40 LBs LOST!!!

A lot of great things happened this week, but one that I am especially proud of is hitting the 40 lb MARK on my WEIGHT LOSS! I haven't "dieted" or used diet foods. I haven't counted calories or points. All I've done is changed my eating habits so I eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. I still eat about one animal product a day, but that's it and then I'm free to eat many more nutrient-rich foods. It has been such a blessing in my life to move more easily and be healthier. I've reached my goal of teaching dance and enjoy yoga at night before bed, things I used to dream about but didn't enjoy. With an eating disorder in my history i worried my efforts might trigger a relapse. But i believed i could lose weight in a healthy way, and i did! If you want to lose weight but can't afford diet foods or weight loss programs, don't worry. You can still do it! It will be gradual-it's taken me about 2 years! There were weeks I gained weight back. Then i would get discouraged and want to binge and give up. But I stuck with it. And in the end it made a difference. And actually, this isn't the end...it's the beginning of a new, healthier chapter in life.

Why Am I Waiting For Tomorrow?

I'll confess...I don't support myself enough in my own goals.  Like many people, I will sacrifice and give up things in order to give more to someone else.  I will go without so others can have their needs fulfilled.  And yet, I won't do it for myself.  And this is something I want to change.  Because I deserve something more.  And the Lord does.  And I can't be the best servant I can be to Him unless I'm willing to try harder and be better.

I've been struggling to eat right.  Since I don't get a lot of exercise in, making sure I eat well is crucial.  Foods also REALLY affect my mood, so staying on track is important for the well-being of my whole family.  I will do well most of the day and then start to make "exceptions."  Before I know it, I'm tired and cranky and disappointed in myself.  Not a good place to be!  Especially when you are a wife and mother!

While I was driving the other day though I head some lyrics (well, A LOT) that really hit me.  This is the one I remembered today to that stopped me from continuing to eat "exceptions."

Maybe tomorrow I'll start over
Maybe tomorrow I will finally change my ways
Said the same thing yesterday
Don't know why I'm so afraid
To let you in
To let you win
To let you have all of me

(From Mandisa's song, "Waiting for Tomorrow")

I want to let the Lord have "all of me."  I want to put off that Natural Man and become the woman I'm meant to be,  I don't want to be saying the same things every day...that I will finally change tomorrow.  Personally, being in shape and not feeling helpless against food is really important.  I hope to sing, dance & perform professionally again.  That means I need to be comfortable in my body, strong and have high endurance...so being healthy is important.  I also love that I am more active when I play with my kids, and I want to continue that too.  They are worth it!  Finally, eating until I'm uncomfortable or in pain is not the best use of my time! LOL I know practicing moderation brings peace and I want peace in my life.

So tonight, I remembered these words: To let you in To let you win To let you have all of me.  And I was able to turn away from that food.  15 minutes later I had to tell myself those words again.  I had already eaten, and was NOT hungry.  But if leftovers are still out or the Halloween candy is on the counter, it's just so easy to graze!  But again, I don't have to.  I know that.  And it feels so good to have the Savior as a partner in this goal towards overcoming the Natural Man and improving the quality of my life.  I always want to be in control of myself, not matter the situation.  And that is a personal goal worth achieving!

The first step of the 12 step Addiction Recovery program is Honesty.

KEY PRINCIPLE: Admit that you, of yourself, are powerless to overcome your addictions and that your life has become unmanageable.

From http://addictionrecovery.lds.org/ I found these awesome scriptures that explain what I'm trying to say...along with a lot more support and inspiring quotes.  I know I can't take care of and treat my body like the temple it is on my own.  But with God, I can do ALL THINGS!!  Good luck on your journeys!!  Love, Eva :) 

“I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.

“Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things” (Alma 26:11–12).

Color Run! 2014 in Memory of Daddy

It occurred to me yesterday that I never shared my pics from the Color Run here!  And considering I jogged it with my mom and 3 kids (3 GENERATIONS of family!!) and in memory of my Father, it is definitely an achievement I want to share.  So here are the album pages that share quite a bit of how I felt and how we looked on that special day.  Love, Eva

Our Birthright...A Healthy Body

Has it really been that long since I've written here? CRAZY!  But it's true.  It's also a true that it's always a good time to get restarted again...

I had a spiritual "aha" moment today about nutrition.  As I tucked my kids into bed I told them a Bible story, like I often do.  Tonight I taught them the story of Jacob and Esau.  If you remember, Esau was older and meant to have the birthright from his father, Isaac.  But he did not value it.  And one day, after a long hunting journey, he came home tired and hungry.  Jacob had food ready and Esau wanted it.  He wanted it so much he willingly traded his birthright for it.  In the end, Jacob received and valued the birthright and Esau was angry and bitter, and lost a wonderful gift.

