New Beginnings

In late August of this year, I went to pre-op to have my tonsils removed.  Instead, I ended up in the emergency room and eventually ICU due to malignant high blood pressure.  After a week in the hospital (and still having my tonsils), I found myself weak, on a lot of new medication, and concerned about my BP, my health, and my blood sugar (which presented high in the hospital).

After some research, I made an appointment with a nutritionist and trainer to get a little extra guidance.  My first appointment with Debbie was helpful.  A lot of the same information I have been slowly been implementing into my diet she also holds true, along with a Christian philosophy.  But I only had wishful thinking about going gluten free, dairy free, grain free, and sugar free by myself.  But with someone to guide me, tell me exactly what to eat, check in on me, and adjust my programming based on my responses and her expertise I think I can do it.  I have to.  I don't want to be on mega-medications forever.  And I truly believe I am too young to be on a bad path already.

So, I met with Debbie on Friday, bought a house on Saturday, and prepped food on Sunday.  Monday, I begin this new journey.

I'm basically starting with some extra supplements and going sugar free, grain free, and dairy free.  Whew!  It seems overwhelming when I think about what I have to cut out.  However, it seems easier when I focus on what I *can* eat.

I started with the extra supplements tonight and a tablespoon of flax seed oil straight from the bottle.  That was a trip!  I have a flavored version, so it definitely tastes better than plain.  But, I still knew what was on the spoon.

I'm hoping tomorrow goes okay!  I have planned out my meals, meds, supplements, testing schedules for BP and BS, water intake, and walking schedule.  It sure seems like a lot!  But I know that if I don't take the time to write it out and then mark of my list, I won't follow through.  I pampered myself by starting a new handwritten pretty journal today to do all of this.  Never underestimate the power of a beautiful journal.

Shopping Trip!

I haven't blogged in a while, and I'm going to get back in the swing.  This is mainly going to be to keep me accountable (because honestly, who wants to post that they ate at McDonald's three mornings this week).

Today, I went grocery shopping with a dream in my heart that I won't eat out this week.  This goal is for my health, my weight loss goals, and my pocketbook.  The only budget item I consistently bust every month, by a lot of moolah, is eating out.  UGH.  Just so tempting because it can be a time saver.

So, I wanted to post what I bought at the store today.  I'm currently budgeting $225/month for groceries, which is quite generous.  I did that in hopes of being able to buy organic for dirty dozen items, farm eggs, buying quality grass-fed milk (raw when I can pick it up), and grass-fed meats.  All of this is, let's face it, expensive!  The eggs, especially.  What are conventional eggs at the store, like $1.50 a dozen?  Mine cost at least about $4.50.

I would love some tips from other consumers or ideas for recipes with what I bought!  If you have a better source for getting what I get, let me know. :)

Saturday 5/11/13 Shopping Trip:

[Dierberg's]
*Daisy Sour Cream - $2.19
*Simply Lemonade - $2.79
*Shredded Parmesan Cheese - $2.50 (sale)
*1 lb. baby carrots - $1.99
*2.49 lb. Fresh Broccoli Crowns - $2.49 (sale)
*1 head Cauliflower - $2.50 (sale)
*Organic Ranch Veggie Dip - $3.99
*Organic Strawberries - $6.00 (sale, 2 quarts)

[Trader Joe's]
*Fruit Frenzy Frozen Bars (oh, impulse buy!) - $1.99
*Whole, peeled garlic cloves - $1.99
*2 bags Organic Fruit Berry Medley - $6.98
*2 bags Organic Vegetable Foursome - $3.38
*Organic Whole Milk Vanilla Yogurt - $2.99
*2 Kerrygold butter - $5.98
*3 pkg. Organic Chicken Drumsticks - $10.28 (sale, $1.99 lb.)

[Whole Foods]
*1 bottle Kombucha (experimenting...) - $3.69
*Organic Strawberries (before I knew they were on sale at Dierbergs, boo) - $4.99
*Organic Fuji Applies - $5.98
*Organic Celery - $3.01
*Organic red Leaf Lettuce - $2.92 (sale)
*Grass-Fed Organic Milk - $4.99 (overpriced, but worth a try)
*Naturally Fermented Red Cabbage Sauerkraut - $5.69 (experimenting...)

[Vaccaro's] - (local produce stand)
*3 sweet potatoes
*3 yellow onions
*4 oranges
*4 lemons
*5 avocados
*3 slicing tomatoes
***Total: $11.36

Other things to note...I have some meat in my freezer that I need to use up.  In fact, I have a lot of stuff in my freezer that I want to use up.  So, I didn't plan on buying those drumsticks today, but they were on a decent sale.  So, I stocked up a little bit.  I realize I got screwed on the organic strawberries at Whole Foods, but now I know they are on sale at Dierbergs.  Now, I need to meal plan and decide what I'm going to do with all this stuff.  I feel like I bought tons of produce, which is good, but also a challenge.  And, yes, I'm working backwards this week.  I shopped before I meal planned.  BAD Mary, BAD.  However, I'll work it out! :)

What do you think?  What essentials am I missing from my list?  What can I make with all this?