Week 27, MONDAY, Diet with Dianna

Week 37 and I have lost thirty-one pounds. I have a quite a ways to go, but I am well on my way!
Woo-hoo!

Matthew 6:25-34 NIV (New International Version)

Do Not Worry
    ²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?   ²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Week 27, Sunday, Diet with Dianna

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16 NIV

Sunday was a great day. I stayed in my p.j.'s all day. It was great! I needed to get out and go to the grocery store, but I postponed it until tomorrow. I didn't exercise and I didn't walk. It was great being lazy...all day. I watched three Hallmark Christmas movies, worked on my cookbook, played a couple of games on my son's tablet, and cooked one meal and heated up two meals. I made a huge batch of my spicy seasonal Chex Mix and the house smells really good!

Today Menu:
Egg, turkey sausage, and small bowl of oats with blueberries, and cup of coffee. Hmmm!

Two warmed up pieces of chicken tenders from last nights dinner and a very small helping of smashed potatoes.

Chex mix and a handful of mixed nuts and some sugar free hot cocoa.

Ready for bed! Night all and ready for Monday!

Week 26, Saturday, Diet with Dianna

Lazy day! I needed this. After lazing all morning and mid-day, we headed off to church for a great night of worshiping the Lord! Awesome service and word from our pastor. "An attitude of gratitude". Don't let the spirit of pride or the spirit of poverty prevent you from being grateful. God is your provider, not man....

After worship service, we were hungry and ate chicken, taters, and hot rolls. Oh! So good. We headed home and watched another Christmas special on Hallmark channel. It was such a good movie, and a great day!

Today's menu:

One fried egg, two turkey sausages, and coffee with cream.

One very small turkey and swiss cheese sandwich and a few jalapeno chips.

Chicken tenders, mashed potatoes and a roll.

Coffee while watching the movie.


I cannot turn back the hands of time and look more youthful, but I can reduce the size of my body and get back to this size, once again! :D

Week 26, Thursday, Diet with Dianna

Thanksgiving Day! My entire core family had the perfect day! God is good!
We didn't do the traditional Thanksgiving feast, but instead deleted all the cooking and cleaning and overeating and ate food from Boston Market, shot pool, played board games, had family photos made, went to the Gaylord Texan and looked at all the Christmas lights and toy trains, (they) ate huge cookies and drank hot cocoa (I drank coffee and no cookies for me), watched the Cowboy's win the football game. Then we got home and watched a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie, went to the grocery store and finally ended the day around 12:30 a.m.  AWESOME day!

Menu:
Family: cinnamon rolls and orange rolls
Me: one egg, turkey sausage, 1/2 cup of oats w/blueberries and cream

Boston Market:
Family: Turkey, Dressing, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, corn bread rolls, pumpkin or Apple pie
Me: Roasted chicken, sweet potatoes (yes, I indulged), and green beans. One corn bread muffin
Oh and I ate a small slice of Apple Pie!!! Oh, it was delicious but WAY too sweet...Ahhh!

Coffee with sugar free almond flavoring

A few corn chips and salsa as a late snack.

I did not exercise...It was a holiday and I took the day off.

Week 26, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Everyone have a safe, blessed and healthy Thanksgiving tomorrow!


Oh what a day! Busy, busy, busy on the day before the two day holiday.
I started my day by going to church and volunteering in their offices. I had a great, peaceful time. There are so many happy, friendly, peaceful, loving people there. I had an awesome time. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to help. Each person that I meet goes out of their way to express their gratitude for the help. Truly, I haven't met an unfriendly person, yet. I look forward to each time.

After working, I dashed over to the local warehouse club to get some items for the next couple of weeks of dinners and lunches.  Tomorrow, is Thanksgiving so that means lots of preparations for many people. I am not cooking this year, but my mom and sisters have been at it all day. I came home from a long day and jumped right in cleaning up and helping them finish whatever needed to be done.
Here I am at 1:41 a.m. and I am still up finishing up my day. I am ready for a HUGE couple of days off! That is one of the many things I am thankful for!

Today's menu was not the best...but I didn't have a choice, this time.

One egg, oats with blueberries, one slice of bacon

half a hamburger and a few fries, diet coke

2 small piece of pizza and diet coke.

No snacks...couldn't afford the calories.

I did drink about 1/4 cup of red Moscato  to settle my stomach...too much bread, I think.


Exercise: I did a brisk walk and run about 1/4 mile with my nephew...he needed to get his wiggles out. Pixyl, my son's dog, was really enjoying the running, too.

Week 26, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

DOWN 2 POUNDS! Gone is the plateau! I am so glad...I had a revelation about the plateau, though. It is God's way of keeping my skin from sagging. It allowed my skin to shrink down to the loss of fat! (Even if it isn't the real reason, it makes since.)

Getting ready for a holiday is sometimes crazy with schedules. I slept until 8:30 a.m. just because I didn't end the yesterday until 3 a.m.  I laid in bed for another thirty minutes and got up. I got dressed and immediately started dipping my cake balls in the chocolate coatings for gifts to friends and family for Thanksgiving treats. It takes about an hour and a half to dip 80 cake balls, and then wrap them individually. My daughter and I get had a great time.  My son passed through the room when we first began. He said that we were talking sweet and kind and having a great time. An hour later, he came through and said it sounded like an episode from the Jerry Springer show...NOT FUNNY! We sometimes disagree on things but we never get that crazy! We didn't stay mad for long and had a great time...really!

We had dinner out with some friends and then back home to rest for the evening. Tomorrow is volunteer day in the church offices and then to do some final grocery shopping before the big Thanksgiving day festivities.


Exercise:
Walked 1.5 mi and 20 minutes of kettlebells.

Today's Menu:

One eggs, two slices of Turkey bacon, and coffee.

No lunch, just snacked on a few corn chips and salsa.

Schlotzsky's sandwich and Jalapeno chips, diet Dr. Pepper.

Week 26, HALF A YEAR, Diet with Dianna

Sunday...gone...I missed it.
Monday...gone...and I missed it, too, but I'm posting anyway. 2:55 a.m. EEEE!

