Feasting & Fasting - Days #4 - 5

Let me tell you the truth - I love to eat.  And I enjoy good food.  For the last three months I've been following a form of intermittent fasting where my hours of fasting to eating has been around 20:4.  So I usually make myself a light snack when I get home from school to break my fast, then eat super with the family... and sometimes dessert.  We typically follow a menu plan from a company called The Fresh 20 and it is healthy, nearly-gourmet style foods.  Since I typically only eat one substantial meal a day, I've turned a bit into a food snob.  If I'm going to eat, I want it to be good food, not junk.  I like it when my taste buds do a little dance in happiness.  And that first bite after fasting all day is a little piece of divinity in my mouth.

Now, enter Day #5 of nothing but liquids.  I enjoy fasting - I really do.  But today, my mouth is missing food.  The crunch of tortilla chips in homemade pico de gallo.  The texture of a well-cooked piece of beef or pork.  In a nutshell, my mouth wants entertainment.  So this is where I really have to examine my motives for eating.  I'm not hungry and I'm getting plenty of nutrition, so what am I craving when my mouth wants to crunch.  Where am I nourishing my soul from?  Food?  Or God?

In a nutshell, today's been a struggle.  I don't want soup. Or tea. Or juice. Or a smoothie.  But it's a good day to work on sacrificing my flesh.  This is the spiritual aspect of fasting and even though the body is adjusting, the mind and spirit struggle.  So pray for me in the struggles today!

Feasting & Fasting - Days 2 & 3

Happy Sunday to you!

I would say good morning, but I worked a twelve-hour night shift last night, so *yawn* it's good night for me.

But I digress.  Back to the topic at hand.  How did yesterday go in regards to the fasting and how is today progressing?

Overall, very well.  A few annoying things that are typical of starting a fast: insomnia, being cold, some extra mucus in the sinuses, and many visits to the porcelain throne while the guts are clearing themselves out.  I've also popped up a cold sore.  I HATE COLD SORES!  But my essential oil arsenal of tea tree oil, lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint are quickly remedying it.  Some people complain of flu-like symptoms during this time, but I really haven't had any this time around.  I think the reason behind that is I have been following an Intermittent Fasting protocol for the last few months to help NOT gain the typical 30-40 pounds that most nursing students pack on while in the program.  Because of that I have adapted to the fasting protocol much more quickly than I have in the past when I have done a long fast.

The best part of the fasting so far is my energy level!  Normally by 1:30 in the morning on a night shift, I am dragging and desperately needing a power nap over my thirty minute lunch breaks.  I also am usually chugging black coffee like it's keeping me from the brink of hell.  Yesterday, however, I was out of bed at 6:30 in the morning after only four hours of sleep, did housework or schoolwork all day, didn't need a nap, and then worked a full night shift.  Usually I take two power naps over my two lunch breaks.  Yesterday I finally went on break at 3 AM without feeling like I needed it and even though I laid down, I did not fall asleep and simply rested.  I also only drank two cups of coffee and instead drank and refilled my water bottle twice and a mug of jasmine green tea during my shift and kept myself busy.  About five o'clock I was starting to feel a little light-headed, but I'm not sure if that was from fasting or sleep deprivation.  Once I got home, I drank some hot water with a pinch of sea salt and headed to bed.  Once again, only four hours of sleep.  I didn't pop out of bed like I did yesterday, but even when I laid down for a bit in the afternoon, I rested, but didn't sleep.  Hopefully the insomnia will be short lived as I'm starting to feel it today.

So what has my menu looked like this past couple of days?  Besides the typical water, broth, light smooth soups, and teas (it's COLD in Colorado right now), I made a triple berry warm smoothie yesterday and liked it so much I'm drinking another one while I'm typing this.  Takes a bit longer to make, but it is delicious!  I saute a cup of frozen berries in a teaspoon of coconut oil and a hearty dash of cinnamon, then add a tablespoon of chia seeds and a cup of coconut milk.  This then simmers on the stove for fifteen minutes.  I pour it all into my Nutri Ninja and add a serving of Amazing Grass Berry Blast greens powder, blend, and drink!  Word of advance when drinking smoothies or juices when you are fasting - drink an equal portion of water before hand.  Makes it easier on the digestive system and diluted 50/50 juices and smoothies just don't taste as good!

