20/30 stopping at day 20..

20/30.. You would think that at 20 days I would say something negative about this experience, but I have learned so much about my self during this time that it's just not possible. I've had so many health scares and problems that I had no confidence in anything not even my self. I could tell my self  "I can do this, God is with me", everyday and most days would work but there were times that I just didn't allow my self to believe it.

I have struggled most of my life with weight issues which turned into an eating disorder. From eating enough, to not eating, eating with fear, to Living in FEAR. I have grown more in the past 20 days than in the past 35 years of my life. I see miracles everyday. I am a walking Miracle, but so are YOU! Yes you reading this You are a miracle, what you have been through, your experiences, have all made you the person you are. Just because those things make you who you are they DO NOT DEFINE who you are, or who you will be in the future.
 I am not my mistakes,  My sickness, My failures, or my successes.

 

I hear this every week, sometimes twice a day: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I've learned that if I want to see change in my life I had to change. I have been Transforming from the inside and out. I know my journey has just started. I can honestly tell you I am Excited about my future. Life has been so uncertain these past few years and for the first time I am not AFRAID.

Thinking about breaking the fast by Thursday....... well see I'm just going to go with what ever happens. I feel really good, I've dropped some of the weight I had gained due to the medications. I have a different Mind set and my husband also has a different mind set ( Thank you God for that). I have no joint pain, not taking any pain killers, no sleeping pills, no anxiety pills, no other pills to cover all the other effects of taking pills ( vicious cycle). Not thinking of stopping juicing, but going back to a vegan/ pant base diet ( will try to give up on sea food but that is kind of hard for me).  Mentally I'm feeling great. I know I can go on for the next 10 more days. I have proven to my self that food is not in control of me any more. I'm also no longer afraid of food as I was in the past........ still thinking, Will make a decision come Thursday.

Chewing has been on my mind, so Juiced flavored Ice cubes. Thank you God for giving the wisdom to make them.

Having a good day today, looking at recipes for Thanksgiving. I have two dinners to get ready for and so excited about both.

nieces & nephew

Saw this picture of my Nieces and Nephew today, time sure flies if you want it or not. Jasmine the oldest is 10 almost 11 and her whole life she has seen me in or out of a hospital. Even when she was in her Momma's belly she spent a night at the hospital after my First Surgery. She was 2 1/2 when I had my second surgery and when I started having all my complications. Jessica is 6 almost 7 and her Brother is a little over 1. I know they have good memories of us together. Like the Horrible Pancakes I made for them this summer. To making Tamales and Tortillas on the holidays. But I know one of the memories they have is seeing me in the hospital this last time and seeing everyone scared of what was going to happen.



Last Thanksgiving was Amazing Mom got to join us. We were a Family for the first time in a long time. Dad was not physically there ( his ashes were lol) but boy I felt him there every second. I tried to be brave and tried to hide the fact that I was so ill. I was the huge elephant in the room (literally). Not this year. I have been praying on when to break the fast. and my answer came when a friend send me this picture today.

Me @ spirit Fest 2012

See me there? yes the Girl full of Life! Not just happy but see the JOY, That's what I want my Loved one to remember. Me Living life to the fullest. So the decision has been made to stop the 100% juice fast but not the Journey...... stay tuned for more adventures for this Dancing Green Frog!

19/30....Monday,... Oh wonderful Monday!

Plenty of juice in case the bug wants to come back

19/30..Happy Monday!

Trying Collard Greens in my Juice today

This is my plan today. To make today Ridiculously Amazing! I've had plenty of rest. I have a play date with my boys this morning... The possibilities of what we can get into. Actually I think it will be  a good day to start making some things to give as Christmas Presents, and the Boys will have a blast getting dirty.

made Bird Feeders, fridge magnets, and special wall surprise

We all had fun mixing and getting the bird feeders done. they had more fun with the salt dough, especially when I showed them you could shape it like playdooh. One thing I learned today was never pick up a child when their hands are full of flour. Those cute little hands  will end up on you.  yup Jacob got me right on my face. Even one of the dogs had flour on her. I call that a successful play date.