Both days were very busy.
Today, Monday. Book edits, Cakeballs...made 72 cakeballs and they are ready for dipping in coatings, tomorrow. House chores completed. Errands completed...busy day.

The weather was wet and cold...I did not get out in it to walk, neither did I have time, really. Tomorrow, I will will twice.

Menu:

Malt-O-Meal, 1/2 cup, egg, and turkey bacon, coffee.

Beef Brisket, beans, and a few onion rings.

Whole wheat crackers and cheese.

No exercise...blah...but tomorrow, I plan to do much better.

GO ME!

Saturday, Week 25, Diet with Dianna

Whoo-hoo, it was a great day! I was up by 5:30 a.m., dressed and out the door by 6:30 a.m. because I was off to decorate tables for a Volunteer summit at our church this morning. My Sweet hubby sacrificed sleeping late to help me carry bags up to the room. The other volunteer didn't show that supposed to help me, so my sweetie pie became my hero and helped me decorate the tables, too!

I took him to breakfast, afterwards and we both ate omelets and fruit. It was super scrumptious and the company was perfect. We dashed home so we could follow our daughter to drop off her car for an oil change and drove her to work. When I got home I cleaned up a few messes and sat on the couch and played on the tablet until it was time to go pick up my daughters car.

Apparently, during the time the car was waiting to get serviced, the local birds had a poop party all over her car, so I drove it home and gave it a good washing, trying to use a little water as possible since we are under water conservation measures. I still managed to get the bird stuff off and most of the dirt, too. I went inside and freshened up, warmed up some leftovers for lunch and then rested in my chair until it was time to leave for worship service.

We arrived early to church, only to find everyone standing in the parking lot because the fire alarms had gone off and the building was evacuated. The praise and worship team were still holding their cordless mics...funny. Finally, everyone was allowed back into the building by the fire Department and security team. We made our way to our seats only to have to evacuate, again. The fire alarms went off a second time...the fire department had to come back, so we stood in the parking lot, again waiting for the okay to return.  We returned only to replay the fire drill again...the fire alarm sensor panel apparently broke and they could not turn off the alarms...BROKEN!  The strobe lights continued to flash and the canned voice continued to remind us to exit quickly and orderly...we did...we went home and watched it over the internet...too much drama.

Well, we had an excellently, long day. I'm ready for sleep. 5:30 a.m. was just too early for me.

Exercise:
Walked 1 mile...had to rush home to go to the restroom so I cut my walk short.

Revelation Knowledge:
Life is not a box of chocolates! Instead it is a jar or jalapenos. What you do today can burn you in the butt tomorrow.

Today's Menu

Spinach/mushroom/onion & tomato Omelet. 1/2 cup of fruit. Coffee

Lasagna (1/2 cup), 1/4 cup of Broccoli/cheese/rice casserole

Orville Redenbacher light Kettle corn (snack size) and diet coke Zero)

Week 25, FRIDAY!!!! Diet with Dianna

Friday! Thank God it's Friday! Thank you God FOR Friday!  I started the day by hitting the snooze button and sleeping 15 minutes too long.  I needed to be up, dressed, and out the door by 6:40 a.m. Our dogs had to be at the groomers by 7 a.m.  I stayed up too late and then the morning came too early.

Kim, Dianna, Carrie

After dropping off the dogs, we went to eat breakfast with my Dad for his birthday! It is rare, but both of my sisters were there, at the same time. We all ate a delicious breakfast and laughed!  Most of the people ate lots of breaded foods: pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and french toast. I ate a vegetable omelet (It was HUGE, but I ate less than half), a few bites of hashbrowns and some coffee with cream. No meat at all.  It was good. I felt really happy that I resisted all the temptations and thought about every bite and how good it tasted. I felt full and stopped...but my plate and the leftovers were sitting there, testing me and my resistance. I didn't indulge and finally the waitress removed my plate. Whew! That test was passed.

I was really full so we headed off to the mall and did a some brisk walking around the entire interior perimeter. IT was just too cold and breezy to walk outdoors this morning. Even in the mall, it was a bit chilly but as we walked we warmed right up. It felt good to exercise and walk off some of the calories from breakfast.

We picked up the dogs from the groomers and went home. I promptly whipped up some whole wheat bread dough, let it rise, kneaded it and made some dinner clover rolls; which are now rising in the warmed oven. Those will be served with our dinner tonight. I plan on preparing, baked tilapia, asparagus, and warmed leftover broccoli rice casserole. Good choices; good food!

Tomorrow I have another early morning. I will be setting up for a volunteer summit breakfast and have to be there by 7:30 a.m.  I plan on sleeping late Sunday (we go to worship services on Saturday evening)!

Revelation Knowledge:
Dieting alone is boring! Dieting with friends is encouraging. Not dieting at all? Well that could mean one of three things; either you've never been overweight, or you've reached your goal, or you've given up! I prefer to reach my reach my goal---not have a weight problem---and never give up! Go-go Dianna!

Today's Menu:

Vegetable Omelet, hashbrowns and coffee with cream.

Lunch: Whole wheat crackers with a slice of cheese.

Dinner: Tilapia, broccoli rice casserole, asparagus, and a homemade whole wheat roll!

Dessert: Sugar-free peanut butter cup.

Week 25, Thursday, Diet with Dianna

Yesterday was a blur...I didn't get to bed until 2 a.m. so I skipped blogging. Tonight is better, but still late, 12:45 a.m.  Eeek. I am supposed to be up by 5:30 a.m. to leave by 6:45 to drop off the dogs for grooming. That is the only time they had available. Ridiculous.

Today was a very good day. Not too busy, but very steady. Not a whole lot to report, but I did cook dinner for the family.  We had lasagna (for the boys) and broccoli/cheese rice (for the girls). Weird combination but both were so very, very DEE-lish-ous!

Revelation Knowledge:

Start practicing your "no thank-you" because Thanksgiving is next week. This is the time when the aunts, sister and mothers dig out their sugary, fattening, and calorie laden recipes.  When the casserole dish is passed and all the gravies and starchy foods are supposed to be piled on...I am practicing now to be polite and smile. I will not be tempted to indulge...not even a taste. I don't want to hurt any feelings, but I will not sabotage all my weight loss success just to blow it on one day! IT's not worth it.

