Yes, the sabbatical is over, and what fun the past few days have been! Technically speaking, the word 'Sabbatical' means study leave - lol. Let's just say I was studying my ability to live a 'normal' life again. There was a danger to my family that I was going to become unbearable in my search for perfection - no such luck fellows!! I think my friend Cindy's visit saved my sanity!
I have been enjoying Cindy's visit, dining out, laughing, chatting, even movies and popcorn last night. It wasn't our intention to have popcorn, but the cinema had a Telus Tuesday special of free popcorn and pop, and I'm a sucker for freebies. It added to the thrill. We went to see George Clooney's latest and greatest movie 'The Descendants'. It was my second time seeing it and I enjoyed it just as much the second time round. I guess the message I took from the movie was the Transience of Life, and the importance of taking time to smell the roses, and the odd cappuccino, popcorn movie night, etc. Before Cindy arrived I made the decision to take a break from the 21 day special, and now today is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. So I'm ready to review the situation...I have 40 days and 40 nights to consider what I will do to transform my life, or the life of others, in one way or another...
Now my head is bursting with all sorts of ideas...Make somebody happy, start a gratitude diary, lead a more balanced life, moderation, pray more, no extremes, do exercise that is enjoyable, rather than stuff you hate, etc.
While waiting for the dentist today, I was reading a magazine in the waiting room and it gave me all sorts of ideas. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on the way you look at it - my jaw was killing me all day since my visit to the dentist. I could barely touch a piece of food as it hurt me to chew. So that was a good start to Lent!!
Tonight, Kevin suggested we start eating supper in the dining room again and that was a great idea. I lit the candles, turned on Dino Martin and turned on the lights on the tree outside. It made it feel like a celebration. It was nice for us all to sit at the table and chat about our day, if only for a short time. Even though the meal was modest - mushroom omelet with baked beans, it tasted even more delicious in the dining room! Dessert was healthy melon with low fat yogurt. It hit the spot all right. Wonder how long the dining room ritual will last? Am going to say my Rosary now. That is another one of my Lenten promises. Wonder how long that will last? Forever I hope...
Without further ado, I shall go down to the basement now. Light the candles in my Zen room, allow Tessa to sit on my lap, and the two of us will say the rosary together. I love the way she plays with my beads. I will turn on Dana's tape and say the rosary with her brother the priest. Her brother leads the rosary and Dana and I answer it together - Freaky fun, eh!!
Gosh - my visit to the Land of Vegan seems a hundred years ago. Il Terrazzo restaurant is not really geared for Vegans - That is my excuse, and I am sticking to it!!
Without further ado, bon nuit, good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite!!
Slainte!
Patricia xxx
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
TO VEGAN OR NOT TO VEGAN...THAT IS THE QUESTION.
After an interesting week in the land of Vegan - no animal products, and that included a trip to Gluten-free - no wheat. I cannot believe I have lived this long without spending time there. My life has been changed as a result. It's as if I have been living in the dark all these years. You'd swear I had taken a dozen energy pills the way I'm carrying on. Seriously, it's insane. Even Chichi couldn't believe her luck when I gathered her up the other day (she's a heavy little mutt) and washed her in the laundry sink. To add to the thrill I gave her a much needed hair cut. She was delighted, as was everybody else, because she had been stinking like a hog. I had been threatening to do it for a while, but hadn't the energy, or else it was just common procrastination. Some magic spell has been put on me since I visited the land of Vegan and gluten-free.
I must have been allergic to either wheat or dairy or something, because heck, I'm feeling pretty good. Vicky said it's because I'm eating clean, i.e. no MacDonald's, KFC or Indian food, coated in rich creamy sauce. Mind you, you'd want the gut of a ploughman to stomach KFC. That being said, I think the body is very forgiving. After just seven days of clean eating, I have been given a full absolution by the gut committee. In return I have pledged to renounce slothful habits in the kitchen.
The past week's experience has reminded me of a conversation I had some years ago with a lady I met at a hospital. I was waiting to get an ultrasound or something and so was she. We began to chat and she revealed to me how her life had been changed 'dramatically' when she discovered she was allergic to wheat. She told me she deeply regretted not having had it checked out years before, as she felt so much better since adopting a gluten free diet. For years she had suffered from a feeling of bloating and other side effects and never knew what the problem was. Since going down the gluten-free route, all her symptoms had disappeared. She said she had shed 20 years, and 20 lbs. with this simple change to her diet.
