Brew 2 - Day ???

Just wanted to log back in. Certainly sorry that our situation here has kind of ended things for this 40 day period. Once again we learn that God is in control and our plans are not always His.

These past 10 days have been long and challenging, but overall, they were really quite a blessing. From Tuesday to Tuesday we were gathered as a family watching, waiting, and then celebrating Ken's life. It was truly a celebration. We had longer, greater family time durng this week than we have every had in our family's history. Erin said that she got to know her cousins better than she has ever known them. It was truly a blessed time. Nathan preached part of the funeral service. His grandpa would have been very proud of him. It was a beautiful service. Sharon, Erin and Deb (Sharon's sister) all sang on recordings that were played during the service. It was very special.

We have completely gone off the diet. It was impossible to stay on in during that week. Even nutritional food at the hospital could not come close to matching what we needed to be eating.
Any way we have learned how to eat healthy and I know we will return to it. My weight plateaued at about -17 pounds so that is good. When we come to NYC for spring break late next week, Erin, Will, Sharon and I may restart the 40 days at that time.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. You are loved and appreciated. God is good.

Jerry

Jen - Day 31

Hi All -

Breakfast: Egg and turkey bacon sandwich on Ezekiel Bread
Lunch: Berry Smoothie
Dinner: Spicy tuna roll (brown rice), seaweed salad and tangerine chicken dish with brown rice
Snack: Orange

Know things are difficult in Indiana right now. We are praying for you all.

Daily Thought: "Is not chewing well making you sick? Chewing is extremely important to proper digestion. The chewing reflex signals the body to release saliva containing the salivary enzyme ptyalin, a form of amylase, which begins to break down carbohydrates. Parotid glands behind the ears signal the thymus gland to produce T-cells just in case the food contains toxins or pathogens. The ultimate goal of the process is to deliver food to the stomach in a liquid state. Chew everything 25 to 50 times before swallowing. You'll do your digestive system a favor, and save yourself a stomach ache later in the day."

Jen - Days 27, 28, 29 and 30

Hi Everyone -

Looks like things have been going well! I'm so glad to hear that everybody has stayed on track. Israel was beyond words... I highly recommend making the opportunity to get there one day. It changes you.

Sorry I've been slow on the blog since being back. I won't bore you with all of the catch up details of the last few days. I have been on point, as has Brian.

Here's today for me:
Breakfast - Egg sandwich on Ezekiel bread (yay!!)
Lunch - Lentil/vegetable soup
Dinner - Sweet potato and big tossed salad
Snack - Smoothie and carrots

Has anyone missed the Daily Thought?
Daily Though: "Good fats are great! The Maker's fats are essential for good health and maximum immune protection from disease. We need these healthy fats to properly assimilate protein and minerals."

Diane - Monday

Breakfast - fresh berries and almonds
Lunch - tossed salad with chicken and mandarin oranges
Dinner - roast beef, steamed broccoli, salad, green beans, baked apples, small bite of corn
Snack - almonds

20 minute aerobic workout

My weight loss is still a little less than 10 pounds but I'm still trying.

Brew 2 - Day 29

New phase. We have bananas on the counter, but I haven't eaten one yet.

Breakfast:
Fried egg, grapes

Lunch: salad, grapes

Dinner: meat loaf, peas with mushrooms, sweet potato

Snack: Smoothie, almonds

4 week weight loss - 17 pounds. nearly the same as last week. Maybe this week will see a bigger change. Hoping to lose 20.

Phase 3 begins!!

Bananas are amazing...

yesterday the last day of phase two I didn't do so well, I had to be at church all day which makes eating difficult.

breakfast: apple

snack: carrot sticks

lunch/dinner: chicken, garden salad and a small bowl of chili.

Today, March 3rd:

Breakfast: smoothie, turkey bacon and eggs

Lunch/snack: another smoothie (different kind) and a larabar (yummy)

dinner: I will be having steak stir fry with broccoli, corn and mushrooms and onions

snack: hot tea 

That's it, our scale is a little funky but I am pretty sure I am around 16-17 lbs lost.  I decided to have a goal of 20 by the end of phase 3.  We will see.  

I also did pilates today and my excercise yesterday was singing at 4 services.  

Diane - Friday and Saturday

I't been a good weekend!

Friday -
Breakfast - berry smoothie
Lunch - tuna
snack - celery with almond butter
Dinner - salad with grilled chicken

20 min. aerobic workout


Saturday
Breakfast - scrambled egg and turkey bacon and 1/2 grapefruit
Lunch - celery with almond butter
Dinner - hamburger patty, chilli, baked beans, lettuce and tomato, cole slaw


Sunday
Breakfast - 1/2 apple, 1/2 orange
Lunch - roasted chicken, asparagus, salad, steamed vegetables
Dinner - meat loaf, salad, steamed vegetables
Snack - almonds

I made it through the birthday party with no cake or ice cream but it was a challenge.

Brew 2 - Day 28

Breakfast:
hard boiled egg, plain yogurt with blackberries and almonds
Lunch
Arni's salad with chicken adn shredded cheddar chesse. (it' impossible to eat out without something wrong.)
Dinner
chicken hot gods, grapes, hard boiled egg

Spent about four hours in Lafayette. Ken has been moved to nursing home. Doesn't talk and doesn't seem to recognize anyone at this point. Sad to see him like this.

Brew 2 - Day 27

I haven't slept well this week. I had not committements today, so I have slept - a lot.

Breakfast and lunch came at noon
Salad, and a smoothie I made
I wanted to try a peach smoothie, so I used plain Kiefer with frozen peaches. I not only don't recommend it, but it broke the blender.

Dinner : Wonderful baked chicken breast wrapped in turkey bacon with corn.

Snack: almonds

My weight seems to have reached a plateau as I have stayed nearly the same for a few days now.

It's MARCH 1st so maybe I can become more physically active although there is still a lot of snow on the ground. Sure wish Sharon were feeling better. Ken is not good.

Thanks to all for continued prayers.

Friday and Saturday

Have any of you gotten to the point that nothing sounds or tastes good to you? That's where I am right now. I'm not sure if it's because I'm stressed because of the shingles (pain) or what's going on with my dad. I haven't been able to go see him all week and I feel bad about that. I am going tomorrow if I feel like it or not. Prayers are appreciated.

Friday's menu -
Breakfast - Scrambled eggs and turkey bacon
Lunch - Tuna salad and carrots
Dinner - Berry smoothie
Snack - Apple

Saturday's menu -
Breakfast/Lunch - Green salad with turkey and roasted red pepper dressing
Dinner - Baked chicken and corn
Snack - Fruit

Blessings to all.

Thursday and Friday

Hmm... I went to the gym for an hour did treadmill, weights and some pilates

Breakfast:  smoothie

lunch: cooked turkey, steamed asparagus and eggs

snack: hot tea

dinner: herbed turkey, sweet potato chunks, cheese

Friday:

breakfast: I had to take Maxine to skating at 6:30am so I had a smoothie before I left the house then had two hardboiled eggs after.

Lunch: turkey and asparagus

dinner: burger topped with black beans and a side salad with balsamic.

That's it.  Only today and tomorrow for phase 2.  YAY!!

Brew 2 - Day 26

Friday

Breakfast
Scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, veggie juice
Lunch - no time today
Dinner - spinach salad, left over steak, almonds

Sncak - probably a smoothie later

Excercise - celebrateing the end of February!!!!

Diane - Thursday

Breakfast - fresh fruit with sliced almonds
Lunch - chili. celery with almond butter
Dinner - beef stew with carrots, celery and onions
Snack - apple

20 minute aerobic workout

I have to make 2 birthday cakes this weekend so I hope I can be strong and not be tempted! I'll be sure to have some fresh fruit for my treat and it will taste even better than the cake!!

Brian - Day 25

Hi all!
Breakfast-grapefruit
Lunch - smoothie & small salad
Dinner- salad with sliced turkey, carrots, onion, goat cheese, & o/v
Snack- almonds
Exercise - 35-minute elliptical & weights (plus a walk in the park with Ryli)

Prayer for Jen's safe flight back. WooHoo. She has had an incredible trip.
BH

Days 23, 24, 25!

Hello! I am not doing well at keeping up on the blog but I am doing well with the diet. The shingles are painful and seem to be a little worse each day. Not fun! However, I don't feel sick, I just hurt and don't feel like doing anything.

