The Butterfly Connection

[hummingbird11]

"An Obsession w/ Butterflies: Our Long Love Affair with a Singular Insect"

For many, the transformation of caterpillar to butterfly fuels this obsession. Timeless symbols of resurrection and release, butterflies are depicted on ancient Egyptian Tombs and on the walls of Polish concentration camps; live butterflies grace the cells of modern Chinese prisons.

All speak to a connection expressed by the Greeks, who chose the same word, psyche, for both butterflies and the soul.

This is another chapter in the story of my continued journey of transformation + the healing of my body, mind & soul.

XO,
Pulelehua
(Butterfly in Hawaiian)

[hummingbird11]

I think we could ALL use some help in this area from time to time. I also think emotional eating is connected to this lack of self love in some deep way (for me). Here are some interesting links on the topic of self love:

How to Love Yourself

Self-Love - Tips For How to Love Yourself

How to Love Yourself - wikiHow

How to Love Yourself on Yahoo! Health

How to Love Yourself

[hummingbird11]

I will be 45 years young on May 30, 2008 and really want to get myself back into good shape ever since I kinda "let myself go" after my journey through ovarian cancer/chemo/surgery/DVT/PE/ascites/lymphedema from age 41 to present.

I lost 50 lbs during all of that (2005-2007) and had fun gaining it all back (eating all the wrong things due to my newly aquired post-chemo sweet-tooth!) but the fun stopped when I actually exceeded my original weight by a good 20 lbs!

So after failing on a couple of other weight loss plans - I began Atkins Induction on 3/24/08 - I've lost 12 lbs and have 18 more to go!
(I want to be 10 lbs lighter than my original pre-cancer weight)

I'm very excited about this "controlled carb WOE" + my new zero impact style of exercise (Callanetics) as I have been super frustrated with my old exercise DVD's (such as The Firm) that I simply cannot do anymore or keep up with due to so many restrictions on my body due to multiple abdominal surgeries + the lymphedema & nerve damage that I'm stuck with. But ya know, it could be a lot worse. And hey, I"M ALIVE !!!!!

[hummingbird11]

My exercise routine has been a "work in progress" but with the fine tuning of some very knowledgeable (and very fit!) peers on the Exercise Boards here at Low Carb Friends, I have finally settled on this routine for at least the next 6 weeks:

M: Callanetics (10/10) + Callan Quick Stomach

T: 20 min Elliptical/HIIT + Cory Everson's Get Hard Arms

W: Callanetics (Evolution) + Callan Quick Stomach

R: 20 min Elliptical/HIIT + Cory Everson's Get Hard Arms

F: Callanetics (10/10) + Callan Quick Stomach

S: 30 min Elliptical + Cory Everson's Get Hard Arms

S: 30 min Elliptical + Rapid Results Pilates

Plus of course almost daily dog walks/hikes with my 4 dawgs!

HIIT = High Intensity Interval Training

I was told that too much "steady state" Cardio (ie Level 3 on the Elliptical every day as I was doing) can be a waste of time, at least fat-burning wise. Because just like anything else (low cal; low fat; low carb WOE) our super smart bodies learn to adapt pretty quickly!

So with Cardio, the more we do, the more we HAVE to do, in order to keep burning fat in the most efficient manner.
Consequently, we must keep increasing our Cardio time in order to trick our bodies into releasing fat calories!

Unlike weight training, where the muscle we build burns more calories JUST SITTING THERE! That's why they say to spend more time weight training than on lots of steady-state cardio. I use 3; 5; 8; 10 lbs free weights (ONLY) to strengthen, tone & define my upper body muscles.

HIIT is apparently the exception:
(keeps things "shook up" so that our bodies can't get too comfortable and learn to adapt/compensate)

Lean Bodies Consulting

Metabolic Slowdown - Part II | Lean Bodies Consulting

I'm having a blast learning about all of this!
And all of my research & interactions with like-minded folks keeps me motivated and keeps my mind OFF food!

[hummingbird11]

OK, Crack Cake is really the 3 Minute Chocolate Cake. It's sort of an inside joke for the Bay Area Babes. A while back we were eating it so often that we called it "crack". ~SnowAngel

Recipe:

1 egg
1/2 tsp SF vanilla extract
1 Tbls heavy cream
2 Tsp cocoa powder (note: I use Wonder Cocoa)
5 pk Splenda
1/2 Tsp baking powder
1 Tbls softened butter

You just whisk everything together until blended.
Transfer the mixture to an oversized mug that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray
Microwave for 1 minute.

