The Protein-Sparing Modified Fast Method

Since my husband passed in February 2018, the world has been anything but ordinary. And without the rhythm I was accustomed to, things began to feel disconnected.

As you can imagine, my low-carb lifestyle took a hit as well. Emotions play a significant role in how our bodies function, especially if one's body is battle-weary.

I met author Maria Emmerich many years ago at a Boise book signing. I have featured many of her books on Everlovin' Low Carb. On a solid foundation of low-carb and keto, Maria consistently offers inspiration for managing the ruts we get stuck in.

PSMF, or a Protein-Sparing Modified Fast, is another tool to keep our bodies on course. I have experienced how too much healthy fat on a low-carb diet can slow progress. According to the back cover of The Protein-Sparing Modified Fast Method, PSMF provides "enough protein to sustain lean mass while keeping fat and carb intake low so that weight loss can be achieved. It's an incredibly effective way to break a stall. It also improves insulin resistance, making your body more efficient at utilizing the energy you take in."

So, here we are, three days past Thanksgiving, and I'm grabbing my survival tools. I test-drove this PSMF plan, and my weight immediately began to drop! With recipes such as Salmon Jerky, Broiled Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Sauce, Protein Sparing Bread, Baked Pork Tenderloins, and Chocolate Breakfast Pudding, boredom is not an option.

Maria's book can be purchased HERE.

Smiles,

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The Carnivore Cookbook

Remember how iconic—or should I say "eye-conic"—the appearance of 2020 promised to be? As a Christian, I thought my widowhood was positioned for an overhaul. You know, more direction and purpose, greater insights into my future. Well, my eyes were opened alright, but not in the way I expected. God made me take a good look at this topsy-turvy world, not just skimming through the pages but seeing fine print. I'm not going to dig into that here but know that I will never be the same.

I had loads of sedentary and solitary time. I went through people-person withdrawal. I survived the shut-down, furlough, starting a new job, and catching the Big "C" while wearing a mask. Recreation was nonexistent as I sadly watched my favorite hangouts close permanently.

That "new job" ended up being a disappointment. Hence, I am currently searching for another paid adventure and, this time, it isn't happening so fast.

My low-carb/keto lifestyle may have taken a long walk on a short dock, but with my youngest son's May wedding, I'm grabbing hold of a life preserver.

Originally, my success of low-carb/keto lasted for 3 years with a gradual weight loss of 41 pounds. After my husband's passing, stress-induced cortisol waged war. Regrettably, I began to falter. This time, I plan to use my palm to gauge portions, and intermittent fasting will be a powerful tool. Although I love what healthy fats lend to a meal, I will cut back so my body will concentrate on my fat reserves.

This brings me to The Carnivore Cookbook by Maria and Craig Emmerich. There is much controversy regarding meat-eating, especially from those who choose a vegan diet. I've always struggled with a non-meat viewpoint because humans are a part of the food chain. I have stated that I'll stop eating meat once the animal kingdom removes me from their menu. And, the Bible makes it clear that God condoned the use of animal protein.

Many Native American tribes in Idaho ate berries, nuts, seeds, roots, and grazing animals. Meat contains the nutrients of the vegetation the animal consumes, which transfers to our own health and being.

Maria does a fine job addressing the opposition by discussing blood sugar spikes and other myths about meat. She also identifies unhealthy chemicals in specific plants. As with all of Maria's books, reference materials are diagramed clearly.

Let's take a look at some of the scrumptious fare offered in this book!

• Fried Goat Cheese Ravioli (prosciutto replaces the pasta)
• Meat Lollipops
• Breakfast Pie
• Salmon French Eggs
• Bacon Cheeseburger Scrambled Eggs
• Beef Pemmican
• Chicken Confit
• Sous Vide Pork Chop
• Creamy Parmesan Beef Tips
• Grilled Lamb Kofta
• Easy Carnivore Hollandaise Sauce (and several other sauces)
• Breakfast Kebabs
• Carnivore Mozzarella Sticks
• Meatballs (made without breadcrumbs)

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Keto Air Fryer | Maria Emmerich

Anyone familiar with keto understands that it encompasses higher healthy fat, moderate protein, and low-carb foods. Perhaps you reacted as I did when I saw "keto" and "air fryer" partnered together. After all, air fryers use minimal fat. So, how would this be beneficial?

First, I need to be transparent. Due to significant and emotional life-changes, it was necessary to relaunch my keto lifestyle. One of my epiphanies was that I was consuming too much fat. 

One of the truths Maria Emmerich shares in Keto Air Fryer is this: 

But it's a common misconception that you need to eat a ton of fat on keto. If your body is already "high fat," your diet doesn't need to be.

I was using healthy fat to keep hunger cravings at bay. And, the stress of becoming a widow caused my cortisol levels to escalate. It was time to tweak.

Happily, Maria's recipes capitalize on healthy fat consumption without overdoing it.

Having never used an Air Fryer, I invested in the model that Maria suggested, which is the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer with Light. Being single, I need faster food solutions when I return from work. I don't want to devote my entire evening to cooking and cleanup.

