Life with Chere Michelle

Inspirational Rambles by one Veggie girl trying to live happy & healthy.

Posts Tagged diet

So Close, But Yet So Far

Mar 6

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | No Comments

Can you believe NEXT WEEKEND we spring ahead and set our clocks forward ONE HOUR? That means, yes, it will be light after say 6 pm! This happens next week, so Spring really is close by- right? It’s been a long winter for me personally and I’m blessed with living somewhere that doesn’t traditionally get a ‘white winter’ or temperatures too cold. But this past winter seemed to stretch on especially long and we did get show and we did go below freezing!! So I’m ready for Spring to be sprung upon us; I don’t care what those pesky little groundhogs had to say. I say BRING SPRING ON.

While we wait though, this last little stretch can seem unbearable. It’s important to keep your spirits up during the colder months because it’s easy to let depression and the blues creep in. I’m my own worst enemy in this one, but you gotta exercise. It’s vital. I realize that, I know it, and I’m trying…I really do feel better when I leave the gym but it’s the getting there part that can be a challenge.

Incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet. With fruit we can bring in a little ‘sunshine’- I saw whole pineapples on sale last week at a local grocer. When was the last time you bought a pineapple? And lets be honest, fresh pineapple tastes a world better than canned tidbits doesn’t it?

Have some quiet time. Just because you spend part of Saturday lounging in bed reading doesn’t mean your lazy…it means your giving your body a break and a little treat. If we’re not good to ourselves, who will be? Don’t be afraid to indulge and have a lazy day. It’s when those lazy days turn into weeks and months that a problem will arise…

Pull out your recipe books or ask friends/coworkers for some new dishes to try. I’ve got a few recipes from coworkers I’m excited about but haven’t yet tried…one is Low Fat Pumpkin Muffins and then I picked up on Facebook on the gardein page for ‘Chick’n Pot Pie’. I love experimenting in the kitchen and used to do it so much more. I’d like to get back to that as it always made me smile…

Take a walk. Or better yet, does your city have some botanical or tropical gardens under cover? My Guy, Moops and I went to some here in QE Park awhile back and the heady, wet smell of fresh earth mixed with the vibrant colours made my head spin. While it was cold outside, inside was warm….(the pics above at beginning of this post is from there…)

Embrace this time before Spring and try to keep your head up. It can be tough but we’re ALMOST THERE! Tell me your ideas at keeping the winter blues at bay…

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It’s Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas…

Nov 22

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Weight Loss | No Comments

Yes folks, it’s THAT  time of year again. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas but it brings with it all the temptations of abundant food & drink. This is a tough time for “dieters” and those of us just trying to stay healthy, one day at a time. I honestly believe with a little willpower and a good dose of positive AND realistic thinking, the Holidays can be enjoyed by all of us. First things first: Christmas DOESN’T mean you stop exercising. It’s not a ‘get out of going to the gym or walking etc’ pass. Remember, you can indulge in those Xmas treats but you HAVE TO BURN OFF THE EXCESS CALORIES YOU PUT IN. It’s simple.

Second, don’t deny yourself this season. Don’t put unrealistic expectations like, “I will not eat any chocolate this Christmas” because as devoted as you may be, this is only asking for trouble. It’s OK to indulge, just choose the occasions wisely and make it the best damn indulgence you possibly can. I was cruising the Web tonight looking for articles to quote and found this one from The Today Show. I know we’ve all probably heard these tips before, but the average person has to hear something at least 8 times before it sinks in…so why not give these tips another quick go?

Third, for all your holiday baking, why not experiment with lower fat recipes? Cooking Light is a great starter-site for this because it not only has a ton of recipes but also articles and straight talk on eating less fat and calories. I refer to this site often for my own cooking and baking…remember it’s OK to have Christmas baking, just put realistic expectations on yourself and if you can’t get to the gym, WALK IT OFF. Get moving any way you can and get your heart pumping…

I work in the health care industry and this time of year we are given endless amounts of chocolate and baking by our Clients. In fact the first tin of cookies arrived today by one of our oldest and dearest Clients….suddenly, I was face to face with CHOCOLATE and you know what? It was so damn busy at the clinic, I had time for ONE chocolate and I was OK with that. I savoured it as I walked out the door at the end of my shift and it was bloody marvelous.

