As of today, I have completed the 40-day program outlined in the Maker's Diet. It has been the hardest endeavour I have ever taken on in my life. There have been days I've wanted to quit, moments I've slipped off the diet and just all around bad days. But the good has definitely outweighed the bad and I'm glad that I did it. While my health is 100% of where I want it to be; I have more control of it, which is what I ultimately wanted.
But as the title of this blog states, my journey is really just beginning. Once you do the 40-days of the Maker's Diet, your really encouraged to stay on phase three forever. To do this I must continue to eliminate breads, most pastas, tons of sugar, pork, fast foods, Cokes and a few other of my former favorite things from my diet. This might seem like a daunting task, but after "fasting" from these things for the last 40 days, I really don't miss them. Tonight I went to dinner with my family and didn't have a problem avoiding the bread on the table.
You can enjoy off diet meals; your just encouraged to not have off diet days. It's easier for your body to recover from one off diet meal than an off diet day. And this is good news as I get ready to go on vacation to Hawaii. I haven't figured out exactly how I'm going to stay true to the Maker's Diet while in paradise, but I'm going to try.
And church today was such an encouragement for me. If you read my previous blog you read about how I've had a slight relapse and was disappointed. Things have improved (not 100% better - but better). But the sermon at church was all about staying focused on whatever your expecting deliverance from and not getting discouraged. Our pastor shared about how they struggled for years with a rebelous son, and he and his wife prayed continuously for years for deliverance. And thru it all he learned that God's timing is his own, and that many times God's deliverance won't look like what were expecting but that it will be good! In the middle of the sermon, our pastor asked for anyone who is praying for deliverance from something to have the boldness to stand so that the congregation can pray for them. I stood up and was immediately surrounded by the three girls in my accountability group who knew exactly what I have been petitioning God for - restored health. It was a great moment as I reach the end of this 40-day journey and enter into a new journey. It was such a blessing to have them pray over me and support me through this.
I probably won't update this blog until I get back from Hawaii - please pray for safe travels and that I'm able to stay as true as I can to the Maker's Diet. I'm excited about this vacation and it probably is exactly what I need to get my stress under control.
So until I blog again - Aloha!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
A pound of stress, a cup of coffee and a dash of anxiety are not good for the soul (or gut)
Ok, I know it's been awhile since I've posted an update. And I've debated back and forth whether or not to actually write this update. But I promised for the get-go that I would use the blog as a way to capture my honest thoughts, feelings and emotions. So here goes.
I have a confession - the last few days haven't been great physically. Several Crohn's symptoms have returned in the last few days. I actually went back on a small dose of my meds (minus the prednisone) to try to get my body back in order. But as I think over the last few days and try to figure out what might have caused this re-lapse I can pin-point three things: stress, coffee and anxiety.
A pound of stress:
So if you've talked to me in the last few weeks and asked how work was, I probably gave a sarcastic answer or rolled my eyes. While I still love my job (let me make that completely clear) it has been filled with tons of stress recently. I think 1/4 of the stress is just part of the job. By the nature of the job, non-profits are hard, and even harder when the economy is struggling. Demand for services increases, which means more money is needed. But the supply of money has shrunk - so for a fundraiser like me, you have to get creative, smart and dedicated to do your job. Another 1/4 of the stress has to do with some internal changes at work. I'm not going to go into them. I'm actually excited to see how this new structure will work out in the long run. But there are folks who are upset or resistant to the change - so it's been stressful navigating the mind field of who is fighting or embracing the changes. And then the last half of my stress is to do with a "little" thing called Heart in Hand. This is an awards luncheon that we've done for the last 26 years and there are typically 250 guests. This year I have single-handily organized the entire event (securing sponsors, soliciting nominations, sending out invitations, working with the venue and caterer, etc). I've had a little support here and there - my intern helped write the script and our marketing department designed some of the printed materials. But ultimately this event falls on my shoulders, and almost all of the entire president's cabinet of my organization is going to be there. And if it wasn't stressful enough - due to the changes at work, I'm speaking during the event. I'd rather be behind the scenes making sure everything goes smoothly, but as hard as I tried to figure someone else to do it, I was the logically person. And if I didn't mention it, the luncheon is next Friday.
