I woke up this morning to a news alert. Seems the radical terrorists are at it again. New York City is once more on full alert. Ten years ago our world changed in a way few of us ever dreamed. With the bombing of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93, we were ushered into an age of uncertainty. Never again will we as Americans feel cocooned in our freedom and the saftey that came with it. An age of innocence vanished when the first plane struck the tower. That someone would strike us on our own soil was unthinkable, unimaginable. I remember for days after 9/11, I listened to television and radio reports nonstop trying to grasp the reality of what had happend. As that week changed into months, and then years, I all but stopped listening for terrorist reports. It's only when I wake to a news alert like the one I heard this morning, I consider another strike against our country. Except for days like today, I grow complacent and begin to focus on my every day life.
And then there's a news report and I remember.
I remember what I wear and what I eat today are not very important. I remember to tell my husband and my children I love them. I remember to be a little nicer and more considerate to others. I remember life is not about what I've accumulated. I remember freedom isn't free. I remember...
I remember 9/11.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Another One Bites the Dust...Another 5 That Is!
Don't want to bore you to death with my new healthier lifestyle but I've lost another 5 pounds! Yeeeeee Hawwwwwwwwwwwww! I have to say I'm excited about the new, slightly slimmer me! I've got a long way to go but it sure is nice when your husband comes up to you from behind as you're cooking supper and says, "Wow, who's butt is THAT?!!!???" LOL! Even after 35 years of marriage, I was highly complimented and flattered!
The road to a healthier lifestyle is continuing to be a long and arduous journey. I must confess the hurdle of regular exercise is still tripping me up but I've recently become much more motivated to get moving. I was asked to do Sumter's local Dancing With the Stars in April and I know if I don't get moving, I'm going to be a hot mess on stage! So, that means I've got about 8 months to learn to boogie with the best of them and 8 months to train my two left feet to dance. The joke around here is that Baptists (I'm one) don't dance (I think it's considered a mortal sin). Well, look out Baptists, Moma's got a brand new pair of dancin shoes!
Recently, it dawned on me that healthy eating is all about making good choices (as is most of life). I've learned I can be just as happy and satisfied with a nice, plump, juicy piece of fruit as I used to be with a handful of cookies. I've also learned that water tastes much better than a diet soda and is totally guilt free! I can just see those cholesterol blobs being flushed out of my system as I drink a tall glass of water on the rocks! Sometimes I make myself feel all fancy as I drink my water with a slice of lemon, lime or a sprig of mint in a tall stemmed glass. (I like pretty things!).
"Every meal's a party when you Entertain With Jane!" even if you're eating healthy. I'll be posting some new recipes soon so stay tuned! And remember...
"The opera isn't over til the fat lady sings!" or in my case, "Party on! Just dance more than you eat!"
The road to a healthier lifestyle is continuing to be a long and arduous journey. I must confess the hurdle of regular exercise is still tripping me up but I've recently become much more motivated to get moving. I was asked to do Sumter's local Dancing With the Stars in April and I know if I don't get moving, I'm going to be a hot mess on stage! So, that means I've got about 8 months to learn to boogie with the best of them and 8 months to train my two left feet to dance. The joke around here is that Baptists (I'm one) don't dance (I think it's considered a mortal sin). Well, look out Baptists, Moma's got a brand new pair of dancin shoes!
Recently, it dawned on me that healthy eating is all about making good choices (as is most of life). I've learned I can be just as happy and satisfied with a nice, plump, juicy piece of fruit as I used to be with a handful of cookies. I've also learned that water tastes much better than a diet soda and is totally guilt free! I can just see those cholesterol blobs being flushed out of my system as I drink a tall glass of water on the rocks! Sometimes I make myself feel all fancy as I drink my water with a slice of lemon, lime or a sprig of mint in a tall stemmed glass. (I like pretty things!).
"Every meal's a party when you Entertain With Jane!" even if you're eating healthy. I'll be posting some new recipes soon so stay tuned! And remember...
"The opera isn't over til the fat lady sings!" or in my case, "Party on! Just dance more than you eat!"
