Operation Get Healthy: Slow Progress

So....it's been a couple weeks since I finished my 24-day challenge with Advocare. Here is what I want to share.....

The stricter diet was TOTALLY do-able, but hard. I mean....FOOD is SO ingrained in EVERYTHING....our decisions, our comfort, our schedule, our ability, our knowledge, & for some (not me :)) what we take pride in. So....RIGHT before I started this 24-day challenge....I took a looooooooong, hard look at my diet, the food we bought, & what I was feeding my family & KNEW that I needed to make some adjustments.

I remember buying The Daniel Plan & Journal & although I REALLY wanted to make it work & for my will power to stay strong......I just didn't have enough FAITH in myself that I would stick with it, unless I was held accountable..... Like.... REALLY accountable. By, paying for the challenge, taking the BEFORE pictures & knowing I wanted my AFTER picture to look better than the first & REALLY giving the program a chance....NO EXCUSES! One of my best friends believed in this, had been asking for me to try it for some time & was WILLING to take my phone calls, text messages, & honest opinions about EVERYTHING from diet plans, to my doubts, to my struggles, to: "What the heck is in this stuff?" IF I was going to do it....I was going to REALLY do it....NO cheating.

I finished the challenge. Was really happy with my results & although....quite exhausted (mentally) from the whole experience....was pretty proud that I did it. For the last two weeks (after I completed the challenge)...I fell off the wagon....GLADLY to be quite honest. I MISSED my coffee, my occasional fried calamari or cheese sticks, my friend Little Debbie.... I think I'm painting the picture... I mean... I was more conscious & felt a little more guilt, because I KNOW that it's really not good for me, but I just wanted to eat 6 miniature Milky Ways SO BAD!

So....although I ate MUCH better than how I normally would....I ate quite a bit of things I had cut out the previous 24 days. It took about a week and a half for me to physically feel the difference. Luckily Ashley (my coach) & my husband did a really good job of reminding me about my results....about the simple fact that I COULD do it & that the BIGGEST thing I changed was my diet....which ULTIMATELY for me was my PRIMARY reason for doing all this in the first place. I had become quite AWARE of how, what we put in our bodies - directly affects our long-term health, our mental focus, our ability to have a better quality of life & keep us around as long as the Good Lord needs us to be. I'm in a line of work that PHYSICALLY needs me PRESENT....like....I can't "work from home." I have to be front & center & ON. IF I want to be SUCCESSFUL, which I do...I have to take care of the KEY tools that allow me to help SUPPORT my family & that is my voice, my mind, & my body. The BEST way to teach your children is by example, Kyle & I have to get US right & our children will follow suit.

I tell you all this, because I want everyone to know that you have to WANT to make a change. The program can only help you as much as you help yourself & that not everyone will BE READY at the same time. In fact I was ready at the beginning of January....for the past two weeks I WAS NOT ready & not REAL interested in focusing on it, but now I am again & that's okay. It really is all about forward progress...baby steps. I love this quote:

There's a whole new group of Advocare CHALLENGERS starting this coming Monday. IF you WANT to look into this...I ENCOURAGE it. I am focusing on the last 14 days of the 24-day challenge again, because I feel like I NEED that structure to MAKE PROGRESS towards my NEW GOAL, which is: Losing 20 more pounds & making some sort of exercise a daily routine. I don't know what that will be. I want people to know that they can RandOmly talk to me about health & food & taking care of the HOME of the The Holy Spirit that is inside us....KNOWING that this whole "Gettin' Healthy" journey I'm on...is not easy. I stumble....A LOT sometimes. I have trouble following the plan exactly sometimes... I don't exercise much at all.... I'm just trying....

I do not know sometimes WHY I share all of this with all of you. A big part of something I truly feel like I UNDERSTAND now is that we HELP each other by sharing our experiences, but me sharing THIS journey still kind of takes me by surprise. I mean....I put my big girl picture on Facebook :/! Yeah....I am totally not proud of that BEFORE pic, but sure am of the after....

My weight a few days after the challenge ended I was down 15 pounds. Over the last two weeks I gained about 3 of those pounds back & about 2 inches of the 14.5 I lost. Not a HUGE gain, but a steady gain over the last two weeks. 

