Breastfeeding

DISCLAIMER******This post is heavy in the boob talk*****You've been warned.**********

I've had breasts since I can remember.  


I literally can't remember a time where I looked down and saw nothing.  In fact, they were/are so big that breast reduction surgery has been more than talked about.  I knew I didn't want to do anything until I was done having my children because I always knew I wanted to breastfeed.  I didn't want anything to get in the way of that!  I've wanted to breastfeed since I looked down and saw that I had breast.....so forever!  I didn't have a mother who breastfed so I don't know where this desire came from, maybe, it's because they are such a BIG part of me I had to believe they had a job to do someday. 


When I took the test that confirmed that someday sooner than later I will be a MOM I immediatly started reading.  I read everything I could on pregnancy, parenting and breastfeeding.  I read. and read.  and read.  Now fast forward to May 28, 2012.....


Gentry arrived in a very turbulent way.   I had read that it was important to try and let your baby latch within the first hour after birth.  I had read what to do if you had a C-section and wanted to breast feed but there was no article on losing too much blood and being unable to physically do much at all with your baby.  It was heartbreaking.  I tried to put her to my breast but the awkwardness of her floppy body and my big breast and small arms.  I couldn't get her positioned right.  I was shaking uncontrollably from the shock of birth and it was frustrating.  Did I mention that Nacogdoches Medical Center doesn't have a Lactation Specialist?  That was super frustrating!  I let Gentry go with the nurse to get checked out and I closed my eyes and prayed for the next encounter to be better. 


We got settled in our room and soon Gentry was brought back to me.  (Just thinking back to this time not long ago makes my stomach turn)  This time I asked for help from the nurse.  She took a few pillows set them around, took my boob in her hand and tried without success to pop it in Gentry's tiny mouth.  Gentry could care less.  She wanted to sleep.  She also had a hard time during labor.  I tried all day.  She would only latch on for 30 seconds at a time.  I tried to stay cool and remind myself of all the things I had read.  I didn't let her have a bottle and she stayed with me all day.  Then they took her back to the nursery at 11 PM.  I told them I wanted her when she was hungry.  Then in the middle of the night when they brought me to her.  The nurse also brought a bottle.  She explained to me that they really don't want her to go much longer without anything.  I felt like I had failed.  I was unable to do what should be natural.  I was starting to starve my baby!  I tried once more to breastfeed.  All alone.  Carl was alseep beside me.  And I gave up and tearfully gave Gentry her first bottle.  All Tuesday and Wednesday I would breastfeed, supplement with a bottle and then pump.  When I would pump for 20 min. I would get less than 1 ML.  It was thick and bubbly.  I would syringe it to Gentry.


We went home on Wednesday and I continued in the pattern.  I tried backing off of the supplements but pumped after every feed.  It was tedious and exhausting.  At most I was getting 1 ML and that was after my milk had come in.  I thought I was getting the hang of it.  Then we went to the Dr. for Gentry's 1 week check up.  She wasn't back to her birth weight.  Defeated.  I was failing as a mother to feed my child.  Or so I felt.  I was more diligent about feeding, pumping and I added back more formula supplemental feedings.  I wasn't ready to give up on the breastfeeding.  


By her second week of life I had turned my every waking attention to my boobs.  I started taking Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle.  I ate a bowl of oatmeal every morning and drank Mother's Milk tea.  My pee started to smell syrupy (Fenugreek does that)  but I didn't feel like my boobs were changing.  I never leaked, felt a letdown or had engorgement.  I would feed Gentry every 1.5 to 2 hrs whether she wanted to eat or not.  Gentry was starting to latch on better and I was more comfortable with holding her while she fed but even with those improvements our regular visits to get her weighed in at the Dr. still showed she wasn't back up to her birth weight.


I went to my Dr. at the month mark.  He checked me out and asked about breastfeeding.  I told him I wasn't ready to give up yet but that I was having trouble with my milk supply.  As proof in my daughter's lack of weight gain.  Dr. Vineyard prescribed me some Reglan to help with my production.  I discontinued all of my home remedies (except for the oatmeal)  for the time being.  I also bought a new pump.  I had been using a 12 year old Medela.  I decided that this was it.  I was going to try the Reglan (it was a 2 week prescription) and if it didn't work then breastfeeding must not be in the cards.  I basically gave it all to God.  That's exactly when  I started seeing a change.  I could tell Gentry was getting bigger.  She felt bigger.  We had a schedule down and we were pretty happy with our days at home.  Then I started pumping more.  First 2oz.  Then 3.  Then 4!!!!  At Gentry's 1 month check up, which was a week late, she had gained 9 oz in one week!  I finally felt like I could breath!  The best part was I had only given her formula a couple of times that week!  


