Paleo or bust...

Bust a button on my pants...because they were getting so tight, that is. Ba-dum-ching. (Drum sound after stupid joke)

So, I did the 30-day paleo challenge.

What is paleo, you may ask. Let me tell you.

And I quote, from Robb Wolf's blog, writer of The Paleo Solution,

"•Lean proteins that support strong muscles, healthy bones and optimal immune function. Protein also makes you feel satisfied between meals.
•Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that have been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing a number of degenerative diseases including cancer, diabetes and neurological decline.
•Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, fish oil and grass-fed meat. Scientific research and epidemiological studies show that diets rich in Monounsaturated and Omega-3 fats dramatically reduce the instances of obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and cognitive decline."

Here's the deal. My sister and bro-in-law have been preaching paleo for quite a while now. "It's amazing," they'd say. "It's the only way," I'd hear. "Paleo isn't just about weight loss...it's about living healthy, avoiding disease, feeling good in your skin." Yeah yeah yeah... It wasn't that I didn't believe what they were saying, it's just that I didn't care.

Well, I listen to podcasts these days. LOTS and LOTS of podcasts. And I started listening to health podcasts. Lots of research and evidence points to paleo as a smart, good way of eating. Most kids with any form of autism are directed to the paleo style of eating...while doctors may not refer to it as paleo, it's the same style (cut out gluten and dairy.) Many obese people with severe diabetes are also directed toward the same eating habits (low carb and processed sugars...high veggies and meat). As I listened to these podcasts and heard all of the great effects...weight loss, clear skin, less mood swings, better sleep, less stomach issues...I decided it was about time I tried it.

The 30-day challenge: to live the paleo lifestyle as strictly as possible, for 30 days and see how you feel at the end of it.

Yesterday was my 30th day. I feel great. I've lost about about 10 pounds, sleep better, and feel cleaner. By cleaner...well...I just feel lighter and cleaner and a bit more energetic. I'm sure as I continue, I'll see even more results.

I've heard many arguments against paleo. Especially from Latter-day Saints. I am a Latter-day Saint. Here's the argument. "Wheat is in the Word of Wisdom. Paleo excludes wheat. I cannot condone a lifestyle that goes against the Word of Wisdom" To this I have several things to say. Which is why I've decided to start a different blog. My paleo blog. I'm going to call it "The Mormon Paleo" and it's going to track my progress, and my opinion on the lastest health news...along with my explanations of how paleo does fit into the Word of Wisdom.

I respect people's views and opinions. I don't think everyone has to live a paleo lifestyle to be healthy or lose weight. I'm not obsessed with it, and I don't look down on people who choose different eating habits or ways of pursuing healthy bodies. I just know that I've tested the 30-day challenge, and I feel wonderful. So, if you're curious to know my views on the latest health issues...or my journey on trying to make paleo an everyday lifestyle change and not just a diet craze...or how paleo isn't breaking the Word of Wisdom...please stay tuned. I'll be announcing the new address shortly. :)

Reflection and hope

Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me?
Why is my reflection someone I don't know know?
Somehow I cannot hide who I am, thought I try.
When will my reflection show who I am inside?

I love Mulan. Good movie.

I've been reflecting a lot this summer. I've done a ton of fun things, and I plan on spending some time uploading pictures from the events of my good summer.

I love my niece, Perry. I love my sister and bro-in law and the good parents they are. I love my mom and the wonderful Grandma she is. I love every aspect of this new little being in our lives.

One thing I've been feeling, however, is like a failure. A failure at life. It's hard not to compare myself to everyone around me. And, I suppose you can say I've been comparing. I'm usually not one to get jealous. And I can still say, I'm not jealous. Jealousy, to me, seems like a feeling of wishing I could have what someone else has but can't have it, and because of that, not wanting the "someone else" to have it. That's not what I feel at all. What I feel is failure. I love...absolutely LOVE that the people in my life are succeeding at everything they do. I really do love that. And I don't even necessarily want what other people have. Honestly...not sure I'm ready for a kid. Honestly...not sure I'm ready for an intense career.

What I am ready for is a direction. A purpose. I have no direction...and no purpose. I don't love where I'm at.

I'm finally making progression toward something. I'm applying to a graduate program in D.C. I'm hoping with all my heart and soul that I get accepted, because it's honestly the only thing that's excited me in the least. Every other so-called "plan" I've come up with just isn't making my heart happy or putting my mind at peace. But this D.C. prospect is. It makes me feel peace. So, I hope so much it's the right thing and works. It's the only program I've felt good about...and I've looked at TONS of programs.