So NOW...my choices are to either continue to slowly gain OR to slowly chip away at it.... That is why I continue on this journey. I'm not gonna tell you to Buck Up & do anything, because I was at a point sometime in the last couple weeks, where I would have seriously thought about givin' someone the finger if they even TRIED to tell me what to eat, BUT.... I will ALWAYS ENCOURAGE you to PUSH yourself to BUCK UP in ANY area of your life. Just stretch yourself outside of something you know... to DISCOVER something you don't. Your ENCOURAGEMENT is APPRECIATED. I can get mighty grumpy without some of my comfort foods....JUST SAYIN'! 

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Cumulative Summary Through Day 24 & What's NEXT....

Apologies for not blogging. Life got pretty hectic....finalizing paperwork from one auction...only to hit the road to South Texas for another & then back to Brenham for another the next night. Traveling...& trying to finish up my 24-day challenge. I'm gonna be honest...the last couple of days of the 24-day challenge were tough. I usually don't like to eat much before I call an auction. The shakes were a life-saver, but there are times where I don't eat lunch OR Dinner....or very little. I remember WHY I'm doing this:

If any of you are on Pinterest you should start following The Daniel Plan. They have recipes, inspirational quotes, Bible Verses & SO MUCH MORE!! I give them credit for this pic!

Look at these results from our 24 day challenge:

Down 11 lbs & 14.5 inches!

Down 9lbs & 16 inches!

Down 5 lbs & 10.5 inches!

8lbs & 3inches!

From a person who has NEVER tried a program like this at all....I NEED IT! I honestly don't know how to stop myself from eating what I want to UNLESS I'm given a structured PLAN & I SEE results. The last 14 days of the challenge I only lost 3 pounds, but my inches melted away. I mean I lost 4 in my hips alone. After Valentine's day I am going to do the 14 day phase again....otherwise I will not hold myself accountable. I don't know why it is harder for me on my own...it just is & OBVIOUSLY...this worked. I think I NEED it MORE for keeping my eating cleaner.

Again...apologies for not being able to post daily posts, but as I can post I will!! I hope these posts have encouraged some of you to take baby steps towards getting healthier. I have been ENCOURAGED by those of you that have reached out to me...not just for your SUCCESSES, but for your strugGLES, because I had either experienced them myself or was currently experiencing. It REALLY makes the journey easier to have someone walk it with you. I've also picked up a few awesome tips...one of which I LOVE.

FAVORITE TIP FROM OTHERS..so far: Drink a TALL GLASS OF WATER every morning BEFORE you put ANYTHING else in your body. This will help your organs wake up and start functioning properly. The way I look at it now (because I REALLY struggle with consuming enough water for my body) is almost like I'm talking to it & telling it GOOD MORNING. If I STRUGGLE & mess up during the day at least I started out giving it the opportunity to better handle everything that comes at it.

If you & some of your friends want to BEGIN this journey to better health & educating yourself on what we put in our bodies (because that just kind of naturally happens along the way) private message me or my coach: Ashley Farris: ashley_farris@hotmail.com.

Stay tuned for my next blog...it was a little much to share today, but is probably the CORE reason on WHY I see this REAL importance of how we take care of our bodies.

God Bless!! I ENCOURAGE you to take that next step, IF you are ready!!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 17

I'm tellin' you.... Pastor Rick Warren's writing is on the same rhythm as my thinking....almost always... It amazes me sometimes.

Today The Daniel Plan Journal talks about sleep restoration & how our sleeping habits are linked to our eating habits.

So last night I got the most sleep I've gotten in a loooooooooooooooooooooooong time. I mean...the most sleep I usually get is 6 hours...and that is the most. Last night...I got 7 1/2 hours of sleep! I felt AMAZING today. I actually had a moment of.. "Is everything okay? I mean....should I have this much energy?" How ridiculous is that? I mean really?! I mean for once I have felt TOTALLY rested ALL day, the only food I've put in my body is GOOD food & water (which I really should have drank more of) & man....had laser beam focus. So much so, that I almost shocked myself with it. This is what our "normal" is supposed to feel like. I mean...I had gotten to a point where EXHAUSTED, HUNGRY, & ACHY were "normal" for me. I found a way to randomly exercise for over 45 minutes today & exercised at almost any in between time I had. Ya'll!!! That NEVER happens. Not only that, but I made PROGRESS in ALL the areas where I need to & further progress than what I'm used to getting done. I am convinced that the BAD food we put into our bodies, blocks stuff up in our brains. I'm sure there is a fancier, more educated sounding way to say that...but ultimately....it muddies the waters.

The Daniel Plan Journal was discussing how....people tend to run to carbs and caffeine, & sugar to boost our energy, which only makes us crash harder...later. GUILTY! Totally me before I started the 24-day challenge.

