Feeling Like Some Mick's Up

So, it's been YEARS!  Really, literally, it's been years since I wrote anything on this blog.

I gave in.

I gave in to the hum-drum and the lackadaisical nature of those around me.

We have not lived as a Maximized Living family for quite some time.  I've gained all the weight back, and even more.  I feel like a failure.  I'm not happy with myself.

I'm ashamed.

So, instead of giving in more, and giving up totally, I'm going back to the basics.

What is it Inigo Montoya says in The Princess Bride?  "Go back to the beginning!"

I need a proper mindset.  Even if the family is not on board, and wants to wallow in its own misery, I will trudge forward with what I know to be right.

I need proper chiropractic care.  We have continued with adjustments over these years, but with no Maximized Living doctor nearby, we settled for less than the best.  We thought we found someone special, but the doctor has dwindled in effectiveness and focus.  So, I will seek out someone closer to the Maximized Living intensity.

I need proper nutrition.  Yes, the sweet tooth is difficult for me to tame, and it's even more so when there is a baker in the house who uses regular sugar and flour most of the time.  It's time to take charge of my own eating habits, whether or not anyone else in the house wants to join me.

I need proper oxygen and exercise.  I have tried to keep up an exercise routine, but with different issues (or excuses), I am not as intense nor as focused as I once was.  It's time to change that and revisit what worked.

I need proper avoidance of toxins.  That is one thing that I have been really good at doing, but I'm sure there are some things that can improve, and so I must re-evaluate.

Is it time for you to "go back to the beginning," too?

Come on!  Join me!

"In the beginning..."

Genesis 1:1

An Honest Mick's up

I am human... Just thought I'd clear that up.

I want to be honest about being normal...  (after all, I did only learn this lifestyle stuff a few years ago)... and I want to share some things to encourage you.


There's nothing juicy here, just some simple truth about every day life.

Ready?  Here it goes.

Healthy eating takes work.

Surprised?  Probably not.

My secret?  I hate that healthy eating takes work.  I am a scheduler, but I hate meal planning.  Do you despise planning meals, too?

I really, truly wish I didn't have to pack lunches every day of the school year (but I do it to offer the healthiest options possible to my children).   I know, I know:  Someday, too soon, I'll be an empty-nester and wishing I still had kidderz at home to pack lunches for.  I'll try to remember that and not complain.

I wish I didn't have to cook breakfast and dinner every day, trying to please the family, while keeping things healthy and simple, feeling like the only thing accomplished for the day is feeding everyone.  Then comes the dreaded phrase, "We're having that, again?"  (I guess that means I need to add a bit more variety, which, again, takes work.)

I remember what it was like when we didn't know better.  True, I still had to come up with ideas of what we'd eat each day, but buying something pre-made or mostly made was a lot easier than cooking from scratch... and it is the normal thing to do.

It's not that people aren't smart or are too lazy, but some families haven't gotten all the information they need to make wiser choices.. like us in the past.  We consumed more processed foods back then.  I thought we were making healthy choices, but I didn't know then what I know now.

Sometimes I wish I still didn't know the dangers.  Sometimes I wish life was easier.

However, there ARE simple and quick recipes that ARE healthy AND tasty.  In fact, I use more spices now than I have our entire married life to this point.  There are some mighty delicious recipes that we can prepare without adding all kinds of junk... and the family approves them.

Please note:  I am not an amazing cook, by any stretch of the imagination.  There is nothing exceptional about my work in the kitchen.  Anyone can do what I do.  Follow a good recipe, and you'll surprise yourself!

I am also not a great baker (really not very good at all).  I always said I'd have to hire my brother to be my baker and gardener, because he was born with those skills and I wasn't.

I can follow a recipe, and if I find something that works for my family, it's a staple.

However, without using "normal" flour and sugar, things aren't working out so easy for me.  Sure, I share yummy recipes I come across... but I can't always get them to look and/or taste nice.

