Healthier lifestyle

[Susan Hosken]

Three days ago I became the heaviest I have ever been and have been having difficulties doing my daily walk. My diet has been including a fair bit of junk food. Not anymore. I have cleared the cupboards and refrigerator and have started eating healthy. I already feel better. Problem is I have tried this before and not gotten far enough. I was thinking of getting a mentor to help me out each day but don't know who to ask so I am going to check in here each day and hold myself accountable. I did the 30 days of creativity challenge so now I am going to begin my first of many 30 day challenges of healthy eating and exercise.I hope a few of you stop by occasionally to offer your support. Maybe someone wants to join in. See you tomorrow.
lots of love from susan in australia

[Susan Hosken]

Just found out 108 have died in the bushfires and 5000 are homeless. It is devastating. My healthy lifestyle attempts pale in comparison.
lots of love from susan in australia

[Valerie K]

Just been reading about the brushfires. How dreadful! How far is that from you?
I too had to start eating healthy after the holidays. I had too much sugar around Christmas. Now instead of dessert I am eating fruit, and trying to work more vegetables into our diet. Tonight I made a french onion soup with leeks, garlic and red onions.
Do keep us posted. Small gradual changes over time....

Love,
Val K

[Susan Hosken]

ValerieK, thanks so much for your support. Some of the bushfires are about an hour away. Others are all over the state of Victoria. It is devastating. Prayers are needed for all the families affected. People will be affected for the rest of their lives with the memories. Glad you are eating healthier too.
lots of love from susan in australia

[Lin Neiswender]

Susan,

Congratulations on choosing a healthier lifestyle not just a diet. I bet you have already done the hardest part- making the choice to be healthy! You showed that commitment when you cleared the cupboards and fridge. Take it day by day and you will be fine. I am trying to make healthier choices too. I am starting to cook more for myself so I don't eat so much processed foods, and freezing portions so I won't go out and order a pizza if I haven't had time to prepare something. I also started eating at least 2 pieces of fruit every day. That and exercising twice a week at the hospital. So in baby steps I am beginning. Way to go, Susan!

[Susan Hosken]

Lin, That is tremendous. One of my biggest problems will be preparing meals for myself. Since my breakdown I have lost the ability to cook like i used to. On many days my mind is too unwell to remember how to do it. I am slowly learning how to prepare very simple meals and going in baby steps. I am like you and freeze meals for when I am too unwell to cook. thanks for your support. I hope I can support you too.
lots of love from susan in australia

[Lin Neiswender]

I plan to cook every three days or so and eat left overs in between, then freeze the rest. That way I don't get too tired of it. I have pork riblets cooking in the crock pot right now, and they smell delicious! A combo of Italian and Asian marinade. I will cook some broccoli and have some rice with the ribs. Can't wait! I don't do complicated recipes. I like crock pot things or casseroles or soups/stews. There are a lot of good resources on the Internet for recipes. I always go from a printed recipe, makes it so much easier!

[Becca Allison]

Good idea about cooking ahead and freezing it. That way, after a while, you'll have several different entrees in the freezer and can pull out what strikes your fancy!
I love to do soups and stews - but you know me - I sorta wing it, and I consequently get a different soup each time!

[Susan Hosken]

Lin, With my mood disorder I have huge problems when I am in my quieter phase when I don't feel like doing much. I need to plan better to cope with these times. I need to cook and freeze things when I am up and zippy and then I have easier meals and frozen meals when I am quiet and flatter. It's all in the planning. I'm so glad you are able to share with me on healthier living.
lots of love from susan in australia

[Lin Neiswender]

Maybe you can plan a meal to cook on a day when you have nothing else scheduled. A crockpot meal is an easy one to do. Do you have a crockpot? If you made a roast with vegetables that would give you a bunch of meals to freeze.

[Susan Hosken]

Lin, I don't have a crock pot. I have never cooked a roast. I had a roast at my brothers and enjoyed it for the first time. I usually don't like roasts. I like silversied though. thanks for your tips.
lots of love from susan in australia

[Lin Neiswender]

What is silversied Susan?

[Susan Hosken]

Lin, As i am a retired vegetarian I don't know what silverside is. I think it is beef that has been pickled in some way. You cook it in boiling water on the stove. It is pink in color. I wonder what you call it in America. I will ask my friend Anna and get back to you.
lots of love from susan in australia