Journey to a Mini Me

Itchy, Scratchy and me.

2012-02-17T07:42:00.001+13:00

I have been strictly Gluten free again pretty much sine Jan 1st,maybe 2nd, and this last two weeks (it has been building for a while) I have been the itchiest I have ever been. I have so many patches where I have scratched myself raw in my sleep, even with the anti-histamines and the sleeping pills. I have an itchy scalp, underarms, buttocks, thighs, knees, elbows, braline......everywhere!!!!!!!!!!

I have a referral to go back to the skin specialist,but I am only semi urgent so not sure when that will be. My fear is that I am allergic to something else........like almonds, eggs or dairy. I am not going to eliminate any of these from my diet yet, but I do know they are some common triggers to the type of itchiness I am getting. It just means that if I am, it is going to make this whole journey another step harder. Not going to give up on it by any means, but it would make it harder.

Weight wise things are still not moving, sitting at 118.8 kgs again today, just seem to bounce around the same kilo. At least I have gone back into the 120's.

Will see today what by Blood tests are doing - i have them weekly and I am posting my results here. Some of the blood tests I only have monthly, the others weekly. If they are RED they are abnormal, and you can see the range next to the name. These are not the only bloods I have, but they are the important ones for my liver.

Valentines

2012-02-14T08:20:00.000+13:00

Simon and I don't usually do anything for Valentines Day at all, it is so close to our wedding anniversary and we have never really done it. But On Sunday Si told me the reason he sold his mini helicopter (the one he got for Christmas) was that he wanted us to go our for a Valentines movie.....so we did on Sunday night, as tonight just would have been a pain......so, on Sunday we went to 'Sherlock Holmes' - It was great, but then I am a huge fan of Robert Downey Jnr. The only downside to going to the movies is the candy bar.....we both enjoy popcorn - actually Si loves it. So we decided to get some, but after the movie we both felt blah............... and heavy and bloated and just yuck. So I guess that is our body responding to the toxin.

Weightwise things have been a little over the place since I really started being low carb on Jan 28th. I was 121.9 kgs on that day and this morning I am 117.8 kgs, so that has come down, but over that two weeks it has bounced around a little. I am recording my weight daily and you can find it on the 2012 Weigh ins Tab (above). Si is also dropping and seems to be enjoying low carb (most of the time).

The thing I am getting the biggest kick out of is I don't seem to need to plan my evening meals as much. It is just take the meat out.......and decide on the veges at the time. We are having a huge variety of veges and I am even learning to like some I used to hate.....like zucchini.

I also made a new recipe for the LSA Crackers last night. These ones are Garlic and Rosemary LSA Crackers, and they are perfect (if not a little salty). Even Simon likes them. The recipe makes about 60 crackers.......so very very economical.

Anyway, off to work again.......another day.....another dollar as they say.

I've gone crackers.

2012-02-06T15:31:00.002+13:00

I have slipped in the last few days or so.....just not digging my cheese without a cracker, so decided that a few rice crackers would just have to do since the cheesy lsa crackers just didn't work for me.

Actually I think Si actually did better than me last week as I know I had a couple of very weak moments at work and got some hot chips and a peanut slab. It was Friday and I hadn't organised our lunch and I was on the run. No excuses really, it was just a really bad choice.

We are getting better though, and we have started going for walks from home at least 3 times per week. I have mapped out a few walks on MapmyRun, and our first is actually only 1.74 kms and with the dog it took 25 mins. So the plan is to keep doing that till we get faster and then move on to the bigger block. I would like to think that within a couple of months I will regularly do 5km walks and then bigger ones maybe in the weekends.

This weekend has been pretty busy, on Friday night we just did our usual grocery shopping etc, and Si got a couple of DVD's out. On Saturday, we did a walk around the Gypsy fair.......man it certainly is not what I remember. There was not much there and the prices were really really high. Then we hit the shops for a couple of gifts and that evening we went out to dinner for my Step mothers Birthday and my dad and her's 3rd Wedding Anniversary, which is today.

Yesterday, we got up and did all of the housework as somehow the night before we managed to invite 6 people over for dinner........luckily money wise we were doing a shared Chinese dinner, as I would not have been able to rustle something up at all.

I also had my WLS monthly meeting yesterday which was fantastic. I really enjoyed just hanging out and relaxing with other people who are on this journey. I was telling some people about the LSA wrap and I think I have a few more people converted. Oh, that reminds me, I have created a tab at the top of the page for GF and low carb recipes. These are just the ones I have tried and loved. In most cases I have adapted them from others, so I am not claiming these to be mine, just recipes I now love and use all the time. If you click on the link it will take you to the recipe in a new page.

Today, we had nothing planned, so we decided to watch "Fathead - movie" , I loved it and Si seemed to enjoy it, but he still thinks that I need to be slightly different from him with the Gluten Intolerance and the WLS. So, at the moment we are trying to find something that works for both of us. The movie certainly explained things to me in a way I understand especially about how our bodies react to carbohydrates and how they decrease the HDL (good cholesterol)

So after that and feeling more inspired to actually try and even eliminate those pesky crackers I stumbled across another cracker recipe made with almond meal (ground almonds). But as I don't have any of those on hand I decided to adapt.

So here is my recipe for

LSA Crackers.

Ingredients:
1 cup of LSA
1 egg white
1 pinch of salt

(that's it)

Preheat the oven to 160 c (regular bake)

In a bowl, mix together the LSA, egg white and salt until it forms a dough. ( I started with a fork and then used my hand)

Place in the middle of a long piece of baking paper with another peice of baking paper on top. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough as thin as you can get it. Try to make it take up the whole baking tray - ie: super thin.

Peel of the top layer of the paper and score the dough with a knife to whatever size crackers you want. Bake for 10-12 mins. Check on crackers, if you need to remove the outer crackers to cool on a rack and put the remaining back in to finish cooking. Keep checking every couple of minutes removing cooked crackers until finally they are all baked to perfection.

Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

You could make variations of these crackers by adding in different seasonings to the dough base ( such as cracked pepper, sea salt, garlic salt, rosemary etc)

I love them, and they are just what I was looking for!!!!!!!! YAY. I like mine with cheese!!!!!!!

Oh - also, on the weight front, I was 119.3 kgs this week, which is a little heavier than last week but still better than where I was at. So happy about that as well.

