Gabriel has not been eating much supper and then waking up hungry, wanting a bottle, once or twice a night this week. Last night he woke up at 12:45 and again at 6! Plus the thunderstorms woke up. So my sleep was really choppy. I'm definitely feeling it today :(
I dealt with the car all morning.
Ethan was having a bad day and as much as I wanted to go work out just to not have to deal with him for a while, I couldn't leave him in their nursery acting like he was.
So I didn't make it to the health club today. I don't think I'll go tomorrow either. Thursday we have the next round of assessments and Friday we'll be gone so it would be nice to have a day this week I can stay home!
I wasn't sore when I got up. It didn't hit till this afternoon. I mainly feel it in my inner thighs. We didn't do a lot of toning so I didn't expect it would be bad. When I was taking the step/tone class years ago, it was the toning that killed me! But it's also what I saw quick results from...
There are some toning classes offered every other week. I need to find a way to work them into my schedule! One is at 530am - don't think I'll be making that one ;) But I can probably plan for another one.
A place to blog my journey to better health! Including daily food journal, body changes, reactions to foods/chemicals, and anything else I think is pertinent! *Wheat-free as of February 2012*
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday
Spent the whole morning at the mechanic's but we have ac! There's something that's making it cut off intermittently still but I have to wait until it cuts off and drive directly to my mechanic. He said he suspects one of two things are going out but won't know which unless he can check it when it's not working. But for now it works! By the time I finished there it was lunchtime so I ended up picking up plate lunches for us. Not on plan, but definitely healthy!
Breakfast - nothing (forgot to bring something with me and was there a lot longer than I expected!)
Lunch - health food store - chicken teriyaki (the best I've ever had!) w/brown rice (had celery and orange and red bell peppers in it); carrots; squash/zucchini; cookie
Supper - baked leg quarter in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Breakfast - nothing (forgot to bring something with me and was there a lot longer than I expected!)
Lunch - health food store - chicken teriyaki (the best I've ever had!) w/brown rice (had celery and orange and red bell peppers in it); carrots; squash/zucchini; cookie
Supper - baked leg quarter in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday
Breakfast - juice
Lunch - tuna salad salad; Ghirardelli square
Post-workout - very small piece of french bread
Supper - french bread; LOT of veggies - entire bunch of asparagus, roasted; celery and red bell pepper w/ranch; cookie
Lunch - tuna salad salad; Ghirardelli square
Post-workout - very small piece of french bread
Supper - french bread; LOT of veggies - entire bunch of asparagus, roasted; celery and red bell pepper w/ranch; cookie
I Am Officially a Member! / My First VFF Step Workout
I got my health club membership today! I went this morning to take a tour and liked what I saw :)
So... I did my first workout today! I did a 45-minute step and tone class. I haven't taken a step class in over 10 years so it was a bit, um, interesting :p I was proud of myself for staying on the step the whole time (it wasn't so high intensity that I had to stop using it for a while) although I wasn't going at quite the speed the instructor was. I kept up pretty good during the toning except for one part. We had to lay on our backs on the step and we did some ab work. Putting pressure on my lower back HURT. I moved to the cushy, springy floor to try there but it still hurt :(
After the class, I stopped to ask the instructor about the ab exercise issue and she told me, "You did good!" I mentioned that it was my first step class in over 10 years. Her eyes got big and she said, "You did GOOD!!!" LOL
In a lot of ways, step is like riding a bike. Once you're pretty good at it, your body remembers fairly easily. Not that it's easy in intensity, but you're not constantly looking down at your feet to make sure you don't miss the step ;)
I felt a lot more stable in my vff's than I would have in regular shoes. It was nice to be able to feel that I had solid footing, and to be able to tell when I was close to the edge.
As for how my body felt... Towards the beginning I really felt it in my left ankle! That's the one that has the metal rod and pins in it. We did a lot of on-and-off-the-end-of-the-step (stepping up and down sideways) and that's not a motion I do in my day to day life! I tried to take it gentle stepping down on that side but it got easier the further along we got :) I was hot and slightly out of breath more than anything! It was definitely an intense workout! I'm not sore at all. I expect to be a bit sore when I wake up tomorrow though ;)
Jesse asked me a while back if I was going to need to make changes in my eating plan to accommodate regular workouts. I shouldn't have to, but I'm making an extra effort to listen to my body and its nutritional needs. When I finished tonight, I was craving some carbs. Which was good since my veggie/carb meal was tonight ;) On the way home we stopped at the grocery store and one of the things I grabbed was some fresh french bread. I had a small piece in the car and was satisfied till supper. I ate a LOT of veggies tonight! It's what I really wanted. I bought a bunch of asparagus and roasted it. And ate it all myself :p YUM! Plus I had some fresh veggies too! I think I'd like to bring some juice for after my workouts. I would've been happy with it today, and it would've been healthier than the french bread. I need to do a little research on post-workout foods and see what might work well with my eating plan.
I have to bring my car to be looked at tomorrow. My mechanic needs to see what parts he needs to order to fix my ac. Exercise for the rest of the week depends on what happens with the car.