SO, we (the whole family) have decided to forgo the traditional thanksgiving feast and eat food prepared by someone else! Something that I can control and not overdo. I won't have to cook for days, clean for hours, and eat leftovers for weeks!!!! What is it you ask? Well, we are having roasted chicken and two sides, with a small piece of cornbread. (Boston Market Style). No dessert, until later. I will make a yummy pie for the non-dieter folks and a sugar free pie for the weight conscious, smart, thin, skinny, healthy people! I know it will be fun!!! We are planning to spend Thanksgiving Day at the Gaylord Texan, touring the ice sculptures, and then FOOTBALL watching at one of the Sports restaurants inside the GT.  Fun, fun, fun!!!! Ready for Thursday!

Today's Menu:

One egg, Turkey bacon - 2 slices, 1/2 cup old fashioned oats w/blueberries

Sliced roast beef and a few onion rings.

Lasagna - very small serving and 1/2 cup of broccoli rice casserole (homemade and better than Black-Eyed Pea's version! Really!!!!!

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

2 cups of Brown Rice - cooked, stored and cooled for a day in the refrigerator. NO SEASONINGS added.

1 can of cream of chicken soup - Campbell's Healthy Request

1 Tablespoon butter

skim milk - fill empty soup can 1 and a 1/2 times.

1 cup of Velveeta Blanco

1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Adobo Seasoning by Goya

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 large frozen bag of Broccoli Florets 

Preheat oven to 375F degrees.

Pour the frozen broccoli into a microwave safe dish and cover and cook, unseasoned for 3 minutes on high. Stir and cook an additional 2 minutes (approximately 2 cups worth)

IN a larger microwave bowl, Combine the Velveeta cheese (do not add the mozzarella cheese), seasonings, soup, butter, and milk into a microwave bowl. Heat on med/high for 7 minutes or until all the cheese is melted and combined. Stir frequently.

Spread the rice out evenly, (prepared ahead of time and cooled) into a casserole dish.

Spread the cooked broccoli over the rice and lightly stir it together. Mainly to distribute it evenly.

Season the top of the rice/broccoli.

Pour the soup/cheese mix over the broccoli and rice. Lift with a spoon or fork to allow the liquid to seep down into the rice.

Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.

Place the casserole dish onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet because if it bubble over...you don't have a stinky, burnt mess to clean up in the oven.

Bake for 30 - 40 minutes or until bubbly in the center and the mozzarella cheese has browned slightly!

Eat it hot and store leftovers in a covered dish in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 days. Reheat individual portions. If you reheat the entire dish...the rule of thumb is: cook once, refrigerate, reheat once, discard...never reheat twice!

MIX IT UP!: This recipe is like a black dress...add accessories, or a blouse and jacket and you have a new outfit....well, This basic recipe can be three different meals with using the above basic recipe and substituting or adding in a few simple different ingredients:

1.  Add in a deboned  and pulled apart, roasted chicken (fully cooked and purchased from your local grocer) to this recipe for an OVER THE TOP all in one meal!  

2. Try subbing mixed vegetable medley instead of the broccoli and it is sooooooooo DEE-lish-ous!!!

3. Instead of topping with mozzarella cheese, crush up Ritz crackers and spread over the top! Oh! Someone slap your Granny! This is so good!

Week 25, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

TUESDAY! Another very busy day. It was only slightly less busy than yesterday and less stressful. I got up and caught up on yesterday's emails and blogs. We (except my husband) ate lunch at Spaghetti Warehouse for my eldest son's birthday lunch. I did eat a couple of small pieces of sourdough bread with my meatball soup and Italian salad. Very good...no pasta for me and no red sauce. I did take a taste of some manicotti and it was super! I only had a taste and it was just too rich and way too much pasta. Glad I was able to resist.

After lunch we had to go and purchase a new UPS for our home computer network. We got a much larger one to handle the larger number of computers. IT was needed. We returned home and did a bit of computer maintenance...blowing out dust from inside computer towers....necessary from time to time.

Next, I helped my youngest son with the yard maintenance. Whew! that is some good exercise. I jumped into the shower and dressed, drove to pick up my repaired car and then gave it a quick car wash...inside and out.

Then, I drove my 5 year old nephew home and helped my youngest sister with some computer work and drove her to post an eviction notice. I got home around 9 p.m. and watched a few of my DVR'd shows.

I am just now getting ready for bed....*yawn*. I am ready to sleep!

REVELATION KNOWLEDGE:
Encouragement has been my motivation. I appreciate the cheers and reading several of my friends' blogs; they are spurring me on to keep going! Some days I just don't think I will exercise, then I read one of their blogs and I immediately feel the need to keep up and drag myself up to exercise. Thank you to all your cheers and encouraging words...and keep blogging! AWESOME!

Breakfast:
Sugar - Free Orange Jell-O  1/2 cup serving

Lunch:
Italian Salad, Wedding soup, and two small slices of sourdough bread.

Dinner:
Cashew chicken...no rice and a cup of coffee with my lil'sis!

LATE snack:
Snack size bag of Orville Redenbacher Kettle Corn.

Week 25, Monday, Diet with Dianna

Monday--Monday! What a busy day! CRAZY BUSY!!!!  I rose up early to get a jump start on a day I knew was going to be busy...but I was soon losing ground and was behind before the end of the day! I started my normal Monday chores: laundry and House cleaning. I got all but one load of laundry completed and the entire house vacuumed (help from Fox), dusted, mopped, and kitchen cleaned/dishes emptied from dishwasher! (I postponed breakfast until 9:30 a.m, to eat with my son...we planned to work on book edits).

But My GOD will supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory.

I am still without a car, but thankfully, I was able to drive my daughter's car yesterday to get my errands done...life goes on; whether you have a car or not. My son and I drove my daughter to work, dropped off some of my "too big" clothes at Goodwill, and worked two hours on book edits. I got a call from my mother, worried, because the home's main server computer's uninterruptable power supply at home was squealing and wouldn't shut off. So my son and I rushed home and had to turn everything off to remove the DEAD UPS and get the computers back up and running.