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Party's Over Revisited
Wow! I can't believe it's been over 7 weeks since I wrote "The Party's Over". As I was reflecting on my new lifestyle and commitment to lowering my cholesterol, I honestly thought I'd only been "on the wagon" for about 4 weeks. Time sure flies when you're having fun!
First of all, let me give you my progress in numbers: I've actually lost 10 lbs. and while, that's not a lot of weight loss, it does give me hope that I'm doing the right things to bring down my cholesterol. I haven't been starving myself but I've changed the way I eat, what I eat and how I think about eating. Here's what I'm doing:
1. Whole grain foods - you'll be surprised at how tasty whole grain pasta is!
2. Fruit and fresh veggies - try using them in ways you don't normally use them...like fruit in a green salad.
3. X OUT WHITE foods - things like potatoes, rice, pasta, and breads. I'm not saying I never eat white but I'm eating at least 90% less of these weight producing foods.
4. Water - sometimes I'm not really hungry but thirsty. Staying hydrated is very important. I find that a belly full of good ole water is better than a belly full of nothing.
5. Diet Colas - have been drastically cut. Instead of allowing these drinks to be a staple, I now use them as a treat.
6. Olive Oil - cook with olive oil rather than other types of oils and I'm not using of real butter or margarine. I'm using Smart Balance with olive oil.
7. Meat - I'm eating more fish and chicken and less red meat.
All my habits haven't changed, though. What I haven't started doing regularly is exercising. I know I've got to start moving more. In fact, I have started doing my own housework now. From what I read, vacuming, dusting, sweeping and mopping are actually good exercise. And yes, I know keeping my house clean isn't enough to qualify for an exercise program! So, this week as I go on vacation, I plan to start walking every day. I'll let you know how it goes.
Incidently, I've been picking up some great little tricks to keep myself in line. One is to imagine my arteries being all clogged up with yellow blobs of fat. Everytime I start to eat something processed or with a lot of saturated fat in it, a vision of my sticky, gooey arteries with the blood desperately trying to get through that clogged mess comes to my mind. (My daughter told me today that she used this same basic trick when she was tempted to smoke while pregant. She simply envision her womb filling up with smoke and her little baby trying to take a good breath.) Both images are pretty awful but very effective. Perhaps the most effective trick I've learned is to not allow myself to obsess about my weight and size. I'm me...thin or fat and I've got to love myself no matter what. Self loathing simply makes me feel more desperate and sets me up to eat for emotional reasons.
And lastly, I've come to realize this has got to become a life long lifestyle change. That's why I've refused to join this group or that, this gym or that gym or rely on diel aids.
Didn't mean to unload on you but maybe this will help you in your journey. Love you all fat or thin! Jane
First of all, let me give you my progress in numbers: I've actually lost 10 lbs. and while, that's not a lot of weight loss, it does give me hope that I'm doing the right things to bring down my cholesterol. I haven't been starving myself but I've changed the way I eat, what I eat and how I think about eating. Here's what I'm doing:
1. Whole grain foods - you'll be surprised at how tasty whole grain pasta is!
2. Fruit and fresh veggies - try using them in ways you don't normally use them...like fruit in a green salad.
3. X OUT WHITE foods - things like potatoes, rice, pasta, and breads. I'm not saying I never eat white but I'm eating at least 90% less of these weight producing foods.
4. Water - sometimes I'm not really hungry but thirsty. Staying hydrated is very important. I find that a belly full of good ole water is better than a belly full of nothing.
5. Diet Colas - have been drastically cut. Instead of allowing these drinks to be a staple, I now use them as a treat.
6. Olive Oil - cook with olive oil rather than other types of oils and I'm not using of real butter or margarine. I'm using Smart Balance with olive oil.
7. Meat - I'm eating more fish and chicken and less red meat.
All my habits haven't changed, though. What I haven't started doing regularly is exercising. I know I've got to start moving more. In fact, I have started doing my own housework now. From what I read, vacuming, dusting, sweeping and mopping are actually good exercise. And yes, I know keeping my house clean isn't enough to qualify for an exercise program! So, this week as I go on vacation, I plan to start walking every day. I'll let you know how it goes.
