Are you going to eat that?

Last week my Dad had a check up with the oncologist..(which turned out well).  Afterwards, he asked if I wanted to get something to eat.  He wanted pancakes so we went to IHOP.  Once we were seated, our waitress brought us our menus along with their "special menu".  They had 3 new griddle sandwiches and when I saw this one, my immediate thought was, "healthy". Being a vegetarian, I noticed the spinach and roasted red peppers first, which made me think this might be a good sandwich.  However, after I noticed how much cheese was in it, I thought I'd better look up the nutrition facts. 

  

New! Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper & Cheese Griddle Melt

One-of-a-kind. That's this new, hand-crafted breakfast Griddle Melt with sautéed spinach and onion in a fluffy omelette, layered with roasted red peppers and melted Provolone, Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses on grilled, sourdough artisan bread. Served with your choice of hash browns, seasoned fries or seasonal fruit.

 

  Well, I almost fell out of my chair.  Check out the stats:

 

1590  Calories    55  Protein  109 Fat  100  Carbs 

Calories from Fat 970  Saturated Fat 43

Trans Fat 2.5  Cholesterol 575  Fiber 9  Sugar 5 (notice they don't tell us sodium content??!!)

 

This is the stats for the sandwich ONLY!!!  So if you get fries or hash browns, you are in for an even deeper shock.  The other two sandwiches are up to 100- 200 calories less than this one and they have ham in them.  Kudos to them for offering fresh fruit but seriously....who needs a sandwich with this many calories??  They do offer half a sandwich for those that don't want a full serving.  Oh Yay, so I can eat 795 calories and still be hungry?!  This does go to show you, just because it is vegetarian, does not mean it is healthy. 

 

Wondering what I ate?  I was really wanting multi- grain pancakes so I settled for one instead of the stack of four.  I eat my pancakes dry.  I'm not a big fan of syrup although I have been known to put peanut butter on my cakes.  That one pancake cost me 247 calories...normally they come in a four stack for 990 calories!!!  And that is without syrup or butter!!!  Gah!!!!!! 

 

 

 

I also had the oatmeal with banana.  This rang up to be 260 calories.  It also came with a huge scoop of butter and brown sugar and milk.  I used just a touch of brown sugar. 

 

 

The waitress kept trying to give me margarine and sugar free syrup and it upsets me that she believes those items are supposed to be good for me??!!  NOT!!  Margarine is horrible for you and what exactly is in that sugar free syrup?  It's not going in this body. 

I escaped with 507 calories vs 1590 calories plus that I could have eaten had I not checked.  Check your stats when you go out to eat my friends.  If you don't have a smart phone, check online before you leave or ask your waiter for the nutrition information. 

If you are trying to lose weight and you tend to eat out a lot...you might be shocked at what you think you are consuming verses what you are consuming. 

Stay educated my friends.

With love,
j

 

Grumpy cat? No, grumpy j.

 

Decide today to not let your circumstances control your attitude. ~ Joyce Meyer Ministries

 

That quote screamed my name when I read it on facebook.  Yep, she was talking to me.  Have you ever felt like your aura has changed?  Or you went to bed as a positive person and woke up a completely different person....I'm grumpy j.  My circumstances are totally controlling my attitude.

 

I know this has a lot to do the fact that I haven't jazzercised in what feels like a year but truly is close to 5 months now.  I did have a two week spot in there that I was able to jazz but my feet gave out and it was time for another surgery.  I was, "in a perfect world", supposed to be able to go back to jazzercise last Wednesday.  However, my feet are not going to let that happen.  I am still in too much pain.  Doc says, I am physically ready whenever my pain is gone but to "listen to my body" before going back to my feet pounding torture  workout.  Listen to my body?!!! That is something we fitness gurus tell our clients...not something we follow.  Pffffff!!!!

 

There are so many circumstances that have changed my attitude in the last year.  Things at work, things at home.....life is hard. 

