tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20372813981400262872024-03-05T18:43:28.686-08:00Fat Girl, Slim!Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-24095458349491153222014-11-05T13:33:00.000-08:002014-11-05T13:33:12.199-08:00Halloween & Hallelujahs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Another Halloween has come and gone. Many parents seize this opportunity to devour endless amounts of free candy. Having six children this year, one would think that meant I'd have an endless candy buffet.<br />
<br />
But, alas, dear sojourner, I abstained.<br />
<br />
Yes, you read that correctly. I did not limit myself to five or ten pieces. Instead, I stood fast in my commitment to get back on the healthy bandwagon, and I had not one piece of Halloween candy. I'm not bragging. I'm making a "hallelujah" statement! As in "HALLELUJAH! I don't have to start over.... again!" NO regrets! NO setbacks. First. Time. Ever.<br />
<br />
I doubt I would have been so successful, except I'd already started down the clean-eating trail and by the time Halloween rolled around, I had no desire for Halloween candy. Seriously. I enjoyed meeting new neighbors and visiting with neighbors I already knew. I loved watching my kids run up and down the street with neighbor friends while I snuggled my six month old princess in our driveway. <br />
<br />
And when I woke up on Saturday, I didn't have a tummy ache. I didn't have a sugar hangover, or a mountain of regrets, fueled by a night of extreme gluttony. When I woke up on Saturday, I felt rejuvenated, excited, energized, and ready to press onward.<br />
<br />
And then I got on the scale.<br />
<br />
Friends. <br />
<br />
I couldn't believe it when I saw it, but I'm down almost ten pounds. Yes. Ten. My first numbers goal!! So now suddenly, staying on this path doesn't seem so impossible any more. <br />
<br />
Because of the way I am built, one might not be able to tell just by looking at me, but my scale isn't lying. Those few weeks of hard work and wise choices are really starting to pay off. If this continues, I'll reach my long term goals in no time! <br />
<br />
Am I sharing this to brag? No! Not at all. I just wanted to take a moment to say- hey friend! I'm doing it! I'm really doing it! And you can, too! So you ate your child's entire bucket of Halloween candy... so start over. No excuses, remember? <br />
<br />
I'm in this... with you. Start again today, right now. Don't wait until Monday, or even tomorrow. Start now. <br />
You can do this, and I'm here to walk with you, one step at a time. <br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<br />
The Fat Girl, Slim.</div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-89089495476863923412014-10-21T20:08:00.001-07:002014-10-21T20:16:35.915-07:00TRANSFORMED (a revisit from years past)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was re-reading some of my older posts for motivation and I came across this one.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thefatgirl-slim.blogspot.com/2013/01/transformed.html">TRANSFORMED</a><br />
<br />
And I was so inspired...<br />
<br />
I hope you will be inspired, too!<br />
<br />
Take some time, read through some of these old posts. I'm re-learning a lot of this and I hope it will help inspire, inform, or encourage you in some way.<br />
<br />
Here are a few more to help get your started:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thefatgirl-slim.blogspot.com/2012/12/fat-girl-slim.html">THE FAT GIRL, SLIM</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://thefatgirl-slim.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-proof-is-in-progress-before-and.html">BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS (Round one- there will be new before and after photos this time... better than before)</a><br />
<br />
And this classic<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thefatgirl-slim.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-i-ate-to-lose-almost-100-pounds.html">WHAT I ATE TO LOSE 100+ POUNDS</a><br />
<br />
See you on the journey!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-50165635669965708262014-10-21T19:15:00.000-07:002014-10-21T19:15:18.965-07:00Survival Mode<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirm1m5hx_QI8YPw0sUvPGrzvPnKkeyVpfq2ZV4kueEFf21Pz7w_1HjUhF-ZZwXR9p5pzIXw1Jk-k3NxFgI3rxC9GoyzJyAZVqxZNkJXXSfruQlA8R4iy_N0eXl5xQlTmGbj_968nhiE_5w/s1600/IMG_3727-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirm1m5hx_QI8YPw0sUvPGrzvPnKkeyVpfq2ZV4kueEFf21Pz7w_1HjUhF-ZZwXR9p5pzIXw1Jk-k3NxFgI3rxC9GoyzJyAZVqxZNkJXXSfruQlA8R4iy_N0eXl5xQlTmGbj_968nhiE_5w/s1600/IMG_3727-1-1.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a>It occurred to me the other day, that you may have thought I reached my goals and abandoned you. Alas, dear friend, this is not the case. I've been absent from writing for the past year and a half because during the course of my ongoing transformation, well.... we had another baby. <br />
<br />
Meet Kennedy Noelle.<br />
<br />
She's officially our last baby- number 6 of 6. She's not only completely healthy, but also completely wonderful.<br />
<br />
However, getting her to this point took a major toll on my body. Between an extremely difficult pregnancy and compounded stress, I have spent most of the last year and a half in what I like to call "survival mode". <br />
<br />
Survival mode is where you do whatever it takes to stay alive- like eating things you normally wouldn't eat, and laying around for almost nine months because of overwhelming nausea... the entire pregnancy. I HATE survival mode. I DESPISE the thought of having to go through the transformation all over again.<br />
<br />
But, here we are. Almost 100 pounds heavier than when I last wrote, and supremely uncomfortable. <br />
<br />
I realized, the other day, that I've become a hermit. Seriously. I LOVE to be around people, but I'm embarrassed and ashamed of what I allowed to happen to my body- so I realized that I'm hiding. I guess I feel like it's safe here... in my house. No one can judge me. No one can see the damage I'm doing to my body. No one can criticize me for my sin- this gluttony that I'm wrestling with.<br />
<br />
You see- that precious angel didn't do this to me. The FIFTH C-Section didn't do it to me. I did this to me. Yes, I was in survival mode during pregnancy, and even for a while after. Yes, I had to eat whatever I could to function and to keep baby healthy and growing. But I took it too far. I ate well beyond my natural limits. I pushed myself, often finding comfort in food. Postpartum has been rough this time, and as depression tried to creep in, I felt out of control, and tried to manipulate a false sense of security by gorging myself.<br />
<br />
So when I got on the scale the other day and realized I'm still at the same weight as the day I delivered her... pre-surgery, I realized it's time to change. I cannot live like this any more. I owe it to all of my kids, and to my self to get my health back. I don't want them to watch me die a slow death, brought on by health problems linked to morbid obesity. <br />
<br />
I want to live- to really live. I want to run and play with them again. I want to jump on the trampoline and swim with them, without being worried about breaking the diving board or ruining the trampoline. I want to watch them walk across the stage at graduation and down the aisle at each of their weddings and not be hiding beneath layers of well-dressed fat. I want to set a good example, leaving a legacy, not just for my children, but for generations to follow. <br />
<br />
So, friends, I'm back on track, and I hope you are, too. <br />
<br />
Looking forward to journeying with you,<br />
<br />
The Fat Girl,<br />
<br />
Slim.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-15163025272168766142013-06-03T10:32:00.000-07:002013-06-03T10:32:58.722-07:00HEALTHY KIDS, HEALTHY FAMILIES PART II- FAT MATTERS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My kids are not "veggie freaks"... just, FYI. <br />
<br />
Before listening to Whitney Zaino teach on healthy living, I really hadn't been exposed to helpful information that seemed legit and "do-able" that would also benefit my entire family. Because of this, I always bought things that were quick, easy, and cheap- like Pop-Tarts, Microwaveable Foods, Hot Dogs, Lunchables, and anything else that required minimal efforts. I did just enough to get by, but never wanted to force them to eat veggies... because I didn't like veggies. <br />
<br />
Until now.<br />
<br />
I also learned, during the course of all of this re-training of my brain, that it's not all about eating veggies. There are some other major players in the healthy living game. Let's see what Whitney has to say about this stuff:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>"What is best for you and your family to prevent and reverse
disease and illness is to follow the Three Healthy Principles of Abundant
Nutrition. They are broken down by food group: fats, protein, and
carbohydrates. </b></span></div>
<b><u><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</u><u><div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fat</span></u></div>
</u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Healthy fats vs. damaged fats:</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Eat more healthy fats: eliminate all damaged fats</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
</span></b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><u><div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Protein</span></u></div>
</u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Naturally raised vs. unnaturally raised animals:</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Go organic and natural for animals because these are at the top of
the food chain</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
</span></b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><u><div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Carbohydrates</span></u></div>
</u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Whole Carbohydrates vs. refined carbohydrates</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Eat more vegetables-eliminate refined grains and sugars. </span></div>
</span></b></blockquote>
<br />
Seriously, folks- it's really that simple... and that complicated. <br />
<br />
Say wha???<br />
<br />
I'll break down each of these three categories to help you try to understand:<br />
<br />
<b>1. FAT</b>. Seriously. You have to eat fat to lose fat. But not only that, you have to eat fat (the right kind of fat) to function the way you were intended to. See below from Whitney:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fats</span></u></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;">The number one missing
ingredient in the standard North American diet is not a vitamin or mineral but
good fat. Good fats are essential to brain development, cellular healing,
anti-inflammation, absorbing vitamins, cushioning vital organs, increased
awareness and learning abilities, increases heart health, focus and
concentration.</b></div>
</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>FAT FACTS</u></span></b></div>
</span><b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:About 70% of
your brain is fat.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Fats play an important role in
brain function, building cell membranes, clotting blood, absorbing vitamins,
cushioning vital organs and protecting us from extreme temperatures.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Eating
fat does not make you fat.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Americans eat more non-fat foods than people in
any other country, yet our population is the fattest in the world.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:From
1970-2000 grain and sugar consumption increased significantly, but not total
fat consumption. However, during that period, the consumption of trans fats
increased.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:It is not the amount of fat that we eat that matters, but the
type of fat.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Trans fats are the link to heart disease and cancer -- not
saturated fats. </span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:The good saturated fats are very healthy and can be
consumed daily.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Coconut oil is loaded with saturated fat and is one of the
healthiest foods on earth.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Grass-fed meat and free-range poultry have the
good fats in the right ratios, unlike store bought meats.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b>FA<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">C</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">T:About 70% of
your brain is fat.</span></div>
</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Fats play an important role in
brain function, building cell membranes, clotting blood, absorbing vitamins,
cushioning vital organs and protecting us from extreme temperatures.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Eating
fat does not make you fat.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Americans eat more non-fat foods than people in
any other country, yet our population is the fattest in the world.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:From
1970-2000 grain and sugar consumption increased significantly, but not total
fat consumption. However, during that period, the consumption of trans fats
increased.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:It is not the amount of fat that we eat that matters, but the
type of fat.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Trans fats are the link to heart disease and cancer -- not
saturated fats. </span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:The good saturated fats are very healthy and can be
consumed daily.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Coconut oil is loaded with saturated fat and is one of the
healthiest foods on earth.</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">FACT:Grass-fed meat and free-range poultry have the
good fats in the right ratios, unlike store bought meat</span></b></div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Healthy
fats (undamaged saturated fat)make up 70% of your brain tissue. Coconut oil is
high in saturated fat. “There are healthy saturated fats and there are damaged
saturated fats. When animals are fed grain, their antioxidants are depleted and
their fats become more susceptible to oxidation and damage. When coconut fat or
even animal fat is consumed in its purest form, the saturated fat is protected
from oxidation by abundant antioxidants and offers incredible health benefits.
