SLEEP-less (Originally posted 6/1/2014)

So. Here I am again… WIDE AWAKE!

I had been trying to sleep for the past 3 hours, so I got up and followed my “can’t sleep, need at least ‘X’ hours for ‘Y’ tomorrow” routine (where X is however many hours of sleep I will need to function and Y is whatever event I have to be alert for)

I went into the kitchen to make some chamomile tea along with some of the raw honey I just bought - expensive but I'm willing to guess worth it. I figure I’d kill 2 birds with one stone (No birds ..or stones.. were harmed, I promise!).  The label claimed it helps with allergies and coughing so I was hopeful the allergy or cold would soon leave my chest and throat.

I chopped the remainder of the red onion from the fridge and put the chopped pieces in a little container – I’ll be happy when I make my morning omelet. Maybe I can actually shave off a few minutes from chopping as I cook tomorrow - or today as the case may be? 

I thought about chopping up other ingredients but the tea was ready and the intent was to become sleepy enough for lasting sleep.  At least I have the red onion done; I use that in a lot of recipes.

When I experience times like these, my natural tendency is to try to figure out ‘what is keeping me awake.’ It is the analyst in me. I'm also a logical thinker who tries (without a second thought) to come up with solutions to challenges.. This time, the pain was worse than usual and any position I chose was not comfortable.  Then there were the many things rolling around in my brain which still need doing or finishing. There was also the new pain that presented itself tonight. I also wondered if my cutting out processed foods could have had anything to do with this.  Then going with that last one, I tried to count the number of weeks since I had started trying to move toward clean eating. I guessed about 4, maybe a little more.  So I dismissed that.  After all it takes you 21 days to create a new habit; right? 1 month was on average 30 days. That’s over 21... 

Hmm.  No dice..still awake.  Hmm.  Back to square one.  Maybe I can find something else to chop.

Teri

Progress!! (Originally posted 6/2/2014)

Progress is progress! Sleep comes easier for many -including myself- with an increase in exercise, so that's the plan. I have a few things on my mind as well today as far as incorporating grass-fed/Finished Beef into my daily intake. Does anyone have suggestion on brand? I've seen Grass Fed Beef at places like Wegman's and BJ's Wholesale Club but I will have to check on if it is Grass finished as well.  I love research!

So this morning, after some much needed coffee and coconut milk (great alternative for creamer), red onion (yes, the ones from the chopping session), & Aldi's Simply Nature Uncured ham omelet, I had some greatly appreciated Quiet Time in my favorite spot on my living room couch.  (btw, now at Aldi - at least on the Eastern coast of the US -, pay $4.99 for 16 oz jar of Organic Virgin unrefined Coconut Oil!!)

For a few weeks, now, I have been contemplating the idea of eating beef again. For me it is health reasons. A few weeks may seem like a bit too long to some, but I like to take my time when introducing new foods to my daily intake regimen, especially beef.  Prior to this past Memorial Day, I had pretty much stayed away from all red meat - mostly due to the smell of it in raw state but also due to the pesticides, hormones, and diseases I'd heard about in milk and beef production and finished products. I have allergies to Cow milk anyway - organic or not. So I completely cut that out of my daily intake in all forms - no cows.  Until, like I said several weeks ago, I stumbled upon a Blog, that it even occurred to me that there just may be another way into eating red meat again with all of its nutrients and health benefits. I am pretty convinced about the Grass-fed and finished beef now.  I see Wegman's has a nice selection on Grass Fed beef (and hopefully finished with grass as well) and I believe I saw some at BJ's Wholesale.  Now I've just got to budget this in.

Clean eating is fairly new to me.  I was introduced to it a few months ago more fully and at that time had started to incorporate little changes to my daily intake.  I do not believe in DIEts, not anymore that is. One of my favorite blogs also mentions this and although I've heard it for years, I'd have to give credit to Nick Pineault for really drilling the idea home. I do believe in lifestyle and eating changes, call it a diet if you like but to me, as my readings and understanding has led me to understand them, Diets start with the word "die" and I want to create a positive change, and not invite any negative subliminal or subconscious thinking into my healthy changes. There that's my 2 cents on that topic...

Please share your comments and don't forget to subscribe below.  What are your experiences with coupons? Do you use them?

Thanks and Be Blessed!

Teri