Book Review: Fearless by Max Lucado

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

Today is the 146th day of the year; there are 219 days left in 2010.

Today is also hump day. How goes it, everyone? How are you doing?



FEARLESS by Max Lucado
Subtitle: Imagine Your Life Without Fear
ISBN: 978-0-8499-4658-5 (IE)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 2009

After moving across the country in Fall 09 and starting a new SP account, I of course had to choose a new SparkName. I had given advance thought to this and had a few names picked out. When those choices were not available and I was scrambling for another idea, like Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire I was inspired by this book's title.

As I peel the layers of my psychological onion on my SparkJourney to get and keep the weight off, and adopt a long-term healthy lifestyle, I have re-discovered some fears, previously buried in sweets, second helpings, fast food, and layers of fat and inactivity. A Fearless Life is an integral part of what I'm working towards as a vital part of a long-term healthy lifestyle, since the above list of methods will no longer be applied.

Excerpt from the book's dust cover:
"We fear being sued, finishing last, going broke, the mole on the back, and the sound of the clock as it ticks us closer to the grave. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word TERROR. Every season seems to bring fresh reasons for fear."

"And it feels dreadful. Fear sucks the life out of the soul, curls us into an embryonic state, and drains us dry of contentment."

"Wouldn't it be great to escape it? Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? According to Jesus, this is possible. The one statement Jesus made more than any other, was "Don't be afraid." Envision the day when you can trust more and fear less. In this book, Max Lucado invites you to consider Jesus' invitation to courage."

MY REVIEW:

This is a well written book, very appropro to today and modern, spanning also points of the past. It also made me laugh outloud unexpectedly, several times.

At the same time as providing humor it did not pull any punches when discussing fear, but tackled the subject head-on. This is NOT a mamby-pamby fluffy book. One of the footnoted quotes is, "ordinary children today are more fearful than psychiatric patients were in the 1950's."

I am new to the writings of Max Lucado, though he is a very prolific and beloved author. His writing style is to incorporate many short word pictures; they are painted throughout the book to illustrate points. In fact the whole book seems to be collections of many small stories that flesh out the theme of fear, different kinds of fear, different responses to fear, how to be free of fear, how to respond in faith to fear, and how to operate with courage during fear. Word pictures are not new to me, but Max's writing style is new to me. It is not my favorite writing style, but it was effective.

After the last chapter I found a discussion guide, which looks fantastic. (I wish I had read the table of contents before starting the book.) Although I did not read it for this purpose, this would be a great book for small groups.

If you are tired of the doom and gloom message of our times and the media, I recommend this book. The scriptures are brought to life.

If you are a Christian who thinks they already know everything Jesus had to say about fear, and that what He said was enough and you don't need to read a book about it, then I especially recommend this book for you in particular, dear one.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WARMSPRINGDAY 5/27/2010 9:08PM

I have enjoyed reading Max Lucado in the past, but have not read any of his books for quite some time. May need to check this one out. Thanks for the recommendation. Report Inappropriate Comment

ASMPP1 5/27/2010 6:17AM

DD has pointed out on several occasions that I need to read books more. She was too young to remember that I used to read lots of books. Report Inappropriate Comment

DEVORA4 5/27/2010 5:30AM

Very good blog and your sister is in my prayers I intend to order the book& I am subscribing to your blogs debby aka devora4 aka the chutspa kid PS thanks for comment on my blog. You got it. Comment edited on: 5/27/2010 5:31:44 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

MICHELLENRGZED 5/26/2010 10:17PM

Max Lucado's an amazing author & I love his style. I always get something out of his books & devotionals. I hadn't heard of this one in particular, though, but it sounds good. I certainly don't claim to know everything Jesus said about fear, that's for sure! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEXTYEAR 5/26/2010 7:30PM

I haven't begun to read all his books. This one sounds interesting. Scriptures brought to life is good anytime. Wurmbrand says there are 365 references to "fear not." Does any other subject tie that? Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 5/26/2010 6:05PM

I love Max Lucado and kind of figured that where you came up with the name. Thanks for sharing. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

NEAT: Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
Today is the 143th day of the year; there are 222 days left.




The Step Diet SparkTeam:
You're invited to join a new team and help it get off the ground, The Step Diet SparkTeam
www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=42456

NEAT: A Key to 'Low Metabolism' - And a Major Factor in Obesity
thyroid.about.com/od/loseweightsucce
ssfully/a/neatmetabolism.htm?p=1

Two quotes from the article that impressed me are:
"Our patients have told us for years that they have low metabolism, and as caregivers, we have never quite understood what that means -- until today," says Dr. Levine. "The answer is they have low NEAT."

