Archive for December, 2011

Fibromyalgia is a very agonizing pain and sometimes disables those that have the condition, also the cause is not fully known. It affects more women than men, and has been known for:

- body aches and pain
- fatigue, depression
- enables you to live a normal life

Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are close to the same condition but fibromyalgia represents not having any energy by a process where the body starts spending more energy than it is able to make.

Fibromyalgia is an arthritis-like problem that causes intense pain. More Gulf War veterans have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia than non-Gulf War veterans.

Proper Diet will reduce your symptoms along with sleep and  all natural herbal supplements like:

- Green Tea Energy Fusion all natural energy booster for day time
- 5-HTP  helps to increase deep sleep and reduce pain at night for sleeping

Hear are some foods to avoid  :

Anything with BAD OR HIDDEN sugars within them.

All of these carbohydrates will increase insulin and lower your blood sugar. Carbohydrates with a that are high glycemic breakdown into a lot of sugar within your body and should be avoided as they make fibromyalgia symptoms worse.

Foods to Eat:

- lean proteins
- whole grains
- nuts and seeds
- fresh fruit n veggies

Exercise for relief:

Depending on what shape you are in, try to start with slow low-impact exercises such as swimming or walking. It is important to go slow when you start an exercise program for fibromyalgia as some exercises may increase your pain for a while. Slowly raise the time and intensity of exercise. For starters by stretching a few minutes each day. Then add a few more minutes as you can tolerate the movement without much pain.  As you feel better, add more minutes until you can walk longer periods.

3- Day Fruit Detox

This goes for 4 consecutive weeks. This is a great way to jump start your weight loss goals for 2012!

Day One:

8am 1 scoop Ultimate Muscle Protein by Beverly

10am 1 scoop UMP

Noon 1 scoop UMP

2pm 1 scoop UMP

4 pm 1 scoop UMP

6pm – 3-6 cups raw veggie salad with 1-2 tbs olive oil or flax seed oil (or 1/2 avocado) and juice from 1/2 lemon or lime for dressing. Top salad with 4-6 oz chicken breast or lean steak

Day 2 and 3:

8am 1 serving fresh fruit

10am 1 serving fresh fruit

Noon 1 serving fresh fruit

2pm 1 serving fresh fruit

4pm 1 serving fresh fruit

6pm – 3-6 cups raw veggie salad with 1-2 tbs olive oil or flax seed oil (or 1/2 avocado) and juice from 1/2 lemon or lime for dressing. Top salad with 4-6 oz chicken breast or lean steak

8pm 1 scoop UMP

Day 4, 5, 6, 7 – Eat as I have instructed on original nutrition plan

Notes:

NO Fruit Juice

NO Dried Fruit

As always – drink lots of water (1 gallon a day preferably)

Note: You can substitue the UMP Protein for another low carb whey protein.  i-Supplements has hundreds to choose from at great prices.

Getting no sleep can make for long bad days. It can make you irritable plus make your day hard to get through. Nights with no sleep, can put a strain on your health. People who don’t sleep well at night are more likely to form obesity and heart conditions. With no sleep, the immune system is weaker, making it much more adapt to pick up viruses.

Conditions of not getting enough sleep can be enhanced with problems such as:

- Daytime sleepiness
- Weight gain
- Affects on the brain with memory function

In 2005,  1400 people showed that participants who regularly  slept for only a few hours were more likely to have diabetes type 2. Lack of sleep was found to enhance the activity’s that  control reactions to stress and regulates body functions such as digestion, the immune system or mood while suppressing growth hormones.
 
If you or someone you love is having sleeping problems their are many ways you can go to correct the issue.My opinion natural herbal remedies along with proper diet will fix many problems.We have great herbal sleep aids to try wich are far cheaper,healthier option. Check out many more of these type of items   i-supplements.com.

Zan-X by Red Dawn is a great compliment to the end of any stressful day. i-Supplements gives Zan-X 5 stars for overall performance and quality.

Red Dawn Zan-X Benefits:

• Relaxation

• Recovery

• Reduce Stress

• Reduce Anxiety

• Deeper Sleep

• Great for flights

Day 45, December 27, 2011

Today is going to be a great day!  I’m motivated.  It’s time to get back on track!

7:00 am:  Meal One:  1.5 scoops of Chocolate UMP Protein from Beverly International.  My grapefruit was bad so I need to get some more.  I took my 3 TBR Labs Colostrum, my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize, and my 3 Slim Quick Extreme.  Today is going to be a very busy day.  We need to clean up after Christmas and later on go to the Y in Batesville.  I have a lot of ground to make up so that I can get back where I want to be.  I don’t know why we sabatouge ourselves.  Women are famous for it.  Ugh!

10:00 am:  It’s time for Meal Two:  Greg’s chicken and egg omelet.  It’s full of protein and is very low fat. It’s been one of our staples since beginning our weight loss/healthy lifestyle change.  It’s filling and it’s good!  I took my tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize and am drinking my water.  Now it’s time to get back to cleaning.  Yuck!  But it means I’m up and moving around so that’s a good thing.  More later!

2:00 pm:  Time for Meal Three:  This time I am having a Cookies and Cream UMP Protein shake with my tsp of L-Carnitine.  I’m skipping my second dose of SlimQuick Extreme because I haven’t been sleeping very well at night.  I’m going to start the second dose in a couple of days.  They really give you energy so it’s important to stick to a routine with your supplements. 

5:45 pm:  It’s Y time!  I’ve been looking forward to this all day kind of.  I hate going to the crowded YMCA where all of the skinny women are.  I know they are there and they have earned their bodies with all of their determination and sweat but it still doesn’t make me feel any thinner when I’m around them.  Remember I talked in my earlier logs about stepping out of your comfort zone and just doing it!  Well that is exactly what I am doing.  It’s ugly and it sucks, but it has to be done!