Stress and Crohn's do not mix. Anything you read about Crohn's will say one of the top triggers is stress. Obviously all this stress has not been good for me. But I am trying to find ways to reduce my stress - I try to walk at the park next to my house and I'm going this Saturday for a massage. But please don't tell me to try to destress my life - that just stresses me out.
A cup of coffee:
Confession #2 - Despite commercially ground coffee being on the avoid list of the Maker's Diet, I have enjoyed several cups of coffee recently. I know, not good. I think it goes back to my days as a reporter. Before I would get started on a big story I was get a cup of coffee or a Coke - maybe the caffeine just helped me focus. And with all the stress at work, and with Heart in Hand looming around the corner, I've returned to my comfort of coffee.
I know it's bad. And I can tell you that I have more symptoms on days that I drink coffee than those that I don't. I know it's a big culprit of this relapse. So pray that I will regain that will-power to just say no. And also that this cold weather will go away. I tend to drink coffee more when it's cold.
A dash of anxiety:
I know the Bible said we shouldn't be anxious about anything; but I have a little anxiety right now. Besides being anxious about everything related to Heart in hand, I am a little anxious about my upcoming vacation. In a couple days, I'm going with my friend Elise to Hawaii to visit her cousin Stephy (who is the daughter of the Spanish missionaries that I've worked with). I'm super excited about this vacation (I need and deserve this vacation), but everything leading up to it has me just a little anxious. I miss the days when you were little and can go on vacation worry free. Now I have to worry about what I might miss at work, finding someone to get my mail, making sure I have everything packed and my tickets printed. Kids have it good. There is also some anxiety about going so far away when I don't feel 100 %. If things don't get better soon, I will call my doctor and I'll probably have to go back on prednisone. But I don't want that. I want to enjoy myself on this amazing trip I've planned for and waited for.
I know I've written a pretty negative blog. And while I'm frustrated, anxious, concerned and a little overwhelmed, I am not discouraged.
Within the last few days several things have happened that have encouraged and lifted me up. The biggest has been two prophetic words that were spoken over me on Sunday night at church.
Hackett sings about in a song called "The Lowest Place." If you look at the words to the song that I have roughly posted below, its a reminder to me that this commitment to the Maker's Diet most importantly is a testament of my faith. And pure joy is only found in God when you completely surrender everything and get to the lowest place so that God can bring you back up.
Here are the word (but the songs is worth downloading)
"You said there would be joy in the laying down; you said there would be joy in the letting go; you said there would be joy in the giving of my life. And now I sing; Your river rushes to the lowest place (4x); come and rush over me (3x); let the river flow; I bow down; I get low; I open up my heart to receive your love; I gotta get to the wells of joy; I have to dig for the wells of joy; I've gotta get to the wells of joy; I gotta get lower."
The second prophetic word came from a complete stranger. She prayed Psalms 103 over me. Little did she know that Psalms 103 is probably one of my favorite Psalms. Mandy Mann sings an amazing song called Psalms 103 that I think is so beautiful - one of my favorites. While the entire chapter is full of good words, it starts off "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits - for he forgives all your sings and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things." Now that is good stuff!
Thank you for allowing me to be honest. If you feel compelled to pray for me (and I hope you are) here are a couple prayer request:
1. Healing would come to my body
2. I would regain the will power to stick to the diet
3. I would remain encouraged
4. My journey would be a testament of God's power and Glory
Until next time...
I have a confession - the last few days haven't been great physically. Several Crohn's symptoms have returned in the last few days. I actually went back on a small dose of my meds (minus the prednisone) to try to get my body back in order. But as I think over the last few days and try to figure out what might have caused this re-lapse I can pin-point three things: stress, coffee and anxiety.