So... I did my first workout today! I did a 45-minute step and tone class. I haven't taken a step class in over 10 years so it was a bit, um, interesting :p I was proud of myself for staying on the step the whole time (it wasn't so high intensity that I had to stop using it for a while) although I wasn't going at quite the speed the instructor was. I kept up pretty good during the toning except for one part. We had to lay on our backs on the step and we did some ab work. Putting pressure on my lower back HURT. I moved to the cushy, springy floor to try there but it still hurt :(
After the class, I stopped to ask the instructor about the ab exercise issue and she told me, "You did good!" I mentioned that it was my first step class in over 10 years. Her eyes got big and she said, "You did GOOD!!!" LOL
In a lot of ways, step is like riding a bike. Once you're pretty good at it, your body remembers fairly easily. Not that it's easy in intensity, but you're not constantly looking down at your feet to make sure you don't miss the step ;)
I felt a lot more stable in my vff's than I would have in regular shoes. It was nice to be able to feel that I had solid footing, and to be able to tell when I was close to the edge.
As for how my body felt... Towards the beginning I really felt it in my left ankle! That's the one that has the metal rod and pins in it. We did a lot of on-and-off-the-end-of-the-step (stepping up and down sideways) and that's not a motion I do in my day to day life! I tried to take it gentle stepping down on that side but it got easier the further along we got :) I was hot and slightly out of breath more than anything! It was definitely an intense workout! I'm not sore at all. I expect to be a bit sore when I wake up tomorrow though ;)
Jesse asked me a while back if I was going to need to make changes in my eating plan to accommodate regular workouts. I shouldn't have to, but I'm making an extra effort to listen to my body and its nutritional needs. When I finished tonight, I was craving some carbs. Which was good since my veggie/carb meal was tonight ;) On the way home we stopped at the grocery store and one of the things I grabbed was some fresh french bread. I had a small piece in the car and was satisfied till supper. I ate a LOT of veggies tonight! It's what I really wanted. I bought a bunch of asparagus and roasted it. And ate it all myself :p YUM! Plus I had some fresh veggies too! I think I'd like to bring some juice for after my workouts. I would've been happy with it today, and it would've been healthier than the french bread. I need to do a little research on post-workout foods and see what might work well with my eating plan.
I have to bring my car to be looked at tomorrow. My mechanic needs to see what parts he needs to order to fix my ac. Exercise for the rest of the week depends on what happens with the car.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
WOOHOO!!!
I haven't been able to work out since it got hot. It was only sporadic before then because of not being able to bring the boys with me. So I had to wait till Jesse (who has been crazy busy with work) could watch them. Which didn't happen very often...
Well, we got a financial blessing this weekend! And part of it will be used for... My registration at a health club!!! They have child care ($15/mth for both boys) so I'll be able to go a lot more often :D
I'm so excited!!!
I haven't seen the club yet but I've been on their website a good bit. I emailed them last night to see how to schedule a tour so hopefully will hear back real soon.
WOOHOO!!!
Well, we got a financial blessing this weekend! And part of it will be used for... My registration at a health club!!! They have child care ($15/mth for both boys) so I'll be able to go a lot more often :D
I'm so excited!!!
I haven't seen the club yet but I've been on their website a good bit. I emailed them last night to see how to schedule a tour so hopefully will hear back real soon.
WOOHOO!!!
Happy Resurrection Day!
aka Easter ;)
It was a usual Sunday for food. I chanced some coffee this morning and it didn't even threaten to upset my stomach! I'm back to eating regular food now.
Breakfast - 1/2 cup coffee w/usual; juice later
Lunch - Cracker Barrel - chicken fried chicken w/white gravy to dip; green beans; fried okra; hashbrown casserole; biscuit w/butter; Andes mint
Supper - nothing (not the least bit hungry!)
Tomorrow I'll be back to my normal eating plan - Sunday's always a cheat day!
It was a usual Sunday for food. I chanced some coffee this morning and it didn't even threaten to upset my stomach! I'm back to eating regular food now.
Breakfast - 1/2 cup coffee w/usual; juice later
Lunch - Cracker Barrel - chicken fried chicken w/white gravy to dip; green beans; fried okra; hashbrown casserole; biscuit w/butter; Andes mint
Supper - nothing (not the least bit hungry!)
Tomorrow I'll be back to my normal eating plan - Sunday's always a cheat day!
WOWZERS!!!
12:30am Sunday morning...
I thought I was finished flushing. That everything that was going to come out did. Oh. My. Goodness. I just passed a LOT of the biggest stones I think I've ever had! Explains why my stomach still felt off today. It wasn't done flushing yet!
I don't know that it's done. But WOW...
If you're curious what they look like, curezone.com/gallstones/gallstones.jpg
I thought I was finished flushing. That everything that was going to come out did. Oh. My. Goodness. I just passed a LOT of the biggest stones I think I've ever had! Explains why my stomach still felt off today. It wasn't done flushing yet!
I don't know that it's done. But WOW...
If you're curious what they look like, curezone.com/gallstones/gallstones.jpg
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Saturday
Lunch did okay on my stomach. Supper was better but it's still not back to normal.
Breakfast - banana
Lunch - homemade sub - fresh French bread (it was hot when I bought it), Roma tomatoes, green leaf lettuce, lots of bell pepper, smoked turkey breast, roast beef, mayo and mustard; chips; cookie
Supper - rotisserie chicken (breast) dipped in homemade honey mustard salad dressing; roasted asparagus; Ghirardelli square
Breakfast - banana
Lunch - homemade sub - fresh French bread (it was hot when I bought it), Roma tomatoes, green leaf lettuce, lots of bell pepper, smoked turkey breast, roast beef, mayo and mustard; chips; cookie
Supper - rotisserie chicken (breast) dipped in homemade honey mustard salad dressing; roasted asparagus; Ghirardelli square
2:45 am
Let me catch you up on the past few hours...
Gabriel took a long late nap. He didn't go to sleep till after midnight. Soon after that we got a call from my mom that my 5 week old nephew had fallen and was in the NICU with a skull fracture and bruise on the brain.