How to make Bird Feeders how to make salt dough

Mid afternoon and no sigh of the bug that had bothered me yesterday (thanking God for that). Not tired, no chills, no fever, no aches, no tummy issues, not dehydrated. Feeling really good.

Meatless Monday: For the Hubby tonight. Trying out a new Multigrain Pasta, loaded with protein and Omega 3's. Made a Spicy Garlic Tomato Cream sauce ( coconut milk, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, Garlic Chili paste). The Side vegetables are Butternut Squash, Collard Greens seasoned with Chinese Five spice (coconut oil,coconut milk, garlic,Serrano peppers,onion, tomatoes). Husband cleaned his plate again. He is not even asking whats on the plate any more, lol. But is noticing that there is new things and new flavors.


As I was prepping dinner I saved a couple of things to try to give them a second chance at a life. Hoping that in a few weeks I start seeing roots and I can replant.

Napa cabbage (left), Romaine Lettuce (Right)

So far my two Pineapple plants are still doing good but no roots yet. 15 plants you can re-grow from scraps. Got a busy morning tomorrow, Hubby has doctor appointment which means we both go to bed early tonight. Praying everyone had a wonderful Monday. Only a few more days till the Holiday. Time for Family and Friends. Make the best of it. I pray that you are not stressing on the cooking or on the family time. Enjoy every second of it. Blessings!

18/30 under the weather.

18/30... Not feeling so good today. Woke up around 4am with a fever, tummy issues, and vomiting. Not sure where I got the bug  but hope it does not stay long. staying hydrated.

Broke the fever around 2pm, Been sipping on green juice loaded with garlic, Cayenne,  and turmeric. Got some Organic low sodium Miso soup. also made a batch of organic vegetable broth. Been sleeping most of the day, which I think my body is been needing the rest.






6:00pm, no more aches, no more sniffles, no more fever. Thanks to this bug I was able to enjoy a very lazy Sunday. Not to mention I have been pampered by the husband all day.  I think that the fact that I have been juicing for the past 18 days and have not been consuming junk, is what made this bug not stay any longer.

At the Emmaus Gathering last night, a sweet friend from my Emmaus walk gave me some Beef tamales. Which have become dinner for Mike today. Making my night even easier than I could of hoped for. Feeling Blessed and Loved. I cannot ask for more.. Another day down... Glad I did not broke the fast out of fear this morning. I am Fully Relying in God's Strength.....

pan fried Beef tamales in Coconut oil.

17/30 exploring with the hubby kind of day!

17/30...Happy Lazy, Relaxing Saturday. We have no agenda, no commitments, Just enjoy each others company. Do not have to worry about juicing today. I had enough Juice made to last me until tonight. We were able to sleep in, boy! did that feel goood.

I'm not sure if its because people are actually seeing a physical change, but I seem to be getting more comments regarding my fast. Is it safe, how do you know you are not going to end up in the hospital? I have to take their concern in a positive way. I am loved and well they  are concern about my health I understand that.  I have done my research. I am doing Green Juices not fruit juices (95% leafy green vegetables 5% fruit). I am getting more protein a day than most people eating normally.I am getting more nutrition than the average person. I am not eating processed foods which means I am not stressing my body. I am not drinking any caffeine, or high sugar drinks. No sodas, alcohol, wine, or anything with carbonation. I am exercising at least an hour every day (low impact). If there is any questions I will gladly try to answer any concerns.

Exploring our local Indian store

We both a Juice drink, saving mine for after fast.

Mike found a new restaurant, Korean/Mexican Burrito place. It smelled so good, and the burrito was huge

Hair is still doing it's thing, so in a hat it went. I decided to take a silly picture as I was waiting to go to a Emmaus Gathering Meeting. It was so good to see people I had not seen since my Walk this summer. The fellowship was awesome. I call today another successful day. De Colores!

15/30 Halfway there!!!

