Week 40, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Romans 12:2. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

I watched a video today about supplements and vitamins. I have included the link here for you to watch it. Reluctantly Healthy . Enjoy!

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Today, I walked about 3.5 miles. No running...too sore.

Day off from core strength training.

Menu du jour

One slice of whole wheat toast, two turkey sausage patties and one egg (over hard), coffee.

Turkey Cobb Salad from Schlotzsky's Deli and iced tea.

Alaskan Cod - baked, corn, & one yeast roll, sugar free raspberry ice flavoring for my water.

Sugar Free Jell-O Chocolate pudding cup.

Week 40, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

Ephesians 3:16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

Today I jogged and walked for 3 miles then I walk another 1.5 miles. WHEW! I felt tired but exhilarated at the same time. At times my legs were numb but they continued to hold me up...that and some strong angels! Tonight, I did some core muscle strengthening exercising. My muscles are very sore from previous exercises but I pressed on. I couldn't do nearly as many repetitions as the night before; I was disappointed that I fizzled out. I know I have to be patient and just let my body heal and rest, but I am excited about getting in shape. I enjoy shopping for smaller clothes but most of all I am proud to be an example to others on how to correct and forgive old poor habits.


I'm far from perfect and not nearly any kind of expert, yet I feel it is important to share my thoughts, successes and failures. It reinforces what I am learning and help me to be accountable. Hopefully it encourages others to get in shape, no matter what age they start. It is never too late. I could never have gotten this far without my constant study in the Bible, relying on God for the inner strength I receive from Him and my family and friends who encourage me and hold me accountable. Thanks!


Inspiration and Motivation

Paula Deen is shrinking. The queen of Southern cooking looks noticeably smaller, and told People magazine she’s dropped two pants sizes.
The Food Network star, who is not shy with butter and frying up anything, came under fire when she revealed she had been living with type 2 diabetes for the past three years but continued to promote unhealthy cooking on her show (one of her dishes is a burger between two doughnuts). The condition is in part caused by obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle.
But Paula seems to be finally embracing a healthier outlook -- and it shows. The chef told the magazine that her new regimen includes walking for 30 minutes every day and cutting her portion sizes in half. She has also said she is easing up on sugary treats such as cake and sweet tea.
Paula still doesn’t know how much she weighs, telling People, "We don't own a scale in our house.” She adds, "Every six months I go for a physical and find out. Now it's time to see the doctor. She'll be so happy if I've lost weight."
The 65-year-old, who has teamed up with a drug company, Novo Nordisk, on a website calledDiabetes in a New Light, promised to introduce lighter versions of her Southern-style food.
Paula told the Associated Press, "I am who I am. But what I will be doing is offering up lighter versions of my recipes." Just don’t expect a vegan menu: "I'm Southern by roots. I was taught (to cook) by my grandmother and nothing I can do would change that."   Yahoo! TV

Week 40, Monday, Diet with Dianna

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

Self-discipline: a field of study: training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character. [Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin disciplina teaching, learning, from discipulus - pupil.]

Disciple:: one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: asa : one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accountsb : a convinced adherent of a school or individual [Middle English, from Old English discipul & Anglo-Frenchdisciple, from Late Latin and Latin; Late Latin discipulus follower of Jesus Christ in his lifetime, from Latin, pupil]


I was reading the Bible verse and the word discipline stood out and I was drawn to the definition and etymology of the word. They both come from the Latin word that means 'pupil'.  The followers of Jesus were known as pupils of Christ. They were being taught, in a way, discipline of the ways of Jesus Christ. 


The word self-discipline or is also derived from the Latin word that means pupil; to be learner or follower of a certain idea or concept. I find it particularly interesting that in order to be self-disciplined I must give over my desires of the flesh to be a follower [believer and pupil] of Jesus Christ. I can do nothing without Him. I cannot resist my food temptations without drawing on His will power [mold, correct, perfect my mental and moral character]. I can only do that if I continually study and practice the Word of God in my life...I must be a self-disciplined disciple of Christ!


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Walked about 1.5 miles
Core exercises for 30 minutes.


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I was very hungry today...I just had a hungry feeling all day...I wanted to snack or munch on everything...but I resisted. I did eat fruit for breakfast. Salad for lunch, and stew for supper. I had some yogurt for a snack. I still had the munchies but I didn't give in...I wanted to; I really wanted to, but I didn't. BLAH!!!! 

