What's It Worth?

Everything comes with a cost.

Everything.

We don't always think about it, especially when the benefit far outweighs the cost. But there is a cost.

I've been thinking a lot about cost lately.

The cost of starting my own business has been added stress and an extreme decline in my social life. To date, I feel like it has been worth it. I really do love cooking for people.

About four months ago, at the urging of Match, I started seeing a naturopathic doctor. She has been wonderful. At my first appointment she asked me to go on a fairly restrictive diet (I don't use the term as if I'm on a "diet," but rather as a definition of the food I eat) for eight weeks - we were trying to figure some things out and it was a good way to answer some questions. I was pretty good about sticking to it, with a few very rare exceptions. I didn't count calories, but I stuck to the foods that she asked me to stick to and I lost five pounds.

At the follow-up appointment she said that I should stay on the general plan that we had discussed previously. There were a few exceptions, but for the most part, this would be the diet that I would live with for the foreseeable future.

I haven't done as well since that first eight weeks. I don't want to give up things that I love.

I eat fairly well. Little to no processed food. Almost no sugar. A variety of vegetables. A fair amount of protein. 

I like my coffee though, and I'm not willing to give it up. I need to have the occasional hamburger (on a lettuce wrap). And I'm not going to live the rest of my life without sweet potato fries.

The other day I was reading an article regarding diet changes reversing and healing certain neurological disorders. It got me to thinking, if I had one of these issues and giving up these foods would reduce or eliminate my symptoms, could I do it?

And I guess you never really know until you are in that situation, but I'd like to think that I would.

The same is true for anything in life that is not making you better. Why do we keep the things that bring us down?

Patience Young Grasshopper

For the whole of my life, Match has told me, "Patience is a virtue."

And for the whole of my life, I have accepted that it is a virtue that I, on most occasions, do not have.

As you have read intermittently throughout this blog and others that I have tried to write, I struggle with my weight. And I have for my entire life.

We are coming up on my two year anniversary at CrossFit Fury and I have been reflecting on my time there and how I have changed, both physically and mentally.

I am waiting for the gym manager to send me a picture that was taken of me at the beginning of my first Paleo challenge, and then I'm contemplating taking comparison photos of me on (or near) my anniversary date of starting at the gym. So maybe look for that in the near future.

But that's not what I'm here to talk about today.

Today I want to talk about nutrition. 

As you probably know by now, I have a gluten sensitivity. And sensitive I am when I eat that business. Just ask my family. 

What you may not know, is that I also have a condition known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I was diagnosed in college, and have been learning about it ever since. 

One of the side-effects of PCOS is insulin resistance, which just means that my body doesn't process insulin the same way as other people do. (Actually I'm sure there is a much more scientific definition, but that's what you get from me.)

I'll tell you some other things I've learned about myself:

Any type of non-vegetable carbohydrate messes with my system! I'm telling you, half of a sweet potato and I can feel the inflamation start. Quinoa? Tastes delicious and is good for most people. For me, it's crap.

Fruit makes me gain weight. It sounds so silly, and perhaps it doesn't actually make me gain weight, but it prevents me from losing it. My body doesn't like sugars, natural or otherwise.

This is me. This not you. This is not my sister. This is not my mom.

I have experimented with lots of different ways to eat. Trust me - every trainer I've ever had gets so frustrated because they see what I eat and how I train, and they think I should have less fat on my body. They have told me to eat carbs after workouts. And to limit fats. And so on and so forth.

I get equally (if not more) frustrated because I feel the same way. You can't imagine what it's like to sacrifice all of the delicious things in the world like Match's cinnamon rolls and corn chips and salsa, only to see the numbers on the scale and in your closet stay the same.

So I get angry. I sometimes cry. I do a little more research. And I try something new.

I am going to figure out how my body works and what it needs to be fueled.

Recently, I emailed my friend, Christmas, who is a nutritionist to ask her about some stuff that I had heard about and was researching. And in the email I said, "Should I go to a strict calorie counting diet? Should I wear like a bodybugg or something? Should I add an additional cardio workout three days a week? Just tell me what to do and I'll do it."

I was seriously at the point that I was ready to sleep on my head if that's what she told me would help. But she's so much smarter than me and she said, "the best nutrition plan you follow is the one that WORKS for you."

