Wine, Chocolate and Cheezies

Okay, seriously??  I'm supposed to be watching what I eat.  Well....technically, I am.  I'm watching the wine I pour in the glass, the Easter chocolate that my daughter hasn't eaten and the cheezies that I bought that no one else in the house really likes.  I am totally watching all of those things going down my pie hole (do people besides me even use that expression any more?).  I can use any excuse that I want; it's Friday, I've been good all week (no I haven't), I'm stressed, I just don't care.  My personal  favourite is that the food companies have made me addicted to their products. The latter, although I am sure there is some truth to it, doesn't account for the fact that I still go into the store, pull their product off the shelf, buy it, bring it home and eat it....there are several step where I have a choice to say no and not have it.  But really, I think I have discovered the perfect food combination.....wine, chocolate and cheezies.

What are your crazy food combinations??  Oh, my other favourite??  Peanut butter and chocolate chips....I try to avoid having both in my house at the same time :D

Please, Don't listen to Anything I Have to Say

I'm not kidding. Don't listen to me.  I have no idea what I am doing in any aspect of my life.  I don't even know what I want to be when I grow up and I'm 33 years old!  I have tried every diet known to man and I am still chubby (I don't like the word fat, but if it fits....).  I'm not going to win the "Mom of the Year" award. 

That being said though, I am relatively comfortable in my own skin.  Could I be thinner?  Sure, but I am what I am and have never been ashamed of that.  Could I have a career that is more fulfilling and where I earn more money?  Probably, but I generally enjoy my line of work.  Could I be a better mom?  Absolutely (particularly if you ask my kids), but both of my children are fairly well adjusted, do well in school and have manners (especially if they are at someone else's house).

I have come to learn that there will always be more that I think I could, should or would like to do, but I am not Supermom.  I don't greet my husband at the door with the newspaper and a beer in my high heels.  However, I do the best that I can every day.  I may not be perfect (and neither is my life), but I can hold my head high and be proud of the family that my husband and I have created. 

Are you Supermom (or Superdad)??  I (and everyone else in the world) would like to hear how you do it.  Or just give suggestions of time saving tips.  I'd love to hear it!

The Frantic Housewife
(aka Carol)

Wipe out your debt. Add a second paycheck from Strong Future International. Learn more here:
                                               www.sfi4.com/11650245/FREE

Is This How I'm Supposed to Feel??

So I have been attempting to reduce my consumption of animal products over the last week. In fact for the last 4 days, I have eaten a diet with no animal products whatsoever.  The 2 days prior to that, I only ate meat at dinner and otherwise had no meat, dairy or eggs.  I am very open about my life and love to share my successes and failures (hence, the blogging) because I know that other people go through them as well.  This photo was posted on Facebook and was kind of an antivegan statement.

I get what it is saying.  That animal products are everywhere, but in truth this picture just makes me feel better about my current food choices.  I can't imagine that anyone likes the idea that charred cows' bones are used to refine sugar or that their blood can sometimes be found in cake mixes.  It's reality, but it's also kind of gross.  I'm not saying that I am against farmers or the meat and dairy industries. It's quite the opposite.  I am amazed at the life farmers lead.  It's definitely not easy work, they work 7 days a week and have to be available at all hours of the day.  I don't claim to be an expert and I'm not even writing this to convince others to try a plant based diet.  I am just making myself into a guinea pig and am sharing my results with all of you.  My decision to attempt this is for one reason...to see how changing what I eat affects my health.

I'll be honest.  I knew that I would feel better eating less processed foods and more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  And, I do. There are a couple of things that surprise me though.  One is how much clearer I feel mentally.  I am able to focus better than normal.  The other thing that I found really interesting is that at the end of the day I would usually be dragging and counting down until I could go to bed.  The last few days, I find that I'm not completely fatigued and falling asleep when I am supposed to be tucking the kids in bed.  I haven't even had coffee the last 2 days (but I did substitute it for green tea). 

By really paying attention to how I feel, I don't feel like I'm giving anything up.  I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing. 

P.S.  I apologize if there are spelling or grammatical errors......I'm attempting to write this while the kids are still awake!!

Hmmmm.....Maybe This is Working....

I have started incorporating the suggestions from Lesson 2 of Brendan Brazier's Thrive in 30.  These are pretty simple. 
 
  1. Add more antioxidants into your diet.  - I added blueberries and blackberries into my smoothie.
  
  2. Add chlorella to your diet.  According to Brazier, chlorella is a single celled algae and is high
      in vitamin B12.  B12 is typically lacking in a vegan diet and needs to be supplemented.

  3. Brazier recommends that instead of concentrating on removing foods rom your diet that you try
      including more healthful and nutritious foods.  You will find that naturally you are eating less of the
      unhealthy foods that you were consuming before.

