Emotional Eating

I have noticed that since being on my juice fast that I have not craved meat so much.  Interesting, I know.  And when I have eaten it, I have not had very much of it.  Those greens have been a lot more appealing to me.

It is interesting, because slowly.  Very.  Slowly.  My eating habits are starting to change.  I still have plenty of emotional attachment to those comfort foods:  Meat, potatoes, gravy, breads, pastas... you know, the stuff you grew up eating?  I don't believe that those types of meals are bad.  What is bad is my emotional attachment to them.  I have noticed something quite interesting in the last month.  THE.  ONLY.  TIME.  That I have craved sugar carbs and other not as healthy "comfort" foods is when I am dealing with some kind of emotional surge.

I remember one day in particular.  I think there was a lot of emotion floating through the house, because Bunny, Bug, and Little Cowboy were all acting out.  The girls were fighting/arguing with me, and Little Cowboy was crying virtually non-stop.  I was overwhelmed.  My children are with me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Our house is very tiny.  There is no where to really go to be separated from anyone.  So what did I learn about myself?  I learned that emotion is a trigger.  I have used it in the past to start munching.  Crackers on the table?  *munch*  Cheese in the fridge? *monch*  More crackers?  Chips?  Cookies (We rarely have cookies in the house anymore)?  *nom nom*  The urge to stuff my face when I am stressed is so strong, that I almost always lose to myself!  Now that is just stress.  I haven't even tipped the ice burg for this emotional eating mamma.  Anxiety.  Depression.  Anger.  Sadness.  However, never do I get the emotional munchies when I am happy or excited.  Interesting right?

So, here is your food for thought...an exercise you can do to start recognizing your own "emotional munchie" cycle.  When you are craving food.  Stop.  Walk out of the kitchen and sit down at your desk or table.  On a piece of paper, write the following.....

"I am hungry because......."

Now analyze what emotions you are feeling in that moment of when you were ready to put something that you didn't NEED in your mouth.

In my case, back last week... I felt ANGRY.

"I am hungry because I am angry."

Then write and answer:

"How can I feed my hunger without actually eating?"
"Do I need a drink of water?"
"Do I need some sun?"
"Do I need a nap/rest?"
"Do I need to take the kids to another location for extended stimulation?"
"Do I need exercise?"

Then finally ask yourself:

"Do I NEED that piece of cake/cookie/cracker/candy?
I hope that this goes without saying, but if you are really genuinely hungry, please eat a balanced meal that will leave you satisfied until you need to eat again!  Every meal is important.

I have gotten to the point that I have been experiencing a negative emotion and I was ready to throw out my whole diet and exercise plan!  I was willing, in that moment to give it up for some beans and rice, that I knew would make me sick....and on the toilet all night long!  I was feeling so down on myself that I was willing to give it up.

What did I do?

Photo via

I ate those beans.  I ate all that was left over.  It was almost like my body went into autopilot.  I ate them AND the rice!  I filled that emotional hunger....and I was sick all night long!  Lesson learned.  Again.  Beans and rice can be a very healthy meal (depending on how it is cooked), but when you are on a juice diet..... I don't think I need to say more.

The outcome?  My eating released some endorphins, and I felt better for about 5-10 minutes or so, then I felt horrible about myself for giving in.  I guess it could have been worse.  It could have been cake or something like that.  But my "down on Evelyn" moment came right back.

I mentioned here that I was not getting enough calories, and now reflecting back to this day, that could have very well played a part in the whole cycle of emotional eating.  Most times I can stop myself from eating stuff that is not on my diet...but maybe not so much when my body is worried I am not feeding it.

There have been other times when I was having a hard day and craving everything that I was fixing for the kids.  Sandwiches, crackers (those are staples in our house).  Anyway, I was making lunch for Little Cowboy, and I was thinking about fixing myself a peanut butter and honey sandwich.  It sounded so good, however, instead of giving in to something that would later make me sick, I took a drink of water, clenched my teeth and made some juice.  I was proud of myself that day.  I did it.  I felt better about myself and my negative emotional day turned right around.

Our choices are powerful!

Do you have any tricks that you use to gain control over your emotional eating?

Love,

Evelyn Curtis

Catching Up: What I eat

Where do you start, when you have so much that you want to share?  In my last post, I shared a little bit about what I have been doing to be active and get exercise.  Nothing in detail, but just a taste.

So, for my diet.  Some of you might be totally surprised, or even think it is extreme.  Others might already know from my facebook posts on my personal profile.

I have been juicing.  What does that mean?  Juicing?  That means, I buy a ton of produce, and run them through my Breville Juicer, then drink it for all of my meals (You don't have to have it for every meal, you can supplement one or two meals a day with juice and eat a lean healthy dinner--preferably with as little meat and dairy as possibly).  It has become quite the trend I suppose.  I learned about it about 4 months ago.  We had netflix, and a friend suggested that I watch a movie called Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead (watch the full movie on youtube or find it on netflix).  So I did.  After that, I was suggested the movie Hungry for Change (you can find the full movie on Netflix, or you can watch it here). 

Full Movie

Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead is about an Australian man named Joe Cross who had a chronic skin condition that he was taking high doses of steroids to treat each day.  He had been doing some juicing here and there, and he would lose weight.  However, he would just return to old habits and gain weight back.  So he decided, with the help of his doctor, to start a more rigorous juice fast.  He committed to 60 days of consuming only fresh juice made from vegetables and fruits.  Over the course of the documentary, it shows his progress, how he coped, and how much weight he lost.  By the end of the documentary, he was able to get off of his prescriptions and was free of his condition.  His body healed itself, because that it was it can do, when we give it the right nutrition.  Watch it if you haven't.  It is very inspiring.

