Week 41, Wednesday & Thursday, Diet with Dianna

What happened to Wednesday? I don't know. I was very busy! I just thought I had posted something. Oh, well. Forgiveness and mercy is mine.

Ephesians 5: 15 & 16. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Exercise:
Wednesday: I walked twice for a total of 5 miles.
Thursday: 2.5 miles

Both days, I ate wisely: 
Wednesday:
Breakfast: Egg, Toast, Turkey Sausage patty, coffee
Lunch: Jason's Deli! Black Currant Tea, Yummy dee-lish-ous!
Dinner: Yogurt [cherry vanilla] and a handful of mixed nuts.

Thursday's Menu:
Breakfast: One egg, Turkey sausage patty, toast, coffee

Lunch: A delicious Turkey Caesar Salad from Schlotzsky's. ( I only ate half, it is just too big!) Tea w/lemon.

Dinner: Mixed veggies and butternut squash, Turkey Kielbasa w/barbecue sauce and a couple of slices of Whole wheat Irish Soda Bread [homemade!].

Snack: nuts w/raisins and cranraisins.

Week 36, Monday, Diet with Dianna

Scripture Verse for today:

James 1: 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.

Triumphs in my choices will produce many blessings.

Tips for Successful Weight Loss

1. Minimize or avoid the following three white foods – salt, sugar and processed flour. Cut back on the sodium and other additives and preservatives, reduce the amount of sugared goods you eat and the amount of sugar you add to your tea and coffee, and stay away from those breads, pastas and cakes that load the fat on to your body and see how easy it is to lose weight and get fit.
2. Exercise moderately four days a week. You don’t have to go all out and strain yourself; it’s enough even if you walk for an hour or so whenever you find time. If you’re working out for a longer period of time or for more than four days a week, you must rest your aching and sore muscles and joints on at least one day of the week if you want to avoid injuries.
3. Ensure that you get at least six hours of sleep every night. A sound sleep is your body’s natural healing mechanism and when you deprive yourself of this, you’re not doing your health any favors.

EXERCISE AT HOME FOR FREE!

If you don’t have a lot of spending money for exercise equipment, try these things that are probably just lying around your house! Who needs expensive gym equipment or membership fees? Try these crafty ideas for homemade exercise equipment:

1. Take two large men's tube socks, fill each sock with one or two pounds of beans, or rice, or 1 lb. soup cans. Tie the tops of the socks to each other. Now you have a nice 2 to 4 lb. weight. Use like a kettlebell or dumbbell.
2. My husband carries around a small computer bag and it weighs about 10 pounds. Because computer bags usually have handles, these can be great for exercises like bicep curls, lateral raises or one-armed rows. Small duffel bags with handles can be filled with books and used for lower body exercises like squats, lunges and dead-lifts.
3. Stairs...if you live in a two story house then you have a built in stair master. During your exercise routine, climb your stairs in sets of three, two times. This should get your heart rate pumping and your leg muscles burning. Be careful!
4. If you don’t have stairs in your house then you probably have a curb next to the street or a step to enter your house. This is your stair workout: 20—30 reps of stepping up and back down, alternating your feet, for 3 sets of 25 to 40.
5. Bungee cords. Who doesn't have some of these in their garage or trunk of your car? They make great resistant bands for your work out routines.  Hook them together and then pull and release. 3 sets of 12. They are good for your arms and legs. Double up by using two sets of bungee cords for the leg exercises!

Recipe—Supercharged Cleansing Meal Replacement

If you haven’t been feeling quite like yourself lately, you might try replacing one meal about once a week with a green detox juice drink to get back on track. It is power packed with natural antioxidants and fiber.

If you lack a good juicer, you can use a blender. Vegetables are often hard to digest but the blender does it for you! Plus you get the benefit of extra fiber. Consistency is sometimes a problem, but you can fix that as you become more accustomed to your blender.

If you cannot find fresh kale at your grocer, you may substitute it with either cabbage or collard greens (since they are in the same family). Fresher taste better and older taste bitter. Wash all leaves just prior to blending.

Walnut Apple Green Cleansing Juice
Makes approx. 20 oz.

1 small handful walnuts

1 large seeded green apple

1 stalk celery

½ cucumber, peeled

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

3 medium kale leaves

10 seedless green grapes

Filtered water (until desired consistency)

Week 34, Saturday, Diet with Dianna

Genesis 2:3, And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. 
Exodus 20:10, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.

Rest is good! Take time to rest and recover from a good hard week. Even rest from exercising. Give your muscles, ligaments, and bones a time to rest. Don't wear yourself down by overdoing. If you have exercised 5 or 6 days a week, just rest! Even the Lord God Almighty rested and he requested that His people rest, too.