If you made it this far in this rather long post, thanks for reading and watch for another update (and another favorite fasting recipe of mine) tomorrow.

Blessings,

Debbie

Day #1 - Feasting and Fasting

Yesterday I posted a section about goals that I would like to achieve in 2017.  I'm not huge into the New Year "Resolutions" for this year.  Instead, I want to focus on renewing myself.

Spiritually.

Emotionally.

Physically.

Mentally.

In light of my focus towards renewal, yesterday I began Day #1 of a 30 Day Fast/Feast.  Yes, it's an oxymoron.  But yes, in fasting in regards to food, you have the opportunity to feast spiritually.

Now I do not follow any extreme do this/don't do that rules when I embark on a season of fasting.  I still drink coffee.  I am not a slave to the juicer.  I will drink protein/instant shakes.  I AM in love with our Nutri Ninja and use it several times a day.  In a nutshell, I stick with something similar to a full liquid eating plan while in this season.  Some days it's pretty light with the broths and juices.  Other days I need a bit more substance.  So for an idea of what is pretty normal for me, here's what I ate yesterday:

Breakfast:  Chia seeds soaked overnight in coconut milk, then blended with some flax seed, coconut oil, and a shake packet of dark chocolate Carnation Instant Breakfast, which I warmed and ate with a spoon out of a mug.  Oh yeah, and a cup of black coffee.

Lunch:  Two cups of leftover ham, vegetable, and bean soup (with some extra broth) put through the Nutri Ninja until smooth.  Morning vitamins (which I forgot to take at breakfast).

Afternoon Snack:  1 mug full of blended coffee (coffee, coconut oil, unsalted butter, and half-and-half).

Supper:  Tomato soup and jasmine green tea.

Throughout the day:  88 ounces of water, multiple cups of herbal tea, and many trips to the bathroom to account for all the liquid!!

As for the spiritual side of things, I am reading through Psalm 119 and James.  No digging in deep today, but just reading through these two passages for an overview, as I plan to focus on these more during the next thirty days.  When the stomach gets to rumbling, I grab my water and my Bible.  I know from the past, the first 3 days are typically the hardest so send me good thoughts and prayers!

Watch for a Day 2 update tomorrow!

Blessings,

Debbie

427 Days

427 days.

That is a LOT of days to go without a post.

I can blame it on a few things.  Two kids, three moves (one which was cross-country), another devastating miscarriage, two and a half years of homeschooling, four semesters of prerequisites to get into nursing school, and one finished semester of nursing school.

However, a new year is upon us.

Again.

Truth be told, I feel like 2017 is going to be a life-changing year for me and my family.  2016 sucked.  It really did. I have never been so ready in my adult life to put it behind me and move onward to bigger and better things.  So while this is not your typical "New Year, New Me" post, there are a few things I would like to accomplish this year (in no random order):

• Finish my first year of nursing school with no C's
• Pass my NCLEX-PN the first time and start working as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
• Take a family vacation this summer
• Continue working toward a minimalist wardrobe, for both myself and my kids
• Stay on top of the housework!!
• Get back into a regular Bible study regime.  With my extreme homework schedule, I've been hit-or-miss with this over the last few months.
• Have someone(s) over once a month for dinner.  I love opening up my home to others and have lost sight of that. 
• Laugh more!
• Enjoy life more!