Coconut is converted into quick energy and less likely to be stored as fat or
cause obesity. It supports the thyroid, heart, and immune system and is one of
the healthiest foods in the world today.” Coconut is recommended for
cooking, due to its sustainability in high heat. It is also a great
substitution for butter.</b></div>
<o:p><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You will want to eliminate
all bad fats, such as hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated oils, trans fats,
and rancid vegetables oils. They are linked to cellular congestion, cancer,
heart disease and neuro-toxicity. We know now that all of these diseases can
take years to develop and most of them begin in childhood.</b></div>
</o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: left;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></div>
</b></div>
</span><b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Fats to
eliminate on the Healthy Kids Plan</span></u></span></b></div>
</b><b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">x </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hydrogenated
and partially-hydrogenated oils</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">x</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Rancid
Oils (corn oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, and
sunflower oil)</span></b></div>
<o:p><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">x</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Trans
fats (margarine, synthetic butters, and shortening)</span></b></div>
</o:p></span></b><b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">x</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Roasted
nuts and seed butters</span></b></div>
</b><b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">x</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
Pasteurized and homogenized dairy products</span></b></div>
</b></blockquote>
<br />
So, did you get all of that? Yeah... it took me a bit as well. Take your time and digest this. Take notes if you need to, shoot me an e-mail. I'll be happy to answer any questions that I can. All I know is what I have experienced personally and what I have been taught. And that's what I'm sharing here. I hope you'll take some time to really let this sink in and re-evaluate the choices you're making regarding, no only what you feed yourself, but also what you feed your spouse and your children. As you can see from the information above, it's not only about your weight. The food you choose to consume plays an extremely vital role in either helping you to become, or preventing you from becoming the man or woman that God created you to be. The food you choose to consume will also set the pattern for your kids and their kids and their kids to come. <br />
<br />
You may never become a veggie freak. Your kids may never become little veggie-freak-lets. But you're reading this for a reason... I hope that wherever you are on your journey towards health and wellness, that you will be blessed by the information you find here.<br />
<br />
I'm in this with you.... and I'm not done yet!<br />
<br />
The good news is, there is a ton more information where this came from. Just keep reading. Just keep reading. Just keep reading, reading, reading...<br />
<br />
(I may or may not have watching Finding Nemo this weekend... can you tell?)<br />
<br />
Have a tremendous week, my friends! <br />
<br />
Motivated this Monday,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Fat Girl,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Slim</i></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-58610487896249797892013-05-28T16:58:00.002-07:002013-05-28T16:58:22.112-07:00The Apple Never Falls Far... HEALTHY KIDS, PART I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
You know that moment when you open your mouth, and your mother's voice comes out? I had that un-cool experience the other day. I can remember vowing to become the "cool mom" when I grew up, but clearly, although cool, I'm also my awesome mother's daughter, and a disciplinarian, at that. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's funny to me, that no matter how hard we fight it, some part of us will take on the traits of our parents- both good and bad. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Whitney Zaino writes, in her healthy kids book, </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"<span style="line-height: 115%;">Parents are a huge influence. As leaders in the home, we must practice
what we preach. How could you possibly expect your child to live a healthy lifestyle
but they see you eating donuts, cookies and fast food? The same goes for what
you complain about. If you turn your nose to anything green and make negative
comments about healthy food, you can bet they will play copycat. We can all
agree that how you are raised impacts how you will live when you are an adult.
Let's give our children a running start with their health and teach them
healthy habits so that when they are older they will not depart from it...."</span> </b></span></blockquote>
Whitney makes some great points here. I love how she challenges us as parents to make wise choices and become who we want our children to be. I've noticed the "do as I say, not as I do" philosophy really doesn't seem to work out all too well in our house... or anywhere, for that matter, So when we committed to eating healthier, we knew we were responsible for trying new things, and doing it with the same attitude we expected from our children (you'd be surprised how well I've managed to master pushing past my gag reflex with a smile on my face... just sayin'.). And my supplier, (my husband) had to stop sneaking junky candy snacks in his car and at night when he thought no one was looking, because we learned that it was really sending the wrong message to the kids, who ALWAYS seem to find out about these things (they're spies, I tell ya).<br />
<br />
But there are days when I just don't FEEL like eating clean (and my scale reminds me of this). On those days, I might cook something really healthy for the kids and pretend to be busy, so as to avoid said nutritious food, or I'll completely have the wrong attitude when I sit down to eat with them. And apparently monkey see-monkey do in our house, so when the minis see momma with her poor attitude, they quickly adjust their thinking to mirror my poor attitude, and meal time turns in to war time- where nobody wins. <br />
<br />
Even still- when I have a wonderful attitude, I come up against opposition at times. Whitney writes:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"There will be some children that will inevitably rebel against the
new changes around the house. Who buys
the food? You do, of course. Only buy the food you want your child to eat.
Parents be parents! Give them choices or nothing to eat! I haven't heard of to
many cases of starvation from a child refusing to eat food in the house. Don’t
be a short ordered cook. Make the family meal and refuse to make something
special for one of the kids that is not eating their food. This is sending the
wrong message to the family and especially to this child. They will not starve.
When they are hungry, they will eat. As long as it is a healthy meal, it should
be what everyone else had for dinner. This is another great opportunity for discipline!"</b></span></blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Thanks Whitney. I so needed that. Especially on an evening where spinach and kale are a certainty. As I was preparing our menu for the week, I went through a mental checklist of everything my kids might say and, knowing that I have a lot on my plate this week, I found myself planning a menu that was more conducive to pleasant attitudes. You know- the easy stuff that you know they will eat quickly and without complaint. I have been doing better about eating healthy my self (for the most part) but have found myself giving in more and more here and there to simple temptations<br />
<br />
This week, I also entered myself in to a new contest. This is a summer transformation contest, and I couldn't be more excited. Unfortunately, I cannot eat all of the things my kids want to eat. I had to think back to last summer when we first started eating healthy and I had to remember how much my persistence with the kids paid off. I can remember weeks of tears and fighting and eventually my kids were begging for asparagus, broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, spinach, etc. Although my kids still enjoy those foods, I have found myself more willing to make exceptions for the sake of simplicity. If I'm really honest with myself, I'm making exceptions in the kitchen so that I can afford to be a little more lazy as a mom. Truth.<br />
<br />
Sometimes the truth hurts, but it's always necessary. I don't want to raise kids who are spoiled. I don't want to raise kids who have no respect for the hard work of others, or for their authority.<br />
<br />
So what do I do? I buck up. Period. I plan the menu that will bring us all success, I prepare ONLY THAT FOOD, and I take a stand. I refuse to be a short order cook, and I remind them, in the words of my beloved Momma "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit." <br />
<br />
Yeah, this apple didn't fall far from that tree... and I couldn't be more thankful to come from such a wise tree.<br />
<br />
Love you Mom,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Fat Girl,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Slim</b></i></span></div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-57713379909043193462013-05-26T21:39:00.002-07:002013-05-27T22:30:24.040-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay, so I keep giving you tons of tips and ideas. I even shared with you my own faults and failures when it comes to the whole weight loss journey.<br />
<br />
But one thing I've neglected to do is to share with you all of the information that originally triggered the start of this blog- the information from my friend Whitney Zaino that sparked the loss of over 60 pounds in a ten month period. <br />
<br />
I realized, as I was looking back over the past months, that I have taken you through several key points in this journey, but there is such tremendous information that Whitney has shared with me, and I feel as if I'm doing a disservice by not sharing it. So this week, I'll be sharing pieces of Whitney's book each day that I am able to write. I hope and pray they bless you as you continue on your journey towards health and wellness. <br />
<br />
Thanks for keeping up with us on this journey. There is so much more to share, so I hope you'll stay tuned! <br />
<br />
God bless!<br />
<br />
The Fat Girl,<br />
Slim</div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-19097815951625985642013-05-20T22:45:00.002-07:002013-05-20T22:45:36.092-07:00Plan Ahead. Menus... check!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, remember how I was talking about planning ahead and being prepared?<br />
<br />
A huge part of that comes from planning your weekly menu. Have you done this? <br />
<br />
I used to walk through the grocery aisles and piece together meals that sounded good to me... until I realized (whilst checking out with tons of food that I absolutely didn't need) that was so NOT the way to go. <br />
<br />
And then, when I was learning to eat healthy, I'd write down exactly what we'd be eating for breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and a possible evening snack. But eventually, I realized my control issues, and that became a pain in my backside... so I came up with a generic menu that I can rotate and change as needed. <br />
<br />
It's all about flexibility, folks.<br />
<br />
The bare bones of the menu are the same. For instance, I know in any given week, we will have chicken, spinach, Brussels Sprouts, asparagus, apples, and tons more, but you get the idea. We try to mix it up, but the core of the menu doesn't change enough to require tremendous planning. This allows for easier shopping trips, and gives room for when things come up and you can't cook that five course meal you had planned.<br />
<br />
That being said, last week when my mom went in to the hospital, I had not completed my menu planning and had only purchased parts of meals. I was frustrated when I came home and had to plan and prepare meals, and attempted to balance a level of cleanliness (which didn't actually happen) with caring for my family, and cooking. We didn't totally junk out last week, but the meals weren't what I normally would have prepared, so everyone in the house was cranky and exhausted... and hungry.<br />
<br />
So when I went to the store this week, I had a full menu in mind. I left no room for "what if"s in the menu. I planned so that no matter what happened this week, we'd be prepared and my husband (who loves to cook) could select something from our menu and prepare it in my absence (if need be).<br />
<br />
So that's my tip for today: Plan your menu. <br />
<br />
Plan for quick and easy, or plan for meals that take more time if you'd like (and if you know you have the time to spare). The key is to plan ahead BEFORE you get to the store, and pick up foods that will nourish and build you up rather than deplete your nutrient supply. <br />
<br />
We'll file this one under lessons learned... the hard way.<br />
<br />
That's it for now. I'm off to sleep. <br />
<br />
But check back soon, for more from<br />
<br />
The Fat Girl<br />
Slim.</div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-70471703863565514372013-05-13T07:43:00.000-07:002013-05-13T07:43:12.875-07:00CHALLENGE # 3 PLAN AHEAD... CONTINUED<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You know the saying "Never go grocery shopping while you're hungry"?<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
Don't do it.<br />
<br />
It's somewhat like sending an alcoholic in to a bar to get a glass of water, or sending a kid into a candy store to grab some celery.<br />
<br />
It won't end well.<br />
<br />
I have a little secret- you know those sweet people strategically placed throughout the store? You know the ones I'm talking about... They are over-eager diet saboteurs. That's what they are.<br />
<br />
First, they prepare some yummy tidbit of something that you know (in good conscious) that you should not consume. Then they lure you in by tempting your children... first. And then they've got you. Because who the heck would deny their "starving" children of a sample (or 12) of something that good? Right?<br />
<br />
Me. <br />
<br />
I'm THAT mom. <br />
<br />
You know the one...<br />
<br />
When we walk by "Sample Lady", my kids rarely even ask any more, because I know what will happen. If I say yes, the kids get a sample, and then she practically shoves it down my throat... or perhaps I'm exaggerating a wee bit. But you get the picture. It's rude to say no at that point, right? I mean, this IS the South, and we do have a certain level of hospitality to maintain, right?<br />
<br />
*sigh* Okay, perhaps not. But it was really good justification for a time.<br />
<br />
But here's the deal- I know that once I sample something, inevitably I'll (accidentally, on purpose) forget something else that I "NEED" and be forced to walk by that sweet sample-lady again on the way to the front of the store... and then sample-lady will give us more, because she, too, is weakened to the "starving children" stare my kids offer as we walk by. And THEN... <br />
<br />
In my weakness, I'll give in and not only take another sample, but (gasp) I'll buy the "yummy snack" that we don't actually want or need. And then maybe I'll justify that purchase so I'll feel better about it, and I'll think to myself "Heck. You've already gone this far... just pick up a few more..." And so it continues.<br />
<br />
Don't judge. You know you do it, too...<br />
<br />
So here's the challenge. Plan ahead... again.<br />
<br />
Make a menu, and from that menu, make your grocery list. <br />
<br />
Check it twice.<br />
