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 9

Something The Daniel Plan Journal said today was: "our brains aren't computers; they can't run different programs simultaneously." I'm pretty sure I operate thinking they can. I'm serious. You can probably ask almost anyone that talks to me even, semi-regularly....I TOGGLE back & forth and too & fro from "one program" to the next. Then I wonder why I lose my train of thought.... I mean... Here's a screenshot of me... RIGHT NOW. I've got LOTS of programs running.

That is 13 programs & 2 images. I'm OBVIOUSLY not working on ALL of them right now...

This journal entry tells us how important it is for us to learn to FOCUS & be MINDFUL of what we are putting into our body....& I have learned....that NEEDS to carry over in ALL aspects of your life for you to get any real PURPOSEFUL success out of them. I bet it EXHAUSTS some of you...just looking at this picture. 

Surprisingly (all those programs open or not) I have learned to hone focus in some areas of my life. I have to REMIND myself quite regularly, but....BIG strides from where I used to be, Now...I just have to work on my FOCUS on what I put in my body...

Today I had a lunch meeting....at a MEXICAN Restaurant of all places & I TOTALLY stuck it! I ordered chicken fajitas for one, told them to keep the tortillas & ate grilled chicken strips and onions and peppers...right off the skillet. It was pretty stinkin' good honestly. It probably helped that I finished my meal replacement shake (that was supposed to be for breakfast) like... 30 minutes before I got there. It's tough for me to get those down. In fact...I felt like I consumed SO MUCH stuff before 2:00 that I didn't have room for much more....and I skipped a snack (between breakfast and lunch). I am looking forward to life after this cleanse...just to see how I'll actually be when I don't have a guideline of what to do. 

My prayer for everyone (including myself) tonight is: Dear Heavenly Father, Allow The Holy Spirit to guide us to a more focused, mindful, and purposeful life. We are here to do the work of Christ Jesus, using the gifts and talents you've given us. Help us to FOCUS as much of our energy on that....in all areas of our lives. We can not do it without your DIVINE guidance. Thank you. I ask this in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

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 7

Today was a different kind of day. I had to go to Austin for a training. I had originally planned to meet some people for lunch, but I was running a little behind and wasn't positive where I was going. So...I had lunch in my car. LUCKILY I planned ahead in case that happened, so I didn't have to either:

A) Hunt for a place I could find something healthy & probably be late OR

B) Not eat & then me SO hungry I could barely stand it.

Now...I was movin' when I walked out the door & had to b\pack enough for a couple snacks too, so it was not the most delicious lunch: Planters NUTrition Heary Healthy Mix, jalapeno cheese stick, and some sun-dried tomatoes. Sometimes...you gotta work with what you got. I brought a banana along for snack. The fam was getting ready to eat supper when I called, so I thought...CRAP. I'm HUNGRY & what am I going to find. So I thought......Taco Bell! They have a Fresca Menu.....negative. No wheat tortillas & I totally could not even see the Fresa menu on the drive-thru (at least the one I was at), so I found the nearest Subway & got me a small sandwich. So I did it. Ate healthy, on the go. PREPARATION is the key to making this whole thing easier....just gotta get there.

Today The Daniel Plan Journal urges us to throw out anything in our fridge or pantry that has ingredients that we do not recognize as food. (I wish I knew how to insert a smiley face here with those HUGE eyes). We got a lotta stuff that oughta go. We've got some Little Debbie, some SPAM, some Manwich, some Ramen.... I'm tellin' ya... It ain't lookin' good in there, BUT we didn't buy any of that the last two times we went grocery shopping & after reading a few articles, some of that food is going straight into the trash. Seriously... The Food Chapter is long in The Daniel Plan, but totally worth reading - just so you can see how much certain foods can help you & how others work against you.

