MODIFIED Jumpstart to Skinny

I talk about fitness and health and post recipes, but rarely to I endorse a certain type of diet.  This is just a blog for fun, not one to advertise.  But, I think that if I did not share this diet with you, I would be doing a diservice! 

Remember how I posted the Skinny Rules (just general healthy living diet tips from Bob Harper?), He also has a new diet book out that Mom saw on the TODAY show and we literally purchased the day it came out. The book is meant to be a quick fix for an event, something to jumpstart you, etc. It's far too restrictive for daily life!  This is the meal plan he puts celebrity clients on for the 3 weeks prior to a runway event - and it's meant to cause quick weight loss (UP TO 20 POUNDS!!) and then you move to a more permenant diet plan.  HMMM, someone with an event coming up and still has about 8-12 pounds she wants to lose? SOUND LIKE ANYONE YOU KNOW?

I eat healthy MOST of the time.  I have lost some weight but stopped losing the past few weeks--partly because I had 3 parties and a baby shower and was moving....but I still wanted to get a bit smaller! So I thought what the heck? And 6 days in and I cannot speak highly enough about this diet.  I usually lose weight SLOWLY. very little triggers my body to lose weight (IE, 15 mile runs did nothing for me) and so far I have lost between 4-5 pounds!  That's huge for me!  I know the last 2 weeks will be slower, BUT still, if I come out of this having lost 8-10 pounds, I would consider in a big success.  I don't have 20 pounds that I want to lose so that would be extreme for me.

Here's the rules in case anyone else wants to try it!

#1 - Take control with proper proportions--40/40/20 - 40% protein/40% carbs/20% fat plus unlimited vegetables on Bob's freebie vegetable list that you want to eat. Carbs you can eat DO include whole grain pasta, oatmeal and others he includes in recipes. The protein is not all meat-based, and he lists other protein sources for this plan.

#2 - Cut back on calories: 800 calories for women & 1200 for men - plus any additional calories from Bob's recommended vegetables.

#3 - Eat no complex carbs (in whole grains) after breakfast - eat whole grains with breakfast foods.

#4 - Get rid of water weight by drinking more water - he explains reasons for this based on research and names other beverages that meet this requirement.

#5 - Get your electrolytes - ensure you have enough electrolytes - Bob recommends a mix he likes that is fairly inexpensive that you can add to water.

#6 - Do 45 minutes a day of low-intensity cardio, preferably before breakfast.

#7 - Five times a week, do 15 to 20 minutes of Bob's Jumpstart Moves. Part III of book has seven distinct routines you rotate with over 50 photos of Bob doing the moves.

#8 - Cut the salt - recommended salt amount is explained.

#9 - Take advantage of the restorative power of fish oil - preferred amount is listed and why.

#10 - Fall back on veggies - a list of recommended unlimited veggies for optimum weight loss is provided.

#11 - No fruit during week three - the fructose (fruit sugar) in fruit can slow down weight loss. That's the only food that changed for the last week.

#12 - Lay off all booze - for a number of reasons including calorie count to optimize weight loss.

#13 - An espresso a day ... or two or three - Bob lists other hot beverages also acceptable for this three week plan.


I follow this diet about 80-85% and I am not changing how I do it until it stops working.

Rules I follow perfectly: water, limited salt, no carbs after breakfast, 800 calories a day, no alcohol, veggies, etc.

I TRULY BELIEVE ITS THE ONLY WATER, LIMITED COMPLEX CARBS AND 800 CALORIES A DAY THATS WORKING!!! Before I limited my carbs a lot even at breakfast but I think this is kickstarting my metabolism and 800 calories is enough to function on but not enough to stall weightloss.

Ways I modified the diet- you aren't supposed to have artificial sweetners or creamer so most mornings I drink the espresso. Luckilly for me I have kroger brand crystal light with added caffeine and on the couple mornings I forgot my espresso, I mixed a caffeinated drink at work.  I figured it was better than a diet coke or coffee with creamer and sugar. ALSO, I sometimes am travelling or at a meeting, etc and can't eat his 40/40/20 so I eat a balance bar and a piece of fruit or veggies (those bars are 40/30/30 so I think its fine especially if you add more carbs (via fruit and veggies) which evens it out)  I've done that twice and have to do it again tonight as I will be on the road.