Add caption

Hungry for Change is also very inspiring, AND informative!  It talks about how our body digests food, and what happens to the nutrients in our food.  It goes further into depth with how our body can heal itself if we give it the right fuel.  God designed our bodies to fight off diseases... but it can't if it isn't healthy to start with.  One reason our body stores fat is because of toxins.  When we ingest something that the body doesn't know what to do with it, meaning it is toxic or not natural, the body covers it with fat... to protect the body and keep it from making you sick.  So, part of losing weight is letting your body burn that fat and release the toxins.  Having a juice diet is a great way to flush those toxins out of your body as you lose weight.  This documentary is a great follow up to Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.  (UPDATE:  The link above allows you to see only 20 minutes of the movie free.  Find it free on Netflix).

I originally started out doing a 3 day juice fast.  I actually did 3 of those.  It wasn't easy at the start, but once my body went through the detox process, I started to feel so much better.  However, I just kept going back to same old habits with the same old cravings.  Those cravings can be hard to master... but not impossible.  My body was happy with the nutrients I was giving it during those juice fasts... but wondered what happened after the 3 days.

At that same time, I was working out daily, and my body was getting stronger.  My endurance was increasing, and I was feeling good.  But then my knee started to swell up, and it was painful and difficult to do my more rigorous exercises.  This was very frustrating, and in the past it would have defeated me.  But you see, this time around, before I started my weight loss program, I emailed my family and told them of my desire to lose weight for good this time... lose the weight and never find it again. :)  I had a few of them jump in as a support system, to which I was grateful for.  I knew they wouldn't let me slip off the radar without really getting after me.  So I started thinking about what else I could do.  It was the first time that my knee really swelled after starting my workouts, and I wasn't sure if it would go down.  I decided that if I couldn't workout how I wanted to, then I needed to get more extreme with my diet.  I decided to commit myself to a 60 day juice fast, just like Joe.  I am currently on day 33.  I haven't been perfect.  I have eaten foods. I have tried eating meats and dairies... all ended in me getting sick.  I have learned that if I am not able to have juice, but I am starving, I should eat raw fruits and vegetables.  Ultimately, if you want to do an extended reboot, you can choose to eat the fruits and vegetables.  I was just faced with the daunting prospect of what I would do to make it not get boring very fast.  The only thing I could see myself doing was eating celery, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and fruits.  How boring.  It would be hard to do.. but by juicing, I have so many options and recipes to try.  Now that I have been juicing for over a month and educating myself on different ways to eat vegan and vegetarian, I am learning delicious new recipes!  I'm excited to share them with you!  Once you start on an all veggie and fruit diet, you start really craving more fruits and veggies!  It sure helps the process!

Now I am breaking into eating more foods, but I'm trying to keep it vegan for now.  I have a lot of weight to lose yet, but it is coming off.

My mistakes:  I already mentioned my mistakes of eating meats and dairies occasionally.  It can be hard to resist when you are cooking for a family of 4 others who will be eating.  I have a habit of tasting as I cook and prepare food, and there have been times when that taste turned into me having a small serving.  One thing I did right, is that whenever I did eat, I did not over eat.

My other really huge mistake I made was, that for the first 25 days of my juice fast, I did not drink enough calories.  So, after I lost about 11 pounds, I started to maintain my weight.  It was kind of frustrating.  But along the way, I started watching videos and following the advice given by vegans.  I was drastically under my calorie count!  So for the past week, I have been striving to drink more juice, and even eat more produce.  I have started losing weight once again, and I look forward to losing more!  It is totally contagious!  One vegan that I have begun looking to for guidance eats about 3,000 calories a day!  I was floored to learn that!  That is a lot, but she is tiny and looks very healthy.  You can find her videos and recipes here.

I know, my shirt is an oxymoron, but I have
what I have to wear. :)
BTW I have not had any soda in over 1 month!
I do not even crave it anymore.
In fact, upon one sip, I determined that it was
DISGUSTING!
THANK YOU JUICE!
This picture was taken on April 20, 2013
at the beginning of my 60 day juice fast.

A question that I ask myself a lot:  Am I going to become vegan?  I used to make fun of vegans and vegetarians (Yes, I am sorry--I have changed my tune).

The answer to that is complicated.  I can definitely see the benefits of being vegan.  I feel good when I consume only fresh produce.  My body is responding well to it.  My body is healing the womanly problems that I have been experiencing.  Ultimately it has been a good thing.... On the other hand, I definitely see a place for grains (especially), meat, eggs, and dairy.  Those things are good for you.  However, I do believe that I tend to eat too much of those, and not enough of the vegetables and fruits.  We have put so much money and time into finding good organic meat and eggs.  It sure helps to have good clean meat.  Anyway, my goal is to get my whole family down to eating meat once a week, and one serving of dairy a day.  That will be a hard thing to achieve.  Everyone of my kids, and my husband love their dairy and meat.  So my answer for now is that for the next 3-4 months, I will do my best to be a fully raw vegan... then after that, I plan on being a part raw vegetarian that occasionally eats meat!  Lol... sounds complicated, I know.

Ultimately, it is no longer just about losing weight.  It is about my body being healthy all of the time, so that it can more easily fight off disease and infection.  I would much rather my body be naturally fortified, rather than be pumped full of man made infection fighters and such (I do believe those have a place--but in my opinion, they should not be the staple).

Do you think you eat enough vegetables, fruits, and nuts?

Love,

Evelyn

Enduring: Even When It is Hard

I am very proud of my man!
Hoss has lost over 60 pounds

Sometimes it is hard to change habits, and for a long time, I would do well for a while, then I would stop exercising and eating right.  This time, is the real deal.  I have been working very hard to instill better habits.  I have been exercising regularly for the past 3 months.  I have even lost 40 pounds!  In the past, I have never lost more than 20, so this is exciting and contagious.  My endurance has increased, and I am feeling better.  I have had many troubles with my knee, but since receiving some treatment from my orthopedic specialist, the swelling in my knee goes down on its own now.

What really irritates my knee the most you might ask?  Running more than 1 time a week (closer than 4 days apart), playing volleyball, jumping rope, and other exercises that are high impact.

