Slow Progress

I started out in August fully committed and excited for the new direction I was setting out on. Isn't that typical? Slowly life took me another direction and in some manner I welcomed it. Exercise is hard! Especially with 2 small children. Waking up early is the only solution I could come up with and if you know anything about me, I am not a fan of early! I feel more accomplished when waking earlier but sleep is such a commodity in my life, I take it when I can have it! SO, September is here and I am going to dive in again at the attempt to wake early and exercise! With the new addition arriving here on Wednesday evening, I have to be ready for early mornings and high school!

Even with the lack of motivation, I lost 2 LBs last month and 6.5 inches (negotiable probably 4.5 in) but I will take it! I set out good today with 20 minutes on the treadmill and some yoga. I am going to so some stretching and be on with my day!

Everyday is a new start!

DIE-t Plans

Disputing Diet Fads...ALWAYS do your research on all diet products and ask a physician before engaging in any diet plan.

REMEMBER: The best plan is eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, vitamins, exercise and enough sleep! All other plans start with DIE...

Information on the HCG Diet (which I thought HCG was the blood levels during pregnancy?)


HCG Diet: Does HCG Diet Work?

Editor Review: 3 / 5.0

HCG Diet: How Effective Is This Product?

What You Should Know About This Product

A diet supplement administered through injections or oral drops, the HCG Diet is considered by some to be a controversial weight loss method. HCG stands for Human Choriogonadotropin, a hormone that is produced by women in the first stages of pregnancy. (I thought so) Its main function in pregnancy is to stimulate the hypothalamus, which in turn moves essential fats and nutrients into the placenta. In terms of weight loss, it is this ability to move fat that has attracted weight loss experts and dieters looking for the newest industry breakthrough. Unfortunately there is little scientific evidence to show that HCG is the ‘miracle’ diet supplement hoped for and will certainly not have much effect on weight unless used in conjunction with a severely calorie-restricted diet.

In addition to this, there have been several adverse side effects associated with HCG when it is used for weight loss. These can include depression, headaches and blood clots and, although it has been FDA-approved for use in pregnancy, it has not for dieting. In terms of safety, there is no concrete proof to show that HCG oral supplements carry fewer risks than injecting the substance, although the former would certainly be more convenient.

For more information go to: http://www.consumerhealthanswers.com/hcg-diet.html.

I am a big advocate on NO supplements/pills! Our bodies need food, water and activity. Pumping yourself with pills just ads toxic waste to your body! Find ways to get outside, move (dance with your kids), drink lots of water and keep your body healthy! Rid yourself of the unhealthy things...tea (black, green, red), coffee, smoking, alcohol...and any other things that are not good for you (listen to your body) and your body will keep up! I promise!

Posted by: Venus Goddess Valerie

Over the Hill

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEEEE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Ok, maybe not over the hill but I turned 36 years old today!

As the last year passes I look forward to my new year! My new body, my new spirituality and my new mind.

Okay not all new but hopefully all improved. GOALS for my 36th year of life are:

1) Lose 30lbs
2) Align my Chakra
3) Find a natural way to become pain free
4) Develop more patience
5) Spend more time with my children outside the home.
6) Vacation

I believe all these things are connected to another. Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health is essential to finding a balanced life.

How do each of you find your balance and what are some things you do to find it? Please share!

Posted by: Venus Goddess, Valerie

No More Sitting...

Well I finally got my butt up and out of bed and I worked out! 20-minutes Cardio Jam , and then I did the Lower Body program I designed for myself! I am so excited that I actually did it. I feel good!

Remembering to balance things out I am ready to do some scripture study and then on to housework! I started out slow but I really want to push forward and quit letting doubt, fear and self sabotage get in my way!



No more just sitting here! I am tired of watching my life pass me by. What have been some motivating factors in your life that helped push you forward? Share!

