Monday's Moments

You know the days pass and weeks pass and soon you find yourself in new season.  Summer is creeping up on me and although some things are winding down to allow for some leisure activities, I'm finding myself saddened to have closed out the season.

What happened to the winter? What happened to all the meetings, rehearsals and time running around in busy-ness?

Well, that's what happens when life happens, when my life happens.  If I don't take the time to really appreciate those around me or those moments that happen unexpectedly, then how can I really be "present"?
As we move towards a new month my intention is to be right where I am.  I need to be fully aware and instep with all the wonderful moments around me.
Here's my plan:

1. clearly define my goals and tasks
2. plan moments into my day that allow for deeps breaths and for sending love outwards
3. remind my dear hearts how much they mean to me

And last, but not least, to SMILE!

Simple?  Sure is!
Want to join me?  What would happen if you set your intentions for June?
I would love it if you could share we me.

hugs
Doll

ps  a slow paced song but beautiful and I dare you to watch it ...see you're smiling already!!

SMILE!

(cross-posted in www.bodyenlightenment.me/coaching)  Want info? Ask me.

It's the weekend!

One of the things I like to do on Saturday is plan out my calendar for the coming week.  By doing this task I'm able to enjoy the rest of the weekend without concerns about my to do list.

I like to be organized but need to allow for flexibility within the structure I set up.  Make sense?

So I "plan" free-time into each day.  Not that the time is free or that I have nothing to do but those times are when I knit, spin, exercise, talk with a friend, write personal emails or even Blog if the spirit moves me to do so.

Well, now that I've finished up with my calendar for the first week of June, I'll be off to spend time with Nick and maybe even go for a hike.

Enjoy your weekend! Be sure to fill a few moments or hours with things that make YOU feel your best!

Til again,
Doll

On the road to...

I spend way too much time trying to figure out my life and some days it seems that my life moves on without me.

This is not really a bad thing.  If my life waited for me to make some decisions I would truly be stuck.  Perhaps I already am...sort of stuck.

What I've needed is change.  Change to how I see things,  how I feel about things and what I do with my time.  These are tough choices to think about.  However, making no decision is making the choice to stay where I am.

I love this picture with the word written in the sand.  Have you ever been stuck in the sand?  Have you ever wiggled your toes so that you sunk down even further?  I remember how that feels and the further down you go the harder it is to move.  Right?

So, I've made the decision to change; to move forward with my life.

Here are some of my basic changes:

1. alter my dietary choices to include high protein, low fruit, gluten free
2. set my personal boundaries and stick to them
3. enjoy my personal time without guilt

OK, for some of you this may seem very simple but for me this is huge and life changing.

I would love to hear your ideas.  Do you struggle with change?  If so, how do you move forward?

Til again,

Doll

Tuesday's Word of the Day: CONSISTENCY (how to get there)

CONSISTENCY

or rather...the road map to consistent behaviors.

Here is my problem.  The lack of consistency.  Well, I guess the lack of it is really being consistent.

I'm talking about creating plans.  Plans for my food, physical activity, household tasks and on and on.  I spurt out of the gate and do well but at some point the energy fades, the ball stops rolling and the result is evident.

Lack of energy, weight gain and sour mood swings are what comes from not following through on a steady, consistent basis.

Is there an answer?  Gosh I hope so 'cause if not there would be no hope. 

Here's a  3  step plan of action:

1.  Create the plan 

• - build a routine into a daily calendar
• - make sure the time is realistic so that it creates success  and doesn't set yourself up for failure

2.  Engage your friends and family in your activities.  

• - make sure they understand what you are trying to do
• - give them access to your calendar so they know the plan

3.  Allow for spontaneous changes - both good and bad

• - sometimes it's just better to go with the flow and not fight what's happening

I know, we all would like a plan that's more specific.  So, here's my personal plan for fitness.



1.  I'm taking the time to look at my calendar to book times for exercise both at home and at the gym

2.  I'm letting Nick (my dear husband) know what the plan looks like so he can alter his day if needed

3.  I know that there will be detours in my plan so I have a few exercises I can manage if I can't get to the gym and some that I can do inside when the weather is chilly and wet.


Again that may simple over simplified but maybe simple is better.  Right?


Next up...planning my meals.


Do you have a plan in place today?  Would love to hear from you.

Back from a long time away.........

Yeh I know, but I am back!

Life has kept me busy and focused on other things but I know that I really need to focus on me for a while.

So...here I am once again. Seems like I pick up the pieces from time to time.  Put them down then pick them up again.

Do you ever feel that way?  I'm like that with diet programs, music, knitting projects and more.  I start one then find something that peaks my interest then move over to whatever that is at the time.

This definitely creates variety but also much CONFUSION!  It's time to get rid of the confusion.  It's time to put into action a plan that will work.

When it comes to my body and health this kind of confusion is not good.  My metabolism gets all messed up when I bounce around like that.  The bottom line is that although I'm not gaining weight I'm also not losing.


My intention:  to get to goal weight feeling full of life and energy!

To get there I need to eat lots of greens, balance all my food choices, exercise and get enough sleep.

This is a simple plan that I quite easily make difficult.  I think about it, stew about it and turn it upside down then fall back to old habits.

Are you like this?  Are you able to stay on a give program for long periods of time?  Would love to hear from you.

Enjoy your day!

Hugs
Doll

Fact vrs Problems

I know, there are many ways to look at facts and problems.  Here's my take today on my own, my current snapshot:

FACT VRS PROBLEM

FACT                                                                        PROBLEM

 I am obese                                                               I eat too much

                                                                                I exercise too little

I can change this fact but not without action.  Not without consistant, constant and current action.  It's not what I do tomorrow that will make a difference.  The actions of today, of now, will create the change to my current FACT.

So, today I can:

1. make good food choices
2. get some fresh air
3. move my body

Simple?  YES!!

Today I am filled with dedication, determination and desire!

 (also posted here: www.livingfoodsottawa.com/blog)

Raw Mom Cooked Dad!

Check out the RAW MOM
BLOG
So excited that the Raw Mom Cooked Dad program is starting tomorrow!!  It's still free to sign up!  Please join me!

Enjoying a wonderful fall day.  Packing, packing, cleaning, more packing...I'm sure you get the picture. LOL

Today I am thankful for dear friends who take time away from their family to help us more some big stuff today!

What are you thankful for today?

Hugs
Doll

Moving and releasing...

 Also posted HERE

I apologize for my absence this week.  Not totally unavoidable.  My head has been somewhere else.

We're in the process of moving AND downsizing!!  We're going from a 3 bedroom with 2 dens to a small 2 bedroom apartment with a sun-room.  We're saying good-bye to the pool, the garden and the yard and saying hello to a lower rent, lower utility cost, up-keep-free home with a smaller footprint.

Now, moving for me is not new.  I've rarely gone more that 3 years in one place.  Some moves have been out of necessity.  Others, out of desire.  This one is both.

As Nick takes things to the curb along with his *Free sign, I'm feeling sad.  A number of things we've stored over the last 3 years have been our Christmas items!  Since they've been in the basement they are now filled with mold and mildew.  That's one of my major allergies and something I cannot tolerate.  So, those items are going to the trash bin.  No one should ever deal with these things.  Once covered in mold and mildew they become somewhat toxic and I just don't feel right in sharing them with others!

So, in saying good-bye I'm releasing.  Much of the release comes in the form of stuff but also as emotion.  Some sad tears and joyful ones are being shed today and I'm sure over the next week there will be more.

Have you ever felt like this?  I don't often get fully attached to my home or my stuff but for some reason this move is harder for me.

Don't get me wrong, the new apartment is awesome.  Cute, small, bright and in a small area that is surrounded by a "summer" community.  Being on an in-land lake brings in vacationers, cottagers, campers et al.  I love it!  As with the pool I am totally drawn to the water!  It calls to me.  Whether I'm in it, on it or just looking dreamily at it, I am there.

I know this post has nothing to do with my weight loss journey but since I am releasing in other areas of my life I thought I'd share some of what's going on with me.

We're heading into Thanksgiving Weekend and I am filled with such gratefulness for the abundance in my life!  I have family, friends, work, fresh food and water and a great place to live.  Definitely a time to clear the clutter, inside and out, so that I can focus on giving back!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian family and friends!

Hugs
Doll

Sunday's thoughts

I'm taking today as a quiet and relaxing time for me.  With all the hustle and bustle of packing and getting ready to move I really just need moments to sit with my feet up.

I am definitely over-whelmed AND my desire for bread and bread products is getting stronger.

I have these questions go through my head...will one warm biscuit really hurt me?  How about just 1 piece of pizza?

Ummmmm...well of course I KNOW the right answer to those questions but am I going to listen to the answer???

This journey of mine seems to come in fits and spurts.

Raw food, vegetarian, low calorie, gluten free, dairy free, healthy fats, lots of protein etc.  I'm sure you know what I mean.

So, what is it that I really need??

A great euphonious in every box

Any one have a good answer?

Let me know your thoughts.

Enjoy the day!

hugs
Doll

Raw Mom Cooked Dad!

Join me for this great series of interviews!

Check out my new blog here:  Raw Food in Ottawa

Still here and Gluten Free

 (Posted earlier today on my new  BLOG)

Yes, I'm still here.  Since our decision to move, confirmed by putting a deposit down for the rent, my life has been somewhat of a whirl-wind of activity.  Adding cleaning and packing to my list of daily to dos seems to have stretched me just a wee bit!

