Wait! What? Mick's up with a Fad?

Those who know me know that I do not like to go with the norm... not punk style... just unique.  If something is a fad, I stay far, far away.  

Recently, I was chuckling at my kidderz and their uniquenesses.  They don't purposely do things to rebel against society, or at least I don't think they do.  It's just part of them.  

What do you think of as a pasttime for a nice winter day?

For example, one unseasonably warm and gorgeous day this winter, my son said, "I'm going to go string up my hamock."  He was curious at my amusement.  What struck me so funny is that I don't know anyone else who would think, "go string up my hamock," when saying, "what a beautiful day it is."  Some may want to go lay in their hamock, but to him, the "hike" accompanied by the process of stringing up a hamock is the attraction.  

Similarly, I like the adventure of being my own person.  Tell me I'm following some trend, and I actually take it as an insult.  

That's why my heart was saddened when it finally hit me that I'm doing a typical thing for people my age... the over-forty crowd.  We've lived (and eaten) the way we want to for quite a few years (most-likely because we've gotten married and comfortable), and now we woke up to the fact that we won't live forever.

It becomes a time of looking seriously at taking care of ourselves, to improve our quality of life, to "be there" for our kidderz and grandkidderz, to ward off chronic disease and the "c" word, and to look better and feel better about ourselves.  

                      Those of you who have started this change early in life... 

                   Good on ya!  

                      It's best to start early and kick all the bad habits 

                    before they become so ingrained that you feel like 

                    you've punished yourself for the life you lived.  

                      For those of you who are closer to my age
                     (and maybe even in an older generation)... 

                  Don't think it's too late!  

                     The way we've lived in the past does not have to be who we are.  

                     (That goes for spiritual lives, as well as the physical and mental.)  

                     It doesn't have to define us.  

Oops.  A pep talk popped in.  

Now, back to the fad idea.

As you can tell from the above statement, "it finally hit me," I was not in this health kick for the trendiness.  It was to be a lifestyle change to improve my hubby's quality of life (and as a bonus, my own) and teach my kidderz the better way to live and the right choices to make.  However, the fact that some people look at it as a fad has discouraged us as a family.  We are now working our way back to what we know to be truth and health.  

Please don't let this be a passing fad for you.  Please don't just be "in a phase" at this particular point in life.  

Realize how important it really is, if you want to be the best you can be for your family, for God, for your friends, for your employer, for keeping your job, and for yourself.  

Don't worry.  We won't be part of a fad for long.  It'll blow away eventually, but we know what really works, and we'll be all the healthier and stronger for it.  We might not be "in style" any more, but we'll be wiser.  

In the words of Dave Ramsey:  

"Live like no one else,

so that later you can live like no one else!"

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“Enter through the narrow gate. 

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, 

and many enter through it. 

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, 

and only a few find it."

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

What's the Mick's up?

After having written 100 posts, it seems time to revisit the mission of this Mick's up Life, lest we lose focus. (It's also a great opportunity to introduce new readers to the info that can be found in a Mick's up Life.)

So, I welcome you to join us on the path to a Mick's up Life! (Click on the links throughout, for fun adventures into the variety of Mick's up topics.)

Why did I bring my family on this ride?

Because the results of our new lifestyle got my hubby pain-free and all of us medicine-free, we feel we have to share what knowledge we have on the subject. Too many people suffer!  Since Jay-hubby has first-hand experience with FMS, we both know it is a disease people are in desperate need of getting out from under.  We see Fibromyalgia so commonly diagnosed these days, but that doesn't mean doctors know what to do about it. There really are no answers for it, and those victims in the midst of it are at the end of their rope, feeling like nobody understands, nobody cares, and like there's no end.  We want them to know that's not the way it has to be!

Just saying you need to eat healthy and exercise isn't getting us anywhere.  There are many versions of healthy living, but from what I have seen, they all fall short... except one... the one we were blessed to find 2+ years ago... the lifestyle we chose.  The one that saved us is the one which follows what are called the 5 Essentials of Maximized Living.  The info I gleaned while working in a Max Liv office covers all the bases, and bringing that information into every day life for readers is my mission, in order to encourage individuals and families to make healthy decisions for the long term.

So many people have said to us, in their own way, "Yes, we're so happy it helped you... but that's you... and I'm me.  I don't have the same reasons you do for changing the way I live, so I'll just keep doing what I've been doing, since I'm healthy enough, and I'll stay in my little comfort zone."

