Boring

Day 79.

I find myself becoming somewhat boring when it comes to my food these days. I'm not sure I'm liking where this is going. With my boredom comes my hunger. With my hunger comes not enough energy to carry me through my harder workouts. It's the "food-domino-effect" that I'm struggling with.

I know in my head and in my heart that eating this way is making me feel better overall. But there are so many foods that are so good for us that I cannot have, but that would "spice" up my food-life so much. I would give almost anything to just have some of my Greek Yogurt. I could eat it with fruit, put it in a smoothie or cream it up to make it as a sauce or sour cream. How simple that sounds. And yet, how far away it seems for me.

I met with Leah last Friday night. She made me a great drink with her new Food Processor. I am in need of one of those. All she did was put carrots, cucumbers and pears in the processor and in no time I had a refreshing drink.

Refreshing. I am now striving to move beyond "boring" and into "refreshing."

I am into my 2nd series of the GI Micro's. This will be the last round of killing the parasites, yeast and/or any other harmful organisms in my stomach. I am confident that this is working.

I put up a quote at my desk at work. It says, "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." I need to remember this, even on the days when I'm bored!

My mouth was better than it was yesterday. Today it was only about a level 3/4. About 4pm my stomach started feeling bloated. I wanted to just skip out on my run tonight, BUT I am so focused on getting this training "right." So I did my hills. About an hour after the run, I felt "sick." I barely made it home. It was not pleasant. I feel that the past couple of days are from something this past weekend?

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Rice & Shine + Unsweetened Rice Milk+ Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder
• 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 Fruit Fusion
  
• 1/2 c. coffee + stevia
  

Snack

• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, 1/2 banana, chlorella and Stevia

Lunch

• (Steamed) Carrots, squash, zuchinni, cucumber, spinach + garlic
  
• (tiny) Baby Organic Spinach
• Wild Salmon Burger
• Hot Water + lemon
  

Snack (Pre-workout)

• Fruit Fusion
• Pineapple, honeydew melon, cantaloupe
  

Dinner (Post-workout)

• (Steamed) Carrots, squash, zuchinni, cucumber, spinach + garlic
  
• (tiny) Baby Organic Spinach
  
• Fish oil + spirulina + 1 Tbsp flax a little sea salt
• 1/2 c. unsweetened appleasauce
• 1 Grapefruit

Run Like a Girl

Day 78.

We had a great weekend! It was so hot in California this weekend! Yesterday it was 110 degrees; yeah, way too hot! Thankfully, though, Ryan and I went to the pool both Saturday and Sunday!

Yesterday marked Day 1 of the Run Like a Girl running club in Danville. I loved it! A few things from the event:

• Since yesterday was our first day, we had to do a timed 2-miler (our "best effort") to see what pace group we should be in for the weekly runs. I was pleasantly surprised with my 2-mile pace: 16:08 or ~8:04/mile. (Keep in mind that in High School I ran the mile in about 10-12 minutes!) My "pace train," therefore, will be between 9:30-10:30/mile.
• I felt wonderful during the entire run! Yes, it got hard the last 1/2 mile, but my stomach held up perfectly. All I ate before the run was 1/4 Fruit Fusion bar. (And then we rewarded ourselves by grabbing a Soy Latte at Peets afterwards!)
• I learned yesterday that just because you do everything right and get all 20 "swooshes" stamped on your card, still doesn't mean you'll get into the race. I was heartbroken to hear this. I believe it's only the first 300 that fill their cards up. I will still give it 100%, as I am hopeful that I can get in.
• I am friends with "Jane Runner" on facebook. You can learn all about the Run Like a Girl Club if your friends with her! Click here to find her.

I didn't have too many problems this weekend. Later yesterday afternoon and after dinner I felt bloated. Something wasn't right. Other than that, my stomach did very well again this weekend. My mouth was a little annoyed on Saturday, and it was about a 3/4 yesterday. I had great energy this weekend (athough, I definitely over-did myself this weekend with my workouts).

It's still so early in the morning, so no food to record yet. Here are the foods I "deviated" from (my normal) over the weekend:

• Coconut Bacardi + Sprite
• Wine Tasting
• I had 2 Soy Latte's vs one
• Sweet potatoes last night (with olive oil and cinnamon)
• Grilled Chicken on Friday night and Saturday afternoon

Other than that, everything the same.

Time to lace up my Nike's and head outside again to "Run Like a Girl."

Mystery

Day 74.

Today was a sad day. No matter what you thought of Michael Jackson, you cannot deny the fact that he was an unbelievably talented musician. His music will forever remain!

In other news, I had a mystery last night. It was about 7pm. I had just gotten home. I took my supplements, but that's it. I had not eaten anything yet. All the sudden, right as I was about to eat, my left arm started to feel hot. I was talking to Ryan when I realized it. I pulled my sleeve up and it looked quite red. It kept getting hotter and hotter. It spread to my other arm, then to my face, then my legs and back side. My skin also got "blotchy" in some places, almost like hives. A few places itched, but not too badly. I was so scared. It leveled off, I ate and then I fell asleep. When I woke up this morning it was gone.

It was so bizarre. Leah thinks it may be a sign of progress. Toxins perhaps are leaving my body in lump sums. Still, not a fun experience. I go to see Leah tomorrow.

I felt great, other than that, yesterday. I had another good day today, too! My mouth was about a 2/3 all day. My stomach was perfect, except for a little bloated between 4:30-5:45pm. I am thrilled with how detox has made me feel!

Here was my day:

Breakfast (Post-Workout)

• Rice & Shine + Unsweetened Rice Milk+ Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder
• 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 c. coffee + stevia
  

Snack

• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, 1/2 banana and Stevia

Lunch

• (Steamed) Carrots, squash, zuchinni, cucumber, parsley, cilantro, garlic + spinach
• (tiny) Baby Organic Spinach + (leftover from Magic Mineral Broth) Kombu + carrot
• Magic Mineral Broth
• Organic Cranberry/Green Tea
  

Snack

• Fruit Fusion

Dinner

• (Steamed) Carrots, squash, zuchinni, cucumber, parsley, cilantro, garlic + spinach
• Wild Salmon Burger
  
• Fish oil + spirulina + a little sea salt
• 1 c. unsweetened appleasauce
• 1/4 Fruit Fusion
  
• Hot water + lemon/peel + pinch cayenne

Happy Friday Eve!

Shifting Energies

Day 72.

I have been so excited to update this Blog all day! Are you sitting down for this? Today was my most perfect day in the past 72 days!

No bloating. None. No mouth problems, as it stayed between a level 0/2 all day. I had energy; my God did I have energy! I ran and ran and climbed stairs and did abs and then yoga, where I was able to do all the poses (tree, frog and push-ups in between). It was amazing!

