Thursday Thirst

So I am on day 4 of no sugar.  Think no added sugar, not zero sugar.  I still have 2 pieces of fruit a day.  Like in my smoothies, or an apple.  But I have it all, the fiber and all.  Any doubts at all as to how bad processed food is for us...just check out this article.  I could not believe it.  It is crazy.
https://www.eatthis.com/unhealthiest-foods-2018/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=msn-feed

There is a salad in this list that has 1000 calories!  WOW.  And if we think that advertisements do not mislead us, we are naïve.  Many of the things in the list might be things we try to be more healthy than what we really want (fruit smoothies, protein bar, Lean Cuisine, salad).  I would rather just try to eat whole food, so I know what is in the food and it is cheaper anyway.  Then, if I really want to try the candy bar, I have the candy bar...but not this month.  I am trying to go one month with no sugary treats, to see if it makes me feel better.  My tummy has been hurting a little more lately.

I think it is a combination of not getting the level of rest and sleep I was getting before I went back to work.  After all, I am driving an extra 10 hours a week alone.  Not to mention the 40 hours I am working and the stress of it.  I will be glad when Sept gets here.

I was looking at my FB timeline and a memory popped up that yesterday exactly one year ago was the last day in our City House.  We stayed 3 months in a noise, disgusting hotel, then retired.  We travel quite a bit, did lots of projects around the house...I read a devotional earlier in the week that said when we feel feelings, just be in it.  I learned that years ago for some things I went through as a young adult (normal life stuff, relationships, heartaches, job issues, disappointments) but when it came to a more gradual, should-have-been-all-positive aspect about retiring, I jumped the gun and had to jump into action.  I won't be fooled next time. 

After this gig, I plan to take off the rest of fall and all winter and look at things in the late winter/spring.  Maybe get a part time job or volunteer, or both. 

I think DH is doing his own adjusting too.  Finding himself busier with me gone, of course, but he has been checking in with his sister, helping at her store and yesterday met his brother halfway between city and retirement town and they played golf. 

Anyway, have a great day - it is Thursday.  Weekend, then short week next week! 

2nd Complete Day with No Sugar

I had my last helping of sugar Sunday when I bought DH apple fritters for his birthday.  But I felt so bad last week (had sugar almost everyday) after having cut the cord for over 2 weeks...that I have to do something.  So, I decided to start all over.

Yesterday I felt sluggish and sleepy.  Just blah.  Today is similar, but not nearly as sleepy.  And my tummy seems better.  After one week of sugar after being off, I felt very bloaty and puffy.  Made a HUGE difference.  So, now I am waiting for the reversal.  I feel it a little, but look forward to getting past 1 week point because I think by this weekend I will really feel the benefits.

Hope you have a nice Tuesday!

Overwhelmed?

Today I read an anonymous prayer "I pray that I may not be overwhelmed by material things.  I pray that I may realize the higher value of spiritual things..."  I have failed to mention lately that I am bringing that last of 2 boxes of old records to shred at work this week.  I had a single last paper box full.  I divided it by 3 because I only work 3 days this week and I bring an armful in a day and they get shredded.  I can't carry the entire box at a time, because I walk 2 blocks to work!  I also brought 2 envelops to mail a vest and a purse.  I also was inspired last night to get up during a commercial while watching my favorite show and grab about 8 items that I was on the fence about out of my closet and put them in the pile. Funny this is the prayer this morning.

The weekend was pretty busy...I need a weekend of nothing but rest.  So maybe the 1st weekend of Dec I will do that.  Have a total pajama day Sat!  Part of the problems i have are cyclical...i start feeling really good, I eat too much or not enough good "whole" foods, i.e. too much processed junk/sugar and then I crash and burn.  I went to bed feeling pretty bad last night.  My tummy was really upset, some abdominal and upper acid reflux and my joints were sore, right knee was throbbing.  Also some things I don't mention in a blog telling me my Candida might be back.  I know I need to do elimination diet...but it is the week of Thanksgiving...really?!  Oh well, I will just focus on lean meat and veggies this week...try to give up sugar.  It is hard, but feeling like this is harder. 

I did a 2 hour yoga class yesterday.  it was not solid 2 hours of flow, it was focused on using props (blocks and straps...and even the wall) to reshift your practice to sharpen up your poses.  Not just push for the ultimate twist so you can say "I did it", but really think about aligning the spine and opening the shoulders and gain from the stretch.  I liked it.  I would have never followed through with it, but I signed up and paid for it last week!  I ran home from church, put 2 home made pizzas (dairy free) in the oven and told my husband to take them out...then ran to the yoga class.  I was too tired to walk.  I really prefer to walk if I can, esp in the winter on weekends, because I like the sunshine.  I can't get home early enough during the week to walk in the daylight. 

so far rest last evening helped my knee, so i am planning on hot yoga after work.  We shall see.  Hope you get some sun on your face today and don't get overwhelmed by stuff!