Empty Words - Day 4

We say we want to be healthy.  We say we want to lose weight.  We say we want to just enjoy life. WE say, say say.  EMPTY WORDS?   Guess so if you're still struggling.

Words are empty if we are "fighing the battle of the bulge", if our cholesterol levels are elevated, we can't do 20 jumping jacks without passing out... We'd rather watch TV than go for a walk.... we seek sugary, salty snacks instead of Fresh Fruit and raw vegetables.

I want to be passionate!  I want my words to match my actions.  I want to walk the talk.  If not, then I'm a fraud.   I'm really telling myself lies.  Then I don't really want what I say I want.  OR, maybe I don't think I deserve it!  How sad is that?

Today, Lord  I pray that I stretch beyond myself to become that which I desire.  A person who reflects her words.  Fill my words with YOUR power!  

I'm thinking of the Italian Women who use to do my hair.  I knew her for several years before and after she had a baby.   She confided in me that her husband had lost interest in her after the baby was born.  With tear's in her eye's she said she thought that it was due to her weight.  She is a very beautiful women and yes she kept on the "baby" weight and was not in the best shape.

I knew that her self image did indeed contribute to the troubled marriage.  I don't believe her weight was the root of the problem, it was her self esteem.  She wasn't happy with herself, her looks.... 

How can we expect other's to love us when we don't love ourselves?

Anyway,  I suggested to her that regardless of how she believed her husband felt about her weight... she herself was unhappy when she looked into the mirror. She admitted she hated how she looked and felt.  

Yet, she was willing to be complacent about her weight.... live with it and pour herself into her baby for happiness.  When she saw the signs of her husband not paying attention to her, that's when it bothered her. 

I suggested that every morning (she had a nanny for the baby) she needed to get out and walk briskly for 1 hour.   30 minutes one direction, then turn around and walk back.  If she would say,  I'm walking to save my marriage... that would give her focus, determination and purpose.  How much did she want to save her marriage?  Was she really willing to put action to her words that she loves her husband and wants to save her marriage.  (again, I believe the marriage was troubled due to the fact her baby came 1st and her husband came 2nd.... it was clear when listening to her stories)

I haven't seen her since that time (I moved away) so I don't know what ever happened.  But, this story has stuck with me.

What was she willing to do to save her marriage?   

It is a shame that people are only willing to push themselves to exercise 

and eat better after the Doctor frightens them with some diagnosis.  

Yes, as a Nurse I've seen this time and time again.

What does it take to motivate us to "get in shape, get healthy"?  Why can't we just care enough about ourselves to do it for US?  Crazy but it sometimes takes a High School Reunion, or Wedding or a death sentence to motivate us.

That's why I have been stressing in my blogs.  WE ARE HIS TEMPLE.  

Christ wants to live in our hearts.  Geeze Louise.... CLEAN UP THE TEMPLE!   God created this amazing Temple for Him to live in and we trash it.  Fill it with Garbage.  Yes,  I'm not just talking about "garbage food" I'm talking about filling our MINDS with garbage, trash ..... Garbage that is rotting inside us.  


Our word's have to be empty, because there's no room in us for anything else, it's full of Garbage.

It's no wonder  there is  sleeping problems,  a lack energy, a lack joy.... various  unexplained aches and pains ... headaches.... allergies.  Yes, you heard me right.   


PHYSICAL ALIMENTS due to the Garbage we put in our mind and body.

Our Spirits are crying out to us to STOP IT!   Go to his WORD, Read it.... Talk with the LORD and start CLEANING HOUSE!

You can go on any Diet in the world to lose weight.... Go ahead... knock yourself out....

Do you know why diet's are not 100%  successful? 

BECAUSE you need to start the "diet" inside your soul first!  How many books do you pick up on diet's that tell you that!  

That's right....  

Here is another way to understand what I'm saying: 

How comfortable and enjoyable would your home be for guest if you only took care of the outside of your home?

You could have the most amazing looking home on the block but if the inside of your home is a wreck.... Yikes!   We LIVE inside our homes.  

