- it has 3 different Bible reading plans that tells me what to read each day.
- it has a verse of the day and 30 second devotional to go with it that is either encouragement and/or thought provoking question.
- there is a prayer focus, one for each day of the week, to remind you to pray for you personal life, marriage, family, fellowship, church, kingdom and world. What great reminders!
- each week you are encouraged to write a praise, a confession, a need and how God connected to you that week
- at the beginning of each month, info about what God is doing in different countries
- at the end of each month is a journal section
- a prayer list/address book
- and it was free
Friday, January 21, 2011
Devotional Day Planner
My husband, Kellin, asked me if I wanted to join him in reading through the Bible in a year with him starting in January. I noticed he had a day planner in his Bible with a reading plan and so I asked where he got it and found out that our church was giving away Devotional Day Planners from the Bible League of Canada. I am so excited about this. First of all, I love day planners. Right now I have been using a calendar to write down what is going on in our lives, which is also great because it is easy to see. However, a day planner is much more personal. I have kept some of my day planners from high school and gone back to find neat things in there like when my husband and I went on our first date or what I filled my time with back then. And this day planner is even more personal because it leaves a place for you to write prayer requests or things that God is doing in you or that you want God to do in you as well as what is going on. Some other cool features are:
Teething
It blows my mind a bit that little babies have to deal with the pain of teething. The sharp pain of knives cutting through their gums for days, weeks, sometimes months without relief. Some children start early, some late, some get one a month, some several at a time, every child is different. By the age of 2, approximately, kids have 20 teeth. Most start at about 6 months and get about one a month till then, at least that is what I read when I looked this up. Then again, how many children fall under this category.
Not my son. He started teething at about 2 months, chewing (or gnawing) on everything, lots of drool, and bumps on his gums. I had heard of lots of other children starting at this age and only getting the first at about 6-8 months, or even having the tooth almost out and the go away till later. Well at four and a half months the first tooth poked through. And then another came and another and by six months he had 5 teeth and showed no sign of stopping. Now, I have to say that he has been pretty good with the teething, mostly a lot of drool and chewing, a little complaining, but not too bad. He went through a period at Christmas, where they were hurting more and didn't want anything in his mouth which made feeding hard until I figured out to put orajel on first and then he would eat. The chewing also became a bit of a problem with nursing and after being bitten several times, I decided to wean him from nursing. He is now 7 and a half months and has eight teeth. And I thought, maybe now there would be a break. The next teeth he is supposed to get are his one year molars. However, I was wrong. It has gotten worse. I can feel the bumps of the one year molars coming in on one side. And these have not been as easy as the others. This week has been a hard week. Lots of crying and complaining and only wanting to play in mom's lap and having a hard time sleeping. I feel so bad for him. The tylenol and orajel don't last long enough and I am not one who likes to use a lot of medication anyway, but I'm at my wits end sometimes. I feel like I'm making some bad habits right now, but I know he's in pain and want to help make him feel better as much as possible.
Some people have said that it is nicer to have them get their teeth at younger age, to make it easier on them. I don't know if that is true. I don't know if it is better at a younger age or when they are older they can maybe deal with the pain better. I don't know. All I can say is hopefully these teeth come in soon and I can't wait till it is done. Maybe that will be the only comfort is that he started sooner, he will be done sooner. Who knows.
Not my son. He started teething at about 2 months, chewing (or gnawing) on everything, lots of drool, and bumps on his gums. I had heard of lots of other children starting at this age and only getting the first at about 6-8 months, or even having the tooth almost out and the go away till later. Well at four and a half months the first tooth poked through. And then another came and another and by six months he had 5 teeth and showed no sign of stopping. Now, I have to say that he has been pretty good with the teething, mostly a lot of drool and chewing, a little complaining, but not too bad. He went through a period at Christmas, where they were hurting more and didn't want anything in his mouth which made feeding hard until I figured out to put orajel on first and then he would eat. The chewing also became a bit of a problem with nursing and after being bitten several times, I decided to wean him from nursing. He is now 7 and a half months and has eight teeth. And I thought, maybe now there would be a break. The next teeth he is supposed to get are his one year molars. However, I was wrong. It has gotten worse. I can feel the bumps of the one year molars coming in on one side. And these have not been as easy as the others. This week has been a hard week. Lots of crying and complaining and only wanting to play in mom's lap and having a hard time sleeping. I feel so bad for him. The tylenol and orajel don't last long enough and I am not one who likes to use a lot of medication anyway, but I'm at my wits end sometimes. I feel like I'm making some bad habits right now, but I know he's in pain and want to help make him feel better as much as possible.
