VBC Chapter One

Did you pick up your copy??

Barnes and Noble, Amazon...library? 

Here is my first tip...it's important:

Lose the cover!

I mean serious...the partially eaten cupcake...helloooo??

Have you heard the research regarding the relationship between dopamine and food? I had read some about it thanks to Deanne and an article she circulated a year or so ago but this chapter 1 was intriguing to me...

I read it through feeling quite sorry for all of the people in this world who suffer from addictions. I related (mildly) to some of the specifics; I breezed over the "Am I an Addict" at the conclusion of the chapter and kept reading for enlightenment.

Tonight in preparation for the post, I reviewed the chapter and made myself seriously take the quiz. And...ahem...my name is Kathleen Allen and I am a food addict.  There. I said it.  Now, mind you, I barely made the cut but I am in...so...let's talk ourselves through this.  Did you take the test...I mean seriously? Don't do it casual..Take out a pen and mark up your book. Are you in??

I like the recognition that we all live on the reward system and that there are many rewards or "fixes" that are healthy and constructive.  It is the "false fixes" that we must steer away from that are destructive.  The author (Pam Peeke) points out how food became a false fix.  I feel like we have been set up. 

One more point that I liked stemmed from her discussion regarding genetics and the role they play. This genetics thing is not a new concept either but did you read the paragraph on page 11 about epigenetics?  Dr. Peeke explains that the environment in which we live can actually alter how our body responds to the genetics we have been "gifted"...I love the fact that we (as Forever Fitters) have the ability to alter how the genetics take hold by creating a community of healthy eating and activitivy.  We are sooo lucky to have each other, to have Deanne for great work outs and to have our incredible San Diego weather and gorgeous seascapes, parks a' plenty, trails and bike paths which help keep our healthly lifestyle front and center in our world(s).

Go Us!!:)

Food4thought.Thoughts4food...

Ummm...yeah this would be me in my size zero clothes.

after about 1 year of juicing.

She is not really smiling, but not frowning either.

I have wondered if I could be free in my expressions regarding the cleanse here on the blog. This particular forum is connected to Deanne and Forever Fit so I don't want to be like a naysayer at church. Did I use the term naysayer correctly? Best not to correct me if not, not now...I am, after all, on day 4 of cleansing:)

Don't get me wrong it hasn't been all bad nor all good..kindof like the expression on the face above...

What I like about the cleanse (thus far):

1) Love having my food all planned and (out of necessity) made the night before to take with me to work.

2) Having had someone else figure out the recipes and schedule because no way right now in my life would I have taken time to do so.

3) Thurs/Friday pm snack, that was delicious, really. The first time I have wanted to suck the cup dry.

4) Having the coaching from Deanne and Janelle coming via email just at the right critical moment.

5) Adding ice and protein powder to breakfast.

6) The times that I have felt the "lift" from the juices...it hasn't been every time for me but I have felt it a time or two.

7) Losing weight!

8) Realizing that 90% of my food intake was purchased in the produce department.

9) Trying something new and healthy. ( I like new and trendy:)

10) Bragging rights!!

And the down side... 

1)  Cravings

2) Having someone else decide my food. I like choices.

3) The learning curve on water/ice/consistency.

4) Resenting family food consumption.

5) Moody.

So...not bad...twice as many likes to dis-likes.  How has it measured up for you??

Love to hear!
Kathleen

 

Day 2...

 

Tomorrow's 3 out of 5 meals... the ones I have to take to work with me.

Alright, so honest..how is it going?

Thanks to Deanne for putting up with my...

OMG type of texts today.

and yesterday.

I am getting used to it.

Blending more.

Adding (more) water.

Lovvvvved dinner.

How bout you??

And..by the way..Janelle estimates 25 of us doing the cleanse.

She has heard from 15. For raffle tickets.

So I am wanting to hear about it...(from you!)

Cleanse!

Raise Your Hand If You Are In!!

2012 HOLIDAY CHALLENGE WINNERS!!!!

First Place with 3064 points:  CEREAL KILLERS
Members:  Jenny Carter, LeAnne Peckham, Greg Nelson and Andy Hughes
Prize: 4 custom 2012 champion long-sleeved workout shirts and a private cooking class with Something Homemade

Second Place with 2881 points:  THE UNKNOWN SOLDIERS
Members: Bev Jafek, Julie Darton, Laura Melbourne and Nancy Krueger
Prize: $50 gift certificate to Cineopolis

Third Place with 2845 points:  4 GALS 4 STRENGTH
Members: Chris Howard, Annie Golden, Alchera Ayyad and Gaylin Allbaugh
Prize: Gymboss timer and a deck of Fitdeck Fitness cards

Individual Winner with 716 points:  YVONNE KOEHLER
Prize: A long sleeved Forever Fit workout shirt and a seat at our private cooking class

I would also like to recognize a few individuals who also got over 600 points which was very difficult to do!
Gaylin Allbaugh
Julie Darton
Bev Jafek

CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!