Then I was off to get groceries for the week. Thanks to my son Fox...he helped me knock that out and get it home and put away! While I am checking out, my auto mechanic calls me because they need the security code for the car...something about the theft control...I had to stop and call my husband to call the mechanic to get the code to....WHATEVER!!!! AHHH!

Overflow from this past Friday... A History of last week: My car died and I had to have it towed to the mechanic on Friday. Weird, but the fuel pump died, and PRAISE GOD it was still under warranty so our only cost is labor! But the strange thing is that the ignition key has an RF chip and that  communicates to the engine...theft prevention device....it died, too! If it cannot communicate with the engine it will not allow fuel to the engine to run! To replace a key like this is not cheap. Ridiculous! So I now have a new fuel pump and they are working on getting me a cheaper version of my ignition key!

On top of this busy day, I was suppose to drive across town to attend a work function with my husband ..REALLY? All this in one day?  NO way! I just cannot make it. I called my hubby and he was so understanding; he let me off the hook, and agreed to attend the function..alone, without his arm candy.

Next, I finished up the last load of laundry, folding the towels and changed the bed sheets..washed and dried! It was nearly 5:30 pm when my eldest son returned from a weekend camping trip, (with some friends in Arkansas). I helped him unpack the car while my youngest son went to pick up my daughter from work! By the time we finished unpacking and getting everything put away it was 6:30 p.m.

ON TOP OF ALL THAT! Yesterday was also my eldest son's birthday so we had plans to go out to a celebratory dinner.  NO way...no how! We decided to cancel the dinner thingy and order in pizza. My sweet husband sat in a huge traffic jam and finally arrived home just before the pizza arrived, about 7:45 p.m. We all gathered at the table and laughed and opened gifts and ate pizza!

Around 9 p.m. we went for a mile and a half walk and then my kids left out about 10 pm for some game release thingy, scheduled at midnight. I was the official dog sitter until they got home around 1 a.m.!

WHEW! Please! No more days like that!  It was a great day; just too many things to do in one day. I'm so glad that I got up early.

I did not kettlebell!

MENU:

Breakfast was;
Chick-Fil-A Chicken tenders (two...I could not eat the third one) and then Coffee at Starbucks (No sweet frappuccinos or anything like that...just a plain cup of coffee with half & half and Stevia).

Lunch...I snacked on a cup of Sugar Free Orange Jell-O and a couple of sugar free shortbread cookies

Dinner: Two slices of pizza! I was very hungry but I only ate two slices and they were very delicious! Toppings: beef, pepperoni, black olives, onion, jalapenos, and mushrooms.

NO DESSERT for me. Everyone ate cinnamon sticks...warm and gooey and covered in melted sugary icing! EEK! GET AWAY!!!!
Instead, I drank some SoBe Lifewater...Fuji Apple Pear. Hmmm! One of my favorites.

Week 24, Sunday

I Peter 2. 15-16, For it is God's will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons.
    [Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God. (Amplified Bible)

REVELATION KNOWLEDGE:  If I am a slave to God, then I cannot be a slave to food!  I crave the Lord, I don't crave food! I eat to live, not live to eat! I feel the emptiness with the Word of God. I don't fill the emptiness with food!

24 weeks and 31 pounds less! NICE!!!!

Good Morning Sunday! My hubby worked all weekend at church, operating camera. I miss hanging with him when he's gone all weekend. I'm glad that he enjoys volunteering, it's just too bad that it uses up all the free time on the weekends. He barley has any free time to rest up for the upcoming week.  I don't see how he does it? Up everyday by 4 a.m, at work by 5 a.m., works out until 5:45 a.m. showers and is eating breakfast by 6 a.m. and busy at his desk working by 6:30 a.m.  He has been doing this for the past two years, now. He has lost a lot of weight and has really buffed up. He is in better shape than he was at 30, 40, or 50. Amazing. His stamina and consistency just puts me in awe!  I am so grateful that he is a good example to our family. He is also a Godly man! I am truly blessed.

This morning I slept until 8 a.m. and got up to make breakfast to only three members of our family. Leftover pancakes for the young'uns and egg, bacon and coffee for me...and a spoon full of raw steel cut oats...FIBER is my friend. I really like munching on the oats, they have such a yummy flavor...uncooked. If I were to cook the oats, they would take nearly 30 minutes. So I'll just take a spoonful and get the same benefits without all the calories.  Now, from time to time I will cook some hot steamy oats...for a cold morning and add a packet of stevia and some fresh blueberries! OH! DEE-lish-ous!  It's making me hungry.  ~Time to get up and exercise...

My mom gave me some 5 alarm peanuts...they are so good! I grab a few and my mouth heats up. They are a fun snack and good for me!


Menu:
One pan fried egg, and one slice of bacon.

Handful of spicy peanuts

Garden Salad (Olive oil and vinegar dressing) and roasted chicken

Beef taco salad...homemade - lower in calories and lower in fat! (I use freshly ground turkey breast). SO DEE-Lishous!

1/2 cup of sugar free cherry Jell-O

GOOD DAY!

Saturday, Saturday! Week 24

Oh, I really appreciate Saturdays! A day to relax, worship the Lord, and be with my family! Awesome! I was able to walk with my husband in the cool, breezy weather. Heaven on earth. I am planning to enjoy the whole day! God is so good!

REVELATION KNOWLEDGE:

ISSUE: I was reading the labels on food and I know that they are deceptive...THEY LIE. What they are telling you is not actually what is happening. The Food industry is way bigger than the sum of employees in the FDA (Food and Drug Association).  There is NO possible way that they have the sheer number of inspectors to cover all the food companies that produce food in the U.S. (not even covering the food that is imported). Therefore, your best purchases for the food that you prepare for your family should be purchased at your local farmer's market or from a local farmer that you know. IN the Big city???really??? Do you know any personal farmers? NO! But just purchasing from the local farmer's market is still your best bet.

SOLUTION:  Purchase fresh foods and meats...stay away from frozen and processed as much as possible. ALSO...you cannot believe everything you read...for every article that is negative there is another article that is positive or that refutes the claims. What do you do?