We are so consumed with the EXTERNAL that we neglect the INTERNAL   

Our bodies are a reflection of our souls.

Ok,  another way to understand this..... you could get ready to go out to a party and look amazing,  all perfumed up, made up.... fabulous outfil on.... amazing.... but if your Breath STINKS because you ate toooo much garlic.... I don't care how beautiful you look... YOU STINK!  No one will recall you looked great, they'll remember your Bad Breath!

Ok,  sermon for today is almost over.

CLEAN inside your HOUSE!  Go to the Lord in Prayer, read his word and "detox your mind and Spirit".  

Then develop new habits of  what you put into your mind and spirit.  
Your Body will thank you.

Do you want to be healthy?  Do you seek wellness?  Do you want to lose weight and be active and strong?

Start by looking inside before you start fixing the outside. 

Be honest.  Is there someone that you wouldn't want to sit and share a meal with?  Someone in your life who has hurt you?

Unforgiveness, resentment, hatred..... take up space in our minds and bodies like a cancer.  They eat away at us morning , noon and night.   They manifest as headaches, backaches, joint pain..... allergies, colds, flu....  

If  we could take a picture of your back pain... you'd see the face of someone you're angry at

(hey, it maybe YOU that you're angry at... Maybe you have unforgivenss for yourself_)

Ok, don't believe me.  DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH!  I'm telling you the truth  that 80% of all illness stem from unhealthy thoughts.

So,  you want to Lose weight.... you complain because "you just can seem to lose weight"...

LOSE yourself in Christ....  be cleanse and be filled with HIM.   

You'll drop the weight! You'll stop trying to satisfy yourself with FOOD.  You'll be satisfied in HIM.


  You'll be full of  love, laughter and a new zest for living if you put your relationship with Christ as Your first DESIRE.

If you don't believe me... ok.  Pick up the Bible and see what GOD Tell's you.   It's all there in Black and White.

1 Corinthians 14: 1  

Let love be your greatest Aim....

Salute!  To Your Health and Wellness

PS 

Don't forget

15 minutes of feeding your Spirit (praying)

15 minutes of feeding your Mind (reading God's word)

15 minutes of feeding your Body  (exercise)

Think before you Eat - Day 3

Day 3

Well, I'm still in the game.  No home run yesterday but.... "that's ok"... I'm still determined to WIN.


Wanting to "be healthy"  is about taking a serious look inside first.

Why to I make food choices that I do?
Why do I make excuses to not exercise?

This journey is NOT about a diet.  It's NOT about saying NO to foods I want...

It's about changing the "want"

It's about WANTING healthy foods.
It's about WANTING to BE healthy


It's about WANTING fresh Fruits and Vegetables
It's about WANTING thoughts directed towards giving life to your body
It's about WANTING to be Spiritually Whole and Well

This is really (when I think about it) about WANTING the Right Things for ME.

This Journey I'm on is to end the battle I have fought everyday for years....
The battle of trying to say NO to something I WANT only to end up feeling Guilty for not saying No.

This is about ending the battle of fighting myself each day about "having to exercise" and then NOT doing it because I really didn't WANT to.

This is about living in VICTORY!  This is about finding PEACE.

This about Living in the Moment and finding Peace.

I NEED TO BE PATIENT with ME.   I've had years and years of developing thought pattern's, habits, live style choices.

Changing Habits, Lifestyles and How I Think.... takes TIME, PATIENCE'S and a Commitment  to Wanting something Better for ME.

  It takes "one day at a time"   "baby steps".... (love, love, love the Movie "What about Bob")


It has never been easy to be patient, but it's probably harder now than at any time in history. 


In a world in which messages can be sent across the world instantly, in which seemingly everything is available for immediate purchase with a few clicks of the mouse, it's hard not to always expect instant gratification. 


But patience remains a valuable tool in life. 


We don't always get instant gratification, and some of the best things in life require years of hard work and waiting. 


Fortunately, patience is a virtue that can be cultivated and nurtured. 