A pound of stress:
So if you've talked to me in the last few weeks and asked how work was, I probably gave a sarcastic answer or rolled my eyes. While I still love my job (let me make that completely clear) it has been filled with tons of stress recently. I think 1/4 of the stress is just part of the job. By the nature of the job, non-profits are hard, and even harder when the economy is struggling. Demand for services increases, which means more money is needed. But the supply of money has shrunk - so for a fundraiser like me, you have to get creative, smart and dedicated to do your job. Another 1/4 of the stress has to do with some internal changes at work. I'm not going to go into them. I'm actually excited to see how this new structure will work out in the long run. But there are folks who are upset or resistant to the change - so it's been stressful navigating the mind field of who is fighting or embracing the changes. And then the last half of my stress is to do with a "little" thing called Heart in Hand. This is an awards luncheon that we've done for the last 26 years and there are typically 250 guests. This year I have single-handily organized the entire event (securing sponsors, soliciting nominations, sending out invitations, working with the venue and caterer, etc). I've had a little support here and there - my intern helped write the script and our marketing department designed some of the printed materials. But ultimately this event falls on my shoulders, and almost all of the entire president's cabinet of my organization is going to be there. And if it wasn't stressful enough - due to the changes at work, I'm speaking during the event. I'd rather be behind the scenes making sure everything goes smoothly, but as hard as I tried to figure someone else to do it, I was the logically person. And if I didn't mention it, the luncheon is next Friday.
Stress and Crohn's do not mix. Anything you read about Crohn's will say one of the top triggers is stress. Obviously all this stress has not been good for me. But I am trying to find ways to reduce my stress - I try to walk at the park next to my house and I'm going this Saturday for a massage. But please don't tell me to try to destress my life - that just stresses me out.
A cup of coffee:
Confession #2 - Despite commercially ground coffee being on the avoid list of the Maker's Diet, I have enjoyed several cups of coffee recently. I know, not good. I think it goes back to my days as a reporter. Before I would get started on a big story I was get a cup of coffee or a Coke - maybe the caffeine just helped me focus. And with all the stress at work, and with Heart in Hand looming around the corner, I've returned to my comfort of coffee.
I know it's bad. And I can tell you that I have more symptoms on days that I drink coffee than those that I don't. I know it's a big culprit of this relapse. So pray that I will regain that will-power to just say no. And also that this cold weather will go away. I tend to drink coffee more when it's cold.
A dash of anxiety:
I know the Bible said we shouldn't be anxious about anything; but I have a little anxiety right now. Besides being anxious about everything related to Heart in hand, I am a little anxious about my upcoming vacation. In a couple days, I'm going with my friend Elise to Hawaii to visit her cousin Stephy (who is the daughter of the Spanish missionaries that I've worked with). I'm super excited about this vacation (I need and deserve this vacation), but everything leading up to it has me just a little anxious. I miss the days when you were little and can go on vacation worry free. Now I have to worry about what I might miss at work, finding someone to get my mail, making sure I have everything packed and my tickets printed. Kids have it good. There is also some anxiety about going so far away when I don't feel 100 %. If things don't get better soon, I will call my doctor and I'll probably have to go back on prednisone. But I don't want that. I want to enjoy myself on this amazing trip I've planned for and waited for.
I know I've written a pretty negative blog. And while I'm frustrated, anxious, concerned and a little overwhelmed, I am not discouraged.
Within the last few days several things have happened that have encouraged and lifted me up. The biggest has been two prophetic words that were spoken over me on Sunday night at church.
Hackett sings about in a song called "The Lowest Place." If you look at the words to the song that I have roughly posted below, its a reminder to me that this commitment to the Maker's Diet most importantly is a testament of my faith. And pure joy is only found in God when you completely surrender everything and get to the lowest place so that God can bring you back up.
Here are the word (but the songs is worth downloading)
"You said there would be joy in the laying down; you said there would be joy in the letting go; you said there would be joy in the giving of my life. And now I sing; Your river rushes to the lowest place (4x); come and rush over me (3x); let the river flow; I bow down; I get low; I open up my heart to receive your love; I gotta get to the wells of joy; I have to dig for the wells of joy; I've gotta get to the wells of joy; I gotta get lower."
The second prophetic word came from a complete stranger. She prayed Psalms 103 over me. Little did she know that Psalms 103 is probably one of my favorite Psalms. Mandy Mann sings an amazing song called Psalms 103 that I think is so beautiful - one of my favorites. While the entire chapter is full of good words, it starts off "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits - for he forgives all your sings and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things." Now that is good stuff!
Thank you for allowing me to be honest. If you feel compelled to pray for me (and I hope you are) here are a couple prayer request:
1. Healing would come to my body
2. I would regain the will power to stick to the diet
3. I would remain encouraged
4. My journey would be a testament of God's power and Glory
Until next time...