I am learning, that when something gets so difficult I am unsure I can continue, I adjust and do something different in order to stay active.

In the past month, I have been organizing a gathering of volleyball players to play each Monday.  They have loved it so much that they requested that we play on Wednesday too!  We meet at my church, (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hobbs, NM), I set up, and we play!  It has been great fun.  However, I learned that I can only handle playing 1 day a week, so I am choosing Mondays.  My new volleyball friends were even requesting yet another day to play!  I told them that I could not commit to another day right now.  I feel bad, but sometimes we just have to say no.

Here is my week of workouts (they vary some weeks--of course due to my knee):
*Monday: Volleyball 2-2 1/2 hours
*Tuesday: Yoga
*Wednesday: Bike ride about 3-5 miles
*Thursday: Bodyrock.tv, which is now called the Daily Hiit
*Friday: walking/light jogging and housework
*Saturday: Is open.  We go to the park sometimes, swim sometimes, Its family fun day.
*Sunday: It is good to rest your body at least one day. What better day than the day God commands us to rest?

Some weeks, I do more yoga than anything.  The stretching really helps my sore muscles and my sore knee.

One very important thing that I have learned is that

Photo via

 it is not a good idea for me to jump in and work out in a way that I would have back 10/11 years ago, when I was in great shape (This is the style of workout that I started out with about 2 years ago, when I started this blog.  That is what got me discouraged.  This time around in January, I started out just increasing my activity levels just a bit.  I started walking every day or doing yoga.  Then I added in biking, and light jogging.  After that, I started doing bodyrock.tv again, and then I started up volleyball.  Like I mentioned, I really had to dial back how much volleyball I played, otherwise I would be down and out for a few days, while the swelling went down in my knee, getting no extra activity in.  Good times.  I know.  But it is what I have to deal with.  Ultimately, I am learning through trial and error how to listen to my body.

There is a saying I heard on a movie Little Cowboy (Baby K) likes loves.  It is called, The Little Engine that Could.  One of the bigger engines tells Little Engine the following:

"If you think you can, you can.  If you think you can't, you can't.  Either way, you are right."

So simple, yet profound truth.  This is something I have to remind myself of.  Last week, after volleyball, I started talking about how I want to be a runner... like, long distance 1/2 marathon type of runner.  This was at the height of my knee swelling and pain, and I was feeling very down, depressed and frustrated.  I caught myself saying.  "I really want to be a runner, but I can't.  I probably never will be."

If I keep that attitude up, I'll prove myself right.  So, I had to give myself an attitude adjustment.  I had to really think about what I want (which is many things), and I had to prioritize them into goals.  Short term, longer term, longer term, and longerer er term if needed.

Photo via

1. I want to make better food choices.  Well, this really isn't a want...although, I do want it.  It is a need.
2. I want to lose weight.
3. I want to be able to enter a bike race.  I want to be able to bike to a nearby town (20-30 miles).
4. I want to be able to run 1 mile.

I think that is enough for me to start with.  You know the great thing?  I am already in the process of accomplishing numbers 1 and 2.... and I feel so great!

There is an older woman that we buy our farm fresh eggs from (for $2 a dozen I might add).  She was telling me that she hurt her knee and needed to go and see a doctor that same day about it.  She was worried that she would need a knee replacement.  A viable option, especially since she has severe arthritis and has already had a shoulder replacement.  She has to be somewhere in her 60's or 70's.  I asked her a few questions about what her knee does.  She says it feels like it will give out on her (most likely due to the swelling--funny thing, swelling...making things feel unstable).  I asked her if it popped when she bent it.  She said yes.  I asked her if she did anything that she knows was the cause of her knee pain.  She couldn't remember.  A meniscus tear can be very subtle.  You could tear it and a few weeks later, you begin feeling the pain.  Or you could have a more severe tear and feel it immediately.  I mentioned it to her with the idea to look into it.  I told her if that was the case, orthoscopic surgery would be an easy fix... age not taken into account.  I was thinking about it, but I didn't want to say, "Someone your age might.... blah blah blah."

Anyway, what she said to me really pulled at my heart.  She said, "You know, I have been feeling so good.  I've been losing weight, working out in the garden and with the chickens.... and to have this happen to me now!"  She explained to me that she has had health problems off an on, and I just about cried for her, because I get it!  I might be a lot younger than her, but I get it!  And I told her that.  I told her that I couldn't count how many times I started feeling good and losing weight, when I was kicked back remarkably.  I could tell she was close to tears, and I told her the only thing that I know to be true:

God would see her through it.  It isn't easy, and our trials only make us more humble and better people, but He will see us through them.  If the only thread of faith that we have to hold onto is that God loves us, then so be it.  That thread will withstand anything, and it will be enough to pull us through our trial.

I so needed to see her last Friday.  I was feeling very miserable with my swollen knee.  My motivation was beginning to flicker.  I was contemplating just giving up.  Just giving in to the few food cravings that I still have.  But I went home and juiced some fresh vegetables and fruits, and I am so glad.

My goal this week?  Persevere!  I'm going to stick to my eating plan, even if it is so much harder than fixing with a lot less nutrition in it.

Photo via

What is your goal this week?  No excuses!  You can do something!

Love,

Evelyn Campbell Curtis

Miracle Workout

Dear readers,

Over the weekend, I found this 15 minute workout.  Truth be told, I haven't worked out for about...oh...say... a month....or more.  I've been wanting to get started again.  But let's be honest.  Unless you make the time, it just doesn't get done.  With all of the other important things I have to get done, this is just the one that seems to be the easiest to push aside for another time.

So, today I tried out this workout that was done on Dr. Oz's show.  They made it look so easy!  I was sure I could do it!.... and I did.... with a few extra rests.

It was a lot of fun though.  Bug did it with me, while Puppy watched intrigued.  I asked Hoss if he wanted to do it with me too...he response was. "No, thanks."  He actually has an amazing weight-loss story, and maybe he'll let me share it.  I'll ask him! 