 

I keep thinking, "at least I don't have a terminal illness", "at least I have food on the table and a roof over my head", "at least, at least...."  I can play that game all day but that doesn't change the fact that

 I. Feel. Grumpy.  Most of the time.

 

When I was 14, I got a job at The Candy Emporium.  Do you remember that store?  It was on Lincolnway, the same block as jazzercise.  It is now a bicycle shop.  The gal that hired me was named Mary Lou.  Mary Lou became sort of a surrogate mother to me.  When I was quiet for too long, she knew something was bothering me.  She would painfully drag it out of me. 

 

In other words...I haven't blogged for a while.....when you have nothing nice to say, you don't say anything at all right?! Hmph! 

 

So I've decided to tell you 10 things that I am thankful for this week....will this make me feel better.  No.  But it looks good on paper.  These are not in any particular order.

 

1. Lunch with my son Cory

2. Yoga class (my feet allowed me to do down dog)

3. Talking with my friend Tammy

4. My four legged babies snuggling with me 

5. Reflexology

6. jazzercise of LaPorte AND New Carlisle

7. Free oil change at Cannons

8. Good nights sleep

9. Coffee

10. Headache free week

 

I've been having headaches almost daily.  My jaw hurts when I wake and I'm sure I am clenching my jaw while sleeping.  I am also having nightly nightmares.  I seem to have them right before I wake up so I remember every detail.  They are disturbing and horrible.  This of course puts me in a great mood to start the day.  It's weird how a dream can feel so real and throw you off for a duration of the day. 

 

Ok, let's move on shall we? Here is something positive.... I got my new outfit from Ellie last week. 

 

Despite the fact that those pants look like they could fit a two year old, the entire outfit is AWESOME!!  Yes, they fit me.  It's called stretch.......lol.  I absolutely LOVE this Ellie.com.  I have not received an outfit that I do not like or that I think was not worth it.  The material on these workout clothes are of the best material. 

 

As you know, I am the worlds worst blogger.  I was supposed to post my foodie pen pal goodies on Feb 28th, but that post never happened.  My biggest apology to my foodie pen pal.  I received this in the mail last month....

 

 

Janet from Michigan sent me these goodies.  The chocolate was delicious! The package in the top right are caramel ginger drops.  They are SO good!!!  I love the trail mix and the granola too!  I have not received a package of goodies I have not liked yet.  It is like getting a Christmas present once a month.  I should be receiving this months package any day.  I will post the results of that package on April 1st.  I promise. 

 

I guess that is enough for my first day back in 5 weeks. 

 

One day at a time.  One day at time.

 

Peace and love,

j

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PV Body now Ellie

I got my shipment for this month.  Sammy wanted to be in the picture which is odd because when you pull out the camera Sammy usually runs....or turns his head the other way.   Now that I look at it, this is not a very good picture.  Sorry, looked way better on my phone.  Well, the top is a pretty purple, a little small but it does fit.  Last month my white top was a little big but fit and they both are medium.  I guess that is the chance I take.  I like the capri's here too.  Will be perfect for when I get back to running.  Yes, I will be running again soon. 

 

So if you didn't see my blog post last month, I signed up for a monthly auto shipment for a workout outfit.  For $49.95 and I get a complete outfit.  I see now, they have the option to let you pick out your outfit.  You can even pick two tops or two bottoms for that price and get free shipping.  I may have to check that out.  You can find this now at www.ellie.com.

 

 

Day 40-42

Health Tip-  Your chances of success are measured by your belief in yourself!!!  With that being said....This is day 42!!!!!!!!!!!! I believed in myself enough to finish my 42 day challenge.  I.  Did.  IT!