There are many wonderfully talented bakers and cooks out there, and I recommend you look up recipes and tips from them... such nutritionists as:
Elise Scwartz
Kimberly Roberto
Lin Hardick

Though I am not a nutrionist, nor officially certified in anything, I was trained in nutrition and fitness in three different (awesome) jobs, receiving job-specific certification in nutrition and fitness for one of those companies.

The reason I started this blog was to continue the coaching that I was enjoying so much at that office.  Yes, I was a nutrition coach... and to this day, if you sincerely ask me, I'll be glad to give you some pointers.

People look for someone they can use as an easy resource for these things... someone who is (or has been) where they are, understanding the challenges and frustrations.

It was mostly moms asking for help in the office, and so some of my writing (No, I am not a mommy blogger!) might tend toward moms.  However, it's not just moms that need to be informed.

It's important for everyone to stop believing the lies, and take a different angle to managing health... to be empowered!

One way our family has done this is by considering our chiropractor as our main doctor.

Our plan is to use our physician for crisis care only.  You know: if an arm is falling off, or blood is involved somehow.

Years ago, my kidderz were at the physician's office a lot, and they were prescribed medicine all the time... but... since late 2010, I have not bought any medicines for them, and that means we have not used any over-the-counter pain relievers nor cold medicines.  That's nearly THREE YEARS!  For two adults who popped ibuprofen at the slightest discomfort, that's a major deal!  3 Years!

However.... here comes another secret... more honesty...
As I explain in Our Crazy Mick's up Summer, that summer we had a few strange issues in our family, and I cracked.  I admit it!

I was desperate to get relief from my poison rash that had spread to every limb.  Realizing the aloe wasn't allowing it to dry, and without doing any research, I bought the only thing I knew (because of childhood experiences): Calamine Lotion.  Since then, I looked up information to find that our parents and grandparents certainly did OK by that.  Whew!

However, I'm not so happy with my decisions for my son's swimmer's ear.

I became a normal mom, wanting to do whatever was necessary to make my "baby" feel better.

First, I tried my best to use home remedies, like peroxide, rubbing alcohol, garlic and olive oil.

Then, worrying myself silly, I took my son to the physician.

My main concern was to be sure his ear was not being damaged.

I was relieved to find out everything was fine, besides the fact that he had inflammation and pain.

However, the doctor prescribed antibiotic/steroid drops for the ear.

I fought myself over the decision to buy or not to buy.  Much against my better judgment, I gave in to the medical model, and I paid way too much money for something that ended up just sitting unused.

OK... I confess: I did put a drop in his ear that first day or two, but after that, the medicine just sat, and my son was absolutely fine without it.

Am I proud of this decision?  No.  Am I embarrassed?  Yes.  Would I make that same decision again?  No.

Do I understand moms and their worries?  Yes.  I'll say it again:  Yes!

So, please take heart that we are all human, and we might make mistakes now and then...  but we must move on and seek wisdom and discernment in all situations to make the best decisions we can make for our families.

... Oh, and I cheat, too.  It's not much of a secret, but since I'm being honest here...
I still like my cheats: chocolate once in a while, and pizza ANY time (my downfall!).

The difference now versus before healthy living?  At least now I know with cheats come consequences, and I prepare myself for those consequences:  stuffy nose and sinus issues, headaches, stiff joints, tight muscles, grumpiness, fatigue, lower performance in exercise, slower brain function, and maybe even weakening my immune system to the point of allowing a cold to take over my body.

Because I know what'll happen, I do my best to only enjoy these cheats at times when I am not needing to be at "the top of my game..." and that is usually only once or twice per week, at the most.

Do you have some things to be honest with yourself about?  Do you have some guilt for some wrong decisions?  Stop worrying about them.  Face them.  Get back up.  Then move on.  You will learn from those mistakes, and who knows... you might just be able to help someone else because of what you went through.

"We lose our way. We get back up again.
It's never too late to get back up again.
One day you will shine again.
You may be knocked down, but not out forever."
(Toby Mac)


~

"An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips."

Proverbs 24:26

~

A Crazy Mick's up Summer

Summer is approaching!  After this rollercoaster springtime, summer just might have moved into 1st place for my favorite season.

I do have mixed feelings, though.  There are some things that make me nervous.

