The Starch Solution: Day 3

My neck pain was nearly gone when I woke up this morning. I slept much better last night as well. I did use my back massager before falling asleep. It was GLORIOUS! I was so very grateful for it last night and I think it helped me have a much better day today.
I woke up around the same time as yesterday morning. The weather was extra hot. But, I had a little more in me so I stayed out to walk/jog for an hour and 15 minutes. I also did a relaxing yoga routine after I cooled down a bit. I tried to drink a lot of water today, but I think I still didn't keep up with how much the heat and dry air is sucking me dry out here!
I weighed myself before heading out the door this morning and was down another pound since yesterday morning. Whahoo! I'm curious to see if I'll show any progress tomorrow morning, since the past 2 days I've been playing catch up from where I was before the trip I took last weekend.
I'm loving how satisfied I have been feeling though. I was punching in my calories to report on here again and was shocked (again) to see that I only had 1568 calories, leaving me at 720 net calories. Here is what I ate:

Breakfast:
The usual oatmeal banana berry bowl with flax seed and almond milk.

Lunch:
1/2 avocado spread on 2 slices of toast
1 cup of Quinoa & Brown Rice with Garlic
1 Corn on the Cob (steamed)
1 apple

Snack:
1 serving (38) Veggie Straws

Dinner:
2 bowls of Special K Cereal with Strawberries and Almond Milk

...Something I noticed yesterday that I didn't mention is that I started to break out a little bit. I didn't mention it because I thought it was due to the Noxema I used to wash my face with (I don't usually use Noxema). But, this morning I used my usual face wash and I noticed later today that I had a few more blemishes. Whether or not this is hormone related, I think it is linked to the dietary change. I'm curious to see if this is one of those things that will get worse before it gets better..or if this is just an interesting consequence of eating all starches. I'm really hoping this means that my complexion is just crapping out now because it's purging and changing and that my pores will magically get smaller and my skin tone will magically look younger. Wouldn't that be nice? 
 

The Starch Solution: Day 2

I am trying to reset my body clock to go to bed much earlier and getting up earlier so I'll be ready when school starts. I went to bed early last night. Therefore, it was a little difficult for me to fall asleep. I felt torn between sleep and going for a walk because I had energy to burn. I stayed in bed.
I woke up this morning with a very sore neck. I wonder if I slept funny once I finally did fall asleep or if the neck pain is related to my spinal stenosis in my C7 area and if the change in my diet over the past few days has anything to do with it. I did, after all, eat a lot of junk food over the weekend before I finished McDougall's book and started the 7-Day Challenge to go with the starch solution.
Despite my neck pain, I felt a tinge lighter so I had to check the scale. Down 1.6 lbs from yesterday. Sweet!
I went on my walk/run this morning. My joints felt a little stiff. Again, I wonder if it is due to the diet changes or how I slept or maybe it's because I had my first longer workout yesterday morning than I've had in almost 2 weeks.
Last night, while I couldn't sleep, I went ahead and punched in all of the food I ate yesterday into MyFitnessPal, just to see what it amounted to. I know I'm not supposed to concern myself with counting calories on this plan, but I just felt like it. I couldn't believe how satisfied I felt with only consuming 1619 calories (1200 net calories). And, I ate, what felt like, a lot. 
Day 1

Breakfast:
I had my usual large bowl of oatmeal and flaxseed with blueberries, strawberries, almond milk, and banana

Lunch:
3 cups of O'rieda potatoes with Onions and Peppers with salsa and Tofu Ranch Dressing Dip
1 banana
Apple Jacks Cereal with almond milk

Snacks:
Strawberry Crunch Cereal with almond milk
Banana

Dinner:
Quinoa & Brown Rice with Garlic (Seeds of Change)
Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Honey Gram Cookies

Day 2

Breakfast: 
My usual oatmeal banana berry bowl

Lunch:
Kale and Cabbage salad with Calorie Free Thousand Island Dressing
Red Lentil Rigatoni Pasta

Dinner:
Brown rice, mushroom, onion, and olives in a pressure cooker
Special K strawberry cereal with added blueberries and strawberries

My energy levels have been pretty steady as well. With this starch diet, I was half expecting to have peaks and valleys with my energy levels, but I haven't experienced that yet. I am also thrilled to not have so much anxiety about what to eat and when. This still seems to be simple. :)

Is it really this simple?

