Butternut squashes her Goals!

[Butternut]

Hello All!  I've been writing in Daily battles since I've discovered this place.  I am stoked to get this challenge going!  

 

A little about me: I have 4 kids (2 human children, and 2 dogs), I've been married for 7 years, I love getting my hands in the dirt, finding work outs outside, grabbing the kids and husband and saying "lets go to the lake today"  while hearing "mom, its 40 degrees out?" but still going! My passion is bike riding, teaching, and being positive (thats sounds corny, but being positive is hard work!). 

 

A little history about me (Get it? the words are small): In the last year I've been getting away from conventional wisdom.  I've been known in the past to fall asleep while playing with Legos with my kids, lose all my energy the next day after a day of bike riding (after eating my "healthy whole grains"), and I falling asleep in the hotel room when my husband and I finally get a night out (before we go out on the town).  I was 26 going on 27.  This wasn't normal. But the Dr. told me everything was normal with my "numbers".  I finally realized one day that I had been trying the same thing over and over, not changing my diet only my workouts (a little), and expecting change. After feeling bloated and taking my waist measurement (still hasn't moved in a year) I remembered the quote "Crazy is trying the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result" (I may have murdered that quote, if anyone knows it let me know!) There I started listening to podcast and someone mentioned the Warrior Diet, that lead me down my journey of discovering Wheat Belly, and eventually Primal Blueprint. I found I couldn't stop reading about all these different scientifical/history rich diets. I fell in love with them... but not my habits.  Its been a year and I'm still taking baby steps. I still have my damn love handles, those girls are always at my side.  But my strength and energy has improved! 

 

Main Goal: Feeling "light" with fantastic energy.  No bloating. I'm not worried about weight or taking my measurement this month, I just want to wake up in the morning and feel light. Put any of my clothes and feel comfortable and Great! 

 

My 3 quests

    Quest 1 - No grains, or sugar (I started this 5 days ago, so I'm kind of cheating).  

    Quest 2- Mindful doing once a day (Tai Chi, Mediation, writing in my journal)

    Quest 3- Aerobic bike riding 3 days a week, if I don't get on the bike I need to walk.

 

My life Quest

• Enjoy the value of creating children stories.  I love telling stories to children, writing silly stories and drawing goofy pictures.  
• Grab a petition for the school board (Election for opening seats are coming up)
• Play outside with my kids more, Spring is finally here!!!
• Be more positive for my husband
• Teach my dogs "Heel"
• Healthy kidneys and stomach.

 

My Motivation 

• You guys of course!
• This thread
• Listening to podcast (I love listening to podcast while walking on tread mill, on the bike trainer, or cleaning the house)
• Getting family members involved (Talking about it with kids, husband, in-laws)
• I have a long white piece of paper taped to my bedroom wall. I started 5 days ago when I started this no sugar/grains thing, Everyday I've been writing the day and a quick sentence or word of how I'm feeling.  Day two was "SUGAR!!!" 
• I'm treating everyday like day 1.  I'm on day 5, and today when I was making my daughter a peanut butter sandwich, when I was almost drooling, I thought to myself, what would I have felt like on day one? and I got passed it with flying colors.  I'm excited, I'm not worried about "man its been 5 days since I've had such and such" instead I'm just living today like... Day one!  

 

Thanks for reading and I can't wait to read everyone elses!  

[Dreamspin]

You've got some great goals set, good luck with your challenge!

 

I recently went Paleo again, and it didn't take long to get used to it. Now my palate has totally changed and if I try something with sugar it tastes sickeningly sweet. My morning smoothie is the sweetest thing I have in the day with coconut milk, banana, frozen berries, kale, and chia seeds. My energy levels are much higher and more consistent now that I've cut out starch, sugar, and dairy.