Tuesday's menu -
Breakfast - Berry smoothie
Lunch - Tuna salad and carrots
Dinner - Flat iron steak, mushrooms & onions, green beans
Snack - Apple

Wednesday's menu -
Breakfast - Tazo "Passion" tea with honey, grapes
Lunch - Chicken hot dogs, navy beans
Dinner - Yellowfin Tuna steak, steamed mixed vegetables, cooked tomatoes
Snack - Apple

Thursday's menu -
Breakfast - Berry smoothie
Lunch - Green salad with steak and roasted red pepper dressing
Snack - Apple
Dinner - Broiled cod, asparagus, black beans
Snack - Tazo "Passion" tea with honey

Have a great Friday!

Brew 2 - Day 25

Breakfast - Smoothie
Lunch - Raspberries and almonds
Dinner - Broiled cod

Actually so busy at noon I forgot to have lunch. I had the raspberries around 3:00 this afternoon.

Still feeling pretty energenized.

Diane - catching up

Sorry I haven't been checking in - but I have still been following the plan faithfully.

Tuesday
breakfast - smoothie with berries
lunch - vegetable soup
dinner - grilled salmon, steamed spinach with goat cheese and tomatoes, steamed egetables
snach - fruit and almonds

20 minute aerobic workout

Wednesday
breakfast - fresh fruit - turkey sausage
lunch - vegetable soup
dinner - homemade chili, tossed salad

30 flexibility workout and 30 minute aerobic workout (we had a snow day so I did both and it was great!)

Brian - Day 24

Think about the results and how much better you feel after just 3 weeks and 3 days.
Love it!
Breakfast: Grapefruit & 2 eggs
Lunch: Chopped salad w chicken, beans, carrots, mushroom, onion, o/v
Dinner: Grilled Chicken & Spinach
Snack: almonds
Exercise: 35-min eliptical & weights
BH

Brew 2 - Day 24

Wednesday

Breakfast: lots of berries in plain yogurt with hardboiled egg.
Lunch: salad with left over flat iron steak, grapes
Dinner: baked salmon, steamed mixed vegetables, cooked tomatoes

Snack: chicken hot dog and almonds

Brian - Day 23

Tuesday
Breakfast: carrots (life on the road)
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with cranberries & almonds (delayed at airport)
Dinner: Chicken Hot Dogs, Kidney beans (home sweet home)
Snack: Smoothie (priceless!)
:)

yesterday...

so i deviated a little from what I put down...

I had the egg for a snack last night and no apples with almond butter

Today so far:
breakfast smoothie and apples with almond butter
lunch: turkey roll ups, raw jack cheese, pickles, hardboiled egg
dinner (planning on): beef and veggie kabobs, sweet potato and black beans
snack: carrots

feeling great!!

Brew 2 - Day 23

Tuesday

Breakfast: smoothie
Lunch: Tuna with carrots
Dinner: flat steak, mushrooms and onions, sweet potatoe and green beans BIG meal

snack: almonds

Exercise: shoveling sidewalks, more snow

I'm not sure what day this is...

Ok so yesterday was a travel day but here is what I had..

breakfast: eggs

snack on the 4 hour bus ride: apples and almond butter

lunch: burrito bowl: chicken, lettuce, salsa, black beans and guacamole

dinner: eggs and turkey bacon

today, the 26th

breakfast: smoothie

lunch: chicken hot dogs and steamed broccoli

snack: grapes

dinner: salad with turkey, raw cheese, pickles, lettuce, green peppers, carrots and cucumber with balsamic dressing, a hard boiled egg and swet potato chunks.  

snack when I get home: apple and almond butter (so good)

That's it...doing great

I also had an hour of pilates today, tomorrow and Friday, gym class on thursday.

Brian - Day 21 & 22

Congrats to the Brews on weight loss & increased energy...good stuff.
Oscar Sunday:
Breakfast: Grapefruit
Lunch: Steak Eggs Benedict over Spinach (YUM, maybe best $12 I've ever spent)
Dinner: Ground beef with cajun spices and side salad.
Exercise: 35 Minutes eliptical & weights
Snack: Almonds
Today aka Monday
Breakfast: Almonds
Lunch: carrots & hummus (I may be early on the chic peas)
Dinner: Almond crusted sea bass & asparagus
Exercise: 35 min inclined treadmill & weights
Eat well and feel great.
BH

I'm Back - Day 22?

Hello to all! It has been forever since I bloggged. I know Jerry has kept you informed about my dad. They took him off the ventilator yesterday and he has had some respiratory issues since then. He is still very confused and very sick with a urinary tract infection and pneumonia in both lungs. Thank you so much for your prayers. They have been a great help and a blessing.

I found out today that I have shingles and bronchitis! The shingles are painful and they itch, so I now have pain medication, a z-pac, valtrex (no, I don't have herpes), and a cough medicine with codeine in it. What fun!

While at the hospital last week with my dad, I did fairly well with the diet. The only no-no was the salad dressing. Of course, I can't begin to remember everything I had because the days all seem to run together.

Today's (Monday) menu included:
Breakfast - Fried egg and turkey bacon
Lunch - Berry smoothie
Dinner - Chicken stir-fry with lots of fresh vegetables
Snack - I may have an apple or some grapes.

Overall, my energy level has been great with the exception of the days when I didn't get enough sleep. It's easy to get tired when all you do is sit at the hospital. That actually wears me out more than being busy at home. I have lost 13 pounds and am thrilled!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!! Love to all.

Brew 2 - Day 21 and 22

Few bloggings recently. Everyone must be really busy.

Yesterday - Sunday

Breakfast: Smoothie
Lunch at Subway: salad with turkey
Dinner: grapes, and something else

Today:
Breakfast: 2 fried eggs, turkey bacon
Lunch: Salad, turkey and grapes
Dinner: mixed vegetalbes with chicken, smoothie
Snack: plain yogurt with almonds and raspberries.

16 pounds lost at 21 days.

Brian - Day 20 (Sat.)

NYC finally got some snow.
Breakfast: Grilled chicken salad, carrots, kidney beans, peppers, onions, o/v
Lunch: Berry smoothie
Dinner: Chicken Hot Dogs, black beans, and salad
Snack: almonds
Exercise: 35-minutes on tread, weights, & 14 flights of steps
Bye!
BH

Brew 2 - Day 20

Saturday at home and got a lot of simple things done today. Felt good to have strong energy.

Breakfast: turkey bacon and hard boiled egg.
Lunch: spinach salad and turkey dogs
Dinner: halibut, corn and peas with mushrooms

Snack: blueberries and plain yogurt

Exercise: shoveling 5 inches of snow from the sidewalks this morning.

Beautiful day and heard some spring birds. The countdown is on. 7 days until March!

Day 19- Brian

Hi all!
Talked to Jen this morning...today her & her mom were baptized in the Jordan River. They're having a great time. She says "Hi" to all.
My Friday, aka day 19....
Brunch: Grapefruit & 2 eggs
Snack: almonds & turkey roll ups
Dinner: Grilled chicken, LOTS of spinach (yum), and salad w goat cheese.
Exercise: 45-minutes on elliptical machine & leg weights
Have a great weekend! We are moving right along...half way through with the toughest part behind us. :)
BH

today, feb 23

Yesterday was a good day..

breakfast: smoothie 

lunch: chili

snack: three turkey rollups and apple with almond butter

dinner: chicken with mushrooms, asparagus and a side salad

for breakfast this morning I had: smoothie and eggs

lunch I will be having: a salad with grilled chicken, egg, corn and goat cheese with balsamic

snack: apple and almond butter (which is my new favorite thing ever) 

Dinner: turkey with rosemary tomato sauce, asparagus and salad.

If I deviate from that menu I will let you all know.

We are nearing the end of week one of phase two...it has been great.

Brew 2 - Day 19

This has been quite a week for us, but we have not only survived, we have done well. Thanks to all of you for your prayers for Sharon's dad. He improves slowly and still remains in ICU.

Sharon was there all day yesterday so I was entirely on my own for meals.

Breakfast: hard boiled egg, grapes
Lunch: tuna and hard boiled egg

Dinner: lamb chops, brussel sprouts, organic orange juice

grapes and almonds throughout the eveing. Probably way too many.

Sorry its been forever.

I keep forgetting to blog.  Truly Sorry.

I don't remember what I have eaten so much, but they were all good things.  I had lots of hard boiled eggs, turkey, carrots, pickles, meats, onions, smoothies, eggs, turkey bacon, apples an almond butter, chicken and etc.  All yummy things.  Oh and black beans and sweet potatoes.

