Regrouping with the kids

Had a great conversation with the kids at the end of lunch today. I have been concerned about their focus on food and frustrated by their lack of cooperation with our GAPS intro diet last week. I explained that we each needed to give a little, at this point I am not going to insist that we do the hard-core Intro, but that we do the basic GAPS diet - in turn I wanted to explain to them WHY we needed to do this and that I needed them to happily work with me and not complain. We talked about the gut and digestion and nutrition and *why* we eat (eat to live, not live to eat). We talked about how the stomach works and the acids and bacterias that need to be in the right balance, the difference in good and bad bacteria. We discussed symptoms that we have of our gut not working right or the balance not being good in our tummies and how great it will be not to have those problems. I stressed that this is not a mean diet that I am forcing them to do, but that we are trying to teach them how to eat the foods that God has given us and not the non-nutritive, over-processed foods that we often turn to. We also talked about cravings and how they will go away after a while. I think it was a very profitable discussion and will give us a good foundation for making good choices. I cleaned out our fridge and cabinets yesterday and got more good foods. We will eat meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts and honey (no sugar, grains or starches). At each meal we will have a small cup of bone/meat broth and a small dose of fermented beverage of choice (beet kvass, sauerkraut, kombucha, or kefir). We will take probiotics and cod liver oil daily. We will start the day with a glass of lemon water and make sure to drink lots of water through the day. I also plan to have an hour for exercise in the morning and offer more choices for them to do in that time. I feel much better now that we have discussed this as a family and have a plan and purpose! :-)

More endo info

Endometriosis develops when endometrial-like tissue starts growing in places where it shouldn’t be, away from the lining of the uterus, often in the abdominal cavity or pelvic region, but sometimes in lungs or arms, and elsewhere. These tissue growths respond to hormonal signals in the menstrual cycle in the same way that uterine lining does, building up and breaking down each month. But while the uterine lining can be flushed out of the body during menstruation, the tissue remains of endometrial growths have no place to go. Internal bleeding, inflammation and other problems result.

Conventional diagnosis is difficult because even using a technique such as laparoscopy, in which the abdominal cavity is inspected through a fibre-optic tube inserted through a small incision at the navel, in many cases the endometriosis cannot be seen. Often the first clue a doctor has, especially if there are no obvious symptoms, is when a woman complains of infertility.

But for most sufferers, the symptoms are obvious and painful. Since endometrial tissue responds to the same hormones as the uterus does at menstruation, the sufferer has the same cramping pains, bleeding and irritation that are a familiar part of a normal menstrual cycle. Imagine agonising period pains that spread throughout the abdominal cavity and you understand why some women with severe endometriosis faint with pain.

Orthodox treatment is with drugs that all have unpleasant side-effects. According to Merck Manual of Medical Information, danazol, one of the most common treatments, can lead to weight gain, acne, a lowered voice, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, muscle cramps, bleeding between periods, mood swings, hair growth, liver malfunction and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Some things I can do (many I am already doing):

• WATER - lots and lots of water!!! (see below post)
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Eat more salmon
• Magnesium
• Red and green veggies
• Berries (anti-inflammatory)

Some things I need to reduce or remove from my diet:

• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Wheat
• Dairy

Endo

It looks like I can add endometriosis to my diagnosis', I've been suspecting it but last few months have experienced this...

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The pain you're experiencing in your right hip and lower back is most likely due to endo pressing on the sciatic nerve and is most often aggravated by the back flow of menstrual blood and (clotting). This pain can continue for many years but can be relieved by reducing salt intake and by drinking more water prior to menstruation so as to thin and flush out clotting. Your doctor most likely won't tell you this as they are far less experienced in understanding endo pain than those who have and live with the disease. The pain in the lower hip and back can be relieved by flushing out the kidneys and bladder simply by drinking alot of water.Also when you're experiencing excruciating pain try this...Lie down and bring your knees to your chin and hold for at least 15 minutes. I find that this really helps.
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I really, really, really need to be drinking my water.... need some people to help me be accountable. If I know you'll ask when you see me / chat with me, it will help me. Please? Thanks! :-)

Symptoms today

Had a better day today. Tom agreed to take the phones in the mornings for me, the afternoons the kids did independent study/reading. I am tired, not used to being up so early, but it did help to get more accomplished during the day. Hoping I sleep better tonight.

