Day 3 of Whole30

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Jill English Johnston

Day 3
No run today. But a busy day, with something scheduled morning, afternoon and evening, and a few errands along the way.  We had a get together at a friends house to kick off our fall bible study.  A bit of a challenge as they had some very yummy dessert concoctions.  My main man (MM) and I were able to pass them up and just nibble on some fruit we brought.  He was able to have a cup of black decaf coffee, but (sigh) I passed it up, along with the sweet creamer.

Chapter 3: What is Food?
So far, the book is a fairly easy read. Chapter 3 is a bit of a review for me, since I had a nutrition course a few years back. It discusses the basic components of food: micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients) and macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats). The authors’ premise consists of 4 components: foods exert powerful psychological influence, influence our hormones, affect our digestive tract, and impact our immune system.

Overall
Better night sleep, a little less tossing and turning. Might just be readjusting to my own bed.  Not too bad as far as fatigue or brain power.  Kind of missed my coffee this morning. Sipped on a different flavored herbal tea. It’s the Lipton flavored green teas. Again, no sweetener. I had previously discovered if I eliminated real sugar from my creamer (and instead used a sugar substitute) I had less sugar cravings throughout the day. By eliminating all sweeteners with Whole30, I’m supposed to lose my perpetual “sweet tooth.”  That would be amazing, since I’ve always been a chocoholic.

3 down, 27 to go.

Posted in Healthy Living | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Day 2 of Whole30

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Jill English Johnston

Day 2
Yesterday my main man (MM) made a yummy breakfast of eggs, sausage, spinach and tomato.  Very filling and very good.  Today, he had an early class.  So I was on my own.  No cereal, toast or bagels for breakfast, since wheat products are another off limits area for Whole30 (this is only for 30 days and the goal is to identify food sensitivities, allergies, and problem makers).  Really, not a big deal, because in the past I have tried to limit grain products based on the concepts from a book called Wheat Belly (by William Davis).  So,  instead I had some sausage (for my protein) and fruit (for my carbs).  I also restocked the fridge and pantry as we were getting a bit low on the fresh items and I needed some of the allowable snack items I like.

Chapter 2: Our Nutritional Framework
Thankfully, the chapters are quite short, providing me with a quick read each day.  This chapter introduces the upcoming 5 chapters which will cover the “science-y stuff” providing the foundation for the Whole30 concept.  My MM appreciated the upcoming chapters because he is definitely a why person and not just a how person.  I sort of am too.

Overall
Went for an easy run today.  Knee pain, nonetheless.  Hoping Whole30 will identify a food culprit for my joint pain.  A bit fuzzy brained and tired.  Could be from my recent travel and trying to catch back up on everything.   Some sugar cravings.   But I’ve had way too many sweet treats lately so it’s a much needed elimination.

2 down, 28 to go.

Posted in Healthy Living | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Day 1 of Whole30

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Jill English Johnston

A new book recently made its way into our house.  The fact it’s a book is not really a big deal.  We have a plethora of books in our home and have given away just as many over the years.  The fact it’s a book about healthy eating is kind of a big deal.  However, I have bought several books over the years on healthy eating, in my endeavor to eat healthy in a culture of overabundance, where it is hard to consistently eat healthy.  The fact the book was bought, read, and tried by my main man (MM) is an even bigger deal.

He read the book, It Starts With Food (by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig) while I was away and decided to try it.  He’s been happy with the results thus far.  Which makes me happy.  Because, while I know the Lord is the author of our lives and has ordained each one of our days, I also know the Lord has given us our bodies and the responsibility for the proper care and feeding of them.

I am a big advocate for healthy eating, so of course I have decided to read the book and try the plan, called the Whole30 program.  30 days.  I can give it a go for 30 days.  And, in the spirit of a writer, I thought it would be worthwhile to keep a journal of my 30 day journey.  And, of course, in the spirit of a blogger, I thought it would be interesting to share it with my readers.

Since my MM has read the book, he is able to coach me through the plan and I can read the book as I go along.  There are 22 chapters in the book (along with the 2 appendices) and since I currently have several other books I am reading, I decided to read a chapter a day, which will take me through most of the 30 days.

Today is Day 1
What are the big changes?  Well, first off no coffee.  Not because I can’t have coffee.  Whole30 allows it.  But because I can’t have my sugary creamer with my coffee.  And I just can’t bring myself to drink black coffee.  So, I made myself a cup of herbal tea, no sweetener.  It wasn’t bad.  And I was still able to wake up to a cozy cup of something warm.

The second thing is no sodas.  They have sugar or a sugar substitute as well.   Not too big of deal, since I usually only drink one diet soda a day.  But no coffee and no soda meant no caffeine.  Kind of tough today, since I am still jet lagged after returning from my trip yesterday.  I think the little nap I took helped me survive.

Chapter 1: Food should make you healthy
True statement.  But in our culture today, food does not always fulfill that role.  Especially when we’re rushing through the drive through or trying to throw together a quick meal, or snack on the run.  We are a very busy society and our food choices and, therefore, our bodies, suffer for it.

The first chapter, as well as the foreword and preface are, of course, geared to convincing the reader to check out the amazing plan.  Because it will change your life, it claims.

We’ll see.