1. Read the daily proclamation day and night,  Done

2. Compliment someone each day and say nothing negative about anyone. On Saturday, I complimented a gal at the gas station.  I told her I really liked her hair cut.  She seemed pleased that I noticed.
Sunday, I complimented Sheri for her drive to not miss any jazzercise classes.  She just rejoined us and she is rocking it!  I gave her a big high five!!!
Monday,  I complimented Kris on her fabulous determination to her health.  She is doing a great job and I can noticeably tell the difference.  She is working hard towards her goals and I am very proud of her.

3. Stop eating BEFORE you are full. Follow the special body cleansing program- I am eating a vegan diet. I am only allowed to eat Raw.  Eden diet.  I have eaten nothing "warm" in three weeks.  Going from Raw- to juice- back to raw has given me no comfort in this cold weather.  It was rough at first but I seemed to adapt to it.  I will say one thing...I am going to have that big cup of coffee tomorrow and prolly be on a caffeine high all morning!!  I am also going to eat something warm.  Black bean soup maybe.  Oh the deliciousness. 
Remember the recipe I told you the other day with the avocado?  I made it again today without the olive oil.  I used 1 avocado, half the juice of a lemon, minced garlic (I didn't measure) and mixed it all together in my vitamix.  It was SOOOO good.  I urge you to try different homemade dressing for your salads rather than using that processed junk in the bottles!  It makes a HUGE difference in the salads!

4. Do not get angry, curse or complain. Do not gossip about anyone.  I got angry over the weekend.  I blew it again.  I fail.

5.Give someone something material each day.  Saturday and Sunday, I gave random people lottery tickets.  I hope they win big.  Today, I gave Kris a card and a Cliff bar...wanted her to know I have noticed her effort and it is paying off!!

6. Pray and read scripture for your age in minutes daily.- I pray for 11 minutes in the morning and 11 minutes at night. I also listen to an audio bible for 11 minutes in the morning and 11 at night. Done

7. Drink half myweight in ounces of water.- done I have to drink 72 ounces of water. Done.

8. If you are doing any of these stop. Stop flirting, having affairs, committing fornication, looking at pornography, or communicating with a person who is not your spouse. Nope

9. Wash my face before bed....dry brush before shower....use neti pot in shower....drench my body in oil before drying off in shower. Going good!!


I have lost 16 pounds....I was actually up to 148.6 at one point before my challenge.  I knew I was getting close to 150.  I physically feel SO much better!  I can now say I weight what my drivers license says I weigh!!!  Woot-Woot!!!


My weight is as follows-
Day 1. 146.1
2. 144.0
3. 142.3
4. 142.6
Restart day 1. 143.8
2. 144.2
3. 142.7
4. 142.3
5. 140.9
6. 140.6
7. 140.4
8. 139.8
9. 139.8
10. 137.6
11. 138.9
12. 138.3
13. 138.7
14. 139.6
15.137.6
16. 135.6
17.136.3
18.135.8
19. 135.8
20. 137.3
21. 136.9
22. 135.8
23. 133.7
24. 135.4
25. 133.1
26. 132.9
27. 133.1
28. 133.5
29. 132.1
30. 131.5
31. 130.6
32. 130.5
33. 130.2
34. 130.8
35. 130.6
36. 131.2
37. 131.6
38. 130.9
39. 130.5
40. 130.8
41. 130.5
42. 130.5

Day 35-39

Health tip #45-  ......eat less.  Seems so basic.  But I know it is SO hard when that food is right there!!!  Restaurants gorge us with portion sizes so huge we have forgotten what a true portion size really is.  My advice, use smaller plates and bowls.  You get the illusion of more but satisfaction of less.  You can do it friends.  Push yourself away from the table.  Less is more!

I don't know how I didn't blog all week....it seemed I kept thinking, I will do it in the morning, or tomorrow night and it's been 5 days!!  I haven't given up, in fact, I am almost there!!  I have three more days.  Sat, Sun and Monday!!!!  I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of.  I will share at the end!