To ensure that I was getting the Chlorella and lots of vitamins, minerals and nutrients (although I know that I am getting far more the way I am eating now than I was), I purchased some Vega Whole Food Optimizer.  This is Brazier's own formulation.  It also contains Maca (which I will talk about in a later post) which is said to increase energy.

I do have to admit that after I had my smoothie with the Vega in it, I did feel fantastic.  In fact, I had a homemade energy bar in the morning, a smoothie midmorning and a large salad for lunch and I think I felt better than I have in a long time.  For dinner I had an omelette and toast and again had that heavy feeling, but found it passed quicker than on previous nights.

The only complaint I have (and my husband made it quite clear as well) is how much I have spent on groceries.  I feel that if I didn't need to buy the healthy foods that I am using plus the junk that MH wants, that it would not be as bad.  However, the Vega supplement was fairly expensive, plus, I had to buy some things that only have to be bought on occasion (coconut oil, large amount of almond, etc.).

I do love the way that I am feeling by doing this, and am going to see it through for the full 30 days (especially so that I can post my results).  After that,  will let you know where I go from there. 

Bear with me as I start Day 5!!

What a Difference a Day Makes

So as you know (if you've been following my postings), I am participating in the Brendan Brazier's Thrive in 30 program.  So yesterday was day 1.  I was a good girl and followed my plan.  I had a large salad or lunch.  I had nutritious snacks.  I had a smoothie to bump up my fruit intake.  I even had 2 coffees instead of 3.  I thought I felt hungrier than usual, but when I really thought about it, I wasn't hungry, I just didn't have that over full, heavy sort of feeling that I have from the foods I typically eat.  I felt generally good.  I didn't have the usual afternoon sluggish time when I want to have a coffee.

Today, however, I went out or lunch with a friend and decided that I was going to order a salad......until I got to the restaurant.  I couldn't resist and had a wrap with fries.  Bad idea.  Now that I am listening more to my body's signals, I realized afterwards that my stomach felt like it usually did.....unsettled.  I became so thirsty and I could not quench my thirst.  I was very fatigued by early afternoon and I felt my stress level rising and my patience level sinking.  So, what did I do.....I spent some time making energy bars from the recipes in Brendan Brazier's book, The Thrive Diet.  I'm planning or a better day tomorrow. 

I you are following my blog, you will find out that I am only human and that I tend to be honest about my successes and my failures and have a few laughs along the way.

The Frantic Housewife : Human Guinea Pig

So I've been writing a lot about eating healthier and reading about vegetarianism and veganism.  I have been reading a lot out Brendan Brazier and his web program Thrive in 30.  Again, here's the link http://thrivein30.com/sign-up-now/?cid=PPC-T30CAN-S  It's free and new lessons are sent every few days to progress you through this 30 day program.   I also have been reading his book The Thrive Diet.  I mentioned in my last post some of the reasons that I am enjoying his book, but I don't think I talked about this.  I have read a lot of healthy eating books of all varieties, but I have never read a book that describes why I should be eating all the foods that are suggested.  I don't just mean, "eat vegetables because they have vitamins and minerals".  I mean, Brendan Brazier goes into great detail about why he added these foods to his diet, what they specifically provide to the body and how that will affect your energy levels and overall wellness.  I am actually reading the book for a second time because I feel that I may have missed something.  There is also a 12 week meal plan and many recipes.

So after having received 6 of the 12 emails from the Thrive in 30 program, I have decided to actually participate in it.  Which as you may remember from my last post, must mean that I am ready to divulge some personal information.  I'm going to give you the basic stats plus some other information of things that may change during this process.  Would I like to lose weight?  Absolutely, but the main reason that I am doing this is to gain more energy and generally feel better.

Stats:
Age: 33
Height: 5'5"
Weight:  193 lbs.  (stop snickering)

I generally lack energy.  I get tired trying to keep up with my kids.  I go to bed between 9:30 and 10.  I usually can't sleep much past 6 or 6:30 am (probably because I go to bed early).  I suffered from post partum depression after my second child was born (5 years ago) and continue to take 3 different medications for it (one of which is to help me sleep).  I have frequent acne breakouts despite being in my 30s.  I drink 3 (very large) cups of coffee a day.  I drink alcohol rarely (due in large part to the medications that I take).  I have a very busy family.  My 8 year old is in hockey and Cubs, my 5 year old is in ballet and Sparks and my husband is a volunteer firefighter when he is not at his full time job.  I am currently a stay at home mom, but in a few weeks will be returning to my old job 3 day a week on the days my youngest is in school.  About 50% of the food we eat is processed.  My kids and husband have a love affair with chips.  Because I am the chief cook, some of the foods they eat will change slightly, but I will continue to cook meat and dairy products for them while I am going through this challenge.

