Oh my goodness, I've been sick, and I mean SICK, since Friday (it's now Monday!). I've been laying in bed, not doing much all weekend and I'm still not feeling that much better. People (well intentioned people) keep telling me that I need to go to the doctor - especially because I'm pregnant... But, honestly, what is a doctor going to do for me? He may guess that I have a head cold, or a bad sinus infection, may tell me to take some Tylenol and maybe some anticongestion pill. And I know that these may surpress the symptoms I'm feeling but they won't really 'cure' me, or take care of the problem.
I've told Heavenly Father that I'm actually thankful that I'm feeling lousy because it helps mee have a grateful heart for when my body feels perfectly fine. However, 4 days!!!!??? Seriously? 4 days sick?
On Facebook a friend posted a cool video about how there's something good in adversity. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=X9ekYemnLik
So, watching this made me ask myself (and my Father) why am I going through this? Meaning, what do I need to learn? And the thought that came t my mind was: "you are what you eat". I've been eating some junk, so now I feel like junk.
I'm thinking, if I want to feel 5 stars, I better eat like 5 stars = eat well, lots of fruits, vegetables, mostly raw, and some cooked grains. And then I feel like asking: "Is there no other way?"
I know of someone else who asked that question... and the answer was: "there is no other way".
Ahhhrrr...
I want to feel good and healthy and energetic BUT still eat chocolate mousse, cheese cake, spagethi, eggs, white bread sandwich with good quality cheese and butter, etc.
There are so many different sources and different ideas on what is good and what is not. Some say eggs are awesome for you, some say they produce mucus in your body, there are so many phylosopies....
My family is here (kids and husband) so I'll have to finish writing my thoughts later...
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, December 17, 2011
unassisted birth
Today I was reading a blog entry about unassisted birth.
The blog writer expressed that she didn't feel like she had a bond with her son because, even though it was a natural birth, she had the help of a midwife.... and this is the response I shared on her blog entry:
- I think I understand what you're expressing in this entry. And because everyone is entitled to their own way of thinking I'd like to share with you that I disagree with "I really don't think most moms own their babies". The fact that someone (whether it's a midwife, doctor, husband, etc.) holds your baby as he exits your body and then hands him over to you has nothing to do with ownership. In the same way that having someone else helping you with the birthing process does not mean you're less involved,or less in control.
God did not put us here on earth for us to do everything alone. And in fact being able to do things alone does not mean one is stronger. We are all brothers and sisters, who should work as a team. I believe that it is as much a blessing to give birth to a baby as it is to allow someone else to be involved with the birth of 'your' baby.
I've read a few things about home births, natural births and the like. And I like the idea! I will continue reading about it and contemplating it for myself with this pregnancy (even though my dear husband really dislikes the idea of not having the baby at a hospital). However, I will never think any less of myself, of my bond with my baby, or of my role as this baby's Mama if I decide to have the baby in a hospital, or to have an epidural, or to have the help of others during the birth. I believe that we all have different gifts and doctors and midwives and doulas have a gift when it comes to knowledge and what to do during the birth of a baby. There is nothing wrong about allowing these people to help you (and serve you) with the gifts that they have been given.
I compare it to my gift. I love, love, love reading and learning about health and fitness and proper nutrition. And I'm now working in the fitness industry. There is nothing wrong in another person allowing me to help them in their workout routine (it's my job). When others allow me to help them with their exercise it doesn't mean that they don't own their own health or body, or that they are less in control. They are just allowing someone else (who has a gift in that particular area) to help them.
It seems like so many mothers who do unassisted birth feel like they are better mothers just for that reason. When unassisted birth doesn't necessarily correlate with giving more affection, love, time, patience, etc to a baby.
The blog writer expressed that she didn't feel like she had a bond with her son because, even though it was a natural birth, she had the help of a midwife.... and this is the response I shared on her blog entry:
- I think I understand what you're expressing in this entry. And because everyone is entitled to their own way of thinking I'd like to share with you that I disagree with "I really don't think most moms own their babies". The fact that someone (whether it's a midwife, doctor, husband, etc.) holds your baby as he exits your body and then hands him over to you has nothing to do with ownership. In the same way that having someone else helping you with the birthing process does not mean you're less involved,or less in control.