The only thing that changed from yesterday (in terms of food) was that I didn't have any scallops and/or black beans. Tonight for dinner I had a Wild Salmon Burger. I ate about 20 minutes ago. I'm still doing fine, but we'll see how I progress. Unbelievable. Absolutely Unbelievable.

Today is the day I also answer the question Leah posed to me, '"What are you going to focus your energy on once you are "healed?"' Here it goes:

It's very important that I explain one thing quickly. I will ALWAYS focus on food and nutrition and health via food and nutrition. I have been interested in and obsessed with it my whole life. It intrigues me so much that when I started realizing something was not "right" with my body, I was not the person to just "ignore" what my body was telling me. I started to research, research and then research some more. And even though I came to some of the wrong conclusions, a lot of what I had gathered and found on my own was relevant to me! This part of me will never go away. This healthy (and somewhat "crazy") "foodie" in me will stay until the day I die.

That being said, once I am "healed," I won't have to focus any negative energy on it all. I won't have to be depressed and miserable on a day-to-day basis wondering "what did I do" or "what did I eat" or "why? why? why?" That is what I am looking forward to firing from my life! And when this happens (and it's happening already!!!) here are the two main things I'm focusing on:

1. "Since 2004, runners have trekked from downtown to the Pacific Ocean, where men in tuxedos hand them a Tiffany's necklace." (Runner's World, June 2009) On October 18, 2009 (yes, just 4 short months away) I will run my 1st half marathon - the Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon in San Francisco. I will get in to this race by working hard and showing up for the Nike Club runs in Danville every Sunday. Training starts this upcoming Sunday. This is and will be an incredible feat for me. I attempted to do this last year. I was unsuccessful, as the longer runs (7+ miles) didn't work for me. I would hit about mile 7 or 8 and I would get sick. I would get really sick. If there was no bathroom in sight, many times I thought I was going to throw up, getting chills and all. My stomach was in such bad shape; I was not able to handle the training. I am looking forward to my 2nd attempt! I am praying for the positive thoughts. I am praying for the confidence and strength that I can do it, even with what's happened in the past year. I know I can and I am absolutely re-inspired! You can learn more about this wonderful day and weekend here. And yes, when you cross the finish line, you get a Tiffany's necklace, unique only to this race!

2. Sarah Kay Hoffman Marketing
For anyone who knows me, you know that I've "been on the go" my whole life. If it isn't one thing, it's another!

Example: I had this "dream" of moving to California when I was a Senior in High School. I told everyone I'd do it. My parents did not want me going to college in California by myself, so they said I had to wait until college was over. So I waited. A few months before graduation, I had a job lined up that took me to California. I knew what I wanted, and I made sure I did everything I needed to to get me from point A to B as easily as possible.

My family is not really sure exactly who I belong to, since I've always been this little "go-getter!" But I belong to me. I like it this way!

So I graduated from College, moved to California, fell in love with Ryan (who was in Minnesota at the time), moved back to Minnesota for a minute and then found myself back in California with him. And now my "go-getting-days" look different than they used to somewhat. As I've gotten older (and okay, let's be honest, I'm still only 26) I've learned more and more about myself. I've learned to think for myself and let my mind take me to the place that will find me the most comfort. And what I've learned with regards to my "place" is that I have an incredibly huge passion for entrepreneurship, creativity (writing/design/social media/marketing/pr), positive-ism (I know, not a word...let's just pretend it is today!) and food/health/fitness.

So once I'm "healed," (and I've actually already begun this process) I'm going to be forming my own Consulting Business. I have had several people contact me already for help in a number of these areas. I don't have all the specifics yet. I know some minor details. BUT, this is all a part of me "focusing my energy" on something else.

I can't wait. I will keep you posted!

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Rice & Shine + Unsweetened Rice Milk
• Organic Cranberry Green Tea
• 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 c. coffee + stevia
  

Snack

• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, 1/2 banana and Stevia

Lunch

• (Steamed) Carrots, squash, zuchinni, cucumber, parsley, cilantro, garlic + spinach
• (tiny) Baby Organic Spinach + (leftover from Magic Mineral Broth) Kombu + carrot
• Magic Mineral Broth
  

Snack (Pre-Workout)

• Fruit Fusion

Dinner

• (Steamed) Carrots, squash, zuchinni, cucumber, parsley, cilantro, garlic + spinach
• Wild Salmon Burger
  
• Fish oil + spirulina + a little sea salt
• Hot water + lemon/peel + pinch cayenne

Detox Day 1

Day 71.

1st Day of Detox - Mission Accomplished.

I was fatigued this morning until sometime this afternoon. That was the fatigue from yesterday; it stuck with me for some of today. It has lifted.

I worked out first thing this morning, around 7am. It was legs day and very hard, due to my fatigue. I turned Fergie up a little louder, told myself some positive thoughts and just got it done. And I'm so glad I did!

This detox is not very hard for me because I don't deviate too much from how I've been living for the past 71 days. As I mentioned yesterday, I just took a few things out and added some other things.

Here is what I'm extremely proud to report today: NOT AS MUCH BLOATING! Sure, I had a few times when my stomach was rumbling, but this was a much different rumbling than before. This, I know, was rumbles from being a tad hungry. I even had things moving through me a couple of times. I got a little bloated and uneasy around 7:30 pm, (sometime after my late lunch and snack) and then a little more after dinner. Tomorrow I will cut the scallops only and see what happens. But, no real mouth problems either. Mouth stayed consistent between a 0/2 all day. I will detox all week.

Here was my day:

Pre-Workout

• 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
  

Breakfast (Post-Workout)

• Rice & Shine + Unsweetened Rice Milk
• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, 1/2 banana and Stevia
• Organic Cranberry Green Tea
  

Snack

• (Steamed) Carrots, squash, zuchinni, cucumber, parsley, cilantro, garlic + spinach
  

Lunch

• 1/4 c. black bean - unsalted - soaked overnight in water
  
• 1/4 c. mini wild scallops
• (tiny) Baby Organic Spinach + (leftover from Magic Mineral Broth) Kombu + carrot
• Magic Mineral Broth
  

Snack

• Fruit Fusion

Dinner

• (Steamed) Carrots, squash, zuchinni, cucumber, parsley, cilantro, garlic + spinach
• 1/2 c. mini wild scallops
• Fish oil + spirulina + a little sea salt
• Hot water + lemon/peel + pinch cayenne
  

Leah sent me an email last week. At the bottom of the email she wrote this , "PS. I want you to think of one more thing..."What are you going to focus your energy on once you are "healed"? " I smiled. I knew my answer the instant I finished reading the question. As a matter of fact, I have two things. And tomorrow I'll have my answer for you, Leah, and for anyone else who cares to know!

