Summer Makeover

Summer - Flippy Floppy

My family has always struggled with weight so over the years I have become a student of different programs. I have counted calories, points, worked with trainers, tried to do it on my own. I have felt bad when my clothes became as my grandmother would say “snug”. But it was chronic illnesses that continued to motivate me to find a program that was the right fit for this body of mine that struggles with sleep apnea, interstitial cystitis, hypoglycemia and permanent nerve pain from shingles. I share this with you because I know that having a nutrition/fitness program that works for my body but has room to challenge me as I get stronger and allows me to be creative in the kitchen is a powerful tool in managing these conditions so they don’t manage me. Everyone needs good nutrition, a practice of proper portions and varied workouts that are being applied daily. Our bodies do so much for us but often we don’t maintain them well. If you are looking for a place to start because you’ve been lacking the proper tools, the at home program I’m using, 21-Day Fix, may be just what you need.  Read HERE for more information on my fitness journey.  I have spots for two women who are ready to make a change in my Summer Challenge Group starting Monday, June 29. It’s not too late to join us. Leave me a comment below or private message me.

 Note –   If June doesn’t work for you, I run a challenge group every month – just type I’m interest in a comment and I’ll email you.

Debbie - June Update - slant

Here is a healthy Chocolate Banana Nut Fudgepop I enjoyed using this recipe with a twist
Chocolate Banana Nut Fudgepop

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You’re Not The Boss Of Me

Several years ago my daughter The Workout Mama was my personal trainer and noticed how I let the display on the scale color my days good or bad.  She actually kidnapped the little square box with digital numbers in order to give me a rest that would allow me to  concentrate on practicing healthy habits of movement and nutritious eating.  You see the scale had become a distraction to my goals and a bit of a boss.

scale - 2011

I come from a family that struggles with their weight so hopping on and off the scale was second nature from the time I young.    When Tamara took this picture of me and the scale — right before before she locked it in the trunk of her car and drove away — I felt uncertain.  But in time it was freeing and taught me to look at progress in a healthy lifestyle differently ….  We are all more than a number on a scale and success is found with every workout, each healthy choice of food or drink that goes in our mouth, the kindness we extend, the dreams we follow, etc.  Today I look at this picture and see a healthy woman in her 50’s.  Today I see a woman who was going to have some challenges in the years ahead with Interstitial Cystitis, Sleep Apnea and 2 bouts of shingles but her body is going to fight hard  to get her back on her feet.  Today I see a woman who works full-time, has energy to care for her family, and is an active grandmother to a toddler and infant.  

Silly me – I was making great progress even though I didn’t feel like it at the time of the picture!

Here is what I believe and try to put into practice.  God formed me and knows my body….this place where I live….better than anyone.  He made it to move so until I can’t move anymore, I do what I can (each day is different and I try to blend kindness for myself along with challenging myself not to do less that I can).  I practice fueling my body (most of the time) with what evidence shows are nutritious foods and drinks.  I use supplementations (a good multi-vitamin, vitamin D, fish oil, antioxidants and probiotics) because no matter how much care I take with my food, the truth is that the way our foods are grown and produced I can’t get everything I need by eating and drinking.  These days I weigh myself 1 – 2 times a week  Do I see the number I’d like to?  No but on most day I’m okay with that because I’m more than a number on a scale.

Deliciously Inspired gives me a place to share some old recipes but also what I’m learning to care for myself with the hope that you’ll find one or two things to help you.  This week I discovered a new blog.  As I read Hayley’s words I remembered the above picture and thought I’ve made progress in my relationship with the scale and that’s worth blogging about.

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