Health – Page 3

Living on Grace

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

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.

Lenten Program Update

February 25, 2012 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Health, Lent, Total Consecration 1 Comment

Here is brief update on my Family Lenten Program.

Spiritual Lenten Program

~~~

Health & Fitness Lenten Program

Nut Allergies

January 15, 2012 by JOYfilledWELLNESS Filed Under: Allergies, Nut Allergy, Nuts 1 Comment

I suffered from many allergies as a child. Many of which have followed me into adulthood. I took myself off all medicine and shots when I was eleven years old. I was fed up with my adverse side affects to the medicine. I learned at a early age to listen to my body and find natural ways of coping with my chronic condition.

I have experienced several improvements in my health since the inception of my lifestyle overhaul. Just recently, I was able to eat raw almonds. This is a huge milestone. I’m not ready to say that I’m completely free from my nut allergies but I am excited about this small step in that direction.

I am also excited to try some recipes that require almond flour/meal.

I’ll continue to take baby steps.

these are the two forms of almonds that I have experimented with.

13.1

October 6, 2011 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: 1/2 Marathon, Fitness, Health, Running 9 Comments

The Prompting

It has been a long time coming. I told my husband several years ago that I wanted to run a marathon by the time I was 30. Needless, to say it never happen. I was too busy being open to life. ;-)

The marathon idea soon became too far fetch so I settled for a 1/2 marathon. That too became out of reach when I was constantly sidelined due to injuries. Finally, I settled on a 5k.

My first race was a part of my Lenten program in 2009. I was riddled with pain from training and tried to desperately work through my aliments. I soon became convinced that 5ks would be the longest race that I would ever participate in.

I continued to run sporadically. I quickly learned that being outdoors, soaking in some V-D and increasing endorphins was just what the doctor ordered for me. I would go on date walks/runs with Dad. I recruited a training partner when my need for more consistent outdoor exercise peaked. Rose was hesitant to run but more than delighted to get some mother-daughter time with me.

Before you know it, we were training for a 1/2 marathon. That goal was out of reach when we Rose was injured in a soccer game. I lost motivation. Nonetheless, I managed to rally the troops and run for a cause, another Lenten program of mine. I ran a 10k with Dad for the NUN RUN – Shadow Run.

I continued to train on a irregular basis while Rose went to therapy to heal. I picked up my training over the summer. That too, was short lived due to an ankle injury. However, God sent me some motivation to preserve through the injury and stay on course.

I met up with another mom at the kid’s swim team practice. She was challenged by her sister to run a marathon in a year. She shared her desire to find a training partner since her sister lived out of state. The best part, she lives down the street from me, is a homeschooling mom and Sister in Christ. It was completely providential that we came together.

The Training

I started training with K within weeks of discussing our plans. I followed a modified version of this training plan. I took my long runs on Friday and had the weekend off. I woke up every morning at 4:30am to prepare for a 5am run with K. (The Good Lord knew I was having trouble rising early in the morning for my family so He found a way to get me up.)

I trained for several weeks with my ankle only at 60%. It wasn’t pretty and my time reflected it. I remained committed and focused on the progress I was making in regards to the intangible; an increase in energy, less moody and I was motivated to get an early start on my school day.

There were many obstacles that continued to riddle my efforts. I spoke about some of them here. I give thanks to God for giving me the grace and strength to stay committed to the race.

Pre-Race Jitters

I waited until the very last min to register for the race because I wanted to be certain that I could run–entrance fees are not cheap. The reality of what I signed up for began to set in on Friday when I picked up my race packet. I got the pre-race nerves. I recalled my last long run, it was shortly after my miscarriage. That run was humbling and painful in many ways. It was definitely part of my healing but it left me with doubts about my ability to complete the 1/2 marathon. Dad walked me through my grief and prayed over me.

Despite my efforts to focus on just finishing the race, my competitive nature led me to set a time goal. Crazy, I know, but I did unite it to Him–all for His glory.

The Night Before the Race

I had my pre-race dinner with family after a busy day with Little Flowers and house hunting. I kept the race a secret from my parents and sister because I didn’t know if I would be up to running.