Incidently, I've been picking up some great little tricks to keep myself in line. One is to imagine my arteries being all clogged up with yellow blobs of fat. Everytime I start to eat something processed or with a lot of saturated fat in it, a vision of my sticky, gooey arteries with the blood desperately trying to get through that clogged mess comes to my mind. (My daughter told me today that she used this same basic trick when she was tempted to smoke while pregant. She simply envision her womb filling up with smoke and her little baby trying to take a good breath.) Both images are pretty awful but very effective. Perhaps the most effective trick I've learned is to not allow myself to obsess about my weight and size. I'm me...thin or fat and I've got to love myself no matter what. Self loathing simply makes me feel more desperate and sets me up to eat for emotional reasons.
And lastly, I've come to realize this has got to become a life long lifestyle change. That's why I've refused to join this group or that, this gym or that gym or rely on diel aids.
Didn't mean to unload on you but maybe this will help you in your journey. Love you all fat or thin! Jane
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
I Went on Vacation and I Conquered a Beast!
My husband and I just got back from a short vacation on Hilton Head Island. My sister has lived there for about 25 years and it's become one of my favorite places in the whole wide world...I think my sister living there has a lot to do with it but that's not the story here.
Any of you who are following my journey know that about three weeks ago I made a commitment to eat healthy and get healthy. Typically, vacations are a prime time for me to lose most of my will power and abandon my usual, somewhat, good senses. I mean, what is vacation for except to do and eat anything your little heart desires? I love to eat out especially during vacation time and I usually order whatever strikes my fancy regardless of fat content, calorie count or even price. My last visit to Hilton Head was back in the late winter when I was cyber stalking one of my foodie heros, Robert Irvine. He has a wonderful restaurant on Hilton Head called "Eat!" and even has cooking classes for those of us who long to learn, dine, and bask in a little culture for a few short hours. During the class, the chef and his entourage ply you with plenty of culinary wisdom, delicious food and yes, even wine. It's great fun and I highly recommend it to even a novice cook. It's an early afternoon well worth the price, which is, in my opinion, extremely reasonable. But I decided to forgo my usual pilgrimage to "Eat!" this trip and while I was very tempted to "dine with Robert" once again, I decided I'd try my new, healthy culinary skills on my sister and her husband. We started off the weekend with my lowfat version of chicken piccata along with a scrumptious blueberry feta spring salad. One night we enjoyed a splurge of steak along with my very special red potato salad which is mixed with not simply high fat, high calorie mayo but a mixture of 1/3 light mayo, 1/3 lowfat yogurt and 1/3 light sour cream. My triumph of the evening was to only eat a palm sized portion of steak. And so the weekend began and continued past July 4th. I found myself on the beach one day at lunch time not having prepared for the beastly hunger that would attack me about lunch time and yes, I did have one of those packs of cheese crackers laden with saturated fat but that was my one slip of the weekend. Since I did it knowingly, I didn't castigate myself for the processed, caloric snack, I simply went on about my day changing my eating habits one step at a time.
As Dearld and I drove home this morning, I found myself musing over the long weekend and realized I had, indeed, conquered the beast named, "Vacation Temptation". He or dare I say, she, was conquered one healthy meal, one temptation, and one choice at a time.
Just call me "Jane, the Junk Food Dragon Slayer!"
Oh and yes, even when cooking healthier, "Every meal's a party when you Entertain with Jane!" I'm learning good food doesn't have to clog your arteries or pad your thighs!
