Commitments and Goals

It's been a while since my last post. Time flies these days.

I am constantly learning and evolving into the strongest version of myself. I am reading articles, testing my diet, and figuring out what my body needs for optimum health. I am working out and trying to follow a plan to keep active and to workout 4 to 5 times a week. My muscles are definitely growing along with my strength. I am moving to the next size down in jeans. And even though my weight is shifting back and forth between having lost some and haven't lost any...I am feeling better than ever, most days.

There are those days, or those weekends, where I am just in a funk. This last weekend I sat around and watched television all day long; something I haven't done in a very long time. I didn't feel mentally well. I felt depressed. It didn't help that there for a few days, we ate out for convenience. Then, this morning I happened upon a post in a Facebook group I belong to. It's a pretty great group of ladies supporting one another through their healthier life goals. You get the occasional person just whining for attention, but overall it's a great group and they often present new ideas that you may not have thought of.

So far on this journey, since going Paleo in March, I have discovered that I am so sensitive to many things. I have become allergic to gluten. I have the same food allergy reaction that I've always had to paprika, have had with crab, and sometimes with ham (I figure it's something in the glaze.). I do not tolerate dairy very well, but I've been able to slowly add in unsalted, grass fed butter into my diet and it doesn't bother me that bad. Which, I'm thankful for. My Julia Child turkey will need butter come Thanksgiving. I am beyond sensitive to sugar. I already knew this from being hypoglycemic, but now I can't stand anything with processed sugar in it. I have used coconut sugar in a few recipes and it seems to do much better. I am quite possibly allergic or sensitive to coffee. I originally thought it was the caffeine, but I even tried decaf and still had the same reaction. I was more tired than ever and started to get headaches and sore throats from it.

I set a goal a while back and I am unsure if I am able to make it because of this last hiccup. However, my goal is to get down into the 260s by the end of November when my husband has his LEO Awards ceremony. So I have a goal. Goals work well for me. I have a set time frame and a to-do list really. With Sodas, it has been rather easy. Until January 7th of next year, I will in no way have soda of any kind, for any reason. Trust me, if I can deal with a tornado destroying my house, homelessness with two of my children, adoption of my middle son, starting a house and maintaining my sanity and keeping away from soda...Anyone can! Although I suspect, if I were to have a soda after that, I would only want a Barq's Rootbeer if I ever splurged and ate a pizza. But, not until my committed goal of a year without soda is complete.

I have done with having this goal. So, I want to commit to another goal. I want to commit to five weeks until the awards to be completely paleo. Most people are fine (as am I) with the 80/20 rule. We probably only eat out 2 to 4 times a month and I try my best to minimize gluten, dairy, sugar, and I just plain refrain from coffee. I want to commit to 100% paleo, 100% of the time.

In order to do this, I will have to prepare for those days I dread cooking. I am going to have to find a way to get my husband to jump in on cooking those days. I have to include snacks in our days so that I'm less likely to be so hungry that by the time Nick gets home, and I don't feel like cooking, we're all starving, and I feel like poo, so Nick runs to get whatever.

I have to be able to tell Nick no. Which is hard. I love my dear husband so much and he is not on the paleo band wagon. It doesn't bother him at all to eat whatever. When he comes home from work, doing the line of work he does, I simply want him to be happy. So if he has a bad day and wants to pick up some take-out, I usually let him. I need to return to not giving in myself.

It's a big puzzle piece but I think if I have this goal in mind. If I prepare ahead with meals during my planning I can be more successful, and more easily get passed "those days." 37 days of 100% paleo. I encourage you that if you're feeling a little stuck like I have, feel free to comment what you're goal is below! Start one! Stick to it! Make a decision and cut off all other possibility. You will be successful.

I wish you all good luck with whatever your goals may be.

And in case you've missed it on www.facebook.com/journeyonthefinalcountdown ....

This is Day 1 pictures. I was 280 lbs. Boy....I regret wearing all pink. LOL

30 days later. I hadn't lost a pound, but I had lost about 3 inches off my waist.