6:50 pm:  Ok, this is way crazy!  I just got finished working out.  There were soo many thin, pretty girls there.  I’m pretty sure they were about a size two.  That is not even right!  Ok earlier today in my log I told you that I was ready to be back on track, right?  Right!  Well speaking of tracks.  I walked my big butt out on that track and stretched a little bit and then I was like alright it’s time to walk now.  When I worked at the Prison last year I walked 15 miles each day.  I didn’t figure I would have any problems walking a mile lickety split!  Yeah right!  I walked a lap and was like, ‘Oh my, my shins are on fire.’  I kept walking.  I figured it would just go away.  I kept trying to walk but I felt like I was going to fall over dead!  I looked back and do you know what I saw?  A elderly gentleman who must have been like 90 years old was getting ready to lap me!  That’s right!  You heard me right!  I was like no way!  So I began to run.  I got about a half a track ahead of him then had to walk again because my lungs were about to burst.  And in no time guess what?!!  He was right on my tail again!  I almost threw my hands up in the air!  It gave me a HUGE wake up call, no pun intended.  LOL!  I think it’s wonderful that the elderly gentleman was doing so well, however talk about a wake up call!  My big ass needs to make sure I work out EVERY day, not some days, not every other day but EVERY day!  Lesson for today:  Get your ass up off the couch and excercise otherwise YOU too could get passed on the track by a man well into his years.  And that will make you feel like a HUGE ASS!

7:00 pm:  Dinner is late due to the workout but it is totally worth it.  I’m having a lg Chili from Wendy’s and water.  I took my tsp of L-Carnitine and I’m off to the basement to play Just Dance 3 with my son. 

9:15 pm:  Holy crap!  That game is so fun but I am sweating like crazy.  I am pretty sure it gives you a better workout than Zumba.  I really didn’t think it would.  If you want to have fun while you work out then you have to try this game for the Kinnect Xbox 360.  It is awesome!  Now it’s shower time and then time for my last meal.  We went to the store and bought my grapefruit so I’m back to following my eating plan.

10:00 pm:  Ok it’s time for me to have my last meal of the day.  I feel awesome.  Let’s recap my excercise for today.  I worked out at the YMCA for an hour, then came home and worked out for another 1.5 hours on Just Dance 3.  I am feeling so energized!  I am loving it.  I am eating my 1/2 grapefruit and my 1.5 scoops of my Cookies and Cream Ultimate Muscle Protein by Beverly and I’m taking my tsp of L-Carnitine and my 3 Colostrum by Total Body Research Labs with water and now I am done.  I’ve drank a little over 1/2 gallon of water today.  I’ve spent most of the day in the bathroom but it’s all worth it in the end!  I hope everyone has a great night and Sweet Dreams!

Laura Meyer

Day 39, December 21, 2011

7:15 am:  I’m running behind.  I had to skip my grapefruit.  I hate early morning appointments.  I have my chocolate UMP protein shake with me and I always carry my TBR Labs Colostrum, and my Slim Quick Extreme with me. I took my L-carnitine as I was running out the door. Today is going to be totally off kilter.  I hope I get back on track.  I’ve got five bottles of water in the car.  I’m off.

11:30 am:  Sitting down for a few minutes and having lunch.  I’m having grilled tilapia with lemon, snap peas and brocolli, and water with lemon.  I’ve decided to be a little different.  I cannot believe that Christmas is almost here.  It’s crazy.  I have so much stuff to get done it’s not even good.  Now you all know that I have to watch everything I take in and I will be completely honest with you when I say I’m really struggling.  We talked about irony and I am completely living it right now.  I have to make the Christmas goodies to take to both my family and my in-laws houses.  I am a creature of habit and we all know how hard it is to break bad habits.  I keep thinking about how much food there is during the holidays and I am in total panic mode.  I’m going to be making all of these treats and I can’t eat them.  Ugh!  Now I know why everyone says I’m going to start my diet on January 1st.  Well guess what people, it’s not going to matter because we are all addicted to food and there is always going to be some special occasion that will come up and we as human beings will make the appropriate excuses  so that we can eat and drink the unhealthy stuff.  There’s no time like the present so take one step at a time and start your healthy lifestyle.  If I can do it then anyone can.  Just think about it.  If I would have said I’ll start this later then I would still be up 3 pant sizes and extremely miserable.  I do struggle but at the end of the day when I’ve eaten what I should, excercised and drank my water I feel amazing!  Alright, I’m finished with my pep talk.  I’m not sure if it was for you or me.  I’m guessing it was more for me since I’m buying all of the ingredients for the Christmas yummies!

3:30 pm:  Time for my Cookies and Cream UMP Protein Shake by Beverly  and my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize.   I’m still drinking my water.  I need to drink more since I’m behind.  Water is great for you but when you run errands it’s impossible because you have to pottie every 10 minutes.  That’s a good thing helping get rid of the toxins in your body.  I’m trying to decide what to have for dinner.  Hmmm I’m thinking chicken, veggies, and pineapple. 

7:30 pm:  Ok dinner is finished.  Dishes done, now it’s time to wrap presents again.  Then I’m thinking it’s Zumba time.  It’s been a while and I need to get back into my routine of doing it.  Once we get used to doing something it’s not a problem to keep up with it.  Once we stop doing it then it takes forever to get used to it so don’t stop the exercising people.  I’ve been fighting this cold thing.  It’s settled in my chest and I cannot get rid of it.  I’m tired all of the time and I cough constantly.  I keep taking my colostrum by TBR Labs.  This winter is playing havoc with my allergies which is the cause of all of my problems.  Damn, I’m whining again!  I’m starting to get on my own nerves.  More later!

10:00 pm:  1/2 grapefruit, Chocolate Ultimate Muscle Protein shake, tsp of L-carnitine by Dymatize and my 3 Colostrum by Total Body Research Labs.    Now I’m going to bed.  Tomorrow is a new day and I’m going to have a good day!

Day 40, December 22, 2011

I’m going to make this a little easier for the next few days.  My first meal of the day is always going to be 1/2 grapefruit, 3 SlimQuick Extreme, 1 tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize Nutrition and water.  My second meal of the day is going to be 1.5 scoops of Chocolate UMP Protein by Beverly with 3 colostrum, 1 tsp of L-Carnitine  and water.  My lunch is going to vary so I will post that.  This will help with some of the redundance of my posts. My last meal of the day is going to be 1 tsp of L-carnitine, and 3 TBR Labs Colostrum.    I’m really not looking forward to all of the food and junk that the Christmas Holidays bring but I’m going to try to be strong.  Cross your fingers for me please, I’m feeling like I’m going to need it!