Well Hello Blogger....I am sorry to tell you this, but I completely forgot about you. The past few years have been nothing short of busy. So, my new goal is to SIMPLIFY. I'm laughing at myself right now as I see I've bolded the word and just past my laptop screen, I see 3 different types of calendars tacked to my wall. I have one monthly calendar dedicated to my workout regimen, one large whiteboard weekly calendar dedicated to my meal planning, and one smaller month whiteboard calendar for my meetings and events.
I really put a lot into those calendars because I had so much anxiety about achieving my weight loss goals. Desperate; is the word I would use to describe my feelings in regards to my health.
If you were to sum up what I've explained in previous blogs, I have been obese since the age of 5. I have usually had a desire for exercise. I am ambitious and driven. Yet, still overweight.  I've tried the Curves diet, Jenny Craig, MyFitnessPal, and Whole30 (paleo). I've tried the "run it off" approach. That only works while you're young and is still ineffective because of a hormone called cortisol (stress from overly elevated heart rate) and a thing called inflammation; which causes your joints and muscles to stiffen and creates lots of pain. I've finally made it a matter of daily prayer.
I know low carb, high-fat diets work great for many people. But, let me tell you; it makes my heart feel sluggish and it does not make me want to go running and hiking; the 2 of my most favorite "healthy" things! Plus, it just seems excessive; to be eating like that. Something about it never sat well with me and I think it's because I know it's against the Word of Wisdom. We've been counseled in the church doctrine to eat meat sparingly. So, in my quest for the truth about what I should be eating, I stumbled on a youtube video. The part at the end of it had me almost in tears. As Dr. Lim poured water into this dark brown glass of coke and the brown started to clear out, I started to feel some real hope for me. This is the video I'm referring to for anyone interested:WHY I QUIT PALEO KETOGENIC DIET & WENT PLANT-BASED - Dr. Lim
I was so inspired, by his words and his examples of health but I didn't know where to start and was honestly pretty overwhelmed. I decided to keep watching and listening to different things that could help me understand what I should be eating and be motivated to ditch some of the foods that I love. I discovered High Carb Hannah, Mic the Vegan, and Plant-based news. I eventually learned about nutritarianism and read Dr. Furhman's book, Eat to Live. Of course, I was even more excited about the results I was hearing about but still struggled to implement. It took months of being primarily vegetarian and then finally cutting out dairy a few weeks ago. It's so funny how much I struggled at first to come to terms with labeling myself nutritarian or vegan. But, now I find it's easier if I just tell people I'm trying to eat Whole Food Plant-Based, and if they look confused I tell them I'm leaning towards being vegan. And, if they still look confused, I just tell them I'm avoiding dairy and animal products. It's easier if I tell people so they won't expect me to eat something they've prepared. But, I haven't gone all facebook post happy about it or anything. Maybe I will announce it when the school year starts or something just so no-one brings me a dairy-filled "treat."
My most recent and exciting discovery is Dr. McDougall's book, The Starch Solution. It's so simple! I love it! This is so much easier than the Nutritarian plan. So, today is day 1 of the 7-day challenge.
Here are the 10 Rules of the 7 Day Starch Challenge:

1.  Eat more starch
1. Eat as much as you want
2. Don't go hungry
3. "Eat when you're hungry. Stop when you're full."
2. Choose the least processed starch as possible
1. Example: Brown rice; not White rice
3. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits
4. Eliminate animal foods from your diet
1. NO meat
2. NO dairy
5. Keep your fat intake as low as possible
1. Enjoy nuts, seeds, avocados, coconut sparingly, and only occasionally
6. Avoid any added fats and oils
7. Skip highly processed soy foods and enjoy minimally processed soy foods
1. Enjoy tofu, edamame, soymilk infrequently
1. These foods are richer than you think!
8. Go easy on sugar and salt but don't sweat the small stuff. 
1. They're usually the scapegoat, not the problem
2. Only put on the surface of the food -don't mix in while preparing
9. Avoid temptation and discard tempting foods from home and work
10. Keep your fridge and cupboards stocked with GOOD foods

Whole starches include beans, potatoes, and rice. It's so simple! It's so cheap! I hope this really does work! I weighed myself this morning and will weigh myself again next week. So far, I'm surprised just how filling these foods have been. So long as I'm not dehydrated, I'm feeling pretty content thus far....

