Angel's Quest 4 Health

2011-04-03T15:38:00.001-07:00

This blog is a record of my health journey from Dec 2006 - May 2010. I did not have lasting success but I learned alot of things along the way. I had deleted it but since brought it back because I think some of the content might be helpful to others. If I get the courage, I am going to start a brand new blog and when I do, I will post the link here. I basically learned a lot about whole and living foods and the raw food diet during this time. I will never be 100% raw again, but it was an amazing and life-affirming time for sure. I miss that part of it.
Thanks to everyone who commented and shared those 3 years of this old blog with me. God Bless- Angel

Good-bye, Blog

2010-05-31T00:06:00.000-07:00

I will no longer be posting on this blog.
Thanks everyone for your support in the past.

Angel
BlessedWifeNMom@gmail.com

Angel's Quest #4 - April Update

2010-04-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

Weighed in today- 361 - would have probably been less but I forgot to weigh before drinking my water! oops!! It's coming off slooowly... I'm not giving up trying...
weather has been tooooo beautiful.. I LOVE SPRING!!! We got a garden going, too and everythings doing really well I can't wait to harvest food!!! I'm glad that even though this past month has been really stressful that I still managed to lose something! PTL!

Angel's Quest #3 - March Update

2010-03-02T03:12:00.000-08:00

I am not able to make a video right now but I just wanted to do my update. My mother has been in the hospital since Friday but Praise God was finally released yesterday evening and is now recovering at home. It's been a stressful and scary few days. Updating wasn't first priority so that's why this is late.
Well, I weighed 364 which means I lost 1lb this past month BUT I made the mistake of weighing again yesterday and it showed that 1lb back. So net loss- zero. :( BUT it's been a stressful month and I am sure I could have added pounds easily so I am grateful to even stay the same. We have been eating at home more which I know has helped both our budget and to keep from gaining but we still need to improve on that.
One thing I really need to step up my effort is sugar - especially chocolate. I thought about getting the ingred to make raw brownies again and using them to replace that chocolate snack habit.
Also, I have greens, I have fruit, and I have a vitamix- WHAT is holding me back from whipping up a green smoothie?!
Goals for March-
START drinking Green Smoothies again- maybe not daily but at least once a week.
STOP running to Hershey's.
REMIND myself that even if it's healthier homemade food- I still need to watch my portions.
I will be sure to make an April video but I'm not making one for March. I'm just too beat.
Thanks for the support
Angel

Angel's Quest #2 - February Update

2010-02-06T23:18:00.000-08:00

This took me longer than I hoped to update. I apologize. It's not because I gave up. I did not. Thank you for your prayers and support for me. This past month I made some positive changes in that we joined a 2 veggie co-ops, and I actually started a healthy food buying co-op in my city called RealFoodSA. Through this team buying we are seeking to purchase healthier food in bulk or co-op to save money. Grass-fed meats, organic produce, fresh /cultured dairy, and more.. It's really exploded in just the last 4 weeks and has over 115 member families now. I'm crazy, I know. :) I just think that involving myself in this type of endeavor will also help me keep focused on healthy whole foods, too. I weighed in on Feb 1st- that info is in the video. These steps may seem small, but I am glad to say that they are steps forward. I will try to get my March update in ON March 1st instead of after. Thanks for checking on me!
Angel

Angel's Quest #1 - The Decision to Try Again (Weight Loss)

2010-01-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Angel. This has been my blog for over 3 years. I feel like I need to introduce myself because I've been away in so many ways for so long now. I'm scared for my life and somehow God has helped me to start caring again. So, here I go.

I'm Angel. I'm a wife and mom and I've been morbidly obese more than half my life. I've decided to fight for my life and my health again. No matter my struggles, I know in my heart I can't continue to neglect my health because then I won't be around to experience all the blessings my life offers. I'm saying goodbye to past failures and focusing on the new day and new hope God has given me. 2010 is the year I want to turn things around and with God's help, I will. Thank you for your support!

Highest Weight: 375
Jan 1, 2010- 369
Feb 1, 2010-
Goal for Dec 31, 2010- 299

no title

2009-08-17T23:40:00.000-07:00

there was a whole long drawn out post here and then I lost it.
I just can't type it again.

I tried.

It's been so long since I posted on my blog that I apparently forgot my password even.
Sad.

I've also lost most of my readers which is well deserved.

The highlights and joys of my life are my husband, children, family, and few close friends. The rest of me is a mess that I don't even bother looking at anymore.

I just don't have it in me right now.

I am still alive.

2009-05-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

Well, this update is way overdue. I apologize. Life just took over as it
always does around here.
I meant to update on May 1st and I have actually made several videos but
could not get them to load and still can't. I appreciate the comments
and inquiries as to where I was and how I am doing and the prayers for
me. I am sorry for not updating sooner.

Okay now.. my father had been ill and he ended up having major surgery
and long hospital stay and is now finally back and recovering at home
adjusting to life after amputation. His serious heart condition
qualifies him for hospice care at home and that has helped my mom a
little having that extra help go several days a week. After Dad's
surgery and during his rehab stay everything pretty much revolved around
taking care of him and my mom and things are beginning now to settle and
adjust now that he is back home.

I did weigh myself on May 1st and I was a little over 2 lbs less than
April 1st so at least that's less. For those that inquired, no I am no
longer 'doing' Weight Watchers. That ended at the end of March. My
sister and I meant to keep having weekly meetings but then everything
happened with my Dad and it just never happened. I am just trying not to
gain and try to stay a little more balanced. That is all I can handle
right now.
For most people school is winding down but for us, we school year round
and with all the interruptions this year - we are having to catch up
still and so life/schooling will continue with breaks in between
somewhere when it works out. Activities with our home school group
always lighten up during the summer months and so that will help with
less outside distractions.

Another big thing we've been doing is some major gardening! I love
gardening. It's really therapeutic for me. We have a combination of
raised beds and containers but I'd like to really increase the size of
our garden permanently and so that eventually at least half or more of
what we consume we grew ourselves. I'm really feel like we need to
become more self sufficient especially in these times.

Anyway, that's all for now. I'll try to post at least on the 1st of each
month or whenever I am able to. Who knows when I can get another webcam-
we'll see so for now, text posts will do the job.

Angel

HEARTFELT THANK YOU

2009-04-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

I just can't thank everyone enough that prayed for my father this
morning with his surgery.. he FELT the prayers and the they God's work
was done! A surgery that could have taken alot longer was done in less
than one hour- NO complications at all. He made it under and out of
anesthesia like a trooper. The area of the amputation has very good
circulation and they expect a quick healing because of that.
It took a long time for him to get placed in the room where he needed to
be it's called the MICU unit-- but when I finally got to see him- OH MY
GOODNESS he looked wonderful! I couldn't believe how good and refreshed
and relieved he looked! Yesterday, his color was pale and ashen looking
and now it's SO good- his face and eyes, bright- he was talking - lively
and great appetite that he made very clear to the nurses LOL He said his
pain level has gone from nearly a 10 to a "2". OH MY GOODNESS - thank
you LORD!!!! Of course, he is on heavy duty pain meds and will expect
pain at the surgical site but no where near like before. He said it
feels like he still has his leg but just minus all the pain! It was
GOD's hands on those surgeons- only God's supernatural power. Even
before they took him in- a nurse stopped in out of no where and said he
passed by and that God put it on his heart to pray for him right then
and there! Of course, my soft-hearted Dad cried as this brother in
Christ prayed fervently over him and when he was done praying- my Dad
was signing "Eres mi Dios, mi sanador.. " (You are God- my healer") and
when he was being rolled in he was singing praises to God..

From the bottom of my heart, my family thanks you all. He has a long
recovery ahead and a likely 2nd amputation in the future but we are
taking it ONE day at a time.. and TODAY was allllll for God's glory..
Thank you Lord for holding my father in your hands and continuing to
touch him and thank you for the HEALINg that is already happening!

Thank you sisters..

Angel

prayer request Surgery tomorrow

2009-04-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

My father will needs your prayers tomorrow. The infection and ulceration
he's been battling have become gangrenous and spreading rapidly. The
time for last ditch efforts and experimental stuff to help with the
improving circulation is done. Testing today confirmed that not only did
that none of that work- there is NO circulation in that leg and tomorrow
at 7:30 am diabetes will take that leg when they amputate well above the
knee. They feel the other leg isn't much better and is headed for
amputation as well but they can't do both at the same time due to the
trauma.
The doctors are very concerned about his heart and body systems being
able to take such a traumatic surgery but they have no choice. If they
don't take the leg, he could lose his life. My father has accepted what
must be done and is mostly concerned for my mother. What scares me
though is that he has asked me to go help him complete and finalize his
living will just in case he doesn't survive. He requested no life
support no measures, etc. It makes me sick just thinking about it. I'm
trying very hard to stay positive- God has brought him through so much
and I am hopeful that He will also bring him through this. That even
though his leg will be gone, he will be FREE from the suffering. I am
not allowing myself to think of any other outcome at this moment.
PLEASE remember my dad- Lupe Valdez in your prayers tomorrow at 7:30am.
I will send update through Kelly tomorrow while at the hospital. Thank you.

Angel & Family

venting

2009-03-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

Basically I'm doing awful. I had and I managed to lose my gains but then
I pretty much undid my loss again. It felt like all I did last week was
feed my flesh.. I paid for it too-- I've been feeling awful. We went on
a day trip on Sunday and it was SO hard physically that Monday I could
barely even move.. I missed my Week 11 WW meeting and was not sad about
it because I knew I had gained- didn't know how much but it felt like a
lot. Swollen, aching, fatigue, sad, stress- everything I feel when I eat
badly plus just dealing with things. When I stepped on the home scale-
it confirmed that I had a significant gain- I wouldn't have been able to
face that being written in my ww weight recorder. I only have 2 weeks
left of WW. We are trimming our budget to adjust to some new payments
and that's on the chopping block. Basically I've been paying $40 a month
since January 1st to yo-yo anyway. My sister and I are hoping to
continue to meet weekly to weigh-in as accountability for one another.
This is what I mean by yo-yo. Look at my weights since for the past 10
weeks of WW:
Week 1 363.6
Week 2 359
Week 3 354
Week 4 354
Week 5 354
Week 6 359
Week 7 365.6
Week 8 363.4
Week 9 357.6
Week 10 357.4
Week 11 - missed meeting home scale showed 8 lb gain- so like-- I would
have been 365. Great a net GAIN of +2 since joining!
Week 12 Monday March 16th who knows. SEe what I mean? That's just
pathetic! I'm paying MONEY to do this??

This week hasn't been much different so far. Officially in a funk and
disgusted that I feel that way.I feel like I paid $120 to end up heavier
than I was when I started and what's the point. I feel like I'm just
tired of fighting this and want to let it go. I can't seem to stay
focused and stay consistent with my losses at all. It's up down up down
and that's not me. I'm tired of counting this or that and it feels like
all I'm just consumed with food this and not food that and I have enough
to deal with.

For example- homeschool, the house, the budget, many different projects
I'm trying to accomplish, plus the big one- helping take care of my
parents. This has been especially hard lately. Dad's latest results show
his kidneys are definitely failing and dialysis will need to begin soon.
I will likely be the one to take him 3x/week. They are giving him 30
days to try yet another medication to see if that will help his leg
circulation last ditch effort before proceeding with surgical amputation
surgery and on top of that- inserting some sort of nerve blocker on his
back which won't take away the intense pain in his legs and back but
make him numb from feeling it. It's so hard to watch all these systems
failing in my father - it's like one wave and then when he is barely
trying to keep his head above water- here comes another wave.

Anyway- so I feel in a very 'strip myself of everything' mode but I'm
conflicted because I feel like if I could just get a handle on things
maybe it wouldn't be so hard and then I know my feelings are affected by
how bad I feel physically, too. See and I don't want to get on here and
share this mess- I want to say.. 'I lost this week- doing great--
another loss- exercise going great-- met my goal" blah blah blah not wah
wah wah.

O K

Time to stop talking!

Great website I found- CORRECT LINK! :)

2009-03-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

Do you have any used books lying around? Ones you've already enjoyed, but you're never going to read again? I did, and I finally found a great way to share them with other people!

It seems that a few guys were sitting around one night talking about all the paperback books that they purchased over the years while traveling on business. Each of them had a large stack of books that they had read, so they decided to set up a website at http://www.PaperBackSwap.com/ that allows all of us to swap books with each other.

Let me tell you how it works -- because it is so easy! I listed a bunch of books on the site (listing 10 books gets the first member in your household free credits!) and I got 2 free book credits to get started. So you can order 2 books right away - free of charge -- and have them mailed directly to you! No strings attached. No gimmicks. No spam mail. Nothing. You just have to love reading books.

When another member selects one of my books that I have listed, I mail it to them. Yes, I pay for the postage. But then I get another book credit and I can select a book that I want. So another Club Member returns the favor and mails me one of his or her books free of charge. For every book I mail out, I get another book in return - a true shared system!

When someone requests one of your books, all you have to do is print two pieces of regular paper from your printer which includes the mailing address and the recommended postage. Apply the postage, and drop it in the mail. Hey, for a typical paperback, you don't even need to go to the post office.

Right now the annual club membership is free. Eventually the founders will ask everyone to help contribute to pay for the upkeep of the web site, but for now the annual club membership is free. The annual dues will probably be between $10 and $20 based on the number of people in the club. But again, right now you don't even have to pay any dues for at least one year if you become a Member.

You really need to check this out. And if you do sign up, please use the following link: (Click on this logo in case you don't see a text link please!

:)

If you use the link above to join, I'll get a free book when you post your first ten books (and you'll still get free books for posting them!)

For more information about the site, you can visit the Help area, by clicking the link below, and select 'About PBS' to read how it works:

http://www.paperbackswap.com/help/help_index.php

Best Regards,

Angelica

Great website I found - gotta share!

2009-03-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

ANGELSQUEST #13 - WW Week 10 every lil bit counts

2009-03-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

Happy to maintain my large loss last week and lose a lil bit more! Also, discuss a few of the "balls" I'm currently juggling, an update on my Daddy (thanks for your prayers!), & my goals for this new week. Also, a question that I forgot to ask on my video- If you are a Weight Watchers member- in your honest opinion- how crucial was attending meetings to your success? Pros & Cons.. We are trimming our budget and it's possibly on the chopping block unless I can come up with $40 extra dollars a month. Anybody know what I mean? :)

ANGELSQUEST #12- Super Weigh-In WW Week 9

2009-02-24T02:00:00.000-08:00

*I am really behind on comments-- I'm sorry* Please pray for my father who is in the hospital. Thank you!*

Video Notes:
I am SO pleased with this week's weigh-in results! I made a huge effort with my food choices. I used my own version of the Simply Filling Technique by Weight Watchers. Basically I kicked it up a notch with consuming living foods / raw foods during the day and then eating a sensible regular dinner with family. I also had no fast food this week! YAY for the wallet- yay for the body! LOL I also re-started my consumption of Green Juices (why I ever stop I don't know!) - My favorite is Green Lemonade by Natalia Rose author of the Raw Food Detox Diet. (Recipe at the end). I had this every morning- lots of fresh food during the day veggies, fruits, salad, etc.. then at dinner a large salad, steamed veggie plus a sensible portion of whatever healthier cooked main dish I made for my family. THIS feels great to me!
p.s. Please pray for my father who is in the hospital.. congestive heart failure /diabetes complications.. His name is Lupe Valdez. Thank you.

