Rainbowwwwwws

Just. Say. No.

I grew up in school with a program called D.A.R.E. I have no idea what it means, but it told you what peer pressure was, that drugs are bad, and to just say no. I'm sure it taught other things, but that's what I took away from it.

Well, I have realized that this applies to many addictions and that just "saying no" isn't as easy as the phrase itself. For something so simple, it's sure a huge action to actually take.

I'm having trouble just saying no because what people would expect you to do with other addictions...cut your addict friends out, don't surround yourself with drugs, go to meetings, seek therapy, talk to your doctor...but unlike those things, food is everywhere and its normal to eat. If I said I was going to get something to eat, no one would respond like they would if I was going to go snort a line of cocaine.

Am I suppose to quit my job because I make cupcakes?

Am I suppose to cut off a friendship because they make a run to McDonalds with me in the passenger seat?

Am I suppose to never speak to my family again because they cooked something unhealthy and invited me to dinner?


I'm not downplaying other addictions, I am downplaying people downplaying food addictions. Just like any other addictions, 12 steps are needed to overcome this one, too.

 I can control it, though its hard and a struggle, it's manageable. I know tons of people who feel helpless against their addiction and that makes me sad. No one should feel helpless.

I had to take myself back to a time when I was helpless and what I did to help myself overcome a huge obstacle. The answer?

Knowledge and support.

I educated myself on mental illness, on addiction, on food, on health, on diet and on excersizing. I didn't change overnight or over years, I am still struggling...but if you are, you can overcome the helplessness by educating yourself....and maybe educating yourself means going to someone to help educate you and guide you.

Support. This might mean disconnecting yourself from toxic people in your life, or at least lengthening the rope a bit. It took me years to realize my parents were the ones loading the bullets into my gun.

So, surround yourself with people who can offer you support, I can offer you support. God bless the internet, on one end there is this terrifying unreal, scary side...but on the other end there is this truly remarkable invention that can give someone alone the support they need to overcome any obstacle they encounter. How beautiful is that?

Take comfort in jesus. Jesus loves you so much. He can be your best friend and take away any struggles you have. Of course that one is often met with much hesitation for people not being "believers" or "religious". But, if you're willing to open your heart and mind, I promise it will free you.

Of course with food addiction often comes with a long list of other ailments that as someone who just plays around, I am unable to fully diagnose...so as always, talk with a health professional, they too can offer knowledge and support on this journey.

The point of this blog is this, you can do it. Will and endurance don't come in an epiphony overnight, if they did we would all be healthy, thin, and built like stone...the ultimate goal is live a health lifestyle, not to be a size 0. Remind yourself of that everyday, it's a lot more comforting knowing you're giving you body what it needs to live and prosper. Your body is a temple, show it.

Bleh.

I'm going to do major cleaning while watching the football game today. The apartment really needs some cleaning. I LOVE cleaning, but my back has just been a brat lately. Boo for brat backs.

Rainbow Cupcake Tutorial

Rainbow Cupcake Tutorial

I just posted a Rainbow Cupcake Tutorial on my YouTube Channel.

Lower your cholesterol and blood pressure

My mummy suffers from high blood pressure and high cholesterol, though being just slightly overweight. My father suffers from high cholesterol despite being a healthy weight. Since I am the health guru of the family (which doesn't say much), I have compiled a list of foods that will help lower blood pressure AND cholesterol plus the obvious don'ts when trying to lower both. My doctor also said clearly both are hereditary, so I should start monitoring mine and make subtle changes (I have great cholesterol and a very low BP as of now) but it's always  good to start young. But, like I told my mum...it's not so much what you eat but what you need to stop eating. I also made the list money friendly. Here goes.


Whole grains
Cheerios
Grape Nuts
Oatmeal
Whole wheat pasta
Whole grain brown rice
Quinoa
Whole Wheat Bread (if necessary)


Vegetables FRESH FRESH FRESH FRESH 
Frozen is OK, but NEVER CANNED. EVER.

Carrots
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatos
Spinach
Black Beans
Chick Peas or garbonzo beans
Dark Red Kidney Beans
Brussel Sprouts
Broccoli
Cabbage


Fruits
Bananas
Apples
Pineapple
Oranges
Prunes
Lemon Juice


Meat (Fish, Fish, Fish)
Albacore Tuna in water
Fresh Tuna
Salmon
Shrimp
Swordfish
Tilapia

Dairy
Greek Yogurt
Skim Milk

Dairy Substitutes (for cereal, etc)
Almond Milk
Soy Milk
Coconut Milk



Other
Olive Oil
Ground Flax Seed
Garlic
Almonds
Cashews
Apple cider vinegar

STAY AWAY FROM
Salt salt sallltttttt, do not salt anything. Season so it brings out the flavor, but never use salt to give something flavor. Salt is gross anyways lol, but it's also important to have salt so you need to use a little.
Stay away from too much caffeine
Stay away from prepackaged anything, even vegetables. Loaded with salt and preservatives that skyrocket the blood pressure. N-O.


Items that contain fat and calories should be used in moderation (IE, Greek Yogurt, Olive Oil, Milk, Salmon, Nuts). Nothing should be used in excess and it should be a balanced healthy diet. We all know cholesterol can only come from animals, so along with just high fat meats like beef, stay away from animal products such as egg yolks that are high in cholesterol and stick to just egg whites. A sample menu below is how these items should be intended for use.


Breakfast
Oatmeal made with water, seasoned with a pinch of salt, ground flax seed mixed in, and topped with honey or a small bit of sugar.
Apple
Greek Yogurt w/prunes

Lunch
Fish with lemon, olive oil, and garlic
Whole grain of your choice (IE, quinoa)
Fresh steamed vegetables seasoned to taste
Apple

Snack
Hand full of almonds

Dinner
Fish (IE, swordfish, tuna, salmon tilapia)
Bean salad (black beans, kidney beans, chick peas, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, herbs, green onions)
Whole grain brown rice
All seasoned to taste but not to be salty, OK?


If you get hungry after dinner you can have fruits, vegetables, a bit of yogurt, or nuts. 

Is it bad...

...that my idea of my "perfect day" is staying in bed napping with my dog? Lol...it's...so....tempting. Ahhhhhh. I love my doggy!

Cupcakes