Lazy day! I enjoyed my whole day of just lazing around. My daughter and I did manicures and pedicures and watched a BBC America show "Sherlock". WOW, it is now my most favorite show. So smart. I had to watch the first one twice in the first season just to catch the things I missed. BETTER than the movies with Morton Downey Jr.  My daughter and I had a movie festival along with our pampering. So fun.

Later in the day we went to praise and worship service. AWESOME!!!!!!!! Pastor Robert Morris is so anointed with the Holy Spirit. There is no way a human can be that smart; it had to come from the Lord Himself.  After worship service we had coffee at the church cafe, which is bigger than most Starbuck's and way better and way cheaper. I only wish that I lived closer so I could go there instead of the other place.


Exercise:
Nope...just did my Bible study and rested.


Today's Menu:

Egg, turkey bacon, two biscuits....yes I ate two biscuits!

Small mixed baby green salad with grape tomatoes, Gorgonzola cheese, shredded carrots and mixed nuts with cranberries and Newman's Own Family Italian dressing. OH! and a half a turkey and sharp cheddar cheese sandwich on homemade whole wheat bread with basil pesto.

No dinner and no snacks...just a vanilla late - sugar free with no sugar soy. Hmmm!

Week 34, Thursday & Friday, Diet with Dianna

Food for Thought! Give your cravings to God. Fill the hurt, sadness, longing, emptiness and boredom with the word of God. Rejoice in the Lord, for he is your strength. True happiness is a choice and it can only come from loving and praising the Lord!!!! Everything else is just icing on the cake. 

Well, I totally did not take the time, in my busy schedule, to post for Thursday. It was hectic. Today was a better, much slower paced day. Whew!
Slept until 9:30 a.m.  I needed the sleep. Ate a leisurely breakfast of oats with blueberries and a cup of coffee.
My grown kids and I went to the bank, car wash and then ate some lunch. I had two small thin crust pizza slices and a Italian salad. Yum! I like the thin crust because I don't really enjoy the breading, but the sauce, cheese and toppings.
Later, we took my eldest son's car to have an electronic remote starter installed on the car, so we ate dinner at B.J.'s while waiting.

Today was just "Spring like" so we took a good long walk. I also helped shine and polish the inside of my youngest son's Trooper. He's going on an date, tonight, and he wanted his truck to look and smell good...just like him. :D

Exercise:
Walked about 2 miles
Kettle bell
Stretching and muscle toning.


Menu:
Small, about 1/2 cup of oats with blueberries and coffee

Pizza and salad, diet coke.

Grilled Tilapia - Cajun style, mixed salad with oil and vinegar. YUM!

Week 33, Thursday, Diet with Dianna

Matthew 19: 23 & 24, Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

This parable is talking about trusting in money and not God. When Jesus was speaking this parable about a certain rich young man, he was referring to all of his possessions taking priority over God. Now, If I were to take creative license with this verse and change it up a bit I could remove "sell all your possessions" and replace it with: "...if you give up your love of food". 
Really, if you look closer you can see that just about any thing could be put here. If there is anything in your life that takes precedence over the Lord, it can be put in the blank.


The Bible says in Matthew 6:21 & 24: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (verse 24)  “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (the trust of wealth).


No, Jesus wasn't talking about food, but in my Spirit, I recognized that I could replace the words 'all your possessions' and put 'food' in its place.  I have been guilty of trusting in food for: comfort, pleasure, peace, happiness, and joy. When experiencing those things, I should have turned to God for fulfillment and not eating food. Upon further inspection, all these words  describe God/Jesus/The Holy Spirit.

• Psalm 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 
• I John 4:8, God is love
• II Corinthians 1:4...comforts me in tribulation.
• Nehemiah 8:10...the joy of the Lord is my strength.
• Psalm 23...he comforts me.

Basically, I've always made eating food a priority. When eating breakfast I was planning my lunch and dinner. I was indulging in whatever brought my taste-buds pleasure. When I was sad, I ate.  When I was angry, I ate and cleaned. When I was celebrating, I ate and ate.  For as long as I can remember, food has been a top priority of my daily life. Even as a young girl, my folks and grandparents put a lot of emphasis on food! They were all overweight. 


Eating should be pleasurable, but not filling the emptiness, boredom, loneliness, sadness, anger or taming stress in my life. I can enjoy the taste of food. I can enjoy the filling qualities of food. I can enjoy the preparation of food, however, I will not use it as comfort to satisfy my emotions. Instead, I give up any empty, destructive idols to God. I will eat to live, not live to eat. I will make better choices and resist temptation to overeat. My body is the Holy temple of the Lord.

Week 32, Saturday, Diet with Dianna

Psalm 23:1-3 The LORD is my shepherd.
I will always have everything I need.
He gives me green pastures to lie in.
He leads me by calm pools of water.
He restores my strength.
He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.