On Tuesday, Victoria and I had our first ever trip to a Naturopathic Doctor. She tested Vicky for various allergies. She used the muscle test which was fascinating to watch. She made Vicky raise both arms, while at the same time holding different foods and treatments to her tummy. She then tried to lower Vicky's arms asking her to resist with all her power. If Vicky was allergic to something, her arms dropped immediately. She had no power to keep them elevated. They remained raised if she was not allergic. Vicky said it felt really weird. As a result of the testing she suggested Vicky was allergic to dairy and wheat, and that she should try a Vegan diet. In case you think the Naturopath was trying to convert us to vegetarianism, think again, because I asked her if she was a vegetarian herself, and her answer was "No, but I'm considering it"
As a result of our meeting with Dr. Zimmerman, I went off today in search of Vegan and gluten-free goods, and what an adventure! I never knew there was such a vast array of goods out there, which catered to the Vegan/Gluten-free customer. On the negative side it is 'far' more expensive than the regular food. I guess they know they have a captured audience. In our travels, we happened upon a gluten-free bakery and discovered devilishly delicious chocolate cake, granola bars and eclairs, not forgetting the tiny hazelnut chocolate meringues. They were all wickedly good, and needless to add - sinfully expensive!
Tonight, we tried the rice pasta and soy cheese and I was surprised at how tasty it was. Later, I cleared out a whole shelf for Victoria to house all her special food, which included gluten-free porridge, cookies, spaghetti, fettuccini, hamburger buns, hot dog buns, sliced bread, pretzels and the list goes on. Yippee! She can have all the normal stuff, without the gluten. Even if it costs more - she's worth it! In the fridge we have vege burgers, vege dogs, vege chicken strips, vege mix for chili, lasagne and cottage pie, and a big selection of soy cheeses. The only thing we haven't explored yet is tofu. That needs a bit more study on my part.
Interestingly, Oprah was doing a show recently and all her staff, including herself, went on a vegan diet for a week. There were mixed reviews. Oprah concluded she herself was 'vegan..ish' but could not live without her meat. A few men on her staff said they felt a million times better since the diet change, which surprised Oprah. One man said he was going to remain vegan. For others, it was a challenge. At the end of the day, you just have to listen to your own body. For us, it's a whole new journey into the unknown...
After just a week into my '21 Days to a New You' experiment, I have learnt a lot, and feel considerably better. I made a promise not to weigh myself, which I have succeeded in doing, so don't know if I have lost any weight. It will be interesting to see in 2 weeks time! I no longer want a small inane object dictate my mood for the day. Crazy when you think about it! I'd rather listen to my own body, and hear what it has to say to me. Weighing machines should only be used in the kitchen. Some may disagree with me on that point. I think your waist bands will let you know! Right?
That's it for now my friends.
Tune in tomorrow night for another episode...
Love ya and be good to yourselves.
Shalom, Slainte, Adios, Ciao...xxx
I must have been allergic to either wheat or dairy or something, because heck, I'm feeling pretty good. Vicky said it's because I'm eating clean, i.e. no MacDonald's, KFC or Indian food, coated in rich creamy sauce. Mind you, you'd want the gut of a ploughman to stomach KFC. That being said, I think the body is very forgiving. After just seven days of clean eating, I have been given a full absolution by the gut committee. In return I have pledged to renounce slothful habits in the kitchen.
The past week's experience has reminded me of a conversation I had some years ago with a lady I met at a hospital. I was waiting to get an ultrasound or something and so was she. We began to chat and she revealed to me how her life had been changed 'dramatically' when she discovered she was allergic to wheat. She told me she deeply regretted not having had it checked out years before, as she felt so much better since adopting a gluten free diet. For years she had suffered from a feeling of bloating and other side effects and never knew what the problem was. Since going down the gluten-free route, all her symptoms had disappeared. She said she had shed 20 years, and 20 lbs. with this simple change to her diet.
