Day 1

I recently read an article that I found super interesting.  Again, I don't claim to be a food expert or anything of that sort, but I have taken some nutrition and physiology classes which have helped with my understanding.  As this is a blog, I will post something that I find that seems credible and write just my thoughts - my opinion is not necessarily facts.

http://ldsmag.com/article-1-14983/

I think this article was very eye opening.  I decided to read Doctrine and Covenants 89 this morning to further understand for myself the definition of the Word of Wisdom.  There are the more obvious commandments such as no tobacco use, no coffee or tea (later clarified..."Tea and coffee...are what the Lord meant when He said 'hot drinks.' Voice From the Mountains).  A lo of the time, I think we forget about the other important details of the Word of Wisdom.  Moderation in all things is essential, making sure we don't eat in excess, etc.  I think it's important to eat what makes one feel good.  Actually feel good - not the junk food or candy that gives us the temporary satisfaction of eating something sweet.  Cravings are often hard to bypass.  When I say eat what makes one feel good, I mean in general.  There have been times when I have listened to my body, practiced self-control, and eliminated things (specifically in this case it was refined sugar) that I found to have an effect on my mental, emotional, and physical well being.  Still, this is a learning process and I haven't mastered that ability completely.  I can say I am able to look back on those times, though, and look at the effects.  For me, my grades and study habits were better.  I wasn't as distracted on eating and satisfying my cravings because they weren't as obvious.  I felt better about myself.  I could think more clearly.  I felt I could eat more at meal times because I was practicing self-control throughout the day.  From personal experience, I can say that sugar is a very addicting substance.  Some people have the self-control to give themselves a treat every so often.  For me, I either can eat it or I can't.  The article brings an interesting point that sparks my attention.  There is so much money to be made off of these processed foods, but we all know it's a difficult process to stop eating these tasty yet damaging foods.  They are ready to grab or seem less expensive, last longer, or whatever.  I'm with y'all there when you say you don't have time to cook, etc.  Yet, we don't see promotion for fruits, vegetables, and so forth quite as much as the different restaurant advertisements (which lets be honest, most of the time doesn't even turn out as appetizing as they make it seem), etc.  One thing I am starting to research are substitutes for the tasty things that we as humans enjoy.  I'll post recipes on the blog after some cooking trials!

Also, here are some healthy plant-based substitutes I found:

http://nutritionstudies.org/plant-based-food-tips-healthy-recipe-substitutions/

Later on.
Going to bed soon, but feelin great.

Dat Foodie Thang

In the past 2-3 years, I've done a few experiments of eliminating refined sugar from my diet.  Every time I do this, I feel amazing after I get past the cravings portion, but it hasn't become my solid way of life.  In my teen years, I never really had a severe eating disorder or anything, but I was always concerned that I wasn't as curvy as other girls or I wasn't as fit.  I did sports and tried to keep in shape, but I'll be straight up when I admit that I love to eat.  Two years ago, I had a health condition that forced me to eliminate all sugars from my diet.  It was really challenging for me, and I probably wouldn't have been as motivated to do it if it weren't for the fact that it was for my health situation.  I remember that by eliminating those sugars, I eventually didn't feel as tired or grumpy.  I felt I had greater control when it came to my diet and mood.  This was something I had always wanted in my teen years.  I'd see other girls who seemed like they could control themselves so well.  This time period only lasted about two months.  The first cookie I ate after my health was better didn't really taste as good as I remembered.  I remember going to bed that night with my heart beating extremely fast.  My guess was that my body wasn't used to processing sugars like it used to or something.  I couldn't sleep as well.  To this day, I definitely have cut back on the amount of refined sugars in my diet, but my goal is to make some lifestyle changes that will make me feel better.
Eating a certain way, for me, is so helpful, but why is it so difficult?  The cost is one thing.  The time and effort needed to put into it is another.  I forget about all the great health effects and the way I feel.  That's why it's so important to remember the reasoning behind goals - for me, I forget and when I forget, I am good for making excuses. I think in my head that one little thing won't hurt me, and in reality, maybe one cookie or one piece of pie won't hurt my body that much, but the fact that I am giving into something is what I find more alarming.  I've learned a bit about different alternatives for recipes that don't contain harmful ingredients.  I've even tested some of them out and have been impressed with the results!
So, I've made a new goal.  I want to make some diet changes.  Nothing unhealthy or completely insane, just eliminate the things that are getting in the way of me feeling good.  I know I'll probably mess up a few days and it might stink for the first bit, but I want to see if blogging my journey will help it be better.  In the end, I know I'll feel better!  I'll post a Day 1 picture below.