God did not put us here on earth for us to do everything alone. And in fact being able to do things alone does not mean one is stronger. We are all brothers and sisters, who should work as a team. I believe that it is as much a blessing to give birth to a baby as it is to allow someone else to be involved with the birth of 'your' baby.
I've read a few things about home births, natural births and the like. And I like the idea! I will continue reading about it and contemplating it for myself with this pregnancy (even though my dear husband really dislikes the idea of not having the baby at a hospital). However, I will never think any less of myself, of my bond with my baby, or of my role as this baby's Mama if I decide to have the baby in a hospital, or to have an epidural, or to have the help of others during the birth. I believe that we all have different gifts and doctors and midwives and doulas have a gift when it comes to knowledge and what to do during the birth of a baby. There is nothing wrong about allowing these people to help you (and serve you) with the gifts that they have been given.
I compare it to my gift. I love, love, love reading and learning about health and fitness and proper nutrition. And I'm now working in the fitness industry. There is nothing wrong in another person allowing me to help them in their workout routine (it's my job). When others allow me to help them with their exercise it doesn't mean that they don't own their own health or body, or that they are less in control. They are just allowing someone else (who has a gift in that particular area) to help them.
It seems like so many mothers who do unassisted birth feel like they are better mothers just for that reason. When unassisted birth doesn't necessarily correlate with giving more affection, love, time, patience, etc to a baby.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Sometimes it's easy, but then, sometimes it's hard
So I used to tell myself over and over again that if I got pregnant I would for sure go 100% raw because that would be the best for the baby and for my own body, of course. I kept thinking that having a new being being formed inside of me would be THE BEST motivator to eating healthy all the time, and whenever I would attempt to eat raw but would later fail I just always rationalized that I wasn't motivated enough to do this if it was just for me, BUT if there was another life involved (baby) that I could do it.
Well, I am pregnant! : )
And I have been eating mostly raw fruits. Sometimes it's really easy to eat healthy and to leave aside all the junk that has no nutritional value, however, sometimes it's hard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been feeling nausea and lots of times nothing, I mean nothing feels appealing to me. The problem is that if I don't eat then I feel weak and then when I do get super hungry I want high caloric foods - and unfortunately, we all know that fruits and vegetables are very low on calories.
There are days when I eat all fruit in the morning and then some vegetables for lunch, but by the time dinner comes around I WANT SOMETHING COOKED!!!
Plus, I think that one factor that is making it hard for me to want to eat all raw is that fact that it's cold! I get cold very easily and fruit or salads are not appealing because thy do not warm me up.
I'm still eating a vegan diet (except for the *&*^%^%$# pizza hut that I had the other day - I was craving it like crazy!!! And the four pieces of beef I had today from Panda!)
Man, sometimes I think I'm a failure. But I know I shouldn't think like that. After all I am taking better care of my body than most people, and I know that it's not Heavenly Father's way of thinking. Satan is the one that wants me to think that it's either all or nothing and if I make any types of mistakes I'm a looser.
I will just keep making good choices about the food I eat, and I will love my body, my spirit and my soul. The things I do well - I will celebrate, and the things I don't do as well - I will work on improving.
Sofia
And I have been eating mostly raw fruits. Sometimes it's really easy to eat healthy and to leave aside all the junk that has no nutritional value, however, sometimes it's hard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been feeling nausea and lots of times nothing, I mean nothing feels appealing to me. The problem is that if I don't eat then I feel weak and then when I do get super hungry I want high caloric foods - and unfortunately, we all know that fruits and vegetables are very low on calories.
There are days when I eat all fruit in the morning and then some vegetables for lunch, but by the time dinner comes around I WANT SOMETHING COOKED!!!
Plus, I think that one factor that is making it hard for me to want to eat all raw is that fact that it's cold! I get cold very easily and fruit or salads are not appealing because thy do not warm me up.