Why?  I'll tell you.

August 2012 made for a crazy finale to that summer.  I'm hoping we can avoid anything like it ever again.

From yard work done in the first week of August, I somehow picked up poison.  Whether it was poison ivy or poison oak, I do not know.  What I do know for sure is that it was the worst case I've had since my toddler days, and it brought back memories of Boy Scout Camp.  (Yes, I did say "Boy Scout Camp."  My parents' summer job for several years was at camp, and so I got the unique privilege of joining in with all the fun scouting activities.  What a blast!)

Back to poison rashes.  What I hear is: the better the immune system, the worse the rash.  My guess is my immune system is quite healthy.  Yowzers!

Before the tiny row of bubbles on my arm spread, I also managed to gouge the same area of my arm with a branch from the bush I was lopping.  Ouch.  (I am so glad the poison did not infect the open wound!)

Later, the rash got more noticeable, appearing more like bug bites than a rash.

After realizing the itchy bumps on my legs and arms were not from a massive mosquito attack, it was way too late to avoid one of the first things that causes spreading:  a hot shower.  Apparently, taking a hot shower makes the poison spread worse.  Oooops!  Way back... that first day of yard work... I was extremely eager to take a hot shower... and that was long before I realized anything was wrong.  Actually, there was more than one day.... There were a few days that week that I was doing yard work....  So, I still haven't figured out where I picked up the poison.  One day's work was out in the community, and the others were here at home.  Needless to say, now I'm a bit paranoid to do yard work around the house.

So, then a couple weeks later, while still suffering with the rash nearly all over my body, I continued to carry on with the remainder of the summer, including traveling South with my parents, kidderz, and nephew.  One of our stops was a water park.  Hmmmm.... Even as hot as it was, there was no way I was exposing my rash to that water, nor was there any way I was exposing that water to my rash.  So, I had fun being photographer/videographer for the clan, as well as towel rack and security guard.  It was a very fun time, regardless...

... until...

My son got swimmer's ear.  Ugh.

It should be no surprise to say that the trip home was miserable.

I looked up home remedies for both ailments:  poison rash and swimmer's ear.

I can honestly say I didn't know what to do, nor what was best.  Both discomforts seemed to last forever!

However, we both survived, and are the wiser for it.  In my opinion, our healthy lifestyle, including visits to the chiropractor, helped us bounce back more quickly than we could have under other circumstances.

If you want to know what I did do to treat the problems, you'll need to stay tuned to read An Honest Mick's up, once I have it published.  It's coming very soon!

Why am I telling you this?  I guess I'm simply saying, from a mom's perspective:  We don't always have the answers, but we try our best, using prayer, discernment, and wisdom.

Let's hope for an easier summer.  If Spring is any indicator, it's not looking very promising.  Hubby already had a VERY nasty bout with sun poisoning.  Ugh.

~

"...my strength was sapped

    as in the heat of summer."

Psalm 32:4 (NIV)

~

Mick's Emotions

It's been a while, since I've written about mindset.  The following topic has been a concern of mine for quite some time... since the start of this blog, in fact.  Something on the radio this week reignited the spark for it, and in light of recent events, it's fitting.

We all know our kidderz watch us closely.  It doesn't matter what we say, as much as much as what we do.  Sometimes we don't see how much those wee ones copy us.  It might take a comment from an unrelated observer, before we step back and observe that tyke ourselves.  Then we truly discover the consequences of our behaviors, as we watch our little shadow play out movements, speak words, and even react exactly as we know we would... if we can admit it.

Unfortunately, I'm not perfect... and I'm seeing it mirrored in my kidderz.  Ugh.

We have the ability to form in our children what reactions they have in stressful - even terrifying - situations: For instance, terrorist acts.

What I heard on the radio this week was a quote from a doctor, in regard to how best to talk to our children about this type of event:  Teach them that they should be vigilant and alert, but not timid.

That is a great way to put it.

The initial event that got this topic going a couple of years ago was Hurricane Irene.

All around us, people were hyped up.  The media got everyone going.