The changes I am making for this first step are:

1. Eat a large salad for lunch each day (I plan to use some of the recipes in Brendan's book)
2. Have a smoothie each day (once I have a working blender?!?!?)
3. Have fruits and veggies for snacks (or my smoothie)
4. Reduce the amount of sugar I add to things (ie:coffee)
5. Reduce the amount of caffeine in my diet.

So at this point, I don't have to change my breakfast or lunch if I don't want to.  The point of this is to make gradual, sustainable changes, so that it is a lifestyle change.  I plan to post regularly about my progress, how I feel, etc, and occasionally I'll weigh in so that I can be held accountable.  I plan to put up a before picture as soon as I can.  If you decide to join me on this adventure, post some comments, or like me on Facebook and post comment that way.  I would appreciate the support!!

I'm Going to Talk About the Plant Based Nutrition Guru, Brendan Brazier

If you've been reading my previous posts, you know that I enjoy reading about plant based nutrition (note, however, that I am presently not following any real eating plan and I do eat meat <for now>).  I have subscribed for a free online program that was designed by Canadian triathlete and plant based nutrition educator, Brendan Brazier.  It is called Thrive in 30 and here's the link:  http://thrivein30.com/sign-up-now/ 

I previously reviewed lesson 1 and have since received lessons 2 through 4.  It is really worth signing up if you wish to get the full lessons.  Brendan provides a video plus a written lesson where he goes into detail about the steps to change your diet.  He explains why certain foods are very important in your diet and why you should avoid other foods.  Below I will give a brief description of the lessons, but please, please PLEASE, consider signing up to the Thrive in 30 program.  I will do it no justice and the information is amazing.

Lesson 2  - High Net Gain Nutrition
In this lesson, Brendan describes what he means my high net gain nutrition and in doing so, he talks about the importance of eating good quality whole foods.  The reason that this is important is the typical diet of highly refined food lacks many nutrients and vitamins and is also more difficult for the body to digest.  So, your body is expending a large amount of energy to digest the food and not receiving much usable energy in return.  That's why many people are fatigued throughout most of their day.  They are using so much energy to digest their food and are actually left with an energy deficit afterwards. 

Brendan also shows that despite what you may hear, that plant based diets do not need to lack certain nutrients and vitamins and shows you what to eat to ensure that you are not deficient in these.

Lesson 3 - Myth Busting- The Whole(food) Truth About Protein, Carbs and Fats
In this lesson, Brendan explains why you don't need to eat animal protein and that plant based protein is easier to digest. I was surprised to hear that soy based protein isn't the ideal protein source, but the explanation he offer was great. He also encourages and lists how to choose good quality fats carbs and proteins.  There are some great substitutes for some popular comfort foods.

Lesson 4 - Alkaline Vs. Acid. Why Your Body's pH Matters
One of the first things described in this lesson was that osteoporosis is affecting people at a younger and younger age.  The cause?  According to the Thrive in 30 program, the cause is the amount of acid forming foods that are consumed.  Acid forming foods include animal products (meat, dairy, etc.) and refined foods.  Brendan suggests trading in an acid forming meal for alkaline foods (large salad of leafy greens) for a couple of days and noting any changes in how you feel.

It is suggested that shifting to an alkaline diet will help improve sleep, avoid disease, increase energy and lose weight.  Brendan makes it clear that this way of eating should not be looked at as a quick fix, but as a long term lifestyle change.

So that sums up the latest lessons I have received.  I also must tell you that I ordered The Thrive Diet by Brendan Brazier and that I have almst completed reading it.  I plan to read it through again before I comment much on it, but I am thoroughly enjoying it.  I think that part of the reason that I am liking it so much is because it is in no way preachy.  He explains everything based on his personal experience and although he is a high level athlete and he does write about that and ways that a plant based diet can be utilized to improve high level fitness, he also shows how it can be used by anyone to improve health and fitness.  The other thing that I love about it is that I have read many vegan and vegetarian books that focus on animal rights and appreciate the education in that area, but I have already heard it.  This book touches on environmental impact (which is very important), but it's main focus is nutrition and fueling the body properly.  The last thing that I noticed about this book is that although Brendan is the founder of the Vega line of products, he rarely writes about them.  There is imformation on the Vega line in the book, but he gives alternatives to using them.  He gives recipes for energy bars and smoothies and mentions his products as convenient for when you don't have the time to prepare other items yourself. 

