thorninmyside

Join us for more Wordful Wednesday at 7 Clown Circus.

When I look at pictures of myself (and resisting the urge to compare the image to Cindy Crawford or Heidi Klum), it is more recent pictures where I feel I look healthy.  Take picture 1 for instance:

I was eighteen and was enjoying my first Mother’s day.  Yes, I started a little young.  The problem is that I was thinner than I am now and was five months pregnant with my second son.  I had an issue with food (not eating it) that was not healthy.

Picture 2- I look better physically than I do now but I was working 50+ hours a week, skipping meals, not dealing with emotional issues and I believe it was this lifestyle and way of coping that has brought me to the health situation I am in now.

Now, picture three.  I wish my face was not as round and I weighed 15-20 lbs. less.  But, emotionally and physically speaking I am doing better now than ever.  So, to me this is what the healthy Melissa looks like.  And, by goodness, with the focus I am putting on taking care of my mind, body and soul in the upcoming year- the Cindy’s and Heidi’s of this world better look out

Today’s theme for Thankful Thursday is the precious words found in the Bible. Join us at Grace Alone for more TT posts.

One of the things I value the most is peace.  Peace in our hearts, particularly during difficult circumstances, only comes from a relationship with Christ.  Here is one of my favorite verses about peace:  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.  I do not give peace to you as the world gives.  Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27 NIV

And here is another of my favorites- short, sweet and what a promise!  Thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  I Corinthians 15: 57 NIV

I don’t know about you but I am so thankful for victory!  The victory that comes through a relationship with Jesus.  The victory over depression, chronic pain, fear, pity parties- all of that is avalable to us through Christ and for that I am soooo thankful!

Be Blessed, my friends!

We have all heard that it is important to eat breakfast- particularly if you take medications in the morning that you are supposed to take with food.  I am not much of a breakfast eater.  I like my coffee but have to be really interested to eat anything.  However, in keeping with my health resolutions/goals for the year I am trying to eat something every morning.

Here are some of the quick and easy ideas that have been working for me:

• Mixing non fat yogurt with frozen blueberries (great antioxidant food) and granola.
• Whole grain waffle with almond butter and all fruit spread
• Smoothie- frozen mangos, peaches, ice cubes and orange juice
• Whole wheat english muffin with scrambled egg beaters and peppe jack rice cheese
• Egg beater omelet with salsa
• Oatmeal with almond milk and cinnamon     (oatmeal is good for lowering cholesterol)                                                                                                                         
•  Do you have any healthy breakfast ideas?  Quick and easy as well as tasty is the key to getting me to eat in the morning!  Please share!

My naturopath, who is also an M.D, recommended several dietary changes for me recently based on my CRP (blood marker of inflammation in the body) and my whacky HDL and LDL levels.  In a nutshell, I am eliminating red meat, peanuts and dairy (except for yogurt) from my diet.  In addition, I am avoiding trans fats, reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates (meaning carbs not from whole grains and that have had all the good stuff processed out of them).  Oh, and just so you know, I avoid green leafy vegetables- not because I don’t like them (I doooo!)- but because they affect Coumadin levels.  I lead a complicated life

I have been in search of recipes that taste good and meet my requirements.  Here are two that I found and liked (the other list is longer LOL) and I hope to share more in the future.

Quinoa/Veggie Pilaf   (this recipe was found in Woman’s Day 2/1/09 issue)

2 cups water

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup quinoa (I found this at my local grocery store)

1 TB. olive oil

1/2 cup each, chopped onion, diced red pepper, shredded carrot

2 tsp. grated ginger

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

1. Bring water and 1/4 tsp. of salt to a boil.  Add quinoa, reduce heat; cover and simmer 10-15 minutes or until tender, drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add onion, pepper and carrot with ginger and remaining salt.  Cook, stirring often for five minutes or until onion is tender.
3. Stir cooked quinoa, orange juice and cilantro into veggie mixture and mix until well combined.

I did like the taste of this recipe.  I am weird about consistency so that consistency of quinoa will take some getting used to (it is chewier than rice, that is if I cooked it correctly).  All in all, a tasty side dish.

Okay, onto the next recipe:

Lima Bean Mash (this recipe was found in Southern Living Magazine, January 2009 issue)

This recipe was intended for use in a layered lima bean dip, but I made just the mash and ate it on triscuit crackers- delish!

2 cups frozen lima beans

2 garlic cloves, chopped (I used a food processor)

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1 TB. olive oil

1/2 tsp. lemon zest (I omitted this so I don’t think it is that important)

2 tsp. lemon juice.

1. Combine beans, garlic, salt, and one cup of water in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  Cover and reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.  Drain, reserving 1/4 cup liquid.
2. Process lima bean mixture, olive oil, reserved liquid and remaining ingredients until smooth.  Cover and chill for 30 minutes to an hour.

Yum, yum is all I have to say!

Sorry for my absence the last few weeks.  With the craziness of the holidays something had to give and blogging it was.  But, I am back and excited to share my healthy resolutions for 2009.  You can view my recommendations for setting realistic goals/resolutions at my business site, Organized Life by Design. 

In I Corinthians 6:19,20 we are reminded that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that one of our purposes in this life is to honor God with our bodies.  I have to admit that I thought much less about that pre-diagnosis than I do now.  Cause and effect has played a large role in that.  Researching the links between foods that can actually cause inflammation in your body has helped me avoid such foods.  My CRP (c-reactive protein) levels have responded.  Eliminating foods that contribute to high cholesterol has kept me off of cholesterol reducing meds (so far).  Participating in the Feldenkrais method of physical therapy has reduced my pain and improved my balance tremendously.

When you see visible improvements you’d have to be pretty dense not to want to continue the things that are causing said improvements.  And I pride myself on my lack of density LOL.  So, I thought a lot about my health goals.  Next Thursday (which is also my 30th birthday, BTW) is the one year anniversary of my diagnosis.  It took my awhile to rid myself of the denial and then a little longer to consent to treatment and then even a little longer to take my health seriously.  And, I am feeling better.  So, my goals reflect the desire to continue on this path of wellness- mind, spirit and body. 

***Drum roll, please!

1. Take a daily nap.
2. Increase physical activity (mall walking, exercise bike, continue PT)
3. Maintain a healthy diet and eat three meals a day (no skipping)
4. Reduce amount of meds that I am on
5. Be grateful for the health that I do have and take any setbacks that may come in stride=
6. Keep a positive outlook and attitude!

So, what are your health goals this year?  Do you think I left any out?   Feel free to share!