I'm bringin' healthy back....
I know, I know...I have some friends who are rolling their eyes right now because they remember what a health freak I used to be!...and I'll admit that I used to fill my cabinets with very boring, tasteless grub - which is most likely one of the reasons I went to the extreme opposite over the past few years. Because of our busy lifestyle with Chad's business picking up speed, Shep and Rauly becoming EXTREMELY active, and my own new career in education - I practically threw up my hands in defeat waving the white flag to fast food and anything microwavable. And let me tell ya'...I have personally reaped the consequences. The past 3 times I tried to donate blood to the Red Cross, I was unable to due to low iron. My energy level has been low...I haven't slept well in who knows how long, and my body has started to feel the effects of not exercising...ya' know, sore back, aches and pains. I FINALLY went to the doctor a few weeks ago and it felt really good to put myself back on the priority list!...it's funny...I used to feel pampered by pedicures and shopping...now I get my kicks out of 30 minutes of peace and quiet while a doctor checks my blood pressure!
Oops...sorry, getting off track here. Anyways, about 2 months ago, while I was preparing b-fast for the kids, I turned on the news (which is rare - normally it's cartoons),...and lo and behold, Amy Hendel was on Good Morning America talking about her new book "Fat Families Thin Families"....I heard her talking in the background and thought "Wow - that's a crude name for a title"...but the more I listened, the slower I moved until I finally found myself standing in my kitchen staring at the television, nodding my head in agreement and saying "YES - I HAVE GOT TO GET THIS BOOK"! Long story short, Chad and I read this book together and sat down and made some plans that we began implementing about 3 weeks ago. We're eating b-fast AND dinner together as a family EVERY day, we are working out at the YMCA 5 days a week and so far have stuck to our plan perfectly. But here's the kicker...I'm learning that you can eat healthy and actually enjoy your food - whoo-hoo! We're eating yogurt, fresh blueberries/strawberries and grapenuts for snacks (like a parfait), kashi cereal with fresh fruit on top for breakfast, and healthy fresh prepared food for dinner - AND GUYS - it's not taking me hardly ANY time to prepare!!!!
Let me say this too...this is not about being thin or losing weight...this is about feeling good again. It's about taking control back of an area that I was beginning to feel pretty helpless and hopeless. I feel empowered to know that my kids are still young enough to train their taste buds to enjoy foods like salad, fresh veggies and fresh fruit. I mean...I used to think I was doing ok because my kids have never had white bread...we've always drank skim milk,...they never eat candy or sweets...I had begun to think that was enough. But now I can see how much I was underestimating them...I assumed they wouldn't like certain foods or food groups, therefore I simply wasn't introducing them due to trying to avoid another battle. Can I get an -amen-? ;)
I would strongly encourage this book to anyone who is looking for some guidance in getting back on track - it has truly helped me see how easy it can be to have a healthy family!...simple baby steps that get easier day by day! OH - and 2 more things....I donated blood to the Red Cross - my iron went up by 6 points! And here's the real shocker...I put on a pair of pants that I found a few months ago from college (they didn't fit a few months ago)...I put them on last night and they FIT...but that's not the shocker...they were "highwaters". DO. YOU. KNOW. WHAT. THAT. MEANS.?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I've grown since college...holy cow people....I'm gonna' be taller then Chad at this rate! I told him last night I had better be done growing now or he's going to have to start drinking "miracle grow". :)
14 comments:
I started running and working out at the track about 8 weeks ago and I haven't felt this good since high school! I run about 5 laps, then plenty of sets of bleachers, lunges, push-ups, pull-ups, sprints, etc. It has made me very conscious of what I eat. I don't eat healthy ALL the time but I have eaten a lot more, tuna, chicken and salmon. Fruit is making a comeback also. I've lost about 7 lbs and fit into some clothes I haven't worn in a while! So congrats on getting healthier - btw, when I went for my check-up, the nurse said I wasn't anemic - I think that is the first time in a long time too!