"Even after losing weight, the naturally obese group sat more and moved less. And even after gaining weight, the naturally lean group stood, walked and even fidgeted more than the other group."

Fascinating? Oh, yeah. And I'm glad the docs in the story got a clue - at least someone out there now has an inkling of what we live with and go through - the lightbulb has gone on.

However, haven't we heard about low metabolisms, low BMRs, etc all of our lives as overweight people?

You can keep coming up with all the testing, theories, studies, and scientific conclusions you wish. There will be a new study out tomorrow. Next week. Next month. And next year. It's all fancy words that for me can be summed up as:
(1) It's genetic
(2) Regardless of whether it's genetic or not, regardless of whether like me, you tend to the obese side of life, the answer is still the same: Move it, MOVE it, M-O-V-E IT! Get those doggies rolling!!! MOO-OOVE IT!!!

And keep on moving, every day. Every day for the rest of your life. End of story.

Where to start? Join The Step Diet SparkTeam. It has a system for gradually increasing your steps up to 10,000 a day.

Aspartame Freedom Team: www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=31837
Please join my Freedom from Aspartame SparkTeam to help spread the word and help get everyone educated. If you don't want to be active in the team that's fine with me, but we can save lives by having the team icon show on the front page of our SparkPage to help spread the word about the world-wide movement to ban this proven poison and proven cancer agent.



"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ." --Patrick Henry



It is rainy here. This weekend I got a hair cut, gave myself a manicure and pedicure, batchcooked taco ground beef, and batchcooked beans in the crockpot.

I divided the meat into two batches, one with beans added and one with no beans.

The meat without beans I'll use in tacos or situations where there are carbs present in the rest of the meal.

The meat with beans I'll use on the other days, for taco salads, etc. I love homemade taco salads with salsa on top, and this will get me through alot of taco salads for the summer. I froze and labeled the finished product.

I divided the beans into two batches: 1/2 added into the taco meat, and 1/2 plain frozen for future recipes, bean soup, etc.

I also prepped a turkey for roasting today for Sunday dinner, which should smell fantastic when I walk in the door from church. And I prepped chicken enchiladas for Monday's dinner.



"To preserve independence we must not let our rulers load us w/perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty, or, profusion and servitude." --Thomas Jefferson



Monday I have some homework; I'll pick the turkey carcass free of all meat, then throw the bones in a crockpot for homemade turkey vegetable soup on Tuesday. I'll also shred 1/3, cube 1/3, and slice 1/3 of the leftover turkey meat, and freeze it all.

Today I'm revisiting my weekly plan in Franklin Covey Planner, culling all end-of-month coupons, clipping new ones from the Sunday paper, & printing out SP strength training exercises for the week.

Happy Sunday!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WALK__GIRL 5/27/2010 10:56AM

Thanks, love this!!! I have a hard time getting any activity in like when I was younger but with the step diet I can add it slowly.. :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

NELLIEC 5/23/2010 8:47PM

When I was young and skinny, I fidgeted a lot. Then some girl got nervous because of it and told me to quit. I tried, and eventually succeeded. Nowadays, I am teaching myself to fidget again to raise that metabolism! Report Inappropriate Comment

MICHELLENRGZED 5/23/2010 3:05PM

Thanks for this information! :D Report Inappropriate Comment

JANC319 5/23/2010 1:49PM

Report Inappropriate Comment

ASMPP1 5/23/2010 1:29PM

Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

WARMSPRINGDAY 5/23/2010 10:26AM

Very interesting. But I really don't want to fidget. Fidgeting always comes across to me as a lack of calm. My mental faculties right now need calm :-) But I can move more. Good inspiration. Thanks. And I love the way you batch cook. I do some, but need to do more. I batch cook dried beans, but have never cooked them in the crockpot. Do you pre-soak if you cook them in the crockpot? Have a great week, my friend. Comment edited on: 5/23/2010 10:36:16 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 5/23/2010 10:26AM

The taco salads and turkey vegetable soup sound really good. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAY44BLUES 5/23/2010 10:05AM

Wow....wonderful blog...thank you for sharing! Report Inappropriate Comment

PLAYBLUES22 5/23/2010 9:14AM

Just joined your team Report Inappropriate Comment

ANDRINE48 5/23/2010 7:42AM

Thanks for posting the article about NEAT. I am going to try to move more and fidget too. We seem to have some of the same problems, I am also going to join the Step Diet team & the no aspartame one too. I am not following you. lol Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 5/23/2010 7:37AM

Good information. Hope you got some rest. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

BYEPOUNDS 5/23/2010 3:33AM

Hey, you're awake in the middle of the night...I'll join those teams to help you out. Report Inappropriate Comment

Tulips Part 3: Farewell to Tulips

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
Today is the 139th day of the year; there are 226 days left.