7:00 am:  First meal of the day.

8:00 am:  Second meal of the day

12:00 pm:  4 oz of chicken and 2 cups of steamed celery and carrots.    I’m drinking the water so I’m hoping to stay on track. 

This is so going to be a long day.  I’m feeling so down lately.  I’ve still been trying to get over this chest thing and I’m taking all kinds of meds and it just really sucks.  I’ve been back to the doctor again and I’m thinking pretty soon he will be on my Christmas card list.  I’ve seeen him way more than a lot of my family lately.  I’m in a funk and I’m not sure how to get out of it.  I think I would be more energized if I would just get over this stupid sickness!

5:00 pm:  It’s time for my shake again.  I’m taking my tsp of L-Carnitine and water and I’m off to cleaning again. 

9:00 pm:  Time for my last meal.  1/2 grape fruit, 1.5 scoops of Cookies andCream Ultimate Muscle Protein, 3 Colostrum and 1 tsp of L-Carnitine.  Still in a funk.  I can’t wait until the holidays are over I’m pretty stressed about the food situation.  Ugh!  Have a good night and sweet dreams!

Day 41, December 23, 2011

10:00 am:  I couldn’t sleep last night because I kept coughing and now I’m off to a late start. I overslept and I’m late!  I have to meet Dad and we have to finish getting things for our get together.  I ran out of the house without eating anything.  It’s bad!  Still in a major funk!

1:00 pm:  water and baked chicken with steamed carrots.  I didn’t bring my L-carnitine so I’m still so blah! 

5:00 pm:  Dinner time:  I’m totally not in the mood so I’m going to have my Chocolate UMP Protein Shake and 1 tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize.  Still drinking my water.  I need to get motivated.  I think I need sunshine!  Lately it’s just been so dreary and rainy.  I hate winter.  Bring on the sun!

9:00 pm:  Last meal of the day.  I’m going to try to get to bed but I probably won’t be able to sleep.  I know I’m so being a negative nelly.  I think I have become “that person”.  I’m generally so funny and lively.  I have no idea what is going on!  I hope it gets better.  Good night to all of you!

Day 42, December 24, 2011

7:00 am:  It’s time to get up and face the day!  I have decided that I will do the best I can to say “NO” to that bad food!  Unfortunately women are all over the board with hormones.  I only wish a man could step into our lives and deal with our hormones for a day!  Anyway I have to finish getting everything done for our get together at my Parents house.  Meal one down.  So far so good!

8:00 am:  Second meal down and second bottle of water.  I’m pretty happy with my progress.  Of course, we all know the real difficulty is going to be when I get to my parents house and all the goodies are unveiled.  Fingers crossed that I make the right decision!  So worried!!

12:00 pm:  Decided to drink my Chocolate UMP protein shake for lunch.  I’m still trying to get things together.  Why is it so hard to have get togethers. There is so much planning in them.  Yikes!

4:00 pm:  Ok we are at my Parents house.  They are having lunch meat and so I came up against my first roadblock.  I hate when this happens!  I didn’t eat any lunch meat.  I’m not suppose to have bread so the lunch meat is out!  I ate green beans, and that is pretty much what I could eat there.  My sister brought my favorite hashbrown casserole so I had a spoon full of that.  Even now I’m doing pretty good.  I did remember to take my L- Carnitine.  Yay for me right?!!  WRONG!!    I ate a sugar cookie, a couple of crackers with cheeseball on them, about 1/2 slice of bread with BLT dip.  I was BAD!  This totally sucks!  I’m bad!

9:00 pm:  I was so disgusted with what I ate at Mom and Dad’s that I haven’t eaten anything else.  Tomorrow is Christmas Day so I’m stressed about it.  I wouldn’t be so worried if I weren’t in such a funk!  Ugh!

Day 43, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas Everyone!  I cannot believe it’s already Christmas!  Today is a new day so I will try and try again! 

7:00 am:  Meal one finished.

8:00 am:  Meal two while we are all opening presents.  I think everyone loved what they got.  I know I did!  My husband really spoils me so  I told him that I buy myself what I want and I wanted him to give me something from the heart.  And he did a great job!  We went to Cancun in 2005 and on my Birthday we went to a restaraunt and the waiter was amazing.  He made me a flower (that I still have) out of a napkin, it was totally amazing.  In my first present he gave me a napkin and wrote a note saying that there was a flower in there if we had the talented waiter from Cancun!  Totally amazing!  In my second box he gave me a note saying that he if he would have known I wanted to share his fries he would have given me this:   McDonald’s gift certificate and a pair of gloves.  Funny story about this.  My husband and I met when I was 17, and it was a blind date.  Our best friend’s fixed us up.  I was so shy and it was the first date I had ever been on.  He took me to McDonald’s and of course as all of you ladies know we never eat on the first date.  I told him I wasn’t hungry and then I watched him eat and I was like “wow”  He ate so fast that later I told him that I was scared to eat his fries because I was afraid he would take a bite our of my fingers.  There is nothing like memories to show you how much you are blessed!

10:00 am:  We are on our way over to Greg’s parents house for our Christmas there.  I hope they have something for me to eat.  And I hope they all like their presents.

12:00 pm:  That went very well.  I think everyone liked everything.  It’s time for lunch.  Turkey with 2 T of mashed Potatoes, 1/2 roll (bad me!),1 cup of green beans, and 1/2 cup of fresh corn, I had diet rite to drink, (again bad me!)  I should have brought bottled water.  Next time I will.  I forgot to bring my L-Carnitine.  We had a lot of things to load this morning.  No excuse but I completely forgot.  I also ate some 7 layer salad, and some puppy chow, which is made with white chocolate.  Insert sigh here!  I don’t know what’s wrong with me!  I just have no control today!  I just need to go to sleep so I don’t need to worry about eating anything else.

