Eating large amounts of red meat can increase the likeliness for bowel related cancers. A lot of red meat is very high in saturated fat putting us at risk for heart disease. It seems to me that no matter what, it’s shootin’ fish in a barrel when it comes to the dangers. Even if you choose lean meats with less sat fat, there’s still the increase of risk of bowel related cancers. The British released a study showing that small amounts of red meat with fibrous foods – such as vegetables – lessens the risk. Again, like most things — everything in moderation. If you think about it, our animal skin wearing ancestors probably didn’t have giant amounts of red meat on a daily basis. I’m sure the look on Ryan’s face when watching a slowly cooking rib-eye is the same look those cavemen had when watching their “kill” cook over an open flame. Red meat isn’t all bad, it does provide an excellent source of protein. I think, after reading what I’ve read, that I’ll cut back on red meat consumption just a bit and add more fish to my diet. Besides, Salmon is a lot easier to cook inside during the cold winter month’s than a steak.

I was looking for something motivational this evening to maybe help my friends who are stuck on carbonated beverages. I see it a lot at work, with friends, just about everywhere I go. People don’t drink water. I drink water. I drink a LOT of water. Since caffeine makes me insanely crazy, and syrupy “Clear Sody” gives me a stomach ache after awhile, I prefer water. So, anyway, this guy writes, “Give your dog Coke every day. Let them drink nothing but Coke and watch them die.” This, of course, is the shock factor. You think, “No!! Of course I wouldn’t do that, how dare you!” The next sentence read, “Why are you killing yourself?” Our bodies need water. Not colored, carbonated water. Real water. H2O just the way God made it. It really isn’t that hard to come off of caffeine. Sure, you might be a grouch for a few days, but it’s worth it. I can honestly say that I have more energy and less headaches with out it. Maybe you have your weight under control but you are still looking for a way to feel better. That would be a great first step. Give up the daily carbonated beverages and save them as a “treat” every now and then – if ever. You’ll save a lot of money, too!! (Be kind to the environment – stay away from plastic bottles, even disposable plastic water bottles.)

Another example he gave – Take a large dog and put him inside a room for months at a time and never let him out. Again, that’s not something you would do in reality. Dogs need to run, play, and conquer. So do we. Think of all the time we spend in boxes. (I’m always mumbling at work about how I just love my “greige cube”!) We live in a box, drive a box to get to another box, enter the work-box to go sit in … a box for 8 hours, then we get in our drivable box again and go back to the box where we sleep. This is a sure fire recipe to end up in a cedar box all too soon. Break out of the box! Color outside of the lines! Do something different to get a different result!

I have a lofty goal. I’m hoping by lessening some of my box time, continuing my nutritional adventure, and taking the time to remove the unimportant busy-stuff in my day to day life, that I’ll be able to lose 50 pounds in 120 days. Starting now. Today is day 1 because I’ve realized tomorrow is unattainable. Tomorrow is not graspable. There’s always another tomorrow. Tomorrow is for procrastinators. This is an average of just under 3 pounds a week, totally attainable and totally safe and healthy. Of course, before you begin with any diet or exercise program – check with your doctor for you healthy weight loss goals. I’m starting out with more than enough fluff to keep an Eskimo warm, almost 3 pounds a week is not drastic for my condition. And, I know I say this every week, but I am COMMITTED to taking my Metformin EVERY day, not just the days when I know the side effects won’t be too bothersome. I plan on enlisting my husbands help through his unique style of making me do things I don’t want to do (like scoop the cat box), and talking to friends with PCOS who have been successful at balancing carbs and protein. After I save up a bit more, I’m even thinking about scheduling an appointment with a Naprapath. I know my insurance doesn’t cover Naprapaths, but some things are worth paying out of pocket.

After the last few months of reading and Kashi adventures, now feels like a good time to start putting it all together. I feel armed with knowledge. I have become self aware, self reliant, and self empowered. And a few more months of therapy, and I might actually believe that, too! Ryan said he’s up for the challenge, in his own non-committal way, and this will be our first major physical accomplishment we’ll be doing together as a married couple. If we reach this, we’ll reach the next, most important challenge — getting – and maintaining – a healthy pregnancy.

Ryan?? I got nothing. ) You ready for this? No more Arleney-Weinie Snacks… can you handle it?

It all started with a corporate health and wellness site meeting.