Quote to contemplate

"The things, good Lord, that we pray for, give us the grace to labour for." 

- Sir Thomas More

Baby Steps toward REAL food

You asked so hear it is....

Over the past few years I have made gradual, baby steps towards a healthier lifestyle.  I've read various books, watched a documentary, and frequented blogs of other REAL FOOD/ natural living followers.  Here's some books/movie I recommend.  Animal, Vegatable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver (sustainable living), The Paleo Diet by Dr. Loren Cordain (strict), The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson (here it is in a nutshell), watched Food, Inc (eye opening!).  My newfound love for Crossfit has also made me take a step back and look at food as FUEL and not use it as a means of fulfillment - only eating what tastes great in the moment but leaves me suffering later on.  

I am not 100% natural, paleo, primal, ANYTHING.  I've come to realize that for me to create a healthy, well home I must take slow, deliberate steps toward making our ROUTINE line up with our values.  Taking out the over-processed, nutrient lacking foods and introducing nutrient dense, real foods.  I'm trying to keep the 80/20 ratio - meeting my high standards 80% of the time and allowing myself to cheat 20%.  This mindset helps me not to nose dive after one poor choice (my frequent downfall with "diets").  Yes, we still have cupcakes to celebrate special occasions, Diet Coke almost daily, and Zone Bars for a quick protein snack when I haven't made time to prepare properly.  Here is my goal when it comes to food (from Crossfit.com):

Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat. 

What does that look like for me?

Cooking breakfast primarily of organic eggs, meat, fruit, coffee almost every morning.  I eat a whole wheat english muffin, fried egg, and slice of cheese most mornings.  This fills up and for whatever reason (I still have SO much to learn on the why's) doesn't seem to have a negative impact on my gastro system.  I have cut out instant oatmeal and cereals.

Lunch takes planning!  By far, my hardest meal.  I'm eating alot of dinner leftovers or chicken/tuna salad (great recipe for chicken salad - next time I'm gonna try to make the mayo myself).  I have found some veggie chips with 3 ingredient - veggie, oil, and sea salt.  When shopping processed foods, I look at the ingredients.  Know what you are putting in your body!

Dinner - Some type of yummy meat (check out YonderWayFarm.com for local grassfed meat delivered once a month to Katy) with veggies, veggies, veggies (currently growing tomatoes but hoping to start a square foot garden late summer).  Occasional quinoa but I've stopped cooking pasta, rice and bread at home.  (*Drew & I cheated on our date night with a hibatchi dinner and I felt sick for 2 days.  Who wants to eat something you know will make you feel bad?!?!?  This is certainly a process to see what foods I can tolerate and what foods really do have a negative impact on my system.)

Snacks - nuts & seeds, nut butters other than peanut, fruit (apples and berries mostly, although I am TRYING to acquire a taste for bananas), cucumbers, carrots & broccoli with dip, protein shake, Lara Bars, jerkey (has to be ordered b/c I just can't find any locally w/o added sugar), boiled eggs

Drastically reducing grain and dairy intake seems to have made a huge difference in my ability to maintain energy, weight and stomach health.  Mark Sisson's article "Definitive Guide to Grains" is a great starter for learning about what grains can do to your body.  

*Note* - I do not agree with everything any of these guys (Primal, Paleo, etc) say.  Foremost, I believe GOD created man and my strength comes from Him.  That being said, I also believe my body is His temple and while here on earth, I should honor Him by taking care of it.

Now, are you on this type of journey too?  I'd love you to share some book, blog, movie, recipes, snack ideas that work for you and your family as well.

Trip to San Antonio

We spent a fun filled extended weekend in San Antonio.  We stayed at the Hill Country Hyatt for the first time.  It was just as family friendly as Hyatt resort at Bastrop we have visited before but this time decided to include a trip to Sea World so we headed a little further west.  

The kids had a great time playing in the park and pools at the resort.  They chased ducks and searched for rolly polies (spellcheck isn't helping me on that one) and caterpillars.  Andrew especially liked the "lazy liver" (river) while Lila preferred the "kitty cat" (kiddie) pool.  