Well, a lot of my body's stress reaction is with my digestive system. I'm sure the stress is what made the next couple hours so difficult. Everything is magnified when I'm stressed out. I was texting back and forth with my mom and best friend. And praying. And my stomach kept feeling worse and worse. The nausea was horrible! That awful morning sickness type that would feel better if you could just puke and get it over with. Even if you only feel better for a few seconds you think it would be worth it. In addition I felt like my body was gearing up for, well, an emptying of mass proportions :p
And then... About 2:30am it hit...
I was still awake. I had to make a mad dash to the bathroom which thankfully is just right across the hall. I sat with an empty bucket because I knew I likely would need it. Thankfully I didn't!
When it was all over with, I could see a few small stones. It definitely worked! I still felt really nauseous so I ate a few crackers. I went back to bed and went to sleep shortly after.
Gabriel took a long late nap. He didn't go to sleep till after midnight. Soon after that we got a call from my mom that my 5 week old nephew had fallen and was in the NICU with a skull fracture and bruise on the brain.
Well, a lot of my body's stress reaction is with my digestive system. I'm sure the stress is what made the next couple hours so difficult. Everything is magnified when I'm stressed out. I was texting back and forth with my mom and best friend. And praying. And my stomach kept feeling worse and worse. The nausea was horrible! That awful morning sickness type that would feel better if you could just puke and get it over with. Even if you only feel better for a few seconds you think it would be worth it. In addition I felt like my body was gearing up for, well, an emptying of mass proportions :p
And then... About 2:30am it hit...
I was still awake. I had to make a mad dash to the bathroom which thankfully is just right across the hall. I sat with an empty bucket because I knew I likely would need it. Thankfully I didn't!
When it was all over with, I could see a few small stones. It definitely worked! I still felt really nauseous so I ate a few crackers. I went back to bed and went to sleep shortly after.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Friday
Nothing exciting...
Breakfast - banana
Lunch and supper - soup (added mustard today)
And 64 oz of unfiltered apple juice :p
Breakfast - banana
Lunch and supper - soup (added mustard today)
And 64 oz of unfiltered apple juice :p
Day 2...
Today is definitely starting better than yesterday! Gabriel woke up really early but Jesse took care of him so I could lay down a little longer. Dozed off and on but enjoyed my Ethan cuddles :)
My stomach feels better. Not normal, but definitely better than yesterday. I'm lightheaded when I stand up. Sitting is okay so I'm doing a lot of it ;)
Poor Ethan last night asked me to "put on cooking." I told him not for a couple days. Having Food Network on would really be torture!
So far today I've had a banana and about 20 oz apple juice. Not bad for it being a little after noon! I'm drinking a different brand of juice today. It's not as sweet but it's not tart. Just tastes different. Goes down easier.
I'm headed to go fix the boys sandwiches for lunch. Think I'll heat up my soup too. Wish I had enough left for two meals but I always end up throwing a bunch away so I made a much smaller batch this time. I might not even want it again tonight!
Will update in this post later...
7:40pm - I finished my apple juice about 5pm :) I tried to finish it early to minimize what happened last night. Between the time I laid down in bed and went to sleep, I had to get up 3 times to pee! And not just a little - full-bladder-can't-hold-any-more-getting-painful issues :P In addition to the aggravation it is for me, I had to have Jesse come in the room because Gabriel wakes up whenever I get out of bed. Not fun... Hopefully no repeat of that tonight! Especially during the hour after I drink the stuff.
I'm definitely feeling better today. Physically and emotionally. I had a much calmer start to the day, and I think that helped a lot. I'm still lightheaded. Low on energy. But the tummy issues of yesterday are not nearly as bad :)
Lunch and supper were both soup leftovers. I had enough for both meals! I added mustard to it both times. Yummy! I woke up thinking it would be a good addition and it was :)
Soon I'll be getting ready for bed. The last thing I'll do is prepare the concoction. Jesse wants to pray with me before I drink it :) I was hoping to read on my nook for the hour but it's decided to not work :( At least I have access to my books on my phone with the nook app! Not nearly as easy on the eyes but it'll do.
I still don't know what I want for my first "real" meal tomorrow. I'll stick to fruit only till noon like usual. Till last year when I started this eating plan, I would get a club sandwich from Subway as my first meal. It was lowfat, easy on my stomach, but still gave me protein, carbs, and veggies. I keep going back and forth between doing that or sticking to my eating plan and just doing a protein meal. Hmmm...
I'll update again during my hour...
10:45 pm - Well, my part is done. Just gotta let my body do its thing now. The concoction wasn't too hard to get down. I took five gulps at a time. The taste didn't bother me but the nausea hit about halfway through. As I told Jesse earlier, when you follow 240 grams of sugar (apple juice) with 114 grams of pure fat, your body's not going to like it :p It's been an hour and a half and the nausea still comes and goes. It'll be like this till lunch tomorrow most likely.
Speaking of lunch... I think I've decided to go with a sub. Dunno if I'll go to Subway or get stuff to make my own.
I think this is the first flush I've done that I'm actually hungry after the hour! It's a good sign :) The more toxic your body is, the harder the flush is on it. I don't remember ever being hungry after!
I'm still nauseous off and on but not bad. And I have some heartburn. Gee, imagine that :p But overall this has gone pretty well!
Really looking forward to some real food tomorrow :D And a Ghirardelli square ;)
My stomach feels better. Not normal, but definitely better than yesterday. I'm lightheaded when I stand up. Sitting is okay so I'm doing a lot of it ;)
Poor Ethan last night asked me to "put on cooking." I told him not for a couple days. Having Food Network on would really be torture!