I'm not saying we should not prepare.  Definitely, we need to be informed and have a plan of action.  However, I could see it getting so bad that children were terrified.

I love the line from A Bug's Life, when Mr. Soil says: "Do not panic, do not panic!  We are trained professionals. Now, stay calm."  

That is kind of the gist of the message from the doctor on the radio.  No, we parents are not trained professionals (though we wish we were trained as professional parents sometimes), but we are in charge of our family's well-being, and we are our children's teachers.


Moments like these are great learning opportunities.

During the hurricane:

Were hubby and I uncertain of the right decision of whether to stay or evacuate?  Yes.

Was I a bit scared?  Yes.

Did we take precautions?  Most definitely.

Was a backup plan in place?  Uh-huh!!!  You'd better believe it!

However, instead of falling into the defeatist attitude of "we're doomed," and running around in a panic, not thinking clearly, we chose to follow through with my birthday wish for that week:  Have some family photo booth fun!

We had to change it up a bit, since it wasn't a good idea to be outside in the crazy weather, which meant going to the mall's photo booth wouldn't be an option.  So, we gathered all our hurricane emergency supplies, huddled together in our tiny downstairs bathroom, as our "fallout shelter," and enjoyed a photo booth experience.

Yes, the picture you see here is the actual result of our silliness.  The kids loved it... and so did the parents.  We did not forget what was happening all around us, and we did keep up-to-date on the storm, etc., but we also passed the time much more pleasantly than we could have.

Granted, there were some very serious conditions, in which people were terribly affected.  Those are times of crisis, when plan becomes action.  Wisdom is necessary.

Until it gets to that point, though, we can remain lighthearted.

In whatever situation, we can have hope and joy.

Can we teach that to our kidderz?  Yes, we can!

Do you choose to go into panic mode, get your kidderz all riled up, and teach them that the way to handle a crisis is through confusion, chaos, and drama?

OR...

Do you choose to remain calm, formulate a plan, and teach your kidderz to be vigilant and alert, rather than timid?

"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold."

2 Corinthians 3:12 (NIV)

~

A Re-Mick's with Turkey

Here's a Re-Mick's of Thanksgiving Day 2011:

I've been enjoying talking with family and eating lots of food I did not have to prepare.  What a wonderful day! 

Because of this, today the nutrition and exercise posts are combined into one.

To all of my American friends, "Happy Thanksgiving!"  Be honest.  How many of you did like I did this morning?  We exercised, in order to feel better about eating the feast later in the day.  Actually, I know lots of you really have been outside enjoying the beautiful weather, and working off that full feeling.  What a great way to make the most of this family time!

It's also a wonderful way to keep from falling asleep.  You know the feeling.  After the big family dinner, we all feel like taking a nap.  We always blame it on the turkey... poor bird.  We say it's the tryptophan.

Did you know, though, that research shows it's not the turkey's fault?!

If you think about it, the usual list of items on the Thanksgiving menu are primarily carbohydrates and high on the glycemic index.  What does this mean for our bodies?  It means we eventually experience a sugar crash.

So, let's not go pointing fingers and falsely accusing the holiday favorite.  Instead, go for a walk with the family.

...when deep sleep falls on people...

Job 33:15 (NIV)

~

Mick’s up with a Golf Ball and an Ice Pack

Do you know what I fear most?  I fear readers will view my blog as written by an arrogant person with a know-it-all attitude, avoid it, and thus hinder any possibility of total wellness for themselves and those around them.

Why would I want to take time away from family, work, and other life responsibilities to write about something unimportant or make believe?

Just like the header on this blog says, “... it's just THAT important to get this information out to YOU!”

Looking back on various phases in my life, I remember receiving health advice, which I shrugged off, just like a lot of people still do these days.  Don't let your loved ones make the same mistake!

Now, I’m paying for it, and THAT is why I am so adamant about getting the word out on wellness.  I want to save my readers from suffering similar or worse challenges my husband and I have dealt with.

