I woke up this morning, even after only a so-so night of sleep, feeling awake and ready for the day. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful that felt! The last fews days I have really been seeing a difference in my energy level. I have been napping less and have been finding it much easier to get things done around the house. Before 9am this morning I had (not necessarily in this order) fed and clothed the boys, vacuumed the whole house, got myself ready for the day, did some dishes, made all beds, and I even washed out all the dog bowls. Crazy! Energy equals productivity for me which I am thankful for. It can be very frustrating to just sit around feeling tired and lazy when you KNOW you have so very much to do.
I give credit to both the detox program and my new thyroid medication/dosage for this energy. I will have my thyroid levels tested again (by blood test) in a few weeks and then we'll know if I have energy because the medicine actually has my hormone levels at the right place or if I am running slightly hyper-thyroid again.
Well, on with my day! :-)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Days 7-9
I began the official detox days of the program on Friday. I am doing well sticking to the restricted diet for this phase (rice, fruits, veggies, oils, spices as well as 6 scoops of protein powder a day), though I have had a couple moments of temptation. The hardest part, truly, is cooking foods for the kids during the day and not being able to share... For instance, I made the boys grilled cheese and tomato soup (one of my favorite things in the world!) and wasn't able to taste any of it. The smell was pretty tempting, but once I served the boys and got away from the food I was fine. I even managed to survive attending Bunco on Friday night... I brought a baggy of carrots to munch on and drank bottled water. There are always some goodies at Bunco, but the carrots kept me distracted when I felt the need to reach for something to eat.
We went to Sizzler for dinner last night... probably the most boring meal I have eaten at a restaurant. I had a salad with lettuce, red and green peppers, black olives and vinegar and oil. Then I had some green beans and broccoli. Woo-hoo. Oh well, I made it through, and the boys (hubby include) were all able to get what they wanted for the evening.
I will say this... I have discovered, already, that I am very thankful for the avocado and the sweet potato. Those two things alone will make getting threw these next few days possible. I made guacamole (avocado, lemon/lime juice, s&p, red chili flakes, chopped green onions, and cilantro) yesterday, and dipped carrot sticks and rice cakes in it. A wonderful snack and I was very full by the end.
So the count down to Thursday begins, which will be day 13 and the end of my "detox" days. After that I will begin reintroducing food day by day, and of course, continue on with the protein powder. I have lost 3 pounds, thus far, which is pretty exciting. This is not meant to be a weight loss plan, but I'll take what I can get!
We went to Sizzler for dinner last night... probably the most boring meal I have eaten at a restaurant. I had a salad with lettuce, red and green peppers, black olives and vinegar and oil. Then I had some green beans and broccoli. Woo-hoo. Oh well, I made it through, and the boys (hubby include) were all able to get what they wanted for the evening.
I will say this... I have discovered, already, that I am very thankful for the avocado and the sweet potato. Those two things alone will make getting threw these next few days possible. I made guacamole (avocado, lemon/lime juice, s&p, red chili flakes, chopped green onions, and cilantro) yesterday, and dipped carrot sticks and rice cakes in it. A wonderful snack and I was very full by the end.
So the count down to Thursday begins, which will be day 13 and the end of my "detox" days. After that I will begin reintroducing food day by day, and of course, continue on with the protein powder. I have lost 3 pounds, thus far, which is pretty exciting. This is not meant to be a weight loss plan, but I'll take what I can get!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Oh so silly...
Here are some pics of Caden wearing a hat that his daddy brought home from one of his business trips to Finland (...well, he kept taking it off when I tried to take a picture, but you get the idea). He's so silly.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Days 4-6
Today, day 6, wraps up the first phase of my detox program. Tomorrow is when the actual "detox" begins. My diet will be further restricted to fruits, veggies, rice, healthy oils (olive oil, flaxseed oil, etc.), and of course my not-so-favorite, the rice protein smoothies. I have actually developed a pretty good system for making a decent smoothie, and while I still do not enjoy the taste, I am able to get them down without gagging or even feeling too disgusted... good thing since I will be uping my intake of smoothies to 3 a day (each with two full scoops of powder).
I actually started to feel somewhat better today, at least on the energy front. I was up earlier than normal to register Micah for pre-school (I am excited to have this done!), went to the store, and then even came home with enough energy to tackle some chores, laundry, and cooking dinner. Maybe that doesn't seem like much to most people, but lately I have hardly had the energy to walk from one room to the next -- so this was a great improvement and I am hoping it lasts.