Enjoying creating

2012-01-31T17:17:00.001+13:00

I am really enjoying creating alternatives to carb based meals. The LSA Wrap is still my favourite, but I am now enjoying the hunt for great things. Tonight I am giving the pizza recipe that Lynda posted about today. I have made a double batch, but not sure I could spread it out as much as I should have been able to. It has "puffed" up a bit, and I think will be almost like a pan pizza base. I included a knife to give you a reference of the size.

Pizza Base

Makes 1 large pizza

2 cups grated cheese (I used Edam)
2 eggs
2 tablespoons LSA
2 tablespoons Gluten Free Flour
½ teaspoon baking powder

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 180c. Cut 2 pieces of baking paper out for baking sheet.

Mix cheese, eggs, LSA, GF flour, and baking powder together until a sticky wet dough is formed. Spread with a spatula to ¼ inch thickness on a baking sheet lined with one piece of backing paper.

Bake for 30 minutes in preheated oven. Halfway through the baking process, flip crust over by sliding it off the baking sheet with the parchment paper, placing the second piece on the sheet, and turning the crust over unto the new sheet and peeling the old paper off. Return to oven until done baking.Remove form oven and cool

Once crust is cooled, top with sauce, pre-cooked veggies or meats, and cheese. Set crust with toppings under the grill on high for a minute or two until cheese is melted and bubbly. or pop back in the oven to bake for a few mins. Slice and serve.

So last nights dinner I used a Gluten Free Beef Strognanoff Mix and had steamed veges and Cheesy Cauliflower Tater tots, which I would not bother with again as they were time consuming and fiddly to make and I ended up with far too many. (Might adapt the recipe - but that's for another day) Here is a pic of last nights dinner.

NB: my Cheesy Caultoflower Tater tots look nothing like the recipes.

The other thing I tried was making some LSA cheesey crackers, and I was very disappointed with those as well.......so I think I am just going to wait till the Bariatric Advantage Crisps arrive in New Zealand, which should only be a few weeks away.

So off to do the topping for the Pizza. Chicken, Bacon and a little sweetcorn (not really lowcarb) with HP sauce. Will post a pic or two later.

Focaccia Bread

2012-01-30T08:13:00.002+13:00

Well, the Focaccia Bread turned out really really well and will be something I make again. Out of the loaf size I made it will do Simon and I for 6 'sandwichs' . I will show you a pic shortly of todays effort.

But first the loaf and the recipe taken from http://www.lowcarbcooking.co.nz/

Ingredients:
• 2 cups LSA
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt, pepper to taste
• 5 beaten eggs
• ¾ - 1 cup water
• 3 Tbsp oil
• Optional extras: Rosemary, olives, garlic salt etc

Preparation:
§ Preheat oven to 180-190C.
§ Prepare pan (a 10X15 pan with sides works best)with oiled baking paper .
§ Mix dry ingredients well - a whisk works well.
§ Add wet to dry, and combine well. Make surethere aren't obvious strings of egg white hanging out in the batter.
§ Let batter set for 2 to 3 minutes to thickenup.
§ Pour batter onto pan. Spread evenly.
§ Bake for about 25 minutes, until it springsback when you touch the top and/or is visibly browning even more than LSAalready is.
§ Cool and cut into whatever size slices youwant.
§ Nutritional Information: Each of 12 servingshas less than a gram of effective carbohydrate (.7 grams to be exact) plus 5grams fiber, 6 grams protein, and 185 calories.

So, on today's plan. I got up and made Si and I both a banana (flavoured) protein shake made from EATME Protein Banana Isolate and then I made us a sandwich each with the focaccia. YUMMY!!!!!!!!

Weighed in this morning at 119.1 kgs, so 200 gms down from yesterday. Onward with the day, feel like it is going to be a good one. On that note....off to work!!

A picture tells a thousand words

2012-01-29T18:14:00.001+13:00

As they say, a picture says a thousand words, and the following are screaming at me!!!
This is what has happened since April 2009. (click to make larger)

I can really see in both of these where I have regained.........amazing!!!!!! I couldn't actually put the same clothes on again as I gave them away in the WLS Conference clothing swap as they had got way too tight, but I found something that was pretty similar in style, cut and fabric.

Not really too much to be said here really - just very disappointed - but THIS is the reality, this is where I am at. The pics on the left I was getting so many compliments......those have dried up.....I was actually looking slimish there.....sure still overweight, but I had in my opinion a nice shape.......now I just look I hate to say it, but FAT!!!!

I can see how much my butt, hips and thighs have changed and how my waist definition has changed. I almost had a small gap between my legs......no wonder I am not physically comfortable with myself anymore.

Changes.....

2012-01-29T14:26:00.003+13:00

So, I have made some changes to my blog for a new look and new attitude. I have included several pages and I may add to these, such a recipes page, but I will think more about it, as I might just use tags on those types of posts.

I know that I am weighing more than weekly, not always daily but usually and I try not to let that dictate how I am feeling about things, but I also use it to monitor the changes that might be brought on with my other conditions.

I have also included a page on progress pictures, and I am scared to take updated ones. I have exactly the same clothes as my lowest to wear and I think it will really highlight to me where the extra 20 kgs has come on. I will get Si to take some soon.

I have been thinking about my Jett's membership and I am going to stop it, as at the moment I just don't have the energy to go, and Si is also wanting to start walking. I am also thinking that something that is more natural and sustainable is the best way to go. So walking it is. (The Dog will be happy)

Speaking of dogs, Si's parents dog died a couple of weeks ago, and I know that has been hard on Si's parents. It does mean that they will now be able to go away more often for long weekends end, and not have to worry about him, but the loss of a pet is always sad.

So after my last blog where I mentioned that Si was reluctant to go low carb (even though I said it was his our journey etc) he took that to heart and has decided to join me ( well for most meals) I think he will still have some carbs, but he realises that this really tempts me. Although I think I find it harder than him. One thing we have noticed is that it is much harder to just grab something on the run. Yesterday we were on our way home from Masterton around 7pm and we had some meat out for dinner, but is was 1.5 hrs till we got home, so we both felt we needed something to keep us going, but no where had anything suitable. What I should do is always make sure I have some nuts or something to tide us over. Does anyone else have any suggestions.

So tonight I am going to make some Flaxseed crackers (although I will use LSA) and maybe some of the Focaccia Loaf (again with LSA instead of Flaxseed) . I thought this might help with lunches for Si this week,and also with cheese as I always normally have rice crackers.
Will do a post if I do make them and of course if they turn out okay.