My beloved children let the secret out of the bag. My mom was excited for me to be racing. She tried to rally the troops and form an impromptu cheering squad. I convinced her that I needed to do this on my own. She conceded but could not accept that fact that I would be traveling solo. My mom volunteered to drive me and signed up for the corresponding 5k–another answered prayer.

I went to bed early, after reviewing the course map, one last time.

Race Day

Morning

On race day, I woke up at 5am to prep. I had to keep telling myself, “It’s no different than training, just follow the pacer.”

I arrived about 45min early and the place was flooded with cars. Mom managed to find a nearby parking spot.

We headed to the start.

I warmed up and stretched before finding my pace marker. I prayed as I waited with joy and nerves.

First Miles 1-5

I was stuck to the pace marker like glue. I felt great and was certain that I could pick up the pace but I knew I lacked experience so I stayed where I was.

I wasn’t ready for the commotion caused at the water stations. It caused me to lose some ground from my desired spot by the pacer. Still, I wasn’t too worried by the distance.

The streets were filled with cheer and MOOs.

Miles 6-9

I was feeling great. I was drinking Nunn and popping Sports Beans and Zingers as needed. The pacer was still nearby at the start of mile 6.

Shortly into mile 6, I could see the road surface change. This was a concern for me since I run barefoot. I’ve trained on many surfaces for varying distances but mixed aggregate remains by nemesis. It has a way with pinching and bruising the soles of my feet.

I was discouraged but continued to run. My pace decreased and I began to loose sight of the pace runner. I found my back-up running course, the painted lines–they’re always smoother than the rough aggregate and provide me with a brief reprieve.

I tuned back into my iPhone so I could follow the pace provided by the app Joggy Coach. (The free version is great for all types of workouts.) According to the app, I was ahead of where I initially planned. Still, I felt great and wanted to push myself.

Miles 10-12

The morning was cool but I began to fell the sun settling. Or was that my muscles becoming over heated. My quads were burning and my lower back had a slight ach. I adjusted my stride and foot strike. I carried on at a faster pace since the road surface was favorable. I hoped to make up for the previous miles and possibly catch the pace runner.

(Note to runners who run with partners: other runners can hear your conversations. There were many conversations that I was able to tune out while remaining in pray but there was one that I was allowed to hear. I trust that He allowed it. It was close to mile 12 and I was worn but pushing myself. I could hear the gawking of two female runners. “Look! Look! She doesn’t have shoes on.” To which her friend replied, “She’s an idiot!………..” Together they carried on to criticize me.

The words seem trivial as I type them but they pierced my at the time I heard them.

I wanted so desperately to speak up to defend myself but I couldn’t–my tongue was tied. I returned to my normal running mediation, the Passion of Christ. I reflected on the verbal insults that Christ endured on top of His physical suffering.)

As I view the scene, I become moved by outrage, anguish and gratitude. I look at Jesus. His face. The crown of thorns. The blood. His clothes stuck to the wounds on his back. This is for me. That I might be free. That I might have eternal life. I ask to be with Jesus. To follow his journey. I express my love and thanks.

Mile 13

I could hear the announcer at the start/finish line. Yet, it seemed like I had many more miles to go. The spectators assured us runners that we were on the home stretch. I debated if I should pick up speed all the way to the finish or hold off a bit longer. I decided to hold off. I turned the corner and thought, oh no, I waited too long. I saw the finish line and sprinted to it. Steps away, I realized that it was the .5 mile mark. I wasn’t about to continue my sprint for another .5 mile since I could feel the tightness from the lactic acid buildup.

The Finish

I reserved what was left for my last sprint during the .2 mile. I crossed the finish line in a sprint at 2 hours and 23 min.

I later learned that my actual time was 2 hours 20 min 45 sec–10 mins faster than my goal time.

I give all praise and glory to God for allowing me to cross the finish line.

~~~

I knew that this would be much more than just a physical journey but I never could have envisioned the extent that He would bless me. The Good Lord, the ultimate physician, has worked on my whole being through this physical journey. He has allowed it to strengthen my spiritual life. He has healed my aching heart and brought me to a place of better health. He has reminded me of my severe limitations and led me to a closer union with Him in prayer. He showed me the way and reminded me that He is always with me.

I must turn to Him for strength and trust that He will provide exactly what I need, when I need it, in the manner that is needed. I must always seek to radiate Him to others and find Him in all things.

Jesus is my everything!

In His JOY,

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