On Tuesday, Victoria and I had our first ever trip to a Naturopathic Doctor. She tested Vicky for various allergies. She used the muscle test which was fascinating to watch. She made Vicky raise both arms, while at the same time holding different foods and treatments to her tummy. She then tried to lower Vicky's arms asking her to resist with all her power. If Vicky was allergic to something, her arms dropped immediately. She had no power to keep them elevated. They remained raised if she was not allergic. Vicky said it felt really weird. As a result of the testing she suggested Vicky was allergic to dairy and wheat, and that she should try a Vegan diet. In case you think the Naturopath was trying to convert us to vegetarianism, think again, because I asked her if she was a vegetarian herself, and her answer was "No, but I'm considering it"
As a result of our meeting with Dr. Zimmerman, I went off today in search of Vegan and gluten-free goods, and what an adventure! I never knew there was such a vast array of goods out there, which catered to the Vegan/Gluten-free customer. On the negative side it is 'far' more expensive than the regular food. I guess they know they have a captured audience. In our travels, we happened upon a gluten-free bakery and discovered devilishly delicious chocolate cake, granola bars and eclairs, not forgetting the tiny hazelnut chocolate meringues. They were all wickedly good, and needless to add - sinfully expensive!
Tonight, we tried the rice pasta and soy cheese and I was surprised at how tasty it was. Later, I cleared out a whole shelf for Victoria to house all her special food, which included gluten-free porridge, cookies, spaghetti, fettuccini, hamburger buns, hot dog buns, sliced bread, pretzels and the list goes on. Yippee! She can have all the normal stuff, without the gluten. Even if it costs more - she's worth it! In the fridge we have vege burgers, vege dogs, vege chicken strips, vege mix for chili, lasagne and cottage pie, and a big selection of soy cheeses. The only thing we haven't explored yet is tofu. That needs a bit more study on my part.
Interestingly, Oprah was doing a show recently and all her staff, including herself, went on a vegan diet for a week. There were mixed reviews. Oprah concluded she herself was 'vegan..ish' but could not live without her meat. A few men on her staff said they felt a million times better since the diet change, which surprised Oprah. One man said he was going to remain vegan. For others, it was a challenge. At the end of the day, you just have to listen to your own body. For us, it's a whole new journey into the unknown...
After just a week into my '21 Days to a New You' experiment, I have learnt a lot, and feel considerably better. I made a promise not to weigh myself, which I have succeeded in doing, so don't know if I have lost any weight. It will be interesting to see in 2 weeks time! I no longer want a small inane object dictate my mood for the day. Crazy when you think about it! I'd rather listen to my own body, and hear what it has to say to me. Weighing machines should only be used in the kitchen. Some may disagree with me on that point. I think your waist bands will let you know! Right?
That's it for now my friends.
Tune in tomorrow night for another episode...
Love ya and be good to yourselves.
Shalom, Slainte, Adios, Ciao...xxx
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
OMG.. I'VE FALLEN MADLY IN LOVE...
Hmm...with Porridge. Yes, good old quaker oats, the boy-next-door of food. Ever since my break up with cheese and sugar five days ago, we've become re-acquainted again. You could say my body was on the rebound. I loved cheese and sugar, but they treated me badly, and left me with nothing but a spare tire. Just to think of all those years I was swayed by the charms of Mr. Brie and Mr. Callebaut. The attraction was instant. You could say I was lured by the way they presented themselves. The smell of Mr. chocolate was enough to make me go weak at the knees. Just goes to show how appearances are deceptive.
Mr. Porridge has taught me that simplicity is the key to life and that you don't need to spend a lot of money on fancy 'fad' foods to feel healthy. Every morning I fly down the stairs with a pep in my step, in anticipation of the feast ahead. Our little morning ritual has become sacred to me. I lift Mr. P from the cabinet and carefully mix one third of a precious cup, with a full cup of water. Into the saucepan it goes and in no time at all, it is bubbling up a merry little song.
Out comes my best china serving plate. Yeps, I decided why only use my china 3 times a year. It cost me enough and I may as well get some use out of it. Besides porridge tastes a lot better from it. I introduced Mr. P to blueberries one day but nah! he found blueberries too bitter. They just were incompatible. I think I'll introduce him to Ms. banana tomorrow, she's pretty sweet.