For me, it's nothing compared to what so many people out there are going through, but it doesn't mean I don't want to save others from even my small ailments.  I’m now living with the consequences of not wearing the proper shoes for all my miles of walking and years of exercising, nor stretching consistently.  Dealing with a heal spur for more than 6 months and plantar fasciitis for much, much longer… and now seeing how bunions are going to torture me as they get ever-increasingly worse as time goes on… I am in constant pain and discomfort.  Even though I’m using all the remedies I know of, minus the medications and surgery, my symptoms have not subsided.

Not only that, but I can’t count how many times my parents warned me about incorrect and heavy lifting.  Even after years of chiropractic care, I still suffer terrible pain, because of over-usage of my back while still in the uncorrected stage.  If I had listened, and if I had had proper care of my spine early enough, I might not be experiencing this seemingly downward spiral of my wellness at this age.

Do you get it yet?!  Sure, there are people out there suffering a lot worse than I am, and I do count myself as very blessed to have the health I have… but do you see?  I’m trying to save you… or if you think it’s too late for you, then save your loved ones!  I don’t want anyone else feeling doomed to waking up every morning, wondering if they can get out of bed without having to catch their breath because of the pain, after an extremely uncomfortable night’s sleep.  I don’t want anyone else thinking they’re old before their time.

I want newly-weds to enjoy their first 15 years of marriage, instead of having the tension and worry of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.  I don’t want them wasting their money on medications, nor their date nights on doctors’ visits.  They should be putting their time, energy, and resources into maintaining their first house they are so proud of, not on maintaining their sanity and self-esteem.

How many people do you know make the comment that they don’t have enough energy to keep up with the kidderz, whether they mean their children or grandchildren?  That’s not the way it has to be, just because we’re used to hearing it.  If we take care of ourselves early on, we can live a full life, and run around with the children and grandchildren… and even great-grandchildren!  I already bragged on my grandmother, who still runs around with the great-grandchildren, even sledding down snowy hills in the dead of winter.  I wish I could be like her!

Don’t be like me.

Take the advice, when you receive it.

I’m not perfect.  I’ve made lots of mistakes and have seen the other mistakes made.  Read what I have to say about it.  Learn from our mistakes. Don’t make the same mistakes.  Allow the changes to be made in your life and your family members’ lives now, so you can enjoy the benefits before it’s too late.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
   love her, and she will watch over you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
   Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
   embrace her, and she will honor you.

Proverbs 4:6-8

~

Mick’s in Safety with Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy.  We don’t want to think of the bad things that can happen.  However, we do want to take precautions, so that we keep our families safe.

Some things to watch out for are for the safety of our pets and kids.

Christmas decorations are awesome, however, some plants are toxic. 

Take some excellent advice from a pediatrician.  Dr. Brian Gannon lists out several dangers, for parents to be aware during the holidays.

That’s not all.  It’s easy to find safety tips online.  Some examples of other links available for extra research are:  Tips for Parents: Christmas Safety and The Top Five Christmas Dangers For Children and Pets.

Don’t forget.  Toxins are not only physical and chemical.  They can also be emotional.  Beware of the “green-eyed monster!”

Let this be a time of celebration, but keep safe and focused on the true meaning of the holiday.

Merry Christmas!!

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:11 (NIV)

 

~

Mick's up Laughter

I pray you have an enjoyable Christmas, gathered with family.  If you do get to be with family, most likely you’ll be having lots of laughter.  Getting together can be a a lot of fun… and healthy.

In a study, it was found that people “burned 20 percent more calories when laughing, compared to not laughing.”  (Laughter Can Burn Calories)
 
These calories are burned by the use of approximately 53 muscles, including abdominal and facial muscles.  (Fun Trivia) 
 
Consider the facts:  “It takes 65 muscles to frown and 13 to smile.  Why work overtime.” (B. J. Palmer)
 

Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:2-3 (NIV)

~

Christmas Mick’s up with Chiropractic

Sales here…  sales there…  everywhere you turn, you find a sale!  ‘Tis the season.


We aren’t complaining!  We love a good deal, don’t we? 

One area you might not have been looking for a sale is in the area of health.  Look around, though, because you just might find a chiropractor near you, which is willing to give you a break on the cost of an initial exam.  Why would they want to do that?  Yes, sure, it’s good for business… but most importantly, the doctors want you to give yourself the gift of wellness. 