Don't be gullible and believe everything the media says or writes. I personally do not believe in all their scare tactics and I don't live in fear. I do, however listen the voice of the Holy Spirit to guide me into truth, and I know that God has shown me how to protect the foods I do purchase through the power of prayer.  Use good judgement when purchasing processed foods; eat local-fresh!

Here is a link to the article: http://www.rodale.com/10-food-label-lies?cm_mmc=ETNTNL-_-725650-_-11122011-_-body

Today's Menu

Egg, Turkey Sausage.
(I purchase locally raised farm brown eggs, cage free chickens. Yes they are more expensive. The taste is phenomenal. The egg shells are thicker and the egg yolks are deeper yellow and much larger.)

Carrots, nuts and a Sugar Free Vanilla Chai Tea Frappuccio

Salad w/ranch dressing and vegetables: carrots, cucumber, red onions...Dee-Lish!

I like Friday! Week 24, Diet with Dianna

Fun Friday! Whoo-hoo. Did some volunteer computer work, ate breakfast, got dressed, did a little more volunteer computer work, and then headed off to work on some book edits and lunch. After lunch the car would not start...well it actually made the cranking noise, but wasn't getting any fuel. Uh, oh! Called a tow truck and it is sitting at our mechanic's garage. Possible fuel pump or fuel sensor (in most Ford Product that are the Crown Victoria, Mercury Marquis and similar cars). WE just replaced the entire fuel tank assembly last summer. Ford thought that the fuel pump and tank should all be one unit....therefore it all has to be replaced when it fails! BOO-HISS! Mean ol' Ford!  This Grand Marquis was a FREE gift from my Grandfather for us to drive, since we didn't have a car. I'm not complaining, mind you, but I don't really like (nor would I purposefully purchase) FORD products...

The day was, absolutely gorgeous, windy, partly cloudy, and cool. We stood outside waiting for the tow truck and my husband that was on his way from the other side of town to rescue us from the parking lot. The tow truck driver, Charlie, was so very kind. His truck cab only seated two additional riders, therefore, one of our party would have been stranded. He waited with us until our ride showed up. We followed him to the garage and our mechanic met us out front..."This doesn't look good..." he says to me. We laugh and he already had a bay cleared for our car to be pushed into. ~Side note: we spend a lot of time and money with this mechanic. My husband is a very gifted man and perfectly capable of doing the repairs, but chooses not to when we have a mechanic that will do it for nearly peanuts and he has all the employees and tools, and lifts, and the such.

We also use this opportunity to be a witness to him for Christ. He was raised in a Buddhist family. He no longer follows the Buddhist ways, but he doesn't follow any thing. He is such a kind, honest and caring person. We would love for him to join us in eternity! I don't know why our car has been attacked with malfunctioning, but we are God's tools and He will provide for the expense of repairs! No worries!

Revelation Knowledge:
Sitting in the car, listening to the engine turning but not getting fuel reminded me of dieting. We diet and sometimes forget that our bodies need fuel. Not enough of the right kind of fuel (nutrition) and our bodies will get tired quickly and begin to hurt and our brain gets fuzzy...putt-putt-sputter-blahhhh.

Too much fuel and we get bogged down, tired quickly, gasping for air, needing to pull over for frequent pit stops...equally bad.

Eating and exercising is just like maintenance on your vehicle. Add in the right type of fuel, right air pressure in the tires, regular preventative maintenance, and it will last for a long time. That's the way it is for our bodies, too.

Eat the right kinds of food, exercise, and regular checkups and our bodies will last for a long, long time.

Scripture:Isaiah 40:28-31: The LORD is the everlasting God,    the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary,    and his understanding no one can fathom. 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.

Today's Menu:
One egg-fried, two turkey sausage patties, coffee

Half a Schlotzsky's Small Original Sandwich and a few Jalapeno chips.

Saltgrass Steakhouse - small dinner salad, one slice of bread, and some fried mushrooms! DEE-LISH!

Week 24, Thursday, Diet with Dianna

OH MY! I started at 7:30 a.m. and haven't stopped yet. 2:18 a.m. I am so tired. I had so much to do and it still isn't finished. I give up for today. I didn't have time to walk, but I did Kettlebell for 15 minutes. My arms, legs, rib cage and ankles...yes ankles are sore today. I really worked hard on the kb yesterday. I didn't work nearly as hard because my muscles were not happy.  My rib cage is sore the most....come on sculpted bod!!!

These are not diet food!

My daughter and I did baking/candy making and some then crafts to make some Christmas banners today. WHEW! Labor intensive on the CakePops, cake balls, and then the fairly simple on the Christmas banners.
I only tasted a small bite of my husbands cakeball. It was so good but way too sweet for me! This is such a strange phenomenon to not want to eat all the sweet stuff...Its satisfying to be able to easily resist! Thank the Lord!















I ate well...
Breakfast:
Egg
Turkey Sausage
Coffee

Lunch:
Jason's Deli Salad  (My favorite)
I did eat one mini cornbread and one mini gingerbread muffin.


Dinner;
Single beef taco.
Diet Coke

No snacks...just too busy.

Tomorrow....don't worry about tomorrow!

God is good and I am very blessed!

Week 24, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Wednesday ~ Again, I post early because I know my day is going to be extremely full. Tuesday, I didn't get to walk twice. However, my hubby and I walked for 3 miles after dinner...actually, we did some jogging mixed in with the walking...at my suggestion. Since I've lost so much weight, I feel like I could fly. I have so much more energy and walking is a breeze. I ran about a 1/4 mile before my shins begin to burn and I returned to a brisk walk. Later during the walk I jogged again. I hardly got winded. Mind you, it was not an all out sprint but more like a trot. Still, it was more than I have ever done before. I was so surprised that I could jog and talk without gasping for air. Not even a slight stitch in my side. It was such a bizarre feeling to jog.  Now the Girls in BRAzil where out of control. I had to run with my forearms just south of the Brazilian region to keep the girls from going wild)!  Truly hilarious.