I'm still eating a vegan diet (except for the *&*^%^%$# pizza hut that I had the other day - I was craving it like crazy!!! And the four pieces of beef I had today from Panda!)
Man, sometimes I think I'm a failure. But I know I shouldn't think like that. After all I am taking better care of my body than most people, and I know that it's not Heavenly Father's way of thinking. Satan is the one that wants me to think that it's either all or nothing and if I make any types of mistakes I'm a looser.
I will just keep making good choices about the food I eat, and I will love my body, my spirit and my soul. The things I do well - I will celebrate, and the things I don't do as well - I will work on improving.
Sofia
Sunday, December 4, 2011
savory veggie stews
I get emails from Roger Heaskee regularly and I'm super curious about his savory veggie stews, but there's no way I can afford $97 for a 27 minute downloadable video that will show me how to make these. At least not now...
So, I've done some searches and these are the only recipes I've come across. The first one I found on a site and it's not one of Roger's original stews (but I'm going to try it this week). The second one I got in an email from Roger and it's by his wife/girlfriend (and I want to try it too).
If anyone out there has a good recipe for a tasty RAW STEW - please share it with me : ) I would send you lots of love and positive energy in return : )
You can easily create your own stew based off ingredients you have/like. You can also take any soup recipe and make it chunky by not blending it smoothly or adding in toppings afterward. You can make a stew a combination of sweet and savory by adding dates, sweetener or mild fruit. Here's an example:
1-2 Celery, stalks
4 cups Greens
2 Tomatoes
Carrots, chopped
Green Beans, chopped
1-2 Garlic cloves
Cayenne and/or Curry Powder
2-3 cup Water
Optional: Dash Salt, 2-5 soaked Dates or 2 tsp Agave or honey
Blend Celery, Greens, Tomatoes. Top w/tomatoes, carrots, beans.
1-2 Celery, stalks
4 cups Greens
2 Tomatoes
Carrots, chopped
Green Beans, chopped
1-2 Garlic cloves
Cayenne and/or Curry Powder
2-3 cup Water
Optional: Dash Salt, 2-5 soaked Dates or 2 tsp Agave or honey
Blend Celery, Greens, Tomatoes. Top w/tomatoes, carrots, beans.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Taste Of Asia Gazpacho
By Karmyn Malone
Preparation Time: 10-Minutes or Less
One Large Serving:
2 cups diced tomato (4 roma tomatoes or 1 super large tomato (4"
diameter) will make two cups)
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
2 tbsp raw honey or raw agave (you can also substitute soaked dried
fruit like raisins or dates)
1 2-inch Thai red hot pepper (to taste or substitute your favorite
hot pepper or omit if you don't like spicy food)
1 teaspoon of fresh ginger
1 cup diced, peeled cucumber
Preparation:
Put 1 cup of the diced tomatoes in a large bowl and mix with 1 cup
of diced cucumber. Set aside.
Add 1 cup of the diced tomatoes (2 plum or 1/2 super large tomato)
to Vitamix or any blender along with onion, bell pepper, hot pepper
and ginger and quickly liquefy in your blender.
Add the 2 tbsp raw honey and blend until the honey is mixed in.
Pour sauce from the blender over the choppings (tomato and
cucumber) in the bowl. Stir gently until well mixed and serve
immediately.
By Karmyn Malone
Preparation Time: 10-Minutes or Less
One Large Serving:
2 cups diced tomato (4 roma tomatoes or 1 super large tomato (4"
diameter) will make two cups)
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
2 tbsp raw honey or raw agave (you can also substitute soaked dried
fruit like raisins or dates)
1 2-inch Thai red hot pepper (to taste or substitute your favorite
hot pepper or omit if you don't like spicy food)
1 teaspoon of fresh ginger
1 cup diced, peeled cucumber
Preparation:
Put 1 cup of the diced tomatoes in a large bowl and mix with 1 cup
of diced cucumber. Set aside.
Add 1 cup of the diced tomatoes (2 plum or 1/2 super large tomato)
to Vitamix or any blender along with onion, bell pepper, hot pepper
and ginger and quickly liquefy in your blender.