So yesterday I ate...

Breakfast: Apple with almond butter

Lunch: Chicken kabob salad 

Snack: apple with almond butter

Dinner: homemade meatballs and homemade tomato sauce with mesculan salad and asparagus.  I made dinner for my dear friend Ashley and her mom, they had spaghetti, I did not!!  I was so proud of myself for not eating even one noodle.

I also went to the gym down here and took a really hard class, it was great but hard.  I have also been taking pilates and working out at the gym about 4 days a week.

I have lost 14 lbs.  YAY!!

Almost half way through phase two!!

Day 18 - Brian

Hey all!
Breakfast- unfortunately, I skipped
Lunch - Boston Market 1/2 chicken, corn, & green beans
Snack - berry smoothie
Dinner- hamburger pattie, black beans, salad
Exercise - 45 minutes on elyptical & weights
Stay strong!
BH
PS Talked to Jen. They made it to Isreal fine and had a great (& healthy) day one.

Brew 2 - Day 18

I think this is day 18, isn't it?

Sharon has been in Lafayette all afternoon and remains there this evening and staying with Pam so that she can be at the hospital early in the morning.

Things remain somewhat the same. Ken is more alert and aware now, but with the tubes in his mouth, he can't talk. He communicates with his eyes and his tears.

Last night was not good for the diet. We didn't get away from the hospital until 8:30. Arni's was close by, but there was nearly nothing on the menu that could be considered right for the diet.

I ordered a 7 inch veggie pizza. Mostly okay except for the cheese and of course the pizza bread.
Also had a hamburger without bun, but they brought fries with it, and I ate a few.

Today.

Breakfast: smoothie
Lunch: roast beef, plain yogurt with raspberries
Supper: 3 chicken hotdogs, left over smoothie, and wonderful butternut squash soup

Snack: almonds and raspberries.

Thanks so much to everyone for the prayers. I really sense Ken will pull through this, although his body and mind are so much weaker as time passes. Love to all.

Diane - Wednesday

Even though most of us have never met (except Brian and Jen of course), isn't it awesome how God connects us at a time that we can pray for each other. I will certainly be lifting up these needs. My father has also been through serious illnesses and hospitalizations, so I can totally understand that awful confussion. I felt like I needed about 6 hands to hold on to him as he pulled at catheters, tubes, clothes, anything he could get his hands on- and the strength he had at that time was amazing! God will meet your needs and give you strength and peace during these difficult days.


Breakfast - grapes
Lunch - salad with turkey and feta
Dinner - salad with grilled chicken and veggies
Snack - almonds

20 minute aerobic workout (Phillip did about half of it with me!)

Day 16 and 17

Hi. Prayer for Grandpa. Prayer for Jen. Prayer for Erin and Ashley. And prayer for Brian's tears as well. Love ya.

Though I haven't been blogging the last few days, they have been surprisingly good. Both food wise and my spirit.

Yesterday
Breakfast - turkey bacon and eggs.
Lunch - Baked chicken and spinach salad.
Dinner - Salmon, large green salad, mixed steam vegetables.

Today
Breakfast - kefir/berry smoothie.
Lunch - (slight stumble) - chicken burrito.
Dinner - chicken, asparagus and a mixed salad.
Snack - almonds, avocado.

bye

Day 17 - Brian

Hi all! 3 Prayer Requests:
1. lots of prayer for Grandpa Ken
2. please prayer for an amazing trip for Jen (& her mom)
3. please pray for me as I miss her already and have 9 days to go. :)

Breakfast- 2 eggs & berry smoothie (Jen & I both)
Lunch - grilled chicken salad
Dinner - chicken marsala w mushrooms and veggies
BH

Brew 2 - Day 16 - 17

Good day until evening. Sharon's dad was taken once again to the emerceny room. Nathan, Sarah, Ryan, and Jenna came to the hospital because things weren't looking very good. Ken, Sharon's dad was placed in ICU on a ventilator. He has septic shock (infection throughout his body) and was unable to breathe on his own. Sharon remained at the hospital most of the night.

The diet is kind of on a back burner at this point.

Tuesday for me:

Half a smoothie for breakfast
Lunch: salad and roast beef, other half ot the smoothie after school
Dinner: pieces of brioled haddock and organic ribeye and asparagas

Then off to the hospital. I had a tangerine there.

Today
Breakfast and Lunch : fast

I am headed to the hospital where Sharon and I will probably both eat this evening.

Ken remains in ICU, but I hope Sharon will come home to rest tonight.

Diane - Day 15

We are both feeling good and having more energy. I probably won't change much for Phase II except the fruit......it sure tasted good!

Breakfast - 1/2 grapefruit and a boiled egg
Lunch - salad with turkey and feta cheese
Dinner - grilled hamburger pattie, steamed veggie and a spinach salad with turkey bacon, roasted red peppers, tomatoes and feta
Snack - almonds and fruit (berries, catelope, pineapple - yummy!!)

20 minute aerobic workout

Phillip had the same breakfast and dinner and I think he had a salad for lunch also. He didn't get up in time to work out with me but keeps trying!

We are praying for a wonderful and safe trip for you, Jen!!

Brian and Jen - Day 15/16

Hi All!

So, this is my (Jen's) last blog for a few days... I am headed to Israel this afternoon until 2/29!! I will be back just before the end of Phase II. Keep the blogging strong! I will be thinking about and praying for every one of you!

Here's our Monday and Tuesday...

Monday
Breakfast: 2 eggs and sliced strawberries/almonds
Lunch: Chicken stir-fry
Dinner: Beef/pepper/mushroom/onion kebobs, black beans and baked sweet potato fries
Snack: Carrots and goat cheese

Tuesday
Breakfast: 2 eggs and berry/kefir smoothie
Lunch: Tossed salad with chicken
Dinner: Chicken breast, lentils and baked sweet potato fries (love them!)
Snack: Almonds, carrots and an orange

Daily Thought: "By the end of Phase II, you should really be feeling great about yourself because you will have accomplished what very few people even dare to try: you will have changed your life for the better!"

Diane - Day 14

We are a day behind everyone else, so we finished Phase One on Monday. YEAH!!

Breakfast - kefir and berries smoothie
Lunch - vegetable soup - celery with almond butter
Dinner - salad with turkey and goat cheese
Snack - almonds, cherries and a tangerine (a few hours early)

20 minute aerobic workout

Feeling Better - Day 15

Hello! Definitely ready for Phase 2! Overall, I am feeling better today--no fever and not coughing as much. I'm sore from coughing all day Saturday & Sunday. Anyway, it has been a good day. I had a lia sophia show tonight and that was fun. Ready to rest now.

Breakfast - Fried eggs, turkey bacon and organic orange juice
Lunch - Tuna salad, carrots
Dinner - Rotisserie (sp?) chicken, corn (yeah!) and peas
Snack at the ls show - Grapes and fresh pineapple

Have a great day tomorrow!! Blessings to all.

Brew 2 - Day 15

Week number 3. It's going by fast even for February!!

Breakfast - fried eggs, turkey bacon and organic o.j.

Lunch - tuna with raw carrots and cauliflower

Dinner - chicken, corn and peas

Snack - raspberries in plain yogurt with almond slices

Day 14 weigh-in down 13 and a half pounds. That's pretty good for 14 days.

We are going well. Sharon's done well also. Her voice is still deep in the basement but she feels better today.

Diane - Fri/Sat/Sun

So sorry I have gotten off track on my posting.......but not on my eating!

Friday - breakfast - berries and kefir smoothie
Lunch - tuna
Dinner - chicken with steamed veggies, tossed salad
Snack - almonds and berries

20 minute aerobic workout


Saturday - breakfast - fresh berries with almonds and a little scrambled egg
lunch - celery with almond butter
dinner - grilled mahi-mahi, steamed broccoli, garden salad

30 minute brisk walk at the lake

Sunday - breakfast - 2 boiled eggs
lunch - turkey, green beans, broccoli, salad
dinner - vegetable soup
snack - almonds

Phillip is doing well also......basically the same as mine. We are looking forward to adding a few more fruits soon!

Brian and Jen - Day 14

We've made it to the end of Phase I! Woohoo!

You are not alone Brew 2 - You are on point, which is great.

Here's our day...