I'm sorry to hear that.  I really am!  Do I spread this information for my own benefit?  No! Why would I?  Why would I do this, other than to open people's eyes to improve their own lives?  Every person is precious, created by the One True God, and deserves to live life to the fullest.  Isn't that reason enough?

OK.  Fine.  For those of you who think I must have some selfish reason for writing, I'll go ahead and admit it.  I want everyone around me to be healthy... so they can be productive... and happy.  It will make my world... and the future world of my kidderz... much nicer and safer.  There.  I said it.  Selfish of me, isn't it?

Well, I'm not sorry... and sharing this Mick's up Life of ours is one way for us to get the word out and try to get the world a little bit healthier.

Where do we start? Inflammation and toxicity are two of the biggest enemies we all have, causing sicknesses (even minor ones), pain, and chronic disease.  Just a few simple tweeks in our daily living, and we can keep them at bay.  With this guide to a Mick's up Life, find some of the "whys" for handling stress, improving the nervous system, saying "yes" to some surprising foods and "no" to others, increasing exercise, and decreasing toxins.

I'm no expert.  I'm simply a mom, who found what works and what doesn't... and instead of making you do the research and trial-and-error, I want to give you a head start.  As they say, "Why reinvent the wheel?"

This is good for me and my family, too!  We constantly need it in front of us, so we don't forget why we do what we do.  Of course, the painful joints, stuffy sinuses, and grumpy attitudes we encounter in the days following a splurge with sugar and/or wheat are cruel reminders... but it would be nice to save ourselves the suffering.  So, we are reading right along with you, in order to keep us on the right path. 

Thanks for taking this journey with us!  I hope you find it's well worth the trip.

"I instruct you in the way of wisdom

    and lead you along straight paths."

Proverbs 4:11 (NIV)

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Mick's up with Horses

You can lead a horse to water...

I am enjoying time with my parents, away from the every-day chores and monotony.

The expectations I had of these couple of weeks included journaling, catching up on reading, relaxing, exercising, and starting back up on blogging.

Well, what I did not expect was to have so many horses around to love.

My parents are boarding horses for the summer, in order to have animals around for the grandchildren during their visit.  Along with these horses came a pony and her 3-month-old baby.  Who can ignore a baby?!  We have been working at teaching this baby to enjoy being around humans and to trust them to handle her.  We've made progress!  I'm going to hate to leave her.

During this wonderful time in horse heaven, I was reminded of a popular cliche.  Because of the hot temperatures we've experienced, several times I witnessed someone leading a horse to water, thinking they're being helpful.  You know the rest, "but you can't make it drink."  It's true!  Those horses won't drink just because you take them to water!

It's the same with health and lifestyle information.

I can take people to the information, but I can't make them live it.

It's that way for all of us.  We have a wealth of information we want to share with others, but it's up to others to do something with it.

Those of you who have information to share, hang in there!  Be faithful.  Keep up the good work.  I know you're out there!  I've had several heartfelt conversations this summer with people wanting this healthy lifestyle stuff to "click" for their loved ones.  I also know of hearts heavy with the burden of bringing friends and loved ones into the Kingdom of God.  It hurts to know they don't want to be saved from an eternity of torture.  It would be so easy for them to escape that.  We can't make them accept that gift that is at their fingertips.  It has to be their choice.

To those of you at the other end of the information (the lead rope, so to speak), nobody can make you (drink) understand or want to do something with that "water."  Please know it's all in love.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 

  that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but to save the world through him.  

Whoever believes in him is not condemned,  

but whoever does not believe stands condemned already

because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."

John 3:16-18 (NIV)

~

Mick’s up in a Mutiny

Mick’s up Life’s twitter profile states, “Living life as a healthy family can sometimes seem mixed up.”  I say that out of experience.  For example, this week seems a little mixed up.  I think the kidderz are on the verge of declaring mutiny.  It’s a conspiracy!  Help!!!

Arrrgh, Matey!
We've had all we can take of them there vittles!

OK.  OK.  It’s not that bad.  It’s just that I am a person who likes routine and patterns.  (A college roommate even told me I’m predictable.  At the time, I found it offensive.  Now, I just accept it, even if it is a quirk.)

My advice, when changing to a healthier lifestyle, is to keep it simple.  That was some of the best advice I received at the beginning.  The problem with it is that the source of the advice doesn’t have children, and is comfortable with monotony, like me.

The kidderz are showing me the need for more than routine.

Simple is good, but remember to mix it up!

I’m telling myself this, too.  My kidderz are at the point where they need a little more variety.  So, this week I’ve had fun revisiting some yummy recipes I almost forgot about.