Blog: http://myquest4health.blogspot.com
email: myquest4health@Gmail.com

OH! Here's the recipe for Green Lemonade: (you need a juicer for this)
1 head of romaine lettuce
few stalks of celery or kale
1 lemon (peeled if not organic)
1 cucumber ( I add this- it's not in the original recipe)
1-2 Fuji apples to taste
slice of ginger optional

YUMMO!

ANGELSQUEST #11 WW Week 8

2009-02-17T00:52:00.000-08:00

This week went better! Talk about my "re-loss" after my two weeks of gains & I'm grateful for it and making some new goals for this coming week. Tell me, are you a night eater or snacker? What helps you not to snack at night? Prayer? Forcing yourself to bed? I gotta get this one under control. It does a real number on me! Looking forward to reporting another loss next week- hopefully bigger. I really want to stay going in the right direction! Thanks for your support!

ANGELSQUEST #10- Small Victory 2 Share

2009-02-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

Sharing about my small but meaningful "victory" while at a Valentine's Day party today for the kids & about my realization about being perfect- my struggle with the "all or nothing". Also I put make-up on today which is like HUGE since I don't ever bother to (fun fun self esteem junk) and it was my first time debuting my new short 'do to my fellow homeschool mom friends. blah blah blah! I gotta eat dinner LOL byyeee!!
Thanks 4 ur support! Baby steps... baby steps.. xoxo "Bob"

ANGELSQUEST #9 WW Week 7

2009-02-11T14:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry I forgot to embed my update from Monday's meeting here on my blog. This video is from Monday night after I got home from my meeting. On my Youtube side I wrote:
"Well- to sum it up- not proud of it but had another gain. I almost used a "No Weigh In " pass that Weight Watchers offers- but decided to just face the music and weigh. I can't say the number but it was bad. ::Sigh:: BUT I did ONE good thing this week-- watch my vid and I'll tell you about how scared I am of it! LOL
Also- I did an impulsive thing after weigh-in that for ONCE didn't involve food. Woah!! Thanks for hanging in with me--- I will come around. I always do and I won't give up even if I am having a stupid streak. Even if I feel I can't go on sometimes I know I am not alone-- God is with me and so are you guys.. if you'll still have me! All "Q-Ball" and everything-- (watch the vid- you'll get that joke lol)"

ANGELSQUEST #8 WW Week 6

2009-02-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

I'm upset and disappointed in myself because instead of getting things
going in the right direction- I crashed and burned this week and had a
big gain. I'm feeling all sorts of everything low and I'm sorry to
disappoint. I feel at a loss for where to go from here...I feel like I'm
going to be like this forever and can't figure myself out. I know I
could do SO much better and my HEAD knows the "what" to do but my heart
just isn't in it. I feel like a house built on sand.. and the waves
comes in and it's gone....I don't know what happened to me I used to be
so much more than this..

ANGELSQUEST #7 WW Week 5

2009-01-27T23:22:00.000-08:00

ANGELSQUEST- I lost my voice!

2009-01-21T09:44:00.000-08:00

ANGELSQUEST - Week 4

2009-01-19T22:31:00.000-08:00

What a week! Here are my weigh in results for Week 4 of Weight Watchers. :)

YouTube Channel Subscription Invite

2009-01-15T07:02:00.000-08:00

Since my video blogs (vlogs) are an important part of my journey, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. To do so, just click on the "Subscribe" below. Thanks & God Bless!

ANGELSQUEST - Week 3 Weigh-In

2009-01-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the prayers for my mom. She may be coming home tomorrow from the hospital. It's been a high stress time with her being there and taking care of my dad. I praise God for the strength to get through this week and have a good loss as well. I'm looking forward to next week.

ANGELSQUEST - Seeing GREEN

2009-01-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

"Beet Me" Green Smoothie
1 c red grapes
1 c water
2 small carrots
1 frozen banana
2 c spinach
1/4 to 1/2 beet
1 c ice

Blend til very smooth and sip through a straw. :) It's good just be sure to wash your beet very well. LOL

ANGELSQUEST- WW Week 2

2009-01-05T20:07:00.000-08:00

I'm nervous & thinking alot

2009-01-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

Well, tonight is the WW meeting. I am not exactly sure what to expect. I know even though I joined WW on the 29th, I sorta "eased into it" and made the actual "start" day on Jan 1st so this week was a short one for me. Then, I did have a couple of times where I ate too late at night, too. I feel like I struggled a bit to count points for food I know is "healthy". Ideally, I would only eat that healthier food and in NORMAL quantities. But I tend to overeat so I feel "safer" with a limited portion but then not. LOL! Crazy I know.
Then last night I found an amazing blog that I read from start to finish and it felt like I was reading my own words and my own thoughts - it reminded me of how alive I felt eating raw. I know I've committed to a more balanced approach this time because I know my tendencies but in all honesty I can't ignore what truth I know about living foods and how good they are for me and how I really really REALLY should even if I'm 'doing' Weight Watchers, strive to increase my level of living foods a lot simply because I know I felt best when I ate that way. For now, I will continue to try and combine WW and raw-- I will be brainstorming as to how best go about it. I want to continue on WW but man, when I was doing well with Raw it was so easy and no counting points! Ok ok.. I gotta go. I made some awesome juice this morning and I'm all buzzing around because of it! I'll check in after my WW meeting tonight.

Weight & Measurements Tables

2009-01-05T02:40:00.000-08:00

PLEASE SCROLL WAY DOWN, SORRY

HIGHEST WEIGHT EVER November 27, 2008 -- 371 pounds.

Week	Weigh-In Date	Weight	+ or -	Total + or -	BMI
1	12/29/08	363.6	N/A	N/A	60.5!
2	01/05/09	359	- 4.6	- 4.6	59.7
3	01/12/08	354	- 5.0	Total - 9.4	57.1
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ANGELSQUEST- WW Week 1

2008-12-31T06:13:00.000-08:00

ANGELSQUEST- Weight Watchers INTRO

2008-12-31T04:32:00.000-08:00

1st YouTube VLOG documenting Weight Watchers Momentum Plan - INTRO

I joined Weight Watchers!

2008-12-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

Well last week I knew I had gained again (Christmas tamales!!) and I
chickened out on the scale when I really should have just weighed in and
faced it.
That being said- I have some news to share. My sister and I decided to
start Weight Watchers together. I am going over my materials and getting
the gist of the new "Momentum" program and am easing into it and plan to
go full force Jan 1st. I have a new starting weight due to weighing in
at Weight Watchers. It's up from what I had recently lost in December
(which I knew it would be- ugh) but again- I can't undo it and I Just
have to go forward AGAIN :)

New starting weight 363.6 - obviously this was fully clothed w/ tennis
shoes since I don't think the WW people would appreciate me weighing in
in my birthday suit LOL!!! So yeah, I did have another big increase-
it's crazy how easy I can gain weight- but UGH okay-- again I gotta not
look back again.

I'm definitely not used to the counting points thing again but I am
impressed with how with this new "Momentum" program there is a greater
emphasis on not only "eat whatever you want just count the points" but
rather "eat SMART" with a greater emphasis on whole, filling foods- plus
there's even an option of using something called the "Simply Filling
Method" where you don't have to count the points if the choices are on
the Filling Foods list- you only count the foods that are not on that
list. Hmm. I gotta figure that out.

I will find my best way to work the program to work best for me but I'm
excited to have a buddy to go to meetings with and the accountability of
actually attending a meeting in person and taking that hour once a week
just for my health because I'm worth it! My sister and I seem to be the
biggest gals there but I'm determined that we will also be the ones with
the biggest losses in 2009!

Please pray I can get the hang of this new program and kick butt on it!
My meetings/weigh-ins will be on Monday nights.

Merry Christmas! - Special Video-

2008-12-25T00:19:00.000-08:00

I'm so honored to share a snippet of our Christmas Eve family gathering. We had great fellowship, yummy food, lots of laughs and most importantly special PRAISE & WORSHIP remembering the REASON for this SEASON-- Thank you Almighty God for your ULTIMATE GIFT- Jesus!

I hope y'all have a wonderful & blessed Christmas!

p.s. only the first short song is in Spanish- then Daddy broke out his English :)

Friday Check-In (Late)

2008-12-21T02:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I didn't do so hot this past week. I didn't make the best choices
in response to stress of everything that's going on with my Dad. That's
an excuse, but I am just being honest. Obviously I didn't meet my goals
I set last week either. Argh! Due to those poor choices- my swelling is
increased- it's amazing how much better eating helps it and the opposite
exacerbates it. Of course that would be the case. Still- my weigh in
showed me up 5lbs. I know it's not all real gain since I'm bloated and
swollen (salty, processed, yuck food) but still it's at least maybe half
real. I'm happy it wasn't more.
Okay.. well I'm going to keep plugging along and get those 5 back off
and hopefully more this coming week.

Goals for new week:
* Quiet time
* Have Fresh Juice or Smoothie at LEAST 5 out of 7 days.

Father Update- pls pray

2008-12-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

I ask to please say an extra prayer for my Dad today. As most of you
know, he is participating in these experimental drug study (last resort)
that is supposed to help "grow" veins in an effort to save him from what
he faces amputation (legs) due to blocked arteries. Today he had a check
up to get a first chance to see if the drug (IF he's in the 50% that are
actually GETTING it at all since it's a study) was helping at all. The
results were not good. They saw no new growth of veins (they do a test
in his eyes that would indicate so if the drug was working). Instead of
finding what they hoped, they found another problem. He has bleeding now
in his eyes in the backs of his eyes and some glaucoma. This was very
hard for my Dad to take. It broke my heart, too. He's doing this study
to try to HELP to give him a last chance of not losing his legs but he's
getting worse. I don't know if he's just not getting the drug or if he's
getting it and it's just not working yet but he is no longer able to
walk more than a few steps. His legs are numb, cold, and severly painful
all at the same time. He has started using a wheelchair (manual one) to
get around but it's cumbersome and we are so afraid he will overexert
himself and his pacemaker will jolt him because he has to manually push
the wheels. He's very frustrated. We are looking for an electric scooter
for him, now but will need to make changes to the house to accomodate
but at least it would lift his spirits to be able to get around still.
The other day when we were over there helping decorate their tree, I
pushed his wheelchair toward the kitchen table for him and asked if he
was okay and he said "Yes, mija I'm fine- I'll sit right here. Acqui las
miro nomas, porque ya no puedo hacer nada" (I'll just sit right here and
watch you all since I can't do anything anymore." That broke my heart
because I know how hard and how sad it makes him feel to feel so helpless.
If this drug doesn't start working or doing something soon, he will face
amputation and now, diabetes is attacking his vision on top of it all.

I'm sorry this is so long-- I just feel so sad and I wish I could see
where God's going with this... I don't understand why such a humble
servant- a man who loves the Lord so much- has to suffer this way. I
wish the Lord would make a miracle.. that this won't all be in vain
doing this study only to slowly watch his legs die and lose them anyway
and now his sight, too.

Please pray for him. Lupe Valdez. Thank you.

Angel

Weigh-In GOOD! :)

2008-12-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

I did journal since Tuesday but haven't been able to post! I've been
doing fine though I haven't had as much juice or smoothies as I should
have. With my bumps over the weekend, my only goal was to maintain my
loss from last week but I am very happy to report that
I weighed in this morning not only with maintain my loss but I lost FIVE
more pounds!! Wooo Hooo!
Dec 1- 366.6
Dec 5- 355
Dec 12- 350

That is progress! Praise the Lord! I want to keep going down. I'm
excited because I see how it's already helping my lymphedema swelling
get better. My body is slowly beginning to clean and clear itself out
and as I continue to eat better quality food- it will help that along.

Goals for new week:
* Quiet time
* Have Fresh Juice or Smoothie at LEAST 5 out of 7 days.
* Increase water to 110oz daily
* Exercise 10 minutes at least 3 times this week
* Continue to phase out "whites" consumption for whole family.

Catching Up & My Anniversary

2008-12-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Had a busy weekend- had to catch up here. After my "fast food victory"
on Saturday- I was humbled yet again when I messed up with a late night
eating episode. Wasn't hungry- just wanted to eat. Just shows this is a
process. Also, I haven't had any fresh juice the past 3 days and I feel
a difference from not having it. For me, greens seem to cut cravings.
So- anyway- here are Sunday & Monday's journals even though they aren't
pretty. I'm really gonna try and have some juice today. I haven't felt
as good as I felt last week in 3 days so I need to remember what I'm
doing and why I'm doing it. I need to pick which DAY is going to be my
"free" day - not make it a "relaxed weekend". Obviously that doesn't
work well. Considering my sloppy choices over the past 3 days- my only
goal regarding weight this week is to maintain last week's loss. Today
is my 13yr marriage anniversary. I thank God for my husband. He's a good
man.

Sunday Dec 7th
1st thing: glass of lemon water
Breakfast: 4 homemade whole-grain biscuits w/ butter & homemade jelly -
way too good.
Snack: grapes
Lunch: pbj (organic pb, homemade jelly, whole grain bread) 1 c organic milk
Snack: holiday green tea w/ honey, grapefruit
Dinner: 1/4 chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes, sweet tea,
serving of pan cooked chicken breast with onion & pepper

Monday Dec 8th
1st thing: 24oz lemon water
Breakfast: chicken breast wrap (diced chicken breast/onion/pepper/non
condiments) 2 corn torts
Lunch: 2 grilled cheese sandwich- whole grain bread, 2 % cheese,- I
didn't need two
Snack: grapefruit
Dinner: green salad w/ cuke & carrot lil dressing, 1 c steamed green
beans & broccoli,
serving whole grain spaghetti w/ chicken breast "meat sauce"
Later: cheerios w/ organic milk
Water: 64oz
Exercise: none today
Supps: none

HJ Day 6 - Fast Food "Victory"?

2008-12-07T00:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday Dec 6th
1st thing: glass of lemon water
Breakfast: grapefruit
Snack: grapes
Lunch: "veggie"tuna (minced celery,
carrots, plus tuna & my homemade mayo) sandwich & "natural" corn chips
Snack: orange
Dinner: We had Church's. I DIDN't GO OVERBOARD, Yay me!
I had: 1 drumstick, 1 corn on the cob, some mashed potatoes, 1 c of ddp

Some might wonder how I could call this "fast food meal" a VICTORY. Well
that's because when we have gotten Church's in the past, this was my usual:
3 pieces of chicken (plus one later at night)
2 biscuits
lots of fries
2 big servings mashed potatoes
Large Pepsi

THAT's why I do count this meal as PROGRESS. I prayed that I would stay in
control and now allow the food to become my idol. I ate what I served myself
and did not go back for more. I am not going to be extreme and guilt myself
up over things- that never helps me be consistent. When I do that, I start
to feel rebellious and whiny against my own too many self-imposed rules
then go overboard and binge and I DON'T WANT THAT.

I'd rather enjoy a normal portion albeit fast food meal with no stress
and under God's control and grace than get caught up "I-can't-have-it-so
-I-really-really-want-it-now-feed- my- flesh scarfing
frenzy. And that's all she wrote. :)

Snack: a taste of some homemade grape jelly I made.