On Monday morning of this week I finished my 2 weeks on Reglan.  I was worried that with the end of Reglan I would be ending my milk supply.   I immediately started the Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle.  I haven't stopped eating oatmeal since I started on her 4th day of life.  This morning I pumped almost 6 oz!!!!!!!  I couldn't be happier!  I still as a rule don't leak.  I have started feeling a twinge when I can tell milk is filling in my boobs (yes, it's weird)  and I only get engorged in the morning.  I don't have the typical tell tell signs that you have tons of milk but I've learned that it doesn't mean your not feeding your child adequately.  I learned that you can't even take what you are pumping as a rule of what you are able to feed your child.  Babies are more efficient at getting milk from the breast than a pump.  


I type all this to say to other new moms and future new moms BREAST FEEDING IS HARD, IT'S NOT EASY, GO WITH YOUR GUT, STICK WITH IT IF YOU CAN AND YOUR DOCTOR DOESN'T NECESSARILY KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU.  I just needed more time than most women.  I will say I feel blessed to be able to stay at home and figure this whole thing out!  I would probably have given up if I knew I had to go back to work at six weeks.  I hope this post helps any newer than me moms or moms to be!  


Here are the sites that helped me the most:


http://kellymom.com/


http://www.thealphaparent.com/2011/12/timeline-of-breastfed-baby.html
I wish I had read this before I had Gentry!  


http://www.thebump.com/?MsdVisit=1


http://www.babycenter.com/


Hope this helps!


Love, 


The woman with the Maple Syrup urine

Viva Las Vegas: Day 1

On July 6th (my 28th birthday) Carl and I along with our friends Ryan, Kelly, Britney, Cullen and Sarah headed to VEGAS! We have all been friends for almost a decade but we had not been on a trip all together during that time. Ryan, Britney and myself had been to Vegas within the last 10 years. Sarah went with her family when she was a child and didn't really remember much. For Carl, Cullen and Kelly this was the first time! So what did we do?

Tuesday, July 6th:

Carl, Kalena, Ryan

Sarah

Cullen, Britney, Kelly

Flew from Houston International to Las Vegas! We arrived in Vegas around 10AM. We checked into the MGM and went over to New York, New York.

Kelly wanted to have a real New York Slice! (We all had our priorities on this trip! Most of us had food requirements! This is why I hang out with this group!) Carl and I got a hamburger around the corner (OK I got a veggie burger). I think Kelly was pleased with her choice!

We then went walking. and walking. and walking. We walked up and down the strip marveling at the greatness of it all. We headed back to the hotel and some dipped into the pool (me) and some napped (Carl) and then we decided to walk the strip at night to see all the "shows". We stopped to eat at The Lux Cafe in the Venetian.

It was wonderful! The Lux Cafe is owned by The Cheesecake Factory. The menu at The Lux was just as big as the one you get at The Cheesecake Factory and there were similar menu items but The Lux was a step up and had a international feel. This is what we ate:

The Grand Appetizer Platter

Serves four or more! A Grand Assortment of Our Most Popular Appetizers Including Spinach Artichoke Dip, Crispy Thai Shrimp & Chicken Spring Rolls, Duck Potstickers, Buffalo Chicken Rolls, Cheese Steak Spring Rolls and Vietnamese Chicken Summer Rolls. Add: Seared Ahi, Crispy Ahi Sushi Roll and Edamame

I loved the spring rolls, duck potstickers and ahi sushi roll.

 

If I remember correctly here is what everyone ordered for dinner:

Kelly: Wiener Schnitzel: Austrian Style Thin Crispy Coated Veal Medallions. Served with Mashed Potatoes and Braised Red Cabbage

Sarah and Britney: Crispy Caramel Chicken: Crispy Battered Pieces of Chicken Breast in a Spicy Thai Caramel Sauce with Mushrooms, Onions, Red Chile Peppers, Garlic and Ginger. Served with Rice

Tried this! IT WAS SO GOOD!