So far today I've had a banana and about 20 oz apple juice. Not bad for it being a little after noon! I'm drinking a different brand of juice today. It's not as sweet but it's not tart. Just tastes different. Goes down easier.
I'm headed to go fix the boys sandwiches for lunch. Think I'll heat up my soup too. Wish I had enough left for two meals but I always end up throwing a bunch away so I made a much smaller batch this time. I might not even want it again tonight!
Will update in this post later...
7:40pm - I finished my apple juice about 5pm :) I tried to finish it early to minimize what happened last night. Between the time I laid down in bed and went to sleep, I had to get up 3 times to pee! And not just a little - full-bladder-can't-hold-any-more-getting-painful issues :P In addition to the aggravation it is for me, I had to have Jesse come in the room because Gabriel wakes up whenever I get out of bed. Not fun... Hopefully no repeat of that tonight! Especially during the hour after I drink the stuff.
I'm definitely feeling better today. Physically and emotionally. I had a much calmer start to the day, and I think that helped a lot. I'm still lightheaded. Low on energy. But the tummy issues of yesterday are not nearly as bad :)
Lunch and supper were both soup leftovers. I had enough for both meals! I added mustard to it both times. Yummy! I woke up thinking it would be a good addition and it was :)
Soon I'll be getting ready for bed. The last thing I'll do is prepare the concoction. Jesse wants to pray with me before I drink it :) I was hoping to read on my nook for the hour but it's decided to not work :( At least I have access to my books on my phone with the nook app! Not nearly as easy on the eyes but it'll do.
I still don't know what I want for my first "real" meal tomorrow. I'll stick to fruit only till noon like usual. Till last year when I started this eating plan, I would get a club sandwich from Subway as my first meal. It was lowfat, easy on my stomach, but still gave me protein, carbs, and veggies. I keep going back and forth between doing that or sticking to my eating plan and just doing a protein meal. Hmmm...
I'll update again during my hour...
10:45 pm - Well, my part is done. Just gotta let my body do its thing now. The concoction wasn't too hard to get down. I took five gulps at a time. The taste didn't bother me but the nausea hit about halfway through. As I told Jesse earlier, when you follow 240 grams of sugar (apple juice) with 114 grams of pure fat, your body's not going to like it :p It's been an hour and a half and the nausea still comes and goes. It'll be like this till lunch tomorrow most likely.
Speaking of lunch... I think I've decided to go with a sub. Dunno if I'll go to Subway or get stuff to make my own.
I think this is the first flush I've done that I'm actually hungry after the hour! It's a good sign :) The more toxic your body is, the harder the flush is on it. I don't remember ever being hungry after!
I'm still nauseous off and on but not bad. And I have some heartburn. Gee, imagine that :p But overall this has gone pretty well!
Really looking forward to some real food tomorrow :D And a Ghirardelli square ;)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Veggie Soup for Flush
I change up the way I do the soup every time. It always starts with organic veggie broth. I go around the store and see what looks good. I did mostly organic today since I'm only doing a 2-day. I want my body to be able to concentrate on the flush instead of fighting toxins. This is what I did today:
VEGGIE SOUP FOR FLUSH
32 oz veggie broth (organic)
5 oz frozen broccoli (organic)
5 oz frozen multicolor bell peppers (organic)
5 oz frozen mushrooms (variety) (organic)
5 oz frozen butternut squash
2 green onions, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
Seasonings - Essense, parsley, fennel seeds
Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer.
VEGGIE SOUP FOR FLUSH
32 oz veggie broth (organic)
5 oz frozen broccoli (organic)
5 oz frozen multicolor bell peppers (organic)
5 oz frozen mushrooms (variety) (organic)
5 oz frozen butternut squash
2 green onions, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
Seasonings - Essense, parsley, fennel seeds
Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer.
Thursday
Breakfast - nothing (was gone till after 11)
Lunch - 12 oz pk frozen green beans w/Essence and sea salt
Supper - Soup
Lunch - 12 oz pk frozen green beans w/Essence and sea salt
Supper - Soup
Day 1
I started the day by picking up food for the next 2 days. Easy ( mostly frozen) stuff for Jesse and the boys - pot pies, lunchmeat, the boys' favorite organic TV dinner, organic spaghetti o's, organic boxed mac and cheese. For me, veggies and veggie broth for soup, veggies, unfiltered apple juice, lemons and extra virgin olive oil for the actual flush.
Then home to get started! I heated up some frozen veggies for lunch and started drinking apple juice. I also put my soup on to simmer for later. I'll eat some tonight and some tomorrow.
It's 330 and I've drank my first 32 oz already. I need to refill it but Gabey-baby's asleep on me.
I'll update again later in this post...
6:45pm - I'm hungry. But not for more soup. I'm remembering why I end up eating so little while I flush - I love veggies, but eating them by themselves and not eating anything else gets old quick! Really glad I'm only doing a 2-day...
I did do something different with the soup though that helped it seem more satisfying. I put fennel seeds in it. Why? Because when I smell them, I think of fatty, meaty Italian sausage! So I added the fennel seeds to give it some "fake" meat flavor :p
52 oz of apple juice down, 12 to go! Trying to finish by 8. Think I'll make it :)
Will update here again before bed...
915pm - I finished my apple juice a little after 7. Drank tea between then and now. My stomach and I are feeling worse. I had diarrhea late this afternoon. Now I'm nauseous and feel like I'll be headed to the bathroom soon. But I've felt like that all evening. I don't know if it's from the flush, if my body decided to do a detox while I'm eating little, or what. I don't feel good. I'm chilly. I'm gassy. It's possible I've been fighting a stomach virus this week ( especially considering Jesse's stomach was messed up earlier in the week).