This was just a few days ago. Showing off my tight workout shirt. I've lost just a few pounds so far but it's amazing the difference when you consider that I've lost inches and gained muscle.

So that's it my friends! I hope you are all doing well out there. Feel free to check me out on Facebook where I update more often and talk more about the working out and eating part. I have a new blog and Facebook for all of my recipes! I actually write for the local paper! ^__^ For volunteer, but hey! I'm a published writer now! <3 www.facebook.com/commonsensecook

Sending y'all lots of peace and love.

Those Days...

Some days you wonder why you made the decision to do paleo. Something as simple as going out to eat with your family for a nice lunch is made difficult. Planning birthdays becomes a headache because you want your kids to get a chance to indulge but you don't want them to get sick because of it. Those days are tough.

     But where have we come from in only the month or so that we've been home and been able to fully commit to paleo? I've lost 12 pounds so far. My scale is stuck at the moment, but I started working out and am noticeably gaining muscle. My children are sleeping better. This includes my son Rylan who moved in with us and had before never slept through an entire night in his four years of life! All of my children are blossoming into healthy eaters and are getting a better understanding as we go, why Mommy and Daddy made the choice not to eat certain foods. My kids are generally happier and I've even noticed an improvement in Madison's ability to concentrate. I am generally less depressed, more motivated, and when I keep my diet balanced am usually a more balanced person.

     I warn you though, not every day is easy. I have those days I wish I could go back. I wish I could eat whatever I wanted. I wish I could unflip that unflippable switch. And then I think about what I'd be going back to... It's not just food choices you go back to. I'd go back to my hypoglycemia acting up, sore and achey joints, passing out asleep mid day for no reason and unable to wake up for up to 3 hours. I go back to an even deeper battle with depression, paranoia, and anxiety.

     My journey has probably been harder than most. It's probably been harder than what most people should go through. But in the end, I tell myself, "You must keep going forward!" There's nothing left behind me. I want to live a full and happy life. I want to grow old with my husband and see our kids grow up and have kiddos of their own. I don't want to settle. That storm took away plenty of opportunities but it gave one of the best gifts...an opportunity to concentrate on myself. I have time to spend with my kids. I can get them ready for school, I can get my body and mind in order...then it'll be my time to go out into the world and work and see what good I can do. Who knows where this journey will lead me.

     I'm definitely not the perfect role model. I have slip ups, I fall, I have moments where I shout in my head, JUST SKIP THIS WORKOUT! THIS POSE! JUST EAT A CHEESEBURGER! Once won't kill you... But I'm starting to think... That phrase has become the ultimate excuse. What's killing us is the excuse that just one won't kill us! Moderation! This is not a diet about moderation. This journey and I am not about moderation. This diet is about seeking out the strongest version of yourself. It is molding and shaping the rest of your life. It takes hard work and determination to grow yourself into a new person! Just think how much work it takes to grow a baby!

     I may not be the strongest version of myself yet, but I'm stronger than I was in April. I'm stronger than I was yesterday. I have peace in my heart, and strength in my body. I will succeed. If I fall, I'll jump back up. If I slip up, I won't feel guilty, I'll just do better next time and learn. I won't make excuses and I'll spread this around! Why!? Because I care that everyone around me feels as awesome as I do. Everyone deserves to feel the strongest version of themselves. The awe that I stand before myself now in my mind. I stand before the strongest version of myself as I am. I can hug myself and appreciate the journey and love myself now, and love my future self.

     A friend told me the other day that I was inspiring! Me! Little ole me! I inspired someone! And whether she's the first and the last I am so thankful. My job isn't done, but I have a check mark. Why be ordinary...when you can be extraordinary?

Lots of love and peace to you and your journey,

Ami M. Lee
Journey on the Final Countdown

Listen to your Body!