Week 39, Sunday, Diet with Dianna

Ecclesiastes 2:24 -26 So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him.

Anytime we feel separated from the truth - separated from God - with our identity in Christ - you can bet that Satan is having a field day tricking our feelings into a bad place. If he can get us to feel as if God is far away, then we are tempted to believe that God is far away. That is a lie.


When faced with a lie, we must boss our feeling around with the reality of truth...not my truth, but God's truth. This message has freed me in ways I never dreamed possible. Some of the truths in Made to Crave are hard. But I didn't invent these hard truths, God did. Wrapped around these hard truths is a grace that is tender, magnificent, and so very empowering. I reminded myself that God is big enough to handle my doubts. I let God's truths boss me and boss me and boss me.


Today, try using a little Truth to boss your feelings around. Remember, this whole eating healthy journey is based on God's word. Let's anchor ourselves in what God promises He'll do for us who've struggled with food.
Lysa TerKeurst - Made to Crave Devotional


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Exercise:
20 minutes of core strength exercise at www.exercise.com.
GREAT PLACE to use FREE exercise videos that meet your health levels and needs.
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I am up by two pounds, tonight. I ate light, but I have been putting in extra time in muscle toning and walk/jogging. I'm trying not to get frustrated and keep moving forward.
Tonight, I actually told my daughter and youngest son that I enjoyed exercising....
*BLAH and PA-TOOEY* Did those words really come out of my mouth? Yep. I feel so much better after exercising and I know that it is the reason I have more energy and feel better, [along with eating healthy!].

Week 39, Saturday, Diet with Dianna

Matthew 19:26. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Small Steps equal Huge Victories!

Sometimes when you start a diet the end goal seems overwhelming, huge, daunting, unimaginable, unrealistic, and way out of reach. It only takes one good choice. Then you can build by setting small sub-goals, stepping stones so to speak, on your journey to the final main goal.


Sure, each of us stumble and fall off the stepping stones, but we don't have to go back to the beginning and you certainly don't have to give up. You are not a failure by making one or two mistakes. When you have small set backs, you refocus, forgive yourself, get back up, and move forward. As you have small victories, they will motivate you to continued success. Build upon the small successes. Now your final goal is really possible.


Often, it's good to look back at your progress and see how far you've come. Measure your success by small victories and not your final goal. Use your mistakes in a positive way and don't make the same mistakes over and over. Learn, change, and move forward. Remind yourself of your final goal, but work toward the small and closest one and use it as a catalyst for forward momentum.


As you learn and adjust to your new healthy lifestyle, you will grow to like it and form new good habits, leaving the old bad habits behind! One good choice will start a chain reaction that will snowball to a lifestyle change of healthy habits. Take one step at a time, one day at a time, and before you know it, you will be standing on your final platform of Victory!
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Exercise:
I walk/jogged 3 miles.

Week 39, Friday, Diet with Dianna

Revelation 2:17 "Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. "I will give some of the hidden manna [Spiritual food] to everyone who is victorious [overcomer]. I will also give to each one who wins the victory a white stone with a new name written on it. No one knows this new name except the one who receives it.

Beneficial: [Conducive to personal well-being].  Before you eat any food, ask yourself, “Is this food that I’m about to eat full of good healthy nutrients and vitamins? It this food BENEFICIAL to my new healthy lifestyle and my body’s well-being?”  If the answer is yes, EAT UP! If it is no, put it down…walk away! Portion Control First, get your daily portion of manna [Spiritual food] from the Word! Spend time with God. Let Him minister to you and charge you with His strength to guide you in healthy choices. WebMD says: “Portion control is a critical part of successful weight loss and weight management. The WebMD Portion Size Plate gives you easy-to-understand guidelines to help you avoid some common portion-size pitfalls.” Click here to see a very visual interactive portion control plate. This is an EXCELLENT source for portion control. Click on the words, ‘FRIDGE SIZE PORTION GUIDE’ to have access to a FREE to print; 8.5” x11” size sign for your refrigerator. Printable wallet size portion control reference guide. Journal what you eat! It's been clinically proven that keeping track of what you eat is the #1 most effective method for controlling and reducing your daily caloric intake. WebMD has a FREE Printable Journal. Now you have NO EXCUSES to eat healthier. Happy journaling & Healthy eating! FREE JOURNAL  from WebMD.

Week 39, Thursday, Diet with Dianna

“I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will search for me. And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me!” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NCV

Oh wow! So busy today...no time for a big blog post today.

