Much Needed Update

I'm still sticking to a low carb diet, did quite well on my holiday to Israel last year (their diet is so healthy, mainly meat & salad) and avoided most of the temptations over Christmas. I still do Callanetics for exercise and in January OH and I started ballroom dancing. I only have 1lb to lose before I reach my 2st mark. Needless to say I have been stuck at same weight for last two weeks.  I am now in a size 14 (was 16) and feel really great.  I'm enjoying shopping for clothes again!

The ballroom dancing has been challenging and I was absolutely shattered after the first session.  I have had to cut back on other things until I get adjusted to the extra exercise.  The last few sessions have been much better, with me being not so tired at the end.   The good thing is they are on a Friday night so I have all weekend to recover from them.   I am determined to it up as I really enjoy it and it is something G and I can do together.

B: Sardines on toast (adapted lc fruit & nut bread )with green salad.
L: Low carb garlic bread (again adapted from fruit & nut bread recipe) with lactofree butter and lactofree cheese. 
D: Roast chicken, mashed swede, tbsp carrots, 4 sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, & Bisto best gravy

Drinks: Sparkling water. Redbush tea with watered down lactofree cream (don't like creamy tea)

I got used to eating salad for breakfast whilst in Israel and just continued when I got home.


I have started eating much less on one day a week and find that helps with the weight loss. For example tomorrow I will be having:

B: 2 tbs Flax, raspberries & cream
L: Pkt salted almonds
D: Chicken & leek soup.

I treat myself to 4 small squares of dairy free dark chocolate at the weekend.


Massage

Have given up on the sports type of massage and instead I'm going to my local college where I get a aromatherapy detox full body massage for only £6 (every 10th massage is free!).  I am managing to get about 3 a month.  The only disadvantage is it is only available during term time.

Massage

Over the last two months I have been introducing some new treatments in to my regime and also cuttong out others.   For two months now I have been having Epsom Detox Baths as recommended by Dr Jernigen  of the Hansa Centre for Optimum Health.  At the same time I am cutting down the (with the view of stopping altogether), the amount of Samento I'm taking.   I have gone from 15 drops twice a day down to 6 drops twice a day.    I am hoping that instead of taking things into my body I can actually take things such as toxins out.  Dr Jernigen firmly believes that those with LD need to raise their body's core temperature.  I'm hoping the Epsom Baths are just start of doing just that.

Today I was introduced to the wonders of Mayofacial Massage.  Basically it is the type of massage used to treat sports injuries.  I did not know this, this morning when I arrived for my session expecting a lovely relaxing massage.   For the next hour I endured in depth massage of some very tender areas I didn't know I had.  Upon returning home I 'googled' Mayofacial massage to find out more about it and it sounds as though it will do me a lot of good.  I would like to give a big thanks to ME North East for offering this wonderful treatment to its members.  This afternoon and evening I have been drinking loads and I feel very tired.

Although I have struggled and wandered (yet again) on my Low Carb diet I continue to follow this way of eating.

Todays Menu

Breakfast:  2 tbsp flax, 2 tbsp blueberries & lacatofree cream
Lunch: Corned beef, lactofree cheese and green salad.  Peanuts.
Dinner:  Smoked Haddock, cream cheese sauce, roasted celeriac and roasted green beans.  85% chocolate.

Low Carb Malt Loaf

I've been struggling for the past month or so trying to keep to a low carb diet.   Energy levels have been low and I have no motivation for cooking at all.   After sharing this on the MSE Low Carb Diet thread a friend posted this recipe for Low Carb Malt Loaf.  It is just what I needed, quick and easy to make.  It makes an ideal quick and easy lunch.

Low Carb Malt Loaf

 

3 med eggs

4 tbsp water

4 tbsp double cream

12 tbsps ground flax( or can mix part ground almonds, part flax0

1.5 tsps baking powder

 4 dried figs chopped

6 walnut halves, chopped

pinch salt

mixed spice

Use a microwaveable lunch container - 750 ml type

Lightly beat eggs water & cream.

Separately mix flax, baking powder, salt, & spices

Add flax mix to beaten eggs and mix well.  If necessary add more water to get a good, thick, smooth batter feel.

Add chopped figs and walnuts.

Cook for 5 minutes or so on full power in microwave.  You'll have to check by turning out.  if still wet on the bottom, put back in container upside down for 1 min.  Turn out onto cooling rack and allow to cool. 

Around 30 carb for the lot.

I have 12 slices from mine at an amazing 2.5g carb each.

Lovely toasted with butter

Will keep once cooled in an airtight container for at least 4 days.

 

 

 

Jesus In the Fog

Following a conversation I had with a fellow Lyme Disease sufferer last week I've decided to post a little testimony I wrote a while ago which I hope may encourage others.

