I have really fallen behind in my blog as a friend mentioned to me on the phone last night so I decided I had better check in so I don't lose the few followers I have!
I have been sick the past few weeks and wasn't really motivated to do anything at all. It started with Pink Eye then turned into a sinus infection and finally a chest cold. I finally feel almost back to normal. I got really frustrated when I was sick and couldn't workout. After work I would go home and all I could do was sleep. I was in bed by 9pm every night which is unheard of for me -I am a true night owl and love to stay up reading the days newspapers and countless magazines!
I went 6 days without working out and just felt terribly guilty - but my friends assured me sometimes its OK to just REST - listen to your body and be still. I think they are right and I am sure that extra sleep helped me get well faster - along with overdoses of vitamin C and zinc - and of course Mucinex! (that stuff works!) I have been able to build back up to my usual nightly workouts this week and feel so much better.
I have some wonderful fall recipes and in the next week or so will start posting them on a regular basis. Since thanksgiving is approaching I have some delicious, healthy alternative "turkey day" recipes I will post here as well, along with an fresh herb turkey breast recipe that is fabulous.
Remember to keep moving! :-)
My personal journey living with Type 2 Diabetes - tips on grocery shopping, exercise, recipes, and creative ways to control my diabetes so it doesn't control me!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
What is YOUR Motivation Factor?
I will have to admit that last night, I did NOT want to exercise - at all.
I had a very long day, I was tired and grumpy. I had every excuse and reason
NOT to hit the elliptical.
About the time I had decided not to go, I was unexpectedly given a huge hug from Samantha.
It was sweet and spur of the moment, but we all know how teenagers are and an unprompted hug goes a long way with me. :-)
That was about all it took - I laced up my New Balance Shoes and off I went! Of course I
exercise for myself because it makes me feel better and not just physically, but it always lifts my mood. Endorphins are very powerful things. I truly have a more positive attitude and outlook
the day after I exercise in the evening.
But Samantha is my "Motivation Factor". Because of my diabetes I am determined to take care of myself so I am around a very long time - I plan to be here for all of her milestones! If you are having trouble staying motivated to workout, think about the people you love, your friends or things that are important to you, and find your own 'Motivation Factor"!
I had a very long day, I was tired and grumpy. I had every excuse and reason
NOT to hit the elliptical.
About the time I had decided not to go, I was unexpectedly given a huge hug from Samantha.
It was sweet and spur of the moment, but we all know how teenagers are and an unprompted hug goes a long way with me. :-)
That was about all it took - I laced up my New Balance Shoes and off I went! Of course I
exercise for myself because it makes me feel better and not just physically, but it always lifts my mood. Endorphins are very powerful things. I truly have a more positive attitude and outlook
the day after I exercise in the evening.
But Samantha is my "Motivation Factor". Because of my diabetes I am determined to take care of myself so I am around a very long time - I plan to be here for all of her milestones! If you are having trouble staying motivated to workout, think about the people you love, your friends or things that are important to you, and find your own 'Motivation Factor"!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
LEMONS! Versatile & Healthy!
Fight Diabetes With Lemons! Who knew lemons were so versatile! So, not only do they look good in a bowl on your coffee table - they have tons of health benefits!
For a mere 50 cents (give or take), you can marinate and season your dinner, boost your immune system, relieve a sore throat, soothe an upset stomach, purify your liver, exfoliate your skin, treat dandruff, prevent cancer, lower blood-sugar levels, decrease the GI of foods, and possibly reduce your stress level— all with the same item.
This isn’t a parody of a TV commercial—we’re talking about lemons! This citrus fruit is one of the most versatile pieces of produce on the planet and has helped people cook, heal, and beautify themselves (not to mention clean up afterwards!) for thousands of years. Here are just a few of the ways how: • Lemon is a great way to get full flavor from foods without adding fat or salt; in fact, many cooks consider it a good substitute for salt. Try a squeeze of lemon as a zesty finishing touch on fresh veggies or fruits. And here’s another secret: Lemons taste great in marinade for chicken, fish, and meat, and the acids not only tenderize the meat, but lower the glycemic load of the meal, too. • A mug of hot water, lemon juice (and a teaspoon of honey, if need be) has been used for centuries to treat colds, throat infections, food cravings, intestinal gas, and constipation.