5:00 pm:  Dinner time again.  Turkey, green beans, corn, and this time I did remember to take my Dymatize L-Carnitine!  I’ve been drinking water and I took a glass of water over there with me.  Go me!  Finally!  I had a little bit more salad but that’s it.  We had a very nice quiet dinner there with Greg’s parents. 

9:00 pm:  I have to say that I wish we would never have gotten our children their electronic stuff.  Our internet stinks so when Breanna gets on her new computer it boots Dylan off of his XBox live.  Then we have screaming and it makes my head hurt, I’m still coughing and I just want to be able to sleep.  I need a vacation!  Oh by the way I had a very STRONG strawberry Margarita to finish my day!  I have to say it was GREAT going down but then the massive guilt set in!  Bryce is goin to be upset with me.  He told me in the beginning not to waste his time and I’m afraid I have this weekend. 
However, I will do better tomorrow!  We all know that on occasion we will fall and we just have to pick ourselves up and begin again and next time try to make the right decisions!  It’s very hard to lose weight especially when you get stressed out.  Mother’s have a very hard job.  We have to be Mother’s, referee, wife, and way more.  We have to make sure that we do what we can to make sure we are around to be all of those things that our families need!  One way to ensure that happens is to take care of ourselves!  We may fall of the healthy wagon but we have to do the best we can.  It’s all we can do!  I’m really not looking forward to having my body mass taken on the first.  I’m gonna get a bad spanking!  Night all!

Day 44, December 26, 2011

I finally slept!  Yay!  I took Nyquil last night and I finally slept.  This is the first night I have slept for several days!  I feel rejuvenated!  I think this is exactly what I needed to get started again! 

7:00 am:  Meal one!

8:00 am:  Meal two!  I’m starting to drink my water and I’m feeling a lot better.  It’s crazy how much better I feel! 

12:00 pm:  Baked chicken, 1 cup peas, 1 cup broc, two glasses of water(it’s easier to get large amounts of water down if you use a straw), and my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine.  I’m doing great so far.

4:00 pm:  Time for my Chocolate Ultimate Muscle Protein by Beverly, my tsp of L-Carnitine and water.  It’s amazing how full I feel when I drink my UMP shakes.  And it feels so much better knowing I’m not eating that crap!  I’m so glad I’m back on track.  Today was cleaning day so I’ve been up and running.  Tomorrow is YMCA time.  I’m pretty excited to get back to excercising.  Now back to cleaning.  Later!

9:00 pm:  Last meal of the day.  I have accomplished so much today!  I feel a lot better today!  Insert really big relieved sigh here!  I’m very glad Christmas is over.  And just to ensure I behave on New Year’s I have signed up to work.  Lol!  It’ll keep me honest this way.  4 am will come pretty early so I’ll have to be in bed early and no drinks for me.  Just a little insurance.  I am going to tan. You should try it.  If you are feeling bad then treat yourself to some tanning.   I hope you all have a great night!  Sweet Dreams. 

Laura Meyer

Day 37, December 19, 2011

Good Morning everyone!  Today is the day for change!  I have decided I’m going to have an omelet for breakfast instead of my norm.  But first it’s time for me to have my 1/2 grapefruit, 3 SlimQuick Extreme, 1 tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize. 

8:00 am:  Omelet with green peppers, onions, tomatoes, and hot sauce.  Yummy!  It was really good!  I took my 3 Colostrum by TBR Labs and my 1 tsp of my L-Carnitine.  Now it’s time for me to get going with my day.

I have a lot of things to do today but before that I think we need to discuss the term irony.  The dictionary defines irony as an outcome contrary to expectations.  I’m pretty sure this is the definition of my life.  Just kidding, well maybe!  Today we are going to talk about Christmas time, cookies, family, giving thanks to Jesus and to God, food, cookies, and the word “NO”!  It’s really going to be a tough Christmas.  I need to pick up some Christmas things for the residents where I work.  This is the last few days before Christmas and there is lots to do.  Did I mention that I have to make goodies for our Christmas get- togethers.  Yep!  That’s right, I have to make them without eating them.  How do I get myself into these situations?  It’s some crazy stuff.  I think I have shown great willpower as long as it’s not in front of me.  It’s pretty easy to do that.  This is where the term irony comes into play.  Crazy stuff!  I better get going!  More later!

12:00 pm:  1.5 scoops of Cookies and Cream UMP Protein Shake by Beverly with water and 1 tsp of L-Carnitine.  Now back to shopping.

4:30 pm:  4 oz of Turkey breast with 2 small red potatoes mixed with onions and fresh pears cut up.  I took my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize and am drinking my water.  I’ve decided today is not going to be the day for the cookies.  The less time I have the little buggers in my house the better.  I’m going to bake then later in the week.  More later!

8:30 pm:  This is my last meal of the day.  I’m having my 1/2 grapefruit, 1.5 scoops of Chocolate Beverly International Ultimate Muscle Protein and my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine.  I haven’t quite drank a gallon of water but there’s always tomorrow.  Everyone have a great night and Sweet dreams!

Day 38, December 20, 2011

7:00 am:  Time to start the day.  1/2 grapefruit, 1 tsp of Dymatize L-Carnitine, 3 SlimQuick Extreme and water.  I’m thinking today isn’t going to be the day for cookies and treats either.  If I have my way I should wait until 3 pm on Saturday then take them to Mom and Dad’s at 6 pm.  Of course then I will run out of time.  I am so glad that I decided to make my lifestyle change.  I have a lot more energy, and I feel better about myself.  It’s amazing when someone you haven’t seen in a while tells you how great your’e looking.  I bought a 2 piece bathing suit for Kings Island next year.  When I received it I was shocked at how small it was.  I thought, “Yeah right!”  But that was me being negative!  I took pictures and I’m putting them up all over my house.  If I think negatively then I look at the pictures and picture myself tanning at the waterpark and looking good and it helps me keep my focus.  We need to make small goals that aren’t totally unrealistic.    So first step for those of you that decide to jump in a make a positive lifestyle change make sure you take baby steps.  I am very impatient.  For me I want it NOW!  Totally unrealistic, set small goals and then celebrate when you achieve that goal.  One foot in front of the other and at the end look at how far you have gone. 