What better time to take care of yourself than now, when family is wanting to spend time with a healthy you?!  Your family and friends love you and want you to be around for many more years.  A good way to insure that is by taking a good, close look at your health.  The best way to do that is by seeing how well your Central Nervous System is responding.  After all, it is in charge of making everything in your body function, right?

As the Weekly Sticky reminds us this week, “You LIVE in your Nerve System.  EVERYTHING you experience in life is processed through it… what you see, what you hear, what you feel.   That's why Chiropractors care so much about keeping it healthy.  If your Nerve System is stressed, there goes your ability to interpret your world, and there goes your ability to successfully navigate life.”

Hey… Even Santa gets chiropractic care.  Isn’t that saying something?!

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Proverbs 31:16 (NIV)

~

Mick's up Buddies

Do you have an exercise buddy?  When I coached at our local Curves®, a lot of the members enjoyed working out with a buddy.  It really helped them to keep up their visits at the gym... so much so, that if their workout buddy didn't make it to the gym, neither did they.  Even worse, if one buddy quit, both quit.  So, except for these last statements... the ones about not working out and quitting..., having a workout buddy really is a great thing.

We covered the importance of accountability earlier this week, so why not relate it to exercise?

"The average female will shed more than 10 pounds when she has girlfriends who are willing to eat healthily and train with her.  But a fifth of those who choose to go it alone don't drop a single pound." (Daily Mail Reporter)

That's enough of a reason!  Isn't it?

I must admit.  I do exercise on my own, more than with a buddy.  However, when dealing with factors like injuries or yucky weather, it's easier to talk myself out of my workout than if I have someone relying on me to back them up.

It's been a fun year, watching my family blossom into mini-athletes.  It really helps that my husband has more energy from our lifestyle change, and now initiates outside play with the kidderz, as well as MaxT3 workouts with me.  What a surprise to have a new workout buddy in my own house!

Even though it is more fun with a buddy, I did witness, as a coach, more talking than exertion at the gym.  (That doesn't happen at our house.  I don't allow any slacking.  Just ask my hubby.)  So, beware.  Make sure you are truly keeping each other accountable, if you're serious about making it worth your while and reaching your weight loss and fitness goals.

Do you need that extra boost from a buddy?  There are tips on seeking out the right person.

I don't know about you, but I certainly get more competitive when I'm working out with someone else.  That makes me work harder, which of course makes it a much better workout.

So, get a great workout, bring someone along, and have fun!

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV)

~

Mick’s up with Accountability

As we look at our stress levels and attitude toward each day’s events, let’s also look at who we hang around.

Dave Ramsey says in his lessons in Financial Peace University:  If you want to be rich, talk to rich people, and do what rich people do.

Why don’t we look at that for our health and wellness, too.  Doesn’t it make sense to seek out people you want to be like?  I’m not saying you should be judgmental and snobbish.  We certainly are placed in people’s lives to make a difference, for the glory of God.  However, you can’t constantly give without refueling… and how you refuel is important.  We can view this in a spiritual sense as well as in a health sense.

Think about it.  If weight loss is your goal, but you are regularly joining in get-togethers with friends who eat out constantly… and not healthily… then isn’t that going to have a negative impact on your health?

That’s why it’s always helpful to have an accountability partner… again, spiritual and wellness.  You know how difficult it is to “diet” and cook healthy meals at home, when the rest of the family is still eating the same stuff you are all familiar with… the stuff that you now realize is keeping you from being fit.  It’s not easy stepping out of that comfort zone with your family… so you can imagine it seems almost impossible to make the necessary changes without the support of your family.

Bring somebody along on the journey with you.

