Day 20

On this road to weight loss and all those other things, I have lost my way. Which is okay, because I've gotten back up. I've had death in my family and etc. Although I fell all the way off of the horse, this experience has taught me that you can't let circumstances or your social environment deterr you from the vision that was given to you.

I'll be back later with soemthing inspirational, but for right now.....I'm out.
Have a blessed day.

DAY 7

I have some awesome information to share with you guys! You know I want to become a Licensed Dietician/Nutritionist, so I am madly searching for schools or certification programs. In my quest, I found this website that talks about changing how and what you eat without starvation to become a healthier slimmer you for a lifetime. I'm not a fan of popping pills, but I am a fan of eating right.

The website is http://www.thedietsolutionprogram.com/BurnFatNow.aspx

A licensend dietician by the name of Isabel De Los Rios has come up with an awesome plan to help you to loose and maintain healthy weight. I believe that it will be a blessing to you. I've listened to her video and I'm considering ordering the information......right around paycheck time. But in the mean time.....I'm going to combine the things that she talks about in her video, the information that I have from this weightloss program that I used to be a part of and God given sense....to come up with my own eating plan. I will share it with you on this blog and as I've said in my previous blogs....MY DISCLAIMER:

"I AM NOT A LICENSED DIETICIAN/NUTRITIONIST. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A LICENSED PHYSICIAN/DIETICIAN/NUTRITIONIST BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT ANY WEIGHT LOSS OR NUTRITION PROGRAM." (smile) Oh...1 more thing... I do not know Ms. Rios and am not getting paid for advertisement....this is just me searching the web and trying to find great health solutions for myself.

FOOD OF THE DAY

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/b/bananabenefits.htm

After Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at a banana in the same way again!

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION:

According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:

Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA:

High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE:

This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER:

200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION:

High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS:

Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES:

Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES:

Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?

Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS:

The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD):

Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

STROKES:

According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

STRESS:

Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

This weekend, I want you all to focus on the fact that God wants us to be HOLISTICALLY HEALTHY. Meaning....He desires for us to be spiritually, physicially, emotionally, spiritually, socially, environmentally, and financially healthy. He is an all that GOD!

3 John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 John 1:2 (Amplified Bible)
2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers.

Of course God desires that we are saved.....that's his primary desire for us, but all that others stuff is secondary and very important as well.

Growing spiritually

In the previously mentioned verse, it states in the AMP version [that your body] may keep well. Now this is actually penned by John and it still amazes me that God intended for us to keep our bodies WELL. So people, we have to be mindful of how we eat. God is very strategic in his doings. Everything that he created in and on the outside of this body is important. Just as he left us instructions on how to treat and maintain our spiritual body, he didn't leave our physical bodies without instructions.

All throughout scripture, you'll find that God's people fasted and although it may not have been for health reasons, many times it often resulted in healthy outcomes. In the book of Daniel when the four Hebrew boys fasted (Daniel 1) on pulse(fruits & vegetables) and water only, the physical end result was they were healthier, more handsome, and smarter than all the other people in the king's court. Plus God gave Daniel the ability to understand and interpret dreams and visions and when the King needed advice about his kingdom, he came to these 4little Hebrew 10day vegetable eaters. LOL

Verse 15 (KJV) - And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.

Verse 15 (AMP) - And at the end of ten days it was seen that they were looking better and had taken on more flesh than all the youths who ate of the king's rich dainties.

Vesre 17 (KJV) - As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Verse 17 (AMP) - As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all [kinds of] visions and dreams.

Verse 19 (KJV) - And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

Verse 19 (AMP) - 19And the king conversed with them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they were assigned to stand before the king.

Verse 20 (KJV) - And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Verse 20 (AMP) - And in all matters of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king asked them, he found them ten times better than all the [learned] magicians and enchanters who were in his whole realm

And when you began to research fruits, vegetables and even lean cuts of meat; you will find some of the world's most healthy, body healing foods.

Well, this blog is already getting long. So I'll stop here. I pray that this has been a blessing to you. Please leave any comments or thoughts that you may have.

OH!!! DON'T 4GET THE PRAYER SHUT IN ON NEXT FRIDAY. I'M TRYING TO FIND A CENTRAL LOCATION FOR ALL OF US.

LUV YALL AND I'LL SEE YOU MONDAY!!!

Day 3

DAY TWO!!!

I went to Wal-Mart saturday and purchased $90 worth of nothing! LOL Eating healthy is sooooo expensive.

Today I want to introduce you to the superfoods Cranberries, Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Strawberries, Oats, Barley, Spelt, Quinoa, Amaranth, Grapes, Pomegranate-Blackberry Yogurt and the superdrink called water!

This is what I had today!!! And suprisingly, it wasn't that bad. The food in this photo is something that I found in Walmart this weekend that is loaded with superfoods! WOW!!!

So now it's time for me to share with you Physical, Financial & Spiritual Tips

PHYSICAL & NUTRITION

Physical
I got my Nike' running shoes in the mail this weekend. Time for me to work and walk it out! LOL
Exercising is like a curse word to me. LOL I don't like it.....and i used to run like a deer and practically live outside as a child and teenager. Go figure, but when I get off of work...I'm going to work out and i'll let you all know how that worked out on tomorrow.