8:00 am:  1.5 scoops of Chocolate UMP Protein Shake with 1 tsp of L-Carnitine, 3 Colostrum by TBR Labs and water.   I’m going to clean up my house and make a list of what I need for the holiday goodies (That I CANNOT have).  Anyway time to get busy. 

12:00 pm:  Chicken salad with a small salad and water.  I took my tsp of L-Carnitine and drank some water and back to work.

1:30 pm:  It’s time for my workout at the Y.  It’s been a few days since I’ve been there so I’m pretty excited!

4:00 pm:  4 oz of Chicken, 2 cups of broccoli, and 1 cup of Pineapple.  I drank my water and took my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine.  Here is a quick tip for those of you that have a sweet tooth and you are letting that fact stop you from beginning your healthy lifestyle change.  Every time I get a sweet attack I eat fresh fruit.  It’s not chocolate however it does curb your sweet tooth. 

8:10 pm:  It’s time for the last meal of the day.  1/2 grapefruit, 1.5 scoops of Cookies and Cream Ultimate Muscle Protein, 1 tsp of L-Carnitine, and 3 Total Body Research Labs Colostrum.  Today has been a very productive day.  Just a few more days left until Christmas so I’d better get some rest and get ready for my busy week.  Sweet dreams everyone!

Laura Meyer

Day 33, December 15, 2011

7:00 am:  Time to get up for my very busy day!  First I need to start with my 1/2 grapefruit with my 3 SlimQuick Extreme and my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize Nutrition. I’m drinking my water so I have a nice beginning.

8:10 am:  Time for my 1.5 scoops of UMP Protein by Beverly.  It’s Cookies and Cream time.  Time to take my 3 Colostrum from TBR Labs and my tsp of L-Carnitine.  I’m still drinking my water.

12:30 pm:  It’s time for another shake.  1.5 scoops  of my chocolate Ultimate Muscle Protein.  I took 1 tsp of L-Carnitine and I’m drinking my water.  So far I’ve had about a half a gallon.  Go me!  I have lots of stuff to do for my family get together this Saturday.  It’s just what I need, tons of good food for me to test myself with.  Life is all about choices!  Now it’s back to cleaning!

4:30 pm:  Now it’s time for dinner.  I’m having my 4 oz of chicken, 2 cups of broccoli, and a glass of ice water and my 1 tsp of Dymatize L-carnitine.  And again it’s time for me to go back to cleaning. 

8:30 pm:  Time for my last meal of the day.  1.5 scoops of UMP Protein shake and 1/2 grapefruit.  I still eat the grapefruit with the splenda and it’s beginning to taste pretty good.  I’m taking my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine and my 3 Colostrum by Total Body Research Labs.  I didn’t quite get a gallon of water in today but there is tomorrow so I’ll just try again.  Good night everyone.  Sweet Dreams!

Day 34, December 16, 2011

7:00 am:  I’m up but I can’t eat this morning.  I have to get my blood drawn and I have to be fasting .  The bad news is, I have to take my Dad to the doctor in Scottsburg first then I can go and get my blood drawn.  Yuck!  I’m up and drinking my water.  I can’t take any supplements until after the draw. 

12:45 pm:  Well I’m finally in to get my blood drawn.  I’m pretty sure I will get my gallon of water in today because I’ve already had 4 bottles.  I have to say once you are used to having your meals at a certain time you do miss them if you miss them.  LOL!

1:15 pm:  It’s finally time to eat.  Yay.  I’m taking my 3 SlimQuick Extremes, 1 tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize, and my 3 TBR Labs Colostrum all together.  I want to make sure I get the benefits from them all.  I’m eating my lunch now.  4 oz of Turkey breat and 2 cups of green beans.  I left the rolls sitting of the table, a very hard feat for me because I love, love, love rolls!  But I just said no! 

4:00 pm:  Ok it’s time for me to have my chocolate UMP protein shake by Beverly International.  And I have to say this shake is tasting pretty darn good right now.  I’m making sure to take my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine and drinking my water.  I’m getting closer and closer to that gallon today.  Yay!

9:00 pm:  Today has been so busy.  I’m just about done with my house and the Christmas decorations for the party tomorrow.  It’s time for my last meal of 1/2 grapefruit and my cookies and cream Ultimate Muscle Protein shake.  I’m taking my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine and my 3 Colostrum along with my last glass of water.  My goal of 1 gallon of water has been achieved!  Go me!  Have a great night!

Day 35, December 17, 2011

7:00 am:  Party day!  It’s time for my breakfast.  1/2 grapefruit along with my 1 tsp of Dymatize Nutrition L-Carnitine and my 3 SlimQuick Extreme.  I’m beginning to drink my water.  I want to make my 1 gallon goal again.  I’m going to have some tough decisions to make today when my family brings in all of the delicious food.  Cross your fingers that I make the right ones.  I’m pretty nervous about it.

8:00 am:   1.5 scoops of Cookies and Cream UMP protein shake with my 3 Colostrum by Total Body Research Labs, and my tsp of L-Carnitine.   I’m putting the finishing touches on my house.  I’m so glad it’s finally finished. 

12:00 pm:  It’s a little busy today so I’m having trouble finding the time to eat or even drink my Ultimate Muscle Protein shake by Beverly.  There is a lot of planning and work that goes into planning a party.  I have been drinking my water though. 

2:00 pm:  Ok everything is ready and as per the usual my family has brought a lot of delicious food.  We have a whole table full of desserts.  Ugh!  I need to be strong!  I’m having 4 oz of ground chuck, with 2 cups of green beans, potatoes, and peppers.  I’m still drinking my water and doing alright.  I took my 1 tsp of Dymatize L-Carnitine and things are going well.

6:00 pm:  I FAILED!  I couldn’t help myself and I ate a brownie.  It’s not just any brownie either it’s the CORNER BROWNIE!  It’s the only one to eat if you decide to eat one.  So I’m BAD!  I knew it was going to be hard to stay on my healthy eating plan during the holidays but I had no idea it was going to be this hard.  I’m glad I did it and I have seen awesome results but it is very very hard.  I guess on the up side, at least I didn’t eat the other 15 desserts.  Now for dinner, I’m having 4 oz of chicken along with 2 cups of green beans and fresh apple and pear cut up.  I had my 1 tsp of L-carnitine and water. 

8:00 pm:  My house is a no smoking house so everyone always hangs out in the garage so they can smoke.  I am just getting over my pneumonia and my son has asthma so we try to stay away from it.  My room is all the way at the back of a long hallway and when I came out from taking a shower the smell of smoke was so bad it had me coughing.  Well I coughed so much I was sick again, two times.  It’s terrible.  My stomach was really not in the best shape after that.  I drank some water and then went to bed.  Good night to you all.

Day 36, December 18, 2011

5:oo am:  1/2 grapefruit with splenda, 1 tsp of L-Carnitine, 3 SlimQuick Extreme, and water

6:15 am:  cup of coffee with splenda and dairy free creamer, 1.5 scoops of Cookies and Cream UMP protein shake with 1 tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize, and 3 TBR Labs Colostrum.  I’m on my 3rd bottle of water. 

10:15 am:  1.5 scoops of chocolate Ultimate Muscle Protein by Beverly with 1 tsp of L-Carnitine.  I’m having a fresh pear along with a bottle of water. 

2:30 pm:  1.5 scoops of Cookies and Cream UMP with 1 tsp of L-carnitine by Dymatize and water.  I’m a little off schedule today because I’m working.  It’s been a little stressful today.  I’m at my half gallon mark for my water.  Yay!

6:30 pm:  Greg made me a baked potato with spray butter, grilled pork loin, and peas.  I drank more water and took my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine.    I’m pretty tired.  It’s hard getting up at 4 am.  I think I’m going to take a nap.

9:30 pm:  1.5 scoops of chocolate UMP protein shake with 1 tsp of L-Carnitine, and 3 Colostrum by TBR Labs with water is my last meal.  I fell a little short on my gallon of water but I did really well.  Today was a lot easier to stay on track and that is because Greg gave all of the bad stuff away at the end of the party yesterday.  Everyone needs to remember that if the food isn’t there then it’s not going to be a temptation for you.  If you are like me and it’s hard for you to say no then just stay away from it.  Make sure you NEVER go to the store hungry EVER!  If you have to have a family get together for the holidays then send all of the temptations right out the door with your guests as they leave.  It is much better for you if they  eat it and it goes on their hips and not yours.  Don’t feel guilty about doing that it is all about choices.  During this holiday season you need to choose to be healthy.  If you fall a little bit then remember to dust yourself off and begin again.  All we can do is try our hardest, do this to the best of our ability.  No less and no more!  Have a great night.  Sweet dreams!

Laura Meyer

Day 32, December 14, 2011

7:00 am:  Rise and shine!  It’s time for my 1/2 grapefruit, 1 tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize and my 3 SlimQuick  Extreme.  Today is going to be a very busy day again.  Back to the YMCA with Mom and then clean the house some more and make dinner then off to the JCD Christmas Concert.  Off we go….

8:00 am:  1.5 scoops of Cookies and Cream UMP Protein by Beverly, 3 TBR Labs Colostrum and 1 tsp of L-Carnitine.  Still wheezing a little but mostly I feel better.  I’m excited so I’m going to tell you that so far I have lost over 25 inches off my body and over 20 pounds.  Yay!    I’m not getting into specifics right now because I want to write everything down on January 1, 2012.  I’m extremely psyched about this. 

12:00 pm:  Gettng ready to go to the Y in an hour so it’s time for my 1.5 scoops of my Chocolate Ultimate Muscle Protein and 1 tsp of L-Carnitine.  I definately have more energy.

1:30 pm:  Mom and I are going to be working out our lower bodies today.  We are going to walk on the indoor track to get warmed up.  And away we go…

2:45 pm:  I feel so energized.  Today has been a very busy day.  It’s easy to be motivated when you have a work out buddy so everyone remember you need to get one.  Having a workout buddy keeps you honest even if you have a hundred other things to do.  How many times have we all said to ourselves, “Oh I have too much to do today so I’m just gonna have to skip working out!”  Wrong answer!  As busy Mothers, employees, wives, chauffer, referee, (I think you get the drift), we don’t have a lot of time for ourselves.  Working out is something to do that not only makes us look better but it also makes us feel better.  Make sure you have the “me” time you need for your workouts.  It is totally worth it!  I am happy to report that I walked the two laps around the track, then ran a lap, walked a lap, ran a lap,  then walked two more laps.  I was pumped and ready for my workout.  (For those of you that are too embarassed to run in front of people, don’t worry!  If I can do it with my big body and my C plus somes then you can do it!  I really do not care what other people think.  I am in this for the long haul so I am pretty sure I will be doing something else at some point that will make people stop and gawk!  Frankly, I don’t give a damn!)

4:00 pm:  Dinner time!  Tonight I made something like Chicken Soup.  I cut up chicken breast, fresh carrots, fresh celery and onions with some Swanson FlavorBoost and it was totally yummy!  Everyone loved it.  I had 4 oz of the chicken and 1 cup of the veggies, along with a cup of fresh pear, and apple and clementine cut up.  During your lifestyle change it is a necessity to eat fresh fruit and veggies.  They have a better flavor and they don’t have all the additives the canned stuff has.  I made sure to take my 1 tsp of Dymatize L-Carnitine and I was set.  Now I’m off to get dressed and put my face on then my daughter’s face on and we will be off to the concert.

8:00 pm:  I didn’t realize I would be gone this long so I don’t have my protein shake with me.  I ate two chicken fillets at Mom and Dads and then a clementine.  Next time I will be better prepared!

8:45 pm:  I’m back home now and it’s time to get my son’s lunch together for tomorrow and help with the homework.  I just wanted to say what an awesome job the Middle School Band, the Choir and the High School Band did at their Christmas Concert tonight.  Go Eagles!  I think these guys tend to get left out in the cold sometimes when it’s Basketball time.  I would just like to appreciate them and Mr. Unklesby for all of their hard work!

10:55 pm:  Time for my last meal.  1.5 scoops of Chocolate UMP Protein and 1 tsp of L-Carnitine and 3 Colostrum by TBR Labs.  Today has been a very full day and as you well know tomorrow is going to be the beginning of another…..Good Night and Sweet Dreams!