Went to the Provo City temple open house with my mummy! 

Best day of the week!

Adult life totally helps me appreciate and understand better why God made respecting the Sabbath Day (Sunday) one of the first commandments.  When I was growing up and before I understood it better, Sabbath Day meant putting on a dress, going to church for 3 hours, no trampoline, tasty family dinner, and no worldly movies.  With time, I've come to appreciate it and the concept of 'God created Sabbath for man, not man for the Sabbath.'
3 hours seems like a long time to be sitting still, and I'll admit, it can be, but it's so worth it!  Let me tell you why.
For starters, I feel like going and listening to the words of my fellow peers and leaders helps me find answers to my prayers.  I know people say that all the time, but it's true!  It's an experience we can't really get in any other way unless we go to church.  It's kind of like a big group of people running a race, except everyone is on the same team.  We can encourage and lift one another.  The words and lessons taught, I've found, remind me that I can do this thing called life, and help those around me too.
I go because I feel God's love for me.  Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, things can be made right again.  We can receive the strength we need.  Everyone is in need of it.  It's the chance to repent and make right the things we've done wrong, and give strength to do that.  This is truly a miracle in itself because who wants to live the rest of their life feeling like poo?  Nobody.  It can help us where we fall short and remind the need we have to rely on Him.
I also feel God's love through people I talk to at church.  Obviously, church is more than just social interaction, but I think that social interaction is important too.  We can be strengthened by one another, remember those people who care about us and we care about them.  Life is hard enough on our own, so we might as well enjoy it with the folks around us and try and help one another!

In the end of the Book of Mormon, the final prophet, Moroni writes his final words, and among these, he talks about the importance of going to the church each week.

"And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and finisher of their faith.
And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one to another concerning the welfare of their souls.
And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus."
-Moroni 6:4-6

A little side experience. I had a good personal experience at church today - lots of good testimonies, the stop bullying mormon message by Uchtdorf where he says to knock it off, but one thing at the end was special to me.  The closing song in Relief Society that we sang was "Be Still My Soul."  I love that song so much, and I remembered the last time I sang it was at my neighbor, Sherri Schloss's funeral.  She was truly an inspiration to everyone she met, and singing that song alone, sort of touched my heart, reminding me of her positive and joyful example.  She was truly a fighter and hero.  Remembering the courage of others also helps me regain mine, and to keep on trying, even if we don't always succeed at first.  The little moments and tender mercies in life remind me that God truly does exist, and is aware of us and the trials we face, whether they be small or big!

Yogi

I've been practicing my yoga more frequently, and now, it's part of my daily routine.  Here's a few of the poses I've learned! It's probably one of my favorite things to do!  Anyone who follows me on instagram or facebook can probably agree...haha

top: Head-Toe scorpion...took for freaking ever to touch!  And plenty of back flexibility exercises...

 Pidgeon pose

Head-stand variation

Valentine's Day Grinch....no longer

Well, it's been for-flipping-ever since the last time I've actually written in my blog.  But, I want to be better about it and start writing more frequently because it really is relaxing. If the right ideas come and all.  As it is Valentine's Day today, I figured it would be appropriate to write about Valentine's Day.
If you have been around me this time of year, you would probably be familiar with my opinion of Valentine's Day.  I loved it as a kid, like pretty much every other kid because of the cool Valentine's with candy and stuff.  So many different varieties of Valentines, from Harry Potter, to homemade, to Star Wars, to Barbie.  Plus, getting candy was always a plus.
After the elementary years stopped, I kinda started to dislike it, and pretty much for the same reasons as everyone else.  It seemed to revolve so much around romance and couples and stuff like that.  I will admit, I had a rather negative attitude towards this holiday until this year.  Even until a week ago, I still was grumbling about how much I really don't like it.
This year, instead of waking up to, "Oh great it's Valentine's Day, pull out my hair" I kind of woke up to, "Hey, maybe this day isn't so bad if I think about the real meaning of it."  I decided to look at it in a different light.  I thought, "What harm is in a day dedicated to remind us of love we have for others, and love others have for us?"  I don't know!  I've changed my mind.  There needs to be a little more love in this world as it is.  So.  From now on, in my books, Valentine's Day is no longer something I will hate.

Hello Spring Break 2015...

Finally done with finals and on to my grandparents for a week!!! I seriously love them and hanging out with them.  Latest update:  I just introduced my grandma to the wonderful world of youtube.  She is sitting next to me watching quilting videos.  So cute!