The workout is called, Shawn T's Miracle 15 Minute Workout.  While it is only 15 minutes, it is pretty intense!  The goal is to do it everyday for 30 days.  So, I'm going to do it.  30 days... excluding Sundays, since I don't work out on Sundays.

Source: doctoroz.com via Evelyn on Pinterest

Do you want to do it with me?  Email me your experiences with it.  I'm pooped.  I haven't done anything that intense for a very long time...but I've been missing it, and I'm ready to start again!

Sincerely,

Evelyn Curtis

Thursday Adversity: Routine

I've been doing a lot of thinking about routine.  Okay, not so much routine, but lifestyle.  I think one reason why I have struggled to be successful in my weight-loss is because I have not gotten to the point where what I'm trying to change becomes a habit... a system of life that needs no second thinking, or forcing into place.  Just like I mentioned in my Wal-Mart post, I want results now.  I want to wake up tomorrow and be skinny, healthy, and ready to run a marathon!  So, it is no wonder why, when I wake up, and my muscles ache so bad, that I don't WANT to get out on my bike and exercise...and thus, why exercise has not become a natural routine.

What it comes down to, each day, every hour, every minute, and even every second of our lives, we are faced with choices.  Today, I CHOSE to buy a 32 oz soda and drink it.  I CHOSE THAT!  I was faced with the option to buy it, or to just go home without it.  I knew full well that if I drink it, it was going to undo the awesome workout I had this morning.  I KNEW that I would feel like crap after I drank it... not only physically, but mentally and spiritually, because I knew it isn't doing me any good.  That is just one example.  How easily I gave in!  Oh how weak I am!  That was the literal conversation I had in my head.  Why didn't I think, "NO!  Why would you sabotage yourself!?  You have plenty of things working against you...why work against yourself?"  (I'm pretty ticked off at myself right now, if you can't tell).

So, before we can even THINK about having a routine with all of those good habits built in, we HAVE to... no, we MUST have DISCIPLINE!  I saw this quote, and I thought it was perfect.

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment (Jim Rohn)."

If I want to change my lifestyle, then that means I have to give up those things that are not part of the desired lifestyle... duh!  Makes sense right?  But not only that, I have to replace those negative habits with the good.  Like exercising daily, eating healthy foods, drinking water instead of soda, and spending my time where it is needed.

What I'm getting at is that this is far more than just eating right, losing weight and exercising.  This is about ridding my life of the negative things that prevent me from accomplishing the most important tasks that demand my full attention, health, life, and vitality.  My children.

If I don't make changes in myself, how can I expect them to do the same?  I can't.  I lead by example.  I don't want to feel ashamed because my children realized that I expected them to do just the opposite of what I do!

Small goals!  How about I make it through tomorrow without drinking a soda?  How about I grow a pair, and say no to myself?  How about, when I first wake up, I pull my rear end out of bed, and head out for my workout so I don't have to rush through it before Jason has to leave for work?

Sounds good to me.  After all, You Are What You Say You Are!

"Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right (Henry Ford)."


According to John M. Grohol, PYSD, it takes us approximately 66 days, or 2 months to form a new habit.  That's a long time to be consistent at changing a habit.  But don't lose hope!  He states that if you miss a day, or slip a day, it won't mean you are starting over.  That is heartening to me.  I feel like every time I slip up, or miss a day, or what have you, I am starting over.  And starting over can get daunting if you do it a lot.

"In order to succeed, you must first be willing to fail (Anonymous)."

Find what inspires you and go with it!

I hope this was helpful for you.  It sure was for me.  I find that as I'm writing, I am opened up to things about myself that can truly help me change, if I'll apply them.  I recommend that you keep a journal of your own.  A notebook, blog, or an official journal.  It really has helped me to recognize my flaws, and my strengths!

Happy losing!  You've got this!

Evelyn Curtis

Foodie Wednesday: Green Smoothie

I posted about the green smoothie before, but I want to add a little variation.  I love the green smoothie, and the rest of my family does too.  What a great way to get a child to eat their veggies, when they would ordinarily turn their noses up at them!

Every other day, go ahead and use kale, mustard greens, or other green leafy veggies packed with vitamins.  It is good for your body to get a change up, and it keeps things interesting.  Thus far, I have ventured to the kale.  I really like mixing kale with spinach sometimes.  Kale tastes slightly different.  Its a little bit more earthy tasting than the spinach, but you get used to it.  I'm sure that my kids wouldn't touch kale in its natural form with a ten foot pole! 

Next week, Monday and Tuesday, I'm going to start a smoothie and juice fast.  I feel like I'll feel so much better if I can detox.  I'll be drinking nothing but green smoothies, beet juice, and water.  I'll let you know how it went on Wednesday!  It'll be hard to not eat anything, I'm sure... especially as I prepare my kids' breakfasts, lunches and dinners. :)

Spinach

Kale

Have you found an amazing recipe for green smoothies?  We'd love to hear about them!  I'll even post them here if you want!

Happy Losing!

Evelyn Curtis

Tuesday Fitness: Setting Little Goals

This is a little late in the day.  I typically like to post in the morning, or in the early afternoon after we've had our school time.  Today was slightly different, as the lack of bananas, milk, cereal, and bread necessitated our taking school on the go, in learning how to navigate a store, and how to pick out certain produce etc.  Life skills... that's what I'm talking about!


Weight-loss can be a very VERY long term goal.  We establish how much weight we want to lose, and we make strides baby steps toward that goal.  It can get overwhelming and frustrating to get to that goal.  Heck, I've had to start over twice now.  Its not easy.  We've established that.