Copied from:WikiHow.com



It DOES takes  changing how I see food and exercise (I'll deal with that discussion later).

What about YOU who is reading this....

Every time you look at food on the table, at a restaurant, at a store, on TV, in a magazine.... where ever, you  need to say out loud   " is this a healthy choice?" or "is this an unhealthy choice?".

then if it's NOT a healthy choice - SAY TO YOURSELF.... 

I don't need it, don't want it... it's not good for me!   

(make this a little Jingle type song you play in your head  (yes, I know I'm a bit crazy! but it works!)

You have to re-programing your mind on how you see food. Throw out the old paradigms.

If you still choose to eat something that isn't a healthy choice.  DO NOT then put it in your mouth and then say Ummmm, or say "oh, to die for", rolling your eye's like your having some amazing moment.
This tells your brain a message.  It says  "I LOVE this unhealthy crap" therefore "I desire this unhealthy crap".... Yikes!  ahhh the war inside your body between your mind, body and spirit.


Ok, let's say this AGAIN

When you eat... become aware of how your feeling when you reach for a food: "am I hungry?"
.... "am I really hungry with hunger pang's"  or   "am I eating because I'm bored" or  "am I seeking something to satisfy me" (that's a big one!) or   "am I frustrated" and trying to sooth oneself .....

ASK yourself if your not having hunger pangs  "WHY ARE YOU EATING".

You may still eat it but your starting to THINK before you EAT.   Your making eating more purposeful when you ask your self "WHY am I shoving that into my Mouth.

 So, today when "think"  about a meal, snack, treat..... F O O D.  THINK!  

Am I really Hungry?

Is it time to re-fuel  my body?

Is this just a craving?

Why am I thinking about eating?

THEN.... move to


Am I choosing something full of vitamins, mineral, nutrition?


Is the food I'm wanting to choose a healthy choice ?


If I'm seeking something that isn't a healthy choice then let me turn to Jesus (he's with me) and ask if this food I Desire belongs in HIS TEMPLE.  
(if it just increases my blood sugar and or  increases my cholesterol without bringing any nutrition than  probably N O T ! ) Dahhhh. 

For Crying out loud   " T H I N K"   

It's surprising how automatic we  reach for something to shove in our mouths..... or even seek something out when we have a craving (drive 5 miles to the ice cream store)  like a  possessed being... driven by an outside force.

S T O P  the Insanity  (as that crazy women use to scream - She cracked me up... but she had something right).

Today make a commitment:   I WILL THINK BEFORE I EAT!

ASK these THREE Questions!

What's happening that I'm even thinking about eating?  
Is this a Healthy life giving Food that my Body Needs right now?
Am I choosing the right food, portion and time to eat?

This WILL change your world if you start eating purposefully.

John 4:34  

 ³⁴ Then Jesus explained: 

“My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, 

who sent me, and from finishing his work.

If you (talking to me too) find you're seeking food when your body has NO NEED for you to eat, than exam "YOURSELF" through His Eye's.  

What are you trying to satisfy?

A Song I love  came from the biblical story about  when Jesus talks with a Samaritan Women.   John 4: 1-42

"Like the Women at the well, I was seeking for these that could not satisfy.... and then I heard my Savior Speaking .... come to the WELL that never shall run dry.  Oh, Fill my Cup Lord..."

Today when your seeking to eat something 

Stop and Think 

Ask the three questions

Then Draw strength from the Lord to make the right Choice.

Salute!  To your Health and Wellness

PS

When your desiring to get healthy.... lower your BMI... Live LIFE Healthy and Well

then

It's not about a DIET or some crazy "lose 21 pounds in 21 day" program

It's about first cleaning HIS temple and the Re-modeling and Re-decorating HIS temple

to reflect HIM!  That is Living!

God Bless you

Winning the Game - Day 2

Ok, so you can still win a baseball game even though you don't hit a home run every time you get up to bat.

So, yesterday wasn't a "home run" type of day for me.  

 I GOT up,  Stood at the home plate.  

Took my best shots.... 