ENCOURAGEMENT! Go You!

Put God FIRST
Lean NOT on your own understanding.
Portion Control
Eat Healthy
Drink Water
Exercise
Encourage someone to eat healthy!

Week 39, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Romans 5:3-5. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Today was a great day. I was really hungry after my walk/jog and yard mowing. (Yes, I know it is February, but Yards in Texas still have to be mowed, nearly all year long. Not as often in the winter, though. I ate a salad and OH BOY! was it good.

My parents brought in pizza and it smelled delicious. I really wanted to eat about four slices, but I didn't. I ate my salad and afterward I felt so happy that I didn't give in to my cravings. I kept repeating the verse in the Bible that says, "And endurance develops strength of character...And this hope will not lead to disappointment...The Holy Spirit (God) fills my heart with Love."

I will succeed! God wants me to succeed and I draw on the Holy Spirit for my strength and endurance. I can rejoice because I didn't eat the plate of brownies that appeared in the afternoon. They smelled Heavenly, but I shook my head and left the room. There were so many temptations screaming at me today.

My brilliant husband sent me this quote the other day! He is so supportive and I am going to put this on my Blog Heading!

Temptations are always around but with God's power and grace, they become minor distractions rather than major attractions!

See? Isn't he just the smartest? This is so awesome. I no longer feel these temptations are major attractions. Because I have practiced successfully resisting for so long it has become second nature to refuse to give in. The foods that used to trip me up are now minor distractions. I can walk past them without pausing; I just keep going. I hardly give them any notice at all. I merely wave them off with my hand. This is only possible because I chose to do so!  I draw on God's strength to correct my thinking and change my focus. MY CHOICE! MY DECISION!

Also, for the last week and until Easter, I have given up carbonated beverages. I haven't really missed them at all. I have been drinking more water and teas. Now, last night I went to eat dinner with my husband. We ordered our drinks and ate supper. I didn't even realize that I had ordered a diet coke with a lime wedge. I just ate and drank it up and got a refill and drank that up too! Now, this is my favorite Mexican food restaurant and it was just out of habit that I ordered the diet soda. It wasn't until today that I realized what I had done. Oops & DUH! I won't make that mistake again! Forgiveness and mercy to me! Thank you Lord.

EXERCISE:

Walk/Jog for 40 minutes: 3 miles. Yeah me!

Weight Loss: I am down another pound! FINALLY!

Week 39, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

John 15: 9 - 11 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.."

To remain means: to stay in the same state or condition. How do you remain in God's love? I believe, as the scriptures say, by constantly studying the Word (to know his will for us and know his commands). We read and study the Bible to store it in our memory. Then when temptations come, we will feel his strength to endure through the trial, His love to shield fill us with contentment and His power to overcome. 


Maybe you look to food to fill the sadness or empty, hollow feelings of your despair, hurt, or sadness. If you are not remaining in the Word, then it is easy to reach out for a quick fix of food to fill the missing love, comfort and joy. Some people will turn to drugs and alcohol for escape or fill the hurt, but these are mere band aids. The don't have any healing qualities, they only cover up what the pain but eventually you have to pull it off. Pulling off a sticky bandage causes more pain and reveals a wound that can easily become an open hurt, again.


Complete: the absolute total; to make whole, with all the necessary parts and components.


Only the Love of our Heavenly Father can completely heal and fill up our wounds and hurts with His amazing, miraculous, overflowing, unconditional love and joy!  God is the only way to long lasting, true, satisfying and complete happiness.


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Yikes! My legs are sore! Every step I took this afternoon and evening after I walked/jogged 3.2 miles today, HURTS! (I put the 'point' and the two-tenths of a mile in my distance because I want every tenth to count. I am not rounding down or up. I want the full benefit of the distance I exercised!!!! I am feeling every step in my muscles and I don't want to forget this pain...because I am not going back to unhealthy! I want this memory of my sore muscles to serve as a reminder...Don't eat unhealthy! Unhealthy hurts!


Menu:
Egg, turkey sausage, whole wheat toast, coffee


50 calorie strawberry yogurt with a few nuts and raisins. Life Water Zero - Lemonade flavor


Beef Taco and corn chips and salsa...Diet Coke with Lime.


Snack: FRESH out of the oven, one heavenly hot slice of homemade whole wheat bread with melted butter and a touch of honey!  Sugar free Peach flavored tea.