Regardless, one day down, one to go! Sooo glad I'm only doing a 2!
Then home to get started! I heated up some frozen veggies for lunch and started drinking apple juice. I also put my soup on to simmer for later. I'll eat some tonight and some tomorrow.
It's 330 and I've drank my first 32 oz already. I need to refill it but Gabey-baby's asleep on me.
I'll update again later in this post...
6:45pm - I'm hungry. But not for more soup. I'm remembering why I end up eating so little while I flush - I love veggies, but eating them by themselves and not eating anything else gets old quick! Really glad I'm only doing a 2-day...
I did do something different with the soup though that helped it seem more satisfying. I put fennel seeds in it. Why? Because when I smell them, I think of fatty, meaty Italian sausage! So I added the fennel seeds to give it some "fake" meat flavor :p
52 oz of apple juice down, 12 to go! Trying to finish by 8. Think I'll make it :)
Will update here again before bed...
915pm - I finished my apple juice a little after 7. Drank tea between then and now. My stomach and I are feeling worse. I had diarrhea late this afternoon. Now I'm nauseous and feel like I'll be headed to the bathroom soon. But I've felt like that all evening. I don't know if it's from the flush, if my body decided to do a detox while I'm eating little, or what. I don't feel good. I'm chilly. I'm gassy. It's possible I've been fighting a stomach virus this week ( especially considering Jesse's stomach was messed up earlier in the week).
Regardless, one day down, one to go! Sooo glad I'm only doing a 2!
The Toughest Part
To me the hardest part of the flush isn't physical. It's mental. Don't get me wrong - it's physically tough! Depriving your body of protein and fat for days doesn't feel good! I can go without carbs a lot easier than I can go without protein! My body feels best when I'm eating close to 100 grams of protein a day. So going with 0 is not easy to do! And then all that apple juice... Sure, apple juice is yummy. In small quantities. 64 oz in one day? Not so yummy :p I don't eat a lot of sugar. So ingesting 240 grams of it in one day isn't something my body enjoys! I fill a 32 oz bottle, take a few sips at a time until it's gone, then refill it and start over. I usually keep some water or tea nearby to sip when the apple juice just gets to be too much.
But that isn't the worst of it. Not to me anyway. It's the mental that I struggle with. Knowing that all I can have is fruits and veggies. Wanting a bit of butter or olive oil on those veggies. Wanting PROTEIN. Fixing regular food for the rest of the family. Smelling their food. Knowing I can't have it today. Or tomorrow. Or the next day. Not being able to work a bit of a craving into what I eat.
That's a big part of why I'm doing 2 days instead of 3 this time. Day 2 is usually the toughest for me. Day 1 isn't too bad. Day 3 is my last day. I know whatever it is I want to eat, I can have it the next day. But Day 2... It's rough. And it's a big part of why I dread doing the flush so much. If it's a lot easier to get through a 2- day, I'll do it more often. Not that it's pleasant! But maybe it'll be more bearable...
But that isn't the worst of it. Not to me anyway. It's the mental that I struggle with. Knowing that all I can have is fruits and veggies. Wanting a bit of butter or olive oil on those veggies. Wanting PROTEIN. Fixing regular food for the rest of the family. Smelling their food. Knowing I can't have it today. Or tomorrow. Or the next day. Not being able to work a bit of a craving into what I eat.
That's a big part of why I'm doing 2 days instead of 3 this time. Day 2 is usually the toughest for me. Day 1 isn't too bad. Day 3 is my last day. I know whatever it is I want to eat, I can have it the next day. But Day 2... It's rough. And it's a big part of why I dread doing the flush so much. If it's a lot easier to get through a 2- day, I'll do it more often. Not that it's pleasant! But maybe it'll be more bearable...
Way Overdue... Flush Time!
I've known for a while I needed to do another liver/ gallbladder flush. But I've been putting it off. I can't plan one for when I won't be home a few days in a row. It can't include Sunday. Etc. Etc.
I talked to my natural health place a while back about some concerns I had at that time with doing one and they recommended doing a 2- day instead of a 3. They said it wouldn't be as effective but it would still do a lot of good.
My stomach has been acting up a bit lately. A flush might help and certainly won't hurt! And it's time... It's been over 13 months. I like to do them twice a year so it was way overdue!
Here's how it's done ( copied and pasted from my post last year):
Day 1-3: Eat nothing but fruits and veggies - unlimited amount. They can be cooked and/or seasoned, but ZERO fat! No starchy veggies eg sweet potatoes, corn. I usually make a veggie soup Day 2 with organic vegetable broth as a base.
Each day, drink 1/2 gallon unfiltered apple juice/cider. Fresh squeezed is best. If you buy it, make sure you can see the pulp that settles to the bottom of the jug so you know it's unfiltered. You can also drink water, tea, or other juices. But make sure to drink all your apple juice! The apple juice breaks down the gallstones/liver stones so they will be easier to pass and don't get stuck.
Night of Day 3: This is when you do the actual flush. Get ready for bed. Just before bed, mix together 4 oz FRESH SQUEEZED lemon juice and 4 oz extra virgin olive oil. Drink. Get it down within a minute or two. IMMEDIATELY lie on your right side in bed. Make sure the mixture stays down at least 1 hour! You can take some ginger about 30 minutes before you drink the nasty-tasting stuff to help the nausea. A heating pad on your liver and gallbladder area may also help. I keep something to throw up in by the bed just in case. Lay on your right side at least 1 hour.