What Kind of Life Have YOU Chosen?

Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit . . . we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original. Galatians 5:25-26 MSG



Tulips are over. Dead. Done. At least where I live. Unless you buy them in the grocery store.

So are blooming trees.

I'm ready to say goodbye to tulips, but not the blooming trees.

Here is my "Farewell to Tulips"


African Tulips and Hummingbird























































































The Step Diet SparkTeam:
You're invited to join a new team and help it get off the ground, The Step Diet SparkTeam
www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=42456

Aspartame Freedom Team: www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=31837
Did you know aspartame poisoning is frequently misdiagnosed as neuro / musculo-skeletal / vision problems, Multiple Sclerosis, blindness, thyroid problems and Graves disease, numbness in extremities / neuropathy, to name only a few? Did you know all clinical studies that were independent of the food industry, and independent of the FDA, found problems with aspartame? Did you know aspartame is included in foods without being labeled (it's called natural flavor), & is often mixed with liquid stevia? Did you know it's name is being changed to AminoSweet? Please join my Freedom from Aspartame SparkTeam to help spread the word and help get everyone educated. If you don't want to be active in the team that's fine with me, but we can save lives by having the team icon show on the front page of our SparkPage to help spread the word about the world-wide movement to ban this proven poison and proven cancer agent.



"To preserve independence we must not let our rulers load us w/perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy & liberty, or, profusion & servitude."
--Thomas Jefferson

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
--Patrick Henry

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WARMSPRINGDAY 5/22/2010 5:36AM

Lovely pics. Farewell to tulips, though, will mean hello to other beautiful and beneficial growing things. Think of all the fresh veggies that will be on their way. Report Inappropriate Comment

GGMOM06 5/21/2010 8:07PM

WOW!! LOVE THE PICTURES Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 5/21/2010 10:45AM

I wish I could grow tulips here. The voles eat them all. Report Inappropriate Comment

YW84FRIDAY 5/20/2010 9:48PM

Thanks for the beautiful photos. I really enjoyed them. Report Inappropriate Comment

ASMPP1 5/20/2010 1:41PM

The tulip festival started out with them, then ended up with just stems by the end according to some who went for the weekend. They had the wooden shoe dancing to break a world record this year. I believe the record was broken. This was held the second weekend in May. Report Inappropriate Comment

WINDMILL5 5/19/2010 10:28PM

i love tulips. i have never seen fields of them. these are gorgeous pics. thanks for sharring. Report Inappropriate Comment

JAVALOVERTOO 5/19/2010 8:01PM

Oh my gosh! I love your photos. I miss the fields of tulips! Where I live I get excited when the weeds by the side of the road flower. Enjoy your flowers while they are there and look forward to them next year. Report Inappropriate Comment

NELLIEC 5/19/2010 7:52PM

I got one of those frilly tulips a few days ago as I left my local Wally world. I've been admiring it! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 5/19/2010 6:37PM

I do believe the woman loves tulips. I do too. This year I am planting some bulbs so I can have them next spring. Beautiful share. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

MICHELLENRGZED 5/19/2010 5:22PM

My favourite is #33, a solo that looks ragged - even though I know it's just the way that kind of tulip is - & it's leaning to the right. It looks windblown & absolutely gorgeous. :) We still have some blossoms here, but, yeah, ours are pretty well all gone as well. Thanks for this pictorial tribute to tulips! :D Comment edited on: 5/19/2010 5:23:38 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

Rice Cooker: Black and Decker Handy Steamer

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
Today is the 138th day of the year; there are 227 days left.



This is a funny story I'm telling on myself.


I found some frozen stir fry veggies in my freezer. So tonight I started cutting up some beef and getting ready for tomorrow's healthy dinner - prepping the night before is a healthy habit I'm working on. I didn't want to cook brown rice in the oven because I didn't want to heat up the house, and I didn't want to babysit it on the stove top. White rice is easy with the French method - turn it off and don't touch for 20 mins, it comes out perfect. Brown rice is a dif animal, and takes longer, and I don't have the hang of it. I buy regular, unprocessed rice - not parboiled, instant, Minute, or Success rice.

