So I begin this 3rd Friday--day 22 of my fast--by weighing in...to my shock (and horror) I have only lost 2 lbs!! I kinda saw this coming because I had weighed myself earlier in the week and hadn't budged much since the last Friday's weigh in. So I started to do some research on what to do when you hit a plateau during a juice fast...a lot has to do with drinking enough water, I have to admit I probably slack in this department more then I realize because I get so caught up in my daily activities.
Another thing I am watching is my intake of veggies versus fruits. I would say I have been leaning more towards the fruits because they are tastier and easier to juice quickly for something tasty without having to juice a bunch of other stuff. So I have decided to do a mini fast within a fast...yesterday and today and possibly tomorrow I am drinking a ton of cucumber celery water. Then once that is done I am going to wind up the last 8-10 days on a juice recipe I found that has "fat busting" cabbage in it.
I am not delusional. I realize that the belly fat I put on with two back to back pregnancies is not just going to disappear over a 30 some odd day juice fast. but I am going to try to do the most with the time I have left to to try to jump start the fat loss. That being said I am taking up walking with the boys and hopefully will get a run or two in without them through out the week. The goal is to eventually get back to running. I felt super great when I was running. And I know The Lord wants me back into a habit of healthy exercise because he is preparing me to keep up with 2 very active little boys--the baby will be walking in no time and the 2 year old is the busiest EVER!
OK bonus time--I haven't lost weight this week, BUT I totally lost inches...unfortunately I didn't take measurements at the beginning since I am more of a weight focused person...but I can say proudly 3 weeks ago when I started this juice fast I was wearing a size 12 comfortably and a size 10 snugly. This week I was wearing a size 8 somewhat loose at the beginning, and yesterday I wore a size 6 that fits fine with only a bit of muffin top baking around the waistline--which I know isn't going to disappear without some serious trimming--crunches and cardio here I come! The best part is I fit into my size 4 Abercrombie jeans, comfortably!! Albeit they are boy friend cut and button fly, but nothing makes you feel so good as fitting into something that says size 4 on the tag!
Friday, December 20, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
I totally ate a cheese ball
Ok so I have been an absentee blogger, much apologies...
Time just totally gets away from me...what have I been up to during these past few juicey days? more like what haven't I been doing?!
First we will get to the good stuff, instead of making you read through this tantalizing post...On day One I weighed 150.5 pounds. On the morning of day 15 I weighed in at 137.1...nearly 14 lbs gone in 14 days! I am super thrilled but was really hoping for 136# by day 15. oh well beggers can't be choosers!
The juicing has been getting easier. I find a, hour about every other day or so and I juice my juiceables...then I basically drink that one concoction until its gone. On about day 12 I found myself either with no time to juice or just not hungry so all I did was water that day. I am still having a tough time even keeping up with the water drinking I should be doing. I get into a project and then I suddenly realize its been an hour or two since my last drink! I made a jalepeno, garlic tomato soup today...it is yummy, but it only fools me into thinking I am eating for about a minute. Right now our home smells of homemade cilantro marinade, and fajitas on the fire. Soon it will smell of fresh homemade salsa... I could quite fasting just for chips and salsa!! Needless to say, cravings have NOT subsided...
Anyway...This week my major projects revolved around the Christmas Market my daughters school hosts. We get school and church families to donate handmade items and then during the week next week the kids come and shop for their family. I made 12 jars of BBQ Rub, 12 jars of Christmas Tea, and 8 play mats with little wooden cars I made from vinyl, felt and wood scraps from my favorite place--Hobby Lobby. I also managed to get in some sparkly cheer bows for ebay, and custom hangers that my daughter will give to her coaches, secret pals and cheer big sis tonight at their annual cheer holiday slumber party (totally feelin' for the coaches tonight--that's a crazy undertaking if you ask me--35 girls ages 5-13. C.R.A.Z.Y.).
oK SO ABOUT THE CHEESEBALL...It was totally one of those mommy moments...I had just purchased a jumbo bucket of cheeseballs from Target (my other fave place) for my kiddos...I don't think my son has ever had them till now! anyway...I was multitasking as I was driving...trying to keep our van on the road and open a jumbo bucket of cheeseballs. I grabbed a handful to put in my sons cupholder and as I pulled my hand out of the bucket one dropped in my lap. I don't really remember picking it up and putting it in my mouth. I just remember the sudden burst of texture and flavor--it was too late to spit so I had to swallow (that's what she said)...I must admit I couldn't decide if I felt guilty or if I felt ok with it since it was an accident. I prayed over it...weirdest prayer ever ..."Dear God, I am sorry I ate that cheeseball..." not sure how many times He has heard that one before.
That Cheeseball ...yummm...It was delicious, but the joy was fleeting. Kinda like the joy I felt last night at my daughters School Christmas program. She is allowed to participate because I stand firmly that the program and its songs come from the bible...this year they did have a story about a Christmas tree, but at the root of it (ha, I pun) the story was really about Gods love and our place with Him in eternity. Hearing away in the Manger sung by tiny voices and seeing everyone in their beautiful dresses and festive garb, just really filled my heart with joy. I about burst listening to First grade recite Luke 2:8-20. That is the story of the birth of Jesus. They say it so sweetly--all by heart. PRECIOUS. Anyway, I hate being the Debbie Downer, but it made me sad too...I wish I could bring that joyous feeling into my home, share it with my kids, so that they too could know the Joy that comes from celebrating during this season...really hard not to cry hearing my daddy sing silent night sitting next to me. Breaks my heart that my kids will never hear their daddy do the same...
But ultimately I must refocus for He is my refuge and strength, the true source of joy. He came, He served, and He died for me...
Time just totally gets away from me...what have I been up to during these past few juicey days? more like what haven't I been doing?!
First we will get to the good stuff, instead of making you read through this tantalizing post...On day One I weighed 150.5 pounds. On the morning of day 15 I weighed in at 137.1...nearly 14 lbs gone in 14 days! I am super thrilled but was really hoping for 136# by day 15. oh well beggers can't be choosers!
The juicing has been getting easier. I find a, hour about every other day or so and I juice my juiceables...then I basically drink that one concoction until its gone. On about day 12 I found myself either with no time to juice or just not hungry so all I did was water that day. I am still having a tough time even keeping up with the water drinking I should be doing. I get into a project and then I suddenly realize its been an hour or two since my last drink! I made a jalepeno, garlic tomato soup today...it is yummy, but it only fools me into thinking I am eating for about a minute. Right now our home smells of homemade cilantro marinade, and fajitas on the fire. Soon it will smell of fresh homemade salsa... I could quite fasting just for chips and salsa!! Needless to say, cravings have NOT subsided...