But what about those little goals?  I'm not necessarily talking about losing five pounds in two weeks.  Like I mentioned yesterday, I think it can be debilitating to be so dependent on our weight.  I'm talking about the fitness goals that we can see ourselves achieving.  A new runner might find it hard to run the full length of a block, or a track.  When I was running, I had a predetermined point that I was sure I could reach.  I would start out, and I can't tell you how many times I wanted to stop before that point... and there were many times that I did.  But the point is in setting goals.  As you consistently work at reaching that point, you will find it easier and easier, and then you will be surpassing that goal!

For me, I am not running just yet.  But I do have my bike.  I've set myself a goal to peddle 3 miles.  That doesn't sound like much... but for me, that was quite the achievement, especially since last Tuesday (my first ride), I barely made it 2 miles without dropping on the floor when I got home.  Oh wait, I may have.

Each day has been easier and easier.  I've been very VERY sore, but that is the feeling of progress!  My little goal this week is to bike that 3 miles in less time than I did it today, which was 25 minutes pulling Baby K.  Yesterday was faster only because I did not attach the trailer.  After I got home, I drank a lot of water (it was hot out this morning), and I did a great ab workout!

Well, my new activity has me beat, so I'm sure I'll be in bed in no time!  My second little goal is to get up earlier each day, and go to bed earlier as well... You kind of need to do the latter in order to do the first.

How are you doing?  You sore?  What do you like to do to mix up your workout?

Evelyn

Monday Weighing In

When weighing in, I suggest doing it first thing in the morning.  Try not to obsess over your weight.  But measure your thighs, upper arms, waist, bust, and hips.  Many times if you didn't lose weight for the week, you might have lost inches.  It can get really easy to get hung up on the weight on the scale.  While, yes, it is important, but try to limit your weighing to once a week... if you are feeling like you need to weigh, I suggest you only weigh in once a week!

Good luck!

Evelyn Curtis

Adversity Thursday: Wal-Mart World

Instant gratification.  That's what a "Wal-Mart World" is.  I am just as plagued by the next person with the "need it now" mentality.

I want to read a book?  Sure, I'll go buy it so I can read it now.

I have a craft idea... Oh boy, I need to start it now.

I want to lose weight?  Let's take it off now!

How many crash diets are out there, because someone wants to see instant results?  But the question that we need to ask ourselves is this: Will these results be lasting?  Will they benefit our lives for good (question2)

I could take a pill, stop eating carbs all-together, or I could join something like LA Weight-loss, and I could lose weight.  I've known lots of people who have lost weight by doing all of these things.  But let's talk about natural, healthy weight-loss.  I don't pretend to be an expert.  But one thing that I have learned from observation and common sense, is that those things will only temporarily take the weight off.  I have to change my whole lifestyle.  I have to change the way I eat.  I can't be going to restaurants everyday to eat, with the consumption of soda and expect a pill to help me lose weight.  Just like the dishes won't do themselves, and the laundry won't fold itself.  SOMEONE has to do it.  I have to do it (technically, I have to do all of those things).

So, last October, I started my life changing quest.  I started out great!  I lost 20 pounds in 4 weeks, I felt good, but then my knee started swelling up (due to a previous surgery).  I got discouraged, and I stopped writing on the blog.  I gained back the weight I had lost, and I became disappointed in myself, and gave up... well, I didn't really give up.  Losing weight is something I know I need to do, and it is something that I really WANT to do.  But it isn't easy, and it doesn't come off all that fast.  Add into the equation of frustration, the fact that my knee was not performing healthily.  I could hardly walk without there being severe swelling.  I had no other means of exercise!


At the end of January, I made myself an appointment to go to an orthopedic surgeon.  I was very worried that I'd need another surgery.  Since we are still paying off the old surgery, I knew another would not be very good on our bank account.  So, after an MRI, x-rays, and a few consultations, the doctor diagnosed me with arthritis in my knee (to be expected with someone who has had half of their lateral meniscus removed).  After that diagnosis, I asked the question that I had been wondering for months... "Is this going to prevent me from running?"

The doctor's response?  "Yes."  He did not believe that I would have a healthy running experience without inflammation and pain (believe me, if you have not experienced severe knee swelling pain...it makes life very hard).  But before I left, he gave me a steroid shot in my knee to help with the swelling.So I went home with a heavy heart...since my goal is to be a runner!

I have to say, that shot did wonders for me!  It took it a few weeks, but the swelling went down.  When I do a lot of walking, it will swell up a little bit, but the swelling always decreases.  Before, I had a grapefruit sized knot of swelling on my knee from October to January!  It helped me out quite a bit.

My next conclusion was, "if every person took the doctor's diagnosis as "bible" health for themselves, then many people would not have lived as long as they could have, or many would never recover from their own struggles."  I have decided that I will be able to run...after I drop some weight.  Why not?  If a paraplegic can defy all odds and wiggle his or her toes...by golly, I can work hard and get to a point where I can run!  I am too hard headed of a person to take that as defeat.  It never would have stopped me before (just ask my parents and my husband).

So, no.  I won't be able to run today, or tomorrow for that matter.  But I do have hope to be able to run...maybe next year...it all depends on how willing I am to put in the work.

How about you?  Are you willing to let go of your bad habits to change what needs to be changed?  Today I am.  Today I did.  Let's see what tomorrow brings shall we?

Today's goal:  Drink at least 8-16.9 oz bottles of water throughout the day.  And not one soda (which we have in the house...so that will be the challenge).

What's your goal today?



Happy Losing!

Evelyn Campbell Curtis

Wednesday Foods: Pumpkin Soup with Roast-

As a kid, I grew up eating pumpkin soup.  My mom made it in the fall.  I have since come across some other versions of pumpkin soup (no offense mom), but I like them better.  So even though we are still pushing into the 110's, my body and mind can feel fall coming up!  I love fall!  I think it is the best time of the year... but I say that about every part of the year.  But really, fall is the time of year where I get an excitement to start decorating my house, and fill it with wonderful fall-ish scents.  I'm not sure how fall will be here in our new town, but I'm sure it can't be too different from Roswell...as we moved only 2 hours away.