And as this is predominantly a blog in regards to my health and weight loss, I have a few goals for that, too:

• Lose 30 pounds and maintain that so I can stay in One-derland.  I'm at the lowest weight I have been at since we moved to Colorado two years ago and I have no desire to put any of that back on again.
• Complete a 30 day liquid "feast" (I have done even attempted a liquid feast in three years, where I used to do at least a 21-day feast annually)
• Become stronger!!  My goal is do be able to do 10 perfect pushups in a row by the end of the year and at least one full pull-up and chin up.
• Continue developing my strategy of using Intermittent Fasting in my every-day life.  I love the health benefits of it (and the energy I have during the fasting hours), but applying it during the school year has been a challenge.
• Pursing some form of exercise, even if it is short, every day.  Exercise is key for me at keeping my chronic depression in check.
• Run at least one 5K.  I haven't run consistently in over a year (pregnancy last winter, followed by a late miscarriage, followed by a four month doctor-induced restriction on jogging or any "jumpy" exercise).  This KILLED me and being out of a regular exercise regime was awful!  
• Climb a 14'er this summer!  I attempted Quandary Peak with my sister and her now husband this summer but I was out of shape and miserable.  I want to do it again and finish this time!

So I have lots of things I want to do this year, apparently!  However, I think my goals are manageable and I'm looking forward to re-evaluating where I am at in all these areas each quarter.

You will hear from me again soon!

Blessings,

Debbie

A Change In Plans

It's racing week!  Yes!  The Pumpkin Pie 5K/10K is only six days away (five if you count today).

Yet in some ways, I'm bummed.  My original plan and goal in signing up for this race was to run my first 10K (or 6.2 miles).  However, the last month has been horrible on any training I've been waiting to due.  Two weeks of a nasty cold that I've just started feeling finally over (my family is STILL battling it - and it's the beginning of week three).  And then there was the ingrown toenails.  Yes, toenails.  A double one on my right big toe after having my nail smashed during a difficult transfer at work (I swear, I'm about to start adding steel-toed boots to my scrubs; this is the 2nd time in eight months that has happened).  Even walking was challenging for over a week!  So I emailed the race coordinators and transferred by 10K entry to a 5K entry.  I'm a little bit sad, but exciting about the winter, as I've put in PTO requests at work to be able to run the Colorado Runner's Winter Distance Series... and two of these three runs are taking place while I am NOT in school.  So while I am not achieving my original New Year's Resolution to run a 10K this year, I am well on my way to tackling it early next year.

A new fun development to my running is that Emily is going to start running with me more.  It's something she's been wanting to do for a while and after her mile race this past September, she's determined to be able to run the whole mile next year.  And for an added bonus, we were introduced by my sister to a non-profit organization called I Run 4 Michael, in which "athletes of all levels and kinds are paired with children and adults with physical, mental, and developmental special-needs ranging from Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy to Autism Spectrum disorders, to physical deformities and disorders, to lesser-known disorders."  Emily and I have applied to be a running pair for a child who can't run themselves, which we are doing in order to create awareness for special needs and building a new relationship/support network!  It's a long wait list for a runner to be matched to a buddy (about fifteen weeks) so in the meantime, we are running in honor of my nephew and those kiddos who aren't matched yet while we pray for the very special someone God is going to put in our lives.  To learn more about them, or to apply to be a runner or a buddy, click on their link above or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/irunformichael.

I promise to post race pictures this weekend!  Emily and Ethan are going to run the fun run (as well as their cousin, who hopefully will be joining us) and then we are going to spend the afternoon after the zoo to celebrate Ethan's 5th birthday (how on earth did my little man get so old?!?) so it should be a fun-filled day.  Check back on Saturday or Sunday for an update!  But in the meantime, we're trucking in the fun and miles.  :)

Embracing the good times,

Debbie

A New Regime

Today I shall discuss what is sometimes the most dreaded word in my vocabulary:  exercise

*shudder*

Now if you knew me at all during high-school, sports were not my thing.  First of all, I was totally uncool.  Second, I have no coordination.  None.  Zip.  Nada.  Where I did okay playing volleyball in middle school, I knew there was no way on earth that I was going to do sports in highschool, with the exception of our forced freshman PE class.  I was glad to see that go!!