15/30....Ok first join me in a 30 second Happy Dance.............................. Yes Thank you Father this success is all your doing no way I could of done it with out your strength. Time to tell you what I have learned in this first 15 days.
1. Have a strong support system. Even if your loved ones don't fully understand what you are doing, it is important that you have positive people around you.
2. Plan, Prep, and Repeat. always have extra juice prep. Plan for the unexpected to happen. Life does not stop because you are fasting.
3. Journal your process. It's important for you to get all your thoughts out of your head.
4. DO NOT STOP LIVING LIFE. It is very important that you incorporate your new healthy life style in your daily life. It's not a diet. Always remember that.
5. Write down the WHY? post it in areas where you will see it through out the day. My Why? I am WORTH IT!
6. Celebrate every second of your journey. Those celebrations will get you through the rough spots.
7. Listen to your Body. If you take the time to listen you will start to understand what your body is telling you.
8. Rest. Your calorie intake is lower than what you are normally used to. Until your body can adjust after the initial detox. Plan on taking naps during the day.
9.Drink lots of water. If you feel hungry it is most likely because your body is dehydrated. so, drink away. make juice ice cubes to give your water flavor and add a little sugar.
10. you must have 64oz minimum of Juice a day.not just fruit based juices but keep it at a 90% leafy greens, other vegetables, 10% fruit.





Day 15, I'm still having very vivid dreams but they are not bothering me as much as the first ones did. Even though the weather has changed here in Texas, I'm having no joint pain. I have not noticed any swelling in my legs, ankles, hands or Fingers. I am sleeping through the night. Only waking up to use the restroom once or twice (depending on how late I took my last drink of water) .  Some of my skin sores (due to vitamin deficiency) are staring to blend in ( I will have to get someone to take some pictures of them so show progress, not sure if I'm ready for this).

This shirt is going into the donation pile by my front door, I had not noticed how much it looks like a hospital gown,,,,EEECCCKKKKK!

I got a call from our Landlord that our House is getting appraised for a refinance, what does that mean for me, simple CLEAN.... Last year I would of cried my eyes out feeling so overwhelmed for not being able to do anything. I think I would of probably hired someone to come in and just burn everything and call it a day. I am so Thankful I was able to get upstairs clean and organized, did the downstairs floors, Cleaned the kitchen. I only have our master bedroom, downstairs bathroom, I will attack those tomorrow morning. Husband was so sweet and got into the action of it all and cleaned out parts of the garage that really needed to be organized.

After laughing about the way we both looked, and just from the simple fact that we were both doing something so mundane  as cleaning and enjoying every second of it. We are both just so Happy to be healthy to enjoy the simple things. (God you are so good to us).

I pray that you too find the joy to enjoy the simple things. That you have a partner to cherish every day with. Blessings! Idalia G

14/30 Happy Wednesday!

14/30....Wednesday mornings are usually very busy for me. I made sure today Juicing was not going to be part of the busy equation. I opted to juice last night to make sure there was not going to be a lot of chaos and running around. Let me tell you if you know you are going to be busy you need to plan and prepare to have a successful day. I'm having very vivid dreams not sure if that's part of the fast. I see it as my mind and spirit going through it' own Detox process.








Bible study today was as wonderful as always. I love the small group of ladies that have come together. Today I did find my mind wondering a bit. Not just to the dreams, To-Do lists, and just plain unimportant stuff. I feel there's a shift happening. My Mind is trying to figure it all out, trying to find the logic of what is happening. Praying & trusting God in this journey.






When I feel I can't keep my mind present in the moment I turn to music. Music that can center me and remind me of who I really am. As I was  cleaning and prepping dinner Pandora on my phone had a mini Salvador Concert. Then I switched it to Kids Worship Music. That always brings joy to the day.

Tried something new for Mike's dinner... Made Shrimp & Rainbow Quinoa in a Bumbu Bali Sauce, Roasted Yucca Roots covered in Almond Cheddar Cheese, side Romain Lettuce. The house smells so good. The important thing Mike cleaned his plate, didn't notice the coconut oil,coconut milk, Dairy Free/ Gluten Free dinner complete success!

Aside from Having very interesting dreams, (not sure what that is all about). No pain, no hunger, staying hydrated. Had fun in the kitchen, it's bothering me less and less but I keep my juice very close by. I call this another successful day. Blessings!

