EXERCISE . . .

Started exercises this week. I have been faithful to my program so far, but I have to say who ever invented "exercise," was a sadist I am sure . . .

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL . . .

Well, I haven't been on for a while! I am pleased to say that I have made great progress. (I will go into more detail in future posts) It took a while to get on track, but I think I am finally there. It has nothing to do with weight, it has everything to do with living life!! Not that I wasn't living before, but when you  look at the glass half full, things look a whole lot better. I had a HUGE health scare and decided it was time to get things in order. My doctor gave me the push I needed  and I wasn't about to let it slip away. I am not going to lie, it has been hard, but what a great life altering experience it has been. Imagine being told you are obese and that you have lost 5 years of your life ~ well, when I heard  those words right after the health scare, I cried, but I realized that crying and thinking about change aren't going to  create change. So in order to reverse that diagnosis, and become healthier I needed to get working and working hard! And that is just what I am doing. I couldn't be doing what I am without my husband and kids. They have been  the most amazing support system. I can't even begin to tell you. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of just how lucky I am . . .  (I don't need diamonds, I just need that rotisserie chicken and a man who can provide me with that just at the right moment in time! and I am lucky enough to have that man in my life :) I have moved on and started fresh and it feels good. Thanks to my husband and kids who stood by me through thick and thin and I know I wasn't the easiest person to live with at times, but we made it through! And I am forever grateful! Who ever said that there was no light at the end of the tunnel, wasn't looking hard enough . . .

Gotta Run . . .

Just wanted to say I am very proud of myself, just had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and hope something positive comes out of it. Keeping my fingers crossed, gotta run, don't have time to explain . . .

Time To Turn That Faucet Off First . . .

For many years now I have been hearing the same thing; whether on TV, in magazines, in books, through peoples observations/experiences, however it is wrapped, it all boils down to the same thing . . . unless you address the underlining causes for your condition; mine being weight,our bodies will not be able to begin healing. "Even the most severe conditions often can be reversed by making comprehensive lifestyle changes. If you choose to bypass the underlying causes, then the same problem often recurs."  Marianne describes it perfectly when she says in  "A Course In Weight Loss " . . . "I often show  a slide of a doctor busily mopping up the floor around an overflowing sink without also turning off the faucet . . . The lifestyle choices we make each day in what we eat and in how we live are among the most important underlying causes of obesity and other chronic diseases . . . Information is important, but not usually sufficient, to motivate lasting changes in diet and lifestyle. If it were, we'd all be thin and healthy, as most people know which foods are healthy and unhealthy to eat. And no one would smoke. Everyone who smokes knows it's not good for them - the Surgeon General's warning is on every package of cigarettes, at least in this country. Yet one-third of Americans still smoke. Clearly, we need to work at a deeper level. The real epidemic is not just obesity or heart disease or cancer; it's loneliness, depression, and isolation. If we address these deeper issues, then it becomes easier for people to make lasting changes in their behaviors."

"If your weighty thinking does not change, then even if you lose weight, you'll retain an overwhelming subconscious urge to gain it back. It's less important how quickly you lose weight, and more important how holistically you lose weight; you want your mind, your emotions, and your body to all "lose weight". Weight that disappears from your body but not from your soul is simply recycling outward for a while, but is almost certain to return. It's self-defeating, therefore, to struggle to drop excess weight unless you are also willing to drop the thought-forms that initially produced it and now hold it in place."

I am in the process of reading this book which I would recommend to everyone.  I find Marianne puts things in a way that you can't ignore  or act as if you didn't understand. Very straight forward and to the point and her examples are brilliant . . . I  will definitely be making a conscious effort to "Turn the faucet off first!"

We Are All In It Together . . .

Last night I was pleasantly surprised when Marlese and I went down stairs to exercise, my husband followed? At first I thought oh no, this may be awkward, but I actually liked it and hope he continues to join us. My son also came down and rode the bike while I used the treadmill and we chatted a bit. I don't see him much with work, school and his social life. I am glad that he does make time for us still when ever he can and hope that lasts forever!
Marlese is amazing, she is always watching me and pushing me to do better and stay on track . . . she drives me crazy sometimes, but that is only because she is right and persistent and makes it difficult for me to find excuses . . . she only wants whats best for me and I love her strong will. I wish I had have been that strong with my father growing up. She reminds me so much of my mom it isn't even funny! Because of her I think more often before making certain choices and she is very vocal to say how proud she is of me when I do!! Thanks Mar, you make me proud!!!

