I Don't Weigh Myself Anymore

I use to be obsessed with my weight. I would weigh myself several times a day, getting either instantly excited or instantly let down by even the slightest movement in the numbers. When the numbers were lower than the time before, I felt hope and encouragement. I would go to my closest and reach for the old pair of smaller jeans, sitting on the shelf, that had been collecting dust. Would this be the day that these pants would fit once again? I would slip my feet in and pull them up, but to no avail, they would come to a halt right at my thighs. But I lost weight right?? Maybe not wearing them for so long caused them to shrink.... (Yeah, probably not) I would sadly pull them off, fold them up and throw them back onto the shelf once again. Then, days would pass and I would continue to weigh myself, some days the number would be a really good one, and other days it was as if all of my hard work was going to waste as I watched the scale creep up 5, 6, sometimes 7 numbers. On those days, I felt worthless and hopeless, and on the verge of giving up. I remember on those days thinking, I will never get down to what I think is my perfect weight. There is no point in even trying anymore. What a waste of time.  Even when I started fitting into smaller sizes, it wasn't good enough.   My worth, the reflection of my dedication to losing weight, my appearance, it was all being based off of those lousy numbers. But why?  Why were the numbers so important to me?  Yes, I was once a 5'2" 125lb and size 4 woman. But you know what? I had no muscle tone. I was flabby. So do you know what I decided to do? I decided to make a choice about two weeks ago. It was one of the hardest choices I've had to make. To some it may not seem like a big deal, but others may understand exactly why it was such a hard choice. I decided on April 1,2014 that I was no longer going to weigh myself. Yes, that is right. Me, the woman who would weigh herself 5 times or more a day, was no longer going to be setting foot on a scale. I had my husband hide the scale and he did. I have no idea where it is, and I don't want to know. I feel so liberated knowing that I am no longer bound by the numbers on the scale. I have no idea how much I weigh at the moment, but I do know one thing. My clothes fit, and some of my newer, smaller clothes are even getting a little baggy, I have more strength and energy  than I once had, and THAT is what is important. On top of no longer weighing myself, I've decide to stop counting calories and just listen to my body. I eat when I am hungry and I make healthy choices. If I decide to splurge, I do so in moderation.  If you were once held captive by the importance of the number on the scale, I urge you to take a step back and think about why that number is so important, and remember that two people can weigh exactly the same and have completely different body types. You are more than just a number on a scale!  Eat healthy, exercise, get enough sleep and drink enough water. Everything else will fall into place!  

DIY Orange Flavored Toddler Toothpaste

 In the process of making all of my homemade beauty products I was looking for a good homemade toothpaste for my toddler. I haven't tried it with her yet but it was very easy to make and I only made a small amount incase she doesnt like it. 

                                                            Toddler Toothpaste

                                               1/3 cup aluminum-free baking soda

                                                             1/6 cup of water

                                                  2-3 TBS of coconut oil softened

                                                  3-4 drops of orange essential oil

 Combine all ingredients in a storage container and mix. Apply a small amount to soft bristle toddler toothbrush and brush toddlers teeth. Safe if swallowed. 

                                    

Coconut Oil

Hey all,
Sorry I have been MIA this past week. My little one hasn't been feeling too great so she has been taking up most of my time. I wanted to write a little something since its been a while since my last post. I still need to post about the homemade rice and oat infant cereal, so Rachel if you are reading this, please know that I haven't forgotten!
Ok, so something that I use almost every day is coconut oil. I use the Better Body Foods Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

Here is a photo of the coconut oil I use

One thing that I love about coconut oil is that it is SO versatile. I am still fairly new to using it, but I like to look up new things to use it for. Here are a few things I've used it for so far:

• Homemade toothpaste
• Diaper Cream
• Deodorant
• Shaving cream
• Carrier oil for essential oils
• Oil pulling
• Butter substitute in baking 
• Use in place of olive oil
• Face moisturizer
• Condition ends of hair
• Add to smoothies to get in healthy fats

 If you would like instructions on how to use coconut oil for any of these uses, I would be happy to post a blog about it. Just let me know what interests you and I will give you the information.

Here is a list of different uses for coconut oil that I have not yet tried, but plan on trying soon.