"Matthew 11:28-29 says, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.' What longings stir in you when you read Jesus' invitation to rest?"

My answer: I long for a routine that allows just the right progress needed to carry out God's mission for my life, in his timing - with clear focus and joy.

Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus!! He is giving me all that I'm asking him for. I NEVER know what it is going to look like, but He gets me there! God Bless!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 16

Before I get goin' on what I've got to say today...I want to share some info & ENCOURAGEMENT for the people starting a challenge on Monday. This is easier if you can get someone to do this with you. It has been VERY helpful to me to have a couple people I call/text and ask and/or share things with.

With the SPARK...I used 10 ounces of water instead of 8, because I can't handle REAL sweet stuff. 10 ounces makes it perfect & Strawberry Mango is my favorite. If you haven't ordered your stuff yet....get the Peaches & Cream Fiber Drink...It was delish & I had no trouble drinking it, but I had friends that weren't crazy about the other flavors. On the shakes....I add ice, so I put less water than what it calls for, so it doesn't taste watered down. When you do them right...they taste pretty good. My favorites: Chocolate Mocha, Chocolate, & Berry.

Also...if you aren't used to cooking healthy. Cook A LOT of healthy food, so all you have to do is warm it up during the week and you don't have to think so hard.

I did not feel the ENERGY other  people were feeling from the Spark right away, which concerned me, but once I got MORE sleep I TOTALLY did. Also...if you are sensitive to caffine....(which I didn't think I was..but am....) don't drink a second Spark right before bed....even though I was tired... I couldn't shut it off. I like to have my second (if I feel like I need one) no later than 4:30. It'll be different for everyone, but maybe this will help some of you. Here's the link to where you can order things (CLICK HERE), BUT if you decide to do this PLEASE call or message Ashley Farris...my coach: ashley_farris@hotmail.com  or 979.966.3372.

Here is the coolest thing from The Daniel Plan Journal from yesterday. My answers are based on the 24-Day Advocare Challenge & the OVERALL get healthy journey I'm on.

"Write down some  of the mistakes or setbacks you have had so far on your journey toward better health. Use just one or two words to identify them. Then write 'NO CONDEMNATION' next to each entry on the list. Pray through the list, and thank God that you are forgiven and that he goes before you."

Here are mine :):

Ate more carbs than recommended. NO CONDEMNATION
Skipped snacks. NO CONDEMNATION
Skipped supplements. NO CONDEMNATION
Questioned plan. NO CONDEMNATION

"God doesn't expect us to be perfect. In fact, he uses our failures to show us that we need him and to drive us into his arms of grace. ... This means that no matter how bad you blow it in life or on The Daniel Plan, God will never condemn you." - The Daniel Plan Journal

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Days 12-15

Hey! Hey! So, It's been a BuSy couple of days. Switching phases on this 24-day challenge threw me for a loop... a little, but you MUST know that I have A LOT going on & sometimes implementing new things throws my mind on overload....plus following through on other obligations & having a few road blocks suddenly appear, just detours me.

Well....the responses that we have received over the last several days...honestly....made me feel so blessed that I could somehow ENCOURAGE others to try and implement a healthier lifestyle & also made me feel a sense of responsibility to REALLY keep making an effort. Believe me....when I felt all over the place the last couple days....I just wanted to grab something fast. I didn't want to think about anything more than what I had to, BUT....I made the effort & I am REALLY thankful for my friends & my friend/coach....because a lifestyle change just ain't easy. 

In fact...without that SUPPORT - I would have derailed. I see SO much VALUE in it, that I made the decision to become an Advocare Distributor. It will allow me to continue using the vitamins and supplements that my body POSITIVELY responds to & serve as a resource for people that WANT to know more. It also creates more REGULAR conversation about my health and fitness & the goals that I'd love to achieve one day. Not to mention... I...all of a sudden....found myself in this role as an ENCOURAGER....just by sharing my journey & realized that I NEEDED guidance & support to stick with it & to allow myself to be educated....just by being a part of something that has already made me reach goals I didn't think I was made for.  

I also know the key to that is a SOLID coach/friend/supporter that KNOWS the things I don't & KNOWS that things are possible that the normal person doesn't...like myself. I WANT to be that girl that didn't believe, tried anyway, to her surprise...succeeded, & can now ENCOURAGE others to do the same & not feel bad about it or like it's not my place b/c I don't know... 