Year 31

Turning 31 and being single is not anyone ever plans to do. But, here I am. It's a good thing I have gotten pretty comfortable with the single life. My weekends and week nights are filled with exactly what I feel like filling them with. This past month, I've filled up some of that time reflecting. I've reflected on what I've learned about myself over the years and what I'd like to be able to accomplish in this next year of my life. My number one thing that I feel like I've never been able to achieve is a healthy weight.

Yup. I've always been the fat or the chubby kid. And, while it was difficult when I was young, I've gotten fairly comfortable with accepting the truth. I am obese. Always have been -since I was 5 years old.

However, I've learned quite a bit about myself over the years. Here are just 5 things that are popping into my mind now. 1. I am happier when I'm healthier. 2. Short, steep hikes to the summit are more fun and motivating than long hikes around the mountainous areas but never reaches a summit. 3. I love cruises, vacations, and any reason to celebrate. 4. I love running when it doesn't injure me. 5. I am smarter and more confident when I eat well.

...Eating well is such a relevant concept though, isn't it? There are soooo many fads and diets and things out there. I've tried low fat diets (those are sooo outdated and wrong, but I was clueless with the rest of the world at the time), I've tried Curves (essentially high protein, low carb and fat diet), I've done the Whole 30. That one seems to have a lot of good use. Though, its not sustainable or realistic to eat like that all of the time. I've even tried the fast diet. That one just kind of made me laugh. I've done Jenny Craig. That was expensive and effective, but it was short term and made me sick of microwave meals. I've also done calorie counting on MyFitnessPal. That has probably been the most sustainable approach, but it needs a little more boundaries.

So, with all of knowledge obtained from my own experience, books, articles, and even textbooks, I've ascertained that Sugar is, in fact, the worst thing for me. Not only does it cause weight gain, but it causes inflammation which then causes illness, achey joints, muscles that don't recover well from stress, and most importantly, depression and mood swings. Depression and mood swings negatively affect your relationship with not only your self, friends, and family, but your relationship with the Lord. Yikes!

I've also determined that plant based foods are good. They help me feel better (mentally, physically, emotionally) in the long run and when they are coupled with the right seasonings and spices they are quite tasty. The only problem is finding the time to cook them. But, I imagine that takes practice.

Grains are hit and miss. I don't think they are the devil, but I think they can take away room in my belly that I should be saving for more nutritiously dense foods. Plus, the carbs from them make me a little swollen and I hold a little more water than I'd like. If I have too much of them, I definitely experience the symptoms similar to what sugar does, which is nothing good.

I also know that I love certain foods with those things in them. While I know they cause so much damage, I feel that if they are eaten in smaller portions, less often, the side affects are less daunting.

But, lets face it. I'm obese because of my ineptitude for eating smaller portions of junk food, less often. So, I need to accept that this is a true weakness. Weaknesses can only become strengths when you  first accept they are there and that you need an inspired plan to overcome them.

Now, taking into account the things I've learned that I've mentioned above. I'm going to exercise a plan this year that I am hopeful, will change the status quo I've been living my whole life (the life of overweight/obese Amber).

1. I want to be a healthier version of myself because I know that it will make me a happier version of myself.

2. Summits are like beautiful lights at the end of the tunnel. When I used to run, I would actually run faster uphill, if I could see the top of it in site. I want to put the hill behind me as quickly as possible so I can enjoy the view up top. The harder run up the hill had to be balanced out so that I wouldn't burn out by the time I got up there, but I would slow down the jog a little to catch my breath once I got to the top and then I would get enjoy myself more. Perhaps, a shorter burst of intense focus on weight loss (exercise AND diet), followed by a brief, relaxed approach is more in tune with my personality.

3. If I can book myself a vacation, knowing that this is the reward to myself for sticking to my goals, than I better stick to my goals so I can truly treat myself at this vacation!

4. If I can exercise in a way that increases my strength, energy, and flexibility, I can get back to running without injury. If I can lose enough weight, the high impact on my joints from running will be greatly decreased. Wouldn't it be nice to run a marathon at a pace worth sharing with your friends and family?