• Fat burning aid
• Hand cream
• Stretch mark remover
• Thyroid function support and immunity booster
• Add to dogs water to freshen breath
• Sunscreen

Like I mentioned before, if you are interested in anything from the top list, don't hesitate to let me know. I am always needing new ideas for a blog post, since after all, I am doing this for you all. Thanks for reading. :)

Peppermint Oil for Headaches and Allergies

Did you know that you can help relieve headaches and allergy symptoms with pure essential oils? I don't suffer from headaches very often, but when I do get them, I am not one to reach for the tylenol or advil. I used to just wait it out and bare the pain, but then I got into using essential oils and found that peppermint oil is an awesome home remedy for headaches.

Simply take a few drops of peppermint oil, and blend it with a small amount of a carrier oil such as, coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc, and rub on your entire forehead, temples, behind the ears and behind the neck. The coolness of the peppermint will take the edge off of your headache. Reapply as needed until the headache is gone.

Peppermint oil is also good for allergies. Simply take a few drops with your carrier oil, and rub along the bridge of your nose. You will notice almost immediately that your sinuses open up. I also like to take a few drops of peppermint oil, lemon oil, and lavender oil mixed with a carrier oil and rub the mixture on the soles of my feet and all over my chest and neck for added allergy relief.

Spaghetti Squash and Turkey Meatballs

Tonight I tried a new recipe. I have been hearing a lot about Spaghetti Squash and how healthy it is and how good it tastes. Since I am trying to minimize my intake of refined carbs I decided that Spaghetti Squash would be a good way to have a nice "pasta" dinner without the guilt.

Spaghetti Squash and Turkey Meatballs

- One 3 pound Spaghetti Squash

-1 pound of ground turkey

-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

-1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley

-1/2 cup of finely shredded parmesan cheese

-1 1/4 teaspoons of Italian seasoning

-1/2 teaspoon of onion powder

-1/2 teaspoon of salt 

-1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper

-4 large cloves of garlic, minced

-One 28oz can of crushed tomatoes

-1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 

Cut spaghetti squash in half, length wise and remove seeds.

Place face down in a pyrex dish and put in oven for about 45 minutes.

While waiting for spaghetti squash to soften, combine half of the parmesan cheese, half of the parsley, half of the italian seasoning, all of the onion powder, and all of the pepper into a bowl. 

 

Here I chopped 1/2 cup of fresh parsley

Seasonings and cheese, ready to mix with ground turkey

Mix in the ground turkey just until combined. Do not over mix. Roll out the meat mixture into 12 meatballs and set aside. 

Once the spaghetti squash has softened, removed from the oven and turn it over.  Put a tablespoon of olive oil into a skillet over medium heat and scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash into the skillet. Stir occasionally until the moisture evaporates and the squash begins to brown. This will take about 5-10 minutes. Add in the other half of the parsley. Stir, then remove from heat and set aside. 

Scrape the flesh out with a fork

In another skillet, add the other tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, and cook meatballs, turning until brown on all sides, about 4-6 minutes.

  Move the meatballs to the side, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. 

 

 Add tomatoes, remaining italian seasonings, crushed red pepper and salt. Stir to cover meatballs, cover with lid and reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally until meatballs are fully cooked. About 10-12 minutes. 

To serve, put the sauce and meatballs over the squash and top with remainder of parmesan cheese. Enjoy! It is delicious!

This cutie agrees, Spaghetti Squash is Delicious!

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Here is a recipe by Rachel Ray that I have been making at least once a week lately. I am not really a big fan of fish, but I do like Tilapia because it isn't as fishy tasting as a lot of other varieties of fish. This is a delicious and easy recipe to make.

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

3/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons of paprika

1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley

4 Tilapia fillets 

1 lemon cut into wedges

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a shallow dish combine parmesan cheese, paprika, parsley, and a dash of salt and pepper. Drizzle the tilapia with olive oil, then coat each side of the fillets with the parmesan mixture. Place fillets on a foil lined baking sheet and bake until they are opaque in the thickets part. About 10 - 12 mintues.  

I like to serve this dish with organic brown rice and fresh steamed broccoli. 