Both liked watching "Shampoo" the whale at Sea World.  I swear the kids renamed everything on the trip which gave us lots of laughs.

We had a blast and were sad that it rained our last morning...made us wish for another day.  We really enjoy these Hyatt resorts and plan to look out for another one to try on our next vacation.

Travel tips:  Become a Hyatt Gold Pass member!  They upgraded our rooms at no charge and you are also given priority for late check outs.

On weekends and during peak season, kids 4 and under eat and drink free with adult buffet in the cafe.  This was a great deal for us since both of our kids fell within the age range.

Dress the kids in swim clothes for Sea World.  Lila was not old enough for any of the rides and would have been much happier if she'd gotten to play in the splash pad.  

It takes a full day to see all the shows/feedings at Sea World.  We got to see many things, but really could have used another couple of hours.  

Rent/bring a stroller!  Because the shows were back to back and had limited showing (not yet peak time) we were hurrying from one stage to the next...not great for little feet.

If you like Diet Coke, pack it!  Everywhere we went only offered Pepsi products (not a fan!).

The Original Mexican Restaurant on the Riverwalk received 2 thumbs down from our group.  It really tasted like Taco Cabana but cost quite a bit more. 

The Riverwalk boat tour was okay, but honestly next time, I'd just spend the time back at the resort letting the kids run and play.

 

What's up

Summer is here!  We've been enjoying waking up to bunnies in the back yard and bluejays on the fence at dinnertime. 

The kids wrapped up their last days of preschool this week.  I could not have picked better teachers for them this year.  Many mornings I'd even have to ask them to tell me "bye" because they were so excited to be at school!

Yesterday we had our first "big" pool day.  After 4 hours of playing, I felt very confident that Andrew remembers most of what he learned last year in swim lessons.  Both kids will start a 2 week session of swim lessons in June.  They are really enjoying playing together --- much of the time --- so I am really excited about a fun summer.  

I wrapped up my second year of Community Bible Study in April.  I cannot even begin to explain all I learned about God -- his infinite love & desire that no man perish, his sovereignty, our stupidity, his forgiveness, provision, protection, anger, wrath, his desire for humble hearts, his ultimate purpose for us to know him -- from the Old Testament study of the Divided Kingdom.  I look forward to leading a small group again in the fall as we study Daniel, Colossians, and 1 & 2 Peter.  In the meantime, I am reading Prayer: Does it make any difference? by Philip Yancy.

Drew just wrapped up his 6th of *hopefully* 12 semesters of law school.  We are so proud of him and just cannot comprehend how he can work so hard at a career, school, family, and fitness.

Drew and I have been competing in some local Crossfit competitions and having a blast.  We are heading to San Antonio in June to complete our Crossfit Level 1 Certifications. 

Andrew's birthday plans were rained out so we had a very simple cupcake celebration at home.  I'm not sure I've seen a happier child.  Lesson learned -- it's ok to keep things simple.

Andrew is 4

Stats - 41 inches, 43 pounds

This smile melts my heart every single day.  Andrew is now 4 years old!  Over the past year he has changed so much...leaving behind his baby face I can see the little boy he is becoming.  He is affectionate and tender hearted.  He wants to be brave but doesn't like to be the center of attention.  He loves to dance and sing...as long as no one is watching.  Andrew loves to play (and exercise like Dad)!  He has had a great year in preschool...making lots of friends with girls and boys, learning lots of letters and numbers and ideas.  One of his favorite things was the volcano unit.  He is still obsessed with Legos.  We took him to the Lego store for his birthday and he picked out the packages with Star Wars characters.  Andrew is a great big brother and I've had so much joy watching as he and Lila grow closer and learn to play with each other more and more.  Andrew thrives on routine.  If we get too busy, he will ask, "can we stay home today?"  He says he wants to be a police man when he grows up.  He loves the "battle" stories from the Bible.  He is now 41 inches tall and 42 pounds.  I wonder....will he be bigger than his daddy?  when will he think he's too old for his Lamby?  when will he begin his personal walk with Jesus?  will he always be tender and affectionate?  how will God use his life?

Happy birthday, Andrew!  You are my sunshine :)  

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9