Anyway...This week my major projects revolved around the Christmas Market my daughters school hosts. We get school and church families to donate handmade items and then during the week next week the kids come and shop for their family. I made 12 jars of BBQ Rub, 12 jars of Christmas Tea, and 8 play mats with little wooden cars I made from vinyl, felt and wood scraps from my favorite place--Hobby Lobby. I also managed to get in some sparkly cheer bows for ebay, and custom hangers that my daughter will give to her coaches, secret pals and cheer big sis tonight at their annual cheer holiday slumber party (totally feelin' for the coaches tonight--that's a crazy undertaking if you ask me--35 girls ages 5-13. C.R.A.Z.Y.).
oK SO ABOUT THE CHEESEBALL...It was totally one of those mommy moments...I had just purchased a jumbo bucket of cheeseballs from Target (my other fave place) for my kiddos...I don't think my son has ever had them till now! anyway...I was multitasking as I was driving...trying to keep our van on the road and open a jumbo bucket of cheeseballs. I grabbed a handful to put in my sons cupholder and as I pulled my hand out of the bucket one dropped in my lap. I don't really remember picking it up and putting it in my mouth. I just remember the sudden burst of texture and flavor--it was too late to spit so I had to swallow (that's what she said)...I must admit I couldn't decide if I felt guilty or if I felt ok with it since it was an accident. I prayed over it...weirdest prayer ever ..."Dear God, I am sorry I ate that cheeseball..." not sure how many times He has heard that one before.
That Cheeseball ...yummm...It was delicious, but the joy was fleeting. Kinda like the joy I felt last night at my daughters School Christmas program. She is allowed to participate because I stand firmly that the program and its songs come from the bible...this year they did have a story about a Christmas tree, but at the root of it (ha, I pun) the story was really about Gods love and our place with Him in eternity. Hearing away in the Manger sung by tiny voices and seeing everyone in their beautiful dresses and festive garb, just really filled my heart with joy. I about burst listening to First grade recite Luke 2:8-20. That is the story of the birth of Jesus. They say it so sweetly--all by heart. PRECIOUS. Anyway, I hate being the Debbie Downer, but it made me sad too...I wish I could bring that joyous feeling into my home, share it with my kids, so that they too could know the Joy that comes from celebrating during this season...really hard not to cry hearing my daddy sing silent night sitting next to me. Breaks my heart that my kids will never hear their daddy do the same...
But ultimately I must refocus for He is my refuge and strength, the true source of joy. He came, He served, and He died for me...
Friday, December 6, 2013
8 is great!
Day 8
I was in a uber super good mood today..totally couldn't wait to jump on that scale and see what weight had dropped off since last Friday. Stepped on that scale and TA-DA 142.4!! I started this fast a week ago at 150.5...so if you want to get technical, and really make me feel good, you will point out that in actuality I lost OVER 8 lbs! Yay God!
I dare say this is one of the most disciplined undertakings I have jumped into...I really have to make sure to drink that water now...because I am not feeling hungry much, I am not thinking to drink much water either. no bueno. I am going to set myself a few alarms on my phone...On days that I will be home all day, I am going to have an alarm go off every hour. At the alarm I will do 20 push ups, 20 sit ups, and 20 squats. I know that doesnt sound like much, but I am starting out slow, and really if I do it 5 times a day perse, that's 100 of each that I just won't make the time for all at once.
My cousin's mom mentioned on FB tonight that she was going to start running again...oooohhh gosh, I really miss running. I was running a minimum of 5 miles a day before I moved back here to Texas in 2009. I never felt so healthy and refreshed then I would after a run. It would literally consume my thoughts until I went out and ran. There were a few nights when I had to throw my sleeping daughter in the jogger and go late at night bc there was no way i was going to get to sleep if I didn't.
Teaching myself to run, is a lot like this experience with juicing. It was a battle of wills. Except then I was doing it more to ward off bad juju, and this time around I am inviting God in to work his juju ;-) For instance, saying no to yummy foods...that is purely mental--like not cramming down my gullet the home made chili my husband just cranked out, Seriously I am impressed by my self. BUT I really can't take the credit though. I 100% believe had I just decided on my own to do this, I would've failed on day one given all the delicious left overs that where in our fridge. I am 110% positive it is because I committed this fast to God, that it is thus far a success.
God's word says “Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back--given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity" (Luke 6:38 MSG). . this applies on sooo many fronts. I am giving my trust and health to the Lord and he is blessing me with energy, weight loss, strength, will power...etc. You see, I do a lot of giving of my time and talent bc there just isn't much dough to give...(yes, yes I know I really need to pray on following this mindset with tithing bc I am sure the blessing from financial giving would be great)...anyway, God calling me to this fast is in turn giving me the energy and the ability to keep up with it all...I say "keep up" VERY loosely...I am very forgetful of dates and times and things I am supposed to do, but once I get them lined up, I have the energy to do them. (ha!)
Today's juice was Green Lemonade. Spinach, Apples, Pears, and a lemon. Its tangy and delicious. and very green. I cannot believe i am saying this, but really I like adding spinach to my drinks, I can't taste it at all and its much more filling. One down side to spinach is that it takes a hole heck of a lot to make not so much juice. I juiced an entire bundle from the store and only got maybe 1.5-2 cups...I don't know i by juicing standards if that is good, average, poor...I also do not have a top of the line juicer, I imagine mine wastes a bit more product than some of those expensive ones. I am just thankful we didn't have to incur the additional expense of buying a juicer--yay for my beautiful crazy healthy/fit sis in law who is loaning me her Juiceman Jr!!
Ok well good night all...I am going to try to watch a movie with the hubby before he falls asleep in the recliner...:)
I was in a uber super good mood today..totally couldn't wait to jump on that scale and see what weight had dropped off since last Friday. Stepped on that scale and TA-DA 142.4!! I started this fast a week ago at 150.5...so if you want to get technical, and really make me feel good, you will point out that in actuality I lost OVER 8 lbs! Yay God!
I dare say this is one of the most disciplined undertakings I have jumped into...I really have to make sure to drink that water now...because I am not feeling hungry much, I am not thinking to drink much water either. no bueno. I am going to set myself a few alarms on my phone...On days that I will be home all day, I am going to have an alarm go off every hour. At the alarm I will do 20 push ups, 20 sit ups, and 20 squats. I know that doesnt sound like much, but I am starting out slow, and really if I do it 5 times a day perse, that's 100 of each that I just won't make the time for all at once.
My cousin's mom mentioned on FB tonight that she was going to start running again...oooohhh gosh, I really miss running. I was running a minimum of 5 miles a day before I moved back here to Texas in 2009. I never felt so healthy and refreshed then I would after a run. It would literally consume my thoughts until I went out and ran. There were a few nights when I had to throw my sleeping daughter in the jogger and go late at night bc there was no way i was going to get to sleep if I didn't.
Teaching myself to run, is a lot like this experience with juicing. It was a battle of wills. Except then I was doing it more to ward off bad juju, and this time around I am inviting God in to work his juju ;-) For instance, saying no to yummy foods...that is purely mental--like not cramming down my gullet the home made chili my husband just cranked out, Seriously I am impressed by my self. BUT I really can't take the credit though. I 100% believe had I just decided on my own to do this, I would've failed on day one given all the delicious left overs that where in our fridge. I am 110% positive it is because I committed this fast to God, that it is thus far a success.