Oh, and he gives you recipes and some are really good, but sometimes (particularly at lunch) I find it so much easier to just cook chicken or fish and veggies and maybe fruit.

I walk most mornings before work although I have missed one morning and the walks have been cut short if I was running late.  But I try to keep exercise in my diet every day, although because I feel a bit weak on this diet, its usually only walking.

Anyways I plan on finishing this round, eating healthy for a few weeks and if I feel I need to slim up a bit for the wedding, doing a week or two of jumpstart again. 

I know its not a sustainable eating plan (thank GOD because it would be miserable to never have a dessert or piece of pizza!) but I think its great short term and highly reccomend it.  Hoping to lose 4-5 more pounds.  I highly suggest this diet book if you are looking to shed a few pounds before bikini season!

Relationship Series: #1 The Rubber Band Theory

A year ago, my goal for this blog was an HONEST look at the single life-- good, bad, and ugly. Dating stories, encouragement, etc.  And I realize that now that I am dating someone seriously (and  calm down people, by seriously, I mean together for more than a couple months, I don't mean eloping next month...), I have not posted as much about dating, etc.  Part of this is because I don't want to be too vulnerable with private stuff.  If we have a fight, I do not want to vent that publically. If we have a sweet moment, thats still not something I want to share publically -- not because I suddenly can't relate to singles, but because these stories and moments are not just mine to share. (we have all read those blogs with OVERSHARE...recently my roomates and I stumbled across a blog of a friend of a friend who would tell us very personal moments in detail! Fine to go home and gush about that to your friends, but we could read it too and we didn't even really know her!)

But, I should share more- about what I am learning, dating, etc.  I LOVE when I read someone else's blog and they provide dating and relationship tips and stories.  So I am going to do a short dating series.

First Topic: THE RUBBER BAND THEORY

Am I the last one to hear about this? I have recently discovered this theory and love it.  NOT Love it because I think its great (because I actually think it sucks) but LOVE it because its true (and now I don't feel crazy for noticing this in my own relationship)

It was first discussed in Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus which is possibly why I haven't heard of this dating theory yet.  Afterall, I was in elementary school in the early 90s when this came out...not so much dating then. (small confession: after reading about this theory in an article, I ordered this book to my kindle. Possibly pathetic that I love self help books, BUT anything that explains something I do not understand is great!)

The concept: Men are like rubber bands.  They need some pull to bounce back.  If they feel too much slack in the band, they will never bounce back to you. Therefore, they operate best if there is a little tension/distance sometimes.

The concept explained: Men have intimacy cycles. They need a lot of intimacy, then they feel scared and need "me" time and pull away.  Then they feel they need intimacy again and come back, then they get their feel of it and need "me" time again and pull away.  This is natural and it has nothing to do with the woman.  Although, admit it. Every woman has felt a man pull away from them and has felt that she must have done something wrong.

Emotions (actually feelings of closeness) trigger this pulling away-- so its quite the opposite of "he doesn't like me!"  When a couple has a good conversation or breaks a new plateau in their relationship, the woman feels closer and probably feels a need to be closer emotionally and physically (not sexually, just physically - as in time spent together)  The man enjoys that intimacy and then feels a little fearful and needs to pull away and have time for himself.  The problem is that right when men are pulling away is when women are pushing close.

Women freak out when this "pulling" happens and do one of two things:
    1. push -- which puts slack in the band. He pulls away, making the tension tight and you push in close, releasing that tension
    2. punish -- she may give him his space but punish him for it which makes him resent her OR causes him not to take it (which would be detrimental to the relationship sense men operate on this cycle)

The proper response is to pull away yourself AND be welcoming when he comes back.  IE, allow no slack in the band. He is pulling, you are pulling, eventually he bounces back. (rubber band pulled tightly eventually bounces back)  If he never feels any tightness in that band (only slack), he won't bounce back.  Don't pull away in a mean way, or a punishing way, still keep contact and be affirming and kind, but give him the space he needs.