So, I will continue to experiment and see how my body responds. This means, that I probably won't eat like the rest of you. That is more than likely the case. And it may seem strange to you, the things that I turn down. But please just know, that I am learning about my body and what fuel it needs to survive and thrive.

While I would like to see the number on the scale go down. And while I would like to see my pants size decrease. I do not have a goal weight or a goal size. Rather I have a way that I want my body to look and feel. And I want to be healthy.

To those of you who tell me that you think I'm perfect the way I am, I surely do appreciate that. Your love and support are two of the most important components of this journey.

Just bear with me. The journey is the trip after all, and it's a lot more fun with your friends and family along for the ride!

Break Out the Patchouli Oil and Tie-Dye

I'm becoming a hippy!

I am currently reading a book called Skintervention - and so far I am LOVING it!

It is all about healing your skin and hair naturally. Basically about what you put in your body and on your body. I'm just finishing the in your body portion of the book - she recommends doing the program for 4-6 weeks, I'm waiting for a few things I ordered to come in, so I'm hoping to start on Friday.

Part of the program is to drink a cup of homemade bone broth every day - and bone broth takes a real long time to make, so I've been wanting a pressure cooker for a long time now.

I've also been wanting a meat grinder for a long time now. Don't ask. I just want to make my own sausage and ground meat.

So yesterday I was talking to Match and she had both of these things for me!

I'm so excited for Friday to get here so I can try them out!

Get Out the Pledge

I'm about to dust off the soapbox...

Well, I think it's going to be a soapbox post.

My head is in soapbox mode, but I never really know what is going to come out of my fingers.

I will start by telling you that I have this struggle with blogging - in that I'm not sure you care about the things that I actually write.

I read/see other blogs and people are writing things like their daily beauty routine and other things I care little about.

And I think, does anyone really give a shit?

But people are commenting, so they must be reading.

Then I think, I should just write whatever the hell I want on my blog.

Then I realize that no one is commenting, so maybe no one is reading, so who really cares.

(I just almost went off on a totally different rant, but I am forcing my brain back to the original task.)

Wellness...

well·ness

   [wel-nis]  Show IPA

noun

1.

the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind,especially as the result of deliberate effort.

2.

an approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illnessand prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treatingdiseases.

(That definition comes from dictionary.com)

I know I have posted here before about my feelings about food. And I really just truly believe that people are unaware of what they are putting into their bodies.

Recently a study came out that initiated a slew of news articles saying that sugar causes cancer. I will admit that I didn't read the entire study, but I did read a bit of the executive summary and I really felt like everyone missed the point f the study, which was that people are consuming more sugar through processed foods than they ever have.

Which is leading to higher sugar consumption, which they are linking to higher rates of cancer.

It does not mean that sugar equals cancer and you should crucify the sugar industry and clean out your pantries and throw all of your granulated sugar away.

It does mean that we should all pay better attention to what is in our food.

About a year ago a friend of mine, who also tries to live a Paleo lifestyle, posted on Facebook that the one thing that she just couldn't give up on was cream in her coffee. So she was using fat-free half-and-half. Until one day she looked at the list of ingredients and sure enough, high fructose corn syrup was an ingredient.

I would challenge you, if you have any fat-free products in your home to check them out, I would bet that they have HFCS or sugar in the ingredient list. How do you think they put the flavor back in after they took the fat out?

Now let's talk about exercise...

I am not saying that everyone should do CrossFit (this does not apply to you, Diddy) - I get that it isn't for everyone. But what I would like, is for everyone to do something.

Is Zumba your thing? Get out there and shake your rump!

Do you prefer long-distance running? Get your head checked. Just kidding - get out there and run.

I would be happy if people would just get out and walk 3 times a week. Just to get their bodies moving. 

Recently I approached the HR Department in my City about starting a wellness program. I am willing to do the work and there are two girls in my department who are willing to help me. All I need is some guidance on what I can and cannot do. (Seriously, so many rules...boo.)

The reaction from the woman was less than encouraging. Luckily for the people of my city, I am not giving up. 

I know I sound like a broken record, but CrossFit and Paleo changed my life.

For the better. 

I have never felt as good as I feel now.

I am in better shape than I probably ever have been.