If you think the above is insane...let me tell you about the 'worst' and weirdest food ad. I saw on t.v. recently. A fellow was sitting on a couch chatting with his mother "Mother, I am going to get married" he said, with a glint in his eye. The mother beamed "Oh that is wonderful son. Who is the lucky girl?" "Bacon" he replied and with that he held up a piece of bacon to introduce her to mum. The next thing we see him getting married in church. When the priest says "You may now kiss the bride" he turns to lift the veil and beneath it is...wait for it - not a woman - but a big fat juicy burger and 3 slices of bacon on top of it. What has the world come to. Is it any wonder we're food obsessed!!
Chow Chow for now!
Tune in tomorrow to hear how '21 Days to a New You' is going...
Patricia xxx
Mr. Porridge has taught me that simplicity is the key to life and that you don't need to spend a lot of money on fancy 'fad' foods to feel healthy. Every morning I fly down the stairs with a pep in my step, in anticipation of the feast ahead. Our little morning ritual has become sacred to me. I lift Mr. P from the cabinet and carefully mix one third of a precious cup, with a full cup of water. Into the saucepan it goes and in no time at all, it is bubbling up a merry little song.
Out comes my best china serving plate. Yeps, I decided why only use my china 3 times a year. It cost me enough and I may as well get some use out of it. Besides porridge tastes a lot better from it. I introduced Mr. P to blueberries one day but nah! he found blueberries too bitter. They just were incompatible. I think I'll introduce him to Ms. banana tomorrow, she's pretty sweet.
If you think the above is insane...let me tell you about the 'worst' and weirdest food ad. I saw on t.v. recently. A fellow was sitting on a couch chatting with his mother "Mother, I am going to get married" he said, with a glint in his eye. The mother beamed "Oh that is wonderful son. Who is the lucky girl?" "Bacon" he replied and with that he held up a piece of bacon to introduce her to mum. The next thing we see him getting married in church. When the priest says "You may now kiss the bride" he turns to lift the veil and beneath it is...wait for it - not a woman - but a big fat juicy burger and 3 slices of bacon on top of it. What has the world come to. Is it any wonder we're food obsessed!!
Chow Chow for now!
Tune in tomorrow to hear how '21 Days to a New You' is going...
Patricia xxx
Sunday, February 12, 2012
WHITNEY IS GONE...SO SAD...
The sad and untimely death of Whitney Houston has taken us all by surprise. Ever since Christmas I had this feeling that some well known celebrity was going to die, and was wondering who it was going to be. Now we know. What a tragic end to somebody who could have had it all. She was the Beyonce of my day and I just loved her song 'I want to dance with somebody...feel the heat with somebody...' Yeah! Yeah! She truly was magnificent in her prime - tragically she was in her prime, if she had only taken proper care of herself. Forty eight is the prime of life. What a sad end for her. May she rest in peace.
Well despite the setback of Whitney's demise...I have been valient in my efforts to be 'good'. Everybody in the house loves me when I'm being 'good' except my efforts at making a healthy colcannon dish tonight met with the thumbs down from Kevin 'what the heck was that?' he asked, most unimpressed. 'That' happened to be heart-healthy kale and broccoli mixed with mashed potatoes, minus the butter. Instead of putting in butter, I decided to use the juice from the kale and broccoli to make it soft and so in appearance it looked like green mashed potato. I think it was the green colour which put him off. Hunger is a great sauce and right now everything tastes good to me! I guess no butts...it has to be butter!
Day two and three are now history in my '21 Days to a New You'. Bet you thought I wouldn't last this long on the black coffee!! And that my sad break-up with cheese would end, with me giving in, and going back to Cheese saying all is forgiven. Well YOU'RE WRONG on both counts I'm happy to report.
Normally, Sunday is a bit of a loose cannon day for me, the fact it was grey and rainy did not bode well either. But 'He who fails to plan...plans to fail' Right? so I had my day all mapped out for me, to avoid weakening. My bedroom and bathroom were the beneficiaries and boy! they didn't know what hit them! I gave a massive clean out to the shower, bath, floors, cabinets and sink and you could see your reflection in the taps and mirrors!! lol. Next I hit our bedroom and I crashed out for a few minutes to re-gain my energy. This, I decided would replace my 500 cals burn on the treadmill. After the bedroom, polishing, and hoovering, I was well and truly bunched. Yesterday I continued cleaning out my clothes closets to get rid of out-of-season clothes (at least I am hoping it's out of season since they were my winter clothes). I deposited them in the basement and brought up some Spring clothes. Love doing that, as it really rings in the change of seasons.