In the mean time, here's a 30minute exercise video for you to work-out with. Have a great WO!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSdZFnbjuzU

Nutrition
Earlier, I mentioned some fantastic superfoods. Well, here is a little information about them.


What are SUPERFOODS?
Superfoods get their reputation for being the healthiest, most nutritious foods around. From fresh summer fruits and vegetables to rich dark chocolate to nuts and grains, these foods are nutritional powerhouses. Just one bite, sip, or slurp of these healthy recipes has the ability to decrease cancer risk, improve heart function, and/or fight infection. To achieve maximum health benefits, try to add these foods into your daily diet.

Cranberries

- The Cranberry is naturally low in sodium, calories and fat.
- The Cranberry contains zero cholesterol
- The Cranberry is a natural diuretic.
- The Cranberry boosts immunity.
- The Cranberry enhances iron absorption in the body, as well as calcium absorption.
- The Cranberry provides about 2 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup.
- The Cranberry also has a high contains calcium and potassium

Almonds

HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING ALMONDS
Eating a handful of almonds (about 23) on a regular basis can:

• Decrease the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other chronic illnesses
• Lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and increase "good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
• Decrease levels of homocystein, the amino acid that is thought to contribute to the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries
• Aid in weight loss because munching on almonds for a snack helps you feel satisfied and less inclined to overeat at mealtime.

Okay....this is getting kinda long! LOL So just go to http://www.nutritiondata.com/ and type in the name of the food that you want to know the nutritional value of and this site will give it to you.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU DRINK YOU 8-8oz. OF WATER AND WORKOUT TODAY!!!

SPIRITUAL TIPS

Song for the day: "JUST THE BEGINING" - Kurt Carr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wNLKR9OC_4

Scripture for the day: II Chronicles 7:14

FINANCIAL TIPS

This past weekend, I bought a few groceries and they were like $90. Then I looked in my cabinets and fridge and saw a bunch of nothing. Purchasing healthy foods are more expensive than buying unhealthy foods. Why is that? I believe the the government stages it like that so we can die early. LOL Seriously!

So my financial tip to you today is to budget your money for the rest of the month and balance your checking account. Many of us have savings accounts, but they don't give you much of a return. I suggest that you find a Primerica respresentative and talk to them about investing your money and helping you to obtain a Life Insurance Policy that will be actually worth something if the person dies.

Well.............i'm out people...tired and sleepy.

Talk to you all 2morrow! Have a blessed day.

Day 1 & Day 2

-Evangelist Audrey J. Stevenson

TIME TO MAKE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES, SOUND FINANCIAL DECISIONS AND SEEK GOD'S FACE LIKE NEVER BEFORE!!!


Alrighty........90 Day Challengers!

I won't have access to my blog this Saturday or Sunday......so these are previes! LOL

FIRST DAY TIPS

GETTING STARTED

What do I need?

• Create yourself a journal or buy one from the store. In it, you will keep a log of what you're eating and drinking, your scipture for the day, your current savings of bank account, and how much you are saving for this month. You can also keep up with the exercises that you do on a daily basis and etc.
• You'll probably need to go grocery shopping. Buy only frozen or fresh vegetables. Don't buy meats that are packed or preserved in salt. Buy raw fresh meats...no beef...no pork. Well, if you just gotta have em....... hmmmmm..... never mind...you can't. LOL -seriously...go extra lean...no pork chops. Go to this website and check out these superfoods and buy your vegetables based on this. http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Health/Diet-Nutrition/Eat-Healthy-America-52-Superfoods.html

PHYSICAL & NUTRITION

1. Drink 8-8oz glasses of water today!

2. SATURDAY: I know it's Saturday....but don't 4get to get ur 30minute work out done!

3. SUNDAY is even harder. Most of us have to go to church, but take out time not only to serve the Lord, but serve your body as well. Work out, people....put a workout DVD in or go walking when you get home from church.

4. WATCH YOUR PORTION

5. WHAT DO I EAT & DRINK:

• Only two - 7oz. of Fresh Chicken, Turkey or Fish today
• 4 servings of vegetables that haven't been fried or cooked with pork! Instead of pork...add some turkey to your vegetables.
• 3 servings of fruit. Don't eat them at the same time that you eat your vegetables. For some reason, they'll make you bloat.
• This is a NO SODA, NO PRESERVATIVE MINISTRY....LOL. No diet sodas, no sugary drinks, no sugary juices. If you drink juice, make sure that it's 100% and only drink the recommended amount that is mentioned on the container. When we buy juice out of the store...the individual ones...they normally have 2-servings in them. So drink half of it at different times.
• NO FRIED FOODS, NO POTATO CHIPS, NO FAST FOOD...UNLESS IT'S A SALAD WITH NO CHEESE.
• DON'T DROWN YOUR SALADS.....TRY FAT FREE DRESSINGS, HEALTHIER DRESSINGS OR MAKE YOUR OWN.
• DON'T add meat to your salad unless you count that as a meal. No regular bacon!