Rut, rut, rut...I feel like I'm spinning my wheels and going nowhere fast. I feel like I have lost my enthusiasm and drive. It seems that Satan is throwing food in my face; temptation is everywhere.  I feel physically robbed. Today, was not a good day. I didn't sleep well last night and today my allergies were annoying me. I thought I had gotten over this and today it seemed to be coming back.

PRAYER! PRAYER! THANKSGIVING! PRAISE! This is what my Spirit urged me to do today. So, I spent about several hours in Bible study and listening to praise music and worshiping God! I closed my bedroom door and just captured the Holiness of the Lord. I needed to take the focus off of me and my circumstances and put them on the Lord. He is my strength and refuge. Later in the day I dressed for church and went to participate in BIG worship. I could feel my Spirit reviving and bubbling and moving. Even though my body is sore and exhausted, my spirit has been recharged. I know I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me.

My family is a great support system too. If not for them, I would have failed by now. I know that I can lean on them for motivation and engorgement. Not mere words but participating with me in walking. They, like the Lord, are restoration. I know that tomorrow I will be ready to resist to temptations, tackle exercise and get out an walk. I will be a success at eating well!

No exercise today. I rested my physical body but I exercised my mind and Spirit in the Lord!

Menu:

• Small bowl of oats, toast, egg, turkey sausage, and coffee.
• Turkey, spinach, basil pesto, and balsamic vinaigrette dressing, and a few chips
• Asparagus and yellow squash, whole wheat toast.
• Cutie mandarin orange and chai tea. 

Week 32, Friday, Diet with Dianna

Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Gorgeous, beautiful, warm day. I stayed home most of the day today, however, I didn't just sit around doing nothing. First, I fixed breakfast for myself, my daughter and son. Then I walked the dog. Next I got in my car and drove down to the local auto store for some two stroke engine oil. Then back home to blow leaves and then mulch leaves. Whew! My son and I finished up in a couple of hours. I got some good exercise. I'm glad I've been working out. My arms didn't get fatigued holding the leaf blower, like they used to.
When I was finished I looked like "Pigpen" from Charlie Brown. As I walked I left a trail of dust and dirt.
I showered and spent the rest of the day was catching up on emails, and laundry.

Exercise:
Walked 1.5 mi
Mowed & blowed leaves.
I even kettlebelled before I went to bed! I had so much energy today. Wow!

Today's Menu:
Fried egg, turkey sausage, toast, coffee
Small bowl of chili and diet coke zero
Small bowl of chili with added mixed veggies & water
Three mini Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies and a cup of coffee.



Successful weight loss stories at SparkPeople.com

Week 32, Thursday, Diet with Dianna

Wow! Great day! Stayed busy most of the day. I did eat well. Woke up late but grabbed a piece of toast and coffee as we ran out the door. Later I baked cookies for the family and made two pots of chili. One with beans (I like the beans) and some without beans (my men folk like it bean-less). OH, so Dee-Lish-Ous!!!!! Good winter comfort food!  It was good and spicy, which made my nose water.


Exercised:
Kettlebell
Did not walk.


Revelation Knowledge:
Psalm 139:13 & 14  You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!




Even though we may change our eating habits, we still have cravings for unhealthy foods. Here is a testimony from a girl who replaced her cravings for food to Cravings for Jesus and gained control over her fleshly desires:

After having lost 60 pounds through exercise and changes in diet, I knew I still had not conquered my addiction to food and I privately feared that I would gain the weight back. Despite my physical success, I still fell prey to desires for the sugary treats and unhealthy meals. During a session at a health conference at my church, the speaker (Dr. Celeste Owens) mentioned... spiritual malnutrition. I can’t thank God enough for the book and for Lysa.Made to Crave has changed my life. I’m now down 75 pounds, with a goal to take off a total of 120 pounds. I know that each choice I make determines my victory or defeat. I tell everyone about this book. Even my trainer (a male) is reading it! — Vanessa T.  http://madetocrave.org/success-stories/

Today's Menu:
Toast and coffee (on the run).
Jason's Deli: Salad bar (I measured out 3 cups total salad and topping) Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, red onion, apples, nuts, raisins, feta cheese, spinach leaves, and romaine. Oil & Vinegar dressing. :D
Bowl of homemade chili (three beans and ground turkey) DEE-LISH!
Spiced Pumpkin cookie and coffee for a late snack.

Week 32, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Tuesday. I did a good workout tonight with the kettlebell. Wow, I was huffing and puffing! It felt good to heat up. The room was slightly chilled, but after I got moving I quickly shed my sweater and ran for the shower afterward. 


I haven't weighed and won't until Monday night. I know that the workouts, walking, and good healthy eating will pay off!!!! I like watching the scales go down to lower numbers. 