What you all don't know...that I find EXTREMELY interesting...is how God is connecting some dots. My friend/coach, Ashley, got her degree in Health & Fitness & has been working in this industry since before graduation. She's had her hands in all kinds of things, but her PASSION is in health and fitness. I don't even think you could question that, if you really spent some time talking to her. She's tried programs. She's seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. She's worked with ALL kinds of people that have all kinds of different fitness goals, body types, CraZy schedules, lame excuses....you name it. 

I've learned a thing or two in MY professional career & life. The biggest lesson is that, when you are trying to tackle something you know very little to nothing about and you want to make a change, you FIND people that know what they are doing. That is a common thread across the board: photographers, real estate agents, auctioneers that hold different specialties, production crews, tax services.....ANYTHING. As much as we'd like to be...we aren't good at everything. We are all given special and unique skills and interests that allow us to carry out the PURPOSE God put us on this earth to do. 

She was in a place where she was trying to "figure things out" & she just couldn't let go of Advocare. I mean...I had talked to her a couple times URGING her to go in a direction that I thought made more sense.... She's not programmed like me though.... It doesn't work that way. Sometimes we have to TRUST our gut. We have to follow, what others don't get.

So here are my take-aways from The Daniel Plan Journal over the last several days: 

"God wants you to 'use your head - and heart! to discern what is right, to test what is authentically right.'" - John 7:24 MSG)

In short discussion of the book One Word That Will Change Your Life - which discusses how focusing on one word for a year can change your life Pastor Warren urges us to choose a word that will motivate us in our FITNESS goals. Mine is "DO." KSBJ (Christian radio station) ENCOURAGED listeners to choose a word to focus on & my word for the year is RELEASE. 

Something I found interesting, while journaling, is that; when asked what makes it difficult for me to shift my focus to God; my answer was...feeling rushed. Who is making me feel rushed??? Myself. 

"The problems of everyday life often tempt us to make unhealthy choices out of convenience or as a temporary fix for handling stress. But the truth is, problems will follow you the rest of your life. If you're waiting to deal with stress until you make it to a new stage in your life, you will be waiting a long time!"

Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus.... If you have any questions or want to learn more about the 24-day challenge you can CLICK  HERE or Email or Facebook Message Ashley Farris: ashley_farris@hotmail.com

Buck Up Baby & God Bless!! A new group of 24-Day Challengers is starting this coming Monday. If you're ready... go on with your bad self!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 10 & 11

So I'm just gonna skip right on ahead for ya'll! Today is day 11...the day after the Advocare cleanse. I went to bed last night....kind of exhausted...and a itty bitty bit bummed because I was expecting my typical results from trying to eat a little healthier & exercising....you know lose 3 pounds initially and gain one back....while your husband loses 15.

So I get up this morning....get on the scale...& do a double-take, look back at my initial weight...step off the scale & step back on....DOWN 8 POUNDS....with NO exercise. I'm on the phone with Ashley my coach/long-time friend askin': "When are you comin' to get my measurements?" That scale made me pay attention....Down 8.75 inches....2 in my waist alone. So then I think to myself...I'm pretty happy where I'm at. I can't wait to see what Day 24 looks like, but didn't really think people would be able to notice yet.

I called an auction for the Red HOT Round Top Chili Cook-Off that benefits the Round Top Family Library. I had more people commenting on my appearance than normal: "What are you doing? You look great." "Heather, your always beautiful, but you look really good today." "You are just radiating!" "Have you lost weight?" Yes PEOPLE! YES! All those things because I'm eating healthier and am on the Advocare 24-day challenge! Obviously I had some room for improvement. Apologies for tootin' my own horn a little bit here... It will still be a challenge for me to stick with it, but man..... I mean...I wasn't prepared for all that, but I WILL TAKE IT!! It makes it quite encouraging to keep going!!

Below are my results so far & I'm also sharing the results of 2 other friends that are doing the challenge right now also.

8 lbs. - 8.75 inches down. 

3 lbs - 10 inches down. 

6.4lbs - not sure on inches. 

The Daniel Plan Journal has a 10 day check-in also & then asks you to assess your journey. Here are my responses to their questions:

What Essentials have you been focusing on, and why?: Food - because I was unhealthy eater overall & the Advocare Plan pushes you to change that.

What progress have you made?: (My results listed above).

Is something still standing in your way? If so, what will you do differently to overcome it?: I need to work on better fitness, so I'll do that.

What is something new you have learned about yourself?: I can do this!

Based on what you have learned, what will you change next week?: More exercise

Already achieved your goals? Congratulations! It's time to set some new goals: Lose 20 more pounds.