Week 39, Monday, Diet with Dianna

Psalm 119: 174 & 175 LORD, I want you to save me.    Your teachings make me happy. Let me live to praise you.    Let me find the help I need in your laws

Today was a great day. I did have the munchies this evening and I really wanted to eat a container of Pringles. I got up and exercised with the dumbbells, instead. After a few minutes the urge was gone and I was focusing on counting reps and not chips. WHEW!


Exercise:
3.2 miles Walk/jog
Upper body workout with the dumbbells. My legs are very, very sore!!!!
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Commitment: The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action

Are you committed to your new healthy eating lifestyle? The definition of commitment says that it is a state of being emotionally or intellectually bound to a course of action. Which are  you committed to? Bad food choices or Good food choices? 


Successful Healthy Eating Lifestyle Tips: 

• Keep a food journal. I cannot express the importance of this action. It is easy to forget the small things you eat. Each little tidbit of food counts! Don't dismiss the "just one bite" or "a small taste" of any food. You'll be surprised at how the calories will mount up.  It doesn't have to be a HUGE journal. They even have a app for your phone to help you with your journaling.  iphone or android
• Select a program that meets your lifestyle and one that you like. You will have more success if you like the program. Don't just join Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig just to join. Check out the program first before you purchase. There are a lot of FREE sites out there that are excellent and you won't have to pay any membership dues. They have support and encouragement.
• Perimeter Grocery Shopping: Limit your food purchases at the grocery store to the perimeter only. Avoid going to the center of the grocery store for your food purchases. If you will notice, only the fresh ingredients are at the edges of the store. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, and bakery (which the bakery should really be avoided). The center aisles are filled with all the processed foods.
• You have to commit (make the mental and emotional decision) to eat healthier. If you only halfway try...then you will fail at the first sign of temptation or struggle.
• Clean out your pantry. Don't purchase foods that will tempt you to cheat. Clean out your refrigerator and pantry to rid your house of unhealthy foods. (Sometimes this is not an option if you have a family that is not eating your plan.)
• Get an accountability partner. Someone that you trust and respect to help you stay on track and encourage you to make the right choices.
• Focus on God and not food. I believe that you have to put GOD into your diet. Read and study the Bible, every day, so that you can draw on the power of the Word to help be successful. This will also give you strength as you focus on God and not food. A temptation only last about 15 seconds so you can easily quote a scripture verse from memory in that amount of time, and before you know it, the temptation is over.
• You have to exercise. Diet without exercise will not work. Sure you will cut calories but you will also lose muscle without strength training. You also need to get out and walk to increase your metabolism and burn off stored fat. It is also a great heart exercise, too.
• Weigh yourself only once a week. The scales don't give you an accurate picture. They cannot tell you if you had too much salt or if you are holding water due to your menstrual cycle. It cannot tell you if you are gaining because you added muscle from strength training.  Really, you will be able to see the difference in so many different ways. In the fit of your clothes, in renewed energy, in your flexibility, in your skin color and much, much more.

Week 38, Sunday, Diet with Dianna

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Today was a great day. I had a few cravings but I was able to fight them off through prayer and focusing on the Lord. I made homemade cheesy pizza bread sticks for my family. I ate two of them and they were DEE-LISH!
I snacked on some grapes and a few nuts and raisins.
For dinner, we ate at my sister's house. We attended a birthday party for my nephew. CUPCAKES were served, but I didn't even crave or want one. I had some fresh fruit, cheese, and some sliced turkey. I ate a couple of chips...spicy barbecue...but only a couple.  I drank tea and after dinner a cup of coffee.

I have chosen to not drink any carbonated drinks for six weeks, until Easter. I was really wanting something bubbly this afternoon, but managed to stay off the craving.

Today was an excellent day!!!!

I did 20 minutes of upper body exercises with the dumbbells.

Week 38, Saturday, Diet with Dianna

Acts 20:24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Today was the 5K Walk/Run at our church. I participated and crossed the finish line in 37:07:09 minutes. NOT a world record, by any means, but it was a great time for me... especially since it was my first ever timed event. I was a bit teary-eyed as I crossed the finish line...NEVER have done this sort of thing as an adult. I was completely exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. I pushed myself; jogging (more like a run/hop) and walking very briskly.  This is not unfamiliar to me, walking...but just recently I've added jogging into the mix and stretched my distance up to 3 miles.