Ok, I'm about to share TMI...remember how I told you if you drink beet juice, you will pee red?!  Well....the last time I drank beet juice was Saturday....by Tuesday, I was still peeing red....and it was starting to hurt.  I remember thinking...man that beet juice stays with you!!!  Then I realized I was starting to get a uti.  I kept trying to pee and I couldn't and then when I did, it hurt.  I called the doc and tried to explain to the nurse but she immediately cut me off as soon as I said I thought I was getting a uti.  I didn't get the chance to tell her, I had been drinking beet juice so it may not be blood.  I really wasn't sure.  One trip to the hospital and one trip to cvs for an antibiotic and I feel much better.  Haven't found out yet if it was blood or beets.  I can just see them in the lab....there is no blood in here....why is this red?! 





1. Read the daily proclamation day and night.  Done

2. Compliment someone each day and say nothing negative about anyone.

Monday-  I complimented my foot doctor.  He does and amazing job and I wanted him to know.  I told him how much I appreciated him but was tired of seeing him.  He told me years ago to go work at Starbucks...much easier on the feet.  I think he just wanted a discount! 

Tuesday- I complimented a friend of mine whom I haven't seen in Years!!  We used to work together at LaPorte Hospital.  It was so GOOD to see her!  She looked great!
 
Wednesday-  I complimented a gal at Target.  I had to take something back and she was very personable and helpful.  This doesn't always happen at customer service and I let her know how much I appreciated her. 

Thursday, I complimented Kathy.  Kathy is struggling to work on her form in Jazzercise.  We went over some techniques and she did an Amazing job.  It was like a light bulb went off in her head and she "got it".  I LOVE THAT!  Feeling confident in your workout is the Bomb!!!  I can't wait to hear how she feels after her first jazzercise class since really focusing on technique. 

Friday- I complimented Missi from Hair Fitness.  She has a new sign outside her shop and it looks AWESOME!!  It is very eye catching!!

3. Stop eating BEFORE you are full. Follow the special body cleansing program- I am eating a vegan diet. I am back on Eden diet.  All raw foods.  The first thing I ate Monday morning after juicing for 7 days was carrots.  I ate three large carrots.  I crunched them loudly.  Good thing Cari wasn't home because she can't stand to hear any noise when anyone eats.  I made an very delicious dressing yesterday to go on my salad. 
1 avocado
juice of 1/2 lemon
tiny bit of olive oil (I didn't measure)
Mix all in blender.  It was REALLY good!!  I have a soft spot in my heart for avocados.  I eat an entire one almost every day.  First thing people think when I say that is, they are SO high in fat!!  It's good fat!  Fat that keeps my hormones in balance....fat that helps to regulate my temperature....a fat free diet is not a healthy diet. 
I just realized after typing the recipe, I am not supposed to have olive oil.  Ooooops, I guess I won't have that again until after my challenge.  It didn't even dawn on me. 

4. Do not get angry, curse or complain. Do not gossip about anyone.  Ok, I got angry again.  Seriously, 42 days without getting angry...I'm not sure that is possible for anyone.  Blew this one again....

5.Give someone something material each day.
Monday-  Cari's friend was in the same class as Hannah the day I gave her a Reese's Egg.  She told Cari she wanted one too so I had Cari take her one Monday.  It was confirmed with a picture and a smile!!  Your welcome Marinda!

Tuesday- I gave Jeri a bamboo plant with a card wishing her lots of luck in her new business adventure.  Jeri is one of my class managers...she opens the building in the wee hour of the mornings before class.  Her and her husband are leasing the Martin's Pizza down town.  They have named it Andi's pizza.  I encourage all of you to order a pizza from her regularly!!!  You can come work it off at Jazzercise :)  They do have amazing cheese rolls.  If you have never tried one, put that on your bucket list!  I hope they are successful!!  Come on it's Friday night...order a pizza and cheese rolls-  219-362-6261.  They are open til 9 tonight!  Help keep a small business alive!