I decided to use the rice steamer I have that is 20 years old that looks like new because I never use it, to see if it should be decluttered. It could be useful for steaming veggies, fish, and chicken, in addition to making rice. And as an electric appliance it is good in a room-rental situation where you don't have a stove, which I might be in in the near future.

So I put together the rice steamer parts and could not remember how to use it. Is the steam in the bottom what steams the rice?, I wondered.

I have no idea where the manual is.

After I filled the base to the Hi water line (just in case), and turned it on, I put a cup of brown rice in the plastic part labeled Rice Bowl (thank you!). Then I started having misgivings. So I decided I'd better try to find "how to use a rice cooker" instructions, before I melted the components or blew something up.


I entered it in a search engine, and a website How Stuff Works came up, but it didn't apply to my rice cooker. So I entered "Black and Decker rice cooker", and lo and behold, owners manuals came up - for free!, on the Black & Decker site. Also I did not know the company is based in my state of Maryland; fun trivia. Here's the one that has one bell and whistle mine doesn't have but other than that is very similar: useandcaremanuals.com/pdf/HS80035.pd
f

I learned: eh-hem you are supposed to remove the drip tray when you are cooking rice in the rice bowl. And yes you add water WITH the rice IN the rice bowl, no the steam doesn't cook it alone without added water!


So when you cook it on the stovetop it's generally 1:2 ratio of rice to water, so I added two cups of water to the rice bowl. I did this quickly. Before there were unwanted consequences to running dry.

Too quickly, as I'm now holding a bag of frozen peas against a steam burn.

At least it's a small burn.

Then I re-read the manual more slowly, and found all the warnings about the steam, and also found the recipe page that says you use much less water than 1:2 (because of all the steam coming up from the bottom).

Ooops.

So after removing some of the 2 cups of water I'd added, with a long-handled ladle to avoid new steam burns, I stirred it and let it work it's magic.

The timer dinged, and it turned itself off (thank you!). As an older model I wasn't sure if my timer was connected to auto-off, or, was it just a timer.

When I checked on the rice I was very happy with the result, especially for guesstimating the amount of water I ladled out of it, and especially opening it up 3 times during the process when it should have not been opened at all. It is the easiest brown rice I have ever made, it is hands-free just like a crockpot (I love that feature!), plus has auto-off which I appreciate for safety reasons, and is much much better than stove top or oven.

Now that I have the manual and the know-how, I'll use it much more often. Yep it's a keeper!


RE: Yesterday's Blog Review of Green Giant Brussels Sprouts in Butter Sauce, 10 oz Pkg, Frozen

In addition to yesterday's review, I also belatedly thought to read the pkg (I am not used to reading labels as a habit because I started cooking from scratch a few years ago, and generally my rule is if it has a label I don't buy it) and I noticed one small pkg contained 7.5 g sugar and 800mg salt.

I think I'm writing Green Giant. If more of us did, things would change. I don't understand what Green Giant is thinking, as a company, or what their purpose is. If you're going to add to something, or modify it, then improve it by doing so; don't ruin it by doing so! ??? I just don't get it. Whatever it is that they were attempting to do with this product, well - they failed.

When these were on sale, only the "with sauce" ones were on sale, the plain without sauce were NOT on sale; and the coupon was only good for "with sauce" veggies. Now I know why. Unless I was starving I would not take these again, even if they were free. Much less pay for them, or waste time to clip coups for them. It's amazing all that we learn while we're on our Spark Journeys, isn't it?


The Step Diet SparkTeam:
You're invited to join a new team and help it get off the ground, The Step Diet SparkTeam
www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=42456

Aspartame Freedom Team: www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=31837
Did you know aspartame poisoning is frequently misdiagnosed as neuro / musculo-skeletal / vision problems, Multiple Sclerosis, blindness, thyroid problems and Graves disease, numbness in extremities / neuropathy, to name only a few? Did you know all clinical studies that were independent of the food industry, and independent of the FDA, found problems with aspartame? Did you know aspartame is included in foods without being labeled (it's called natural flavor), and is often mixed with liquid stevia? Did you know it's name is being changed to AminoSweet? Please join my Freedom from Aspartame SparkTeam to help spread the word and help get everyone educated. If you don't want to be active in the team that's fine with me, but we can save lives by having the team icon show on the front page of our SparkPage to help spread the word about the world-wide movement to ban this proven poison and proven cancer agent.