Short day and weight woes

2012-01-27T07:32:00.001+13:00

I am working tomorrow (Saturday), so I have a 1/2 day today, although I think I will just be coming home and sleeping as I had a bit of a rough night sleepwise.

To fill you in on what has been happening. Although I am gluten free and have been strict with that since around Christmas (prior to that I used to just say -oh it doesn't affect me that much) my Dermatitis Herpetiformis is actually really bad, and most of my body is so itchy it feels like a million ants are having a party. I was off work two days last week as I had not been sleeping at night as the itching was so bad I was getting exhausted.I actually came home on Wednesday after getting to work and then throwing up. Came home and slept for a large portion of the day and thought I was fine, but another sleepless night sent me off to the Dr's

My GP took a look at my skin, and as he is not familiar with the drug they are thinking of putting me on, has referred me back to the specialist, which is what I wanted as with my liver I have to be careful about drug combinations. So in the meantime, I am on anti-histamines and sleeping pills so I can at least function......now the sleeping pills kick in after about 10 mins of taking them and I usually just pop onto facebook just before bed, so some of my more recent comments on people's posts, I either don't remember or they look to me (fully awake) that it was my 5 year old self who must have written them......too funny.

What is all of this doing for my weight......well I had decided to record my weigh ins.....and since my last one ( and the new drug combination) I have gained 2.9kgs. to 121.3 kgs......obviously not the direction I want to be heading in, and although there has been no wheat or gluten there has been some carbs(rice & Potato, and the odd pinky bar). Partially as Simon is reluctant (very) to stop carbs and I have to respect that this is his journey with his body, but I can't seem to get them completely out of the system. I know that when I have them, I am feeling yuckier in myself after I have eaten them (apart from the pinky bar) but the taste at the time is yummy. I can hear both Lynda and Andrea (my surgeon's wife) in my head telling me all the great things about why I shouldn't eat it, and I somehow either convince myself or let myself be convinced that it is just one meal, it won't matter.........or just dammit, I want it, so I'm going to have it. It really doesn't help that when you are feeling so low due to the other health issues that by not having "something" you want you feel deprived.........it is a vicious cycle as I am sure that in some ways they are all linked. In fact, I am pretty sure that I might even be reacting to artificial sweetner.......but if I take that out as well, it will really feel like I am missing out on some things.

I joked with Simon yesterday when he suggested about cutting out all artificial sweetner that I may as well just live in a cardboard box with nothing.......and he told me that would be stupid as he was pretty sure the cardboard box would be considered a carb....!!!!! Oh I wish I could just get someone to put me into a medically induced coma, and just feed me the things I need and let the weight fall off......or at least find a way for me to put the food desire and associated 'wants' into some sort of coma. Over it!

Happy 7th Simon

2012-01-22T08:38:00.000+13:00

Simon what is it about a seven year itch?

We got this far without a hitch,

Seven years of wedded bliss,

No-one could ask for more than this,

We compliment each other’s good bits,

And point out the bits that make us itch.

7 year itch? Not me, - I’m medicated - and you are my drug.

Happy 7^th Wedding Anniversary Simon.

So yes today is our wedding Anniversary, and it has only been 7 years. The above photos just show a glimpse of how fabulous our day was, and it was exactly how we wanted it.

Today however, I am actually going down to Wellington with my Dad and Val to see my brothers new house in Wellington, and then will be borrowing their car to head over to see my friend (Michelle's) house and also catch up with my other friend Annie. The 3 of us had surgery at the same time in Hamilton, and we have stayed friends since. We were not going to be able to go due to the cost of petrol, but since Dad is already going, It makes sense to go as well.

Simon is not coming, but I will be home in time to share a lovely meal and evening with him, and we also have the day off tomorrow, so we can relax and celebrate then.

Last night we thought about having steak burgers for dinner, but how was I going to have a burger without a bun? The gluten free ones are yucky!!!!!!!!! Well my trust LSA wrap recipe works perfectly, although I would like to perfect the shape a bit more. The first was in a bowl, and of course the shape is different bottom to top. So I think I am going to split the mix and max them in ramekins, so they are the same shape. Will experiment. Here is last nights steak, bacon, mushroom burger.

Oh, I also had morning tea with Chris (Dietcoke Rocks), and a couple of her friends, was a great morning.

Weigh in Day.

2012-01-16T08:32:00.000+13:00

So, I just realise that I haven't actually been posting my weight, well not since Jan 2nd. It has been a bit up and down, while I was getting myself sorted with how I was going to do this. Also that time of month etc. But on Jan 2nd it was 120 kgs on the button. I know it went up a little from there, back to around 121.2 ish, but I didn't write it down. I have decided that I still need to weigh daily, and I am writing it down, but Monday mornings will be the official weight. I will be weighing in at approx 7:30 am everyday and at the end of the week, I might publish the whole list......not sure yet.

But onto today's weigh in. As you all know over this past week I have changed things around a bit, and although I have gone low carb, I have still had a potato or two, and I think a spoonful of rice with my curry. However, I am not stressed about those at all. I haven't gone overboard with fruit and focused on my needs which are primarily HIGH protein, low fat, low carb and Gluten Free.

So, what was it this morning, well it was 118.4 kgs. I am really happy with that as I know after the 2nd of Jan it crept back up to over 121kgs, but officially the last weigh in was 120 kgs, so a total loss of 1.6 kgs over two weeks, which is healthy and not excessive.

The find of the week for me is the LSA wraps, I am still so excited by these, and am making one for my lunch today. Breakfast will be bacon and eggs and dinner tonight is going to be a beef casserole that I will throw in the slow cooker this morning.

LSA Wrap - a Step by Step guide with pictures

2012-01-15T16:55:00.001+13:00

So many people have been telling me that they don't believe making the LSA Wrap could be so easy, so here is the recipe with pictures of each stage. The recipe was from http://www.lowcarbcooking.co.nz/

Ingredients
1 egg
2 1/2T LSA (ground linseed sunflower & almonds)
1T olive oil or melted butter
1T water
1/2t baking powder
Salt & pepper

Method:

Put the ingredients in a bowl

Mix all ingredients well

Pour into an oiled(I used a spray) dish

Roll around dish to make even

Microwave on high from 2-3 mins (mine takes 2:30)

Remove from dish as soon as possible

Cool for a few minutes on wire rack

While cooling get choose your filling

Enjoy

Today's wrap was just as scrummy as the first one I made,and I even cut off some to give to Simon to try. He thought it was also amazingly scrummy. I am going to make one tomorrow morning to take to work for lunch and see how the wrap holds up. I was going to try just taking it flat and making it all at work, but that would still be annoying, so I am going to make it just like above and put it in gladwrap and see how it goes. I think it would be best to put it in the fridge at work, due to the egg. Either that or an insulated lunchbox with a slicker pad(which I have).