There are very interesting things you can find out when you listen to your body. I know for me that having such a tough situation and not being able to be strictly paleo has shed some light on listening to my body. Some expected...some very unexpected.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, Paleo is a great diet for those of us who are gluten intolerant. (It has benefits for many more people and you should check out places like PaleoMom.com to see if you could benefit.) Please remember, there are a lot of great people out there that are much further along on their journey than I am.

I was reading an article earlier today about the "gray areas" in paleo. Some things can be considered somewhat paleo... Some people can disagree... Some people may have an ancestral heritage that favors being able to tolerate these gray area foods. The best tool of diagnosis though, is your own body.

Once you remove all of the processed goods it is much easier to identify issues you may have. Now...Being in our situation (still in a hotel) we are not able to just go out to the grocery store and buy regular meat and veggies. We're relying heavily on expensive gluten free frozen and microwaveable products. Let me tell you, over processed crap tastes bad whether it's "healthier" for you or not. It's basically what I like to call "The diet coke of evil..." (Anyone catch that reference? If so...you're cool.)

I've gone a month without coffee. And I didn't die! (Yes...surprise.) I have started drinking coffee again, but I'm considering just nixing it from my diet. Why? I don't like the idea of decaf. I've heard decaf is worse than the regular because of the chemicals they use to mostly decaffinate the coffee. I realize, I am still addicted. That's an interesting story for another post though.
Needless to say, I've cut out a lot. Most seeds, all conventional processed food, and sugar. Here's the wacky things my body has been up to.

One night was just one of those nights I couldn't avoid gluten. I have mostly been drinking water, but I just had a hankering (southern for craving) for some slightly sweet tea. I often order a half sweet tea...but I kept finding it was ridiculously too sweet. Well this night I noticeably started to get an incredibly awful headache. I didn't understand it. I was also repulsed by this tea. So I switched to water. I noticed my headache went away even though I was still eating gluten. I still felt bloated and over full...tired and icky. But...the head bursting headache subsided quickly. Am I having a reaction to sugar!? I am most certain that I have avoided conventional sugar that this sweet tea has been giving me these outrageous headaches.

This is even how I discovered my gluten intolerance. I took it out for a while, had a slip up, and ended up very ill the next morning. My point being that when you cut out all of the junk, it is quite easy to discover where your issues are. I had heard about this with my son's lactose intolerance. I never considered this as the missing link to discover what was causing my health issues.

In a similar fashion, I've noticed what my body is craving. If I'm craving  beef or greens, I'm probably in need of some iron. I find myself craving good food. So I encourage anyone to try it out. Cut out the junk and extra stuff. If you add back in dairy and have an adverse side effect...you may need to cut it out. Today, as a matter of fact, I had one of my favorite Mocha Cappucino cold coffee drinks. I fell victim to the savy mom thought of a buy one get one free! I had originally thought dairy hadn't bothered me. However, because Mark is lactose intolerant, I often try my best to avoid it. I checked the label and it did not have any wheat (gluten) products. After I finished this drink I felt like I blew up! My stomach was so full and I felt bloated. I hadn't eaten much before this and it was about time to be hungry again and yet I felt like I just ate a five course meal.

One goal in Paleo is to avoid things that irritate and/or inflame the body, mostly "the gut." Now...just because it irritates you, doesn't mean you are allergic or intolerant. It's something to pay attention to. We're really searching for what is the optimal food for your body. So far I'm down to the basics. No gluten, no sugar, no dairy.

I often get those comments...I don't know what I'd do without cheese!!!! (Which I'll continue in a different post.) But, all in all, when you realize it's just not good for your body and it may be keeping you from your goals...you get over it.

So listen to your body! Sometimes you can be your best friend when it comes to this journey of discovery. I've even had compliments that I looked like I had lost weight, even though I haven't lost anything through this trying situation. When I am able to stay as clean as possible with my diet, I feel so much better and have plenty of energy to get through the day. Any slip ups and I'm ready for a nap and am usually not very happy with bathroom visits (yeah...sorry but it's true!).