It's only 3 days into my 21 day challenge, and so far, I seem to have a lot more energy. I'm feeling my mojo coming back...I've stuck to the clean eating. Hate the word 'diet' take away the 't' and you're left with 'die' no wonder they never work with a name like that...
So far I've 'temporarily' eliminated from my diet dairy, sugar, flour and wheat products, pasta, etc. though I do eat brown rice. Instead I am stocking up on the heart friendly foods which I read about this weekend. The 9 power foods in case you didn't know are as follows:
ORANGES, KALE, GARLIC, SARDINES, LENTILS, ALMONDS, POMEGRANATES, RED WINE (yes I must say that one surprised me though I'd heard it was good for the heart) and the best for last... DARK CHOCOLATE.
You can also add Blueberries, and all berries to the above list, as well as seeds, avocados and walnuts. In addition, I learned that protein is essential for menopausal women.
And sticking with the 'P' word...Prayer is also soothing to the soul, and keeps the blood pressure down.
The following is a favourite wake-up prayer that anybody can use..,
Morning Prayer to get the day off to a good start!
God of my life,
I welcome this new day.
It is your gift to me...
The first day of the rest of my life.
I thank you for the gift of being alive this morning
I thank you for the sleep which has refreshed me.
I thank you for the chance to begin life all over again.
Lord, this day is full of promise and opportunity:
Help me to waste none of it.
This day is full of mystery and of the unknown:
Help me to face it without fear or anxiety.
I CAN DO ALL THINGS IN HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME.
AMEN
Nighty night...after all that cleaning today, I'm heading for the hay now!
Well despite the setback of Whitney's demise...I have been valient in my efforts to be 'good'. Everybody in the house loves me when I'm being 'good' except my efforts at making a healthy colcannon dish tonight met with the thumbs down from Kevin 'what the heck was that?' he asked, most unimpressed. 'That' happened to be heart-healthy kale and broccoli mixed with mashed potatoes, minus the butter. Instead of putting in butter, I decided to use the juice from the kale and broccoli to make it soft and so in appearance it looked like green mashed potato. I think it was the green colour which put him off. Hunger is a great sauce and right now everything tastes good to me! I guess no butts...it has to be butter!
Day two and three are now history in my '21 Days to a New You'. Bet you thought I wouldn't last this long on the black coffee!! And that my sad break-up with cheese would end, with me giving in, and going back to Cheese saying all is forgiven. Well YOU'RE WRONG on both counts I'm happy to report.
Normally, Sunday is a bit of a loose cannon day for me, the fact it was grey and rainy did not bode well either. But 'He who fails to plan...plans to fail' Right? so I had my day all mapped out for me, to avoid weakening. My bedroom and bathroom were the beneficiaries and boy! they didn't know what hit them! I gave a massive clean out to the shower, bath, floors, cabinets and sink and you could see your reflection in the taps and mirrors!! lol. Next I hit our bedroom and I crashed out for a few minutes to re-gain my energy. This, I decided would replace my 500 cals burn on the treadmill. After the bedroom, polishing, and hoovering, I was well and truly bunched. Yesterday I continued cleaning out my clothes closets to get rid of out-of-season clothes (at least I am hoping it's out of season since they were my winter clothes). I deposited them in the basement and brought up some Spring clothes. Love doing that, as it really rings in the change of seasons.
It's only 3 days into my 21 day challenge, and so far, I seem to have a lot more energy. I'm feeling my mojo coming back...I've stuck to the clean eating. Hate the word 'diet' take away the 't' and you're left with 'die' no wonder they never work with a name like that...
So far I've 'temporarily' eliminated from my diet dairy, sugar, flour and wheat products, pasta, etc. though I do eat brown rice. Instead I am stocking up on the heart friendly foods which I read about this weekend. The 9 power foods in case you didn't know are as follows:
ORANGES, KALE, GARLIC, SARDINES, LENTILS, ALMONDS, POMEGRANATES, RED WINE (yes I must say that one surprised me though I'd heard it was good for the heart) and the best for last... DARK CHOCOLATE.