Apparently you can also cook these like a pancake in a non stick pan, but this way seems so quick and easy compared to a pan.

Yummiest Lunch

2012-01-13T15:40:00.000+13:00

I just had the most amazing lunch, and it was high protein, low carb and Gluten Free!!!!!
It was just the perfect thing and took less than 5 minutes to make!!!!!

It was a homemade Wrap, made from LSA (Linseed, Sunflower and Almond).
The recipe is here and it is amazing and you can go to this site to find the recipe, which was so easy to follow.

I have not had the best of days today though, was feeling nauseous and a little dizzy most of the morning, and my blood tests I had this morning have come back and my liver results are elevated again. Not dramatically but still all of them have gone in the wrong direction. Have come home from work early and I am heading to bed to get some sleep. Have not been sleeping very well at all at night, not sure why.

Getting a plan in action

2012-01-12T18:43:00.000+13:00

So, I am getting a plan into action and arming myself with some pretty cool resources.
I have found Pinterest and it is amazing what you can find on there. Some of the things I have been finding are here if you want to check out my boards.

I am really inspired by a couple of people in our community, and one of those who is Lynda, who is really the first person who inspired me to blog about my weight loss journey about 9 years ago when she was living in Wellington. The other is a private blogger Jenny, who is finding some amazing recipes.

Now one of the things with the Paleo/Low Carb is I do need to be careful of the fat content due to the Weight Loss Surgery. I know this is something that I will need to balance, but it sure is much better than eating all of the other stuff I was before.

I am also very aware of my budget at the moment, and things are tight, so I can't just ignore the food I already have in my cupboards and freezer, but I can be sensible and not buy in anymore CRAP!!

Today at work we had a shared afternoon tea, which I thought was meant to be a lunch.....so I didn't go prepared for lunch. However, I did go and get Sushi rather than heading upstairs to the cafe for the deep fried concoctions and doughnuts. I should however have gotten the smaller pack rather than the medium size one, as I could have stopped after a few, but continued to eat the whole packet!!!!! I then had the afternoon tea and did succumb to some of the chippies, which was stupid cos they weren't a flavour I even liked!!!!

I did however stay away from all things that contained Gluten, so I was happy with myself for that. I have to, as my skin and health are feeling better for staying away, and my blood tests are also showing a good results and are almost back to normal range, which means I might be able to reduce my steroids down after 2.5 years. That will be something to celebrate.

I have found some good resources, and the latest one is a 14 Day Paleo Meal Plan, which just shows how much variety you can have. I think there can be a trap to any change of food and that is the fear that it is going to be boring and all the same- all of the time.

Last night I told Si I was going to make a Thai Beef Salad, and I know he was reluctant as it was planned for the night before but he wanted something else. Well last night I did it anyway, and I made my own dressing, granted some of it was from store board sauces, oils and spices etc which long term I would try to find an alternative or learn to make from scratch, but he actually said it was the yummiest salad he has every had. So maybe it will be easier to incorporate this style of eating into our house than I thought.

Not quite off to the hiss and the roar I wanted.

2012-01-02T23:22:00.000+13:00

Well, as the title suggests, not quite off to the roaring start I wanted. I am sick......it started on New Years Eve in earnest, although Si thinks I was actually sick on the Friday night. Anyway, I have had swollen glands in my neck and although it isn't actually sore to swallow, it is mildly uncomfortable. The soreness is just in the swelling.

So, I hate going to the afterhours doctors as it costs so much.....but today I just had to as I knew if I didn't It would get worse. Well $83 later and yes I have tonsillitis and I am still tender in the neck and on paracetamol and codeine to take away the pain, and antibiotics to fight the infection. He said that it was good I came in, as with my immune system it could have developed into hospital type treatment.......which still seems weird to me as I actually feel semi okay, just a bit tired and obviously tender in the neck.

Si and I have been really busy getting the spare room organised for little people. It means that we are pretty much ready to do some fostering, either respite, home for life or transistional care. It does depend on the needs of the child as to which we will end up with, and I think to start respite might be quite good. We will see. I'll take some pics of the room when it is done, but so far we have the bunks up and some pics on the walls. I just need to sort through the wardrobe and find homes for all of the other stuff which is not kid related which has been just dumped in that room.

I am still down weightwise though, I had gotten up to around 122kgs, and this morning it was 120kgs.....so I am pretty pleased with that. I am weighing daily again, but not getting to hung up on the numbers. My target is pretty much to drop 10kgs before Si's birthday on May 18th. I hope it will be more, but I will be okay with just 10kgs.

Jetts is going really well (before my sore throat) and I went twice last week, on Thurs and Friday. On the Friday I just did my cardio program though as I don't want to do weights two days in a row. As soon as I feel a little better I will head back there, and most likely just start with a cardio session to ease me back into again.

My focus is going to be planning meals and lowering carbs. For breakfast I will most likely have either a protein shake or scrambled eggs. Lunch is likley to be tuna on rice thins with a piece of fruit. If I get hungry the snack of choice is going to be raw almonds (unroasted/unsalted). Dinner will be some form of protein and then steamed veges. I will be limited my carbs to very small portions of rice/potatoes maybe once or twice a week (most likely the rice will be with a curry).

I am also going to go back to eating off the plate and bowl my surgeon provided as my portion sizes have crept up. For dessert (if needed) will be WW jelly and yoghurt.
I will be trying to update more often, but I am also focussing on getting more sleep, as I really do think that I am not resting enough.

So in saying that it is 11:21pm and I need to get some sleep and rest if I am going to be well enough to go back to work on Wed.

Following on from yesterday

2011-12-29T10:48:00.000+13:00

Am, I ready to be ME?????????? YES I AM!!!!!!! It basically comes down to what I want and not anyone else can drive that. Yesterday I was going to go to the gym with friends, and then they rang to say that they couldn't go......did I go on my own cos I wanted to.......NO!!!!!!!!!! We arranged to go today instead, so I rang this morning, and something has come up for them, and they can't go................ am I going to let that stop me going? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am doing this for ME!!!!!!! I am the only one who can do this for me, I can't do it for you, like you can't do it for me.