Good luck!

My Rant about Feeding My Children My Way

It has been a tough journey this last month. I mentioned that in my last post. But, there's been something on my mind that has been bothering me that I just felt like I needed to get out. I've been highly criticized since my children were born for the way I feed my children. I'm not sure what people don't understand about me wanting to feed my children as healthy as possible.

For one... Why do people care? I don't go around criticizing you for feeding your kids chemical laden crap that shouldn't be considered food. So why are you so upset that I try to feed my kids actual food?

I think this post is just a culmination of nearly five years of a struggle.

Many people are okay with themselves being overweight. They accept it and become complacent. I don't know how they do it. I've been trying for nearly four years now to lose weight. It took me four years to find the key. But, I don't like being this way. I just want to be comfortable putting on a pair of shorts or a dress that goes above my knees. I want to have so much energy that I convince people I found a way to bottle my kids extra energy.

I've never seen anyone happy when they're eating unhealthy. Not a one. They're just complacent and think that's all they can do. Well I'm here to give you a dose of reality honey. You're WRONG!

I've even experienced people who are very skinny who are just down right unhealthy, mind and body. It's the food! If you put good food in, you get great things out of your body!

So... What are my goals for my kids healthy lives?

I have always given my children fruit and vegetables. They are required to try things. Madison being four, I've seen her tastes change over the years. I always offer my kids a fruit. That's pretty easy to get them to eat. Actually, Mark could eat a bundle of bananas in a day if I would let him. But, it is important to test their boundaries with food. Give them that piece of broccoli. Don't stop just because they don't like it once.

The commercial I just saw bothers me. We shouldn't be supplementing healthy food for processed drinks like Pediasure. How is this "What kids need."!? Sugary milk like drinks?

I have always made a commitment against MSG and high fructose corn syrup. Lately, I've stepped up my game though.

Candy is a treat and NEVER every day. I often try to find treats that are very yummy and feel like candy, but aren't. For instance, Madison loves blueberries. 

I have always been anti-soda. It's just not good for their bodies. Have you read the ingredients? It's a bunch of chemical bologna.

I try to find fun ways to get my kids to drink real water. Fun cups and straws are always a hit. I never use flavored water things.

Eating is not an option. I have read many articles about picky eaters and having children eat. It's just not an option for us. I am not a short order cook. You eat what I fix. Now, that does not mean I won't consider things my family likes, or throwing in a meal that is still paleo but looks like their old favorites. One thing that really helps my kids are dips. For some reason, kids just love to be able to have ketchup, bbq sauce, ranch, etc. Of course, I'm learning how to make these paleo friendly.

I try to make sure that people understand why I do not want my children to eat certain things. I am to the point I really don't mind taking the extra steps to send my kids food (or bring my own when I'm at other people's houses). I don't mind getting up early to make my kids breakfast when they eventually go to school, plus sending healthy lunches. I am starting to lose the anxiety of telling the nice lady at the gas station or grocery store that they can't have suckers.

After finding what is write for me and my children, I have gained confidence. I can say, "No, sorry...We don't eat things like that."

In the end, I don't think this is just for me to vent. It's for all those other parents out there who are in that stage of letting everyone know that you and your kids are different. You made the family choice to take your health under control. While you may consider rare exceptions, health and good eating habits are a priority.

So be confident and good luck! And remember I'm always sending you love and peace for you and your journey. Remember, you're the momma! (Or you're the daddy!!!) Take control. You're doing what you think is best. <3

Pantry Essentials

So my entire stock, including the cabinet doors were blown away! (literally) But, I know that thankfully you are not in that situation. When you start a new way of eating (or lifestyle) it is often recommended that you purge the house of poor quality foods, ingredients, etc.

Here are a few of my MUST HAVE'S! These are things I have already bought to replace even though I don't have my kitchen back yet.

1. Good Seasonings! Organic Italian Seasoning and Garlic paste. Pink Himalayan salt and whole pepper that can be freshly cracked! The best thing about paleo eating or cooking in general is experimenting with flavors and seasonings.