Life Is Too Short . . .

Sitting down enjoying our Sunday evening with a movie and a bowl of air popped popcorn . . . no butter or salt I might add :) when the phone rings. It is the wife of a good friend. She has called to tell us that her husband has had a heart attack and is in ICU. My husband just spoke to him two days before and he said he didn't feel right . . . who knew? After we closed our mouths and the shock somewhat wore off, I put down my bowl of popcorn and just thought for what seemed like a life time . . . what am I doing? What are WE doing? LIFE IS TOO SHORT!!!

Who Knew . . .

In my previous blog, I copied an article from "lifeMogo" http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/top-10-health-benefits-of-lemon-water-1422542 about the health benefits of lemon water. Who knew something so inexpensive and so readily available could be so beneficial? Well I know what I am going to do from now on . . . While lemon water is very beneficial, there may be a downfall to keep in mind . . . Over time, it is definitely possible for regular consumption of lemon juice to erode part of the outside enamel layer in our teeth. Lemon juice is highly acidic, and it's especially high in one acid called citric acid. There is something with citric acid and calcium which is the reason that fruits high in citric acid can erode the tooth enamel. Some health care practitioners suggest drinking citrus fruits through a straw to avoid this possible damage to the tooth enamel. Unfortunately there hasn't been enough studies to prove this theory and to state just how much lemon juice is too much, so until then be cautious and enjoy!!!

Top 10 Health Benefits of Lemon Water . . .

Top 10 Health Benefits of Lemon Water

By LifeMojo Team / April 25, 2009

Many people often love the tarty flavor of lemon juice in their dishes. But have you ever wondered that you can put this lemon juice to many more good uses than this? Yes! There are enormous benefits of lemon juice and water in your everyday life. You simply need to arm yourself with relevant knowledge and you would soon start valuing this amalgamation more than ever.

Lemon is an inexpensive, easily available citrus fruit, popular for its culinary and medicinal uses. It is used to prepare a variety of food recipes such as lemon cakes, lemon chicken and beverages like lemonade and lemon-flavored drinks. It is also used for garnishing. Lemon juice consists of about 5% citric acid that gives a tarty taste to lemon. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. It also contains vitamins like vitamin B, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Lemon is generally consumed in the form of lemon juice or lemon water. Lemon water makes a healthy drink, especially when taken in the morning. Daily consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits like:

1. Good for stomach

   Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.

2. Excellent for Skin Care

   Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.

3. Aids in Dental Care

   Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.

4. Cures Throat Infections

   Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.

5. Good for Weight Loss

   One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.

6. Controls High Blood Pressure

   Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.

7. Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders

   Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.

8. Good for treating Rheumatism

   Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.

9. Reduces Fever

   Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.

10. Acts as a blood purifier

    The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.

How much should I drink?

In case you are in good health and weigh 70 kg or less, it is advisable for you to have juice of one-half of the lemon squeezed into one glass of water, twice daily. However, if you weigh more than 70 kg, juice of one whole lemon in a glass of water should be preferred. For maximum benefit, this mixture should also be taken two times a day, though you may dilute more lemon juice according to your taste if you wish.

Do not just remain oblivious to the gifts of nature such as this, for you should always try to make the most of them. So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of warm lemon water in the morning and then open your gateway to enjoy its health benefits.

MOVING FORWARD . . .

I am please and proud to be on this new journey. I am looking forward to see where this one takes me. As I mentioned in previous journey through the pounds posts. . . I did not reach my goal of losing 60 pounds in 1 year, but it was not a fail at all. I learned a lot about myself and I will continue to learn about myself . I will work on my health and hopefully I just might reach my goal by this time next year. So to get on with my new journey taking with me all I learned on my previous one.This truly is my life and I am going to live it . . . MY PREVIOUS BLOG "JOURNEY THROUGH THE POUNDS" CAN BE VIEWED HERE: http://journeythroughthepounds.blogspot.com/