Yet if you know me now, you would know that I started running about four years ago.  Well, running may be a stretch - more of a jog/plod but I soon found that I enjoyed it!  I still remember the evening I ran my first mile WITHOUT stopping; I hadn't even been able to do that as a kid.  Now in those fours years, I have stopped and started the Couch to 5K (C25K) about five times, but since the beginning of this year, I've been following Jeff Galloway's Run/Walk/Run training method.  That high ankle sprain I always battled with C25K?  Gone.  Totally absent.  And I'm running more than ever, including a fairly consistent three days a week, and running longer.  Today I knocked out 4 miles.  Four MILES.  There was a day when I could barely manage two, and now 3 is my average mid-week run.   And even with 30 second walking breaks throughout my run today, it is still a better time than I did my first two 5K's using C25K.  Want to check out Jeff Galloway's method?  Go visit his website at www.jeffgalloway.com.  In the meantime, I am entered for my very first 10K (for those not used to the metric system, that is 6.2 miles) on November 21st, only 25 short days away.  I'm not quite ready yet but do or die, I will be there!!

In the midst of increasing my cardio endurance, however, I have learned that I have no muscles.  None.  Especially in my arms.  I think Ethan (my almost five year-old) can do more push-ups than I can, and that is with me doing a modified push-up with my knees on the floor!  So I've pulled out a workout CD that I have had for ages, but never really did consistently.  But with an online Facebook group, I've committed to going through all of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.  This new daily regime may take me a bit longer than 30 days (I do need a rest day after long runs), but I'm going to get through all 3 levels this time and hopefully, gain some muscle in the meantime!  Today was Day 1 and trust me, I think I would take 30 minute run over her workouts most days.  But I finished it (needed a few breaks, especially on the arm strength movements) but by now I feel good and am looking forward to Day 2 tomorrow.

So there is this word called exercise that I used to shudder at.  But I'm warming up to it.  I still don't like calling it exercise; I've recently started calling it training.  Training to be better.  Training to work harder.  Training my body to be disciplined.

And truthfully?

I'm starting to enjoy it again.

Looking forward to good things,

Debbie

Monthly Weigh-In

I decided last month after my doctor's appointment that I wanted to only weigh-in once a month.  Why, you ask?  In a nutshell, I have a tendency to obsess.  Weekly weighing often turns into daily weighing which turns into an unhealthy balance for me.  So once a month it is. 

For October, while I was happy in losing 6 3/4 inches all over my body, I was initially a bit disappointed in my weight loss.  Only 3 pounds from last month to this month and I've made a lot of food changes for the better.  However, after cleaning out my closet this week of clothes I don't wear anymore, I found a pair of jeans from when I was at my heaviest two years ago.  Of course, I will provide you with a visual comparison:

Please ignore the lack of make-up and a decent hair style

My children had to give their own silly comparison:

Oh my word!  Both my kids could fit into those old jeans!

So while I was initially a bit bummed this morning, this visual reminder made me smile.  I have taken steps to regain control over my health and no longer wear a Women's Size 20.  These jeans are now in a hanger with my "Wear Again" item, my favorite little black dress that I have never worn out on a date with Jonathan first, as a visually tell me of how far I've come and second, to remind me to NEVER go back there again.

As I look back over the last month, I am also looking ahead.  Starting on November 1st, I am going on a 21 Day Sugar Detox with two ladies near and dear to my heart to help fight my natural draw towards all things sweet! (If you want to to join us, please do!  We are using this book as our guide:  www.amazon.com/The-21-Day-Sugar-Detox)  Also, Lord willing, by this time next month I will have run a 10K (yay!), and would like to lose another 2-4 pounds, as well as about 5 more inches, and continue becoming stronger and more disciplined.  I hope my November weigh-in post is a positive one as well!

Trusting in the good things that are happening,

Debbie