 14, 2013
S: 7.5 hours
W: ?
10:00 grits and salsa, peaches, applesauce
4:00 lettuce, beans, palta, onions, tomatoes, squash, zucchini
7-9 4-5 bananas, 2 -3 pieces of bread with peanut butter and honey, tomatoes

I love that my family is so supportive of my plant-based efforts.  Father made sure I had egg-less grits, etc.  And Jet seemed interested in what I do/don't eat (although they think it's terrible that I can't eat ice cream...I told them, (and I'm starting to remember more and more often) that I don't feel good when I eat it, and I don't feel deprived, I feel better!

Sunday, September 15, 2013
S: 7+
E: n/a
W: ?
4:00pm lettuce, chili, tomatoes,  squash, zucchini, 2-3 bananas


Monday, September 16, 2013
S: 6.5
E: essentrics a/a-LOVE it.  So blessed to have it!
W: 146.4 (that's -9 pounds since last Tuesday!  And I love how I feel Eating to Live!)
8:00 few packing pick-ins
11:30 romaine, spring mix, onions, mushrooms, black beans, raisins, grapes, walnuts, balsamic vinegar
3:30 buffalo cauliflower, pumpkin with raisins, and cinnamon
7:30 spinach and lettuce, beets, zucchini, etc.  One probably non-ETL coconut macaroon.  Didn't give in to eating quiche, etc, even though I thought about it.  I DO feel better without SAD food.  So grateful to be plant-based.

Day 3: Good day.

Old habits die hard, but the last few days haven't been too tempting.  I find myself thinking about eating at certain times...when I come home, late at night, etc.  Today I didn't eat anything after dinner.  That's not always the norm for me.  Glad I could do it today.  And ESSENTRICS is my favorite workout EVER (running is also great, but I haven't done that for a while...)

Healthy:
W: 151.6
S: 7.5 hours
E: essentrics l/b
8:00 banana and walnuts
11:30 spring mix, chili, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions; banana
4:00 steamed squash and zucchini with soy sauce; a plum and a pear

Debt-free:
Get paid tomorrow! :)

Minimalist:
Debating hot rollers...how does that fit in my minimalist ideals?  We'll see.

Day 2: Gratitude

Mother shared a thought about gratitude the other day.  She said that there's a sign on a shop on the drive into Rigby that says something along the lines of, "Gratitude makes what you have enough."

Today I am grateful for the peace and freedom that I enjoy in my life.  Twelve years ago today, we didn't know exactly what had happened or why, and our country was in turmoil.  I realize that there are so many people who don't have the peace that I enjoy on a daily basis, and I pray for peace for all.  My life is not perfect, but being blessed with peace is enough.

I'm also so grateful for the peace that comes as I eat as I know I should.  I've been happier, more patient, more hopeful, today.  I have a long way to go, but I'm trying, making progress, and feeling great.  And that's enough.


Healthy:
W: 151.6
S: 5.5 hours
E: essentrics a/a
7:30 banana with walnuts
11:30 spring mix with chili, palta and GARDEN tomatoes! purple grapes of deliciousness
4:00 magic buffalo cauliflower, apple.
7:45 roasted veggies.

Day 1: 16 weeks to go!

Eating non plant-based food makes me ill.  Literally.  Today I was sick to my stomach most of the day, and less than patient and happy, due to my dietary indiscretions last night.  

I checked the calendar (I have this thing about times/dates being special), and it's exactly 16 weeks from today until December 31st, the end of the year.  I want to make 2013 a year to remember.  I'm trying again to do ETL for real.  6 weeks +10.  From now until the end of the year.

I hope to lose my extra flub.  I hope to kick my cancer fears in the patella.  But most of all, I hope to keep proving to myself that plant-based food is what my body needs and wants, and that by living this way, I am happier, healthier and more willing and able to serve my God and His children, which is what I want my life to be all about.  Vamos, pues!

Healthy
W: 155.4
S: 7 hours
E: essentrics l/b
11:30 banana, and yummy roasted veggies
4:00 spring mix, yummy roasted veggies, grapes
12:00am couple of pieces of buffalo cauliflower

Debt-free
Keeping to the plan.

Minimalist
Let my friend, Ben, take my violin so that an elementary school student can use it.  It's just been sitting there collecting dust for years, and I'm happy to share what I have.  I also love the memories it evokes, thinking of my Mama sacrificing to buy a used and imperfect violin for what was a lot to her at the time.  Love her.  Memories are better than things, by far.

Also, I ate moderately today, and it felt great.

I need help.

I used eating as avoidance tonight.  I need help.


Healthy
S: Almost 6 hours
E: essentrics a/a
12:30 spring mix, roasted veggies
3:30 roasted veggies, apple
6:00 pumpkin mixed with oats, raisins, coconut and vanilla; 2 servings of delicious roasted veggies!
7:30 4 slices of SAD zucchini bread, 6ish pieces of pepperoni pizza

Debt-free
Still in the clear.  Blessed to have enough, always.

Minimalist
Organized my filing cabinet top a little bit.

Cookies are tempting, and I gave in.

I decided to eat cookie dough, cookies, and zucchini bread tonight.  Bad plan.  My stomach doesn't love them, and the basil and tomatoes were MUCH better.

Excited to try again tomorrow.  Because as many times as I try SAD foods, I always feel 100% better eating plant-based.  My goal from now til conference (and beyond!) is to eat 100% ETL, get to bed before midnight, and do essentrics every day.  (I can already see more definition in my arms from the few times I did essentrics this past week).  It's gonna be good!

Healthy:
S: 7+ hours
E: n/a
4-10 bananas, roasted veggies with pesto sauce, garbanzo beans, olives, and artichoke hearts.  Lots of cookie dough, cookies and zucchini bread.

Debt-free:
Spending-free Sunday!

Minimalist:
Gave away some of the water bottles that I got out of our cupboard yesterday.  Also showed off my new and improved recipe book cupboard and recipe box.  I like having what I need, and not much else, and want to keep minimizing all throughout my life!

Much too much.

I didn't give into SAD cookies, but I was sorely tempted this evening.  I stayed plant-based, but ate much too much.

Healthy
S: 7 hours
10:00 few bites of black-eyed peas
5:00 spring mix, black-eyed peas, my first garden tomato!, onions and mushrooms
7:00 banana or 2?
8:30 several bananas, walnuts, can of artichoke hearts, can of olives, BIG pumpkin pie smoothie

Debt-free:
Used my debit card for groceries this afternoon because I'd left a $20 in my pocket last night (I try to always have cash on me, just in case, even if I'm on a date).  But still used money I HAVE! :)

Minimalist:
Went through my cookbooks. Still held on to several that I'll probably not use any time soon, if at all (some that Granny gave me, so they have sentimental value, too), but I took a big stack of them out of the cookbook cupboard to give away for Christmas presents, and to give to DI.  I LOVE not having things that I don't use!  I also went through my loose recipes and threw away those i didn't want, and organized my file box.  :)

Life.

Today was good, but full of reminders that life is complicated, and kinda hard sometimes.  But I was still able to make some healthy choices, which felt good.  I CAN control some things.  I can decide what I eat (did well with that), and how I use my time (working on that!:).

Healthy
S: 5-6ish?
E: pm yoga
8:00 banana with walnuts
11:30 spring mix, palta, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, chili, blueberries
7:30 2 bean papusas with curtido, platanos fritos con frijoles...me encantaron!
9:00 few bites of plain popcorn and several glasses of delicious herbal tea

Debt-free
Got a reimbursement check today.  Every little bit helps! :)

Minimalist
Didn't eat cookies or buttered popcorn like I considered doing (even got a plate of cookies ready, and picked two of them up!).  Wasn't hungry and they weren't healthy.

Truth and Consequences

There's a town in NM called Truth or Consequences that I heard of when we moved to Gallup.  It's an interesting name, and I had the words "truth and consequences" running through my mind this morning.

The truth is that I abused my body yesterday.  I don't feel absolutely ill today, but I don't feel great either.

Here are some of the consequences of my over-eating unhealthy foods, and not getting enough sleep:
Spacey feeling
sore neck
sore feet (I think they swell a little when I overeat)
stomach feeling icky and gross
TIRED and impatient

I LOVE this talk, and this part stood out today:
To those who know and understand the plan of salvation, defiling the body is an act of rebellion (see Mosiah 2:36–37; D&C 64:34–35) and a denial of our true identity as sons and daughters of God.


Healthy
S: 6 hours
E: essentrics l/b
11:30 3 bananas
4:45 spring mix, chili, tomatoes, onions and mushrooms, palta!


Debt-free/Minimalist
I spent a couple of dollars on palta, and used things that I had for the rest.

Broke my vegan streak.

I ate sugar today and didn't even try to get out of it. So of course I ate other non-ETL things.  Smart girl that I am.  Tomorrow is a new day.  So grateful!

Healthy
S: 6.25
E: essentrics a/a
8:00 banana, walnuts
11:30 frozen strawberries; spring mix with black beans, fire roasted tomatoes, onions and mushrooms
5:30-12:30 cupcake, butterscotch chips, 3 pieces of cake, bit of cookie, several slices of pizza with ranch dressing.


Debt-free/Minimalist
I'm mostly using food I already have (canned beans and tomatoes, frozen strawberries) instead of going to buy new items (like fresh tomatoes and grapes).

I am, however, probably going to spend $32 on books for Mathis and my school kids.  Books before bread! :)

And I spent about five dollars on pizza tonight.  Tomorrow is another day!

Mixed up Monday

I know it's not Monday, but it sure feels like it! :)

Healthy:
S: almost 6
E: essentrics a/a
8:00 agua con limón
11:30 banana
5:00-6:00  fresh, sliced peaches; spring mix, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, onions and mushrooms; a banana

Debt-free:
Haven't spent any money today! :)

Minimalist:
Wanting to get rid of so much stuff.  Leaky basement and Beth coming home are good motivators to make me do more with less.

Live and learn, homebody! :)

We went to the buffet at one of my favorite Indian restaurants today.  I purposely avoided things that I knew had meat, or thought might have dairy, but I let myself go to town on the fried things...potato pan-cakes, batter fried cauliflower, etc.

I don't know if it was the oil, or if there was dairy in something that I ate, but about an hour after eating, my body was DONE.  I felt nauseous and dizzy!  I laid down to take a short nap, and 3 hours later still wasn't feeling great.

More and more I've been loving at home food rather than eating out.  I just like what I can make better than most of what I can find at restaurants, and I love knowing EXACTLY what is in my food.  It's also WAY cheaper to eat at home.  I don't go out often any more, but I'm less and less inclined to do so.

Healthy:
10:30 peaches and banana
12:00 LOTS of Indian food...fried cauliflower and potato pancakes, veggie rice, coconut soup, spiced veggie mix, lettuce, and tomatoes.
6:30-9:00 peach slices, lettuce, tomatoes, pears, zucchini cookies.

Debt-free:
Checked for my reimbursement check from school...not ready yet, so I had to dip into savings a little bit.  On the bright side, I can put the reimbursement check right back into savings when I get it, and I didn't use my credit card! :)

Minimalist:
Should have been more minimalist in my eating today...I'm still not 100% recovered!

Blessed, and my month-a-versary!

I am so blessed.  I have a wonderful family (good news from my Papa tonight! and huge responsibility and trust from J and J. and Beth comes home on the 17th!!), amazing friends (herbal tea with Amy tonight), and am reconnecting with old ones and meeting new ones all the time (Spencer and Angie, Sister Ferrin, Bishop Rudy, Carly Edwards, etc.)

I've also been supremely blessed with health.  I did not knowingly eat anything with meat, dairy, eggs, or sugar in it in August.  That is quite the feat for me, and I FEEL so good!  I'm going to continue with those things, and add Essentrics consistency, and no peanut butter and bread to the list this month, and see how my body thrives!

Healthy:
W: 149.8 (under 150! Just barely, but under!)
S: 7 hours?
5:30-9:00 summer squash, zucchini, hummus, spring mix, tomatoes, bell peppers, grapes and LOTS of peaches.

Debt-free:
Talked to John and Jesse about their business...we're going to build another LLC, and keep growing together!  I'm so excited!

Minimalist:
Made do with a shirt that I already have...not really craving any THINGS lately.  Feels good.

Faith

Heavenly Father is so good to me.  I haven't knowingly eaten dairy or meat this entire month.  And things just keep working out for me to not to...Amy wanting to go to Zupas rather than Red Robin, options in social settings, etc.  I feel that God is rewarding my faith to try by having things fall into place for me to eat plants only.

I am excited to move even further forward with faith in September...making significant progress on my thesis and really Eating to Live.  It's going to be a great month!

Healthy:
S: 5.5 hours
E: pm yoga
9:00 banana and walnuts
3:00 peach, spring mix, tomatoes, refried beans, purple grapes
7:00 grapes, pineapple and strawberries
8:00 rest of the can of refried beans, palta and peaches

Debt-free
Still within budget! :) I'm glad that I thought ahead and paid fast offerings with my tithing earlier in the month.

Minimalist
Gave money instead of stuff as a wedding gift.  That's usually what I give.  That way people can get what they need instead of one more thing that they don't! :)

The Last of the Vegan Junk Food.

I finished off my bread and peanut butter tonight.  I haven't knowingly eaten any dairy, egg, or meat products this month.  I feel like that's a huge step in the right direction.  I still have some cream cheese frosting in the fridge, and when I saw it today, even though I wanted something sweet, it wasn't even really an option.  I'm totally plant-based right now.

I'm glad to have all my vegan junk food out of the house.  And excited to start a new month of progress on Sunday!  I'm going to try doing the 6 week challenge.  I'm hoping that easing into it through August will make the transition easier, and help keep me on this challenge!! :)

Healthy
S: 4.5 hours
E: n/a
8:00 banana and walnuts
11:30 2 small bananas and a bunch of grapes
7:00 tuscan white bean soup, spinach with walnuts, blackberries, and pomegranate, sample of herbal tea and some rock sugar
9:00 container of dal, 2.5 pieces of bread with peanut butter and honey, delicious dragonfruit herbal tea!


Debt-free
Paid mortgage today.  Know how much I have to spend until next payday.  It feels good to know where my money is going!

Minimalist
Didn't buy anything at Walmart, even though I went twice today.  Did buy herbal tea.  It's amazing!!!

Real intent

I read Moroni 10 today for my Book of Mormon study.  I hadn't realized how close I was to finishing the Book of Mormon.  This chapter is chock full of amazing things, but in skimming over it again this afternoon, verse 4 stood out.  I don't know how many times I've read and recited this scripture.  It is so powerful!  God will hear and answer our prayers if we pray with a sincere heart, real intent, and having faith in Christ.  What a beautiful promise.

The "real intent" part caught me today.  I have been Eating to Live, exercising, and getting good sleep with half-hearted intent.  Yes, I do have some emotional issues that I deal with by eating.  But they don't get better or go away that way.  I need to live my plans with real intent.  I know that they are inspired and that if I live them, I will be healthier and happier.

On the mission once, President Tanner told me to "Plow In," when I was being timid.  I need to really plow in, missionary style (focused, disciplined and animada!) to doing my very best on health, school, thesis, and church.  Todo saldra bien!

Health
S: 6.5 hours
E: pm yoga
11:30 2 bananas
4:30 spring mix, tomatoes, palta, chili.  So, so good.

Debt-free
Didn't spend $1 on renting a temple dress like I'd thought about doing.  Mine worked fine!

Minimalist
Today's Herbie of the Week quoted Michael Pollan, who said "Eat real food, mostly plants, not too much."  I think that not over-eating is a good forum for continuing my minimalist journey.  And I did well with it today.  One day at a time.  Mas bendicida que nunca!

Day 10: Fragile and radiant

So at the VMAs (which I have never in my life watched) this year, Miley Cyrus put on quite a show, so they say.  I've liked a Miley song or two in my life, so when her latest came out, I started watching the video to see if I liked this one.  I couldn't make it through.  Didn't want to make it through it.  It does not invite light.

I've read blog posts and fb posts about Miley's VMAs performance.  I don't think that she should have done what she did, but I do know that we all do things for a reason.  While I don't agree with her decision at all, I'm pretty sure she's lost and hurting, however she might view herself.

One of the blogs I read said "I'm not saying she's right.  I'm not cheering for her in this moment.  But she's not a criminal.  Not a tragedy that hurt millions.  She's just a girl.  Just like me.  Who probably forgot, like the rest of us, what a fragile, radiant thing she really is."

I love that line.  We are all fragile and radiant.  I saw a picture of dancing toes today, and it made me feel radiant.  Running today made me feel radiant.  I also ate 9 pieces of bread with peanut butter and honey when I wasn't hungry.  I'm fragile (emotionally, if not physically!:) and I eat to deal and avoid.  But I can and will make more radiant choices in the future.  And when I'm especially fragile, I can get up and try again.

Healthy:
S: 6.5
E: 35 minute walk run on the BST.
11:30 spring mix, black beans, tomatoes, grapes, strawberries
5:00-7:00 3 plums, pesto with roasted veggies, steamed squash, banana smoothie, 9 pieces of bread with peanut butter and honey.

Debt-free:
No money spent today! So proud of Beth for working when she doesn't want to, to earn money to get out too.  I also re-found a house that might be a good fixer-upper to rent.  I've been thinking about that lately.  Buying to rent.  Need to talk to John.  And to Spencer and Angie.

Minimalist:
I don't need a gym membership.  Trail walking/hiking/running and mowing the lawn make me happy!

Day 9: No more my powers abuse

I binged last night, no doubt about it.  I totally, knowingly, consciously, abused my God-given body.  I should have woken up feeling downright awful.  My stomach sure wasn't happy with me.  And yet, I was still blessed to wake up with the words to Know This, That Every Soul is Free in my head.  I haven't heard it lately.  I haven't been thinking about it.  It was tender mercy from a God who knows and loves me, and always, ALWAYS is watching out for me.

Here is one part that stood out to me:
May we no more our pow'rs abuse,
But ways of truth and goodness choose;
Our God is pleased when we improve
His grace and seek his perfect love.

I want to please God.  I want to choose truth and goodness.  I want to no more my powers abuse.
It's a daily decision.  Tomorrow may be more difficult, and I know that I'm not going to be instantly perfect (we're here to struggle to grow, you know! :), but I had a good, non-powers-abusing day.  And I'm grateful.

Healthy
S: 6.5 hours
W: I'm sure I gained several pounds since yesterday morning.  I'm going to try not weighing myself for a while.  Maybe even until September 30.  Vamos a ver.
E: pm yoga
11:30 a couple of strawberries and grapes.  Still super stuffed.
4:30 spring mix, strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, black beans, mushrooms and onions.  Delicious.

Debt-free
Didn't spend money today.  Got my check request ready to submit tomorrow, so that I can get reimbursed for some of the $ I've spent for school.

Minimalist
Only 2 meals today.  Didn't give into the temptation to eat more.

Day 8: The Bright Side.

My missionary brother is doing a great job of focusing on the positives.  I could talk about how I ate too much last night, how I didn't do much running today, etc, and that would all be true.  BUT, I have eaten totally plant-based since the beginning of the month (the bread at Natalie's reception may not have been, but everything else I KNOW is), and I am losing weight overall.  I got out and moved this morning when I wasn't feeling very energetic.  There's always a bright side.   And even though I binged from cansansia and avoidance tonight, I'm protecting myself from cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. with every plant-strong bite I take.

Healthy:
S:  6.5 hours?
E: 41 minute walk with a little bit of running
7:30 2 bananas
11:30 dal, pineapple, 4 zucchini cookies
5:30-10:30 spring mix, black beans, tomatoes, grapes, strawberries, onions, mushrooms, banana smoothie, lots of zucchini cookies, 6  pieces of bread with peanut butter and honey.


Debt-free: Spent $20.80 on groceries that should last me a week. :)


Minimalist:  Didn't buy things just because they looked good.  Need to work on being minimalist in my food intake.  Totally ate for stress and cansansia today.

Day 7: Sweet Sabbath

I had a lovely experience going to the family ward.  I think it was mostly my attitude, but I felt SO MUCH BETTER there than when I went last July.  I think it's the place for me.

Healthy:
S: 9 hours!
W: 149.4
6-9 dal, lettuce, zucchini, squash, all natural zucchini cookies, a banana.  Ate more than I needed, but not stuffed.


Debt-free:
No money spent today:)


Minimalist:
Wore an old outfit to church today and felt pretty and fine.  No need for new clothes! :)

Day 6: Trying again

I didn't exercise today...too busy, and exhausted! (Emotional days wear you out...today was Shannon Peterson Sevison's funeral).  But I ate to live, and felt much better, of course!

Healthy
W: 152.8
12:00 banana, peach
7:00 banana, romaine with black beans and roasted veggies, 3 peaches.

Debt-free: Didn't spend any $.

Minimalist: Keep wearing my purple shirt.  It's a favorite for sure, and I'm glad that I don't have to have new clothes to feel cute.

Day 5: Miles to go

I ran/walked this morning, and it was beautiful.  I also weighed in at under 150, which is the first time that's happened in a LONG time.  But I've been EXHAUSTED all day, and let that serve as an excuse to eat too much, and not the best food, either.  

I have miles to go before I reach my fitness and health goals, but tomorrow is another day, and with running, eccentrics, etc., I feel like I'm on the right track.  Just gotta put in those miles consistently.  One of those "miles" I need to put in daily is the hours of sleep I have gotten.

Healthy

S: 4.5 hours

E: 35 minute wal/run, bsn trail

8:00 banana, walnuts

11:30 spring mix, black beans, roasted veggies, pineapple

4:30 soy milk, berries, citric acid, lemon flavoring, sweetened with agave

6:30 Bhindi alloo.

7:00 2 bananas and peanut butter

Debt-free  Cash plan!

Minimalist- Too much food.  

Day 4: (internet not working)

This is a post I wrote yesterday, but couldn't post, as the internet was out temporarily.

Recording Miracles

A few years ago, President Eyring encouraged us to keep a record of how we can see God's hand in our lives.  It inspired me to keep a journal on a consistent basis.  My journal is not solely dedicated to writing about God's hand in our lives, but I do have things recorded there that will be a resource of faith in times of need for strength for myself and my children.  

Today I realized that this blog is a record of miracles, too.  It's a miracle that I'm becoming healthier, that I'm losing weight, that I'm getting fitter.  These are all miracles, and my blog is a record of miracles.  

Healthy

S: 5.5 hours.  Desperately needing more.

W: 150

E: 15 min. 1.25 mile run; 17 min. 1.25 mile walk/run, eccentrics l/b

8:00 walnuts, apple

11:30 spring mix, black beans, roasted veggies of deliciousness

4:30 more roasted veggies of deliciousness, banana smoothie

Debt-free-Still paying cash.  It feels good to know what I've got and where it's going. 

Minimalist-Non-gym running/walking.  I may get a rec pass for the swimming, but I'm loving being outside right now!  (especially after it has rained, as was the case this evening!) Nature helps me feel closer to God, as does taking care of my body.  I'm so blessed. 

Day 3: 1st day of school! :)

Healthy
S: 5.5 (need more...I'm so tired!)
W: 151.2
Wa: enough, I think
E: 33 minutes of mostly running, essentrics l/b
7:30 banana with walnuts
11:50 spring mix with black beans and roasted veggies, grapes
5:40 more roasted veggies, 1 banana,+smoothie (2 frozen bananas, almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon.

Debt-free
Cash, baby :)



Minimalist:  I wanted to eat bread and peanut butter after my evening meal, because I was tired and needing energy.  But I realized (and acknowledge!) that I didn't need food, so I didn't eat!

Day 2: Healthiness helps with holiness.

As I was studying this morning, the following thought came:  Running helps me be closer to God.
It's true.  I am feeling so good and so loved and at peace these days.

Healthy:
S: 5.5 hours
W: 151.4
E: 38 minute walk/run on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.  Beautiful.  Essentrics l/b.
10:30 watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries! Delicious.
2:00 magic cauliflower, green grapes, Pink lady apple, walnuts.
6:00 cafe rio salad
10:00 taste tests and pick ins of roasted veggies, olives, and chickpeas.

Wa:  6 plus bottles (5 is a little less than a gallon)

Debt-free:
Still sticking to cash!

Minimalist:
Didn't buy a new magazine.  Put the book I was thinking about buying back, and didn't get it either!

Day 1: I love running.

Missy asked me today if I'd lost weight.  Um, no.  She said I look good.  I told her I've been running.  Maybe even the week of running that I've done has made a difference in how toned I am.  Regardless of how it makes me look, I LOVE how it makes me feel.  I ran this evening, slow, slow, slow, (tired, worn-out, and hurty footed/ankled), but enjoying the quiet, the peace, the oneness of being outside and moving my body.  It felt so good.

Essentrics also felt fabulous this evening, and I think (again, still) that running and essentrics are what I need to do.  I sometimes think about adding other things (TUI or Tara Stiles yoga DVDs) but I love Sahra and Miranda's focus on the exercises themselves, not showing skin.  NOT that I think the TUI girls and Tara aren't great trainers/leaders.  I think that they are, and that they have amazingly fit and beautiful bodies, and are doing such great work promoting REAL health, and helping others so much! And I don't think that their intent is to distract from the amazing things that they're doing, by the things that they wear.  But after tonight's talk, Quick to Observe, by Elder Bednar, one way that I think that I can be quick to observe is to let myself focus on the beauty and joy of movement, while appreciating the modesty of Sahra and her girls.  Essentrics!!!

Today:
S: 6.5
W: 153.8
Wa: At least 5 bottles
E: 30 minute slog of loveliness, essentrics a/a
8:00 banana
11:45 spring mix, grape tomatoes, mushrooms and onions, chili
8:00 squash, strawberries

ETL time!

I realized today that my anniversary of going through the temple is exactly 6 weeks from tomorrow. I want to consecrate those 6 weeks to real ETL, 6+ hours of sleep, daily running and essentrics. I know I will feel better as I do.

Healthy
S: 6.5 hours
E: pm yoga
3:00 banana
6:30 rice, beans, lettuce, pico, smidgen of palta, more rice
9:00 more rice
10:00 2 pieces of bread with peanut butter and honey

Debt-free
Didn't buy anything.  Not hard to avoid debt on a Sunday! :)

Minimalist
I'm going to be a library for Monica...and just thought that I should give her books that she loves that I don't need!  I love giving things I like to a good, new home! :)

Too much.

I was so tired today, and ate and ate.  So I'm going to watch a short show (instead of a full-length video) to relax) and then I'm going to go to bed! :)

Healthy
W: 151.6
E: pm yoga
I ate all day: banana, veggie pizza slice, spring mix with canelli beans, grapes, 4 peaches, strawberries, LOTS of bread with brushetta, and some other veggies, couple of strawberries, a banana, 2 more slices of veggie pizza, and a little more than half a quart of canned peaches.

Debt-free
Paid for church groceries with cash.  I love knowing where things are going.

Minimalist
Took some things to DI (including that orange shirt I never wear...tried it on to be sure I didn't want it.  I don't.  I also took my lake punch sweater.  Good memories, but I haven't worn it for years.

Progress, not perfection.

Lindsay's blog post today was perfect.  My favorite line: "Don't get so invested in utopia that positive change in the right direction becomes a downer."

I didn't sleep much last night, and was wanting to eat vegan junk food today (I wanted more than one slice of plant-based pizza and bread with peanut butter and honey), but I didn't give in.  That's progress.

I gained weight since yesterday, and only slept for 3 hours last night,  but I haven't eaten anything non-plant-based since August 1st.  That's progress.

I didn't wake up in time to do my normal walk/run on the shoreline trial, but I did slog for 15 minutes in the am, and walk later. That's progress.

I'm not perfect, but I'm progressing.

Healthy
S: 3 hours!
Wa: 6 + bottles
W: 152.2
E: 15 minute am slog (1.25 miles), 20 minute pm walk
7:45 banana (love that I'm getting growly in the am! Means that my body is ready for food!)
11:30 spring mix with rinsed black beans, strawberries, grapes, mushrooms, and balsamic vinegar, 1 slice of Tuscan White Bean and Basil Pizza.
6:00 big plate of buffalo cauliflower (made without oil this time!) and pan-fried squash; cookie dough (1 banana, oats, raisins, almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon, walnuts), 1 bowl of plain air-popped popcorn, more buffalo cauliflower.

Debt-free
Got my cash out for the month.  Trying to think ahead more to what I'll need $ for (feeding people, wedding gifts, etc.) so that I'm more prepared.

Minimalist
I went to town on my itunes today, getting rid of songs I'd never heard of (I got a lot of music from my friend's ex when they were together and I was over at their house one time), or didn't love.  I still have more down-sizing to do in that department, but it's definitely more minimalist than it was! PROGRESS! :)

Another day of progress.

Healthy
W: 151.4 :)
E: 36 minute walk/run on the shoreline trail.  Walked and ran north, ran all the way back from the 1st gate.  It feels so good to run!
10:00 apple with walnuts
12:00 banana smoothie; spring mix with dal; 2 slices of bread with homemade bruschetta :)  LOVE having basil plants!
4:15 3 pieces of tuscan white bean pizza with basil and tomatoes.  Didn't love the crust.
Too many carbs today...need more salad and veggies! :)


Debt-free
Budgeted.  Paid tuition instead of going into more debt for it.  I should be out out without too much stress by my December paycheck.  I love being in control, telling my money where to go. (And next time I have a guest, I will cook for them, and do pure-plant based/things I have, so I'm not spending so much money on things I don't eat myself).


Minimalist
Went to the water conservation gardens in Orem with JMAX.  Did you know that Utahans use 60% of their water on landscaping?! Yikes! I got some great ideas about how to landscape using plants that require less water.  I'm excited to try them out!  (especially wisteria, trumpet vine, black-eyed susans, and mulching).

Keep going.

Healthy
W: 154.2
E: 30 minute walk/run on Bonneville shoreline trail. My knee is feeling better! :) (Used essential oils today).  pm yoga (feeling headachy, so I didn't do essentrics).
10:00 banana
12:00 lettuce with dal, bowl of zucchini basil soup, lots of grapes
4:30 pan-fried yellow squash, bit of buffalo cauliflower, ETL cookie dough (2 bananas, oats, vanilla almond milk, cinnamon, raisins, walnuts).

Debt-free
Didn't spend anything, and got paid from PSD and Beth.  Lots of money!  Need to be intentional in what I do with it now.

Minimalist
Trying to lose weight so that I don't have to buy new clothes for school!

Real food heals.

Healthy
W: 155.2
E: pm yoga
12:00 banana with walnuts
2:15 buffalo roasted cauliflower
6:00 bean burrito, refried beans, spanish rice

I wasn't feeling hungry, but ate at noon, and felt better from my food hangover almost instantly.  Real food heals!  And I didn't eat chips and salsa at dinner.  And told my friends about my eating habits so that they're not surprised when I don't indulge when we get together next time.

I'm excited about trying E2's basil zucchini tomorrow.  It's smelling delicious from the crockpot right now!

Debt-free
Using CC still.  Today it was for cauliflower and chocolate chips, and then a cheap dinner. Regifted b and bw soap for a bridal shower, though, so I haven't spent as much as I could.

Minimalist
Didn't overeat.
Still thinking about how to use milk crates for books, gardening, etc.

Ran today!

Healthy
S: 6.5 hours
E: 1.25 mile run (14 minutes...super slow, but I ran the whole way, and I'm just getting started again!), essentrics a/a
12:00 walnuts, bowl of granola with almond milk
3:00 trail mix (lots of nuts)
4:00 pan-fried yellow squash (salt, but no oil), and a few green grapes
7:30 banana
10:15 2 very large bowls of granola with almond milk.  Think I'm going to go unprocessed for a while. Spices don't count.
11:00 TONS of salsa and corn chips.  Finished the salsa.  Donated the remaining chips to Amy.  Tomorrow is a new day! :)

Also, apparently I get angry when Amy makes comments about my eating habits.  She's right, I do.  I don't love being criticized for doing something that I feel is right for me, in jest or otherwise.  Just because I do things differently, doesn't mean that either of us is right or wrong, we're just different.  Thankfully, we can be, and are, good friends who eat very different things.


Debt-free
Used the CC for groceries today.  Beth's sending a big check for 4 months of future rent, and we get paid Thursday, so things should lighten up soon.  I haven't done as great about not buying things I don't need, as I've been buying to feed others.  That should ease up shortly.


Minimalist
While I was waiting to donate blood, I deleted contacts in my phone that I'm not in contact with, nor need to be anymore.

Back in the Saddle

Healthy
5:30 banana, taste-testing, and a grape...I was getting clumsy and thought it might be lack-of-food related.
6:30 2 servings of rice with dal.  Lemon bars not even a temptation

Debt-free 
No spending on Sundays! :) Makes it easy.  My sister is well on her way too!!!  So proud of her!

Minimalist
I've been trying to think about what to do with books.  I know I don't need/want all that I've got.  I wanted to get a smaller bookshelf (I've got 2 large ones full right now, plus 7 boxes of books under my bed that are my parents' and more books at school!), one that is portable.  Today the thought came to use milk crates.  When I've used them in the past, I've loved them.  And even though getting more milk crates would be getting more stuff, it would eliminate the need to transport bookshelves (they would double as their own very sturdy moving boxes!) if/when I move.  I've been making lists of books I love and want to keep in four main categories, and think that that may be an easy way to organize them in the crates too.  :)  I've also been wanting to call my local library and see if they want any of my books. I don't want them to go to waste...they're good, but not ones that I need to have in my possession.

Help. I need it.

I really need to work on sleep.  I didn't get enough, so I ate to stay awake to watch Charmed.  Bad plan.

Healthy
E: n/a
2:00 cherries and grapes
8:00-12:00+ 2 natural granola bars, 5 pieces of bread with peanut butter and honey, roasted cauliflower with buffalo sauce (DELICIOUS!  And my carnivorous roomie loved them too!)

Debt-free
Used the CC for gas and groceries.

Minimalist
n/a

Trying to do better.

So apparently my body didn't love the overdose of salt and fat in my corn chips last night.  Or my bad sleeping habits are catching up to me (that's something I need to start recording here, so I can be accountable and do better), but I felt off all day.  Hope my better eating today will help.

Healthy
E: pm yoga
12:00 cookie dough (1 banana, almond milk, vanilla, oats, raisins)
7:00 tomatoes, mushrooms, and carrots with hummus; a few grapes; bowl of peaches with spices and pecans

Debt-free 
No spending today, although I was sure thinking about all kinds of foods I could buy and eat.  Didn't do it.

Minimalist
Didn't buy things I didn't need. :)

Step back.

I overate tonight.  And I wasn't hungry, or stressed, or anything. Just did it out of habit, I suppose.  Need to remember to ask myself if I really need something, if it's what I really want. Tomorrow is another day! :)

Healthy
E: essentrics a/a, swimming
11:00 banana and walnuts
2:00 celery, carrots, mushrooms, tomatoes, olives, and cucumbers with homemade hummus; red grapes
3:30 cookie dough (1 banana, applesauce, raisins, oatmeal, cinnamon, vanilla)
7:30 strawberries, pineapple
9:30 LOTS of chips and salsa

Debt-free
Still paying with cash...it's all going to be just fine! So blessed.

Minimalist
Gave away a book I like. Don't need it and wanted to share it.

Keep going, birthday girl!

Today was my 32nd b-day.  For a single Mormon girl, that's kinda old.  And it didn't help that my brother (3 siblings down) and his wife found out what gender their in utero baby is today.  Happy birthday to me! I'm an aunt to another baby boy...but have none babies of my own.

I really do love my nieces and nephews, and I really am excited for Jet and Than, but I also had some definitely bitter moments today.  I was headed to the temple and couldn't get there and couldn't get there.  Finally I was driving in what I hoped was the right direction, and came around the bend to see it right there.  I just need to keep going.  That's what I felt right before I found ETL, when I was searching for a health plan that felt right.  That's what I need to keep doing now.

Healthy
E: 40+minute hike, pm yoga (goal tomorrow: DO ESSENTRICS!:)
11:00 banana and strawberries
2:00 grapes and walnuts
8:00 big plate of zucchini, cherries, walnuts and raisins (my b-day cake!)

I keep being amazed that I'm not binging or eating processed foods.  I thought that I needed/wanted a treat, and I actually had the plate out, 2 pieces of bread on it, and my knife in the peanut butter, and then asked myself "Is this what I really want?" And the answer was no.  So I put the knife in the sink, the bread back in the bag, and the peanut butter and honey back in the pantry.  I do NOT need bad-for-me food to celebrate and feel good.  I ate some raisins and walnuts and was good.  It's kind of ironic that I'm expecting to mess up hard-core soon.  I am being so blessed with no desire to eat bad food.  SO BLESSED.

Debt-free
Still paying with cash!  Dollar store gift bags are the way to go...as is regifting.  I spent $10ish on baby, and am going to regift some birthday bbw stuff for mama for tomorrow's baby shower!

Minimalist
Didn't buy palta because I didn't need it or want it.  Working on my DI pile...need to contribute more to it.  If I don't wear it, I don't need it!

New ways to minimize!

Is it bad that I want to minimize my people-I-spend-time-with list?  I had my bday party today...spent all day cooking food I don't eat for it.  I love to cook, and I love people, but by the time the party came around, I was pretty much done.  Next year, I want to just spend time with maybe 4-5 people, and call it good.  That being said, I'm glad that the people who came did, and I had a good time!  Here's to being 32!


Healthy
W: didn't weigh! Feeling fitter though...my abs and waist are making their comeback!
E: 30 + minute walk, pm yoga twice...love how it helps my back.
2:00 1/2 cup rice, stir fry veggies, soy sauce, Chinese 5 spice
6-10 grazing-ish.  Potato and grape while cooking.  A couple of bites of peaches with JJMAX, grapes, strawberries, and cherries at the party

I was SO blessed not to WANT food I didn't need.  I wasn't more than vaguely tempted, and more often I wasn't remotely tempted by all the bacon, sausage, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin muffins, etc.  Even when we were watching Charmed, post-party, and I thought about getting an apple and some peanut butter, it just didn't sound like something I wanted.  It sounded good, but not necessary.  I feel that Heavenly Father is blessing my efforts and changing my heart and desires.

Debt-free
Spent too much money on the party, but I'm still not spending money I don't have.

Minimalist
Realized that I don't need to have lots of people for my birthday party, nor do I need to cook to impress others...cinnamon rolls would have sufficed!

Tender Mercies

Healthy
W: 153
E: 35 minutes of hiking, essentrics a/a (LOVE the way it makes me feel! I would love to become an instructor some day)
9:00 banana and walnuts
12:00 spring mix, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, carrots, hummus
2:00 banana cookie dough (3 bananas, cup of oats, some raisins, applesauce, vanilla, and cinnamon)
6:00 2 apples with lots of peanut butter
8:00 3-4 squares of graham crackers at FHE

Today was a eat, eat, eat day. I made the mistake of eating breakfast when I wasn't hungry, which then gave me sub-concious license to just eat whenever, regardless of hunger or lack thereof.  I was tired and kept eating.  I did stick to plant-based, though, in spite of the temptation of deliciously evil cream cheese frosting lurking in the fridge.  Sugar is my gate-way drug.  Gotta stay away.


Debt-free
The Lord's Tender Mercies are real!!! And the timing does help us recognize them!  Beth was able to send her rent money today just in time for me to use it for b-day dinner things instead of my credit card. Getting out!!!


Minimalist
Going to use Ben's old shirt and my own jeans for tomorrow's hipster b-day party. Don't need any more clothes, especially ones I won't use again, regardless of how cheap they are!

I think this accomplishment fits under all three categories, but I was able to resist the temptation to buy corn chips, vegan ice cream, etc. etc.  I didn't need it for health, frugality or minimalism.   I am not perfect at these things by any means, but Heavenly Father is blessing and helping me so much.  I'm doing this with His help!

Also, I think that I'm going to try weighing only once a month.  Even though I gained since yesterday (and probably gained more today), I'm feeling fitter and happier being plant-based and exercising.  I get to choose!  So I'll try to resist weighing in until September 1st.

Happy Sabbath!

I sure love Sundays!  It was lovely to sleep, to go to church, and spend time with friends.

Healthy
W: 152
5:00 spring mix, tomatoes, olives, carrots, hummus, cherries
6:00 banana smoothie

I brought my own food to Break the Fast to make sure that I had things that I could eat.

Debt-free
Payed cash for fast offerings :) (I never go into debt for tithing or fast offerings, but I'm liking the cash system).


Minimalist
Wore a dress I haven't worn in a while.  I think I like it enough to keep it.  Good to know in my quest to minimize.  Some clothes I definitely don't want to keep.

Blessed.

Long, good day.

Healthy
W: 153.4
E: 30 minute walk, pm yoga
9:00 walnuts, 2 bananas
1:00 spinach with carrots, pears, grapes, candied pecans, and balsamic vinegarette dressing.  Hummus, olive tepanade, veggies, and a bit of flat bread.

 Debt-free
No credit card usage for gas!  It's all working out.

Feeling Free

The last two days I have not been severely tempted to eat bad-for-me foods or to spend money I don't have.  So my live-foot prayers have been of gratitude rather than for escape.  I was surprised that I didn't lose more weight since yesterday...I'm feeling free.  I swear my biceps are more defined, and my vision is clearer.  There are bills to be paid in the near future, but I know about them, am planning for them, and am feeling in control of my money...I'm the one that's telling it where to go.

Freedom feels good.


Healthy
W: 154.2
E: 30 minute walk with Mandy, pm yoga
10:00 2 bananas and some walnuts
2:00 can of beans
DIDN'T eat tonight at Cafe Rio with Mallory (her good example helps!) because I wasn't hungry.
DO need to work on sleep.

 Debt-free
Keeping track of money spent and places next paycheck needs to go.

Minimalist
Went to the library and read magazines I didn't buy instead of buying and eating food I didn't need.

Hope

I love new beginnings, trying again, etc.  For the last couple of months, I've eaten whatever, whenever, and lots of it.  I've gotten back up to my former baseline weight, and am packing more than I need to.  I haven't had as much energy as I need/want, and have often felt sluggish, and sick, including stomach issues, nausea, and a general lack of animo.  

As part of my Year of Plenty Project (today's the first official day!:), I'm working on Eating to Live.  I'm trying to take it one day at a time, being more gentle with myself, and not giving up completely when I make a mistake.

For the first time in a long time, I'm feeling hopeful about this.  

Here are today's health stats:

W: 155.4

E: 30 minutes of walking/running Bethy and I's loop (and some park walking to get in the rest of my time), walking to and from Mandy's and to and from Ben's.  pm yoga.

12:00 banana

2:30 spring mix, cherry tomatoes, water sauteed mushrooms and onions, black beans with garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder.  Fresh peach from Susie for dessert.  DELICIOUS!

6:30 banana and some walnuts.

HEALTH HISTORY (October 17, 2011)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011

Health History/Day of Decision

It's been over 3 years since I've posted. Obviously, I haven't been part of the blog-writing craze!! The past few month have been life-changing in terms of health, and I've been searching for a way to document the things I'm learning, and how I'm changing. So, I'm going to give blogging a shot and see if it's a good fit for said documentation. I also want to share what I'm learning!!

Growing up, I lived on the edge of a small town in AZ, and did a lot of running around and playing. Eventually, I discovered books (still LOVE to read), and read more than ran, and began eating more of the unhealthy desserts and fatty foods than the salads that my amazing-cook-of-a-mother made. (I remember my salad-avoidance trick was to not put dressing on my salad, and then to put it back in the bowl when my parents weren't looking. Unfortunately, my sister got caught trying to do the same thing, tattled on me, and we both had to eat salad from then on.)

By third grade I started realizing that I was chubbier than many of the kids at school, but it didn't seem to faze me. I was never obese, but always had at least a few extra pounds. That phase petered out in high school, when I began running with the cross-country and track teams, and then got pneumonia at the end of my sophomore year. I graduated from high school at about 130 lbs, 5'8ish". I wore a 9/10 in jeans. At that point, I didn't exercise on a regular basis, but I was active, and didn't overeat very often. I was at a pretty healthy weight.

I moved to Montana for the summer right after high school, and eating ramen EVERY day took it's toll. I gained my freshman 15 before I ever began college! I went to school in Idaho, and working early morning custodial combined with the dark, cold, and junk-food-eating-college-lifestyle contributed to another few pounds. I think I got up to 160 at one point, but then kind of leveled out at 150-155 for the next 10 years, through the rest of college, a year and a half mission to Chile for my church (They sure know how to feed you there!!), and my first 4 years of my teaching career.

During these years, I would read Prevention, Self, First, and other magazines with weight-loss ideas/stories. I collected diet books and tried to eat more healthily. I started running and doing other forms of exercise (I love ballet, yoga, and other stretching exercises). I would set goals to lose weight, but even counting calories and running 3-7 miles 3-4 times a week would only get me down to 149lbs. Some of my diet book collection did help. The retro 80s diet book Lean and Free helped me be kinder to myself, learn about nutrition, and not give into self-loathing because I wasn't a size 6. Geneen Roth's books also helped with learning to love myself as I was (and to get rid of the rest of the diet books!)

A few years ago a friend told me that when I turned 30, I would have to watch what I ate. As I turned 29, my base weight started creeping up, and I was consistently at 157. Then, this past winter after a big meal (we are eaters in my family!) I weighed myself and was horrified to find that I was 163 lbs, more than I'd ever weighed before! (It was after a big meal with siblings and roommates, and my brother still laughs at how shocked I looked!!) I knew that I needed to do something different, but didn't know what. I'd been working out, and thought that I was doing pretty well, but I was gaining instead of losing!

Gratefully, my sister found a book called the Green Smoothies Diet, and told me about it. I looked up the corresponding website, and found Dr. Joel Fuhrman sited. I bought his book, Eat to Live, too, and it was the catalyst for change for me. I began following his eating suggestions about 80% of the time in May of this year (before I ever finished the book), and began losing weight that hadn't budged in years. I made my goal of being less than 140 lbs on my 30th b-day in August (139 counts, right?!) and have been between 138-145 since then. I'm sure that I would be lighter than that if I'd been consistent.

My problem is that I haven't been consistent. Dr. Fuhrman recommends being totally dedicated to the program for 6 weeks. I make it for about 2 or so, and then something comes up and I give in to sugar or meat. Not the most heinous crimes ever committed, but when I do, I realize that these foods never taste as good as I thought they would, they make me sick to my stomach, and they don't really doesn't solve the tiredness, stress, or whatever else I want them to fix! That doesn't stop me from eating a ton of them, though, when I do give in.

I've been feeling recently that I really need to commit and see what Eating to Live can do for me. I do feel healthier, lighter, stronger, and more energetic, even though I haven't been consistent with it. I'm wearing size 4 and 6 jeans and skirts at 140 ish lbs, so I know that my body is changing, not just my weight. I've NEVER been able to wear a size 6 bottom before this summer!

I went a year once without sugar, and figure I can do that again, along with ditching the meat, and adding the focus on nutrition that Dr. Fuhrman teaches. Soooo, I'm hereby committing to Eat to Live (basically vegan) for a year. I have a lot going on (I teach full time, am a grad school student, and have a lot of time-consuming responsibilities for my church), but I am also committing to do a few minutes of yoga each day for a year, fitting in cardio, and more stretching as I can.

THIS IS MY DAY OF DECISION!!!

I will check in every few days or so and let you know how I'm doing with my goals. I found a blog the other day (www.happyherbivore.com) that I already love and know is going to help me.

My stats today:

Weight: 143.2 lbs as of this morning (big binge weekend)

Exercise: yoga in the am, going to do a few more poses again tonight

Food: bkfast: green smoothie (banana, frozen peaches, spinach)

lunch: spinach, chili, tomatoes, mushrooms

snack: grape tomatoes

dinner: so far, a banana. Planning on trying HH's Pumpkin Pie smoothie.

8/1/13 update

I did go from October 17, 2011 to October 17, 2012 vegetarian as much as possible (trace meat in a chili, and broth a couple of times).  Trying again with the ETL challenge! :)