The neighborhood where I live has quite a bit more steeper hills compared to the gradual hills at the event location, today.  If I hadn't had the opportunity to work out on a tougher course prior to this event then my time today might have been a much slower pace. This course at the church property was very nice and there were two hills to climb. The weather was cold and rainy, however the rain miraculously stopped for the race and started up after the race was over. THANK YOU LORD!


Now there were a lot of younger folks there. So many of them are avid runners. Since I am a novice at this sort of thing, these well trained young'uns lapped me and finished the race, went inside, got massages, drank water and waited for the results to be posted...all before I ever started my second lap around the course. *Ugh* I was even passed by some blue hairs. One gentleman, 69 years old, passed me at the finish line! AMAZING!!! I hope that when I'm 90 years old, I will run and walk at a faster time than what I finished today.


Sure, I was there for the experience and fun...not to race and not to compete with any other participants. However, when there are a lot of people doing the same thing, the emotions of the moment kick you in the brains and your body tries harder, pushing you further than just a walk in the neighborhood. Today was tremendously fun, exciting, and incredibly hard!  I am definitely going to keep walking/jogging and hopefully, next year, I will be able to run the entire course...no walking.


Oh, by the way, I forgot to get some snap shots of me, my daughter and my husband. They participated with me too! Of course, they finished much faster times than me, but we still had a blast!!!!


For some reason...I can't imagine why...I was very hungry today!!! (Tee-he-he)

Week 38, Friday, Diet with Dianna

Romans 8:31-39 So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. 33 Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right. Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. 35 Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from his love? As the Scriptures say,
                          “For you we are in danger of death all the time.
                            People think we are worth no more than sheep to be killed.”
 But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Week 38, Thursday, Diet with Dianna

Luke 14:28: “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?

Count the Cost 
The verse above reminds me that there is a cost to choices that we make, every day. Good or bad, we will reap the bounty from our choices, but at what cost?  If I choose to eat a brownie, [2"square] which is approximately 243 calories, just how much exercise will I have to perform to work it off? I would have to run in place for 20 minutes just to burn off one small brownie! Is it worth the sacrifice? NOPE!  


Here are some examples of food temptations and how long it would take for you to burn off the calories:

• Snack bag size sour cream & onion potato chips cost me 230 calories and then I would have to exercise 20 minutes on bicycle at 11 m.p.h. just to burn off the extra calories.
• 3" diameter chocolate chip cookie would cost me 120 calories and then I would have to run [not walk] up and down stairs for 5 minutes to rid those calories.
• 1 cup of vanilla ice cream cost me 289 calories which would then take 55 minutes of moderate jumping jacks to rid myself of those useless calories!

Is the immediate satisfaction of the bad food choice worth the energy and time to work off the calories? Well, any exercise is good, but NOWAY is the cost of giving in to the temptation worth it. Who has time to dedicate to burning off binge or impulse eating? Those kinds of unhealthy food choices will only  bring instant gratification but soon the hollow, empty feelings that you tried to fill will on cease for a moment and then return. Now you are riddled with feelings of guilt which causes frustration, next anger and finally defeat. Your diet is blown. What do you do next? Begin the horrible unhealthy cycle again? NO! DON'T give in to the temptations in the first place. Instead fill up on the Word of God so that when those cravings for unhealthy foods raise their horrible heads, you can defeat them. If you take the time to plant the scriptures in your heart then when the temptations come along you will succeed in stopping them. I have written down my favorite scriptures on index cards and pulled them out to read when I feel a craving or temptation come around. The cost is just too high for me to indulge in unhealthy food temptations. GO ME! GO GOD! GO YOU!

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Today, I ran 3.5 miles...well I walked and then jogged and then walked and jogged (but mostly walked...briskly). I fully intended to rest today, but I had the urge from my Spirit to go and repeat what I did yesterday. I didn't think I could but I did...God gave me the strength to do it again.

Tonight I walked 1.5 miles.  

WHEW!!!! Maybe tomorrow I'll only walk because my legs are so very sore!

Week 38, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Haggai 1:10 It’s because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. [NLT]  There are consequences of failing to care for the Lord’s temple [my body]. People who don’t care for their bodies now will suffer because of their poor choices later on down the road. Be it gaining weight and experiencing less energy, later down the road there might be serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, joint pain, back problems, high blood pressure..., It is the choices we make today that matter both in the physical and the spiritual sense, both now and in our future. In my spiritual sense, when I neglect my body by making poor food choices and not exercising, I feel weighed down by stress and problems. I have less energy to give to God and more emotions to wade through in my daily life. By giving my food cravings over to God and focusing more on Him, I find my sense of purpose. I am energized and motivated to shine, not only in my spiritual walk, but also in my physical body. ******************************************************************************* Today I walked/ran for nearly 4.5 miles total; 3 miles this afternoon and 1.5 miles tonight. WHEW! That's a lot of cardio. My legs and back are tired. Tomorrow I am only doing strength exercises and taking a slower walk with my dog! Excuses – Excuses – Excuses  I am not trying to cast fault or guilt. I merely want each person to look at why they are not exercising and how they can change for the healthier. Are you making excuses not to exercise? There really isn't any good reason why exercise of some kind is not included in your weekly schedule!(Except for justifiably recovering from illness, surgery or injury.) ·         “You don’t know how hectic my schedule is! There is no way I can add one more thing to my daily activities. ·         I work all day and I don’t have time or energy to exercise. ·         I have to have time to relax and watch my TV programs. ·         The children have homework. ·         I have to take my kids to soccer.”   ·         When I get home I am too tired to exercise. I just need to sit and unwind. ·         I have too many physical limitations that don’t allow me to exercise. ·         I don’t have any exercise equipment. ·         My family is unsupportive. ·         I enjoy surfing the internet and chatting with my friends on Facebook. Do you feel that your a justified by your excuses not to exercise?  Do you think you are setting a good example to your children? Why do you think that it is so hard to exercise on a consistent basis? What motivation do you need to stick to a daily exercise routine?

Dear Lord, I want to care for my body in the ways I eat and the ways I move. I want to see that my ability to exercise is a gift. I dedicate my temple to you and commit to rebuilding it today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Week 38, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

 For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

I had the privilege of dining with my Valentine partner tonight. He is and has been my sweetheart for the last 31 years. HE is my best friend and I love him so!  All of our children have grown up to adulthood which gives us quality alone, quiet time together. We have really enjoyed this part of our marriage...

Week 38, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

Psalms 86:11 & 12. Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.

WEEK 38! WOW! I have lost one more pound and I'm so happy! I have been walking and exercising more! WHEW! Walking is my biggest Cardio exercise and kettlebells, dumbbells and stretching are second. I just haven't really liked the toning part, yet...It will happen. [I'm cheering myself on.] My pants are fitting loose and I am happily surprised at my flexibility. I really like being able to touch my toes and breathe at the same time. 


I will succeed! I will lose 62 more pounds. Woo-hoo! Go me! and GO YOU!
See article below...If she can do it, so can I....  
I can do all things because Jesus gives me strength.


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Doctor Lost 130 pounds. Here is how she did it.

Ann Davis, 45,
a cardiologist in Naperville, IL,
 lost 130 pounds!

I was overwhelmed at the idea of cooking and planning meals with my unpredictable schedule… I walked on the treadmill for 15 to 20 minutes, and then my personal trainer showed me how to do a few exercises with small weights. After four months, I had lost 50 pounds. I focused on eating small, frequent meals throughout the day, made up of complex carbs, protein and fats (like a whole-grain English muffin with turkey and avocado slices for lunch). I started working out on my own, too. Change is hard, and at first there were days when I would struggle, but habits really do become easier the longer you do them (and dropping sizes is a great motivator to keep going). I began jogging for short bouts, and as my running sessions got longer, I signed up for and ran a 5K. This past fall I even ran the Chicago Marathon!

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Click here to see the full article at Yahoo! Health.

Encouragement

Exercise is good for your hearts…both of them…the physical one that beats in your chest and the spiritual one that holds all your love for God and others. On this Made to Crave journey toward lasting changes, overcoming resistance and excuses related to exercise is a critical challenge. But we’re nearing the end of three weeks and you’re probably eater for a challenge, right? Excellent! It’s time to give those hearts of yours a God-honoring workout. [Made to Crave Participant’s Guide, p.75]

Start Small and Exercise!

1.    Get out and walk. Take any opportunity to walk: park your car at the end of the grocery store parking lot instead of at the front, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk your dog for 20 minutes, walk the perimeter of the superstore, walk in place while you watch your favorite television show, walk for 15 minutes after each meal.

2.    Grab a set of 2 lb. dumbbells and workout at your desk, or while you are sitting watching television. Maybe swing your arms while your are walking.

