Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Healthy Journey Part 2


Yes, we did school today, the kids were cute today and I could write about a variety of things. However, the thing on my mind is my journey to freedom from food compulsions.

I have been having quite the time finding things to wear lately. I've lost 28 lbs in 7 weeks...today I went through the closet. I debated. I wanted to keep things as it is nice to have clothes you already like when  if you regain  weight. I don't believe keeping clothes will CAUSE you to grow back into them...  I haven't decided what to do with them - but I got all the clothes that are too big for me out of my closet....and I found many things that were too small for me that are fine now. Looking at the big pile of clothes leads to self-doubt and "old sound tracks."

"You won't keep it off." 

"You can't eat like this FOREVER."

But that's just it...if I LIKE having low blood pressure (and I DO), if I like getting off cholesterol meds (and I DO), if I like NOT having migraines (and I DO!); then I have to accept the fact that this HAS TO BE a change for a life...and that is sobering...because this dying to appetites self is HARD . ::snort::  However, as I die in this one area, I find it easier to die to self in other areas. I am thankful to be on this journey.

I was very strict while on the Daniel Fast.  I was fasting. This is a lifestyle. I've eased up a bit and am eating a bit more sugar -  vegan desserts, homemade "Lara Bars".  I'm eating a bit more grains and legumes. I allow myself yeast bread from time to time. I still avoid as much processed foods as possible...and of course....as a family, we still avoid dyes and chemicals.  I'm not losing 4 lbs a week any longer...but 1 - 2 lb a week is still phenomenal for one with Hashimoto's Disease.

In any event...this is truly health-based....and that IS the difference. I will stay on this for  life...because I am determined to be as healthy as possible, for as long as possible, so I can be as effective as possible for the kingdom, as long as possible.  Catch all that? ::snort::  Stacia also motivates me by reminding me I need to stay around long enough to play with her kids when they are preschoolers....by my reckoning that will put me pert near 70.

AND I do like walking in victory over food compulsions. Anything worth accomplishing will take discipline and endurance when the going gets tough.

I can CHOOSE to feel empowered rather than deprived when I make a healthy choice...just like I can choose joy when life sucks.  Attitude is huge! I will not live the rest of my life feeling deprived. I choose to feel empowered, thankful, healthy and victorious. I certainly am happy to say goodbye to defeat.

I discovered two new hits around here......Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Balls.  Totally vegan and packed with protein!
It took a lot of self-control NOT to simply eat it ALL by the spoonful.....


I allowed myself one a day....the kids didn't show quite that much restraint and it didn't take long until ONE OF THEM (pictured below with NAIL POLISH ::hint::) dipped them in "vegan hard shell" - which led to many kudos for the vegan lifestyle. I think they've missed a point somewhere. 

I've been planning to try  Ginger's Vegan Alfredo sauce recipe...I ordered raw cashews to give it a shot...but today I combined her recipe with Engine 2's Macaroni Not Cheese recipe and just used the roasted cashews I had on hand...YUM. I don't eat much pasta, this screamed for broccoli (but I was out) so I grabbed a zucchini and YUMMO.

It was FANTASTIC and cholesterol free, full of only good fats and loaded with PROTEIN...I ate all the zucchini and very little of the pasta....Michael ate it when he got home...he doesn't like Mac and Cheese, but when I told him to TASTE IT, he realized his vegan wife wouldn't have made Mac and CHEESE for herself. He liked it. He DID say it needs veggies. My how quickly we've changed around here. Two of the four kids liked it...and that means this is a vegan meal that will show up again. 

In fact...I plan to make Airlie Center's Vegetable Calzone and use the left over NOT CHEESE sauce (I have 2 C) in place of cheese. I may be nice and make one with meat and cheese for the kids Gherkins.

That's all I have to say on this subject for the day. I really AM making sure the blog doesn't become ALL about my journey to freedom.  

If you have no clue why I'm vegan or what I'm talking about read this post. I may have to say "mostly vegan" as I'm seriously thinking of using honey and possibly listening to the doc and adding fish....still praying about it as I feel so GOOD not eating meat of any sort. 

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

SIS: LIke your posts about all the new stuff you are doing when it comes to your eating style. Especially like the headaches not showing up........ also you'll be around awhile cuz look at grandma....you have a good chance and I'd say even better with your new lifestyle when it comes to eating. You new recips. .. mostly all sound good. We will eventually get our pantry and freezer empty and then we will not buy bad stuff anymore. At least as you add stuff back in you will find out what it is that gives you m.headaches. love/prayers - Mom t.

Ronnica said...

God has been teaching me many of the same lessons about food. Of course, I've known for years I've loved food inordinately, but I found plenty of excuses for myself. Finally I came to the point of realizing that I plan on moving to a place where healthy lifestyles were of upmost importance...what would people think of God's message if it's coming from someone who has no regard for their health? While I know each person is responsible before God themselves and that God can overcome any obstacle, *I* don't want to be that obstacle. I have a LONG way to go, but I'm taking the first steps on that journey.

Anonymous said...

I am so encouraged by your journey and see myself coming alongside, albeit not at the same pace. But oh, I get it! I have little to no compulsions for sweets, and so I'm thinking about all that is in our foods as well, working on becoming truly healthy in all areas - physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually. Thank you for sharing your heart with this! And congrats!!