My Favorite Personal Accomplishment

This photo was taken June 2013 in Rockford, Illinois. I walked the 5K with a cane due to needing a right knee replacement. The walk was a bit painful but the joy of finishing the race was far more rewarding. I still haven't had the knee replacement and it is even more difficult to walk for long distances.

I recently rejoined Weight Watchers in Roscoe, Illinois. There is a wonderful, inspiring leader there who I think will be a wonderful fit for my weight loss journey. I will not do the program exact, but will tweak it to my dietary needs. I believe I need to lose about 100 pounds and need to do so before I have the knee surgery for the best success.

Follow me on this journey to health. I hope some of what I share will inspire you!

Eating Healthy at Panera Bread

Panera Bread began in 1981. As of December 31, 2013, there are 1,777 bakery-cafes in 45 states and in Ontario Canada. Each provides fresh all-natural, preservative-free bread baked daily in Stone Deck ovens on hot stone slabs.

Whether you are counting calories, fat, protein, carbs, cholesterol or sugar, Panera Bread will customize your meal with fresh, high-quality foods including antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients, a vast array of beverages (frozen, cold and hot), soufflés, breakfast and panini sandwiches, hand-tossed salads, pastas, soups, Power Meals, Panera Kids items with a choice of squeezable organic yogurt, apple or baguette, and catering. If you have allergies, ask to talk to the manager for a list of ingredients.

Upon my arrival at the Rockford, Illinois, Panera Bread at 9:30 A.M., I was happily greeted by a lovely cashier, Breanna, who informed me about healthy breakfast and panini options, calories, carbohydrates and how I could customize my meal. I ordered a Tomato & Mozzarella Panini, Mediterranean Egg White on Ciabatta, blueberry muffin, Acai Berry iced tea, and a Power Chicken Hummus Bowl to sample with my husband. I did not inform her that I eat at Panera Bread often.

Power Chicken Hummus Bowl

While I was waiting for my food, I overheard a nice lady excited about ordering the Grilled Mediterranean Egg White on Ciabatta Breakfast Sandwich. (Breakfast is available until 10:30 A.M.). I approached the woman and we began conversing. She drives about 31 minutes in traffic just to get this sandwich. Now that’s a big fan! The sandwich includes egg whites, Vermont white cheddar, roasted tomato, fresh spinach and basil pesto on ciabatta with 410 calories.

The Power Bowls were launched off-menu in 2013. All contain fewer than 400 calories and are an excellent source of protein and complex carbohydrates. My favorite is the Power Chicken Hummus Bowl, with antibiotic-free chicken with cilantro, jalapeno hummus, fresh baby spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, finished with freshly squeezed lemon and fresh, chopped cilantro. If you are not a fan of cilantro, Panera Bread will be happy to eliminate this herb for you.

Panera Bread is proud to announce a new arrival on May 7, 2014: the Egg-White, Avocado and Spinach Breakfast Power Sandwich on a Sprouted Grain Bagel Flat. Now that is a mouthful! I absolutely am a fan of avocado and sprouted grain bread so I can’t wait to indulge in this sandwich. While you are at it, try the Tomato & Mozzarella Panini with fresh mozzarella, roasted and fresh tomatoes, chopped basil and all natural-sun-dried tomato pesto in ciabatta with only 370 calories. It tastes like summer and is delicious!

I would like to thank Amanda Burns for answering all my questions about Panera Bread.

Second Chance

While watching The Morning Blend
with Andy, Aaron and friends,
They interviewed Dietician, Emilie Fielder,
about a healthy challenge application deadline
that would soon end,
I entered the Better U Challenge contest
provided by Rockford Health System and the American Heart Association,
figuring I wouldn’t win.
 
When I received a call from Better U Challenge Coordinator, Dena Hobbs,
stating I had been one of five women chosen,
I stood holding my phone frozen,
Then I did a big happy dance
for being given a healthy lifestyle second chance,
There would be twelve weeks of meetings with
guest speakers, lifestyle changes, smiles and welcoming greetings.

Exercise Specialist, Lisa Osborn, gave a talk
on what exercises are the best,
And each of us five ladies’ were given
our specialized list.