I look forward to completing the book and receiving more lessons, so that I con pass the information on.  At some point soon. I plan to start utilizing the Thrive in 30 and blogging my results with weight, energy and any other way it may affect me.  I'm just waiting until I get up the courage to post my weight, measurements and maybe even a before picture :O 

As Brendan stresss in his lessons, it's about making gradual change so that you can stick to it and so the body undergoes the least amount of stress possible while improving your diet.  Feel free to join me on this adventure....I'd love to hear your feedback!

My First Lesson

I just received my first lesson in Brendan Brazier's Thrive in 30 Program.  This is a free program that is emailed to you for convenience. There is a written portion and a short video to watch. Check out my previous blog for the link. 

This lesson focused on stress and diet.  I had never looked at stress in this way before, but he talked about two types of stress; complimentary stress and uncomplimentary stress.  Brazier defined these in simple terms.  Complimentary stress is stress that benefits you or is positive.  The examples given were the stress of studying for a test or the stress put on the body from exercising.  Uncomplimentary stress is stress that has no positive effects such as psychological stress or environmental stress.  The statistics that were given is that 60% of all stress that you experience is uncomplimentary and of that stress, 70% of it is what he calls nutritional stress, or stress put on the body from poor eating habits and choosing food that doesn't benefit the body nutritionally.

So let me get this straight, I can reduce the stress that I feel and that is placed on my body by feeding properly.  Okay, that makes sense, but I have never heard poor nutrition linked with stress before.  You may think that I am crazy, but when I hear it put like that, it kind of gives me an aha moment (Sorry, I think I just quoted Oprah).  It's not rocket science by any means, but when something is explained in a different manner, it can really make you think.

He continues on to give several suggestion (and good ones) on how to incorporate more fruits, veggies and whole foods into your diet and although he is vegan, there isn't any mention at this point on giving up meat.  It's more focused on making small changes to your diet to improve your energy and to reduce your reliance on things like caffeine and sugar to give you the stamina to make it through the day.  There is even a smoothie recipe at the end of the lesson if you want to give it a try!

I'm interested to see the next lesson to see what it leads to.  I'll keep you posted!

Sorry This Has Taken So Long!!

I apologize for my absence.  We have had a busy few weeks here......I suppose that justifies my nickname, The Frantic Housewife.  Let me take a moment to fill you in.  For those of you who are also stay-at-home moms, you  know how busy life can be without anything else added in.  You are a cook, maid, chauffeur, laundry service, nurse, and many other things to everyone.  Then let's add in that I run a home daycare five days a week from 7 am to 6 pm.  Hence the franticness.

My son's hockey season has just begun....and so has arena life.  I try to be at as many games as I can be to cheer him on.  My husband helps coach.  This means quick dinners in the evening along with trying to squeeze in some homework time. 

My son also begged to go into Scouts. 

He has now joined the local cub pack.  We had to make a deal though.  The first sign that this is too much with hockey, if he doesn't get his homework done every week, he will have to give something up.  Right now, however, he is on his first camp out!

We just heard from one of the parents who is with him that he is having a great time!!  He doesn't want to head home until he has too!

My daughter just started ballet.  She is absolutely loving it!  Every week she comes home and shows us the new dance steps that she has learned.  One of my daycare kids saw her in her ballet outfit and asked me why she looked so beautiful :)

Then we discovered that there is a Girl Guide Unit in our town.  So we have signed her up as a Spark, and I signed up as a leader!

We are both so excited and are looking forward to having some adventures together. 

As I mentioned in my previous post, my husband is a volunteer firefighter, so now you can see why life here is frantic!!  I would love to hear what you do to make your life frantic!!

My kids are onely going to be young once and I hope that my husband and I can continue to support them as they participate in things to increase their confidence, independence and help them learn life skills.



Sometimes I Wonder About My Mothering Skills

So my 4 year old daughter and I were driving home from the grocery store and she starts this conversation.

"Mom, is tomorrow the weekend?"
"Yes"
"What about the day after tomorrow?"
"No."
"School?"
"Yep."
"Damn."
"Pardon?"
"Damn."
"That's not a word we use."
"Okay....that's stupid."
"Can we go with silly?"
"I guess"

Really??  I guess it's not as bad as the time she came home from junior kindergarten saying the F-word...... 
Well, I'll keep trying :)

So it dawned on me today.  Most of the things that I have experienced in life are relatively common.  I was a full time working mom. Common.  I quit my job to be a stay at home mom.  Somewhat common.  I now run a home daycare to make ends meet.  Fairly common.  I have a husband, 2 kids and 2 dogs.  Pretty common.  I suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of my second child.  More common than people realize.  I am chubby.  I always have been (other than those short periods of time in my life when I lost weight only to gain it back eventually).  Very common.  So, I decided to start this blog to talk about my life and to hopefully hear from other (common) people about their experiences too.  So sit back and enjoy!