Cleansing & Detoxifying

Day 70.

Tomorrow will begin Day 1 of my Detox. I have decided I will do this until I find relief in my on-and-off again bloated stomach. I think the problem should clear up quickly, since I feel like this is the ultimate restriction.

As I have mentioned before, most things I already do. However, a few more things will be cut and a couple of things added.

1. The plan says NO alcohol or coffee. Of all the things Leah said I can "ignore" these are the 2 that she said are OK, since I do so in such moderation. I will shoot for NO red wine, but 1-2 glasses and probably only on the weekend at some point. I will only have 1/2 cup of coffee a day, if I do have it at all.
   
2. No meat for me! My main protein sources will be from: Wild Fish (Salmon and Scallop only) and my Vanilla Rice Protein Powder.
3. I will reduce greatly my fruit. On a detox diet like this, you are supposed to be able to eat any and all in-season fruit as you want. However, the "raw fruit," I suspect is hard on me. I will only probably have a banana in my morning smoothie and the fruit that's in my Fruit Fusion (not raw). We'll see how that works.
4. There is NO sugar allowed. Cane Sugar included. Cane Sugar is in my natural Glee Gum. I will not have any Glee Gum.
5. I will try to get in a steam room/sauna whenever I can.
   
6. I will do deep breathing for 3-5 minutes before eating (an additional thing that Leah recommended for me).
   

Other than that, food and supplements as usual.

I made my Magic Mineral Broth again tonight. I'm so excited to have this for the week. Here is what it looks like pre-cooked:



As promised, my report from yesterday's soy latte. I would say, nothing different. The only thing that was different today is the fatigue I felt. It could be because I only got 6 hours of sleep last night, though, as it was our 20th Party at the Club. (Side note: Once I've detoxed, I will try the Soy Latte again! Can't wait!!) My mouth was okay. It was not spectacular, but nothing to complain about. It was around a 3/4 all day. My stomach wasn't twisting or anything, but got bloated a few times. It's kind of like all the sudden my lower stomach will just feel the urge to "relax," and I look pregnant. It goes back in when it's doing better. I have hypothesized 3 reasons and/or culprits for this, based on times it does this:

1. Fruit - in the raw and/or anything in the raw
   
2. An empty stomach
3. Protein

I'm hoping this week gives me some answers!

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Rice & Shine breakfast "oatmeal"
  
• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, and Stevia
• 1/2 c. Unsweetened Applesauce
• Coffee + Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light
• Sweet Apple Chicken Link
  

Lunch

• Sweet Apple Chicken Link
• Squash (steamed) + sea salt
• Dried, unsweetened coconut
• Raw walnuts
  

Snack

• Tiny Organic Apple
  
• "Donut" peach (no, it's not a donut - it's a peach shaped like a donut)

Dinner

• Grilled Chicken
  
• Spinach + spirulina
  
• Snap peas grilled with olive oil, cilantro, parsley, sea salt and pepper
  
• Unsweetened Applesauce
• Dried Banana

Ok, hang in here with me. I might become somewhat of a "bear" in the next week detoxing. It's always so hard, but it always makes me feel so good! Join me if you want! The results may surprise you!

My Girl

(This is a separate post - nothing about food or health!)

Today is Father's Day. Happy Father's Day to all of the Fathers in the world.

(A picture of my Father and my new Father-in-Law.)



A very special Happy Father's Day to my Dad, Donny, 2,000 miles away today.

My Girl - The Temptations

"I've got sunshine
On a cloudy day.
When it's cold outside,
I've got the month of May.

Well, I guess you'll say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl. (My girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl. (My girl)

I've got so much honey
The bees envy me.
I've got a sweeter songThan the birds in the trees.

Well, I guess you'll say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl. (My girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl. (My girl)

Ooooh, Hoooo.

Hey, hey, hey.
Hey, hey, hey.

I don't need no money,
Fortune or fame.
I've got all the riches, baby,
One man can claim.

Well, I guess you'll say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl. (My girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl. (My girl)

Talkin' bout my girl.
I've got sushine on cloudy day
With my girl.
I've even got the month of May
With my girl."

This was the song my Father and I danced to the night of my wedding. I've loved it ever since I saw the movie, "Father of the Bride." I had to have it for my own. The tears I had walking down the isle on my wedding day were tears of joy; incredible joy. A part of my heart ached, though, just walking with my Father.



My Dad is an incredible person. He is as humble, giving, caring and honest as any man should be. He never taught us to desire things or material possessions. He teaches us each time we see him about the value of simplicity.



He works hard. He has been a mason his whole life. He faught for our country, in the Vietnam War. He likes to build bird houses and is incredible with taking old pieces of anything and making them something. (He has taken old wood off of houses and made them into frames, bed posts, furniture, etc.) He can fix anything, as long as you can tolerate his short-temper! (And yes, that is where I get that quality from.)

They say I look like my Father; I am proud.



He loves his Labs. He loves hunting. He prides himself on his yard, which is a beautiful hillside place my parent's live on. He loves all of his gardens, plants, flowers and antiques in the yard.



He loves his family (of 8), my Mom and my Brother & I. But my Dad would give the shirt off his back for a stranger. He would give his last penny to a friend in need in a heartbeat. And again, it's because he believes he has everything he wants. He has mastered a simple and beautiful life that I am striving for. I adore my Father.



Happy Father's Day, Dad......even from 2,000 miles away!

While Visions of Coffee Danced in My Head

Day 69.

Bright and early, 7:30am on a Saturday morning! I am awake and loving life so much already today. The sun is out. It's going to be a gorgeous day today with temperatures in the 90's. And all is (still) calm in our house. Fiona is laying on my lap, Reagan is sleeping in her Crate and Ryan is asleep as well! My perfect, simple life!

I am working tonight, as we are celebrating the 20-year anniversary of our Club. In honor of this big night, we are unveiling brand new outdoor signs, a newly-painted building and a brand new website. The website is my favorite. We had designers on the East Coast that were the behind-the-scenes, but we put together and created all of the content. It's a huge job, but the final product makes me know it was worth it. You can see it here.

Last night I think I dreamed about coffee. Actually, I know I dreamed about coffee; I had visions of Coffee dancing in my head! Brace yourself for what I'm about to tell you - today, I will have a Soy Latte at Baristas! Today, like every Saturday morning, we will go to Baristas. But I have not been able to have the thing I love the most there in a couple of months - their Soy Lattes, since I reacted to soy. But today is the day I get to try soy out again. Leah said, '"I think "testing" soy would be fine! The more we know the more we learn. This will only give us more information."' She is a smart woman! I reacted very minimal to soy. I'm hoping that it's one thing I'll eventually be able to have again at some point occasionally.