Breakfast: Berry smoothie and almonds
Lunch: Big chopped salad topped with tuna (Jen) and chicken (Brian)
Dinner: Salsa chicken with sauteed spinach and side salad
Snack: Goat cheese slices

Daily Thought: "Despite our technological advancement, our physical bodies are still designed to consume, and thrive, on the same foods in the same proportions that our ancestors ate thousands of years ago."

Welcome apples, oranges, sweet potatoes, corn, black beans, etc. etc. etc. Yay! Great job with Phase I everyone! On to Phase II...

Brew 2 - Day 14

I'm starting to be the only one blogging. I guess that must mean I am the least busy of everyone.

Sharon's sick, Nathan's sick, Sarah's sick. Sharon's dad is home but not doing well. I'm fine, healthy and still enjoying extra energy most of the time.

Breakfast - organic orange juice and sliced roast beef.
Lunch - berry smoothie
Supper - broiled cod and asparagas, salad
Snack - raspberries with almond slices

I exercised this afternoon - nice nap.

Good luck to all in phase 2.

I want milk.

I'm Back and Sick

Hello to All! I know Jerry has filled you in on my dad, so I won't go over that again, except to say that he will have another procedure done sometime this coming week. Prayers for Dad & my mom would be appreciated. As for me, I am sick. I started coughing and blowing my nose at the hospital Friday. My eyes kept burning more and more throughout the day. I didn't get to bed until around 1:30 a.m. and then stayed in bed most of the day Saturday. After I got up I went to the store and out to dinner as Jerry told you. Of course, I found out I had a fever that has stayed with me. I have stayed down all day today as well. Right now, Tazo "Passion" tea has been my best friend!

Friday's menu--Day 11
Breakfast - Scrambled eggs with mushrooms & onions, turkey bacon
Lunch - Salad (at the hospital cafeteria) with wrong dressing and chicken salad
Dinner - Again, from the hospital cafeteria, chicken breast and tossed salad with wrong dressing
Dad's nurse was so sweet. She insisted on getting something for me from the cafeteria as it was 10:00 p.m. and I hadn't eated dinner yet. I was the only one there and we didn't want Dad left alone. So, she told the cafeteria that the meal was for a patient and I got to eat! Very nice of her.

Saturday's menu--Day 12
Breakfast - Fast
Lunch - Fast
Dinner - Petitte ribeye with mushrooms and onions, steamed vegetables and salad--again with the wrong dressing. It's really easy to fast when you're in bed the whole day!

Today's menu -- Day 13
Breakfast/Lunch - Berry medley smoothie
Dinner - Broiled cod filets, asparagus, salad with appropriate dressing
Snack - (maybe) plain yogurt with berries

God bless you all and Welcome Phase 2!!!!

Brew 2 - Day 13

At the hospital this morning with Sharon's dad. He was released this afternoon.

Fasted for breakfast and lunch.

Had dinner out this evening with our church group "Dinner for 6"

I had broiled whitefish with a salad (wrong dressing) and a baked sweet potatoe. It is available next Monday, so I am just a couple of days ahead on that.

Snack: almonds.

Brian and Jen - Day 13

Hi Everyone - Yay to Will for a good travel day! Have fun in Cali! Brew 1 and Brew 2 - Hope all is well with Sharon's dad... we will be praying.

Here's our day. Again, we ate the same:

Breakfast: 2 eggs and sliced strawberries/almonds
Lunch: Sauteed chicken dogs and green beans/almond slices
Dinner: Hamburger patty topped with mushrooms, peppers and onions, with spinach and a side salad
Snack: Almonds and goat brie (yummy)

Daily Thought: Check out this great article from Jordan Rubin's online newsletter. Good info here and in the other articles http://www.extraordinaryhealth.com/FreeHealthArticle/tabid/998/Default.aspx?ContentPubID=111

Just one more full day of Phase I!!!! We've almost made it completely through the hardest part!

Day 12

Travel day. Went better than expected. Feeling good.

Breakfast - Hard-boiled egg, kefir/berry smoothie.
Lunch - Strips of steak, grapefruit, carrots and green peppers.
Dinner - chicken with steamed vegetables
Snack - turkey roll-ups, almonds (throughout day)

Vacation prayer please. And you, all have mine.

Brian and Jen - Day 12

Hey Guys - Here's today's menu for both of us...

Brunch: 2 eggs and berry/kefir smoothie
Dinner: Coconut milk soup and side salad
Snack: Pulled chicken, carrots, almonds

Exercise: (Brian) 45 minutes on elliptical and weights

Daily Thought: "Proper breathing relieves stress and lowers blood pressure. The secret of breathing fully through the diaphragm involves breathing from the abdomen or 'belly' instead of from the chest."

Go Team!

Brew 2 - Day 12

Unusual day. Sharon has been at the hospital with her dad most of the day. He has been very confused and tried numerous times to get out of bed even though he has IV and catheter. Nathan (child # 2) is going to the hospital at 11:00 tonight to spend the night with him. Sharon will come home when Nathan gets there.

We had scrambled eggs and mushrooms for breakfast.

I had spinach salad with chicken for lunch.

Sharon was gone for dinner. I don't think she got a chance to eat very properly today, but I am sure she did the best she could. I fixed a steak with sauteed mushrooms and onions.

I'm having goat cheese for a snack.

I have decided my best exerecise is sleeping. My weight fluctuates so much but I seem to lose weight overnight. Last night I lost 5 pounds overnight.

Best wishes for a good weekend for all of you.

Diane - Thursday - Day 10

A good day but a challenging lunch. We had a catered lunch provided for us at workand usually they always have salads and healthy options. This year, while there were vegetarian choices, they were combined with carbs they made it a little more difficult to pick out the things I could have. I did the best the could and even avoided lots of tempting dessert treats at lunch and at our our small group in the evening. It does feel good to be able to resist those temptation, doesn't it!!

Breakfast - Kefir smoothie with berries
Snack - almonds
Lunch - a little chicken, beef strips, green beans, carrots, broccoli, and butternut squash bisque
Dinner - salad with a little grilled chicen - celery with almond butter
Snack- raw veggies (carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cuccumber and tomatoes) I did try a little bit of a hot imitation crabmeat dip

20 minute aeroebic exercise as well as a brisk walk across campus to lunch

Happy Valentine's Day! - Day 11

Today has been a good day for me! I have felt good and evidently look like I am losing weight because my brother-in-law even asked me if I had!!! The only bad part of the day was my dad being taken to the hospital. I read that Jerry told you about that. Prayers are appreciated as he is pretty confused about what is going on. He couldn't understand why my mom couldn't stay there tonight. It's hard on both of them. They both just turned eighty and just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary!

Today's menu included--
Breakfast - Scrambled eggs with mushrooms and onions
Lunch - Berry smoothie
Dinner - Grilled chicken breast, steamed broccoli, carrots and squash, green beans

I looked ahead at the foods we can have starting next week and I am excited! The fruit additions sound great and I am so glad corn is added to the list. I'm looking forward to the next phase.

Have a great Friday!

Brian and Jen - Day 11

We echo the Happy Valentine's Day! Hope everyone has had a good one -

Breakfast: (Jen) 2 eggs and strawberries topped with almond slices and kefir... (Brian) Scrambled eggs
Lunch: (Jen) Coconut milk soup... (Brian) Arby's roast beef sandwich - no bun (i.e. sliced roast beef in a blastic box :)
Dinner: (Jen) Salmon with roasted carrots and asparagus... (Brian) Wood-smoked trout with roasted carrots... (Both) Butternut squash soup, goat cheese/beet salad, tuna tartar
Snack: Carrots

Daily Thought: "Berries and other small fruits along with fruits and vegetables with edible skins are good sources of low-carbohydrate fiber."

Valentines day blues

OK I will admit it, with all of the candy, cupcakes and chocolate running around the Stern home it was hard to say no.....but I did.....though I wanted it.  

Breakfast: egg, turkey sausage, peppermint decaf tea

Lunch: salad with balsamic dressing, tuna

Dinner: salad with dressing, butternut squash puree, herb turkey

snack: smoothie or berries with almonds.

yesterday:

bfast: smoothie

lunch: turkey roll ups and salad. hardboiled egg.

dinner: chicken hot dogs, eggs

the end

Brew 2 - Day 11

Sharon was called to Lafayette today because her dad was hospitalized with kidney stones. Apparrently a large number in booth kidneys and fairly large one. Because he is already on bloodthinner, they will be hesitant to do regular surgery. He is confused which is often the case when he is hospitalized. He will be released tomorrow after a brief procedure and then return next week to have sound wave blasting.
Supper was on my own.

Good day at school

Breakfast - Scrambled eggs with mushrooms, fruit juice.
Lunch - turkey slices, spinach salad
Supper - turkey slices, goat cheese

snack - smoothie

slippage - three small carmels

Happy Valentines Day!

Here is my day:
Breakfast/lunch - eggs, turkey sausage, cup of decaf tea
Dinner - Steak strips and asparagus
Snack - almonds

The day was good, but my eating habits were a little off. On to the next day.

bye bye

Dianee - Wed. - Day 9

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

Breakfast - kefir and berries smoothie
Lunch - mixed greens salad with chicken
Dinner - grilled chicken, green beans, spinach, broccoli cole slaw
Snack - fresh berries and almonds

Hot tea and lots of water

20 minute aerobic workout

Phillip had the same meals with the addition of some tomato soup for lunch. No workout for him - he couldn't drag out of bed at 6AM.

Brian - Day 10

10 of the toughest days are behind us...push through. You'll be glad and better for it.
Breakfast- almonds
Lunch - grilled chicken & broc.
Dinner - tuna, duck, and side salad
Snack - more almonds
BH

Jen - Day 10

Hi All - Is there a little Day 10 funk going around? I was just remembering that the first time Brian and I did the 40 days, Day 10 was really tough (I was looking back at our journal from then. I actually remember the feelings from that day.) It's just one of the little lulls. Stay strong! Day 10 is gone and we are only 4 days away from Phase II! You all are doing so great!

Here's my day...

Breakfast: 2 eggs and sliced strawberries topped with almond slices and kefir
Lunch: Pulled chicken (fresh from the overnight stock - amazing), lentils and carrots
Dinner: Coconut milk soup with chicken, peppers and mushrooms
Snack: Blueberry/kefir smoothie

Exercise: Weights, abs, squats and lunges

Daily Thought: "I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature..." - Rockefeller

Tuesday and Wednesday

Hello to Everyone! Yesterday was a good day but today I am tired and in a funk. I'm not sure why. Well, part of the funk is that Wisconsin beat IU tonight at IU, so I am definitely not a happy camper about that. But, I was not feeling good before that. Went to choir practice at church and we had a good rehearsal but that didn't even give me a lift. Oh well, tomorrow has to be better. At least there was sun today!

Tuesday's menu:
Breakfast - Berry smoothie
Lunch - Green salad with chicken and appropriate dressing
Dinner - Broiled organic beef hamburgers with goat cheese and onion, and peas

Wednesday's menu:
Breakfast - Berry smoothie
Lunch - salmon and cauliflower (did not settle well with me)
Dinner - Orange roughy and stif-fried vegetables
Snack - Berry smoothie (half of a half)

Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day!

Hey hey hey! Here's my eating day.

Breakfast - 3 hard-boiled eggs, and some 100 percent squeezed (absolutely no sugar or other things added) grapefruit juice.
Lunch - Chicken franks and bell peppers; a few carrots.
Dinner - Eggs again, scrambled, turkey bacon, avocado and a kefir/berry smoothie.

I'm with Erin - bring on the Ezekiel Bread! Phase One almost done. Continued prayer.

Brew 2 - Day 10

Less energy today. Getting tired of broccoli.

Breakfast: hard boiled egg
Lunch: tuna with raw carrots and cauliflower
Dinner: Orange Roughy, stir fried vegetables and salad.

Snack: smoothie

Exercise: I folded laundry

Wednesday...when was the last time I posted

I can't remember. I think Sunday. Well, here is the last two days.

Monday: Smoothie and egg
Butternut Squash soup, chicken hot dogs and salad
Little piece of steak and chicken with goat cheese and garden veggie salad
Almonds here and there

Worked out on the treadmill for 30 minutes then did some pilates exercises.

Tuesday: Turkey bacon and scrambled eggs
Tomato soup, salad and chicken hot dogs (they are amazing)
Salad with mixed veggies and goat cheese and turkey and hardboiled egg

Took a Butts and Gutts class which kicked my Butt and Gutt. 45 minutes

Thus far today, Wednesday: smoothie
tomato soup, hardboiled egg and turkey goat cheese roll ups

There ya go....almost to the end of Phase one!! Woo-hoo!

Diane - Tuesday - Day 8

It's been another good day. Tonight at Bible study someone brought a platter of big, lucious strawberries dipped in chocolate. They looked so good and everyone else was raving about how delicious they were but I passed them by without even a thought. We have been studying about Daniel and how he set his mind to do what was right regardless of what was going on around him, and I guess healthy eating works the same way. We just have to make up our mind and not even think about doing things that are not on our plan!

Breakfast - berries/kefir smoothis
Lunch - mixed greens salad with balsamic dressing
Dinner - grilled hamburger pattie, asparagus, green beans, steamed vegetables
Snack - almonds

20 minute aerobic workout for both Phillip and me - he actually got up at 6AM to do with me!

His breakfast and dinner were the same as mine - not sure about his lunch.

God bless!

Day 9- Brian

Hi all! We are rolling...
Breakfast: Grapefruit & Omelet w/ onions, mushrooms, peppers
Lunch: Haddock, with veggies, side salad
Dinner: Steak, asparagus, spinach...yum.
Snack: almonds & hot tea
Eat well! :)
BH

Jen - Day 9

Welcome to the blog, Cindy! So glad you are on board and here. Sounds like things are going great!

Here's how my day o' eating played out...

Breakfast: 2 eggs and blueberries
Lunch: 2 chicken hot dogs and lentil beans
Dinner: Grilled chicken tenders and sauteed green beans with almond slices (yum!)
Snack: Mixed berry/kefir smoothie, carrots

Tonight, I put together a chicken stock that I'll be able to eat from for a couple of days. It's the chicken stock recipe from the back of the Maker's Diet book. After it cooks for about 15 hours, the chicken is amazing (for salads, just to snack on, etc.) and you can use the stock to make healthy soups. (I especially like the coconut milk soup recipe in the back of the book.) I encourage you to try making a stock like this sometime. It's worth the effort...

Daily Thought: "Properly prepared meat stocks are extremely nutritious, containing minerals, cartilage, collagen and electrolytes all in an easily absorbable form."

Brew - Day 9

Long day - didn't get home until 8:00 so ate later than usual.

Breakfast - smoothie - good stuff
Lunch - Tuna with raw carrots and cauliflower
Dinner - Hamburger with goat cheese and peas
Sanck - raspberries and almonds

exercise - watching the Purdue game

Cindy's blog...

Hello, and glad to finally get here..I actually started yesterday, but didn't get here last night, so here I am!! Doing really well, haven't fudged at all, I am doing great!!

Today I had 3 scramble eggs and a grapefruit..it was yummy!

For lunch I had a salad with grilled chicken strips, and raspberries

Snack, I had almonds and goats cheese!!

Supper, I had a steak and lots of steamed broccoli..WOW, it was good!!

I am keeping my mind set and feeling great about it all, it takes lots of will power, but I am in this to make a positive change..yippee!!

Drinking lots of lemon water, and having detox tea with breakfast, today and yesterday..its not too bad!! Have a nice night!!

Day 9:

Breakfast (both) - scrambeled eggs and 3 pieces of turkey bacon.
Lunch - Turkey roll-ups with goat cheese, cucumbers, and lots of water.
Dinner - will be eating a couple of sirloin steak pieces and veggies.

Had an afternoon berry/kefir smoothie. Yummy!

Try to log in tomorrow. The days have been good, and like dad, a lot of extra energy.

Bye bye

Diane - Monday-Day 7

The first week has gone by relatively smoothly and I too am feeling better and have more energy. I have lost 4 pounds and really haven't sacrificed much at all. There are lots of yummy things we can eat so I try not to think about the things I can't have. It just takes a little more planning, especially for my lunch.

Breakfast - kefir/berry smoothie
Lunch - salad with turkey, goat cheese and balsamic dressing
Dinner - steak and vegetable stir-fry and a spinach salad with turkey bacon, tomatoes and goat cheese

Snack - fresh berries and almonds

Phillip had the same breakfast, dinner and snack - I'm not sure about his lunch but he said he was "legal".

20 minute aerobic exercise for me

Brian and Jen - Day 8

Hey Everyone - Congrats on the weight loss, Brew 1 and Brew 2! That's great! You guys are rocking it. We had dinner with Will and Erin last night and are so completely proud of them, too. You all are just locked in and changing life for the better. :) Here's what our day looked like...