Kalena: Indochine Shrimp and Chicken: A Fusion Dish of Chinese and Indian Flavors. Jumbo Shrimp, Chicken, Onions and Sweet Ginger all Sauteed in a Delicious Spicy Sauce of Curry, Plum Wine and a Little Cream Topped with Sun-Dried Cherries and Apricots. Served with White Rice

It was yummy but more like something you would find at Cheesecake Factory.

Carl: Fettuccini Alfredo: Wide Pasta Ribbons Tossed in a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce. Can Also be Ordered with Chicken.

Ryan: Grilled Fish of the Day

Cullen: Chicken Royale: Lightly Breaded Sauteed Chicken Breasts Served Over a White Wine Butter Sauce with Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Herbed Carrots

We didn't finish dinner until well past 10 PM so we started on our journey to see all of the night shows and miserably failed.  We only saw the Bellagio water show and it always lives up to it's hype!  Before the show we did see a street fight between this small white guy and two large black men.  It literally happened right next to us.  I was pretty nervous but Sarah remained calm cool and collected!  We did manage to take a little time for a photo op.  Carl was less than thrilled :)

And that capped off day 1!  Stay tuned for the rest of the story!

Coupon Clipping

It's my new hobby.  Scratch that.  It's my new habit!

If you really want to get me all riled up just ask me how to save money at the grocery store.  (oh my, when did I get old?!?!?!)  No, really.  I love it.  I call my mom every time I leave the store and tell her how much I have saved.  Right now, she is the only one who gets my joy!  Let me share with you what I have been doing the last 3 months or so.

Before I take you step by step I have a few tid bits to share.

1.  It takes a little time.  Not only the actual retrieving of the coupons but also the accumulation of coupons.  When I started I was saving about $5 a shopping trip.  I went to the store today and saved $38.  (both times I spent about $50)

2.  You will need to "invest" in a few items.  I have a coupon holder that I keep in my purse so that I have the coupons on me at ALL times.  I also buy about 2 Sunday papers a month.  My total investment a month is $3 but I save (a modest estimation) $150 a month.  We spend $200 a month on groceries.  (that is for about 25 dinners, snacks, 20 lunches, most cleaning and personal hygiene products)

Now are you ready?  Here is what I do:

Step 1:  Clip the coupons.

There are 4 major coupon inserts in your newspaper.  Red Plum (RP), Smart Source (SS), General Mills (GM) Proctor and Gamble (P&G).  They don't come every weekend so I sometimes buy the paper when there are only 2 inserts and ALWAYS buy the paper when there are at least 3.  How do you know when that is?  Here is a handy link for the 2010 Insert Schedule.  I have also signed up on some coupon websites.  They are free of charge and have pretty darn decent coupons.  Not to mention that P&G mails samples!  God love samples!  I use Coupon.com, pgeverydaysolutions.com, and sometimes couponbug.com.  Out of pure laziness, I only clip coupons online about 2X a month.  I don't clip coupons for products I DON'T BUY!

I almost exclusively shop at Kroger.  The reason for this is because of the Kroger Plus Card.  I know what you are thinking!  "That just gives them the excuse to hike up the price and I can get it cheaper at Walmart."  Well you are right!  You are right that is, if you are the average shopper.  If you use the program to it's full extent than the savings easily beat Walmart's prices (not to mention that Walmart gets a ton of your money because it is a Super Store).  I have logged my Plus card in at Kroger.com.  This allows me to "electronically"  put coupons on my Plus Card.  That's right.  All I do is buy the product and the coupon is used when I swipe my card.  Handy.  This is a fairly new concept so there aren't a ton of coupons on there but more are added every week.  There are also coupons that you are able to print off from the site.

Step 2:  Look at the AD

Every Wednesday the grocery stores come out with their weekly sales ads.  This is where Kroger.com once again comes in very handy.  I electronically look at the ad.  It allows me to "circle" the items I want and puts them on a list for me.  I know it sounds like I've spent a ton of time on grocery shopping already but it only takes me about 15 minutes to shop once I am in the store.  Here is the BIGGEST TRICK TO SAVING MONEY!  I make my weekly menu off of the weekly ad.  This ensures I get the most savings.  I then match up my coupons with the items in the ad.  This is where you need patience.  It will take you a few weeks or a couple of months to collect enough coupons to completely make your list with items already reduced AND use the coupons.  Patience, please!  It's worth it.  Here is how it works.