WHY I don't like this theory: it seems like game playing and it seems manipulative -- somewhat on the part of men (although i think they don't often realize that they are doing it) but definitely on the part of women (calculating to give space to get the result they want)   HOWEVER -- to be fair, in this theory, women don't play games to begin with, they just respond with one.  And, truthfully, they are giving the man what he wants but hasn't asked for.

Why I like this theory: it's truthful and practical.  EVERYONE needs space.  The difference is woman need space when they feel angry or hurt or upset.  Apparently, men often need space when they are overwhelmed by feelings - which isn't always a bad thing.  The problem is that men don't just say, " hey, can I have a weekend away?" or "I need a day or two to process things." They just dissapear and women are left confused at how the night before he was opening up and then he seems to be pulling away.

I have felt this in my own relationship some.  The first time or two, I was really confused. I thought things were ending because he seemed to pull away quickly. (and obviously sometimes pulling away means a loss of feelings) but a few days later, he would be more attentive and affectionate than normal.  So, now I expect it.

MY TIPS (NOT THE AUTHOR'S) FOR DEALING WITH THE RUBBER BAND THEORY:

1. a little of this is okay, but a lot is not good.  If the man you are dating is putting you on an extreme roller coaster, then there might be more serious issues than a male freakout. Its one thing to learn to deal with the opposite sex, its another thing entirely to be used or mistreated.
2. Realize that its normal and has nothing to do with you.
3. Realize that it is good for your relationship.  People need some time away. You need some time away (although you're a woman so you probably just ask for it)  Men need alone time to process and bounce back....if you never give them that alone time, how can they bounce back and pursue.
4. At a certain point, I think its fine to discuss this with men.  My BF pulled away for a couple days once, I gave him his space.  A couple days later, he realized he had hardly talked to me for a couple days and wanted to know if I was mad at him because I hadn't been calling/texting. I told him that of course I wasn't mad, I had just sensed by his pulling away that he needed some space so I was trying to give it to him.  This started a conversation when he confessed he did not realize he had pulled away but admitted that the space had been good.  We talked about both being able to take space, but maybe being upfront about it-- therefore, the other person doesn't feel dropped.  I think women feel most hurt that men go from being "all in" to "pulling away" without a warning. Its not the space, but the way he goes after his space that annoys the woman.  A simple, "I am going to be gone all day fishing with the boys, but I will call you tomorrow" will suffice. In my case, this talk helped..he has done a lot better with telling me he is going to be out of touch.
5. Lead by example.  We all need space, its just women rarely just dissapear on a man.  I take space all the time, I just clarify it: "I am going on a girls weekend, so if you don't hear from me much, its because I am out of town with them. I will call when I get back."  As I said above, what hurts most women is that pulling away happens without warning and abruptly - so my guess is that as you do things correctly, your man might catch on.
6. Have reconnect time after he finishes his "pull away" stage.  Once you get to a point in dating/relationship/marriage where you have discussed the rubber band theory, you can be supportive of his need to pull away, but ask that he be supportive of reconnecting when he has had his space. For women, things don't shift so quickly. I have noticed that I have a hard time shifting into the pull away stage and shifting out of it...I get used to having the space, I guess!!

Also, I think this theory tones down the longer you are together.  Clearly, the more you trust eachother, the less a man feels a need to pull away when feelings grow stronger.  Also, the more free he will probably feel to just ask for time away. So, the comfort is that this theory isn't as extreme forever.  The author gave examples of pushing/pulling in marriages, but I think that it is probably most profound during that first year of dating (just my guess!)

understanding this theory helped me not freak out. I think knowing that men's greatest fear in relationships is often the loss of independence helps women understand that men need space...and relax when they take it.  Also, I think that men understanding they need this space helps them to be more understanding to their girlfriends/wives and make it clear they need some "me" time rather than just pulling away.  (sidenote: I am sure that in marriage, one cannot just take me time as easilly as before, particularly when there are kids involved) but scheduleing some when possible might be good!)