Baristas makes a Soy Latte like none other you've ever had before! And yes, this is what their latte looks like. They bring a different approach to foaming the soy. I believe it's a European approach. It almost tastes like a thicker version of whip cream. Unbelievable!



I will definitely report back as to how it made me feel.

I had a fairly good day again yesterday. My mouth was excellent again! Wohooo! It was probably at a 0/1 all day. I did notice before I went to bed last night that I had 2 red dots on my inside cheeks. I've described this before in a past posting. Anyways, I'm not sure at what point in the day they showed up? Nothing was really different yesterday for what I ate (from the day before) except that I had a little Red Wine and some Walnuts (which I don't usually have Walnuts everyday). We'll see how my mouth does today! My stomach definitely got icky after lunch sometime. It was not normal until I got sick around 7:30pm. I have been fine ever since. Again, Detox starts on Monday, so we'll see if that helps to alleviate this problem!

I won't be able to report anything else today, as I'll be gone all afternoon and night for our 20th Celebration!

Cheers to a beautiful Saturday in Northern California! We are so very blessed.

Detox Time

Day 67.

I think I will have to move forward with my all-out detox beginning on Sunday or Monday. Leah wants me to try it, since I'm doing most of it already. But there are a few things that will change. I realized I needed to do this today, when, I got bloated again. I felt a little bloated upon waking. Even though my stomach wasn't very "twisty" or turning and I was able to go to the bathroom one time, I got very bloated. It got bad around 4 or 5pm tonight. I look like I'm pregnant again! I drank a cup of Chocolate Smooth Move Tea, and I also took an Epsom Salt Bath. I'm hoping this helps.

One thing I'm concerned about is Protein. I wonder if I don't digest it properly. I took 4*HCL's with 2 of my meals today. I took all the other supplements as I'm supposed to. I wonder if my system, since it's not fully healed yet, has a really hard time working so hard with the protein? I do eat a lot of protein in the form of fish and lean meat. I don't remember ever being this bloated - if any bloat at all - when I detoxed a few years ago. That detox meant no meat. Leah believes in the term "Flexitarian." I LOVE THAT TERM! It means you can still have meat, but that you eat mostly vegetarian. She said that for my "detox," the only meat I can have is Organic. Basically, what that means to me is.....NO MEAT! Organic meat is so expensive!

If it wasn't for this stomach problem popping back up again, I would say I had an excellent day! My mouth was twitching again - yeah!! I am now even feeling a "pulling" sensation underneath my tongue on the left side. It sounds weird, but I know it's such a good thing. My mouth was about a 0/1 all day. I think a couple of times it was a 1/2. Overall, though, excellent again!

Today I will choose to be happy for the successes, rather than depress over the setbacks! Even if it's just one good thing a day, that's more than it was a few months ago at this time! H.O.P.E.


Here was my day:

Breakfast (Also post-workout - we worked out at 5am today!)

• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, and Stevia
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• 1/2 c. Unsweetened Applesauce
• Coffee + Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light
• Sweet Apple Chicken Link
  

Snack

• Organic Apple
• Sweet Apple Chicken Link
  

Lunch

• Wild Salmon Burger
• Squash (steamed) + spinach (steamed) + garlic (steamed) + sea salt
• Baby Scallops + Ancient Harvest Pasta
• White Peach
  

Snack

• Baby Scallops + Ancient Harvest Pasta
• Organic Apple
  

Dinner

• Squash (steamed) + spinach (steamed) + garlic (steamed) + sea salt
• Fish oil + Spirulina
• Baby Scallops + Ancient Harvest Pasta
• Wild Salmon Burger
• Unsweetened Applesauce

Alright, bedtime for me. Up at 5am again tomorrow to workout!

Priceless

Day 66.

My supplements have increased. This is okay. Here is my new supplement protocol.

• Chlorella - 1/2-1 tsp daily
• Betaine HCL - 1-4 caps with each meal
• Probiotic - 2 caps per day
• Zinc Solution Mouth Rinse - 2 tsp at night
• Aloe Vera Juice - 3 Tbsp daily
• Fish Oil - 1 tsp daily
• B-Supreme - 2 caps per day
• Digestive Enzymes - 1-2 caps with each meal
• Cal/Mag/Citrate - 1 scoop at night
• GI Microb-X - 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules at night
  

I am doing very well with keeping up on this all. I have failed to keep up with the Betaine HCL. I need to get back to that, since I know I'm still not fully digesting the way I should be. The GI Microb-X is very new for me. It is a parasite detox cleansing. You can find out more information about this particular brand I take here.

I was talking to a trainer at our club today. She told me a story about a woman she knows. The woman's husband has Chrons. Chrons, for those of you who don't know, is another "digestive" disease. You can learn more about Chrons here. When I found out I had Proctitis, I had a Colonoscopy and Endoscopy to determine what was wrong. They thought it was most likely I had one of three things: Colitis, Celiac or Chrons. All three are no good!

Anyways, this woman was telling the trainer that she wanted to have another baby, but that due to his Chrons medications the doctor advised they should not have another one. He is also overweight (at least she thought he was). And here is where I jump on my "medication soap box."

I am not a doctor. I do not give medical advice. I do not prescribe medication. What I do prescribe to, though, is the theory that we are over-medicated and under-educated when it comes to medicine. And I believe that I am able to do this because I have witnessed it first hand.

I was diagnosed with Proctitis around May of 2008. I went on "medication." Around July, I had a major flare-up. We were able to take care of it for the time being. I continued to go up-and-down. My mouth, meanwhile, never improved. I didn't change my diet too much, since I always ate very healthy. Sometime this past (early) winter, is when I decided I'd had enough. I was done with the medicine that was costing a fortune, getting me nowhere and even pushing me backwards. Shortly after that is when I found Leah, got my blood allergy tests done and finally moved forward in my life!

• Cost of my medication - $600/one-month supply
  
• Cost of my initial consultation and blood tests with Leah - $427 ($202 for blood tests)
  
• Cost to follow a clean diet, avoiding the foods that don't like me - PRICELESS
  

I have experienced first-hand what medication can do to someone. But please trust me when I say that medicine is not the enemy. The enemy is not educating yourself on what the medication you're taking is/does. Furthermore, the enemy is the one who is closed-minded to the idea that food can heal or at the very least can aid in healing.

If this man took this approach, then perhaps, just perhaps, the medication would not be the determinate as to whether or not they will have another child. I guess we can all take that for whatever it is worth to you.

I felt pretty good again today. My stomach hurt a little bit after lunch. My mouth was about a 5/6 today. Not sure why that would be? Overall, though, I cannot complain much. I took a nice Epsom Salt Bath tonight. Relaxing!

