Before I met Jay (at the young age of 19) I was going to school, aspiring to become a Nutritionist. Even after getting married (only 3 months after meeting him) and having a child a year later, I still went to college working toward that goal.
However, when Tyler was 2 years old we moved to another state, which "temporarily" put my college on hold since we weren't residents and it would be too expensive. Shortly after that move, I was expecting Makenna and at the same time began seriously thinking about homeschooling my children. God, also at that time, brought me to a full surrendering my life to him. I had always known Him, "loved" Him and believed in Jesus, but I had not really ever understood what it meant to give my life to Him, I had always lived for self. So going back to college to have a career was not a strong desire any longer. Teaching my children and following the Lord was. So I gave up college at that time in my life. Honestly, I can say, I have No regrets!
Still health and nutrition interested me. I had a family I was managing, responsible for what they ate and how they spent their free time. My eating and cooking have been through quite the journey: typical American diet of junk, fast food, and empty calories as a kid, to then starving myself to lose "5-10" lbs, "because I never had a flat tummy." When I finally got to a "normal" weight I went from vegetarianism, to low fat, low carbs, low calories, only God-made foods, then back to the freedom of all foods (even junk again but in moderation)...Through all of that, having 7 biological babies, and when I turned 35 something wouldn't budge. My "baby" weight would not come off with the typical nursing, exercise and portion control.
After the birth of my last "baby" (she is now 6), I finally got a sensible doctor who diagnosed me with hypothyroidism and low adrenals, so I began medication that has helped my energy tremendously. Unfortunately, since then I have had 20-25 lbs that I struggle back and forth with, losing and gaining back, never even reaching my pre-baby weight. It is yo-yo body, which I try not to be obsessive about or put as an idol before God. I know my weight and health is not something God wants me to put above Him. Nor do I want my children to see me as vain in my appearance; which might cause them to struggle inward about themselves. It is true though that when I am at a more normal weight for me, get in some exercise, and eat better I feel all around healthier with lots more energy, less aches in my joints, more clear minded and sleep better.
So how do I find a balance that is safe, healthy and not idolatry? One that will keep the last half of my life on this earth, Lord willing, be one that is free from undue aches and pains, but also one that is not so strict that I can't enjoy living or cooking or fellowship with other friends around the dinner table? Not to mention I want to stay attractive for my husband. He has always been so kind and loving toward my many pregnancies and after baby weight. He insists he loves the way I look, which I believe him, but I think he just might enjoy a bit healthier wife. I am in no way advocating "skinny minnie" either. I believe, my matronly figure was earned and I am proud of it. I believe muscle is key to keeping things in place, keeping bones strong and bodies be healthy looking. I am also not speaking about body building types. While I do have some muscle under my thin layers of fat that I would prefer to stand out, body building is not for me
I am so excited to say that I believe I have found a wonderful answer to a healthy, easy, delicious, balanced approach that seems to work.
The book Trim Healthy Mama by Serene Allison and Pearl Barrett.
It was a Christmas request that I had asked for and received from the kids. I have always enjoyed Nancy Campbell's Above Rubies magazine and her Bible studies. I also have a couple of Serene and Pearl's music CDS. I was very excited to hear about this book the sisters had been working on for 5 years. I had heard amazing reviews about it.
It is a bit on the "expensive" side as books go. But I tell you I would pay double the price for what I have learned so far and all the recipes I have tried are really good and easy. I have been reading the book a couple hours every week since I got it for Christmas and still only about half way through it. There is a lot to learn and put into change. It is nothing like I have ever read or considered and I have read probably 25 books on nutrition, dieting, health etc. I am definitely going to recommend this book to every Mama I know! Just a little disclaimer, this book definitely has some topics that are not "Kid Approved", or maybe even Husband friendly. It is written toward married Mamas. My girls have enjoyed hearing me tell them about the content as to how the eating works for us to keep our weight managed and they have enjoyed the recipe section, but they have been warned to stay away from the rest of the content.
I am beginning to put some of the principles into practice which have been simple, satisfying and so delicious. The principles are not only biblical but they have been easy to put into practice and my family have been enjoying everything as well. I know, without a doubt, that it will be principles that I will easily be able to manage for the rest of my life. And in just a week's time of doing some of the program I have lost about 2 lbs (I am still learning and trying to figure how it will exactly work for my lifestyle). I haven't measured myself yet either but one pair of my pants are getting quite baggy in just that same week.
I hope to give some progress as I go and learn. I also plan to continue and up my exercise with T-Tapp to 3-4 times a week. When I am faithfully doing T-Tapp I don't have back, hip or neck pain at all. The stretching and strengthening not only help you create more lean muscle mass but it keeps those injured body areas pain free. You can go to the above link and try some of her free exercises. Right now my new favorite is Lady Bug. It is supposed o be great for your hormones too!
Here is a before photo of me taken. This sweater isn't the most flattering, but that is okay. I wanted this "Before Photo" to be me at one of my worst looking days.
And here are a few links to get you started in learning about it. Let me know what you think.
Trim Healthy Mama Forum
Gwen's Nest Blog
This last link is a blog I found last night and she has lost 40 lbs on this diet in 6 months and maintained it. She has some delicious looking recipes. I already tried this milkshake recipe this morning for breakfast (yes breakfast, although I added a scoop of Jay Robb's chocolate whey protein powder) and it was amazing.
Thin Mint Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake
I think you look great!!!!
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