Egg Nog Love!

Anyone who knows me knows just how much I LOVE Christmas. Not only is it a time to eat yummy things, and give and receive gifts, but it's a time when people turn their hearts and minds toward a baby born to change the world.

Of course, the food IS great:) (ya know, I love food too;). One of my seasonal favourites is egg nog. I secretly want egg nog all year round, and really don't understand why it's not available for the other 11 months of the year. I even tried to make homemade egg nog a few years ago, but no one (including me) would drink my lumpy/eggy/milky mess.

You can imagine my excitement last week in the grocery store when I spotted the nog sitting in the dairy case, waiting to be enjoyed:) To my elation, I then set my sights on the low fat version. Finally I could enjoy my egg nog, and not feel guilty about it! I raced home, and got my special egg nog cup ready to be filled! Now picture the look on my face when I drank what can only be described as watered down MILK. It was gross.

So I resigned to the fact that I would not be able to enjoy my precious nog this season:( Then the Lord reminded me of something. The reason we get into trouble with food is not eating bad things alone, but because we don't allow His Spirit to give us the self-control we need to eat in moderation. He wants us to enjoy food, but we just need to make sure we do not indulge.

On today's grocery trip, I bought the higher fat version, and am reminded that walking in the freedom Christ brings means being able to use the self-control He offers to only have a little.

Be blessed today, and remember that "if the Son sets you free you are truly free" (John 8:36).

One of those days...

I have to admit, there are days (sometimes weeks), when I just DON'T WANT TO WORKOUT! As much as I love running, and get a high from it, some days it's like pulling my own teeth to get out there and run. I'm not sure why I'm like that. I'd love to be one of those people who always loves to workout....But I'm not, and today was "one of those days". In addition to not always loving working out, I don't love the cold weather. My body just doesn't seem to work as efficiently when it's all stiff and cold, and I find it difficult to breathe the cold air. If any of you fitness buffs out there know of ways to overcome these pitfalls, let me know.

I'm pleased to say I did go out running today....though I'm embarrassed to say it's been about a week! I have been working out in my house, but all you runners out there know that it's just not the same as a good run outside.

I'm learning how to psych myself into enjoying exercise especially when I'm just not feeling it. Here are a few things I've learned.

1. Spend the time thinking about God's word. It's amazing how God's promises have come alive to me as I run! (check out these verses: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40:31&version=NIV, http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12:1&version=NIV , http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204:13&version=NIV )

2. Just get out there ! I've learned that it's really only the first 20 or so minutes that are tough, and then the rest of the time I'm enjoying it, and when it's all over and you get the runner's high, it's all worth it:)

3. Find something new. It's always possible that you're just in a workout rut. Trying a new form of exercise might help beat the boredom.

By the way, I LOVE hearing from you all, letting me know that you've been encouraged by my blog! It's really humbling to me to know that God is using my journey to inspire others!

Be blessed!

Just Keep Running

So I've been on vacation for the past week. My brother was married in Hawaii, so I "had" to come;) I have to say, I'M IN LOVE with Hawaii....This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen, and I am heading back home today completely relaxed and nicely tanned:)

Back when I started running (a whole 10 months ago), I promised myself that I wouldn't take shortcuts when it comes to my runs. For me this means not stopping to walk unless I have to, never cutting corners, running up every hill I encounter (not easy), and finally, making sure I run even when I'm on vacation.

I have to say that running in Hawaii isn't that difficult, as there is so much natural beauty to behold, and the constant breeze is like God's air conditioning:) I'm proud to say that I have run every morning I've been here!

Here I am running in Hawaii:)

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If I can encourage you with something today, it's that keeping promises to yourself will breathe life to your habits. Your will power and discipline will be strengthened and you will get a strong sense of accomplishment.

The most important meal....