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, and Stevia
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• Unsweetened Applesauce
  

Snack

• Organic Apple
• Organic Raw Carrot

Lunch

• Sweet Apple Chicken Link (TJ's)
  
• Squash (steamed) + sea salt
  
• Baby Scallops + Ancient Harvest Pasta
  
• White Peach
• Organic Cranberry Green Tea
  

Snack

• Organic Raw Carrot
• Orange

Dinner

• Squash (steamed) + spinach (steamed) + garlic + sea salt + fish oil + spirulina
  
• Wild Salmon Burger
• Snap peas with Olive Oil/Salt/Pepper
  
• Unsweetened Applesauce

Time to relax with my Chamomile Tea (and my wonderful husband!).

Epsom Salt

Day 65.

I took an Epsom Salt bath on Sunday night. It was great for me - and a cheap way to detox. Simply go to Target, in the Pharmacy section. You will see a carton that looks like this:

It will cost you all of $2.99. Take it home and make yourself you a warm bath and soak in the Epsom Salt. You can click here to see the Amazing Health Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths.

For an added bonus, sip a cup of tea while you are enjoying the bath. Since my stomach was at its worst then, I also gently massaged my stomach. The combination of all 3 things did wonders for me!

I shared these things, and many others, with one of my favorite people in the world yesterday. She sent me a text today and said, "I'm drinking your tea right now and have started my day in zen." She ended with, "I miss your guts." She made my day. Just her random text put a permanent smile on my face, (well until I got to work anyways!) and she reminded me of why I stay strong in mind! There is nothing like sharing information to make someone's day and to help them through their own "tummy" problems.

So to "her" out there (you know who you are) - (From 100 Simple Secrets) "Think of the happy times you, your family, and friends have had together. Recalling happiness of the past has the powerful ability to bring us happiness in the present." Until I see you again - All My California Love to You. Oh, and I miss your intestines."

I had a great weekend! My stomach started to get better on Sunday. Today was a great day. Only slight irritation. I am also happy to report that Saturday, Sunday, Monday and today were all about 0-2/3 levels for my mouth. It's so amazing. I can't think of it enough! (Make note: I did not work any of those days, except today! Hmmmm....)

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, and Stevia
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• Coffee + Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light
• Yogi Green Pomegrante Tea
  

Snack

• Organic Apple
• Organic Raw Carrots

Lunch

• Wild Salmon Burger
  
• Squash (steamed) + sea salt
  
• Baby Scallops + Ancient Harvest Pasta
  
• White Peach
  

Pre-Workout

• Baby Scallops + Ancient Harvest Pasta
• Chile Lime Chicken Burger

Post-Workout

• Orange
  

Dinner

• Squash (steamed) + sea salt + fish oil + spirulina
  
• 1/2 c. grilled chicken
  
• Unsweetened Applesauce
  

Finding Relief

(Still on) Day 61.

I am finding relief - finally. I am not proud to say how I found my relief. Therefore, I will not share it. I will say, though, it's a common practice with people who have my type of Colitis. Before finding Leah and getting help naturally, I used to have to find relief in this manner all the time. It's not fun. And again, I am not proud of it. But, since I truly believe that I was having a flareup, this is what I had to do.

I do not believe that what has happened this past week has anything to do with something I ate. I have been eating as I should to a "T." I honestly believe that I had a flareup caused by stress. Stress can cause me to flareup. Clearly it does not happen all the time, but it is a major trigger for anyone with colitis.

So now that I'm hopefully going to start "de-flating" again, it is critical that I learn how to manage myself. I need to be the manager of me.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but my Grandmother gave me a book called, "The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People" right after I had my tonsillectomy. She wrote on the inside cover, "July 8,2004 - To Sarah Kay Jewison on the day you had your tonsils out. May your future health be great from this day forward. Love and God Bless, Grandma Minges." That was almost 5 years ago! Unbelievable how much has happened since then with my health and life in general. I am thankful, so very thankful, for the steps (huge steps) taken forward.



From this book and chapter 2 (Use a strategy for happiness.): "Happy people let themselves be happy. Unhappy people continue doing things that upset them." Niven continues to say,(in this amazing 1-page chapter) "Small children know when being cranky will get them an ice cream cone. And they know when being too nosy will get them a cross reaction from their parents. Children understand that there are rules and predictable patterns to life, and they use a strategy to help them get what they want. Living a happy life as an adult is like trying to get that ice cream cone as a child. You need to know what you want and use a strategy to get it. Think about what makes you happy, what makes you sad, and use this to help you get what you want."

Niven always gets me thinking. These words made me think about how they related to my idea of "manager of me." I think that managing me is what will make me that happy when I can actually do that:) Sounds "profound," right?? It's not supposed to. It is what it is!

No need to mention what I ate today. Same thing as every other day, just in smaller amounts. I may have a lean burger for dinner tonight - with red wine - of course! My sister-in-law, brother-in-law and their family are coming tonight until Tuesday morning! We are so excited to spend the weekend with them. All in zen....of course!

And I'm spending my weekend doing the best I can to remain stress free. I need to build myself back up! I know I can.

Happy Friday to You and Yours! And remember...I've been here; I've done that; I've been through this - I'm here listening if you ever want to write.

2 Steps Forward; 1 Step Backwards

Day 61.

I have been offline for a couple of days. I have to admit to everyone that I have not been feeling well. It all began on Tuesday sometime. I do not know what happen or what made all of this happen, but something for sure happened.

I have been absolutely bloated and miserable up to my head. I have had a lot of stomach pain. My stomach looks like I'm about 5 months pregnant. My left side hurts. It feels like there is a ball inside of me, with claws, wanting to come out. But it does not.

I am ashamed to say that I have not been a very pleasant person this week, either. I have been tired, sad and bloated.

I went to see Leah on Wednesday night. I have many new things we're trying and going to do. I'm so excited to start them all. I'm excited to tell you about them all. I'm excited to feel even better than I have in the past. But for now, I just want to get over this road block. I am doing everything in my power to get this out of me.

I took 2 steps forward and then 1 step backward. I'm trying to find my inner strength now to get back ahead of this game.

Unhappy Day

Day 58.

Just an unpleasant day for me. Just when I thought I was doing so well.

Today was such a frustrating day. There were several instances when I just wanted to cry. It took everything in me not to try and find a punching bag, punch away and cry. I was so bloated and my lower stomach in pain. Nothing has moved through me for a couple of days now. And so I spent an hour tonight doing 25 minutes of cardio and a half hour of abs to see if I could get myself "moving." In addition, I pushed on my lower stomach, jumbled it up. I got home around 7pm and sure enough, I got sick - everything through me. This constant back 'n forth has got me going crazy right about now! Absolutely crazy. My mouth was a level 5/6 today, too. What went wrong? Where did I go wrong?