Here is a recipe that I made up as I cooked it.  A good friend of mine has a husband who is an amazing cook, and after tasting his pumpkin soup, I was inspired to come up with my own.  Let's see if I can remember it!

Pumpkin Soup with Roast

3-4 Cups Left over roast cubed (I just use what I have left over from another meal).
1-2 TBS Olive Oil
1/2 red onion diced
1-2 TBS minced garlic
3 full carrots sliced (medium sided)
1 Cup zucchini squash diced to bite size
1/2 bag of frozen corn (not sure..probably a smaller size)
2 cups pumpkin puree (about 16 ounces..I'm not sure how much comes in a can)
2 potatoes cut to bite sided pieces
3-5 cups of water (depends on how thick you want the soup)
1 cube beef bullion

Seasonings
salt
pepper
cloves
cinnamon
thyme

Directions

Heat olive oil over medium to medium-high heat.  Once hot, saute onions and garlic.  After those are sweating, put in the carrots, zucchini, corn and let them saute (you may add or omit any other veggies that you wish.. ie celery, peppers).  After a few minutes, add the diced up roast, make sure to stir-fry the ingredients until they begin to tenderize.  Add the seasonings (season to taste.  I use a pinch of each of the seasonings listed--but you might like more), then add the pureed pumpkin, potatoes, water, and bullion.  Bring to a slow boil, and let simmer until the veggies are tender and a fork pierces the potatoes easily.

*Notes:
-You might need to add more beef bullion depending on how much water you add, and how much of the beef flavor you would like in you soup.

-Usually when I fix something like this, I do not follow a recipe.  So, feel free to omit anything that you wish.  If you were seeking a vegan meal, just omit the beef and the bullion!

-I puree my own pumpkin.  So mine will be slightly more runny than a store bought or canned version. You'll have to make your own adjustments.

This is a very tasty dinner that everyone enjoyed!  Serve with whole wheat toast (homemade is best).  I look forward to making it again this fall!  Maybe sooner than later!

Happy losing!

Evelyn Campbell Curtis

PS  I'll post a picture once I've made some!

Tuesday Fitness: Starting Small

This was just after my Baby K turned 1 in February

Here I am, starting from scratch...again.  Weight gained back, frustration at its peak, and just enough irritation with myself to get me going.

Sometime in February, I got a bike!  I may have posted that before...but its been great!

We also recently moved (just over 1 1/2 months ago).  So my bike tires were deflated from lack of use and up-keep, and it was covered with cobwebs.  It took me two weeks (that is how long we have been settled in to our house) to get my bike tires filled up and take it out on the road.  I did that last night, and this morning?  I took it on its first cruise in our new town!

I was originally thinking of biking 10 miles.  I have the distance figured, and it would take me just under 30 minutes I believe.  But as I got out on the road, the 4 months of not biking hit me hard!  I am out of shape... so I didn't feel bad at all to cut my ride down drastically!

My workout today:

4 mile bike ride
Random Abs workout of the day
=Approximately 30 minutes

I didn't overdo it.  So I am more than able to continue with my busy day of homeschooling my three children!  Off to the races!

He really enjoys his ride in the trailer!

Tomorrow I'm going to bike about the same...but to a sports park that is about that same distance away.  There I will do some circuits like I've done before to see how my knee holds up!  I love doing those... Just looking at the post brings back nostalgic memories! :)

What was your workout?

Happy losing!

Evelyn Curtis

Fitness Tuesday: Strengthening the Right Muscles

So if you follow along on facebook and twitter, then you will know that I went to see an orthopedic surgeon about my knee.  I decided it was high time to get in there and find out if it is serious, or if it just needs the proper care.

As of right now, the results are not yet in.  I am waiting on insurance confirmation to have an MRI.  Yippee, right?

The doc told me that I could just be having issues with my patella, aka, knee cap.  I guess it is quite common to have it slide around when you walk and run, resulting in painful popping.  According to the specialist, the patella bone grinds on the femur bone at the joint.  This is what we are hoping is wrong...significantly reducing my need for future surgery.  I like this option, for my hopefully healing time, and for my pocket book.

So, in the mean time, the doctor gave me a simple exercise that would help.  He mentioned how the quadriceps muscle is just that, four different muscles that connect to the knee cap.  What happens is that one muscle becomes stronger than the others, pulling at the knee cap... because there is nothing holding the knee cap down.

The solution?  To strengthen the other muscles in the quad.  The very simple exercise is as follows:

Leg lifts, every day!  You lie flat on your back, and lift one leg half way (not all of the way, as this is not necessarily a core exercise).  Be sure to leave the other leg flat on the ground.  Do equal amounts of reps with both legs.  The doctor encouraged me to do 100 reps a day if I can.  He also said that if it was too easy, to add weight, and to continue to add weight as needed.  You can do that with ankle weights, homemade or bought.

This is the best picture I could find online.

I don't know if it matters if you other leg is straight or not,

I only know that is what my doctor told me to do. 

Info taken via

Here is the kicker (no pun intended... ok, well maybe a little), he said that I won't notice a huge difference for even 3 or 4 weeks, but that with continued strengthening, I would have less and less pain!

So, are you having knee pain and popping when you walk and run?  Maybe you need to strengthen the other muscles in your quad!

Happy losing!

Evelyn Campbell Curtis

PS  DO NOT take my word as a professional opinion.  I am merely sharing my experience for tailored therapy for me personally.  If you have concerns, please contact your local professional!

Adversity Thursday: Starting Over

Show me someone who has gone through the weigh loss program who was perfect, and I'll give you a million bucks!

Starting over.  After all, it is a life change, not just losing weight, and hoping that it won't find us again.  It is about changing our thinking, our way of life, and the way we feel about ourselves.

Honestly, part of my extended absence was due to the shame I felt for falling off of the wagon.  Shoot, its my wagon!  Why I didn't just stop it, dust myself off, and get back on, I do not know.