One thing I've learning on my weight loss journey is the importance of eating a good breakfast. I found for me that if I eat a good balanced breakfast, I am less likely to overeat later in the day (especially at around 3pm), have more energy, and feel full. The old saying "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" couldn't be more true, so I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite things to eat first thing:)

1. Cottage Cheese with diced apples and cinnamon (my current fav)
2. Kashi Go Lean Crunch (with milk or yogurt)
3. Mango smoothie (check out the recipe on my blog)
4. Activia plain yogurt with diced strawberries and banana
5. Egg Creations scrambled in the microwave on an english muffin (I like it with cheese for good measure;)

So much has happened since my last post. The most significant of happenings, I think, was my accomplishing my goal of completing a 5k.

The race took place on Aug 21 in Mississauga, and I LOVED IT:) I came in 46th of 80-something, so right in the middle:) My time was 38 minutes, which wasn't my best of times, however the rumor around the finish line was that the race was actually longer than 5k, and that everyone's time was about 3 minutes longer. That made me feel better:)


One cool thing about my race was that it was put on my a church looking to raise money for medical missions to Haiti, which I thought to be a very worthy cause! The atmosphere at the race was extremely positive, and the pastor even prayed before it began....very cool:)

Another very cool reason I loved it was the fact that my girls could see me run. Olivia even tried to join in with the racers:) Having 2 girls has made me hyper aware of my influence on their precious lives. I'm so happy to say that the changes I've made in my life the past few months will impact theirs for years!

How's It Sowing?

I've been thinking lots lately about the words we sow into our lives and the lives of those around us. It's no small thing that the Bible is littered with references to sowing and reaping, and I believe when it comes to weight loss success or failure, the words we sow in can make a huge difference.

Since I was a child, I wanted to be a runner. I remember running around the block in my 1980's track suit when I was 7 years old. Something in me always wanted to run. However, in school I didn't win very many races, and I recall getting terribly lost in the woods at a cross country meet when I was about 8. These experiences led me to believe that I was NOT a runner and couldn't do it. I allowed the seeds of a lie to be sown into me. The roots grew deep and my words became the water that made the lie grow.

I carried this belief into my adult years. Looking back, I can see God's hand in my life when He brought me some very athletic friends who would express their LOVE of running on a regular basis. Without fail, the words of my mouth would reflect the hurt of my weedy heart, and I would tell my friends how much I wanted to be a runner, but just wasn't built for it and I didn't like it.

Then something changed in me. God got ahold of my heart and He began to weed out the lies I had believed for all those years. With newly tilled soil, it was up to me to sow new seeds. Before I even ran a step, I started speaking words like "I'm going to be a runner". When I bought my first running shoes (7 months ago), I walked into the sports store and told the clerk I wanted shoes I could run in, because I was going to run. In my mind I told myself I could be athletic, I would just have to work hard at it. These seeds were sown into my heart, and I believe that what grew from them became my motivation.

What are you sowing into yourself today? Have you allowed lies to take root in your heart? If so, would you let God do some weeding? Remember to sow generously into yourself and others, and God promises good things will grow!

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Why I run...

As many of you must know by now, I LOVE RUNNING! It's the biggest shock of my life, but as it ends up, running is something I truly enjoy:) Here are my top 10 reasons for running...

1. Time alone

2. Time alone with God

3. Challenging myself

4. Watching myself improve

5. Inspiring my daughters to take care of their bodies

6. Endorphines

7. Fresh air

8. Losing over 70 pounds! (yup that's right, SEVENTY!)

9. Accomplishing a life-long goal of being a runner

10. Feeling great!

I LOVE FOOD!

Ok folks, I know it's been WAY too long since my last blog, and I'm very sorry! There have been many ideas floating around in my head since my last post, but for today I thought I'd write about food. It is, know you, my favourite topic;)

Seriously, I LOVE FOOD, and I truly believe that God made food enjoyable for our benefit. He wants us to enjoy it! However, like most things God created to for us to enjoy, we can turn it into something excessive until it's not beneficial to us anymore. One thing God has been teaching me is how to still enjoy food, but to be self-controlled (something I absolutely cannot do without the Holy Spirit....but that's a topic for another day;).