Sometime during the night or the next day you will pass the crushed stones. Plan on staying home Day 4 ;-) I've never had explosive bowel movements from the flush but some people do. You can drink another 8 oz apple juice the morning of Day 4 as a natural laxative.
The first couple times I flushed I did see some stones - you may or may not. You can start back on a normal diet on Day 4, but eat lowfat and foods that are fairly easy to digest until your body can handle heavier foods again.
I'll check in with how it's going in a bit...
I talked to my natural health place a while back about some concerns I had at that time with doing one and they recommended doing a 2- day instead of a 3. They said it wouldn't be as effective but it would still do a lot of good.
My stomach has been acting up a bit lately. A flush might help and certainly won't hurt! And it's time... It's been over 13 months. I like to do them twice a year so it was way overdue!
Here's how it's done ( copied and pasted from my post last year):
Day 1-3: Eat nothing but fruits and veggies - unlimited amount. They can be cooked and/or seasoned, but ZERO fat! No starchy veggies eg sweet potatoes, corn. I usually make a veggie soup Day 2 with organic vegetable broth as a base.
Each day, drink 1/2 gallon unfiltered apple juice/cider. Fresh squeezed is best. If you buy it, make sure you can see the pulp that settles to the bottom of the jug so you know it's unfiltered. You can also drink water, tea, or other juices. But make sure to drink all your apple juice! The apple juice breaks down the gallstones/liver stones so they will be easier to pass and don't get stuck.
Night of Day 3: This is when you do the actual flush. Get ready for bed. Just before bed, mix together 4 oz FRESH SQUEEZED lemon juice and 4 oz extra virgin olive oil. Drink. Get it down within a minute or two. IMMEDIATELY lie on your right side in bed. Make sure the mixture stays down at least 1 hour! You can take some ginger about 30 minutes before you drink the nasty-tasting stuff to help the nausea. A heating pad on your liver and gallbladder area may also help. I keep something to throw up in by the bed just in case. Lay on your right side at least 1 hour.
Sometime during the night or the next day you will pass the crushed stones. Plan on staying home Day 4 ;-) I've never had explosive bowel movements from the flush but some people do. You can drink another 8 oz apple juice the morning of Day 4 as a natural laxative.
The first couple times I flushed I did see some stones - you may or may not. You can start back on a normal diet on Day 4, but eat lowfat and foods that are fairly easy to digest until your body can handle heavier foods again.
I'll check in with how it's going in a bit...
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wednesday
Jesse and I both had appointments at the same place this morning but the person I needed to see was sick so the boys and I had to find something to do. I drove past a few fast food places, with the windows down, and they smelled soooo good! But instead of giving in, the boys and I grabbed a couple things at Walmart, including bananas. And ya better believe I busted one out as soon as we were in the car!
Breakfast - banana
Lunch - chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Before supper - couple bites cccd
Supper - biscuits (Bisquick, made with rice milk) made w/mustard powder and parsley flakes w/butter; peas w/butter; piece of cake
I'm back to sweets tasting too sweet. Happy about that :)
Breakfast - banana
Lunch - chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Before supper - couple bites cccd
Supper - biscuits (Bisquick, made with rice milk) made w/mustard powder and parsley flakes w/butter; peas w/butter; piece of cake
I'm back to sweets tasting too sweet. Happy about that :)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tuesday
Breakfast - few sips juice; banana later
Lunch - tuna salad salad; Ghirardelli square
Before supper - few bites cccd
Supper - leftover battered mushrooms w/ ranch; piece of cake
Lunch - tuna salad salad; Ghirardelli square
Before supper - few bites cccd
Supper - leftover battered mushrooms w/ ranch; piece of cake
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday
The boys are fighting colds, and I woke up this morning stuffy and very lightheaded. I almost fell trying to unload the dishwasher because I was so unsteady so I knew better than to try to cook lunch :(
Breakfast - few sips juice
Lunch - Papa John's - garlic cheesebread; pizza - grilled chicken, bell pepper, onion, double mushrooms, extra cheese, light sauce. Red velvet cake
Later - Ghirardelli square
Supper - tuna salad salad
I'm feeling a bit better tonight as far as the stuffiness and lightheadedness. Unfortunately my stomach is a bit upset. I was constipated for a few days the end of last week so maybe it's just trying to compensate?
Breakfast - few sips juice
Lunch - Papa John's - garlic cheesebread; pizza - grilled chicken, bell pepper, onion, double mushrooms, extra cheese, light sauce. Red velvet cake
Later - Ghirardelli square
Supper - tuna salad salad
I'm feeling a bit better tonight as far as the stuffiness and lightheadedness. Unfortunately my stomach is a bit upset. I was constipated for a few days the end of last week so maybe it's just trying to compensate?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunday
Breakfast - cup of coffee w/usual; juice later
Lunch (very late), or should I say LUPPER... - homestyle buffet incl dessert
Lunch (very late), or should I say LUPPER... - homestyle buffet incl dessert
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Saturday
I woke up wanting pancakes, waffles, anything like that. But I didn't have forever to spend in the kitchen today (I have to make 4 batches to feed us all) and didn't want to spend the money to eat out! Another day...
