Beyond Weight Loss:

What does losing 75 pounds really feel like?

I've lost 75 pounds ... it's been life-changing. Instead of getting caught up in the journey or desire to be perfect and my weight loss goals, it's time to reflect back upon the accomplishments and take a moment to celebrate.

Why My Child's Food Allergy is More Important than a Cupcake

An Open Letter to Parents, Teachers, School Administrators and Students

My 10 year old son has a life-threatening food allergy. If he eats even in minuscule amount of peanut protein, his body could go into a state of anaphylaxis and, if not treated correctly, quickly, and promptly, it could kill him.

What a Pain in the Neck

Ever have a pain in the neck? Stop laughing!! I'm serious here! Not talking about that annoying colleague chomping down carrots at 10:30 am or constantly clearing the tickle out of his/her throat  (I have one of those) or the spouse which does little things that really bug you. Nope. I'm talking a real bonafide pain in the neck. My week has been hell because of a pain in the neck but I'm finally turning a corner and think I'm heading back on track.

Why I'm an "Elf on the Shelf" Mom

Two years ago (circa 2012), I got wind of this Elf on the Shelf craze but wasn't quite sure what to think of it. My husband and I thought it would be a good idea and an awesome tradition to start with our boys. Off to the store I went and purchased a boy elf. When St. Nick came that year, he brought with him the Elf on the Shelf and nicely laid the box, with the story and elf, between their stockings in front of the fireplace.

[caption id="attachment_636" align="alignright" width="300"] Buddy hanging with the snowmen (2013)[/caption]

The boys were 6 and 8 at the time and were intrigued by the story. Being huge fans of the movie "Elf", our family addition was quickly named Buddy. The next few weeks, he found different places to hide - on top of the tree, in the cupboards, in bedrooms and bathrooms. Wasn't too obnoxious. Nor was it too creative.

Our second year in, my husband and I decided to have a bit more fun and get into some mischief with Buddy. We had a great time checking Pinterest boards for new ideas. I chronicled his daily antics on my Facebook wall so friends and family could see our fun. My boys had a blast!

21 Day Sugar Detox ~ Week 3 Check-in

Ever just have one of those days where it goes REALLY FAST and you look at the clock only to realize you have gotten ANYTHING DONE that you intended to do? I sure hope this isn't setting the stage for the week ahead as it's already a short work week with Thanksgiving.

So... Yes, week three check-in. It seems like these three weeks just FLEW BY!

21 Day Sugar Detox ~ Week 2 Check-in

And ... a little announcement

Week #2 has come to end in my pre-holiday 21 day sugar detox. One more week to go!! Well, sort of ... Because I'll take a short break for Thanksgiving but start again in December. More on that plan next week - can't get too far ahead of myself.

Last week, I was feeling pretty bummed at this time. I hopped on the scale Monday morning and the typical loss that I would have expected did not happen. But, I knew not to let it get me down.

Roasted Radishes

Let me start off by saying: I am NOT a food stylist, nor do I pretend to be! However, I know there is a request for more recipes from me. I'm trying!!

Today I had to come up with something fast for a veggie with dinner.

Fast is such a relative term, isn't it? I mean, what's fast to you? 5 minutes? 20 minutes?

Nonetheless, I came up with this roasted veggie dish for a few reasons.

21 Day Sugar Detox ~ Week 1 Check-in

I started another 21 day sugar detox on Monday, November 3rd. Here’s an update on how my first week went and what lies ahead.

So far, not too bad.

I mean – it’s not like I’m facing a sugar demon in my dreams at night or continually thinking about the giant bag of Halloween candy that’s still in the living room. The daily emails I receive are to help reinforce the program to me but, in all honesty, I don’t go through the steps that most people experience when they start the program for the first time. I have my own vices and struggles. That’s what I like about this program: no two experiences are ever the same. And, that means no two people experience the same nor does one person ever have the exact same experience when they do it more than once.

Month 2 Results

It's October Check-In Time!

I can honestly say that I was dreading this date all month. I knew it just was not going right. My birthday kicks off this glorious month of October. And, it ends with my husband's. And Halloween plus trick-or-treating. It's been a whirlwind of sugar lately!