Clean Eating Meatloaf

    This recipe is from a friend of a friend. I have made it several times in the last few weeks because I just like it that much. Its healthy, high in protein, but you don't have a ton of carbs and sugars in it like you would with usual meatloaf recipes.

Clean Eating Meatloaf

1 lb of ground turkey

1/2 cup of fresh salsa

1/2 teaspoon of crushed garlic

1/2 cup of ground oatmeal (you can ground in a blender)

2 egg whites

1/2 teaspoon of salt and a dash of pepper

Preheat oven to 375. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until fully combined. Transfer mixture to a well-greased loaf pan and bake for 40 to 60 minutes or until no longer pink the the center.

Serve with fresh steamed green beans and a baked sweet potato. Delish. 

    I dont have any pictures of this currently, but I make it at least once a week, so stay tuned for pictures coming up sometime this week.

DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner

    To make this Stainless Steel Cleaner, you more than likely have all of the ingredients hidden in your kitchen somewhere. This is a very easy cleaner to make, and it cleans wonderfully. There are only three ingredients needed, and of course a spray bottle to store this cleaner in.

Stainless Steel Cleaner

1/4 cup Distilled White Vinegar

2-3 drops of dish soap

2 cups of warm water

    Combine all ingredients into a plastic spray bottle and mix well. Spray into a soft cloth and apply to stainless steel appliances, being sure to rub with the grain of the appliance. Cleans amazing! I am going to try to make this recipe next time with a little bit of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap. Below are the before and after photos of my refrigerator.

Refrigerator Before Using Cleaner

Refrigerator After Using Cleaner

                                                            

         

Join Me on My Journey

    If you are reading this right now, I am honored to have you joining me on my journey to a cleaner, healthier life-style. When I was pregnant with my daughter Bryelle, (now 16 months old) my husband and I watched a documentary called "Chemiracle". The documentary talked about all of the common household products that we use each and every day, and how toxic they can be.  It really touched us in a way that made us want to change the way we do things. So, I started out by making my own laundry detergent. When my daughter was born, I started thinking about all of the cleaning products that I use on a weekly basis and how many toxins I was letting out into the air each and every time I cleaned my house. That is when I decided that I was going to make my own safer products, and not only save money, but save myself and my family from breathing in all of these harmful chemicals. On top of making my own cleaning products, I made almost all of my daughters baby food when she was an infant.  I now started making my own beauty/personal care products as well. We eat mainly organic foods, and prefer to take the natural route in curing different health ailments before we take any other route. Essential oils are a godsend. Anyways, thank you for taking time to read, and I look forward to helping each and every one of you on your road to healthy.

My beautiful little family back in June 2013

Healthy Living Cycle

I saw this photo on Pinterest. It's a cycle of healthy living. Some people may think healthy living is just eating right, or just exercising. Healthy living is not just about the physical image of your body, but it's about your mental well-being as well. In order to be healthy in all areas we must make a conscious effort to do so. If you eat better, you'll be more motivated to exercise. If you exercise you will feel good. When you feel good you think more positively. This is what healthy living is all about! So let's eat right, let's get moving, let's think positive, forgive, let go, look forward to what is go come. Let's feel good! Do these things and surround yourself with positive people who will be there to support and motivate you in your healthy living journey! 

Suffering From Chronic Inflammation?

Let's Get Moving!

Words of Motivation

Delicious Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Pancakes

If you are not a cottage cheese fan, don't stick your nose up at the name of the recipe just yet. First, let me tell you something. I can't stand cottage cheese. I actually only bought cottage cheese because I'm on a mission to eat healthy and lose weight and cottage cheese is an excellent low fat high protein food.

As I pondered in the kitchen on what I could do to spice up this cottage cheese to my liking, I saw a recipe on the side for oatmeal pancakes and I decided to give it a try. 

Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Pancakes 

These are the ingredients that you will need, along with the measurements of each. 

1 cup rolled oats (not instant oats)

1 cup cottage cheese

1/4 cup egg whites (I use the carton but the whites from two eggs will work)

1 small banana (you can also use half of an apple instead) 

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

1 teaspoon of cinnamon (more or less depending on how much you like it) 

1/4 cup of milk (I use coconut milk or almond milk and I actually use about 3/4 a cup because I like my pancakes a little thinner) 

And lastly I added my own touch, some ground flax meal. For this recipe you could add about 4 tablespoons. Ground glax is a great source of omega 3's. 

