My thoughts today

My 15 year old posted this on his Facebook page in my honor and it made me examine myself a bit.

YOU DON'T LOOK SICK! No, I don't. It's hard to explain to someone when they have no clue. It's a daily struggle feeling sick on the inside while you look fine on the outside. Please put this as your status if you or someone you know has an invisible illness, Anxiety, Bi-Polar, P.T.S.D., LUPUS, Fibromyalgia, Crohns, DIABETES, Arthritis, chronic back pain,Epilepsy, MS,Depression,COP


It is amazing how true that is!  All of us who deal with a chronic “silent” disease deal with this issue.  I would love to take this time to educate those that don’t deal with it on a daily basis with a window into the life of a chronically ill person. 

We go through our days with a smile on our face because we know that something painful could be just around the corner so we are truly enjoying that moment in time.  We refuse to be weak because once we give into that weakness we may never come back to a strong place again.  We appreciate others around us who love us and support us because we know of others that just couldn’t handle the constant roller coaster of emotions/realities and just walked away. 

We don’t feel sorry for ourselves, but we do feel the pain of our loved ones around us.  We watch those same people who are our lifeline become broken, spending so much energy making our life better that they forget to take care of themselves.  To top that off, our caretakers very rarely have anyone who takes care of them.  The focus is usually on the person who is ill, not on those that are depleting all they have to make life bearable for the entire family.  We try to help, but they don’t want to burden us with that added stress so they keep pushing on even though they have no physical or emotional energy left.  Simple every day things that “normal” people take for granted are huge undertakings for people in my situation and it’s the caretaker in our life that moves mountains to make us feel like we aren’t different. 


Easy things like shopping or going out to eat or shopping are easy only because the caretaker makes sure our environment is workable.  Including scouting out all the sidewalks to find the cutouts so we can make it across the street.  Finding a table that a wheelchair can fit under.  Moving racks and making a path so we can look at whatever we want.  Making sure dressing rooms are accessible so we don’t fall or have to struggle figuring out how to change.  All of this is done for us so we can concentrate on just enjoying ourselves without the thought of how much work it it for the caretaker. 

They do not enjoy seeing us this way and definitely don’t enjoy watching us struggle or in pain.  In the case of some of us, our caretakers remember a time when things weren't that way and they ache for that time to return.  If we have children it becomes even more difficult because the healthy spouse becomes the sole provider of all daily activities especially if the chronically ill person can not drive.  The pressure to be everything to everyone in the family is too much to ask from one person but we all do it almost subconsciously.  We do this because we have no one else and sadly neither does the caretaker. 


I’m  not writing this so that you can look at someone who is chronically ill and feel sorry for them, I’m writing this for those that no one supports or thanks often enough....the caretakers.  Life is hard for them.  They are pulled in so many directions that they are dangerously close to exploding at any given time.  They are silently screaming in their heads asking for a break from all of this so I ask that you wrap your arms around them and simply ask them..How are YOU doing?  Seriously listen to them when they answer. If they tell you they are fine, ask them again..No, how are you DOING?   Keep them in your prayers because sometimes God is the only one that holds them together.   Life is hard for the chronically ill but I truly believe it is harder for those that are the caretakers. 

To my caretaker:

From the bottom of my heart I say THANK YOU to my amazing husband who makes my life better just by being with me, for loving me and being the glue that holds our family together.  I know this isn’t how we imagined our life together, but you have through your strength and love kept us all lifted up and moving forward.  You deserve so much but ask for so little.  You are incredible and I pray that you will let me lift you up as well.

Do you think Fat is the enemy?

You might think that to lose weight, you need to cut the fat out of your meals. After all, fat is higher in calories than protein and carbs, and low-fat diets have been popular since the Senate Nutrition Committee first recommended them in the late 1970s. But research shows that a moderate-fat diet (with about 35 percent of calories consumed coming from fat) will help you drop pounds permanently, feel full longer, and avoid bingeing. The trick is to eat the right kind of fat to increase satisfaction and boost weight loss. Here's why it's important to eat fat—and we offer five of the best fat sources to add to your diet.

How eating fat will help you lose fat.