I have been watching videos alot over the last couple of days, mainly on you tube of people like Rosemary (from yesterday's post) and Miss Janie.......I also went back and rewatched a few of my own videos, which made me sad, as even back in April 2009, I was struggling:- sure that was before my diagnosis of my auto immune liver disease.

So, I am going to do this for ME, and I will not quit, I will keep going, no matter how long it takes, and I will live for ME everyday, and I will celebrate ME, the ME I am today, not the ME I think I want to be. If I honor who I am today, and live for ME today, then I will succeed!!!!!

Here is a clip from Miss Janie about regain. The bit that really gets me is towards the end, where she asks:

"what is it that YOU want, not what anyone else wants or what anyone else thinks is right, WHAT do YOU want, what is going to make you happy?"

So what do I want? I want to be healthier, which actually means doing that......not just saying I want it, but following through with the choices I make for ME. It means cutting back the carbs, drinking the water, getting in some exercise and getting out and living, instead of sitting back on the couch just watching life go past. I am going to get out there and participate in life again!!!!!!! I somehow lost the want to participate. But I have found it again. It means posting more, it means putting more videos up but more importantly it is about living life for ME and what I want!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you ready to be YOU?

2011-12-28T15:42:00.000+13:00

The following is a video from Gastric Rose. It made me cry. She is now about 7 years post op from her Gastric Bypass and she is amazing!!!!!

Today she asked the question : Are you ready to be YOU?
Well are you ready to stop comparing yourself to others and their journey, or their body shape,their exercise regime, their health, etc etc etc - or are you ready to accept you for who and where you are and to move and YOUR pace, eating the things that work for YOU.

So there you are, I am ready to move forward on MY journey, and it will take as long as it takes. I am going to move at the gym at least 3 times per week and I have to accept that my body does not like Gluten, even though I try and push those limits. I know that I need to stop looking at everyone elses journey, and just concentrate on my own. For me that is a big part of why I separated out my Facebook friends, as sometimes it is easy to look at what everyone else is doing and forget about what I need on MY journey.

Would love some feedback on what you thought of Roses video.

This is so true

2011-12-11T22:34:00.000+13:00

Thanks to my friend Tim for posting this. At the end of the day that is the reality for all things we do.

Enough said

Another Lunch Box - More Protein

2011-11-15T10:13:00.000+13:00

Yesterday's lunchbox was great but I either did not have enough protein for breakfast, or there was not enough in the lunch itself as I was so hungry by around 4pm. I was on a late start and finish yesterday so didn't get home to cook dinner till around 7:30pm so ate late last night.

So I have upped the protein in the lunchbox today. Here it is

It is a home made Gluten Free Scotch Egg in the clear container,
Yellow - Mixed bean and feta salad
Blue - Shaved ham
Red - cut up gerkins
Green - 1 cut up Kiwifruit.

I have the kiwifruit and the gerkhins at morning and afternoon tea. Today will be a very rushed lunch that I will most likely eat at my desk as I have to go to my specialist appointment. I have not been happy with my blood test results, but yesterday they decided to play the game and dropped dramatically. May be that the stress of the conference organising is almost over.

Today is also my Friday at work, so looking forward to being off and doing the last minute things before the weekend.

Off to work now, hugs. Janine

I

An Idea taken from Eggface

2011-11-14T10:33:00.001+13:00

I have been following a blogger in the WLS world for some time, Her name is Michlelle Vicari, and her blog is The World According to Eggface and she has some amazing ideas. One of the things she often does is posts her lunchbox and the contents. I think this helps make her more accountable.

Anyway I decided to do it today and I could really see that what I was having and that I was getting in a good variety without overdoing anything.

Here is my lunch for today! (including a couple of snacks)

Blue box - kiwifruit
Green - 3 slices shaved ham
Red - 5 slices cucumber and 1 hardboiled egg
Yellow - 2 but up gerkhins
clear - salad, with radish, cucumber, yellow pepper and feta.

So there you have it - lunch today.

Okay so home, and just had dinner, although I have to say I don't think I had enough protein for breakfast as I was so hungry I demolished the above before lunchtime.

Came home and opted for a high protein meal of homemade Gluten Free Scotch eggs and a mixed bean with Feta Salad. (even the coating is GF -it is a Rice Based coating) I think I will be taking a Scotch Egg for lunch tomorrow.

Tomorrow sees me at my last day of work for the week and then I have the prep for the conference on Wednesday and Thursday before Katie arrives at 5pm. I know I have a hair appointment at 9am on Wed and I was thinking about getting my nails done as well. I also have an appointment with Simon at lunchtime on Wednesday, otherwise I will be at home working on the presentation for Sunday, and getting the final details done for the conference.

I WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-09T22:35:00.001+13:00

I won the award for Favourite International WLS Personality!!! So cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I even wrote and acceptance speech, which was read out on the Bariatric TV Post Awards Radio Show.

Thanks to Diva Taunia for organising the awards and to the whole of the community who have embraced this chick from New Zealand, who to most of you probably speaks way to fast and has a funny accent.

Through Diva Taunia, the guys at BTV, and so many of you in the you tube community, you inspired me to stand up and be vocal about my own journey, and to bring more support and resources to New Zealand. Since getting to know you all, I am about to pull off the second Weight Loss Surgery Conference in New Zealand, and none of that would have happened if I had not stumbled across this wonderful community.

I have not been able to meet any of you in person yet, but I know that I will someday when I can finally afford to get to the Meet & Greets in Las Vegas. If any of you ever want to come to New Zealand my home will always be open to anyone from our wonderful community.

Thanks again, I am humbled and I wish I could be with you.

Things are a bit frantic here this week. I have heaps to do with the conference, and Katie Jay is just about on her way. I am expecting a text from her in about 5 hours to tell me she is on the way to the airport. I just can't believe the next time I speak to her, she will be in Rotorua!!!!and I still hve to wait till Thursday 17th to finally meet her.

Well must head to bed so I can get through tomorrow and Friday, then the weekend will be busy with conference stuff as well as getting the back yard ready for the Annual Harris Christmas party which is being held at my house for about 60 of my relatives on Dec 3rd. Man, I can't wait till Dec 5th to actually relax, although I think that is the day I have scheduled to start at Jetts gym, which have kindly given 3 gym memberships to me to give away at the conference.

Will update some more around the conference time, especially with some photos.

I just don't get it

2011-10-31T07:55:00.000+13:00

Doing ~~everything~~ most things right and I go up in weight to 118.4 kgs.......I so don't get my body!!!!!!