There was also a constant struggle with two pounds. I'd lose them but guess what? Yup, I'd find them again!! But, I did WIN with at least the scale going in the right direction. That's what matters!! Right? (I need to remind myself of that.

This is NOT a celebratory post! My goal to hit the 85 pound mark is in jeopardy as that means I need to lose 8-10 pounds in November to even consider getting through Christmas. I'm very disappointed in myself and I talk about it a bit more in this post.

My Unintentional Sugar Experiment

I have been really struggling with getting my monthly update written. Not sure why. Life is busy but that’s not necessarily it. I find that my mind is wandering onto so many different topics; like I just cannot focus on one idea long enough to develop something. Perhaps it’s that I’m putting too much thought into it. Or, maybe it’s that I’m incredibly UN-focused!?!? I’d put money on the latter, personally!

But, it’s the end of the month and that means I need to check in with my progress.  So, for my progress update, check HERE.

I apologize in advance if this seems to go off on a tangent. Certainly not what I started out to do.

So, October has literally FLOWN by. Don’t you agree? It seems like just yesterday the kids were starting school and now Halloween is upon us. This is crazy!

As you may have read in my check-in from last month, I lost 9 pounds and 10 inches. Pretty good. I do attribute much of that to the 21 Day Sugar Detox I was working on for most of the month.

Well, then October happened. And, it hasn’t been good. It starts with a birthday (mine) and ends with running around house-to-house asking for candy. What good can happen in this month? Seriously?

Butternut Squash Soup

Fall in Wisconsin is like none other: gorgeous colors, cool breeze, and FOOTBALL! (Sorry, couldn't help myself there...)

I love getting an abundance of squash in my CSA farmer's harvest this time of year. Luckily, my family will eat squash in just about every way that I use it.

I can't say which is my favorite: spaghetti, butternut, acorn, pumpkin. Oh, and how I love zucchini! I received a delicata squash this week in my delivery and have never made it before. Looking forward to that little adventure.

Today I'm sharing with you an amazingly simple recipe for butternut squash soup. It's so good on a cool, rainy day (like today); warms you from the inside out. And, it's very versatile - the sky is the limit on how you can season this soup. Traditionally, I use just nutmeg. But, lately I've added an apple (over-abundance from our trees) and even some curry seasoning. So good!!

Game Day Mini Corn Dogs

My youngest son LOVES corn dogs. Before clean-eating days, it was one of only a handful of things he'd want to order when we went out to eat. And - get this - he'd pick the dough off the dog! Who does that?!?! Silly kid.

So, when we ditched the garbage food at our house, finding a replacement was something I began searching for.

I did find a recipe and it was just alright. Didn't quite have that corn cake flavor we were looking for.

So, off came my oven mitts and I began experimenting.

Homemade Body Butter

Making your own body butter is so simple and easy! I've been playing with different ratios to get it just right for my extra-dry skin. I've finally found just the right combination.

And there is only THREE INGREDIENTS!

Balancing Life

It’s not easy!

I’m sure there are people who know me and think I’m crazy for starting this blog. Aside from its very personal nature, I have a few other commitments that don’t leave me much “free time” to start blogging. And, what do I have to say about anything?

Right?

Let me think about it: I work full-time. I have two school-aged kids. Both kids are in karate and working on their black belts (that means class three times a week). My husband works full-time and commutes an hour each way to work every day. I need to find time to cook and clean. Oh, and exercise. Let’s not forget exercise.

Wow, I’m tired just thinking about all that!

But, really, it’s just life.

Think of what YOU have going on? I’m sure your list is very similar.

Featured Oils: Lemongrass

Refreshing. Stimulating. These are just two ways that I describe one of my favorite essential oils: Lemongrass.

I bought Lemongrass essential oil as part of my first ESSENTIAL REWARDS order for the purpose of making bug spray. What I didn't realize is how powerful this oil is and how amazing it smells.

 My Favorite Ways to Use Lemongrass Essential Oil

Featured Oil: Lavender

Lavender is by far the most versatile of all essential oils. No home should be without this wonderful oil! It has a fresh and sweet aroma that's calming yet refreshing. Lavender essential oil is easily one of my favorites.



