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!