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Phase one complete - it was hard but worth it
It's Sunday night and that means I have finished phase one of the Maker's Diet!!! I am so proud of myself. These last two weeks have probably been some of the hardest weeks I have ever gone thru - but it has been my faith, family and friends that have gotten me thru this ordeal. Here are some things I've learned as I went thru Phase One.
I'm stronger than I thought I was: This past Tuesday I hit a wall in the diet. It was a cold, rainy day. Driving home from work, all I wanted to do was come home and curl up on my couch with some comfort food. And my definition of comfort food would have been junk - nothing involved in phase one of the diet. Luckily, my 2 mile drive home on Whitlock Avenue (which typically takes about 30 minutes at 5 p.m. rush hour) gave me time to talk myself out of going home and eating bad food. I kept reminding myself that I was eating comfort food - food prescribed to me from the Creator. If I came home and ate junk, then I wouldn't be in any comfort.
A diet is easier when you're doing it for the right reasons: Several times in my life I've tried different "diets" or tried to eat "right" to lose weight. But I've failed at all of those attempts. But staying true to the Maker's Diet has been easier because the motivation behind it is pure and true. As I said from the beginning, I'm not doing this to lose weight (although I have lost weight - don't know how much because I didn't weigh myself before I started and don't really see the need to know). I'm on this diet to regain control of my health. I'm ok with sacrificing a view of my food vices to not live a life on medicines.
I really enjoying cooking: Ok this is something that I've known about myself, but I've rekindled my love of cooking thru this diet. The past few years I've been so busy that many of my meals were quick or from a restaurant. And living by myself, I didn't like cooking for one. But this diet has forced me to slow down and be more intentional about cooking. And it's been fun experimenting. There has been a small selection of foods that I could have, but I've tried to come up with different combinations as to not get bored with anything. One of the things I've enjoyed about this diet is coming home from work and cooking.
I could not have done this with out the support of family and friends: There have been days these last two weeks that I've wanted to quit. But it's been the encouragement and support of family and friends that keeps me on course. My mom has been my constant cheerleader - asking me about the diet constantly. She's also cooked me countless meals that fit into the diet, and she always made extra so that I could take leftovers home for lunch the next day. My sister-in-law (who is a health nut herself), has been a great resource to talk to about what I should be eating and what brands, stores, etc. are the best ones to check out. And I've gained new friends in this - I've met several times and e-mail back and forth with a new friend I met thru another friend. She has Crohn's and has been on the Maker's Diet for several years now. She's been a great source of encouragement, information and accountability. She's someone I can talk to about what I'm going thru and I know she understands cause she's been there. There are countless other friends and family who have been supporting me too - most importantly with their prayers and encouragement.
This experience is bringing me closer to God: While I started this journey to gain my health back, I've also gained a closer relationship with God. I've been a Christian since I accepted Christ at summer camp when I was in 7th grade. But I've never had to fully, completely and whole-heartedly rely on, and put my faith in God like I have with this. In the quiet moments, when I'm all alone at my house and no one would really know if I ate a bag of chips of a handful of cookies, it's been God's quiet and gentle spirit that has kept me on the right path. I know he loves me and wants what's best for me. He's given me the strength to get thru this.
God is restoring me: One of my favorite worship songs right now is called "Restoration." The chorus is "You take my mourning, and turn it into dancing/ You take my weeping and turn it into laughing/ You take my mourning and turn it into dancing/ You take my sadness and turn it into joy." Those lines really explain how I feel on this journey. And I can already tell that God is beginning to restore my health. I'll spare you all the details - but basically I feel great and I'm not having as many symptoms of Crohn's. Every day gets a little better. In the end, I have full faith that God will take my sadness (poor health) and will turn it into joy (good health)!
So starting tomorrow I move on to Phase Two of the diet - and that means sweet potatoes!!!! That's probably what I'm most excited about with Phase Two. Sweet potatoes are probably one of my favorite foods, I bought some today at the store in preparation for Phase Two. I'll probably dream about sweet potatoes tonight :) Yummy!
I'm stronger than I thought I was: This past Tuesday I hit a wall in the diet. It was a cold, rainy day. Driving home from work, all I wanted to do was come home and curl up on my couch with some comfort food. And my definition of comfort food would have been junk - nothing involved in phase one of the diet. Luckily, my 2 mile drive home on Whitlock Avenue (which typically takes about 30 minutes at 5 p.m. rush hour) gave me time to talk myself out of going home and eating bad food. I kept reminding myself that I was eating comfort food - food prescribed to me from the Creator. If I came home and ate junk, then I wouldn't be in any comfort.