3.    Resistance bands. Add some resistance to your exercise and tone up muscles.

4.    Kettlebell is sometimes better than dumbbells and come in a variety of weights. Two for one deal on the exercise because they add cardio to the toning exercises.

5.    Stability Balls are fun. Great way to do sit-ups and tone up back, stomach, legs and arms. Use it to sit on while you are at your desk, it helps to build your core muscles.

6.    Exercise mat will allow you to stretch comfortably, cushion your body during floor exercises, and prevent slipping while lifting weights. Plus, they can roll up out of the way for storage if your space is limited.

Workout DVDs are great no matter what your goals. There are many workouts made specifically for beginners and those of us on a limited budget and just want to have privacy.

Week 38, Monday, Diet with Dianna

2 Corinthians 3: 16-18. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Resist and Succeed!

We are made to crave God and not food. As you fight the good fight of faith today, remember this: Your mind is where the battle will take place. Whatever you allow to captivate your mind, like food, alcohol, drugs, sex, fear, worry or whatever it is. Will you let it rule your life? The decision is yours. God has given you a free ticket to success; He has promised that He will always cause you to be triumphant in Christ. You are guaranteed victory over any cravings that you may have today. Decide, once and for all, right now, to be believe God’s promises and you'll succeed! If you replace those cravings with the Word and let it take over, then you can resist the devil when he comes to plant doubts within you. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says "We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ." Decide right now that you will not succumb to unhealthy food temptations. Dig your heels in and stand immovable upon the promises of God. Refuse to surrender to the pressures to eat the wrong foods that Satan brings your way. When thoughts come that are opposite to God's will, cast them down. And above all, don't meditate on the objects of your cravings because those thoughts are from Satan. When you recognize you are focusing on the tempting unhealthy food, stop it immediately. Replace those cravings with the Word.   Be confident because Satan will repetitively whisper doubts in your ear and tell you that your situation is hopeless. He will doggedly tout failure, doubt, and discouragement. But if you won't permit him to sell you his lies, it is Satan that fails and not you! Don’t buy into his lies, he can't cause them to come to pass in your life, only you can do that and of your own free will. Today, you will succeed because the Word says that, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 *************** I had a really tough moment this morning! I slept late and got up hungry. I wanted to just walk into the kitchen and get my cup of coffee and something to eat. I walked to the fridge that there on the shelf, at eye level were leftover cinnamon rolls and orange rolls, already cooked, just waiting for me to snatch them up and wolf them down with my coffee! The looked so sweet and decadent.  BUT....WAIT...I could resist the easy temptation and take the time to get out all the ingredients for a healthy breakfast and make it myself. I was tired and didn't feel like cooking! I knew that if I ate the gooey, sweet cinnamon rolls that I later on I would have guilt and feeling of failure. All I had to do was resist the temptation. "GOD HELP ME HERE, I have to make the right choice."  Boy was it a tough choice. I didn't want to cook! I didn't want to clean up! I didn't want to wait!!! I wanted something ready and easy and I wanted it NOW! AHHHHHH! I really had to pray off the laziness, the easy way out, and the smells from the unhealthy choice that was sitting in front of me...I closed my eyes and prayed. My hand reached out and hovered over the cinnamon rolls...then...I reached up to the top shelf and put my hands on the carton of eggs. I had to do the right thing. So, not happily and with deep resolve, I got out all the ingredients for a healthy breakfast, the pans, and cooking utensils. I took the time and energy to make my breakfast. I asked the Lord for His blessings on my food and I ate it. It was delicious! AWESOME! After I was finished and had cleaned the kitchen, I felt a since of energy from within. I felt a strength that resonated through my body that bolstered my energy and determination to succeed at making healthy choices! God was rewarding me with content, happy, satisfied feelings! Praise God. I WIN!

Week 37, Sunday, Diet with Dianna

1 Corinthians 10:2-4New Living Translation (NLT)In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ.

Food for my Soul: today was worshiping in the House of God with my family!
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Revelation Knowledge:


I was in the bathroom, undressing for bed, when the thought came to mind about my change in my diet. "Isn't it strange?" I asked myself, "You don't think of your new way of eating as a diet, per say, but as a lifestyle." I stood there in awe...I've been eating this way, by choice, for nearly thirty-eight weeks its become second nature; a habit or lifestyle change. WOW! This is a revelation and it just "clicked" in my head! My heart is happy! My body feel great!  I don't feel sad or deprived or starved or any of those things anymore. I feel like I've been set free from food bondage.