My first recipe was Maria's "Simple Scallops." I am a seafood lover, and this recipe was insanely simple! I was eating this delicious meal within minutes. Plus, the beauty of her recipes is that the ingredients often involve items that I already have on hand.

Keto Air Fryer includes these recipes:

• Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Mayo
• Marinated Turmeric Cauliflower Steaks
• Perfect Zoodles
• Burrata-Stuffed Tomatoes
• Crispy Brussels Sprouts
• Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
• Doro Wat Wings
• Keto Danish
• The Best Keto Quiche
• Meritage Eggs
• Easy Bacon
• Chicken Cordon Blue Meatballs
• Chicken Kiev
• Dry Rub Baby Back Ribs

STAY TUNED! I WILL BE GIVING AWAY

A "KETO AIR FRYER" COOKBOOK IN FEBRUARY!

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Eureka!

I decorated for fall on August 8, 2019. Our Idaho winters tend to upstage autumn, so I went on the offense. I started early. Not only was that day the 1½ year anniversary of Barry's passing, but the temperature had dropped significantly. Leaves had begun to yellow.

I adore all-things-pumpkin; however, I have been less than enamored by some of the keto options out there. Nonetheless, this creamer has me dazzled! There are so many options. Mostly, I have been pouring Tejava tea over ice and adding this delicious Maple Pumpkin Super Creamer over the top.

Amazon lists the following plusses: 

DELICIOUS: It's rich and full of flavor without making you feel slow and bogged down.
ENERGY BOOSTING: Healthy fuel for morning workouts and focused energy for those late nights in the library.

NUTRITIOUS: 3 grams of protein and 5 grams of healthy fat from MCT Oil in every serving.

VERSATILE: Whether you are making a flat white, cortado, matcha latte, or putting it in decaf, Super Creamer is the perfect pairing for all beverages, hot and cold.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT.

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Ghee Whiz!

4th & Heart
"Chocti Chocolate Ghee Spread, Coffee Guarana"

I used to hide jars of Nutella in my home like it was an essential emergency kit. When I needed a chocolate fix, this spread was my go-to. (My mom used to hide chocolate, too. I was a sleuth at finding her stash.) I eventually shared my treasured Nutella with my appreciative daughter, Briana.

One of the hardest things about becoming ketogenic was limiting my Nutella intake to occasional teaspoons-full. Nutella has 11 grams of carbs per tablespoon, and palm oil makes a significant contribution to that beautiful silky texture. Sadly, in the ketogenic community, palm oil is not considered a healthy fat.

Speaking of healthy fats, ghee has become a favorite fat component in my diet, and 4th & Heart is a prime resource! They share the following on their website:

Ghee is a healthier, more versatile, great tasting better butter. To make our line of Fourth & Heart ghee butters, we source the best milk from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows in New Zealand to make the purest, most delicious ghee possible. In addition to Original unflavored ghee, we offer a variety of mouthwatering flavors, including Original, California Garlic, Himalayan Pink Salt, and Madagascar Vanilla Bean. Sauté, sear, spread, and enjoy.

Not only have they added Turmeric to their flavors, but they now carry Chocti! Sweetened with date syrup and utilizing ghee as a healthier fat, Chocti is fulfilling longings. It is smooth and satisfying. The total carbs per tablespoon are 10 grams but with a better-for-you vibe. 4th & Heart shares this:

“Chocti” comes from the Sanskrit word shakti, meaning change and empowerment. Chocti honors those roots by empowering choice and facilitating change by offering a healthier alternative to ordinary, everyday chocolate spreads. Carefully crafted from cacao, dates, and our Madagascar vanilla bean.

"Chocti Chocolate Ghee Spread, Coffee Guarana" is the flavor I am presently enjoying. The date syrup adds a unique taste. Of course "coffee" is a no-brainer. The ghee satisfies me, so I seldom want more than a tablespoon's worth.

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Macaroons

Ketonia Keto Coconut Macaroons

Like you, I have tried many of the keto products out there that are advertised as a viable substitution for the "carby" comfort foods that I have given up. I wish my face could be filmed each time I take that long-awaited bite of something new. Most of the time, I display disappointment or disapproval.

I am realistic that the foods that took a lifetime to become attracted to don't always have an equal replacement. Mostly, the sweetness doesn't taste exactly like sugar, or the texture is off. (I have yet to discover a keto biscuit that mimics the flakey, butter-collecting crevices of the real thing.) Happily, the longer I have pursued a ketogenic lifestyle, I have acclimated to a new set of ingredients.

I just ordered these Ketonia Keto Coconut Macaroons with high hopes. One of my all-time favorite desserts is coconut macaroons. These Ketonia macaroons are made with healthy fats, no sugar or fillers, and they are gluten-free. Founded by a French pastry chef and her son, I have a good feeling about this product. I will keep you posted.

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Timing

Riding on the tracks of my last post (scroll down to "Change"), I received a phone call at 8:00 this morning. It was from my eyecare specialist. They have offered me a front desk job! My commute will be less than 10 miles away, 18 minutes from home, and ⅓ the distance of my former workplace. 