Add the 2 tbsp raw honey and blend until the honey is mixed in.
Pour sauce from the blender over the choppings (tomato and
cucumber) in the bowl. Stir gently until well mixed and serve
immediately.
Just thankful for Jay
I am just thankful for the simple things in life. I am thankful for my husband. He's the best looking guy I know, and we just work well together. I'm thankful that he has a really good sense of humor and mostly laughs when I'm cranky or emotional. We have a very normal life together. Our love for each other doesn't have much to do with "Hollywood love". We don't eat eachother's face (kissing) after spending some time apart - we would rather hug tightly and show a much more tender type of love, versus the extremely physical type of love Hollywood promotes. Jay doesn't always have the most eloquent, breathless phrases to share with me, but he does tell me he loves me in a simple, direct way, numerous times a day!
I am nothing but myself around him. I guess I could say I'm 'raw' around him : )
I am inlove with him, and I want to not only grow old with Jay but I also want to grow wise and enjoy the eternities with him.
Jay isn't perfect, I am not perfect AND we are not perfect together. But that's OK.
I am so thankful to have Jay in my life. He is a blessing. I know he helps me be a better person, I know he loves his Savior and his Father in Heaven, and I think he is truly the best Papa Gabi and Tiago could have.
I am nothing but myself around him. I guess I could say I'm 'raw' around him : )
I am inlove with him, and I want to not only grow old with Jay but I also want to grow wise and enjoy the eternities with him.
Jay isn't perfect, I am not perfect AND we are not perfect together. But that's OK.
whenever i'm alone with you
you make me feel like i am home again
whenever i'm alone with you
you make me feel like i am whole again
whenever i'm alone with you
you make me feel like i am young again
whenever i'm alone with you
you make me feel like i am fun again
however far away
i will always love you
however long i stay
i will always love you
whatever words i say
i will always love you
i will always love you
whenever i'm alone with you
you make me feel like i am free again
whenever i'm alone with you
you make me feel like i am clean again
however far away
i will always love you
however long i stay
i will always love you
whatever words i say
i will always love you
i will always love you
you make me feel like i am home again
whenever i'm alone with you
you make me feel like i am whole again
whenever i'm alone with you
you make me feel like i am young again
whenever i'm alone with you
you make me feel like i am fun again
however far away
i will always love you
however long i stay
i will always love you
whatever words i say
i will always love you
i will always love you
whenever i'm alone with you
you make me feel like i am free again
whenever i'm alone with you
you make me feel like i am clean again
however far away
i will always love you
however long i stay
i will always love you
whatever words i say
i will always love you
i will always love you
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Nutritional Yeast - where have you been all my life????
Oh boy, I am in heaven right now; there's a party in my tummy. I just tasted nutritional yeast for the first time in my life!!!!!!! It's delicious!!!!
I just made 'raw popcorn', which has nothing to do with popcorn - it's 10 times better : )
So, what is nutritional yeast?
Definition: Yellow in color and with a nutty cheesy flavor, nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast that is a favorite amongst many vegans because of its unique flavor and similarity to cheese when added to foods. Sprinkle some on hot popcorn or garlic bread, or add a generous spoonful to a stir fry or pasta sauce. Nutritional yeast is also the only reliable food source of vitamin B12, so if you're vegan, it's a good idea to add some to your food regularly. Nutritional yeast can be found in the bulk foods or supplement section of your health food store. You can look for either nutritional yeast flakes or powder.
This food is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Protein, Magnesium, Copper and Manganese, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid and Zinc.
I just made 'raw popcorn', which has nothing to do with popcorn - it's 10 times better : )
So, what is nutritional yeast?
Definition: Yellow in color and with a nutty cheesy flavor, nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast that is a favorite amongst many vegans because of its unique flavor and similarity to cheese when added to foods. Sprinkle some on hot popcorn or garlic bread, or add a generous spoonful to a stir fry or pasta sauce. Nutritional yeast is also the only reliable food source of vitamin B12, so if you're vegan, it's a good idea to add some to your food regularly. Nutritional yeast can be found in the bulk foods or supplement section of your health food store. You can look for either nutritional yeast flakes or powder.