Wednesday- I gave Jackie a book titled "What did I come in here for?"  Hahaha, we are always doing that.  You know, you walk back in the other room to remember what you were doing?  She wasn't feeling well and it showed when she came in to work.  She went home and read her book and ate her Reese's Cup (yep I snuck one of those in!)  I think it helped cheer her up a bit!

Thursday- I gave Christine a Cliff Bar with a pair of Cliff bar socks.  I got the socks as a promo gift and decided to pair it with a Cliff bar.  Cliff bars are one of my go to protein bars.  Christine is doing an amazing job losing weight and she had come to me for advice on what to eat before class to keep her energy up.  My advice was a banana.  She said it helped her a lot.   I like to keep protein bars in my purse for that time when you are getting hungry and don't want to run through a drive thru.

Friday-  I sent my friend, A (short for Angela) flowers.  She had a bad night last night and I wanted her to know how much I love her.  She is an amazing woman, teacher, friend and jazzercise instructor.  I wanted to put a smile on her face! 
I am also taking my juicer over to my friend Berta for her to borrow.  I am excited she is wanting to try it!!  I will have to remember bendy straws.  They are always better with bendy straws.

6. Pray and read scripture for your age in minutes daily.- I pray for 11 minutes in the morning and 11 minutes at night. I also listen to an audio bible for 11 minutes in the morning and 11 at night. Done

7. Drink half myweight in ounces of water.- done I have to drink 72 ounces of water. Done.

8. If you are doing any of these stop. Stop flirting, having affairs, committing fornication, looking at pornography, or communicating with a person who is not your spouse. Nope

9. Wash my face before bed....dry brush before shower....use neti pot in shower....drench my body in oil before drying off in shower.  My skin is GLOWING!!!

My weight is as follows-
Day 1. 146.1
2. 144.0
3. 142.3
4. 142.6
Restart day 1. 143.8
2. 144.2
3. 142.7
4. 142.3
5. 140.9
6. 140.6
7. 140.4
8. 139.8
9. 139.8
10. 137.6
11. 138.9
12. 138.3
13. 138.7
14. 139.6
15.137.6
16. 135.6
17.136.3
18.135.8
19. 135.8
20. 137.3
21. 136.9
22. 135.8
23. 133.7
24. 135.4
25. 133.1
26. 132.9
27. 133.1
28. 133.5
29. 132.1
30. 131.5
31. 130.6
32. 130.5
33. 130.2
34. 130.8
35. 130.6
36. 131.2
37. 131.6
38. 130.9
39. 130.5

Day 34 last juice day

Health Tip #2-  Cook. 

That's right.  Get in your kitchen and cook real food.  Step away from the highly processed foods and drive thru restaurants.  It is highly rewarding to cook your own meals from scratch.  Not sure where to start?  There are so many recipes at your fingertips on the internet. 



1. Read the daily proclamation day and night.  Done

.  2.Compliment someone each day and say nothing negative about anyone. My daughter Cari, took this picture of me yesterday as her picture of the day.  She is so good at taking pictures and capturing the perfect moment.  She worked hard to put the words at the side.  Not as easy as one would think.  I think she is amazing and told her so!

3. Stop eating BEFORE you are full. Follow the special body cleansing program- I am still juicing.  Last day of juicing!!  Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I do think 7 days of juicing is WAY too long!!  Not sure that I will want to do that again.  I wasn't physically hungry but as you know I had problems on day 4 and I had issues yesterday, my last day.  I just wanted to chew.  I made it though.  Thank you Lord for giving me the strength!!

4. Do not get angry, curse or complain. Do not gossip about anyone.  Good here.

5.Give someone something material each day.  I gave my friend Shelly a little plaque that says, "We only need love and chocolate."  with a delicious chocolate bar.  She did something for me and I wanted to let her know I appreciate her.