Think about anything that's scented in your home: lotions, hand soap, laundry soap... I bet they have lavender in them.

When I received my Premium Starter Kit, this was the first oil that I opened and used. Why? Well, I think most of us are already familiar with lavender - or at least at the calming properties of the scent. But, as I started digging, the more uses I found! A day does not go by without using Lavender in my home.

My Favorite Ways to Use Lavender Essential Oil

Step into my home and you will find lavender in all of these areas:

Perfection? Or is it more like Good Enough?

What does the word PERFECT mean to you?

According to Merriam-Webster, PERFECT means:

Adjective

• having no mistakes or flaws; completely correct or accurate; having all the qualities you want in that kind of person, situation, etc.


• {I like this one: having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.}

Verb

• to bring to final form; make (something) completely free from faults or defects, or as close to such a condition as possible.

What about these words?

Ideal. Without fault. Flawless. Impeccable.
Pristine. Precise. Accurate. Unblemished.

PERFECT...

Quite a strong word.

Banana Oatmeal Bars (plus variations!)

Looking for a healthy snack to send with your kids to school? What about a nutritious option for breakfast on-the-go? I have just the recipe for you!



It all started with the snack calendar...

When my oldest started school (K4), there was a snack calendar where each child rotated bringing in a morning snack for the entire class. It was supposed to be a healthy snack – not a treat. Well, what’s a snack vs. a treat? I think for each of us, it’s defined differently. And for anyone who’s avoiding processed food, this sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it?

I wanted to be sure that when our turn came around the kids had a wholesome, nutritious snack. I gave my son a short list of choices for each time it was his turn and he’d pick based upon what others had recently brought in. I found a recipe online for oatmeal bars that was loaded with sugar and chocolate. They sounded alright but I figured why not try to make a healthier variation? And, so it began. Oatmeal Snack Bars (v 1.0) were born.

In my quest to eliminate all processed sugars from our diet, I continued modifying the recipe which brought us here to what I call "version 2.0" - Banana Oatmeal Bars.

What I like the most about this recipe is that it can be modified to fit your needs very easily. No Gluten? No Dairy? No Nuts? No Eggs? Check. Check. Check. Check!!  All these variations are included but I'm sure you may come up with more. Please leave a comment with either a substitution question or how you have made it your own!

Month 1 Results

The first installment of my monthly check-ins with progress pictures & stats

This isn't really "Month One" but I have no real documentation from the last 19 months like measurements or pictures. So, I guess I'll just go with it. <insert big huff & sigh here>

As you may have read, I did a 21 Day Sugar Detox which started on September 1st. I took my measurements and weight; my son took a picture of me two days later. (That was a fun day - my youngest decided he was going to be my "personal trainer for the day" so we worked out before dinner in the yard. Must say, one of the toughest workouts I had in a while. Darn those karate classes for him!)

OK, back to my story...

Each Monday I "officially" weighed in to keep track of my progress; but, I also weighed myself daily. I need that constant feedback and accountability to myself so that I can monitor what's going on. I know that I should say that it's not all about the number on the scale but, let's stop fooling ourselves, it IS. I need that constant reassurance to my progress. Without it, I easily go into a tailspin and get a bit out of control. So, while some people may say frequent weighing oneself is not good, I'll just quietly continue on my ways.

The numbers went in the right direction. Thank goodness! And, I'll tell you - once I stopped the 21DSD and had a few items which contained sugar, I gained some back! Yes. I did. Sucks! And, I got really ticked off at myself not only because I knew better but it was not worth it. (Gluten-free cupcake from my son's birthday; yes it was good but no, it wasn't. If you can follow that, you rock!)

Beet & Carrot Pancakes

These colorful gems are an excellent side to grilled pork chops.

Ingredients

1 ⅓ cups coarsely shredded peeled beets, packed (from 2 medium)
1 cup coarsely shredded peeled carrots(from 2 medium)
1 cup thinly chopped leeks or 1/2 cup chopped onion
1 large egg
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
¼ cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot starch)
3 T olive oil
Low fat sour cream (with dill optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300. Place baking sheet in oven.