I buy the perishable necessities like normal.  (Milk, plain bread, eggs)
I ONLY buy "fun stuff" if it is drastically reduced and then I stock up!  Anything that I don't NEED right away I stock up when it is greatly reduced AND I have a coupon!  (I only buy Dr. Pepper if it is 4 for $12)
I try and buy our meals for the week if they are in the ad AND I have a coupon.  (Bertolli's sauce was on sale and I had a coupon for $1.00 off)

Step 3:  At the Store

Be on the look out!  The store likes to throw in a few little "extras"!  For example:  I NEEDED bathroom cleaner.  I took out the three coupons I had for different cleaners.  I checked out each one to see which was cheaper to begin with AND which one had the MOST coupon savings.  I had a $1.00 off Scrubbing Bubbles "All Natural" cleaner.  Lo and behold the bottle ALSO had a $1.00 off coupon.  I got a better look at the price tag and it said that if I buy 2 or more of the "All Natural" cleaner line then I will get a coupon for $2.00 my next grocery purchase at Kroger!  BONUS!  I bought the Scrubbing Bubbles and Windex for $5 after using both $1.00 off coupons.  (AND THIS IS WHERE MY ORIGINAL POST WAS DELETED SO I SHALL TRY AND START OVER)  Secret savings like that are all over the store!  Remember though that it doesn't mean you need the item!

The best part of the trip is checking out!  I hand over my Kroger Plus card and ALL of my coupons.  Once you start using coupons the more coupons come out of the machine at the cash register.  On average I get a $3 off of my next grocery purchase (that's just off the top!  It's not with any purchase of a certain product).  Even more exciting,  I get my own personal coupon book from Kroger a little more than once a quarter.  The coupons are for items that I buy often and it is usually for more savings than I can get out of normal coupon clipping.  Off of the top of my head the most exciting coupons have been ( remember I have only been doing this for 5 months) $2 off $10 or more meat purchase, Free Ranch dressing, Free Ben and Jerry's, Free Jello Pudding, $5 off $20 or more meat purchase, 2.50 off Bertolli's Frozen Entree, $3 off next grocery purchase and so on and so forth.

That's IT!  Really, It's not hard.  This was my grocery receipt from today.  Remember I have done this for 5 months.

Garlic Bread-half for dinner tonight and half for a later meal in the week#*
Bertolli Frozen Entree-dinner later#*
Tyson Chicken Fries-Carl's Lunch#*
Mozzarella Bites-Snacks*#
Morningstar Crumbles-my ground "meat" for tacos #*
2 Turkey Sausages-for dinner AND for Covered Dish on Sunday#
Cherry Turnovers-2 for dessert tonight, 2 for another night #*
Dole Salad-something green #
6 Yoplait yogurts-snacks for me*#
3 Artichokes-dinner for me #
2 Hass Avocados- for tacos (TRICKY, TRICKY Kroger had an advertised special for other avocados 10 for $10, these were .69 a piece...watch out for that stuff!)
Milk-for Carl
Scrubbing Bubbles stamps-NEED*
Windex-Need soon. #*
Scrubbing Bubbles-NEED #*
2 Black Eyed Peas-for Covered Dish recipe#
Bertolli's Sauce-dinner for tonight*#
Vinegar-Covered Dish#
Oil of Olay Body Wash-Need#*
Venus Razors-Need*#
Pasta-Dinner and in pantry #

As you can see I only bought one item that didn't have ANY savings.

TOTAL:54.69
COUPON SAVINGS:19.90
BONUS: .40
KROGER PLUS SAVINGS: 16.40
TOTAL SAVINGS: 36.70

PS  Be on the look out for savings at the ends of all your receipts.  I try and enter in most "enter and wins" and I have had 10 free Route 44 drinks thanks to my sonic receipts.  I just call and answer a few questions and they give me a code for a free drink!

Once you have the habit down you won't believe how much money you have been throwing away!

Adventurous Eater.

I love it when my office comes to see what I am having for lunch because it smells so good! The best part is when I am eating something that the average public wouldn't especially find appealing. It makes me feel worldly.