6. Pray and read scripture for your age in minutes daily.- I pray for 11 minutes in the morning and 11 minutes at night. I also listen to an audio bible for 11 minutes in the morning and 11 at night. Done

7. Drink half myweight in ounces of water.- done I have to drink 72 ounces of water. Done.

8. If you are doing any of these stop. Stop flirting, having affairs, committing fornication, looking at pornography, or communicating with a person who is not your spouse. Nope

9. Wash my face before bed....dry brush before shower....use neti pot in shower....put oil on body while still wet in shower....This isn't part of the challenge but I made it part. I have also started using the neti pot in the shower.  With the flu going around so bad, I decided to start using this on a  regular basis.  It cleans out my sinuses.  Hopefully, with my immune system and the neti pot, I can fight off those nasty germs!


 


My weight is as follows-
Day 1. 146.1
2. 144.0
3. 142.3
4. 142.6
Restart day 1. 143.8
2. 144.2
3. 142.7
4. 142.3
5. 140.9
6. 140.6
7. 140.4
8. 139.8
9. 139.8
10. 137.6
11. 138.9
12. 138.3
13. 138.7
14. 139.6
15.137.6
16. 135.6
17.136.3
18.135.8
19. 135.8
20. 137.3
21. 136.9
22. 135.8
23. 133.7
24. 135.4
25. 133.1
26. 132.9



27. 133.1
28. 133.5
29. 132.1
30.  131.5
31. 130.6
32. 130.5
33. 130.2
34. 130.8

Dry Brushing

I wrote an article on dry brushing 3 years ago.  I had been dry brushing on a regular basis, then I moved.  I stopped dry brushing because I was so "busy".  Excuses.  I started dry brushing again and I can already tell a difference in my skin.  I know it takes more time in the morning but can you squeeze in ten minutes for your skin health?  I take this time to listen to my audio bible.  I also take this opportunity to check my skin out for anything different.  If you are like me, especially in the winter, I barely leave any skin exposed except for when I am in a hot shower.  This forces me to be more aware of my skin health.  After dry brushing and showering, I make sure to soak oil in my skin before drying off.  The oil traps the water in the skin keeping me more hydrated.

  Below is the article I wrote. 

Did you know the skin is the largest organ of the body?  The skin is a miraculous organ as it can eliminate over one pound of waste each day.  It is known as our third kidney as it is responsible for one quarter of the body’s detoxification each day.  It is the last to receive nutrients in the body but the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency. 

Dry brushing is another way to help detoxify the skin.  Dry brushing is an exfoliation technique where a soft, dry, natural brush is used to gently brush the skin.  Brushing the skin helps unplug the pores, increase its ability to absorb nutrients, and increase blood circulation to get that healthy “glow”.  Healthy skin needs to ‘breathe’.  Ridding it regularly of dry skin cells will assist the body by producing new skin cells more rapidly.  Brushing aids in digestion, increases the immune system and cleanses the lymphatic system.  Dry brushing also helps to stimulate hormone and oil producing glands which also keeps the skin from aging.  It rejuvenates the nervous system and improves muscle tone and (listen up ladies) helps to eliminate fat deposits and cellulite!!!!

It is best to dry brush right before taking your morning shower.  Start with the bottom of the feet and gently brush in circular motions towards the heart.  Always brush towards the heart with firm but gentle pressure.  Brush the entire body.  This should take less than 10 minutes.  Never brush irritated or affected areas of the body.  Always use a dry brush on dry skin.  You can find a brush at your local drug store.  Be sure to get one that has a long handle that can be detached for easier use.  You will want the long handle to be able to reach your back.

After dry brushing, shower in warm water but end your shower with a quick jolt of cold water.  This allows the pores of the skin to close assisting in the prevention of toxins from entering the skin. 

Be sure to clean the brush with natural soap every week and allow brush to dry in the sun.  In areas of cellulite, dry brush 5-10 minutes twice a day but it must be done consistently for results to be seen! 

I hope this helps you step into that bathing suit with confidence!

In light and love,
j