I have a Cookie Exchange to participate in this year and need to come up with a suitable recipe that is equal parts YUMMY and health-smart. I’ve already poured through my cookbooks with no luck so I now turn my attention to the Internet and it’s vast array of information. If you have any recipes you swear by for tasty holiday treats, send ‘em on in!

Christmas shouldn’t be about guilt or negativity. It also shouldn’t be a time we throw our health to the wayside. All it takes is a little planning and responsibility and you CAN enjoy all the season has to offer.

I know I will!

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Can Your Job Make You Fat?

Oct 28

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Nutrition | No Comments

According to a judge in Brazil? Yes, your job CAN make you fat and because you ate on the job, you should be awarded a ton of money for all the weight you gained….Let me explain. This article tells how a young man in Brazil actually sued his employer, McDonald’s, because he gained weight while working there. And the part that really pisses me off? The judge agreed!? I thought I’d heard all the excuses for why people can’t lose weight, or why they don’t want to exercise (I’m guilty too!) but this one seriously takes the cake.

I’m sick of people not taking responsibility for their life and their actions. This man could have exercised; knowing full well that working in a fast food restaurant could cause weight gain if you snack…so of course you need to off-set the choices you make.  This is COMMON-FREAKING-SENSE and I don’t understand why that concept is so hard for some to grasp. I know what it’s like to gain weight, I feel for the guy; I’m sure he felt crappy and tired but lets not forget he was in control of the situation the entire time. He made the decision to work there, eat there and NOT do something to burn the calories. Simple math: if you put greasy high-caloric food in your body day after day and not burn some of those calories, you gain weight…

The article mentions he felt obligated to taste everything to ensure it was up to the high standards the company enforces. (Huh? OK that’s another story on it’s own!) If was serious about this statement, tasting should mean a bite or two at the most…it doesn’t mean to consume 2 Big Macs to make sure they’re OK for public consumption. He says he was given free food for lunch…could have packed a lunch, or opted for the salad, or *something*. There is always an option.

This just reinforces everything that is wrong about not only the judicial system, but of our lives and the way people are choosing to live. Accept responsibility…take action…treat your body and mind with respect….common stuff you know?

Jeez, who the hell can I sue?

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Day 25 of the Colonix Cleanse

Oct 25

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living | No Comments

I’m not sure about this cleanse. I’m not experiencing any ‘miracles’ or even really *anything* to be honest. I realize it’s meant to be a gradual thing that happens to your body, slowly eliminating toxins and such…but I’m on Day 25. I really only experience relief if I drink the Kleri tea the night before…the longer I steep, the better the result. I feel as if the fiber powder I drink in the morning is just that- fiber….like say Metamucil or another brand name stir-into-juice type fiber. Sure I’ve read all the reviews- both positive and negative and have to wonder about the positive reviews. I’m honestly starting to feel like they are just a tad hyped up…but is this just the cynic in me?

I don’t feel like I have more energy AT ALL. In fact I feel I’m sleeping more poorly, I have more cramping and don’t feel like I’m any more “regular” than I was before I started this program. I feel like I’m literally dragging my ass. The folks at Dr. Natura have been nothing but nice to deal with though; telling me to be patient, each body reacts differently to the Colonix program.While I do appreciate that, I can’t help but wonder why I’m not seeing the results that so many others are? I know, be patient, right? Right. Gotcha.