Combine all ingredients in the blender and blend until you have a smooth consistency. 

As you can see, if you use ground flax it will be a little seedy, but it doesn't change the consistency of the pancake (don't worry, they won't be crunchy)

I use a greased electric skillet on 325 degrees to cook these pancakes but you can also use a frying pan on medium heat. These pancakes do take a little longer than regular pancakes to cook but they are well worth the wait. About 4-5 minutes on each side. 

You will notice that the inside is kind of gooey. This does not mean that they are undercooked. With the banana and cottage cheese and oats, it makes the consistency a little mushy compared to regular pancakes. 

Once they are cooked I like to top them with some Greek yogurt. 

This is my yogurt of choice. Chobani vanilla Greek yogurt.  You can also choose to top with butter and syrup instead if you are not a yogurt fan. If you choose to top with Greek yogurt, mixed berries on top make this pancake absolutely Devine. 

I hope you all have enjoyed reading this recipe and be sure to give it a try! You will love it! 

New Blog Name = New Use For My Blog

Hey all,
Given the idea from a friend, I decided to repurpose my blog.  Instead of using my blog to vent, I have decided to use my blog to post my healthy living journey, to include: healthy meal ideas, healthy snacks and desserts, words and photos of encouragement, useful information, and although its not my favorite thing, different workout ideas.   Hope you all enjoy this blog and are able to take some useful information from it. Stay tuned for my first real Healthy Way of Life post!

Just to start off with a little something... Here is a post for all of you soda drinkers. 

                    

     

Just Breathe

     Isn't she cute?  Yes, she is very cute... But right now I am having to convince myself that while she is screaming in her room because she doesn't want to go to sleep, she is still that cute little munchkin that you see in the above picture. What is it about a tantruming baby that makes you want to pull your hair out? I never experienced this until I became a mom. It seems as though the time that she chooses to pull these fits is when I am trying to do something that requires a lot of concentration. She makes it very hard to concentrate when she is screaming at the top of her lungs and hyperventilating. I feel bad, I really do, but what am I suppose to do? I dont like to just let her scream and cry but at the same time, I know that if I go in and get her then she is going to think that if she tantrums that she will get what she wants every time. It does break my heart that she is going through this, but I need to teach her that when its bedtime, its bedtime.
     At the moment I am trying to upload some photos and write this blog, all while folding laundry and unwinding from the day. It was a fairly chill day today so not a whole lot of unwinding to be done, but I am a mother to an almost 9 month old and man, she keeps me on my toes. I find myself very overwhelmed most days and feeling as though there are not enough hours to complete everything that I'd like to. It doesn't help that my mind is all over the place with things I have to do, things that need to be fixed, keeping track of the little ones milestones, appointments that need to be made, appointments to go to, cleaning the house, paying the bills, making grocery lists, making dinner menus, etc. It is as though my day never really ends. One day just blends into the next it seems.
    I have come to the realization that I need a planner. Of course, my phone has an app for that but I think I need something that I can physically write in. I seem to remember things better if I take a pen and paper and write them down. Maybe then I wont feel so scatterbrained. Then again, its often the sound of my tantruming baby that causes a little bit of my scatterbrainedness. That is when I tell myself to "just breathe".  All I need to do is plop myself on the couch, take a few deep breaths and remind myself that this is all worth it. Yes, being a mommy is a good job to have and my daughter absolutely adores me. So when I am frustrated with her, feeling like I cant make it through the day (or night) I just need to simply take one good look at her picture, and my heart will melt...

So Excited!

Ok, this post is going to be way different than the last post I wrote. In my last post I was so angry, but things have changed since then and I found out some great news this morning. My husband is coming home soon! We dont have exact dates and even if we did I wouldn't post them, but lets just say he will be home for Christmas! I cannot wait! I have so much to do in such a small amount of time, but that just means that time will go by quick and before I know it, I will be back in my soldiers arms again for a long time!
This year has been pretty difficult but its almost over, so hard to believe though. I am so glad that I've made it through and I couldn't have done it with out my faith and lots of prayer. I've really grown in my relationship with God this year and I can only hope that it will get even better. I cannot wait for my husband to come home and we can work on our marriage and make it the strongest its ever been.