Any of you who are following my journey know that about three weeks ago I made a commitment to eat healthy and get healthy. Typically, vacations are a prime time for me to lose most of my will power and abandon my usual, somewhat, good senses. I mean, what is vacation for except to do and eat anything your little heart desires? I love to eat out especially during vacation time and I usually order whatever strikes my fancy regardless of fat content, calorie count or even price. My last visit to Hilton Head was back in the late winter when I was cyber stalking one of my foodie heros, Robert Irvine. He has a wonderful restaurant on Hilton Head called "Eat!" and even has cooking classes for those of us who long to learn, dine, and bask in a little culture for a few short hours. During the class, the chef and his entourage ply you with plenty of culinary wisdom, delicious food and yes, even wine. It's great fun and I highly recommend it to even a novice cook. It's an early afternoon well worth the price, which is, in my opinion, extremely reasonable. But I decided to forgo my usual pilgrimage to "Eat!" this trip and while I was very tempted to "dine with Robert" once again, I decided I'd try my new, healthy culinary skills on my sister and her husband. We started off the weekend with my lowfat version of chicken piccata along with a scrumptious blueberry feta spring salad. One night we enjoyed a splurge of steak along with my very special red potato salad which is mixed with not simply high fat, high calorie mayo but a mixture of 1/3 light mayo, 1/3 lowfat yogurt and 1/3 light sour cream. My triumph of the evening was to only eat a palm sized portion of steak. And so the weekend began and continued past July 4th. I found myself on the beach one day at lunch time not having prepared for the beastly hunger that would attack me about lunch time and yes, I did have one of those packs of cheese crackers laden with saturated fat but that was my one slip of the weekend. Since I did it knowingly, I didn't castigate myself for the processed, caloric snack, I simply went on about my day changing my eating habits one step at a time.
As Dearld and I drove home this morning, I found myself musing over the long weekend and realized I had, indeed, conquered the beast named, "Vacation Temptation". He or dare I say, she, was conquered one healthy meal, one temptation, and one choice at a time.
Just call me "Jane, the Junk Food Dragon Slayer!"
Oh and yes, even when cooking healthier, "Every meal's a party when you Entertain with Jane!" I'm learning good food doesn't have to clog your arteries or pad your thighs!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Great Awakening and Yes, It Began in a TJ Maxx Dressing Room
I have to admit I've been getting pretty discouraged with the health kick I'm on. Mostly, I've stayed right with my plan...staying away from artificial sweeteners, white foods and too much red meat. What I haven't conquered yet is my loathing of exercise. I hate to sweat. I really do. I give myself all kinds of legitimate excuses for not exercising but even I know they are just that, excuses.
Today after eating my favorite dinner of chicken fajitas and splurging just a little on nachos, I made the huge mistake of trying on swimsuits. It must have been some evil genius who put TJ Maxx next door to a Mexican Restaurant. Omgosh! How much sense does it make to try on swimsuits after a meal of Mexican food? It was in TJ Maxx my current awakening began. I looked like a big, white, beached whale. All I could think was..."What happened to my body?" I could have cried but I was determined to suck it up (and in) and walk out of that store as if I were the most beautifully built middle aged woman in the world. I'll tell you this, NOW I really know why old women wear moo moos. Yes siree, that's where I was heading 3 weeks ago when my dear doctor put the hammer down and said loose weight, get healthy or take some more drugs.
When I got home, I immediately called my sister, Cathy who struggles with her weight too but even when she's heavy, she's one of the prettiest women I know. She's trying to get healthy, too and I'm spending the next 3 days with her at the beach. Talk about misery loving company! She gave me a sisterly pep talk and it helped. Don't you just love people who will tell you the truth in love and at the same time make you feel okay? That's my Cathy.
After clicking off the phone, I got back to the task at hand...cleaning off and organizing my desk. As I began to sort through the mess and clutter of at least the last 12 months, I found letters, cards and notes from people I love and who love me wishing me Happy Birthday, Happy Mother's Day, Happy Valentine's Day, Merry Christmas and even a letter from a customer thanking me for helping her with a wireless problem. Talk about feeling better...I immediately began to be thankful and realize again that it's not so much about what's on the outside but the inside that really counts. I am so blessed! For a few minutes, God simply showered me with His love and grace and gave me a better perspective on the substance of my life.
Truthfully, the ship has sailed on my being the 5'7" slim, firm, young woman I was for so long. I'll never be young again or even as firm as I was in my 20's and 30's. And that's okay. I will be healthier each day and oh so much richer as I learn to give even my eating and exercise habits to the control of the one who made me. The journey continues...
Today after eating my favorite dinner of chicken fajitas and splurging just a little on nachos, I made the huge mistake of trying on swimsuits. It must have been some evil genius who put TJ Maxx next door to a Mexican Restaurant. Omgosh! How much sense does it make to try on swimsuits after a meal of Mexican food? It was in TJ Maxx my current awakening began. I looked like a big, white, beached whale. All I could think was..."What happened to my body?" I could have cried but I was determined to suck it up (and in) and walk out of that store as if I were the most beautifully built middle aged woman in the world. I'll tell you this, NOW I really know why old women wear moo moos. Yes siree, that's where I was heading 3 weeks ago when my dear doctor put the hammer down and said loose weight, get healthy or take some more drugs.