In 2008, researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel found that people who followed low-fat diets lost less weight than people who followed low-carb or moderate-fat diets. The low-fat group lost an average of 6.5 pounds over 2 years, but the low-carb and moderate-fat groups lost about 10 pounds. Women did especially well on the moderate-fat diet, losing an average of 13 pounds during the study.
Fat is an important element in weight loss for several reasons:

• Fat helps your body control blood sugar and insulin spikes after eating carbohydrates. Better sugar metabolism means less fat storage.
• Fat slows down digestion and aids nutrient absorption. You'll stay fuller longer and get more health benefits from the food you eat.
• Essential fatty acids (like omega-3s) may boost your metabolic rate and increase fat burning.
• Fat tastes good. It also provides a "mouthfeel" that is satisfying, which can help you be happy with less food.

Eating more fat may also help you stick to your diet longer. In a study conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, participants got either 20 percent of their calories from fat or 35 percent of their calories from fat. After 6 months, both groups had lost weight. But after 18 months, only 20 percent of the people in the low-fat group were still following the diet, compared with 54 percent of the people in the moderate-fat group. Likewise, the subjects in the moderate-fat group had maintained their weight loss, while the low-fat group participants had gained most of the weight back.
If you reach for a box of low-fat or fat-free crackers or cookies because you want to lose weight, you may actually be sabotaging your diet. Manufacturers frequently replace fat with sugar in packaged food items to make them taste better. You think you're making a good decision by eating fat-free products, but the excess sugar and refined flour can lead to fatigue, cravings, mood swings, and weight gain caused by the overproduction of insulin—the fat-storage hormone. As a snack, a sliced apple with some peanut butter or a salad with oil and vinegar dressing would be a better weight loss choice. The complex carbs and healthy fats will maintain your blood sugar levels, boost your energy, and keep you satisfied longer.
What kind of fat should you eat? To get lean, you need to eat the right kind of fat. Avoid saturated and trans fats (which are found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and many packaged foods), and instead choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Here are some of the best sources of fat to help you reach your weight goal.

1. Fish. Fish like salmon, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, and sardines contains beneficial amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Most experts agree that eating two servings of fatty fish per week is safe for people who are worried about mercury or other toxins. (Pregnant women should consult with their doctors about consuming fish.) If you don't like fish, a quality supplement like Beachbody's Core Omega-3™ will give you the benefits without the fishy taste.
2. Olive oil. Heart-healthy oils like olive, canola, and peanut oil are excellent sources of fat for dieters. They have also been shown to lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Use them sparingly when sautéing, or drizzle them over your favorite salad or vegetables with a little vinegar and some herbs to maximize the absorption of nutrients. Moderation is important: You really only need about a teaspoon of oil to get all its benefits. Using more will add significant calories.
3. Avocados. Eat a spinach and carrot salad with a little avocado, and you'll not only get a dose of good fat, but you'll also absorb more phytonutrients like lutein and beta-carotene. Scientists at Ohio State University in Columbus found that more antioxidants were absorbed when people ate a salad containing avocados than when they ate a salad without this tasty fruit. One-quarter of an avocado will add flavor while only adding about 75 calories.
4. Nuts. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and peanuts are powerhouses of good nutrition—full of antioxidants, minerals, and monounsaturated fat. The Nurses Health Study, where more than 86,000 nurses were followed for 14 years, found that those who ate nuts regularly (about an ounce per day) tended to weigh less than those who didn't. The protein, fat, and fiber make nuts more filling, which helps dieters stay on track. Plus there's a psychological bonus to eating nuts: Because they're rich and satisfying, you probably won't feel like you're on a diet.
5. Flaxseeds. Packing the triple wallop of fat, protein, and fiber, flaxseeds are a delicious and healthful addition to any diet. You can grind them up and add them to oatmeal, yogurt, salads, or vegetables, or pretty much anywhere you want a nutty crunch. They're a plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, making them a good choice for vegetarians or the aforementioned non-fish-loving folks. Ground flaxseeds also have 3 grams of fiber per tablespoon, which helps slow digestion and keep your blood sugar stable.

Making room for fat.

Certain fats might be considered necessary for health, but that's not a cue to overindulge. At 9 calories per gram, fat is a more concentrated energy source than either protein or carbohydrates (each has 4 calories per gram). You need to be mindful of your overall caloric intake if you want to eat more fat and lose weight. But when you feel full and satisfied after eating the right kinds of fat, you'll probably find it a bit easier to manage your calories.

How do you react?

Say the right words, Read the right books, Listen to the right tapes, Be with the right people, Do the right things, Pray the right prayer.  We all worry that we aren’t enough or aren’t doing enough to be successful.  What do you do to tip the balance in your favor?  Do you keep moving forward or allow life to stop you in your tracks?