Posted By: Venus Goddess, Valerie

Fatigue

So much of my life has been drained from exhaustion. Doctors want to give you sleep medications and depression medications to keep your "quality" of life stable. How is that quality of life? To be medicated! I began ready this book (shown below) and so far it is making more sense than any doctor I have seen, and I have seen a lot of them. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia...etc. Although some of these diagnosis may be true all of them link together and draw one conclusion....My body,mind & soul are all EXHAUSTED!



This debilitates me at times, kills my productivity and slowly takes hold of me and drags me down! SO, what do I do?

Doctors answers; medication, exercise and diet.

When you are chronically exhausted and have severe muscle pain how likely do you think exercise is going to play a part in my everyday activity? My intentions are so high, I love to be active and I love to exercise...but how?

When I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I changed my eating habits drastically. It did nothing! I do feel a little better when drinking more water and eating more naturally. That is the natural state of any being.

So with diet and exercise playing their part and still no major results am I to revert to medication?

Some days I feel hopeless, other days on top of the world. EVERYDAY I am in pain and I am tired!




Join me on my journey to BEAT exhaustion, become more productive and become pain free!

These are my goals, what are yours?




Written By Venus Goddess: Valerie

Its a New Day, Its a New Dawn

No matter what I try I am waking up earlier! I feel that I am getting more accomplished in my day and I like this feeling! A combination of Peach Detox Herbal Tea and an intention of some Yoga/Stretching is my morning thus far. I have some muscle pain this week to overcome. I started this blog in January and I am at the same starting weight as I was then! (Atleast I haven't gained) BUT I do know that my measurements have to be different so I will do those today as well!

This is a NEW DAY!

1. new/n(y)o͞o/

   Adjective: Not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time: "new crop varieties"; "a fascinating mix of the old and the new".

   Adverb: Newly; recently: "new-mown hay". More »

   Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster - The Free Dictionary
   ►

2. day/dā/

Noun: A period of twenty-four hours as a unit of time, reckoned from one midnight to the next, corresponding to a rotation of the earth on its axis.

Adjective: Carried out during the day as opposed to at night: "my day job". More »

Wikipedia - Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster

Now for the first time during this period of twenty-four hours it is time to create ME/YOU!
It is time to set some goals and power through the obstacles to reach those goals. It is time to take charge of MY/YOUR health. Who else can do this for you?

Challenges for this NEW DAY:
1. 30 minutes of low to moderate exercise.
2. Read something positive for at least 15 minutes.
3. Comment on this blog with something inspirational and/or motivating for yourself and others!

Let's Begin the NEW DAY! Good Luck and much love!

Written By: Venus Goddess Valerie

Gingerbread Truffles

Posted by Venus Goddess, Valerie

Makes 12 truffles

Ingredients
1 cup pitted dates
2 tablespoons molasses

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Two pinches ground cloves
Two pinches ground nutmeg
2/3 cup + 2 1/2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats

Instructions

Place the dates in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a chopping blade. Process them until they are very finely chopped and stick together. Add the molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg and process until well combined, stopping the processor to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, if n

ecessary. Add 2/3 cup oats and process until the oats are slightly chopped and the mixture sticks together (do not overprocess the mixture at this point or it will become extremely sticky and very difficult to work with). With a spatula, transfer the mixture to a small mixing bowl.

Place the remaining 2 1/2

tablespoons oats on a large plate.

Divide the truffle mixture into 12 equal amounts (about 1 tablespoon each). Shape each into a ball. Gently roll the truffles, one at a time, in the oats, making sure the outside is coated. Serve immediately or store in an airtight plastic container for up to 3 days.

Back Pain

Posted by: Venus Goddess Valerie

As we all know, if the back goes out we are disabled. My back has been on the verge of going out for some time. I have done stretches & tried to remember posture to prevent this from happening. Today, my back is hurting. So I went to the mayoclinic.com to see that they had for treatment ideas. This link is one thing I found with 15-minute stretching slides.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/LB00001_D

Or you can follow this chart:



Taking care of your back is very important. This is a good time to take a rest day or just do some light stretches. Listen to your body and DON'T push through this kind of pain, it could have irreconcilable consequences.

