Got Diet SODA?

Do you Diet Poison? 

I think it's safe to say....most people realize that Diet Soda isn't the most healthy thing you can put into your body.  Many people have been drinking it for so long, that it doesn't seem possible to "quit". They feel the daily need to drink this fizzy substance.  They will readily admit---THEY ARE ADDICTED.  

Well, I'm here to tell you that there is hope!  You can-- and will--kick the CAN!  I gave the stuff up a few years ago, I fully understand Diet Coke has addictive powers :)  I can also tell you this....I have way fewer headaches, less depression and my Fibromyalgia symptoms are greatly reduced.  I do not consume ANY artificial sweeteners.   About 6 months after I quit drinking Diet Coke, I decided to have one.  I quickly developed a headache and became nauseated.  YUCK!  Never again.  

So are you ready?   Follow these steps.... 

Step 1:  Decide and FULLY commit to quitting.  Yes, cold turkey!  You don't need this harmful substance in you body any longer. 

Step 2:  Research/google the dangers of Diet Soda and artificial sweeteners in general.   Read articles that describe the harm artificial sweeteners do to your body.  It's truly frightening.  Read something... EVERY....SINGLE....DAY.  Retrain your brain to HATE this stuff.  Get on Google everyday until the desire has passed for the poison.  The worst will pass in a few days. 


Step 3:  Find a replacement.  I enjoy calorie free iced teas, Fizzy natural waters and good, old fashioned tap water.  These won't taste the same.  Yes, you will miss the Diet Coke.  But, you WILL survive!  Try it!  After awhile, the only thing you will desire to drink is water, because it will be the only thing that quenches your thirst. 

 I bought one of these.  I love water infused with lemon, orange or lime.  Cut some of the peel off to keep the water from getting bitter. Very kid friendly as well.  If I have this prepared in the fridge, my teenagers will grab a cup of water.  

I'm most fond of the Lime flavor! 

Make up a pitcher of any flavor tea and serve over ice! MMMM

Step 4:  Pick your day and just do it!  Let people know you are quitting or, better yet--get a loved one to join you!  If you need extra support, I'm here for you.  I'll be your personal quit coach. LOL...but seriously,  you got this!  

You can read this article on the dangers of Diet Soda: HERE

I did fact/credit check this article. The research is taken from medical research done by reputable medical colleges and nationally recognized, longstanding health institutions.  
Another interesting read: HERE.    Most people who drink "diet soda" will over indulge in other areas because they feel they have some wiggle room in their diet.  This is just not true.  

Keep a healthy perspective.....

Living with chronic illness is no joke.  I've had some pretty serious health issues for the last 8 years.   All of my symptoms are "invisible".  So, yeah...I may look OK, but on any given day I can be pretty miserable.  I've been told I have either Fibromyalgia and/or Chronic Lyme's Disease.   Symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on the day.  

Most days people with Fibromyalgia feel: 

*generalized flu-like feeling
*body aches/muscle pain 
*burning skin
*headaches 
*muscle tension 
*nausea 
*irritable bowel 
*depression
*anxiety 

and on and on.....

You can read more about Fibromyalgia:  here

I'm come a long way in dealing with my symptoms.  I still get down sometimes and wish I could just me "normal" again.  I will feel sorry for myself at times.  The hardest thing to deal with is the ups and downs.  I can feel absolutely amazing for a week or two and then...BAM....I will feel awful for a few days.  SO HARD.   It's also HARD not to blame and question God.  "Why me?" 

Some days it's really hard to keep a good, healthy perspective on life.  So, when I came across this book recently I was so happy.  It's the true story of a young man and his wife as they walk through Martins' horrible health crisis.  My mind was blown and I HIGHLY recommend this book.  Each chapter covers a truth and a myth about trials.  

Example: Myth: When things look dark, God is gone. 
                Truth: When things look dark, God's light 
                             shines the brightest. 

This book is filled with beautiful soul filling spiritual truths.  If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic health problems....GET THIS BOOK!  Buy: here

If you are struggling and need help, I'm here.  God Bless-Karen 

traveling....

travel and weight loss....

Recently, I've been traveling with my daughter.  She is on a Competitive Cheer team and has competitions all over the place!  

elevator selfie:)

I KNOW how hard it is to make good eating choices while traveling.  I used to REALLY overeat when I would travel.  I would then gain weight and be upset with myself.   In my quest to find a way to eat healthy for a lifetime, I came across the 80/20 rule. 

 I've adapted this rule to apply for traveling. 

It works like this:  When I travel, I plan how many meals I will be eating while I'm gone.   For example, a 3 day trip would equal around 9 meals.   I then plan that 20% (roughly 3 meals) I will eat (without guilt) something that I will really enjoy.  The other 80% (the other 6 meals) I will eat light and healthy meals.   This takes some effort and planning, but it's worth it.   I've found that looking forward to a really nice, guilt-free meal makes it easier to stay on track the rest of the time!  

Happy travels--Karen 

Top 10--Will--Buy-- AGAIN --Drug Store Beauty Products

I'd have to admit that I'm a bit of a beauty product junkie.  I love to hang around in Target or Ulta and just look at all the products.  While I do try lots of different things, I ALWAYS come back to these 10 products.  They are tried and true, no fail and totally awesome products.  