Jesus In the Fog

The Lord is my Shepherd

I shall not want

He makes me lie down in green pastures

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul

For over 12 years I have been battling with Chronic Lyme Disease.  In the early years it was very difficult.  A typical day would be:  husband would get up with the children (I have 3), get them dressed & give them breakfast, then see them off to school.   He would then go off to work.  I would get up later in my own time and just sit around saving my energy for when it was time for the children to come home.  I would then collect them from school in the car (it is only a 10 min walk).  If I had enough energy I would give them their tea and then just sit with them until my husband got home.  My husband would then take over and I would retire to the bedroom.  I could not stand any noise or having people around me.  I had to shut myself off from the noise of the television or the normal things children do.

Spiritually it was a very difficult time too as I was too exhausted to even pray. I couldn’t concentrate to form coherent sentences.  When I attempted to pray it seemed as though they didn’t get past the ceiling.   I couldn't manage church because of the noise.  I questioned my faith and wondered if I was backsliding.  Nevertheless the Lord ministered to me.  He has shown me that even when I can give nothing in return he still loves me.  He reminded me that He loved me before I knew Him and that all I had to do was lean on Him. When we can’t do anything for Jesus he understands and still loves us.  He knows our hearts and our desires, when we can’t reach out to Him, He reaches out to us.  I started to talk to Him as I would a companion in the home just about day to day things, most of the time it would be a very short sentence or just a thought given to the Lord. 

On a rare occasion when I was doing a daily reading I came across the story of a man who whilst travelling to work would pass some large mountains in the distance.   On some mornings he could see them clearly but on others there was a mist/fog obscuring his view.   Despite the mist/fog this man knew those mountains were there.  In the same way although we can’t see, hear or feel God’s presence He is still there beside us even through the BRAIN FOG.  This story has stuck in my mind and has been a great encouragement.

About a 2 years ago I started going to a small house church and have been richly blessed with really 'meaty' teaching.  I saw the Lord working in so many ways on a day to day basis.  I also realise I have a lot still to learn.  The Lord has impressed upon me that the time before His coming is short and I mustn't waste any of it.

I questioned how the Lord could use me, when I have so little energy.   What energy I have is used to meet my family’s needs.   Then Jesus reminded me that when I was just a babe in Christ all I did then was pray.   He reminded me that when I prayed for my Mum and three sisters those prayers were answered.  My mum and sisters know Jesus as their Lord.   The prayers I prayed then were very simple ones, not long drawn out things.  I thought well I can still pray simple prayers now so this will be my service to my Lord.     I have rediscovered the joy of reading.  Whilst reading God's Intercessor by Reece Howells  I was encouraged to ask the Holy Spirit to not only fill me a fresh but also to dwell in me and live through me.  I am learning to let God lead me as to who/what to pray for.

I have also been blessed by DVD's which a friend has kept me supplied with and I listen to sermons on the internet.  I have started having quiet times with the Lord again.  One of the things I have found most difficult is the loss of memory, being unable to remember a scripture or where to find it.   I would start singing a chorus and then realise I didn’t know the rest of the words.

One day recently whilst having a time with the Lord I again started singing a chorus which on previous attempts I had been unable to remember the words.  To my delight the words just flowed.   I began to sing chorus after chorus which I knew from years gone by, it was like a floodgate had been opened.   Since that day I have found when I try to sing songs that I want to sing I struggle to remember the words but when the Holy Spirit leads me to sing I have no problems.

The twelve years with Lyme Disease have indeed been difficult but looking back I can now see they have been a true blessing.   Like the Psalmist I can say ‘He made me lie down in green pastures’.   During that time in the green pastures the Lord has taught me so much, it is all His doing, we can do nothing ourselves. 

I just wanted to encourage fellow sufferers by showing that the Lord Jesus has indeed Restored My Soul.  When those around you put pressure on saying   'but you need to have  fellowship, you need to go to church' don't let it get you down.  The best fellowship you can have is the one to one fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Rest of the Week

Thursday 21 February 2013

9.30 Up and dressed.
10.00 Breakfast: blueberries, flax & cream. Redbush Tea
10.30 - 11.30 Lidl Shopping.
11.30 - 12.30 Scanned shopping and put away
12.30 -1.30 Lunch: Homemade soup. Nuts. 81% chocolate.
1.30 -2.00 Lit the woodburner
2.00 - 4.00 Watched TV
4.00 - 4.30 Re-heated curry for OH and myself whilst DS had a pizza
5.00 Tea: Lamb curry, vegetable bhaji and 2 tablesspoons of brown rice.  81% chocolate.
6.30 - 9.30 Church Quiz
Bed: Midnight.