Since I have one sick little one & my allergies were bothering me the other day, I've been trying to drink all the recommendations for Spark & add the Rehydrate, that are part of the Advocare plan...mainly to get more vitamins in my body that can fight away the flu. Well...I have to tell you... Since I've been eating better food & drinking drinks with vitamins in them and not sugars my clarity was for real. I'll sit through training classes & about 30 minutes in: feel tired, have trouble focusing, not really listen & I was literally ALL-IN. The last time I remember being that vocal in a class was Mr. Chilton's English class at Blinn. I was asking WAY more questions than I normally do. I mean.....I learned a lot today & I know it was because of how engaged I was. Also....even though that lunch I had wasn't the most mouth-watering meal I've ever eaten...I was satisfied. So satisfied that I didn't really feel like I needed that banana, but they brought the cookies out & I just did my best to not even look at'm and ate it, so I wouldn't think about it. I really like those sweets. Now the BIG question for me is if I can REALLY continue this journey PAST the 40 days? I have HOPE that I can & enough FAITH to get me there...and the SUPPORT.

One question it asks us in the journal is: "How do you need to change your thinking so that your health is more important than your convenience?" My answer: Look at my body & my family members' bodies as long-term investments...& the most important ones at that.

I think everyone's answers will be different based on the way they think & visualize things. I get real caught up in the business tasks that I know need to get done, & learning the things that I want to know, so I can help my clients....BUT I'm learning fast...that I'm not helping anyone to my full potential, if I don't MAKE AN EFFORT to keep this vessel moving & keep it moving for as long as my body & The Good Lord will allow. The more you learn about how so many chronic conditions can be CURED by a better diet...the more you realize that the POWER is still in our hands. If we can't change our habits overnight, what makes us think doctors can change hundreds of people's habits, by putting a band-aid on it. They can treat us & they can even do miraculous things, but there are some things they wouldn't have to fix, if we didn't take ourselves there.

BUCK UP BABY & Ride With Jesus! He'll go with you as you open that pantry door & chunk it!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 6

Well...today I succeeded staying on the plan, without a hiccup really. I had to do more planning the night before & as I packed my lunch, Kylee packed hers. As a parent...it is pretty cool to see your kids adapting. I know one of the things that always hindered me from really trying was thinking about how it could be a battle with the kiddos over some things, but it hasn't really been at all. Now...it was a little bit of a bummer that everyone had an ice cream cone after dinner, besides me....but that's just for a little while.

It will be extremely hard for me to TOTALLY cut EVERYTHING out, that I ate before, but I can make it through the challenge.

The journal entry in The Daniel Plan Journal...urges us to take things one day at a time. It is obviously focusing on our journey to better health, but I am applying to ALL areas of my life.

My son has the flu, so my husband and I are doing some juggling, so we hold as many of the commitments we already made - yet have one of us here to love on him & take care of him. I'm tellin' you...moment by moment life changes & plans change....

That's how I'm gonna take this journey....day by day. One thing the journal asks is "Why do you think God wants you to take it one day at a time?" My answer: Because he doesn't want us to get overwhelmed and discouraged. It then asks us to make a list of all of our concerns pertaining to our journey to better health. Then it asks us to trim that list down to what needs to be done TODAY. I had a list of 4 & only 1 was something I could do today. Really try and zone in your focus.

My prayer for myself & all of you today is that we invite God into our lives...every avenue of our lives...to transform us into the people that he wants us to become...to carry out our God-given purpose. Help us to focus DAY to DAY & show us how it will all fall into it's pre-destined place. Cover us with your love, allow us to find strength in Christ Jesus, & unleash the power & mystery of The Holy Spirit into our lives, so we STRENGTHEN, NOURISH, & CLEAN out our lives... In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I introduced my kids to a pomegranate tonight. It has been 13 + years, since I've had one & Kyle never has. We ate half. Kylee tried it, then tried a second bite, but didn't come back for a third ;).

Also... the REHYDRATE made me feel pretty good today. Putting all those extra vitamins and electrolytes in my body will hopefully help fight against catching the flu.

Buck Up Baby & introduce some new grub to the fam!! 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.