I am pleased I didn’t spend money on this because I think any program you start like this, you should put some serious thought and research into. I did look into this company, and the product before I started, and felt confident the product was 100% natural and my doctor agreed it couldn’t hurt…it may not help, but probably couldn’t hurt…I do wish in my research however I hadn’t stumbled upon some of the vile pics Colonix users posted – OF THEIR STOOL! – because I think that’s just going a tad too far. I can’t get the images out of my head and frankly, it kind of grosses me out. Pushing that aside though, I wanted to be honest in my reviews of this program because I have readers asking me my thoughts.

It is Day 25 of what is a 90 day program I believe. I don’t feel rejuvenated, I don’t feel miraculous and I’m not super-regular…I’m being patient.

That’s all I have to say tonight :-) Namaste All.

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Everything But The Kitchen Sink

Oct 12

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Nutrition | No Comments

So many things to write about today; where to begin? As I settle down to write, I have CNN on in the background as they prepare to rescue the first of the 33 trapped miners in Chile. I can’t help but marvel at the strength of the human spirit in times of struggle and of all the countries to endure yet another test of faith and hope, it falls to the Chileans to show us again how strong they truly are.

While I rejoice in that story and keep an ear tuned to my TV for the first sounds of the siren…I’m thinking also of how truly inconsiderate and rude mankind can be. It’s quite the opposite feeling from the joy of a rescue, to the realization that not everyone out there thinks in the same terms as myself, and My Guy. We had an experience today that reinforced this and it’s challenge to not take it personally. My Guy is looking for a new car, right? He finds one he’s interested in, calls the owner (private sale) and expresses relief at getting through to them after busy signal and that the car advertised is EXACTLY what he’s looking for. The Car-Seller seems eager too, happy to hear from a prospective buyer and expresses empathy that they too, know how hard buying a car is! A time was agreed upon to meet and My Guy and I hopped in my car to drive out to The Valley (not exactly a short ride away either) to see this car. We’re not even half way there and we get a call…the Car-Seller has sold the car. “It just happened” she reported to us. I can only imagine: a gun was held to her head and she was forced to sell the car, it just happened….yes….poor soul.

I guess we believe in handling things a little differently. My Guy believes in honoring a prior commitment and that as the 1st person to express interest in the car, he should have at least been able to see it. But to get a phone call half way to the meeting point, only to be told “I’m sorry, it just happened, it sold..” is pretty damn lame. So this is one little story about how people really need to think about their actions, beliefs and how they affect others. Sometimes I just wonder, why can’t we all just get along?? Is someone, somewhere, watching the Human Race, and smirking at the fine mess we’ve made of day to day issues?

Treat others with the same courtesy and respect you expect. Simple. Nothing more to it.

On a different note, it’s day 12 of my Cleanse. So far, so good…I don’t have anything HUGE to report. Things are….ahem, errr, “moving” along so to speak. I find the tea EXTREMELY effective and am taking every 2nd or 3rd evening now. In keeping it real, I haven’t lost any drastic amounts of weight yet, I don’t feel things are going that much differently now except for the fact I’m beginning to feel more ‘regular’ and have less bloating pain. I am well aware however that is only Day 12 in a 90 day Cleanse so I’m perfectly content to keep going.

If you are interested in Colonix and try to live a healthy lifestyle, than I think you’ll be impressed with how ‘natural’ this product is. I’m not overwhelmed with harsh medicines or chemicals and I don’t feel like I’m doing harm to my body. I can understand every single ingredient listed on the 3 products and better yet, I can even pronounce them!

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It’s Better with Someone…

Sep 9

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Keep Moving, Weight Loss | No Comments

Don't do it alone...