This is totally true girl! I wanted to ask you what you are doing for your iron levels. Mine are at an all time low and I'm feeling pretty awful daily...no energy and such. Iron pills KILL my stomach! Basically, my anemic self is a walking zombie every day of the week. Suggestions?!? Glad you are feeling better. Maybe I'll get the book and feel better like you have as well. And YES, our kids are growing up fast! :) It's crazy!
Linds, Glad you took the plunge to do what it takes for a healthier lifestyle for you, Chad, and the kids. You actually make it sound like fun. I'll have to check out the book. Glad you're working out at the gymn too. That helps with stress and releases those happy hormones (endorphins). Not that you're stressed (dontcha know?) We all need that in this too fast paced world we live in! Love your post! Oh, I saw Larry, Teresa, and Blaine last night at Linda Nichols memorial service. Two more weeks till Blaine gets married. He's such a handsome fellow and has grown up so much!!
Lindsey I applaud you for trying to eat healthier with two little ones and a busy schedule. I know just how hard that is. We struggle with it too! I was just in the kitchen making dinner and thought of your post, so I had to run in here and give you a recipe that is family favorite and happens to be what I was just making:)
Lite Homemade Pizza: (takes 5 min. to throw this dough together.)
1 c. warm water
1 Tablespoon dry active yeast
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
2 1/2 c. flour
If you have never used yeast don't freak out, this is a really easy dough. (this is the only thing i use yeast for:) Put ingredients in lg. bowl in order - make sure and whisk it to incorporate oil and yeast before you add the flour. Stir flour in with spoon and then after it is mostly mixed use your hands to make it into a ball. Cover it with a dish towel and let it rise for 35-40 min. Then I just use store bought pizza sauce/spagetti sauce, part skim mozarella cheese and parmesan, lite pepperoni's, and other favorite toppings. Bake @ 375 for 25 to 30 min or until dough is done in middle! Our kids love it and I feel better about it than Little Ceasars!!!
Oh I forgot to tell you to just push out the air after it rises and I spray my hands with pam spray and just push it out on the pan. Cooks really well on a stone cooking sheet (you know the ones from pampered chef...)
I'll have to get that book!!!
Miss you, girl, which is why I'm buzzing around your blog this morning.
:0D
Okay, you are totally intimidating me now.
OK, now I'll check out this book too. We are also making lifestyle changes in the Ezell home, check out my last post to see way. But also there is a wonderful cook book that I found it called: Deceptively Delicious. You can cook foods with veggies and fruit and no one will know! It you have something is kids will not eat, maybe you could sneak it in with these recipes!
hi, it's me, your fat friend! I am proud of you for being so health conscience. While I should start being better about eating now, I am saving it up for after Brecken...you know to give myself a huge challenge. (Do we still have to eat those brownies if we come?)
One thing you can do to save time AND be healthier than you would if you spent more time cooking is eat as much as you can raw. I rarely cook veggies anymore. If you would prefer for them to be warm, lightly saute them in olive oil for 2 minutes on medium heat. When foods are cooked, over 70% of their nutrients are cooked out with them. Just go raw...you'll save time and gain nutrients. Good for you for the big changes you've made!!! Email me if you need anything.
What a cool book. I'm gonna have to check it out!
I think I fixed the video. Check it out now.
I'm so proud of y'all! It feels so good, too, once it becomes a habit. Josh has just started working out almost every day now and I can't wait to join him after this baby is a few months old. I've been trying (starting about a week and a half ago) to have a healthy meal for us every night with the exception of 1 or 2 for eating out (I still have to have Taco Bueno once a week). We're also working on James eating what we're eating for dinner, and so far it isn't going well. That book looks very intersting! I'll have to look into it! Share any tips you have with us as you go!
Hey Lindsey, check out the Kashi cereal with the blueberries. It's my all time favorite! Nanan
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