13/30 making this day a lucky one.

13/30.. Almost half way to my initial goal!! some are scared of this number 13 but as of today it shall be a lucky number. It's starting to get cold here in Texas, for the first time in over 11 years I can actually tell you I'm LOVING this cold weather. I don't feel like my bones are breaking, or that I have to boil my self in a bath tub to try to find some comfort at least three times a day. I really need to stop making good food for the hubby I almost gave in to the mushroom dish last night it smelled and looked so good. But I have to remember the why of this... My Health so there is a lot more mushroom dishes I can enjoy with the Hubby.

using the mushroom stems in today's juice

When husband saw the Veggie bowl  he said " Wow that's one Funky looking salad you got going". Got a really good deal on a pineapple the other day only .50 cents. decided to try to make a 2nd pineapple plant. there still no roots coming out on the first one. Also use the peels of the lemons and oranges to make more citrus flowers for the potpourri baskets I'm making for Christmas Gifts.

2nd pineapple plant in the making

made a few more citrus Flowers

Had a late lunch today, and noticed that after trying to use the flat iron my hair is still being stubborn and doing its own thing. I did notice in this picture my face is starting to change a little more. Even though hair is being stubborn is getting fuller, my nails are also longer and stronger. That is an awesome sign of me being able to absorb my nutrients. For that God I am so thankful.

I always try to keep in mind that quitting is not an option, that if I want my dreams to come true I have to keep moving even if at times it seems like I'm going backwards. I have learn that slow and steady is better than not moving at all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I try to stay centered by reading my Bible as well as doing weekly Bible studies. This gives me strength as well as makes me grow in my faith. When I have those moments of weakness is what reminds me of who I am in Christ and stop believing the lies.

I have been afraid of winter for so long, that I seem to be on alert to something happening. Meaning me getting sick. As I was doing my study this morning I actually open my bible on this passage : Jeremiah 30:17 "For I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds, saith the Lord."



I'm not sure if its the time of the year, Holidays are just around the corner. I know this year they are going to be different and I think that has me reflecting on the past, present, and future.

For Mike's dinner I'm trying out a new spaghetti we got, multi-grain pasta with added omega 3's, I also have left over spare ribs so will sauteed them with some green beans and serve them with a side salad. Everything looks goods and smells great, just waiting on my tester to get home to try it out and adjust seasonings.

Day 13 of this 30 day fast I'm still feeling really good, no pain, no real hunger, staying hydrated. Emotionally still feeling strong. I really believe it's because I have a very good support system. Also writing this blog is helping to get things out of my head. Thank you for reading all my ramblings, I pray that in all of the things I say and share you find answers to some of your own questions. Blessings!

12/30... Another Monday, another blessed week in the making

12/30...Good Morning World....I'm still walking on clouds from last night's concert. Something I heard last night from MercyMe made think of the verse down below. Starting my day by Drinking my lemon/cayenne water as I'm doing my to do list.

Looks like the first thing on my list is trying to tame my hair. I'm actually having fun dealing with all the nonsense its making me do. Trying to figure out how to use this flat Iron to try to get this stubborn hair to do what I want it to do.

One side It kind of worked the other not so much. Hair is determined to do a flip and a curl. so I've decided I was wasting to much time on my hair and well I'm just going to have to rock this look until It grows some more.

It's another Meatless Monday at our House. For me it's easy remember I'm on a Juice fast its all Plant based diet for me. For my husband is a different story. He is the typical male that believes that the only food on the food pyramid is Meat and Potatoes with a side pyramid of crispy bacon.