Now, I think and act differently, by choice. I like to exercise.[Who'd have thought, right?] I enjoy eating healthy food. [Weird, huh?] It's just seem natural and freeing at the same time. Even my family has changed. Just tonight I heard my son say, "I know you don't eat that kind of stuff anymore, so where do you want to eat, Mom?"  AMAZING! They talk as if it has always been this way; a normal thing. I've changed and my family has changed. Eating healthy has become the new norm.


We are never too old to make adjustments for the better. I won't go back!


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Today on Yahoo! Celebrity News, there was an article about famous stars that have made successful lifestyle changes. I think they all look great. They all have made good choices with food AND they all exercise.

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Today's Menu
One slice of whole wheat (homemade) toast, one egg scrambled with cheese a turkey sausage. Coffee.


LATE lunch and early supper: McAllister's Deli, Savannah Chopped Salad: Crisped Greens, Dried Cranberries, Honey Roasted Almonds, Gorgonzola Cheese, Fresh Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. Tea with lemon.


Snack: Corn chips and salsa 


No exercise today...my day of rest! It is most Excellent to rest!

Week 37, Friday, Diet with Dianna

Romans 14:19-12a “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to PEACE and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.”

Frustration...I have to give it to God!
Boredom...I must focus on others and not myself. Crave God not food.
Anger...release it and let God handle every emotional situation.
Sadness & Comfort...The Joy of the Lord is my strength...Your rod and staff comfort me...I lie down beside still waters...be still and know that I am God.


Today was a great day and I was able to resist temptations to eat too much. The food was so delicious I didn't want to stop, even when I started to fill full. It was there, staring at me, calling...no, screaming out my name; I stopped and my hand was poised over morsel of food! I heard a stern voice in my head reasonably and calmly say, "Dianna, you know this is not your last meal? You know that there is more where that came from? How about you relinquish your desire to overeat and give it to me?" (This was the Holy Spirit speaking to me inside my head.)  


I didn't want to listen and felt a stubborn, rebellious urge start to bubble up inside of me, my hand moved closer to the food...then the Holy Spirit quoted the Word inside my head (I highlighted the parts that were pointed out to me.: 

2 Timothy 3:1-9 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

I snatched back my hand as if it were burning. Now, that is one way to nip the cravings of unhealthy habits in the bud! Thank you Lord for correcting me. I am so glad that I chose to listen. I give God all the glory!

Week 37, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Dear Lord, Help me to see how the temporary sting of sacrifice will be worth the peace I will find in You. Please help me to have the courage to say no to things that distract me mentally, spiritually, and physically. I long to be empowered with Your strength and Your peace today. I admit I need You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Nothing tastes as good as Peace feels! “… seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14 (NIV)  I can now look at my kid-friendly pantry laden with treats galore and not sigh. I can walk by the bakery counter at Starbucks and say “no thank you.” I can go to a party without being riddled with “pitiful me” thoughts about how unfair it is that everyone else is living it up sugar style. Instead of being sad that I can’t have something, I feel so thrilled to be courageous enough to say no. Shifting from feeling deprived to empowered is the most crucial change I’ve made on this journey. And it’s what made me decide to keep going past the three month mark. So, am I still fasting from sugar to lose weight? No. I lost my excess weight and reached a healthy place a year ago. Now my goals have nothing to do with a number on the scale. My goal now is peace. Peace. And I can assure you, no treat in this world tastes as good as this peace feels. ~Lysa Terkeurst - LINK *********** Free, free, free at last. I'm free from the bondage of unhealthy food and poor choices. GOD is my strength and in Him will I trust. I am feeling so good! I have so much energy. I am LOVING my new healthy lifestyle! My life has changed, forever. I won't go back! Go me!!!! Today's Menu Breakfast: coffee (I woke up too late to eat). Lunch: Salad with all the yummy toppings: baby spinach, grape tomatoes, a few seedless red grapes, feta cheese, shredded carrots, papitas, sunflower seeds, raisins, cranraisins, snap peas, and Newman's lite balsamic vinaigrette dressing. OH, so delicious! Dinner: Lemon butter chicken-blackened, peas, and earl grey tea! DEE-LISH! (The rest of the family ate homemade mac~n~cheese, also.) Snack: Sugar Free Lime no-bake cheese cake and a cup of coffee with sf vanilla macadamia nut syrup. HEAVEN on earth.