Day 4 of 30 Days

I can't believe that I am on day 4 of my 30 day challenge and I have had little to no craving meltdowns. I have been drinking lots of water ( I'm like a peeing machine), especially when I start getting just a little hungry. The only sugar intake I've had was in my coffee and on my oatmeal this morning. Maybe I shouldn't have, but really, who can drink straight black coffee and enjoy it? NOT ME. Neither can I eat plain oatmeal . Can you blame me? At least I used all natural brown sugar, some may say that it doesn't matter, that sugar is sugar but it makes me feel better. So, I'm saying it again ..."At least I used all natural brown sugar, it's better than refined white sugar" hmmph!

My lunches have been okay, mostly green leafy salads with tuna. One day I also had a baked sweet potato (good fiber). Dinner has been cool too. Mainly consisting of veggie stir fry, greens, Beans and tonight I had Cabbage soup. Yummy!

I have got to do better about exorcising though, It's just not always easy. It seems to me that when I have to walk up and down the stairs, mop & sweep the floors, bend over the tub to clean it and walk the dog that it should be enough. But of course as things work out, it doesn't.

I hope that I can maintain my commitment to this challenge for myself. I really don't want to cheat, fall back on bad habits. I don't even want to half way cheat; You know, eating the wrong foods just for the taste, chewing it up really good and then spitting it out before I swallow it. Just Savoring the flavor to satisfy my craving. TMI, I know.. ...

I found this on the web today, thought it was appropriate

Winning Scrabble Words Wednsday's

Here are a list of words that might help you win the scrabble game this weekend!

• Zoosophy (Knowledge or learning concerning Animals)
• Aphagia (inablility to eat or swallow)
• Addax (Antelope dwelling in the sahara Desert)
• Cleg (horse fly)
• Douc ( southern chinese monkey)

*Happy Gaming!*

Seven going on seventeen

I don't know how this happened, but my 7 yr old has turned into a 17 yr old. I used to think it was sooo cute when she would try to pick out my outfits, suggest which color of lipstick looked the best, and tell me " those shoes are sharp! mommy!"

She awoke this morning with a major whiny attitude about not having any clothes. I'm thinking, " are you kidding me?" I feel like she is the only one in the house who ever gets new clothes(And Mommy could use a few things herself these days). Is it a coincidence that I find my clothing in her closet? My blush in her drawer? Or that her room smells like a bottle of nail polish with a hint of body splash? She "never has anything to wear" I mean, according to her , she has nothing! right down to socks and underwear. Everyday it's the same ole conversation; Daughter-"Mmmoomm! I got nothing to wear! Mommy- " yes you dooooo! wear that one thingy I bought you before!" Then I have to go digging in the her closet, in her dresser and in the laundry before we can find an outfit that is worthy of being worn by lil' miss thang.

Not to mention she might have more clothing options if she were to stop storing what she does have under her bed and oh don't forget the stash of dirty clothes in the drawer that never get washed because I don't know they are dirty. How about the socks and sweaters I find in the back seat of our car? Or under her brothers bookshelf? Hmmm could this be the reason there are never any clothes?

Off we go to the store, she walks in with a smirk on her lips and an adrenaline rush that is a Little more than a 7 yr old should be able to handle. An hour and a half later she walks out with 5 outfits and a slightly bouncier step. And I'm thinking... "this is only the beginning"

30 Days

I have a new challenge. I am giving myself 30 days to do it too. Actually it is a challenge for my husband and I both. What is it? Well if you read my prior post you know that we are in process of trimming the fat on our family budget. Keeping with that trend we are also about to trim the fat on our bodies!!
It seems that we have just been falling back into bad habits all across the board, and our eating habits are no exception. Neither one of us are considered "heavy", but a person does not have to be "heavy" to be unhealthy. My husband would like to cut back primarily for cosmetic reasons, but I on the other hand am needing to do it not only for cosmetic purposes but also for my health.
I have a long line of Diabetes and heart disease in my family history. Six years ago I developed several diabetic symptoms but never diagnosed with diabetes. I was feeling bad and beginning to look worse than I felt. However, with regular visits to a Naturapath Doctor and a vigorous health plan I was on a good path to healthy living, and stayed on it for quite some time. Then, during and after a stressful time in my life which lasted about one year, I let all of my good habits go down the drain. Which brings me to my current situation. A recent physical revealed some red flags; high blood sugar levels (bordering on diabetic) for the past 3 months, High cholesterol, extreme anemia, and questionable kidney functions. (the latter two was no surprise since 6 mos ago I was hospitalized because of it).

So, I am now on a mission to get back to good health and good habits. The next 30 days I am challenging myself. I will try to:

• keep away from sugars (soda, chips, ice cream, etc.)
• Drink half my body weight in ounces of water each day.
• No meat, except fish (I'm a wanna be vegetarian),
• boost my veggie intake, especially dark green leafy ones (iron).
• Stay away from the bread and starches except for brown rice.
• get more active

**I know this is more about lifestyle change so the 30 days is just to kinda jump start myself.

As an African American woman I know that I am at a higher risk for developing certain illnesses. Some of which are apart of my own genetics. So, although it was fun while it lasted (and it was fun to eat what I wanted!) I have to make some changes and be a better example for my children in making better choices for a healthier lifestyle. So, in an effort to keep myself on the right track for the next 30 days I will be posting my progress to share with you. Feeling that there are "eyes" on me will cut back any cheating that I may be inclined to do. LOL! This is most definitely gonna be a bumpy ride at the take off....Are your seat belts on?