Support: 
It is a great idea to find a support friend or friends to help you stay accountable for your new lifestyle. Don't do it alone. Plan to succeed. Here is one way I stay accountable and encourage myself/motivation:

• I have been reading a website by Lysa TerKeurst and her "Made to Crave" Daily Devotionals. She offers great spiritual uplifting for living a better life Craving God and not food. Here is a link to her website. Lysa TerKeurst

"Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food." Romans 14:20a (NIV)

 By Lysa TerKeurst: Excerpt from: Made to Crave:

Old thought patterns: "I need these chips. I deserve this ice cream. I must have that extra large portion."
New thought patterns:Chips will only taste good for the moment. But the calories are empty and will do nothing good for my body. 2 Corinthians 7:1 reminds me, "...Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit... out of reverence for God." (NIV 1984)
This ice cream will give me a sugar high but then I'll crash and feel terrible. Psalm 34:8...reminds me to get into God's Word and let it satisfy the deep hungry places of my soul, "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." (NIV 1984)
This extra large portion will overstuff me and make me feel sluggish. I can't look to this food to soothe me. Psalm 34:5 says, "Those who look to [God] are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." (NIV 1984)
Learning to do this has been a process that I have to intentionally choose day after day. Eventually, I did lose the extra weight I needed to shed and have kept it off. But the real reward was what I gained with Jesus in the process. He became the best part of my journey. And I wouldn't have missed this new found closeness I now have with Him for anything in the world.
Dear Lord, if this devotion is a call to action that I need to make, please help me. I want to see the root of my issue, I really do. I want to learn to crave and depend on only You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Today, on Lysa's devotional there were a few great helpful hints and questions:

• Keep a pocket sized notebook nearby all of this week. Every time you crave food, ask yourself if you are hungry or if you are craving something else like comfort or peace. Write down your old thought patterns and then rewrite them using new thought patterns.
• Have I learned to let God satisfy my deepest needs?
• What is one healthy choice I can make today?
• Power Verses:
  Romans 14:17, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit..." (NIV)
  Psalm 18:1, "I love you, O LORD, my strength." (NIV 1984)

Week 32, Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

Titus 2:11-12 NIV, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions (and I believe that it also means cravings for food, too), and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” 

Well, I'm down a pound so I'm headed in the right direction. I hate that I am having to backtrack through to the weight I had already lost, but at least I'm going down.  Day before yesterday I exercised. Yesterday I was sore...today I am REALLY sore. AHHH! Exercising was not fun and rather painful! I know it will do me a lot of good, though. Walking was at a slower pace because my groin muscles are very sore.

Well, I woke up too late to get in my exercise for the morning. I kettlebelled tonight. It all worked out, thankfully. BUT, I did get my devotional/Bible study completed for day three, this morning.

Last night I made two loaves of bread. One was white bread and the other was whole wheat. They turned out beautiful! Mrs. Baird would be so proud. The house smelled heavenly.  I was so tempted to eat a slice as they came out of the oven, but I resisted. I did, however, eat a slice for breakfast with my coffee this morning and it was worth the wait! It was soooo good!  I wish you could sample a piece. It is so much better than store bought bread and so easy to make!

I will put the recipe here for those of you that would like to try and make some. NOTE: Once you make it, you will be hooked and will have to make more, guaranteed!

No-Knead Whole Wheat Bread
                                                                                                                                                                                                     Yield: 1 loaf of bread (16 slices)If you've never baked homemade yeast bread, but want to learn how, start here. Unlike most yeast breads, this one isn’t kneaded; instead, the soft dough is simply beaten in a bowl for several minutes, and then scooped into a bread pan. Ninety minutes later, it’s ready to pop into the oven and bake. The result: A dense, moist, easy-to-slice loaf; Ideal for sandwiches!Ingredients:
1 cup      lukewarm water, (approximately 110°F).
¼ cup      (2 ounces) orange juice
¼ cup      (2 ounces) melted butter or vegetable oil (do not use margarine)
3 Tablespoons      molasses (or maple syrup)
1 package              (2 teaspoons instant dry yeast)
¼ cup                      whole milk or soy milk
3 cups                    (12 ¾ ounces) Premium 100 % whole wheat flour ( I use King Arthur brand)
1 teaspoon            sea salt 

Supplies:

1.       Non-Stick cooking spray or vegetable shortening

2.       Stand mixer with large mixing bowl, and paddle attachment

3.       Measuring cups and measuring spoons

4.       1 bread loaf pan

5.       Plastic wrap and one large piece of aluminum foil

6.       Instant read thermometer

7.       Hot pads or mittens

8.       Large spoon or scraping spatula

9.       One gallon-size, zipper style, storage bag and paper towels.

Directions:

1.       Add the yeast to the water and let it stand for 5 minutes. Set aside and work on the next step.

2.       Thoroughly and liberally grease a bread loaf pan (8 ½” x 4 ½”) It is very important to grease the pan well, as this bread tends to stick.