1:  Nivea Body Products.....Living in Upper Michigan during Winter causes some serious dry skin.  I appreciate how quickly this product absorbs and keeps skin soft for 24 hours.  I also really enjoy the smell, it's light and fresh.   Purchase HERE:

2: Loreal Total Repair Hair products....I have dry, color treated hair.  These products keep my hair healthy, and shiny.  They do not make my hair greasy or flat, like some repairing products do.   Once a week I do use a clarifying shampoo, so maybe that helps.  Purchase: here

3: Dove Bar Soap....My grandmother used this soap.  I love the smell and the memories that go with it.  Dove soap does not dry my face/body out and leaves no residue.  I regularly wash my face with this bar soap.  Purchase: here

4:  Tweezerman Tweezers....by FAR the best tweezers.  I was burned when I got my eyebrows waxed once, so I ALWAYS tweeze now.  These tweezers are slanted and you have full control to be able to get tiny hairs.  Purchase: here

5: Olay Microsculpting Cream.....This product is simply the best skin cream out there.  I regularly get compliments on my skin and how young I look.   It smells amazing and you do not need to use very much.  It's non-greasy and does NOT breakout my acne-prone skin.  I will never stop using this product!  It's a little pricey, but worth it.  Purchase:  here

6:  Olay Microdermabrasion Kit....Another awesome Olay product.  This kit will safely and effectively exfoliate dead, dry, dull skin and make your face feel and look amazing!  Purchase:here

7:  Essie Nail Polish....I've tried all the different brands of nail polish.  I prefer Essie mainly because of the brush and how long it lasts.  If you really want an awesome at home manicure, buy the base coat, an Essie color and the Gel top coat!  After about 4 days I will have a few chips and some wearing off.  Purchase my favorite color: here

8:  Dove Dry Shampoo....I have dry hair and dry skin, so I try not to shower everyday.  This product really saves the day.  It revives hair and has a light pleasant scent, just don't use too much.  Purchase: here

9:  Cover Girl Waterproof Mascara....I will not even begin to tell you how many different mascaras I have tried over the years :)  But, this one actually works.  It stays on.  It's mostly waterproof and best of all, it doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes.  Purchase: here

10:  Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover....This is an amazing product.  It easily removes waterproof mascara and eyeliner without rubbing!  Purchase: here

SHARING IS CARING!  PIN on PINTEREST! 

Skip the Take-Out

Ever have a wicked, crazy taste for something you know probably isn't the best for you?  I know I have!  I've learned that in order to stay with my healthy eating journey, I had to learn how to cook some of my favorite meals....healthier!  

This meal was on the table in 15 minutes!  That's faster than take-out.  

Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes(I marinate overnight)
Preheat the oven on Broil.  
Broil Chicken for 5 minutes per side.  

Gather the rest of the ingredients.  
Pre-cut veggies
Brown Rice (pre-cooked) 
Sauce 

Love this sauce 

Steam veggies, then add sauce to taste

Warm Rice 

and...if you really love Spring Rolls these are a great low calorie option

Always make enough for leftovers for lunch!  

Dinner as shown is 400 calories: 

Sharing is CARING :D 

Never Again!

Reaching some success with losing weight has gotten me thinking.  Maybe, I can get back to the "old me".  You know, the skinny one.  The really fit one.  The one that could wear cute clothes and wasn't ashamed to be in a bathing suit.   The one I have idolized the last 8 years wishing I could be again.  Looking at old pictures and dreaming....

But, the more I've thought about it....do I really want to be that person again.   I may have been thin, but when the going got tough, I gave up. I was weak.  I soothed myself with food and wine instead of trying to work on fixing the problems in my life.  I let myself go.  I'm not proud of that person, so why would I want to be that person?  I realized I really don't.    

Who do I want to be?  I want to be strong, fit, and healthy.  But, most of all I want to love myself while I am working towards my fitness goals.  I want to build up my emotional strength and my relationship with God, so the next "hard time" that comes around won't knock me right over again!  I have made so many changes in the last 6 months that I am confident I am going in the right direction. 

My confidence is growing.  I'm happier.  I talk to everyone I see.  I make every attempt to put my best effort into everything I do.  

My GOAL   

Be Better Than I was Yesterday!  

If you are struggling or can relate, I can help!  Contact me :D  

Karen 

Growing in Discipline

A key, key, key part of my success on my fitness journey has been transforming my mindset.  I have always struggled with overeating and making poor food choices.  One day, I was wondering why I was so successful as a mom, wife, student, nurse and a complete failure at taking care of my body.  

 I realized that it's not that I'm lacking anything, it's just that I haven't CONSISTENTLY tried.  I haven't put the effort in.  I didn't educate myself about nutrition, exercise, and self-discipline. I had not sought out support.  I didn't put the time into myself that I was putting into ALL other areas in my life.  

 I knew I didn't have any goals.  Having no goals means that you aren't going to get anywhere.  I stopped what I was doing I put a plan together!   I can't say it's always been easy, but it's all been worth it.  I feel mentally stronger than I have in years. 

A couple of my favorite books right now are.... 

1: The Huger Fix: Learning about food addiction is critical if you are struggling with your weight.  Food addiction is a medically proven condition.  

2: The Power of Self-Discipline:  This old dog is learning some new skills!  Yes, you can develop self-discipline in any area of life.  Just have to get educated and TRY!  

Learn to lose your excuses!



Need extra support?  Contact me!  Thanks for reading--Karen