The only thing I have not really managed to do this week is to get the water intake in, and do as much exercise as I had hoped, but I did get some in. I am so not sure what is going on, but I will keep going, as if I give up, It would just pile on!!

Anyway, off to get more done on the conference organising, getting to the final couple of weeks now. I only have two full weeks at work. Katie will arrive on Nov 11th and I am so looking forward to being able to spend some time with her.

Have a fantabulous day!!!!!

Track your progress.....

2011-10-27T08:06:00.000+13:00

So here I am tracking my progress, I wasn't going to do it, but then I picked up Katie Jays Small Bites book, and Today's topic is just that.....Track your progress.

So I thought I had better.

So over the last couple of days, since I posted about getting back on track, I have actually 95% of the time stuck to it. I had a couple of rice cookies on Tuesday night and yesterday was on track.

My water consumption is still too low and the exercise is just not happening. But small steps as they say and certainly in the right direction and I have done my typical drop 600 gms already, but now it will most likely stay that way for the rest of the week, which usually gets me down, and then I fall off track. But, I am not going to do that!!!!!

Things are coming together nicely for the conference. I can't believe Katie arrives in New Zealand in just over two weeks!!!!! So, if you are waiting to register!!!!!!! DO IT!!!!!!!!!

Restarts today

2011-10-25T10:15:00.000+13:00

Yup - I am restarting today, healthy eating and getting back 100% on track.

My boss pointed out to me on Friday that I have told her I have gained weight but that I think that I will only lose a portion of it..........she asked me why I think that, as surely if I put my mind to it I can do anything!!!!!!!!

So today, back 100% on track with both Gluten Free and with my WLS eating plan, the water and the cutting out the junk. I will also be back on track with exercise soon, just working on that plan.

Anyway, this morning,

Pills taken,
1 cup of tea with milk and sweetener (not sugar)
About to head to work for the day, Protein shake at around 10:30, and then lunch at 2pm, which will be 1 orange, 2 corn thins and a small can of tuna with lemon pepper.

I will have my calcium

Dinner when I get home will be

Beef Hot pot casserole (in the slow cooker now)
Maybe a little mashed potatoe (but just a little)

And I will get my water intake in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is only downwards from 117.5 kgs (this mornings weight)

So here it is.....drumrolls not needed

2011-10-10T22:46:00.000+13:00

My weight is sitting at 116.8 kgs as at this morning. Now this is just soooooooooo not acceptable, considering I got down to 101 kgs before getting sick with my Auto Immune Liver Disease.

Sure, I am still on immune suppressants and steroids, but that doesn't account for the garbage I have been putting in. So I am getting back on that train......actually I am concentrating for the moment being Gluten Free and trying to reduce carbs. (having much more protein)

I tried a recipe that Lynda had on her blog, a pizza base that is made from cauliflower and it is not bad. I don't think I cooked it at quite the right temperature as it did not really go crispy, but certainly it was fine, and you get so much more flavour from the toppings as it is not over powered by the bread. I had chicken and bacon on mine.

The other thing I am having is cauliflower rice.....(the first stage of the pizza) instead of regular rice when it comes to curries etc. We had it tonight, I didn't miss the rice at all!!!!!!!!!! I did still have one poppadoum, but as it is made from Lentil flour, it is fine for me.

I am planning on getting out and moving more, nothing drastic, just using what is around me, ie the footpath and walking tracks around here and if it is wet then and old WW DVD I have. I am going to be trying to record what I am doing daily....not adding calories or anything, just making me more aware, and if I gain or stay the same I can look back at it .

So today was a bit of a mixed bag as I made cheesecake for dessert

Breakfast
Eat Me Protein Shake with yoghurt and milk

Morning tea
Two Wheat Free Rice Cookies

Lunch
1 small can of lemon pepper tuna
2 corn thins
1 kiwifruit
1 pear

Afternoon Tea
Two Wheat Free Rice Cookies

Dinner
Chicken, chickpea and lentil Curry
1 poppadom
2 tablespoons of rice cauliflower
1 small piece of raspberry cheesecake made with GF biscuits
1 tablespoon of low fat boysenberry ice-cream
1 handful of salted potato chips
1 coke zero can
1 small glass of grape juice.

Now I have major hiccups and I am off to bed. Waiting for my you tube video to post, but it won't be ready till the morning. So good night, and happy dreams. !!

I have an idea.

2011-10-04T21:15:00.000+13:00

I have a huge idea.......as many of you know, I really want to go to the next WLSFA Meet & Greet in Las Vegas next year in May, but with the budget the way it is, that is unlikely to happen!!! So how do I make it happen!!!! How do I get to be here

I have been thinking....I am useless at saving, but what can I do to get here, that is not only raising money but also getting healthier and I thought about, what if I was to find people willing to sponsor me to get back on track and shed this extra weight that has crept on. Maybe sponsoring me $10 per kg I manage to get off. I would only need 10 people to do that if I was successful in getting back down to 99 kgs, and it would pay the airfares!!!!!

So I am really thinking about doing that. Will see what happens over the next couple of weeks, as I plan if it is possible. I guess if I can find enough people, I could even make it $5 per kg, and if I could find a corporate sponsor who would be willing to help would be fantastic!!!!

I would love some ideas about how I can make it to Las Vegas people!!!

Proposed agenda for the 2011 WLS Conference

2011-09-15T09:55:00.003+12:00

Weight Loss Surgery New Zealand 2011 Conference

18-20th November, Palmerston North Conference Centre

Registrations are going well but we would love to see more of you at the conference.

We have multiple options when it comes to ticket prices, just check it all out
on the registration page at http://www.weightlosssurgery.co.nz

Full Attendance
Friday night mix & mingle; Saturday conference from 9am including lunch, tea & coffee; Saturday night Gala dinner and entertainment; Sunday breakfast and final session with Katie Jay
$130

Saturday Conference & Dinner
Saturday conference from 9am including lunch, tea & coffee; Saturday night Gala dinner and entertainment
$100

Saturday Conference only
Saturday conference from 9am including lunch, tea & coffee
$70

Partners Conference ticket
Friday night mix & mingle; Saturday night Gala dinner and entertainment; Sunday breakfast and final session with Katie Jay
$70

Partners Saturday Dinner only
Saturday night Gala dinner and entertainment
$40

All of these can be paid by installment arrangement and we provide the bank account once you are registered. If you are having difficulty in registering please contact me on 06 3582247 so I can do it on your behalf.