2. Combine beets, carrots and leeks or onions in large bowl.


3. Mix in egg, salt and pepper.


4. Add flour; stir to blend well.


5. Heat 1 ½ T of oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat


6. Using ⅓ cup of mixture for each pancake, drop 4 pancakes into the skillet.


7. Flatten each into 3 inch round.


8. Cook until brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.


9. Place in oven to keep warm while cooking the remainder of pancakes


10. Serve with dill dip (sour cream & fresh dill)

Summer Veggie Casserole

This colorful and flavorful dish is a late summer delight, with hint of sweetness in this colorful dish. Soon to be your favorite late summer side dish.

Ingredients

¼ cup uncooked rice (substitute up to 1/2 cup riced cauliflower)
1 lb zucchini, sliced
1 lb yellow summer squash sliced
1 large onion, julienned
3 Tbsp. Minced fresh basil, divided
1 medium sweet pepper color of your choice
4 celery ribs with leaves, chopped
2 large tomatoes, heirloom of your choice
¼ cup coconut sugar (omit for Whole30 or 21DSD)
kosher salt to taste
fresh cracked pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. Olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350


2. Coat a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan with oil (I prefer coconut oil)


3. Spread uncooked riced cauliflower into the bottom of the dish, layer zucchini, yellow squash, onion and half of the basil.


4. Top with sweet pepper, celery and then tomatoes


5. In a small bowl mix brown sugar, salt, and pepper, mix, then sprinkle over vegetables.


6. Drizzle with olive oil.


7. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes minutes, or until tender


8. When finished baking uncover and sprinkle with remaining fresh basil.


9. Serve.

 

Based upon original recipe created by Chef Max Shapiro

Kale Slaw

This slaw is a super food, loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. This is all taste great and fresh.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp mayonnaise (I prefer homemade)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
5 oz of kale (about 5 to 6 leaves of fresh kale)
1 small sweet apple, chopped
½ cup toasted walnuts

Directions

1. In a small bowl whisk together first 6 ingredients together, until well blended.
   (Or use a mason jar with lid and shake until well blended).


2. Trim cleaned Kale from tough stem and rib. Julian thinly and place into a large bowl.


3. Add dressing to kale & work into the leaves with your hands.


4. Add apples and walnuts to slaw; toss.


5. Chill for at least 30 minutes.


6. Toss before serving.

 

Based upon original recipe created by Maxx Shapiro

Launch Day!

Welcome to Whole Lifestyle Living where we are working on transforming our lives, our  bodies, our homes, one day at a time.

There is so much information out in the world today about what to eat, what not to eat; what products to use, what not to use; what's good vs. harmful to our bodies. How do we sift through it all and make good choices for ourselves and our families?

My approach tends to be a sponge - I read what I can and decide for myself what works best for me.

Why Whole Lifestyle Living?

21 Day Sugar Detox Wrap-Up

Well, another 21 Day Sugar Detox is in the bag. Why the detox? Well, first let’s go back to
last year when I first learned about it. Next, understand that for me this appears to be the way of eating which makes my body respond by losing weight.

OK, so you’re thinking: is that sustainable? I mean, really, is she going to not eat sugar until she weighs 140 pounds? And, then what happens when she does eat sugar? She’ll gain the weight back! I thought this whole transformation thing was about long-term change and progress?

Ah yes … My words coming right back to bite me in the arse!

Sugar Detox Kickoff

The last few days I weighed myself each morning & was excited that by Saturday, I was down two pounds. Wow - two pounds down in just a few days!?!? How cool! Then came Lobstah Fest where I drank - by myself - an entire bottle of wine. I also had 4 Paleo cheddar bay biscuits (wow, amazing). Sunday I drank again (potato vodka). So, it’s no wonder that I weighed in yesterday gaining 2.5 pounds. I own it. I’ll take responsibility for it. Sucks but that’s the way it is.

So, it’s “Day 2” of my 21DSD. I really should call it Day 1 for 2 reasons: I nibbled on a few wheat-containing items yesterday while doing food prep, and I’m just starting my emails thru the program. Whatever … I’m on a sugar detox so it’s all relative.

Of course I have goals for my 21DSD!!! I do want to do this for the full month - perhaps on Day 22 turn to more Whole30. But, first, let’s talk about why I chose 21DSD over Whole30.