3.       Combine all of the wet ingredients into a very large mixing bowl or a large stand mixer bowl.

4.       Add all the remaining dry ingredients next.

5.       Beat on very low speed at first, then on a medium/high speed for 3 minutes. (If you are hand stirring, make sure to have a friend nearby because your arm will get very tired).

6.       THE DOUGH IS STICKY SO SPRAY YOUR HANDS WITH NON-STICK SPRAY BEFORE HANDLING THE DOUGH. Scoop or pour the bread dough in to the prepared loaf pan. 

7.       Spray a large piece of plastic wrap with non-stick spray and cover loosely over the bread and set it in a warm place to rise. The dough will  rise up over the top of the bread pan.

8.       Let rise for 45 to 90 minutes (until the dough has risen up above the top of the pan)…do not skip this step.

9.       Preheat the oven to 350°F, if using a glass baking dish (325°F for a dark metal pan). Bake for 15 minutes.

10.    Remove with hand protection and tent the bread with aluminum foil, and replace into the oven for an additional 15 – 20 minutes.

11.    The bread is actually done when an instant read thermometer temperature reaches 195°F

12.    Remove from the oven. Turn oven off. Set the bread on a wire rack, in the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes.

13.    With hand protection, invert the loaf pan and place the bread on a wire rack to cool. Let the bread cool completely before slicing.

14.    Store any remaining bread wrapped in paper towels and then placed in a zipper style bag for up to 1 week at room temperature, or 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Week 31, Diet with Dianna

I Timothy 2: 1-8 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. ⁷ And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

Happy New Year 2012! 
The first day of the New Year.
I began a new Bible Devotional and study!
I also began a new exercise routine and my daughter has joined me! AWESOME! One day down, tomorrow is a new day!
I pray for each of you to be successful in your dieting/healthy eating and exercising. You cannot have dieting without the exercise. They are a unit~ they go hand in hand. Just to exercise you would probably not see a big difference in your weight.
If you just diet, you might see a slight difference but soon would stall and fail. To be really successful in losing weight you must diet AND exercise.

There are two kinds of exercises that are beneficial to success.

1. Aerobic or getting the heart pumping fairly rapidly for an extended period of at least twenty minutes. Then a cool down and slower pace until your heart is back to normal.  
2. Muscle toning or Strengthening. Using some sort of weights or resistance bands to firm up and tone muscles. All muscles in the limbs and your core. Try a few to start and then progress to more difficult. NOT BODY BUILDING, just strengthening to prevent muscle loss during weight loss. You can actually lose muscle when dieting so it is vital to add some sort of muscle toning along with aerobics.

When choosing an exercise routine, choose to only do muscle toning every other day. Aerobic exercise can be done everyday! Only in muscle toning should you rest a day in between to let your muscles rest and heal. Most experts agree on the resting, unless you are body building.

Aerobics on the other hand is good for every day. Maybe alternate between just walking and doing a more defined aerobics workout.

Have a blessed day and YOU ARE A WINNER!

Exercise:

Kettlebell

2 mile walk

Menu:

Turkey sausage, one egg, toast, coffee

Beef taco and a few corn chips. (Mexican food is our family's New Year's Day meal tradition.)

Homemade bread and some popcorn...too full from lunch so this was a snack! Coffee.

Week 31, Saturday, Diet with Dianna

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012
Well, I've already started this year off better than last year because I am thirty pounds lighter. I hope that next year I will be able to say that I am one hundred pounds lighter than this year...Yes! I will!!!!!!

Today was a great day. Any day that has a day of worship is a good day! We attended church for the last day of the year. We had communion, which is always my favorite thing to do on the last day of the year and to welcome in the new year. I also like that we ended and began the year in church worshiping the Lord! I know that my new year will be blessed beyond measure.

Today's Menu:
Spinach & Cheese Omelet, toast, turkey sausage, coffee
pretzels and cheese
leftover Omelet and turkey sausage.
Kettle corn and sparkling cider to bring in the New Year!

Exercise:
Walked 1.5 miles!
No Kettlebell  (not feeling 100% yet).

REMEMBRANCE:
Last year I began my year with a 30 day fast. I was not looking forward to it, BUT it was the turning point in my life. During my Bible study the Lord showed me that I was not putting Him first in my Life. He also reminded me that my body is HIS temple and that my body was in sad shape and a poor example of a HOLY temple.

PRAISE and THANKFULNESS
I am so thankful for so many blessings during last year. Praise God from whom all blessing flow!