My attention was drawn to one of the many areas Whole30 is supposed to provide relief: joint pain.  Something I have been suffering from over the last 5 years or so.  Nothing debilitating or keeping me from my normal exercise routine.  But annoying and a bit disconcerting nonetheless.  I would be delighted to find out if there is a certain food causing it.

1 day down, 29 to go.

Posted in Healthy Living | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

First Verse, a journey through the Psalms: Psalm 15

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Jill English Johnston

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
(Psalm 15:1, NLT)

When I was a little girl, I used to ask a family  member why he never attended church with us.  “I got mine when I was a kid,” he replied.  Later in life, when I committed my life to the Lord and made the choice to become a follower of Jesus, I asked again, if he would come to church.  He made a comment about lightning striking if he ever went.  I thought it interesting that he went, albeit a bit grudgingly, to attend weddings and funerals, but never to worship.  Lightning never struck him then, and it stood to reason it would not strike if he came to worship.  Somewhere along the way, he decided he was either not good enough or worship was not important enough.

I found it sad.  He did not understand.

The Psalmist asks, “who may worship?”  Who indeed.

Many come seeking and they are never turned away.
In Matthew, the writer recounts the journey of foreign Wiseman who came to worship the Christ child. (Matthew 2:11) They were not turned away.
The disciples followed Jesus, and worshipped him, proclaiming him to be the Son of God. (Matthew 14:33)  They were not turned away.
A gentile woman, seeking healing for her daughter, came and worshipped Jesus. (Matthew  15:25)  Neither was she turned away.
At Jesus’ crucifixion, a Roman officer realized Jesus was innocent and worshipped God. (Luke 23:47) He was not turned away.
The morning of Jesus’ resurrection, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary ran to Jesus and worshipped him. (Matthew 28:9) They were not turned away.

And seeking, those coming to worship the Lord find great joy.
Upon the ascension of Jesus, the followers of Jesus worshipped him and were filled with great joy.  (Luke 24:52)
Back in Jerusalem, followers of the resurrected Jesus, worshiped together at the Temple, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. (Acts 2:46)

Even creation, the heavens, and the nations are called to worship.
The whole earth is called to shout to the Lord, break out in praise, and sing for joy.
(Psalm 98:4)
The sea and everything in it shout the Lord’s praise. The fields and their crops burst out with joy. (1 Chronicles 16:32)
Heaven gives praise for the Lords’ great wonders. Multitudes of angels praise him for his faithfulness. (Psalm 89:5)
All the nations the Lord has made will come and bow before him; they will praise his holy name. (Psalm 86:9)

Do not doubt, dear one. You are called to worship in the Lord’s sanctuary. You may enter his presence on his holy hill.
So come, worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. (Psalm 100:2, NLT)
Come, worship and bow down. Kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God.
If only you would listen to his voice today! (Psalm 95:6&7b)

Heavenly Father, may we hear your call today and respond by coming to worship. May we praise you for who you are and all you have done. May we not ever think we have worshipped enough, or that we will ever be turned away. Instead, may we understand, may we come, and may we worship.

Grace & Peace

Posted in Abundant Living | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

First Verse, a journey through the Psalms: Psalm 14

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Jill English Johnston

Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!
(Psalm 14:1, NLT)

Isn’t it easy to read this verse and respond, “yes, they are fools who don’t believe in God.  Look at their behavior.  They are bad.  They are evil.  They don’t do anything good.”  We put them under a microscope, analyze their behavior and find them wanting.  Then we place ourselves on our pedestal of righteousness, proud that we are not fools, like they are.

But let’s take a slice of our own heart and put it under the microscope.  Where in my life have I said “there is no God?”  maybe not in those specific words, but by my deeds, my indifference, my thoughts and attitudes, my lack of action.  Where have I had the appearance of godliness, but denying its power in the way I love and live?

Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, states: “Unless we are experiencing the hurt of facing every deception about ourselves, we have hindered the work of the Word of God in our lives.”  He speaks of Jesus’ questions to Peter (calling him by his birth name) “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”  (John 21:17)  Three times he asked Peter.  Three times Peter answered, “Yes Lord, you know I love you.”  Each time becoming more hurt.  Jesus responded each time with a task, “Feed my sheep.”  Jesus didn’t just want an emotional ascension of Peter’s love.  Jesus wanted to see it in action.  He entrusted Peter with the work of taking care of the flock after He left.  He entrusted Peter to love his brothers in the way Jesus loved them.

And He wants the same for us.  He asks us “do you love me?”  and He entrusts us with the work He has given us and He entrusts us with those He has brought into our lives.  But too often, we act as if there is no God, we act as if He has not tasked us or called us to love.  We act as fools.

I must ask myself, where have I not let the word of God pierce my heart, as it did Peter’s, judging its thoughts and attitudes, exposing its desires and intentions (Hebrews 4:12)? Where am I at risk of denying the very thing Christ calls me too and putting myself at risk of becoming a fool, knowing God, but not honoring Him, instead, allowing my foolish mind to be filled with darkness?  (Romans 1:21)

Father, I confess my own foolishness.  It is so easy for me to read your word and see flecks in my brother’s eye or stand in judgment of those who do not know you, without ever asking the Spirit to reveal the log in my own eye or the foolishness in my own heart (Matthew 7:3).  Please remove from me this heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh, (Ezekiel 36:26).  Please create in me a clean heart and renew a faithful, obedient spirit in me (Psalm 51:10).

grace & peace

Posted in Abundant Living | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment