Trim Healthy Mama!

I came across a book recently that has gotten me really excited!  Trim Healthy Mama, written by Serene Allison and Pearl Barrett, is an excellent, down to earth, common sense approach to healthy living!  If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you understand my battle with weight loss, and honestly, I had no intention of returning to any type of blogging or creating a buzz around my weight again.  That thought just gives me a stomach ache.

I stumbled across the book through a friend on Facebook, and have really enjoyed reading through it, although I must admit, I was very skeptical.  I read nearly the entire book in one day, and have found a new sense of excitement about taking hold of my health once again.

I hope to just use this blog to post any success I might have by implementing some of the recipes and advice I've gleaned from reading the book.  I'm new to the THM lifestyle, so if any THMama's come across this blog and have any tips or suggestions, please feel free to share!

This morning, I woke up excited to make the THM Pancakes that I've heard so much about!  I LOVE my carbs, so the fact that pancakes are allowed on the plan is so fantastic!

Trim Healthy Pancakes - E (I've been doing an E meal in the morning, and S meals the rest of the day)
The original recipe is found on page 223-224 in the book, Trim Healthy Mama.  To purchase the book, visit
www.trimhealthymama.com.

I adapted this recipe from the book.  I'm not entirely sure that I am allowed to post the recipe on my personal blog, so I am just going to post pictures.  I also think that you really need to read the book to understand how the plan works.  It is really very important that you understand the "E" and "S" rules of the book.  Trust me, the $35 investment is SO worth it!

I did not love the sugar free syrup, and I didn't realize it was made with Splenda until I opened it this morning.  It also had a slight after taste that I do not enjoy.  Next time, I would enjoy these yummy pancakes with just the fruit!  I can still enjoy my morning coffee with cream on this plan! This makes for one happy mama..and I hope to be a trim, healthy mama someday! ;)

404 days

FOUR HUNDRED AND FOUR DAYS have passed since my last post.
Holy Cannoli.
Speaking of cannoli's, unfortunately, I have consumed far too many recently.
So here's the low-down, and I'll keep it brief-

In 404 days, I have -

Gained 40 pounds back
Lost roughly 20 again
Gained 20 back
Lost 20 again
Oy.

My husband got a new job.
No more self employment struggles.
He went to Spain for 8 weeks.
Things were beyond stressful while my husband was touring Europe.
Taking care of my children and my elderly father in law was almost unbearable on
some days.  But, it is behind us now, and we are extremely grateful for his job.

My father in law passed away on March 10, 2013. He had been sick for quite some time
with Congestive Heart Failure.  He started a steady decline in his health about 6 months before
he passed. So many emotions were felt when he died. Sadness. Relief. Guilt that we felt relief.
Joy that he accepted Jesus as his Savior one week before passing. Thankful for his incredible
generosity even in death.

A few months ago I started having some gallbladder pain. I've had some issues in recent years but nothing like this.  I am not experiencing any severe pain, but enough discomfort that has forced me to change my eating habits. Again. For a few weeks I have been eating completely "clean" again.  Not a drop of sugar. Fruits, veggies, fish, and small amounts of whole grains is all I can tolerate. I am able to use olive oil freely, so I am very thankful for that!  My clothes are loose again, but it's strange because I literally am just trying to stay healthy.  I rarely think about cravings. I have been scared to death of high fat, sugary junk foods.
Do I dare say..hallelujah?!

Feeling great,  and it always amazes me how quickly my body responds to real food.  I have decided not to get my gallbladder removed unless I am in a life threatening situation. If I am responding so well to this diet change, it is evident that choosing the right foods will allow me to keep my gall bladder, for now anyways.

The Lord keeps reminding me of this verse-

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn your statutes.
Psalm 119:71

Sometimes a little discomfort forces change.  I have been struggling with my weight for years, and maybe this is what it's going to take for me to get serious.  Pray for me, friends.  I am feeling wonderful, but my tendency is to go strong for a little while and then the cannoli's begin to scream my name.

Pressing on..