16 Weeks

First off, its been way to long since I last posted. A lot has happened since then and although I wont update about it all right now, there are some things I need to get off of my chest.  I am wishing so badly that my thoughts would wind down but they wont.
Today marks 16 weeks since my husband had to leave. I cant believe how far we've come but we still have a long way to go. I still remember that first day like it was yesterday, and I thought the week would never end. Now look where we are, 16 weeks and time just keeps moving right along.
Today was a little rough. I didnt get to bed until around 3AM the night before and then I woke up early to go to church. My car wouldn't start so I had to have my friend pick me up to go to church and then afterwards we went to O'Reilly's to take my battery in to get tested. That was fun... Finally after three hours they told me that the battery was no good so we went back and bought a new battery and installed it. Now my car works again, yay! I was so tired and drained so I took a nap after I ate dinner. I am still really tired and Bryan called around 12:20AM. We talked for about 15-20 minutes but it wasn't the greatest conversation. I want to tell him not to call at night anymore, but last time I told him that, he seemed to be offended. Its just late by then and he wonders why I am grumpy... I am sure he would be grumpy too if he was up til 12AM. It's already 1AM and I am suppose to get up early for spin class. I just wish my mind would turn off.
Tonight I have been thinking about my grandma a lot. For some reason earlier I forgot she was no longer with us and I thought to call her. I miss her so much. It is still unreal that she is gone...
Something that has really been bothering me lately is that ever since grandma passed away, its like I have given God the cold shoulder. I haven't completely turned my back on Him, but its almost like I am resenting Him for my grandma's death. I dont WANT to feel this way, so I dont know WHY I feel this way but I do... I should be rejoicing that my grandma is in heaven and that she is no longer in pain. God's timing is always perfect, even if it may not seem like it at the time... I just know that grandma would not want me to be feeling this way. She would not want me to be worried about death and dying, and she would want me to just trust in the Lord and know that He is in control and that no matter how much I worry it wont change what is already in His plan... It is SO hard to think this way, if only it were easier.
I have an appointment with a christian counselor on Thursday and I cannot wait, I really need this right now.
Well, I am off to bed. Felt good to write again and get this off of my chest. Spin class in the morning. Hopefully I wake up on time!

So Sad

Grandma passed away on Wednesday morning... She was 74 years old. I am so glad that I got to see her before she passed, but it was so hard to see her the way I did. She was not responsive, and she didn't look like herself. I am going to miss her so much and its been so hard. Its even harder because Bryan is gone and I feel like I am losing it half of the time. I miss Bryan so much, and now I miss my grandma. She was my angel. She was the most beautiful person in my life and now she is gone. I just wish it was all a bad dream but its not. I am hurting so bad. I never knew I could hurt this badly. I just wish I could have one last hug and kiss from my grandma. I cant really write anymore but I had to write SOMETHING to get this off of my chest. I just want to cry. I just want to scream and cry and throw a tantrum but I cant. There are too many people... :(

Another Day Down

So, another day has passed... and literally a full day since I got to talk to my husband last. He said he would call me this morning but I never heard from him. Im trying not to worry about it. He probably hasnt had time to call me, but it still makes me worry. I know that once I hear his voice I will feel much better. I am realizing just how much I love him, and it is A LOT. He is literally my other half, and I am realizing that now that he is gone just how much I rely on him. He is my rock. And now I need to be strong and be his rock and be there for him.
I feel sick to my stomach... I should probably be getting some sleep, but I feel like I cant go to bed right now.
Today was a rough day. I slept until 10, then I got up and got ready for work. I ate breakfast and left for work and work was really slow...  I was so glad when it was finally over. After work I bawled my eyes out... Then I went to verizon to get Bryan's phone turned off. After that I went home to change and then went to my friends house for dinner. We watched Gnomeo and Juliet. It was a cute movie...
Now, Im just sitting here chatting on facebook and writing here. It helps me so much to be able to get my thoughts down.
I am going to write Bryan another letter... That always helps me more than writing in here, because its like I am talking to him almost... Night Everyone.