It actually could go for a little longer than that, but I like the bit of batter that doesn't get cooked on the bottom and then spills over the top when you flip the cup over. It's kind of like a molten chocolate cake. ~SnowAngel

[hummingbird11]

Along with hordes of others, I simply adore this wonderful woman!

The Lighter Side of Low-Carb

Before I found LCF, I stumbled upon her blog (in March) and she very kindly answered ALL of my questions and showed me the way to the righteous way to do Atkins. (I think this was right before her fame escalated!)

Cleo/Jamie is my hero on so many levels! Her recipes are staples in our home, especially her fabulous Cauliflower Pizza Crust (every Friday night)!

AND she connected me with these 2 other amazing & essential low carb resources:

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Induction Menus

SugarFreeSheila.com / SFS.com - Your ULTIMATE Resource For Atkins / Low Carb Help & Information!

Along with LCF + a Somersize Yahoo Group I belong to ~
the websites of these 3 knowledgeable & generous women = my current success with weight loss!

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out ... then bursts into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the spirit." ~Albert Schweitzer

[pri17cess72]

You are so informative! Thank you for all you do and post.

[hummingbird11]

Originally Posted by hummingbird11

My Bay Area Babes Beach Ready Challenge Goals (3/24/08):

Elliptical - 20 minutes every AM
The Firm - choose one DVD every AM
Dog Walk - 15 minutes B4 Lunch w/ Symphony & Sunny ~ (old girls!)
Dog Hike - 60 minutes B4 Dinner w/ Zeus & Murphy ~ (young boys!)

MY GOAL is to lose 25 lbs by June 1st
(45th bday on May 30 / to Kona on June 6)

BALANCING ACT:

(-) Reduce/Eliminate 2 weeks: NO CARBS; NO ALCOHOL; NO FRUIT
(except naturally occurring carbohydrates as in veggies)

(-) in Senseo machine each morning: use 1 Regular pod & 1 Decaf pod
(effort to wean myself slowly off caffeine hopefully w/out headaches!)

(+) Increase/Addition 2 weeks: EXERCISE every day! (see above)

(+) Increase/Addition 2 weeks: drink 6-8 glasses of water per day

Awww! Thanks Liz!

And thanks Liz for the nudge (@ BAB) to assess where we are in our Goals! I needed that!

Well, at 12 lbs lost, looks like I'm about halfway to my goal of 25 lbs by June 1st.

I lost that amount in one month (3/24 to 4/21) so I'm going to aim for a repeat performance!

Until the past 2 weeks, I wasn't doing so hot on my Exercise Goals ~ BUT now I have a great routine going ~ and I'm getting some form of exercise every day! I've ditched The Firm and I'm doing Callanetics & Cory Everson instead (alternating). Sticking with the Elliptical BUT reduced to 4 x’s per week (HIIT 2 x's per week).

I'm drinking Red Wine on Friday & Saturday nights ONLY. So except for daily AM coffee (one cup) - it’s Water ONLY during the rest of the week. And I have increased my Water intake to 6-8 (or more) TALL glasses daily!

And during this past week, I've reincorporated berries back into my diet (for fiber) - Raspberries, Strawberries, Blackberries only. I love Blueberries too, but the net carbs are a little too high for me just yet.

I must stay on track and lose 13 lbs by June 1 to meet my BAB's Beach Ready Challenge Goals!

XO,
HB

[lildragonfly]

Keep up the good work!!

[hummingbird11]

Why thank you Lil Lovely Legs!!

[hummingbird11]

Here's a couple of TIPS to get lots more WATER down each day:

~ Water (still or bubbles) w/ lemon juice or lime juice or splash of pure unsweetened low sugar/low carb cranberry juice

~ Pellegrino (bubbles) w/ a splash of SF french vanilla Torani or DaVinci Syrup
(tastes like cream soda and satisfies my cravings for sweets!)

~ Kool-Aid made w/ NuNaturals NoCarbs Blend Stevia or Whey Low or Xylo~Sweet

~ And I make Lemonade & Limeade w/ organic lemons & limes (from my trees!)

NuNaturals

Sugar Made Healthy! Whey Low Natural Sweetener

Pure Xylitol Xylosweet Sweetener: FAQ

[hummingbird11]

Oil Pulling, Wonderful Therapy

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - Tropical Traditions

COCONUT OIL!

oil pulling???


