Warning: Discipline Required

What I'm doing is working for me, I can't believe it!  I know it's only the beginning of this awesome journey, but I have hope for a brighter, healthier future & it feels awesome!  Before I would try to do a diet based on counting something or totally abstaining from something.  I've tried Weight Watchers countless times (ha-ha no pun intended), The Belly Fat Cure (hence the name of this blog), and even a vegan diet.  I've learned when something is totally off limits & I can't have it, it makes me want it all the more.  Yes, I do have some obsessive, compulsive tendencies.  I've gained so much weight all while trying to lose it.  Yes you read that correctly.  I can't tell you how many times I've started a "diet", and binged on whatever the food "I know I can NEVER eat again."  I've probably gained AT LEAST 20 pounds from that alone.  Now don't get me wrong, I know these programs work for many people.  They just don't work for me.  What works for me?....balance & discipline.  That's it, no special potions, rigid rules, fad diets, or fancy equipment to buy.  I'm concentrating on eating more real food, far less junk, drinking more water, and doing cardio strength training.

Most of all though, I'm including our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ in the midst of it all.  A friend of mine posted this verse on Facebook today.  I love how, as a Christian, God gives us friends to encourage, love us along this roller coaster called life.  Here's the verse:

2 Timothy 1:7

"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline."

This verse really sums up what I'm doing right now, better than I ever could.  This whole mindset of balance and discipline is right in line with Candace Cameron Bure's book, Reshaping it All, Motivation for Spiritual and Physical Fitness.  I can't recommend this book enough.  Here's a key verse from the book:

Heb. 12:11 (NIV)

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Video of the Day:

This song has been on my mind all week, ever since I was jammin' to it at the gym.  I get a much more intense work out with the right music.  I love songs too about powerful women. I really like her hair in this video...thinking about growing my hair out & all layered just like it.  What do you think?  I think it might work, especially since after having a few babies my hair has a touch of curl...weird huh. 

Question of the day:  What's working for you?

Well these are my random thoughts of the day.  Hope your day is awesome!

Be Healthy. Be strong.

Take care,

Crazy Update

On a personal level my life is pretty crazy right now...my Dad & Step-mom are fighting for their life battling stage 4 lung cancer.  My husband lost his mom to lung cancer a few years ago & it's a horrific disease.  I almost don't recognize my father now & he's so weak & tired it just breaks my heart.  It seems like I could deal with him having the disease & going thriough treatment, but seeing his life slip away slowly, believe me I was NOT prepared for, but I guess who is?  You know.  Last week his doctor wanted him hospitalized in a rehabilitation type of facility because he's not drinking or eating much.  Today he's going in for a scan & when the doctor sees him I know he'll want to hospitalize him.  He's not comfortable being away from Trudy, my step-mom, & I think it would probably be the last straw.  Anyway she starts chemo today, her 1st treatment, so I hope she reacts O.K. with it.  On a positive note, my daughter started 2nd grade today...she was so excited.

So that's my life...fun, huh?

I started out writing this on Monday...today's Wednesday.  He went for the scan on Monday.  I should know more on that today.  Anyway, back to the BFC.  I've gotta stick with it this time.  With all of the health issues in my family right now, I feel a strong desire to do something positive & healthy.

I'm going grocery shopping today to stock up on BFC items.  I saw this recipe for chia pudding I think I'll try it ...looks yummy.  Have y'all tried any of Jorge's new italian recipes?  I thought the chicken/spinach/cheese & the pasta one looked tasty.

Love to all of my BFC friends - It feels great to be back.

Heart 2 Heart

Yesterday I did a post that I ended up deleting...I just wasn't happy with some things I said.  Anyway I have come to realize & accept this way of eating/living as a way of life for the foreseeable future anyway.  I never really accepted this lifestyle before.  I think mainly due to being a cancer survivor I thought I needed to maintain this perfect diet.  I've recently come to realize something...you know how people say that the best exercise is the one that you'll do.  Well it occurred to me that the perfect way of eating & losing weight for me is the ONE I'LL DO, so I've decided that for me is the BFC. 

Thanks for all of the support.  Hopefully along the journey I can be of support as well.

What a struggle!

I really needed to hear this message today.  I never really realized how addicted I am to certain foods until I had to give them up.  I really is about denying myself hour, by hour.  Today was a struggle, but I'm not giving up. 

Recommitting TODAY!

After seeing Amber's May Weight Loss Challenge I'm deciding to recommit to the BFC .  Lately I've been considering different programs from Weight Watchers to low fat vegan.  I've even looked at the Dukan Diet with all of the recent press it's received with the Royal Wedding and all, but all protein days are NOT for me!  That's just CRAZY (for me).  I am curious though, have any of you tried the Dukan diet?  I am going to be leaning towards less meat on the BFC.  I'll try to post those kind of meals. 

Is anyone else doing Amber's May weight loss challenge?  Maybe we can encourage each other.  Please friend me on Facebook at the link to the right ---> or follow me on twitter.  Just send me a message on Twitter that your a BFC friend & I'll follow you 2!

Breakfast - my fave oatmeal (oats, peanut butter, chia, stevia) & 3 pieces of bacon.  I was cooking bacon & eggs for hubby & couldn't resist...they're belly good after all ;)

For accountability I'm planning to use this blog as a food log.  I'm committing to making healthier choices, & losing this weight.  I weighed in this morning at 185, down from 190.  I can't believe I'm putting my weight on here, but after it is a weight loss blog, right :) ?  I'm planning to make lots of belly good choices, but I'm not ready to totally commit to the BFC.  I'll probably try out lots of ways of eating...really looking forward to the adventure!  It actually feels great not being "on" a diet for now, now I don't have to worry about being "off" of a diet.  I may find my way back to the BFC full-time?...just trying to find the best plan for me.

Last night I was reading the 1st chapter of Reshaping It All, by Candace Cameron Bure. This book looks awesome!  Thinking of buying it today.  Have you read it?  Y'all probably remember Candace as D.J. Tanner from the TV show Full House.  From what I read, looks very motivational!  It doesn't hurt either that I'm such a fan of hers either ;) .

Thanks for all of the support BFC family!  Thanks Sherri, Dad does have stage 4 lung cancer.  His attitude seems great...& he thinks he can beat it.  Hey Valerie, what a great idea!  Lets do it a MEMORIAL DAY CHALLENGE!  I'll definitely have to come up with a goal, fitness & weight loss!  Cool.

Update & Day 1

I have fallen off the wagon far more than I have remained on, but that changes today.  I've always needed to lose this weight, in fact my doctor tells me this EVERY TIME I see him!  My life has been turned upside down with my Father's recent stage 4 cancer diagnosis.  I could say that I've just been concentrating on that, but that would just be an excuse.  I know Dad would want me to take care of myself, well after caring of the grandkids, of course ;).  Mom is here this week as well, visiting from Colorado, but she'll eat whatever I'm eating, so that can't be an excuse either.  She wants some eastern barbeque, so I'm gonna research that for sugar content & I'll let you know.

I've been thinking about making brownies using Jorge's recipe.  Have you made these?  I've heard some say they were too sweet, but I don't think that would be an issue for me.

Have a great BFC day!