I explained this concept to my 8-year-old daughter last month.  After spending time with friends, I asked her if she noticed how addicting the munchies seemed to be to those we were with.  She did.  I then pointed out what ingredients made up the munchies, and I asked her if she thought those were what we like to include in our foods.  She knows they are not.  I asked her if she thought the friends seem to be a healthy bunch.  She understood that they are not.  I then explained that, just because the munchies had the word “veggie” in the name, the friends thought they were healthy.  To them, healthy and tasty meant they should eat more!  By not paying attention to the ingredients, the friends got pulled into thinking they were eating something good for them, and they allowed themselves to get hooked on the taste.

The moral of the story is:  Just because the name sounds healthy, and just because your friends are eating it, does not mean the food is guaranteed to be a healthy choice.  As I’ve said before, look at the ingredients, and know what you’re looking out for!  If you’re hanging around people with similar health goals, you can help each other out, and you won’t get drawn to bad eating habits… at least not without facing your accountability partner.

Seek out an accountability partner today!

…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)

~

Do You Have a Mick’s up with Sugar Addiction

When our family began living our new lifestyle of health and wellness one year ago, I knew I’d be the one with the most difficulty.  That surprised my husband, who we always teased as being the big sugar fiend.  However, I knew cutting out sugar all together would not be easy for me.

Why did I think it would be so difficult for me?  Being the person in charge of grocery shopping and kitchen organization, I can easily hide things from the rest of the family.  They don’t have to know when I’m eating something sugary.  I know what’s best, and I love them and want the best for them, so I guide them in doing the right thing… but if my craving gets too bad, I can sneak a treat.

The crazy thing is: it’s not such a treat. 

Have you ever noticed that?  You really, really want that sugar, and so you convince yourself you can have it and it’ll be awesome… but after the fact, you wish you hadn’t done it, and you wonder why you thought you couldn’t live without it.

Through posts from glutenologist Dr. Osborne, I ran across some links today that I hope will be very helpful to those of you who struggle with sugar addiction.  You aren’t sure?  Take a test for Self Diagnosis Quiz - Sugar Addiction?!!

If you have decided it’s time to do something about it, CONGRATULATIONS!  Actually taking a step toward breaking that addiction puts you in a rare category.

“One of the most important things about breaking a sugar addiction is learning how to think differently about sugar and how you resist temptation in your life.  Because if you get off sugar but don’t know how to stay off it, that is something that can be very frustrating.” (Samantha Taylor - Sugar Addiction Specialist)

So, how did we do it?  How did we cut our sugar addictions?  We had to be extreme.

All sugar and grains were eliminated from the house… and no longer purchased.  We no longer consumed sugar of any kind.  I was very strict about this for the first 30 days, because we wanted to set a solid foundation for our new lifestyle.  I personally felt it would be foolish for us to ease into it, because we would be wasting money on some things that go totally against our goal, while we also spent lots of money on other things that took us in the direction of our goal.  I would not allow that contradiction in the house… nor in the budget.  (If you follow Dave Ramsey’s advice to pay for groceries with cash and the guidelines of a budget, you find yourself less likely to spend it on indulgences, thus helping in dropping that sugar habit.)  Another reason I had us go “whole hog” into the new lifestyle of no sugar is that I know if I don’t make myself do it like that, I’ll never do it.  If the temptation is nearby, I don’t have the willpower to say, “No!”

After a while, of course, the family started wondering if they’d ever taste anything sweet again.  That’s when I started getting wise to the healthier sweeteners and what recipes are out there to assist in healthy eating.  Plus, we have learned to plan ahead, so we can splurge on sugar once in a while.  We have to remember to use some constraints, or else we’re tempted to go overboard.

It is a matter of the mind.  Do what it takes to make yourself stop eating sugar, even if it’s checking into Sugar Addiction Solution.  Getting off sugar is worth it in the long run.  I can’t even express to you how much it is worth it!

Don’t let yourself believe you’re too weak to succeed.  You can do it!

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

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Mick's up Turkey and Exercise

I've been enjoying talking with family and eating lots of food I did not have to prepare.  What a wonderful day! 

Because of this, today the nutrition and exercise posts are combined into one.

To all of my American friends, "Happy Thanksgiving!"  Be honest.  How many of you did like I did this morning?  We exercised, in order to feel better about eating the feast later in the day.  Actually, I know lots of you really have been outside enjoying the beautiful weather, and working off that full feeling.  What a great way to make the most of this family time!

It's also a wonderful way to keep from falling asleep.  You know the feeling.  After the big family dinner, we all feel like taking a nap.  We always blame it on the turkey... poor bird.  We say it's the tryptophan.

Did you know, though, that research shows it's not the turkey's fault?!

If you think about it, the usual list of items on the Thanksgiving menu are primarily carbohydrates and high on the glycemic index.  What does this mean for our bodies?  It means we eventually experience a sugar crash.

So, let's not go pointing fingers and falsely accusing the holiday favorite.  Instead, go for a walk with the family.

...when deep sleep falls on people...

Job 33:15 (NIV)

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Mick’s up for the Weekend

Weekends are a great time to combine family time with exercise.

A walk in the park or a bike ride -- how can you combine family time with exercise this weekend? – Curves

With the holidays coming up, you might be blessed with some extra free time.  If so, why not get a boost of endorphins to improve your mood during your time off?  If your family has some time to spend with you, then why not take the advice above and combine family time with exercise.


Just like the below video advertisement says, “Maybe strong is just what you have left, when you've used up all your weak.” (saucony)  I like to think of it another way, too:  Maybe your strong (motivation to exercise) is just what you have left when you've used up all your week (and it’s the weekend… or vacation!).

I have a challenge for you.  Instead of looking at vacation as a time to crash and be lazy and do nothing, or just stay inside and catch up on things you don’t have time to do during regular work weeks, how about you plan a few minutes each day, whether it’s morning, mid-day, or evening, and move a little more and a little differently than usual.  Get some exercise.  You'll find yourself laughing with your kidderz and hubby/wife, while you're being silly with your exercises or hiking or biking o whatever activity you choose.  Remember, it only takes a few minutes!

Have a great strong… oh…. ummmm… I mean weekend!

For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Exodus 20:11 (NIV)

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Mick’s up on Personalities

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation,

because your character is what you really are,

while your reputation is merely what others think you are. - Penelope's Pen

You’ve probably heard of, and maybe even have taken, some different types of personality tests.  Isn’t it fun?  We had fun discovering each other’s personality strengths at work today, and like our boss says, it’s great to learn other people’s personality traits, in order to better understand and relate… and in business, it creates better customer service.

We touched on Peter Urs Bender's Guide to Strengths and Weaknesses of Personality Types.  Here, you can decide if you’re a Driver, Expressor, Analytical, Amiable, or a combination… and if you are Visual, Auditory, or Kinesthetic.

Check out Dave Ramsey’s spotlight of the DISC Profile for understanding your team at work or at home.  Are you Dominant, Influencing, Stable, Compliant, or a little of a couple of them?

Great for businesses to find the strengths of their teams is a consultation by Al Gonzalez of Give Leadership.  You either strengthen your team as a Warrior, Visionary, Critical Thinker, Nurturer, or a bit of one and more of another.

If you’re looking for a new job, a Career Assessment Test might be helpful in understanding what you are indeed looking for as a good fit.  You could be Investigative/Thinker, Conventional/Organizer, Enterprising/Persuader, Realistic/Doer, Attentive/Server, Artistic/Creator, Social/Helper, and the list goes on.  Is your work style Assertive, Persuasive, or Systematic?  Would you do your best work in Administration, Art, Clerical, Food Service, Health Service, Industrial Art, Outdoors, Personal Service, Sales, Science, Teaching and Social Service, or Writing?


My favorite, though, is StrengthsFinder, where you can determine if your strengths lie in areas such as Consistency, Responsibility, Belief, Deliverative, Relator, among many others… and then what to do with those strengths.  There is also a version for kids. 

If you are looking to develop leaders from the kids of today, look into KidLead, either for your children or to volunteer, or maybe both.

Understanding your kids, your spouse, and your coworkers can help you excel in life… not to mention everyone around you will be feeling loved and special, because you are treating them like the precious and unique individuals God created them to be.  In return, they will be loving and appreciating you for who you are.

Study up… and go get ‘em!  Happy Exploring!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

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