When I got home, I immediately called my sister, Cathy who struggles with her weight too but even when she's heavy, she's one of the prettiest women I know. She's trying to get healthy, too and I'm spending the next 3 days with her at the beach. Talk about misery loving company! She gave me a sisterly pep talk and it helped. Don't you just love people who will tell you the truth in love and at the same time make you feel okay? That's my Cathy.
After clicking off the phone, I got back to the task at hand...cleaning off and organizing my desk. As I began to sort through the mess and clutter of at least the last 12 months, I found letters, cards and notes from people I love and who love me wishing me Happy Birthday, Happy Mother's Day, Happy Valentine's Day, Merry Christmas and even a letter from a customer thanking me for helping her with a wireless problem. Talk about feeling better...I immediately began to be thankful and realize again that it's not so much about what's on the outside but the inside that really counts. I am so blessed! For a few minutes, God simply showered me with His love and grace and gave me a better perspective on the substance of my life.
Truthfully, the ship has sailed on my being the 5'7" slim, firm, young woman I was for so long. I'll never be young again or even as firm as I was in my 20's and 30's. And that's okay. I will be healthier each day and oh so much richer as I learn to give even my eating and exercise habits to the control of the one who made me. The journey continues...
Monday, June 27, 2011
No Diva's In Heaven
DIVA: "...Knows what she wants and how to get it. Has an attitude and knows how to use it..."
My favorite coffee mug is a great big black and white one with the word "Diva" on it. My husband bought it for me because I saw it in a local coffee shop and just had to have it. It's sort of a joke among my family and friends that I'm a bit of a diva. I have to admit I am. I like being out front and in charge. I'm driven by my passion for the things I love and am relentless in the pursuit of my dreams. Sometimes I'm so driven, I lose my perspective about what is really important in life. Sometimes I need to be reminded where the gifts come from and who they really belong to. Oh, and what they're for!
During yesterday's worship, this thought crossed my mind, "There won't be any divas in Heaven." WHAT? I have to believe the Holy Spirit was speaking His wisdom to me in His still, small voice. What I take from His message is simply this, everything I am and everything I will ever be is a gift from Him. In fact, I am His. Simply put, Christ owns the rights to me. When I sit back and think about all of this, it takes the pris right out of my strut! In fact, I have no reason or right to ever feel pride in the things I do or accomplish because it is only by Him and through Him I accomplish anything. "Entertain With Jane" is not my show, it's His...be it a local television show seen by a few or a national television show seen by many, it's His. Realizing there are no diva's in Heaven also helps me when I'm tempted to be jealous of someone else's accomplishments. In the body of Christ there is no room for power struggles, petty jealousy or false pride. The talent and gifts we have were given to each of us for Him and by Him. Sure, we enjoy the gifts. I love doing my little television show and cooking for others but the bottom line is all I am or ever will be is His.
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ,...he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. (Eph. 1:11 - The Message)
My favorite coffee mug is a great big black and white one with the word "Diva" on it. My husband bought it for me because I saw it in a local coffee shop and just had to have it. It's sort of a joke among my family and friends that I'm a bit of a diva. I have to admit I am. I like being out front and in charge. I'm driven by my passion for the things I love and am relentless in the pursuit of my dreams. Sometimes I'm so driven, I lose my perspective about what is really important in life. Sometimes I need to be reminded where the gifts come from and who they really belong to. Oh, and what they're for!
During yesterday's worship, this thought crossed my mind, "There won't be any divas in Heaven." WHAT? I have to believe the Holy Spirit was speaking His wisdom to me in His still, small voice. What I take from His message is simply this, everything I am and everything I will ever be is a gift from Him. In fact, I am His. Simply put, Christ owns the rights to me. When I sit back and think about all of this, it takes the pris right out of my strut! In fact, I have no reason or right to ever feel pride in the things I do or accomplish because it is only by Him and through Him I accomplish anything. "Entertain With Jane" is not my show, it's His...be it a local television show seen by a few or a national television show seen by many, it's His. Realizing there are no diva's in Heaven also helps me when I'm tempted to be jealous of someone else's accomplishments. In the body of Christ there is no room for power struggles, petty jealousy or false pride. The talent and gifts we have were given to each of us for Him and by Him. Sure, we enjoy the gifts. I love doing my little television show and cooking for others but the bottom line is all I am or ever will be is His.