"To preserve independence we must not let our rulers load us w/perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy & liberty, or, profusion & servitude."
--Thomas Jefferson

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
--Patrick Henry

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ILLINITEACHER52 5/19/2010 6:56AM

I like my steamer and also have used it for vegetables and quinoa. (not together). I'm glad it all turned out well. Report Inappropriate Comment

ASMPP1 5/19/2010 6:27AM

A learning experience for sure! Report Inappropriate Comment

WARMSPRINGDAY 5/18/2010 3:49PM

I use brown rice, too. I have cooked it all sorts of ways - stove top, baked (my favorite way if I have something else in the oven), and crockpot. The crockpot makes wonderful brown rice. If I am in a hurry for it, I pre-heat the water, and I use about 2 1/4 cups to 2 1/2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice. Usually I batch cook 2 cups of brown rice and freeze for several meals. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 5/18/2010 2:32PM

Manual, what manual? (smiling) I've been known to never read one, so I know what can happen as a result. Wishing you a wonderful day. Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 5/18/2010 10:16AM

I am so sorry about the burn. I sometimes do the same thing and pay the consequences. I'm always in a hurry. LOL. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 5/18/2010 6:55AM

I bake my rice (most perfect rice ever) and also oven roast my veggies. Have a great day. If you would like my Baked Rice recipe, let me know. I will definitely share. Suny Report Inappropriate Comment

Weekend & New Step Diet Team

Monday, May 17, 2010

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
Today is the 137th day of the year; there are 228 days left.





I looked for The Step Diet book at the Borders nearest me this weekend, and they didn't have it in stock. I don't want to order online. Library and another bookstore are next. I will probably read it and take notes without checking it out. I'm a fast reader.



Turkey tip: check your neighborhood grocery store, if they have unsold frozen turkeys from Easter their expiry dates might be getting close, and if so they are on sale, unadvertised. I got a Kosher turkey last weekend, normally $2.49lb, for $ .49lb. This weekend I saw more turkeys for 49 and 69 cents / lb. I don't have any freezer room or I'd buy another one (I just have the freezer on top of my fridge available, which is mostly full of veggies).



Good buys I scored this weekend:
fresh blackberries $ .99
Furmano's 29oz canned tomatoes net price after coupon $ .66
2% sharp cheddar cheese, 8 oz for $ .99
lean beef $1.98lb
ground beef $1.59lb
canned solid albacore $ .79
whole wheat tortillas 15oz pkg $1.00



This weekend I made homemade chocolate chip cookies with walnuts for the first time in about ten years, which was very fun and I really enjoyed baking again. I also enjoyed eating a few of them as part of the No S Diet, also enjoyed giving them away to several people, also enjoyed taking some of the batter to a friend's house and baking them there. The No S Diet has cured my food addiction compulsion, so I did not eat too many. I also ate out at Chipotle. Had a burrito bowl with chips and guacamole. Add lots of fresh lemon, Tabasco Chipotle sauce, and I drank water with lemon. Yum yum yum.




With all of it I adhered to the No S Diet plan (for more info on the No S Diet, navigate to the Team icon on my page and click on it). I have to admit I had a little trepidation about weighing after cookies and Chipotle's, but was delighted that I am down 2.5lbs, thanks to the No S Diet. As always I'll wait to move my tracker until I'm sure it's real weight loss.



Weekend Review of Green Giant Brussels Sprouts in Butter Sauce, 10 oz Frozen

I love Brussels sprouts either fresh or frozen, and eat them regularly cooked with olive oil or butter, plus balsamic vinegar, and seasonings to taste.

I normally don't buy things with sauces. These were an experiment I had in the freezer because they were on sale for less than a dollar, plus I had a coupon that the store doubled. After taste-testing them plain as prepared, I then added balsamic as usual.

Verdict: It was shocking and appalling how awful they were; they were not fixable and I threw them away. Might this (and overcooking) be the reason some people hate Brussels sprouts? Prior to this I never met a Brussels sprout I didn't like. Though typical of prepared, packaged, adulterated foods with multiple ingredients, it's still disappointing especially for a respected name brand. I do a much much better job on my own, cooking fresh from scratch, or cooking from frozen single-ingredient foods.



Today I have a food plan, exercise plan, job hunting plan, and errands to run. I defrosted some things yesterday to be cooked today; since I didn't cook this weekend I have double duty to get done today.