Breakfast - juice; 1/2 cup coffee w/usual later
Lunch - 93/7 ground beef w/bell pepper, onion, garlic, salt in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Supper - battered mushrooms; cookies and creme cake
Breakfast - juice; 1/2 cup coffee w/usual later
Lunch - 93/7 ground beef w/bell pepper, onion, garlic, salt in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Supper - battered mushrooms; cookies and creme cake
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday
Breakfast - banana
Lunch - rotisserie chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Supper - peas w/mayo and Essence; roasted potatoes; cookies and cream cake
Lunch - rotisserie chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Supper - peas w/mayo and Essence; roasted potatoes; cookies and cream cake
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Thursday
"Breakfast" - chocolate iced coffee
Lunch - chili cheese dogs (white bun, beef hot dog, canned turkey chili, sharp cheddar, mayo, mustard); red velvet cake w/cream cheese frosting
Supper - chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Lunch - chili cheese dogs (white bun, beef hot dog, canned turkey chili, sharp cheddar, mayo, mustard); red velvet cake w/cream cheese frosting
Supper - chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Lunch With a Friend
Breakfast - juice
Lunch - local restaurant - red beans and brown rice; sausage; fried chicken (it all came as one dish); Mediterranean hummus; 2 cookies after I got home
Supper - mashed potatoes w/ranch; red bell pepper w/ranch; chocolate chips
Lunch - local restaurant - red beans and brown rice; sausage; fried chicken (it all came as one dish); Mediterranean hummus; 2 cookies after I got home
Supper - mashed potatoes w/ranch; red bell pepper w/ranch; chocolate chips
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tuesday
Breakfast - nothing
Lunch - chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Supper - carrots w/butter; Grands biscuits w/butter; decaf chocolate iced espresso drink
Lunch - chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Supper - carrots w/butter; Grands biscuits w/butter; decaf chocolate iced espresso drink
Monday, April 11, 2011
Pepper Steak
PEPPER STEAK
1 1/2 lbs round steak
1 onion, chopped
Olive oil
1/2 lg bell pepper, chopped
Beef broth (about 3 cups)
Essence
Mrs. Dash steak grill seasoning
Salt
Cook onion in olive oil until translucent and starting to brown. Add bell pepper and steak. Pour over enough broth to cover. Add seasonings. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until steak is tender.
This tasted similar to my mom's pepper steak :)
1 1/2 lbs round steak
1 onion, chopped
Olive oil
1/2 lg bell pepper, chopped
Beef broth (about 3 cups)
Essence
Mrs. Dash steak grill seasoning
Salt
Cook onion in olive oil until translucent and starting to brown. Add bell pepper and steak. Pour over enough broth to cover. Add seasonings. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until steak is tender.
This tasted similar to my mom's pepper steak :)
Monday
Breakfast - juice
Lunch - Pepper Steak; roasted broccoli; Ghirardelli square
Supper - grits w/butter and cream and tomatoes; Ghirardelli dark chocolate w/caramel square
And I really want a chocolate iced coffee...
Lunch - Pepper Steak; roasted broccoli; Ghirardelli square
Supper - grits w/butter and cream and tomatoes; Ghirardelli dark chocolate w/caramel square
And I really want a chocolate iced coffee...
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sunday
Breakfast - 1/2 cup coffee w/the usual; juice later
Lunch - homestyle buffet incl dessert
Supper - piece of french bread
Lunch - homestyle buffet incl dessert
Supper - piece of french bread
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Juice
Just to clarify... When I drink juice for breakfast, I'm not drinking much. Maybe a total of 3 oz, and not all at once. The exception is Sundays. Because I'm up so early, I sip on a 10 oz bottle throughout the morning and usually end up finishing it off!
Saturday
Breakfast - juice
Lunch - tuna salad salad; Ghirardelli square
Supper - roasted broccoli; mashed potatoes made from instant w/butter; cake w/Reddi-wip; few chocolate chips
The roasted broccoli was pretty good! I didn't like it as much as the butternut, carrots, and asparagus though. Not that it wasn't yummy... I bought a 12 oz bag of florets and cooked and ate the whole bag by myself ;)
Lunch - tuna salad salad; Ghirardelli square
Supper - roasted broccoli; mashed potatoes made from instant w/butter; cake w/Reddi-wip; few chocolate chips
The roasted broccoli was pretty good! I didn't like it as much as the butternut, carrots, and asparagus though. Not that it wasn't yummy... I bought a 12 oz bag of florets and cooked and ate the whole bag by myself ;)
Friday
I unexpectedly got some time out of the house by myself! Starting with supper :)
Breakfast - Juice
Lunch - ground beef w/green beans, onions, celery, parsley, Greek seasoning in Romaine salad w/1000 Island; Ghirardelli square
Before supper - piece of french bread
Supper - shrimp chimichanga (shrimp and grilled veggie filling); Mexican rice; refried beans; white queso; few tortilla chips
Later - decaf iced coffee w/chocolate shot and whipped cream
Breakfast - Juice
Lunch - ground beef w/green beans, onions, celery, parsley, Greek seasoning in Romaine salad w/1000 Island; Ghirardelli square
Before supper - piece of french bread
Supper - shrimp chimichanga (shrimp and grilled veggie filling); Mexican rice; refried beans; white queso; few tortilla chips
Later - decaf iced coffee w/chocolate shot and whipped cream
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Productive :)
A friend unexpectedly had off work today so she offered to come help with the boys a few hours so I could get some stuff done around the house :) I couldn't afford the time to fix a good lunch for us so we had PBJ's.
Breakfast - 1/2 cup coffee w/usual
Lunch - peanut butter (Smucker's natural) and blueberry Simply Fruit jelly; plain Ruffles; Ghirardelli peppermint bark (the one w/dark chocolate)
Supper - chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Breakfast - 1/2 cup coffee w/usual
Lunch - peanut butter (Smucker's natural) and blueberry Simply Fruit jelly; plain Ruffles; Ghirardelli peppermint bark (the one w/dark chocolate)
Supper - chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Monday to Wednesday
It's a bit sketchy but let's see what I can remember...