God's word says “Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back--given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity" (Luke 6:38 MSG). . this applies on sooo many fronts. I am giving my trust and health to the Lord and he is blessing me with energy, weight loss, strength, will power...etc. You see, I do a lot of giving of my time and talent bc there just isn't much dough to give...(yes, yes I know I really need to pray on following this mindset with tithing bc I am sure the blessing from financial giving would be great)...anyway, God calling me to this fast is in turn giving me the energy and the ability to keep up with it all...I say "keep up" VERY loosely...I am very forgetful of dates and times and things I am supposed to do, but once I get them lined up, I have the energy to do them. (ha!)
Today's juice was Green Lemonade. Spinach, Apples, Pears, and a lemon. Its tangy and delicious. and very green. I cannot believe i am saying this, but really I like adding spinach to my drinks, I can't taste it at all and its much more filling. One down side to spinach is that it takes a hole heck of a lot to make not so much juice. I juiced an entire bundle from the store and only got maybe 1.5-2 cups...I don't know i by juicing standards if that is good, average, poor...I also do not have a top of the line juicer, I imagine mine wastes a bit more product than some of those expensive ones. I am just thankful we didn't have to incur the additional expense of buying a juicer--yay for my beautiful crazy healthy/fit sis in law who is loaning me her Juiceman Jr!!
Ok well good night all...I am going to try to watch a movie with the hubby before he falls asleep in the recliner...:)
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
As I sip my "ginger ale"...
Day 6...
I'm sipping on a new recipe I found--"Ginger Ale", I like it, but it's missing something...I am not a foodie so I have no idea what it is. I am betting that if my husband were here he could take one sip and tell me exactly what I need to add! This recipe included 3 apples, 1 cucumber, 3 celery, 1 lime and a "thumb" of ginger...I added a pear to cut the limey-ness...really should have only done 1/2 of a lime, I knew better, I put a whole lime in the watermelon cucumber Lime-ade the other day and made a mental note not to use a whole lime again. I guess it was only a temporary mental note! ha!
I really was a hot mess today so forgetting my lime note doesn't surprise me. I am easily distracted by projects in the morning, and just did not get myself out the door in a timely fashion for the teacher luncheon PTL hosts each month--I being PTL VP have to make the obligatory appearance...I shoul have stayed home! I looked all a wreck. My hair is flipping out all crazy because i slept on it wet (and I am like 3 months over due for a cut), I disregarded my make up, and had my 2-two and under-boys with me going crazy! Like I said, HOT MESS...
Quick "Squirrel!" moment: My kids's dinners look yummy...I knocked it out of the park with a classic lazy mom meal-- corn and green beans, chicken nuggets and butter noodles...I could literally snatch it right off their plates and gobble it all up right now. ok. that's all I have to say about that.
So it's end of day six! I cannot believe that buy the end of tomorrow it will have already been a week! Crazy fast...Praise God! Just praying the next 25 days go quick too! Did I mention nearly anything from Whataburger sounds delightful right about now? Really REALLY really hoping that the cravings start to subside, they are the only bad thing about this!
I'm sipping on a new recipe I found--"Ginger Ale", I like it, but it's missing something...I am not a foodie so I have no idea what it is. I am betting that if my husband were here he could take one sip and tell me exactly what I need to add! This recipe included 3 apples, 1 cucumber, 3 celery, 1 lime and a "thumb" of ginger...I added a pear to cut the limey-ness...really should have only done 1/2 of a lime, I knew better, I put a whole lime in the watermelon cucumber Lime-ade the other day and made a mental note not to use a whole lime again. I guess it was only a temporary mental note! ha!
I really was a hot mess today so forgetting my lime note doesn't surprise me. I am easily distracted by projects in the morning, and just did not get myself out the door in a timely fashion for the teacher luncheon PTL hosts each month--I being PTL VP have to make the obligatory appearance...I shoul have stayed home! I looked all a wreck. My hair is flipping out all crazy because i slept on it wet (and I am like 3 months over due for a cut), I disregarded my make up, and had my 2-two and under-boys with me going crazy! Like I said, HOT MESS...
Quick "Squirrel!" moment: My kids's dinners look yummy...I knocked it out of the park with a classic lazy mom meal-- corn and green beans, chicken nuggets and butter noodles...I could literally snatch it right off their plates and gobble it all up right now. ok. that's all I have to say about that.
So it's end of day six! I cannot believe that buy the end of tomorrow it will have already been a week! Crazy fast...Praise God! Just praying the next 25 days go quick too! Did I mention nearly anything from Whataburger sounds delightful right about now? Really REALLY really hoping that the cravings start to subside, they are the only bad thing about this!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
High FiVE ...More like low five...*sigh
So I mentioned before that my husbands family doesn't celebrate Christmas...This month is such a difficult time for me. Since I do not share their conviction, I just respect it, it is hard for me to wrap my heart around not doing the great things I love about Christmas. Nope, not just the trees or the lights or the santa stuff...its mostly the baby Jesus stuff I miss. Like lighting the advent candles and following the advent bible studies, or setting up the Nativity and waiting for the day you can place the little baby in the manger. My daughter and I used to bake a cake together for Jesus, I really miss that.
Yall are probably thinking--well she can do the advent bible study...yess I can, and I am, but it just isn't the same without sharing it with my family. I suppose we could put out the manager at another time of the year and then back a cake too...I don't know, just doesn't feel the same.
I am not going to lie, I totally miss the whimsy of the holiday season too. I miss anticipating the delight (or terror depending on her age) in my daughter's eyes when she met Santa each year. I miss white elephant parties, beautiful lights and sentimental ornaments that each time you hang you almost go back in time to when you hung that ornament as a kid.
At church on Sunday was the first Sunday of advent, with an emphasis on the sweet baby born to live a sinless life, and to die the death of a criminal, for me. TO SAVE ME. to wash away my sin with his precious blood. A tiny little baby. I imagine being Mary and being told who her son will be...I can hardly muster through the thought without crying. As a mother I cannot comprehend watching the torture and death off my child. The story of the birth of my personal savior is just so emotional for me, I really feel like it should be celebrated--truly the most important birthday I can fathom, and I cannot celebrate it--sounds insane!
The Husband and the in laws claim that many of the traditions surrounding Christmas are secular or pagan in origin, thus celebrating his birth at this time of year is falsely worshiping Him which he instructs us not to do...I believe the Lord knows my heart,(Evidenced in Psalm 44:21"Shall God not search this out? for he knows the secrets of the heart") He knows the sincerity of my actions in worship--I mean he is Omnipresent, Omnipotent GOD, he totally knows if I am worshiping Him or the Christmas tree. I have never danced around or worshiped an evergreen. but that's a pointless argument around here...
