FAILING AT THE BETTER YOU BETTER SOCIETY FOOD PROGRAM

HAVE I SAT MYSELF UP TO FAIL?

The DAY 4 of BETTER YOU BETTER SOCIETY food program I'm imitating DID NOT end well. I got through the day alright, but then came the night time with battling HABITS that got the best of me.  I did not have my rice with supper which led me snacking on pop corn during MOVIE TIME.

This didn't discourage me very much as it is a grain, but the cravings for chocolate brownie with raspberries got the best of me.  I dove into some baking chocolate making an excuse that it has magnesium in it!  Excuse me.  I did have a small glass of milk as well.  My calorie count was high for the day.  Still under 2000 calories, but when aiming for 1000 it's too much.  

I will continue the plan on DAY 5.

Monday, I started out with my 2 Premier Protein drinks and did great.  Come LUNCH TIME, I will gobble up veggies and a source of protein such as chicken, tuna or turkey.  Probably tuna. Asparagus for the vegetable.  Sometimes SIMPLE is simple.  SIMPLE MATTERS.

Would I be better off eating smaller portions of everything and calling it good?  I am frustrated that the scales are STUCK.  This is MONDAY so I will weigh myself.  🏋

THOUGH I AM OBESE...LIFE is still very good.

ON THE HOME FRONT.
Hello! Tis the beginning of the week.  I am repacking some glassware that is already bubble wrapped, that's been in a cardboard box.  Transferring it and taking inventory of the BOOPIE GLASS that I have had for sometime.  I need to know just how many pieces I have, so I can sell it, give away or keep?  

After I get a stacked pile of these beverage glasses, they will be relocated to the cellar to a muscle rack and out of the house.  Less boxes in the way.  Praise the LORD.

Have Peanut Butter Glasses packed.
 

After, I get the Boopie Glass done then I'll move on to a different area.  I'll move boxed glassware from the Dining room closer to the front door so Hubby can take them to the overflow shelving in the cellar.  One more step closer to being civilized and living like we are humans not crawling amongst the boxes in HOARDERVILLE.  

I believe I have gone through my GLASSWARE PHASE and can let it go now.  It's a matter of gathering and grouping like kind together so I can take inventory and be done with it.  I will be able to part with it along with a lot of other things.  

PLANS for a trip to the ATTIC.  The creation of the ATTIC was not completed at the end of September.  Disappointed, but will aim for OCTOBER.  

HEALTH.  Waiting for it to warm up just a notch as it is VERY COOL outside before going for a short walk.  Craving a pair of sweatpants for this cooler weather.  Thinking WALMART has them for $7 or so.  I'll go tomorrow to get a pair.  

Imagine that 2 weeks ago, we were cooking from high temps.  I have to focus on my exercise which means I need to walk and talk to GOD.

HEALTH.  What I can tell, my STRESS/REST TEST had pretty good results.  I guess I'll have to make an appointment to have my MD read to me the results for the STRESS/REST TEST that I had 2 weeks ago.  Better get after that by messaging my Doc's nurse.  I need some things explained.  Get this out of the way and forge ahead.  Truthfully, I think this COTTAGE move and forging through our STUFF has been too much for a peaceful existence.  It stretched me in an uncomfortable way.  Still, we need to be in order knowing what we have.  Amen.  SO be it. 

~d

 

DECORATING ON THE PRAIRIE: PLAY AREA

I could so easily see this as a little girl's play room 

or an area for play at a daycare center or church nursery.

A doting grandmother could very easily spoil her grands 

by having such a posh play area.

Oh my.

The ideas are endless.
I'll take a few.

~d 🩷

FOOD FOR THOUGHT, NUTRITION FOR THE BODY and GRANNT NANNY JOY FOR THE SOUL

BLESSINGS ON SUNDAY!   I could hear the local church bells ringing this morning.  A beautiful sound to my ears.  With the sun shinning, this should be a day with pleasant weather.  We've had way too much rain as of late.  Drying out is desired. Lord, Bless our day.  

I typed in verse of the day and this came up:

Today’s scripture is Philippians 1:9–10: “That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight… so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”

Then I typed in verse of the day.com and this came up:

First time for me to use https://www.verseoftheday.com/

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

—Proverbs 27:1

I liked it and think I will use it more often.  There's a recorded message for you when you tune in.  A short devotional for me. 

PLANS.  A long soak in the tub.
I'll be shuffling through boxes and bubble wrapping some beverage glasses that were found in a cardboard boxes in the storage unit.  I'll wrap them and place them into new see-through storage tubs. They'll be stored in the cellar later this week.

FOOD PROGRAM.

This is my 4th day on the BETTER YOU BETTER SOCIETY food plan.  I'm aiming for taking at least 20 minutes to drink my 2 Premier Protein drinks for Breakfast.  I was able to stretch this out to 40 minutes this morning.  Proud of myself instead of gulping the drinks too fast, I made it last a tad bit longer.  First, I drank the chocolate flavored one then a Cafe Latte which taste a tiny bit like coffee.