Some people have said that it is nicer to have them get their teeth at younger age, to make it easier on them. I don't know if that is true. I don't know if it is better at a younger age or when they are older they can maybe deal with the pain better. I don't know. All I can say is hopefully these teeth come in soon and I can't wait till it is done. Maybe that will be the only comfort is that he started sooner, he will be done sooner. Who knows.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tip #4
Tip # 4
Eating smaller portions. Most of the time I eat more than I need to, not because I'm hungry but because I just like to eat food. When you go to a restaurant, the portions you get are enough for about 2 meals. I love to eat and lots, especially when it is something I really like. So, I have a big helping or go for seconds, sometimes both. I find it hard to say no. I usually don't eat till I am stuffed, but I eat more than I need to.
So, one of the things I have started doing is making smaller meals for my husband and I so that there is less to eat. For example, I used to make 3 chicken breast for supper, my husband had 2 and I would have one. Now I started making 2 chicken breast and I have 1/2 and he has 1 1/2. This way it forces both of us to eat less. I prepackage most of our meat so it is ready for meals and I have made those smaller as well. If I do make a meal that is bigger, I try putting some aside for leftovers, so that I can have it for lunch (if it doesn't get eaten by someone else later). When I go out, I try and eat half and take the rest home for leftovers. This also goes for dessert. Instead of taking a big piece or more than one, I try and only have one small piece or 2 halves of more than one.
So far I haven't changed anything else in my meals, but this is an easy way to cut calories.
Eating smaller portions. Most of the time I eat more than I need to, not because I'm hungry but because I just like to eat food. When you go to a restaurant, the portions you get are enough for about 2 meals. I love to eat and lots, especially when it is something I really like. So, I have a big helping or go for seconds, sometimes both. I find it hard to say no. I usually don't eat till I am stuffed, but I eat more than I need to.
So, one of the things I have started doing is making smaller meals for my husband and I so that there is less to eat. For example, I used to make 3 chicken breast for supper, my husband had 2 and I would have one. Now I started making 2 chicken breast and I have 1/2 and he has 1 1/2. This way it forces both of us to eat less. I prepackage most of our meat so it is ready for meals and I have made those smaller as well. If I do make a meal that is bigger, I try putting some aside for leftovers, so that I can have it for lunch (if it doesn't get eaten by someone else later). When I go out, I try and eat half and take the rest home for leftovers. This also goes for dessert. Instead of taking a big piece or more than one, I try and only have one small piece or 2 halves of more than one.
So far I haven't changed anything else in my meals, but this is an easy way to cut calories.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tip # 3
This blog isn't just for health tips, but since it is something I am working on right now and thinking about, I decided to share some of the ways to help with healthy living. I want to help people be more healthy and have the skills to live a healthy lifestyle not just fade dieting.
Tip # 3 - No eating after 8 pm
Our bodies naturally start to slow down in the evening, which is why we eat at more regular intervals throughout the day, but we don't need to eat for usually 12 or more hours throughout the night. When we eat after 8pm our body hold on to those calories rather than burn them. The extra calories, just sit there and turn into fat. Also, we are generally less active in the evening, so we need less. Most of the time we eat just for fun or to snack, we are not usually hungry. If you are hungry in the evening, it may be that your body has gotten used to eating at that time and this will diminish after a while.
This is another one that doesn't seem too hard, but has been a bad habit in our house for a long time. Even as kids, we grew up having a snack before bed most nights, usually something like ice cream. Now, my husband and I often have leftovers from supper, sometimes we make another meal, dessert or anything else. Most evenings end with some kind of snack. I have decided to cut this out, but my husband has not. Yesterday, I was feeling quite hungry and my husband made himself something to eat. We even had pie and ice cream calling my name. Oh, I wanted it sooooo bad. But I was strong. I didn't give in. I can't always say that, but last night I was. Yeah! (of course it helped that we were watching Biggest Loser at the time)
Note: This does not apply to people who work nights or are awake or asleep at different times than the average.
Tip # 3 - No eating after 8 pm
Our bodies naturally start to slow down in the evening, which is why we eat at more regular intervals throughout the day, but we don't need to eat for usually 12 or more hours throughout the night. When we eat after 8pm our body hold on to those calories rather than burn them. The extra calories, just sit there and turn into fat. Also, we are generally less active in the evening, so we need less. Most of the time we eat just for fun or to snack, we are not usually hungry. If you are hungry in the evening, it may be that your body has gotten used to eating at that time and this will diminish after a while.