So Juicing today was also pointless and unfulfilling...I don't tend to eat much when I am bummed out anyway, so today I didn't juice much either. I must report I am also feeling the effects of not drinking enough water today ...my mouth is super dry and I have a consistent, but small, headache. I am trying to push the water down the hatch now before heading to bed to squelch the headache, but I think it will really just take a new day and new perspective to make me feel better....anyway, I drank a little of left over watermelon concoction this morning and a little left over apple carrot juice mid afternoon. I did try a new recipe tonight for dinner--called creamcicle. it was good--oranges, sweet potato, apples and pears. creamy and sweat. delicious.
I am sorry for the rant tonight...that's really just the tip of the ice burg, but I am glad I got to vent a little. I feel like the difficulties I face during this season are unnoticed or uncared about, so having venue to spout off a little is helpful. its difficult this month, just difficult. I know I need to really just bring this to God in prayer tonight, but its nice to write it out sometimes too. He is my all in all, my sustainer, I am sure he will give me more than enough to fill this void.
Tomorrow is day six and will be a better day, Praise the Lord.
Yall are probably thinking--well she can do the advent bible study...yess I can, and I am, but it just isn't the same without sharing it with my family. I suppose we could put out the manager at another time of the year and then back a cake too...I don't know, just doesn't feel the same.
I am not going to lie, I totally miss the whimsy of the holiday season too. I miss anticipating the delight (or terror depending on her age) in my daughter's eyes when she met Santa each year. I miss white elephant parties, beautiful lights and sentimental ornaments that each time you hang you almost go back in time to when you hung that ornament as a kid.
At church on Sunday was the first Sunday of advent, with an emphasis on the sweet baby born to live a sinless life, and to die the death of a criminal, for me. TO SAVE ME. to wash away my sin with his precious blood. A tiny little baby. I imagine being Mary and being told who her son will be...I can hardly muster through the thought without crying. As a mother I cannot comprehend watching the torture and death off my child. The story of the birth of my personal savior is just so emotional for me, I really feel like it should be celebrated--truly the most important birthday I can fathom, and I cannot celebrate it--sounds insane!
The Husband and the in laws claim that many of the traditions surrounding Christmas are secular or pagan in origin, thus celebrating his birth at this time of year is falsely worshiping Him which he instructs us not to do...I believe the Lord knows my heart,(Evidenced in Psalm 44:21"Shall God not search this out? for he knows the secrets of the heart") He knows the sincerity of my actions in worship--I mean he is Omnipresent, Omnipotent GOD, he totally knows if I am worshiping Him or the Christmas tree. I have never danced around or worshiped an evergreen. but that's a pointless argument around here...
So Juicing today was also pointless and unfulfilling...I don't tend to eat much when I am bummed out anyway, so today I didn't juice much either. I must report I am also feeling the effects of not drinking enough water today ...my mouth is super dry and I have a consistent, but small, headache. I am trying to push the water down the hatch now before heading to bed to squelch the headache, but I think it will really just take a new day and new perspective to make me feel better....anyway, I drank a little of left over watermelon concoction this morning and a little left over apple carrot juice mid afternoon. I did try a new recipe tonight for dinner--called creamcicle. it was good--oranges, sweet potato, apples and pears. creamy and sweat. delicious.
I am sorry for the rant tonight...that's really just the tip of the ice burg, but I am glad I got to vent a little. I feel like the difficulties I face during this season are unnoticed or uncared about, so having venue to spout off a little is helpful. its difficult this month, just difficult. I know I need to really just bring this to God in prayer tonight, but its nice to write it out sometimes too. He is my all in all, my sustainer, I am sure he will give me more than enough to fill this void.
Tomorrow is day six and will be a better day, Praise the Lord.
Monday, December 2, 2013
cravings...
End of Day 4...Nice.
You know how you never notice how many cars out there are the same make and model as yours?...until you buy it of course. Totally happened to me with my last car--the PT cruiser. Classic Meemaw wagon...except once I was driving one, I couldn't help notice that EVERYONE had a PT Cruiser--Meemaws, Gramps, teens, college kids, males and females...
Ok, really the PTC is besides the point. What I am getting at is I never noticed how bombarded we are with food here! I mean seriously, everywhere I turn I am smelling, seeing, touching or hearing FOOD (notice eating is not listed--that's because I still haven't had a solid since Turkey Day!). Food is on the offensive--TV, Radio, Billboards, storefronts, etc. and I feel like I am on the defensive trying to ward off these killer cravings!
It started with the mac n cheese I made my daughter...and then slowly crept up and up...I have a list nearly a mile long of things I would love to eat right now. Mac being dang near the first thing. I also really would like some Cooper's BBQ chicken, McD's fries, mom's meat loaf, hubby's ribs, Gram's cookies...not to mention the "leftovers casserole" I concocted tonight for the fam--turkey, stuffing, mac, and corn with a little mayo and shredded cheese mixed in (oh my, it looked friggin' scrumptious).
I have found myself drooling over the oddest things as I drive to and from daily errands...Like the run down Mexican food restaurant that all of a sudden looked like a gourmet joint in my eyes. Or the "pizza style steak burger" that Freddy's Frozen Custard is advertising on their street sign...I swear that would have never sounded good to me 4 days ago--I really dont like meat on meat and I am thinking it has to have pepperonis on it, no?
One thing is know for sure is that when I am craving these things, I am not hungry, just addicted. Overly addicted to indulging in the fast and easy food life most of us are used to. I am learning very quickly that God doesn't want anything to have a hold of my life, health, thought, etc., aside from Him that is. He is making it clear that He desires to be my source of all provision. His word says "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).... and I totally believe it, because without Him, I wouldn't have made it a day against food! Yet here I am on my way to a healthier mind, body, and soul--Praise be to The Lord!
Oh! almost forgot! I made a new jucie today--watermelon, cucumber limeade. It was de-lish! Also trying to make an event out of drinking dinner, so we can maintain eating together every night as a family--sooo important for kids to have a family meal each evening--check the statistics. I have kinda lost track of what I have spent on produce, mostly because I don't juice a certain amount of juicables, I kinda wing it. Tommorrow, I am going to try to track better by following some recipes from http://juicerecipes.com/health/benefits/juicing-for-weight-loss/. looking forward to exploring juicing with Jesus!
You know how you never notice how many cars out there are the same make and model as yours?...until you buy it of course. Totally happened to me with my last car--the PT cruiser. Classic Meemaw wagon...except once I was driving one, I couldn't help notice that EVERYONE had a PT Cruiser--Meemaws, Gramps, teens, college kids, males and females...
Ok, really the PTC is besides the point. What I am getting at is I never noticed how bombarded we are with food here! I mean seriously, everywhere I turn I am smelling, seeing, touching or hearing FOOD (notice eating is not listed--that's because I still haven't had a solid since Turkey Day!). Food is on the offensive--TV, Radio, Billboards, storefronts, etc. and I feel like I am on the defensive trying to ward off these killer cravings!