<br />
And, ho, ho, ho... stick to it!<br />
<br />
I'm such a nerd that I actually know the layout of my favorite stores. As I'm preparing my list, I will write the items in order of where they can be found in the store. The completely eliminates the need for back-tracking, AND if it's not on the list, I'm not allowed to buy it. (says me) This also eliminates the need for 7652872 shopping trips every week.<br />
<br />
In addition, this opens up the door for the kids to have a fun time in the store. How can grocery shopping be fun (you ask)? Turn your shopping trip in to a scavenger hunt. Seriously... It works, and it's a dual-purpose activity. Not only does it promote a little family fun, but if I go to pick up something and my little readers see that it's not on the list, they hold me accountable. <br />
<br />
So we're walking down the frozen foods aisle to pick up our favorite bread (Ezekiel bread) and I pass by the "frozen yummy awesome crap". I am tempted by the crap but my kids are uber-competitive, so they don't allow me to stop. <br />
<br />
They're like little drill sergeants: "Eyes forward, ma'am.... focus on the goal- finding the next item on the list."<br />
<br />
So we go through the store, aisle by aisle, and we don't kill each other, we don't melt down, and we don't leave with things we don't need. I set the expectation before we even go in to the store, so my kids know not to ask for things that aren't on the list. And... I try to plan my shopping trips AFTER a meal so that there is no unnecessary temptation. <br />
<br />
Does it always work this way? No.<br />
<br />
Do I ever leave with things that are not on my list? Occasionally.<br />
<br />
But by planning my weekly menu, I am twenty times less likely to grab a quick pizza during the week or "frozen yummy awesome crap"- especially if I've already grabbed all of the necessary items from the store. <br />
<br />
Please do not misunderstand me. I have treats. I love my treat days, and they sometimes include frozen yummy awesome crap. And then I pay the price... which is why I'm trying to help you (us) reach your (our) goals in a way that is practical and, at times, very gratifying. So consider these challenges to be more like the ideal plans to help you (us) avoid temptation. <br />
<br />
Speaking of, I better run and prepare my "emergency fund" snacks for the week <a href="http://thefatgirl-slim.blogspot.com/2013/05/challenge-2-plan-ahead.html">(Click here for more on that)</a>. Have a good one!<br />
<br />
And join us again for more from<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Fat Girl,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Slim.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-28559919280254571512013-05-09T15:12:00.000-07:002013-05-09T15:12:38.517-07:00Challenge # 2: PLAN AHEAD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you ever been through Dave Ramsey's FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"Amazing"</span></b> would, indeed, be an understatement. <br />
<br />
A wealth of information that every human needs to know- no matter your age, race, financial status...<br />
<br />
It's just an amazing class. <br />
<br />
So in the class, one of Dave's first challenges to us, was to build an emergency fund. He reminds us that emergencies wouldn't necessarily be emergencies if we were prepared. So he encourages everyone to begin with a $1000 emergency fund, and build from there.<br />
<br />
He says "When your car breaks down and you need $950 worth of repairs, if you have $950 in an emergency fund, you'll have what you need to cover it, and you no longer have an emergency on your hands. You have wisdom, maturity, and preparedness."<br />
<br />
As I was thinking through a list of ideas to help with this challenge, Dave's ideas came to mind.<br />
<br />
No, I'm not saying start a savings account for your healthy lifestyle. I'm saying this:<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">PLAN AHEAD.</span></u></b><br />
<br />
Going to a party Friday night? <b><span style="font-size: large;"> Plan ahead. </span></b> Pack some healthy option snacks (a handful of raw nuts or seeds, some organic fruit, a raw food bar) in your purse. Perhaps enjoy a protein shake or eat a healthy meal before you go, so that when you are there, you are less tempted. BUT if you should decide that you have an "emergency" (meaning, the cake is calling out to you....) What do you do? Where do you go? <br />
<br />
You go to your "emergency fund"- your snacks that are waiting for your in your purse. <br />
<br />
You don't like that idea? <br />
<br />
Here's another option- Plan to eat before you leave, and drink only water while you are there.<br />
<br />
Nah. I don't love that option either. <br />
<br />
If you err on the side of stubbornness like yours, truly, and you feel as if you MUST have a snack while you are there... and you INSIST on trying some of the food they are offering, limit yourself to a portion the size of your palm and NO RETURN TRIPS. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Parties do not have to be all-you-can-eat buffets. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But remember this- not all "emergencies" occur at parties. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not for me, anyway. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Most of mine actually occur at my house. And if we have junk in the house, I'll consume it during my "emergency", so I took a cue from Dave.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I try to keep my "emergency fund" stocked and ready to go on a moment's notice. If I have healthy option snacks in my car or in my house waiting for me, I am twice as likely to make the healthy choice and pull from the emergency fund, than I am to go on a binge.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So there it is. <b>Challenge # 2: PLAN AHEAD.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Get to it, and come back tomorrow for more helpful tips from</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Fat Girl,</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Slim.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
See ya tomorrow!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-83022704873803224432013-05-06T12:46:00.004-07:002013-05-06T12:46:51.364-07:00Challenge # 1- Take Notes!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On again.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Off again.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>On again.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Off again....</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>again.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the story of my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Insert loud, obnoxious, ear piercing scream)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Am.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Frustrated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I probably didn't take time to write and share this with you because I was too over-committed to do any one thing truly well... but guess what? I did it. I reached that goal of losing 100 pounds. I think I was even down to between 203 and 205 (a total of 102-104 pounds lost). I was excited and I was doing great.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then, as always, life happened. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I fell off the wagon. I'd like to attribute this to one specific instance, but I cannot. Between a flurry of baby showers, weddings, women's retreat, birthdays, and more birthdays, I fell off of the wagon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it sucks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel like I've gained a bazillion pounds. And, truth be told, there are probably 5 extra pounds of fluid hanging out where they don't belong. But I refuse to accept this as MY lot in life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Several of you have e-mailed or sent messages to let me know you are in this with me- you are struggling right along side of me, and I want to encourage you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm super-bloated. I'm super-tired. I'm super-disappointed, but I'm not giving up! And neither should you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ARE in this together. I will commit to writing as often as I can (especially now that most of my commitments are on hold for the summer). I'll keep it real and I'll be honest when I'm struggling, and I'll share milestones as I reach them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I promise- I won't abandon you again (intentionally). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm really going to do this. Heck. I AM doing this. And this weekend, when the pool opens, I am going to strut my stuff... under the water... away from the kids with goggles. (Baby steps, folks.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And you can too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How, you ask?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Great question! I've come up with a list of challenges to all of us. Ready?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay- as I'm fighting off my food-hangover-migraine, here is my first challenge to you:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>TAKE NOTES.</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Step away from the chips and queso. Opt for the celery and the guac. ;) Step away from the birthday cake, the baby shower cupcakes that just seem to call out to you, and instead, pull out a piece of paper (even a sticky note or an index card will do) and write down your number one reason for re-gaining control of your health. Re-read this as many times as it takes to kill that temptation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to hearing from you about how this helps with temptation this week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have another challenge already in the works. So check back tomorrow for some more tips on getting on this wagon and staying on- for good! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I appreciate you, friends! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Off again,</span></strike><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On again,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Fat Girl, Slim</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-49540366125071456452013-03-24T19:38:00.000-07:002013-03-24T20:03:32.908-07:00Here's To The Man...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
And so I thought to myself the other day, as my husband hugged me...<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
"Here's to the man who saw me when I weighed 307 pounds (with no baby inside) and hugged me the same as he does now. </h4>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's to the man who looked at me, longingly, when I was a slothful, gluttonous woman, and treated me like his queen. </span></h2>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"> Here's to the man who never once made me feel like an object of lust, but, rather, THE object of his affections- no matter my size.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's to the man who saw me at 145 pounds, pursued me passionately, and never stopped, even when I was at my worst. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's to the man who stood by my side through each and every "diet" I attempted... and ultimately failed. </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Here's to the man who took his vows seriously- especially that one about loving and cherishing... in sickness and in health.</i></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Here's to the man who gained weight when I got pregnant and called it his "sympathy belly" just to make me feel better... and maybe to comfort himself a little, as well. </b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here's to the man who has been my biggest cheerleader and <b><span style="font-size: large;">never once, not one time in eleven years, made me feel ugly, fat, unlikable, unlovable, unworthy of his affections and efforts</span></b>.</span> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's to the man who didn't turn to pornography or other women when I was "morbidly obese"- but instead, comforted and encouraged me... and never once gave up on me. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here's to the man who gets publicly pursued by aggressive women... frequently... in front of his overweight wife, and chooses to publicly affirm the woman he married, rather than acknowledging the inconsiderate women vying for his attention.</span> </b> </div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Here's to the first man to ever make me feel truly beautiful, and to love me for WHO I AM, not what I look like, or what I can do for him.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Here's to the man who saw me push him away in my brokenness and shame, and refused to give up on me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Here's to the man who consistently brings out the best in me...</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And here's to the man who saw a broken woman, ashamed of who she had become, and picked her up out of her insecurities and her depression, and carried her until she was strong enough to walk on her own.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>To that man, I owe my love and my life. He demonstrated the perfect picture of how a husband should love a wife. He is the perfect example of God's heart for me."</i></span></div>
</div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-92004668546014284392013-02-27T07:21:00.000-08:002013-02-27T08:25:40.471-08:00CANCER. The (AMENDED) Truth Everyone Needs To Read<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Okay- I'm amending this, based on some new information. Amendments hi-lighted</i><br />
<br />
So, I found out yesterday, that a friend of mine has skin cancer. During the course of our conversation, I told her I wanted to put her on a diet. Now, before you go slapping my hand, know that I was not referring to her weight- not at all. <br />
<br />
Through my time of researching and looking in to health and wellness, I've learned much about how your body functions, and the tremendous role diet and lifestyle play in our overall health- and not just our weight.<br />
<br />
That being said, I explained to her a little about some ideas I had for her, and then I saw this, this morning, on Facebook. This is not my literature. I borrowed it directly from a site called <b>Rockin' Wellness</b> on Facebook, who, I believe, posted it, <span style="background-color: yellow;"><b>courtesy of Johns Hopkins (SEE BELOW FOR THIS CORRECTION)</b></span>... just so there's no confusion. :)<br />
<br />
***A friend showed me that this was, in fact, NOT courtesy of Johns Hopkins. I apologize for any misconception or misunderstanding. HOWEVER, I do not feel that the information is completely false. I will say here, what I said on Facebook- <span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">"T</span><span id=".reactRoot[103].[1][2][1]{comment418587614899337_2618101}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[103].[1][2][1]{comment418587614899337_2618101}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0].[1]"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 13.5pt;">here are about
as many articles about this, as there are colors in the world. My best advice
would be to pray through it</span></span><span id=".reactRoot[103].[1][2][1]{comment418587614899337_2618101}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[103].[1][2][1]{comment418587614899337_2618101}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[103].[1][2][1]{comment418587614899337_2618101}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">,
research it, and make the choice that you feel is best for you and your family.