Laura Meyer

Day 31, December 13, 2011

6:00 am:  I’m feeling much better today so far anyway.  I woke up and had a lot more energy.  Yay!  I have a lot of stuff to do today so it’s a good thing! 

1/2 grapefruit, 1 tsp of L-Carnitine, and 3 SlimQuick Extreme.

7:00 am:  Kids are getting ready for school.  Now it’s time for my 1.5 scoops of Chocolate Ultimate Muscle Protein and my 3 Colostrum by TBR Labs.  I can’t forget my secret weapon, my tsp of L-Carnitine by Dymatize.  These protein shakes are very filling.  For any of you that are afraid you won’t be full by drinking these don’t worry because every time I drink one I’ m full for hours.  One of the main reason’s I hated “being on a diet” is because I was always grumpy and that was because I was hungry.  We all know how a woman gets when she is trying to lose weight and takes her food intake down to almost non-existence.  Witch with a capital B!  No worries here!

7:30 am:  Kids are on the bus and now it’s time for me to start cleaning my house.  I’m having a family get together this Saturday and I have loads to do after being sick.  Going to the YMCA with Mom later so I’d better get busy!  More later!

11:00 am:  Time for another Beverly Ultimate Muscle Protein shake.  This time I’m going with the Cookies and Cream.  1.5 scoops with my tsp of L-Carnitine.  I’m on my third glass of water so I’m on track so far.  I’m full of energy which is a nice change from the last week.

12:30 pm:  It’s Y time!  I’m very excited to have my Mom and Dad join.  I’m so glad I decided to make a healthy lifestyle change.  It has had a positive impact on my family right along with me. I am a true believer that you have to be ready to give 100 % to your new lifestyle change.  If you aren’t ready to do that then you very well may be setting yourself up for failure.  But you all know what I’ve said before, we are only human so if at first we fail then try and try again.  Your health should be your top priority.   You know what I find funny is the amount of people that tell me they are just going to wait until the first of the year before they begin their lifestyle change.  Now I’m not saying anything negative about what they are saying however I would like to point out that so far in my 31 days I have lost a little over 20 pounds.  I’ve had my ups and downs with being sick, and losing Grandpa Clarence and trying to deal with the stress of a sick parent but  each time I have a road block I pick myself up and start again because my health is a priority and yours should be as well!  It’s never too late to make a positive choice in your life, but I think sooner would be better than later!

4:00 pm:  Dinner is a little late today.  Once I came back from the YMCA I started setting up my new Christmas tree in my dining room and cleaning again.  Today at the Y, I worked on weight resistence for my upper body then Mom and I walked a mile to cool down.  I’m starting to get tired now.  I can totally tell that it’s been a while since I’ve been up and moving.  I may be slow but I’m still up and moving.  Now onto dinner for tonight.  4 oz of grilled chicken breast, 1 cup of steamed veggies and a baked potato with spray butter on it.  I took my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine and am drinking my water.  I’ve drank about 1/2 gallon so far.  I feel much better being hydrated.  Even my skin looks better.  Last week when I was sick I got dehydrated and I looked and felt terrible.  We need water to survive people.  If you don’t like it then put some lemon in it and make sure it is super cold and drink it out of a straw.  It goes down way faster.  I’m lucky I like water and the fact is the more you excercise the more water you crave.  Just go with it!

8:00 pm:  It is time for my last meal.  This is hard for me to get this meal in but I will.  My appetite is still not very big.  1/2 grapefruit, 1 tsp of L-Carnitine, 1.5 scoops of Chocolate UMP protein and my 3 Colostrum by TBR Labs with a big glass of water.  Totally full.  I have had a very productive day today, not too bad for my first day back.  I’m looking forward to tomorrow.  Mom and I are going to the Y in Batesville again this time we are working our lower body and of course walking.  I hope you have a great night.  Sweet dreams!   P.S.  I’m faithfully taking my Colostrum and I think that is why I got over my Pneumonia so quickly!  These are amazing!

Laura Meyer

Day 23 through Day 27, Day December 5 through December 9, 2011

Well I can finally say Hello again!  This is definately going to be the shortest of my logs that you read.  The doctor diagnosed me with Pneumonia on Deceber 5 and for the next five days I was extremely ill!  I had zero appetite and couldn’t stand up without trying to pass out. I became dehydrated and it was all I could do to drink some water.    Each of the five days I only ate one can of the Campbell’s Select Chicken and Brown Rice and a handful of Veggie Sticks so I could take my medicine without getting sick.  I didn’t take my supplements except for my Total Body Research Labs Colostrum.  I felt awful. 

Day 28, December 10, 2011

I’m feeling a little bit better so I’m going to try to eat.  I’m still coughing like crazy and that is not a pleasant thing.  Anyone that has had Pneumonia before will understand what I’m saying when I say it was one of the worst things I’ve been through.  I wouldn’t be too up to eating if it wasn’t for my husband making me go to his Christmas Party for work.  I pulled myself off of the couch long enough to get ready and go to the Country Club for the party.  I didn’t feel well at all but I went, and I’m glad I did because I had a really good time.  The only problem was my coughing fits and the fact that my fever broke and I kept sweating everywhere.  Talk about embarassing.  Now I’m going to get to the part that I am a little ashamed of….Now during the morning hours I had no appetite so I didn’t eat.  That in and of itself is not a good thing.  I was so tired.  I couldn’t eat.    But wait now comes the shameful part…