OK, so the nutritionist at the health food store concurred with ALL of the claims I've read re: Coconut Oil: That it assists w/ appetite control & cravings, makes your skin softer (you can use internally & externally) and as Amber noted, it aids your metabolism AND she even went so far to say it is a "fat burner" - something about the medium chain triglycerides (I think?) someone more knowledgeable than me will have a better understanding, I kinda stopped listening after I heard her say FAT BURNING!! hehehe!! EXCEPT she did not agree with the part about it "killing Candida" Sorry Simone. BUT the person that told me that is also a nutritionist of sorts...so who knows? I would still Google and Research and see what you can find out... The Nutritionist said to use it like Olive Oil or any other cooking oil (or butter) and/or you can stir it in your coffee and/or eat it right out of the jar. She said you can mix with butter to diffuse the coco-nutty taste...
XO, HB

Dear Ladies,
I simply love this great conversation about coconut oil. I use it all the time. I usually put around 1 tablespoon of it in my veggies. I use it like butter. The best place to get the most information about coconut oil is: Welcome to Tropical Traditions! I buy from them. I also buy their organic lotions/ soaps. They are the leader when it comes to coconut oil. You will find a slew of information plus books about the benefits of coconut oil. I know firsthand that the pure organic cirgin oil does help with Candida. My 18 year old developed a very bad case of it after having been exposed to mold in her school. Check out their website you will be amazed.
Nicole

Me too! I love new info! I really had NO IDEA of all the benefits of Coconut Oil. I always avoided it because I erroneously assumed because it's tropical oil, that it was "bad" for me. Well I bought some organic, virgin today (on sale) and I'm going to follow your lead, Nicole, and use it to cook with, I'm excited to try it! And even more excited to know that it's a fat burner and metabolism aid. Thanks for the links too, will check 'em out! So Nicole, I think we just need "the list" of ALL the healthy stuff you use because you seem to have a handle on it all! I'm impressed! So what other little healthy jewels of wisdom do ya have up your sleeve?
XO, HB

Hi Lynn! Yes, that's what mine looks like too. I was told that since it's a saturated fat, it remains solid at room temp, but that it easily melts with heat (even body heat) and handles heat well, so that's why you can cook with it, or even use it as body oil. It's a medium chain triglyceride easily digested and metabolized. And naturally cholesterol free! I think we're on to something great! Let's do as Nicole suggests and use it like butter or olive oil... AND I'm going to try a little in my coffee tomorrow. I'm, not brave enough to eat it right out of the jar (yet) but maybe we could flavor a crustless cheesecake with it ~ or would that be yucky?
XO, HB

Hello,
The best way in my opinion to use coconut oil is to put it on hot foods. I use 3 tablespoons a day. I simply put it on veggies/ or anything that is hot so it can melt like butter. I can't imagine putting it in coffee. I have been using organic stuff and supplements since 1985. I lived in Houston, where they had just opened a brand new Health Food store. They use to give a lot of free lectures on a bunch of different health issues. Since I lived 5 minutes away I would attend the lectures and over the years I have learned a bunch of stuff. I will be happy to share all to share all that I know, however I really do not want to come across as a know it all.
Nicole


FROM BREN:
I know people who love it in coffee, but I tried it and couldn't tolerate the 'oil slick' notion! I haven't read every message, but in case nobody has mentioned it, it's a good idea to ramp up slowly on how much you use. It can be a bit of a digestive adjustment, if you know what I mean. Another tip is to store it in a cupboard near your stove, as it's more likely to be liquidy in warmer places. One side effect that's nice (if you tend to be cold) is that coconut oil will help you feel warmer. Here's a recipe that makes the coconut oil go down easy:

Coconut Bark Recipe

1/2 cup organic virgin coconut oil
3 T cocoa powder, unsweetened (I used WonderCocoa)
Sweetener equivalent of 1/4 cup of sugar (I used Whey Low)
1/2 cup DaVinci's SF Chocolate Syrup (optional - didn't use)
4 oz. nuts chopped (optional - didn't use)

Melt the coconut oil. Stir in cocoa, sweetener, syrup and nuts. Line a pan with parchment paper, A
or use candy molds. Pour mixture into the pan or molds. Place pan in the freezer for at least 10 mins.
Break it into pieces. Store in a ziploc bag or a bowl in the fridge or freezer.

