Healthy Eating Influences

Let’s just say I haven’t done well with sticking to my healthy eating plan over the weekend.  I’m afraid that the scale shows it.  I am just amazed at the impact a day or two makes.  I didn’t eat anything “horrible”  a little sugar, a little gluten, and definitely did not drink enough water.  And I feel awful.  Bloated, nauseous, and already sore.  Woke up this morning very stiff and my hands were aching.  I don’t normally wake up like that anymore.  I just don’t want to believe that food has such an influence on my body, but it surely does.

It is my goal to eat a clean diet.  Free of processed foods, free of sugar.  I have felt lead to this type of lifestyle for a long time.  It actually started when I was pregnant with my first child.  Back then the book What to Expect When You’re Expecting was THE guide for pregnancy, and they had a companion book about nutrition, What to Eat When You’re Expecting.  The book promoted a very natural diet, and I went all in.  For the most part I followed that plan through pregnancy and breastfeeding my first two kids, around 5 years.  After that things started to go downhill for me and I wasn’t as faithful in eating right.

Whether going back to clean eating will solve all of my problems with fibromyalgia I don’t know.  But I do know that it makes a difference.  I want my body as healthy as it can be.  Here are some books that have influenced me over the years.  Maybe you will find some inspiration and support for your own healthy eating.  In my opinion all of them deserve a spot on your bookshelf.

The Makers Diet

I read this book years ago and at the time thought it was way to extreme.  Now I'm more sold on the idea of eating food as close to the way God made it as possible.

Made to Crave

I read this book last year and really didn't think much of it.  Then over the summer I joined a Bible study group where we followed the book and watched the videos weekly.  I LOVED it.  I also highly recommend the companion devotional book.

Food That Helps Win the Battle Against Fibromyalgia

Ok, I haven't read this one yet, but it's on my list.  I have checked out their web site extensively, and when I signed up for their newsletter, received a free e-book!

Perfect Weight America

This book is by the same author as The Maker's Diet.  In this book are the instructions to the cleanses that made such an impact on me.  On their web site you can sign up for a year of free support, and meal planning.

Beat Sugar Addiction Now

This book was an eye opener for me.  I had no idea how addicted to sugar I was.  Everyone needs to read this book, healthy or not, and break their sugar addiction.  (little tip from a friend, don't get the cookbook)

The links I have created are to each of the books companion web sites, full of free and helpful information to help you decide if each book is something that you want to read.  All of the books can be found used on Amazon, and most of them in Kindle edition.  Happy reading!!

 

Photo Friday!

You are welcome to download and use this photo with my watermark.  Share it on Facebook, Pinterest, or use it as a screensaver. (photos are not to be sold, or used for advertising, please link back to my shop when using photos online)  If you would like to purchase a print without the watermark, visit my shop on Etsy.  Discount prices for Friday Photos!

Creative Wave Studios *SPECIAL SALE*

October is a busy month for me, I will do my best to continue to post, but may miss a few here and there!  Looking forward to a great weekend around here and hope you have a good, restful weekend too!

  

Elliptical machines - helpful after all

“Exercise is a healthy and beneficial treatment for treating fibromyalgia. Using an elliptical machine for exercise helps improve muscle tone, increase blood flow to muscles and decreases pain.” Livestrong.com

 

 An elliptical machine simulates running, gets your heart rate up, but eliminates the pounding pavement making it a low impact exercise.  I must admit I haven’t really liked the elliptical much.  We got one a few years ago for our little home gym and I would use it occasionally.  I much prefer running outside.  I found I got bored quickly inside and didn’t get as much of a workout.  For me, there is just NOTHING like running.  However, lately I have come to enjoy it more and see the practicality of it, both for convenience and my health.  I’ve not been very good about getting out to run the past couple of weeks.  I wanted to keep up with exercise though so if I missed a run, I would hop on the elliptical for 20 minutes.  It keeps me moving, keeps my endurance up, and doesn't cause any joint damage! While it may not be my favorite thing to do, it is a great tool to have to help me stay active.  So if weather is a problem, or kid’s schedules, I can still get a workout in.

 

If you don’t have one at home, think about getting one!  The prices range from under $100 to thousands of dollars depending on durability, features, and brand.  We picked ours up at Walmart for under $400.  It’s a Gold’s Gym elliptical.  Nice because it has a training program built in, cup holder & fan!

This is the newer version of what I have:  walmart.com 

You can often find them used in your area as well.

Here is a review of the best ellipticals for 2012 in different price ranges:  bestellipticalmachines 

 

Here is a good article about starting an exercise routine with fibro from Arthritis Today:  fibromyalgia-exercise

If you have a gym membership, Hop on the elliptical next time you are there and see how you like it!