I'm in the game and still excited for another day - 

Stepping on the home plate again this morning.

I WILL WIN!  

(silly to use a sport's analogy since I'm not really a "sport" type gal... but it fit's perfect)

For I can do everything God ask me 

to with the help of Christ 

who gives me the strength and power.  

Philipians 4: 13

It's absolutely amazing the POWER in His word.   Why oh Why oh WHY do we try to find the strength inside our self?  What is the reluctance to find the strength in HIM!

 John 1

 ¹In the beginning was the Word, 

and the Word was with God, 

and the Word was God.

Today I've set my Goal

15/15/15    

I think I'll make an appointment with myself! 

I WILL spend 15 minutes today in PRAYER  I'm needing to work on LISTENING!  Being Quiet.  Shutting UP.  Being Still.   Golly Geewhiz how do "they" do it.  The whole "empty your mind" and meditate thing.  My mind is always like the TV with PIP going on.   

9:45 am today  I have an appointment with me to do this!

15 minutes today need to be spent getting my HEART rate up!  10 minutes warm up, 15 minutes HR elevated, and 10 minutes cool down.

  Excellent web site for health info:  They have the calculator to figure Target Heart Rate.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/target-heart-rate/SM00083

  

Ok, 10 am today I have an appointment with ME to "get my HR up" and thus exercise my heart.  So at 10:10 I'll be starting my aerobics and I'll listen to some up beat Worship music!  "Two, Two... Two things in one"

Next:  15 minutes exercising my MIND.  Oh, freak... still trying to learn Italian.

Why do I try to learn another language when I have difficulty with my first language "English".  English was my worst class, worst grades... worst worst worst.  But, I've gotten this far (even graduated with a Bachelor degree - go figure).

I'll Listen to my Italian lesson's while stretching today at 10 am

There you have it.   MY GOALS for today.  
                             35 minutes today TAKE CARE OF ME! His TEMPLE!

Now Pick up the bat,  get into position..... get the Self talk going... see it in my Mind.... DO IT!  Start Swinging baby!   Cuz I'm a WINNER!

Salute!  To your health and wellness

Foundation of weight loss

Moment of honest truth.....
I finished my morning blog, walked into my bedroom and fell into bed!  What!!!
Then as I attempted to sooth myself that it was ok, I did what I said TO DO!  I saw Jesus standing next to my Bed just looking at me.   After a moment or two knowing  ya can't fool God.  I Got up and went and made my elixir.  (should have done that earlier).

Emerg C packet with a teaspoon of Kyo Green
Then a cup of Coffee (working on removing that from my life since it's not a true healthy choice)

Now, in order for me to move forward I have to be honest and accountable to ME!

Also, I didn't mention today that in order to reduce BMI

You have to reduce your intake of Calories and then
Increase your expenditure of Calories

ya know  basic math.   You have to burn more than you take in!

Here is a reliable web site to figure out caloric needs:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/calorie-calculator/NU00598

Copied from Mayo Clinic web site (excellent web site!!!)

Tipping the scale: Cutting calories

Your weight is a balancing act, but the equation is simple: If you eat more calories than you burn, you gain weight.

Because 3,500 calories equals about 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) of fat, you need to burn 3,500 calories more than you take in to lose 1 pound. So if you cut 500 calories from your typical diet each day, you'd lose about 1 pound a week (500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories).

I attempt to eat 6 x's a day (3 meals and 3 snacks) at 200 calories each time = 1200 Cal a day

To maintain my current weight it's about  360 calories each meal and 200 each snack =  approx 1700 cal
(I choose 1000 calories a day during weight loss since it's my goal)


Also,  I do believe that a one day of fasting is the best way to start the 21 days thing a ma bob but
too late Sally! There is  more to it than just not eating for the day... It's about setting the day aside for PRAYER and fasting.