Water: 104oz
Exercise: 5 minutes
Supps: none

HJ Day 5 - Weigh-In

2008-12-05T21:33:00.000-08:00

Today was a SUPER long day and I am exhausted and ready for bed but I
wanted to get on here and just share an update. I hadn't designated by
weekly weigh-in day yet and so I decided it would be Fridays (after not
being able to resist getting on the scale this morning) LOL
So- I am pleased with the results so far and even though I know some of
this is probably water weight, too I still don't mind the "whoosh"
downward.
On Monday morning Dec 1st I weighed 366.6
On Friday morning Dec 5th, I weighed 355.0

So, 11.6 lbs. Not bad for 5 days. I also decided to have a "free" day
which I picked today LOL! I know.. that's probably not good and it looks
like I "rewarded" myself with food but actually I didn't. I think I
still showed restraint even if my dinner choice wasn't ideal.
There's just this little mom & pop burger place in my neighborhood that
makes just THE most amazing "home" type burgers and they have a really
cheap "family special" for $12 on Fridays! LOL I ate only half the fries
& onion rings I would normally, I removed half the bun (next time I can
replace with a homemade bread or whole grain bun), I used my own
homemade mayo (no high fructose corn syrup or hydrongenated oils!), and
I had one serving of diet Dr Pepper.. so c'mon - I'm calling that PROGRESS!

I'm probably rationalizing but OK- only *I* can do this and I need to do
it in a way that I can be consistent. If one more "relaxed" is going to
help me stay more firm the rest of the week then so be it for now. :) I
gotta keep it real, people!

Friday 12/5

1st thing: 28oz water w/ fresh lemon juice
Breakfast: 24 oz fresh juice ( small head green leaf lettuce, spinach,
string beans, celery, carrot, orange, lemon)
Snack: 2 grapefruit yum!
Lunch: 1 carne taco (corn tortilla), sm bowl menudo w/ corn tortilla
didnt eat all- too spicy, coffee
Snack: 1 grapefruit
Dinner: 1 home style burger w/ homemade mayo, fries, few onion rings.
diet dr pepper
Snack: 1 grapefruit (these are so good!)

Water: 50oz I ran out of time today.
Exercise: 10 minutes gentle walking
Supps: none

Hope Journal Day 4

2008-12-04T22:01:00.000-08:00

Today I didn't have much of an appetite and decided maybe I'd just have
a very light eating day to give my system a rest. More than half of my
water intake was water w/ fresh lemon juice squeezed into it. It feels
very balancing to drink that first thing in the morning. Today I did not
have fresh juice because we are out of juicing veggies and I did find
myself craving it- that is good. The lymph system is in charge of
"taking out the trash" and toxins out of our bodies and I am trying to
help it along by eating things that I know are more cleansing and will
not contribute to the lymphatic overload that caused me to get to this
point. I know I won't always have "pristine" choices, but I know I
definitely have to make better ones. Drinking the veggie juices helps to
cleanse out the toxins in the body- especially greens- and that is a
good thing. I realize it's only been 3 days of this but I can honestly
say I already am feeling a difference. I see a lower amount of swelling
in my legs though they do still swell. I have noticed more regularity. I
have noticed a little more energy and I have noticed a change in my
outlook- more positive. These are all very good things. I think that to
help keep detoxing and cleansing that I will try my best to incorporate
a veggie/fruit day or all raw day at least one day a week. I don't want
to get drastic of course- I want to keep this all about balance but
still I know that would be very beneficial for my body and if I'm
serious about giving this my best effort- I know beyond a shadow of a
doubt how good fresh living foods are for my body. So, that is something
I am seriously considering.

"Light Day"
1st thing: 32oz lemon water
Breakfast: Banana
Lunch: orange
Dinner: plate lightly steamed brocolli w/ celtic salt & lil butter
Snacks: several cups of diced watermelon

Water: 100oz
Exercise: 5min
Supps: ran out - need 2 buy more

Hope Journal Day 3

2008-12-04T00:53:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 12/3

1st thing:32oz lemon water w/ acv
Breakfast: 24oz fresh juice (1 head green leaf, 1 1/2 sm lemons, 2 carrots,
4 celery stalks, handful string beans, handful purple grapes)
Snack: orange, banana
Lunch: egg & cheese scramble w/ corn tortillas taste of sweet sour
chicken meal (kids ate the rest)
Snack: orange
Dinner: bowl of bean/turkey/veggie chili (w/added fiber from the juice)
& cornbread
Snack: light yogurt

Water: 100oz
Exercise: none today
Supps: Bee Pollen, Garlic, Chromium, Inositol

Hope Journal Day 2

2008-12-02T23:45:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 12/2
1st thing: 32oz pure water w/ juice of 1/2 large lemon, 1/8t cayenne,
1/8 t cinnamon, 1 t raw honey
mid-morn: 32oz fresh juice (green lettuce, celery, cucumber, string bean,
lemon, grape, carrot)
L: turkey breast wrap in a corn tortilla- no condiments
S: green salad w/ tom, cuke, avocado, evoo & lemon, some diced cantalope
& grapes,
some corn chips, 1 pc raw apple pie, 1 apple
D: turkey breast wraps in corn tortillas (2), lil gravy, tastes of
stuffing,
some diet dr pepper (I know- not good- but I'm bein' honest here!Goodbye
thanksgiving! LOL)
1 orange

Water: 108oz
Exercise: 5 minutes
Supps: Bee Pollen, Garlic, Chromium, Inositol

Hope Journal: Day 1

2008-12-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

I apologize for such a long post yesterday about my "New Hope" but I had
to get everything I was thinking and feeling out and it helped me to
"talk things through" myself as well. Thanks for reading it if you did.
I decided I would try my best to journal my food this week as a form of
accountability to this new hope, new plan, renewed commitment. So, I know
each day wont' be perfect but I'm going to try at least. Yesterday - my
day 1 I actually felt strong when I served myself smaller portion at
dinner. I didn't have the bread roll. I had my water instead of sweet
tea. Little things- but it felt good.
I had no late night eating and I even went to bed much earlier! (granted
I was in bed by midnight but didn't fall asleep til about 1:30 but still
LOL)
My DH even seemed excited because he knew I'd gotten to THE POINT where
I had made a decision and I wasn't going to be wishy washy about it
anymore. Not saying I'll be perfect mind you, but just enough playing
around when my life is at stake. Something is just different now. What
an incentive I tell you though when I woke up this morning and I saw the
swelling in my legs had decreased more than I've seen in a while. Praise
the LORD! It makes me want to stay strong and focused on my efforts. I
know it will take hard work.. but this is my second chance and I refuse
to mess that up!

anyway, my journal:

Monday 12/1:
1st thing: 32oz pure water w/ juice of 1/2 large lemon & 1 t ACV
Breakfast: 32oz fresh juice (carrot, cucumber, green pepper, spinach,
ginger)
Mid-Morn: 32oz Green Smoothie (grapes, spinach, 2 bananas,
1 t chia seeds,+ 16oz juice (carrot, celery, string
beans), water
Lunch: Skinless turkey wrap w/ lettuce leaves - no condiments
Snack: 1/2 very large grapefruit from our own tree!
Dinner: whole grain spaghetti w/ meat sauce, 1 c fresh steamed
green beans with a sprinkle of sea salt & light butter

Water: 100oz
Exercise: 6 minutes- that's all I could handle to start.
Supps: Bee Pollen, Garlic, Chromium, Inositol
Rat Patrol (late night eating)- none
Sleep- mid-night

A New HOPE - Prayers Please!

2008-12-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

Please, PLEASE pray for me. I have to do this--- there is no other
option especially at such a critical turning point in my health. God
Bless you if you read all the way through!

This weekend brought some big realizations and new directions for me.
I've concluded after much research that the abnormal painful chronic
swelling I've developed on my legs the past few months is a condition
called "lymph edema <http://tinyurl.com/5wtdcc>" . I need to be under a
doctor's care asap and I have finally gotten an appointment to see a new
doctor on Dec 15th. Her name is Dr. Zeba Gill- please pray she will be
knowledgeable about LE, will act quickly, and be a good fit for me.
Basically, LE is an "abnormal swelling of the tissues with stagnant, and
protein-rich lymph fluid. This condition occurs when the lymphatic
system has either failed to develop properly or has been damaged."
Here's a good link to learn more that helped me: http://tinyurl.com/5wtdcc
LE requires prompt treatment since it's a progressive condition. Part of
the treatment is something called Complete Decongestive Therapy
<http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/17/> The three primary
components of this treatment are manual lymph drainage, the use of
compression techniques, and teaching the patient self-management
procedures that are to be performed at home between professional visits.
Here's the full link:
http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/17/

Our very own Lisa is trained to do lymphatic drainage massage and I was
so blessed by an appointment I had with her yesterday. She explained how
the massage helps move the lymph fluid and taught Alfie how to do it at
home. I'm glad I pushed through my fear because I felt such relief from
the pain. I've been so worried with all I've learned about LE and how
quickly it can progress without treatment but Lisa said it looks like
I'm in the early stages of it and because it responded well to the
massage, that its treatable and possibly even reversible! It will take
aggressive treatment on different levels, but there is HOPE! If you
visit the website and see the people in the later stages with
elephantiasis looking limbs and immobile disabled- you will see why this
gives me hope. I don't want to end up like that.

I feel like I've been given a second chance at getting my health under
control and I don't want to miss the opportunity again. I've been half
hearted and neglectful for far too long and THIS is where it's gotten
me- with my high sugar reading and now developing LE and this just has
to be the breaking point for me. The point where I break free from it
all and start on the road to going in the RIGHT direction instead of
continuing the wrong one.

When I talked to my mom yesterday she
reminded me of these passages of scripture since it's so easy to
believe and "know" the truth but we MUST do OUR PART.

Faith and Deeds
 "14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but
has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister
is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I
wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his
physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself,
if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
and verse 23: "22You see that his faith and his actions were working
together, and his faith was made complete by what he did."

So, that's what I'm doing.I'm going to do my part and take ACTION.

So, that's what I'm doing.

I have written down a plan of action that I can do on my part since
nutrition and weight loss plays a big role in successful treatment of LE
and overall health improvement of course. I am just staring over again.
I know there will be bumps and hiccups in the road, but I am determined
to just push through them and STAY ON the road.

This post has been long enough- but if y'all would humor me here are the
basics of my notes I've written down. These notes are my "ideal" but I'm
going to try hard to take it one step at a time and not fall into my
"extremes" tendency. But I DO have to make big changes and quickly- too
much is at stake and I refuse to let another chance pass me by and for
things to get worse. I'm just saying NO already!

STARTING WEIGHT: 366 LBS ::cringe::
December Goal: To help begin to reverse my LE, lose 5% body weight which
would be 18lbs.

Drink at least 1pt of fresh homemade juice & 1 pt of green smoothie
3-5x/week.
Restart herbal supplements that help with my particular ailments adding
in ones for lymphatic.
Restart other helpful health supplements - cod liver oil, cinnamon,
apple cider vinegar.
Start making & consuming Kombucha and Kefir again.
Improve body cleansing, omegas, & protein by adding ground flax and/or
chia gel to my smoothies.
No eating after 9pm except for produce- later no eating after 9 at all.
Getting to bed before mid-night.

PREFERRED FOODS:
all whole natural foods in closest to God made form such as unlimited
fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh fruit and veggie juices, steamed
veggies, natural/organic lean meats, organic preferably raw or cultured
dairy, whole grains, whole grain & sprouted bread products, natural
sweeteners, good unrefined fats, water

FOODs to Limit or AVOID:
Fast food, fried foods, junk & processed foods, foods with white flour
and white sugar, refined sweeteners, high sodium, other toxins.

WATER & EXERCISE:
Drink 100oz pure water daily.
Exercise (walking or other) 5-10 minutes daily at first then increase.
Look into water aerobics as best kind of exercise in treating LE.

THANK YOU FOR READING, LOVING ME, SUPPORTING ME, AND PRAYING FOR ME! i
NEED IT!

Thanksgiving - Family Praise

2008-11-28T00:26:00.000-08:00

This image should be a playable video--! I really hope this shows up!

During our family Thanksgiving- we gathered to sing praise to the Lord-- old spanish worship songs.. singing main is my big sister and of course, my sweet Daddy is playing guitar-- tears flowing the whole time because the spirit moves him so.. and me-- next to my Dad there for a bit. My daughter sits in front of me and my younger sister is in the foreground, too. You can also see my mom to my right in black. This video is SO precious to me.. I don't want this captured moment to be the last time I get to sing with my father...

a new fear - possibly

2008-11-24T00:22:00.000-08:00

Busy weekend.
Weight is the same but at least it's not up which is still a positive in
my book.
Sister is recovering well from the surgery. Dad had his first injection
for the experimental study drug (50% real /50% placebo) that may help
his vascular disease problems. I pray he will be in teh 50% that get it
and it helps in miraculous ways. He's in a lot of pain.
I have not found a doctor yet- almost but that location didn't work out.
Still trying. Hope to find one female doc and guy doc for DH so we can
both get whole thorough check-ups plus a dental appt as well. It's long
overdue. In addition the swelling in my lower legs, I have noticed that
same pressure type swelling in my lower arms and that is not a good
thing. To top it all off- Tonight while over at parents home I was
fixing my dad's glucose machine etc and decided to test
myself (I am not diabetic but was dx with strong insulin resistance
precursor to diabetes all related to the PCOS) and when I've checked
before it's always been normal or even a little below normal despite my
insulin resistance problems and hypoglycemic episodes..
the number on the machine was 181. I have never ever seen this number. I
am hoping that it was because I had eaten but what I had eaten was
protein rich.. but still.. it had been over an hour later..
I didn't check it again before leaving I should have.. seeing such a
number was really scary to me and I am now hoping that when I do see a
my new doctor that I have not finally crossed the line from pre-diabetes
over to real diabetes. This disease has killed all 4 of my
grandparents, 7 out of 11 aunts and uncles on my mothers side have it, 4
out of 6 in my father's side have it, I've seen it ravage my father and
older sister.. and yet despite all that-- now I may be next because I
can't put the spoon down. It's like I'm watching myself fall apart.

I know nothing is imposible with God-- but how ,, really.. I mean .. in
physical step by steps terms how does one break this battle and addiction??
Where does it really end? Does anyone else ever feel like they are in a
real prison? a trap? I know Im' the heaviest gal here.. but now it's
just getting ridiculous..
I'm posting a Week 8 check-in and what has changed in me? Not much!
Other than I'm posting about it..
What is it going to take for me to stop killing myself?

I know I probably sound crazy, Im' sorry.. just.. man..
this is what I don't get.. I don't understand how I could have had made
so much progress and then undid it all in a 7 months.. I still don't
understand why.
I hate that this is the biggest failure in my life.. one I can't seem to
overcome longterm no matter how hard I try..

Am I the only one that feels this way?

testing

2008-11-23T03:30:00.000-08:00

testing email to blog capability

Week	Weigh-In Date	Weight	+ or -	Total + or -	BMI
#	#/#/##	###	+/- ##	Total +/- ###	##
#	#/#/##	###	+/- ##	Total +/- ###	##
#	#/#/##	###	+/- ##	Total +/- ###	##
#	#/#/##	###	+/- ##	Total +/- ###	##
#	#/#/##	###	+/- ##	Total +/- ###	##
#	#/#/##	###	+/- ##	Total +/- ###	##
#	#/#/##	###	+/- ##	Total +/- ###	##
#	#/#/##	###	+/- ##	Total +/- ###	##
#	#/#/##	###	+/- ##	Total +/- ###	##
#	#/#/##	###	+/- ##	Total +/- ###	##
#	#/#/##	###	+/- ##	Total +/- ###	##

Week 8 Check-In

2008-11-23T03:17:00.000-08:00

Finally got hit with the cold that's been teasing me since last week. I feel pretty cruddy. Weight is the same. At least it didn't go up. Not a huge victory I know but better than nothing.
Sisters surgery went well. Dad started the experimental drug study. I hope he's in the 50% that get the real treatment and that it HELPS quickly.

