GF Update

I am almost to day 30 of GF! I can't believe it! Time is flying...

So here's the update: I feel awesome!  I have had a few "minor" headaches.  One of them was most definitely sinus related.  OK weather went from 65 to 32 overnight more than once over the last few weeks (we actually had a blizzard...yes, a blizzard).  It wreaked havoc on my sinuses, but that is entirely different than a migraine.  I also had a few tension headaches late in the day a few days...but nothing severe.  My stomach issues (I will spare you the details) have almost completely disappeared.   AWESOME.  I am really hopeful.  I know they probably won't go away completely, but knowing that one small change can make such a huge impact is so encouraging.  I wish I would have done this years ago.  

The hardest part is weekends and anything where social gatherings are involved...I really miss REAL pizza and being able to whip up cookies on Saturdays when I am in a baking mood.  But I just think to myself, you feel better, its worth it!  And thanks to pinterest and all the other awesome websites, I've been able to find a ton of GF recipes that are easy and taste good...and even satisfy my sweet tooth.  Hubby isn't crazy about all of them, but he has liked some of them...so hey, I'll take what I can get :-) 

Fave recipes to come!

Gettin' Rid of Gluten! (at least for 30 days!)

For those of you who know me, you know know I have suffered from migraines for a good portion of my life.  I can remember getting them when I was only 9 or 10 years old and laying on the couch while my dad stroked my head/hair for relief.  As I got older they progressed an got worse when I got into my teen years.  There were multiple times I went home from school and just many days I remember suffering through the pain and feeling crappy.

Fast forward to present day...it hasn't gotten any better.  I've been on several medications to help stop them and now take immitrex when I get them.  The immitrex helps but I almost always get a repeat headache the next day.  Sometimes this cycle will last for 3 or 4 days...its terrible and wipes me out. 

Long story short, I'm ready for a change and have heard good things about cutting gluten out.  I've heard from multiple people that it can really help, but let's be honest, who wants to give up bread products.  Um. No one.  And if you say you do, you're lying.  I know when I go out to eat, I wanna know where the bread basket is.(Cheesecake factory, anyone?)  And can I get some bread while I wait for my bread?  Anyways...after another weekend of feeling like poo, I decided enough was enough and I was give it a try.  Worst case scenario?  I still get migraines and ate extremely healthy for a month.  Best case?  I don't get them and am forced to eat like this forever...but rarely if ever get another migraine and stop being so dependent on Rx drugs! (praying for the 2nd scenario)

So...I've decided to blog my misery and share with you all.  Mostly for my own good, to hold me accountable and to be able to look back and see that I did something good for me and my health!  If it brings good to anyone else...that's an added bonus!  If I find any good GF recipes to share (or if you do) I will share those, too!  Now pass the Quinoa!

Day 1: 2/13/13 Bought groceries and got frustrated at my tiny towns lack of GF options but stocked up on many fruits and veggies, beans, and dairy.
Day 2: 2/14/13 (will actually consider this official day 1):  made a great smoothie using spinach, almonds, honey, milk, and banana. It was REALLY good and kept me full til lunch. (I will spare you all of what I ate, just sharing that I really loved that shake!) Valentines Dinner was pasta (GF) with spinah, tomatoes, and feta, and a GF chocolate cake. It was good and didn't feel deprived
Day 3: Feeling good. No headache.  I must say. Its 3pm and although a latte is tempting, I don't feel as sluggish as I usually do at this time of day! 

More to come....

DIY Canvas Photo

So I had some leftover 8x10 canvases from a previous craft project that I really wanted to use somehow...I had seen you could use wooden boards and mod podge pics onto them..so I decided to do the same with my canvases.

I picked my pics (ha) made my glue.. ( you can make homemade mod podge using a 1:1 ratio of Elmer's glue and water...much cheaper! ), bought some cheapie sponge brushes and was ready to go.

First coat the back of the pic AND the front of canvas with glue. Line up the corners really well and smooth out all wrinkles. Then brush on a coat of the glue on top of pic using long, neat brush strokes. It will dry CLEAR. Also seal the edges real well with the glue.

Then just wait until it dries.

Voila....

Up in the gym just workin' on my fitness!

(He's my witness...)

Ok, don't laugh at my Fergie reference.  You know you know most of the words too! Don't even try to hide it!

I thought since all my posts have been about food, I would switch things up and move onto something else I enjoy...working out!

Over the past few months, I've found that I really enjoy working out in the comfort of my own home.  One of the things I absolutely love about our house is our big living room--its perfect for working out.  I can spread out my yoga mat, hand weights, etc and have plenty of room to do a good work out.  I don't have to worry about waiting for a machine or piece of equipment either!  I know what you're thinking--how can you get a good work out without going to the gym?  Well, it is possible.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy going to the gym from time to time, but I've found that I can get a killer without even having to leave home.  YouTube has so many free workouts...everyday I find another one that I just love.  My fave girl Jillian has several on there!  Bob Harper as well. And, although she is dreadfully and painfully annoying ("let me see that smiling face!"), Denise Austin has almost every one of her workouts she has done on youtube!  If you are like me, I love to do different things every day, so its great to be able to go to youtube and mix it up everyday!!!  These are few of my faves....

1.) Jillian's Yoga Meltdown:
I actually own this DVD but later found out the first level was on YouTube.  This is a pretty serious workout.  Its a little over 30 min and you are pretty sweaty when you're done.  Its not some flaky yoga workout--she works you hard and I love the way I feel after!  Both stretched out and like I've had a good workout.

2.) Jillian's Banish Fat Boost Metabolism:
I won't lie to you, this one sucks.  I don't consider myself to be completely out of shape and I had to stop a little over halfway through to take a breather.  You are constantly moving.  Its basically back to back intervals.  Its a killer workout for sure though!!  Great cardio and strength.

3.) Jillian's 30 Day Shred Level 1:
I love this one because it is just shy of 30 minutes and its a great workout that is doable and leaves you feeling energized.  Its not too difficult, but works you pretty good.  Its a good combo of strength+cardio.


4.) Jillian's 6 Week 6 Pack Level 1
I actually haven't tried this one yet, but I'm excited to see that BeFit posted the first level of this on YouTube...I am anxious to!

5.) Bob Harper AMRAP
(As many reps as possible) I did this one a few nights ago. Its a short one, so I did an ab circuit after, but don't let it fool you. My bum was on fire.He teaches you how to do the circuit and then you do it as many times as possible--hence the name AMRAP (as many reps as possible)

Those are just a few of my faves.  Denise Austin probably 30+ full length workouts on youtube as well--she is annoyingly happy and upbeat, but I like her stuff!  If I need a good easy workout that is still effective--I usually head here.  Ever heard of the ButtBible?  Yeah--also ridiculous, and the lady on there never shuts up, but its a very effective work out. The first few levels are also on youtube! 

So there you have it...my favorite at-home work outs!  Hope you find it helpful.  Now start sweatin'!