• Bursting with vitamin C, low in calories, and high in potassium—lemons even contain compounds that help t! o prevent various types of cancers. To reap all the beneficial properties, try adding a few slices to your ice water. You should be drinking plenty anyway, and the fresh citrus flavor will make the routine not so much of a routine. • These citrus jewels also cleanse the liver—the health of which is vital to our overall well-being. Citrus oils stimulate the liver to expel toxins from the body. The liver plays a major role in storing and circulating glucose in the body.For all the beneficial effects of lemons inside our bodies, there are even more uses on the outside. Best of all, you’ll save hundreds of dollars on beauty products! Lemon is fantastic for your skin. The natural fruit acids gently remove dead skin cells and lighten age spots, freckles, and facial discolorations. The acidity zaps oiliness and cleans pores without stripping the skin of its natural oil balance.
• Simple homemade astringent. Dab fresh-squeezed lemon juice onto a cotton ball and apply to face (or simply run a slice of lemon over your face) each morning. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse. For especially dark age spots, place a slice of lemon directly onto the spot and leave for 10 minutes. • Simple homemade exfoliant. Slice a lemon in half and dip into granulated sugar. Rub vigorously on rough patches of skin, especially the feet, elbows, and knees.
For a mere 50 cents (give or take), you can marinate and season your dinner, boost your immune system, relieve a sore throat, soothe an upset stomach, purify your liver, exfoliate your skin, treat dandruff, prevent cancer, lower blood-sugar levels, decrease the GI of foods, and possibly reduce your stress level— all with the same item.
This isn’t a parody of a TV commercial—we’re talking about lemons! This citrus fruit is one of the most versatile pieces of produce on the planet and has helped people cook, heal, and beautify themselves (not to mention clean up afterwards!) for thousands of years. Here are just a few of the ways how: • Lemon is a great way to get full flavor from foods without adding fat or salt; in fact, many cooks consider it a good substitute for salt. Try a squeeze of lemon as a zesty finishing touch on fresh veggies or fruits. And here’s another secret: Lemons taste great in marinade for chicken, fish, and meat, and the acids not only tenderize the meat, but lower the glycemic load of the meal, too. • A mug of hot water, lemon juice (and a teaspoon of honey, if need be) has been used for centuries to treat colds, throat infections, food cravings, intestinal gas, and constipation.
• Bursting with vitamin C, low in calories, and high in potassium—lemons even contain compounds that help t! o prevent various types of cancers. To reap all the beneficial properties, try adding a few slices to your ice water. You should be drinking plenty anyway, and the fresh citrus flavor will make the routine not so much of a routine. • These citrus jewels also cleanse the liver—the health of which is vital to our overall well-being. Citrus oils stimulate the liver to expel toxins from the body. The liver plays a major role in storing and circulating glucose in the body.For all the beneficial effects of lemons inside our bodies, there are even more uses on the outside. Best of all, you’ll save hundreds of dollars on beauty products! Lemon is fantastic for your skin. The natural fruit acids gently remove dead skin cells and lighten age spots, freckles, and facial discolorations. The acidity zaps oiliness and cleans pores without stripping the skin of its natural oil balance.
• Simple homemade astringent. Dab fresh-squeezed lemon juice onto a cotton ball and apply to face (or simply run a slice of lemon over your face) each morning. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse. For especially dark age spots, place a slice of lemon directly onto the spot and leave for 10 minutes. • Simple homemade exfoliant. Slice a lemon in half and dip into granulated sugar. Rub vigorously on rough patches of skin, especially the feet, elbows, and knees.
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