Revelation Knowledge:
Generosity -- It is easy to be generous when you have plenty. It's during the drought that it becomes a labor of love to give. Give from the heart and joyously!

Mark 12.43-44 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

Exercise:
I plan to walk 3 miles
Kettlebell and Resistance band

Food:
Breakfast: Egg, Turkey sausage, coffee

Lunch: (to be updated)

Dinner: (to be updated)

Week 24, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

Today is going to be busy, so I am posting my blog...before I finish the day. Hopefully, the day will blessed with peace, happiness, and lots of success. I have plans to run some errands, do some book edits, and go to Bible Study. The weather forecast predicts rain and storms...I rebuke the storms but encourage and accept the much needed rain.

Bible Scripture: This is reminding us to moderate our lives...the chapter also refers to too much of anything...I ask you to read the entire chapter.
Proverbs 25.16  If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit. 

REVELATION KNOWLEDGE: 
Overeating is a sign of fear, gluttony, selfishness, lack of self control. This is a harsh statement and I have been guilty of them. Thank the Lord, I have been studying the Holy Scriptures and curbing the fleshly desires to overeat. Here are some thing to watch for when eating...

SUPERSIZE, Value Meal, Extra Value Meal, Family Size... These are all the kinds of things that we see and get at restaurants for the enormous sized portions of food.  My husband and I went to eat last week at a restaurant and the salad that I ordered was HUGE! Enough salad to eat for 3 additional meals. WHAT? That is entirely too much. Society has grown in proportion to their serving sizes.

This is not me...but it is an over-sized eater.

Customers believe that if they aren't given large portions then they are not getting a good value for their dollar. Not true. I believe that if my food was seasoned well, the temperature was correct, tasty choices of healthy cooked food, and much smaller portion sizes...I would be happy and more than satisfied. I don't have to take home two or three take home cartons. Think of the money these restaurants would save if they didn't have to serve such large quantities of food or the added expense of providing take home cartons....


I just wonder if these same people that want all the GIANT portions actually cook that much food when at home? Do they actually use an entire head of lettuce for one serving or make twelve chicken tenders per meal?  How can they possibly eat that much food...their stomachs must be the size of a gallon zipper bag or bigger.  I have been guilty of overeating. When the food is set before me, it is easy to get distracted with the conversations and atmosphere and eat all the food on my plate....until I began this Healthier lifestyle.

Now, when I am served the GIGANTIC portions of food, I immediately ask for a take home box. I scoop off all that I cannot eat and eat the smaller portions. It is easy to overeat when the food is staring you in the face. You might stop and then nibble and snack and pick at the remaining food until you have easily overeaten.

Over eating prevention device!

Beware of these words: Over-sized, grande, huge, large, value, family size or if the menu item uses the work 'Pound' in the food description...and many others. They are dangerous words that mean: "too much". Pay attention to the amount of food you are eating. Eat slower and STOP at the first signs of fullness. Immediately ask for a take home container. If you have a weak will power...ask for a take home box to be delivered with the meal. That will curb your desire to overeat. Eat very small portions and choose your food wisely.

Avoid foods that are: breaded, fried, sugary, drenched in gravies or sweet sauces. Ask for the sauces on the side. Ask for the dressings on the side. Make healthier and smarter choices and by all means, don't eat everything on your plate.

Exercise:
I plan to walk and kettlebell...that's my plan and I'm sticking to it! The Lord willing.

Week 23, Monday, Diet with Dianna

Today was a humid and cloudy day with occasional drizzle. Come on rain! Even though it was warm and humid, we did a quick power walk, with the dogs. They were really enjoying the fast pace. I got my Monday chores done...laundry, changed the bed sheets, and some more book edits. This was a great day!!!

Exercise:

Yep...walked 3 miles and

Kettlebells - 20 minutes

REVELATION KNOWLEDGE:

I was looking at a "healthy" website and they were showing a fruit smoothie, but I noticed that in the nutrition label it was fat free; supposedly better for you. NOT, low fat sometimes mean HIGH SUGAR.

Let me explain: 

QUESTION: What is removed from milk to make reduce the fat content?  (This is not a trick question...go ahead, shout out the answer if you know it...don't be afraid.) 

ANSWER: Fat

QUESTION: What remains in the milk when fat is removed?

ANSWER: Whey  (sugary sweet water that is left after the thick fat cream is removed, basically)

Notice the Nutrition Labels for each.

Yes, the fat levels drop, but the sugar levels slightly increase. In the last label, the cream/half & half there is NO sugars.

Whole Milk (No fat removed)

2% Milk (Vitamin A added)

Skim Milk

Half & Half or Cream

So what do you do? Well you could cut fat but then you have the sugar. Okay, you could cut the sugar but then you have to contend with the high fat content. AHHH!

SOLUTION:

Milk substitutes: Almond Breeze or Silk (soy milk) Both are equally low in fat and low in sugar. They offer plenty of protein, vitamins, and when used in cooking or mixed smoothies, they are a better choice. I've tried it on my family and they didn't notice...well except one, but he didn't refuse to drink it...he actually liked it.

Menu:

One egg and one Turkey Sausage, coffee with half & half and stevia

Salad and Minestrone soup, tea with lemon

Leftover beef taco - Sparkling cherry lime water.

Pretzels and cereal mix - spiced up.

RECIPE:

Click on image to enlarge for better viewing.

Week 23, Sunday, Diet with Dianna

Whew! Fun day, but very busy. I got up early and dressed for the long day. Dashed out for breakfast take-out for the family...doughnuts! I didn't want to go, but I went anyway. It is very difficult to stare and smell the sweet temptations on the other side of the glass; then continue to smell them all the way home. AHHHH!
I dropped off the breakfast and hurried to the grocery for more sugary food supplies required for the scheduled Fall Birthday dinner.

THIS IS NOT DIET FOOD! BEWARE!!!!!!
But they turned out beautiful !