A Fitbit One was given to us all
provided by Rockford Health System to journal and log,
With areas for sleep, tracking steps and food
while writing down our daily weight, day’s events and mood.

Then we took a tour to learn
about reading labels and choosing the right foods,
We met at the local Rockford, Illinois, Schnucks store
where Anchor Woman, Whitney Martin, from WIFR,
would be following and interviewing us on our journey.

A follow up exam and blood tests
with Sallie Vandaele, NP, Heart & Vascular Center,
revealed how our health had changed for the better,
The results relinquished some fears
For if we hadn’t changed our unhealthy ways,
our lives could have ended in just a few years.

The grand finale luncheon at Giovanni’s will be
on February 19, 2014,
Where we will unveil
what our draped clothes used to conceal,

For all of us ladies’ have lost some weight
and with that comes confidence and change of our fate.

As mothers, wives and friends,
so does our new journey begin,
With a huge heartfelt thanks,
I want to say
thank you from the five of us to:
Rockford Health System, American Heart Association,
Sue Schreiber, VP, from Rockford Health System,
guest speakers, Schucks, family and friends.

Roxe Anne Peacock
December 16, 2013

Second Chance
While watching The Morning Blend
with Andy, Aaron and friends,
They interviewed Dietician, Emilie Fielder,
about a healthy challenge application deadline
that would soon end,
I entered the Better U Challenge contest
provided by Rockford Health System and the American Heart Association,
figuring I wouldn’t win.

When I received a call from Better U Challenge Coordinator, Dena Hobbs,
stating I had been one of five women chosen,
I stood holding my phone frozen,
Then I did a big happy dance
for being given a healthy lifestyle second chance,
There would be twelve weeks of meetings with
guest speakers, lifestyle changes, smiles and welcoming greetings.

Exercise Specialist, Lisa Osborn, gave a talk
on what exercises are the best,
And each of us five ladies’ were given
our specialized list.

A Fitbit One was given to us all
provided by Rockford Health System to journal and log,
With areas for sleep, tracking steps and food
while writing down our daily weight, day’s events and mood.

Then we took a tour to learn
about reading labels and choosing the right foods,
We met at the local Rockford, Illinois, Schnucks store
where Anchor Woman, Whitney Martin, from WIFR,
would be following and interviewing us on our journey.

A follow up exam and blood tests
with Sallie Vandaele, NP, Heart & Vascular Center,
revealed how our health had changed for the better,
The results relinquished some fears
For if we hadn’t changed our unhealthy ways,
our lives could have ended in just a few years.

The grand finale luncheon at Giovanni’s will be
on February 19, 2014,
Where we will unveil
what our draped clothes used to conceal,

For all of us ladies’ have lost some weight
and with that comes confidence and change of our fate.

As mothers, wives and friends,
so does our new journey begin,
With a huge heartfelt thanks,
I want to say
thank you from the five of us to:
Rockford Health System, American Heart Association,
Sue Schreiber, VP, from Rockford Health System,
guest speakers, Schucks, family and friends.

Roxe Anne Peacock
December 16, 2013

Restaurant Review: Healthy Fast-Food Dining at Noodles & Company

 

 Japanese Pan Noodles

 

Are you tired of eating same fast food? Why not travel around the world through eating?

 

Noodles & Company opened its first restaurant in 1995 in Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado. It now has 380 establishments in 29 states. It is a fast-casual restaurant with the appeal of full-service attention. The menu consists of American, Mediterranean, and Asian dishes all served on stoneware with stainless steel silverware by the friendly staff, no tips allowed. There is a vast array of fountain drinks, fresh brewed iced tea, organic chocolate milk, beer, wine and bottled beverages to choose from.

 

When you arrive, you will view the colorful menu on the wall with options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, and over 25 meals with less than 500 calories. The combinations are many; you can create your own meal. My daughters' favorite meal is the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese which is $4.49 for a small or $5.59 for a regular.

 

The cashiers are friendly, knowledgeable, and there to help you with choosing the right meal for your diet. If you are gluten-fee, please let them know. (On the other hand, if you have severe food allergies, take the usual precautions and consider talking to your physician before eating here). A "V" by the calorie count indicates
vegetarian" and a small red pepper icon tells you it's spicy. If you prefer vegan, ask for no cream or cheese.

