Tuesday, Sept 29

I got on the scales today beings it is so close to the beginning of a new month, but I knew that tomorrow and Thursday were going to be busy days so I just did it today. I was so shocked and HAPPY to have lost 5....THAT IS FIVE pounds. I haven't had that big of a loss in quite a while. I figure the reason is from all the fruits and veggies I am eating, which doesn't leave much room in my tummy for much else. I do eat other things, but I am really loving all the produce from mine and my dad's gardens.

!!!I HAVE NOW LOST 70 POUNDS!!!

I have had so many comments on how good I look. I appreciate the comments, as it is nice to have people notice all the hard work, but on the other hand, I also get embarrassed at the attention and never quite know what to say. I really want to share with people how important it is to eat healthy, and let them know how harmful the SAD (Standard American Diet) is. But I also know from my own experience that people want to loose weight and eat healthy, but are not willing to give up their favorite foods. I know because I was one of them. It has been years of gradually accepting one idea at a time and implementing it in my life. The biggest motivation has been from all the knowledge I have gained over the past 3 years. Just eating healthy was not enough motivation for me. I needed to know why what I ate harmed or helped my body. I am still learning and even "crave" knowing more.

Here are some of the top items I have learned about that have helped me:
1. Exercise is vitally important. If you have a form of exercise you love, keep it up. If you are like me and don't like to exercise then try out my favorite: THE CELLERCISER. It has really toned up my body and I don't have tons of excess skin like some people do after tons of weight loss.

2. Our bodies need LOTS of chlorophyll, which we get in the form of "greens". That is why I love GREEN SMOOTHIES so much. I love getting all that nutrition in a delicious meal, and the best part is that I feel so good after drinking them. I know LOVE green salads, and I never thought I would say that. I can tell when I have not eaten one for just one day. I heard about green smoothies from other sources, but when I found Greensmoothiegirl.com it was exciting because she as so much more to share on how to eat nutritiously and WHY!!! Check her out.

3. Get off of soda and other sugary drinks. DRINK LOTS OF WATER! I love water and drink very little else. I just don't crave other stuff. I would never have believed it.

Just two years ago I would call people crazy who said the things I am saying today. You just have to try it for yourself. What have you got to loose (doughnuts, cookies, soda, cake, feeling lousy and overweight). Just try it for 3 months, that is only 90 days. But you do have to be strict and get off all forms of refined foods, like white sugar and flour. It is not as hard as you might think.

My typical breakfast:
Green smoothie
1 banana
1 fresh fruit or 1/2 cup frozen (peaches, apple, berries(my favorite)
1 very large handful of spinach
Liquid as needed to blend (soy or almond milk, water, unsweetened apple or grape juice
Enough ice to desired texture

Typical lunch:
Lettuce salad
Romaine and spinach
carrots, radishes (I always have these in my salads)
Other veggies you like (broccoli, cauliflower, celery, gr. onions, etc)
Tomatoes (when I have fresh ones)
sometimes I will add: black or red beans, avocadoes
Piece of whole wheat toast, or tortilla chips and salsa (Mango my fav), or whole grain crackers

Dinner:
Anything I love as long as I don't use processed foods.
I eat lots of:
beans(red, black, pinto)
wild and brown rice
steamed veggies
Quinoa
Whole grains

I eat some, but not too much:
whole grain pastas and breads

Snacks:
FRESH FRUIT
FRESH VEGGIES
Raw nuts (I did eat lots of salted mixed nuts from Costco in the jar, but don't crave them any more)
Granola bars made with whole grains & a healthy sweetener
Homemade healthy cookies
Yogurt, granola and berries (my favorites are blueberries and strawberries)

I am thinking of starting a support group to help people discuss the challenges of eating healthy and help them get motivated and stay motivated. If you are interested just let me know.