Here is the point where, in the past, I have felt the urge to give up.  I'm really good at losing 20lbs, but the rest isn't easy!  In fact, it is down right hard to change the way you have been thinking for any number of years.  So how do I put my train back on the track and begin again?  One wheel at a time (I just made that one up). :)

I've started integrating healthier options back into my diet.  That is a great place to start.  I have not been exercising, so my next step is to do so.  Then along with that, my next step is to start drinking my 3 liters of water.  You might be at a different place, but start where you know that you can succeed.  Once you have succeeded in that, then add on another mini challenge and goal.

Starting over is a good chance to apply what you have learned about yourself from the previous go around, to be more successful than before!  For me, I cannot pressure myself to post everyday like I did before.  If I miss, I miss.  I cannot stress out and lose weight... Worst Enemy shows that is impossible for me.

Good luck on your restart, if you are restarting!  If not, I commend you for having more will power than I over the holidays.

Happy losing!

Evelyn

Green Smoothie

I had been wanting to try this for quite some time now.  I just never got around to making it.  I have a friend who showed, a group of women and I, how to make it.  It is super easy, and I have been making it since.  The whole family loves it!  Even Baby K!  I'm going to have to make one just for him, because he always wants to drink mine... and he gets mad when I take it from him.

Green Smoothie

Ingredients
Spinach or Kale
1 cup filtered water
Banana
Grapes
Strawberries
Peaches
Apples
Blueberries
Raspberries
Any fruit really...
Ice if you like it cold.

I listed a lot of ingredients here, but you don't need all of these fruits.  Just a few.  Fill a blender with spinach to the top.  Pour in water, and blend on high.  Once all of the leaves are blended, add the fruits that you want!  So far, I have love strawberries, bananas, and grapes.  I have also put an apple into it, and I thought it turned out great!  The funny thing is, that it looks like it won't be that great.  However it does taste super good!

The particular smoothie pictured above contains, spinach, an unpeeled apple, banana, strawberries, and 1/2 cup orange juice.  I could see putting mango, and pomegranate seeds could be tasty too!

Drinking these foods is a great way to ensure that our bodies get all of the nutrients that it needs.  Our body will absorb more of it than when we eat it.  Start with your green smoothie for breakfast.  My friend suggests drinking a serving for breakfast, and then drinking the rest throughout the day.  Then eat your other meal/s.  Be sure to watch your portions on the later meals.

Be sure to alternate kale and spinach or other greens in order to prevent the building a tolerance for any one.  Yum yum!

Try it out, and let me know how you like it!

Happy losing!

Evelyn

I'm Back!

Hello my friends!

I suppose many of you have wondered where I have been... well, I have not been on my blog.  I haven't even logged on.  For the longest time, I could not bring myself to do it for some reason.  I have learned something about myself in the last few months that I didn't know completely before.  Here it is.

I do not want to be a career blogger.  I do not like being held to deadlines.  I do not want to feel pressured to keep writing.

That feels better to say.

So, I decided to not give up on my blog.  However, I am not going to kill myself to get a post a day.  I love this blog, and it has been such a great learning experience for me.  It has also been a great motivator for me to eat right and exercise.

I bet you are all wondering if I have kept the 20 pounds off that I lost.  I am chagrined to announce that I did not.  I gain quite a bit of it back... not all of it, but more that I should have.  I haven't weighed in for a while, so I'm not sure where I am at today.  The holidays got the better of me.  There were way too many sweets, and I let myself indulge a lot.

Anyway, I am working to get back on track.  My new love is the green smoothie, and I am working on integrating that into the diet of my whole family!  They all love it.  The swelling in my knee has drastically decreased, and the thing that has kept me off of it, in terms of serious exercise is having it swell back up.  It was painful, and I do not want to re-injure myself... whatever my weight may be, re-injury is not worth it.  Re-injury would set me back even further, than the original injury did.

I am looking forward to getting some equipment here in the next few months.  Like a bike, and a few other things.  Once I get that bike, then I will be full speed ahead, in doing serious cardio and exercise.  At this point, I am afraid to run.  I can walk, and I will... but I get restless just walking.  I want more.  I love to run.

These are my thoughts and feelings as of today!

Here is a list of things that have happened to us in the last few months.
I celebrated my 9th anniversary with my most amazing husband, Jason.
I turned 28.
My oldest daughter turned 8.

She was baptized into our church.
My parents and Jason's parents both visited.

Now, I'm ready to get back to the grind...the life change included.

PS  Happy New Year!

Evelyn Campbell Curtis

Thanksgiving Vacation

I thought that I had better post a quick update about me... in case you were wondering and missed my post where I stated that I was taking a week vacation from my blog, well... I am taking a week vacation from my blog!

I decided that with all the things that go with being busy during this holiday that I needed to take a breather.  I met a monumental goal to lose 20 pounds, and I even lost a few more since my last weigh in!  I thought I really needed a break so that I could start back up ready and energized!

I'll be back Monday, November 28th with a weigh-in and ready to hit the diet hard before Christmas comes around!

Happy Thanksgiving you all!

I'm thankful for this blog, and all of you!  You have really helped me be honest with myself, and you have helped me be accountable for my weight loss.  The motivation has been wonderful!  So thank you!

Happy losing!

See you Monday!

Evelyn

Goals saturday: R&R

Hello this evening! I went on a trip to a nearby city with a youth group from our church. We are on our way home, so I thought I'd finally post. Forgive me for being so late. I'll male this brief since typing on my mobile is slow work. However technology is awesome!

My goals for this week are:

Rest and relaxation.
Come up with new blogging ideas.
Remember my eating goals during "the feast"
To exercise at least 3 times this next week.

Remember, I am taking the whole week off. I'll check in on facebook, but I will lost likely take advantage of my holiday week with my family.