A diet is easier when you're doing it for the right reasons: Several times in my life I've tried different "diets" or tried to eat "right" to lose weight. But I've failed at all of those attempts. But staying true to the Maker's Diet has been easier because the motivation behind it is pure and true. As I said from the beginning, I'm not doing this to lose weight (although I have lost weight - don't know how much because I didn't weigh myself before I started and don't really see the need to know). I'm on this diet to regain control of my health. I'm ok with sacrificing a view of my food vices to not live a life on medicines.
I really enjoying cooking: Ok this is something that I've known about myself, but I've rekindled my love of cooking thru this diet. The past few years I've been so busy that many of my meals were quick or from a restaurant. And living by myself, I didn't like cooking for one. But this diet has forced me to slow down and be more intentional about cooking. And it's been fun experimenting. There has been a small selection of foods that I could have, but I've tried to come up with different combinations as to not get bored with anything. One of the things I've enjoyed about this diet is coming home from work and cooking.
I could not have done this with out the support of family and friends: There have been days these last two weeks that I've wanted to quit. But it's been the encouragement and support of family and friends that keeps me on course. My mom has been my constant cheerleader - asking me about the diet constantly. She's also cooked me countless meals that fit into the diet, and she always made extra so that I could take leftovers home for lunch the next day. My sister-in-law (who is a health nut herself), has been a great resource to talk to about what I should be eating and what brands, stores, etc. are the best ones to check out. And I've gained new friends in this - I've met several times and e-mail back and forth with a new friend I met thru another friend. She has Crohn's and has been on the Maker's Diet for several years now. She's been a great source of encouragement, information and accountability. She's someone I can talk to about what I'm going thru and I know she understands cause she's been there. There are countless other friends and family who have been supporting me too - most importantly with their prayers and encouragement.
This experience is bringing me closer to God: While I started this journey to gain my health back, I've also gained a closer relationship with God. I've been a Christian since I accepted Christ at summer camp when I was in 7th grade. But I've never had to fully, completely and whole-heartedly rely on, and put my faith in God like I have with this. In the quiet moments, when I'm all alone at my house and no one would really know if I ate a bag of chips of a handful of cookies, it's been God's quiet and gentle spirit that has kept me on the right path. I know he loves me and wants what's best for me. He's given me the strength to get thru this.
God is restoring me: One of my favorite worship songs right now is called "Restoration." The chorus is "You take my mourning, and turn it into dancing/ You take my weeping and turn it into laughing/ You take my mourning and turn it into dancing/ You take my sadness and turn it into joy." Those lines really explain how I feel on this journey. And I can already tell that God is beginning to restore my health. I'll spare you all the details - but basically I feel great and I'm not having as many symptoms of Crohn's. Every day gets a little better. In the end, I have full faith that God will take my sadness (poor health) and will turn it into joy (good health)!
So starting tomorrow I move on to Phase Two of the diet - and that means sweet potatoes!!!! That's probably what I'm most excited about with Phase Two. Sweet potatoes are probably one of my favorite foods, I bought some today at the store in preparation for Phase Two. I'll probably dream about sweet potatoes tonight :) Yummy!
Monday, March 14, 2011
A picture of faith
So I've finally finished week one, and I'm on to week two of phase one. It's been ok. I'm starting to get bored with my options in phase one. I was never a big egg eater and now I'm eating them every morning for breakfast cause that is about all I'm allowed to have. So I'm ready to start adding new foods. But overall I am feeling really good. I'm exercising at least 3 times a week - and I'm starting to feel the benefits they talk about in the Maker's Diet like more energy.
But I really wanted to take this time to explain the most important part of this journey - faith. I have faith that God is leading me down this path, and that he ultimately will heal me. I've learned a lot about my faith in God since I got sick last summer. There have been moments where I've hit rock bottom and have just cried. And then I try to remember to praise God when I have the good times like good reports from the doctor. My faith has been put thru the ringer, but I totally believe I have a lot stronger faith in God than I ever did when I was healthy.