I went to a Chamber luncheon today. I was so hungry, as it was over the lunch hour. I passed on lunch. The salad, the grilled chicken with a sauce and buttery vegetables. Oh, and the triple-layer chocolate cake, too. Yes, I passed on it all. I drank water.

I think this is why it's been such an unhappy day today. Here I am doing everything I possibly can and then I still have days like this. People looked at me like I was crazy when I didn't eat. Fast forward 4 hours from then and I was unbuttoning my pants because I was so bloated. What gives? Why? Why? Why?

I am being such a downer today - I apologize for this posting. But I guess, we take the good, we take the bad; we take them both and here we have - the facts of life.

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Steel Cut Oats, Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, and Stevia
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• Unsweetened Applesauce
• Peets Coffee with Stevia
  

Snack

• Organic Apple

Lunch

• Spinach + Garlic
• Grilled Chicken
• New Scallop Pasta Mix
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
  

Pre-Workout

• Orange
• Wild Salmon Burger
  

Dinner

• Spinach + Garlic + Fish Oil + Spirulina + Flax + Sea Salt
• New Scallop Pasta Mix
• Orange
  

And just to add to this day, I am homesick. Yes, I AM HOMESICK. I have been for a few weeks now; it really caught up with me today. One good cry and I'll move on; I hope. I'll be over it and stronger tomorrow.....with everything.

No Frills Gym

Day 57.

I started a new schedule for Mondays, so instead of a normal 9-5pm, I'll work 11-7pm. I like this. I love the fact that I can ease into my week. And I really love the fact that I can ditch the 580 traffic on Monday morning!

For anyone who knows me, though, you know that I am an early riser! I could wake up at 6am every morning and go to bed at 9pm each night. I've always been this way. So despite having this great new Monday schedule, I'm not the type that will actually enjoy the ease!

Ryan and I got up at 5:45am and headed to the gym to get our workout in for the day. And we just wanted a quick in and out. Ryan did a leg workout, and I did a back workout. And that was that! This can be accomplished anywhere.

I work at an upscale health and fitness club in San Ramon, CA, called, ClubSport San Ramon. It is an extremely nice, private health and fitness club. We have everything at our Club - outdoor pool (heated year round), indoor and outdoor hot tubs, spa, sauna, steam room, cardio, TRX, racquetball, squash, tennis courts, weights, basketball, adult-only lounge and every single class/activity imaginable for children. We are celebrating our 20 year anniversary on June 20th. In honor of it, we have incredible low enrollment fees for the month of June only. (Contact me if you want to know more.) But I digress....this club is just simply amazing.

Out about 45 minutes from that Club is where Ryan and I workout on the weekends. This is definitely a No Frills Gym. There is nothing fancy and/or sexy about it. But, it gets the job done. And I thought about this today, when I was there at 5:45am. I got a great workout in, in 1 hour and 5 minutes and I didn't need anything fancy to get the job done. You can be anywhere - when you find the gym or club that suits you, anything is possible!

I can't sit here tonight and say it was another fabulous day for my mouth/stomach. It was not. My stomach starting bothering me sometime after lunch. It was upset and moving and just uncomfortable. Unpleasant smells. My mouth started to annoy me some again today as well. It was at about a level 5/6. None of this made me very happy, but it's just another step in my journey. Slowly and surely...

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Steel Cut Oats, Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, and Stevia
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• Unsweetened Applesauce
• Peets Coffee with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, and Stevia

Snack

• Organic Apple
• Lean Turkey
  

Lunch

• Spring Mix + S. Salt + Olive Oil
  
• Grilled Chicken
• New Scallop Pasta Mix
• Spinach + Garlic
  
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)

Snack

• Orange
  

Dinner

• Spring Mix + Fish Oil + Spirulina + Sea Salt
  
• Wild Salmon Burger
  
• New Scallop Pasta Mix
• Spinach + Garlic
  
• Orange
  

Not a Dime.

(Still on) Day 56.

What do you own that costs you nothing? My husband said something like this to me about a week ago. I can't remember why he said it or what the context was, but I remember the question because I wrote it down.

These days, the answer is almost nothing. Everything you own costs you. As a matter of fact, it costs you more now than ever before. But the beauty in life, the true beauty in life, is when you are able to find the things that don't cost you a dime. And they are, for the most part, not material items. I could think of many things I own that don't cost me anything, but I'm highlighting just two today: My Dogs & My Health. (And why don't I say, "my husband, my family, my friends," ect? Because I don't own them!)

My dogs - my love for them - do not cost a dime. I know, buying them and keeping them alive costs money. Loving them and having them love me back no matter what - priceless. I literally spend hours and hours and hours of my life just being with them. That costs me nothing.



My health - making it a priority - does not cost a dime. Again, the first few steps do cost money (Leah, gym membership, allergy tests). It's the ongoing knowledge and lifetime maintenance that does not cost a thing. Since we have to eat to survive, we might as well own what goes into our bodies. And since we were not made to sit on the couch, eat potato chips and watch TV, we might as well own treating our body to physical exercise. I can be anywhere at anytime and with anyone and still own my health. I own what goes in and what exertion comes out. This costs me nothing.

What do YOU own that costs you nothing?

I had another fabulous mouth day. It was a 1/2 all day. My stomach did start to get twisted around 5pm. It was not very pleasant for a couple of hours. Yesterday I did drink some and I had a lot of pico de gallo, which is diced-tomato based. I suspect one of those things perhaps?

I made another great pasta tonight for the week. It is similar to the one I made last week.

• Penne De Bole Pasta
• Baby Scallops
• Olive Oil + Apple Cider Vinegar
• Garlic
• Cilantro
• Red Peppers

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Steel Cut Oats, Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, and Stevia
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• Unsweetened Applesauce
• Peets Coffee with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, and Stevia

Pre-Workout

• Organic Apple

Lunch

• Organic Apple
  
• Organic Raw Carrots
  
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)

Dinner

• Spring Mix + Fish Oil + Spirulina + Sea Salt
  
• Grilled Chicken
• New Scallop Pasta Mix
  

Snack

• Orange

ps. For any of you out there reading this: I love to hear from you! Anytime you want to comment or shoot me a message of any sort, please feel free to do so! I love what you have to say. I love listening to your thoughts, and I am curious about your own journey! I'm always here - I'm always listening!

Twitching Tongue

Day 56.

I am posting from yesterday, since I was offline for the day. I will write more later tonight, but I wanted to share something so absolutely amazing with everyone: Friday and Saturday - All Day - Mouth at a Level 0/1.