What made me feel like I was eating outside of a white stucco building with blue linens on the coast of Greece?

Lamb and Spinach Pitas with Feta cheese and a Lemon Pepper Yogurt dip.


Worldly I tell you. Worldly and YUM.

Goals for 2009:It's Not Easy Being Green

Baby steps.  

All I can say is we have taken baby steps in our 2009 goal to go green. Surprisingly Carl is actually game with the changes so far.  Going green is a fairly new passion of mine.  While I grew up in a house that recycled I was known to still throw cans in the trash out of total laziness.  My mom was "Green" before it was so popular!  We grew up using vinegar and water as our cleaning supplies.    That being said it was only when my friend Kelly went through her pregnancy that I discovered the cloth diaper comeback.  It made me curious about what I could do to help the Earth before I have children.

Green before 2009

Carl and I were doing things that are considered "green" before we had a conscious effort in our "green" pursuit.

1.  Use dishes instead of paper plates

2.  Use fans before the AC.  Blankets before the Heat.

3.  Use our dishwasher (people are surprised to learn that it's more green than hand washing)

4.  Buy Organic (unfortunately we don't buy as much as we would like)

5.  Pack our Lunches (this is really more because of lack of cash)

6.  Wash a full load of laundry with cold water and clean out the lint trap after each wash.

7.  Buy less STUFF (again lack of extra money helps)

8.  Recycle cans

9.  Use Water Filter pitcher. (we have only bought one pack of bottled water in our marriage and it was to prepare for Hurricane Ike.  Even then I recycled our milk jugs for non drinking water.)

2009 

Carl and I have achieved quite a few of these goals.  Some are yet to be!  

1.  Cloth no more paper towels.

2.  Buy local produce

3.  Replace lights with CFL lighting

4.  Put certain outlets on a timer (to slay Vampire energy)

5.  Start buying organic and making organic cleaners for the house

6.  Replace our doors

7.  Join a CSA

8.  Buy Cage Free Eggs

9.  Use glass instead of plastic food storage.

10.  Buy Bamboo linens

11.  Have a garage sale!

12.  Hang laundry

The Future Still

There are TONS more that Carl and I want to do in our future but here are the top 5 for years to come.  

1.  Cloth diapers....I know right!  Have your negative remarks!  I am going to do it.  (Carl's apprehensive about it but I asked him if he was REALLY even going to change disposable!)

2.  Homemade Baby Food.  Yep.  That too!  I have a huge desire to do these things for our babies who are merely "twinkles in our eyes" right now!  

3.   Buy Hybrid (this is a while into the future....like babies will probably come first)

4.  Build a "Green" home.

5.  Garden

It's Not Easy Being Green

There are a few things I am not ready to give up yet!  Maybe someday but for now I will try and use restraint!

1.  Decorative napkins (I have an obsession with cute napkins)

2.  Ziploc (sometimes easy wins)

3.  Buy New.  (There are just somethings I cannot buy as a hand me down)

4.  Disposable Tampons (come on now!  Did you think I was THAT crunchy)

5.  Holiday paper plates (it's a weakness)

6.  Using the dryer as a fluffer.  (OOPS.  I can't help it.)

7.  I know there are more and I put them here just in case someone catches me being not so earth friendly!

Interested?

Check out The Little Green Book: 365 Ways to Love the Planet by Joseph R. Provey and Owen Lockwood.  Better yet, check it out of the Library!  It's better for the Earth!

 

Long Time NO Post....

Wow....

It's been a while. Here is a quick update. Bulleted....because I like bullets.

• I am still on my diet. I cheat a little more but I am generally sticking to it! I've seen a little bit of weight loss and feel TEN MILLION times better. I actually have no problem with giving up bread which was a shock for me! Cheese is a little harder.



• Carl is still in school. May will hopefully be the end of school!



• Tilly is fabulous. She is about to spend the next month with my parents. My mom's dog, Ginger, was put down in October and I think she misses having paws in the house. This is also a gift for Carl.



• I lost my camera. That's why the posts have been few and far between. Pictures are better than words. I miss my camera but not enough to buy another one just yet. Maybe when Carl graduates and gets a job.