• I am free to worship My God, freely!
• I can express my beliefs in my God!
• I have a loving and supportive husband.
• I have loving and supportive, grown children.
• I have a roof over my head, food for my table, clothes to wear, and a comfy bed to sleep!
• I have a car to take me where I want and need to go (and my children have cars, too).
• My husband has a great job, and he has favor in his job.
• My children have great jobs and they have favor in all they do.
• We are all healthy...no sicknesses, no diseases, no physical problems!
• We live in a great country....(that needs to return to the one and only true living God!).
• I have loving and supportive, dear friends!
• I lost thirty pounds and will lose seventy more!
• I attend a great church.
• God has blessed me richly with all that I could ever dream of or ask for!

My Prayer for you in 2012:

Numbers 6:24 through 26

"The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Jeremiah 14:13

But I said, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, the prophets keep telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place.’

 

Week 31, Thursday, Diet with Dianna

Boo-hoo! I am up two pounds. I ate way too much during this holiday break. Not necessarily the wrong things, just too much of the good things.  Back to the grindstone. I am not happy about having to retrace my footsteps. Now I have to work longer. In hindsight, it is not worth it. Oh well, I will pull up my bootstraps and get stomping. It is only a minor setback. I can do it! I WILL do it!

I am fighting off symptoms of a cold. I didn't exercise nor did I kettlebell. YUCK!

I ate better today. Hooray for me!

Today's menu:
One egg, whole wheat toast, Turkey sausage, coffee.

A few pretzels and a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese

Hot Vanilla tea latte', unsweetened and one Rolo melted on a pretzel! YUM!!!!!!!

Homemade hamburger on a homemade whole wheat slice of bread and mixed veggies (thanks to my sweet daughter).

Coffee and fresh made popcorn (not cooked in the microwave but on my father's new popcorn machine). DEE-LISH!

Week 30, Friday, Diet with Dianna

Christmas Eve 2011.
The best Christmas Eve on record for me. Spent the day with my beautiful family. We had a delicious breakfast of homemade french toast, eggs, turkey sausage and coffee. Then around 1 p.m. we drove across town to my mother-in-law's house to have Christmas Eve fellowship. I ate delicious healthy food. I had fresh veggies, a small triangle chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat bread, a few corn tortillas and some red grapes. Coffee for dessert.
Next we attended a candlelight worship service at our church. SUPER AWESOME! Beautiful inspiring service. I was brought to tears at the sheer number of people and the view of all the candles. God was in the house!
Finally, we headed back home for our traditional Subway sandwich dinner and watched "White Christmas".  So much fun; Heaven on earth.

A good time was had by all. Christmas Day is on its way.

Week 30, Monday & Tuesday, Diet with Dianna

DOWN ONE POUND!

Monday, Monday...so good to me.
I was just so busy. I got some shopping finished for baking tomorrow. Worked on book edits. That is why I skipped yesterday and posting on Tuesday for both days.
I got in some walking and kettlebells. I did kettlebells while watching one of my weekly programs. IT felt so good to exercise after sitting for so long.  My body this morning was groaning from the workout last night. AHH!  I will kettlebell again, tonight after my walk.

I did a lot of baking today...non diet food. Getting ready for Christmas gifts. It may seem cheap, but I can guarantee it is not cheap and there is a lot of time and love put into each delicious morsel.  I enjoy baking and just for the record...I only liked my finger one time and that was by accident. My daughter is a witness.


Today's menu:
A small bowl of oats w/raspberries and a piece of whole wheat toast and coffee.

Small Jr. sized Burger King hamburger and a few fries...NOT MY CHOICE but I was with other people.

Mexican food: one beef taco and a few chips and salsa. (Date night with my husband).

I'm not going to post pictures of my baked goods...it just wouldn't be nice to tempt people with things they cannot eat. You'll just have to take my word for it...It all turned out beautiful!!

Week 29, Saturday, Diet with Dianna

Revelation Knowledge:

Luke 1:68-70
New Life Version (NLV)
“Let us thank the Lord God of Israel. He has bought His people and made them free. He has raised up from the family of David One Who saves people from the punishment of their sins. His holy early preachers told us this long ago. [ Bible Gateway ]

Okay...I see more and more articles and videos on the internet and television about Kettlebells. They are quickly rising in popularity. The reason I think this is happening is because they are just so easy to use. You don't have to go to a fancy gym and you don't have to have a lot of them. One or two of them and you have a complete total body workout.


I like them better than dumbbells. I like swinging it and how my heart rate jumps right up, and then I begin to sweat. They don't look like much but then you see someone swinging one around and you think..."ha! that's child's play". NOPE...It is much tougher than you think...really. 


I challenge you to just try it for 5 minutes...using a 5 lb. or 10lb. kettlebell.  The next time your at a super-sized department store or athletic store , go by and pick one up in the sporting goods/exercise department. Give it a swing. I'll bet you'll swing it more than once.