I know it's frustrating to read one thing and then to read another and
another... and they are all opposing opinions. But thankfully, we are a people
who depend on a God who can guide us in truth and in decision making- like
this- not on silly bloggers, like myself." </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: lime; font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-highlight: lime; mso-shading: white;">That being said-
this is not necessarily the whole TRUTH about cancer, or the complete guide to
healing cancer. This is just a passionate opinion. I’m sorry if I’ve
offended anyone- that was absolutely not my intent. Again- this is just my blog, not the New
England Journal of Medicine. Take it for
what it's worth, , and nothing more. Thanks for reading!</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor, or a nutritionist .. or a scientist (I actually failed science one year). I am merely a woman (a mother, a daughter, a wife, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a friend), impassioned with the information I've learned, who wants to encourage others to learn the truth and to be free to live the life they were created to live- and not be bound by issues with weight, health and wellness. As with any major health changes and choices you make, you should always consult your health professional before making and major decisions.<br />
<br />
That being said, this is a little long, but trust me when I say it's well worth your time.... read on!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background: white; color: grey; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"LATEST
CANCER INFORMATION</span><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;">from Johns Hopkins</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;">AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO
TRY AND ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span class="textexposedshow">STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY …</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These
cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to
a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer
cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to
detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10
times in a person's lifetime.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">3. When the person's immune system is strong the
cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming
tumors.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person
has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic,
environmental, food and lifestyle factors.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">5. To overcome the multiple nutritional
deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the
immune system.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the
rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in
the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like
liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also
burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and
radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy
and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">9. When the body has too much toxic burden from
chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or
destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and
complications.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer
cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also
cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">11. An effective way to battle cancer is to STARVE
the cancer cells by not feeding it with foods it needs to multiple.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">What cancer cells feed on:</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar
it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Note: Sugar substitutes
like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is
harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only
in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in
colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus,
especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting
off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells will starved.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A
meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken
rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth
hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice,
whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an
alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh
vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down
to cellular levels within 15 minutes t o nourish and enhance growth of healthy
cells.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells
try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts)
and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at
temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have
high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting
properties. Water--best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known
toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and
requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the
intestines will become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein
covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to
attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to
destroy the cancer cells.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">14. Some supplements build up the immune system
(IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to
enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements
like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the
body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and
spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a
survivor.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Anger, unforgiving and bitterness put the body into
a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving
spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated
environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down
to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy
cancer cells.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">(PLEASE SHARE IT TO PEOPLE YOU CARE ABOUT)" -
The Natural Way</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-6015073558659400712013-02-25T20:27:00.000-08:002013-02-25T20:27:43.099-08:00LINK FIXED- FOLLOW AWAY!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Not that I'm begging for followers, or subscribers, or whatever they're called.. I actually detest the word "followers" because I don't want people to follow ME. But I was reminded today that some people would prefer for these blogs to be sent to their e-mails and not have to check the website for new posts/ updates. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know the link was previous not working, so I checked it out and I think it's finally up and running. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's tech-awesomeness, right there! (I'm so kidding...)<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That being said if you would like to receive the posts in your inbox, rather than having to check the site for posts, please feel free to subscribe. I tried to make this one simple- because I know none of us has a ton of time to do these things... And it really doesn't affect me, one way or the other if you subscribe. I just wanted to make sure that you knew the option was available- since several had asked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So IF you'd like, simply type in your e-mail to "Follow by e-mail" and then follow the prompts. I believe you can also sign up to follow on Google +, if that's your preference.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, back to my workout...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Fat Girl,</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Slim</i></span></div>
</div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-10204333654490145892013-02-25T12:55:00.000-08:002013-02-25T12:55:08.297-08:00It's Swimsuit Season! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay, folks.<br />
<br />
It's officially swimsuit season... and shorts season. *heavy sigh*<br />
<br />
I'm amused that this post follows the post on Girl Scout Cookies... it's somewhat like when I pin a really unhealthy recipe on Pinterest, and then I feel guilty, so I pin a really inspiring pin on working out...<br />
<br />
But I digress.<br />
<br />
I'd so prefer to hide beneath my long sleeves and layers. When I'm covered up, people don't see:<br />
a.- How white I really am and<br />
b.- That I'm not quite to my goal.<br />
<br />
However... this IS Texas, and temperatures will reach in to the 100s in no time, so we need to consider preparing for the weather.<br />
<br />
Because, trust me- trying to wear sweaters and jeans all summer might sound cool in your mind, but it will only leave you with a heat stroke and leave people wondering about your mental status... (I may or may not have learned this lesson the hard way. Don't judge...)<br />
<br />
I know- some people are looking at blizzards. I'm in Texas, so we could see a blizzard next week. But at the moment, I'm staring outside at the beautiful sunshine and the upcoming potential to go from bright white... (really, almost blue)- to ivory... and eventually to beige and then by August, a nice, golden tan. <br />
<br />
I love the sun. I love to swim. I love to sunbathe.<br />
<br />
However...<br />
<br />
I DO NOT love shopping for swimsuits. And I imagine, if you are reading this blog, that I am likely not alone. Shopping for swimsuits isn't fun for most people- even if you're vain. Because, even then, I'm pretty sure that although you might not hyperventilate at the thought of cramming parts of yourself into multi-colored lycra just so you can go jump in a large body of water, trying to find just the right suit to fit your body is no day at the park. <br />
<br />
I remember when your choice was simply a one piece or a two piece. Now there are as many different types of suits as there are types of shoes! The thought of finding just that right balance between not showing too much, and not looking like a nun... that's enough to make a person have a mild panic attack and run for the pantry. <br />
<br />
Never-the-less, here we are. <br />
<br />
So what shall we do about this? <br />
<br />
Well, we could all invest in those Miracle Suits... you know- the ones that hold in everything you ever had... and then some? Or perhaps we could buy some cute cover-ups and never get in the water. Or maybe we could lay, all day, out by the pool at just the right angle to ensure our "fluff" is sunken in to our lawn chairs? And then pass out from heat stroke.... right?<br />
<br />
Orrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... we could get our butts in gear and work off some of that holiday lovin' that left its mark around our waistlines, our buns, or our thighs... <br />
<br />
That's right girl... or guy? <br />
<br />
It's time to get up off of the sofa. Stop reading tons of blogs about how to lose weight. Stop hanging out on Pinterest, PINNING websites about how to lose weight, right next to websites about gourmet junk food. Instead of wishing that you could get up and lose the weight, or dreaming about the day you will, DO IT!<br />
<br />
Don't waste another minute.<br />
<br />
If running is your thing, no excuses. Get up and get moving.<br />
<br />
If swimming is your thing (as it is mine), get in a pool (preferably heated) and go to work!<br />
<br />
I've fallen in love with a 12- minute work out that you can do from home. <a href="http://www.maximizedliving.com/Fitness/maxT3.aspx">CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO</a>. So if you aren't quite ready to hit the trails, or maybe you can't afford the time or the dough to hit the Y, look in to this video. It will kick your butt in ways BODY PUMP only ever dreamed of- and it seriously only takes 12 minutes!!!<br />
<br />
My workout today is this:<br />
<br />
12 minute abs (because I'm convinced they are under there... somewhere)<br />
12 minute legs (because I WILL wear shorts with confidence)<br />
&<br />
12 minute core (because I've spent way too much time chillaxin' and it's time to get my core where it needs to be.)<br />