Week 7 Check-In

2008-11-16T00:20:00.000-08:00

Another week came and went! Wow. So much happened this week. After doing some internet research, I'm pretty convinced that what I've got going on in my legs swelling is called "lymph edema" combined with just regular swelling from having uncontrolled hypertension. I know I really need to go see a doctor. I haven't seen a doctor of any kind in gosh.. almost 2 years. Now that we have some sort of health insurance even though it's an HSA- I need to make that a priority to make an appointment for BOTH me and DH to see a new physician for a complete check-up PLUS a dental one, too.
My weight fluctuated this week due to the swelling and all that stuff. This morning though I was back at 354- still. ::Sigh:: Well, you know- you can't keep on doing the same thing and expecting a different result-I know this very well.
We are back to having just one vehicle. This is hard. I remembered how hard when we took the bus to run an errand to the bank. We need to try as hard as we can to save up enough money to buy a used van as soon as possible. Big need. Funny- but on top of
having only one car again- dh's car starter went out! BUT- God provided in that we
found a family friend parts guy who had one for less than half what it would have cost at the auto store and my awesome and talented DH was able to install it and the car runs- no more push starting the car! God is good.
I was looking in my natural treatments books and I realize that lymph congestion is deeply rooted in nutritional deficiencies and toxic build-up in the body due to poor diet. If I don't want my legs ending up grossly disfigured (I already having Grade 1-2 pitting edema and hardening & darkening of the back of my calf skin!!- gross!), then I need to start getting some real nutrients in me again.
I just don't understand what stops me and what I am so afraid of. Living? Thriving? Feeling better? the happiness and improved mood from eating clean? ::sarcasm:: Oh no! We can't let THAT happen!!!
Baby steps-- baby steps.. again..
I will try every day this coming week to eat some fresh food in the form of either a salad, fresh fruit or veggies, a smoothie, or juice.. anyone of those ways.. something -- every day. I pray it makes a difference.

Week 6 Check-In

2008-11-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

I was finally able to weigh-in again at the grocery store scale that you sit in to get your blood pressure and other health tests. I don't know why I thought I had lost something but nope. Still at 354. I'm just stuck. Stuck. Stuck. Eating and stuck and I feel like I don't care and it's too hard to overcome. I need to care.
My father's condition has gotten worse again- his vein is blocked again. He's in a lot of pain. He's trying to get into a medical study that has a 50/50 shot of helping him. If not, he faces amputation.
I'm behind in our schedule a little and that is making me nervous. I need to shake that rebellion off and do nip that in the bud this week.
I just feel like I'm walking around in a swollen fog. Literally, I am swollen in my legs- too. This edema has been bad now for a few months and physical activity is of course harder. I know I wanted to do all natural treatments for my conditions but since I'm not doing those- I need to see a doctor. My blood pressure is probably way out of control and I'm in denial.
I don't know who keeps pressing fast forward on time but here we are another Monday coming--. I remember when I used to just sit right up and get right up outta bed feeling with vigor and energy. I miss that. I wonder if I can ever get back there.

Week 5 Check-In

2008-11-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

My heart just isn't into this. I know it should be but it's not. I did fairly okay during the week but the weekend not so good. I really don't like not being able to weigh myself at home. It's such a chore to have to find a scale at a store or somewhere. I tried my scale, but it said "Error2" which of course still means over the scale limit.
Also, another depressing thing- I tried this website called MyShape or something like that and you like enter all this info and it gives you personal recommendations on the types of clothes that best "flatter" you..like a personal shopper thing and get this I spent like over an hour measuring myself an dputting it tons of info on all my body measurements etc.. and finally it was ready.. guess how many recommendations I got?

3!

1 for slippers
1 for a one size fits all tarp moo-moo looking thing
1 for a "wrap" non size specific

oh and a whole page of ACCESSORIES

yeah.. so I can go around naked or in a moo moo but at least I'll have lots of jewerly on..

It was almost as depressing as going shopping. I don't know how many times I've gone and picked out clothes I thought would fit only to find nothing fit or fits right and I just end up crying in the try on room and leaving everything behind.

I can't believe it's November. Tomorrow Monday.. another week.. there is so much to do.

Week 4 Check-In

2008-10-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

This week we ate at home all week and I tried not to eat as much. I did exercise but only one time. (better than nothing? nah I could have done more). I did go to weigh at the store and I was hopeful because it "felt" like I had lost something but the scale was obviously wrong because it had me at like 30lbs less than I was last week SO hmph! I will have to weigh next Saturday instead at another place that hopefully the scale is working!

I just wanted to take a moment to share a
praise and thanks to God. A family member who was diagnosed with cervical cancer is making good progress and my father is finally beginning to heal better from thos incisions that were infected. Praise the Lord!

That being said, I enjoy browsing on YouTube for praise and worship
videos.. and I found this one that really touched my heart.
touches my heart and I found this one tonight called THANK YOU by
Yolanda Adams and interpreted by Samuel Franklin.. it has sound but the
ASL interpretation is just.. so anointed in my opinion.. and I've spent
a good time just now crying and thanking the Lord for saving my soul-
PERIOD. It's amazing to think-- really it all comes down to when we
deserved it the least, He loved us enough to save us..that is so huge..
period. Ugh! I'm all teary!!

Here it is. I hope it shows up:

Week 3 Check In

2008-10-20T02:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel like I'm not making much progress and a little stuck but I said I would update and so here I am. I actually was not able to get to the store to weight myself this weekend so I do not know a number for Week 3's weigh in. I actually am feeling like I want to weight every 4 weeks or like at the end of each month at least until I am able to use my home scale to weigh again. Right now I am too high for my home scale, still. So, maybe that is what I will do-- weigh on week 4, week 8, etc.
This week went by pretty fast- it seems I am putting all most of my attentions on our new homeschooling schedule which is a good thing. I have been worried about my father who is fighting an infection in his legs from his surgical incisions. I feel for the most part socially withdrawn again. I wish I did feel differently but I do not.
I feel like it takes so much to do more than one thing at once. This week at a park event I ended up on a sort of hike with the kids and I really felt so incredibly unable to keep up. I was exhausted to the point of feeling dizzy and nauseated. I sometimes feel so shocked at how much I a missing out on the physical part of their lives. I see the effects of my habits beginning to manifest in them- bellies and faces beginning to look a little too round and that really terrifies me. I do not want them to endure what I have gone through pretty much my whole life.
That should stir me to more action.

Another week is coming.. tomorrow Monday.. I need to make better choices this week and see some progress. I did clear off my treadmill and it's ready if I choose to step on it. All I can think of is that nature walk and how it wiped me out. I have to move though. This is a prison and every day I feel like I am losing one more "priviledge". I am going to try harder to reach my goal of losing 8-10lbs for the month of October. If I plan to make my 2yr goal - that is what I will need to lose each month.

I have to start looking at it in smaller increments. Thinking of losing 206lbs has me completely deflated from the get-go.

test post

2008-10-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

Psalms 147:3

Week 2 Check-In

2008-10-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Starting Weight: 9/27/08 - 356
Week #1 Weigh-In 10/4/08 - 348 -8
Week #2 Weigh-In 10/12/08 - 354 +6 :/
Loss This Week: 0
Total Net Loss: 2lbs

Well, this week started better, but ended pretty badly. Due to stress, I made some pretty horrible choices mid-end of the week. I did. (Obviously). The things that caused me alot of stress this week were: #1 my father has been fighting an infection from one of his incisions that looked very bad and caused him to be bed ridden #2 Our pet bunny Chocolate died. I am NOT saying those are excuses, but I am being honest that those two things caused extra stress this week and I did not handle that stress well.

So, that's about it. My goals for Week 3 are to stop going to food for comfort and making horrible choices with food at that and to drink much more water.

My ancient webcam also does not seem to be working anymore and so I am not able to put up a Video Blog. I planned to make one that covered both Week 1 and 2 weigh-ins. :/ I hope to get a new webcam as soon as possible.

ANGELS QUEST - YouTube Intro

2008-10-07T01:38:00.000-07:00

Week 1 Check-In

2008-10-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

*I promise my weekly check-ins won't be this long usually- I will really try to keep them shorter. Thanks for reading.*

FINAL Starting Weight: September 27, 2008 - 356lbs
Week #1 Weigh-In 10/4/08 - 348

Loss This Week: 8lbs
Total Loss so Far: 8lbs
Left to Lose to hit Goal #1 (10% of SW): 28lbs
Left to Lose for Final Goal: 198 lbs.

This is a late first "check-in" since I decided my check-ins would be on Saturdays. This first week since my shocker weigh in last week has been interesting. I didn't make any "radical" changes and I do feel very strongly that I don't want to make any big dramatic decisions about what I'm doing because that always seems to backfire on me. Like I said before, my only goals are slow and steady progress not obsessive perfection. I am not going to get all wrapped up in restricting this or that- I want to stay calm and balanced and focused with flexibility so that I can stay the course for the long haul.
Keep in mind that I went back 100% to the way I used to eat which is NOT pretty and it's also hard to reign in after you get back into it BUT I know that step by step, just like that little turtle if I keep going- I will eventually get there. It's humbling because you realize how strong your food issues and addictions are when this happens because even if you KNOW how to eat better you still don't. It has taught me that one can never pass judgment on another person for the food choices/lifestyles they make. I will admit, when I was doing "so great" many months ago- I sometimes thought critically of others in my family for the choices they made when my goodness- I AM NO ONE TO TALK. Ending up back here beyond square one has humbled me and I never want to have those thoughts again. This journey is hard enough as it is.
Small things I did this past week that I feel are steps in the right direction are: choosing a diet soda instead of a real one (like I said, baby steps), choosing water to drink, tried to get outside more often and made a conscious effort to eat at home more.
It's not perfect but it's more than I was doing and I have to start somewhere. I talked to DH tonight and he is supporting me in this "150 by 35th birthday" 2yr plan. I told him this time I have to stay focused, good times and bad, and push through all the way until I reach my goal and he said he thinks I can do it and that he believes in me. That means alot so much to me. I know he's seen me try and fall short so many times in the past 14years, as many of you all have as well, but I am so grateful he doesn't give up on me like I almost did on myself.

My goals that for my Week 2 that I ask the Lord to bless and help me with are:
*try to drink at least 1 qt of water each day
*to reincorporate more fresh vegetables (like salad) as much as possible
*if I have any soda, make it diet at least
*stay balanced and focused but able to keep this part of my life in its proper place

I'll check in for Week 2 on October 11th and every week if that's okay with everyone.

Thanks for the support. I'm sick of feeling sick! I'm looking forward to finally starting to feel better again.

Angel

RE-Introduction & New Goals

2008-10-06T02:17:00.000-07:00

I’m Angel. I’m a 33 year old wife and mom of 3 great kids and I’ve been morbidly obese for over 20 years. Like many other obese people, I’ve had periods in my life where I lose some weight with this plan or that but lasting successful weight loss I’ve yet to attain. I learned the most from my most recent attempt at getting healthy regarding true nutrition and what healthy eating means for me. I did things I never thought I’d do in the health arena during that time and I was happy. Of course, those benefits do not last if one fails to make those changes permanent and to be honest- for whatever reason or excuse I gave up and went back to my old patterns. For the past six months, I allowed myself to go back to every unhealthy eating / behavior pattern from which I worked so hard to break free and there is really no good excuse for it. The consequences are that I have landed myself right back to where I began, actually WORSE. I’m not proud of it, but that is the truth.

BUT- today has to be a new day. I’m not looking back anymore. Yes, where I have gotten myself to is bad, but I know in my heart of hearts that nothing is impossible with God and that I CAN beat this once and for all. I have the Lord’s strength to fight this and I’ve decided I have to fight for my life.

I am still praying about what “plan” or “way of eating” or what exactly I need to do but for this first month- I am just going to try to focus on cutting out the obviously bad for me stuff and little baby steps to turning things around. My goal is “balance” and keeping things in perspective. My desire is to be able to accomplish more than ONE thing successfully at a time. (at minimum homeschooling plus staying alive) Slow and steady wins the race.

I will weigh weekly- every Saturday most likely and I have not decided for sure if I will document my journey on YouTube this time around. That feels a little scary for me, because of how it went last time and my walking away. If I decide to, then I will try to post a video weekly.

Starting Weight: 356

Goal #1 – 10% of Starting Weight (35lbs) = 320 lbs.

Weight Loss Monthly Goal = 8-10lbs per month.

Long-term Goal Weight: 150lbs and healthy BMI

I would like to weigh 150lbs by my 35^th birthday June 9, 2010.

I plan to take photos and measurements monthly and post them on here on my blog.

Thanks for your support and for letting me begin anew. I have to do this once and for all.

I Want to Live...

2008-10-06T01:19:00.000-07:00

Hello.

I’m Angel and if anyone still reads this old blog- I want to tell you that I’m wiping my slate clean and starting all over again with my health goals. I have no choice. I have finally hit the dangerous wall of reality where I can no longer keep my head in the sand ignoring my health; no matter the reason. I’m sick and tired and I feel like I’m dying. So, here I am again.. Lord, help me. I don’t know the specifics or the plan or program or whatever but I just know that I can’t keep ignoring my health or I will not be ALIVE to ignore my health much longer. I knew I have been steadily gaining weight the past six months since giving up on my health focus, but I never imagined I would have gained back every pound I had lost plus more.

This is VERY painful to admit but I have to do it- On Saturday, September 27, 2008, I stepped on a grocery store scale and got the shock of my life. Not only had I gained every single pound I ever lost but 4 more. My weight that day was 356 lbs- the most I’ve ever weighed in my entire life. I just sat there mortified, shocked, and ashamed at what I had allowed to myself to do. I’m killing myself- slowly when I have everything in the world and more to live for if I would just make the choice to LIVE. I'm letting go of the the shame I feel and choosing to walk ahead in the forgiveness and grace God has given me. I take full responsibility for getting to this point in my life. I’ve decided I’m just NOT going out like that. So, Lord help me- really LORD HELP ME.. here I go again. As terrifying as it is to "put myself out there" again I KNOW that I need the accountability and support that it brings. I am going to make every effort to focus on steady PROGRESS not fall into the trap of obsessive perfection. I want to go slow and steady and I'm not giving up until I reach my goal. Thanks for reading.

~Angel

My Changing Quest 4 Health

2008-07-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

If you are here for the first time or visiting because you found a link on my now inactive "GloriouslyRaw" page, thank you for coming. I know I said I would not delete that blog and I sort of didn't- I just transferred the majority if its content to this new address.
This was my how my blog originally began as a general "MyQuest4Health" and I feel better knowing that when the time is right and I am able to focus more on my health again- I can do it in a place that allows me to be the real me- which from what I can tell so far, is a person who would like to be HEALTHY above all- but do it in a balanced variety of ways including both raw/living foods and high quality whole cooked foods and appreciating God's GRACE in both choices.

I have decided not to delete past postings since so much of it holds alot of learning experiences and emotional documentation of my life but please know that this blog has evolved over time and will continue to. From its beginning in December 2006 you will see many "phases" and challenges and successes to crash and burns and changes of plans and that will continue even if the focus is no longer being only a Raw Foodist. Also, FYI- none of the GloriouslyRaw YouTube Video Blogs will work since that account no longer. I will remove those links as time permits.

Thanks for visiting and I pray that the time comes soon when I can get back to focusing on my health in more important and successful ways. Deep down inside, the desire of my heart is still to achieve thriving health and overcome morbid obesity.