Breakfast: (Both) 2 eggs, blueberries/almond slices
Lunch: (Both) Big mixed grean salad topped with chicken salad and goat brie (yum!)
Dinner: (Jen) Turkey burger patty with grilled onions, mushrooms and goat cheese, plus a small side salad. (Brian) Lamb chops with spinach, mushrooms and carrots

No exercise today. Need to remedy that.

Daily Thought: "The components of Phase One should greatly reduce your risk of incurring disease. It effectively helps your body reduce insulin sensitivity and balance the omega-3/omega-6 ratio that is so vital to balance levels of inflammation and enhance the health of your immune system, which will reduce chances of infection."

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday!

That's right, I'm behind! As usual, it's the story of my life--behind and late! Anyway, the days were good with only two little oops to report. Overall though, I am feeling great and have lost weight!

Here goes.....Saturday, Feb. 9 (my birthday)
Breakfast - Berry smoothie
Lunch - Roast beef, green beans, cooked cabbage and lettuce salad with appropriate dressing
Dinner - Prime rib, salad with dressing we took with us, onion soup, and one of the no-nos--four deep-fried mushrooms and two onion rings. Jerry thought it was plain vegetables.

Sunday - as Jerry mentioned, we celebrated all of the February birthdays today. You'll have to ask Erin about the birthdays if she hasn't already told you. We also have three cousins who have Feb. birthdays.

Breakfast - Berry smoothie
Lunch - Vegetable soup, one slice roast beef and turkey with lettuce and the last oops--a small piece of white cake with a little bit of white frosting. It was our birthday cake!
Dinner - Vegetable soup
Snack - cup of tea with honey

Monday - dinner out again. A group of high school friends meet once a month at MCL to eat.
Breakfast - 2 fried eggs and 2 slices of turkey bacon
Snack - cup of tea with honey
Lunch - tuna salad, raw carrots and cauliflower
Dinner - Baked chicken, green beans, cauliflower, pea salad
Lots of water!!!!

Wishing you all a great week! Erin, what is Clem's address? I have a baby card for them.

Brew 2 - Day 8

First week. As on any diet, my weight fluctuates greatly day by day, but as the 7 day period ended, I was 8 pounds lighter than a week ago, and I know I have much more energy.

Today, we started with fried eggs, fruit juice and two slices of turkey bacon. Not bad actually.
Lunch was salad and a boiled egg.

Dinner - We had dinner separately for the first time. I had a portion of prime rib left over from Saturday night's birthday celebration along with steamed green beans and a boiled egg.

Just finished a snack of blueberries and sliced almonds.

Week 2 is off and running. I'm not running, but the week is.

Sunday, DAY 7

First of all, Congrats on finishing the first 7 days! So happy about that.

Yesterday was a tough day due to schedule, I had to wake up at 5am-ish to get on the train for an hour or so ride to get to church in Brooklyn by 7am. Super tired. But I had my smoothie on the way...then I helped set-up, led worship, helped teardown, rode the train back into the city and attended the 1pm service in our main location where I snacked on almonds. After the service Will and I drove home and each made ourselves some lunch, mine was tuna with olive oil mayo with melted sheeps milk cheese over it on a nice round piece of glass, I then slept for 2 1/2 hours. After my amazing nap I prepared dinner for Will and I. I made Butternut squash soup from scratch which we each had a bowl of, then for the main course we had sauteed chicken over spinach, mushrooms, onions and garlic. Yummy. THen we watched the Grammy's and went to sleep.

The End.

Mom and Dad, sorry we didn't call. We love you.

Brian and Jen - Day 7

Well, it's the close of a full week and we are feeling great. Here's the day for both of us -

Brunch: Goat cheese/roasted red pepper/mushroom omlette with mixed green salad
Snack: Almonds (Brian), berry smoothie
Dinner: Chicken/vegetable stir-fry and salad

Daily Thought: "As with virtually any important task or endeavor the way you start significantly affects the results you enjoy at the finish. Phase One of the Maker's Diet is designed to stabilize insulin and blood sugar, reduce inflammation, reduce infection, enhance digestion and help balance the hormones in your body. This should help you better manage your weight in a healthy manner and significantly improve your overall health."

Let's have another great week!

Diane and Phillip - Saturday and Sunday

The weekend has been busy but we have stayed pretty much on track.

Saturday we both had 2 eggs and turkey bacon for breakfast. We watched 2 grandchildren's basketball games so had a late lunch of a great grilled chcken salad with goat cheese, cranberries and pecans with balsamic vinagrette dressing. Then we walked 2 miles around a lake enjoying God's beautiful creation on a sunny afternoon. Phillip had some vegetable soup for supper but I wasn't hungry. We had some berries and almonds for a snack before bed.

Sunday - breakfast - berry/kefir smoothie
lunch - baked chicken, broccoli cole slaw, steamed vegetables and green beans
dinner - a church pot luck but we only ate salad - didn't even look over at that dessert table. We will have some berries and almonds a little later when the desire for something sweet kicks in. We have also had some hot tea.

We are both very committed and are encouraging each other to set some weight loss goals!

God bless!!

Brew 2 - Day 7

Sunday and Sims family birthday party day. Not a good day to be dieting. I do really well when nothing is in front of me except for what I am suppossed to eat, HOWEVR, that was not the case today.

We had a smoothie for breakest. Those are very good except for the seed-in-the-teeth issue. Still worth it however.

Lunch through dinner - Food was out all afeternoon. I didn't eat cake, and ice cream wasn't available; however, I ate cold lunchenon meet, turkey, and roast beef, vegetable soup, and french onion soup. So the issue wasn't that I was eating wrong things. I just ate Wayyyyyyyyyyy too much. It was there so I kept eating.

Can't we go under the assumption if a little is good for you, then a whole lot is really good for you?

I'll back on track tomorrow.

Excercie: running to and from the car. 0 degrees and horrendous wind-chill. It was mighty cold.

Have a good week. I'm praying for you all.

Love, Jerry

Friday and Saturday

Continuation of yesterday....

Lunch: turkey sheeps cheese rollups, pickles and hardboiled eggs.

Dinner: Almonds, berries and honey  (I know but I was at work and couldn't eat what we spent four hours cooking then I went to a concert)

Saturday:  Busy busy...

Breakfast: berry kefir smoothie and hard boiled egg

Snack: (during a baby shower where the food looked and smelled amazing) I had almonds and smart water

Then I had my first one on one pilates lesson--AMAZING!!

Then an hour of grocery shopping with Will.  So fun.

Lunch: Chicken hot dogs, green beans and pickles.

Dinner: tilapia, asparagus and spinach.

Snack: harboiled egg and hot decaf tea.  

That was my day.  Fun but busy.  I am still at work at 11:17pm and have to be up at 5am to get to church on time to lead worship in Brooklyn in the morning.  BOO, would love to be in bed right now.

Happy Birthday again, Mama love you so much.

Jen and Brian - Day 6

We ate and worked out the same exact way today, so here is the report for both of us...

Breakfast: 2 eggs, small berry/kefir smoothie
Lunch: Turkey burger patty with red and green peppers
Dinner: Curry chicken and vegetables (recipe from the back of Maker's Diet, minus the flour)

Exercise: Abs and buns workout (video)

Daily Thought: "The Maker chose to use honey to describe the abundance of the Promised Land, calling it the 'land of milk and honey.' Honey is one of the most powerful healing foods we have at our disposal."

Happy birthday, Brew 1!! Hope you guys had a great day! Good job working hard to incorporate your choices into a tough-to-stick-to-it day like this. Here's to a great year of health.

- J&B

Brew 2 - Day 6

Didn't do so well today, but we ate out twice for Sharon's birthday. Noon with Nathan and Sarah, and this evening with her folks, brother and sister and spouses.

Breakfast: smoothie
Lunch: at MCL: stuffed pepper: had a little rice in it,
brocoli, a small piece of Sarah's leftover roast beef

Dinner: prime rib, french onion soup, salad, (we took our own dressing), veggies (unfortunately fried)

Snack Papaya (unfortunately with sugar)

We started cod liver oil pills today. May be getting my excercise running to the bathroom???

Hey all. Feeling great. Really. Dinner yesterday consisted of Talapia and asparagus. Also some herbal non-caffeinated iced tea. No snack last night.