(And maybe... if I can still function... 12 minute arms.... maybe)<br />
<br />
Honestly- I can tell you that I may not be able to walk Wednesday, but it's the kind of soreness I've earned, so it's worth it! <br />
<br />
Seriously- if I can do it, you can do it. NO EXCUSES.<br />
<br />
Commit to thirty minutes. Today. Right now. <br />
<br />
Reward yourself when you are done- perhaps a hot soak in the bath, or a whey smoothie... Just focus on the goal ahead, and not the road you must travel to get there. Every step you take puts that much more of the road behind you. So get up, and get going! Jump in with both feet!<br />
<br />
I'll meet you at the finish line!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Fat Girl,</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Slim</i></span></div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-39903314634509742392013-02-21T20:40:00.000-08:002013-02-21T20:51:57.729-08:00IT'S GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFG23nnjJDwARE1OMf30gf0ofSSQIc7brn2WiK6mcR8xOFrPn4cTyFfGZVUzMq6vf4vCSvj4-HunCRabuo4dlfXAC9fs8Ckxq5pdYcFAtQv7FA6kWSMHaa4ML1WE7kag9ILEaQsJR23kI/s1600/cookie-monster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFG23nnjJDwARE1OMf30gf0ofSSQIc7brn2WiK6mcR8xOFrPn4cTyFfGZVUzMq6vf4vCSvj4-HunCRabuo4dlfXAC9fs8Ckxq5pdYcFAtQv7FA6kWSMHaa4ML1WE7kag9ILEaQsJR23kI/s320/cookie-monster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Okay, folks.<br />
<br />
It's Girl Scout Cookie time! Woohooo! Oh... wait. Crap. I forgot... I don't eat them anymore.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, my daughter isn't a girl scout. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, GS Cookies are like crack in my house (no, seriously. That's actually a photo of me.) <br />
<br />
We used to buy GS cookies by the case. Then, we miiiiiiiiiiiiight share some with the kids (on rare occasions), but inevitably, what would end up happening, is that my husband (also known as my supplier, or my enabler... my crack dealer) would sneak a box in to our room to share while we watched a movie at bedtime.<br />
<br />
And we would eat them.<br />
<br />
All.<br />
<br />
As in, all of the boxes in the crate... within about 3 days.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eIWlcbnYjTloZ0K3LHFMTcHoTS4YYxF0ky23SIBZm00REQK50ATyTV5oPnGT-kEKcFQdJ_exxPQ28_5abJ_uj-_rLyKczFvFEUvKUypQt8MQ2GDh-auGY2Hy-Blwj7XSeCDxws7yCtSN/s1600/Girlscout-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eIWlcbnYjTloZ0K3LHFMTcHoTS4YYxF0ky23SIBZm00REQK50ATyTV5oPnGT-kEKcFQdJ_exxPQ28_5abJ_uj-_rLyKczFvFEUvKUypQt8MQ2GDh-auGY2Hy-Blwj7XSeCDxws7yCtSN/s320/Girlscout-cookies.jpg" width="320" /></a>And no, I never actually wondered how I got to 307 pounds... I occasionally drool when recalling to mind some of the awesome details.<br />
<br />
But I digress. <br />
<br />
My point is that those stinking cookies will be there, taunting me, calling out to me with their caramel, chocolate, coco-nutty, thin-minty goodness every single time I walk in to the store for the next month-ish. <br />
<br />
I know I'm not strong enough to resist the temptation on my own. I mean, it's for a good cause, right?<br />
<br />
Focus, Christi... <br />
<br />
I need to remember the better cause- my health. <br />
<br />
I mean, look at the ingredients:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzg-3vc04-iAzqB3n6mxhqddyrkC26Oxa62wsWA4MEUQ12SBh1v_UK9SghRiQyAo-_mJamqudYh7mi6J5zDW98ij9oR0QvARBrrj7cErELMjWR0xVOLyRLaUA3qiLpUqXwbscl7hW7LMzK/s1600/484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzg-3vc04-iAzqB3n6mxhqddyrkC26Oxa62wsWA4MEUQ12SBh1v_UK9SghRiQyAo-_mJamqudYh7mi6J5zDW98ij9oR0QvARBrrj7cErELMjWR0xVOLyRLaUA3qiLpUqXwbscl7hW7LMzK/s320/484.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
If I want to stay clean, I know I need to avoid the crack. Otherwise, I know it will just be a downward spiral and I'll find myself in a GS cookie coma, in desperate need of rehab. <br />
<br />
So here it is, accountability partners. No cookies. None. I will not buy one box- no matter how they beg with their cute little boxes and caramel coloring.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWVL2HIU6TdSqiRosOMCvU4aKT735DdJV5I7ek4OgzAkkwO_tTSzIMi5eRpIVKDWBvWQVn9Obv6l-PpUuJbucQeIvIbw4PxVWFZsmfiTg7SthyphenhyphensQK6Dj8OW90m5LbnpS35HLaqQoSHMJU/s1600/528872_537684186255733_1902354295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWVL2HIU6TdSqiRosOMCvU4aKT735DdJV5I7ek4OgzAkkwO_tTSzIMi5eRpIVKDWBvWQVn9Obv6l-PpUuJbucQeIvIbw4PxVWFZsmfiTg7SthyphenhyphensQK6Dj8OW90m5LbnpS35HLaqQoSHMJU/s400/528872_537684186255733_1902354295_n.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
Instead, I have challenged myself to come up with a fun and delicious alternative- perhaps a paleo version of one of my cookie favs? <br />
<br />
Sugar-free, grain-free, dairy-free... but it wouldn't necessarily be taste-free, right?<br />
<br />
Consider yourself invited to participate in the challenge!<br />
<br />
The winner will have their recipe published here on the blog, and on Pinterest. They will also win exclusive bragging rights- which, in my house, is worth more than gold.<br />
<br />
So bring it, girl scouts. I. Got. This.<br />
<br />
It's on!<br />
<br />
-The former cookie monster<br />
<br />
a.k.a<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Fat Girl,</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Slim</i></span></div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-39844772217281031332013-02-21T19:59:00.001-08:002013-02-21T19:59:48.343-08:00Public Service<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have to share this just because.... it's totally not true, nor how I actually feel, but it totally made me laugh so I thought I'd share the smiles.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfBdkZa63zmBiaZ_40LINotgCdGLElRFpcmqfsifAhD1LRvZDSJ40IczhNbXGQmTH-quHN1gGHMrqIwHojcwtkIeSSagiHpNoZBXyyRD9zPdO5xOm0u1TIBRugioukib1U7GwRM7D3w3J/s1600/485372_547008992000108_1744739952_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfBdkZa63zmBiaZ_40LINotgCdGLElRFpcmqfsifAhD1LRvZDSJ40IczhNbXGQmTH-quHN1gGHMrqIwHojcwtkIeSSagiHpNoZBXyyRD9zPdO5xOm0u1TIBRugioukib1U7GwRM7D3w3J/s640/485372_547008992000108_1744739952_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-74161394811696912792013-02-21T19:01:00.001-08:002013-02-21T19:01:13.719-08:00Inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I thought I'd share this with you today, courtesy of Pinterest....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE82ZYHYs5un_ftByoppvlH3OvftAx0XjwEMaSiVmIueXxyyzXm8gBIAzDMfClASJoYPcLSmBMQBqsM7iroXLKdHaElY6k1PkH30bfkLe6ObiC4Eo6NnjAbjpitYStjhEmk9CbQeFot5U/s1600/163d2fb3e1d838c384d2001aaa8b811b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE82ZYHYs5un_ftByoppvlH3OvftAx0XjwEMaSiVmIueXxyyzXm8gBIAzDMfClASJoYPcLSmBMQBqsM7iroXLKdHaElY6k1PkH30bfkLe6ObiC4Eo6NnjAbjpitYStjhEmk9CbQeFot5U/s640/163d2fb3e1d838c384d2001aaa8b811b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-34315029790762391622013-02-20T22:50:00.004-08:002013-02-20T22:50:52.586-08:00ACCOUNTABILITY. Day 1... again.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAvZ92NkbfDqk_1aqMVzFz4IdwtnDoQ0sxAq20WCjQkrvej7_FxZc-2FCWS6O7s8Qjd_Vhe4cRYuejOH4kwC8c9j2sSiQgWvjItSOSiu0Uy63wMO3kyLbDiL4J4gWQiCt7b__BerQB9if/s1600/ad3c7a202671f05bde5e7cdfa8c5e4cd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAvZ92NkbfDqk_1aqMVzFz4IdwtnDoQ0sxAq20WCjQkrvej7_FxZc-2FCWS6O7s8Qjd_Vhe4cRYuejOH4kwC8c9j2sSiQgWvjItSOSiu0Uy63wMO3kyLbDiL4J4gWQiCt7b__BerQB9if/s320/ad3c7a202671f05bde5e7cdfa8c5e4cd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I know it's been a while since my last post.<br />
<br />
In part, this is because I've had sick children, and was a bit sick myself. But mostly, I suspect I haven't written, because I recognized that if I were to continue writing, I would be accountable to you.... and I didn't want that...<br />
<br />
Because... I don't know why. I guess it's because I only had three pounds to lose.<br />
<br />
I know. I sound insane.<br />
<br />
Not three pounds total, but three pounds until I reached that initial goal of losing 100 pounds. <br />
<br />
So why not keep sharing?<br />
<br />
I told you I started out at 307. Well, I've been teetering around 210 for over a month now. I don't get on the scale every day, but I know when I'm actively trying to lose weight, and when I am not. And something inside of me seems to be preventing me from actually hitting that milestone. <br />
<br />
I can see that mile marker. It's literally spitting distance in front of me... and I choke. Almost, as if on purpose, I sabotage myself. I quit moving forward. I don't move backwards, but I don't work towards progress. I wonder, sometimes, if perhaps there is a deep down feeling of unworthiness? Like, perhaps I don't feel like I'm "good enough" to reach that first goal. Or perhaps I'm afraid of success... afraid that once I reach that goal, the other shoe will drop and I won't be able to keep moving forward (as has been my previous experience).<br />
<br />
Whatever the hindrance, I've had enough. I can no longer accept the compliments and encouragement of well-wishing friends, knowing that I'm purposefully sabotaging any future progress.<br />
<br />
So, that being said- I'm writing again.<br />
<br />
Because I need the accountability.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CtdRwQupH_6qC2vSZn2_YOOXV1keEyIguK4XIot4mfV4YfIU38XHxBVTAgrfoa6FOgGfsJ6bQQTlRUj9-g0m5vUf_HQv0ZkBw0uuYah0vgA3g27LdDcAbyiqozAN6o3GBREekRObkwv9/s1600/accountability.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CtdRwQupH_6qC2vSZn2_YOOXV1keEyIguK4XIot4mfV4YfIU38XHxBVTAgrfoa6FOgGfsJ6bQQTlRUj9-g0m5vUf_HQv0ZkBw0uuYah0vgA3g27LdDcAbyiqozAN6o3GBREekRObkwv9/s1600/accountability.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Because I need to believe that I CAN AND WILL reach this first goal, and continue thriving, growing healthier and closer to my goals with each day that passes. <br />
<br />
I refuse to give up. I refuse to stay where I am any longer. Today is the first day of the rest of my life... and I won't waste one more second trying to prevent myself from becoming the woman God intended me to be- health and all. <br />
<br />
So thanks for reading. Without you, I'd have no accountability.<br />
<br />
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</div>
I told you- in it with you. We'll get there, friend!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LjSuZPMxbfUOma3d_hLFCXS27g9lqB0yvC95G81T4AWlNMjJ_qbQtnFeWPdGWN4uTO495VGTUbj5HGQi1ns1EXQd3INRM1c5Chd-V4TdYkikM0WMxMEOfZFPw6Wklt2fvU-tKjAeDB6S/s1600/ad1339d09a8b5d5c224bc3fd9951a54a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LjSuZPMxbfUOma3d_hLFCXS27g9lqB0yvC95G81T4AWlNMjJ_qbQtnFeWPdGWN4uTO495VGTUbj5HGQi1ns1EXQd3INRM1c5Chd-V4TdYkikM0WMxMEOfZFPw6Wklt2fvU-tKjAeDB6S/s200/ad1339d09a8b5d5c224bc3fd9951a54a.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
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Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-54344895218072790162013-01-30T08:16:00.000-08:002013-01-30T08:16:37.312-08:00CHIRO... WHA??? (Written by guest blogger and Chiropractor Christie Ducote)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The post below was written by a friend of mine, <a href="http://www.vitalityfamilychiropractic.com/"><b>Christie Ducote</b>,</a> who is a chiropractor living in the College Station area, and is newly engaged to be married (WOOHOO!!!) She shares my passion for health and wellness and has written this information to share with you all. This helps to explain how chiropractic has contributed to my weight loss (among other things). I'll write more about my personal experience later, but without further ado, the excited, inspired, Christie Ducote!</span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Our bodies were designed to need certain things. We obviously need air to breathe, water to
drink, and food to consume. But there is
something else- something much greater than these three- that your body needs
every second of every day in order to live. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You can tell how important something is to your body by how long
you can live without it. Although I like
to joke and say that I could only go hours without food, truly, our bodies
could last at least a month without food.