IDEA

If you choose to walk yourself to a healthier you. (Pedometer)  Here is the Recipe:
1._______ Enter your goal weight
2._______ Enter the length of a measure distance in feet
3. _______Enter the number of steps it took you to walk this distance at a normal pace
4._______Enter your stride length .  Divide #2 by #3
5. _______Calories you'll burn per mile. Multiply #1 by 0.67
6.________ Clicks to walk one mile.  Divide 5.280 by #4
7.________Clicks to burn one calorie  Divide #6 by #5
8. ________Average daily clicks needed to live at your goal weight  (Multiply #6 by 4.5)
9. ________Average daily clicks to accelerate fat loss without losing lean (Multiply #8 by 1.5)


For crying out loud!  I have to walk 20,375 click's for weight loss!  Well, as they say
NO pain,  NO Gain (or in this case LOSS)  LOL




Please Please Please
This is NOT a DIET !  I don't believe in "diets"  (ever wonder why there are a billion types of DIETs?)


THIS is about a LIFESTYLE that bring's Health and Well Being
You C A N  be healthy!
You C A N be well!
You C A N  live in Love and Not Fear!
You C A N have energy and a zest for Living!

The only one stopping YOU is YOU!


This journey I've been on has been one of self discovery of why have in the past lived a life being at war with me.


As a Registered Nurse I must say this:
Check with your Physician before you begin any weight loss / exercise program!!!!
Please Note that all my advise is based on my limited Nursing knowledge and Belief system as a born again Christian.

I do NOT endorse any particular vitamins or mineral's.  You don't need a degree in nutrition but the willingness to Listen to the expert's.  DO your Research on vitamins and mineral's you need for your body to work efficiently.

Oh, You've got to get the book by J. Maccaro Ph.D which will give you insight to how to balance your body's needs  for vitamins and mineral!

You've just got to read Dr. Leaf's book about how our thoughts impact  you're health and well being.

And.......Dr. Jeremiah is a man of our times for the healing of our souls - Spiritual food that is RICH and nurishing to our bones!  Our flesh lives but for a moment but our souls live for eternity!

Reading References Recommended:

BODY:  Fabulous Over 50  by  JANET MACCARO Ph.D  (NUTRITIONISTS)

MIND:  Who Switched Off My Brain Controlling Toxic Thoughts and Emotions  

by Dr.Caroline Leaf (Neuroscientist)

SPIRIT:   Signs of Life by Dr. David Jermeniah (Minister)






11:00am  - I've tracked breakfast calories  (love the site www.livestrong.com/myplate/.   It tracks calories, nutrition and even fitness count.  Accountability!  VERY VERY important on this journey)


You have to have SELF talk and SELF CHEER!  seriously.... Sing, chant, cheer whatever you need to assist with motivation!  Sound is energy that is tranmitted to your being energizing it with ENERGY! 


I've put on a Very funny show as I've cleaned the kitchen and got on the stair step machine I have.  You have to take every opportunity for MOVEMENT!


** when you move and increase your oxygen level - your brain is feed and "wakes up!"

Drum Roll Please Day One - lowering the BMI

You fall when you are unbalanced.   

For the next 21 days I will balance myself  by acknowledging every morning how I was created.  

15    15    15    is about taking 15 minutes each day to feed and nourish each facet of my being.

15 minutes concentrated and dedicated to my Spirit

15 minutes concentrating and dedicated to my Mind

15 minutes concentrating and dedicated to my Body

A usual day for me is from 7 am to 10 pm    THUS  my day is about  15 hrs  Long

10% of my day is tithe to each of these areas of my life.  15 minutes.  No real rocket science here.

SPIRIT

As I woke this morning thinking about Day One's blog I passed by my basket of Books in my Room.  I saw "Signs of Life" by David Jeremiah.  As I started to open this blog I was impressed to get that book and use it for the Spiritual nourishment for the next 21 days.  Dr. Jeremiah's book has 40 chapters which marks 40 days of lessons. 

Day One: Starting INSIDE.