Today, day 6:
Breakfast - Mixed berry/honey/kifer smoothie, 3 hard-boiled eggs
Lunch - Chicken dogs! Yum! Asparagus
Dinner - Hamburger with spices, veggies, tea

Bye bye

Day 5 was a great day!

Sorry this wasn't done yesterday. I fell asleep in my recliner and didn't wake up until 2:00 this morning. Today (Friday) was a resting day for me. I read, folded clothes, worked on the computer, ran some errands, fixed dinner, watched TV and read some more. Thursday night we found out that our first grandchild is going to be a boy to be named Tucker. We are excited!

Breakfast - Scrambled eggs with mushrooms, organic tea
Lunch - Green salad with turkey and balsamic vinegarette (sp?)
Dinner - Baked chicken breast, stir-fried vegetables, blackberries

Food seems to taste better when you're hungry! We have not had anything we have not liked even though it is definitely different from the way we were eating. I have had energy and love it!

Saturday will be rough with two meals out, but we have chosen the restaurants well so we can get things we can eat. Sunday will not be as easy!

It is good to read what everyone is eating as it gives us ideas for new things to try. Thank you.
Have a wonderful week-end. God bless!

Diane and Phillip - Day 4

Diane - Breakfast - Berries and kefir smoothie
Lunch - Salad with turkey and goat cheese
Dinner - Salmon, collard greens and steamed vegetables
Snack - fresh berries and almonds
Lots of water
20 minute aerobic exercise

Phillip - Breakfast - Berries and Kefir smoothie
Lunch - celery sticks with almond butter and carrots
Dinner - Salmon, cole slaw and steamed veretables
Snack - fresh berries and almonds

We're in the groove and feeling better already. Have a wonderful weekend!

Brian - Day 5

5 Days down
Breakfast: scrambled eggs and berries
Lunch: Grilled Chicken, broccoli, onions, peppers
Dinner: Red Snapper, spinach, mushrooms...goat cheese salad
Snack: Almonds
Exercise: pushups, situps, dips, squats
Healthy weekend to all!
BH

Jen - Day 5

Hope everyone has had a good Friday! Here's my day:

Breakfast: 2 eggs, fresh blackberry/blueberry/almond slices/kefir mix
Lunch: Chopped salad with chicken, roasted peppers, mushrooms, carrots and goat cheese
Dinner: Amazing steak with asparagus, mesculun/goat cheese salad
Snack: Almonds and cucumber slices

Stay strong this weekend, no matter what the temptations! What you are doing will be an inspiration to everyone around you... You are making intentional choices for a better life. Go team!

Daily Thought: "The Maker's Diet 40-day experience helps you return to your optimal health by restoring your immune system, balancing blood sugar, and creating healthy habits that will, hopefully, last a lifetime."

Brew 2 - Day 5

Finally, the weekend.

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with mushrooms.
Veggie Juice

Lunch: 2 small pieces of turkey with salad

Supper: baked chickn breast, stir fry vegetables, garlic cauliflower

Snack: blackberries and almonds, veggie juice

Walked to work and back. 14 minutes

Day 3

Whew!! Where has this day gone. Day 3 was good - each day gets a little easier.

Breakfast - Kefir/berry smoothie
Lunch - tossed salad with turkey and goat cheese
Dinner - steak, steamed fresh vegetables and tossed salad
Dessert - mixed berries and almonds

Lots of water

20 minutes of aerobic exercise.

I'm looking forward to the weekend but will have to be extra careful not to slip up!

Will signing in under Erin's name

I'm here. And hopefully able to get my own blog name soon. To save you from reading my everyday meals from this week (see Erin's note from today - ". . . Will's doing good."), I will start with today. This morning I had a meeting with Jason, so I was up bright and early, and had a Kefir/mixed berry/honey smoothie and hard-boiled egg. It was good. I ran yesterday, and realized how out of shape I am. Also, being that I worked a ton this week, all around food, I was telling Erin that I didn't realize how much junk I eat throughout the day. It's kinda gross. But not one bite this week. Yeah! Anyway, update soon. I'm feeling the positive effects already. And as Jen has said, "My body is thanking me." Bye.

Yesterday and today thus far

So, sorry I didn't blog last night, but here was my day..

Breakfast: berry kefir smoothie, turkey bacon

lunch: tuna melt with omega 3 mayo and sheeps milk cheese wrapped in lettuce with two pickles

dinner: salad with veggies and balsamic vinegar and oil

snack: two squares of cheese

I also went to an All In One class at the gym, which kicked my butt. It was amazing though and I felt great after, my abs and arms are a bit sore today though.

Yesterday was a difficult day for both Will and I. We were tempted by many things, buttermilk biscuits and shrimp for Will which he was around all day at work and me I just wanted bread, any kind. But, we were both able to overcome our temptations with prayers and encouragement. Hopefully today will be better.

Today I have had

Breakfast: berry smoothie

snack/lunch: hardboiled egg I think I will have some tuna again

I hope you are all having a great time and feeling good, Today is Day 5 and as far as I have been told they are the most difficult days so here is to a great 35 days!!

PS tomorrow is my mom's (Sharon) birthday so HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!! We love you.

PSS Will is having trouble getting on the blog, he is def sticking to the diet and will contribute as soon as we can get him on here.

Another Busy Day!

Hello again! In some ways, it was a trying day but ended very nicely. I fix the meals for the Alpha program at our church and our menu was already made and most of the things purchased before I knew we were doing the diet, so I cheated a little but did not go overboard! After Alpha, we got to see an ultrasound video of our forthcoming grandchild as well as pictures. That was really exciting!!

Breakfast - Fast
Lunch - Fast
Dinner - Pork loin (I know.), green salad with organic roasted red pepper dressing, green beans, a small piece of symphony pie. I did not eat any cheese potatoes or rolls and I drank water.

We have challenges on Saturday as we are eating out twice and then we have a big family get together on Sunday to celebrate a bunch of birthdays. Prayer support would be great.

Exercise - breathing one

Wishing you all a wonderful Friday!

Brian - Day 4

Hope everyone had a great healthy day!
Breakfast: Unfortunately, I skipped. Not a good thing.
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad w oil/vin
Dinner: Steak, Asparagus, & Spinach...love those green leafy veggies. :)
Snack: Almonds
Drink: Water & Hot Tea ALL day
Exercise: 30 minutes on treadmill & weights
(forgot Day 3 Exercise: 35 min. tread & weights)
I can already tell a difference in my skin...ain't it great.
BH

Jen - Day 4

Hey Everyone -

How is Day 4 going? Sometimes Days 4 and 5 are a little tough, as your body adjusts, so stay strong! Here's my day:

Breakfast: Kefir/berry/flax seed oil smoothie
Lunch: Toasted turkey and goat cheese roll ups with lentils (love the lentils!)
Dinner: Chicken breast tenders, mixed vegetables and salad
Snack: Cucumber slices

Exercise: 35 minutes cardio on elliptical, abs and pull ups

Daily Thought: "Green, leafy vegetables are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, including many nutrients not found in any other foods."

Hope you've all had a great day. Thinking about and praying for every one of you!

Brew 2 - Day 4

A very active, stressful day, but I'm still doing well.

Breakfast - fast
Lunch - fast
Supper - at church for the Alpha program
Roast pork, green beans, salad with inappropriate dressing, symphony pie- oops
This was a blessed church event. All is forgiven.
Blackberries and almond slices for late snack.

Today's exercise: Walked to school and then to church. Held a picture of my -4 month old grandson.!!!! Took my breath away.

Keep it up gang.

Wednesday-Day 2

It's getting easier to resist those things I can't have and cravings are decreasing. Today I have more energy, so life is good.

Breakfast - kefir/berry smoothie
Lunch - fresh tomato basil soup
Dinner - stew beef with cooked carrots, turnip greens and tossed salad
Snack - berries and almonds

Lots of water

20 minute aerobic exercise at 6AM

A Busy Day on Day 3!

Hello to All! Today was a busy day. I had a meeting from 12:00-1:30 and then went grocery shopping again, taught voice lessons and then went directly to choir practice at church and then stayed for our church's Ash Wednesday Service. I also did laundry today! So far I've had lots of energy and I feel good! Thank you, Lord.

Breakfast - Kefir strawberry/raspberry smoothie and a soft boiled egg
Lunch - Chicken salad and organic raspberry tea
Dinner - Broiled haddock, stir-fried vegetables - really tasty

Exercise - breathing as described on page 175 or 176 of the Maker's Diet book

Have a great Thursday!

