Ah, sigh of relief. I feel back on track again.  After getting low, low last week I have had some redirection and renewed vigor.  Thank you all for your sweet, sweet encouraging comments.

After an email from a dear friend which I referred to last week who talked about the book Good Calories, Bad Calories…

..after another friend of mine had been doing something similar

…after my mom had given me this book that I needed to take seriously. I pulled back out The Diet Solution by Isabel De Los Rios.  The approach is all similar and the message the same.  Fat is not bad.  Calories are not what should be the focus.  Insulin levels from high levels of sugars from all the “white stuff” is wrecking havoc on our system.

Actually in the Diet Solution she has you figure out what kind of “type” you are. I am a protein type.  I do have to be careful though, because I have one kidney.  So I am selective and always watchful of my protein intake.  In a nutshell here are a few things I am doing.

• Majorly cutting back on the “white stuff.”
• Eating fairly often
• Focusing on the proteins (yes even the fatty ones), vegetables and fruits.
• Using coconut oil and olive oil frequently
• Eating things like nuts (especially walnuts and almonds), avocado, almond butter on celery, carrot sticks with hummus dip, etc.
• Using( (in moderation) Ezekiel bread
• And basically, eating HEALTHY (Imagine the concept!)

And guess what?  I lost about 4 lbs this week!  I am happy!

As a side note.  I became a hero today.  Yup.  Why you say?

Because I rode my bike.

For the first time in a l-o-n-g time.  And you should have heard the children!  It’s fun when they think you are so cool for doing something so simple.  I can just see it in their little minds.  Maybe they are thinking, “Wow, Mom is so old and still remembers how to ride a bike!”  Anyhow, I was only on it for a short time, but it was long enough to grant me hero status.

But I need a bigger bike seat.  Just saying.

Back to a more serious note, over at Confessions of a Snowflake the topic is how you would encourage someone on this journey.  Well, for me I would say…find out what works for you and don’t compare yourself to others. One thing might help one woman, and another might need just the opposite.  But find out what little thing helps you the best.  Maybe it is increasing your movement each day and cutting out that extra helping of dessert.  For another maybe it in adding more veggies to your diet.  For another it might be to measure out your portions.  Find what works for you.

And, as it was for me, when you get discouraged, see if you can change up what you are doing.  Get a fresh approach and begin anew.  Above all, depend upon the Lord to give you the grace to persevere.

How about you?  How was your week?

Bad week?  Good week?  Remember, it’s a fresh week!