I think I previously would've just called this game playing, but because there is a cycle, I think its less playing hard to get, and more just about how men process things.

And girls, don't think only the men have their weird tendencies... next relationship post will be about women and their CRAZY emotions.

SO, THOUGHTS LADIES? Anyone else experience this or know about this theory? Or was it as NEW to you as it was to me?  Any other tips?

Whatever is lovely....

I love this verse: 'Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." Phil. 4:8

We talked about that verse in my small group the other night (we are studying esther...) We were talking about when negative thoughts take over and how Satan uses that to control our thoughts. I am a worrier by nature. I spend a LOT of time reading devotionals and scripture to remind myself of the truths that God is good and in control.

But, recently, I started thinking (and forgive me if I am wrong, I am certainly NOT a theologian...), thinking of what is good, true, etc doesn't just include scripture, praise songs, etc. All of life is filled with blessings and thinking of what is good can include thinking of these blessings. Most of my life, I imagined this verse meant to meditate, to think of the Lord and read scripture...but certainly, since all of our blessings are from him, gratefulness and excitement over blessings, over joyful moments, anticipation for good things to come, is included in this verse. In fact, the verse includes the word LOVELY..think of LOVELY things. Lovely? you mean, like flowers, the ocean, nights of laughing with friends, football games, a good glass of wine or cupcakes? yes lovely, not just noble, right, pure -- not just lofty holy righteous thoughts, but thoughts on things that are lovely, things we enjoy.

And, let's be honest, most days aren't bad or good (by the way we characterize them) - most days are just days that we make it through, with good moments and bad. I rarely have horrible days, nor do I have days so amazing you could make a movie about them...but every day, in the moments I have time to think, time to worry or praise, time to think of fights and drama or disspointment or think of blessings, friends, etc., I should be arming my thoughts with truth and good and LOVELY things. (It reminds me of Tinker Bell saying "Think Happy Thoughts")

So, on days like today, that are average "nothing special" but nothing horrific days, where does my mind go? I could dwell on things going wrong -- a secretary with an attitude, a rude text message, bills, etc. Or I could think of good wonderful lovely things....bible verse, God's promises, good food and football :)

Some of my **lovely** thoughts for today.

1. I love this Bible Study. This week, the focus is on what we as women value - beauty, and also how we get so used to our easy life that we do not know how to handle adversity. Adversity makes our "muscles" stronger to deal with hard times.


2. AUBURN IS CLEARED. I love my school, I love my friends, I love that football team. And I hate people attacking them. It is good to know that the truth prevailed (although there will still be haters) It is also good to know I will be back on the plains in 2 weeks!

3. I LOVE dressing up and I LOVE the holiday season -- the mistletoe ball is in 3 weeks and it kicks off this time of year. Such a fun occassion celebrating with friends! I need to figure out what I am wearing!

4. Oxford this weekend. Only my second time this season. I love this town, I love the grove, I love the memories I have there. Here is a fune picture of my mom, sister and me last season and a picture of my friend Claire and me at the EggBowl. I get to enjoy the grove with both my family and Claire this weekend.

5. JACK ATTACK is in town. He (although not in this picture) is ALL SMILES. He is in a really fun age where he giggles and smiles constantly and is always aware. When he saw me at the airport, he burst into a smile! I am excited to show him the grove.

6. This story makes me happy -- a local school voted a special ed student as homecoming queen. Sometimes, high schoolers surprise you :) There is a disabled girl on my high school's homecoming court, I hope she wins tonight, but even if not, I am glad she is on court.

What are lovely things you think about?

