Eating all day long

In the seventies, we were told to eat three meals a day. Then we were told to eat small meals all day long. – grazing. Today most people eat three meals a day and snack all day. Now 2/3 of women are overweight and obese. Let’s think about this logically for a minute – Do you think our bodies were made to eat all day? Did our great ancestors eat all day long? Heck no! They had to hunt for food and had long periods of time when they didn’t eat. If we eat all day, we are over taxing our organs to try and keep up. They must be constantly working over time to do their job. That can’t be good. Right? I know when I work overtime for a long period of time, I wear out. Why wouldn’t our organs respond in the same way?!

I’ve heard so much about intermittent fasting I wanted to give it a try. I think marketing experts and ad campaigns led us to thinking breakfast was the most important meal of the day. But I’m guessing that was probably a bunch of b.s. When I started intermittent fasting, all I could think about was food. It consumed my thoughts. I felt time was moving slower than normal!! The first day, I lasted until 11am, but I wanted to wait until noon. Now I start to think about food at 11:30am – LOL. It really is a new way of thinking, but it’s worth it. I feel better by not eating so much, and keeping my eating window smaller. I try to only eat from noon – 6pm. Plus, chosing better food to eat.

It’s all baby steps to good health. Try it if you haven’t. See how you feel. 🙂

Here’s to good health!

Love and grace,

Deanna

Not all things are Equal

Science tells us for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. I think we all can agree not all things are equal. I live in a career based on consistency and math so everything has to balance. This got me thinking about exercise… and falling off the wagon.

Toasting the Happy Couple

My handsome and smart son got married this past weekend. His new bride is beautiful, intelligent, and the best part is; she loves my son with all her heart. (A mom can tell) I am thrilled to watch them start their new life together. The wedding was outside beside the largest natural lake in Indiana so you can imagine the backdrop of the wedding was scenic. When the kids began to share their written vows, (kids being 30 years old, so technically not kids anymore) we all sat silently with anticipation of their heartfelt vows to one another. Being the mom of the groom, I had a front-row seat and got my phone out to record this moment in time. My son started his vows, well thought out and meticulously written down so he wouldn’t forget what he wanted to share with her. During this moment, I kid you not, a Jet-Ski whizzes by the wedding venue loud and proud drowning out his vows for a moment. Like any good husband-to-be, he didn’t wavier! They both shared loving vows to one another. However – A Lakeside Wedding Venue does not equal jet ski fun under the sun!

The dinner and celebration continued under a huge tent on the side of the resort/hotel. The guests started out with flutes of champagne and strawberries. My arm was graciously twisted to join in with several flutes as all the guests toasted the happy couple. The meal was superb and so was the desert. Now here’s where every action has an equal and opposite reaction…. Alcohol, heavy food, and sugar will have an opposite reaction to my healthier lifestyle change.

While I loved being in the moment celebrating with everyone, I also felt horrible the next day. All I wanted to do was be lethargic and sleep. I am sure part of that was also due to a very long day from sun up to late in the evening. It took me a few days to feel normal again. Falling off the wagon sets you back. What little weight I’d lost, now back on. I felt sluggish and weighed down. Now I feel I’m starting all over again and my progress was for nothing.

There’s a famous quote I love – “Our jobs don’t define who we are. What defines us, is how well we rise after falling.” ~ Maid in Manhattan, The movie.

Doesn’t that quote say it all?!? I get back up, dust myself off, and do a better job going forward! I do NOT give up! Giving up is not an option! I get back on the proverbial wagon and continue towards my goal.

Here’s to better health!

Love and Happiness-

Deanna