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ,...he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. (Eph. 1:11 - The Message)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
My Daughter, My Fitness Pal
LOL! I love that title. You see my daughter got me to download a new app to my Iphone this morning called "My Fitness Pal". Get it??? She highly recommends this useful little tool and so do I. For me the best part of using it is using it with her. No, I haven't quite figured it out yet but I will and both she and her best friend are using so now I have a new network of support. A little support never hurt anyone on the journey to becoming healthy! However, I'm especially excited about the common interest and time I'll spend with my daughter. Now that's what I call healthy all the way around!
Recapping this first week of my new lifestyle, I have to to say it hasn't been bad. Yes, there have been times I've wanted to binge eat, drink a soda or two (I'm cutting down on even the diet ones), not make myself exercise and just generally fall off the health wagon but it's been over a week and while I haven't lost much weight, I do generally feel better about myself.
Last night was a total challenge because I took my parents out to eat at a local seafood place that specializes in (what else) FRIED seafood. As my parents ordered fried perch, fried flounder, fried shrimp, french fries and topped the order off with a fried onion of sorts, I remained faithful to my new lifestyle. I proudly ordered grilled salmon and a skewer of grilled shrimp with steamed veggies on the side. My treat was a diet soda with lemon. I left feeling somewhat triumphant and more than a little proud of myself! I'm simply not going to take more meds and while I may die of a heart attack or stroke, it won't be because of my lifestyle! Frankly, this may sound morbid but every time I think about making my family nurse me through an illness I could have prevented, I feel extremely guilty. They may some day have to take care of me but I don't want it to be because I abused my body.
Again, this week hasn't been too bad. I hope you've checked out my other blog for those yummy recipes I posted. And while I'm recommending things, I HIGHLY recommend you trying them. I'm working on more recipes but cutting the fat and calories while maintaining the integrity and yes, THE TASTE of the dish can be a little daunting if you cook like I cook...REAL SOUTHERN!
Stay tuned...I'll even let you know when I screw up on my quest but hopefully, it won't be too bad...
Oh, BTW, I even exercised 3 times last week. I do my own version of zumba by turning on some Latin music and shaking my booty. Now that's a sight!
Recapping this first week of my new lifestyle, I have to to say it hasn't been bad. Yes, there have been times I've wanted to binge eat, drink a soda or two (I'm cutting down on even the diet ones), not make myself exercise and just generally fall off the health wagon but it's been over a week and while I haven't lost much weight, I do generally feel better about myself.
Last night was a total challenge because I took my parents out to eat at a local seafood place that specializes in (what else) FRIED seafood. As my parents ordered fried perch, fried flounder, fried shrimp, french fries and topped the order off with a fried onion of sorts, I remained faithful to my new lifestyle. I proudly ordered grilled salmon and a skewer of grilled shrimp with steamed veggies on the side. My treat was a diet soda with lemon. I left feeling somewhat triumphant and more than a little proud of myself! I'm simply not going to take more meds and while I may die of a heart attack or stroke, it won't be because of my lifestyle! Frankly, this may sound morbid but every time I think about making my family nurse me through an illness I could have prevented, I feel extremely guilty. They may some day have to take care of me but I don't want it to be because I abused my body.
Again, this week hasn't been too bad. I hope you've checked out my other blog for those yummy recipes I posted. And while I'm recommending things, I HIGHLY recommend you trying them. I'm working on more recipes but cutting the fat and calories while maintaining the integrity and yes, THE TASTE of the dish can be a little daunting if you cook like I cook...REAL SOUTHERN!
Stay tuned...I'll even let you know when I screw up on my quest but hopefully, it won't be too bad...
Oh, BTW, I even exercised 3 times last week. I do my own version of zumba by turning on some Latin music and shaking my booty. Now that's a sight!
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