What is a new Essential(s) to focus on for the next 10 days?: FITNESS

Now set your SMART Goals & share them with a friend!: AT LEAST: 50 jumping jacks a day, 50 sit ups, & arm workouts with weights

Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus!! He WILL get you to your better self!! God Bless!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 8

I can't believe it is the 8th day!!! For reals! Today The Daniel Plan Journal talks about FITNESS. I had every intention of doing minimal stuff from the beginning & then when my little boy got the flu...it just wasn't gonna happen, because when Little Man slept...he was sleeping on me & would wake at most slight movements. I know I need to add some FITNESS to get the most out of both the 24-Day Advocare Challenge and The Daniel Plan. Pretty funny how I'm randomly urged by another friend today, to join her kid-friendly fit club here in town. Funny how things work out... I probably still can't go right away, but now I have a REALLY close-to-home option that has a SAFE environment for kids. Can't beat that.

I don't really have a lot to write about today. I have my moments where I miss MORE FLAVOR. It has a lot to do with me NOT knowing how to add HEALTHY flavor to my cooking - which then takes me to a little point of frustration, but I've been good at channeling it & thinking about how much better it is for all of us. I'm trying to be PATIENT with myself - knowing that EVENTUALLY I'll LEARN how to make things taste better with healthy ingredients. My hubs has been pretty patient....usually eating the same food I am & some days it's just better than others.

To ALL those people that have been supporting me & those that are in my circle to ENCOURAGE...
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT. Just TRY to make it better than it was the day before. If you keep doing that...you'll be making little changes that turn into big changes.

Hmmm....I just glanced back my journal & this is something interesting that I will share. Back when BUCKET LISTS were the new rave...I made one & on it was: "To run a FULL marathon." Well...since then...it's went from a FULL to a 1/2, to a 10K, to a 5K. Now I know that I should start at, where I have now brought myself. However, it was interesting to me that I shot BIG...knowing it was possible & slowly, but surely I've let the zest for it dwindle down a bit. Interesting how that faded... The question from the journal was: "What is your Big Fitness Dream?"

Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus!! God Bless!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 5

I feel myself STARTING to fall into this lifestyle... It's a slow fall...& mentally it jacks with me a little. I'm pretty irritable. I'm sure it is a combination of changing my eating habits & having such severe allergies today. I'm talkin' itchy nose, scratchy throat, watery eyes...HOWEVER I stuck to the plan really good & it helped me TREMENDOUSLY to not skip anything. I had skipped some meals and snacks the other days because I just wouldn't be hungry or I couldn't get to it, or figure it out, but then I felt like I was INHALING my next meal. Eat your snacks.

My Coach, who also happens to be my friend gave me a sample packet of this & told me I should take it, since I'm not feeling the best. We'll see how it works!

Other good news: I left a little food on my plate today (rarely happens), because I FELT full & my little girl who is normally a REALLY good eater & LOVES fruit and vegetables ate EVERYTHING for dinner.... and stuff she gives me trouble with periodically: cabbage & broccoli....and she ate all the turkey. When she ate that cabbage like she did, I just couldn't help but think about how GOOD that was for her. YEP! I read up on it...SUPER good for the brain & now I know she likes the way I prepared it ;).

My SWEET & Sassy Baby Girl! 

This is before Junk Prom...Precious little bit...

I gotta keep that little rascal healthy!!

So the next thing The Daniel Plan Journal discusses is FRIENDS & unconditional acceptance. Like I told you....I was irritable today...feeling a little OVERWHELMED because I had to cancel and reschedule some appointments last week & I have A LOT to do in the next coming weeks, & need to figure out who can help at what auctions & make a schedule... but now I am starting to feel CRUMMY & I really wish that Chocolate Silk Pie wasn't unhealthy. Then I became COMPLETELY annoyed at something somebody sent me & HAD to call a friend that I KNOW accepts me UNCONDITIONALLY. I mean...I can sound like a whiny little brat with her. I can tell her when I KNOW I'm being selfish, but I just want to be for a minute. I start out my conversations with: "I know I am probably being UNREASONABLE & OVERREACTING, BUT...."