Since I got sick, there has been one picture of faith that God has printed in my mind over and over again. She doesn't have a name, but her small actions caused the Son of God to notice. Her story is found several times in the Gospel. All we really know about her is that she was bleeding for many years and spent countless dollars and time trying to find a remedy for her illness. Nothing seemed to work - sounds familiar. When she heard that Jesus was in town, she mustered the strength to go to the street, press thru the crowd and touch the edge of Jesus' cloak. Her touch, however light it might have been, was strong enough to get Jesus' attention, because he looked for her. Once he found her and learned her story, Jesus said the words I am praying to hear: "Take heart my daughter," he said. "Your faith has healed you." Now that's that kind of faith I want, that I'm praying for, and that I'm believing will come.
I know I said this picture of faith has reappeared in mine life since I got sick last summer. In January, I was given an actual picture of it. Our church was having a week of fasting and prayer. Each night during the week our church was gathered for prayer and each night was a different theme. Thursday night was all about healing prayer - our church has an anointed healing prayer ministry so I knew I needed to be there. During the service, they had two girls painting prophetic art during worship, and the picture below is what one of the artist painted. I knew that the painting was for me - and even cooler was that one of our pastors knew my story and presented me with the painting at the end of the service. The painting now hangs in my room at the end of the bed so that I see it as I go to bed and its the first thing I see in the morning. It is a daily reminder of what I'm praying for and expecting God for. I have no doubt that one day I will hear Jesus say, "Ashley, take heart my daughter. Your faith has healed you."
But I really wanted to take this time to explain the most important part of this journey - faith. I have faith that God is leading me down this path, and that he ultimately will heal me. I've learned a lot about my faith in God since I got sick last summer. There have been moments where I've hit rock bottom and have just cried. And then I try to remember to praise God when I have the good times like good reports from the doctor. My faith has been put thru the ringer, but I totally believe I have a lot stronger faith in God than I ever did when I was healthy.
Since I got sick, there has been one picture of faith that God has printed in my mind over and over again. She doesn't have a name, but her small actions caused the Son of God to notice. Her story is found several times in the Gospel. All we really know about her is that she was bleeding for many years and spent countless dollars and time trying to find a remedy for her illness. Nothing seemed to work - sounds familiar. When she heard that Jesus was in town, she mustered the strength to go to the street, press thru the crowd and touch the edge of Jesus' cloak. Her touch, however light it might have been, was strong enough to get Jesus' attention, because he looked for her. Once he found her and learned her story, Jesus said the words I am praying to hear: "Take heart my daughter," he said. "Your faith has healed you." Now that's that kind of faith I want, that I'm praying for, and that I'm believing will come.
I know I said this picture of faith has reappeared in mine life since I got sick last summer. In January, I was given an actual picture of it. Our church was having a week of fasting and prayer. Each night during the week our church was gathered for prayer and each night was a different theme. Thursday night was all about healing prayer - our church has an anointed healing prayer ministry so I knew I needed to be there. During the service, they had two girls painting prophetic art during worship, and the picture below is what one of the artist painted. I knew that the painting was for me - and even cooler was that one of our pastors knew my story and presented me with the painting at the end of the service. The painting now hangs in my room at the end of the bed so that I see it as I go to bed and its the first thing I see in the morning. It is a daily reminder of what I'm praying for and expecting God for. I have no doubt that one day I will hear Jesus say, "Ashley, take heart my daughter. Your faith has healed you."
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Domino's pizza don't you know I'm on a diet
So yesterday when I got home from work, hanging on my front door knob was an advertisement for pizza from Domino's. It was the last thing I wanted to see after the day I had. See I have to confess - I went off the diet Friday for lunch. I had a hamburger, including bun (broke the no bread role) and a Sprite.
Here is the reason/excuse as to why I "had" to eat that way. United Way, who I work for, had their metro campaign celebration. The event was a mixture of high school pep rally and carnival. The only food available was hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and cotton candy. So I went with the hamburger; it was off the diet but was the least off the diet food available.
But I've been back on the diet ever since. And I've actually had fun coming up with different meals. I'm cooking now more than ever, and that's been fun. Last night I had pesto-lime chicken with a salad. And I made the pesto with leaves from the basil plant in my kitchen. (I've been know to kill any plant in my house - but this basil plant is out of control. So if anyone is looking for fresh basil, give me a call and I'll hook you up.) And then this morning I made an omelet with goat cheese and green peppers. It was really, really yummy.