5:15 pm:  Waitress came in and asked me what I wanted to drink and I told her a diet, first thing wrong thing I did.  Remember I used to drink three 24 oz Diet Pepsi’s a day but I cut it out and started drinking water.  I had water at the table so I did drink water with my meal.  One point for me.  On the up side, I did NOT order an alcoholic beverage which is generally what I would order.  I figure that may have evened me out since I had a Diet Pepsi.  So by my count at this point I am up by one.  Salad came out and I didn’t bring my light dressing so I was really bad and I put two tsp. of ranch dressing on it.  Minus one point.  My total is now zero.  I ate one of the three croutons and ate four bits of the salad.  I am now a negative one.  Main course is now being served.  I picked chicken, which is good, I didn’t eat bbq ribs.  I am now even, the sauce on the chicken had cheese in it, back to a negative 1.  For the rest of the meal I did fine.  I had about  1/2 cup of steamed red potatoes, and steamed green beans and carrots.  Now I have plus two which leaves me with one point.  This is when it gets really ugly.  We went back to Greg’s boss’s house and had drinks and desert.  Greg got me a glass of wine, which I drank 2/3 of it then gave it to him to finish.  Big minus for me!  I’m back to zero points!  Let me tell you about all the DELICIOUS desserts they had there.  And did I mention it is the time of month for me to really enjoy chocolate?!!  Yep you guessed it I fell completely off the wagon.  I put this yummy stuff on my plate.  Let’s see I had a chocolate bourbon ball, some kind of chocolate covered cake ball, peppermint bark, chocolate covered cereal mixed with pretzels, and some chewy dessert bar (which I thought had chocolate in it).  Are you seeing a chocolatey pattern here?  Now that I have told you the horrible truth let me say this, I only took one bite of each except for the cereal and I ate a serving that was the size of the palm of my hand.  My lucky husband got the rest of it and ate it.  LOL!  Not very good for his diet at all.  I’ve completely lost track of how far down in the negatives I am but I know one thing for sure, I was BAD!!  After I ate and drank that stuff I felt awful.  I felt guilty because I let myself eat it.  Trust me it is totally NOT worth it! 

8:45 pm:  I am sick again and we are leaving the party.  I’ve started coughing again and my fever was back (Karma anyone?).  Bad behaviour is not rewarded.  Alright, all joking aside, I didn’t like how my body felt after I put that crap in it.  Lesson learned, at least for now.  We all have to remember we are all human and so we will fall on occasion, so when we fall we need to pick ourselves up and start again.  We can only hope that next time we are tempted we say no.  It’s all we can do.

9:30 pm:  Showered, teeth brushed, and medicine taken.  Now it’s time for bed.

Day 29, December 11, 2011

I didn’t wake up until 1:30 p.m.  It amazes me how taxing it was on me just going out for four hours.  It was the first time I had been out since I went to the doctor on Monday, December 5.  I feel awful again.  I took my 3 TBR Labs Colostrum as soon as I woke up and then laid back on the couch.  I coughed so hard that I was sick so I was back to not eating.  I drank ice water and that’s it.  You know being sick zaps your energy by itself, however it is really bad when you aren’t eating. 

6:00 pm:  I ate a can of my Chicken and Brown Rice soup.  (This is what the doctor told me to try to eat because of the sodium, which generally is bad, however since I’ve been dehydrated he thought it may help.)  I kept drinking my water and I made sure I took my 3 Colostrum.  I honestly believe the Colostrum helped me get to get better.  The last time I had Pneumonia I was sick for almost 3  weeks.  It was really awful. 
8:00 pm:  I’m going back to bed.  I’ve been coughing all day and I feel terrible.  Good night everyone!

Day 30, December 12, 2011

7:00 am:  I’m up and have a full day planned.  I’m still not feeling up to par but I’m going to try to get back in the swing of things.  I ate my 1/2 grapefruit with splenda on it, took my 1 tsp of L-Carnitine and took my 3 SlimQuick Extreme.

8:00 am:  Time for my 1.5 scoops of UMP Protein by Beverly and 3 Colostrum.  I picked Chocolate.  And this kind is totally alright to have.  I’m drinking my water.  So far so good.  My stomach is not used to having this much food in it.  Not feeling the best.

1:00 pm:   I had to take Mom to the dentist today in Florence, KY.  She wants to go to the Olive Garden.  My first thought was, “Great, here we go again!”  Once we were seated I looked at the Menu and gave a big sigh.  I normally eat the Chicken Alfredo with lots of bread sticks with Alfredo sauce on the side and salad.  I used to eat until I was almost sick.  I knew I couldn’t have my norm so I ordered one of the low fat entrees.  It was the Cappalini Pomadora.  It was angel hair pasta with roma tomato sauce.  Mom ordered the Alfredo sauce for the bread sticks.  She asked me if I would rather she not order it and I answered without even having to think about it.  “Nope.  Go ahead, I’ll be fine.”  This was another test for me.  And I passed with flying colors.  I ate a plate of the salad, skipped the bread sticks and Alfredo sauce, ate about 4 bites of my Cappelini Pomodora and stopped.  I felt so guilty about eating the pasta I just couldn’t eat it.  I also kept looking around wondering if Bryce was going to “catch me”.  LOL!  I felt just like a little kid sneaking the cookies out of the cookie jar.  I know that sounds silly but it’s true.  I’m still not up to eating a whole lot so it was all good.

5:oo pm:  Drinking my bottle of water now.  I’ve been coughing like crazy.  I made my Ultimate Muscle Protein shake and drank a little but I feel like I’m going to be sick with all of this coughing so I’m not going to drink the rest.  I’m skipping my L-Carnitine and my Colostrum for now.  It’s getting colder out and my Mom smokes so it is really making my throat feel raw.  We still need to finish our Christmas Shopping.  Ugh!  I never in my life thought I would ever say this, but I wish I didn’t have to shop anymore.

9:00 pm:  My throat feels terrible.  I’m back to eating my Campbell’s Chicken and Brown Rice soup.  The warm soup soothes my throat.  I know I’m not suppose to have the sodium but I’m trying to kick this sickness.  Tomorrow I’m going with my Mom to sign her and Dad up for the YMCA.  Tomorrow will be the first time I’ve excercised, except for the shopping marathon, since I got sick.  I’m going to take it slow but I am really looking forward to it!  Tomorrow I’m back on my routine.  I want you all to remember one thing.  There are going to be times when we struggle with our new healthier life.  If for some reason or another you fall then please don’t give up hope.  Remember what I said earlier.  Pick yourself up and dust yourself off.  And then begin again.  It’s good to hold yourself accountable but make sure you understand that you are only human and you just need to do the best job that you can!  I hope you all have a great night.  Sweet Dreams!

Laura Meyer