Shock, Hope and Motivation.

Two days ago, on April 25th, 2012, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. They called it "invasive mammary carcinoma". I've been on a roller coaster of emotion. Fear, sadness, and disbelief to name a few. I'll say what everyone does. "I never imagined this would happen." This is hard for me to express. I want to crawl in a hole and make it go away. But that is weak. I don't consider myself to be weak . And my mom is not either. She is a mother of 5, grandmother of 24, and wife to one (40 years & counting). She is full of opinion and full of love for her family. She is 61, almost 62. 

This is a trial that our family has been given. We will face this together. We will have hope. We will fight, and God willing, win.

The next step is to see a surgeon. She has an appointment on May 8th  In the meantime, she is looking for natural ways to fight this. And we are praying.

Now, as for motivation. My risk of breast cancer just increased dramatically. I could sit around and feel sorry for myself or do something about it. I'm not much for inaction. I'll be looking for more and more ways to be healthy from now on.

Please pray for my mom and our family. Thank you.

"No Poo" in my hair!

Well, I did it. In efforts to go the next mile on my health and wellness journey, I decided to try out a natural way to clean my hair. So, for the last few days, instead of using shampoo, I have used a simple mix of baking soda and water to cleanse it, and vinegar, water, and a cinnamon stick (for scent) to condition.

WHY?

To avoid using harsh chemicals on my body.

        Our skin is an organ, the largest one, and is very porous. The chemicals in the soaps and detergents we use go straight into our bodies. This just seems like a bad idea, no? 

To achieve healthier hair.

        I've always had thick, wavy, frizzy, and unmanageable hair. I could condition all day long, but my hair is still frizzy and unhealthy. Now I know why. Shampoo is a detergent that strips your hair of all the natural oils. "But, if we stop washing our hair, won't it get oily and gross!?" Good question. I've heard it explained to be much like the supply and demand in breastfeeding a baby. The more they nurse, the more milk you produce! So, the more you strip your hair of the oil, the more oil your body produces to achieve a balance.

Because it's frugal!

         AKA Cheap! I will spend much less on the ingredients for "no poo" than on the plethora of products we buy.....shampoo, conditioner, gel, mouse, anti-frizz cream/spray, hair spray, etc. I own at least one of each of those products. 

HOW?

To go through the adjustment phase, I'm using 

1tbs of baking soda with about 1/4cup water, 

but I expect to be able to lessen this amount as time goes on and my hair adjusts. 

To condition:

1/4 cup vinegar, 4 cups water, 1 cinnamon stick, 1tsp vanilla, dash of whole cloves (lasts for many uses)

I made this recipe out of reading a few examples of others. The spices are for scent when using regular white vinegar. You can also use just water and apple cider vinegar. (I didn't have any in my cabinet, though.) My hair smells spicy! I like it. ;)

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

Still going!!!

I've been away for a couple of weeks, but I'm still working on my weight loss. I've managed to lose 19lbs this year!!! It's going a little slower than I'd like, but I'm starting to amp it up! I'm really excited!

I'm also looking into other ways to be healthy, including my most recent discovery of "no poo". It includes ditching shampoo and using things like baking soda, apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon juice and such, instead. It is said that it makes your hair altogether more healthy and I'm excited to be rid of shampoo if it will make my hair easier to manage. I may be weird, but whatever!

We are also going on a journey to make our finances more healthy. This is not as much fun, but definitely necessary. Who knew you needed a real budget? The hubs is looking for a better job, I'm thinking of doing some work from home, and we've stopped eating out. Yep. We actually have. So, since I've been cooking at home, trying to have quality meals on a budget, I've been getting creative with our meals. Last night, we splurged and had salmon. It was delicious! I'll be posting some recipes, soon! 

Today - thinking of detox.

I'm still sunburned from our bike ride on Saturday. It hurts to lift my arms! I cannot believe I forgot to apply sunscreen after specifically buying it for our Saturday rides! I feel so stupid. Luckily, my kids didn't burn.

We didn't go riding yesterday evening when my hubs got home from work because I felt horrible, but we'll go this evening. I do feel a little better. Still watching my portions and eating less carbs & more veggies. I'm slacking on my water intake. Not sure why. I always feel so much better when I'm well hydrated, and I can easily lose a few pounds by drinking lots of water for a few days. OK, I've convinced myself. I'll do it! 