Proposed Schedule for 2011 WLSNZ Conference

FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2011

6.00pm Registrations open; mix & mingle at the Conference Centre (wls friendly nibbles provided)

Testimonials – open microphone – those who wish to speak are welcome

SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2011

8.30am Registrations open

9.00am Welcome to 2011 Weight Loss Surgery New Zealand Conference

9.30am Katie Jay – Key note speaker from the USA - (topic to be advised)

Katie Jay is the director of the National Association of Weight Loss Surgery (NAWLS) and the author of 'Dying to Change", "Small Bites - Daily Inspirations for Weight Loss Surgery Patients" and her recent publication "Katie Jays Weight Loss Surgery Stages of Transformation: What to expect & how to manage change after Bariatric Surgery".

10.30am Morning tea (Clothing swap now open for the duration of the
conference)

11.00am Romela Quinn-McLelland – Gold Director – Usana Health Sciences Testimonial from the Gold Sponsor of the WLS NZ 2011 Conference

11.15am Usana Health Sciences video about their USA Bariatric Centre

11.30am Diana Burgess is a qualified naturopath with practices in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands and Whangarei. She specializes in endocrine dysfunction, helping women rebalance hormones and improve overall health and well being, including fertility and weight loss issues. She also now offers phone consultations and is a speaker who is very passionate about educating and helping both men women achieve optimal health. Diana also contributes as an adviser to the medical advisory council for Usana Health Sciences inc, and is well respected throughout the international Usana network.

12.30pm Lunch – WLS friendly lunch provided

1.15pm Katie Jay – 2nd Session (topic to be advised)

2.15pm Breakout sessions – Proposed topics:

- Pre-op/Newly Post-op
- Post-op and struggling with regain
- Lap-band patients

3.15pm Afternoon tea

3.30pm Gorgeous Getaways – two testimonials from WLS / plastic surgery
patients

4.15pm To be advised

4.45pm Final wrap up of the day

5.00pm Saturday conference finishes

6.00pm Pre-dinner drinks at the Conference Centre

6.30pm WLS friendly dinner (jazz singer in the background)

7.30pm Trudi Bennett – Wardrobe Flair

8.30pm WLS friendly dessert

8.45pm Vendor/sponsor giveaways

9.15pm Dancing/socialising (with dee-jay)

11.00pm Close up Conference Centre for the night

SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2011

9.30am WLS friendly Breakfast at the Conference Centre

10.30am Formation of national WLS organisation

11.00am Katie Jay - final session (topic to be advised)

12.30pm Conference finishes

We also have some amazing giveaways again this year and to be able to get some of those you need to be attending the dinner on the Saturday night.

Some great products...

2011-08-26T22:23:00.000+12:00

Things have been really busy this week, but I have managed to stay on the train!! YAY for me.

A little worried that we haven't got enough numbers for the conference, but if worst came to worst I am sure we would be able to cut back on some of the venue costs etc. I think it will be okay, but if you are intending on coming to the conference can you please register at http://weightlosssurgery.co.nz

I also decided that with my blog as I mentioned before I am going to start reviewing some WLS products. These maybe things that I have actually tried or maybe even things that I find in our extended communcity that I would love to have here in NZ.

The first of these is Slimpressions® Shapewear I have included a link on the side for you to click on. The one product I would love to try is 'the Have Not's' as they scoop under the bustline, and they have arm compression. Which means that my flabby horrible upper arms would be contained. The also have a chocolate brown so not your standard undergarment colour

Slimpressions® Shapewear have emailed me and said that they hope to send through a couple of their products to give away at the conference. So if you want to know more or to find out if you can win the $500 worth of their products, click on the box above. (I am not sure if it is open to New Zealand people but maybe worth a look anyway since our $ is so good and it makes the prices not sure extreme)

Getting back on the train.

2011-08-21T09:33:00.000+12:00

As I mentioned in my last post by blood results have been going in the wrong direction, well, they still are, but I think I have a handle on it. I have had a cold over the last couple of weeks, but I am over that now as well.

I weighed yesterday morning, and it said 115.1 kgs, which was bit better than a figure I saw last week. I have gotten back in touch with some people in the US who inspire me greatly and they have started up a FB group called Accountabilibuddies and it is a place where you can help each other and support each other without judgement. So I am using that tool, and also getting back into the support that the you tube community also gives me.

So how does that relate to a train? Well I watched the following video, and Gastric Rose is so right, the train is still there on the track, it is just me that has gotten off at a station along the way for a look see around and I have losst my way back. So now I know where the train is, I got to catch it. Here is her video:

Also AJ, who is one of my accountabilibuddies.

So there you are, a couple of people who through their journeys are helping me through mine. I can either sit back and slide down the slippery slope and regain, or I can find my way back to the train and at least be on track to acheiving my goals, even if at times it feels like the train has stopped or going slowly.

I'll be posting updates and also some reviews of products or recipies that I find along the way. I am going to kick start myself, (although I am not sure the new gluten free raspberry slice is a good way to go, but certainly a little better than what I have been doing).

Pressure is on

2011-08-02T22:13:00.000+12:00

So, obviously I have not kept up with the Daily Bites, and I think that I need to stop these for the time being as I am not coping with too much on my plate.

We moved in May and then went on holiday. Came back from it and just got stuck into everyday life and the start of organising the next WLS Conference. This is not going as smoothly as last time, possibly because people have expectations, and we have also upped the anti by having an international speaker in Katie Jay. (who wrote the Small Bites).

I also think that because of the Small Bites, I lost some of my personality in my blog, and I certainly noticed that people stopped commenting, and providing the support that I know I need atm. So I won't be updating the same way for a while, it will be more personal instead of the small bites.

Healthwise things have gone a bit pear shaped...I am still on steroids and unfortuately I have gained around 15kgs over the last two years. Not happy about that at all and I know that a big part of that gain is actually me not eating correctly for either my gluten free or for my surgery. I seem to have lost a lot of motiivation there and it becomes a big circle of not coping. The second immune suppressant has failed and they have now got me on a third one and it is taking a while for my body to accept the new regeime.

We still don't know anything about our on-going work situation, so the best we can do is just take that day by day till we know what happens. I am not too worried about it for the meantime and we will get plenty of warning of any changes.

We are still undergoing the process of fostering, it can take a while, and with moving it certainly delays things a bit but still looking forward to hopefully one day being able to help a little one.

The conference planning is going well, a little slower than last year as we have more of a committee approach to the planning, which of course slows things down. Also we have a couple of hiccups with one of our speakers and I have had to find a replacement at short notice. But all good, and roll on November.