This is another one that doesn't seem too hard, but has been a bad habit in our house for a long time. Even as kids, we grew up having a snack before bed most nights, usually something like ice cream. Now, my husband and I often have leftovers from supper, sometimes we make another meal, dessert or anything else. Most evenings end with some kind of snack. I have decided to cut this out, but my husband has not. Yesterday, I was feeling quite hungry and my husband made himself something to eat. We even had pie and ice cream calling my name. Oh, I wanted it sooooo bad. But I was strong. I didn't give in. I can't always say that, but last night I was. Yeah! (of course it helped that we were watching Biggest Loser at the time)
Note: This does not apply to people who work nights or are awake or asleep at different times than the average.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tip #2
This tip is linked to the first tip. There are big claims to how this one can improve your health and help you lose weight. I do know someone who has done this, with added exercise, and seen great results, she looks fantastic. I started this one at Christmas because I knew I would be eating more and indulging in more sweets at gatherings, so I decided to at least try and cut out this. What is it?
Tip #2 - Cut out sugar sweetened drinks
I have heard it said that if you cut out sugar drinks, like pop, energy drinks, sugar sweetened fruit juices, sugar in coffee, teas, etc., you can lose from 15-20 lbs a year. If you just can't seem to do this, start out by cutting out one per day and gradually increase. Then maybe on a Saturday, you can treat yourself to a little sugar in your coffee. Even cutting out one can of pop can be over a hundred calories you are saving. I read some statistics that a can of energy drink can equal half a dozen donuts, wow.
I have decided to cut out sugar from my coffee, occasionally indulging in 1/2 a tsp instead of the 2 tsp I used to have, and having milk in it instead of cream or whitener. I have also cut out ice tea, which I would often have for supper or order at a restaurant. We don't usually keep pop in the house and I am not a huge fan of it, although I do have a glass here and there, I am cutting that out too. This is helping me drink more water (tip #1) since I am not reaching for anything else in the fridge. It is also recommended that you drink 1% or non-fat milk. This isn't a problem for me since I don't really like milk all that much and if I do have some, it has to be 1%, or chocolate, but that has always been only a treat, except when I was pregnant.
So, another challenge for the New Year. I'm thinking this one won't be too hard for me, but we'll see. I'm still working on getting in all 8 cups of water.
Tip #2 - Cut out sugar sweetened drinks
I have heard it said that if you cut out sugar drinks, like pop, energy drinks, sugar sweetened fruit juices, sugar in coffee, teas, etc., you can lose from 15-20 lbs a year. If you just can't seem to do this, start out by cutting out one per day and gradually increase. Then maybe on a Saturday, you can treat yourself to a little sugar in your coffee. Even cutting out one can of pop can be over a hundred calories you are saving. I read some statistics that a can of energy drink can equal half a dozen donuts, wow.
I have decided to cut out sugar from my coffee, occasionally indulging in 1/2 a tsp instead of the 2 tsp I used to have, and having milk in it instead of cream or whitener. I have also cut out ice tea, which I would often have for supper or order at a restaurant. We don't usually keep pop in the house and I am not a huge fan of it, although I do have a glass here and there, I am cutting that out too. This is helping me drink more water (tip #1) since I am not reaching for anything else in the fridge. It is also recommended that you drink 1% or non-fat milk. This isn't a problem for me since I don't really like milk all that much and if I do have some, it has to be 1%, or chocolate, but that has always been only a treat, except when I was pregnant.
So, another challenge for the New Year. I'm thinking this one won't be too hard for me, but we'll see. I'm still working on getting in all 8 cups of water.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Healthy Tip #1
So now that I am on the road to weight loss, I am working on making better choices. I want to make life changes, things that I can stick to all the time. That doesn't mean that I won't ever "cheat", but that is the beauty of making smart life choices. If you make good choices most of the time, you can indulge without guilt.
Tip #1
Drink lots of water. This one is so simple, but one I have always struggled with. The recommendation is 8 glasses a day. To break that down, it is about 2 glasses every 3 hours between 8 am and 8 pm. Doesn't seem to bad. Since water is used in every system in the body, it is important to replenish the water that is lost throughout the day. If your body dehydrates even a little, you can fell fatigue, weakness, dizzy, headaches, and more. The benefits of drinking water are amazing. If you google it, you can find many benefits, from helping cure many ailments like arthritis, eye and skin health, osteoporosis, cancer, and the list goes on. Plus, it can help with weight loss by helping get rid of wastes and toxins in the body and act as an appetite suppressant, and it has zero calories.
So drink up and enjoy all the benefits.