I actually started to feel somewhat better today, at least on the energy front. I was up earlier than normal to register Micah for pre-school (I am excited to have this done!), went to the store, and then even came home with enough energy to tackle some chores, laundry, and cooking dinner. Maybe that doesn't seem like much to most people, but lately I have hardly had the energy to walk from one room to the next -- so this was a great improvement and I am hoping it lasts.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Day 3
Things seem a bit more trying today. I am still very happy with the food I am eating, but I am starting to feel a nagging tug from the eliminated sugar saying "eat me!". I am going to try to make a healthy version of rice krispy treats to serve that craving - the recipe is from my detox booklet.
In case you are interested...
Crispy Rice Treats
1 tsp. cold-pressed sesame oil
1/2 c. brown rice syrup
2 Tbsp. sesame tahini (or other nut butter such as almond)
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
6 c. puffed rice, puffed millet, crispy brown rice cereal (or combo)*
1/2 c. sunflower or pumpkin seeds
1/2 c. currants, chopped dried apples, or dates
In a large pot, heat oil, rice syrup, and tahini; stir until bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well with wooden spoon. Spoon mixture into a 13x9 inch pan and press flat. Allow to sit at room temperature until set. Cut into squares and store in air-tight container.
*The crispy brown cereal I use is by Erewhon, is gluten free, and is made without sugar or any other unnatural additives. It tastes just like Rice Krispies.
In case you are interested...
Crispy Rice Treats
1 tsp. cold-pressed sesame oil
1/2 c. brown rice syrup
2 Tbsp. sesame tahini (or other nut butter such as almond)
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
6 c. puffed rice, puffed millet, crispy brown rice cereal (or combo)*
1/2 c. sunflower or pumpkin seeds
1/2 c. currants, chopped dried apples, or dates
In a large pot, heat oil, rice syrup, and tahini; stir until bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well with wooden spoon. Spoon mixture into a 13x9 inch pan and press flat. Allow to sit at room temperature until set. Cut into squares and store in air-tight container.
*The crispy brown cereal I use is by Erewhon, is gluten free, and is made without sugar or any other unnatural additives. It tastes just like Rice Krispies.
The other "trying" issue today is, once again, the rice protein. I really do not like the taste and it is going to take some serious discipline to get myself to drink it so often. I did use it in a berry smoothie this morning (rice protein, rice milk, mixed frozen berries), which was not bad, but still not great. The berries actually covered a lot of the icky flavor quite well... the only real issue with the smoothie is that I am not a fruit lover AT ALL, so it will be hard for me to eat so many fruit smoothies a day as things progress.
For those interested in recipes and more on the detox program I am following, here is a link to the Ultraclear Plus Patient Guide. http://millnut.com/assets/images/docs/Metagenics_Patient_Detox_Guide.pdf
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Detox days 1 & 2
So far things have been going pretty well. Food wise I haven't had any issues, in fact, I have actually been eating myself silly. Most of the things on the "to include" list are some of my favorites (like veggies, fish, beans, rice, etc.), so in some ways I feel like I am indulging.
Day 1 meals were...
B'fast - hot rice cereal lightly salted (I use sea salt or kosher salt.)
Lunch - black bean salad (made with red peppers, red onions, cumin, olive oil, and lemon juice) and raw carrots
Snack - Millet/Flax toast with almond butter
Dinner - Fresh bass caught by my bro-in-law, boiled cabbage and red potatoes
Day 2 meals were...
B'fast - cold brown rice cereal (essentially a healthy version of Rice Krispies) with rice milk
Lunch - Baked halibut and butternut squash
Dinner - Millet/Flax toast with olive oil, brown rice pasta with bolgonese (made with ground buffalo meat instead of beef) and raw carrots
I have consumed at least a half gallon of water each day, as well as some hot herbal tea. We drove to see Jake's family in Payson yesterday and definately had to take some serious potty breaks for me during the drive thanks to all of the water!
The only truly hard part thus far is that the rice protein powder I am supposed to have a couple time each day is less than appetizing. It is actually really gross tasting. I discovered after some playing around yesterday that it does taste a lot better mixed in rice or nut milk than it does mixed in water. I am going to try making a really good berry smoothie with it tonight to hide the flavors. Wish me luck with this because the amount I intake each day increases as the 28 days move on.
On a "how do I feel" front, let's just say I am very tired. BUT, I am sure this has nothing to do with the food changes thus far. I haven't slept great the last few days and am currently trying to adjust to a new thyroid medication (called Nature-Throid). Here's hoping energy from the detox process kicks in soon to counter-balance all of the other factors going on 'cause I'm pooped!