 

When I arrived on a Tuesday at a Noodles & Company in Rockford, Illinois to order foods to critique, I introduced myself, but not until after I had ordered meals. Since my husband isn't dieting, we ordered him the BBQ Pork Sandwich with a side of tomato basil bisque. The sandwich has 560 calories and the soup 260 calories a cup for a cost of $6.99. When you order a sandwich, you get your choice of a side salad or soup.

 

My daughter ordered the Indonesian peanut sauté which is a spicy stir-fry with peanut sauce and rice noodles, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, Asian sprouts, cilantro, crushed peanuts and lime. It is spicy (two red peppers) and vegetarian. A small has 420 calories and costs $4.39. A regular has a whopping 840 calories and costs $5.59. Adding a chicken breast adds another 110 calories and $2.39.

 

I ordered a regular Japanese pan noodles which I enjoyed, it is somewhat spicy (one red pepper) and vegetarian, with beautifully carmalized udon noodles in a sweet soy sauce, broccoli, carrots, shitake mushrooms, Asian sprouts, black sesame and cilantro. They recommend adding marinated steak. I ordered a side of Thai curry soup with yellow coconut curry broth, spinach, cabbage, mushrooms, tomato, red onion and rice noodles with 230 calories, vegetarian and marked with one red pepper for spiciness. They also recommend adding organic tofu.

 

My favorite meal is The Med sandwich (one red pepper) for $5.99, 330 calories, a side of tomato basil bisque and a blackberry jasmine green iced tea. You can ask for this to be vegetarian.

 

On the negative side: the meals at Noodles & Company have a lot of sodium, and the building can be cold; take a sweater or jacket.

 

Author Roxe Anne Peacock

 

 

 



 

Homemade Ginger Tea

Ingredient:

6 -8 thin slices fresh raw ginger
2 cups cold water
Juice from 1/2 fresh lime ( which went up in price)
2 tablespoons good honey preferably from your area

Directions:

   Peel and slice the ginger thin.

  Boil the ginger in the cold water for at least 15 minutes. If you prefer a stronger tea you can boil the water for up to 20 minutes with a bit more ginger. Remove the pan from the heat and add your lime and honey. Enjoy your fresh ginger tea. (optional) you can add a mint sprig to the boiling water.

Ginger

Ginger: It is known as the "universal remedy". It has multiple health benefits. Most known, ability to soothe an upset stomach and end nausea. It may aid in digestion. Works better in most cases for warding off seasickness. It is listed in the USDA database of phytochemicals as an antiemetic, meaning it has the property of preventing nausea and vomiting. Great to have around when you are pregnant.... Make homemade tea using ginger. The zingerone and the shoaol in ginger also have anti-inflammatory properties and might be useful in a nutritional program for arthritis and/or fibromyalgia. And at the Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research conference, it was suggested that gingerols may inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells. The antitumorigenic effects helps boost the immune system. It has positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, pain and fever. A nice hot cup of tea with ginger, lemon and honey is perfect. Just grate some ginger in a pan with water and brew. It has been noted for ginger's ability to improve circulation. NOTE: It can increase the absorption of other drugs and might have a blood thinning effect. Do not use ginger if you are taking Coumadin or aspirin. It might also increase bile acid secretion, which is why people with gallstones are advised to avoid this herb.

Five Minute Exercise

The Dreaded Gym

The Dreaded Scale

My mind is always driving me crazy. Today I have decided to go back to Weight Watchers. No, I won't follow their diet and don't think they know about nutrition. Yes, I do think their diet works. It is the dreaded scale and weighing in in front of someone that keeps me focused. I have to eat a lot less calories than they recommend for me to lose weight with having a thyroid issue. But, it will get me out with a group who has something in common with me. I need to get total control of my weight loss. I have been stagnant for a few weeks. Time to mix it up for a bit.

Morning Laugh

Are Antibiotics Making You Fat

Are antibiotics making you fat, especially women? According to a segment on CBS This Morning, they are. This is one of the reasons doctors prescribe less. The studies are still out on whether it is making us fat from the cows and other animals given antibiotics. It also can be found in water. Try to consume antibiotic free products.