I explained Esau was in the position to receive an eternal blessing, one that would affect generations of his family.  Instead, he valued something else more.  In this moment, he valued food more.  He didn't see the bigger value of the birthright and what he could do with it, but instead gave in to the Natural Man.

I was having an "I'll start eating right tomorrow again" night.  I had been planning on having some yummy Costco taquitos after the kids were in bed.  But after remembering this story and really feeling it in my heart I new I didn't need to do that.  I was full enough and didn't need to splurge.  I wanted to value the gift I've been given.

I don't want to be like Esau.  I don't want to give up my birthright, a right to a healthy, happy body to use in this life. My body is a temple.  Would I give up a healthy body for some salty, savory foods?  Would I trade my right to physical and spiritual happiness for a plate of food the Natural Man would tempt me with?  I have before.  I don't want to anymore.  I'm trying not to.  I'm trying to stay balanced and not give in to eating for comfort or because of boredom.  I'm worth more than that.
It's not easy, but it is MORE than worth it.  And with the help of the Holy Ghost and trust in my Savior, I can do it.

Love,
Eva

"And I'm still going!!!"

"And I'm still going!!!"  That's what my daughter said during her first 5K after we had waded through a creek almost waist deep for me, and definitely waist deep for her.  I love this attitude.  Really, that's all that matters.  That we never give up.  I started trying to get in shape a little over 2 years ago.  I have made a lot of progress.  I've had set backs, and gained back weight I lost.  But I worked hard and lost it again, and have kept it off.  I'm not at my goal weight yet, but "I'm still going!!!"  I'm not giving up.  I'm enjoying living a healthier life, and it's not going to stop!  

It's so good for us to step out of our comfort zones and push the boundaries of what we think we can do.  I'm proud of my mom and my daughter for doing just that and joining me on this "Skirt in the Dirt" 5K,  They are inspiring and together we can get through and achieve anything!  So can you!

Love, Eva

 Before the race...

 A little more than half -way through we were on path right by my car so I grabbed the camera!

 A team mate finished and was kind enough to take the camera from me so I could be in some photos!

 At the finish!

 The whole Birthday Bash Team!

 I'll run for that!

 Best race EVER!

Get more sleep!

My work-outs have not been so great lately and I want them to be!  Just a few weeks ago I was doing great, but a combination of a busy schedule and late nights has left me more tired than I would like to admit.  Today's weight-loss assignment?  Get to bed by 11 P.M.!!  I know I need it and that it will make a difference.  I especially need it because I'm running in a 5K tomorrow with my daughter, mother & friends.  I'm really excited, but hope I can MAKE myself rest so I can be ready for it.  Wish me luck & a good night's rest!

Love,
Eva

Progress!!!

It feels so good, to feel so good!!!!!  Can you tell?  This is make-up free me in the morning happily enjoying a new recipe!  Things are finally really clicking physically, and it's amazing.  I'm starting to feel like the "real" me again, the woman I was physically before I had kids as far as energy & confidence.  I've been trying to be as consistent as I can with simple, small changes, and it's making a difference.  Here's what I've been enjoying for breakfast lately...smoothies with a little milk or yogurt.  This was super yummy, but I would only do half a slice of lime next time.  It was pretty sour, until I added some more juice & strawberries.  Also, my food processor couldn't handle the strawberry leaves or peels like the Costco Vitamix juicer could, but I kind of liked the teeny pieces of rind- not of the strawberry leaves though!

 This was dinner...fried, bread crumbed, zucchini,

baked zucchini & onions with salt & pepper & olive oil, 

(So good and easy!!!  Just heat it up at 350 for about 15 minutes!)

salad with tomatoes & cucumber from our garden & some yummy fresh pineapple,

& some delicious pulled pork I made in the slow cooker!

And adding more fruits & vegetables to my diet, with some lean protein, along with SOME simple, daily exercise is changing me.  It's changing how I feel, how I look at myself, and how I am able to take care of my family, all for the better.  And not just on the scale, although that has been changing for the good too- I hit a new low!!!  I really would love to be in the 140's by my birthday next week.  We will see if it happens, but even if it doesn't I know I am making healthy, long-lasting progress & that is better than any quick drop on on the scale!  Good luck to you on your healthy choices!  Hope you make some progress too!

Love, Eva