You can also add Blueberries, and all berries to the above list, as well as seeds, avocados and walnuts. In addition, I learned that protein is essential for menopausal women.
And sticking with the 'P' word...Prayer is also soothing to the soul, and keeps the blood pressure down.
The following is a favourite wake-up prayer that anybody can use..,
Morning Prayer to get the day off to a good start!
God of my life,
I welcome this new day.
It is your gift to me...
The first day of the rest of my life.
I thank you for the gift of being alive this morning
I thank you for the sleep which has refreshed me.
I thank you for the chance to begin life all over again.
Lord, this day is full of promise and opportunity:
Help me to waste none of it.
This day is full of mystery and of the unknown:
Help me to face it without fear or anxiety.
I CAN DO ALL THINGS IN HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME.
AMEN
Nighty night...after all that cleaning today, I'm heading for the hay now!
Friday, February 10, 2012
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES...24 LITTLE HOURS!!
Day one of my '21 Days To a New You' has come and gone... and Boy! - what a difference a day makes!! I decided to try the Wild Rose herbal detox...simply because it was in the house from the last two failed attempts...Fortune was on my side, as they had a few months left before expiring. Wonder which of us will expire first?? lol.
It was also garbage day today. I find it therapeutic throwing out the junk from the week just gone and starting anew, so it was a symbolic start. It was also mum and dad's 58th wedding anniversary, so a day of new beginnings.
Since we're on the subject of detoxing, I went to a lecture last Wednesday given by Dr. Terry Willard, the brain behind Wild Rose herbal remedies and Hell! what a disappointment. I expected to see somebody glowing with health and slim, trim and brimful of energy. No - far from it, what greeted me was a short chubby little man with a pot belly bigger than Santa's. I was surprised at how unhealthy and hairy he looked. The only place that didn't have hair was his head, which is why he wears his Indiana Jones hat all the time, removing it every 20 mins. to wipe the sweat from his brow...still it didn't put me off. I'm in Wild Rose Country mode for the next 12 days downing the disgusting pills Dr. Willard invented. Took 6 this morning and a ghastly drink followed by porridge and almond milk. Instead of my usual coffee and cream, I had green tea. It is nice Zen tea which I got at Starbucks.
Lunch was egg salad with no dressing as I did not get a chance to make Dr. Willard's healthy dressings yet. Supper time I took 6 more of the ghastly pills - they stink, but I try to imagine they are Smarties or M & M's...You need a vivid imagination for that part of the operation. I found a delicious recipe in his book for Lentil Dhal which I made for supper with brown rice and it was delicious. Victoria loved it. We'll have the rest tomorrow evening. I had pear and berries for dessert and some Earl Grey tea. And that's about the size of it. I also hit the treadmill and burned 500 cals.
Warning!!! Don't come near me for the next 3 days...Dr. Colbert in his book 'Toxic Relief' said I would notice my skin turning black as the toxins exited my body (I visualize them marching out like little aliens with suitcases full of gunk). In addition to the grey skin tone, I can also expect demonic breath, and foul mood. Wonderful. I feel wonderful!! Yeah! it will be worth it in the end if I get to look like Madonna at the Super Bowl last Sunday. She's only a year younger and a full blown Vegan into the bargain.
I had to remind myself - this is NOT just a fast for a few days. It's about de-cluttering EVERYTHING...negative thoughts, words, deeds. Less t.v. more mindfullness. So I gave less of myself to the t.v. tonight and instead cleared out my closets...well began the operation. It will take time. Best way to eat an elephant is bite by little bite - right?
And yes, I prayed more...not as much as I would have liked, but every little bit helps.
So all in all - a positive start to my '21 Days to a New You' adventure...
Tune in tomorrow as 21 days becomes 20...and get in on the act too!!
Ciao for now!
Patricia xxx
They say it takes 21 days to break old habits. Hmm...I would have thought longer.
It was also garbage day today. I find it therapeutic throwing out the junk from the week just gone and starting anew, so it was a symbolic start. It was also mum and dad's 58th wedding anniversary, so a day of new beginnings.