5. Confidence is increased when my physical strength goes up, but even more so, my confidence increases when I develop trust in myself. Promises I keep to myself will only increase a resolve that I can and will always keep doing better. My mind will be more focused and able to learn when not deterred by ill feelings about myself.

These are the Exercise/Diet Rules for year 31. If you are in my corner, please follow up with me on them. It truly helps me when I know I have someone I am reporting to.

And, while I recognize I may not stick to them perfectly for the entire year, this is what I am striving for. My calendar in my room has a pack of highlighters next to it. When I finish the day having met my food and exercise goals perfectly, I put a purple slash through it. Purple is for Perfect! If I didn't meet it perfectly, but I feel like I still did great and was pretty close to it, I get a green slash. Green is for Great! If I know I could have done better, but I didn't take any steps back, I get a yellow slash. Yellow is for Yo, get yo' act together! If I did a really bad fail and took a step backwards in my goals, then I get a red slash. Red is for Ridiculous! Blue is for Break. Because, lets face it, sometimes we gotta have a break from the hard and heavy run up the mountain. My plan has these mapped in.

My Year 31 #healthiestyearofmylife Plan:

You must log your meals daily.

• Exclusions include:
• cruise or resort vacation
• 3 days surrounding holidays (ex. 24th-26th of Dec)
• Your birthday month
• You will stay between 1000-1200 calories for the first 3 days the start (Oct 2nd-4th)
• No more than 60g of carbs alotted
• For 21 days each month, you will log 1200-1500 calories
• During the 21 days, you will stay below 101g carbs
• You are not allowed any non-paleo dessert during this time
• You will have a “free” week following the 21 days. You may have as much food of any kind that you like, but must log those meals, snacks, etc.
• Paleo desserts are preferred.
• You still must include Shakeology for nutrition to avoid a total setback (illness and inflammation)

You must exercise a minimum of 4 times a week.

• 7 times a week is preferred.
• Follow the 21 Day Fix exercise program whenever possible.
• (Running in place of the program may occur no more than 3x/wk)
• Following 6 months, you may begin a new exercise program
• PIYO: 60 days
• P90x: 90 days

You will log your weight at the start of every month and at the end of the 21 day period.

• It is hopeful that you will lose 5-10lbs each month (resulting in 60-110 lbs of weight loss)
• Weight loss is not required.
• Exercise will not permit more than 1500 calories during the 21 day period.
• Avoid discouragement by scale. Weigh in no more than 1x/wk.

You will take before/after pictures every 90 days.

• One facing front: hands on hips
• One from the side: one hand on hip other flexed
• One facing back: hands on hips
• Wear similar clothing

You will take waist, belly, arms, hips, and legs measurements every 90 days.

• Waist: smallest part of your core
• Belly: 2 inches below belly button
• Arms: at the point where the arm leaves the shoulder
• Hips: largest part of buns/thigh area
• Legs: largest part of the leg