Day 1 meals were...
B'fast - hot rice cereal lightly salted (I use sea salt or kosher salt.)
Lunch - black bean salad (made with red peppers, red onions, cumin, olive oil, and lemon juice) and raw carrots
Snack - Millet/Flax toast with almond butter
Dinner - Fresh bass caught by my bro-in-law, boiled cabbage and red potatoes
Day 2 meals were...
B'fast - cold brown rice cereal (essentially a healthy version of Rice Krispies) with rice milk
Lunch - Baked halibut and butternut squash
Dinner - Millet/Flax toast with olive oil, brown rice pasta with bolgonese (made with ground buffalo meat instead of beef) and raw carrots
I have consumed at least a half gallon of water each day, as well as some hot herbal tea. We drove to see Jake's family in Payson yesterday and definately had to take some serious potty breaks for me during the drive thanks to all of the water!
The only truly hard part thus far is that the rice protein powder I am supposed to have a couple time each day is less than appetizing. It is actually really gross tasting. I discovered after some playing around yesterday that it does taste a lot better mixed in rice or nut milk than it does mixed in water. I am going to try making a really good berry smoothie with it tonight to hide the flavors. Wish me luck with this because the amount I intake each day increases as the 28 days move on.
On a "how do I feel" front, let's just say I am very tired. BUT, I am sure this has nothing to do with the food changes thus far. I haven't slept great the last few days and am currently trying to adjust to a new thyroid medication (called Nature-Throid). Here's hoping energy from the detox process kicks in soon to counter-balance all of the other factors going on 'cause I'm pooped!
Friday, March 20, 2009
My 28 Days
Tomorrow is the beginning of a 28 day detox program (Ultraclear, for those who know anything about detox programs) for me. My naturopath has asked me to do this in order to help me feel better as we try to combat some rather difficult and frustrating issues related to treating my hypo-thyroidism (more specifically, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis). I am actually kind of excited about the whole detox thing and have decided to blog about the experience both as a journal and for those who may be interested in following along.
Days 1-6 involve a rather significant dietary change, though I will be eating very filling and healthful meals each day. These days shouldn't be too challenging as I already eat very little wheat, corn, and dairy. Here is a chart the outlines the diet (what to include and exclude)...
Days 1-6 involve a rather significant dietary change, though I will be eating very filling and healthful meals each day. These days shouldn't be too challenging as I already eat very little wheat, corn, and dairy. Here is a chart the outlines the diet (what to include and exclude)...
Hope that is readable! If not, the things that are excluded are primarily based on what are known as the "top ten allergens"... wheat (any gluten containing grains), corn, dairy, soy, sugar, caffeine, eggs, peanuts, etc.
Days 7-13 are the strict detoxifications days. I will still be eating a lot, but it will basically be limited to fruit, vegetables, rice (as my only starch source), healthy fats (like olive oil or flaxseed oil), spices and herbs.
Days 14-28 will be days where I slowly begin to reintroduce things to be diet. This is actually a great chance to re-test myself for some food allergens by paying attention to how my body responds as I reinitiate each thing (for instance, do I get an upset tummy, headache, or any other sympton after reintroducing gluten/wheat?).
In addition to the dietary changes I will also be eating varying amounts of the Ultraclear rice protein (vanilla) every day. This is not only loaded with protein, but also a large number of vitamins and minerals to make sure my body is not lacking for anything during this time. I will be able to mix the powder with water, rice or nut milk, or even use it to make some fruit smoothies. The program also requires that I drink at least 2 quarts of water a day. Something I wish I were doing already, but admittedly, will be a challenging task to undertake I think.
And so the journey begins.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT -- FOR SALE
If you or anyone you know is looking for a used suv/truck in great condition, please take a look!
2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT
LOOKS GREAT – RUNS GREAT
FOR SALE
$10,995.00
CALL 928-774-7199 or 928-607-9707
• Leather interior
• Lined truck bed
• Hard-top truck bed cover
• 4 door with plenty of room in the backseat
• Power seats and other power features
• Power rear-sliding window
• 6 Disc CD Player
• Driver’s door security code
• Air/Heat & Radio controls in front and back seats
• Moon roof
2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT
LOOKS GREAT – RUNS GREAT
FOR SALE
$10,995.00
CALL 928-774-7199 or 928-607-9707
• Leather interior
• Lined truck bed
• Hard-top truck bed cover
• 4 door with plenty of room in the backseat
• Power seats and other power features
• Power rear-sliding window
• 6 Disc CD Player
• Driver’s door security code
• Air/Heat & Radio controls in front and back seats
• Moon roof
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Oh no we didn't!... Oh, wait, yes we DID!