I can do things that I never thought were possible.

Why don't people want that for themselves?

I just don't understand.

Picture Pages...

74/365

two more to go

The good news: I don't think I can do 150 wall balls in 12 minutes.

The bad news: I had to do 133 wall balls in 12 minutes.

75/365

breaking all the rules

Spent my lunch hour enjoying the Arizona springtime weather on the balcony at work.

I had to wheel a conference room chair out and eat off of my lap, but it was worth it!

76/365

arts and crafts

Spent a Fun Friday with Glinda painting pottery.

I'm not very good, but I have fun anyway!

77/365

babies

Watched the Buckeye Pioneer Days parade with all of my babies!!

Tiny, BabyBunner, SisterSmalls, and Biggie!

My heart has been stolen!

78/365

caveman it up

My first attempt at almond "breaded" chicken breasts and Paleo pasta carbonara.

It wasn't too bad, but I'll make a few adjustments next time.

79/365

movin' on up

As previously discussed...

Keep on Instagrammin'

58/365

yum

Match made some beef shanks and sent Dirty and I home with leftovers.

Delicious!

Seriously - make this recipe! (Though I believe she subs beef broth for red wine.)

59/365

paleo treat

I was craving cake and found the easiest recipe on the planet! Then I ate one piece and packed the rest up to go to the office so I didn't eat the entire thing!

Next time I will try it with peanut butter chips!

60/365

how does your garden grow?

Went out for dinner with Glinda and Fiero last week at a totally adorable restaurant that I didn't even know existed.

How cute is this garden box as you walk in?

61/365

12.2

You already saw this picture. But it is safe to say that I am dealing with some serious anxiety about the workout that will be released this evening.

I just know it is going to include double-unders or pull-ups and I'm going to die.

62/365

tall, dark columbian

Ok, he's not Columbian. But he is adorable!

Dirty, Tiger, and I spent our Friday night at Wicked.

I still love that play!

63/365

for love of the game

Tiny and I were enjoying a moment at Biggie's t-ball game. Then it was off to the playground.

"Just two more seconds, Aunt Airplane?"

64/365

nah, nah, nah, nah

Hey, hey - goodbye! My last glass of wine before starting the Paleo Breaking Barriers Challenge at the gym.

30 Days of STRICT Paleo eating - with another 30 days that can include the occasional wine/sugar/dairy. So far, so good.

Baseline workout is on Friday so we can measure our results at the end of the challenge.

65/365

boys of spring

It is hard to have a bad day at work when it starts at the baseball stadium.

We announced that we signed 20 year extensions with both the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners for our baseball stadium! Very exciting stuff!

Picture This...

Still catching up on Instagram pictures...

52/365

boy scouts

A local boy scout troop is earning their citizenship badges and I helped them out by setting them up to present the Colors and say the Pledge of Allegiance at a Council meeting.

53/365

patience is a virtue

I had a plan to make some delicious shrimp for Ash Wednesday's dinner, but I rushed myself and only made a so-so dish. I need to remember that patience is the key when cooking.

54/365

crazy!

You all already saw this and the results. 

Woot woot!

55/365

most important meal

Friday's post WOD breakfast - so DELISH!

56/365

carrots

Another repeat

57/365

snacking

A little popcorn and red wine to get me through the Oscars Red Carpet show!

Miscellany Monday

43/365

all grown up

I was at a public hearing for the Air Force base in our community and the speaker representing the Governor's office was my former intern.

I like to say I made him the man he is today.

44/365

a day of love

Lots of things I love on Valentine's Day!

Red shoes with zebra leggings, kale sauteed with bacon and shallots, red zinfandel, and paleo chocolate mug cake with coconut milk ice cream.

Yum!

45/365

long live cowboys

And the women who love them!

My grandparents have been married for over 60 years and in this picture they are helping to celebrate Arizona's Centennial with the state's cattlemen!

46/365

paleo goodness

The picture doesn't do this dish justice, but I promise you it is so easy and so, SO good!

Paleo Sundried Tomato Chicken Bake from everydaypaleo.com

47/365

drinkin', lovin', fightin' cowboys

Went out dancing with FredAstaire and Ginger for Ginger's birthday. I broke out the old shark boots for the occasion.