Don't Look Back

Today, I struggled to wake up and get going. I really didn't want to go to church and I felt anxious and uncomfortable. Maybe it was because I knew I had just eaten like a food addict all this past week (my birthday week), or maybe it was because I knew I had a ton of laundry, grocery shopping, homework, and schoolwork to do. I also wanted to fix Megan's car for her so she could get to work this evening. And, I wanted to make sure my car was emptied out (it was clear full of boxes to take to my classroom) in case she needed to use it.
I decided to take advantage of this last day of "freedom" and eat my Oregano's leftovers. As I was doing so, a little voice started telling me that this is my life and has been for a very long time. What makes me think I can change that now? Just because I wrote a blog post and shared it with some people; All the sudden, I'm supposed to have the energy to want to cook healthy meals and completely change who I am?
I felt I should get on the computer and see if the Gen Women's session was uploaded yet on lds.org so I could tell Mom where to go to listen to it. But, I felt like I should make a point to listen to it as well.  It had some encouraging stories of women who didn't have the life that they wanted but as they had faith in the Lord and as they chose to fill their hearts with love, they were able to be happy. There were messages of having charity and humility and faith in Him. It was good for me to hear and I think it helped to remind me of the joy I feel when I am faithfully seeking His will and having charity for others.
I felt a surge of motivation to start organizing my life again. I put some laundry away and started a new load. I did the dishes, cleaned up some left over popped balloon pieces from my party yesterday, and then hit the road to take care of those boxes. Hearing the message helped me feel not so overwhelmed, but empowered to take care of these smaller things.
I got home just barely in time to take a 5 min shower and take Megan to church. We walked in just in the time for announcements and we were able to be there for the sacrament. The speakers were, Clint (a recently returned missionary), Katie (a convert of 1 year) and Brandon (another convert). I remember the talk that Clint gave of the atonement. Within it, he quoted an apostle stating the importance of not allowing Satan to make you look back and focus on who you once were. Or, to not look too far forward, but to be in the present. Let the Savior work with you. I felt that this was a message for me not to focus on how many times I've failed, but to move one step at a time into the right direction. One step, one day at a time. And, when I mess up, just put it behind me and keep moving forward.
In Sunday school Jacob Meyer gave a lesson and we spoke of reconciliation to God. It made me also think of this personal struggle I have. Megan made a comment about how Judas was consumed with his guilt in a way that kept him from progressing and learning. (He quit and gave up). However, Peter felt sorrow but wanted to do what he could to make it right so he chose to do better, and rather than ending his life he lived a life of love and ministry.
Sis. Brown (the bishop's wife) gave a lesson in Relief Society from Elder M. Russell Ballard's April 2015 General Priesthood session talk. She gave us these little handouts with questions on it to ask ourselves.
1. Do you search the scriptures regularly?
2. Do you kneel in prayer to talk with your Heavenly Father each morning and each night?
3. Do you fast and donate a fast offering each month -even if you are a poor, struggling student who can't afford to donate much?
4. Do you think deeply about the Savior and His atoning sacrifice for you when you are asked to prepare, bless, pass, or partake of the sacrament?
5. Do you attend your meetings and strive to keep the Sabbath day holy?
6. Are you honest at home, school, church, and work?
7. Are you mentally and spiritually clean? Do you avoid viewing pornography or looking at websites, magazines, movies, or apps, including Tinder and Snapchat photos, that would embarrass you if your parents, Church leaders, or the Savior Himself saw you?
8. Are you careful with your time -avoiding inappropriate technology and social media, including video games, which can dull your spiritual sensitivity?
9. Is there anything in your life you need to change and fix, beginning tonight?

...Each one of these questions made me realize I could do a little bit better to keep myself spiritually clean. Earlier today, I recalled the time I shared with Bishop that my spiritual and physical wellbeing usually go hand in hand. If I am doing well spiritually, I tend to do better at taking care of myself physically, and vice versa. This was a manifestation of how much I've been attacked spiritually lately.
 I was also thinking about how grateful I am that I pushed myself to go to church today and open up my heart to these lessons. All of this is helping me realize the truthfulness of the statement, "The Sabbath Day was made for man (and woman) and not (wo)man for the Sabbath." The lessons taught were just what I needed to hear to help me move forward.
I'm on Level "0" but I am able to move up!