2. Good oils. What do I consider good oils? I buy Simple Truth organic olive oil that is beautiful and adds a great flavor to chicken even with just some good salt and pepper. Coconut oil which I use for many things, including a moisturizer or face mask!

3. Organic/ All Natural Meats. Sometimes it's not always possible to get organic meat, so I choose brands like Simple Truth that have made a commitment to keeping 101 chemicals out of their products. It can be a scary experience when first going paleo knowing that a good 25% or more of your bill can go to just meat. When you know you're spending $20 on four pounds of beef, it can be a little daunting. I am always amazed to come out on budget!

There are plenty more things that I need to buy. There are things such as arrowroot, almond flour, coconut flour, and things of this nature that I may need in the future. It's always easier to buy one at a time because they are quite expensive.

Transitioning to paleo can be a challenge if you're pantry is already full of non-paleo foods. If you transition and discover you are gulten intolerant like I did and within a week or two can't eat gluten without getting sick, this could be even more of a challenge. My advice is try to use up all those non-paleo items within the first one to two weeks. When you make this decision, do NOT buy anything non-paleo. For instance, use up all of your cheese, then don't buy anymore.

If you're on a budget like we are, make sure to pick and choose what you just HAVE to buy a higher quality, and where you can save.

Eating Paleo - How Much Does it Cost?

I have many a day encountered questions (mainly from family members) about the cost of eating healthy. Most people know I am a stay at home mom and that my husband is the only income that we have. I have always been honest that we do receive food stamps, but it is definitely not enough to last a family of five for a full month.

I have always been a big proponent for couponing and spending this money responsibly. I do not believe in spending this money on candy, soda, or energy drinks (even when I did still drink or eat these things, I refused to use my card for those items). While I do not work now, I have and believe that many people work very hard to contribute to these taxes that help provide this money to help out our family. We are thankful for every dollar.

That being said, and being honest about it with everyone, people often ask how in the world I afford "organic" or "paleo" or "gluten free" items. I've talked about this in one of my recent videos called, "Who Says You Can't Eat Healthy on a Budget!?" Here's the revelation that I had this afternoon while trying to buy paleo.

Paleo Eating Is Only As Expensive as YOU Make It!!!

Here's the issues. As some of you might know (I guess I just assume you guys know everything.) our house was destroyed by a tornado and we have been home hoping and couch surfing for a while. It was fine until we had to move into a hotel that had no fridge and no microwave. I had to throw away almost a weeks worth of food. (Yes, I cried.)

Thankfully, we've since moved (again...Good grief I never want to move again!) and this hotel has a fridge that is so cold it freezes everything, and a small microwave. I felt human again getting to go to the store and buy food! I am to the point I HATE fast food. I get nauscious and a headache just thinking about it. Our Kroger has plenty of gluten free options, including in the freezer section. But, this is where I found my point. Frozen, gluten free, convenience food is terribly expensive. Now, I see why people think eating healthy is expensive. One thing I have learned over the years is that you pay (out the nose) for convenience. Even the prices of block cheese to shredded cheese is amazing for the same amount of cheese.

So with limited resources but desperately needing to get back to paleo (more like running, screaming, and flailing into the wonderful arms of paleo) I bit the bullet and bought these foods. We had already bought things for breakfast and fruit that didn't need refrigerated. I spent way too much money. This was a bit ridiculous. If I were able to cook properly, and had my beautiful kitchen (I will hug my kitchen when I get it there.) then I would be buying very little "processed" food. In all honesty, even if it is gluten (and dairy free for Mark) but is frozen or pre-made, it is still processed food. I am by no means a hardcore paleo, but the purpose of seeking a paleo lifestyle is to get away from the pre-prepared foods.

Is it hard? You bet! I'm about to have to figure out how to feed three kiddos at school paleo (including one kiddo that is super picky and wasn't raised on healthy food). But, that will be for another post.