Friday 22 February 2013

8.30 Up & dressed.
9.00 Breakfast: Raspberries, flax & cream.  Redbush Tea
9.45  -10.45 Travelling to Mam's
10.45 Asian Food shop
11.00 - 1.00 Visited Mam Lunch:  2 corned beef sandwiches.  Indian Sweets. cup of Tea
1.00 - 2.00 Travelled home.
2.00           Lit woodburner
2.30 - 4.00  Watched TV
4.00         Prepared Tea for OH and DS
5.00 Tea: Salted Almonds.  81% chocolate. Redbush Tea
7.00  Shower
8.00 - 10.00 Began reading a novel
10.00 Bed.

Saturday 23 February 2013

8.30 Up & dressed.
9.00 Breakfast: Blueberries, flax & cream. Redbush Tea.
9.45  Travelled to attend a Wedding.
11.00 - 1.00 Wedding Ceremony.  There was coffee and refreshments afterwards.  I had a fruit scone.
1.45           Returned home, emptied bins and lit the woodburner.
2.15           Lunch: Homemade soup.  Salted Almonds.  
3.00 -5.00  Computer: submitting reports, surveys etc.
5.00 - 6.00          Tea:  Fish & chips. 


As you can see I've had a busy few days.  I am absolutely exhausted.   The effects of the walk on Tuesday showed themselves on Thursday.  I felt so tired and achey and didn't really want to go out in the evening but couldn't get out of it.  As a result of my tiredness my will power left me and I succombed to eating too much chocolate, this continued the next day whilst visiting my mum.  I went to the Asian food store to stock up on coconut oil and a few other things and ended up buying Indian sweets.  I had forgotten that they were made from milk and today (Saturday) I am suffering the consequences.  My IBS has flared up, making me feel even worse.  I feel so cold and tired that I just didn't have the energy to make something for tea tonight hence the fish and chips.  I'm hoping to get back on track in the next few days.  Thankfully upon getting weighed this morning I have just stayed the same and not put weight on, but if I continue on the downward slope this won't last for long.   OH is back at work next week and DS back at school so hopefully I'll be able to get back into some sort of routine.

Outings -Tuesday 19 February 2013

Monday 18 February

Took DS out for a meal and also visited the library.  Its nice to do something a little different.

9.00  Got up and had breakfast.
Breakfast: Blueberries, flax & cream. Cup of Redbush tea.
9.30-10.30 Callanetics
10.30-11.30 Shower & dressed.
11.30-12.30 Prepared lamb casserole for tea tonight and put it on to slow cook.  Also preped the veg ready to cook when I get back tonight.
12.30-1.30 Lunch: 3 Sausages, scrambled egg & fried onions. Mixed nuts. Cup of Redbush 
                  Tea.    
1.30 -3.30  Watched TV
3.30           Lit woodburner
4.00 - 6.00  Took DS out for tea and took the opportunity to also visit the library.
6.30 -7.00   Tea:  Lamb casserole, cabbage & mashed swede.  85% chocolate. Cup of Redbush 
                             Tea.
7-30            Computer: Surveys, checking emails.
12 midnight   Bed.


Tuesday 19 February 2013

OH took me out for a drive today, we went up into Weardale and stopped at Wolsingham.  I managed to walk a mile very slowly.  Just have to wait and see whether I pay for it in the next few days.  I absolutely love being in the countryside looking at the wide open views, its very therapeutic.

9.30  Up and dressed.
10.00 Breakfast: Blueberries, flax & cream. Redbush Tea.
11.00 - 12.30 Weekly grocery shopping.  OH came with me this week and helped.
12.30 -1.00  Scanned shopping and put away.
1.00-1.30   Lunch: 3 sausages & salad.  Salted almonds.  85% chocolate.
1.30 -3.00  Watched TV
3.00 -5.00  Out for a drive
5.00 - 6.00  OH lit the woodburner ( I taught him how yesterday) whilst I prepared the tea.
                    OH and DS are having Slimmers World chips, chicken portion and sweetcorn.
6.00            Tea: Fish in cream sauce, celeriac chips and roasted green beans.  Cup of cocoa.
                             Redbush Tea.
7.00-midnight  Computer: surveys, MS registering & checking emails.
                         Bed.

Half Term Begins - Friday 15 February 2013

9.15 am  Got up - slept right through the night but unrefreshing sleep.  Woke up tired.
9.30       Breakfast: Fried egg & bacon.  Cup of Redbush Tea
10.00 - 10.45  Computer
10.45 - 11.15 Callanetics: 30 mins
11.15 - 12 noon  Shower  & dressed
12.30 - 1.30pm   Lunch: Homemade soup.  Cup of Redbush Tea
1.30 - 4.00 pm   MS qualification
4.00 -4.30   Lit Woodburner
4.30           Put chips & fish goujons in oven for DS
4.45           Emptied kitchen bins
5.00           Put my Dinner in the oven
5.15           Snack:  Peanuts
5.30           Dinner:   Fish, celeriac chips & green beans.  85% chocolate. Cup of Redbush Tea
6.00            Watched TV
7.00            Got headache and had to take antihistamine
9.00            Cup of Redbush Tea
11.00          Bed