If you’ve ever watched survivor, you know that humans can go a long time
without food. Jesus, Moses, and Elijah
all went 40 days without food. Some of
us can probably last even longer than others without food, depending on how
much “storage” we have.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<o:p></o:p>We know we should drink half our body weight in ounces of water
every day, but the reality is that we could survive several days without
water. I’m reminded of Aron Ralston, the
extreme hiker, who got his arm stuck behind a boulder while hiking in Utah, and
lived almost a week with very little water before freeing himself to
survive. Likewise, we've all timed
ourselves to see how long we can hold our breath under water. So we can obviously last minutes without air.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
There is one thing, however, that you can’t even go one second without. Have you thought of it yet? What would happen instantly if I chopped off
your head? That’s right! You wouldn't survive! You can go weeks without food, days without
water, and minutes without oxygen, but you can’t go one second without nerve supply!</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
God put an amazing healing and functioning power in your brain
that controls every single cell, tissue, and organ in your body. For your heart to beat, your lungs to
breathe, for you to digest all of the amazing foods that you are putting into
your body- that power must flow from the brain, down the spinal cord, and over
the nerves at 100%. When this
information is disrupted, your body can not function and heal at its optimum
potential. Over time, this disruption
leads to disease.</blockquote>
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</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghh41mTx6BW63AbcvBsHEqCL9bmrq8MdMXEStSbk71M_QSuEC6rFh1Vz9sUfo6c5nhLApgQxu6ud0wk-eSlMcxY1eJ-xjovJENIUxEFCKeZRbbhOoStmH6TSt94KY2Ohuj3J7tsoBVcn1-/s1600/subluxation.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghh41mTx6BW63AbcvBsHEqCL9bmrq8MdMXEStSbk71M_QSuEC6rFh1Vz9sUfo6c5nhLApgQxu6ud0wk-eSlMcxY1eJ-xjovJENIUxEFCKeZRbbhOoStmH6TSt94KY2Ohuj3J7tsoBVcn1-/s320/subluxation.png" width="320" /></a></blockquote>
<br />
How does this occur? Well,
the spine has a position it HAS to be in.
It has to be completely straight from front to back and have 3 curves
from the side. In this position, there
is no pressure whatsoever on the nervous system and you can function and heal
at 100%. When one of the 24 bones in the
spine shift out of alignment or you lose a curve in your spine, it puts
crushing pressure on the nervous system.
This is called subluxation. With subluxation
in your spine, you can never be truly healthy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzteF-qMKWgC_UPq_1wQ2Wg90F6Jsl6eOGBbnfwRriJoewxxxe2H5xawXZsM9e3zOeFd3ruWbpG6PEYW1w4CmWmRpndCOVm83hUKrOVXha6J0sKwJPf5BzwkkE4gyBWjmkhcVYfGql_tA/s1600/spine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzteF-qMKWgC_UPq_1wQ2Wg90F6Jsl6eOGBbnfwRriJoewxxxe2H5xawXZsM9e3zOeFd3ruWbpG6PEYW1w4CmWmRpndCOVm83hUKrOVXha6J0sKwJPf5BzwkkE4gyBWjmkhcVYfGql_tA/s640/spine.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What does this have to do with weight loss? Well, how much good will it do to eat
amazing, organic foods when you have crushing pressure on the nerves going to
your digestive system? What about when
you lose the curve in your neck and the nerve going to your thyroid is getting
choked? You may lose some weight, but
you certainly won’t keep losing weight.
Ever find it easy to lose 10-15 pounds and then plateau? You probably have damaging pressure to your
nervous system.</blockquote>
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I have seen countless patients try everything in the book to lose
weight, but can’t seem to move forward.
Once they learned the principle that their nervous system was first and
foremost, the weight just fell off! If
you’ve never had your nervous system evaluated, please find a structural care
chiropractor as soon as possible! You
can go to <a href="http://www.maximizedliving.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">www.maximizedliving.com</span></a>
and click “Find a Doctor” to find the one nearest to you!"</blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you Dr. Christie for taking the time to share this information! It's extremely helpful and beneficial to anyone who has ever been "stuck" and unable to move forward in their journey towards health and wellness. For more from Dr. Christie, please visit</span> <a href="http://www.vitalityfamilychiropractic.com/">www.vitalityfamilychiropractic.com</a> or <a href="http://facebook.com/vitalityfamilychiropractic">facebook.com/vitalityfamilychiropractic</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading! Have a FANTASTIC day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Fat Girl,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Slim</i></span><br />
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Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-32392158568975030192013-01-30T07:10:00.000-08:002013-01-30T07:10:25.001-08:00CHICKEN ASPARAGUS MARSALA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As often as possible, I will share recipes so that you can try some of these delicious meals with your family.<div>
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I meant to post this the other night, but I didn't get a chance to, so I'm sharing now. This meal is one of our family favorites, and I may or may not be drooling while I'm thinking about it. It's called Chicken Asparagus Marsala, and is THE reason my kids beg and plead for more asparagus. </div>
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Seriously.</div>
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As a rule, we double this to feed our five children and my very active, hungry husband. Occasionally we even have leftovers for lunch the next day. But I'll post the recipe as written. </div>
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So without further ado...</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CHICKEN ASPARAGUS MARSALA</b> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(adapted from the Maximized Living nutrition plan book)</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>4</b> chicken breast halves, boned and skinned<br /><b>10</b> ounces asparagus spears, cut<br /><b>2</b> Tbsp. butter (occasionally we add a Tbsp for flavor)<br /><b>1</b> Tbsp. coconut oil or grapeseed oil (We occasionally add more of this as well, for flavor and moisture)<br /><b>1/2</b> tsp. sea salt (added salt to taste while cooking chicken)<br /><b>1/4</b> C. water<br /><b>1/8</b> tsp. pepper (we don't use this because my kids do not love pepper and the flavor is wonderful without it)<br /><b>1 </b> Tbsp. Parsley, chopped diagonally into pieces<br /><b>1/2</b> Pound mushrooms (this is something we use on occasion as it's not necessary, but does add to the meal)<br /><b>1/4</b> C. Marsala Wine</span></blockquote>
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The recipe says to pound the chicken pieces into 1/4- inch thickness. I don't have that much free time, or anger to unleash, so we just cook the chicken breast halves as they are. </div>
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Melt the butter and coconut oil in a frying pan over medium-high temperature. Add chicken and cook, turning, for about five minutes or until the chicken is light brown. Remove chicken and set aside. To the drippings remaining in the frying pan, add the asparagus and mushrooms and cook, stirring, for about three minutes. Return the chicken to the pan, add the Marsala wine, water, salt, and pepper. </div>
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Bring the mixture to a boil for two minutes to reduce the liquid. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about three minutes or until the chicken and vegetables are tender. Arrange the chicken on a serving platter. Spoon the vegetable sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve. </div>
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Normally, I'd have a photo to share, but the kids were so hungry the other night that I had to feed them as soon as it came off the stove. I'll make sure I snap a photo for next time! </div>
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In the mean time, give this recipe a try. Even people who don't eat healthy regularly will enjoy this! </div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Fat Girl </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Slim</i></span></div>
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Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-85133981172442826772013-01-28T15:15:00.000-08:002013-01-28T15:15:00.038-08:00HOW JUICING CHANGED MY LIFE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuAyfok61xPKNmiMQLeTSkirYADTwbTHZ8PL51ukY7Xh7ARIg0gZ-ir3RBamH6P6UR46qzQYoLmS6pkKtS-NbqBw9kYljOmAVnV5ki-ZMDMMV2FHrU68-cEnqWYyrOznEj_zQBFv4lqwr/s1600/tracy+before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuAyfok61xPKNmiMQLeTSkirYADTwbTHZ8PL51ukY7Xh7ARIg0gZ-ir3RBamH6P6UR46qzQYoLmS6pkKtS-NbqBw9kYljOmAVnV5ki-ZMDMMV2FHrU68-cEnqWYyrOznEj_zQBFv4lqwr/s320/tracy+before+and+after.jpg" width="320" /></a>Meet Tracy Jai- I went to school with her when I was younger. I can remember that Tracy was always "that girl". She was the girl that all of the rest of us "ordinary girls" wanted to be like. She was (still is) effortlessly beautiful inside and out.</div>
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So imagine my surprise when I saw Tracy's before and after photos on Facebook one day. Not that she was ever really "big", but the transformation in her photos was beyond inspiring. So I sent her a message and asked her what she had done to reach her goals. She was working in a show on Broadway at the time, so I didn't honestly expect a reply. Not only did she reply, but she made time to call and walk me through some of the things I would need to know to get started on this journey.</div>
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Have you ever experienced post postpartum depression? I used to think it was just an excuse for moodiness after having a baby... until I went through it after having my last child. I was knee deep in the middle of my depression, on anti-depressants that turned me in to a zombie and really took me away from being the mom I wanted to be. I have five children that desperately needed me, but I couldn't get up off of the couch. I couldn't peak with excitement, I had little to no energy, and I couldn't function as a mom, as a wife, and barely as a human. I felt completely hopeless. </div>
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So that's where I was when I spoke with Tracy for the first time. During the course of our conversation, Tracy told me that I needed to watch a movie called <a href="http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2862c5; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1359406305_3">FAT, SICK, AND NEARLY DEAD</span></a>. I wasn't ready for what I saw, but it really rocked my world (seriously- take an hour and watch it. It will change your life.) She directed me to <a href="http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1359406298251_3126" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2862c5; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">this website. Click here for more info</a> and shared with me her story. After hearing all of the amazing benefits, I decided to give juicing a try. (<a href="https://burnandbuildbody.com/blog/tracys-transformation">click HERE to read more of her story)</a>. </div>
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So... because I'll try anything once, I borrowed a juicer from a friend and started juicing. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I was determined to get out of the pit of depression. I "rebooted" my body during a 30 day juice cleanse with the help of Tracy and the reboot team. The website offered tons of juicing recipes and information to help me get started. Then, after a few weeks of just juicing (with a couple of "treat days" where I enjoyed a traditional meal), I realized that I didn't need anti-depressants anymore. I also felt better than I had ever felt, and I noticed my waistline beginning to shrink. In addition to those benefits, I finally had the energy to play with my kids. I wasn't a zombie, drooling on the couch any longer. Instead, I was outside kicking the soccer balls with my kids, or having sporadic dance parties in our living room. I was back, and I was free- full of hope and joy. </div>
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One other beautiful side effect that I noticed, was that I didn't crave sugar and fast food as I had before. It was the first time in my entire life that I'd felt hopeful about the possibilities of being free from food addictions and a life-long struggle to become healthy. </div>