Good luck Goddesses and have a great day!

Recipe: Apple Cobbler

Posted by: Venus Goddess Valerie COURTESY of BiggestLoser.com

Apple Cobbler

Servings: 9
4 cups sliced and peeled apples
1/8 cup maple syrup
1tablespoon cinnamon
3 tablespoon cane sugar

Topping:
¼ cup instant oats+ ½ cup instant oats
¼ cup pecans
1 tablespoon soy butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoon cane sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9x9 pan, spray with Pam® non-stick cooking spray. Layer frozen fruit on the bottom of the pan. Then drizzle the maple syrup over the fruit. Sprinkle the cinnamon and cane sugar over the rest of the pan.
Topping:
In a food processor, add ¼ c. instant oats, pecans, soy butter, cinnamon, and cane sugar. Blend until all lumps are gone and everything is evenly chopped. Add to a mixing bowl the remaining ½ c. of instant oats and mix together. Sprinkle mixture over fruit and bake for an hour or until fruit sets up. Cool for 15 minutes and serve.
Per serving: 155 calories, 7 grams fat, 4 grams protein, 30 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams dietary fiber

Banana kinda Smoothie instead of that Kid Cereal.

Getting your potassium is important as well as de-stressing. Potassium reduces stress and we all know what bananas are full of…potassium. This banana smoothie recipe is a yumtastic recipe perfect for anytime during the day.
Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup limeade
• 1 cup key lime
  
  yogurt
• 1/2 cup of banana yogurt
• 2 cups of ice

 Blend and serve immediately, then mellow out.

Now if you want more then just a banana you can add anything really. My favorite to add to a smoothie recipe is STRAWBERRIES.

here is my famous " sherbet tasting" smootie

• 1 Banana
• 1/2-1 cup of strawberries
• 1 cup plain yougurt OR vanilla
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon honey

Live Healthy

Blend and enjoy, trust me you will LOVE it. 



Posted by: Venus Goddess, Kim

Recipe of the Day

Posted by: Venus Goddess, Valerie

ROASTED CARROTS & CAULIFLOWER

Items:

4 cups carrots
1 medium cauliflower
4tbl olive oil
2 clove minced garlic

Preheat Oven to 425`
Place vegetables in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil
Spread evenly the garlic
Bake for 20-30 minutes.

ENJOY!

NOTE:

You can cook these vegetables separate or together, however you desire. Remember, cauliflower needs less time if cooked alone. 15-20 mins. And if done separate, only 2 tbl olive oil & 1 clove garlic.

What kind of woman are you when it comes to living life to the fullest?

WELCOME!

You are here for one of two reasons; you were suggested by a friend and thought what the heck I will just look or you are searching for a group of real women to connect with while you are on your journey of weight loss, healthy eating and overall wellness. This site is for you! We are all from different walks of life, different age groups and are all in different stages of our lives. BUT, we are all here to change our lives.

How does one person live their life to the fullest?

Well, lets break it down a little...

Live: To pass one's time; to pass life or time in a certain manner, as to habits, conduct, or circumstances; as, to live in ease or affluence; to live happily or usefully. [1913 Webster] (http://www.dictionary.net/live)

Fullest: Filled up, having within its limits all that it can contain; supplied; not empty or vacant; -- said primarily of hollow vessels, and hence of anything else; as, a cup full of water; a house full of people. [1913 Webster] (http://www.dictionary.net)

How are you passing your time? Are you feeling "live" or "full"?

I decided that the first step for me to begin to live life to the fullest was to take care of myself. I challenge you to do the same. Use this blog as a support, a tool and a crutch at times to take care of you!

Today is the begin date: January 10,2011. I will check "officially" back in April 10, 2011. *New Start Date: 16 August 2011, New Check In Date: 16 November 2011.*

Unofficially I will be blogging everyday (on my Valerie page)! If I can do this, so can you!!!! Good luck and keep your head up!

Posted By: Venus Goddess Valerie