Each carton has 30 grams of protein and 160 calories.  This morning meal totals 60 grams of protein which is excellent and 320 calories which is about right for someone cutting calories.

Praying I can stay on this plan for at least a month.  Lunch and Supper are extremely simple due to having  6 to 8 oz of chicken and a half plate of at least a cup of non-starchy veggies like Brussels Sprouts. 

Already, I substituted the chicken with turkey for one of the meals.  Knowing what I know about foods, it's safe to have chicken, turkey and fish.  Skipping BEEF, eggs, legumes, seeds, nuts, grains altogether.  The veggies can be anything from brussels sprouts, green beans, wax beans, lettuces, spinach, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, green peas, carrots, asparagus, celery, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli, squash, zucchini, beets, tomatoes, sweet potatoes.  Can you think of any other veggies?  No potatoes (too starchy) or corn (more than likely GMO'd).

HEALTH.
With having NO thyroid, my body does not lose weight like someone with a healthy thyroid and this is difficult for me to appreciate.  Yes, I am thankful for being alive after having thyroid cancer, but I do not thrive at feeling good.  It's also a mental battle field convincing myself that I am happy about carrying way too much weight on my bones and gaining.  The exercise more and eat less to lose weight is a heart breaking theory because this is about a hormone imbalance.  I have one.  I'm learning that vitamin D (a hormone) has to be in an optimal range and not just the lower end of the chart to me to do any good.

In order for D to be in the range where it helps, magnesium, selenium, zinc, K2 must be in a good place.  Magnesium jump starts the D.  You want K2 when taking Vitamin D3 supplements as the K2 helps pull the D into the bones and cells where when you do not have K2 with the D, the calcium stays in the arteries roughing them up.  

Okay.  Alrighty then.  Moving right along.

GRANNY NANNY CHRONICLES.

Yesterday was fun and relaxing.  We watched a soccer game that our youngest grandson was playing in.  Chatted with family members afterwards.  Went over to a Grandson's home to hold his newborn baby.  So sweet.  So very sweet.  Baby smiled at me!  Love this when this happens. Took a drive and decided to go to a different community to shop for chicken and veggies, but was disappointed that their chicken was overcooked so we drove over to Manhattan.  On the way, Hubby called LIL MISS to see what she was doing for lunch and we made a date to eat together. Wonderful to visit with her and her HUNNY.  

I ordered a smoked turkey sandwich without cheese knowing I could just eat the turkey with lettuce and tomato.  Instead of French fries, I ate some brussels sprouts and drank H2O.  Right on track for the BETTER YOU BETTER SOCIETY food plan to lose weight.  I was able to avoid the bun altogether and I did not crave it.  No desire to eat bread.  That's not like me.  humpf. Maybe I'm catching on.

THE REST OF THE STORY. 

We had a great visit, said our good-byes and took a drive.  Went shopping for veggies at Aldi.  We stocked up on canned tuna and chicken.  Bought fresh lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower.

Drove HOME and rested.  Driving alone does make me tired for so many reasons.

Time to go.  Not sure I'll work in a walk or not.  I really need to.  Kick my attitude.  Another day on the Better You Better Society meals.  I weighed myself this morning and nothing has changed on the scales.  Keep going, child.  I have it in me to keep going.  Keep going.  Don't quite.

Whatever hurdle you're trying to get over, remember you have worth, are loved by God and not alone.  Being a BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN where you have the HOLY SPIRIT in you to guide and direct you is a heavenly assistant and we all need this.  ~d

~d🩷 

SPARKY GUARDS THE PORCH

Sparky the concrete dog.

Does this concrete dog look like a THREAT to you?

I named this puppy, SPARKY and placed it on the front porch.  

We had it at the other house we lived in before coming to 

the COTTAGE.

The neighbor's cat seems to think it is something to fight with.

Hubby heard some noise on the porch where he thought it was me sweeping the porch.  He glanced outside to see what the ruckus was.  It wasn't me.  It was the neighbor's old grey cat batting at the dog.  Sparky wobbles a little bit when pawed at which makes a noise.  So far, the cat has attacked SPARKY 3 times.  I have to laugh because the cat must think it is winning a fight with a concrete dog.  haha.

The cat's pride must puff up when the dog does not bark or run away.   Still laughing that so far the cat has attacked the dog 3 times on different occasions.  Entertainment.

WE STAYED HOME TODAY after being on the go a couple of days.  The weather was cooler today with NO rain.  Wednesday and Thursday we had medical appointments and chores to run. Both days we were caught in down pours where it was difficult to see while driving the interstate.

We had a serious hiccup at Quest Diagnostic when we went to sign in to have labs done.  For some reason the computer kicked our Topeka appointment to the Manhattan location.  Not a good sit up for us as we made the appointment for Topeka so when we signed in there were no appointments in their system.  Oops.  Things got straightened out and our labs were done.  We both had our Vitamin D levels checked.  I had my A1C checked as well and Hubby had his B12 checked.  They are fast at getting the results in the health portal.

My A1c is climbing, but still in a good range.  I'll be working on lowering it by losing a few more pounds and not eating bread.  Our D levels were better and Hubb's B12 much better.  