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Even still, because I was an "eater"- a food addict, I eventually quit juicing and reverted to my old ways of eating. Being a full time mom can be exhausting. In my mind, I had little-no time to cook or plan menus, so we just consumed whatever was fast and easy... and I didn't go back in to a depression, but I did find myself gaining and losing weight, back on the diet rat wheel, trying to figure out what was going to be "it" for me. </div>
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Seriously- my life, up until now, has been the definition of insanity. </div>
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But after discovering chiropractic and healthy eating, I was reminded of the benefits of juicing, and decided to incorporate juicing back in to my life.</div>
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So that's where we are now. </div>
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****Before I go on, I feel the need to clarify that I'm not an expert, nor am I a doctor. I am an "at-home" mom with five kids... who happens to have finally reached a goal and is excited to share the steps towards progress with anyone who will listen, in the hopes of helping others reach their goals as well. </div>
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Juicing wasn't the only thing that helped (as I mentioned in my previous post)- it was just the beginning. But if you're looking for a good place to start, consider a reboot- a week or a month of juicing to help jump start your progress. I can promise you won't be disappointed.</div>
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<b>So what is juicing?</b></div>
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In my experience, juicing is simply taking raw fruits and veggies, pureeing them, and drinking the nutrients rather than eating them. It's quick and easy, and if you do it right, it has TREMENDOUS benefits. </div>
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The websites listed below have exponentially more information on juicing (including recipes) than I could ever give you, but I will continue to share everything I've learned and the recipes to help get you going... in more than one way. ;)</div>
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<a href="http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/">This is Joe. He's incredible and the star of FAT, SICK, AND NEARLY DEAD. Check out his website for information on REBOOTING.</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fitlife.tv/">And this is Drew. Click here to get more information on how you can experience lasting success with juicing. You can also like his page on Facebook to get daily encouragement, inspiration, and juicing recipes.</a></div>
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Many of the recipes I create are simply from my personal experience with juicing. But before I was able to put certain foods together and come up with something that didn't tickle my gag reflex, I had to follow some recipe guidelines- which is where the above websites will really be beneficial. :)</div>
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So what juice did I enjoy today? I totally made this one up. </div>
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<b>2 stalks celery</b></div>
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<b>2 cabbage leaves</b></div>
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<b>1 bunch spinach</b></div>
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<b>3 kale leaves</b></div>
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<b>2 green apples</b></div>
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<b>1 carrot</b></div>
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<b>1 orange</b></div>
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<b>A very small amount of ginger </b>(which, I learned the hard way, is really NOT awesome juiced, so use it in moderation)</div>
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No- it won't be sweet. I don't even know if it's an official "cure anything" recipe, but I know I like it and it gives me that extra boost I need to get going. </div>
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I'll post more recipes in the coming days. Right now I'm not in the middle of a juice-only fast, so when I said "I EAT", I meant it. Right now, my days look more like this: I drink 3-4 meals a day (dominantly juicing or an occasional protein shake) and I typically have a handful of raw sunflower seeds, raw almonds, or another healthy alternative for a snack. I will usually sit with my family for breakfast and/or dinner and enjoy a healthy meal because that's "our time"... and because I love to eat! </div>
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And it's working.</div>
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So, on a personal note... </div>
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<i>I'd like to take a minute to thank my friend Tracy. If she hadn't taken the time to encourage, to follow up with me, to inspire me, I have no idea where I'd be today (probably still pushing 300 pounds... or worse). She is one of many who blessed me by investing in my health and in my life, and I will be forever grateful. Thank you friend. Your decision to reach out to me influenced my decision to reach out to others and share the information that could change their lives. You rock! Your life is changing lives!</i></div>
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So, friends, that's Juicing, part I. Take some time and look over the information- let it marinate. Go read Tracy's story. Visit the websites of both Joe and Drew, and decide whether or not juicing is for you.</div>
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Thanks for reading! I'm excited to share more tomorrow! </div>
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Have a fantastic day!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Fat Girl,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Slim</i></span></div>
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Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-69464698704781585482013-01-28T07:25:00.000-08:002013-01-28T07:25:16.919-08:00WHAT I ATE TO LOSE ALMOST 100 POUNDS- EATING TO LIVE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, do I count calories?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No. Never. I don't even think about caloric content when I eat anymore. <i>(Cue the hallelujah chorus)</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do I deprive myself?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ha! (Have we met? I'd probably eat my shoe if I deprived myself.)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Am I miserable and hungry all of the time?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the contrary. I'm actually quite satisfied, and I feel incredible.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do I eat mostly "rabbit food"?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No. I eat human food- good food- the way that I was designed to eat and to live.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Am I selling something?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ha, again! Um... no. Not so much. I've done "sales" and it only pushed away every friend I ever had, so no, friend, I'm not "selling" anything. Sharing information would be more accurate.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why am I doing this?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you SEEN </span><a href="http://thefatgirl-slim.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-proof-is-in-progress-before-and.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THIS???</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <---- Click there to see the before and afters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Because, in my opinion, not sharing this information would be like having the anti-venom and hanging around a bunch of snake-bite victims but never taking the time to share with them the one thing that could, very well, save their lives.</span></b> </span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where is the information on how to get started?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right here. Stay with me. This one might get a little long, but it's worth it- at least I think so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>So w</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>hat did I eat to lose almost 100 pounds?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the simplified version- which is still pretty long. I'll go through each of these </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in coming posts </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and give complete detailed lists of examples as presented by <b>Dr. and Whitney Zaino. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>WHAT TO EAT:</u></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Information courtesy of <a href="http://chriszaino.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Abundant Life Chiropractic, and Chris Zaino</span></a>.</i></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Veggies- TONS of veggies.</span></b> </span> The veggies I focused on the most were: <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Kale, Spinach, and other dark green veggies</b></span>. Most of the time we made <b style="color: #38761d;">salads, or steamed our veggies. </b>Other times, we <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>grilled the veggies</b></span>, or <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>sauteed them in a pan</b></span>. Occasionally (but very rarely, we cooked them in the oven (we usually only do this with Brussels Sprouts). <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>I have a tendency to be lazy, so<span style="font-size: large;"> my absolute favorite way to eat green veggies, or any veggies, for that matter, was to juice them.</span></b></span> <i>(more info in this afternoon's blog on juicing)</i>. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lean protein</span></b> </span>(chicken, beef, eggs, high quality whey protein). I have some amazing recipes that I will share in coming posts.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">Fruit </span>keep in mind that fruit is still a sugar, so if your goal is weight loss, you will want to eat this in moderation. <b><span style="color: #bf9000;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">We mostly eat green apples and berries</span></b></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Healthy Fats</b></span> Yes. You read that correctly. <b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">You must eat fat to lose fat.</span></b> Say WHA!?!??! You mean, we've had it backwards this whole time??? Pretty much. *sigh* If I had only known then what I know now... But I digress. I bought NOTHING that said "Low Fat" or anything of the sort. On the contrary, I spent a great deal of time incorporating healthy fats in to our diets and the results have been amazing! (I'll explain why in a post dedicated to healthy fats and coconut oil.) Examples of the healthy fats we eat the most are:</span> </blockquote>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">COCONUT OIL</span></li>
<li> <span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">RAW CREAMY UNSALTED ALMOND BUTTER</span></li>
<li> <b style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">RAW NUTS AND SEEDS</span></b></li>