Hemp Powder and Seeds

When I mention hemp powder or pot, everyone assumes drugs. Hemp is a super food packed with fiber. They are soft, mildly sweet seeds which loads of protein and essential fatty acids. You can also purchase hemp milk. They are great in smoothies, waffles, granola, breads, energy bars and my seed granola which topped my chocolate orange pudding.

Green Tea

Green tea is a super food which can protect against cancer, heart disease, acne, balance blood sugar, and according to some studies, prevent strokes. It can be purchased as loose tea or in bags. I prefer organic and love sachet teas. Some people even add a few bags to water they cook pasta in or other foods. Try drinking a few cups a day. You can still have your coffee, but divided portions between the two.

New Aspirin Coming On Market May Save Lives

NEW ASPIRIN, ...Not a Joke!!

Heart Attack info on New Aspirin
You are part of my ten!

This can't be read TOO many times!!

Description: Description: Description: Description: []
...
This is good information...

We did not know that you should not lie down
while waiting for the EMT

Heart attack info NEW ASPIRIN / Serious
stuff, no joke!!

Just a reminder to all: purchase a box, keep
one in your car, pocketbook, wallet, bedside, etc.

IMPORTANT READ......

Description: Description: Description: Description: []

Something that we can
do to help ourselves.
Nice to know.

Bayer is making
crystal aspirin to
dissolve under the

tongue. They work

much faster
than the tablets.

Description: Description: Description: Description: []

Why keep aspirin by
your bedside?

About Heart Attacks

There are other symptoms of an heart attack
besides the pain on the left arm. One must also be aware of an intense pain on the chin, as well
as nausea and lots of sweating, however these
symptoms may also occur less frequently.

Note: There may be NO pain in the
chest during a heart attack.

The majority of people (about 60%) who had a
heart attack during their sleep, did not wake up.

However, if it occurs, the chest pain
may wake you up from your deep sleep.

If that happens, immediately dissolve two aspirins in your mouth and swallow them
with a bit of water.

Afterwards: CALL 911
- say"heart attack!"
- say that you havetaken 2 aspirins..
- phone a neighbor or afamily
member who lives very close by
- take a seat on a chair or sofa
near the front door,
and wait for their arrivaland...

DO NOT lie down

A Cardiologist has stated that, if each person,
after receiving this e-mail, sends it to ten
people, probably one life can be saved!

I have already shared the information - -
What about you?

Doforward this message;
it may save lives!

Too Much Info in Our Heads

Bananas

Want a quick brain fix in the morning? Grab a banana. It has 594 mg of potassium and stimulates cells to work at top speed.

Sardines

Sardines are great on a salad. I even saw a recipe using sardines in a wrap similar to other wraps just replace the meat with the sardines for a high-protein meal. One 3-ounce can contains 840 mg of combined EPA-DHA, that is nearly a gram of omega-3's.

Chia Seeds Gives Metabolism a Boost and Helps Burn Fat

Chia sees contain healthy omega 3 fats, swell up your stomach which curbs your appetite. Do an experiment with your kids, add a teaspoon to 1/2 cup of water and watch how they swell. Also, drinking 3-5 cups of green tea a day is good for the heart. It has a bit of caffeine which gives your metabolism a boot and helps burn fat.

Best Protein Bars

Best protein bars: for weight loss only have 19 g protein 9 g fiber, 15 g natural sugar less than 4 g sat fat and not more than 350 calories/try Quest Bar- tropical coconut cashew or Fiber One Meal Bar Chocolate Peanut butter
For energy: 20 g Carb before and after exercise Try Vega Sport-blueberry/Zing- almond
For snack: 200 calories/ 4 g fiber,
Grab 1 /cranberry almonds
Balance/dark coconut chocolate

Polyphenols

Why are polyphenols important? The antioxidants in blueberries, raspberries and cherries have been known to protect against Alzheimer's. Also reduce risk for stroke and neurodegenerative diseases such as MS, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. Raspberries are a great fiber source and sour cherries are good for gout.