My 30th Year Plan

Well, another year has come and gone and I still haven't accomplished attaining that "healthy weight" with a perfect bod…alas, I'll have to come up with a better plan, or give up altogether!
Giving Up:
Giving up is when you've stopped trying, accept failure, and then find yourself deciding to work on something else. This is what my a small percentage of my band students do. They pick an instrument, they are so excited and then after about a week or so, they start to question their ability. I slow down the pace for the class and they begin to feel empowered again. I push them to work harder after a couple of weeks and some of them start to freak out. Some will say they want to switch instruments because they think they didn't choose the right one and others will just quit. It always breaks my heart when they use the Q word and quit before they've even had a chance to experience their very first concert. I think, if they just would have stuck it out long enough to feel the reward of the small adrenaline rush before they start their four pieces they play for the audience and the rush of accomplishment and pride that comes after. If only!
Giving up is what I guess I have done this past year. I started P90X and then quit after day 60 because I felt like I wasn't getting the visual results I wanted. I quit trying to eat healthy because this little voice inside me told me it won't make that big of a difference and since I can't control some of the things that I know will make me happy (like finding the man of my dreams who will love me all the days) then the least I can do is grab myself a salted caramel Ben & Jerry's because I know that it gives me that temporary boost I can count on. Depression can be a real rational thinking process killer...
Giving up looks like this: I'm a 30 year old, 65in tall woman and weigh over 200lbs even though I ran a marathon just last week! Looks like I got the exercise part figured out (I do love that adrenaline rush before a race and at the finish line), but I gave up on the food stuff.
So how about I make a better plan…
Better Plan:
Now, this one is tough because I feel like I've tried so many things already! Tons, really. I truly believe that everyone is going to have something inside of them that works better for them then someone else. It really is different for everyone. I'm still finding my something. I'm going to try to use plans in the past that have worked for me, but come up with a plan that will hopefully help me stay focused on my goal and not feeling like I'm done before I'm done.
I've been doing lots of reading and studying for as long as I can remember learning how to read books that didn't have pictures in them. In my first read, I learned the importance of complex carbs, avoiding sugar, and avoiding starvation. In another, I learned the importance of lean protein and muscle growth. Later, I discovered the value of balancing carbs and protein together in portioned meals spread throughout. I later learned some contradicting ideas. Tried those ideas out and still don't buy into them so much. Intermittent fasting might be for some, but doesn't work well as a sustainable plan for me. I later learned the value of calorie counting. I lost the most when I implemented MyFitnessPal! And, of course, there is the Paleo plan. This seemed like a terrible idea when I first heard about it. But, I learned while reading "It Starts With Food"that paleo is actually pretty plant based. In fact, if I wanted to go paleo and eat meat sparingly, I could easily do that because there are plenty of plants that have protein and healthy fats that will help sustain me.
I've learned, over the years a little more about myself every time I've taken out these plans for a spin. It's like dating different men. You learn about them, but more importantly, you discover more about yourself what you are really looking for.
I don't know everything but I know I am looking for a plan that empowers me. I am looking for a diet that will not starve me, will feed all the inter working parts of my body but will also feed my soul. Whole30 was against "super stimulating foods" but the problem is, I'm already a food addict so if I don't get my replacement kicks somewhere, I might fall back on my salted caramel B&J's for comfort again. So, yes, its got to be tasty, wholesome, and its got to make me feel satisfied.
Ahh satisfaction…Satisfaction is what I really want. I want to be satisfied with my whole body, mind, and spirit working together as a balanced team.
So, here's the next plan. I am going to do Paleo eating for this 30th year of my life. Am I allowed to go off of it? Yes, but only for special events or days. Going on a cruise would be an example of that. Its a Friday night and my friends want to go out, is not one of those. Birthdays/weddings of very close friends or family, Holidays (not the whole month, just the week of), and Cultural Food night. I was thinking to allow myself one meal or treat per week to help me not feel stressed or restricted. What do you think? Is that too lenient?
Here is my weight goal. I want to weigh 145lbs by my birthday next year. Sooner would be better. So, I was thinking if I stay focused on the weight losing part (which has its own rewards over food) then I may not even want to go off the plan anyway.
Now, I have tried listing all of the reasons to lose weight and reaffirm to myself all of these wonderful things that will come if I accomplish these goals, but that just hasn't worked efficiently. I think part of it is my confidence gets swallowed up when I see that I'm not anywhere close to reaching that goal.
So, I'm going to come up with some extrinsic rewards to just help me stay pumped or excited. I actually got the idea from recorder karate, which I've discovered is a way that helps the students get super pumped about practicing their recorder. They practice songs and at a certain deadline, if they pass the song they get a little belt on their recorder that tells them and the rest of the world around them that they have passed that level!
I'm going to try a level system to get myself pumped for my goals. And, I'm hoping if I get to somehow share with some people around me what level I'm on, it will get me even more excited to share when I've passed on to the next level.
So, here's what I've come up with so far…
The Levels of Weightloss:
Level 1: Reached 190lbs
 -You can buy yourself some jewelry (maybe that nice, pretty watch you've been thinking about)
Level II: Reached 180lbs
-Get yourself a pedicure; something bright and draws attention. You've earned that flashy attention!
Level III: Reached 175lbs
-Get a manicure and a pedicure
Level IV: Reached 170lbs
-Buy yourself a new dress or 2!
Level V: Reached 165lbs
-You've earned a new pair of shoes. Perhaps some good trail running shoes!
Level VI: Reached 160lbs
-Set up that vacation in Sedona for a night or 2!
Level  VII: Reached 155lbs
-Get your hair treated and styled and buy 3 new dresses/outfits
Level VIII: Reached 150lbs
-You're doing awesome! Get a new swimsuit or 2, and take a spa day (massage)
Level IX Reached 149lbs
-You're super close! Start looking at trips. Buy a new swimsuit. Sign up for that Disney half marathon!
Level X: Reached 145lbs
-Book your trip to Hawaii!!!


