JOYfilledWELLNESS

More Food & More Prayer

March 25, 2012 by JOYfilledWELLNESS Filed Under: Caloric Intake, Health, Trainer Leave a Comment

Earlier in the day (on Sat.) I read my trainers critique of my food log for the past 3 days. He has urged me to eat more calories and up the veggie intake.

“I was very careful to err on the heavy side and I still only came up with 1,223 calories for day 1. That is way too low. Also, you only have 26 grams of carbs, not including your honey mustard dressing. If you are suffering from lack of energy, the first thing to do is increase your carbs. Try to get between 50 and 70 per day (I’m talking to Lena here!).
Your sleep looks great, so lets start with just adding a bunch more vegetable and getting some more calories and not changing anything else yet. We need to do this systematically. One change at a time. “ ~ Jason S, EPLifeFit Trainer

Sadly, my trainer overestimated my caloric intake for Wed. Here are my stats according to FitDay.

Eating enough food has always been a challenge for me. In fact, I agree that it may be a big culprit in my current decline of health.

—-

I kept his advice in the back of my mind the entire day. I didn’t want to change anything, I just wanted to be aware of what I ate, when I ate, and why I ate.

I realized that I’m waiting to eat when I’m hungry, have energy to get my food, and or the time. I tend to stay away from foods that require some prep in fear that the prepping will zap my energy.

My finances may be another factor in my current diet. I’m currently very limited financially and that has greatly affected the food that is available on any given day. I have help from my family and that goes a long way. I’m learning how to stretch the budget. I often set my mind on the ideal food choice, if that doesn’t fit within my budget, then I opt for the secondary choice that fits within the guidelines. This usually means that I end up with some sub-standard form of protein.

Fruits and veggies are a different story. My father brings a bag of fresh produce to my home on a daily basis. Still, I can never keep up with my kid’s veggie and fruit intake.

In conclusion, I have real limitations. Yet, I desire to do what is necessary to get healthy. I pray for His providence and grace.

Pancakes & Weights

March 24, 2012 by JOYfilledWELLNESS Filed Under: 7 Day Challenge, Breakfast, Gear Leave a Comment

Day 4: 7 Day Challenge

Dad led the crew today as I took my sabbath. The boys cuddled with me in the early morning. It was nice while it lasted. They ventured off with Dad. He served me up breakfast in bed and experimented with more paleo pancake recipes.

He tried a pumpkin pancake and another coconut pancake.

(Dad forgot to take pictures and had to pull these pancakes off the littles’ plates.)

These pancakes were delish. The kids ate them without any toppings. I’m excited that we found another food option for Dragonfly, he loved the pumpkin pancakes.

2.25.12 – my littlest guy has been making some great improvements. he is slowly venturing away from his pureed squeezies. wednesday it was carrots and friday it was fish mixed up in shredded cheese, of course. we’re taking baby steps!

The overall winner by 5:2 was the Pumpkin Paleo Pancakes from Primal 30 Day Challenge.

It was my first time tasting almond butter. I think I am officially over my almond allergy. Yea!!! However, I’m still not brave enough to test other nuts.

I continued to stay up stairs until 2pm to give my body some much needed rest. Then dad took me for ~~an errand~~ a date drive. We drove to pick up some starter equipment.

I needed to have some basic equipment in the convenience of my home. It was too difficult to take a drive to my brother-in-law’s for my training. By the time I got there I was too tired to get much done. Now, I can work out whenever the energy strikes. The best part is that my littles can be with me.

Dad and I left for our date drive without packing food—that’s a big no-no for us. We stopped at a Safeway along the way to check their deli. We found some breaded cod and broccoli slaw. Both selections were not ideal but it beat stopping for fast food or picking up some processed ~~food~~ junk. I took off the breading and gave thanks for my cod filet.

We headed home and enlisted the help of my 17 year old cousin. They straightened out the garage to clear an area for the squat rack. It’s tough to find space when you have a garage filled with boxes from, homeschool storage, and seven bikes. Dad has finally accepted the reality that he most likely will never have a garage to park a car. It took about 1.5 hours for the mini purge thanks to my cousin.