Today I pray that I truly take time to look at my Life.  Honestly look at ME.  Look into the Word of God to see "who am I".   Yes, I put on my best shoes and jewelry... Do all I can look "all together", Hair, make up... clothes.  BUT, I have to exam me on the inside.  I need an internal facial!  I need to detox my Heart.  Truth is that in order to change my body (BMI) I also need to change my Spirit and change my Mind.  B A L A N C E.

Lord begin a new work in me today as I start this Journey.  Expose to me what YOU see in me.  Begin in me to expose and dextox those things that hinder my walk with you, affect how I think and eat.

Expose unforgiveness, resentments, anger and FEAR.  Then day by day cleanse, heal and restore me.

Today I will SEE you standing next to me.  Before I talk, eat or move I'll look to you and TALK with you about what choice I am about to make.  Guide me today.

MENTAL

Today also I need to look at my thought life.  Put into check that my thoughts are held up to the Light of Christ.  Are they Pure, Honest, True, Lovely... Do they bring life to me?  

When I look at food I will reinforce it's value to me with words.  For example:  This is a healthy choice or This is an unhealthy choice.  Although I may "desire" the unhealthy choice I will SAY.  I don't need it, it's not good for me, therefore I don't want.  If I still feel temped I WILL SPEAK Power by quoting Scripture.  Just as Jesus did in the Wilderness when He was temped.  I have no power over sin.  Only IN HIM do I have the power to defeat that which comes against me.

PHYSICAL

Habit's  !!    We all have them.  Some good and Some bad.  I choose movement today.  If I say to myself  "Self,  you're going to work out today for a least an hour!".   Oh  no....... excuses will  bubble up to my brain from my toes.  So, I know me.... I will say  "Me,  you're going to do something for 5 minutes!  that's all just 5 minutes"   Take a brisk walk.... Stretching.... get on that ridiculous exercise contraption you bought ages ago.... turn on the Wii.... 

I know myself well enough... 5 minutes will get my juices flowing and I'll do at least 15 if not 30.

Yes, it's a mind game but it works for me!

Ok, let me say this.

Since I've been on this Journey since last year.  I'm having difficulty blogging as though I'm just starting.

If there is someone out there reading this and wanting to join in.... go back and start at January 1st, 2010 as Day One.  Then read my current blog for the day.

I will suggest if you need to "get healthy"

Start your own Journal - Journal every morning (research shows increased success with keeping a journal)

Work on the inside!  What needs to be purged, cleansed, healed in you. Talk with God!

Commit to 15/15/15 each day  (I use to consolidate by listening to worship music while walking/exercising  and pray and move.   That covered Spirit and Body together!

STOP and look at food for what it SHOULD BE - nutrition to feed your body!  Not satisfy your lust.

COUNT your CALORIES!!  An absolute must if you want to reduce your BMI

COUNT the FATs!  An absolute must if you need to lower your cholesterol

COUNT the Sodium if you need to lower your blood pressure
(the rational for counting is to be accountable and knowledgeable about what you are consuming each day.  We fool ourselves, decieve ourselves into believing we "don't eat much".  Do this for the next 21 days... it'll be enlightening) 

Stay away like it's the devil himself from FRIED FOOD, WHITE foods. They are HARMFUL to your body.

EAT only what you can FIT into YOUR HAND!  

DRINK 8-10 glasses a day of Water with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of Cayenne pepper.

STOP making excuses.

Spiritually Jump over the road blocks and the times you fail -   BALANCE! 

TREAT YOURSELF WITH RESPECT!  

You are the Temple of GOD  

Act like it!

Ok,  I'm done

Gotta go make up my pitcher of water for the day

I've got on my Gym clothes (first thing I did after brushing my teeth and weighing my self)

I'm going to take my Mind, Body and Spirit on a journey today with JESUS standing NEXT to me watching every move I make.  And I'm going to acknowledge He is there by TALKING TO HIM!

Salute!  To your health and wellness

PS
Do you think the Lord wants to live in you?  Don't you clean house before company comes to visit?
Come on now..... empty out those closets that hold toxic thoughts, feelings....
80% of all illness's stem from people who need to mentally, spiritually need to "clean house".  (There is research data to back this up)