So, what do you think? Leave a comment if you have ideas!

Stay By The Tree

I read an article today in reference to the federal government passing gay marriage as legal marriage in all states. The article was written by a Protestant of the Christian faith. It explained so well why Christians are against gay marriage. It was written for those with genuine intent to understand, and it was an enlightening article that reference the Bible as its main source for belief and understanding of God's plan for us. It may be found by following this link: http://www.caintv.com/a-detailed-explanation-of-why
In the article, it talked of how He created men and women with lusts of the flesh, not so we would indulge in sin, but so we could learn to rely on Him and His atonement to overcome our sins. This is the only way to truly be happy -through mastering ourselves through Him.

As I read, a tiny little light flickered on inside me that clicked, "This is THE way you will be able to overcome your own indulging sins." I remembered when Josh and I were talking and he told me that you cannot succeed to change your desires unless you pray to have those desires change. So, let Him change your heart.

I was running yesterday morning and thinking to myself how much I run and workout. I haven't really struggled too much to get a workout in once I make a plan to do it. Then I thought, "Just imagine how awesome and toned you would look if you were truly disciplined with your nutrition!" It always seems so clear and simple during a good run...

But then, the weakness of the flesh sets in with the hunger post workout. 

Sometimes, my optimism towards eating right will last for weeks! But, there's always that one time you choose to indulge, which turns to another and another and then all of the sudden you forget what you ever felt so clearly and strongly about before.

How like that is to our spirituality! We will have a great moment when our spirituality is strong and then we falter because we gave into the weakness of the flesh and after a time of slipping, we become spiritually too tired to remember what we ever got so pumped up about!

Testimonies take work. Faith takes work. I felt inspired to read out of my gospel library while on this flight and thinking about my nutrition habits. My eyes fell upon Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the seventy's talk entitled, "Stay By The Tree"

Within it, he speaks of how even the General Authorities of the church have to pray for help to keep their faith strong and endure to the end. "Enduring to the end is not the same as 'hanging in there.'" He talks of Lehi's dream of the tree of life. There were those who partook of the fruit but then still fell away into temptation. That's how I feel about my eating habits. I have done healthy and balanced for a time and it feels wonderful! I have even convinced myself that I would never go back to eating bad to the point that I start feeling so bad from it. But, then I fall away from that plan and my vision of what I really want becomes murky again.

In this article, he talks about an action plan to help "endure to the end" and to not become "weakened" by "competing priorities." Here are the steps;
1. Don't Forget to Pray
"...Pray for strength to endure to the end...." This is not something I have ever even considered putting to the test. Perhaps, I should pray to my Heavenly Father for the strength to overcome my nutrition weakness, for the guidance to eat wisely, and for the courage and heart to do what is necessary for my health.
2. Come Unto Christ and Be Perfected in Him
"...We can fill our lives with accomplishment and well-doing, but in the end, if we do not enter into sacred covenants to follow Christ and faithfully keep them, we will have utterly and completely missed the mark." 
My physical efforts will need to be in line with my spiritual efforts and vice versa. As I keep Him at the center of my life, I am suddenly not only taking care of my body for just me, but for Him.
3. Press Forward with Faith
"There is a path that leads to the tree of life, to Christ. It is straight and narrow, strict and exact. God's commandments are strict, but are not restrictive. They protect us from physical and spiritual danger and protect us from getting lost. 
Obedience builds faith in Christ. Faith is a principal of action and power. Consistently following the Savior's example produces spiritual power and capacity. Without the strengthening and enabling power of the Atonement, its impossible to stay on the path and endure."
'"Press forward with steadfastness in Christ.'"