The day ended with a hot bath and I was off to bed like a baby by 10:30pm.

————-
Breakfast:

2 – free range/organic eggs
4 – bacon (I have a dispensation to eat meat on Friday)
.25 – pumpkin pancake

Snack:

Lunch:

3 – BLTA wraps
1 TBLS Mayo

Snack:

.5 orange

Dinner:

1.5 – cod filet
.1 lb – broccoli slaw

Drink:

6 cups – water

Exercise:

cleaning the garage

Sleep:

10:30pm – 5:30am (7 hrs)

A Blessed Good Day

March 22, 2012 by JOYfilledWELLNESS Filed Under: 7 Day Challenge, Health, Journal Entry 3 Comments

Day 3: 7 Day Challenge

My physical aliments have returned and escalated. They range from MS/adrenal/fibromyalgia-like symptoms. I have dealt with these aliments for many years, thinking they were all in my head and that I could push through them. They have come to point where I can no longer mask them. I desire a complete healing but pray only for His will. I’m opening up now about my health to seek healing, to give comfort to others who may be going through similar issues, and to ultimately glorify God.

Today was one of the tougher days. I was barely able to pry my body out of bed this morning. I said an ejaculation to the good Lord to give me the strength. I managed to get out of bed and tend to the littles. Dad and Rose were scheduled to be gone the entire day. Dragonfly needed some attention but I couldn’t muster up the energy to walk down the stairs. I was able to buy some time by giving him a bath. Dad came to the rescue and took over for me. I slowly ventured my way to the kitchen.

Everyone had already snacked on some fruit so breakfast was not an immediate concern. I decided to shred the pulled-pork that dad placed in the crock-pot last night. I knew it was going to be tuff for me to get food on the table without Dad and Rose the next day so I planned to make carnitas using a recipe found at Paleo Eats. I couldn’t even begin the task so Dad sent me straight to bed while he fixed the crockpot meal.

The meat was absolutely delish. I couldn’t resist having a bowl for breakfast. Papi, my four year old carnivore, had a bowl too. Rose made eggs and sausage for everyone. I sat to eat and was feeling good getting some protein. I went for my glass of water but something was seriously wrong—the glass felt like it weighed a ton. I couldn’t hold my glass of water. I did my best to drink without my hands. I’m sure that Dad and the kids thought I was nuts but they did not say a word. They have learned not to question what mom does since it generally sends me in an emotional downward spiral. Dad, especially, does a great job showing sympathy but not smothering me. He leaves me to fend for myself as he keenly watches over me. He knows that I desire to fight these moments of weakness and he gives me room to gain my strength.

The day moved on and not much improved. The kids set up an indoor playground and I schooled from the couch. The carnitas was the staple for the day.

I dear friend called me to chat for a brief moment. It was a sweet consolation. Then I came across a great inspirational story found at EveryDay Paelo. It was another consolation that helped me get through the rest of my day. God is good!

Finally, we ventured outside when Dragonfly knocked down the front door. I bird watched while they raced down the street. We ate at 4:30pm since I had some energy and I wanted to be certain that no one went without. The girls took note of the early time.

Everyone enjoyed their indoor playground for one last time before the tear down was ordered. It was seven when I skimmed the clock, praise God. I ushered everyone upstairs for the rosary and bedtime routine. Sweetie started a load in the morning and had fresh pjs for everyone. (She is being trained for laundry duty by Rose.) The littles were on the ball, listening the first time and joyfully serving. We said only one decade of the rosary since the intentions lasted just as long as the complete recitation of the rosary. Off to bed at 8pm, exactly.

Sparkles noted during the bedtime routine that today was a good day. When I asked her what she meant, she replied, “Today was a good day, mom. No one was sent to time-out, praise God.” Papi was not there when Sparkles gave that praise. However, he noted the same thing as I tucked him into bed. He gave praise, “Today was a blessed. I love you.” It was indeed, a blessed good day! Sure it had challenges but everyone worked together.