I've been learning how to make yummy and enjoyable food that will benefit my body, and to eat in moderation, so I thought I'd share some of my favourite recipes with you!

Without further ado, here are my favs!

Kylie's Spinach Dip
Who doesn't love Kelsey's spinach dip? Well, I've done my best to make a healthier version.

1 tub fat free sour cream
1 block low fat cream cheese (softened)
1 onion finely chopped
1 package frozen chopped spinach
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup low fat cheese (grated)
Sprinkle of paprika

Preheat oven to 375. In an oven safe casserole dish, mix sour cream, cream cheese, onion, spinach and parm. Sprinkle with paprika and grated cheese. Heat in oven until mixture looks bubbly and cheese is beginning to brown. Serve with whole wheat crackers or tortilla chips.


Warm Spinach Salad
I Posted this one a few months ago, but thought it was worth a second post:)

1/2 eggplant
1 zucchini
5 spears (or so) asparagus
1 bunch spinach leaves
1/2 cup (or so) maple syrup
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and Pepper

1. Set your oven to "broil" (mine sets at 500 degrees)
2. Chop up the veggies so they are approximately the same size. You want good chunks. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Mix together the oil and syrup, and drizzle over the veggies. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Put under the broiler for about 8-10 mins. Keep an eye on it, and when your veggies start to brown, flip them.
5. While your veggies cook, arrange the spinach leaves on your plate.
6. When your veggies reach your desired brown-ness, take them out of the oven and spoon them directly onto the spinach (you want to wilt the leaves).
7. Enjoy:)


Super Easy and Delicious Mango Smoothies

1 1/2 cups frozen mango
2 cups milk (I like low fat milk, OR try almond milk)
4 tbsp fat free pudding mix (vanilla works well, OR try white chocolate)

Microwave the mango for about 30 seconds to soften. Put everything into a blender and let it fly!

MORE RECIPES TO COME!

40 Pounds and Counting...Some of my health and fitness tips!

For a very long time now, God has been speaking to me about health and fitness, and the importance of taking care of myself. I knew He wanted me to make changes in my life, but for whatever reason (usually my own excuses), I didn't do anything about it. The years ticked by and I rang in each new year the same inactive unhealthy person I was the year before.

Sure I tried dieting...only to fall into the same failure time and time again. I tried going to the gym...only to find reasons NOT to go. Finally, I decided to give this area of my life over to God. I knew that only God could take nothing and make something. God, alone, could take my nothing exercise and make me fit, and my lack of food awareness and make me healthy. I had to admit that I was helpless and needed Him.

Here's the amazing part...GOD CAME THROUGH (did I ever doubt him;) and I wanted to share some things that He has shown me along this journey to health and fitness with you. I have to note, however, that I am by no means a professional when it comes to wellness. I'm not a trainer or a nutritionist, just someone who has succeeded at losing weight and getting fit, and I hope this can inspire you too!

I'd like to break down my tips into three categories: 1. Spiritual, 2. Fitness, and 3. Food

1. Spiritual
I love the Lord with all my heart soul mind and strength, but for waaaay too long, I failed to worship God with my body. I don't think I really understood the connection between my relationship with God and how I treat my body. God has shown me through His word that our bodies matter to God. We all know that the bible says our bodies are temples of His spirit (1 Cor 6:19), but I love what comes after this verse: "You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (1 Cor 6:19-20). Isn't that wonderful? Our bodies belong to the living God, and He desires us to honour him with them! When we take care of the bodies God has entrusted to us, we are actually worshipping him! Romans 12:1 says "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Did you catch that? THIS IS OUR SPIRITUAL ACT OF WORSHIP. Giving our bodies to God is a spiritual act. God WILL honour you for it!