I didn't purchase any meat on my last grocery shopping trip. Except for fish, specifically salmon because of the Omega 3's. Tonight we are having salmon, couscous and steamed mukimame (shelled soybeans - I hope we like them. They are loaded with protein, fiber & iron). 

I'm also looking into detox solutions. I'm certain my body could use a good cleansing. Also, Hubs and I are going to start using the sauna. (After my sunburn heals!) 

This journey is off to a good start.

14 mile ride!!!

Our second long bike ride was a success! It was a lot of fun. On Saturday, we rode 14 miles with our friends, averaging about 8-9mi/hr. We went to a new town, crossed a huge bridge, and I got a sunburn. It was totally worth it, but seriously, next time, I'm using sunscreen. Or wearing a long-sleeve shirt. We happened to see a guy cross a flooded path on his bicycle. It was nearly up to his seat! Just a little crazy.  We also ordered our hydration packs!!! I can't wait for them to arrive. They will be great for long rides.

I've also lost 2 more pounds! I can't believe it. 4lbs in just over a week! Woot! I'm almost to my 5lb goal and I've got the rest of this week to go before March is over!

On Friday, I went to the Dr. to see about the pain in my legs and hips. She's not sure exactly what is causing it, but gave me an anti-inflammatory and it seems to be working. I have to get my x-rays from my chiropractor so she can look and see if it's originating from my back. Either way, I'm still exercising and working on becoming healthy because I'm certain my weight is part of the issue. The Dr said the treadmill probably isn't a good idea because of the high impact on my lower body. So, I'll be doing my bike riding and probably some yoga. Can't wait to see more results and to go biking again next Saturday!

 Hubs, myself and our 3 littles

Hubs and Little #2

Little #1 taking pics

Little #2

Little #3 -
 chillin with his crumbs and water bottle

The BRIDGE!

Progress.



I've lost 2lbs! I need to take my measurements so I can see if I'm losing inches. The hubs and I have ridden 6 out of the last 9 days! I'm not sure how far we are actually riding because we haven't measured it, but we ride for about 30-45min with a couple of 30 second stops for water (still looking for the perfect hydration pack). I'm working on eating less carbs, more nutritious foods, more often throughout the day and less at a time. I'm trying to boost my metabolism and I think (hope) it's working. I feel hungry all the time! And no, I'm NOT pregnant. Oh, and I'm drinking more water, again. That's all.

12 mile ride!!!

Yesterday, my husband, our kids and I went on a 12 mile bike ride with our friends and their kids. It was amazing. We hurt, we laughed and we had so much fun. It was a beautiful day with a great breeze. It wasn't too hot, but we all got a bit of sun. Mental note: invest in sunscreen. We stopped a couple of times along the way, but we averaged about 8mi/hr. Not bad for beginners. We had snacks at the park and let the kids play. All five of the kids behaved so well. By the way, I'm so proud of my husband for hauling all three of our kids. That's an extra 100lbs. He's tougher than I am, for certain.

We plan to do it again next weekend. I can't wait! I absolutely love riding. It reminds me of my childhood and it's a great activity for my family to enjoy together. I love that we have friends that we can ride with, as well. 

Today, I'm working on researching foods that lower cholesterol. So far, I've found that foods high in soluble fiber are great for reducing LDL or "bad" cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Fish oil reduces blood pressure and lowers the risk of developing blood clots. Nuts are great because they are rich in polyunsaturated fats. They keep blood vessels healthy - walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, etc.. Don't forget - Not sugar coated and unsalted are best. Olive oil is high in antioxidants and should  replace other fats. It can be used for sauteing, marinades, salad dressing, etc. Extra virgin olive oil is best because it is less processed and higher in antioxidants.  

I plan to incorporate new foods into my diet, and eliminate others. Yesterday, I tried sushi for the first time. (The fish was cooked, though. I'll try it raw... someday.) I liked it. I also tried hummus a couple of weeks ago. Loved it. Especially the roasted red pepper. Mmm..


I'm discovering that my journey to become healthy might just be part of the adventure I've always wanted out of life. New foods, new hobbies. I'm having fun.

Resting and re-fueling at the park

Me after 12 miles 

BURNING FAT!


Who doesn't want to burn fat? If you said, "me", then I don't know why you're reading this, but I certainly don't mind if you continue. I want to learn how to burn fat effectively because I'm overweight and have excess fat to burn, but also because fat is a better source of fuel than carbohydrates. I want to be healthy long term, so changing my eating habits is a high priority.