It’s 9:45pm, Dad and Rose are still on the road. Dad had a special appointment and Rose tagged along. Then they went to Adoration and a Solemn High Mass for the Forty Hours Devotion. I trust that they were lifting me up in prayer. Deo gratias!
————-
Breakfast:

1 cup – carnitas
2 – pork sausage
2 – -scrambled eggs

Snack:

.5 cup – carnitas
.5 – apple salad

Lunch:

1 cup – carnitas
.5 – all beef frank (gluten free)

Snack:

1 tablespoon – sunflower seeds
2 – cuties (mandarin orange)

Dinner:

2 cups – carnitas
1 – all beef frank (gluten free)

Drink:

.5 cup – Kombucha Tea
6 cups – water

Exercise:
Zip
Sleep:
I’m waiting for Dad to return. I estimate that it will be 11pm.

Moments of Grace – Suscipio

Living on Grace

March 22, 2012 by JOYfilledWELLNESS Filed Under: 7 Day Challenge, My Journey 2 Comments

Day 2: 7 Day Challenge

My day started great. Dad served me my usual breakfast in bed. I said my prayers and got ready for the day. I was a bit nervous to be left without my support team, Dad and Rose. I sent them off by 9am. Rose had a Career Shadow at the local university and Dad went to study. I tried to remain on my feet for as long as I could since I often can’t pry myself off the couch once I sit. Things were looking promising and my energy was stable. I served up the kids and got them working on school. Again, I wanted to avoid sitting.

I decided to take advantage of the glimmer of energy so I started a batch of homemade mayo. This is my umpteenth attempt. I was inspired to give it another shot by Michele. I followed the recipe from The Clothes Make The Girl. I was confident that I would have success with the mayo since I have had great results with other recipes found at that site.

I spent longer than desired at what many have coined, a simple task. The outcome was an unfinished product. Not only do I lack energy but I also lack patience. I stopped the mixing and refrigerated the liquid mayo for a later time.

It’s a sad reality when standing in a kitchen for 20 minutes with an emulsion blender can completely zap one’s energy – it’s my reality. I was sidelined for most of the day, praying for enough strength and grace to care for the littles.

“Jesus, may I be ‘impelled by that energy of’ Yours ‘which is so powerful a force within me’ (Col 1:29).

—
Food:
I keep a food log for my health management. I’m trying to dial in my aliments. I must be certain that I don’t stress my body unnecessarily. Wellness Mama introduced me to FITDAY. Fitday has some great tools. I’m finding the nutritional breakdown to most helpful. It serves as a wonderful visual for me. Before Fitday, I used LiveStrong’s My Plate. Please note that I do NOT recommend measuring food for everyone.

Breakfast:

2 – organic, free range eggs
3 – bacon

Snack:

2 – bacon
3 – grape tomatoes

Lunch:

4 – B.A.T. Bacon, Avocado, Tomato
1 – TBLS salvaged homemade mayo

Snack:

3 – fresh strawberries

Dinner:

1.5 cups – Spinach Salad
1 – TBLS Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing using the homade mayo
1 cup – Tri-tip

Drink:

1 cup – Kombucha Tea
10 cups – water

Exercise:
My focus has been completely transformed from what it was six months ago. Ideally, I would be working on increasing my strength and avoiding any exercise that makes me huff and puff. Currently, I can only focus on not stressing my body. I have not been able to take the advice of my trainer–to work on getting strong. It’s s fine line for me to listen to my body and work through aliments to a healthier state.

If you think you might be suffering from adrenal fatigue, workouts that cause you to huff and puff might be making things worse (more cortisol = more stess and cravings). I’m going to suggest a change of plans for you (I’m talking to Lena here!). I’ve seen your squats and they are fantastic. I think it might be a good idea for you to take a break with module 3 and move into the heavy lift rotation and walking, no huffing and puffing. Let’s focus on getting you strong and lean by not creating any more stress and not worrying about your stamina for the moment. Send me a video of your deadlift and back squat when you can. Are you in? ~ Jason S., EPLifeFit

I was able to get in a 30 min walk around the block with my entire family. Praise God!

