What Happened This YEAR?

Sunset

SHOW ME THE RAIN!

Week one of Getting My MOJO Back is DONE!

So here is the low down on my little group I joined.....


You have to do these things


1. Drink 48 ounces of water a day.

2. 30 minutes of exercise (Everyday but Sunday).  - This needs to be dedicated exercise...meaning I can't coun't swimming with the kiddos, or vacumning, or weeding the garden. It needs to be real, good old fashion sweatin' to the oldies type exercies. 

3. No soda (Kill me now!)

4. No sweets (desserts, pastries, candy, or sugary snacks) Sugar-free alternatives are okay.

5. No fast food, or unhealthy snacks.  

6. Consume 4 servings of any fruit/veggie combination that works for you!

7. No eating after 9 p.m. For the pregnant mommy's to be or breasfeeding ladies, if you do have to eat after 9 PM, just make sure its healthy. Does that sound good?

8. Read 15 minutes of spiritual or uplifting text

9. Write in your journal (Daily blogs count, too.) 

10. Personal goal- each week make a personal goal for everyday or make a goal for the entire week. (Like getting to bed each night by 10 PM, do an art project with your kiddos each day, organize your master closet)


Okay, 
So pretty easy right????? I have to keep on telling myself that because...YES I want to do these things....and I mostly do....but what I hate the most about trying to get back into shape is that my weight fluctuates like 5 pounds up or down a DAY!  This makes it hard to see progress!  
So far this last week went pretty well, although it was my birthday so I got a free day for that....wish me luck on the next 7 weeks.

Birthday Cakes

Getting My MoJo Back

Today I start a challenge online with some friend to get my mojo back.

Wish me luck and you should see more of me on here.

Have You Ever Tried FD Strawberries?

FD STRAWBERRIES on sale at SR this month.

#10 Can $20.02, 25% off!

Case (6 - #10 cans) $102.98!

E-mail or call me to get on the Q and get this deal!

I am copying this from another blog, because I thought it was a really good article.

If you are interested you can find the original post at:  http://www.livestrong.com/article/280942-freeze-dried-strawberries-nutrition/

Freeze Dried Strawberries Nutrition by Andrea Cespedes

Overview

Freeze-dried strawberries are sliced strawberries that have had most of the water removed. This concentrates their flavor and nutrients while extending their shelf life. They may be rehydrated in water, tossed into cereal or baked goods, or eaten on their own as a snack.

Calories and Macronutrients

One oz. of freeze-dried strawberries, about 1 1/4 cups, contains about 90 calories. Of the 24 g of carbohydrates, 12 g are from natural fruit sugar. Freeze-dried strawberries contain no fat and 2 g of protein.

Additional Nutritional Benefits

One oz. provides 316 percent of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA of vitamin C, based on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet. As noted by the USDA, values may be higher or lower depending on total calorie intake. In addition, an ounce of freeze-dried strawberries contains 4 percent of calcium needs and 8 percent of iron.

Flavonoids

Compounds in strawberries called flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. In the "Journal of Nutrition" issue from September 28, 2009, researchers from Oklahoma State University tested freeze-dried strawberry powder's effects on cholesterol and markers of stress and inflammation. After four weeks, women with metabolic syndrome who consumed 25 g of the freeze-dried strawberries two times a day experienced significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol -- the bad kind.

Method

Unlike conventional dehydration methods that allow the texture, flavor and appearance of fruits deteriorate, freeze-drying maintains fruits' appearance and flavor. The method of freeze drying strawberries begins with partially freezing the strawberries at a temperature that breaks down their cellular structure and freezes 25 to 45 percent of water within the fruit. The strawberries are then sliced and frozen completely. They are dehydrated in a vacuum, resulting in a product with a moisture content of approximately 3 percent.

Considerations

Freeze drying does not affect the nutrition content of strawberries as do other preservation methods like microwave drying notes a study in an issue of "Food Science and Technology International" published in February 2006. Many companies sell bags or cans of freeze dried strawberries. They are also found in packaged cereals listing "with real strawberries."

References

• Free Patents Online: Method for Producing Freeze Dried Strawberries
• "Journal of Nutrition;" Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder Improves Lipid Profile and Lipid Peroxidation in Women with Metabolic Syndrome;Arpita Basu et al; September 28, 2009
• "Food Science and Technology International;" mproving the Nutritional Quality of Microwave-vacuum Dried Strawberries: A Preliminary Study; V. Böhm et al; February 2006

Article reviewed by Norah Crowley

About this Author

Andrea Cespedes is a professionally trained chef who has focused studies in nutrition. With more than 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, she coaches cycling and running and teaches Pilates and yoga. She is an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer and has degrees from Princeton and Columbia University.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/280942-freeze-dried-strawberries-nutrition/#ixzz1Jmchy66N

Shelf Reliance

Dear Family and Friends,

Many of you know that I love to cook, save money, and organize things.  So, after hosting a Shelf Reliance Home Party I decided to become a Shelf Reliance Consultant.  Which means I get to sell products that I love, and the best part is I get to save people money by offering the products at a party price.  

Since I am brand new to this consultant thing, I am still learning a lot, but would love for some of my family and friends to host a party for me.  It can be a physical party at your house or an on-line party. I may be able to schedule a party for you that coincides with a trip to your city.  As a party host, you do earn benefits based on the amount sold at your party, so you can earn benefits from just hosting the party.  

There is absolutely no pressure for you to host a party for me, but I just wanted to let you know that I am a consultant.  So if you don't want to host a party but are interested in placing an order, just let me know and I can get a price list sent to you.  (Also, if by chance you already have a consultant that you are ordering through, then I am not trying to take you away from them...) 

If you are interested you can email me at loveforfoodandoils (at) gmail dot com or call or text me at  (646) 481-3736 or my cell phone number if you have it ( I made a new email for this and the essential oils that I am a consultant for as well (which is a new development as well).)

Thank You and let me know if I can answer any questions for you.  Hope you have a great week!

April Larcher

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