God Bless- Angel
MyQuest4Health@gmail.com

Official Blog Hiatus

2008-07-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

Due to internet access limitations and for other personal reasons, this blog is now officially on HIATUS. I will not delete it in case there is some info here that might be helpful to others in their health goals.
Thank you for all of your support along my path. I am not sure when/if I will return to posting regularly again. Right now, I need to take care of other things.

May God Bless You all with happiness and Blessed Health Always and thanks for all of your support and prayers. I am very grateful.

Angel

Little Moment

2008-05-15T00:36:00.000-07:00

This isn't very important at all, but I just wanted to share that today I had a little nice moment with the family today. When we moved to our home 3 years ago, we planted 5 fruit trees. (Peach, orange, lemon, apple, grapefruit) They were small and have taken time to do much. We have about 10 lemons, 2 grapefruit, 3 oranges, 10 apples, and most exciting about 20 peaches on our baby trees..
We spent time outside today and admired our little trees. We found the 3 largest peaches that smelled ripe and ready and we couldn't wait - God certainly knows how to make his food appealing! We carefully picked them, washed them a little, and then slice and bit into them.

Oh

My

Goodness.

They were the most delicious peaches I've ever tasted in my entire life. They smelled incredibly sweet, when we bit, they were dripping juicy, the flesh was orangy red and perfectly firm but soft enough to melt in your mouth sweet--. the kids kept saying how delicious they were and we wished more were ready for picking. I did too.
Alfie got to enjoy some too since he is off this week with us on a much needed vacation days even though we aren't traveling anywhere.

It was just a really nice blessing of a moment out there near our lil peach tree eating freshly picked God made peaches and I thank God for today.

Thank You

2008-05-09T01:48:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that I have not yet been able to reply to everyone who has replied to my ramblings. I have read and appreciated every message, supportive or not, and I want you all to know that I really , from the bottom of my heart thank you for the caring, support, encouragement and prayers that you all have taken the time to send my way. I was embarrassed that I sent out my message because it's hard to admit having moments like that but GOD knows why I needed to get that out at that time.
Today, even though not much has changed in the situations- I felt just a tiny bit little lighter in my heart- like I could feel those prayers. I thank the Lord for that and for surrounding me with genuine people who remind me that I am loved - no matter how I am- happy or sad- "crazy" or not. That is so reassuring to me. Mostly, today even in my continued quietness and being still- I was blessed to read the following scriptures from God's word:

“He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

“The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.” (Psalm 145:9)

“Who is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:17-18)

“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know thy name put their trust in thee, for thou, O Lord, has not forsaken those who seek thee.” (Psalm 9:9-10)

I was also blessed by watching this video sent by a dear friend. Thank you.
I hope it blesses and touches you as much as it did me. I could not, literaly could not stop crying when I watched this and I felt the Lord near me-- as I cried-- I thank Him because He never leaves me- even if I stray-- or "lose myself"-- He is always there holding me tight. I have to hold on to that and put my eyes not on the obstacles and "rains" pouring down on me or before me and darkness but on His face- and His glory and His light..His beauty. I have to.

Weary or not, I can't give up on this fight.

Where I am for what it's worth.

2008-05-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

I don’t know how many times I’ve started and then deleted a post within the past 2 weeks. There is a part of me that just doesn’t have the nerve, drive, energy, desire to “put it all out there” and then another part that is so tired, lonely, afraid, overwhelmed, scared, needy and wanting so much to be heard and supported and loved. How can both of those parts exist simultaneously? I think I’m sick of both of those parts of me altogether.

Have you ever gone so far off your intended plan that it seems completely insurmountable to come back and for things to ever be right again? To say I am struggling is putting it mildly- but really it hasn’t been a struggle when it comes down to it- it’s just been a conscious series of bad choices for whatever pathetic not-good-enough reasons. I am still dealing with a lot of personal outside issues that I can’t seem to get a handle on that are affecting every area of my life, yes. But reason enough to let it unravel me? Probably not. Still, it is what it is.

Something in me just- feels like it’s gone. It’s a sad thing. It’s like when a boxer just keeps on going and going and they keep getting beat up .. then finally they are broken and just give up the fight and lay there.

I haven’t posted because I don’t like the person I’ve allowed myself to become and I didn’t want to be “that” person- the kind you read about who whines about the struggle, knows the tools to get out of it, but continues to play in the slop by choice. Plus, I would be lying if I said that that I wasn’t hurt by some of the feedback I have received regarding ending my Raw 50 Challenge. Maybe I just really am the person I was told I was and just making excuses to fail.

In all honesty, I’m tired of the fight. I’m tired of thinking all the time what am I going to eat or drink or do or be- I’m just trying to survive. I’m angry that people can go around eating whatever their hearts desire and are fine and thin and happy and seemingly fine. But yet, every morsel and piece of what I consume must be monitored in some way form shape or other. It’s not fair. I’m sick of it and I’m tired of it.

I have no idea how much I’ve gained but I know it’s not a little. I can feel that much. And I don’t want to face it either. I feel an overwhelmingly feeling of blah, and hopelessness. I feel… spent.

WHY come on here and post this? This is depressing! This is why I haven’t posted.

You know and some childish way I wanted to wait it out and see if I would c’mon now and snap back and then come post when I was out of the pit and doing better. I’ve had days where I actually DO do a little better, but then step back in the slop. If I wait til I’m all better, then doesn’t look like I’ll be posting anytime soon.

I wish I could explain and say and let go of all that is in my mind and in my heart that is weighing on me and burdening me to the point of collapse, but I just can’t. It won’t help anything. This is not a good example of a servant of Christ- happy and joyful and free. It’s a shame.

Honestly, I just want to be alone. I want to be quiet. I want to breathe. I don’t want to think, feel, or plan.

I can’t remember the last time I felt this low. As mean as it sounds, I can’t be anyone’s inspiration, helper, hope, supporter, cheerleader, encourager right now. I’m struggling to get through each day that just rolls over to itself and the days keep on going and I still don’t do what I need to do- always behind, always lacking, always short, always struggling and yet time just doesn’t slow down. I’m tired of doing this and that for everyone else and having to decide every single details of everything and carrying everything on me. I’m tired of my act and trying to be something that I obviously am not. I just want to be still and cry if I need to and not be ON ON ON ON ON ON all the damn time.

Sometimes I even feel tired of the calling God has placed in my life as a wife and mother and teacher. To admit that… TERRIFIES and saddens me further. I want so much to be free and unburdened and out from under everything that binds and weighs down on me so heavily. I feel like I have no means of escape. All I feel is pressure, pressure, pressure, and disappointment that I fall short at every hand.

What kind of person is this? How can I be SO ungrateful for the blessing of being in the position that I am in to be the one who gets to raise and teach and grow up so closely with my children, with a husband that adores me, is a hard working provider and just all the blessings around me? How can I be that sick to still feel so sad, empty, and blank inside. It's pathetic and it makes me angry that I feel that in the first place.

So, I'm to the end here. Send or delete. Send or delete.

This is why it's better to keep these things to myself. Talk about the good, the bad, the UGLY.

My Thoughts & Me Being REAL

2008-04-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

My Blog – My Thoughts – Me Being Real

Out of concern for me, a good friend wrote and asked me what caused me to change course in my plan. I know that I shared some of that in my previous YouTube video, but I didn’t really go into detail because I felt like most people may not understand. I feel like I am at a place now where I can share on my blog now the gist of what I shared with her.

When I made my 100% Raw commitment in March, I felt it was a true leading of the spirit for me. I felt like I had no choice at all to do it- it was what the Lord was putting in my heart and what He would use to break me of some things that I hadn’t really surrendered to Him completely before. I needed to be brought under the control of the Spirit big time.

This time with this “Raw 50” Challenge, I feel like I wanted it to be just like my Raw March, but if I’m honest truly it was just not the same right from the get go. I made the decision more from my own will and didn’t REALLY pray about it enough. I was more motivated by winning the new challenge competition that was going on with my HealthyMoms group than I was by being “called” by the Lord to do 100% Raw again. Sadly, I wasn’t seeking Him daily and committing it to Him like I had in March and it began to show very quickly in various ways.

I felt like things became very unbalanced and out of proper order and I saw it affect my family negatively. I have always struggled to keep my priorities in what I feel is proper order (God, husband, children, extended family) and I realized that things were really not where they should be. Because I was needing like this SUPER focus to stay 100% Raw (since I wasn’t really relying on the Lord to do it right), it seemed like I cared more about preparing raw this or that than making sure my husband had lunch or clean uniforms or even homeschooling the way I should be. I realized how self absorbed I’d become and how obsessed with being/staying 100%- almost like idolatry or something. It was me, me, me, what am I going to prepare, what am I going to eat today, tonight, tomorrow. I was cooking family dinner less and less because I didn’t want the temptation of being in the kitchen and then when I bothered to make dinner I wasn’t sitting at the table with them with my raw stuff for the same reason. My husband, after a long day of hard work, should NOT have to come home and still make dinner for him and the kids just because his wife is so obsessed with staying out of and away from the temptation of the kitchen. This is selfish and ridiculous and just not right.

Plus since I’m being honest, the pressure I felt this time around due to everything ELSE going on around me (family/ homeschool group stuff/ financial stresses) became unbearable and the feelings of isolation and separation from my family just became too much for me to ignore. Perhaps there are other Raw Foodists who are super-duper perfect and can just handle it all but not me- not then.

It was NOT this way during my Raw March and I knew that something had to change.

So, I prayed about it and decided that I needed to reformulate and adjust my plan to be done in a way that it would bring peace, healing, cohesiveness, and proper order to me and my family. I am learning that there are so many approaches to the Raw Food lifestyle and what may work for some, doesn’t work for others and so forth. For me, I know that I have to work this in a way that is doable for not JUST me, but for my entire family.

I have absolutely no doubt that the Raw Food Lifestyle is the optimal way for a person to achieve the best of health. I will always believe that and that is also why I will be a Raw Foodist for life. I may not be a 100% Raw or Vegan and that’s fine with me. I’m not in this to please and agree with everyone and I don’t expect everyone to agree with me either.

The only one I have to answer to is my Lord. I feel at peace with my decision to be High-Raw for life. I may have periods of 100% Raw, Juice Feasting, or other Challenges as the Lord leads me, but goal I will strive for- for both me and my family will be to gain health and abundant life from consuming as much of God’s living/natural food as possible and to live in His abounding grace daily. If I do that, I know I will reach my health goals in God’s perfect time.

Thank you for letting me be ME and for your support...Angel

p.s.

I still plan to send an occasional Journal if I get a chance and here’s today’s if you made it this far!

On Tuesday April 22^nd I had:

Strawberry/Banana/Hemp Seed Salad

Green Smoothie (lots of spinach, 3 oranges, 2 banana, lil young coconut water & its meat)

Watermelon/Grape Salad with fresh lime juice & sea salt

Large Salad (romaine/spinach/raddichio/carrot/cucumber/tomato) bv dressing

Lightly steamed, buttered & salted broccoli

One homemade organic bean & cheese burrito (100% Sprouted Grain Tortilla, homemade organic pinto beans, raw cheese, shredded greens, tomato, guacamole)

Water: 100oz

Exercise: 30min treadmill = 1 mile

Change of Plan - Need Support

2008-04-20T01:50:00.000-07:00

For those that can't watch my vids- basically I've said that I have decided at this time that I need to change plans from doing this 50-Day 100% Raw Challenge back to eating High-Raw (meaning 70%-100% Raw daily) as a lifestyle and I am fine with this decision for right now. I may do another "Challenge" in the future, but it's not happening right now. I ask for your support in my decision and your prayers. Thank you.

Angel

Raw50- Day 5 My treadmill tried to kill me LOL

2008-04-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

day 5
going from memory here...

cantaloupe, grapes, grapefruit, date/nut balls, 3 honkin big delish raw tacos , bananas, i dont remember what else but i stayed 100% raw of course
Water: 72oz
Exercise; 30 min on the treadmill that almost killed me LOL
Physical- legs wobby and head pounding from the treadmill-- i even hit 3.5mph! crazy woman!

Raw 50 Day 3 & 4

2008-04-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

day 4
3 cants (throughout the day)
1/3 watermelon
32 oz Green Smoothie (spinach, grapes almonds/banana/water)
some germinated almonds
some dates
cucumber tomato saladwith oil/vin
1 grapefruit
1 banana
4 or 5 mexican flax crackers w/ sunflower seed "cheddar" dip
Water: 64oz
Emotional/Spiritual- feeling more content- starting to feel balanced
Physical- headache way down.. thank God really! but fighting a little "cold" cough/congestion thing

Day 3
cantaloupe
bananas, handful cashews/almonds/ and dates
handful grapes
cantaloupe
some watermelon, cucumber w/ lemon
1 large zucchni, sliced, seasoned and warmed
cantaloupe
Water: 64oz
Emotional/Spiritual:
Physical: off

Raw50- Day 2 Menu & Tweak

2008-04-12T23:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks for prayers for my migraine. It has lessened a bit. Still lingering but better.
I realized today that I kind of don't have enough produce for 1 quart of EACH Green Smoothie and Fresh Juice EVERY SINGLE day LOL and there may be weeks where our $ situation fluctuates and so that is another factor. So I have to make a small tweak- I am going to aim for at least 1 gallon combined of Green Smoothie / Fresh Juices per week. If we have more produce (money!) that week, it will be more - if not then I will aim for at LEAST the minimum of 1 gal. I believe that any fresh juices and green smoothies I get into my system daily will be beneficial.. but at the time of my vlog commitment I hadn't quite calculated the money that would require! LOL Hello- Angel!!! It's okay- it's all good!

Day 2
32oz Green Smoothie (1/2 lb spinach/banana/strawberry/water)
32oz Everything Juice (kale/chard/romaine/celery/tomato/carrot/lemon/apple/grapefruit)
handful cashews - few honey dates
2 cantaloupes, bit of watermelon
2 Raw Tacos (butter crunch lettuce, walnut "taco" meat, avocado, cherry toms, raw cheese)
bunch of broccoli florets, some corn off the cob seasoned and warmed
Exercise: OFF (recovering from yesterday's walk! wow!)
Emotional: a little nervous but confident making better choices
Physical: legs hurt from walk, and today battled a MIGRAINE level headache.. finally lightened up about 1hr ago..

Prayer Request

2008-04-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am not sitting for long here due to the pain but I am asking for prayers.
I have a very severe bad headache/migraine.
I know - it's nothing compared to the rest of the world and other problems but it's very painful. I've been pretty much out of commission today with it.. only laying down in a darker quiet room.. It feels like a combination sugar/caffeine PLUS train-hit-me- detox sort of headache.
I must push through this - because I know I will begin to feel much better day 3 or 4.

But , MAN does this hurt..

;(

Raw50 - Day 1

2008-04-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's kind of weird to start from number "1" again being that I had gone 26 days straight then had my little 10-day insanity hiatus LOL But OH WELL! Okay!! I will try to post my daily - daily but it might be every two days as I have lots of busy-stuff coming up these next 7 weeks.. either way though there is no worry- it will be 100% Raw- just might get 2 journals at a time. :)

April 11th - Day 1:
2 large apples
1 c baby carrots
few cashews
48oz SUPER Green Smoothie (1/2 lb spinach/banana/strawberry/water)
32oz Everything Juice (kale/chard/romaine/celery/tomato/carrot/lemon/apple/grapefruit)
1/2 regular size watermelon
Water: 64oz
Exercise: 60min track walk
Bible: yes
Emotions: excited, relieved, little nervous but mostly excited, hopeful
Physical: beginnings of caffeine/sugar/ junk headache

The Raw 50 - by ME!

2008-04-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

For anyone who can't see my vids, I don't have the text to this one.. (sorry) but here is the jist of my message:

King James Bible
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Provers 26:11
To sum it up. I'm sick of being a vomit-eating dog! Done with the wishy washy mess and I'm refocused and BACK to where I need to be for the next 50 days. This is the plan I've committed to the Lord:

Daily bible reading. I will only consume fresh vegetables and fruits, their fresh juices, raw nuts & seeds, sprouted grains, & flash steamed vegetables on occasion (2-3minutes max- to break down tougher fibers- so still mostly raw just warmed) and only if I feel the need. I will eat as much raw food as I need to satisfy my hunger and stop when I am full. I will eat to FUEL my body and not to FILL a hole. I will eat out of NEED not out of greed. I will drink a minimum of 1 gallon each of green smoothies and fresh juices per week. (Actually aiming for 32oz/day of each but am allowing for money fluctuations for produce etc.) I will exercise for 5hrs a week - preferably walking to begin with but this may change as the challenge continues. I will not consume any refined sugar, soda, fast food, processed food, junk food, or cooked food for the duration of this challenge. I will not weigh myself until the end of this challenge and actually I would prefer to weight myself AT the HealthyMoms Meeting on June 3rd to see the final result! We'll see!

Please if you remember, pray for me. Thank you!

I'm back - DOWN but not OUT!

2008-04-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

For those with a connection unable to view vids, here is the TEXT of my video from today.. pretty much sums it up-- needless to say my "reformulating" backfired on me LOL Ah well.. I guess I needed to be reminded of that lesson again.
I have not and WILL NOT weigh until May 1st which is good because I need to do damage control. Not funny I know but true!

Talk soon.
Angel

Oh.. yeah my video's TEXT:

"Hi everybody, This is Angel..
::Sigh:: Okay.. wow.. here I am..
Um... if you guys know me, you can usually tell by my face alone.. how I am doing.. Can you tell??? ::disgusted face:::
::Big Sigh::
I'm not doing well. I'm feeling very digusted and disapointed in myself. Um.. I'm not feeling pity or sorry for myself AT ALL I just feel disgusted. Um.. I my last video I think was when I checked in after ocmpleting my 25-day 100% raw March.. I was feeling great and I said that I was going to be uhh continue to stay strictly high raw and be cautious and careful and I WAS.. for about 2 days. and I'm NOT proud of that! It kind of slowly but surely unraveled for me. ::cough:: April 1st I was 100% Raw, 4/2 I was high raw.. 4/3 I was pretty high raw.. and since 4 days ago I have been barely raw! Everyting just unravaled and that's it and here i am..feeling sick feeling sad , feeling mad, feelign disgusted, feeling defeated but I KNOW IM NOT and so sick of it!
I'm so sick of FOOD! You know, just I got frustrated and I said to myself I have to find balance I have to find a middle ground I have to find something that I can do in the long term BLAH BLAH BLAH for the rest of my life and when really- even though that's a good thing to do-- in MY case though I knew in my heart I was just giving myself permission to seek out those things that I had missed eating.
How brutally honest is that?!
ON some level I said, you know I was planning to have those things. And yes I've been under stress and incredibly busy week and I have personal things going on that are requiring alot of my attention and you know, to be honest - I know people can go through those type of things and still focus on eating right.. and I know I've done it too-- even when I was 100% Raw I went through some really stressful situations and I was able to cope. The TRUTH is of the matter is that I CHOSE not to focus on eating well. And , even though I've not been 100% cooked.. I would say 'I've eaten more cooked food in the past 4-5 days than I have in a long time and it just-- that first day that I was high-raw even then I could feel the slighted effect.. I woke up with back pain. more groggy.. well if you can imagine that was only having little cooked food in one day compared to all day raw.. and the past 4 days have been VERY high cooked and then not the best choices either. You can imagine how I feel.. I feel LIKE CRAP to be honest!! I feel stuffy, congested, heavy, bloated, swollen, my head hurts, my back hurts um..I'm ::chuck in disbelief: I know it's not funny but I can't believe how bad I feel! And Um.. I know its from the food - it's from the type of food.. I mean, these are not LIFE GIVING things!! and my goodness are these things NOT life giving and I'm just you know.. I know Satan would LOVE to beat me down and say "You always do this, this is SO you- Here you go again- failing.. blah blah blah" but you know what?
I dont want to listen to any of that!!
I'm NOT going to sit here and cry and say "Oh why is this is so hard for me.. why do I always have to do this.. why why why..." I mean, I MADE A CHOICE! I've made horrendous choices in the past 4 days and now I'm paying for it- simple as that! And in order to get this turned around, I have to start making better choices and my first better choice was to own up to it and make a video and let everyone know what the heck's goin on with me.. because this is ME.. this is who I am and that's it.. I'm gonna have highs and I'm gonna have lows.. and yeah this was a skidded out low.. but you know, it is what it is.. and I gotta move on. So, just letting you guys know that that's what's up!
I'm not giving up. I'm not bowing out. I'm not runing away. Im here. And I've no intention of ending my journey. This is part of it. I'm regrouping and I'm gonna get back up. I'm not ready to say I will be 100% Raw again, but I do know that I need to stop eating crap! LOL So,hey that's a start, right?? Okay gusy, thanks for listening! I'll talk to you guys later!!"

WILL BE OFFLINE- be back soon

2008-04-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

I will be offline for the next few days to possibly a week.

We are finally getting to work on finishing the final room in our spring cleaning- it's been half started while we worked on the rest of the house- so this weekend we will finally finish our study/schoolroom. I can't believe how much longer this has taken than I originally thought but here we are.. so
everything will likely be disconnecting soon since it's one of those "gut the room" type cleanings.
PLUS- I'll be honest- I feel like I need a little "disconnect" myself- it's so easy to spend way too much time on the computer - plus I am feeling overwhelmed with alot of other responsibilities (non-health related) and feel like I need to just have some peace.

Re: I've continued to eat high-raw- still feel cautious but feeling like experimenting with some things. I feel like I am rethinking/reformulating things. I'm considering making some minor adjustments to my plan- but just thinking about it right now - not making any decisions. Thinking about exercise, long-term stuff, bunch of things. I just feel real strongly that this certainly is a personal issue that everyone has to find their own way in.. what works best for them. All a learning process. I sound wishy washy but I dont' want to get into talking about it when I'm still not sure myself. Lots of God food is a definite though, no worries there. :)

Anyway- It's been a really long day and I have a headache.. and it's about time to disconnect so I just wanted to let y'all know what was up and where I will be for the next few days! Don't worry - I 'll be back! :)

God Bless,
Angel

God is SO good - What I'm Learning

2008-04-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry for a late check-in! Do y'all mind that I check in every night? Is it too much e-mail?
:)
ANYWAY, I wanted to talk about something kind of strange but good that I noticed.
Y'all know that I decided after my Raw March that I was going to eat as the Lord lead me to on that particular day (ideally, striving for 100% or Very High Raw most days - with any cooked being WHOLE, natural food) and that definitely not to eat from the wrong reasons- to stay under God's control and honor God with my choices etc etc. Okay- well I am at peace with that decision thus far.
I continued to stay 100% Raw on April 1st even after commitment was over- but yesterday April 2- ended up being my first High Raw day instead of 100%. I didn't journal since I was very busy yesterday but I had my regular yummo raw food alll day fruits/juices/veggies/nuts. During my evening meal though on my salad I had some steamed veggie, some beans, & even some (not tons!) grilled meat (gasp!! LOL) I was like, "okay, Lord- this is a new one for me again - help me to stay under YOUR control"
what I notice is that I am VERY hesitant to eat when it comes to eating cooked again. It's almost like there is a fear.. well.. no.. maybe a strong feeling of CAUTION when I am approaching it.
I know I said that I think food issues (compulsive overeating, emotional eating) can be present no matter how a person eats either Raw or Cooked- but I definitely think the tendency is A LOT higher if it's cooked.
The taste experience is neat because let's be frank there just ARE some flavors I missed from certain cooked foods. LOL BUT, I was reminded that I must be very careful when it comes to what kind of cooked I eat and the amounts. Where with Raw Foods, I feel "safe"-with cooked it's like I don't trust myself all the way. I don't want to eat in a way that will dishonor God- in excess, compulsively, out of emotions, etc.. and I see that FOR ME, that's something than can easily happen with certain cooked foods. Yesterday for example - DON"T WORRY I didn't "lose it" but I didn't HAVE to have the meat- I was full with the beans and steamed veg on my salad. I recognized that I had that because I WANTED to and I ENJOYED the flavor not because I was hungry. Thank you Lord for showing helping me to discern and admit that.

So- see I Praise the Lord y'all for that experience -- it is taught me a lesson that this journey is never ending - God's work in me has continuing. NO ONE is ever "fixed" and finish and all healthy and perfect.. and DEFINITELY not me since I have such a long way to go!

After I had that, I was waiting for some like stomach issues or bathroom issues or some sort of "reaction" and I actually felt fine.That is until this morning! This morning, I woke up with some back pain which I am attributing to the meat I had. So- yeah I'm learning those important lessons. IF I have cooked, I will focus on the steamed veggies or beans part and keep meat to a minimum. Lesson learned.

What amuses me is that I found myself craving more fresh food and when I had some bananas/raisin/germinated almond bowl I was like YES!! Raw Food.. oh man that is SO GOOD!! LOL!! isn't that crazy! And now this morning, I can't wait to have my cantaloupe when my hunger comes. I am happy because even though I was High Raw yesterday instead of 100%, I do NOT feel like it derailed me and spun me out of control. I feel like God has helped me me to get balanced, learn what works and doesn't work for me, stay focused, and if anything affirmed how much I love to eat simple, fresh foods that make me feel ALIVE! HE is SO good!!!

So, my journey to eat as God leads continues- one day at a time- and for His Glory! Guess I picked a good name for my blog! LOL
Thanks for listening!

100% Raw March Complete!- What Now?? :)

2008-04-02T02:59:00.000-07:00

For those that are unable to watch my videos due to a slower connection, I just basically said that I was grateful to complete my 25-day 100% Raw Commttment that I made to GOD- that I felt the need to continue to eat as the Lord leads- either100% Raw or Very High Raw- within the boundaries of hunger and fullness-- eating for nutrition and fuel not for recreation or out of emotion.. all the while staying under God's self control.. and peace.. I am not focusing on how many days XX challenge or whatever.. but more on just honoring God with my body and my choices whether they are 100% Raw or tiny amt of whole cooked.. just eating w/ peace and for the right reasons and in accordance with His word and His leading in my heart.. I believe He will honor that- very much so.

On Tuesday April 1st I had:
20oz carrot/celery/apple/grape juice w/ flax seed oil
2 bananas
handful germinated almonds
HealthyMoms Meeting- cucumber/cherry tomato salad w/ onions and evoo and lemon YUMMMO!,
zucchini's slices marinated w/ sun dried tomato and spices, fermented cabbage (taste), fresh fruit salad w/ agave & cinnamon, 1 sl raw apple pie (incredible!!!),
1 cantaloupe
Water: 32oz

Here are a couple of photos to see God's work in progress in my life. THANK YOU LORD!

First, at my heaviest or more-- 352++ lbs

Around 315 for this first pic.. then the rest are from today april 1st at 296 down 56lbs total PTL

Today April 1st 2008- 296lbs

Thank you for your continued work in me!!!

All the honor, glory, and praise goes to YOU!

Monthly Weigh In- WOW!!!

2008-04-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

April 1st begins my MONTHLY weigh-ins on the 1st of each month.
Today I weighed 296 (AFTER EATING!!!) can you believe that??!!!

So - wow.. looks like my total loss for that 25-day 100% Raw Committment was 15 lbs!! Total of 56lbs gone since my highest weight!

Praise the Lord! Thank you Jesus!!!!

I'm off for a HealthyMoms Meeting... I hope to make a vlog tonight to discuss what I've decided to do..

THANKS for the support!!!!!

Angel

DAy 25 100% - last day

2008-04-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last day of my 25-day 100% Raw Committment. PTL I made it!!!

HEre's what I had though I diidn't keep track very well.. busy day!!

I'll post again later!!

3/31
100% Raw but I dont remember what I had!! LOL
couple bananas, apple, 20oz of Carrot/celery/apple/grape juice
plate of yummy fresh fruit- grapes, mango, canteloupe, orange, 1 sl of raw banan cream pie from alissa cohen's book..
water: 32oz

Day 24- Cleaning & Stuff

2008-03-31T00:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, I kind of didn't journal today but don't worry I stayed 100% Raw! :)
I've been trying to figure out what I ate today but I'm sure I'm forgetting something!!!
Cantaloups, apples, bananas, granola, couple raw crackers.. we are very low on greens so I have to get to the store soon..I honestly don't remember what else I had!!

Got more house stuff done-- this has really turned into a maranthon.. but I am determined to not stop until it's ALL done. Did work in my bedroom closets, purged my twin boys' closets and drawers PLUS purged daughter's draewrs and closet too and rearranged her room and even put 3 photos up!! AND a curtain!!

I know I probably sound insane.. but if y'all know me- you know I'm not a decorator by the furthest stretch of the imagination.. we've been at this new home for just a little over 3 years now and I have YET to PAINT anything or make anyting really our "own". I've been waiting to put up photos until we paint nad we never painted!! Sad.. So anyway- daughter's room looks much better.. but you know, it always seems you make more of a mess when youare "organizing" so it's still needs work! I don't care how long it takes though even if we have to work on it less or just aa couple hours a day instead of all day.. Im getting this puppy done!!

What else..
tomrrow is the last "official" day of my 25 - day 100% Raw Committment...I have mixed feelings.. still not sure what I will do but I know what I'm leaning towards.. So,I'll chat about that tomorrrow!

Have a great week y'all!
xoxo
Angel

Day 23 - What a difference 2 days make!

2008-03-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

The scale did not get taken away again by my wonderful DH and soooooo.. yes people I got back on the scale this Saturday morning March 29th. I was FLOORED to see what it said though! THREE times I got off and on and still the same- it said 298!! When just 2 days ago on Thursday morning it said 301!! Can you believe that!!??
I was THRILLED!! LOL
Yes, yes,I know I said I wouldn't weigh til April 1st but ugh I just had to.. Christine- I did not tell the Lord I wouldn't weigh- just that I would eat raw LOL which I AM! But yes okay.. I have to stay off I know I know !!
But it was GOOD!! So at least this time, it was QUITE motivating for me that I got on because not only did I see I was under 300 but TWO lbs under three and where as before the lowest I had gotten was 299.
Now, my next goal is to hit 292 which is THE lowest I had gotten to last year before I totally fell off trackand went bonkers with regaining. 292 or less is UNCHARTED territory - I haven't been less than that in many years. So I'm EXCITED!!!! Just 7 lbs to go and I'll be in that new land LOL

So okay.... today was a beautiful but overcast and stormy day.. PTL for his provision.. can't beat natural watering for the garden! I got more cleaning done- this time our bedroom. It still needs a few more things (like my closet!!oh noooo! ) but it feels MUCH better in there already. I'm determined to keep with it until we are done with the whole house.. I feel a great great need to simplify.. simplify... minimize.. declutter.. maybe it's coiciding with my cleansing that's going on in my body.. hmm
LOL
probably not.. I just finally got off my bum and got sick of being a slob!
LOL!!

I ate simply today since I was so busy and wasn't very hungry.