Tip #1
Drink lots of water. This one is so simple, but one I have always struggled with. The recommendation is 8 glasses a day. To break that down, it is about 2 glasses every 3 hours between 8 am and 8 pm. Doesn't seem to bad. Since water is used in every system in the body, it is important to replenish the water that is lost throughout the day. If your body dehydrates even a little, you can fell fatigue, weakness, dizzy, headaches, and more. The benefits of drinking water are amazing. If you google it, you can find many benefits, from helping cure many ailments like arthritis, eye and skin health, osteoporosis, cancer, and the list goes on. Plus, it can help with weight loss by helping get rid of wastes and toxins in the body and act as an appetite suppressant, and it has zero calories.
So drink up and enjoy all the benefits.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
A Time for Resolutions
I have a hard time with New Years resolutions, because I feel that if there is something for me to change in my life, why not start now instead of waiting for the New Year. However, one of the changes I wanted to make in my life just ended up being more convenient to start in the New Year. After that one, it has just been a time to reflect on myself and what I wanted to better in myself and somehow the New Year is just a good time for this. So, I have a few New Years resolutions that I have for this year.
Health
I am a certified Personal Trainer and health is always important to me and a goal in my life. I am also a new mom and gained more weight in my pregnancy than I wanted too. I decided that starting in the New Year, I was going to be done nursing my son and so starting my goals of weight loss at the same time just seemed to make sense. I lost about 25 pounds in the first 2 weeks after giving birth and haven't lost any since. I was really hoping that while nursing, I would lose more, but unfortunately, I'm not one of those lucky people. Now my baby is 7 months old and due to a lot of teething and sharp teeth, I have decided it was time to ween him. Besides that, my husband and I watched the Biggest Loser for the first time last season and at the end, we decided that we would like to watch it again and start our own challenge. So, today was the first day of the new season and we weighed and measured ourselves. I plan on using this blog to give tips, things that I'm trying, as well as accountability to how I am doing on my weight loss goals.
Blogging
This blog is something I wanted to do to share my life and the things I've learnt and am learning. Like I said earlier, I am a personal trainer and a stay at home mom. I wanted to use the knowledge I have learned to help other in the struggle of healthy living. It is one of my passions. I also am passionate about my family and faith and want to share the things I am learning with others.
Reading through the Bible in a Year
This is a challenge that my husband is doing and asked if I would join him in it. I haven't read through the whole Bible since Bible College and thought it was about time I did it again. I started a few days late and so I have 3 days to catch up on. It is something that always seemed really hard and I just didn't feel up to the challenge, but looking at the readings, it doesn't seem that unrealistic.
Reading a Marriage book and Parenting book
I heard of another couple who each picks a book on marriage that they want to go through together every few months. I had never thought about that before, but it sounded like a great idea. My husband and I enjoy reading and read a lot of books. We recently decided to read books to help better our marriage and bought a couple of marriage and parenting books. We would like to go through these together and so we just need to make the time to do it.
I know New Year's resolutions typically don't last, which is why I don't usually make them, but maybe this year will be different.
Health
I am a certified Personal Trainer and health is always important to me and a goal in my life. I am also a new mom and gained more weight in my pregnancy than I wanted too. I decided that starting in the New Year, I was going to be done nursing my son and so starting my goals of weight loss at the same time just seemed to make sense. I lost about 25 pounds in the first 2 weeks after giving birth and haven't lost any since. I was really hoping that while nursing, I would lose more, but unfortunately, I'm not one of those lucky people. Now my baby is 7 months old and due to a lot of teething and sharp teeth, I have decided it was time to ween him. Besides that, my husband and I watched the Biggest Loser for the first time last season and at the end, we decided that we would like to watch it again and start our own challenge. So, today was the first day of the new season and we weighed and measured ourselves. I plan on using this blog to give tips, things that I'm trying, as well as accountability to how I am doing on my weight loss goals.
Blogging
This blog is something I wanted to do to share my life and the things I've learnt and am learning. Like I said earlier, I am a personal trainer and a stay at home mom. I wanted to use the knowledge I have learned to help other in the struggle of healthy living. It is one of my passions. I also am passionate about my family and faith and want to share the things I am learning with others.
Reading through the Bible in a Year
This is a challenge that my husband is doing and asked if I would join him in it. I haven't read through the whole Bible since Bible College and thought it was about time I did it again. I started a few days late and so I have 3 days to catch up on. It is something that always seemed really hard and I just didn't feel up to the challenge, but looking at the readings, it doesn't seem that unrealistic.
Reading a Marriage book and Parenting book
I heard of another couple who each picks a book on marriage that they want to go through together every few months. I had never thought about that before, but it sounded like a great idea. My husband and I enjoy reading and read a lot of books. We recently decided to read books to help better our marriage and bought a couple of marriage and parenting books. We would like to go through these together and so we just need to make the time to do it.
I know New Year's resolutions typically don't last, which is why I don't usually make them, but maybe this year will be different.
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