Why Is Life So Hard?

As a joke, my friends and I always ask the question, "Why is life so hard?" We're never referring to the real issues of life. We're not talking about the horrible state of healthcare, world hunger, wars, gangs, murderers, abuse, etc., We are referring to insignificant issues that would make our lives so much easier if they could be magically tweaked. Although at our inner core, we're grateful for what we have, the bottom line is, we want what we want when we want it. Therefore, why can't it all be as easy as that? Here are a few whys that may be on your list, please feel free to make your own list.

• Why can't we eat whatever we want and be slim?
• Why can't money grow on trees?
• Why are some people so beautiful?
• Why do I have to break out (at my age) all the time?
• Why do we still have periods long after childbearing is over with?
• Why are my feet so wide?
• Why do dust bunnies grow so large overnight?
• Why is fat so disgusting?
• Why does cellulite exist?
• Why can't I win the lottery?
• Why aren't my parents wealthy?
• Why must we work five days a week?
• Why can't we have 5 day weekends and work two days?
• Why do I have such bad hangnails?
• Why can't life be happy 24/7/365?
• Why are some people so cranky?
• Why can't we all be good at everything?
• Why do processed foods often taste yummy?
• Why can't we all have limo drivers?
• Why can't husbands be like the ones of Lifetime movies?
• Why can't every day be a Norman Rockwell picture?
• Why can't laundry fold and/or hang itself up?
• Why can't bathrooms be programmed to sanitize themselves?
• Why must there be illness at all? (Much too deep for this list)
• Why do fun days/trips/events always come to an end?

. . . and the beat goes on. Have a great day! Grow your own list!

FOOD LOGS ARE HUGE WAKE UP CALLS

Carolyn, my new trainer is making me keep track of my food intake and then SHOW HER my actual log. The thought of disappointing her is keeping me in check at the moment. Funny how I don't mind disappointing myself. (Must go sit on a couch and discuss that with some willing shrink out there . . . I digress).

Food logs are huge wake up calls. It's sort of an amazing tool in that when you are forced to show someone else your intake, you ponder what you will be eating before you actually indulge. Yes, I have a modicum of pride remaining. Truly, just a scant.

On Monday, I'll return for my second workout session with Carolyn at Future Physique in Westlake Village tomorrow morning. In between visits with Carolyn, I must complete 30 min. of treadmilling three days per week. She's granting me two days off per week which isn't too bad. I'm actually looking forward to my next session. That's CRAZY! Where's Janet and what have you done with her?

No More Weighting!

I decided to make good on my promise to address the weight issue. No more waiting! (Pretty punny, dontchyathink?) So, I got in touch with a private, less intimidating gym, one town over. (Sounds like I live in the wilderness where there's little water or life nearby). The truth is, I hate gyms, and hate all the cute little figures that bounce in and out of them, so I thought a small, unassuming workout space with a positive trainer might just give me the shot in the arm I need to get this heavy, gelatinous stuff melting off . . . once and for all! (Run-on sentences are my strong suit). Yesterday, I met her for the first time. Her name is Carolyn and she is wonderful. She's a positive, strong, and incredible athlete who knows how to push me. She had me doing things I hadn't done in about 100 years. I was definitely spent by the time I left her place, but the good news is, I'm actually looking forward to returning. Now that's progress! In between visits, she did manage to give me a few homework assignments: treadmilling and keeping a food log. The gig is up. I'll need to comply or answer to a much mightier person than myself!

I'm Back and Numbers are Fine!

Blood Glucose A.M. Number: 95

My morning number is now at 95. That's exciting. It's been a month and a half off all medications and all is well. I feel great. No complaints. I find that if I don't eat anything after 7:00, my numbers are pretty nice in the a.m. I was stuck on 112-117 for a long time, but now my a.m. number is 95. I'd like to scream that from the mountain top!

As you know, I'm not a raw foodist anymore. I'm just not cut out to be one. I admire those who are and hats off to you all. I do enjoy green drinks and often have a raw drink for breakfast. And salads are wonderful, but oh so much more satisfying with some cluck in them. Is it possible for someone be 2/3 vegetarian?

If you've ever seen the comedian Jim Gaffigan, one of his finer lines goes something like this: ". . . I'm not a strict vegetarian, I eat beef and pork, and chicken . . . but no fish, cause that's disgusting!" Then Jim talks about how vegetarians talk and how they brag about their status. The vegetarian says: " . . . I haven't eaten meat in five years . . ." Then Jim replies " . . . I haven't had a banana in a month (pause) and you don't see me bragging about it."