On Saturday March 29th I had:
30oz Everything Juice (kale, romaine, spinach, swiss chard, beet, apple/watermelon)
5 cantaloupes- throughout the day, not all at once okay LOL
1 bowl of raw granola/banana/nectarine mixture
Water: NONE! (not good I know.. will try again tomororw it just get away from me but hey.. there's TONS Of water in cantaloupes it's gotta count right??)
Exercise: cleaning!!

Hard but worth it.

2008-03-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

I must admit I am feeling a little 'off' due to how I felt about my weigh-in. I had to make a serious effort to resist my family's cooked dinner tonight where it had already begun to come very easily to resist that cooked food. God helped me do it PTL but I deep down felt like why should I have bothered to resist if "even after 22 days 100% I've only lost 10lbs and I'm STILL not under 300". I know.. lie of the enemy- big time. But still- just seems to happen to me when I weigh since it's never what I expect.

Hopefully on April 1st it WILL be under 300 again. This certainly is a hard journey my friends. Hard, but worth it.

On Friday March 28 I had: (Day 22 of my 25-day 100% Raw Committment)
1 cantaloupe
bowl of granola w/nut mylk
apple
1.5 cants (we bought too many plus i love them)
2 more bars of raw granola
yellow squash "angel hair" pasta w/ fresh marinara sauce<-- this didn't quite do it for me tonight. :(
watermelon
Water: 64oz

I definitely need more greens. I feel it. Tomorrow I will be much more green.

Weight Update

2008-03-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

In my HealthyMoms Group, we just ended our "Breaking Free" Challenge and I had to weigh in to give my starting/ending weight. I weighed 301 and have updated my ticker. I will not weigh in again until April 1st. After that, I will likely weigh on the 1st of each month.

p.s. I did think or "feel" like I was lower in my weight so to see I was still over 300 was a little bit of a let down, since I was TOTALLY expecting my weigh to begin with a "2" BUT I *am* thankful that I am continuing to lose and get healthy and really that's is all that really matters.

day 21 food

2008-03-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

3/27 day 21
40oz Everything Juice (kale/romaine/chard/beet/appple/watermelon)
Raw Burger (carrot pecan pattie on energy flat bread)
1/2 lb grapes
5 slices of "Eggplant Pizza" (cashew nut cheese w/sun dried tomatoes and italian spices) on top of sliced eggplant as a "crust" then popped in the D a ffew hours to warm.. and crisp.. very good!
1 cantaloupe
Water: 64oz

100%R Day 20 - My FAv Salad

2008-03-27T00:47:00.000-07:00

Just food today...

3/26 day 20
Shot wheatgrass
40oz Everything Juice (kale, romaine, spinach, swiss chard, beet, apple/watermelon)
severeal handfuls baby carrots, 2 or 3 raw brownies
3 oranges
cucumber salad w/ lemon juice on it
banana
Angel's Favorite Salad this time with crumbled up pecan/carrot pattie on it. and some germinated almonds
Water: 64oz

100%R Day 19 - Food & HouseCleaning

2008-03-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

We're STILL working on "Spring Cleaning" here. It's looking better. Still have lots to do. Hope to be done by this weekend though we may need to do another computer disconnect. I have major problems with computer addiction people! LOL When it's off- stuff gets done.. when it's on.. things draaag because I hear it calling me.. "Annngeelllll.... come read just one e-mail... just 5 minutes... c'moonnnnn" ::::FAST FORWARD 2 HOURS:::
UGH!! LOL

On Tues March 25th I had:
wheatgrass shot- 1oz
cantaloupe/watermelon salad w/ lemon juice
banana
cantaloupe/watermelon salad w/ lemon juice again
22oz kale/romaine/spinach/swiss chard/beet/apple/watermelon juice
blended zuchinni /corn "soup"<-- um.. yeah.. that didn't go well LOL 1 c peppermint tea w/ raw honey quite a few "brownie bites" (pecan/raisin/cocoa powder/coconut) Water: 32oz

100%R Day 18 - Resisting Food

2008-03-25T00:16:00.000-07:00

It's gotten easier to resist cooked food- PTL. Even on Easter when we had a picnic- I had sandwich stuff for the fam and I brought along my salad and fruit. I happily shared my fruit since everyone wanted some! :) Tonight, DH brought home pizza by surprise. He didn't know I had made raw burgers in the D. He ended up having one and loved it!! The pizza smell was - pizza. It's weird how I looked at it.. like okay.. that's pizza. Normally I'd grab 2 or 3 pieces with garlic bread and a soda and stuff my face to oblivion. Not this time. I could smell it and yeah, I will admit it smelled pretty good. LOL But I know how it would make me FEEL and plus it's not even an option- I'm not messing with the comittment I made to God to stay 100% Raw 4 March. Just- weird. K. Well I'm beat! G'night!
On Monday, March 24th I had:
1 1/2 cantaloupe
1oz shot wheatgrass
few handfuls raw granola
2 pieces of energy flat bread w/ carrot pecan pate topping
16oz cantaloupe milk/banana/strawberry smoothie
2 Raw Burgers (Alissa's Carrot-Pecan Patties on Energy Flat Bread w/ mashed avo, lettuce, sliced cherry toms) Wowzers!
1 cantaloupe
Water: 32oz
Wheatgrass: yes - 1oz
Exercise: more heavy housework

Day 17 VLOG & I've been TAGGED, too! :)

2008-03-23T23:50:00.000-07:00

Food Journal, Video Blog, & Tagged Answers (including 2nd video blog w/ translation!)

On Sunday, March 23rd, I had:
1/2 large watermelon
1 cantaloupe
energy flat bread w/ banana slices
2 flax crackers
another cantaloupe
2 bananas/granola/pecan bowl
sliced warmed zuchinni - raw butter & pink salt
handful grapes
WAter: 16oz (i'm just not thirsty!!)

Also, thanks so much to Mr. Matt Monarch for blessing be with being "Tagged"! :)Wooo Hooo!!
Okay, Hmm... 5 things Y'all may or may not know about me...Okay!!

1. I was once a chicken keeper! :)
2. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and struggled to conceive all of my children enduring infertility treatments, etc. They are an EXTRA special blessing to me because of that and I do hope and pray we are blessed in the future with a successful natural pregnancy.
3. Do not adjust your sound. Here is Number # :) Translation follows the video. :)

"Hi, my name is Angel. This sign language video will explain #3 on my list of "5 Things You may not know about me"
I am fluent in American Sign Language. Many years ago, I worked as Sign Language Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as a local school district. I did this for 7 years and enjoyed it immensely. I decided to leave that job and become a full-time homemaker and mom to my children- which is my favorite job of all! Thanks for watching.. See Y'all Later!"

4. I was an "officer" JROTC in high school as well as quite an actress in many school drama productions. (No wonder I'm called a "Drama Queen" LOL!!)

5. I was once the Director of my local home school support group (San Antonio Christian Homeschoolers) and still serve on the board - but I got a "Outstanding Leader of the Year" Award from our state organization, Texas Home School Coalition and it was a fantastic moment!

Now, I'd like to pass on the fun by tagging the following friends!

Lisa of Raw Pursuit : http://rawpursuit.blogspot.com
Anastazia of Raw-Stazia: http://raw-stazia.blogspot.com
Resa of Radiantly Raw: http://radiantlyraw.blogspot.com
RawFitMama at: http://rawfitmama.blogspot.com

100%R Day 14-16 Good GOD Food! :)

2008-03-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

This is just a foodie update since I am back online and needing to catch up. My next posts will be VLOG, then a "5 Things You Didn't Know About Me" post in response to being TAGGED! by Mr. Matt Monarch :)

I'm not done "Spring Cleaning" but SO glad to be back online! LOL More posts coming in a few minutes :)

3/22 Day 16
1 cantaloupe
Large Green Salad
1/2 cantaloupe 1/2 personal size watermelon
Another Large green salad
handful pecans/raisins
another cantaloupe!
homemade raw almond butter/ banana sandwich on Energy Flat Bread
1 Buckwheatie Bar

3/21 Day 15
40oz Smoothie
apple, 2 cantaloupes,
fruit salad (banana/strawberry)
watermelon
"Fettucine Alfredo" - <-I didn't like this for some reason. Water: 24oz

3/20 Day 14
16oz Carrot/Spinach/Ginger Juice
2 slices Energy Flat Bread,
1 Buckwheatie Bar
40oz Super Green Smoothie (1 head of Swiss Chard, 1 c grapes, 2 bananas, 2 T chia gel, some strawberries/blueberries)
"Fiesta Pizza" (variation of Energy Flat Bread Crust from Serene's Book, tweaked Rich Cheddar Sauce, Marinated Veggies)
Water: 64oz

Fiesta Pizza

Offline til Sunday

2008-03-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

I just realized that there's no way I'm going to finish my attempt at "Spring Cleaning" if I don't stay AWAY from the time vaccuum that is the computer! So.... :::ugh this is painful:: LOL I will be OFFLINE beginning NOW Thursday afternoon 3/20 until Sunday evening. Pray I get everything done! See Y'all Later! Angel

100%R Day 13 - Didn't forget!

2008-03-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Y'all. I'm not hiding. :) Didn't get a chance last night to put in my food log. I was "uncooking"
(Energy Flat Bread, Rye Crackers, Banana Nut Buckwheaties)

On Wednesday, March 19th I had:

Strawberry & Banana Salad w/ hemp seeds, raisins sprinkled on top
couple handfuls Cheesy Sunnies
Celery w/ Rich Cheddar Sauce Dip
40 oz Super Green Smoothie (1 "head" of Swiss Chard, 1 c grapes, 2 bananas, 2 T chia gel, some strawberries & blueberries)
1 apple
Water: 32oz
Exercise: heavy housework

Everyone Find Me Okay?

2008-03-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

The big switch was made yesterday and my old blog name now has a notice sending folks here to my new addy.
Has everyone found there way here? I'm worried! :)
Drop me a comment and let me know.. or email
GloriouslyRaw@gmail.com

Angel

100%R Day 12 Updates & New Recipes

2008-03-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

This week is "Spring Break" everywhere but things are the same here at our home. :) I've "attempted" a Spring CLEANING but we're not off to a very good start. LOL So far, worked on the bathroom and today cleared out kitchen cabinets and purged some stuff. Still have LOTS to do!
On a non-related front, I ask for some prayer as I am having a very *difficult* time with - "woman issues". (Catch my drift?) I'm concerned because out of no where today - very heavy. I've never been regular there but I would like to be.
Okay- next thing!
Re: YouTube Channel is GloriouslyRaw

Re: Blog - I *think* I have successfully transferred ownership of my blog to my new e-mail address GloriouslyRaw@gmail.com- now I will see if I can edit it's name and URL address! If it works it will be:
http://gloriouslyraw.blogspot.com

Last but not least, I feel like eating 100% raw has been easier this week than last. PTL! Today dh took the kids and himself to catch a bite while I shopped at Sun Harvest (Health Food Store). I bought some stuff plus the two most yummilcious smelling cantys (cantaloupes)- they were my dinner! I was ferocious! LOL MAN were they good! Definitely I lacked greens today though so tomorrow is going to be much "greener" :) My WheatGrass is even ready!!! Whoo Hoo Go GreenStar Juicer!!

Tuesday, March 18th I had:
1/4 watermelon
Strawberry/Banana/Grape Salad w/ drizzle of raw honey
Several Handfuls of "Cheesy Sunnies" (YUMMO! See recipe below!
2 large Savory Peppery Tomato Flax Crackers
2 lovely cantaloupes
Water: 64oz

Cheesy Sunnies
2 c raw sunflower seeds, soaked 4-6hrs and sprouted 1 day
sprinkled with dash Nama Shoyu or Himalayan Pink Salt or Celtic Salt
sprinkled with Nutritional Yeast (to taste)
Spread on dehydrator tray at 95 degrees overnight or til desired crunch- YUMMO! Cheesy, Salty Snack (ADDICTIVE!)

Peppers & Toms Flax Crackers
1 c golden flax seeds, soaked
1 c brown flax seeds, soaked
1/2 c ground flax
1 large red bell pepper
4 tomatoes
1 T pink salt
1 T garlic powder
1 T cumin

Soak all flax in about 4 c water or as much needed to gel correctly. Puree toms, pepper, spices in blender- add to flax mixture. Mix well. Spread on teflex dehydrator sheets and pop in the D at 95 til crispy crunchy- dont forget to flip halfway through. Makes 3 trays of thick cracker/bready or 4 trays of thin thin crackers.

ANNOUNCING CHANGES!! (+ Day 11 Update)

2008-03-18T01:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! :)

I am excited to announce some CHANGES! If you follow my journey on YouTube, I need to let y'all know that my "A2Rod" Channel will be shutting down soon and has been replaced by my brand *new* channel called "GloriouslyRaw"! :)
The direct link is:
http://www.youtube.com/GloriouslyRaw

All of my original videos are viewable there already on my Playlist for the time being until I figure out how to transfer them over.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, IF you're a current subscriber to my A2Rod page, I hope you will visit my new channel and subscribe there to continue following my story!

Here's my first video on my new GloriouslyRaw YouTube Channel

Also, my BLOG will ALSO be getting an update soon.
Does anyone know how to transfer a blog?
In any case, the new URL for my blog will be this one:

http://GloriouslyRaw.blogspot.com

Once I figure this out, if you come to the regular myquest4health.blogspot.com address and it's "gone", then you already know where to find me! :) If you currently link to my page- please update your links!

ALSO! My e-mail has changed! If you'd like to reach me- please e-mail me at

GloriouslyRaw@gmail.com

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:
On Monday March 17th I had:

banana, orange,
40oz Green Smoothie (TONS of spinach, 2 frozen bananas, grapes, hemp seeds, water)
strawberries
1/2 small watermelon
few raw corn chips, 1 sl portabella/nut loaf
Water: 48oz
I didn't feel well today and so I wasn't very hungry.

100%R Day 10 - "Angel's Favorite" Salad

2008-03-16T23:11:00.000-07:00

"Angel's Favorite" Salad

4 c romaine lettuce, chopped
1c butter crunch lettuce, chopped
1/2 c spinach, chopped
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1 small carrot, grated
4-6 cherry tomatoes, sliced
1/2 c grapes, halved
2T macadamia nuts, chopped
2T walnuts, chopped
Optional: sprinkle of raw cheese (I'm not vegan)

Balsamic Vinaigrette
(from Living Cuisine, by Renee Underkoffler)

6T extra virgin olive oil ( I used half flax, half evoo)
3T balsamic vinegar
1T apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 T maple syrup or raw honey ( I used honey)
1 T nama shoyu
1 T white miso (I omitted, didn't have this)
1-2 cloves garlic
1/4 c chopped parsley
2 t oregano
sun-dried sea salt to taste ( I used Himalayan Pink Salt)

In a blender, blend all ingredients until smooth. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator.

I highly recommend this book!