2. Fitness
Anyone who has known me for a long time knows I was never much of an athlete. I didn't excel in sports, and barely passed gym class! The thought of me getting outside and running seemed to me pretty much impossible. I never thought of myself as a runner, and didn't think I could do it. BUT I dreamed of running. When I would see people running down the street I would secretly envy them, longing to have that ability. As God was teaching me more and more about fitness, I realized that maybe I could actually run! At first I could barely make it around our block, and had to stop many times to catch my breath. However, I persisted and each day I went out running, I could go a little farther and a little faster. At this point, I'm running 2 km pretty much every day, and LOVING it! I'm so addicted! One thing I have learned is that running is, I'd say 70% in your mind. As I run, I remember God's promises to me, and I find this helps when the going gets tough. One verse that really speaks to me is Romans 8:11: "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." I like how the KJV puts it: it will "quicken your mortal bodies". The same God that can take a dead person and make them alive again lives in me! Surely such a mighty God can help me run that last 1/2k, or up that oh so daunting hill!

3. Food

I call this section "food" and not "diet" because, having tried many diets in the past, I'm SO done with them. I like how Marty Copeland puts it when she says that diets are "carnal weapons" that we try to put our hope in. The problem with carnal weapons is they fail...time and time and time again. (check out www.martycopeland.com) 1 Cor 10:4 says "the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds". I believe the secret to weight loss is trusting God to help you to eat the right things and not to eat too much. Sounds simple, I know, but God made our bodies, and He knows what foods we need to fuel them. He will give us the power to DEMOLISH the stronghold that keeps us eating too much, or eating the wrong things! Some awesome recipes I've tried, and believe are part of my success can be found athttp://www.youtube.com/user/candiball. Check it out:)

I hope that these tips can be an inspiration to you! Remember "that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Phil 1:6). God does not start us on our health and fitness journeys to fail, but rather, He wants to see us through to the end. He is faithful!

Preparing for Setbacks

I was thrilled to hear from some of you that my last blog on weight loss and fitness encouraged you in your own health journeys! I've decided to write another with the hope that my story can inspire you:)

I wanted to write a blog today about goals, but the more I thought about it, I realized that goals and set-backs really do go hand-in-hand. As surely as you have a goal, there will be something that comes in the way of your goal. I believe that setting goals, and preparing for set-backs are two valuable tools in your health journey. For today, I will focus on set-backs.

To begin, let me be very clear that I DO NOT endorse preparing for failure. Preparing for set-backs and preparing for failure are two very different things. Preparing for failure means that you expect yourself to "fall off the wagon" at some point, and revert back to your old ways. A person preparing for failure might buy unhealthy food while grocery shopping, or hold on to clothes that are too big, "just in case". When we prepare for failure, we set ourselves up for just that...failure! God's word says that we can "do all things through Christ" who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13), and this includes keeping us on the right track.

On the other hand, preparing for set-backs means that we are still focussed on our goals, but understand that sometimes things happen that might throw us off course. A set-back might be an illness that keeps you from exercising for a week, a special event where eating 100% healthy foods may not be an option, or even pregnancy. When we are prepared for these set-backs, we know that falling into a set-back does not mean that our health journey is OVER, but rather it means that we need to be extra vigilant in the future to get back on track. Someone not prepared for a set-back would think "I blew it, it's over, I might as well just give up", in which case, their health journey would be over!

The good news is that we have a God who understands our weaknesses. Hebrews 4:16 says "let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need". Even if it means we come to God over and over and over again, He promises to give grace and mercy when we need it, and that is all we need to continue on the journey. I mentioned in my last blog, and feel it's worth noting again, that God does not start us out to fail, and He is faithful to finish the work He began in you (check out Philippians 1:6). Whether your set-backs come for a minute, a day, a week or longer, remember that we serve a kind and loving God, who wants to help keep us on the right road!