Since we're on the subject of detoxing, I went to a lecture last Wednesday given by Dr. Terry Willard, the brain behind Wild Rose herbal remedies and Hell! what a disappointment. I expected to see somebody glowing with health and slim, trim and brimful of energy. No - far from it, what greeted me was a short chubby little man with a pot belly bigger than Santa's. I was surprised at how unhealthy and hairy he looked. The only place that didn't have hair was his head, which is why he wears his Indiana Jones hat all the time, removing it every 20 mins. to wipe the sweat from his brow...still it didn't put me off. I'm in Wild Rose Country mode for the next 12 days downing the disgusting pills Dr. Willard invented. Took 6 this morning and a ghastly drink followed by porridge and almond milk. Instead of my usual coffee and cream, I had green tea. It is nice Zen tea which I got at Starbucks.
Lunch was egg salad with no dressing as I did not get a chance to make Dr. Willard's healthy dressings yet. Supper time I took 6 more of the ghastly pills - they stink, but I try to imagine they are Smarties or M & M's...You need a vivid imagination for that part of the operation. I found a delicious recipe in his book for Lentil Dhal which I made for supper with brown rice and it was delicious. Victoria loved it. We'll have the rest tomorrow evening. I had pear and berries for dessert and some Earl Grey tea. And that's about the size of it. I also hit the treadmill and burned 500 cals.
Warning!!! Don't come near me for the next 3 days...Dr. Colbert in his book 'Toxic Relief' said I would notice my skin turning black as the toxins exited my body (I visualize them marching out like little aliens with suitcases full of gunk). In addition to the grey skin tone, I can also expect demonic breath, and foul mood. Wonderful. I feel wonderful!! Yeah! it will be worth it in the end if I get to look like Madonna at the Super Bowl last Sunday. She's only a year younger and a full blown Vegan into the bargain.
I had to remind myself - this is NOT just a fast for a few days. It's about de-cluttering EVERYTHING...negative thoughts, words, deeds. Less t.v. more mindfullness. So I gave less of myself to the t.v. tonight and instead cleared out my closets...well began the operation. It will take time. Best way to eat an elephant is bite by little bite - right?
And yes, I prayed more...not as much as I would have liked, but every little bit helps.
So all in all - a positive start to my '21 Days to a New You' adventure...
Tune in tomorrow as 21 days becomes 20...and get in on the act too!!
Ciao for now!
Patricia xxx
They say it takes 21 days to break old habits. Hmm...I would have thought longer.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
WHAT DOESN'T KILL YA...MAKES YOU STRONGER...!!
I wish I could play the 'Pause' button on MENO..PAUSE...you know that stage of life when people ask in frustration 'What's the difference between mad cow disease and a menopausal woman?' and the answer is 'None'. Think about it. Not very consoling is it. When Kelly Clarkson gets to that point I know she'll be changing her tune to 'What doesn't kill you, drives you KRAZEE'.
And so it is at every stage of our life, there is a hurdle to be crossed, before we get to the next challenge. First we have to learn to walk, then talk, then potty train, then deal with the acne, hopping hormones, mood swings, weight - too much of it, or not enough of it, too tall, too small, too busty, not busty enough, boyfriends, girlfriends, money, career, learning to drive, finding a mate, a house, making a home, etc. etc. I think it is only fair that when you get to the 50+ stage of life, when you have overcome all the aforementioned battles, you deserve to be rewarded...right? Not so, the hopping hormones of youth continue to rage, reaching 'fever' pitch at menopause - yeps! By 'Fever' I'm referring to those hot flushes...I saw a poor lady Receptionist having one the other day, and no she wasn't embarrassed, well actually she must have been because she jumped up from her desk abruptly, and went into the file room...looking for a file!!
Anyway, to cut to the chase I decided today NOT to let the Menopause Monster get the better of me - No sir. Let the battle begin... The idea came into my head that Menopause is like a re-birth of sorts. A brand new chapter of life, richer for all the lessons and wisdom accrued en-route. The nest is emptying, baby birds are getting their wings and Mama and Papa bear should now be going to dancing classes, piano or guitar lessons...maybe even swimming lessons...to keep the brain alive.
With all that in mind I bought a book to read entitled 'Toxic Relief' written by Don Colbert MD (m.d. must mean mentally deficient) because it promised on the cover that it would help restore health and energy, through fasting and detoxification. I dunno about you, but to me the word 'fasting' means food...right? Interestingly enough, Dr. Colbert suggests DETOXING your whole person! hmm food for thought... At least you can't get fat on that.