I'm still drinking the "lawn-mower" green stuff. Every day I'm able to drink a little more than the time before but it's still awful. Apparently it's tolerable when mixed with Apple juice; however, I'm not allowed to have fruit juices in the first phase. So I suffer thru it.
One more week on phase one. I hear the second week is a little harder cause you just get tired of eating the same foods. So I'm trying to keep it interesting.
On Sunday, I'm hopefully going to have truly fresh fish. We're going to my grandparents lake in Newnan, and the plan is to fish. Usually we end up frying the fish, but I'm going to order mine baked cause I can't have bread. But it'll still be yummy. I just have to catch the fish first.
Here is the reason/excuse as to why I "had" to eat that way. United Way, who I work for, had their metro campaign celebration. The event was a mixture of high school pep rally and carnival. The only food available was hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and cotton candy. So I went with the hamburger; it was off the diet but was the least off the diet food available.
But I've been back on the diet ever since. And I've actually had fun coming up with different meals. I'm cooking now more than ever, and that's been fun. Last night I had pesto-lime chicken with a salad. And I made the pesto with leaves from the basil plant in my kitchen. (I've been know to kill any plant in my house - but this basil plant is out of control. So if anyone is looking for fresh basil, give me a call and I'll hook you up.) And then this morning I made an omelet with goat cheese and green peppers. It was really, really yummy.
I'm still drinking the "lawn-mower" green stuff. Every day I'm able to drink a little more than the time before but it's still awful. Apparently it's tolerable when mixed with Apple juice; however, I'm not allowed to have fruit juices in the first phase. So I suffer thru it.
One more week on phase one. I hear the second week is a little harder cause you just get tired of eating the same foods. So I'm trying to keep it interesting.
On Sunday, I'm hopefully going to have truly fresh fish. We're going to my grandparents lake in Newnan, and the plan is to fish. Usually we end up frying the fish, but I'm going to order mine baked cause I can't have bread. But it'll still be yummy. I just have to catch the fish first.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Downside of phase one
Sorry I didn't write yesterday - my mom and I had a girls' night that involved a play at Theatre on the Square. So by the time I got home, it was late and I went to bed.
Now back to what I wanted to write about. Today I experienced one of the downsides of being in Phase One of the Maker's Diet - eating out with friends. A group of my Leadership Cobb friends were getting together to celebrate a friend's birthday at one of my favorite restaurants on the Marietta Square. I went to say hello for the pre-dinner get-together, but had to say goodbye when folks started moving toward the dinner table. I could have stayed, but I was hungry. And I really could not eat (or enjoy) anything on the dinner.
So instead I came home and ate some leftovers that I had made earlier this week that fit in with phase one. It was hard having to explain while I was leaving to my friends. "I'm going home because I'm on a diet," seems silly to say. When you say you're on a diet, most people think it's cause you want to lose weight and they tend to say some interesting things about why your not eating. But I'm not trying to lose anything. I'm actually trying to gain something back - my health. And I'm on more than just a diet; I'm on a journey to save my life.
My friends who told me about the Maker's Diet warned me about this. So I guess this is something I need to be prepared to experience while I'm on this journey. It's a sacrifice that I'm willing to take. I'll figure out a way to be sociable with my friends, but also eat the way I'm suppose to.
Day 5 is over - I'm close to finishing week one of Phase One. Only one more week left and then we can move on to Phase Two.
Now back to what I wanted to write about. Today I experienced one of the downsides of being in Phase One of the Maker's Diet - eating out with friends. A group of my Leadership Cobb friends were getting together to celebrate a friend's birthday at one of my favorite restaurants on the Marietta Square. I went to say hello for the pre-dinner get-together, but had to say goodbye when folks started moving toward the dinner table. I could have stayed, but I was hungry. And I really could not eat (or enjoy) anything on the dinner.
So instead I came home and ate some leftovers that I had made earlier this week that fit in with phase one. It was hard having to explain while I was leaving to my friends. "I'm going home because I'm on a diet," seems silly to say. When you say you're on a diet, most people think it's cause you want to lose weight and they tend to say some interesting things about why your not eating. But I'm not trying to lose anything. I'm actually trying to gain something back - my health. And I'm on more than just a diet; I'm on a journey to save my life.