It started with the mac n cheese I made my daughter...and then slowly crept up and up...I have a list nearly a mile long of things I would love to eat right now. Mac being dang near the first thing. I also really would like some Cooper's BBQ chicken, McD's fries, mom's meat loaf, hubby's ribs, Gram's cookies...not to mention the "leftovers casserole" I concocted tonight for the fam--turkey, stuffing, mac, and corn with a little mayo and shredded cheese mixed in (oh my, it looked friggin' scrumptious).
I have found myself drooling over the oddest things as I drive to and from daily errands...Like the run down Mexican food restaurant that all of a sudden looked like a gourmet joint in my eyes. Or the "pizza style steak burger" that Freddy's Frozen Custard is advertising on their street sign...I swear that would have never sounded good to me 4 days ago--I really dont like meat on meat and I am thinking it has to have pepperonis on it, no?
One thing is know for sure is that when I am craving these things, I am not hungry, just addicted. Overly addicted to indulging in the fast and easy food life most of us are used to. I am learning very quickly that God doesn't want anything to have a hold of my life, health, thought, etc., aside from Him that is. He is making it clear that He desires to be my source of all provision. His word says "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).... and I totally believe it, because without Him, I wouldn't have made it a day against food! Yet here I am on my way to a healthier mind, body, and soul--Praise be to The Lord!
Oh! almost forgot! I made a new jucie today--watermelon, cucumber limeade. It was de-lish! Also trying to make an event out of drinking dinner, so we can maintain eating together every night as a family--sooo important for kids to have a family meal each evening--check the statistics. I have kinda lost track of what I have spent on produce, mostly because I don't juice a certain amount of juicables, I kinda wing it. Tommorrow, I am going to try to track better by following some recipes from http://juicerecipes.com/health/benefits/juicing-for-weight-loss/. looking forward to exploring juicing with Jesus!
Day four?! Where did 2 & 3 go?!
Ok so please pardon my delay in posting the haps for day 2 and 3...the weekend are for R & R right? Psych! The weekends will surely be the death of me around these parts.
I am PLEASED as punch to report I am not experiencing any negative detoxification or fasting symptoms!! yay!! I was SUPER worried about the headaches, I have always been prone to migraines and the headaches part of fasting was a scary thought.
I am managing to consume about 20 oz of juice about 3-4 times a day...I am not quite sure if that is standard or not. I drink a heck of a lot of water too. I don't ever really find myself with hunger pains, but Jeez I am THIRSTY. I mean really thirsty. I even drink throughout the night when I get up with the baby, because I find myself to be crazing water! Which I must add is awesome since it used to be milk (chocolate breakfast shake most likely) that I drank when I was thirty in the middle of the night. It really is true-- if you think you are hungry drink a glass or two of water first, it really may just be that you are thirsty!
On Saturday I took 4 kids to explore the Austin wildlife sanctuary/ Zoo. It was a nice trip and I got a work out chasing the two year old and pushing the double stroller, loaded with the kids lunches, around gravel pathways! I packed myself a 32 oz jug of Sweat Potato,orange and celery juice and did great. then later we went to hell on earth--oops I mean Peter Piper Pizza-- to take out my daughters bff for her birthday. Upon returning home I guzzled a pineapple- rhubarb-strawberries and spinach juice...I have to say it was definitely the best one yet. The fullness from the spinach ( with out the spinach taste) and the strawberry and pineapple sweetness was just what I needed to top off a busy day.
Day Three-- Sunday supposed to be a Day of res, right? Nevahh!!! Sundays are incredibly busy day for me. I go to 830am service at church 1, then run over to church 2 and serve as a "buddy" for special needs kids so that their parents can enjoy an uninterrupted time of worship. After that we run around like crazy doing errands, visiting the folks, chores, etc...then guess what? we head back to church 2 for evening praise and worship! So to make things easy I drank fresh squeezed OJ all day. That way I didn't really have to muss over preparrations and could focus on worship and service the Lord calls me to enjoy.
So here we are DAY FOUR! wow, I thought 4 days of just juice would be more difficult. I am sure God has some surprises lined up, but nothing I cannot face with He as my guide! I have to say this fast is much more about the mental discipline than the actual fast. Its letting the Lord train me to make wiser choices, and to be satisfied in him, and with less of the things--junk food, snacks, sodas etc.--that I don't need. I thought at first maybe I would see it more as proving to others and myself that I can do this, but really I could cheat and no one would be the wiser! EXCEPT--GOD WOULD KNOW....crazy how that thought is so encouraging, I should really use it more often, like before I say or think something rotten, or watch something that is bad for my heart, or raise my voice. If I just reminded myself more often, "hey Nat, Jesus is with you ALWAYS, not just in your juice!" I think I would be a better wife, mom, friend....I think I will try to apply this duh-moment to other areas...I will have my hubby and kids let me know how I do there (eek).
Ok. Bye for now BLOGGERs. God Bless.
Oh and tiny confession....I was going to try to avoid weighing myself everyday, am shooting for only on Friday mornings...But I just had to look...and...I lost nearly 4 pounds!! On Friday I was 150.5 and this morning I am 146.8!
I am PLEASED as punch to report I am not experiencing any negative detoxification or fasting symptoms!! yay!! I was SUPER worried about the headaches, I have always been prone to migraines and the headaches part of fasting was a scary thought.
I am managing to consume about 20 oz of juice about 3-4 times a day...I am not quite sure if that is standard or not. I drink a heck of a lot of water too. I don't ever really find myself with hunger pains, but Jeez I am THIRSTY. I mean really thirsty. I even drink throughout the night when I get up with the baby, because I find myself to be crazing water! Which I must add is awesome since it used to be milk (chocolate breakfast shake most likely) that I drank when I was thirty in the middle of the night. It really is true-- if you think you are hungry drink a glass or two of water first, it really may just be that you are thirsty!
On Saturday I took 4 kids to explore the Austin wildlife sanctuary/ Zoo. It was a nice trip and I got a work out chasing the two year old and pushing the double stroller, loaded with the kids lunches, around gravel pathways! I packed myself a 32 oz jug of Sweat Potato,orange and celery juice and did great. then later we went to hell on earth--oops I mean Peter Piper Pizza-- to take out my daughters bff for her birthday. Upon returning home I guzzled a pineapple- rhubarb-strawberries and spinach juice...I have to say it was definitely the best one yet. The fullness from the spinach ( with out the spinach taste) and the strawberry and pineapple sweetness was just what I needed to top off a busy day.
Day Three-- Sunday supposed to be a Day of res, right? Nevahh!!! Sundays are incredibly busy day for me. I go to 830am service at church 1, then run over to church 2 and serve as a "buddy" for special needs kids so that their parents can enjoy an uninterrupted time of worship. After that we run around like crazy doing errands, visiting the folks, chores, etc...then guess what? we head back to church 2 for evening praise and worship! So to make things easy I drank fresh squeezed OJ all day. That way I didn't really have to muss over preparrations and could focus on worship and service the Lord calls me to enjoy.