So I’ve given myself an hour to write tonight…I’m not 100% comfortable still in my ‘writing’ area but it’s shaping up slowly. A work in progress if you will…

I mentioned I’ve gained some weight back lately and My Guy and I decided to work together more vigorously at getting out and working up a sweat. (mind out of the gutter please!) Just knowing I have his support makes a world of difference. I don’t know if the average person, like my co-workers for example, can tell I’ve gained weight but I certainly can and that’s the issue. I’m not totally happy in this body in it’s current shape- so I need to fix that. It’s so much better to have a support system, and have that person you can go out and do things with. If you’re struggling to lose weight, or to even start on a fitness regime- grab a buddy. I can’t stress how hard it is to do this on your own…

When I lost over 50 lbs several years ago, at the beginning of my journey…I started alone. I had just left a relationship, moved to a new neighborhood and was depressed at the recent changes in my life. I felt I had nobody to ask to help me, and so I struggled through alone. I won’t lie…it was hard. Looking back I feel pride I did it yes…but I remember alot of loneliness during that time. There were people I could have asked but I didn’t want to ‘burden’ anyone. I know now, a true friend would NEVER think it a burden to help someone on a path to being more happy and healthy.

Having My Guy to come home to, and walk with or run with just gives me that added little kick-in-the-butt I need. After all, us BOTH getting out and moving only makes our relationship stronger….right?

I’m back to marking on my calendar with a funky little sticker, when I do get out and get my heart racing and blood flowing. I suggested this a few years back when I needed any little thing to keep me going…and I still stick to it. Looking at the calendar covered in smiley faces and seeing my effort laid right out in front of me really makes me feel good. Life is short and we gotta take care of the little things that make us feel GOOD. Plain and simple…

Grab a buddy, get out, get moving and feel how good it can be. Remember baby steps and go at your OWN PACE…

Love CM

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Is Gluten-Free the way to go?

Aug 1

Posted by Chere Michelle in Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition | No Comments

Maybe it’s because I’m going through some digestive health issues, but it seems to me that ALOT of women I know are experiencing varying degrees of medical problems involving digestion and intestinal upset. Right now, I know of 6 women personally who are going through *something* that is equally frustrating and disheartening. They’ve all struggled through their doctors testing and re-testing…of living with some kind of pain…and of experimenting what they can and cannot eat successfully. I don’t know if it’s my little world, or is this a sign of something bigger?

Personally speaking, I don’t do alot of dairy. This isn’t because I’m a vegetarian (if I was a Vegan I would abstain from eating dairy) but rather because I feel my body can’t handle it properly and it just causes me too much discomfort in the end. I love my cereal but have found a soy milk I love (Silk) and eat cheese in moderation…

My next avenue to explore is a gluten-free diet. Gluten seems to be a major player in abdominal pain and in the 6 women I know of with issues, 3 are in some stage of attempting to go gluten free. It’s like a last ditch attempt at a pain free and uplifting day…

So what’s a person to do? Go gluten free? Go Veg? I firmly believe everything we put into our bodies must be something we are ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE is the right thing for us. We need to make conscious decisions and eat right….eat for LIFE.

In my research I’ve found some really great gluten free blogs and sites I wanted to share for those of you who may be looking down this avenue…

I’m really impressed with this site, Gluten Free Girl because it’s colorful, fun and the recipes are REAL. By that, I mean not frou-frou recipes that you have to hunt all over the city for a few weird ingredients that NOBODY in their right mind keeps in the kitchen. I’ve told a few people already about this blog and they love it….

A Gluten Free Day is another great blog mainly because the variety is really amazing….(plus the desserts!).

Stop over at I Am Gluten Free for one bloggers take on living gluten free and check out the yummy looking recipes!

All you have to do is Google “gluten free” for a wealth of information. This is definitely a road I’m considering taking, I’m just not 100% sure yet…I’m taking one day at a time and making sure I give my body the absolute best…

I’d love to hear YOUR story.

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A Jumbled Mess of Thoughts

Jul 23

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Inner Happiness | 2 Comments

I’ve had trouble sleeping the past few nights. I don’t know if it’s the warmer weather (OK those of you in Vancouver, know I’m probably grabbing at strings here….) or the fact My Guy has been away all week. It’s something. I’m on the brink of some new changes in my life, and it’s as if I’m balancing on the edge of a cliff- knowing the slightest move could upset the delicate balance I’ve achieved; but yet knowing I must embrace the fall with open arms.