 

Keep at it, you're doing great! :-)

[Febri]

Oooh I like your motivations, especially this day 1 mindset thing, I have to keep this in mind, I'm sure it would work to me too! And I'm a bit envy that your family is motivating, mine is so negative and just meh...  It's better not to let them know what I'm up to

[m rips]

I love that you thought of it as if you were on day one! We are so much more motivated on day one. Im stealing that idea, hope you don't mind!

 

I'm not quite ready to cut out all my grains and sugar, but can't wait to get there. Best of luck, you'll do great

[Butternut]

Dreamspin, thank you for the support. That is how I've been feeling about sugar.  I'm finding that bread is getting more bland. I used to think people were crazy for cutting out sugar and grains, but since I've been doing it, it truly is a huge energy difference! 

 

Febri, I know how it is, one of the reasons I don't talk about nutrition to certain siblings and dad.  My siblings are "lucky" by being able to eat whatever they want and not gain a pound.  But since the years have past from changing my life choices, I've realized my really negative siblings are very unhealthy and very Unhappy.  It sounds like you are being positive for you!

 

Mead, steal away! It helped me again today. I encouraged my family to make home made pizza and I would stick with my meatloaf and sweet potato. Well as I was cleaning the kitchen I kept starting at the pizza (pepperoni and portabella mushroom) like a dog begging, I almost grabbed a bite, but I thought "this is day 1" and I left. My husband put the pizza away for me :). 

 

Going grain free free is hard and takes a lot of time. I'm still not 100% but I don't eat nearly as I used to. For me, paleo showed me how much grains consumed my life. I still love getting a pizza at our favorite restaurant and eating  home made cookies, but now they are more enjoyable because I'm choosing and not eating those things daily. 

 

Thanks gals for the supporting words. I'm off to listen to my sleep mediation and sleep like a ham. Mmmm ham.

[Butternut]

Update

Day 8 for my no sugar/grains.  This includes alcohol, and I'm still rolling! Yeeeewow! 

I rode on the trainer for 40 minutes yesterday with an avg 140 bpm. 

I did a guided mediation this morning and my 5 year old daughter is doing the Tai Chi with me.  At the end of the video I've been watching, the guy does "smells the lotus flower and releases it" My daughter showed my husband when he got home how to do it.  It was great.

 

I'm extremely new to Tai Chi, I've been doing a quick video on Youtube after my workouts or first thing in the morning.  Its very relaxing and I'm finding I'm less tense during the day.  

 

 

[m rips]

You go girl! (Yes I know that sounds corny lame 90s)

[Butternut]

lol!! 

[Dreamspin]

That's so awesome, your daughter must love doing Tai Chi with you! 

 

Great job on the exercise and cutting down on sugar and grains! 

[PollyannaAgain]

Cutting back on sugar is my next goal! Good luck! I'm cheering for you!

[Butternut]

Thanks dudes.  

 

I am on day 12 from no grains.  I did my tai chi yesterday and I rode bike for 20 minutes with minimal heart rate.  I got off and did a quick upper body work out after my workout I was so tired.  My muscles were so achy and I had hardly any energy.  I over did it.  I rode the day before than yesterday and before the riding days I did a leg work out.  I'm keeping it cool this weekend.  I got my 3 bike rides in so I'm relaxing.

 

Sugar is hard to cut out, My problem is right after I eat, I want something to munch on.  I'm trying to cut the habit and not replace it with something sweet like fruit or dates.  I'm just trying to cut that out of my life and not let food control me.

 

Other than that, I've been telling stories to my daughter.  I haven't done much drawing, but I came up with a story about squirrels, a park, and jars of pickles.  

[Dreamspin]

Great job! Those first few days off grains and sugar are tough. Are you getting enough protein and fat in your meals, like avocados, nuts, and oils? I find those help me feel full between meals, but I also snack on a few nuts between meals sometimes. 