So here we are DAY FOUR! wow, I thought 4 days of just juice would be more difficult. I am sure God has some surprises lined up, but nothing I cannot face with He as my guide! I have to say this fast is much more about the mental discipline than the actual fast. Its letting the Lord train me to make wiser choices, and to be satisfied in him, and with less of the things--junk food, snacks, sodas etc.--that I don't need. I thought at first maybe I would see it more as proving to others and myself that I can do this, but really I could cheat and no one would be the wiser! EXCEPT--GOD WOULD KNOW....crazy how that thought is so encouraging, I should really use it more often, like before I say or think something rotten, or watch something that is bad for my heart, or raise my voice. If I just reminded myself more often, "hey Nat, Jesus is with you ALWAYS, not just in your juice!" I think I would be a better wife, mom, friend....I think I will try to apply this duh-moment to other areas...I will have my hubby and kids let me know how I do there (eek).
Ok. Bye for now BLOGGERs. God Bless.
Oh and tiny confession....I was going to try to avoid weighing myself everyday, am shooting for only on Friday mornings...But I just had to look...and...I lost nearly 4 pounds!! On Friday I was 150.5 and this morning I am 146.8!
Friday, November 29, 2013
Day (ONE) is done
Day is done, day is done, day is done. Gone the sun , gone the sun, gone the sun...
So the sun has set on Fasting Day One of Thirty. And today was dang near uneventful, to be honest. But, I learned a couple of things...
1. Like I mentioned previously, prepping the veggies and fruit ahead of time or after the kiddos head to bed will likely make for smoother juicing.
2. Beets. No matter how small. Taste. Like. DIRT. I put a 1/4 beet in juice earlier, and I swear I am still tasting the durn-thang. I am not going to put the kibosh on beets, but I do want to find things that will drown their taste out!
3. adding savory spices to a predominantly vegetable juice concoction, and then heating it on the stove, gives the juice a more substantial meal feel...put it in a bowl and eat with a spoon--wah-lah "soup"!
I did not experience much by way of headaches today... I am crediting the fact that a few weeks ago I began cutting calories, adding more veggies and fruit for meals (i.e. apple for breakfast, steamed broccoli for lunch) and then capping the night off with a dinner of some sort--thoughnot always as healthy as the meals during the day.Currently, I do have a somewhat dull ache, like a "hey i am a bit hungry here" right now. I am guessing that's because about now is the time my body is used to the dinner portion of the day. So I am sipping on my "soup" and drinking like the hundredth glass of water for the day.
I tried a few juices today that I am sure I will drink again.
1. this morning I had the cantaloupe, sweet potato, and pear--yum...and best of the day.
2. lunch time I juiced up about 5 apples, and 8 bulk sized carrots...decent...definitely could drink these often this made about 20 ounces.
3. around mid-afternoon I tried 5 pieces of celery, a large sweet potato and about a bag of cuties (oranges) that my mom brought over that needed to be used up. I was surprised at the strong taste of the celery. The fresh orange juice was loved by my daughter, but she wouldn't try it all mixed together...my two year old son on the other hand...lets just say i didn't get to finish this snack because he ran off with it!
4. and now, dinner time, I am spooning hot juice from a bowl acting like the delicious thanksgiving left overs in the fridge don't even exist. tonight's soup special is a tsp of garlic, lemon pepper, and black pepper with a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce added two one small bell pepper from the hubby's garden, a few handfuls of grape tomatoes, one piece of celery and 3/4 of a Gala apple. Good but nothing to blog home about...I am sure if my hubby were to read this he would be surprised that I chose the savory veggie juice to wind up the day, he knows I am a sucker for sweets at night. I read on a blog Juicing For Jesus ( similarities in blog name are a coincidence, althoughIi like this gals style! She did a 70 day juice fast and lost 46 pounds or something crazy like that--wowzer go girl!)
I totally took a bunch of selfies today...you know the classics with the sports bra and yoga pants. I even took a few with a sports bra and bikini bottom--gotta get the full affect of the thigh girth ya know... I am thinking I will keep you all in suspense and wait until the end of the fast to unveil today's photo shoot. This way, you can see a side by side of where I started and where I ended-- I am super anxious to see the changes God is going to put my body through. we all should strive to keep our bodies healthy and pure, since that honors He who gave us said bodies...Even though I know no matter what I look like, He adores me, His word says so in 1Samuel:16:7 " For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
So the sun has set on Fasting Day One of Thirty. And today was dang near uneventful, to be honest. But, I learned a couple of things...
1. Like I mentioned previously, prepping the veggies and fruit ahead of time or after the kiddos head to bed will likely make for smoother juicing.
2. Beets. No matter how small. Taste. Like. DIRT. I put a 1/4 beet in juice earlier, and I swear I am still tasting the durn-thang. I am not going to put the kibosh on beets, but I do want to find things that will drown their taste out!
3. adding savory spices to a predominantly vegetable juice concoction, and then heating it on the stove, gives the juice a more substantial meal feel...put it in a bowl and eat with a spoon--wah-lah "soup"!
I did not experience much by way of headaches today... I am crediting the fact that a few weeks ago I began cutting calories, adding more veggies and fruit for meals (i.e. apple for breakfast, steamed broccoli for lunch) and then capping the night off with a dinner of some sort--thoughnot always as healthy as the meals during the day.Currently, I do have a somewhat dull ache, like a "hey i am a bit hungry here" right now. I am guessing that's because about now is the time my body is used to the dinner portion of the day. So I am sipping on my "soup" and drinking like the hundredth glass of water for the day.
I tried a few juices today that I am sure I will drink again.
1. this morning I had the cantaloupe, sweet potato, and pear--yum...and best of the day.
2. lunch time I juiced up about 5 apples, and 8 bulk sized carrots...decent...definitely could drink these often this made about 20 ounces.
3. around mid-afternoon I tried 5 pieces of celery, a large sweet potato and about a bag of cuties (oranges) that my mom brought over that needed to be used up. I was surprised at the strong taste of the celery. The fresh orange juice was loved by my daughter, but she wouldn't try it all mixed together...my two year old son on the other hand...lets just say i didn't get to finish this snack because he ran off with it!
4. and now, dinner time, I am spooning hot juice from a bowl acting like the delicious thanksgiving left overs in the fridge don't even exist. tonight's soup special is a tsp of garlic, lemon pepper, and black pepper with a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce added two one small bell pepper from the hubby's garden, a few handfuls of grape tomatoes, one piece of celery and 3/4 of a Gala apple. Good but nothing to blog home about...I am sure if my hubby were to read this he would be surprised that I chose the savory veggie juice to wind up the day, he knows I am a sucker for sweets at night. I read on a blog Juicing For Jesus ( similarities in blog name are a coincidence, althoughIi like this gals style! She did a 70 day juice fast and lost 46 pounds or something crazy like that--wowzer go girl!)