Saw an old friend at God's Storehouse.  Nice to visit with her.  Walmart and Natural Grocers as well.  Drove HOME through the heavy rain and took a well deserved NAP.

Baked chicken breast, green beans and rice for supper.  It was October 1st and an opportunity to start BETTER YOU BETTER SOCIETY diet.

Better You Better Society focuses on helping people lose fat, build muscle, and improve overall well-being through structured programs and guidance. 

I know I talk a lot about diets and losing weight.  I know.  I know.  This particular DIET is super simple and I will do it for a month if I can.  

TOTAL CALORIES FOR DAY = 1218

BREAKFAST = 320
2 PREMIUM PROTEIN DRINKS = 320 CALORIES
WATER

LUNCH = 328
LARGE BAKED CHICKEN BREAST = 240
2 CUPS OF GREEN BEANS = 88
WATER

SUPPER = 570
LARGE BAKED CHICKEN BREAST = 240
2 CUPS OF GRILLED BRUSSELS SPROUTS = 112
1 CUP BROWN RICE = 218
WATER 

No snacks.  No fruit or dairy.  No potatoes, pastries, pasta.  

The baked chicken breast is hiding under the brown rice.  It was really tasty.  I know if I do this everyday with only chicken it will get boring.  I'll switch out the chicken breasts with chicken thighs also with turkey patties and roasted turkey.  Some fish like salmon and tuna.  The side dish of vegetables will be non-starchy veggies where I will switch out with a side salad no dressing, baked carrots, kale, squash, zucchini, cauliflower, green peas, onions, bell peppers, etc.

I'll see how my body responds and go from there.  If I stay in the realm of 1200 calories, I should reduce some body weight.  Praying this works.  Pray and stay thankful I'm not starving.  One month.

Supposedly 40 pounds will come off in 4 months.  This is a long time to eat this way.  It will take discipline.  Can I do this?  If I can take this off in 4 months, I would be ever so grateful.   

🥗🥬🥗🥬🥕🥕🥕🧅🧅🧅🍅🍅🍅🥒🥒🥒🥗🥬🥗🥬

☔Thankful for NO rain TODAY!  I purchased a couple of WALMART MUMS for under $7.00 each.  Gorgeous colors.  After we finish admiring them for the season, they will be planted somewhere on the property.  I may see if HUBBY would consider planting them on the outskirt's of the front flowerbeds.  I love the color they have and HOPE they come back next year.  Cheers me up to see such pretty shades of nature.

TODAY, I went through an old beat up cardboard box that was brought HOME from the storage unit.  Inside was a glass cake plate with an aluminum cover.  I suspect it's from the 1950s.  Mid-century goodie.

Looks a lot this one.  I debated getting rid of it, but decided for now I will keep it and store it in a nice plastic storage box and keep it in the cellar.

I emptied the box and went through another tub full of old receipts, bank statements, old checks, etc.  I started feeling a sense of HOPE that I managed to empty a couple of boxes! A good feeling.   

One of the boxes held old record albums from our High School and College Days.  I thought they'd fit in an old wood crate of my brother's, but they were too wide.  I switched out my Bill Book, Calendar, Address book that I had in a LONGABERGER BASKET into the wood crate that now sits on an end table to the right of my recliner.  

My brother passed away 5 years ago this month and it belonged to him.  I didn't want to get rid of it, so I did the switch-er-roo.  I came across a letter he mailed us before his death.  This one made me tear up.  I didn't do enough for my brother while he was alive.  Knowing this, I must do better for those that are still alive.  

A third box has old bluejeans my children wore.  I was going to make a blue jean blanket out of the jeans, but have decided I will launder these ancient pieces of denim and recycle them.   

Not today, but tomorrow, I will begin the laundry and finish the task by placing them on hangers for a SPRING RUMMAGE SALE.  They will season through the WINTER on a clothing rack and be waiting for their SPRING debut.  

BLOOD PRESSURE
This good reading is rare for me, but I was surprised last night.  I usually have higher BP than this.  Something went just right for me.  PTL.

Wish it were this good all the time.  Perhaps in my future?

Love,

~d

I DO NOT CARE TO BE WISHY WASHY

I'M GUILTY OF BEING WISHY WASHY.  I believe there are times that everyday living can get in the way of one's FAITH bearing fruit.  A newness of having one's spiritual health refreshed is needed.  Leaning into the realm of health, prosperity, peace and goodwill needs woke up at times.  We need CHRIST.  The HOPE of GLORY through Christ Jesus.

Reasons why our Christian FAITH needs a jolt to get us going in the right direction can vary.  Mine needs refreshed.  I hit some kind of wall stopping me from being a better me.  Through all types of challenges, we all need rest.  A SABBATH.  We can run on fumes only for so long and then we stop.  Can't move.  Stuck.

Meditating on the word of GOD is fuel for growth.

If we didn't need a day of rest once a week then God wouldn't have set the example for us.  Take that REST BREAK and forget about being on the go all the time.  We need refreshed.

~d