Good news I heard last week: the 3rd of the three Navy Seals, McCabe (sp?), was acquitted on those trumped up charges. Our US Special Forces are under attack, please keep them in prayer and remember former Army Ranger Michael Behenna, please write to him in Leavenworth, his picture and the website are in my photo gallery.


The Step Diet SparkTeam:
You're invited to join a new team and help it get off the ground, The Step Diet SparkTeam
www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=42456

The Freedom from Aspartame SparkTeam:
Aspartame Freedom Team: www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=31837
Did you know aspartame poisoning is frequently misdiagnosed as neuro / musculo-skeletal / vision problems, Multiple Sclerosis, blindness, thyroid problems and Graves disease, numbness in extremities / neuropathy, to name only a few? Did you know all clinical studies that were independent of the food industry, and independent of the FDA, found problems with aspartame? Did you know aspartame is included in foods without being labeled (it's called natural flavor), and is often mixed with liquid stevia? Did you know it's name is being changed to AminoSweet? Please join my Freedom from Aspartame SparkTeam to help spread the word and help get everyone educated. If you don't want to be active in the team that's fine with me, but we can save lives by having the team icon show on the front page of our SparkPage to help spread the word about the world-wide movement to ban this proven poison and proven cancer agent.



"To preserve independence we must not let our rulers load us w/perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy & liberty, or, profusion & servitude."
--Thomas Jefferson

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
--Patrick Henry

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WARMSPRINGDAY 5/17/2010 2:54PM

You are a good shopper. I try to be, but so many times, the stores that have good sales are far away and far apart and I think I will spend in gas what I save in groceries. You are fortunate if you have lots of stores close by. I try to shop smart, shopping the specials at our local grocery, then stocking up on low salt items at a Martins that is 20 miles away every few months (when some of the things are on sale) and stocking up on some constants at Wal Mart once a month or every two months. Our closest Wal Mart is 2o miles away. I don't really like Wal Mart, but the wallet cries the loudest; so if it is cheaper there, I get it. I am fortunate to have lots of storage space both pantry wise and freezer wise, so I can stock up pretty well when things are on sale. We also have a local Fruit Market only a mile away that specializes in fruits and vegetables. It is not a Farmer's Market, it is a store; but they have trucks that ship from all over the country and supply the local stores as well. Fresh fruits and vegetables are usually a bit cheaper there than other places. Plus, I try to watch their reduced bin for things I can use right away - broccoli, spinach, peppers, mushrooms, eggplant, radishes, romaine hearts, etc. Since you seem to like to cook, let me tell you a great way I have found to fix romaine hearts. You only want the heart for this, use the very outer leaves for salad or sandwiches. Either brush with oil, or spray with cooking spray. Then either grill, broil, place in George Foreman type grill, or place in very hot skillet for 1 or 2 minutes on each side, just enough to start wilting. I season with Mrs. Dash, but you could season to taste. We love this! Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. This is what I use the romaine hearts from the reduced bin for. Congrats on the weight loss. So delighted you have found something that works for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

MICHELLENRGZED 5/17/2010 1:21PM

Thank-you for these! :) Oh, I did click on the links, but the one for the "Freedom From Aspartame" link isn't the right one for the team. That's just a basic link that shows in the address bar for every team. Although it might just be that you're missing the very last part of the address. Just letting you know this, although I did just go to your page & find the team logo & link there. I'm going to join up! I can't stand Aspartame & don't like what it does to me or to anyone's system. Thanks for starting the team with Tlestrogen. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

BOBBIENORTHERN 5/17/2010 10:02AM

I have been led of Holy Spirit in this direction and your blog is a confirmation for me because I am so active and do so much beside straight exercise. I do exercise every morning first thing as soon as I get out of bed. Then everything else that I do is icing on the cake, so to speak. So your blog and your words have helped me to know that I am on the right path to losing the rest of my weight without getting obsessed about it. I can live my life and enjoy it on the way to my finish line and my goal. Thank you so much for sharing your revelation and insight and knowledge in all these important matters to do with controlling what we put in our mouths and how active we are with our bodies. We are what we eat and we can enjoy our food without over doing it and being in control of our lives. Your just a great sparkpeople person, buddy. I dont want to be joining too many teams once again. But I think I will join this new one. Report Inappropriate Comment

PLAYBLUES22 5/17/2010 7:46AM

BLOG !!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 5/17/2010 7:00AM

You could probably sum up the new diet in 4 words. Eat Less, Step More..... Have a day. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment