Nobody Has It All Together

Yeah, this is my family every Sunday. Why do we always think everyone else is totally put together and perfect?

What Do You Really Want?

On my recent journey to optimal health, I have had to ask myself that question a lot. It was hard at first, but now I find myself pausing and asking myself that question all the time.

We get so used to one way of eating that it just becomes a habit. Many times we don't even realize what we have eaten and how much. We eat to fill our stomachs, but how many times during the day are we eating as a distraction? As a way of overcoming fear, or feeling sad? Or just because we are bored?


If you are seeking a change in your life, first of all, you really have to be ready. Then when you are ready, start by asking yourself "What do I really want?"

When I started asking myself that question, these are the answers that came:

*I want to be around a long time for my husband and children.

*I want a healthy body so I can play with my children.

*I want to create good habits for myself and share what I've learned with my family.

* I want to look good for my husband. (actually I want to look like a sex goddess for my husband!)

*I want to be healthy so that I can serve my family and help other people. 


It's time to ask yourself!

( If you have questions about the program I have been doing, please let me know. I am not selling anything and would love to help anyone that is looking for optimal health.)

The Power Of Food

I eat used to eat a lot of sugar, like Buddy the Elf.

On my journey to health over the last 6 months I have learned a lot about food.

I have learned that I am a food addict.

I associate food with happiness, use it as a reward for myself and children and I think about it a lot.
 
  Here is what WebMD say's about food addiction:

"The idea that a person can be addicted to food has recently gotten more support from science.
Experiments in animals and humans show that, for some people, the same reward and pleasure centers of the brain that are triggered by addictive drugs like cocaine and heroin are also activated by food, especially highly palatable foods. Highly palatable foods are foods rich in:

Sugar
Fat
Salt

Like addictive drugs, highly palatable foods trigger feel-good brain chemicals such as dopamine. Once people experience pleasure associated with increased dopamine transmission in the brain's reward pathway from eating certain foods, they quickly feel the need to eat again.

The reward signals from highly palatable foods may override other signals of fullness and satisfaction. As a result, people keep eating, even when they're not hungry.

People who show signs of food addiction may also develop a tolerance to food. They eat more and more, only to find that food satisfies them less and less. 

Scientists believe that food addiction may play an important role in obesity. But normal-weight people may also struggle with food addiction. Their bodies may simply be genetically programmed to better handle the extra calories they take in. Or they may increase their physical activity to compensate for overeating.

People who are addicted to food will continue to eat despite negative consequences, such as weight gain or damaged relationships. And like people who are addicted to drugs or gambling, people who are addicted to food will have trouble stopping their behavior, even if they want to or have tried many times to cut back."

Isn't that scary?

Food is powerful. 

We are surrounded by food convenience. 

It is accessible at anytime, at any moment we want it.

As I have been learning to eat healthy foods, I realized I have been poisoning my body with all of the fast, convenient food out there. Even what I thought was healthy before didn't come close to the pure, good food I have been eating lately. 

On days that I am really struggling I will say out loud or too myself "I am stronger than food."

It's so true. I am stronger than food! I won't allow it to consume me anymore. To solve my problems or take away pain. I will use it to fuel my body and give me the energy I need. 

That doesn't mean I won't ever eat my favorite foods again....like Bajio or Cafe Rio Salads. Or doughnuts. Or Oreo's. I could just keep going and going because I have lot's of favorites. 

I will just eat them in moderation. I will think before I eat. I will make a plan before I eat out. I will show God that I appreciate and love this body!

Staying Focused

I have felt like quitting today. I just want to be thin/healthy and have it all over with already. But I know it is going to take a lot more work to change my habits and get this body in shape. 

I am getting there. 

I am doing it, I just need to keep going. 

It is so worth it. 

I know I am worth it. 

My Weight Loss Journey

I have been working on my health for the last 6 months. It has been a long hard road, especially the last month.

So, in order to motivate myself and get my head to stay focused on the last 10 pounds, I am going to start posting my progress on my blog.

I have to do something on a public forum (for all 2 readers of my blog!) that will get me to the end.

I started a program called Take Shape For Life January 2, 2013.

I have lost 47 pounds since then. 47 POUNDS! 

I never thought in a million years I could lose any weight and here I am, lighter than when I got married. It is all very exciting!

 I am really going out on a limb here and I'm going to post a before picture. Scariest thing ever, but here it is:

Here is my after picture:

It took me a long time to see a difference in myself physically, but when I started the program I noticed other changes in myself almost immediately. I felt stronger, my joints didn't ache, I stopped snoring, I could bend over and not get winded, I could scratch my own back and a million other little things that had affected me for years.

I want the way I am eating now to last a life time. I will eventually go into transition and then maintenance, but I will be eating differently for the rest of my life.

I have had a few very hard to get rid of temptations along the way. My two vices have been chocolate chips and almonds....or really any kind of nut. I crave those more than anything and I usually give into them. I need to eliminate those two demons so that I can stay on track and finish what I started.

I can do it!

I want to be healthy and active for the rest of my life. I want to be around a long time for my husband and kids. I am stronger than FOOD! I CAN DO THIS!

"Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost."

Helen Keller

Joseph's First Animation

This is Neal.

May I present, in Joseph's world-wide debut, his first animation. It's entitled, "Devour astronaut." Some art forms transcend words.

Another Year

It's hard to believe it has been 5 years since Erin passed away. I still have moments when it doesn't feel real, and moments of extreme emotion. I still think about her everyday and talk to her often. She is still my best friend, maybe even more than ever before. I miss you and love you so much Erin! NLYSYITM