So, here's to hope. I'm so tired of feeling like I'm a failure at life. I'm so tired of living day to day without a purpose. I need a direction. I'm trying to make it happen. Let's all hope together.

H--High Confidence
O--Optimism
P--Patient Perseverance
E--Enthusiasm

I will hope.

Silence

I've come to realize, over the past little while, that I don't have much important to say, and most people probably don't care or don't truly want to take "a look inside my mind." I don't have children...or an exciting job...a husband...or anything to "show off" and my simple "musings" on life just seem too ridiculous to post as of late. Lately, when I start to talk about something, I actually listen to myself and realize how insignificant my thoughts are compared to the reality of people's lives. Basically, I'm getting tired of my own thoughts and the overwhelming speed at which they move.

Hence, my absence. If I have something overwhelmingly urgent to share, I'll make sure to post.

Guess what!

I just might drop everything and move to Tennessee to chase after my singing dream.

Seriously, people.

And, no...a question mark does not belong after "guess what." It's a command, not a question. :)

Heavy heart

My heart is heavy at the moment.

Reason: Judgement and ridicule from limited minded people...and the impact those judgements can have on people's lives, faith and testimony.

Why, when we hear something "different" or that doesn't meet OUR approval about someone, we automatically start jumping to conclusions, want to talk about it...and spread our opinions, thoughts, and misunderstandings to any ear that wants to hear? Gossip. Slander. Rumors. Misinterpreted or misrepresented facts. I'm struggling with all of this.

I'm not exempting myself from this. I gossip with the rest of them. My natural man likes to jump in and talk, question, express my opinion about the lives of others. But today...it has become overwhelmingly unbearable for me.

Christ still has compassion on those who make, what we deem as, unforgivable mistakes and has compassion for the families and friends of those who make such mistakes. My heart aches for such people and families right now. So much so that I could not stop crying throughout Sacrament meeting today in church.

I wish, sooo very much, that the natural man could overcome judgement. I wish I could overcome judgement. It is so harsh and cruel. We can never know what goes on in another person's mind and heart. We can never understand the reasoning behind people's choices, actions, thoughts and feelings, because we are not that person. Only Christ and God know exactly what that person is feeling and thinking. Only They have the responsibility, maturity, and perfected hearts and minds to make those judgements.

Righteous judgement, as we often justify our act of judging with, does not include gossip, scornful looks and behind-the-back ridicule.

I'm tired. I'm tired of the natural man. I'm tired of my natural man. I'm tired of the constant battle I have with my worldly desires and nature. And I'm deeply saddened by the thought that my worldly mistakes, such as judgement and gossip, could cause others to question their testimonies and lead them down a wrong path. I know that people have a choice. They can choose to stay active in church regardless of rumors, gossip, or offense. They can choose to keep their testimonies strong. But it's extremely difficult. And I still have an obligation and duty to live in a way that will only help people stay strong in their testimonies...not make them question their testimonies.

I want to be more Christ-like. I want to lead people to Him. I hope and pray that I can continue to line my life with His Gospel. It's not just about the big things. It's easy for many of us to not kill, not commit adultery, not steal...to even not harm our bodies with substance abuse. Sometimes it's more about the small things. I hope to overcome the "small" things.

Deep Deep Trouble

Allow me to invite you into my past.

As I've stated before, many times, my dad died when I was young. So, I grip onto memories and things that remind me of him very tightly.

This is one thing that makes me think of him. The Simpsons. I don't watch the Simpsons. I've probably seen 3 episodes in my entire life. It's just never drawn me in like other shows often do. The CD "The Simpsons Sing the Blues" does draw me in, however. My dad introduced this then-tape to my sister and me when we were just teeny little children. We LOVED it, and so did he. I now have a CD, but the tape we had back then was played many many times. In fact, when I was about 5 years old, I thought it would be fun to put it into my little recorder and record over it, on this specific song, just to show how good I was at memorizing songs. So, part of the way through "Deep Deep Trouble" Bart cuts out, and I start singing. It's great. Then, Kayleen and I start singing a New Kids On The Block song. Then one of my parents finds us, I say "Oh no!" and the tape goes back to Bart to finish off the song. It's seriously a great treasure.

But anyway, here's the song. A song that lunges me back in time. Back when I was 5 and my dad was alive.



If the song offends you...take it up with my dad in the next life. :)

No title is good enough

I'm here. Louisiana. It's a beaut. Humidity wrapping you like a soggy blanket, bugs buzzing in your ears, and fire ants biting your feet. Can't get much better than this. Oh...and the people are a plus, too.

Pictures to come. :)