Let's see, an update on symptoms...
*My anxiety/breathing was better during the morning, worsening through the afternoon and is pretty bad again tonight.
*Back pain is pretty much gone.
*Constipation has been much better for a couple weeks now.
*Cycle - felt a bit crampy in the belly and legs today, but nothing so far...
*Exercise - have been pretty consistent for 2 weeks now with some form of daily exercise, woo hoo!
*Food - vacation was pretty bad, just ate more frequently, though not horrible foods.
*Joint pain - not too bad right now.
*Migraine - none since last bout.
*Sleep - was doing pretty well until anxiety started, now tossing and turning but once I get to sleep I seem to do fine.
*Supplements - taking daily per list
*Throat - still get a bit hoarse and feel some tightness upon swallowing.
*Tonsil stones - greatly decreased, what has helped is more frequent brushing, including tongue and gargling with mouth was once a day.
*Water - working on drinking more, got down probably 48 oz today?
*Weight - uggh.... working on that, I started today with my strict diet again! :-)

There we go, a good run-down. Off to bed now.

Calendar above

I am adding a calendar which will show details about how I am feeling.

Here I will record my...
- supplements
- how I slept
- foods I ate
- how much water I drank
- exercise
- how I was feeling/ changes in symptoms

Hoping if I track symptoms and other details that more of a pattern will emerge and help me with figuring out changes I should make, what is and is not helping, etc...

Week 4 update

I lost 2 lbs this week and an inch from my waist. I am surprised, since I have been pretty much laying/sitting around all week trying to recover from illness. I was hoping to just maintain - so hooray!

I ate well, no cheats. I still have not been able to start my exercise routine, and only did maybe 2 hot baths this week? Been horrible with my water drinking.

I don't have a new recipe to share, if you have one, please send it to me! I did pick up a new kitchen toy from Target this week. It is a chopper that works fabulously! We eat lots and lots of fresh fruit salads, so this makes the chopping fruit a breeze. My sister-in-law Kerry has one and I got to use it while we were at her house, and I loved it, so spent the $ on one. :-) The kids can do this safely and easily too!

Send me a note and tell me how you are doing. :-)

Monday Check-in

My week went pretty well. My husband was very sweet and caring bring home a boquet of tulips and some steaks instead of chocolate! :-)

I was pretty sick with bronchitis much of the week, but feel almost brand new today! I got in 4 steamy hot baths and ate well all week. I was not able to exercise due to the coughing but plan to get started today. I lost 2 lbs and my waist stayed the same. I need to do better with my water still. I know that if I add exercise and water - next week will show more loss in lbs and inches.

One of our fav meals this week (besides the delicious steaks) was burgers with homemade french fries. Here is how I made them (see attached pics): Using a knife (or wavy chopper is extra fun), slice raw potatoes into thin strips. Spread onto ungreased cookie sheet. Get out your coconut oil and place "pats" of oil (using a butter knife) randomly on top of fries - probably 8 or so "pats" for a large cookie sheet. Sprinkle seasonings on top of fries... we like salt, garlic, paprika, oregano and a bit of cayenne. Place under broiler in oven with rack in highest position... do NOT walk away. Watch and listen, once the oil has melted and fries are sizzling a bit - stir on pan with a flat spatula, put back in oven and again stay close... you will want to stir once more and watch for the doneness you desire. We like them to get soft and then crispy and golden. It doesn't take long, so don't leave the kitchen or they will burn! These are yummy with burgers (grilled with liquid aminos, salt and garlic) and a veggie - we had carrot sticks and grapes. Enjoy, and I'd love to hear how you are doing!!