My Laugh for the Day

Almond Flour Blueberry Mini Muffins

 

 

 

 

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mini muffin tin or regular

Organic spray for tins or paper liners

Organic Ingredients:

 

2 cups blanched almond flour (I used Bob’s Red Mills

2 large vegetarian eggs

Plus 2 egg whites

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tablespoon baking Truvia or to your taste, if you prefer Stevia, adjust amount

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon sea salt or a dash

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon unsweetened vanilla (read ingredients)

2 tablespoons virgin organic coconut oil (or other healthy oil) heated slightly to liquefy

1 cup organic blueberries

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Place all ingredients except the blueberries into your food processor and blend until smooth.

Once it is smooth, gently fold in the blueberries. Fresh works best.

 Alternate method for this step:

   I whisked the flour, salt and baking soda together in a large bowl. Next, I slightly beat the eggs and egg whites in a small bowl and then added the vanilla. I then added the applesauce. I added this mixture to the flour mix. I then added the slightly warm coconut oil. If you add this to the cold ingredients, it will become solid again. Then I beat all the ingredients together until smooth.

   It didn’t mix well in the blender; some of the flour was still dry. I have a food processor but didn’t want to get it out.

   Once it is smooth, gently fold in the blueberries. Fresh works best.

 Baking:

   Have the muffin tins prepared either with an organic spray or the paper liners.

   Evenly scoop batter into the muffin tins. For the mini muffin tin, I had three blueberries in each and filled the liners almost to the top. Don’t over fill them or you won’t have enough for 24.

   Mini muffin tin baking time: approximately 17 to 18 minutes in a 350 degree electric oven.

   Regular muffin tin baking time: approximately 25 minutes in a 350 degree electric oven.

   Remove the muffins to a wire rack to cool. Store in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator for about 3 days, if they last that long. We reheated our refrigerated muffins in the dreaded microwave (toxic) for a few seconds depending on how many you are heating.

Note: I didn’t want the muffins to be sweet due to my being on a sugar-free diet so you will have to decide if you need more. If you use stevia, the batter will be a bit sweeter anyway.

Copyright: Roxe Anne Peacock author History Lover’s Cookbook, Fatal Catch and Leave No Trace

 



Biggest Loser Photos at Beginning of Race 2013

 

The photo above shows us rounding the corner. I finished the 5K which is about 3.2 miles in 50 minutes. Today I would be lucky to make one mile. It has been a very long winter with no exercise.

 

AS YOU CAN SEE IT IS RAINING MORE TOWARD THE END/BELOW

 

There were 2400 plus entrants for this Biggest Loser run/walk event in the photo below. I finished at number 322 which amazed even me. As we began we had to go up hill and around a curve. When we practiced for the walk, we walked on a straight, level bike path. I recommend practicing with hills and other obstacles. As you can see, it was raining and in the 60's, perfect weather for me. I also had to figure out how not to trip people behind me with the cane. You can't see it in my right hand in this view because it was behind me at the moment. Not good!

 

 



Photo of Dan and Me from Biggest Loser at YMCA

 

Photo of Dan from Biggest Loser and me at Rockford, IL YMCA

Better U Challenge #6 Go Red Luncheon at Giovanni's

First, I want to thank Kristin Kuborn and her lovely sister, for all their wonderful makeovers for the five of us women. When I arrived at Galleria Salon, Kristin greeted me as if I were a princess. We took a before and after photo and what a difference! I was a new woman.

The first words out of my mouth were, “Anything but red”! Ha…that didn’t last long. I showed Kristin a photo of me with red hair last fall. She said when she first saw my original beginning photo, she thought of me as a redhead.

Pondering over becoming red again against my husband’s dislike didn’t take me long. I said, “This is a “Go Red” event, why not! My hair was a success and I had many a compliment. On another note, my husband doesn’t look at me and hates it.

Upon arriving at Giovanni’s Restaurant for the Speak Red Luncheon, we were greeted by a wonderful group of women, one of which was Sue Schreiber, VP, Rockford Health System. During the entire event, she did everything possible to make us feel comfortable. Might I add, all the women looked wonderful.

