Lunch Wrap Idea/Intermittent Fasting

I really enjoy getting meal ideas from others so I'm going to try to be better about sharing my own. Currently, I am following the 5:2 Fast Diet plan which is intermittent fasting two days per week. I eat around 500 calories on those two days and up to 2,000 calories on the other five days.

I decided to do this mainly for the health benefits that I believe research is confirming. I do hope I see the added bonus of many pounds dropped too. I still have about 40 I think need to come off.

I'm making progress though! On my other five days, I still follow the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle of eating. This just makes me feel good! I feel so much better keeping my fuels separate and keeping my blood sugar stable.

Here is my lunch for today...a low-carb wrap with chopped, grilled chicken strips that I sauteed in a non-stick skillet with a little dry ranch dressing mix, low-fat veggie cream cheese, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and spinach. I had a pickle on the side because it is salty and crunchy and helps me not miss chips so much! I had water mixed with a True Lemon Lemonade pack and my doTerra Lemon oil. I threw in a few cherries for a twist! It was deliciously satisfying!

Let's Talk Nails!!!

I've never had strong nails. Never, ever in my life. Even during optimal eating, I have noticed little difference in the strength or durability of my nails. 

This, unfortunately, seems to be the trend in my Mom's family line for some reason. My Mom takes biotin for her hair and nails. You've probably heard of biotin, as it has been promoted quite a lot lately. 

One day, I had a thought...what if I buy biotin in capsule form and just puncture a hole in the capsule and rub it directly into the nails?

Wouldn't that help the most? It made perfect sense in my head. :)

Well, as it turns out, fingernails must LOVE this stuff! As you can see below, my nails shot out and have remained strong! 

I seriously was amazed! Ever since my hysterectomy, the lack of estrogen hormone in my body has dried my hair, skin, and nails terribly. My fingernails and toenails were bending and ripping off! I'm so excited I found a solution.

Daily application was 1 capsule, punctured and squeezed onto a thumbnail, then massaged into all fingernails and toenails. I did this twice a day.

Of course, once I had some long nails to work with I wanted to paint them! Sadly, I noticed immediately that standard "drugstore" polish didn't help my dryness! Plus, I'm in general just trying to move to less chemicals going in and on my body. I do believe every little bit helps.

I ordered some of this LVX polish because it had great reviews. I have the 3-in-1 Treatment that I use as a base coat, this color that is pictured, and their gel topcoat.

I like how all the polishes went on. The brush was fine. However, my polish peeled off within two days. I was bummed. 

I CANNOT say that the problem is the LVX at all though. I use my doTerra essential oils off and on all day for various things. I'm wondering if they, along with my tendency to not be able to keep polish or artificial nails on long anyway is the true problem. I don't know if there will ever be any way of knowing. 

What I do know is that I like the idea of less chemicals on my fingernails and there is no disgusting odor while I'm trying to apply the LVX. I would definitely buy more, and I think it will work just fine for special occasions or weekends.

Beat That Flesh into Submission!

Hi there :)  It's been over a year since I wrote here. In my last post, I shared that I was going to focus on taking care of myself and building my body back up. That's exactly what I've been doing.

As it turns out, I didn't really understand, at that time, how run-down my body was. After hormone tests, I was instructed to take every opportunity to rest. I even had to be careful with exercise as my body just received it as more stress which perpetuated the cycle of illness.

Finally, though, I now feel like I am coming out on the other side! I have rested...and taken supplements...changed even more eating habits...used essential oils...spent time in prayer...

And now, I'm feeling better than I have in many years! In August, I will turn the big 4-0! My goal hasn't been a certain number on the scale or the tag of my jeans; my aim is to be the strongest I have ever been in my life.

I just want to feel healthy and fit.

I have been following the Trim Healthy Mama way of eating. I do go "off plan" some...usually on the weekend, but I have had great success still. I feel good inside. I have energy again!!!

Yesterday, I started a workout program that I did years ago, but haven't been well enough to do for quite some time. I was nervous giving it a go, mainly fearful that I wouldn't be able to do it and would feel discouraged. 

Good news though...I did it! I made it through, and I made it through well! I kept up and only had to modify the exercises that would put my neck in positions that could trigger a migraine. 

I hurt...but it was normal I-haven't-used-those-muscles-in-ages pain, not awful body issues or fatigue!

So yeah, Day One of my 6 week program done. Today is Day Two. I have just under 5 months until my birthday. I want to hit that target! I want to beat my flesh into submission!