First, I am now 30 DAYS GLUTEN FREE!  That's the longest I've gone without breads etc.  I'm really proud of this accomplishment and am moving forward to the next 30 days!!

One of the things I've found helpful is to plan, plan, plan!  I'm the kind of person who needs options.  When my body is yelling at me to have some bread my brain needs to click in and reach for the rice crackers!  Having those in the house has saved my gluten free goal on more than one occasion.

I'll break down the scenario for you:
1.  I'm tired (and cranky)
2.  Body says:  get me some bread
3.  Brain takes over
4.  Rice cakes, rice crackers, rice torillas come to the rescue
5.  Still tired but feel good about my choices

Scenario #2

1.  I'm upset and/or hurt
2.  Body says:  get me a bagel
3.  Brain takes over (now becoming habit)
4.  Rice cakes, rice crackers, rice torillas come to the rescue5.  Still a little upset and/or hurt but feeling great about my choices!

Scenario #3

1.  I'm really hungry
2.  Body says:  get me a sweet, rich, chocolately brownie!
3.  .....  Get the picture??

The last 30 days have certainly taught me that

• I can do this
• I am in control
• Consistency pays off in big ways!

Are you consistent in some areas of your life?  Does that work for you?  I'd love to hear your story.

Have a great day!

Consistently gluten free,
Doll

Sunday's Video Blog

Go here to see the new video post: 

http://www.livingfoodsottawa.com/blog

Hugs to all
Doll

Weekly Video Blog #3

Here's week 3 coming to you! :)


  Enjoy your week and your own journey on whatever path you are taking!

Hugs
Doll

Today's Post

My current blog post on Raw Food in Ottawa.

Hope your week has been wonderful so far!

Hugs
Doll

Weekly Video Blog #2

I made a big error in the video...oh no! My actual weight today is 245.8!!! Ok...so now it's in print. I've told the whole world. There are times in my life when being brutally honest is necessary. This is one of those moments. I'll post my measurements tomorrow.

Stacey, over at the Green Smoothie Blog, and I have been blender buddies for quite some time now. We're keeping tabs on each other and holding each other accountable to the process! Thanks Stacey!

Thanks for watching and reading. Please leave your comments. I'd love to hear from you.

Sending love to all!

Doll

Saturday's fun!

http://www.livingfoodsottawa.com/blog Follow me here :)

Friday Fun!

Here' you go: http://www.livingfoodsottawa.com/blog/

hugs to all!

A move and a change

Slowly I'm gong to be moving my blog to my new website's blog. Go here: Raw Food in Ottawa to see today's post!

Change for me sometimes happens very quickly...other times turtle slow. This move feels good. Let me know your thoughts.

hugs
Doll

Wonderful Wednesday!

....and it is!!

It's warm, windy and wonderful!

I've decided that I'll do a video on Tuesdays, to keep it new and fresh.

Progress with this kind of a lifestyle change may be slow from time to time and that's something I need to accept. Weight will melt away, inches will decrease all the while my staying power will increase.

Ok...so I need that statement in the present tense!

Weight is melting away; inches are decreasing all the while my staying power is increasing.

There, much much better! I need to see all of this as happening NOW not in some far off future!

One of the many steps I'm taking is in retreading old recipes and making them tasty, fun and raw!

This is what my raw-nola looked like when it was finished dehydrating. So yummy!!

I've always enjoyed morning cereal and have been searching for just
the right combo that would work for me and my feisty taste buds.

This along with some fresh almond milk did the trick.

If you want the recipe leave a comment on the blog and I'll send it along to you.

Wonderful Wednesday? Around me today the green garden, brilliant morning glories, and sparkling pool all put me in that wonderful space in my head!

How about you? What makes today wonderful for you?

Til tomorrow,
Doll

Day 1 - my Video Blog experiment

This is my very first video Blog. Not sure how I feel about putting myself out there like this.

The goal? To keep me accountable! This is so important! Knowing that I'm doing this each day and being totally open and honest about the process means I have to follow the plan that's before me.

So, the plan:

1. Follow a healthy eating pattern (types of food, when I eat, how I eat) Tera, my dear friend at The Raw Divas is going to keep me on task and authentic! I'll be buddy-ing up with Stacey during the 21 Day Green Smoothie Detox.

2. Get physical! With Jenn's help I know that I can become the active person that lives deep inside. (Jenn is a trainer at FLEX, at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata. She's a real sweetheart and will keep me on track!)

That's the plan in it's simplest form. I'll break it down more as we go along. Let me know your thoughts on the video.

Til tomorrow.

Hugs, light and love,

Doll