SUYL Friday: Favorite devos/studies

This week I am linking up to Kelly's Korner to tell you some of my favorite Christian devotional resources.... Some of my favorite christian encouragement books/devos

(1) We did this for our small group girls when they were 11th graders. It was not so applicable to them, but it was to us. (We didnt pick the book out. There were some great resources so we adjusted our lessons to apply to them) The book says a lot to women, particularly single women. I also LOVE how this book tells us what women can do to serve, not just focusing on what we can't do in church. As there have been some changes in my sunday school class where the singles (particularly single women) have been pushed to the younger kids class and we have wondered what role we have, at all, my small group co-leader said rereading this book was encouraging that God has a use for women and single women. I may go back and reread myself!

(2) My Utmost for His Highest -- my all time favorite. Ozzie C speaks what I need to hear daily.

(3) Jesus Calling - I know this book is contreversial and usually when something is questioned, I stay away, but I find the words encouraging and often times reminding me to rely on Christ not myself...I do not take it as "god-breathed" as the author nearly claims BUT I do think it is based on scriptures.

(4) My Sr Girls small group at church is working through the screwtape letters for our weekly lesson and I am enjoying it. We are trying to teach the girls how satan reaches for them in even the smallest areas-- last week we focused on tone of voice, gestures, family relations, etc. My hope is that they go to college AWARE that the devil is working against them, being willing to spot his grasp on them in the large areas (sex, drugs, etc) and small ones (cheating on homework, gossiping, judgmentalness)

(5) Few books have ever reached me like this book has. Once again, it is not a devotional BUT the chapers can be read one and a time nightly. After my engagement ended years ago, I read this (probably 18 months after) and I have reread it so so so so many times since then.

(6) I am the eldest brother discussed in this book. I get irritated that I did everything right yet life doesn't always work out for me while those that I assume are misbehaving more than I am get everything. This book helped show me my sin too, but at the same time that it scolded me, it also seemed to take the part of me that thought I could earn God's favor and point me to a God whose favor could never be earned (by me, atleast!) and who loved me despite my failures.
Also, not a devo, just an amazing Christian book.

(7) There is so much in each chapter of this book...read it one chapter at a time. My favorite is the chapter on waiting, on Larius.

(8) I love The Beautiful Ache. Its not a devotional but the chapters are split to where sometimes I'll read one before bed. Once again, I read this in the aftermath of my engagement and have suggested it to friends ever since then. such an encouraging book.

(9) I oftentimes begin my workday with a devotional.. Here are some of my online favorites:

• My Utmost for His highest


• Spurgeon


• Our Daily Bread


• Our Daily Journey


• Strength for the Journey

(10) I also have listed several Christian/Singles/Young Twenty Something Sites that oftentimes point to Christ for me, although not a daily reading or devotional. You can find that list here.

God's Timing

I highly recommend the book KING'S CROSS by Tim Keller. My favorite chapter so far is the one about Lairus. Remember him? He is the man who came to Jesus because his daughter was sick and Jesus delayed on the way back and she died. How heartbreaking that must have seemed for him -- if ONLY Jesus had hurried, maybe his daughter would have lived. But, as Tim Keller pointed out, he got more due to the waiting...He could have seen the Lord heal is sick daughter, instead he saw Him raise her from the dead. Both would make an impression on someone's life, but I bet the latter was even more impressive!

I have to remind myself of this all the time...how waiting actually can reveal God's glory more, can grow my faith more, can be a testimony, etc...how God would actually be unkind if He didn't make us wait. He does it because he loves us...

God's sense of timing will counfound ours, no matter what culture we're from. His grace rarely operates according to our schedule. When Jesus looks at Jairus and says, "Trust me, be
patient,"in effect hs is looking over Jairus's head to all of us and saying, "Remember how when I calmed the storm I showed you that my grace and love are compatible with going through storms, though you may not think so? Well now I'm telling you that my grace and love are compatible with what seems to you unconsciounable delays." It's not "I will not be hurried even though I love you, ", it's "I will not be hurried because I love you. I know what I am doing. And if you try to impose your understanding of schedule and timing on me, you will struggle to feel loved by me."

King's Cross, p. 63

GO READ THE BOOK. Its one of his best yet.