Tonight's dish is something similar to mushroom bourguignon: Baby portabellos, Crimini mushrooms sauteed with baby red,yellow,blue potatoes, Onions,Peppers,garlic. Used Coconut Oil, some Apple cider vinegar, Coconut Milk, Liquid Aminos, garlic, salt free seasoning mix, at the end I mixed in some rainbow quinoa to absorb the nice gravy it had created..... Husband cleaned his plate and asked for more so, say today's dish was another addition to recipe binder

Huband's new favorite fruit is the Pomelo Fruit. 10 reasons to enjoy a pomelo . Mike had me peel the fruit. I try to peel the whole fruit without breaking the peel and at the end I make a little flower to put on a dish to use as room air freshener and it looks pretty cute on a dish. I do with lemons and oranges as well. once they dry you can add to a jar full of potpourri and looks pretty cool. Poor Pomelo Fruit didn't have a chance with Mike. I enjoyed a nice Watermelon Mint Fruit pop as my snack.

I really do see this as a journey we are both taking. He is trying to be more aware of what he eats even if he doesn't think so. His choices have changed in the past month. He had his first Juice Oct 6, 2012. He has been having a 20-24oz juice every day since then. If you asked him he  would probably tell you that he doesn't notice any changes other than his wife is very happy he is eating vegetables and fruits he would other wise not touch. I have noticed changes. I see him sleeping through the night, most nights. He still has neuropathy pain in his legs and feet. I see less flare-ups than before. His face is not as gray or pale. his eyes don't look so yellowish. He used to get Horrible Headaches. He has the Raw glow ( he is so going to kill me for saying that).  I see him calm, relaxed not as anxious as before. That could just be because he sees me feeling better as well.

He understands the concept of eating better to feel better, but he still sees it as being just another crazy idea his wife is doing. That's okay with me. I understand that we all have different paths and different needs. We have to stay true to our own. What we do every day affects those around us, in little and in big ways. I choose to be around Positivity, Love, Respect, Understanding. Those around me are attracted to that, and the best thing the people who are not quickly leave. I hope you too choose to do something positive for your self! I pray you know you are loved, beyond any type of love seen in this universe, or this world. It's the type of love that it's beyond any human understanding. Blessings!

I pack his lunch every day with a 20-24 oz bottle of Green Juice, today he remembered he had not finish his juice. As we watch a movie he was drinking his juice. Which I think it's the coolest thing ever.

11/30 Glorious day filled with God's LOVE & MERCY

11/30....Still going strong, I have to do a lot of planning today. I have church Service this morning, and Spirit Fest 2012 ( a Christian Concert that starts at noon and end around 10pm).  A day full of worship and celebrating the One who has made me a new creation, Can not go wrong with that.

First thing on the list is get Vegetables and fruit ready for the day. It's going to be a long day and I'm not coming home until that concert is over.

I think the important thing about having a good experience through your fast is that you do not seclude your self from the world. You need to learn to incorporate both worlds together. It is very important to have the support of your loves ones. This is not a Diet I'm going on, it's a whole lifestyle change. I know there is  going to be a time when the old Idalia, the sick, the sad, the overweight, what ever label you want to put next to my name will no longer be remembered as that. Thank you God for making me a new creation.

I'm going to the concert with a friend and I know food at the event it's just going to be horribly expensive. I decided to make snacks for her. cut veggies, tuna salad,peanut butter to dip, Vegan salsa dip, rainbow quinoa.

Alicia & I  as we got to the concert, yes I was a bit excited

Jon Foreman singer from Switchfoot, Joined us in the crowd a few seats from where we were at, they totally Rocked the stage. Such a Surfer.

We had a great lunch break in the car before the second band I was there to see, Salvador. I sneaked my Juice bottle along with my camel Pack to fill with water. I did not want to break my fast over Junk food. I took this picture right before my phone's battery died. Those are the only pictures I got from our 12 hour concert. I enjoyed every second of it. To be actually living life for the first time in a long time. Well I don't think I have the words to even begin to explain all the emotions I felt.

The smell of food was well a bit overwhelming at times. The kettle corn had me a few times. I did good though I resisted and sipped on my juice and sipped on my water.

Came home walking on clouds from the event, from the simple reminder of how awesome God's love is. How especial and Unique we all are. It really does not matter where you have been or what you have done, in Christ you are a new creation. A person full of power and Love.  I don't ever want to forget that.

I really feel that I was given a another chance at life, and I am doing everything in my power to make the right choices to improve my health and my life and to share what Im learning in the process. Blessings!

.