• I still love Andrew to death. We had a great Halloween. Andrew was a cow and Tilly was a pig. He was so precious (i stole a picture from Kelly and it's featured below)



• I am so excited about the holiday season!

Love to all!

Day 10

7:45-Wake Up

(oops forgot my medi shot!)

8:30-Irish Oatmeal

12:30-Sushi Wraps (bought from grocery store it's make your own for like $3.00) with Avacado and 1/2 Apple with Almond Butter

can't remember....

Day 9

*****Had the day off because I worked last Saturday*****

9:00-Woke Up
9:30-Medi Shot
12:00-Veggie Refried Beans with Rice and Rotel
2:00-Pistachios
5:30-Rice with Fried Eggplant (yum)
8:00-Medi Shot
9:45-Pistachios

Day 8

7:40-Wake Up (ooops)

8:00-Medi Shot

9:00-Irish Oatmeal, Green Tea

12:00-Eggplant and Rice

2:00-some snack

6:00-walked for 1 hour on treadmill

7:00-Medi Shot

8:00-Fried Ric (cheated only a little; had egg)

Day 7

7:20-Wake Up

7:30-Morning Medi shot (doubled this week)

8:30-ooops forgot to eat breakfast.....

12:00- Turkey sausage (this is a new one for me...not bad!) and spelt pasta with grapes

2:00-Grape break

6:00-Medi Shot with nut and fruit snack

8:00-Eggplant and Rice

10:00-Rice Cake and Almond Butter

12:00-night night

Days 4-6 (Weekend Wrap Up)

Basically I screwed up....

No I did not go crazy and down a bowl of chips and salsa or anything!

If anything I didn't eat enough.

I know shocker.

What it comes down to is that I worked on Saturday (my first offical Saturday to work) without a lunch break (9-2) and it threw my snacking way off! I did eat sushi for dinner so that made up for the break in snacks for sure!

I was SO good on Sunday I deserve a trophy. It was our monthly covered dish. Need I say more. I do. I got in line and picked up my plate and walked slowly behind the guy who gets a spoonful of everything! My mouth was watering with all the brown, orange, yellow starchy goodnesss that was laid out. The whole time I was debating with myself: "Should I just cheat and make sure I was next to a toilet for the rest of the day?" "Was I REALLY feeling all that much better?" "Macaroni and cheese could make me feel good too!" (you skinny people just don't understand) I prevailed. I even walked past THE BEST mac and cheese and the lady only makes it 2 times a year! I made it to the end of the line with my plate empty to find a few carrots and a couple slices of apple. Very Filling. (I went home to make a real lunch) I was so proud and I could go out and do stuff because I wasn't worried I would need a bathroom near by! Ended the week fabulously and without urgency (if you catch my drift).

Day 3

7:15-wake up
7:20-Noni and BSR pill with Mediclear and Rice Milk "shot"
9:30-Rice cakes with almond butter
12:00-"Nachos" rice, vegitarian refried beans, rotel and Pecan "chips"
2:00-Grapes
6:00-Noni and Mediclear and Rice Milk "shot"
7:00-Tuna Steak, green peas and mashed potatos (with mustard, rice milk subbed for milk)
8:00-BSR pill
8:30-Rice cake with almond butter

Almond Wishes and Rice Dreams

I think I am doing pretty well on my DRASTIC diet changes. The list is long my friends. Long indeed. I have had the most trouble with onion, corn and garlic. I went looking in the pantry for something to make my rice and beans a little more palatable and EVERYTHING had one of these in it. Salsa. No. Has garlic and onions. Red Enchilada Sauce. No. Has modified corn starch. Modified corn starch is my nemesis. You would think life would be easy with all the "gluten free" products on the market but they replace the wheat flour with....you guessed it.... CORN!

Don't worry too much though. I am eating quite well even with the restrictions. The best part of my day is the shot glass of rice milk with Mediclear. It sounds gross but it has become the creamiest part of my day. It's actually pretty tasty.....well the vanilla flavor is pretty good. I just bought the original for baking (subbing milk of course). I only have about a week and few days left of no egg. Once I can eat egg I am making pancakes with rice flour.....I am totally pumped! I have also found Pecan chips. They look like tortilla rounds and taste ok. I had "nachos" today for lunch. Which means I had vegetarian refried beans, rotel, rice with Pecan Chips....very exciting....there was just a hint of sarcasm there. Can you tell food is my world?

