A little this, a little that...

I feel like that is all I do now... add a little this and a little that... and all those little things are adding up to a whole lotta goodness! We are one month into our new life now, and I have to say, we have never felt better! (I can speak for my hubby, too :) In cutting out all the "extras", we have so much more energy, clear thoughts, gooooood sleep, and have each lost about 18 pounds! I'd say we are doing pretty well!

Here's tonight's dinner... have you ever cooked with fennel? I had never even heard of it until today! It looks a tad bit crazy, but it sure added a good flavor!

             Fennel                                 Italian Braised Chicken w/ Fennel & Cannellini

 

As delicious as this "new" food is, and as great as it makes me feel, it is still difficult at times to stick with it. I don't really crave sugars and what not anymore, but when you find yourself somewhere surrounded by yummy desserts, you remember how tasty they are and it is tempting. And in that, I have found a strength and determination inside that is continually growing. Now I know, that might seem a little extreme when just talking about dessert, but it is a big deal! If I say, "Oh I can have just a little bit right now, I have done so well..." it will put me back 10 steps. Yes, down the road a ways, I will be able to enjoy those things on special occasions, but for the sake of what we are trying to accomplish, I am not willing to move backwards. For the sake of creating a healthy environment and someday being able to hold my baby in my arms, a sweet dessert becomes easy to say no to. And that is exactlty what I say when that temptation comes... would I rather have this or my baby? I have to be that extreme right now!

 

It gets tiring, very tiring, because I am learning. I know it won't be this "intense" forever, but for now, it's alot! But one thing the Lord always reminds me of when I get overwhelmed:

 

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,  and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:29-31

 

Those who hope in the Lord... that is what this whole adventure comes down to... our hope in the Lord. Our hope that He knows everything we have been through; our hope that He has a good plan for our future; our hope that He will take all of these pieces and thread them together to make one beautiful display of His love.

So Far So Good!

 

 



And our most favorite... milk in a glass jar!



Cleanin' Out the Cupboards

I guess it had been a while since cleaning my cupboards, but gosh, so much stuff! This was more than just a re-organization, however. Suited up with our lists in hand, Frank and I took a trip to Whole Foods in Sacramento to stock our shelves and refrigerator with the fresh foods that we would need to be successful in our new lifestyle. Yes, new lifestyle. Not diet. Lifestyle. Diets don't work. We are changing our mindset and being real about what we put into our bodies.

Out went the flour, sugar, crackers, chips, breads, canned goods, and Crystal Light! In went the coconut flour, almonds, sunflower seeds, Quinoa, Organic coconut flakes, vinegar, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, and more spices than I can count!



It took a few days to get used to the empty cupboards, but now, I hardly even open them, as I realize that most everything I need is fresh in the frig.... and I'm lovin' it.

                         

                                       
 


 

 oh.... and since I never finished updating my blog back in the chemo days (I know, I know, I'm so inconsistent!!).... I finished and I have checked out perfectly healthy ever since!!