Weightier Issues: G-factor, adiposity, avoirdupois, gravity, gross, heft, ballast, burden, density, heftiness, load, mass, measurement, net, ponderosity, ponderousness, poundage, pressure, substance, tonnage, weight. There. I said it. Weight. It's a subject that quite literally makes me nuts. (It's difficult to kick those raw puns . . . sorry). I'm not good at losing weight, I didn't lose a lot of weight when I went raw for 30 days, and I'm wondering if I can ever lose it, but I know it can be done. However, it's time to move my extra tonnage to a better plateau, and respect myself a bit more by taking charge. At times I feel "it" has me over a barrel, but I'd like to have the last laugh. Without further ado, I shall make a contemplative effort, and begin by reporting in, discussing, and targeting my weight so I can take this heavy mess off my plate.

Until then, eat well to feel and live well!

Round Two: A New, Thoughtful Way of Eating

As you know, yesterday was my first day off as a raw foodist. Since my 30 days of raw have been met, I'm turning the page to prove to myself that I can carefully integrate a few cooked things along the way and still avoid medication and stomachaches. The pics above are a quick snapshot version of my intake for yesterday.

Starting out with something cooked was important to me. Having craved eggs and toast since day one of thirty, I thought that was a perfect place to begin. It was delightful. My rye toast was dry and the egg had salt and pepper on it. No stomachache, so eggs and toast will remain as a staple on my permanent menu.

For lunch, it was slightly more difficult to decide what I wanted. I finally settled on a green drink and some meat for my protein. Did that ever hit the spot. Still no stomachache. I was thrilled.

Dinner was served at Lupe's, our favorite Mexican restaurant. I ordered a meatless tostada without sour cream, meat, or rice. Instead, I had beans in my tostada. At this point, it became a religious experience. Choirs of angels surrounded my tastebuds. It was definitely out of this world! I washed that down with a few glasses of water followed by another couple of glasses of water later in the evening. Still no stomach issues. Amazing! I went to bed with a smile on my face and thrilled to be thinking in a healthier direction.

P.S. My blood glucose numbers stayed in a healthy range all day long. My lowest number for the day registered at 84.

Round Two: Life without Meds!

A.M. Blood Glucose Level: 105

Where are the Paparazzi? For that matter, where's the BBQ? As you can imagine, I woke up this morning with a smile on my face just knowing I could finally have a piece of rye toast . . . or for that matter an egg and rye toast. Let freedom ring!

Laying in bed, I began to imagine a feast of cooked food spread out on a King Arthur's size table. Hypnotic food-filled thoughts flooded my brain. A deep caloric coma swept over my entire body. After removing the pillow from my face, I began muttering this mantra ". . .simmer down, just simma down . . . it's all going to be okay."

Although it's true that the 100% raw agenda is technically over, it's important that I don't lose sight of the fact that I'm no longer taking medications due to this raw journey. (I really hate technicalities!) Reality finally hit me square in the face, forcing me to put my cuisine-film-clip-dream-sequence on pause and focus on the fact that the real work is about to begin. The truth of the matter is this: If I'm to stay healthy without medications and keep my glucose at acceptable levels, I'll need to pay close attention to what type of nourishment I put into my body from this day forward. What's more, I will never be able to go hog wild on the eating frontier again, not that anyone should go completely nuts (pun intended), but there can be no more sense of entitlement when it comes to food. Those days are gone. Eating 1-2 meals per day of veggies, fruit, and protein will be vital to my success if I hope to stay medication free for life. For my third meal of the day, I'll need to concentrate on having protein and more complex carbs from veggies and fruit while making smart, life long, healthy choices.

Now that we have the business of the day out of the way, where are the paparazzi? Okay, I'll settle for a piece of BBQ chicken. Bring it on! It's time for . . . Round two: Life Without Medications!

DAY 30 of Eating Raw Has Arrived!

What an experience this raw eating has been. As you know, today is my 30th day of eating raw. Inspirational speakers always say ". . . enjoy the journey . . ." and " . . .it's not the destination, it's the journey . . ." I've literally ached for this 30 day journey to conclude, white knuckling it many days. Some days were easier, and other days seemed next to impossible, but in the scheme of the world's problems, it was a piece of cake. Yes, that was a poor analogy, but that's how deprived individuals speak. Kidding of course. This raw food course has forced me to take a closer look at myself, my life, and my nourishment. It has definitely pointed me in a better, healthier direction. At this juncture in my quest for health, I have much more clarity about how food plays a huge role in our overall well being. And if you allow it, healthy whole foods will simply balance your entire system while restoring it to a happy, healthy place. Enjoy the criteria I've outlined below. Hopefully they will be the ticket I need as I continue a new, slightly different journey, albeit a journey nonetheless.

Raw foods help to balance your system

Enjoy eating a variety of fruit

Vary vegetables daily

Eat conscientiously

Remain off all medications

Salads will remain a staple

Exercise daily

Drink lots of water and green smoothies

Institute a daily regimen of healthy choices

Always include family and friends in your life

Blood glucose levels need to be monitored

Eat organic when possible

Take time for yourself

Eat well balanced meals

Stomachaches gone; Say hello to one happy camper!