Sleep:
This is a major component of my life that I have neglected for far too long. It’s been a vicious cycle of sorts. My aliments have caused me much difficulty with sleep and my poor sleep has caused me great difficulties with my aliments. I have experienced some improvements in my sleep since going “paleo” in Sept. 2011. I must continue to work on making sleep a priority.

I went to bed at 9:30pm. The dishes weren’t done, the house was a mess, lesson plans were incomplete, and dad was left to prep food for the following day. It’s one of those things that I’m learning to offer up. I pray for His grace!

We all are inadequate to live the heroism of life in Christ, but God’s grace is sufficient to make His power perfect in us in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9).

Kombucha Tea

March 20, 2012 by JOYfilledWELLNESS Filed Under: 7 Day Challenge, Clean Eating, Drink, Lent, Probiotic Leave a Comment

I’m grateful for a little blog encouragement. Michele introduced me to the 7 Day Challenge. I needed another re-start and have gladly accepted the challenge. I’ve applied to the challenge to my physical Lenten program.

Today was Day 1 for me since Monday was the feast of St. Joseph, also known as dad’s day in my home. I was called to a day of prayer and fasting for healing and reparation. I share that with others only to give glory to God. It is through fasting and prayer that I am brought closer to Him. His grace is poured over me at my times in the desert.

I have said it many times before, this journey that I have been brought to is much more than physical. I desire a complete healing if it is His will for me. Most of of all, I desire to completely and joyfully surrender to Him. I must keep my eyes on Him, for I can do nothing without His grace.

—

Up until now I have eliminated many items from my diet and that of my family’s. I have been gearing up to add nutrient dense items back into our diets. I’m fighting my nature and trying to take it slow. I don’t want to become overwhelmed or zap what little energy I currently have. Instead, I want to enjoy the process of restoring my health and patiently follow His lead. I do it all in prayer.

My most recent addition to my diet has been kombucha tea.

Kombucha is a living health drink made by fermenting tea and sugar with the kombucha culture. The result can taste like something between sparkling apple cider and champagne, depending on what kind of tea you use. It’s not what you’d imagine fermented tea to taste like.

Many of the benefits reported include improvements in energy levels, metabolic disorders, allergies, cancer, digestive problems, candidiasis, hypertension, HIV, chronic fatigue and arthritis. It ‘s also used externally for skin problems and as a hair wash among other things. ~ Seeds of Health

I started brewing kombucha at the start of Lent. I had planned for my kombucha to brew for 20-25 days but decided to cut it short in efforts to kick-start my Lenten program renewal – 7 day Challenge. My kombucha brewed for 15 days.

I started my kombucha with a scoby that was gifted to me by a friend from church. It’s been fun to have another family at my parish who gets what I am trying to do for myself and family. But I digress, I followed the recipe found at Cultures for Health and my team (Dad, Rose and I) watched their video – How to Make Kombucha Tea.

Little is needed to brew kombucha.

The process was much easier than I had anticipated.

I was pleasantly surprised by the taste of kombucha tea. It was not as vinegar-like as I had anticipated it to be. I will definitely be having a glass or more a day. As for my kids, the reviews are mixed.

Can you guess who likes it and who doesn’t?

Like: Sweetie – 6 and Dragonfly – 20 months

Dislike: Sparkles – 8

Tolerate: Rose – 16

Absentee: Papi – 4

(He is still dramatized by his bout with organic apple cider. I have the children drink small amounts of ACV on a regular and as-needed basis. Papi must have experienced temporary amnesia because he demanded that he be served more. Dad honored his request. Papi was thrilled that he was being allowed to have juice. He downed the ACV without a breath in his flurry of excitement. I’m not sure how long it will take for him to recover from that episode.)

I plan to add the kombucha tea to smoothies, dressings, and anything else that I can think of. I also, have plans to flavor my kombucha tea. My second batch is brewing as I type.

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