Thanks Bren! I made this last night! Yum!
XO, HB

[hummingbird11]

Much to my surprise, Atkins is actually a very healthy way to eat. It is NOT about eating a bunch of fat & protein. However, that's what a lot of yo-yo & crash dieters DO! That's why they usually fail and re-gain.

IF DONE CORRECTLY (which many do NOT) it is a healthy & nutritious way of eating (WOE).

In a nutshell, Atkins is a "controlled carb" WOE - NOT a high fat/high protein/no carb WOE.

In the beginning (2 weeks Induction) no man-made carbs or grain carbs or fruit carbs are allowed - only veggie carbs are allowed - and total carb intake must be kept to a max of 20 net carbs per day - but when you're ready, you can reincorporate nuts, seeds, grain, & fruit carbs - at a rate of 5 grams per week.

The emphasis is on getting the majority of your daily carbs from veggies (and later: fruit, grains, nuts, seeds) + he promotes the elimination of caffeine, alcohol, ALL refined sugar & flour and empty man-made carbs (too numerous to list here). But especially the complete elimination of processed & packaged foods and heavy starch veggies. Atkins frowns on man-made carbs which our bodies don't require - but he does allow low-glycemic pasta and whole grain bread, etc.

Atkins promotes eating whole, fresh, & healthy (shopping the perimeter of the store) and taking vitamin supplements. AND (and THIS is the real key to weight loss) - just like Suzanne Somers & Dr Schwarzbein, he explains how healthy whole fats are much better for us than nonfat or lowfat (due to the carb intake) + he explains how the good fats HELP you stay FULL longer AND reduce sugar cravings.

The lack of man-made carbs also helps you feel full and reduces cravings as well. Sugar and man-made carbs create a vicious cycle in our bodies - always leaving us feeling "hungry" and wanting/needing MORE. Once we cut those out, although the 1st week is tough, soon we don't "need" them anymore.

Coconut oil is a HUGE help in this - I cook EVERYTHING with it and it helps me stay full and satisfied. I'm going to start adding to my morning Egg Creams too. Egg Creams will be tomorrow's post!

And just like Somersizing, many Atkins followers report having strengthened their bodies, including their heart and even reversed their Type 2 Diabetes, etc – eating this way. It's really NOT what most people think due to the fact that so many people think of it as a "crash diet" and eat nothing but eggs & bacon blue cheese burgers (no bun), beef, and pork rinds, etc. But that is NOT the true Atkins WOE. In fact, he recommends getting 75% of daily carbs from veggies and eating meat only once or twice per day and recommends avoiding cured meats containing nitrites/nitrates. I learned all of this in March when I did Induction.

We (me/Dusty) combine Atkins/Somersize/Schwarzbein principles as they are all 3 very similar on a basic level. But there are no "funky foods" on Atkins. So that is one difference from Somersizing (that we like) because we adore avocado, tofu, nuts, olives, coconut, etc.

But sadly, bananas are considered "bad" on all 3 WOE as they are such high sugar/high carb.
I MISS BANANAS!!!!

XO,
HB

[pri17cess72]

You are fabulous and so full of info!! I love to come here to read up on what research you have to share.

(((Hugs)))

[hummingbird11]

I make a batch of these each Sunday and me & hubby eat 'em for lunch all week - EASY & YUMMY!

2 12-ounce cans tuna (packed in water), drained well (save tuna juice for kitties & doggies!)
4 organic, cage-free eggs (beaten)
1/2 cup celery (chopped fine)
1 whole leek (chopped fine)
4 ounces mexican 4-cheese blend (shredded)
1 cup Bob's Red Mill organic golden flaxseed meal (excellent source of fiber)
2 pinches Old Bay seasoning (sprinkle on top)

Mix all ingredients, spoon into 12 greased muffin cups, sprinkle Old Bay on top.
Bake at 350º for 30-45 minutes until puffed & lightly browned around the edges.

Makes 12 muffins.
Can be frozen.

Each Muffin: 95 cal / 6g fat / 1.5 net carbs / 7.3g protein (with flaxseed)
Each Muffin: 58 cal / 3g fat / 1.5 net carbs / 5.5g protein (without flaxseed)

I serve these with Linda's Chipotle Mayo or with The Ojai Cook Bite Back Tartar Sauce.

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes
Ojai Cook, The
Bob's Red Mill - V2 - Whole Grain and Gluten Free Products and Recipes
OLD BAY Seasoning | The Seasoning Choice for Seafood, Poultry, Salads, and More

[LindaSue]

Thanks, Diane, for your nice comments about my site. Best of luck to you!