End of Week 1 Update

I was very surprised this AM to step on the scale and calculate a total loss of 11 lbs this week - woo hoo! I didn't expect that. I know it won't all go off that quickly, but it certainly helps. I also lost an inch from my waist too.

I have done very well with my eating plan, following that easily. Confession time: I have not done well with getting the sweating baths in. I just am not making it the priority it should be! I took ONE this week - uggh. I can feel the negative effects of not doing it, itchy skin and tense, achey, heavy shoulders (I have come to recognize that as toxin build-up). [To qualify this, I am showering regularly - it is the 30 minute HOT bath for detox that I am doing poorly taking the time for.] I also have done very badly with my water drinking... I should be doing at least a gallon a day, and I am doing well to get a quart down lately. Also... as if that wasn't enough... I am not exercising. So, those are areas I am working to improve this week.

***I changed my ticker to reflect my total lost, including the last time I did the Plan. I lost 50 lbs in 2008, and regained 25 because I did not stick to any kind of plan for food choices and exercise. I have 15 more to go to get down to where I was at the end of that cycle and start working on the next 50. So, that is why the ticker changed. :-)***

Day 8

Much better today, thank you! :-)

I ate well. Cream of Rice (yum!) for b'fast with coffee, rice cake and tuna with grated cucumber for lunch, salmon and rice and butternut squash and fruit salad for dinner - delicious!

I drank almost a full gallon of water, exercised, brushed and took a hot bath.

Read my Bible.

Took melatonin and was alseep before midnight.

Day 7

Not such a great day.

I woke up and felt fine, but as I moved about through the morning my lower back started to really hurt. I felt a bit crampy and my legs began to ache. I was concerned it was PMS, which would be bad since it had only been 2 weeks. I think now that it was my kidneys again. I went to church but the drive was pretty uncomfortable and so I went down and laid on the nursery floor and listened on the speaker. We had a fellowship meal after worship, I sat with the children and ate but was not able to stay for afternoon worship. We came home and I stayed in bed most of the afternoon. :(

At the meal, I ate okay. Did the best I could considering. I had taken some chicken and a bowl of veggies, I also grabbed some salad with roasted onion in it, some other veggies and couldn't resist a bowl of bear stew. I avoided the dessert table entirely and brought my water jug so just drank that.

After our naps, we enjoyed a roast and veggies from the crockpot. Tom and the kids played games in the evening and I sat in our room doing Bible reading, reading blogs and enjoying the uninterrupted time. I got struck with lots of sadness though and ended up crying on Tom's shoulder after he got kids to bed. Poor guy, so bewildered, I very rarely cry. I will go into more of my feelings in a different post, different page. Anyway... here is where the night went wrong. I ate 6 cashew turtles!!!! Waaaah ;( Frustrated with myself for turning to chocolate instead of going to God in prayer.

On the bright side, I DID drink an entire gallon of water!

Day 6

I had a small cheat today. Tom wanted to buy some beef jerky, and wanted us all to taste it so that he knew we would like it before he bought a few pkgs... so he got the teriyaki kind and it had sugar, and MSG and I think even corn syrup solids. Now, I did have only 3-4 small crumbs, not even really a piece... but had to fess up anyway.

Okay, that feels better...

B'fast - my darling husband made chopped burgers, fried potatos and fried eggs combined with some fresh salsa I had made a few days ago... sooo yummy!

Lunch - a banana and a rice cake on the run (church mtg this afternoon).

Dinner - burger, baked potato, corn

Not great on my water, but I did drink a few glasses. I also pulled out my half-gallon jug from behind all the canned goods in the cabinet this evening, so should start to get at least one of those down daily now.

We (except Tom who is sore, wimper, wimper) all did T-Tapp Ladybug first part. I took a SUPER hot bath, really sweat in there and feel good now. I forgot to brush before I got in though, oh well.

I read my Bible reading this AM. All in all, not a bad day.