This food is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Protein, Magnesium, Copper and Manganese, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid and Zinc.
weaknesses...
President Lee’s comments suggest some specific things that you can do to overcome your weaknesses. First identify what your weaknesses are. Make a list with your greatest concern at the top and so on in descending rank. Remember, this list is very personal and should be kept secret and private. It is a matter strictly between you and your Savior, and you should never share it in class or in public.
Each morning review your list, particularly noting the problem you want to work on that day. Then pray to the Lord, entreating him for power and promising him you will do all you can. That night report to him on your success or failure. As you find yourself improving (and you will), pray for forgiveness and additional strength. Keep constantly in mind the joy and love your Heavenly Father is feeling toward you because of your efforts. Remember also that your weaknesses can become your strengths; indeed, as each is overcome, it can be a rung of power leading upward to God and your eternal home.
Each morning review your list, particularly noting the problem you want to work on that day. Then pray to the Lord, entreating him for power and promising him you will do all you can. That night report to him on your success or failure. As you find yourself improving (and you will), pray for forgiveness and additional strength. Keep constantly in mind the joy and love your Heavenly Father is feeling toward you because of your efforts. Remember also that your weaknesses can become your strengths; indeed, as each is overcome, it can be a rung of power leading upward to God and your eternal home.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Very well put
- I read this on a blog called Disease Proof and LOVED IT ! It is exactly what I've been going through, and what I've been learning concerning food addiction and concerning staying as far away as possible from the food that equals trouble for you. Being 100% obedient is easier than being 99%.
- “How closely do I really have to follow my eating plan/abstinence plan?”
- “How many times a month can I cheat and still have success?”
- “I’m not hard core, but I follow the plan about 85% of the time; that’s good enough, isn’t it?”
Of which my classic answer to all three questions is, “It all depends on how hard you want to make it on yourself.”
It’s much easier and simpler to give 100% right from the beginning and keep the pilot light of addictive cravings extinguished, than to be continually fighting obsessive compulsions that are brewing beneath the surface. Been there. Done that. And it’s hard, hard work to keep cravings from becoming an all-consuming monster. In fact, it’s exhausting because it’s a next-to-impossible feat to accomplish!
Plus, it only takes the tiniest spark to ignite the pilot light of cravings to full power again, and that’s THE most dangerous place to live! One can do all the work of routinely preparing and eating high-nutrient foods, and get the majority of one’s health restored; but it may only take an emergency phone call, or a sudden traumatic event, or a stress-filled day with the kids to instantly ignite the raging flame of addiction.
It’s just not worth it.
Give yourself a break today and make life so much easier.
Give 100% and extinguish the pilot light!
The willful decision to see how much one can cheat and get by; how much one can straddle the fence, or how much one can habitually overeat . . . . and still keep the addiction eradicated . . . . that’s what I'm referring to as being the next-to-impossible feat to accomplish.
It can't be done!
I repeat ~ it can't be done.
With repetitive compromises, the addictive cravings are rumbling beneath the surface, and it just takes a tiny spark to ignite them to full strength and power!
For one to be truly free, the pilot light needs to be extinguished and remain that way . . . .for life.
AND to live in denial of food addiction's power is to remain its prisoner, or worse yet, the path right back to captivity.
Choose the easy way and keep the pilot light extinguished at all times.Quoted from:
http://www.diseaseproof.com/archives/inspiration-extinguish-the-pilot-light-part-2.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DiseaseProof+%28Disease+Proof%29
I agree with this completely. I've had moments when I know clearly that I'm 'cheating'. And I think to myself that I can always quickly go back to my 'abstinence'. No, not true. Once you've received the miraculous help to stay away from your food addictions, you better not go back... in fact, don't even look back, or think about 'back'. Just move forward. One day at a time.
Commitment
My husband is off to another trip (this time to Florida), but guess what?
This time I'm COMMITTED.