Recommiting to Transformation

Today I re-commit to myself. To ME. To being the BEST ME that I can!

I will not focus on the negative because that will only become depressing. I will focus on the POSITIVE.

Last year - March 2013 - I wrote something to my health transformation coach about what is my ideal image, fitness and energy level. I wrote this:

I’m not a plus-sized gal anymore – a healthy, fit woman who can shop in a Misses department again! Size not specific but I do want to have muscle tone – no size zero for this gal! (Heck, I’d be thrilled with a 14/16 or a 10/12!). I want my hourglass figure back. My thighs don’t rub together anymore so I can wear a dress without Spanks just to keep the friction down. No more double chin. Buff arms. My calves are actually normal sized & I can wear fun boots without having to buy large calves boots (which don’t even fit right now!).

Fitness level – I’d be able to go for a leisurely bike ride with my family. (Butt needs to fit on bike first) I’d be able to hike at Devil’s Lake & not worry about getting winded & use an inhaler. Maybe I’d be able to run a 5K race (able vs. want to are different! LOL!)

Energy level – I can handle 6-7 hrs of sleep and am not exhausted by 4pm.

Guess what? I’VE ARRIVED!

New Year = New Goal ... Couch to 5K

Had anyone told me this time last year that I would be planning to run a 5K in the spring, I'd have said you're freakin' crazy! Seriously. I would've laughed so hard that I may have peed a little. (oops - did I say that? LOL!)

But, that IS the case. It's February 13, 2014, and I have registered for the Color Run on May 4, 2014.

Holy crap! THAT'S 80 DAYS FROM TODAY!

While I'm a bit nervous, I realize that much of my nerves are based upon past memories. Memories of me being sick in the spring (good ol' bronchitis) and having issues breathing. Memories of trying to run and gasping for air (asthma) or being in so much pain in my knees or feet that another step would bring me to the ground in tears (if only I knew it wouldn't take so much to get back up!).

I'm confident that I can DO THIS! I've picked a super easy run - if there is a level of difficulty for the novice runner - since the Color Run is not timed. Whew! Thank goodness. And, it sounds like I'm going to be with an amazing group of people. My friend, Lisa, is the leader of the pack and she's an amazing inspiration for me when it comes to running.

Resolutions & Sugar Detox

Resolutions

So, I'm curious: Did you set a resolution for yourself this year?Assuming you said "yes" ...Is your resolution attainable?

What was that? You don't know??!??! Why on earth would you say that? You know what that sounds like to me? A bunch of smoke & mirrors!! If you made a resolution so you & say "I dunno" or "Maybe" to my question, why in the world would you set yourself up for failure? Stop that!!

So, maybe it's something huge like lose 100 pounds. Or, maybe it's save $3,000. Something that will require constant dedication and leaves very little room for slip-ups.

Here's what I say: You're here today. Let's call that Point A. You want to get there (your resolution). Let's call that Point Z. What do you need to do to get there? That's your plan. How will you know you're on track? That's your measurements for success? Wow ... That's a lot to think about.

So, I want to lose 125 pounds. That's my point Z. How will I get there? Through clean eating, nominal exercise and expanding my knowledge of what that means. How will I know I'm on track?

I set interim goals!!!

In my working world, we call this a "Maturity Model". We determine what the interim markers are to measure progress.

On my resolution, I can approach it through different areas that all get me to Point Z: diet, exercise, mindset, knowledge/training, etc. I set goals for each area that IS attainable. (Remember: 40x40?) I monitor progress.

What I don't do: Give up or set unreasonable deadlines for myself.

When I feel like I'm going to be able to achieve those interim goals (let's call them Points B - Y), getting to Point Z not only feels attainable but it becomes REAL.

One more thing: Don't forget to celebrate your success!! That's so incredibly important.

Sugar Detox

I'm doing another round of the 21 Day Sugar Detox. Started TODAY!!! So far, so good ... I have to say, I'm a bit worried about this round. You see, the past few weeks have been rough. I've been eating back in my old habits (refined sugars, wheat/gluten, too much dairy) and drinking way too much alcohol (not sure how that could be a problem other than it makes me steer off course for my choices). ;)

Day 1 is DONE so I'm calling it a day...