On Sun. March 16th I had:
1 lb grapes
some fresh young coconut
apple, grapefruit
raisins-cashew granola
"Angel's Favorite" Salad w/ BV dressing*see recipe above
2banana 2 slices Neatloaf (portabella/mushroom loaf)
Water: 64oz
Exercise: 2hrs moderate housework

100%R Day 9 - PRAISE Report VLOG! :D

2008-03-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

On Sat. March 15th I had:
1/2 watermelon w/ 1 lemon , juiced and sprinkle of pink salt
2 orange 1 apple ,1/2 grapefruit
banana/strawberry/grape salad few cashew and homemade raisins sprinkled on top
1 sl "meatloaf" (walnut/portabella loaf) wrapped in a romaine leaf. few raw corn chips
16oz fresh carrot/spinach/ginger juice from WFM-- this was INCREDIBLY GOOD
large beautiful salad (romaine, cabbage, carrot, spinach, cherry toms, sprinkled w/ few macs, crushed walnut, lil raw cheese, strawberry slices, vinegrette from LIving Cuisine book
Water: 64oz
Exercise: praise dancing to the Lord! :)

Ignorance WAS Bliss - Prayer Request

2008-03-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

It was kind of accidental but probably not. Y'all know I took the battery out of my scale, then I had a "close call" 2 days ago wit weighing but pushed through. I thought that dh had taken the battery back out of the scale and I stepped on to "fake" weigh myself (how stupid is that) because I wanted to have the FEEL of weighing at least and then ended up seeing my weight. (!^#&#$%$*!!!) BIT MISTAKE!

My weight on last Friday was 311

I was at 305 this morning. So that's 6lbs, but I "felt" like I lost more than that. I definitely had a deflating feeling this week. I feel bad for weighing when I said I wouldn't - no matter how it happened (accidentally on purpose or battery thing)

I know it's 6lbs but feel disappointed to still see my weight begin with a 3. :( And I'm still 6 lbs away from my 2nd lowest of 299 which is what I had gotten to a month or so ago before I went a haywire.

I should have just taken a hammer to it like my friend suggested. (I'm sorry Christine)

I'm also dissapointed that I just learned today that it's *possible* that the oat groats I used in my oatmeal cookies were not actually "raw" and I didn't know that!! Turns out some oat groats sold in stores are steamed or heat treated in processing. I plan to call Whole Foods Market and ask them who the supplier is for them and then contact them and ask how they are processed but if mine were, then that means I did "break" raw totally without realizing I did- which makes me mad!

I know I'm probably being ridiculous, but pray for me please. I feel a little "shakey" right now.

I said I would come and post or blog in tough spots, and I feel like right now I feel like I'm in a "tough" spot. I don't plan on breaking raw- I have 16 days to go on that and I intend to fulfill my committment to God. There's not a worry about that. It's just my I feel like my attitude was affected by now that I know the number on the scale. Like, I feel a little of that "I went through ALLLL that hard work this week and ALLLLL that sacrifice and lost *just* 6? I resisted my homemade beans, enchilada casserole, dh's take out, other fav meals-- ate something when I really *felt* like eating something else and went to bed hungry a couple of times and still lost *just* 6???

I know it's a line that Satan is feeding me.. it has to be.

Ignorance was really BLISS for me this week-- staying happy that overall I knew I was doing well and not being hung up on a number and now I have a number and it's like it wants to steal that bliss away.

GRRRR!!! What IS it with me and the darn scale!?!!

I need to go pray and ask the Lord to straighten my eyes and resist these darts so my attitude can stay right with the Lord.. and maybe take a hammer to my scale..

100%R Day 8 Food Journal

2008-03-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

100% Raw Day 8
40oz "EJ" SMOOTHIE (20oz Everything Juice, 1 1/2 bananas, 1/2lb grapes)
1 grapefruit, 2 tangerines, 1 banana, 4 raw oatmeal raisin cookies
1 cantaloupe, some marinated warmed green beans
1/8 watermelon w/ lemon juice and pink salt sprinkled on top
Water: 32oz <---that not thirsty thing happening people! *Everything Juice: collard greens, romaine lettuce, celery, carrots, watermelon, grapefruits

testing player here

PLAYER NUMBER TWO

100%R Day 7 - 2 close calls- MADE IT! PTL!

2008-03-13T23:51:00.000-07:00

What was my close call you ask??? LOL

Well- it was a combo of two things--- I made one of my family's favorite (cooked) dinners tonight- Enchilada Casserole. I have "healthified" it as much as possible but still it's a cooked dinner.. but the thing is, it's one of MY FAVES too LOL. Woahhh you guys... when it came out of the oven all warm, cheesey, saucy and bean-y, I was like.. having a demon moment-- GET BEHIND ME!! LOL!! Like Fred Sandford-- Elizabeth I'm coming to see you- it's the big one be still my heart LOL
DAAAAANNNNNGGGGGGG but I GOT THROUGH IT!!!! Thank you Jesus! I did not like one speck not one lick- even had DH taste testing everything for me when I was making the sauce etc..
I'm like one day I will have this meal again, but NOT THIS MONTH! LOL

I prepared my new dish I tried and it was surprisingly good! DH thankfully cleared up after dinner (you know that 2nd serving picking at the pan danger zone lol)

The 2nd close call was when I REALLY wanted to weigh myself-- I took the battery out of the scale last week and it's been sitting there non working.. I even went as far as to get a battery from DH , put it in, and I even GOT on the scale but I closed my eyes , called DH over and asked HIM to look at the number and just tell me was it less than 311 (what I weighed last Friday). He said, yes it's less and I was satisfied with that. So, yes I weighed but I DON"T KNOW WHAT I WEIGH! Is that still the same?? LOL I'm counting it as a victory because then I came out and drank lots of water and ate some grapes so that I couldn't get a accurate reading if I got on again. LOL Crazy but it really just gets too much power- that number! I'm happy to know that even at night after a day of tons of juice and eating that I'm still "lower" than last week. That's victory to me.
:)

Okay so I'll shush now :)
On Thursday March 13th I had:

40oz Everything Juice
banana w/ apple nut cream<---I didn't like this cream- nope! 40oz Everything Juice "Better than Beef" from Alissa Cohen's Book (carrot pulp, onion, spices, soaked sun dried tomato puree), topped with corn, some raw cheese, TONS of shredded spinach and cherry toms with a side of cauliflower florets w/ rich "cheddar"sauce and some raw corn chips.. Snack: raw oatmeal cookies w/ fresh almond milk again. :) 34oz "EJ" SMOOTHIE (20oz Everything Juice, 1 1/2 bananas, 1/2lb grapes) Water: 64oz *Everything Juice: 1 head of collard greens, 2 heads of romaine, 4 ribs of celery, 2lbs of carrots, 1/2 watermelon, 4 grapefruits = 160oz!! Had 100oz of this today - saving the other 60oz for tomorrow!

I am REALLY glad I bought this book!!! I'm learning alot from it and the recipes are very good too! Such variety! Which I need! LOL I think I'll try the "Enchiladas" tomorrow!

100%R - Day 6 Thoughts & Thoughts!!

2008-03-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

Warning: I am talking alot here but I had to get all these thoughts out! :)

Well, tomorrow it will be my 7th day 100% Raw. It feels good but today was a little rough. It seems that I having some what I guess would be detoxing symptoms.. got a little skin break out thing going plus irritability-- emotional stuff. I felt pretty emotional this afternoon and when dh got home I could recognize that it was one of those, "can u just go pick-up something for dinner?" moments.
I didn't feel like "messing" with it-- because of the hassle of making something different for me apart from what they were going to have. THAT I can honestly say is the only part of being 100% raw that I don't care for. I know that I'm fortunate that DH agreed that could start weekly raw dinners again maybe 1-2 times a week but honestly- it seems to take alot of preparation to make something that "resembles" dinner with all of those "regular" components. LOL Each dish is like a meal of its' own lol!
I do find myself wanting to keep things simple as far as what I am preparing for family dinners but I feel like with this first week of being 100% I just want to stay as focused as possible and not be faced with extra temptations so I don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen isnt that awful!!
DH has been a real support and blessing in that he took care of dinner already once , and half of another meal too.
Anyway, back to this afternoon when I had that 'get take-out' moment- I could recognize it right away and I flashed back to like day 21 or day 22 of my first 30-day challenge that i did in December 07 and I remember being in my bedroom actually feeling like anxious and almost depressed because I "couldn't" just go get a meal- I felt overwhelmed and frustrated that I just couldn't take the 'easy' way.
Not rational, I know. But stilll- honest.
I could feel that kind of feeling wanting to well up in me today. BUT the difference was this time that I prayed and I went to the Lord right away and I'm like ,' Lord you put this in my heart- you lead me to do this- I believe you are going to equip me and give me the tools and drive to accomplish this goal..' etc.. I could feel that pushing me through that rough spot and I got up and just started fixing a meal.. buttercrunch tacos again with a little different filling and some salad.. and i even made a cheddar sauce to top them with to make them feel 'fatty' LOL!!
I was hungry and I ate them both with gusto and they hit the spot. They were REALLY good. so that helped! LOL OH!!! And I had some raw oatmeal today too that the KIDS loved!! Woo hoo!! Another raw breakfast choice for them!! There are about 6 dozen raw oatmeal cookies in the D right now too:) YUMMERS

But anyway, I'm grateful to the Lord for getting me through that rough spot tonight.
I have so much that I am considering.. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will complete this 25-day committment to the Lord but where to go after that- I am unsure. Part of me wants to just continue- a friend suggested that I consider staying 100% at least until I reach my goal then changing it up-- and it's like part of me wants to do that- yes but honestly- I don't know how long that would take and I don't know how long I could stay 100% raw.

I think it's different when the whole family is raw vs being the only one that is raw and the rest of the family just- eats some raw yes- but not like you. My kids and dh will drink smoothies, juices, raw treats, raw entrees I try.. whaetver.. yes PTL but they are not "RAW" with me.. does that make sense? Dh has no calling or conviction to eat raw with me at a high amount- nope. Kids- they eat about 40-50% raw simply because they are with me and they eat with I prepare but they also eat healthier regular food, too.

I have been thinking alot about if I feel that this way of eating is something God's calling me to do for LIFE or for a season and then settle at high-raw with healthy cooked occasionally or what. Honestly- if you ask me right now- I feel very strongly that for RIGHT NOW 100% Raw yes- I need to do this- yes.
but in the long term??
No, I don't feel that way. I dont have a desire to eat 100% Raw as a long term lifestyle.I think for the LONG TERM- to have my family at least 50% Raw and me at High-Raw about 70-85% Raw consistently would be ideal- doable..feasable-- possible.. maintainable still very healthful for us all.
Still though keeping that smaller portion of cooked limited to whole/natural/high quality food - not junk for any of us. That kind of life feels most balanced and doable as a family-- because this isnt just about ME you know? I feel like once I am near or at goal and healthy then there's should be more flexibility? Maybe I'm looking at at the wrong way..

I know that staying 100% Raw will help me lose weight and fast and that is what I want- I want to break free from this prison of weighing what I do-- I am toying with the idea of extending my 25-daychallenge to 60 Days or possibly 100 days.. 100 % for 100 Days.. and seeing how much I could lose in that time.. see where my health is then.. I just get nervous when I think about extending it..so Im not ready to say I'm going to do that yet. Honestly, as DELICIOUS as raw food is- I miss my homemade organic beans something awful!!! and my veggie stew!! LOL Ok ok ok.. don't think about it right LOL

Pray for me y'all-- my thoughts are ALLL over the place! :) But GOD's still in control! Amen?

Boy, I bet yall are like sometimes she doesn't say a peep and now she won't shut up!! LOL

xoxo
Angel

OH!!
On Wednesday March 12th I had:

1/8 watermelon, 1 large grapefruit
Raw Oatmeal- MAN (soaked oat groats, banana, raisin, sprinkle germinated almond/walnut- dash cinnamon)
1 lb grapes
1 banana
15oz Purple Green Smoothie (beet greens, beet, red grapes, red swiss chard, banana,water)
couple broccoli florets
2Raw Buttercrunch Tacos this time topped with some "Rich Cheddar Sauce" from www.goneraw.com 1/2 c celery sticks
raw corn chips
Bedtime Snack: 1 c freshly made almond milk & 4 Raw Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Water: 64oz

100%R - Day 5 - Buttercrunch Tacos

2008-03-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

Buttercrunch Tacos

Filling: 1/2 c walnuts, 2 small carrots, cumin, pink salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion
Wrap: Fresh Buttercrunch Lettuce
Toppings: Chopped Romaine, Sliced Cherry toms, lil Raw Cheese

VERY SATISFYING LUNCH!!

On Tuesday, March 11th I had:
32oz Green Smoothie (grapes, TONS of spinach, baby romaine from my garden woo hoo!, raw kefir, chia gel, hemp protein powder, water)
2 cantaloupes
2 Butter crunch Tacos (see Above) w/ raw chips
40oz "Purple" Green Smoothie (beet greens, beet, red grapes, red swiss chard, banana,water)
bw bars + bananas, few cashews
1 large red delicious apple
1/8 watermelon
2 c of mint tea w/ stevia
Water: 64oz
Exercise: actually, I ran around with my children OUTSIDE today! It was a beautiful day!! I got winded of course, but I actually chased them and played with them!!! That's a biggie!!

The Guava Experiment & Day 4 VLOG :)

2008-03-11T01:53:00.000-07:00

Angel's Quest 4 Health

Good-bye, Blog

Angel's Quest #4 - April Update

Angel's Quest #3 - March Update

Angel's Quest #2 - February Update

Angel's Quest #1 - The Decision to Try Again (Weight Loss)

no title

I am still alive.

HEARTFELT THANK YOU

*prayer request* Surgery tomorrow

venting

Great website I found- CORRECT LINK! :)

Great website I found - gotta share!

ANGELSQUEST #13 - WW Week 10 every lil bit counts

ANGELSQUEST #12- Super Weigh-In WW Week 9

ANGELSQUEST #11 WW Week 8

ANGELSQUEST #10- Small Victory 2 Share

ANGELSQUEST #9 WW Week 7

ANGELSQUEST #8 WW Week 6

ANGELSQUEST #7 WW Week 5

ANGELSQUEST- I lost my voice!

ANGELSQUEST - Week 4

YouTube Channel Subscription Invite

ANGELSQUEST - Week 3 Weigh-In

ANGELSQUEST - Seeing GREEN

ANGELSQUEST- WW Week 2

I'm nervous & thinking alot

Weight & Measurements Tables

ANGELSQUEST- WW Week 1

ANGELSQUEST- Weight Watchers INTRO

I joined Weight Watchers!

Merry Christmas! - Special Video-

Friday Check-In (Late)

Father Update- pls pray

Weigh-In GOOD! :)

Catching Up & My Anniversary

HJ Day 6 - Fast Food "Victory"?

HJ Day 5 - Weigh-In

Hope Journal Day 4

Hope Journal Day 3

Hope Journal Day 2

Hope Journal: Day 1

A New HOPE - Prayers Please!

Thanksgiving - Family Praise

a new fear - possibly

testing

Week 8 Check-In

Week 7 Check-In

Week 6 Check-In

Week 5 Check-In

Week 4 Check-In

Week 3 Check In

test post

Week 2 Check-In

ANGELS QUEST - YouTube Intro

Week 1 Check-In

RE-Introduction & New Goals

I Want to Live...

My Changing Quest 4 Health

Official Blog Hiatus

Little Moment

Thank You

Where I am for what it's worth.

My Thoughts & Me Being REAL

Change of Plan - Need Support

Raw50- Day 5 My treadmill tried to kill me LOL

Raw 50 Day 3 & 4

Raw50- Day 2 Menu & Tweak

Prayer Request

Raw50 - Day 1

The Raw 50 - by ME!

I'm back - DOWN but not OUT!

WILL BE OFFLINE- be back soon

God is SO good - What I'm Learning

100% Raw March Complete!- What Now?? :)

Monthly Weigh In- WOW!!!

DAy 25 100% - last day

Day 24- Cleaning & Stuff

Day 23 - What a difference 2 days make!

Hard but worth it.

prayer request Surgery tomorrow