Sure I have a hang up with food. I know this. My mom likes to think she had nothing to do with it. But she does. She is a Hallmark. That makes me a Hallmark. That makes me have food issues. I love it. I am not afraid to say that I associate food and family and happiness. My Dad's side is NO better. I dare you to call my Nana and ask her what she ate for lunch. She may not remember where she put her cell phone (it was wrapped up with her cookies) but she can list off the 10 or so items that the cafeteria served for lunch at The Colonial Lodge Assisted Living Facility.

The point is I am working on it!

Day 2

7:20-Wake Up

7:25-Drink Medi Clear shake with Rice Milk (which I am beginning to love) and Morinda pill

7:45-normal poop (THAT NEVER HAPPENS)

8:30-Rice Cakes with Almond Butter for Breakfast

12:00-leftovers (portabella mushroom and rice)

2:00-Black Spanish Radish Root pills

3:00- hand full of almonds

5:30- Carrots, Craisians and a few grapes for snack

7:40-Mediclear and Rice Milk and Noni pill

8:00- Vegetarian refried beans and rice

yum! Day 2 in the bag!

Day 1.

7: 15- Wake Up
7:20-Medi Clear Shake (of sorts) with Rice Milk; a few grapes
8:30-5 or so Almonds and Water
10:30-5 or so Almonds and Water
12:00-Morinda Supreme (pill)
12:20-2 Rice Cakes with Almond Butter; Carrots; grapes
2:00-grapes
3:00-Spanish Black Radish
3:30-Craisins
6:40-Morinda Supreme
7:00-Portobella Mushrooms grilled with Rice and some sort of veggie
8:00-Mediclear shake with Rice Milk (yum!) & Spanish Black Radish

I told the Witch Doctor...

*****Don't read beyond this point if abnormal bodily functions bother you*****

I generally pride myself on being healthy. I am an obese (refrain from the "You're not fat" comments....according to BMI I am obese) healthy person. I never miss work. I've only gone a half day for being sick! I have MAYBE one cold a season. I am pretty healthy.

Except for one thing. I have pooping problems. I know, I know too much right? Well to be specific I have horrible cramping diarrhea! Gross. I know. The grossest part is that I have been having this problem for YEARS! It's progressively worsened over the years from occasionally to I forgot what a normal BM is like. So this weekend for a late birthday present my mom took me to the doctor. Not just any doctor mind you. A Chiropractor/Kinesiologist.

It was interesting. Basically the way it works is that your body is made up of energy. Remember learning that in High School Science??? Well all matter is made up of energy. Some energy works better with other energies. This Dr. Lady finds out which energy is best and subsequently which energy is worst for your body. What it comes down to is that for the next month I will be eliminating certain foods (bad energy) from my diet while I get my tummy issues under control. This is NOT forever. It's just FOR NOW. I am really excited because I already feel better since going to see Dr. Lady. I am going to try and blog everyday what I ate as a form of accountability for myself!

Here is the list of foods I can't eat:

Beef

Chicken

Pork

Shrimp

Cheese

Cow Milk

Eggs (for 2 weeks only)

Buckwheat

Corn (including high fructose corn syrup)

Wheat

Peanuts

Soy

Celery

Garlic

Onion

Banana

Grapefruit

Peach

Chocolate

What do you think?

Eat Your Way Through Austin

It's no secret that eating is one of my FAVORITE pastimes! Austin is in my opinion one of the best places to eat. The city focuses on fresh and organic. We ate out all weekend but left like we hadn't. Every thing was so fresh and yummy.

If you will fasten your seat belts we will now take the food tour!

Friday Night Dinner: Chuys Mexican Restaurant

Wow! I have never had Tex-Mex like this before. The chips were light and crisp and went so well with the just made salsa. I ordered "The Vegetarian" (Finally a city that truly caters to all eating habits) It came with a Veggie Enchilada that had squash, potatoes, corn, spinach, serrano, onions all in a blue corn tortilla with red sauce and cheese. I also had a cheese chili relleno (my favorite). All that with rice and vegetarian refried beans. It was all good. I topped my freshly made meal with a light margarita. I had "The Dot" margarita which is margarita with a dot of strawberry margarita on top. Ingenious! It was not heavy and perfect for a hot evening.