The room was decorated with red balloons, beautiful bouquets at all the tables, gift bags on the tables for all of us women and our guests. Then we were pinned with a beautiful rose corsage. But that wasn’t all; we were presented with a bouquet of flowers. Mine lasted for a week and the corsage is in the refrigerator still as beautiful as the day I received it.

Our lunch consisted of a beautifully presented dark green salad with dried cherries, nuts and vinaigrette. We were served mashed potatoes and chicken and the dessert was absolutely delicious. I didn’t look at the rolls and butter. The coffee really rounded off the meal for me.

Anchor woman, Whitney Martin, was beautiful, sweet and welcoming as usual. She always tries her best to make us feel comfortable. The five of us women went up on stage and three were asked a few questions. Jeannie was speechless which was unusual for her. We later had group photos with Whitney.

The pre-luncheon auction consisted of an autographed Chicago Bulls pennant, wine-tasting package for 12, VIP Coronado Theatre tickets, and many more. Janet was the big winner from our group on the auction front.

I would like to thank Kimberly Kuborn, 2014 Chairperson, AHA, Shondra McLarty, Corporate Events Director, AHA, and Bob Guirl, this year’s passion survivor speaker of UTC Aerospace Systems for all they accomplished, shared and presented.

The group of us five women lost over 75 pounds, improved our cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and other areas. We couldn’t have done this without all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I signed up to volunteer for the American Heart Association and have heard rumors the five of us women might be asked to help with the incoming group next year. I look forward to seeing each of you next year, Dena Hobbs, Lisa Osborn, Sue Schrieber, Sallie Vandaele, Emilie Fielder and all the guest speakers. Stay in touch. I also want to continue following the progress of the other four ladies, Janet, Jacqueline, Martha and Janet. 

On another note, Whitney Martin has expressed interest in walking with us in the Northern Illinois Heart Walk on Saturday, May 3, Rock Valley College. This is a free event but you are encouraged to raise $100. I volunteered to help with this event, if anyone wants to contact me!

 

Better U Challenge #5 Round Table Session

Wednesday, February 5, 2014 meeting was relaxing and enjoyable. When we arrived at the Women’s Health Center, we were all greeted by the lovely Kristina De Coster who made us comfortable until Whitney Martin arrived for our round table session. Ha! Little did we know it would be one-on-one interviews that night.

Really, the interviews should be easy as pie with Whitney interviewing us. She is marvelous at making us all feel comfortable. I used to never have an issue with my memory but have undergone several tests the last few months for having a short-term memory problem. In the years past, I have ran for Boone County Board, taught how to pass the postal exam tests, and have written several books, two mysteries and a historical cookbook. I am working on two more cookbooks, one of which will be about healthy eating. The other is a science fiction. But with writing, I can sit and go over my notes and review everything. It doesn’t have to be spontaneous.

All of us ladies have become so close that a little shenanigans went on while taking a group photo. Several group shots were taken to get a great photo. Fun was had by all.

I am looking forward to the next two weeks with the dinner and luncheon. Don’t forget to make your appointments for your hair, makeup and reservations. I will truly miss each and every one of you. I hope we keep in touch with our progress long after our journey here is complete.

 

 

Better U Challenge #4 Cooking Class

Wednesday, January 29^th, the ladies of the challenge met at the Mulford RHPH clinic in the lower lever for our cooking class. Emily had an array of foods set out on a banquet size table ready for us to go to work. We were given three, heart healthy recipes to prepare as a group, edamame hummus, salmon fillets with pineapple salsa and cheese and rice stuffed peppers.

Channel 23, WIFR Anchor Woman, Whitney Martin and her cameraman were there ready to shoot. Whitney was even asked by Emilie to wash her hands right along with the rest of the group. Janet Mitchell and Jacqueline Webb diligently chopped onions, garlic, green and red peppers and other items for the meals.

It wasn’t long before we heard, “I cut myself. Do you have any Band-Aids”?  Janet had the first injury of the night; luckily it was at a clinic. Ouch!

I was supposed to be tending to the endamame which needed to boil for three minutes but got a bit distracted. I heard that horrible noise of water boiling over the edge of the pan onto the burner. Not only did I hear it but Whitney headed in my direction. I quickly picked the pan up from the heat to let the water settle before she reached me. Whew!

Jeanne Rowell continued cutting pita to make baked pita chips for the hummus. The first person to sample the hummus from the ladies was Dena Hobbs. She sure has made us all feel comfortable on this journey.  

A group photo was taken with Whitney Martin, Emilie Fielder, Dena Hobbs and four of the ladies. Camera shots were taken of water pouring over the dirty dishes, the prepared hummus, my hand retrieving the hummus from the oven without a potholder and using an apron, and a short interview with Jeanne.

Emilie asked the group which of her sessions was our favorite. Jacqueline said the cooking session and eating the wonderful spread of healthy food. Jeanne commented she would have to go with the session talking about menopause with Lucy Martin, NP since it is affecting her at the present.

I announced that the first session made the most impact on my journey. All of us met with everyone involved on a one-to-one basis. Emilie and I discussed my health issues and what I should eat for inflammation. To my demise I was to eat fish about five to six days a week and chicken the remainder. Did you read this paragraph? No beef, pork, lamb, buffalo, etc. Okay, I also have gout often and we discussed this issue too. Since I have given up the ah….the forbidden meats, I have not had the horrific episodes of gout. Thank you, Emilie!

I grew up with the river behind my house and fished about five times a week. I ate more fish and chicken than anyone I knew. I began to hate both. Did I mention I also cleaned the fish, ate frog legs and turtle? But if I look back on the situation, I was thin then. Hmm…until another session.

 

Better U Challenge CardioSmart #3

Last night we had a small group of women, Janet, Martha, Dena Hobbs, Sue Schrieber, Sallie Vandaele and myself. Our guest speaker, Dr. Richard P. Hayes, Rockford Health Center, Heart & Vascular Center, was absolutely marvelous. And last but not least, Whitney Martin and her cameraman.

Dr. Hayes did an extensive talk on treating blood cholesterol to reduce cardiovascular risks in woman. One of the amazing subjects was about ASCVD, heart attacks and strokes are usually caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. It develops due to a build-up of sticky cholesterol-rich plaque. Over time, this plaque can harden and narrow the arteries.

We talked about effective treatments on lowering blood cholesterol, statins, aspirin, CRP, C - reactive protein levels, Ankle brachial index, the broken-heart, signs of a heart attack and what diet is best. And we should all be following a Mediterranean diet.

Dr. Hayes is so personable and is up-to-date on the latest technology to treat heart disease. I highly recommend him!

The group provides us with wonderful healthy snacks of veggies, fruit, pretzels, hummus coffee and water.

Thank you again for another wonderful meeting.

Better U Challenge #2

Oh my gosh, where do I begin sharing the wonderful information we received from last night’s meeting? First, I would like to thank Kristine DeCoster for hosting the event and the Women’s Center. Our guest speakers were Dr. Brian Michaelsen, M.D. and Lucy Martin, F.N.F. from Rockford Health physicians. And I would like to say it is always wonderful to see the ladies chosen for the Better U Challenge.

Dr. Michaelsen discussed osteoporosis, calcium, calcium carbonate, vitamin D and how important weight bearing and resistance training is for bone density. We need to do weight bearing activities 3-5 times a week and resistance training 2-3 for 30-60 minutes in a combination of exercises. After the age of 35 we start to have bone loss. Be sure to stretch before and after you exercise.

You can obtain calcium from foods such as yogurt, salmon, spinach and broccoli. The recommended dose of calcium is 1200 mg/dy. Foods that have vitamin D are fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese and there is 400 IU in a quart of milk.

Dr. Michaelsen was excused from the discussion on menopause.

What can I say about Lucy Martin except she was absolutely wonderful! Lucy is every woman’s dream for discussing such personal issues. At the present, she is enduring her own menopause issues and understands what you are going through. She also had great tips on the glycemic index lifestyle.

I highly recommend both Dr. Michaelsen and Lucy Martin, F.N. P. If you know of a woman needing help with “any” female issue, please do them a favor and send them to Lucy. I can’t say enough about how impressed I was with her talk.

Better U Challenge #1

I am honored to have been chosen to participate in the Better U Challenge with so many applicants. Everyone I have met is so caring and thoughtful. After the initial consultations, I have learned about some new concerning health issues I need to address. Without this study, I wouldn’t have known about them early on.

The speakers are very informative about women’s health issues and go above and beyond the scheduled talks. I look forward to the remainder of the twelve-week study and to plan to keep on task.

 

The above photo is of me crossing the finish line at the Biggest Loser walk in Rockford, Illinois, June 15, 2013. I needed the cane because me right knee gives out and is in pain continuously. But with a bit of topical prescription pain killer, cool weather and the cane, I crossed that line. My knee needs a complete replacement and the orthopedic doctor has an order waiting. I am not in a hurry quite to his dismay. I am hopeful I will be able to cross the line again, but it is going to be a miracle. I was down in weight to about the same as I am now due to walking and not being sedentary.

 

The Above photo is at the Go Red Amercan Heart Association Luncheon. I am second from left unfortunately with both my arms around women which makes me look even heavier. WIFR anchor woman, Whitney Martin is second from right. We were all to dress in red. I had lost a total of 21 pounds here.

 

 

 

I am the second woman on the right with blond hair before the Better U Challenge makeover. I had only lost about 15 pounds here. My hair is red in the above photo but not for long, my husband wouldn't look at me so I colored it blond twice since. Photos were taken February 19, 2014 above and this one in January 2014.

 

 

My Before and After Photo Before I Lose All the Weight

This photo was taken of me in 1976 when I thought 114 pounds was heavy. I am 5'4"

 

This photo is of me with Tonya from Biggest Loser at Rockford YMCA signing up for the 2014, June 14, 5K and weighing 100 plus pounds heavier.



Better U Health Journey and Cooking to Live

In October 2013, I was chosen to participate in the Rockford Health System, Rockford, Illinois and The American Heart Association Better U Challenge. There were many who applied. I felt like I had won the lottery and Biggest Loser spot all in one! At my first meeting, I met many caring and thoughtful RHS health staff members and women from the American Heart Association along with the other four lovely women chosen to participate. After the initial consultations, I learned about some new concerning health issues I needed to address. Of course I already knew I needed to lose 100 pounds.

The speakers were very informative about women’s health issues and went above and beyond the scheduled talks. I enjoyed my twelve-week journey with four other amazing women and lost 21 pounds while doing it. We will continue to have private monthly meetings and share our journey.

This blog will be about health issues, cooking, recipes, great health sites, losing weight and more. I am currently the author of two mysteries, Fatal Catch and Leave No Trace. I am also the author of History Lover’s Cookbook which has been a top 100 paid Best Seller most of 2013-14. I hope to have my cookbook, Smokin’ Good Eats out early summer and Cooking to Live, my journey to losing 100 pounds. This means I won’t be eating out much but cooking healthy instead. I will discuss how to eat out without hampering your healthy eating lifestyle. No box mixes included.

This doesn’t mean I have a quick fix for anyone out there wishing to lose weight. This means that we all should try and keep updated on things like GMO’s, to drink wine or not drink wine, take vitamins or discard the thought. You get the picture. It seems the medical society likes to keep us on our toes. We are soon to have an easier nutritional chart on packages. What a relief, I don’t need to bring a magnifying glass shopping.

I am not sticking to a gluten-free diet, kidney diet, sugar-free diet, or any other fad diet. I am going to count my calories and eat what is healthy for me. I do believe less sugar is better. No I don't drink pop or soda as some call it. I don't smoke and most of the time don't drink alcohol. I do consume coffee which is supposed to be good for you on most days until a new study comes out. I alternate with drinking green tea.

I prefer Truvia and honey for my sugar  substitute but have been known to make a few recipes with agave. Do I indulge in some strange foods? Glad you asked! Yes, some of the healthy ingredients I try are not commonly used. Say for instance, honey powder, Maca powder, etc. I do believe that flaxseed is great and I love the use of turmeric.

Did you know you shouldn't cook at a high temperature with extra-virgin olive oil? Use coconut oil for medium-high or high heat instead. There are many benefits from the use of coconut oil, including helping reducing Alzheimer's symptoms in some people. Which I have a high family history of having died from. Some believe coconut oil can cause your cholesterol levels to rise so beware and ask your doctor. That is one health issue I do not have.