Paleo is really easy if you take the time (and time management skills) to cook. Cook fresh vegetables that are in season (more abundant, therefore cheaper). Pick and choose which meats you are more likely to need organic. We eat more chicken than anything so I often try to buy it organic. We have developed a taste for better quality ground beef, so I buy Simple Truth All Natural or Organic Grass Fed. Look for great sales! I know some people may not be able to handle it, but Kroger does some great clearance on meat from time to time, including organic meats. If you have a freezer, stock up! I'm hoping in the future to have our own garden and learn more about canning to preserve fresh vegetables.

Another great value that Paleo tries to instill in people is to make relationships with local growers. When you build these relationships, you are more easily (and cheaply) able to obtain great products fresh from the farm. Even my kiddos love going to the farmer's market and learning about how they grow their products. I can't wait to get home so I can get out the local market and purchase some real fresh local grass fed organic meat.

So to conclude this long conversation about food (we're all hungry now right?), I want to tell you guys that this hasn't been the easiest journey. The best things to do are plan ahead, budget, and to make relationships with local growers. Paleo does not have to be outrageous if you avoid the prepared foods as much as possible. Take the time, use your time management skills and stick to the real stuff.

Sending you guys lots of love!

There have been a lot of tornadoes lately, and I'm sending extra love, peace, and hopefully a little hope that it'll get better. We're with you and love you. Stay positive and dream big! This is a clean slate.

Gluten Intolerance Update

Well good morning y'all!

It's been tough this last month. As y'all may know, I went paleo in the beginning of April. I soon discovered I had a switch that flipped. I discovered that I am gluten intolerant. How did I come to this conclusion?

Any gluten slip ups I made led to sore throats (like the allergic reactions I have to crab and paprika), headaches, and stomach pains in the morning that rivaled that of labor! I verified this with someone I consider an expert because celiac disease and gluten intolerance is hard to diagnose.

I've had some personal issues with this. Our house, as I've mentioned, was destroyed by a tornado. We're having to depend on the kindness of donations (which we haven't been able to eat much of) and have been on the most extreme of budgets. That makes it really hard to restock the normal things I need to cook with.

I've been discovering just how bad my intolerance is. I can't even use seasonings with gluten in it. You would think seasonings would be a miniscule amount of gluten, but there is still a reaction.

It's personally difficult because many people don't understand. You can't see gluten intolerance. People don't understand the pain I go through when I eat gluten. It's hard for my husband when he just wants to go out to eat and I'm sitting there for half an hour trying to figure out what I can eat and asking the waiter a million questions.

Then you get the comments about being a health nut...and that you ate gluten your entire life. These can be some of the most hurtful. I've held this weight for my entire life. I've worked hard to get it off with no success. I've never been the cleanest eater, but ate much better than most people I knew. I worked out consistently and with intensity. Nothing worked.

This has worked for me! Let me list just a few of the benefits I've seen since going paleo.

• Less bloated
• More energy
• Less headaches (as long as I stay completely away from gluten)
• Clearer skin
• Better sleep (at times when there are no interruptions like we had this morning)
• A little bit of weight loss (I don't have a scale to measure how much, but last I checked about 5 lbs)
• Clothing fits better
• Food is more satisfying

I'm hoping if you're reading this and might have a friend or family member that has an intolerance that you'll be a little more kind. We're not making these things up. While I started this for weight loss, it turns out that I actually needed to do this for my health. Be supportive and kind. (Which you should do that anyways...)

If you're reading this and are going through the same situation, know that you aren't alone. This is a switch that can be unswitched. This will be an issue we deal with the rest of our lives. Hopefully it will become happier and healthier. There's a great article on PaleoMom.com that mentions how our bodies create antibodies to attack the gluten we ingest and I think gives good evidence of why I can't "un-gluten intolerance" myself.

I love you guys and thank you for your continued reading.

If you have any questions, comments, etc please feel free to leave them in the comment section below! <3