It was very, very difficult not to sample all the sweet cake goodness as I baked them, but I didn't...you'll have to take my word on it. I really didn't. Once, I accidentally licked some frosting off of my thumb, before I thought, AHH! Luckily, it was just a tiny amount and OH! it was so sweet. I gave myself a shake and a chill! I grabbed some water and rinsed my mouth out in the sink. What a shock! Anyway, the cake pops were dipped in melted candy chocolate. They turned out great and were a huge hit. Extremely time consuming...I will save this for special occasions and holidays. I am going to experiment with different flavors and possibly make some lightly flavored with bourbon, Rum, or amaretto...for the adults, only.  Again, it is a huge temptation, but I just kept quoting the scriptures and knew that this was possible diet sabotage. Thankfully, I resisted and gave myself a couple of "attagirls" and a big pat on the back. My reward will be the numbers going down on the scales. No regrets!

Revelation Knowledge:
Even though I put myself in "harms way", I was successful and my will power (through the strength of Jesus; Philippians 4:13), got me through the day!!! Praise God!


Breakfast:
I grabbed a bacon/egg/biscuit from the Golden Arches at Wally-world, and  a very hot cup of coffee. I promptly discarded the biscuit and ate the egg, cheese and bacon.


Lunch:
Nope, I snacked instead...ate a handful of almonds and pecans and a slice of cheddar cheese.


Dinner:
Beef taco and some corn chips w/salsa at the birthday celebration.
Diet Coke with a wedge of lime.

Snack:
Nope, just a cup of coffee and watched another Hallmark Channel Movie with my hubby and daughter. Fun times!

Week 23, Saturday!

Great day! Awesome time in worship. Our pastor is so good. God has blessed us with a man that truly searches and studies the scriptures.
The day was relaxing. I cooked breakfast for the family and a special guest we had visit for the weekend. I worked on my computer, went for a walk with my favorite husband (my only husband), went to church and did some awesome worshiping, came home and watched some Hallmark channel (clean, good) movies with my daughter!


REVELATION KNOWLEDGE:

Persistence: Existing for a long or longer than usual time; continuously.  

Persevere: in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counter-influences, opposition, or discouragement.

These two definitions are what I need to recall every day before I decide to exercise or not exercise. I know that exercising is vital to my weight loss success, as well as the correct foods I eat. Each day that I choose persevere in exercise, Satan tries to tell me that it's a waste of time. He tries to convince me that I am too busy to take the time to walk. He annoys me with reminders of things that are waiting for me at home. He tries to tell me that its no use to exercise because I a going to fail...All these things he says to me before, during and after I walk and kettlebell. 


I suppose that is why I am being persistent/persevering. I keep reminding myself during my walks that I am healthier because I've taken the time to exercise. It allows my mind to wander and take in the beauty of the day. To talk with God about the direction of my life. Actually, that is probably another reason why Satan is bothering me. He wants to interrupt my time with God.


Well, Devil! Get out! Leave me alone! You are a liar! I am free of you because of Jesus Christ. Your knee will bow to the Creator! You lose! I win! AMEN!


Exercise:
Walked 2 miles
Kettlebell 20 minutes (12 reps x 2 each exercise)


Food:
Breakfast - Egg, bacon, coffee
Lunch: Snack of cheese cracker and diet coke
Dinner: Chinese take-out....spring roll, chicken with broccoli (about 1 cup) and SoBe Lifewater.

Week 23, FRIDAY! Diet with Dianna

Friday already! Wow, where did my week go? I hardly even remember the week passing. I need to slow down and smell the flowers. 


Today was an excellent day. I got in some book edits and got groceries for the week. I like to plan my meals in advance...less chance of not having good choices to eat. Even though I am dieting, my family still eats cookies and chips...those are always lying around for temptation. Yuck!  It's sort of like having a stocked bar in the house of an alcoholic. DANGEROUS!


Revelation Knowledge: Temptation:  Wikipedia's definition of temptation:

 A temptation is an act that looks appealing to an individual. It is usually used to describe acts with negative connotations and as such, tends to lead a person to regret such actions, for various reasons: legal, social, psychological (including feeling guilt), health, economic, etc. Temptation also describes the coaxing or inducing a person into committing such an act, by manipulation or otherwise of curiosity, desire or fear of loss.

Temptation is all around, at every corner, every table, every where we go. Just visit any store and there is sugary foods lining the checkout lines. Yesterday I was walking through Sears, with my beautiful daughter, and there were MEGA chocolate candy sitting in the middle of the main walking aisles, at the bottom and top of both escalators and at each entrance/exit. SEARS!!!!

2 POUNDS OF PEANUT BUTTER CUPS! YIKES!

TEMPTATION IS IN A SEARS DEPARTMENT STORE!!!!!

OVER 2 POUNDS OF SUGARY CHOCOLATE! IS THIS REALLY NECESSARY???? REALLY????

  Is this really necessary? When is this too much? Have you seen the people of America? The majority of Americans are overweight. Dibetes and Heart Disease are at an all time high! The pharmaceutical companies are making billions of dollars from overweight diseased Americans. This is horrible and part of the issue is the availability of such temptation at every checkout, on half of the television and radio commercials, and more. Is it any wonder that the diet industry is making as much, if not more, than the pharmaceutical companies?


  GOOD NEWS! I have something that most people don't. I have the support of my family, friends and most of all, GOD! I would fail if it weren't for the strength that I receive and take from the Holy Scriptures; God's Word.

 I Corinthians 10: 13, No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Desperation breeds temptation and if grabbed, failure. The times that I am at my weakest, or when I've waited too long to eat, that is when I am vulnerable to temptation. I have learned to prepare for such occurrences and carry small snacks in my purse and car...acceptable snacks that provide me an escape from the temptations. I also call upon the Word of God that is written in my heart. And only that can happen IF I have prepared with study and memorization and prepared for such temptations. Only the Lord has the power had provided the strength to get me through these dangerous temptations. Even the Lord Jesus was tempted after fasting for 40 days in the dessert. Jesus didn't even have water during his fasting in the desert and the Devil used Jesus' weakness to tempt him into failure and regret. Jesus called upon the Words of the Father. It is our example on how to handle any sort of temptation...any kind! I use it here for the cravings and weak times -- times when I am hungry and vulnerable to diet dangerous temptations!