My friends who told me about the Maker's Diet warned me about this. So I guess this is something I need to be prepared to experience while I'm on this journey. It's a sacrifice that I'm willing to take. I'll figure out a way to be sociable with my friends, but also eat the way I'm suppose to.
Day 5 is over - I'm close to finishing week one of Phase One. Only one more week left and then we can move on to Phase Two.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The worst summer of my life
So day two of the diet wasn't much different than day one, so today I've decided to write about the summer when my whole life changed.
Last summer (2010), I felt like I was the picture of perfect health. I was running a couple times a week and going to a kickboxing class at the gym. I was in good health - here is a picture of me with my "sisters" from Spain at the Fourth of July.
The week after this picture was taken, I was a counselor at my church's summer camp. When I got home from camp I just wasn't feeling well. My stomach hurt and I was exhausted. I figured I had just picked up a bug from camp - moldy cabins and bad camp food. But my symptoms soon got worst - to the point I wasn't able to hold down food at all.
I went to my primary care doctor cause I knew this was not something that would just pass. That was a Thursday afternoon three weeks after I got home from camp. She referred me to a GI specialist with an appointment on Monday - I never made that appointment.
That Sunday, I finally mustered the strength to attend a graduation party for my friend Elise. I was exhausted and felt horrible. But I went. A good family friend, Sandy Gillam (who is a nurse), was also there and just didn't feel ok with how I looked. She ended up calling my mom who showed up at my house about an hour after I got home. Mom said we're going to the hospital - I protested the whole way, but I now know that my mom's determination probably saved my life.
When we arrived at the ER, I was immediately taken to a room - my pulse and blood pressure were dangerously low. Soon after I got to a room, I was given two blood transfusions. I now know that the doctors were really nervous that I could have a heart attack - really scary.
I then was moved upstairs into a real room at Kennestone Hospital and met with a GI specialists the next day. After several test and biopsies the doctor determined that I either had ulcerative colotis or Crohn's, we'd have to wait for the results of the biopsies to really narrow it down. In the follow up visit, the doctor said the biopsies showed that it was Crohns.
I ended up staying in the hospital for 5 horrible days. For most of those days I was on a liquid diet. By day three of the liquid diet, when they asked me if I wanted chicken, beef or vegetable broth, I told them to spin a wheel and choose one cause they all taste the same. I'm not really a good patient.
So that is how this whole journey of dealing with Crohn's began. It was a scary time in my life that really changed my life. It's been a roller coaster, especially emotionally.
But I think my new path has leveled everything out. I think I'm finally on my way to being that picture of perfect health again!
Last summer (2010), I felt like I was the picture of perfect health. I was running a couple times a week and going to a kickboxing class at the gym. I was in good health - here is a picture of me with my "sisters" from Spain at the Fourth of July.
I went to my primary care doctor cause I knew this was not something that would just pass. That was a Thursday afternoon three weeks after I got home from camp. She referred me to a GI specialist with an appointment on Monday - I never made that appointment.
That Sunday, I finally mustered the strength to attend a graduation party for my friend Elise. I was exhausted and felt horrible. But I went. A good family friend, Sandy Gillam (who is a nurse), was also there and just didn't feel ok with how I looked. She ended up calling my mom who showed up at my house about an hour after I got home. Mom said we're going to the hospital - I protested the whole way, but I now know that my mom's determination probably saved my life.
When we arrived at the ER, I was immediately taken to a room - my pulse and blood pressure were dangerously low. Soon after I got to a room, I was given two blood transfusions. I now know that the doctors were really nervous that I could have a heart attack - really scary.
I then was moved upstairs into a real room at Kennestone Hospital and met with a GI specialists the next day. After several test and biopsies the doctor determined that I either had ulcerative colotis or Crohn's, we'd have to wait for the results of the biopsies to really narrow it down. In the follow up visit, the doctor said the biopsies showed that it was Crohns.
I ended up staying in the hospital for 5 horrible days. For most of those days I was on a liquid diet. By day three of the liquid diet, when they asked me if I wanted chicken, beef or vegetable broth, I told them to spin a wheel and choose one cause they all taste the same. I'm not really a good patient.
So that is how this whole journey of dealing with Crohn's began. It was a scary time in my life that really changed my life. It's been a roller coaster, especially emotionally.
But I think my new path has leveled everything out. I think I'm finally on my way to being that picture of perfect health again!
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