<li> <b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">OLIVE OIL</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">COCONUT</span></b></li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> EGGS</b> </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are tons more- these are some of the most common forms found in the Muhle Family diet. </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So... you mean... that's it!??! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not quite, but mostly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a list of things we had to remove from our diets in order to encourage healthy weight loss.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>WHAT NOT TO EAT:</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">REFINED SUGAR</span></b>- in ALL forms (sodas, white rice, white pasta, and white bread are included in this). And NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXHm_-vyNS5DTZ78a-Ib5khssyVj0qhMRm5widmWw8D8jB471ycltl0CEMznaTs5oRYNBetUpZCiH2hmnK8JHo-ZsTxaDjebSeTQt1wMCfMAN1b3T40HlYj7F27stxM8IaV_5bD1JKAk_/s1600/no+sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXHm_-vyNS5DTZ78a-Ib5khssyVj0qhMRm5widmWw8D8jB471ycltl0CEMznaTs5oRYNBetUpZCiH2hmnK8JHo-ZsTxaDjebSeTQt1wMCfMAN1b3T40HlYj7F27stxM8IaV_5bD1JKAk_/s200/no+sugar.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQipwDlMEcVgLe6IgZKGteMQqrGe9b_b6DyNNvuMOkOFCwRFOx-4fX-hSNuXouziKdU5DLrAF4VqMMJbdxabvCx2azkji2Q2kMCFGHw9JdA7gC3pvrBDi6rj0m3RQsjmW7ogE1JFpkrG-/s1600/images+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQipwDlMEcVgLe6IgZKGteMQqrGe9b_b6DyNNvuMOkOFCwRFOx-4fX-hSNuXouziKdU5DLrAF4VqMMJbdxabvCx2azkji2Q2kMCFGHw9JdA7gC3pvrBDi6rj0m3RQsjmW7ogE1JFpkrG-/s200/images+(2).jpg" width="200" /></a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">MILK</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know, I know. We hear it all of the time. Milk does a body good, right? Wrong. Eliminating the milk that comes from cows and replacing it with </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">ALMOND MILK</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> or </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">COCONUT MILK</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> has made a tremendous difference- not just in my ability to lose weight, but in my children and in my husband as well.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BAD FATS</span></b>- <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">including: hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, trans-fats, and rancid vegetable oils</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">MAN-MADE FOODS</span></b>- Seriously. I know Pop-Tarts and cereal are tasty,and really easy, but in the long run, "tasty" won't help you reach your goals. In fact, "tasty" mostly left my family feeling hungry, tired, sluggish, and unsatisfied. So it's simple- don't shop the aisles. Unless we're buying toilet paper, we rarely find ourselves cruising the aisles. We spend less time and money in the store, and we feel better. So <b>no GMOs, pasteurized or homogenized dairy, grain fed meats, anything with preservatives and chemicals like MSG and Aspartame.</b></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay- so I know you're on information overload. Not to worry. We're done for today. Yes, there is tons more information that will help you on your journey, and I'll get it all out in the coming posts so that, if you should choose to, you can begin to apply these changes and be on your way to health and wellness! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As for now, I'm off to drink my green tea and my morning juice! </span> <br />
<br />
Have a fantastic day! <br />
<br />
<i>*Don't forget to check back this afternoon for more information on juicing!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Fat Girl,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Slim</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-90456257229699642013-01-26T06:03:00.000-08:002013-01-26T06:03:23.957-08:00I Eat... A Lot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So what do "eaters" eat when they are trying to get healthy and lose weight?<br />
<br />
Well, it's a long answer. In short- I eat food... good food, and a lot of it. <br />
<br />
And I drink juice... a lot of juice (more info in the next post).<br />
<br />
But let me offer you the Cliff's Notes version (courtesy of Pinterest) to help you get started on the eating side of things. .<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xMtz5a8RfneDyOjdTRdn_qGrJoEHXtKFxuhoF33zxVQW_Tf95ef7it8x7zbU9GZBzK2kzfS8xPyCGRYKoqo3oYGhgpoNUTVeVpP_9MdMv9AjY83uGuw3SThGicJ-U3VlrnIEMTHsgJBA/s1600/74374_10151164748326160_1713085649_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xMtz5a8RfneDyOjdTRdn_qGrJoEHXtKFxuhoF33zxVQW_Tf95ef7it8x7zbU9GZBzK2kzfS8xPyCGRYKoqo3oYGhgpoNUTVeVpP_9MdMv9AjY83uGuw3SThGicJ-U3VlrnIEMTHsgJBA/s640/74374_10151164748326160_1713085649_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
No, I'm not 100% Paleo, but this is both incredibly entertaining, and accurate. Also, it's the closest thing to how I eat that I could find... so just go with it. I'll follow up with food-specific information in later posts. And trust me- I know you're eager to get going, so it won't be weeks before my next post.<br />
<br />
Just something to consider, before you go about your morning routine (also courtesy of Pinterest... and Ann Wigmore):<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wvB59RDhrotHUy4iOvhUbxpz0nD3W7658iOYp_hiT88Je7nKw9C-AJt5PzADMcGPjrEmSOKL226ra-cR1EAuZtfPnIo2Zu_H3iSIVpLbCJ1UsFvR5v2umB9z3FZqpEFOvePFeBYCKpjR/s1600/602894_10151183212326160_1651710881_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wvB59RDhrotHUy4iOvhUbxpz0nD3W7658iOYp_hiT88Je7nKw9C-AJt5PzADMcGPjrEmSOKL226ra-cR1EAuZtfPnIo2Zu_H3iSIVpLbCJ1UsFvR5v2umB9z3FZqpEFOvePFeBYCKpjR/s320/602894_10151183212326160_1651710881_n.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
<br />
Get ready friends... we're jumping in with both feet!<br />
<br />
Check back later for some recipes and some follow up information on why we eat what we eat.<br />
<br />
It's good stuff. Don't miss it!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! <br />
<br />
In this together,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Fat Girl,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Slim</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-29808300756417996722013-01-25T22:51:00.001-08:002013-01-25T23:02:09.831-08:00THE PROOF IS IN THE PROGRESS: BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I haven't shared this with many people... <br />
<br />
Perhaps it's because I'm afraid people will look at me differently when they see how big I really was. Or perhaps I'm just vain and since I've always hidden behind a girdle, I never really realized how unhealthy I was... <br />
<br />
until now.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrdU25zeJr_khf1IfBqqzWCTyMXUXgTitMaYMh9tphWFcr1LsuesM4f2vhsKTzeAlI9-eEpymUJC6-LGRtcrdIt-poNSe9pmNCwGRLnRPb0bMYCvBBWXvvb8EQSpIxjR5KT73cAa0ipIx/s1600/2013-01-25+00.47.57.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrdU25zeJr_khf1IfBqqzWCTyMXUXgTitMaYMh9tphWFcr1LsuesM4f2vhsKTzeAlI9-eEpymUJC6-LGRtcrdIt-poNSe9pmNCwGRLnRPb0bMYCvBBWXvvb8EQSpIxjR5KT73cAa0ipIx/s320/2013-01-25+00.47.57.png" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That top left photo is me, from the side view. That was taken when my youngest child was a few months old. In that photo, I tipped the scale at just over 300 pounds. <br />
<br />
There. I said it. That thing I never thought I'd ever say out loud (or in black and white). <br />
<br />
The truth.<br />
<br />
The photo below that is me, this past May at my children's Baptism. In that photo, I was hovering somewhere between 250-260 pounds.<br />
<br />
Sexy, I know.<br />
<br />
The other two photos were taken of me- yesterday. I asked my husband to snap a couple of photos so I could create an accurate portrayal of where I was versus where I am. <br />
<br />
And I'm not sharing these for verbal affirmation, or feedback. I'm sharing them so you realize that even though I'm still not completely healthy, and even though it's taking longer than I'd like, there's definitely progress.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The proof is definitely in the photos.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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So be encouraged. The best things in life take time, and effort- and you have to start somewhere.<br />
<br />
It hasn't been easy, and I know I'm not "there" yet, but looking at these photos really motivated me by reminding me that it's not merely that I CAN do this- it's that I AM doing this.<br />
<br />
In this together,<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Fat Girl, </span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Slim.</span></i></b></div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037281398140026287.post-52990895176200514482013-01-15T23:35:00.000-08:002013-01-15T23:35:10.195-08:00Moving Forward... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQKzAUt5Io1pbzO_8jrCQ3eMs2fmGYf3bUahGzkUQO1H4LNgKyXbrMYfTKXL-pyVA_mbsC0nsc2j3tgaG7Da389-bw5qer314cKkXRNeXB-9lII_iIH2Gdw2uT5p6w6FFi9Wi89nOwjbw/s1600/New-Years-Resolutions-the-list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQKzAUt5Io1pbzO_8jrCQ3eMs2fmGYf3bUahGzkUQO1H4LNgKyXbrMYfTKXL-pyVA_mbsC0nsc2j3tgaG7Da389-bw5qer314cKkXRNeXB-9lII_iIH2Gdw2uT5p6w6FFi9Wi89nOwjbw/s1600/New-Years-Resolutions-the-list.jpg" /></a></div>
So I heard this statistic that said by January 15th, most people have given up on their New Year's resolutions.<br />
<br />
Like when I resolved to write every day... *sigh*<br />
<br />
But what about you? Have you given up?<br />
<br />
I didn't make any official "resolutions" this year (except writing). I made "goals"- which is pretty much exactly the same thing, but easier to spell- and I'm convinced that it makes you feel better when you don't reach your goals, than when you break your resolutions. <br />
<br />
Resolutions seem so... permanent- like wedding vows. "I, Christi Muhle, do hereby resolve to..." It sounds less committed when I say, "I'm setting a goal to..." Not that I have commitment issues... <br />
<br />
But, alas. Potato, poh-tah-toe.<br />
<br />
So, have you? Have you given up? <br />
<br />
Do you want me to be honest? I haven't given up, but I definitely haven't made any progress since last week. I thought for sure that completing that competition last Monday would somehow make me a different person. I thought for certain that I would just continue making progress and losing weight... after I allowed myself a couple of "treats" for the progress I made <i>(I'm convinced it was either that, or a subconscious effort to punish myself for not winning. But seeing as how I'm an optimist and trying to keep this light-hearted, we'll go with option A.)</i><br />
<br />
So here's what I learned: <br />
<br />
1. Consuming sugar after a sugar fast is not highly intelligent. But if you must try this, then you might discover that you don't actually enjoy it like you once did (HALLELUJAH)! But perhaps you are less-than-intelligent and continue to try to "treat" yourself with sugar for a couple of days, you WILL get a food hangover... for a week. And you will feel like poop. End of story.<br />
<br />
2. Oddly enough, in spite of the food hangover, I am still craving fruits and veggies and lean protein. But I will say- I didn't crave ANY sugar for most of the competition, and sadly, I have found that since my little vacation from healthy eating, I'm starting to experience a little bit of the "old me". <br />
<br />
Es no bueno.<br />
<br />
It's not like I ate total junk last week, but I'm used to rewarding myself with food and unfortunately, some habits die hard. So I went to look for a "reward" only to discover that we didn't really have any celebratory foods in the house (thankfully). So I did what any of us "addicts" would do and I went out to the freezer in the garage. It was there that I discovered... fundraiser cookies. I have no idea why I even opened the box. I mean- they've been in the freezer for three months. Gag. I know.<br />
<br />
And I've been eating dominantly fresh foods for much longer than that, so why would I even think that putting them (with all of the preservatives, sugar, crap) in to my body wouldn't have some sort of repercussions? I guess I wasn't thinking. I mean, surely I would just see a gain on the scale and that would be it. Right?<br />
<br />
Wrong.<br />
<br />
There was no gain. No loss, either. Instead, I have been moody, unable to focus, tired, and had a headache (occasionally migraine strength) off and on for the past six days. I think I'd prefer a ten-pound gain to this past week.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
Lesson learned.<br />
<br />
So why did I share that? I told you- you aren't alone, and I totally don't have it all down. I'm still learning.<br />
<br />
So maybe you've given up on your goals, or broken your resolutions. Maybe you feel like a failure, or like you'll just have to wait until next year. Or perhaps you feel like you'll never reach those goals, so what's the point? <br />
<br />
The point is, I'm 33, and I'm just now getting it. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCFICP4guyqy5B4gPy8-a9uEoWulDjCYPf9e9KC8gPi8DIFT9Vb6U5iOAyS-j3-JsSZbkgqXOposbIhEJkqtjh84rMeqjH3vgz1Q96XuLrFY7DGz8bTw-709LiXsoKKBJPG5gRch0v2L1/s1600/post_its_make_it_happen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCFICP4guyqy5B4gPy8-a9uEoWulDjCYPf9e9KC8gPi8DIFT9Vb6U5iOAyS-j3-JsSZbkgqXOposbIhEJkqtjh84rMeqjH3vgz1Q96XuLrFY7DGz8bTw-709LiXsoKKBJPG5gRch0v2L1/s320/post_its_make_it_happen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You fall off the horse, you get back on- that's the only way to get where you're going. And if you're worried that you'll fall again, <i>or that you'll hurt the horse</i>, then just start walking. Either way, don't give up. Get off your laurels and pick right back up where you left off. <br />
<br />
I'll do it with you. Clean slate. Right now. Today.<br />
<br />
No more official "resolutions" for the year 2013.<br />
<br />
Instead, commit to move forward, making progress... one day at a time.<br />
<br />
I'm in this with you.<br />
<br />
Thanks for sticking with me!<br />
<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Fat Girl, Slim</span></b></i></div>
Christi Muhlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146796454692826118noreply@blogger.com2