I totally took a bunch of selfies today...you know the classics with the sports bra and yoga pants. I even took a few with a sports bra and bikini bottom--gotta get the full affect of the thigh girth ya know... I am thinking I will keep you all in suspense and wait until the end of the fast to unveil today's photo shoot. This way, you can see a side by side of where I started and where I ended-- I am super anxious to see the changes God is going to put my body through. we all should strive to keep our bodies healthy and pure, since that honors He who gave us said bodies...Even though I know no matter what I look like, He adores me, His word says so in 1Samuel:16:7 " For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
Holy sweet potaters & Merry Juicemas too!! Fasting, Day one
Fasting, Day ONE of THIRTY...
So this is coming from me--the 32 year old woman who balks at trying new foods...the 32 year old woman who makes her foodie hubby bat sh!t crazy with her non-foodieness...you know, the 32 year old woman who has never tried pumpkin OR pecan pie, EVER. (I probably never will either, it's kinda like now that I have come so far without it why bother? right?)
Well what I am getting at here is that I have got to confess--I am one juice in and LOVING it! News flash--Juicing a sweet potato, cantaloupe and two pears is friggin' delicious!! Had you asked me what I thought about that combo, say a week ago, I would've turned green picturing a "science" concoction my 8 year old might make out of random backyard bits...But truly, now that I have tried it, I may drink this everyday!
Since maybe 8th grade I have been basically drinking my breakfast--Carnation Instant breakfast (chocolate flavor of course)--every, single, day. Had I ever imagined that random fruits slurry-ed together ever tasted so good, I might (might) have tried it sooner.
Here is day one's morning stats:
AM weigh in 150.5 lbs. I am 5'2" so I am riding about 30-35 pounds heavier than I should be to be healthy (so proclaims the US government). This weight was put on by having two babies within a 2 year period, and honestly, not eating healthy really ever. Add to that my lack of real caloric expending exercise, well you get me (and not to mention higher health insurance rates because I am considered obese).
Upon wake up I had about 10oz of hot water with .5 lemon squeezed in. I read on justonjuice.com that this is a great way to jump start your morning, plus help clear the digestive track. My mom has been drinking hot water her whole life practically, and she has been told she has the colon of a 20 year old, so there has to be some truth to the miracle of a little hot water....God is a genius, no?
An hour or two later juiced 1 whole cantaloupe, 1 whole (and seemingly large) sweet potato, 2 large pears. This made 32 ounces of juice. I put half in my Cheer Mom tervis type cup (shout out to my sister, I love that cup) and the other half in the fridge for later. The cost of this 32 oz juice is Cantaloupe $1.88 + Sweet potato $.25 + pears $1.43= $3.56. Now this appears to be a bit on the expensive-ish side. But I have split it into two servings...so not bad for 2 meals.
IDK what else I will juice today. Note to self though, I should probably prep my juiceables the night before after the babies are in bed...the first stab at it this morning was chaotic with demanding babies hollering at me!
So this is coming from me--the 32 year old woman who balks at trying new foods...the 32 year old woman who makes her foodie hubby bat sh!t crazy with her non-foodieness...you know, the 32 year old woman who has never tried pumpkin OR pecan pie, EVER. (I probably never will either, it's kinda like now that I have come so far without it why bother? right?)
Well what I am getting at here is that I have got to confess--I am one juice in and LOVING it! News flash--Juicing a sweet potato, cantaloupe and two pears is friggin' delicious!! Had you asked me what I thought about that combo, say a week ago, I would've turned green picturing a "science" concoction my 8 year old might make out of random backyard bits...But truly, now that I have tried it, I may drink this everyday!
Since maybe 8th grade I have been basically drinking my breakfast--Carnation Instant breakfast (chocolate flavor of course)--every, single, day. Had I ever imagined that random fruits slurry-ed together ever tasted so good, I might (might) have tried it sooner.
Here is day one's morning stats:
AM weigh in 150.5 lbs. I am 5'2" so I am riding about 30-35 pounds heavier than I should be to be healthy (so proclaims the US government). This weight was put on by having two babies within a 2 year period, and honestly, not eating healthy really ever. Add to that my lack of real caloric expending exercise, well you get me (and not to mention higher health insurance rates because I am considered obese).
Upon wake up I had about 10oz of hot water with .5 lemon squeezed in. I read on justonjuice.com that this is a great way to jump start your morning, plus help clear the digestive track. My mom has been drinking hot water her whole life practically, and she has been told she has the colon of a 20 year old, so there has to be some truth to the miracle of a little hot water....God is a genius, no?
An hour or two later juiced 1 whole cantaloupe, 1 whole (and seemingly large) sweet potato, 2 large pears. This made 32 ounces of juice. I put half in my Cheer Mom tervis type cup (shout out to my sister, I love that cup) and the other half in the fridge for later. The cost of this 32 oz juice is Cantaloupe $1.88 + Sweet potato $.25 + pears $1.43= $3.56. Now this appears to be a bit on the expensive-ish side. But I have split it into two servings...so not bad for 2 meals.
IDK what else I will juice today. Note to self though, I should probably prep my juiceables the night before after the babies are in bed...the first stab at it this morning was chaotic with demanding babies hollering at me!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Juicemas Eve
I must have eaten a ton of my grammy's cookies today, plus seconds on turkey, plus a half dozen mimosas. Add to that the bbq pork and pico I ate when I got home from the in-laws-- shout out to the hubby for leaving that deliciousness in the fridge for me... UUggghhh...I am stuffed. I mean STUFFED. Probably, even if I wasn't starting a juice fast, I could go for days without eating. I am sure I over did it today using the "better eat it while I can" excuse...having my fast start the day after Thanksgiving has a Mardi Gras ring to it no?
Are you wondering if I am having second thoughts?...oddly enough, I really haven't had an apprehensive momement since I survived the anxiety attack I had in the check out line the other day. In my mind its pretty matter of fact that I am going to do a 30 day "just on Juice" (www.justonjuice.com)...thats how I know it must be God moving me in this commitment.
I am looking forward to trying new things...especially this juicer the sis in law loaned me! it looks dangerously fun. I am also excited about the health benefits I will gain. Most of all I am truly looking forward to the work The Lord is going to do in me during this time. Each day that passes, each insite gained and each inch lost will be to His Glory.
I hope each of you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Juicemas Eve y'all!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Bacon, Brown Sugar, and Bread
This blog is intended be a daily record of my trials & triumphs during a month long fast from Friday November 29th until December 31st.
So, I have been called to fast...