THANK GOD FOR FRIENDS!!!! I mean that. Not only did she UNDERSTAND where I was coming from, but she offered AMAZING advice, for how I should handle all the things I need to do. She knew that, that ONE message wasn't making me react like that. It was a combination of all of it. For years, and years, & YEARS...I've been that person who ALWAYS has somewhere to be, something to do, & I used to get myself roped into things that DRAINED me. (Luckily, I've cut some of that out.) But now....(like I will be for the rest of my life) I'm REALLY tryin' to figure things out with my businesses & ministry (what I want to do to use my God-given talents to bring more people to Jesus.) I forget sometimes that I don't work for any other entity anymore. I don't have to RUSH, I don't have to get the most, I don't have to impress anyone else....I just have to be happy at the end of the day with how I handled business, that we MOVED FORWARD....even a little & not be so hard on myself, because no one else is going to be. It is freeing, BUT...when you've been a certain way for so long...you have to unwind yourself. It's gradual & I'm makin' progress ;). I'm thankful for her advice...one big task A DAY & PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!!!!

In the journal... It asks us to write down five events from our past that makes it hard for you to believe God accepts you. I don't care where you write them, but PRAY OVER THEM tonight/tomorrow/whenever you get to Day 5.

Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus! RELEASE yourself from that stress & worry & SEND IT ON UP to God.

God Bless!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 4

Overall...today - I pretty much got back on track. I had a good breakfast: Turkey Breast & a Banana. I skipped the next snack because I had the same leftover spaghetti (I LOVE spaghetti). Then I had a snack of blackberries and a cheesestick. Then I had Chicken Stew for supper, which had LOTS of protein & I just finished my last snack of greek yougurt. The coolest thing is I am down 3 pounds already this morning.

We went to a birthday party this evening & I'm not gonna lie. It was tough. They had those yummy little pinwheels with salsa & chips & dip & brownies & ice cream & a turtle pie. Whew...I had to direct my attention elsewhere, because truth is...it bummed me out a little that I didn't eat any of that. I KNOW.....I can eat those things in moderation once this cleanse & challenges are over....but I didn't like it. I mean...I do, but a REALLY big part of me is having a hard time resisting. Thank goodness I KNOW God will supply whatever it is I need to get there.

Chapter 4 in The Daniel Plan is 70+ pages long, so.....I haven't read it all, but it is the reason I had originally chose to try this plan out. Thank goodness for Advocare, because I don't know that I had the food discipline it took to pull it off on my own, without a step-by-step guide...and a coach. The Daniel Plan's main focus is to eat foods that came from the earth or others made from products from the earth....organic, whole, fresh. The authors of this book are also VERY aware of the struggle we face. Our lives have become so fast-paced that we LOOK for convenience. Some of us are so used to it that we don't know any different. I mean...we are talking about breaking long-term habits that are engrained in us. The Daniel Plan gives you a good amount of food to eat...probably more than I normally eat, but it is ALL good for you. I think it will really help me to come of the Advocare 24-day challenge into a more structered, yet understanding approach to food. This chapter breaks down & gives examples of the foods we need to eat & how much, based on a plate diagram.

It is going to be a challenge, but I think if I ALWAYS try to keep my focus on putting food in my body that comes directly from products from the earth & not products that came from the earth, then went to a processing plant...I'll be okay. If I even cut out 1/2 of what we normally did...I think it will significantly impact our health. Today, the hardest thing for me was not giving in to all those yummies & then being a little bummed about it...but I was able to hold on, because I want to get to where I can see & feel a change.

I encourage you guys to get The Daniel Plan journal, if you decide to do something like this. Pastor Warren's church tried and tested this plan, so it is no surprise that the journal message is EXACTLY what I was feeling. The mental choice of what you will put in your body. The mental part is the tough part, which I believe is how the devil jacks with us the most.

, 

Also....I was REALLY going to try and keep up in The Daniel Plan book, with the journal - but that will be pretty hard for me, so I ENCOURAGE you to do it the way it makes the most sense in your life. I didn't want to skip to the next chapter because FOOD & FITNESS are by far my weakest two areas that The Daniel Plan measures; Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus, & Friends. So be sure to READ the book, but - If you are like me...just doing this diet plan is putting a lot of pressure on yourself.

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 3

Yesterday was day 3 & my little boy was still sick.... He actually felt worse than he did the day before, which meant - he NEEDED to be loved on more.

When I started the Advocare 24-Day Challenge...I had EVERY intention of TOTALLY sticking to it...eating all the meals they listed in the plan....all the snacks...all the meals...all of it. Well...let's just say that when you have a little one that just doesn't feel good & you're waking up with him & you don't get very good sleep... Sleep becomes more important than food, or staying on your schedule, or any of that. I stayed on it to the very best of my ability.