Jake and I have spent much of the last four years trying to decide when would be the right time to buy a quality family style vehicle. A big part of the when discussion also included what kind of vehicle that would be... a van, a crossover, a SUV??? Well, after finding a rather fabulous deal on a power package loaded new 2008 model that the dealer was trying to clear out so he could bring in the 2009s for sale, Jake and I purchased a............................ Nissan Quest VAN!!! Shocker, I know. On the one hand it is totally beautiful and drives so smoothly. But, on the other hand, oh my gosh, it is a van. Did we just buy a van? Really? In any case, it makes me feel very motherly which I am guessing is good since I am one! :-)
So, here are a few pictures of our third child taken from her new home in our garage. I might replace these with some better pics when I have the chance. Get used to her because she is going to be a part of our family for many years to come!
So, here are a few pictures of our third child taken from her new home in our garage. I might replace these with some better pics when I have the chance. Get used to her because she is going to be a part of our family for many years to come!
Monday, March 9, 2009
According to Micah
I posted this survey a few days ago on Facebook, as it is going around, but thought some would enjoy it on the blog. All of the questions are about Mommy, but answered by Micah -- who is 3. Pretty funny.
1. What is something mom always says to you?
Questions.
2. What makes mom happy?
Smiling.
3. What makes mom sad?
Cry.
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
A laugh goes hahaha, you make me laugh.
5. What was your mom like as a child?
A baby.
6. How old is your mom?
2-7 (He is correct on this one!)
7. How tall is your mom?
Big and strong!
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Clean up the toys! (Hardly. But it does happen often.)
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Leave.
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
hmmmm...
11. What is your mom really good at?
Ummm, guitar! (Not at all, but Daddy is.)
12. What is your mom not very good at?
Mean. Oooh, reaching the toys that are up high. (Hmmm. Not sure what I think of this answer).
13. What does your mom do for her job?
Kohls.
14. What is your mom's favorite food?BBQ (We had barbeque chicken for dinner last night.)
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
The color pink. (umm, okay, sure)
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
A mermaid in the water. (HAHA!)
17. What do you and your mom do together?
Hug!
18. How are you and your mom the same?
Licking our tongues. That's silly. (Again, HAHA! Where is this boy's brain?)
19. How are you and your mom different?
We have different computers.
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
A kiss!
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Kohls, Target, the car machine (the carwash in normal speak), Fry's and Bashas.
**I asked a couple more questions of my own for fun, here are my favorites...
What is Mommy's favorite restaurant? -- The grocery store.
What is Mommy's favorite drink? -- Orange juice. (He is actually pretty close to right on this one.)
What is Mommy's favorite book? -- I don't know. Numbers!
What is Mommy's favorite tv show? -- Dora!
1. What is something mom always says to you?
Questions.
2. What makes mom happy?
Smiling.
3. What makes mom sad?
Cry.
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
A laugh goes hahaha, you make me laugh.
5. What was your mom like as a child?
A baby.
6. How old is your mom?
2-7 (He is correct on this one!)
7. How tall is your mom?
Big and strong!
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Clean up the toys! (Hardly. But it does happen often.)
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Leave.
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
hmmmm...
11. What is your mom really good at?
Ummm, guitar! (Not at all, but Daddy is.)
12. What is your mom not very good at?
Mean. Oooh, reaching the toys that are up high. (Hmmm. Not sure what I think of this answer).
13. What does your mom do for her job?
Kohls.
14. What is your mom's favorite food?BBQ (We had barbeque chicken for dinner last night.)
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
The color pink. (umm, okay, sure)
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
A mermaid in the water. (HAHA!)
17. What do you and your mom do together?
Hug!
18. How are you and your mom the same?
Licking our tongues. That's silly. (Again, HAHA! Where is this boy's brain?)
19. How are you and your mom different?
We have different computers.
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
A kiss!
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Kohls, Target, the car machine (the carwash in normal speak), Fry's and Bashas.
**I asked a couple more questions of my own for fun, here are my favorites...
What is Mommy's favorite restaurant? -- The grocery store.
What is Mommy's favorite drink? -- Orange juice. (He is actually pretty close to right on this one.)
What is Mommy's favorite book? -- I don't know. Numbers!
What is Mommy's favorite tv show? -- Dora!
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