What the others had: The Classic Tex-Mex Enchiladas and Big as Yo' Face Chicken Burrito

Saturday Lunch: Dirty Martin's

We were looking for a cheap place to eat for lunch. You know burger and fries. I actually found this place online weeks before we went. It has been featured on the documentary "Hamburger America". This was definitely a dive. It was full of students or fathers and sons. Not a place you would take your mom. Too greasy! With that being said they still have a Veggie Patty burger! You better believe I got that! It reminded me of the veggie patties I would get at the school cafeteria...in a good way...a nostalgic way. We each ordered a different side and taste tested. The tater tots, fries and onion rings were soooo yummy! We all topped it off with a to go shake like mom would make! Very cheap. Still yummy. Not overly greasy. The gut held up well for an afternoon in the hot hot sun!

What the others had:

O.T. SPECIAL - large bacon cheeseburger with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato

D.H. SPECIAL - Hamburger patty with grilled onions between two pieces of cheese on toast with tomato and pickle

Saturday First Dinner: Torchy's Tacos

Ok. So we had two dinners! We didn't eat lunch and we knew we would be eating a LATE dinner because of the events we had planned (you will have to check out the next post for events) We were in our swimming gear when we walked up to this deliciously smelling trailer. The keyword here again was FRESH! You wouldn't think that at a trailer right?!?! I ate 2 tacos because I couldn't decide! I had the fried avocado taco which had carrots, vegetarian refried beans, tomatoes, lettuce and poblano ranch! I also had the "Taco of the Month" Magic Mushroom. It was wonderfully magical with portabella mushrooms, carrots, lettuce and chipotle sauce! To die for! I wanted more but I resisted! I would eat there right now if I could. Fresh cheap food doesn't get any better! We spent less than at a drive thru and ate more and ate better!

What the others had:

Beef Fajita Taco:Marinated and grilled skirt steak with grilled onions and peppers and topped off with shredded cheese and pico de gallo on your choice of tortilla and salsa

Trailer Park: Fried chicken, green chili’s, lettuce, pico, and Cheese served on a flour tortilla with poblano ranch.Get it trashy! Take off the lettuce and add queso!

Saturday Second Dinner: Homeslice Pizza

We didn't eat until 10:30 PM but it was well worth the wait! This was surreal to me because you don't even have the option of eating past 8:30 PM in Nacogdoches. Yet there was an hour wait at 9PM!!! Now I will tell you I am not a fan of pizza. I like food so I will eat it but given a choice I would always choose Mexican over pizza. Or at least pasta over pizza. You could say I am a pizza snob! I like "different" flavors other than your typical pepperoni or cheese. Homeslice and I were a fit when I saw the menu. We enjoyed sitting out on the back porch while Sierra and Carl had a pitcher of Fireman's #4 and I went all out and had diet Dr. Pepper (really that is going all out). We shared some hot garlic knots to help our hunger stay in check while we waited. We ordered a medium classic “white” pie with ricotta, olive oil and spinach. It came on it's own stand and had gobs of spinach and ricotta. Very yummy. I had about a slice more than I should have! We even had 2 slices left over. Of course Carl didn't eat it! He is your average pizza eater and got a couple of slices of pepperoni. This was a perfect choice for a late meal because I wasn't miserable and unable to go to bed. Freshness points here!

Sunday Brunchy Lunch: Kerby Lane Cafe

This is an Austin Institution. Now I know I have beat down the word "fresh" but seriously. This place has it's own farm! Not lying! They have tons of vegetarian and vegan options. We could have eaten here all weekend! I went with having eggs Benedict Florentine in mind because more people should have that on their menu! When we opened up the menu I had to have something that NO ONE else would have on their menu. I went for the "Paris Texas Platter" It was an awesome combo of french toast and migas (vegetarian migas no less!). My taste buds were doing a happy dance! Spicy and sweet what a combo! I just watched everyone else in the restaurant and what they ordered. They even have Vegan pancakes! Made with tofu! I don't know about all that but at least they have it for anyone who wants it! The coolest part was that they have artist original paintings for sale and the artists change frequently!

What the others ate:

Carl had Carl's Breakfast: English muffin with all natural Canadian bacon, a fried egg and cheese. Served with home fries and fruit.

Pancake stack of the day: Raspberry