What are those yummy recipes?

Well, so far this week, we had Gluten-free Fluffy pancakes and Apple-Berry Crisp with Cinnamon-Raisin Ezekiel Toast & Cream Cheese & Cinnamon for breakfast two different days, Gooey Brownies for snack in the afternoon, and our own Banana Cream Pie recipe for an after-church dessert tonight.  (See below for the recipe, which still needs improvement.  Feel free to mix it up however you like.)

I love using amazing resources, like Healing Cuisine by Elise and GOOD FOOD.  I know there are others out there, so please feel free to share them with me!  If you’re looking to reward your new lifestyle with a new cookbook, check out Elise’s Season's Eatings, Lin’s GOOD FOOD cookbook, or a new one I just learned about:  Dr. Axe’s The Real Food Diet Cookbook.

Happy hunting!

Now, for me, it’s time to be off to wash all those dishes I’ve been dirtying!!

Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

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Banana Cream Pie Filling

3 bananas

Stevia to taste

1 tsp vanilla (no sugar, no alcohol)

1/2 can coconut milk

Mash bananas by hand, or blend in a food processor or blender.  Mix in remaining ingredients.

(We're considering adding something to slow the browning of the bananas, as well as vanilla protein powder for more flavoring and thickening.  We still have plenty more playing to do with this recipe to spice it up!)

We use the Maximized Living Almond Pie Crust recipe for a shell to place the pie filling in.  Then we top it all off with our homemade whipped topping, made in a cream whipper (iSi Gourmet Whip) with the ingredients: organic heavy whipping cream, xylitol, and vanilla.

~

Mick’s up in Your Rut

Great job with getting started on exercising!  Remember, if it’s done effectively, it doesn’t have to take up a big chunk of your day. 

The New Year is a great time to strengthen that habit of daily exercise… but don’t wait for the new year to begin.  You’ve already gotten started, so now just make it a regular thing, a lifestyle.

A very truthful video a friend shared tells it like it is.  Out of the 24 hours we’re given each day, one half of an hour is not going to cause that much of a disturbance.  Can’t we fit everything we need to do into 23 1/2 hours of our day?  Can’t we take just half an hour (or less) to get up and move around with some kind of exercise?

To quote a doctor I know, “Procrastination is the act of not doing what you know you should do and convincing yourself to feel good about it.”  We all know we need exercise.  The trouble isn’t getting the knowledge.  It’s the follow-through.

I have not read the book yet, but I hear "Busting Your Rut" is a great book to help you get out of your comfort zone.  Isn’t it that simple?  We need to get out of our rut.

Just think:  You can do whatever you want for exercise.  It doesn’t have to be like Peter Osborne’s workout for tomorrow, Beast from the East: ”Break it up any way you want.  In any order.  Just get it all done ASAP.”
100 Push-ups
100 Deadlifts (135 pounds)
100 Squats
3 Mile Run

Hmmm… then again, even though I don’t have to, I just might want to try that workout tomorrow.  Sure.  Why not?!

Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 6:6-11 (NIV)

~

Mick’s up Merry

Get the most out of your holiday.  Have fun, but also take care of yourself.  That way, you don’t have to take a vacation to recover from your vacation!

 
I read some great advice in an article, “The Holidays: The Most Important Time to Keep Yourself Well.”  Even though I’m all about avoiding sugar and other inflammatories as much as possible, I also say we need to plan for splurges.  The article puts it well:  “Have a blast and eat like it's your last meal for 3-4 meals (not days) over the Holidays (starting with the Christmas parties, right up until New Years).  Yet, remember it’s about God and others – both of whom want you to live a long and joyous life.  Continue to exercise, manage your peace, and make the other meals nutritious.”
 
So, with that said, let’s move on to the Central Nervous System and how you will take care of that during the holidays.  The Central Nervous System controls all function and healing in the body, which includes the immune system.  One great way to keep healthy this holiday season is by boosting your immune system.  If you have not been seeing a chiropractor, now would be a great time to start.  This one change in your lifestyle will be a wonderful boost to your immune system.

Here’s a great to-do list from the above-mentioned Holiday article:
- If you typically exercise four days per week, exercise five days per week! 
- If you get adjusted twice per month, visit your chiropractor three or four times during the month of December!
- If you typically “pig out” once a week, hold off and do it every two! -If you usually function on 6-8 hours of nightly sleep, give yourself 8-10 hours instead.

 

 

“ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:14 (NKJV)

 

 

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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)

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