FINANCIAL TIPS

Time to implement the 10-20-70% RULE/GUIDELINE

I know that we're in a recession, but that's no excuse for not paying your tithes and offering. Give God His first and he'll take care of you. The 10-20-70% Rule/Guideline is simply

• 10% - pay your tithes to your local church from your gross amount on all the money/financial increase that you receive....not just your paycheck. (Malachi 3:10, Proverbs 3:9 & Leviticus 27:32)
• 20% - pay yourself. Save this money and don't touch it. I am about to entire into the world of investments, savings, and insurance by way of "PRIMERICA Financial Services". If you're interesting in learning how to invest and save money, please contact me A.S.A.P. Primerica is a Christian organization. http://www.primerica.com/wayneneal
• 80% - pay your bills and take care of yourself & your family if you have one. Now, don't run crazy and spend the entire 80% that you have left. Spend wisely. When you grocery shop, buy health foods and don't buy out of greed or wants. Save your money. Buy the things that you need for survival.

If you work somewhere, make your lunch and take it to school, so you'll save money.

If you live within walking distance from your job, etc....walk instead of drive. You'll get a free workout and you won't waste gas. :)

SPIRITUAL TIPS

• Pray before B.L.B. - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Spend more than a few minutes with the Lord today. Read your bible, buy a book of great devotionals and read it everyday. Many of us lead very busy lives, it is essential that we not only take care of our physical and financial being, but we must take special care of our spiritual being. One day...all of this will be over for each of us and how we lived our lives, according to God's Word, will determine if we enter a life of eternal rest or damnation.

Scriptures for SATURDAY: Psalm 1

1[a]BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.
2But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.(A)
3And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].(B)
4Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away.
5Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor [b]sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].
6For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).

Cross references:
Psalm 1:2 : Rom 13:8-10; Gal 3:1-29; II Tim 3:16
Psalm 1:3 : Jer 17:7, 8

Scriptures for Sunday:

Whatever your Pastor of the speaker of the day says in church. Take notes and go back over them when you get home.

90 Days - New You

*DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT A LICENSED DIETICIAN, NUTRITIONIST NOR DO I HOLD A DEGREE IN HEALTH MANAGEMENT OR ANY HEALTH RELATED FIELD. THE INFORMATION THAT WILL BE POSTED ON MY BLOGS ARE WILL COME FROM THE HOLY BIBLE AND OTHER WEBSITES. I WILL POST THE LINK WHERE YOU CAN SEE WHERE I GET MY INFORMATION. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN/DIETICIAN BEFORE YOU BEGIN ANY DIET OR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGE. THIS BLOG HAS BEEN CREATED TO SIMPLY INFORM YOU ON WHAT I'M DOING AND YOU CAN TRY IT AT YOUR OWN RISK.* - AJS
TO THE BLOG!!!!!! :)

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. - 3John 1:2

And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap,if we faint not. - Galatians 6:9

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Come join me as I walk into my DUE SEASON! It is time for the men & women of God to have those things that God promised us. Many times we focus on getting our finances and spiritual lives in order, but what about our physical lives! We're obese and feel that God will not let us die until our work down here is done. LOL When the Bible speaks of Christians being able to eat any deadly thing and it not harm us, it wasn't talking about a pork chop that may very well run your pressure up! LOL

So as I embark on this 90 day challenge of walking into my due season, I would like to invite you to join me. This will be a spiritual, physical, financial battle that will TOTALLY reshape me into the woman that God originally designed me to be.

To help me reach my goals, I am focusing on the following:

PHYSICAL: I'm purchasing a Ardyss Body Magic, Ardyss Dietary Supplements, a scale and hand weights. I am also incorporating a diet consisting of superfoods and exercise. (Wheh!)

SPIRITUAL: I will be writing a daily devotion each day and making sure that I spend TIME with God like never before.

FINANCIAL: NO MORE FAST FOOD & FREE STYLING IN THE STORES. In the past two years, it feels like I've eaten more fast food than I have in my entire life and friviously spent money that I shouldn't have. Jesus would have come back and gone before I finish paying my stundent loans.LOL But I've got to get a handle on my finances and stop waiting for money to fall from the sky! Gotta work for what I get!

So if you're interested in taking this step of faith into a glorious future by shedding some spiritual, physical and financial weights, then please do not hesitate to email me at asjean37@yahoo.com or for those who know me personally, give me a call on my cell.
I will begin this particular challenge on May 1, 2010, so If you're on board, then I will need you to email me before by today or you can get on board at any time before Wednesday, May 5. I have also built a blog that will show my progress and failures. (I pray that I don't have any of those.) But the blog is set up where you can join and respond and encourage others as well.I am still looking to get into the field of Nutrition & Health Management, so if anyone has any information on that, please let me know.

May I also add, that even if you're not trying to loose weight, this program will be good for you as you maintain your weight, begin a healthy lifestyle (just because your skinny, doesn't mean that you're healthy) and help you get your spirit and finances on tract! So if you're in those categories...you can join us 2! (smile)

Going to buy my scale, weights & etc. today. (wheh) I can't believe that I'm actually doing this. But if I die, it won't be death by FOOD! Luv yall and I can't wait to hear from you!