Good luck this week!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Evelyn

Adversity Thursday: Meet a Goal but Don't Lose Motivation

As of Monday, I have lost 20 lbs total....!!!!  I am so excited about it!  However, I have lost 20 pounds on more than one occasion.  Its awesome!  Every time, I feel better and am so pleased with myself for doing it.  So what is the adversity in this?

another resource for a lemon detox here

That is pretty much the amount of weight that I have lost at one go.  That has been my peak.  For the most part, I wound up getting pregnant after 20 pounds, so the continued weight loss was not really an option.  So now that this little mini-goal is met, I have to refresh the motivation and continue to lose weight.

I'll be honest... I mean, this is an Honest Weight Loss project.  I have been slacking greatly in all areas of my program.  Now that two months are nearly complete of the program, I need to make a change to make it exciting again.  A new workout?  Maybe.. I've been doing a new workout almost every week.  I think that most difficult thing for me last week was my lack of sleep.  Which I'm happy to report that last night, I went to bed at 9!!  That's a record in a long long time.

So maybe I need to look more towards my diet.  I am sure that most of you have heard about detox cleanses right?  Well, maybe that would be a good way to put a jolt in my body.  It is already getting comfortable with my current routine... and frankly, I'm not giving in at 20 pounds down.  I have 80 more to go!

What are your thoughts about fasting cleanses?  I'm seriously considering it after Thanksgiving.  I'd love your feedback about it.  I'll let you know what I find out about it.  Here is the website that I have been reading.  Check it out.

Thoughts?  Comments?  Feel free!

Happy losing!

Evelyn Curtis

Wednesday Food: Metabolism

I stopped in at a local store that sells natural and herbal supplements.  I have had the desire to educate myself on what nutrients the body needs to be healthy, and what foods have those nutrients in them.  I figure why not change my diet to allocate for those important nutrients.  I am really beginning to believe that with the nutrients that I have been introducing into my diet, my body is not craving unhealthy foods as much, and I am losing weight at a slow and healthy rate.  My intent with this life change is to keep the weight off, and to stay healthy.


So, whilst in the store (the name escapes my mind), I asked if they had any brochures.  A few minutes later, I was walking out of the store with magazines and brochures containing information about some of the nutrients needed.

Picture from my magazine

Having said that, I want to talk about metabolism.  What is metabolism?  In short terms it is the process by which your body breaks down the nutrients, enzymes, and makes them into energy.  We get that energy from the plants and animals that we consume (Kids Health. 2011).

So we need to figure out what foods are going to boost our metabolism. 

One of the magazines that I got from the natural health store is called Energy Times.  It contained a list of nutrients and what they do.  One of those nutrients being Biotin, which so happens to be for boosting the metabolism.  It lists the food sources for biotin.  If you eat Avocados, eggs and dairy, liver, pork, salmon, and yeast (oats and soy flour), you will increase your Biotin intake!  Most fruits and vegetables contain a small amount of biotin, so eat a good variety, and it will help you reach your body's need of biotin!

I'm going to integrate some of these things into my diet.  Pork and salmon for me is an occasional food, but I love them both.  I think I'll go buy some next trip to the grocery store!

Happy losing!

Evelyn Curtis

Fitness Tuesday: Pushing Yourself

Today I decided to head out to the park and try running again.  Why you ask?  Well, I am not going to give up on running.  My knee has been feeling remarkably better lately, and I wanted to take advantage of that.  I really want to be a runner, and I'm not going to let me knees hold me back, as far as I can control how strong they can become.

I only had about 20 minutes until I had to be back home.  Jason had to get to work, and he was babysitting Baby K.  So, I started right away with a brisk walk.  I walked until I felt my muscles loosening up.

How can I tell this is happening?  Well, the walking doesn't hurt my right hip anymore.  I had surgery 10 years ago on my hip, and the muscles still clench up in muscle memory when I begin exercise.  I had a stress fracture, and it was painful to walk and run.  So, as soon as that clenching pain subsides, I know that my muscles are warming up.  Some days are different than others in how long it takes to warm up.  It is really important to learn how to listen to your body.  Maybe a future post?  Are you interested in such a topic?  Comment and let me know.

Once my muscles were loose, I began an easy jog.  Only a few minutes into it, my knee began shooting with pain.  So, I stopped.  My initial thought was to keep going and push through the pain.  Well, a little thought reminded me that that thought was what got me in this position with an injured knee in the first place.  So I slowed to a very brisk walk.

image via

I saw a couple ahead of me on the path.  They were leisurely taking a stroll, yet they were wearing exercise clothes.  Now, I don't know their situation, so I can't speak about them; I can only speak for me.  I just want to mention that if I was walking at that slow pace, then my heart rate would not be increasing, and I would not be burning as many calories that I could if I would just pick up the pace a little bit.  I say this, because I have been pondering the things that I have been learning HERE at BodyRock.tv, that there is a limit of exercise that you believe that you can do, but the key is to push yourself just beyond that point.  You will feel good physically, and mentally, and you will be slowly getting into better shape!  You don't already have to be in great shape to do difficult workouts.  You just have to change the level of difficulty.  You won't ever get to a healthy weight if you "wait" until you are thinner to do some difficult exercises.  Start now!

Anyway, toward the end of the mile that I walked, I decided that I wanted to try running again.  First I started out doing a brisk high knees walk.  That is a good way to loosen up your leg muscles further.  Then I did a light footed, small step jog.  It wasn't fast, but it was enough to get my heart-rate going, and it didn't hurt my knee one bit!

There are many exercises for you to do at your own level.  Just start somewhere.  One last tip before I go.  I watched an episode of Extreme Makeover: Weight loss Edition.  The trainer was working with a woman who was over 400 lbs.  The first exercise he had her do was kneel down, then get back up, and repeat.  She did it so many times that she was sweating, and she could hardly do anymore!  There are many body weight exercises like this that can get you started.  Just get out of your own head, and push yourself!  (That is really for me) :)

Do you have ideas?  Comment and let me know!

Happy losing!

Evelyn Curtis