Well, that is probably enough for now, it has taken a couple of hours to write in between the phone, facebook and watching telly with my hubby. catch you again soon.

Make that big decision

2011-06-20T22:04:00.000+12:00

The NAWLS Small Bite for today is

Make that big decision.
A decision to change your life is a big step, not easily taken. It is something you need to take time to consider. A big decision needs to be made in a moment of true consciousness, when you are able to see clearly what you are doing, and what the outcome of your actions will be. In that moment, you can acknowledge where you are and decide to change your course.

If deep down you know you need to make a big decision, you can start the process. Change can be scary, but if you make your decision as an outgrowth of being in touch with yourself and your true needs, you won't go wrong. Have courage.

Action for the day:
In your journal, write about a decision you need to make. Spend some time thinking about your decision and defining it. Then, MAKE IT.

© 2007, Katie Jay. All rights reserved.

So today I have had two shakes, one for breakfast and one for lunch. Everything was going fine, but I have had wicked headaches and nose bleeds, so I went to the Dr's today, and they think that I am fighting off a virus. Si made a lovely beef Risotto from scratch and we ate quite early. So this evening I ended up having something else. Will see how I go tomorrow.

New Plan of Action.

2011-06-19T21:31:00.000+12:00

So here we are, getting higher and higher. I definately need a new course of action. I need to get back to around the 100kgs. I mean I had lost over 75 kgs and then I got sick with the Auto immune Liver disease and went onto steroids, but honestly, the weight gain is more to do with what I have been shoving in my GOB. So I have to get back to basics and that is what I am going to do. Two shakes a day and a regular meal in the evening. I will still have rice and potatoes but limit it to a couple of days per week, and concentrate more on protein based meals.

I will post on here and also do a you tube update at some point over the weekend. I am also working on the next Weight Loss Surgery New Zealand Conference that is going to be held in Palmerston North on Nov 18th -20th. We are hoping to have an amazing international speaker who is very special in the WLS community. I am in the process of working on the sponsorship opportunities, and there is some very exciting new products available in the US that I am hopefully that I will be able to get some samples send down.

I will also try and post some new pics of the house at some point and also the clothes that I got from the recent Undercoverwear party that I hosted. When they arrive that is.

Slow Down

2011-06-19T21:02:00.000+12:00

The NAWLS Small Bite for today is

Slow down.
Life can get hectic. Sometimes things are out of your control and you just have to do the best you can. Other times things are stresses you bring upon yourself. Your new life after WLS needs to be based on balance and a commitment to take care of yourself like never before. Too much stress can increase your appetite. Is that what you really want?

A very wise person once prayed, "Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Amen to that.

Action for the day:
Evaluate your schedule. Is there anything you can cancel? Is there someone you can ask to help? Be brave today and take control of your schedule based on your long-term health goals.

© 2007, Katie Jay. All rights reserved.

Avoid Temptation

2011-06-19T20:59:00.000+12:00

The NAWLS Small Bite for June 18th

Avoid temptation.
If a cookie is sitting on your counter at home, you are more likely to eat it than if the cookie is in your pantry (or in the store). Despite the simplicity of this idea, many WLS patients keep tempting foods in plain sight and try to convince themselves they won't eat it--but then they do.

If you really want to have some success at losing or maintaining, then remove temptation from your life as much as possible. You don't have absolute control of your environment, but you are not helpless, either.

Action for the day:
Look through your home and office today. What temptations can you get rid of? With whom should you set limits so that you are not constantly bombarded with tempting foods?

© 2007, Katie Jay. All rights reserved.

Be conscious today.

2011-06-19T20:56:00.000+12:00

The NAWLS Small Bite for June 17th

Be conscious today.
Sometimes people go through life performing their tasks without really thinking about them. It's easy to get so caught up in things that you don't pay attention to what's behind what you're doing.

Overeating can be an unconscious act. It is possible to think back on your day and realize you have been grazing a lot or that you ate the donut that was offered to you without even blinking. To make the lifestyle changes required of a WLS patient, you must learn to be present and aware as you go through your day.

Action for the day:
Today, practice being conscious. With every action you take, pause first and ask yourself, "What am I doing and why?" In your journal, write about your discoveries.

© 2007, Katie Jay. All rights reserved.

Use your gifts

2011-06-19T20:53:00.000+12:00

The NAWLS Small Bite for June 16th is

Use your gifts.
We all have wonderful, unique talents, and it would be a loss not to use them for a greater good. The truth is that the world needs you to use your gifts to bless others.

Through WLS, you have been reborn into this life; let that rebirth have a great purpose. Will you inspire someone? Will you make the world a better place? Will you pursue a life-long dream? Many opportunities exist to produce a worthy product from the gifts you have been given. Use those opportunities with gratitude and joy.

Action for the day:
In your journal, explore your gifts. What will you do with them? Take an action today that involves using one of your gifts.

© 2007, Katie Jay. All rights reserved.

2011-06-19T20:50:00.000+12:00

The NAWLS Small Bite for june 15th

Get back to basics.
Sometimes life gets complicated. You are busy. Maybe you are going through a big change, like a move. Or maybe you're getting over an illness that kept you from eating your usual fare. Somehow, when you get a bit off-track, it can be hard to see your way back. The best solution is to get back to basics.

Drink at least 64 oz. of water. Have three to five appropriately-sized meals. Chew slowly and thoroughly. Eat protein first, then veggies, and finally, if you have room, a small amount of complex carbs. Take your vitamins and supplements. Move your body (even if it's just doing a little housework or taking the stairs instead of the elevator).

Action for the day:
Make today a "back to basics" day.

© 2007, Katie Jay. All rights reserved.

Act, don't react

2011-06-19T20:45:00.000+12:00

The NAWLS Small Bite for June 14th

Act, don't react.
Are you reacting to challenging situations or are you taking deliberate action? Reaction is what your gut tells you to do in the moment. It is spontaneous and often not the healthiest response.

But when you take deliberate action in a situation, you ensure that your response is more effective. You take a mental step back from the challenging situation and evaluate what is happening first. Second, you determine what will likely happen in response to your actions. You can ask yourself, "What is the ultimate outcome I want in this situation?" Think things through, and then, rather than react, perform a deliberate action.

Action for the day:
Take time to deliberate on your actions today instead of reacting spontaneously. Practice thinking things through before you act.

© 2007, Katie Jay. All rights reserved.