There are few things I love more than country dancing at a hole-in-the-wall bar.

48/365

defying gravity

Went with Glinda and Fiero to see Wicked at Gammage.

Loved it just as much fifth time! (And excited to see it a sixth this week!)

50/365

woot woot

As I previously mentioned - I hit a new personal record for a 5K and I am stoked!

Now head on over to Carissa's blog and check out a blog you've never read before.

Miscellany Monday - More Pictures

23/365

tiny tot

 I didn't actually take this picture, but Sissy sent it to me with the caption, "Take my picture please."

How can you not love that kid?

24/365

nightly routine

 I can guarantee you that if you go to Match and Papa's house after 6 pm on any given weeknight, this is what you will see.

Both on their iPads, Fox News on the TV.

25/365

fastest girl in town

We had to run 3 400m sprints in CrossFit last week, with one minute rest in between.

Total time posted - 7:16. That means that every one of my sprints was under two minutes! I was so proud!

26/365

mail surprise

Such-N-Such sent me a letter and included this shrinky dink that we made last year. 

I LOVE getting surprises in the mail!! 

27/365

kickin' it old school

On Friday evening, I headed down to my alma mater to watch JP's little bro play a little basketball.

You couldn't pay me enough to go back to high school, but I do love the Buckeye Hawks!

28/365

color running 

On Saturday, I took off with Triple R and Dirty to participate in the first Color Run in Arizona. 

It was the MOST fun I have ever had running! On the left you see what I looked like at the beginning of the race, and on the right - after. 

I encourage you to see if there is a Color Run near you and sign up NOW! www.thecolorrun.com

29/365

3 nephews and a niece

The Fam headed out to Sissy's yesterday for BIL's birthday lunch. I was a little early so I was out front hanging with Biggie and Tiny while they rode their bike and scooter respectively.

We are still waiting for BabyBunner* (on the bottom left) to make his appearance any time this week. And SisterSmalls* sometime in the next six or so weeks.

30/265

paleo dessert

Who says dessert has to have sugar? Not me!

I should probably be concerned that I ate an entire bunch of kale tonight, but I'm not. It was delicious sauteed with bacon, garlic, and shallots.

Head on over to Carissa's blog and link up!

Miscellany Monday

I was scolded by JP for not blogging this weekend, and the truth is, I started the Denver post, and then it seemed boring so I abandoned it.

My life is seeming a little boring these days - I'll try to spice it up for you all in the coming weeks.

Until then...

18/365

wine and cocoa

I am back on strict Paleo. For eight weeks - no wine, no chocolate, no sugar, no dairy. So far it hasn't been horrible, but I do miss the chocolate.

But dammit - I have to get to the top of that rope!

19/365

beef, it's what's for dinner

Dirty's parents were in town last week celebrating their 42nd Wedding Anniversary - how cool is that?

So we got the crew together for some delicious dinner! I will tell you though, Warm Bacon Spinach Salad just isn't the same without the bacon grease dressing. Damn gluten!

20/365

nephew fun

On Friday, Match and I headed to Maricopa to pick up Biggie and Tiny so that they could stay the night at Match and Papa's Friday night. After we picked them up we had lunch and then went to Costco - lawsy mercy, mamas - I don't know how you do it. I'm pretty sure we were in Costco for two hours to get like 10 things and I was flat exhausted by the time we left!

While Tiny was sleeping, Biggie and I played some basketball, had some treats, and then had way too much fun with the iPad. In the picture on the bottom right, he kept saying, "My head looks like a peanut." I couldn't stop laughing!

21/365

hairs cut

On Saturday, Papa and I took them to get their hairs cut! You've never seen two little kids sit so nice for haircuts as these two do. It is crazy! 

But how handsome are they now??

22/365

P Dinner

Dirty and I had Diddy over for Sunday Family Dinner. I made Paleo pulled pork, purple cabbage slaw, peppers stuffed with cream cheese, and roasted veggies out of my garden.

For dessert, I made the two of them cinnamon tortilla crispies. They were pleased!

My domestic skills are now being wasted on them... :)

As an aside, since I can not have dairy currently, I stuffed some of the peppers with roasted almond butter and wrapped them in bacon - I was a fan!


Now head on over and link up with Carissa - or at least read a blog you've never read before.