DETOX WEEK 3 RECAP

It's been a while since I've given my Detox Week 2 Recap.
I ended up having so many leftovers after week 2 that menus kinda blurred together during the following weeks.
Although this would be week 6 since starting THE CLEANSE, I'm really just starting to eat meals from week 4, and begin my transition out.

WHAT MEALS DID I LOVE FROM WEEK 3?


{Pineapple Rosemary Detox Smoothie}

 I continued sticking with smoothies for breakfast and even tried a few new ones I found online like the one above.



{Kale, White Bean, Potato Stew}

 As usual, I've loved the soups and stews. This one was so hearty and tasty. There are still 3 soups I have not made...but will definitely be trying before the warm spring weather arrives (although for Chicago Winters...it's felt like spring these past few months) I'm not complaining!!!

{Shiitakes and Brown Rice en Papillote}

This was a wonderful dish I will be making again. It was simple and easy to make, AND tasted great!

{Chickpea-Brown Rice Veggie Burger}

It would be hard to narrow down my absolute favorite recipe from this detox...but this burger would definitely be in the running. I was amazed at how easy it was to make my own veggie burger...and even more amazed at how great this tasted! I will DEFINITELY make this again.

WHAT HAS THIS DONE FOR MY DIABETES?

Ironically enough, the past few weeks have been a little harder on my blood sugar as I've begun transitioning out of the detox. Sure I've cheated here and there and may have eaten a few more pieces of dark chocolate than I should've...but I'm really starting to notice the affects of eating grains on my blood sugar (brown rice, quinoa, etc.).

I still have some more observing and experimenting to do...but against my Dr.'s thoughts, my blood sugar is still doing really well as I eat fruit (especially on an empty stomach first thing in the morning or with some nuts for a morning snack).

NOW WHAT FOR WEEK 4-ISH (WEEK 6)?

I'm going to finish out a few of the transition meals, and then I have another crazy 30 days of experimenting with a different diet/lifestyle I recently came across.

All in all, I'm still amazed at what eating the right foods can do for us, how it can heal certain ailments, and how God made our bodies to do amazing things, (especially when they are fueled and cared for in the right way).

***I encourage you to make small adjustments to your diet/lifestyle where you can. I know for myself, making small changes has really added up and benefited my life over the past 2 years.

There are so many different studies and theories on diets out there that I like the idea of taking 30 days to try something out. If it doesn't make you feel better than you did before, you can always go back to the way things were. I'm excited to jump into the next adventure and will be trying my best to document it here***

Thanks for reading!

RANDOM THOUGHTS OF THE MOMENT

I want this year to be a year filled with JOY.
Even in difficult times, I want to be able to find the good, and be joyful.
I want to be known as a woman of JOY.

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1 Chronicles 28:20a

New International Version (NIV)

 ²⁰ David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you..."

This Bible verse encourages me to not be afraid, to go after my goals with 110%, with all that I have...remembering that God is my biggest fan, cheering me along.

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At the end of the year, I want to look back and be thankful that I have Diabetes. I spent the last year hating Diabetes, getting overwhelmed with all that it entails, asking, "why me?", and letting Diabetes win.

I'm constantly inspired when I hear stories about people who use their Diabetes to motivate them into  accomplishing great things...marathons, playing professional sports, competing in the Olympics, etc. I want to live with excellence, despite Diabetes...and because of Diabetes...and hopefully inspire others.



{Video found on Amy Stockwell Mercer's Blog}

Diabetes isn't going anywhere anytime soon. I'm kinda stuck with this for life. As out of control as this disease can be at times, I want to be in control of it as much as I can be. I want to eat well, exercise often, and live with excellence...to conquer Diabetes.



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 ...and maybe I'll even be inspired to run a 1/2 marathon.
Ok, maybe I should at least start with a 5K.
Sometimes I need to remind myself to take baby steps!

The Leapyear Project

Have you heard about The Leapyear Project?
I stumbled upon it while on twitter the other day and spent my entire lunch break on their website.


The Leapyear Project from Victor Saad on Vimeo.

Very well done. Very inspiring.


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In December 2011 I looked ahead at our calendar, excited to see blank, empty space.

Not much scheduled.

Now barely a week in, it's filling up like crazy!



I want to make sure to really dream big in 2012 and to not let the busyness crowd out my dreams.

I have 1,258,940,384.25 goals swimming around in my mind at any given moment.
I'm filled with hope, but restless, not knowing how to articulate it all and what direction to head with it.


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2012. It's a leap year.
What big leap will you take?



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 Heading into the weekend, inspired to continue dreaming big!!!

GUEST POST {@DIABETES MINE}: OVERCOMING BURNOUT

Today I'm hanging out with the cool kids of the DOC {Diabetes Online Community} over at Diabetes Mine.

Seriously... Amy and Allison are ROCK STARS when it comes to
all things Diabetes {they're kind of a BIG deal!}.

They've taught me much and have been a great source of inspiration and motivation for me.

I am honored and delighted to get to guest post about my recent journey with Diabetes burnout.

Diabetes is HARD. Burnout Happens.

Check out the Five Ways That I Got Over Diabetes Burnout over at Diabetes Mine!!!



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RIDING A BIKE IS MUCH MORE FUN THAN TAKING A TRAIN



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 #500,789,598 x infinity to the moon why I love my husband...

When our car broke down and we needed to borrow a vehicle from my in-laws, my husband rode his bike the 10 miles instead of taking the train, because...

{in his words} "Riding a bike is much more fun than taking a train". 

{After riding back from dropping off his parents car. He decided to ride his bike back again instead of having me pick him up}

P.s...One summer he rode across the state of Wisconsin in 5 days. From the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan.  He rode an average of 60-80 miles a day with one longer day (by choice) of 120 miles. No big deal!

My husband inspires and motivates me to be more adventurous and active. And he sure looks good in bike shorts. OwOw!  ;)

I'm thinking about running and doing ballet again. It's good for the 'ol Diabetes...right?! I'll let ya know how that goes.

THE SUGARLESS PLUM

"I'm not saying it's easy and I'm not saying I wouldn't jump for joy if there were a cure found tomorrow. But I can honestly say I feel blessed to live in a time when there are so many resources that allow me and so many others to live full, healthy, passion-filled lives."

~Zippora Karz, The Sugarless Plum




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This was on my reading wishlist for quite some time before my mom bought it for me last Christmas. One of my favorite reads of 2010, I couldn't put this down and finished it in 2 days.



Zippora Karz's story was very inspiring and part of what helped lift me out of my last Diabetes Funk.

As a ballerina in the New York City Ballet, she had everything going for her at the young age of 18. She didn't let Diabetes stop her when she was diagnosed (w/Type 1) at the age of 21.



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 Zippora's attitude of determination and perseverance is just what I needed to read about. Her quote above is such a great perspective to have. It's people like Zippora that inspire and encourage me to not let Diabetes stand in the way.

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And now I want to be a ballerina too!!!