This is some very interesting information that I found about exercise.


... By performing these short bursts of exercise, you will increase your heart rate and boost your metabolism, which in turn burns fat.  The most exciting thing about these short interval exercises however is that your metabolic rate will not only rise during the exercises but will stay high for up to 24 hours post workout.  In other words, your body will continue to burn calories and fat at a much faster rate throughout the entire day and night of your workout!  This alone is what make these types of fat burning exercises so effective.


I was one that thought long workouts were necessary. It's so amazingly great to find out they aren't. What mom of littles actually has time to do a 2-3hr workout everyday? Not this one.


Also, there is some good info on fat burning foods such as salmon, turkey, edamame (soy beans), broccoli, green tea, milk and lean beef. 


I especially like the "HOW TO BURN FAT" list from this site. It includes: Stay Hydrated (water, water, water!!!), Eat fat burning foods (small portions 4-6 times a day), Exercise Regularly, Build Muscle, Get 8hrs of sleep. 


Check out the low calorie foods as well. They all sound so yummy! I'm amazed that when I think about food, what sounds good to me is actually the healthy food. It's just such a habit to reach for the stuff that's not so healthy because it's typically quick and easy to fix. (I have 3 littles that take up SO much time, ya know. ;) ) Doesn't this list just sound so yummy? 

Low Calorie Fruits Apples Blueberries Cantaloupe Cranberries Grapefruit Honeydew Lemons Mango Oranges Papaya Peaches Pineapple Raspberries Strawberries Tomatoes Tangerines Turnips Watermelon

Low Calorie Vegetables Asparagus Beets Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Chicory Chili Peppers Cucumber Edamame Garlic Green Beans Lettuce Onions Radishes Spinach Turnips Zucchini

To read it all straight from the source:
http://www.naturalfatburningfoods.com/




(DISCLAIMER: If you use any advice, tips, etc. that I post, it is solely your choice and I cannot be held responsible. I am not a medical professional of any kind.)

Today's exercise!


All the research and preparation for losing weight, eating healthy and exercising is great. But at some point - you have to get out and do it!!! So, the 3 littles and I are preparing to go bike riding this morning. This should be interesting! Especially since my bum is a bit sore from our 30min ride yesterday evening. The hubs and I went riding for the first time with the littles. It was exhausting, but loads of fun. I am now going to attempt it on my own. I have a baby seat for Little #3 attached to my bike and a trailer for Thing 1 & Thing 2. It's my "Mom car". :D 


Later on, I'll be posting some tips for weight loss that I've found. 


Seriously, I'm done typing. Time to exercise! 

UPDATE!  We rode for about 45min. Slowly. It was a lot of fun. I remember loving it as a child, but it's even more fun now that my mom doesn't get to tell me when to come home! :-D My legs, however, did tell me when to go home. They were burning and it was awesome. Can't wait to do it again!

Roadblocks!




I have been pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive almost non-stop for the last 6yrs. The weight has been slowly creeping up on me and I'm finally ready to get rid of it! Now that I have horribly intense pain in the lower part of my right leg. It's amazing how things work. I've let it bring me down for a few weeks now, but I've decided to see a Doctor (Dun dun dun..) about it. They're not my favorite people as a whole, but I bow to their expertise when absolutely necessary. And I've come to believe it is. 




Today, despite my leg throbbing with pain, I managed to walk at a 20% incline for 1 mile on my treadmill. I burned about 600 calories, of which I am very proud. Then I did some crunches - the kind where you lift your legs and buttocks instead of your head and shoulders. 50 of those, 30 "girly" push ups and LOTS of stretching. 
I'm probably going to get back on it later this afternoon and do another mile. My goal is to exercise twice a day, drink tons of water and eat moderately. Let's see if I can lose 5 lbs by the end of March.

The Beginning

Trying to lose weight is undoubtedly a difficult journey. It's energizing. It's depressing. It's simple. It's complicated. It's 1lb lost and 2lbs gained. And yet, we press on. For our vanity, our future and our children. Because we love the person we could be. The person we are inside that has forgotten how to show through. 

I'll be posting helpful and inspiring tidbits that I find. My personal successes and failures. Possibly recipes and workouts. Things that motivate me. 

Here's to the journey!