By detoxing 'your whole person' he suggests not only fasting from food, but also fasting from WORDS that hurt, injure, or cause fear, doubt, anger, strife, shame or guilt. He calls that a word fast. Next, he suggests a MEDIA fast, to fast from t.v. internet, and radio in order to get closer to GOD. I like that one but will I be able to do it...let's just see...
A fast from GOSSIP...that should be easy, as I have nobody to gossip with, or about, and anyway, Canadians are too polite to gossip.
A fast from harsh critical words at home (this fast will help you as a mother or father to use language that is courteous, kind and uplifting). Wow! that will be interesting.
Starting tomorrow D.V. I'll let you know how the 21 day fast goes...word by word. Actually I can't fast from the internet as I will not be able to do this blog without it...right? Instead I'll fast from spending money on non-essentials. I think that is a fair exchange Dr. Colbert.
Tune in tomorrow evening and you can even join me if you wish. The whole point of this 21 day challenge is to see if I can re-birth myself from the ashes of life fatigue...and become a Spring Chicken...Yeah! Sounds fun. Oh...another thing I have to fast from the weighing machine for 21 days too. Hmm...that should be interesting but I will be perfectly honest with you.
Ciao for now!!
Patricia xxx
And so it is at every stage of our life, there is a hurdle to be crossed, before we get to the next challenge. First we have to learn to walk, then talk, then potty train, then deal with the acne, hopping hormones, mood swings, weight - too much of it, or not enough of it, too tall, too small, too busty, not busty enough, boyfriends, girlfriends, money, career, learning to drive, finding a mate, a house, making a home, etc. etc. I think it is only fair that when you get to the 50+ stage of life, when you have overcome all the aforementioned battles, you deserve to be rewarded...right? Not so, the hopping hormones of youth continue to rage, reaching 'fever' pitch at menopause - yeps! By 'Fever' I'm referring to those hot flushes...I saw a poor lady Receptionist having one the other day, and no she wasn't embarrassed, well actually she must have been because she jumped up from her desk abruptly, and went into the file room...looking for a file!!
Anyway, to cut to the chase I decided today NOT to let the Menopause Monster get the better of me - No sir. Let the battle begin... The idea came into my head that Menopause is like a re-birth of sorts. A brand new chapter of life, richer for all the lessons and wisdom accrued en-route. The nest is emptying, baby birds are getting their wings and Mama and Papa bear should now be going to dancing classes, piano or guitar lessons...maybe even swimming lessons...to keep the brain alive.
With all that in mind I bought a book to read entitled 'Toxic Relief' written by Don Colbert MD (m.d. must mean mentally deficient) because it promised on the cover that it would help restore health and energy, through fasting and detoxification. I dunno about you, but to me the word 'fasting' means food...right? Interestingly enough, Dr. Colbert suggests DETOXING your whole person! hmm food for thought... At least you can't get fat on that.
By detoxing 'your whole person' he suggests not only fasting from food, but also fasting from WORDS that hurt, injure, or cause fear, doubt, anger, strife, shame or guilt. He calls that a word fast. Next, he suggests a MEDIA fast, to fast from t.v. internet, and radio in order to get closer to GOD. I like that one but will I be able to do it...let's just see...
A fast from GOSSIP...that should be easy, as I have nobody to gossip with, or about, and anyway, Canadians are too polite to gossip.
A fast from harsh critical words at home (this fast will help you as a mother or father to use language that is courteous, kind and uplifting). Wow! that will be interesting.
Starting tomorrow D.V. I'll let you know how the 21 day fast goes...word by word. Actually I can't fast from the internet as I will not be able to do this blog without it...right? Instead I'll fast from spending money on non-essentials. I think that is a fair exchange Dr. Colbert.
Tune in tomorrow evening and you can even join me if you wish. The whole point of this 21 day challenge is to see if I can re-birth myself from the ashes of life fatigue...and become a Spring Chicken...Yeah! Sounds fun. Oh...another thing I have to fast from the weighing machine for 21 days too. Hmm...that should be interesting but I will be perfectly honest with you.
Ciao for now!!
Patricia xxx
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