Struggles..they are what defines us.  When faced with something that seems insurmountable, how do you respond?  I don’t know about you, but I never plan out how I react to situations, it just seems to happen.  Like the other day for instance. I was being very specific in what I needed to accomplish, highly motivated to take on the mountain of to do’s I had written down.  The boys were going to be off getting some awesome “boy time” outside playing baseball so I had the house to myself.  I was excited because my house was quiet and I just knew I would be very productive!

 I accidentally knocked my insulated coffee mug off of my desk with the lid open and it began to spill on my hardwood floors.  I bent down so I could pick it up, accidentally knocked it under my wheelchair as I am parked at my desk.  I couldn’t get up unless I moved my wheelchair from the desk so I had to roll backwards and thus dragging my coffee cup with me spilling coffee all the while.  I did not react well.  I was angry at the weakness being shown in myself.  I ranted and raved, talking very disparaging about my MS I must admit.  I did finally calm down and became the rational person I am usually.

I managed to set the cup upright but not before I had coffee all over my floor.  I couldn’t use my wheelchair to get rags because it would have had to roll through the spill, so I had to walk.  If you have ever seen me walk it is a slow process, considering I wasn’t even able to stand until I started P90X and Shakeology this is a huge step for me..literally!  I didn’t have a cane, walker, or even an able bodied person to help me so I had to use walls to keep me balanced and upright.  I did it..admittedly it wasn’t pretty but I succeeded in doing something incredibly basic and it was a triumph for me.  You see until Dan and I changed our lives if I had to do something like that it would have been impossible.  In fact, I remember one time falling and having to army crawl somewhere just 10 feet away and it taking 30 minutes.  This little speed bum took me less than 10 minutes to clean up.  I felt incredibly victorious!

I share this with you because I wanted you to see that struggles come in all shapes and sizes.  Some struggles are HUGE and life threatening, but struggles also come in little things like spilled coffee.  You will continually face things in life that will either set you back or will strengthen you.  I spent several years letting little and big struggles beat me down.  I refuse to do that anymore!  I am in control of my life and how I respond to the things going on around me are a direct reflection of that mindset.  I encourage you to be in control of your current struggles, whatever they might be.  It all begins with you!

New Workout Programs from Beachbody!

Beachbody isn't just about P90X and Tony Horton..we have more!  I wanted to talk about two wonderful workout programs from Beachbody coming out soon.  The end of May, Body Gospel will be making it's debut and Beachbody is pulling out all the stops.  A worldclass workout filmed in front of a full choir and Donna Richardson Joyner leading real people to work out . This will also have the standard nutrition guide as well as a daily devotional to help you stay motivated and on track with your nutrition. 

The second is TURBO FIRE!  This is the next in line following Turbo Jam and it is fantastic!  I had the privilege of working out to this at Summit with Chalene Johnson and it was amazing!  This workout is High Intensity Interval Training and is designed to burn more fat than strict cardio based programs.  I posted a preview at the bottom of this page so you will have to check it out.  This will be something you have to try to believe!

Hope you all have a great day! :)

Who takes care of you?

Too many of us become overwhelmed, stop taking care of ourselves and expect others to step in and do it for us. This is what led me to begin my downward spiral before Dan found Beachbody. I didn’t think I was of any value to others, I felt that I wasn’t able to take care of myself or my children and I found it easier for others to do it for me. I became dependent on others to motivate me, I found myself feeling unworthy. Sounds pretty depressing doesn't it..exactly.  Depression was a constant in my life just 14 months ago.  So how did I take the steps to change that? I got moving!


It doesn’t matter what you choose to do as long as you are doing something. Go for a quick walk, jog in place in your living room, do jumping jacks, or like me sit in your chair and move your arms! Get your blood pumping!
I chose to do P90X because my husband was doing it and it looked like fun. We modified the program to fit my ability.  Just becoming active changed my perspective because it gave me a feeling of accomplishment. If you are feeling lost in the shuffle of life, exercise can help with that! There are several articles that discuss the benefits of exercise when dealing with depression. I didn’t want to hear about that when I was drowning in my own issues but now I see that it truly helped. It was the catalyst to turning my life around. By getting my body moving again with P90X then adding the superior nutrients in Shakeology, I found myself again. I became the person I wanted to be, not the one that MS was forcing me to become. That was a year ago, and our family life is completely different.  I am finally feel like I am worthy of being taken care of by the most important person in my life...me!  I still have Multiple Sclerosis, but it doesn’t have me.


Suffer from depression? http://bit.ly/boDhM4