Day 5

Today was a busy day, but I did fine. Meals were a little boring... we had cold rice for b'fast, leftover cold chicken with cucumber slices and rice cakes for lunch (packed), and taco salad for dinner. I made a dessert while we were watching a family movie, took the leftover rice and added a can of coconut milk and some cinnamon and a dropper of stevia - warmed in oven for "rice pudding"... everyone seemed to enjoy it.

The whole family did the first segment of the T-Tapp Ladybug routine tonight. I was going to take a hot bath, but am falling asleep (before 10pm!!!), so will skip tonight. I drank several glasses of water today, but not as many as yesterday.

I did complete my Bible reading today also. G'night!

Day 4

I did well today. Scrambled eggs for b'fast with my coffee, baked potato with coconut oil for lunch, chicken leg quarters with brown rice and broccoli/carrots for dinner. I had a banana for snack at some point, don't remember when. I did much better with my water today! I drank probably 72 oz, not quite what it needs to be, but better!

The whole family did the ladybug standing routine tonight. Rose pushed me to do a litte more, we had been stopping after the first segment. Tonight she and I got up to the "thread the needle" and then I was done. My muscles feel much better and I am so glad we have been consistent so far.

I got my skin brushing and hot salt bath in tonight, ready to climb into bed... oh, noticing that I am getting tired a wee bit earlier, and my mood is improving -hooray!!!

I also have started a plan to read through the Bible chronologically this year - got caught up on that while in the tub. :-)

Day 3

I am super sore today. I did T-Tapp Ladybug workout (designed to help with hormones, primarily menopausal women, but should help me too). It felt great, but afterwards I had trouble walking - my thighs are super sore while everywhere else feels just a bit stretched.

I have done great with my eating, my energy is up a bit still. I needed a little motivation today, so stepped on the scale - down 2 pounds so far! I still really, really need to dig out my water bottles and start drinking at least a half gallon a day to start. I know I would start to feel better and be less hungry.

I dry brushed and took a hot salt water bath last night, felt fabulous and my skin still feels good today. I woke up with a headache and shoulder/neck tension - a sure sign that I am detoxing. Got better early afternoon.

That's it for today!

Day 2

I have started back on the yeast detox diet - now called the "McCombs Plan". Today is day 2, the whole family is doing it for the most part, though I am stricter by far. I am feeling better already, seriously! It is amazing. I went for groceries last night and we are now well-stocked on meat, rice, potatoes, fruits and veggies. I stopped by to tell dad Happy Birthday last night and was able to resist the Cold Stone Creamery cake and the offer of Sloppy Joe's. I ate when I got home, meatloaf, baked potato and corn. I had eggs for b'fast and meatloaf, rice and peas for lunch. Today we had fruit salad for b'fast with coffee (tea for kids), and burgers and rice for lunch. Tonight we will have chicken and rice and broccoli.

Oh, the kids and I T-Tapped yesterday also. My legs are sore, amazing what that little workout can do for my muscles, strength and energy. I am getting ready to go load the DVD up again today.

I need to get better about my water intake!!! I added a ticker up top - more motivating to see it in my face! :-) I feel like a wimp, not putting my actual weight there - but NOBODY knows that, not even dh. Last year this time, the number of pounds to lose said 99. I am glad that it is less, though not as much less as I had hoped. I pray I can make great strides in this.

Update

I have been sticking to the eating plan quite well. I am pleased! I have lost 25lbs now total, I think a few more are about ready to shed - they tend to tease me for a few days, popping off and on before staying away.

I have not been doing as well with my water drinking for 2 weeks now. I am going to work on that this week as I am sure it will help. I also am not getting my hot baths in each night. I'd like to start exercising soon also, still haven't figured out the DVDs and how to do it.

Otherwise, I think we are just chugging along... my clothes are starting to fall off of me, which is great - but not sure how to go about getting new or altering what I have. Need to think on that before I have nothing left in my closet.

I need to remember to take some measurements and add a waist loss ticker. Tom also wanted to do some pictures along the way and we haven't taken any yet (do NOT expect to see them posted - at least not yet, lol).

Good food, lots of water and many vitamins

An example of a meal for me...