Hey, they are rather inexpensive, too. It's a great way to get muscle tone AND aerobic exercise at the same time. Double the benefits.


I have attached two links: One, is to an article about kettlebells and the other is a quick video routine.


Just look!


Prevention Magazine, Kettlebells


Kettlebell Workout




I ate a piece of pound cake yesterday...so I will double up on my exercise, today. Was it worth it? Probably not, but I did it anyway.


Saturday's menu:
Egg, turkey sausage, biscuit, coffee


After church we went to Taco Cabana. I had street tacos...beef, onion and corn tortillas...very small. I ate three of them and a diet coke with lime.


and a piece of pound cake with coffee.


EXERCISE:
I walked and then kettlebell for 8 minutes.

Week 29, Friday, Diet with Dianna

Happy Birthday to my daughter, Britt! Today is her 25th birthday! First off was a celebratory breakfast with the Birthday Girl, Fox, and my folks at Cracker Barrel. Then  Britt and I were off to the mall to do some shopping and we got lot's of good things. Next, we headed home to wrap some Christmas gifts (her birthday gifts were already wrapped). Next we headed to the the theater to see the new Sherlock Holmes, Game of Shadows (Warner Bros.) movie with the entire family, which was most excellent!
After the show we went to Boston's for her birthday dinner. Britt opened her gifts and we ate very well. THEN, we went to my sister's house for coffee and then finally home...whew! I am whupped! Ready for some good rest. It was the best day! I love my precious family! God is so good!

Panoramic shot taken at Cracker Barrel, by Fox

Panoramic Trick shot taken by Fox!

Friday's Menu:
Egg, turkey sausage, whole wheat toast, coffee


Broccoli and a few onion rings


Whole wheat pizza with sun dried tomatoes, garlic and cheese


Slice of birthday pound cake!!!! Yes, I ate one...it was thin, but I ate the whole slice!!!!! YUM!!!




Revelation Knowledge:
In everything rejoice! Be glad in the moments. Good or bad, just be glad. I know from experience that during trials and troubles it is hard to see the good in anything, but just know that it is only temporary. Goodness is everywhere, you only have to see it.
It's a choice in your heart and mind to be happy. External things cannot make you happy. Having all the money in the world cannot make you happy. King Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man that ever lived, said:  

Ecclesiastes 12:8 & 13“ Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “ All is vanity.” Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

Jesus said as recorded in the book of Luke, 10:27; So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, 'and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”

Only, truly loving the Lord God will make you truly happy!

Week 29, Thursday, Diet with Dianna

Today was busy with shopping for Christmas, grocery store for supplies for birthday cake, and baking birthday cake and hors d'oeuvres.  I got up early and went to bed late! Whew...
Tomorrow, Friday, is my daughter's 25th birthday so today I baked her a pound cake. I also cooked something to take to our Bible study group's Christmas party, which is tonight...and they turned out super delicious. Crescent rolls filled with Basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese pesto sauce. The house smelled soooooo good! YUM!!


Exercise: Nope...I only kettlebelled...no walking. I will get a walk in today, for sure!
No breakfast, but I ate salad  and soup from Olive Garden for lunch.
Dinner...late, but had fresh uncooked veggies, a few meatballs, and some and one stuffed mushroom, a slice of Swiss cheese and some coffee.  (at the party.)  NO sweets for me :D


On yesterday's post I forgot to add the recipe for French Toast.... It is as follows: 

Ingredients

6 slices of whole wheat bread (I like to use stale bread or French bread)2 whole, large eggs – shells discarded⅔ cup half and half1 tablespoon sugar (or sugar substitute)¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg1 teaspoon vanilla extract½ teaspoon almond extract Mixing DirectionsBeat together egg, milk, salt, spices and vanilla.Cooking Methods:Method #1:Heat a lightly oiled griddle (I use real butter) or non-stick skillet over medium-high flame.Dunk each slice of bread in egg mixture, soaking both sides.
Place in the heated skillet or griddle.Cook on each side until golden.
Serve hot with melted butter and maple syrup. Method #2 (This is the method I prefer….it is the easiest and the toast is crunchy!Preheat oven to 400 F.Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.Generously grease with butter the parchment paper
Prepare the French toast and then lay each slice on the buttered pan.Butter the tops with melted butter.Sprinkle with additional cinnamon/sugar…OPTIONAL.Bake for 20 minutes or until the toast is lightly golden brown.Remove from the oven and serve hot with warmed maple syrup and whipped cream.

Week 29, Wednesday, Diet with Dianna

Wednesday has not been my usual day. I didn't go volunteer at church because they were having their office Christmas party. No need to go if no one is going to be there. Instead I spent the day with my youngest grown son, editing his soon to be published science fiction novel. We are nearly finished and getting so excited about the publishing aspect.  