I woke up to get my little girl to school, but my little boy woke up with me and just wanted to be held. I couldn't get his HIGH fever (103.8) to break, so I just held him & we both nodded back off... I finally sneaked away & let him sleep to have my Spark & my fiber drink, but by the time I finished those...Heath woke up and it was almost time for lunch, so then I had some greek yougurt for my snack and had a late lunch of whole grain organic spaghetti, 93/7 ground beef & a salad. All circumstances perfect...I wouldn't have had the same meal again for supper, but with a sick little one...it's just the way it was. I'm TOTALLY good with it. Lot's healthier than how I would have normally ate & enjoyed it just as much. Since I had more starch than what I would've liked to have...I skipped the snack between lunch and dinner & then wound up skipping the last one....because I had a little boy laying on me & I was exhausted. I didn't feel overly hungry though..... I've been talking to a couple of friends who have told me that they can feel a difference in their energy since starting. I can say that I don't feel that yet... MAINLY because I'm not getting enough sleep. It will come...I feel healthier for sure. I did have some cravings for some of the comfort foods I usually would have went for, but totally resisted and just went and cuddled with little man. Good news is his fever is GONE & he's back to himself.

Chapter 3 in The Daniel Plan talks all about FAITH & how that is the foundation for our success...not only in our health journey, but every journey, I can speak to this because I had a situation that COMPLETELY caused me to step out in FAITH & I'm thankful for that experience because I understand the potential rewards that come from it. Have any of you ever had the thought: "I just wish someone who KNOWS more than I do, would tell me what to do next." I reached that point in a FIERCE way at the end of 2013. I knew I was in a job that didn't have much to do with my God-given purpose...no matter which way I spun it. I also knew God wasn't going to waste the experience, but I had to get off that path. However, getting off that path looked SCARY. I'm talkin' pay cuts, people thinkin' I'm crazy, stepping out into LOTS of unknowns, puttin' lots of puzzles together - which means trial and error, criticism, a nervous husband, nervous family....TOTALLY steppin' off the path I'd been on (which lots of people can understand) onto a new one, which I didn't even totally understand, much less anyone else.... BUT I DID IT. I really don't know how to put it into words, but I wish I could. I'll just list out some of the ways it has changed my life: less fear, less nervousness, less worry, money doesn't control my life anymore, I have a deeper (& getting deeper every day) relationship with The Holy Trinity, self-esteem is way better, my husband's relationship with Christ is growing & so are my kids, I want to know MORE, I'm able to help people more, I know I'm capable of WAY more than I thought I was, I'm less fearful, I PRAY more, I'm able to help others in more ways than I did before, I've added to tools to my toolbag & I'm good with them, I witnessed the value others saw in my....at maybe one of the lowest points I've been at in years, I've gained more people that believe in this journey I've set out on, & I know that I have a different relationship with God, Jesus, & The Holy Spirit. ALL of EQUAL importance & all continuing to grOW. That's not even all of'm. FAITH is one of the most powerful tools to have in your toolbag. I can say that I know I am protected on this health journey & I'm supported not only with The Holy Trinity, but by my friends and family - in all the ways I need them.

The Daniel Plan & The Purpose Driven Life, will both tell you that the BEST way to deepen your faith is to read The Bible. If you want to, but don't know how...just tell God. The Holy Spirit will go to work & before you know it, you will have a plan, a friend, and develop a routine that leads to another routine. Just INVITE God in, Through the scripture you read...The Holy Spirit will pull at your heart & soul & spirit and just MOVE you. You probably won't understand it until you do it. I'm not gonna tell you how, because God will show you how. Everyone has a different way to get there. My very good friend always says: "The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. You have to invite Him in." He wants to know you want Him. You will than have the guidance in your life from God Almighty that knows EVERYTHING you need to know.

I'll end this post by urging you to think about ten ways you would finish this sentence. (This is an exercise out of The Daniel Plan.): "It's just like me to...." Some of them may have some truth & some of them may be unGodly beliefs you have about yourself. Either way...once you identify them...Pray that God helps you work those out. Invite him in & THANK HIM in advance,

Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus! The fun ride starts when you open that Bible! God bless!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 2

So yesterday morning my little boy woke up - throwing up at 5:30ish. He was totally fine & playful the night before, so I wasn't expecting it. The doctor thought that he probably threw up because of drainage & high fever, which upset his stomach. He didn't throw up anymore & got to be himself in the afternoon, but was a very clingy little guy most of the day...like he is today.

I did my best to stay on the challenge plan... In fact I was SO proud of myself for how well I did on Day 1. Then yesterday....I did my shake and my cleanse & had a good breakfast....Then, the first snack after breakfast....