Brian Day 3

Hi all!
Another great day...feeling good.
Breakfast: Kefir & 3-Berry Smoothie
Lunch: Mahi Mahi, Green beans, Broc, and salad
Dinner: Tuna app & Black Cod with green beans
Snack: Carrots & almonds
Keep it up, team!
-Brian

Brew 2 - Day 3

Hey, I don't want to be the only male signing in here. Get with it guys.
Stress level at work grows and grows, but I remain clam.

Breakfast: Strawberry smoothie and a soft boiled egg.

Lunch: spinach salad and a soft boiled egg.

Supper: haddock, mixed vegetables, only the allowable kind

I inadvertantly had a piece of candy - a soft Christmas mint. Honestly, it was in my mouth and it was half gone before I realized what I was doing.

I had a second one in my hand, but I took it out of its wrapper, dropped it on the floor and stepped on it to stop the temptation. I threw it away.

I then slapped each hand with the other hand fifteen times to remind myself to watch those inadvertant temptations. (Oh, the slapping was also my exercise for the day.

DAY 3

I am feelin great!!

Today I consumed:

for breakfast: turkey bacon and scrambled eggs

lunch: turkey and goat cheese roll ups, raw carrots, 2 small pickles and some almonds

dinner: flounder, sauteed spinach and sheeps cheese

snack: berries with almonds and honey

YUMMY!!

Jen - Day 3

Hi All!

Hope you've had a good Wednesday. Here's the rundown from my end..

Breakfast: Kefir/berry smoothie
Lunch: Two chicken hot dog wieners and lentils
Dinner: Chicken/vegi stir-fry and lentils
Snack: Turkey, blackberries and almonds

Really love how this helps keeps us all accountable and on track!

Daily Thought: "As bad as sugar can be in its various forms, artificial sweeteners are worse! If the Maker didn't produce it, the it probably isn't much better than other manufactured substitutes."

Here's to another great day...
Jen

Day 1 for me

We were a day late getting started, so Tuesday was our first day. It went well and I was able to resist lots of tempting goodies at our Bible study last night. I remain determined to follow the program!

Breakfast - Kefir berry smoothie
Lunch - salad with balsamic vinagrette dressing
Dinner - grilled chicken, steamed spinach and salad

Snack - fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and almonds

Exercise - 15 minute walk

Phillip is trying to get started but he's still a little weak when temptation strikes (he couldn't resist a handfull of M & M's last night!). I'm not sure how he did for breakfast and lunch but his dinner was the same as mine. He is going to try to stay on track today!

I'm enjoying getting to "know" the rest of you through your blog comments. Have a blessed Wednesday!

A Great Day!

Today was a great day! It was foggy and rainy all day outside but was sunny inside because I got many things accomplished. One big temptation today at Bible study--chocolate chip cookies--I didn't have any! Yeah!!!!

My menu for the day included: Lots of water to drink

Breakfast - Berry smoothie (strawberry). It was very good!

Lunch - Tuna salad again (I like it!) and carrots

Dinner - Broiled cod, asparagus, green salad & balsamic vinagarette dressing

Snack - cup of Tazo "Passion" tea

Exercise - breathing exercises twice today.

Sorry this was posted so late. I almost forgot to do it. Have a great Wednesday!

a great start

Hi all! Very excited about this 40-day health journey. Confident we will all see changes in our bodies and learn so much about how we are intended to eat. Woohoo.
Today for me:
Breakfast: egg and a berry smoothie
Lunch: grilled chicken salad, carrots, onions, almonds, mushrooms, oil/vinegar
Snack: almonds
Dinner: Steak, steamed spinach, & salad w/ goat cheese

Exercise: 45-minutes of cardio and weights
Stay strong! Our bodies are worth it & we are all in this together. :)
-Brian

Brew 2 - Day 2

Hey, this stuff is pretty good. Not enough of it, however.

Breakfast - strawberry smoothie. Thanks Brew 1 for getting up to fix it for me.

Lunch - Spinach salad with onions, snow peas and appropriate salad dressing.

Supper - cod, asparagas, spinach salad with bottle of water flavored with a wonderful essence of oregon Chai.

Exercise. After I had put the Oregon Chai in the bottle of water, I shook it and during the process of shaking the bottle, I shook myself. Enough exercise for today.

Cup of PASSION tea flavored with honey for evening snack.

Good night.

Jen - Day 2

Yay, Day 2! I had a great day -

Breakfast: 1 egg and a kefir/mixed berry smoothie
Lunch: Chopped spinach salad with mushrooms, cucumbers, roasted red peppers and goat cheese
Dinner: Grilled salmon, asparagus, and salad
Snack: Turkey, cucumbers and pickles

Exercise: 35 minutes interval training on elliptical

Hope everyone has had a fabulous day! Go team!

Daily Thought: "Berries such as blueberries, strawberries and rasberries are super foods containing some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any food."

WOO-HOO

Well, it is Day 2 and this is my first report.  Today I....

had breakfast: a berry smoothie and it was berry good

lunch: hamburger with onions and mushrooms and salad and a pickle

snack: almonds and strawberries

dinner: delicious homemade chicken soup and a hardboiled egg.

snack tonight: non-caffeinated tea with honey

Good day one as well....I also did an hour workout, 30 min run and 30 minutes weight

Eager to lose weight & not be in pain!

Hello! Day 1 is almost over and it's been okay. The only thing I've really missed is my caffeine free diet coke. It has been fun figuring out what to eat and I enjoyed shopping for groceries today! Our Kroger store has a lot more organic things than I ever imagined.

Here's what I've had to eat:

Breakfast - Two fried eggs and water to drink

Lunch - Tuna salad and water to drink

Dinner - Flatiron steak (used the London Broil recipe on p 248 in the book), sauteed portabella mushrooms and organic onions, green salad (baby romaine, baby spinach, cucumbers & green onion) with roasted red pepper dressing. Water to drink.

Exercise - I did the breathing exercise twice today.

It's been a good day!

Brew 2 - Day 1

Get me out of this. I'm getting weak. I have already fainted twice. Where are my milk and potatoes!!! I can't do this. My mind is fried, unlike any food I have eaten.

Okay, I can do this.

Breakfast - 2 fried eggs - plain with water. I asked God to bless the eggs and water, so it's okay I guess.

Lunch - a bowl of raw vegetables, brocoli, cauliflower, radishes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers. Nothing to drink.

Supper - half a flatiron steak (Who knew there was such a thing/)
sauteed portabello mushrooms with onions. Spinach salad with cucumbers.

I'm going to have a half a cup of strawberries before I go to bed.

Exercise - At my age and weight - getting out of bed IS excercise. I walked to and from work and went upstairs once this evening. I lifted weight (my body out of bed and then taking it upstairs) That's more weight than most of you will be lifting all week. I run out of breath just trying to breathe, so I'll be approaching this excercise thing very slowly and cautiously.

Best of luck to all of you and God bless.

Brian and Jen - Day 1

Hi All -

Here we go! Brian and I ate the same things today, so I am reporting for both of us...

Breakfast: 2 eggs cooked in coconut oil, fresh blueberries/blackberries/sliced almonds.
Lunch: Chicken hotdog weiners and lentil beans
Dinner: Salmon, sauteed spinach and salad

Exercise: (Brian) 45 minutes cardio and weights.

Here's to a great first day. Can't wait to hear how it went for all of you who started today. I know that we have a couple of people who have slightly different start dates this week, so we'll be hearing from all of them too in a day or two!

- Jen

Welcome to The Maker's Diet!

Hi Everyone -

Congratulations for taking this step toward health. Brian and I are so excited about the journey we are all about to take together. We try to live by the Maker's Diet on a regular basis, and can attest that eating for the way our bodies are designed really is key to health and energy. This is the third time we will have done the entire 40 day experience. If any of you have questions feel free to email me anytime at jendhen6@hotmail.com.

This blog will become very familiar to you over the next 40 days. Here, we will all be writing down everything we eat each day. Exercise is also important to any healthy lifestyle, so this is a tool for keeping track of that too. In short, this is our accoutability journal where we will all be able to list our successes, check up on each other and encourage each other daily.

We are really looking forward to all of the positive health changes that will come out of these next 40 days! Glad to be on board with all of you!

- Jen

Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
- 1 Corinthians 6:18-20