But first, here is a brief back-up synopsis: In 2010 I married the man of my dreams. With this marriage came a sacrifice that I had never imagined having to face--giving up deep seated traditions I have loved my entire life. You see, my husband, his parents, and his sisters do not celebrate Christmas (or Halloween, or Easter for that matter). No, they are not Jehovah's Witness, and no, they are not Jewish. Their decision to separate themselves from these celebrations goes back to when my husband was very young. They believe all celebrations related to Christmas, Halloween and Easter are blasphemous, and that God's word says not to falsely worship Him with acts that stem from secular or pagan traditions. (admittedly)There is a secular and or pagan notion to nearly every aspect of human traditions, so my in-laws made a decision for their family and ick-snayed those 3 holidays completely.
Growing up in a Christian yet traditional American home, I have many memories filled with trick or treats, Christmas trees and egg hunts. Leaving these traditions behind and following my husband as the spiritual head of our home--1 Corinthians 11:3 ESV But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.-- has been an incredibly difficult challenge for my worldly heart. I am sure throughout this journey I will get into more details about how I feel about this...but for now, the key thing for you to know is that the Friday after Thanksgiving until New Year's Eve is a very challenging time for me.
Ok. Fast forward to Sunday night...I was praying regarding the approaching holiday season. I believe I was lead to look into fasting. In my search I found a website filled with Christian fasting resources--www.Freedomyou.com. I explored the website, and decided to prayerfully consider allowing the Lord to walk me through a 30 day juice fast.
The answer to pursue this fast, came quickly, and today I found myself wandering the produce section of HEB stocking up on fresh "live" fruits and veggies. I think today's shopping trip was the first enlightening moment of this journey, and the fasting hasn't even begun! As I gathered my "juicables", it was as if I could hear God's words from Genesis 1:29 "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food."(NLT). I picked up, bagged and placed in the cart, fruits and vegetables of every color--ones I would have NEVER picked on my own accord. Honestly, until today, I had no clue what a fresh/raw beet looked like, or whether a yam was the same as a sweet potato!
I swung through the frozens, picking up spinach (me, picking up spinach? crazy) and some other frozens of out of season freshies-- I am going to test these for juicing. I am not 100% sure about the "rules" of juicing...frozens may be ludicrous in the world of juicing, for all I know...if you know one way or another, please fill me in! From the frozen food section I meandered down the packaged/processed meat, baking, and bread aisles, adding to my cart bacon, brown sugar and bread.
While unloading my goods onto the checkers belt I noticed how odd my lot must have seemed. Most baskets full of fresh fruits and veggies do not include bacon, bread or sugar. I sent out a few texts to my sister and a dear friend--reaching out for a dose of confidence. I tell you what, waiting in that line was trial number 1 of many to come! I could feel my flesh weakening, doubting, I was actually trembling! If I weren't surrounded by Thanksgiving shoppers, I bet I could have cried right there...what was I doing? Could I really give up bacon, brown sugar and bread? not to mention all the other delicious comforts that would be left behind once the fasting began--how will I sleep without my nightly dose of ice cream?! I was in the middle of a jam packed check out line, and inside me there was a body vs spirit battle raging...all I can say is it was an intense wait to get rung up!
BUZZZ, my phone went off. A text and then another from my sister: "Don't be nervous." I needed to hear/read that. Nerves calmed (triumph no.1!)...with a deep breath out and wallet open, I purchased my "juicables." All the while Paul's words to the Philippians ran through my head, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phillipians 4:13)
So with shopping completed, I am another step closer to my adventure into Juicing with Jesus...
So, I have been called to fast...
But first, here is a brief back-up synopsis: In 2010 I married the man of my dreams. With this marriage came a sacrifice that I had never imagined having to face--giving up deep seated traditions I have loved my entire life. You see, my husband, his parents, and his sisters do not celebrate Christmas (or Halloween, or Easter for that matter). No, they are not Jehovah's Witness, and no, they are not Jewish. Their decision to separate themselves from these celebrations goes back to when my husband was very young. They believe all celebrations related to Christmas, Halloween and Easter are blasphemous, and that God's word says not to falsely worship Him with acts that stem from secular or pagan traditions. (admittedly)There is a secular and or pagan notion to nearly every aspect of human traditions, so my in-laws made a decision for their family and ick-snayed those 3 holidays completely.
Growing up in a Christian yet traditional American home, I have many memories filled with trick or treats, Christmas trees and egg hunts. Leaving these traditions behind and following my husband as the spiritual head of our home--1 Corinthians 11:3 ESV But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.-- has been an incredibly difficult challenge for my worldly heart. I am sure throughout this journey I will get into more details about how I feel about this...but for now, the key thing for you to know is that the Friday after Thanksgiving until New Year's Eve is a very challenging time for me.
Ok. Fast forward to Sunday night...I was praying regarding the approaching holiday season. I believe I was lead to look into fasting. In my search I found a website filled with Christian fasting resources--www.Freedomyou.com. I explored the website, and decided to prayerfully consider allowing the Lord to walk me through a 30 day juice fast.
The answer to pursue this fast, came quickly, and today I found myself wandering the produce section of HEB stocking up on fresh "live" fruits and veggies. I think today's shopping trip was the first enlightening moment of this journey, and the fasting hasn't even begun! As I gathered my "juicables", it was as if I could hear God's words from Genesis 1:29 "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food."(NLT). I picked up, bagged and placed in the cart, fruits and vegetables of every color--ones I would have NEVER picked on my own accord. Honestly, until today, I had no clue what a fresh/raw beet looked like, or whether a yam was the same as a sweet potato!
I swung through the frozens, picking up spinach (me, picking up spinach? crazy) and some other frozens of out of season freshies-- I am going to test these for juicing. I am not 100% sure about the "rules" of juicing...frozens may be ludicrous in the world of juicing, for all I know...if you know one way or another, please fill me in! From the frozen food section I meandered down the packaged/processed meat, baking, and bread aisles, adding to my cart bacon, brown sugar and bread.
While unloading my goods onto the checkers belt I noticed how odd my lot must have seemed. Most baskets full of fresh fruits and veggies do not include bacon, bread or sugar. I sent out a few texts to my sister and a dear friend--reaching out for a dose of confidence. I tell you what, waiting in that line was trial number 1 of many to come! I could feel my flesh weakening, doubting, I was actually trembling! If I weren't surrounded by Thanksgiving shoppers, I bet I could have cried right there...what was I doing? Could I really give up bacon, brown sugar and bread? not to mention all the other delicious comforts that would be left behind once the fasting began--how will I sleep without my nightly dose of ice cream?! I was in the middle of a jam packed check out line, and inside me there was a body vs spirit battle raging...all I can say is it was an intense wait to get rung up!
BUZZZ, my phone went off. A text and then another from my sister: "Don't be nervous." I needed to hear/read that. Nerves calmed (triumph no.1!)...with a deep breath out and wallet open, I purchased my "juicables." All the while Paul's words to the Philippians ran through my head, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phillipians 4:13)
So with shopping completed, I am another step closer to my adventure into Juicing with Jesus...
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