Sure I'm still a little nervous and anxious about being without my best friend, but this time I'm not going to "drown" my feelings with food (e.g. nutella, white bread, etc.). I trust in the Lord and know He will help me feel safe, calm, happy, organized, and loved.
I am committed to eating 100% raw while J is away.
This time I'm COMMITTED.
Sure I'm still a little nervous and anxious about being without my best friend, but this time I'm not going to "drown" my feelings with food (e.g. nutella, white bread, etc.). I trust in the Lord and know He will help me feel safe, calm, happy, organized, and loved.
I am committed to eating 100% raw while J is away.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
I'm so imperfect...
... and that's OK : )
I haven't written in a while, and I feel like there's a lot I want to share about the lessons I'm learning while doing the 21 day Raw Food Challenge.
Everything was going well. I was eating 100% raw, feeling great, being at peace with myself and being very thankful that Heavenly Father was helping me do what I have tried so many times (on my own) and had never been able to accomplish. For 8 days straight I ate a raw diet, it didn't feel like it was hard at all to choose raw foods, and I wasn't feeling deprived. This is nothing short of a miracle in my life. I felt like Peter - walking on water, doing the impossible.
And then something happened. Like Peter (when he saw Jesus walking on water and then asked Him to bid him to come) I was focused on spiritual things. But then, Peter took his eyes off the Savior. He changed his focus towards wind, waves, the fact that what he was doing was unprecedent, who knows... and he started to sink.
I somehow took my eyes off of my Savior too and lost the miracle that was happening in my life. I remember thinking: this is pretty impossible! How the heck am I being able to eat only raw? And see, I am not able to eat only raw, He makes me able to eat only raw.
Also, my husband went on a short trip and staying at home alone with our two children gives me anxiety. Since I'm an emotional eater I numb my anxiety with food - and cooked food does a much better job at numbing than raw food. I was foolish and thought: I can eat some cooked food and then go straight back to eating all raw. But no, that's not true (for me). I had the Lord's help and I took it lightly. After eating cooked food I wasn't able to go back to 100% raw for several days...
So, lesson #1: recognize that I can't, but He can. And acknowledge His power in all I am able to accomplish/do.
Lesson #2: keep the focus on spiritual things, putting prayer and scripture reading as a priority.
Lesson #3: never "throw" the Savior's help out the window thinking I can easily get it again as soon as I decide to turn to Him again.
I'm learning, we're all learning. And I guess that's how it's supposed to be.
I haven't written in a while, and I feel like there's a lot I want to share about the lessons I'm learning while doing the 21 day Raw Food Challenge.
Everything was going well. I was eating 100% raw, feeling great, being at peace with myself and being very thankful that Heavenly Father was helping me do what I have tried so many times (on my own) and had never been able to accomplish. For 8 days straight I ate a raw diet, it didn't feel like it was hard at all to choose raw foods, and I wasn't feeling deprived. This is nothing short of a miracle in my life. I felt like Peter - walking on water, doing the impossible.
And then something happened. Like Peter (when he saw Jesus walking on water and then asked Him to bid him to come) I was focused on spiritual things. But then, Peter took his eyes off the Savior. He changed his focus towards wind, waves, the fact that what he was doing was unprecedent, who knows... and he started to sink.
I somehow took my eyes off of my Savior too and lost the miracle that was happening in my life. I remember thinking: this is pretty impossible! How the heck am I being able to eat only raw? And see, I am not able to eat only raw, He makes me able to eat only raw.
Also, my husband went on a short trip and staying at home alone with our two children gives me anxiety. Since I'm an emotional eater I numb my anxiety with food - and cooked food does a much better job at numbing than raw food. I was foolish and thought: I can eat some cooked food and then go straight back to eating all raw. But no, that's not true (for me). I had the Lord's help and I took it lightly. After eating cooked food I wasn't able to go back to 100% raw for several days...
So, lesson #1: recognize that I can't, but He can. And acknowledge His power in all I am able to accomplish/do.
Lesson #2: keep the focus on spiritual things, putting prayer and scripture reading as a priority.
Lesson #3: never "throw" the Savior's help out the window thinking I can easily get it again as soon as I decide to turn to Him again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)