There is a move in my future. Soon I will have the green space I once had and again, I can flourish in a garden as I did many years ago in the Heights. I can let The Boys out to roam in the grass, and enjoy drinks on the patio…it’s been a long time coming. I’m not worried about that move. I feel in my heart it’s a great thing to do- I’ve missed being a part of a lively and active community so the fact I’m heading to an extremely funky neighborhood has me tickled pink. While it’s not my West End, it’s damn sweet…I feel there are only positive things to come from this move.

I do worry about age…I worry about never getting the opportunity to be the wonderful Mother I know I could be. I worry about not sharing my creativity and watching another human being blossom into their own person…but I can’t worry. Do I not tell people, life happens this way for a reason? We’re where we are FOR A REASON…and everything we did to get to this point, was what we NEEDED to do? Taking a dose of my own medicine is sometimes akin to getting a kick in the head. I don’t know what tomorrow has in store for me, let alone a couple of years down the road. I need to take my own advice to heart and just enjoy…

Acupuncture is helping alot with allowing my mind to slow down, and my body to heal. I have had 4 sessions now, and I truly feel refreshed once the session is over. I don’t fall asleep during the session (I can’t sleep well at the best of times) but I do feel my mind drifting and my thoughts are not the jumbled mess they usually are. I don’t know if the sessions are helping my bowels at all YET, but I do feel an overwhelming sense of calm and peace- and positivity. That’s gotta count for something right?

A trip home to the Island is in my cards as well next month. I still say “home” when referring to where I grew up. I didn’t appreciate it as a teenager- I just wanted to get to the CITY- but I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I think of the journey back…

You are always welcome at home.

This post has been all over the place; but to try and sum up my thoughts I’d have to go with: It’s a season of change for me, and I must let go of my fears and worries and let life simply, run it’s course.

Love Chere Michelle

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Antioxi-what?

Jul 18

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition | No Comments

Antioxidants. What are they really? Sure we hear ALOT about them and how great they are for us, but do you really know why? Wikepedia describes antioxidants as ” a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation can produce free radicals….in turn these free radicals can start chain reactions that damage cells…”

Phew. OK so the main thing here in this scientific gibberish is “damage cells”. That can’t be good. Antioxidants are ‘free radical scavengers’ and could prevent damage from heart disease or cancer.

Research is ongoing in this field but it can’t be denied that antioxidants are something we should try to get enough of because simply put, it can’t hurt. Right? Vitamin E, C and A are all rich sources of antioxidants…as are dried beans…

Of course fruits and veggies are loaded with these hero scavengers (do you really need another reason to eat MORE healthy?). Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries lead the Berries in antioxidants and since it’s summer now, what better time to dig in?

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Realistic Goals

May 29

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Weight Loss | 5 Comments

Goal Setting. Ouch. Those 2 words diets and fitness regimes always bring up…

This is where things can get tough. Setting personal goals can be really challenging because we don’t want to fail and often put extremely high hopes on ourselves. The key to reaching your goals is to search within yourself and really ask what you want, and what YOU can do. Setting realistic goals will make achieving them easier because you can see the end and you can visualize the result. 

A good example of an unrealistic goal is, “I need to lose 50 lbs. by summer time”.  And let’s say summer is 4-5 months away. This goal seems so far in the distance and the amount of weight is astronomical to me at this stage in the game. Personally, I want to set a more realistic, reachable goal such as, “I will lose 5-10 lbs. THIS MONTH and exercise EVERY OTHER DAY for at least 20 minutes.” I know I can work at this goal because it’s a) short term, b) the lbs. to lose is within reason and believable and c) I’ve given myself a little extra with the goal of exercising every 2 days. Which one would you set for yourself and KEEP?

In your journal, write down 5 goals you would like to set for yourself and look at how to incorporate them into your life as soon as possible. This is where your daily affirmations come into play too as you can reinforce your goals daily through them!

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