Thank you Lord for your word and for your examples. Thank you for providing an escape from ALL temptations. I give you all the praise and Glory! AMEN!


EXERCISE:
No kettlebells
Yes, I walked about 2.5 miles


Food:
Usual breakfast...see past posts
Lunch - Salad with turkey, cheese, and hard boiled egg w/little dressing on the side and a coffee with one pump squirt of sugar free vanilla and half & half.
Dinner - Whopper JUNIOR with all the veggies! A few fries.....and a diet coke. YUM!!!!
Snack: A few corn chex cereal baked with worcestershire sauce, seasonings and butter.  OH! DELICIOUS!!! and some homemade sugar free HOT COCOA!


The Lord is good to me!

 

Week 23, Thursday, Diet with Dianna

Thursday! Oh what a beautiful morning--Oh what a beautiful day--Oh what a beautiful mooorrrning, everything's going my way! A very, very cool-weather front blew in last night and I am sitting in a sweater, typing this blog. I am so excited about the crispness of the air...it invigorates my lungs and nearly freezes my face when I walk. Shh, don't spread this around, but the best part is that I don't get all sweaty....Yeah!  I will heat up from the blood pumping through my exercising body, but I won't have Niagara Falls under my arms and in the BRAzillian region. I will have completed a vigorous walk and return home in a dry state. As you can see, this is a small thing that makes me happier and grateful to God! Thank you Lord for the cool front...just for me!  Well, okay, I'll share this glorious day with others....


Revelation Knowledge:
We are never too old to learn something new! I read an article about craving God and not Food. Sure, this is smart and it makes sense, duh!  I was intrigued and went to the website to get more details. This appears to look more enlightening as well as interesting. Definitely something I can use. I need to go deeper with my God--Lord and Savior. I will only be a better person as a result. I will let you know or maybe you will see the results. No matter, I will only get better by getting to know my Heavenly Father. You think?

I have inserted a portion of the book Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst
http://madetocrave.org/
This portion I found funny, only because I have made these similar confessions.
http://madetocrave.org/wp-content/uploads/MadetoCraveSample.pdf

I’ve stood in the aisle at Walmart holding said typical book in one hand with the other hand wedged into the back pocket of my jeans. Jeans, I should add, I wished were several sizes smaller. While I stood there looking at the healthy eating book, a shopping cart full of things I felt I could not live without stared back at me. Yea, verily, that cart mocked me. Part of me hated the junk food in that cart; but another part of me—a bigger part, evidently—loved the junk food in that cart. So, I’d return the book to the shelf, toss my head back, and think, “Another day, another time. I’m doing the best I can.”

In light of this admission, I think it only appropriate to be honest with you about a few things right up front.

1. I am emotionally allergic to typical books on healthy eating.
2. Not once in my life have I ever craved a carrot stick.
3. I am not bouncy perky about giving up two of the greatest delights of my taste-buds—Cheez-Its® and box-mix brownies. In fact, I’ve even asked God if it would be such a terribly difficult thing to swap the molecular structure of Cheez-Its® for carrot sticks. They’re both already orange. And, really, how hard could that be for someone who’s turned water into wine? 
4. I wasn't sure I had any business writing a book like this. I’m a simple Jesus girl on a journey to finding deeper motivation than just a number on my scale for getting and staying healthy...

I am forgoing the food and exercise portion, today...it is just boring. You all know that I ate well and exercised...it's a trust thing.

Week 23, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Wednesday, already. Whew! Today was my volunteer day in the church offices. After a few hours there, I was off to eat lunch with my sweetie. He picked a hamburger place this week, so next week I'll pick a healthier place where I can get a nutritious salad...and less bread and fat.
Next, I was on a mission to get two new tires on my car. WOW, they are not cheap, but God always provides. Thank you Lord.
I worked on my computer when I got home and then began dinner. My youngest son's favorite: Stroganoff. The regular recipe is very high fat content, but I converted the recipe to a healthier version and ever bit as yummy and delicious. No one complains and I have to make extra for them to take to lunch the next day. The wolf it down. Who said that healthy had to taste bad? The empty bowls speak for themselves!


Revelation Knowledge:
Drink water...not soda. I like to drink carbonated beverages...the diet kind, but they are just empty calories and are not really good to drink all the time. Water is the best. However, I do like tea and coffee.
I will concentrate on more water...less diet sodas. I can do it! Besides...water is cheaper. :D

Exercise:

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Meals:

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Week 23, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

I had a day of my usual "taking care of the family". I am so blessed to be able to be a "stay at home" wife and mother. Even though our children have grown to adulthood, they still have needs, especially since they all work full time. It is my honor and privilege to support them in any way! Today, I volunteered to take my son's vehicle to get inspected and have a part replaced. I had to get up early, so my morning walk became a mid-afternoon walk. I also had to make a run to the craft store, pet store, and grocery store. WHEW! That all takes time, and a lot of it.
Tonight is our Bible study group meeting, so I will be walking late tonight. I am not complaining and I am grateful that I am flexible and persistent with my exercise/walking. I will fit it in when and where I can. NO worries!

Revelation Knowledge:
MERRY - Proverbs 17:22a, A merry heart does good, like medicine... Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance...

According to a 2009 study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, LAUGHTER, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect you against a heart attack. The study, which is the first to indicate that laughter may help prevent heart disease, found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease. http://www.umm.edu/features/laughter.htm

"We could perhaps read something humorous or watch a funny video and try to find ways to take ourselves less seriously," Miller says. "The recommendation for a healthy heart may one day be exercise, eat right and laugh a few times a day." Dr. Michael Miller, M.D. (director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center and a professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.) 

When you are happy (merry, joyful, rejoicing, singing, happy), its hard to be grumpy. The joy of merriness is contagious and it can turn many situations around to good. It can calm the savage beast (a mean check-out clerk or a person that is sad and needing a mental hug). When you are merry, you reflect the Love of Jesus to those you meet. When you are happy, laughing, joyous, it heals your heart. I'd much prefer "laugh lines" than "frown wrinkles".


My suggestion to you is...turn your frown, upside down. Smile--laugh--be happy--and Give God the Glory!


Exercise:

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 Food Chart:

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