I knew I was getting better, when, my tongue started twitching. And again, for all of you out there who find this part of my problem bizarre and freaky, let me explain my mouth - when it's bad and when I know it's reaching normalcy. First, let me just say this - my mouth, in the past 5 years, has NEVER been a level 0/1 for 2 days straight!

When my mouth is bad it feels like this: carpet chronically rubbing against it, scalded and dry. My teeth hurt. Sometimes it's a referred tooth to tongue pain. It never hurts to eat, but always hurts to talk. As it starts getting better the chronic irritation goes down and down, affecting less places of my tongue, roof of mouth and mouth in general. And as it starts getting better it will "twitch" in some places for a split second. Sometimes just one simple movement. Nothing out-of-control. Each time I feel that "pulse" I am absolutely excited.

For about the past week, this is what has been going on. And then it happened on Friday and Saturday - no problems! I could cry right now, just thinking about this monumental step that's been taken. 56 days in - almost at the 2 month mark.

I feel like an "Olympic athlete," in a way (ha, if I only were)! Here I was, practicing and practicing - trial & error - until the main event, which I'm getting a taste of. And so this is what success would feel like?! It makes me want to reach for my own "gold" in this event each and every single day now. We were out at the Eric Church concert all day yesterday. They only had beer, Bacardi Raz and Bacardi Lemonade there. I knew that all 3 had malt in them. I cannot have malt. I almost gave in - just had 1 - but then I remembered my success. Needless to say, no malted beverages for me! And I thank God for that strength yesterday!

More to come later today.....

And CHEERS to my Twitching Tongue!

Organic Cranberry Green Tea

Day 54.

I have discovered a new green tea that I'm in love with! I'm guessing it probably isn't actually "new," but I just recently discovered it. (Side note: One thing I always try to do when I get food, is to find a product I've never tried before. This way, I can instantaneously make things "fresh" and keep myself from getting bored.)

Organic Cranberry Green Tea.



And what makes it so special? Many things! From the moment you open the box, you get a whiff of a tropical/herbal scent. It smells fruity and yet relaxing. You can't help but want to make a cup for yourself. Here are the actual ingredients:

Organic whole leaf green tea, organic hibiscus flowers, organic flavors, organic cardamom seed, organic lemongrass, organic cinnamon bark, organic apple pieces, organic star anise, organic rosehips, organic clove, organic cranberries, natural flavors

The great thing about these ingredients for me is that even though there are so many ingredients, they are all things I can have. Additionally, many of the ingredients are great "healing" ingredients.

Once you've opened the box, smelled the mixed aromas and read the ingredients you will be ready to brew your tea.

I got a cup out, heated my water and took the tea bag out of holder. And then I found the next greatest thing about this tea - a Pyramidal Tea Bag, which is biodegradable. Besides the fact that I love this creative pyramid shape, (an element which clearly adds to the flavor!) the pyramid will reduce or eliminate the presence of tea “dust” in the bottom of my cup. I've always hated that "crummy" last sip!



I place my tea bag in my cup of hot water. Immediately, like when a marshmallow melts into hot chocolate, a beautiful purple/pink/redd-ish color makes a cloud-like appearance in the water. The steam rises and you get a "flavorful energy" all around you.

For $3.99 you get 15 bags. All of the ingredients are organic. There are no calories. Green Tea is great for us!

So what are you waiting for? Get to Trader Joe's and get yourself some Organic Cranberry Green Tea!

It's 3pm and I'm signing off for the day! We are headed to Eric Church tonight; can't hardly wait!

So far today, mouth about a 1/2 only! Stomach a little upset in the morning only. My stomach was ok after lunch today? I have eaten a little differently today. My energy is fabulous. I feel fabulous today! So....up until this point today, here's what I've eaten:

Breakfast

• 1.5 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• Small Peets Coffee + 1/4 c. coconut milk light + stevia
  
• The Tea (of course!)
  

Lunch

• Scallop Pasta
  
• Spinach, Cucumber, Garlic & Mexican Gray Squash (all steamed)

So far, so good...signing off & Happy Friday:)

TGI - Thursday Night

Day 53.

My mouth was wonderful today! It was probably about a 1/2 all day! My stomach was fine, except for about the 3-4 hours post-lunch when it was rumbling and gross (again). I had 2 other problems today, though. I was super hungry all day and around 4pm I got tired. I had every intention of working out tonight, but then my body was screaming at me saying, "No - go home, be lazy and eat and eat and eat." So that's what I did!

I am so glad it's Friday tomorrow! It's been a good week, but a tiring one. I'm ready for a couple days off. Ryan and I are headed up towards Fresno tomorrow night to see Eric Church play. We are going to see him again on Saturday in Turlock. We are a tad bit obsessed:)

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, Banana and Stevia
• 1/4 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• Unsweetened Applesauce

Snack

• Organic Apple
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)

Lunch

• Lean Turkey
  
• Spring Mix + Olive Oil + Sea Salt
  
• New Scallop Pasta
  
• Spinach, Cucumber, Garlic & Mexican Gray Squash (all steamed)

Snack

• Orange
• 2 Organic Raw Carrots
  

Dinner

• 2 Organic Corn Tortillas + Lean Turkey + Pico de Gallo + Spirulina + Sea Salt
  
• New Pasta Mix
• Spinach, Cucumber, Garlic & Mexican Gray Squash (all steamed)
• Dried Banana
  
• Orange

8:30pm & I'm finally feeling full. I'm still tired. Shower, cozy pj's and my big bed is where I need to be! Happy Friday Eve!

Anxious

Day 52.

First off, as promised, here is "my" new blog I have embarked on with Wayne Coy. If you have a minute, definitely check him out at this LINK!

I'm feeling anxious today. I've felt this way all week. Not unhappy. Not stressed. Just anxious. So many things are happening - good things. I find myself waking up at night - excited. I find myself wanting to stay up later at night - again, because I'm excited.

I haven't pinpointed the exact reason for all of this. I believe it's a combination of many things. The base of it all is a hope that I feel. And a new kind of motivation. I am 26. I feel so fortunate that I know what I want from my life. I know exactly where I am now and exactly (and probably more importantly) where I want to be. Perhaps this new excitement is because I've figured out the bridge to get me from here to there. And "this bridge," like my "food bridge" will not be easy to cross. I know it. But it, like my "food bridge," is 100% attainable for me. I knew when I began my journey with food that if I could stick with it and learn in while loving it, that I could do anything!

And here we are today - Day 52 - and I'm still going strong. Sure, I have bad days and I have good days. BUT, I have many more good days than bad days now! And I'm hopeful that someday my bad days will be nothing more than "once a problem for me."