Even as I write this, I get a little nervous because of my own weaknesses -especially in this area. I feel weak and vulnerable because I have failed so many times to truly eat well consistently. However, I have experimented upon the words of Christ in other areas of my life and have found the Atonement to be the most amazing tool to help me overcome other weaknesses of mine that seemed, at the time, to be unconquerable.
Now, as I approach this differently, I must build my faith through obedience and exercising faith in Him to help me defeat my indulgent desires.
4. The Book of Mormon is Key to Spiritual Survival (Scriptures are key to spiritual survival)
"Life's journey is challenging. It's easy to be distracted, wander off the path, and get lost. Tribulation is an inevitable and indispensable part of our eternal progression. When adversity comes, don't let something you don't fully understand unravel everything you do know. Be patient, cling to truth; understanding will come. Trials are like great mists of darkness that can blind our eyes and harden our hearts. Unless we are 'continually holding fast' to the word of God and living it, we will be spiritually blinded rather than spiritually minded. Search the Book of Mormon and the words of the living prophets every day, every day, every day! It's the key to spiritual survival and avoiding deception. Without it, we are spiritually lost."
Every day must be a spiritually minded day. If I lose focus on "the tree" I will lose my way and wander off the path. I can be deceived and forget what I really want to find at the end of the path! It's tough to avoid those "competing priorities." I've heard that daily affirmations and reminders are important to helping people achieve their weight loss goals. I believe that to be true. I think having a daily dose of "health thoughts" as well as daily scripture study can prove to be helpful in staying on the path of righteous eating.
5. Don't Be Distracted and Deceived
"To heed is to give careful attention. Heeding those who do not believe in Christ will not help you find Him. Searching #spaciousbuilding for knowledge will not lead you to truth. It's not posted there. Only the Savior has 'the words of eternal life.' Everything else is just words. The large and spacious building symbolizes the 'vain imaginations and the pride' of the world -in other words, distraction and deception. It's filled with well-dressed people who seem to have everything. But they mock the Savior and those who follow Him. They are 'ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.' They may be politically correct, but they are spiritually lost."
This is both spiritually accurate and physically accurate. There are so many diets and fads out there it is very confusing and can distract me from my goals of true health. It can be so tempting to fall into the trap of leaning on the latest diets instead of following a balanced diet because I want to be like those people who "seem to have everything" figured out.
I also get easily distracted in social settings and forget my dietary goals or deceive myself in thinking it is okay to eat the way my friends or family do. Even though, they do not necessarily have the same "trials of the flesh" as I have.
6. Stay By the Tree
"Lehi's message is to stay by the tree. (Visit this link to read the full story of "The Tree of Life" from the Book of Mormon online: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/8?lang=eng) We stay because we are converted unto the Lord. Alma taught, "Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God.' As we yield our hearts to God, the Holy Ghost changes our very natures, we become deeply converted unto the Lord, and we no longer seek the spacious building. If we stop doing those things that bring about deepening conversion, we regress spiritually. Apostasy is the reverse of conversion....
....If you lose the Spirit, you are lost. Don't be distracted and deceived. 
True disciples continue to awaken unto God each day in meaningful personal prayer, earnest scripture study, personal obedience, and selfless service. Stay by the tree and stay awake....
Once we enter into covenants with God, there is no going back. Giving in, giving up, and giving out are not options. In the kingdom of God, there is a standard of excellence for exaltation. It requires valiant discipleship! There is no room for average or complacent disciples. Average is the enemy of excellence, and average commitment will prevent you from enduring to the end.
If you are struggling, confused, or spiritually lost, I urge you to do the one thing I know will get you back on track. Begin again to prayerfully study the Book of Mormon and life its teachings every day, every day, every day! I testify of the profound power in the Book of Mormon that will change your life and strengthen your resolve to follow Christ. The Holy Ghost will change your heart and help you see 'things as they are really are.' He will show you what you need to do next. This is Nephi's promise to you:
'And I said unto them...whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.
Wherefore, I ....did exhort them ...that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things.'
Brothers and sisters, enduring to the end is the great test of discipleship. Our daily discipleship will determine our eternal destiny. Awaken unto God, cling to truth, keep your sacred temple covenants, and stay by the tree!..."
As I read this article with a new purpose in mind; to overcome this specific weakness of mine. I felt a an awakened desire to lean on my Father in Heaven for His help to become better, not the spiritually but physically. After all, isn't the gift of having an imperfect body all for the practice of learning to lean on Him completely and to become "perfected in Him"?
To read the article in its entirety or hear this given in an address, follow this link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/stay-by-the-tree?lang=eng#6-12565_000_52pearson