Monday:
Breakfast - juice
Lunch - tuna salad salad; Ghirardelli square
Later - Reese's big cup
Supper - Mom's Night Out - Mexican - shrimp chimichanga, chicken burrito (part), chile relleno (part), queso, few bites each rice and beans
Later - frozen chocolate coffee drink w/whipped cream
Tuesday:
Breakfast - juice
Lunch - chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Supper - broccoli w/butter; fries (frozen, baked) w/ketchup and mayo; cake
Wednesday:
Breakfast - Shoney's breakfast bar
Lunch - 1/2 BK double cheeseburger; cccd w/Reddi-wip
Supper - peas and pasta; salad w/1000 Island dressing and crackers; cake w/cream
My mom wanted to have breakfast with the boys and me before we ran errands. We were supposed to be done fairly quickly but ended up running later than we planned. Hence the BK for lunch :( And that was at 3!
Monday:
Breakfast - juice
Lunch - tuna salad salad; Ghirardelli square
Later - Reese's big cup
Supper - Mom's Night Out - Mexican - shrimp chimichanga, chicken burrito (part), chile relleno (part), queso, few bites each rice and beans
Later - frozen chocolate coffee drink w/whipped cream
Tuesday:
Breakfast - juice
Lunch - chicken breast in usual salad; Ghirardelli square
Supper - broccoli w/butter; fries (frozen, baked) w/ketchup and mayo; cake
Wednesday:
Breakfast - Shoney's breakfast bar
Lunch - 1/2 BK double cheeseburger; cccd w/Reddi-wip
Supper - peas and pasta; salad w/1000 Island dressing and crackers; cake w/cream
My mom wanted to have breakfast with the boys and me before we ran errands. We were supposed to be done fairly quickly but ended up running later than we planned. Hence the BK for lunch :( And that was at 3!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sunday
Breakfast - 1/2 cup coffee w/usual; juice later
Lunch - Italian buffet incl dessert
Supper - Froot Loops; few bites cccd
Lunch - Italian buffet incl dessert
Supper - Froot Loops; few bites cccd
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Sooo Yummy!
I roasted asparagus for the first time today. It was sooo good! The bunch I bought was almost a full pound. I trimmed it, lightly coated it in olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper and cooked it at 400 for about 1/2 hour. Definitely will do it again! Ethan ate 1 spear but no one else liked it (I don't think he really did either LOL) so more for me ;) I ended up eating the whole batch!
I bought some broccoli florets a couple days ago. Thinking about roasting them soon too...
Breakfast - 1/2 cup coffee w/usual; juice later
Lunch - salad from grocery store salad bar - chicken, carrots, spinach w/1000 Island dressing; Ghirardelli square
Supper - (brown rice) pasta w/butter and salt; roasted asparagus; cake; cccd
I bought some broccoli florets a couple days ago. Thinking about roasting them soon too...
Breakfast - 1/2 cup coffee w/usual; juice later
Lunch - salad from grocery store salad bar - chicken, carrots, spinach w/1000 Island dressing; Ghirardelli square
Supper - (brown rice) pasta w/butter and salt; roasted asparagus; cake; cccd
New Feathered Friend
Anyone who knows me IRL knows we have birds! We have cockatiels and budgies (what most people refer to as parakeets although there are many species of parakeets). Today we added a new member to our flock:
She's a Rosy Bourke's Parakeet. Ever since we lost Kiwi (our lone living room budgie), we've missed having a bird in the room the boys and I hang out in. We had the opportunity to get her today and took advantage of it! Even though she wasn't handfed, she's very easy-going and I think if we want we'll be able to tame her :) She's adjusting really well to being here, and isn't scared when the boys or I go near her cage. I say she, but it's impossible to tell males from females except by DNA testing. It's a pink bird, I say it's a she ;)
And what does this have to do with my health? It's emotionally beneficial for me to have a feathered friend to hang out with in there again!
She's a Rosy Bourke's Parakeet. Ever since we lost Kiwi (our lone living room budgie), we've missed having a bird in the room the boys and I hang out in. We had the opportunity to get her today and took advantage of it! Even though she wasn't handfed, she's very easy-going and I think if we want we'll be able to tame her :) She's adjusting really well to being here, and isn't scared when the boys or I go near her cage. I say she, but it's impossible to tell males from females except by DNA testing. It's a pink bird, I say it's a she ;)
And what does this have to do with my health? It's emotionally beneficial for me to have a feathered friend to hang out with in there again!
Friday, April 1, 2011
P.M.S. Is a P.I.T.A.!!!
And it's in full force :(
In happier news, Gabriel had a dose of Motrin last night before bed and slept pretty good and was much happier today!
Breakfast - juice
Lunch - Chili's - mushroom swiss burger w/mayo, lettuce, tomato; fries w/mayo and ketchup; chocolate chip paradise pie (very little toppings, sans ice cream)
Supper - grits w/butter and diced tomatoes; Grands biscuit; piece of cake
In happier news, Gabriel had a dose of Motrin last night before bed and slept pretty good and was much happier today!
Breakfast - juice
Lunch - Chili's - mushroom swiss burger w/mayo, lettuce, tomato; fries w/mayo and ketchup; chocolate chip paradise pie (very little toppings, sans ice cream)
Supper - grits w/butter and diced tomatoes; Grands biscuit; piece of cake