I am not ready to share with everyone what these new excitements are or what the "it" is (and Mother, if you are reading this, "it" is not a baby - I'm not pregnant!). I will tell eventually. But we all have this "it." Everyone has an excitement somewhere deep within. It's searching and sorting and reading and learning that will bring it to the surface - ready to explode - with passion. I guarantee that when you find it the feeling will be like nothing you've ever felt in your whole life. It will come to you by chance, perhaps via a mentor or a single line you read or an undiscovered talent you walk into. Nonetheless, you have "it," too....the only questions that remain are, "Have you found it yet? What have you done with it?"



I was fine today until lunch, again! After lunch my stomach was bloated and rumbling. I didn't like the way my stomach felt for most of the day today. I am so confused by this 1pm stomach slump that seems to happen every day? Somedays it's only for an hour or two and very subdued. Other days it just lingers. My mouth was great in the morning, but later in the day became about a 5/6. That was frustrating as well. On the positive side, I had a lot of great, positive energy today!

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, Banana and Stevia
• 3/4 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• Unsweetened Applesauce
• Small coffee + Stevia + Coconut Milk Light

Snack

• Organic Apple
• Sweet Apple Chicken Link
  

Lunch

• Lean Turkey
  
• Spring Mix + Olive Oil + Sea Salt
  
• New Scallop Pasta
  
• Spinach, Cucumber, Garlic & Mexican Gray Squash (all steamed)
• Organic Apple
  

Pre-Workout Snack

• Orange
• Grilled Chicken with Garlic-Flavored Olive Oil
  

Dinner

• Spring Mix
• 1 Organic Raw Carrot
  
• Fish Oil + Spirulina + Sea Salt
• New Pasta Mix
• Wild Salmon Burger
  
• Orange

A New Experience and A New Recipe

Day 51.

A new experience for me and a new recipe for you; they have nothing to do with each other.

In the next day or two, I will be starting my 2nd Blog regarding food and fitness. However, this is not mine! I have been asked to be an "assistant" for a local radio DJ. He is a great man! He is ready to begin his own journey...just as I began my journey with food. His blog is going to be about complete body transformation. He knows he has weight to lose, and he has made the commitment to change his lifestyle.

I am looking forward to doing this; actually, I can't hardly wait! Once the blog goes live, I will get the link in here for everyone to follow if you want.

I made a new pasta that I thought I'd share as well tonight:

• De Boles Gluten Free Multi Grain Spaghetti (Ingredients: Whole Grain Brown Rice Flour, White Rice Flour, Rice Bran, Organic Amaranth Flour, Organic Quinoa Flour, Vitamin and Mineral Mix). You can get this at Whole Foods.
• Red Peppers
• Baby Scallops
• A little sea salt
• Olive Oil
  

And that's it! Simple and plain, but it tastes so great!

I had a great mouth day today. Probably only a 2/3, if that! My stomach was fine until lunch. Then, it was rumbling. I got a little bloat and sick about 4pm. I went through my whole workout tonight (Tuesday night - long one!) and got home, ate and then around 9:30pm my stomach was bad again for a minute. Weird!

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, Banana and Stevia
• 3/4 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• Unsweetened Applesauce
• Small coffee + Stevia + Coconut Milk Light

Snack

• Organic Apple
• 2 Scallops + lemon
  

Lunch

• Extra Lean Turkey Burger (everything as last week + cilantro)
  
• Spring Mix + Olive Oil + Sea Salt
  
• Ancient Harvest quinoa pasta (Garbanzo beans, cinnamon, red peppers)
• Spinach, Cucumber, Garlic & Mexican Gray Squash (all steamed)
  

Pre-Workout Snack

• Orange
• Sweet Apple Chicken Link

Dinner

• Organic Apple
  
• Spring Mix
  
• Fish Oil + Spirulina + Sea Salt
• New Pasta Mix
  
• Orange

How Many Calories in a Day?

Day 50.

I have been asked numerous times since I began writing this, "How many calories in a day do you eat?" I think that whether or not you have food allergies and whether or not you watch what you eat, it's a common question everyone asks..."How many calories should I eat in a day."

First, I will say this...bottom line is that everyone knows how much/what they should eat in a day. It's a matter of doing it.

There are many different theories out there on what to eat, when, how much, etc. You can:

• Count your calories
• Count your points via Weight Watchers
• Watch your carbs
• Watch your fat
• Don't eat Carbs with Fat

This list could go on and on and on...

For me, though, I pretty much eat what I want and when I want (of the foods I can eat). And that's the secret for me! When I'm hungry, I eat. When I'm full, I stop. I don't eat the foods that don't like my body because not only will they make me feel bad, they also make me retain weight. I stick to eating very lightly overall. I would say I eat mostly protein, veggies and good fat and some carbs. I don't eat junk food, at least not on a daily basis. I don't allow myself "a little treat everyday to take the edge off." That "little treat" would become another and another and another. When I work out, I allow myself more food (more quality food). When I don't work out, I don't get to eat more. One day a week I don't pay attention to anything - I'll eat a "treat" if I want, but still within the food guidelines that I can have.

Calorie-wise, I'd say I eat between 1,300 - 1,700 calories a day, depending on the day. I'm not saying this is completely right or completely wrong, but because I've eliminated the foods that don't agree with me & the processed foods I shouldn't have been eating in the first place, this works for me! I eat more now than I did before and I've lost weight.

Think about this for yourself. How many calories do you eat in a day? Or even better yet, how many quality calories do you eat in a day? If you follow, "Clear the clutter. Cut the ingredients. Simple. Zen," I guarantee you will not need to ask yourself that question anymore. It all just becomes easy.

I felt pretty good today. My mouth was probably a 5/6. My stomach rumbled post-lunch. I'm not sure what that was all about. I did take 2 digestive enzymes at lunch, though. I think something this weekend may not have agreed with me. My energy was high today. I had a great workout because of it. I'm still super sore from Saturday's leg workout. I still am having troubles walking!


Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, Banana and Stevia
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)

Snack

• Organic Apple
• Sweet Apple Chicken Link
  

Lunch

• Extra Lean Turkey Burger (everything as last week + cilantro)
  
• Spring Mix + Olive Oil + Sea Salt
  
• Ancient Harvest quinoa pasta (Garbanzo beans, cinnamon, red peppers)
• Spinach, Cucumber, Garlic & Mexican Gray Squash (all steamed)
  

Pre-Workout Snack

• Orange
• Extra Lean Turkey Burger (everything as last week + cilantro)

Dinner

• Organic Apple
  
• Spring Mix
  
• Fish Oil + Spirulina + Sea Salt
• Wild Salmon Burger
• Unsweetened Applesauce

My girlfriend, Kristi, from back home sent me this quote today....it was a nice way to end my end - I hope it's a nice way to end yours as well!

"Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream and a vision." ~Muhammad Ali~