Next, we ate barbecue for lunch and then headed home for a much needed walk. It was misting outside, but I donned a baseball cap and walked anyway! It felt so good to get some exercise. I know my dog was happy. Now, I'm slowly drying out and updating my blog.


REVELATION KNOWLEDGE:
Let's face it, we live in a fast paced, overly scheduled, drive-thru society. Meals on the go are the new family table. So why not prepare your food ahead of time and store them in the freezer. It will save you a lot of wasted time and even more wasted money. The food is so much better tasting you won't have to sit in long, slow line and eat unknown ingredients which are high in calories and fat! Besides, your freezer is so much more convenient and it's a great way to teach your kids how to operate the microwave and fix a quick meal for themselves, should they be on their own for an hour or two after school.


It's been a long day and you don't feel like cooking a huge meal when you get home, plus the kids all have a mountain of homework and the laundry is piled to the underneath side of the countertops. Who has time for a gourmet dinner? Wouldn't a bucket of greasy chicken with powdered potatoes and salty green beans be better? Really????


Why not simply spend a few hours on the weekend or in the evening and cook up a batch of "take-out" meals that will please your palette, love your waistline, and feed your children nutritiously. Plus, you will be sitting at a real table instead of a cramped car. You control the portions and ingredients. Your kids will be healthier, you will be healthier, your marriage partner will be healthier, and your wallet will be thicker!


I have a few helpful ideas and recipes to get you started...one meal at a time. Don't try to fill up your freezer in one day. Just start with one meal a day and work your way up! You'll see that it will add time to your busy schedule and less calories to your waistline.

ON-THE-GO BREAKFAST IDEAS:

Waffles – if you have a waffle iron, just separate the waffles, brush them with melted butter, and let them cool. You don’t have to use maple syrup on the outside, but can use jelly or peanut butter as a topping. If you want the maple flavor, add ¼ cup of the maple syrup into the recipe and reduce the liquid by ¼ cup. 

Wrap each waffle in a paper towel, and place in a zipper style bag. Freeze.

REHEAT: Remove from plastic but keep it wrapped in the paper towel. Heat for 1 minute on med/high power.

Waffle Sandwich:
Using the waffles above, slice each square into half, layer with a scrambled egglet  (omelet style scrambled egg) and bacon or sausage.
Place the egg and bacon/sausage between two quarter waffles;
REHEAT Remove from plastic but keep it wrapped in the paper towel. Heat for 1 minute on high power.

Pancakes w/syrup When preparing the pancake batter, add ¼ cup of maple syrup to the recipe and reduce the liquid by ¼ cup.  Make the pancakes ‘silver dollar’ size. Brush with melted butter, let cool. Place three or four inside a paper towel and then into a plastic zipper bag.REHEAT: Remove from plastic but keep it wrapped in the paper towel. Heat for thirty seconds on high power.

Pancake Sandwich:Follow the instructions for the waffle sandwich but substitute pancakes for the waffles.

Breakfast Biscuits:Bake some buttermilk or southern style biscuits (frozen or from scratch). Let cool. Slice, lengthwise down the middle to make it like a bun. Precook some mini scrambled egglets. Precook some turkey Sausage or turkey bacon. Cheese slices. Stack them together to make a sandwich. Wrap in paper towel, put in zipper bag and freeze.
REHEAT: Remove from plastic but keep it wrapped in the paper towel. Heat for thirty seconds on high power.

French Toast Sticks: Make a batch of French toast using regular style whole wheat bread. Slice the bread into three equal rectangles.
Let cool completely, Wrap three of them in a paper towel, and place in a zipper style bag. Freeze.REHEAT: Remove from plastic but keep it wrapped in the paper towel. Heat for thirty seconds on high power. Dip them in a small plastic container filled with low sugar or sugar free syrup.

Breakfast Burritos: Scramble some eggs with turkey sausage. Use Low carb tortillas and add the cooked eggs/sausage and sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese. Roll into a burrito and secure with a toothpick or small rubber band. Let cool completely. Place one inside a paper towel and then into a plastic zipper bag.REHEAT: Remove from plastic but keep it wrapped in the paper towel. Heat for thirty seconds on high power.

Oatmeal in a cup!Oatmeal cups to go. Simply measure ½ cup Old Fashioned rolled oats into a zipper style baggie. Add brown sugar or sugar substitute, dried fruit and nuts.  (DO NOT COOK AOR ADD WATER…this is dry and unprepared). Store in cool dry place.Just Add Hot Water: Empty the premeasured flavored oatmeal into a microwave style, travel coffee mug,
Make a pot of hot water with your coffee maker or kettle. Pour in a ⅓ cup of water and give a quick stir. Cover with the lid.
Wait until you get into the car to eat…It will be perfect. Not too thick or thin and the oats will be tender and the fruit rehydrated.