Well...let me SHARE something with all those people that don't have kiddos. They don't finish their food a lot....& mine have little snacks...little bite-size snacks. Well...my son thinks it's funny to feed us & he's SO stinkin' cute! Who wouldn't want to see him smile....

So...I TOTALLY didn't think about ANYTHING...as I consumed the two mini-chocolate chip cookies. In fact...I didn't even think about it until AFTER I already ate them.... Then about an hour later (on the phone again & about snack time) I grabbed the little Goldfish graham crackers that Heath was carrying around and started snacking....but that time I caught myself on the second one. Needless to say....I moped around the house...pretty bummed out at myself for about 30 minutes, mainly because I could not wrap my head around how I TOTALLY didn't make a conscious decision....there were no thoughts as I consumed them. I then started thinking about how much I probably NORMALLY consume and don't even REMEMBER. What a habit! I mean...I really feel like the only way I can STOP myself is by LIMITING what is actually in the house.

So then...I ate one less meatball for lunch & smaller vegetable portions & didn't have my last snack of the day.

That leads into something I read in The Daniel Plan...Chapter 2. In this chapter it discussed how our thoughts can sabotage us. "Negative thoughts, positive thoughts, or lack of thought can consume you." I've had both negative and positive thoughts consume me, but...lack of thought??? I mean...obviously it happened to me on Day 2, but HOW are we consumed by lack of thought? Because we are thinking of other things? Because it became a habit? But how? That's another one of those "in the middles" of how I go from Point A (Not consciously thinking... I guess) To Point B (consuming junk even though I THOUGHT I was making a CONSCIOUS effort not to.) I am VERY aware that I don't know how to fix that - EXCEPT for not having it around. I can also tell you...with two cute little munchkins that like those chocolate chip cookies too - It's gonna take MORE than will power.

So although I was shortly bummed out, I didn't beat myself up too bad & felt even MORE encouraged when I read this in The Daniel Plan: "The Daniel Plan encourages you to turn bad days into good information and to study your failures." I did that.

I want to share a little bit about Daniel. Daniel was one of the children that was taken captive when the King of Babylon and his army took over Jerusalem. The king put certain men over the different houses that held the captive children. Daniel was in a house with three other boys: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The King ordered that all the children eat from the food of the King's table (including his wine), but Daniel felt moved in his heart not to & asked the master of the house (who really liked Daniel), if he could not eat it. The master of the house told him he was concerned because they needed to be nourished & the King may become angry if they look frailer than the children in other houses. Daniel and the house master agreed that for 10 days (same number of days as my cleanse) the 4 boys in his house would eat peas & beans and drink water. If at the end of the ten days they looked frailer they would eat of the King's table. After the ten days...those 4 boys looked healthier than the rest. In the book of Daniel it tells us that God blessed the boys with wisdom and learning. When all the children were brought before the King, not only were they stronger, but the King found them to be wiser and have a better understanding of things than all the magicians and astrologers in his kingdom. Coincidence? Hardly. The King decided to let them live with him because of all they had to offer.

This is an illustration from The Golden Children's Bible - 1993 Edition.
This was the illustrator's depiction of what the boys may have looked like: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

It MATTERS...what we put in our body. That said, this whole change is gonna be TOUGH for me...REALLY. Especially when I think about my eating habits for...pretty much...my entire life. That is why I NEED The Holy Spirit to nudge me & pull me in the right direction, like He did for Daniel. If you aren't familiar with Daniel, you should read up on him. That group of 4 were some kids of FAITH!! I mean they pretty much stood firm against a nation when they were asked to worship idols. By the way I learned about Daniel & many others in The Golden Children's Bible (1993).

I was also a little bummed out yesterday because I had planned to go grocery shopping for more healthy stuff, but didn't want to get Little Man out in the nasty weather. I thought I was stocked up, but the kids like the good stuff too, so I didn't have many options & it didn't look like he was going to be feeling any better today (which he didn't). Let's just say I'm glad I could add my parents to my support group. I mean Mom picked up things I didn't even think of. It is REALLY important to have supportive people around you.

All of how Day 2 went, proved to show me, that I can STILL eat healthy when things happen a little differently than I planned....which happens a lot around our house. I was able to be there for my son, get my daughter to & from school, with the help of my support system & make adjustments to Day 2's meal plan to still have it end as a pretty accomplished day.  Now I know that my eating habits are engrained in my brain & I have some habits that need to be broken and replaced with good ones.

God bless ya'll! I'm already a day off track, so be ready for catch-up posts! Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus & let's get healthy together!!