[Koaladle]

 

You go girl! (Yes I know that sounds corny lame 90s)

 Oh crap, the 90s are lame? O.O When did that happen?! UGGGHH

 

I tend to be a lazybones, so I started keeping "at-hand" foods by the easy chair. I cut up my choice of raw veggies and munch on those if I'm still feeling hungry after dinner. I eat until there are no tummy rumbles and get extra vegetation to boot. :-) Increasing your healthy fluid intake will help your transition away from grains as well. Changing a diet is hard at first, but it's a worthwhile habit once it gets established.

[Butternut]

DreamSpin, Yes, I feel like I maybe eating to much.  But I think its o.k.  I've made a mistake and bought Dates, Now I'm eating those after dinner like I used to with my chocolate.  I want to beat the after dinner sweet eating.

 

One thing I have realized cutting this stuff out is I miss drinking.  I used to really beat myself up for how much I drink (mainly because my mid section never shrinking reminds me that its my booze intake) but now that I haven't had ANY drink for 2 weeks and I had to missed out on wine drinking with my in-laws, I think that's something I want to add back into my diet.  I feel like I will be able to enjoy it so much more once I'm done with this challenge.  It'll be something I'll look forward too. I don't miss bread at all or sweets, I do miss corn tortilla's though. 

 

This has been quite a neat adventure for me.  I can't wait to see where I'm at 4/29.  I'm not taking any measurements until than.  

[Butternut]

Went to the gym yesterday, 

 

squats, lunges, leg press, and did 3 pull ups.  I'm trying to focus and get detailed but my husbands watching Hot Rod, and its very distracting. 

[Butternut]

Got 10 signatures for the school board, I'm feeling energetic when I wake up (which is not normal for me) and i had a nerd gun fight with my kids today in the yard. 

 

Last few times I rode bike I lost all my energy. For the rest of the week I'm just going to focus on walking and playing outdoors for my activities. I take all the stairs at college and park in the last aisle when ever I go (same when I go grocery shopping).  I'm not going to do any strength training until next week too. Did tai chi 3 days ago and to tomorrow I'm planning on doing it 1st thing and then some planks. 

my belly is not as bloated.  If I squeeze my abs I can see the top layers, under some cushy fat though, but I can see them! 

 

This is week Ive worked on not grazing. I'm doing reaLy good. Today I've been really hungry so I stuck with coconut milk (I made myself), avocados, and lots of greens.  

[Koaladle]

How did your weekend go?

[Butternut]

My weekend was great.  I didn't work out, but I played with my kids outdoors, did 5 hours of yard work, had coconut cream and fresh berries for dessert, and I really really wanted to give up on this No alchohol (the added sugar part) because after a long day of hard work outside, I love relaxing with a cold beer, but I did not...  I am proud of myself, but I'm also really missing having a drink.  

 

Its weird, I'm proud of myself, I've gone completely paleo these last few weeks, so I can't give up now, but the urge to give up is here.   I just want to keep busy, but I don't feel as cheerful is I thought I would be.  

 

Today I would my bike to get my errands done, it was beautiful outside!  I also rode my dogs around, played at the park with the kids, and ate correctly...

 

I'm just still feeling blue... I just want a beer....  BUT I CAN'T!! I'm so close!!!  any positive words??

[Dreamspin]

Keep at it! It takes time. You're doing awesome! :-)  

 

I felt weird for a few weeks after going Paleo and being more physically active, I still do in a way. I have a bit of a theory on that, at least for myself. I was living in a way that I knew was neglectful to my health, was making me more tired, and was keeping me in a mental rut. But I was doing it for a *reason*.

 

Anxiety and depression are at the root of it for me, and making myself comfortably numb was a coping mechanism. Taking away my vices, I feel exposed, more uncomfortable, but also more alive, and also more aware of the emotions and thoughts I try to avoid. So for the first few weeks after going Paleo and exercising more, I felt edgy, manic, and a certain amount of being uncomfortable in my own skin.