[hummingbird11]

Chemical Cuisine / Nutrition Action Health Letter
A guide to food additives & artificial sweeteners

For complete listing: Food Additives ~ CSPI’s Food Safety

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is the nonprofit health-advocacy group that publishes the Nutrition Action Health Letter. CSPI mounts educational programs and presses for changes in government and corporate policies.

EVERYONE SHOULD AVOID Aspartame & Acesulfame K (Potassium)
(unsafe or very poorly tested and not worth any risk)

Aspartame
(NutraSweet; Equal; SF Jell-O; diet soda; frozen desserts; etc)

Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), a chemical combination of two amino acids and methanol, was initially thought to be the perfect artificial sweetener, but it might cause cancer or neurological problems such as dizziness or hallucinations. The bottom line is that lifelong consumption of aspartame probably increases the risk of cancer. People—especially young children—should NOT consume foods & beverages sweetened with aspartame, and should switch to products sweetened with SUCRALOSE (Splenda) instead, or should avoid all artificially sweetened foods. Two other artificial sweeteners, SACCHARIN and ACESULFAME-K, have also been linked to a risk of cancer.

Acesulfame K (Potassium)
(chewing gum; diet soda; baked goods; desserts; Somersize products; etc)

Poorly done safety tests in the 1970’s suggested that acesulfame potassium may cause cancer. The FDA has refused to require better studies. The safety tests of acesulfame-K were conducted in the 1970s and were of mediocre quality. Key rat tests were afflicted by disease in the animal colonies; a mouse study was several months too brief and did not expose animals during gestation. Two rat studies suggest that the additive might cause cancer. It was for those reasons that in 1996 the Center for Science in the Public Interest urged the FDA to require better testing before permitting acesulfame-K in soft drinks. In addition, large doses of acetoacetamide, a breakdown product, have been shown to affect the thyroid in rats, rabbits, and dogs. Hopefully, the small amounts in food are not harmful.

[hummingbird11]

Preservative, coloring, flavoring: Bacon, ham, frankfurters, luncheon meats, smoked fish, corned beef.

Meat processors love sodium nitrite because it stabilizes the red color in cured meat (without nitrite, hot dogs and bacon would look gray) and gives a characteristic flavor. Sodium nitrate is used in dry cured meat, because it slowly breaks down into nitrite. Adding nitrite to food can lead to the formation of small amounts of potent cancer-causing chemicals (nitrosamines), particularly in fried bacon. Nitrite, which also occurs in saliva and forms from nitrate in several vegetables, can undergo the same chemical reaction in the stomach. Companies now add ascorbic acid or erythorbic acid to bacon to inhibit nitrosamine formation, a measure that has greatly reduced the problem. While nitrite and nitrate cause only a small risk, they are still worth avoiding.

Several studies have linked consumption of cured meat and nitrite by children, pregnant women, and adults with various types of cancer. Although those studies have not yet proven that eating nitrite in bacon, sausage, and ham causes cancer in humans, pregnant women would be prudent to avoid those products.

The meat industry justifies its use of nitrite and nitrate by claiming that it prevents the growth of bacteria that cause botulism poisoning. That’s true, but freezing and refrigeration could also do that, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has developed a safe method using lactic-acid-producing bacteria. The use of nitrite and nitrate has decreased greatly over the decades, because of refrigeration and restrictions on the amounts used. The meat industry could do the public’s health a favor by cutting back even further. Because nitrite is used primarily in fatty, salty foods, consumers have important nutritional reasons for avoiding nitrite-preserved foods.

[hummingbird11]

HB's Favorite Breakfast ~ Egg Cream Frappuccino

3 organic cage-free eggs
2 oz (1/4 cup) organic heavy whipping cream
1 Tbsp organic virgin coconut oil (melted)
8 oz coffee (brewed strong & chilled overnight)
Jay Robb's whey protein powder (chocolate)
splash of Torani or DaVinci SF syrup (french vanilla)

I blend mine up in one of these (got one in black at Wal-Mart):
Hamilton Beach Personal Blender with Travel Lid - 51101 : Target

YUMMY!! This will definitely keep you FULL until lunchtime!!

Jay Robb Protein chocolate whey protein powder
Torani Flavored Sugar Free Syrups Will Open Your World to Taste
DaVinci Gourmet Sugar Free Flavored Syrups
Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil - Certified Organic from Tropical Traditions
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - Tropical Traditions

XO,
HB