 

I'm happy to say that for myself, my mood levels have balanced out and improved overall. I'm still conscious of areas that need working out, but I'm willing to face them and continue to be healthy. 

 

Take care! 

[Butternut]

Its funny you say that because its kind of how I'm feeling, I'm so much more aware of my surroundings and definitely my feelings.  I have been able to catch my moods lately.  Thank you for sharing because lately I've been feeling so weird but not sure how to explain it.  

 

Yesterday as I was writing in my journal I realized I am focusing on what I don't have instead of focusing on what I have done!  Example: I just want a beer!  instead of I've made it 23 days without sugar! 

 

Since the sun has been shining more I've been

• Walking an average 12,000 steps a day
• Playing outdoors with my kids almost every day in the last 6 days
• Riding my bike
• Only drinking 2 cups of coffee in the morning (skipping my third in the afternoon)
• Done Tai Chi almost every other day
• Been drawing for fun

I need to get back on that Day One mentality.  Also focus on my positives more.

My main focus today is portions.

[PollyannaAgain]

 

Its weird, I'm proud of myself, I've gone completely paleo these last few weeks, so I can't give up now, but the urge to give up is here.   I just want to keep busy, but I don't feel as cheerful is I thought I would be.  

You know how they call Wednesday "Hump Day" because it's the middle of the week, and if you can just make it through Wednesday, you'll be fine? I think you're at your Sugar Hump Day (or possibly Hump Week). So keep up the good work because after this, you win!  

 

Also, 23 days? Wow. I must tell you, you're very inspiring to this poor sugar addict over here!

[Dreamspin]

You're doing so awesome! It occurred to me that another reason you might be feeling weird is because your body is going through a lot of physiological changes now that you've shifted your diet and activity levels. Burning fat, building muscles, improving gut flora - we're changing from the inside out, no wonder it feels weird for a while! Keep at it, and you'll soon settle into a new, awesomer normal. :-) 

[Butternut]

Thank you Polly and Dreamspin!  I almost didn't get on this morning to this forum but I forced myself and I've been mega positive all morning.

 

Yes! Inside then out,  I am loving it! Just got to think of that Half Full aspect. 

 

Sugar Addiction is weird and so real! Remember when cigarettes was such an epidemic and an eye opener when we were realizing we shouldn't be advertising it? I think sugar is the next one. It's advertised everywhere, its in our offices, school class rooms, family gatherings, and in the commercials.  Marketers are about taste not health.  Its hard to fight an addiction when its all over the place. 

 

[Owlet]

 

Sugar Addiction is weird and so real! Remember when cigarettes was such an epidemic and an eye opener when we were realizing we shouldn't be advertising it? I think sugar is the next one. It's advertised everywhere, its in our offices, school class rooms, family gatherings, and in the commercials.  Marketers are about taste not health.  Its hard to fight an addiction when its all over the place. 

So true! I've been cutting down my sugar intake very gradually but I still eat fruit and the odd treat. It's so hard to cut out entirely - you are very inspiring! A friend of mine cut out sugar 20 years ago and says he feels like he has two lifetimes - before sugar and after sugar. Before he cut sugar, he suffered from huge mood swings and depression, but now he's the happiest guy I know haha, so there's that to look forward to! 

[Butternut]

That's an interesting way of looking at sugar, before and after. I like it because I look at it so differently now. And that's how I've been feeling. Last night I had a couple of glasses wine, and I woke up with a headache, I've been groggy all day, and I wanted to just nap. I haven't felt that way all month. 

 

So I fell off the band wagon  but I realized how it wasn't that satisfying.  with what I've donethis month has given me this strong will to have/keep the energy that I've had. Obviously wine is going to give me a foggy feeling. Of course on special occasions I'm going to drink it but it's not going to rule me like before. 

 

no tai chi today, been really focused on homework, finals are coming. I'm going to write in my journal in the morning though.  Tomorrow mother in laws watching the kids so husband and I can go on a bike ride