My starting wage is a few cents less than what I was earning at my last workplace, but I won't be filling up my tank 2 times a week to trek to Boise! The office is located directly off of the Interstate. I go in to observe for 2 hours this week, and I start on Monday!

The timing is even better because I am also beginning another 7-Week Keto Fast to redeem what my last job tried to steal from me. 

Gratefully,

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Change

We are all familiar with the phrase "hang it up," which basically means "to quit." Interestingly, the word "change" embodies the word "hang," and frequently, change can't happen without quitting something. 

Nothing in this world would exist without change. Heraclitus was quoted as saying, "Change is the only constant in life.” Do we always welcome change? Heck no! Many people deny it, some overreact to it, while others choose to be proactive and positive.

I never dreamed that, at 61 years of age, I would be living alone. Barry passed away 1½ years ago as of August 8, 2019. I have since become an empty-nester. My previous Kia Soul, MamaKia, was totaled and MiaKia has taken her place. Change is ongoing. 

I recently quit my job. I was dealing with passive-aggressive leadership and was wary of the time it took to daily rebuild my self-esteem. Toxic spills were becoming too familiar. I continued my ketogenic lifestyle, but stress and cortisol were undermining my success with losing 41 pounds.

Quitting often gets a bad rap, but I took a jumbo-jump of faith into the unknown. Remarkably, I was rewarded with instant peace. Change is a way of honoring ourselves.

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Still Standing My Ground

Cream Cheese and Bacon Mushrooms
Orchard House, Caldwell, ID

Stress is still a nemesis in my life. Work pressures have escalated, and I was in a car accident 2 Thursdays ago. I have not received a definite answer as to whether MamaKia will be fixed or totaled. In the meantime, I am tweaking my low-carb regime and exploring vocational options that are closer to home.

It is frustrating to have experienced something that worked beautifully only to have it shipwreck in a crisis—and not because I stopped doing what I knew to do. The best news is that my weight is headed in the right direction again, even when the scale gets stuck on one number for a series of days.

I have not signed up for deprivation. Except for an occasional reset through intermittent fasting, I am still enjoying the adventurous low-carb fare.

I spent my Sunday afternoon in the Caldwell vineyard country. The Orchard House patio offered a pleasant mix of shade, breeze, and sunshine. Music from the ’70s had me oscillating in my chair. There was even a Conversation Jar should I get tired of talking to myself.

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Me-TLC

Rarely are my food adventures visually unexciting. That's part of the fun, isn't it? Even at home, dining by myself, I endeavor to keep things interesting. I always know when it's time for some Me-TLC.

Thai Food has been a recurring theme lately. Also, appetizers served in lettuce wraps have been ultra satisfying.

Salads have taken on new meaning by adding a fried egg. This adds a new dimension, and I find that different dressings transform each dining experience.

Any bunless burger is fun, but I find this Swiss and Mushroom burger to be delectable!

When it's time to Thai one on, does it get prettier than this?

Traditional Phở can go noodle-less. I find bean sprouts to be a satisfying substitute.

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Intermittent Fasting

This fabulous book is a collaboration between
Jason Fung & Jimmy Moore

Anyone who has been following my story since February 8th, 2018—the day my husband succumbed to a "widow-maker" heart attack—knows that the sudden shift in my circumstances unraveled some of my ketogenic success. I had lost 41 pounds, and although I remain devoted to my lifestyle, I managed to gain 25 more!

I recall one depressing day when I spotted my reflection in the window of my Kia Soul. I was not happy with what I saw. I suddenly felt like Fat Old Widow Miller. As I became emotional, I heard an internal voice say, "Can we talk?" I knew that Father God was not going to allow me to build a case against myself. He reminded me that I was in pain and grieving. He pointed out that I had left a more active job to sit in a cubicle for 8 hours and that my commute time had increased from 25 minutes a day to over 2 hours. I felt His assurance that all of these things were being worked out.

I soon realized that my stress had a name: cortisol. This stress hormone, cortisol, is associated with fight-or-flight and is often regarded as more of a foe than a friend. At its best, cortisol has anti-inflammatory properties, supports the immune system and sex drive, and aids in digestion. The adrenal glands release cortisol and, via the bloodstream, converts amino acids into sugar and glucose. Cortisol increases insulin, also known as the fat-storage hormone.

Chronic stress makes the body believe that it is "surviving," hence, storing weight around the midsection like an innertube. One experiences symptoms such as carb cravings, sleepless nights, a lower libido, and inflammation. Suddenly our digestion and the immune system are under attack. We become vulnerable to the sickness that our bodies should be defending.

Enter Doctor Rosie Main of Main Health Solutions in Meridian, ID. I love it that as a chiropractor, Dr. Rosie treats the entire human and is not merely focused on adjustments. She held a seminar today on intermittent fasting. She is launching seven weeks of prescribed fasting, based on Jason Fung's book, The Complete Guide to Fasting, and has invited her entire patient base to participate.

Currently, I have begun to drop weight again, but it is typical to wake up several days in a row weighing the same regardless of what I ate the day before. I plan to begin this 7-week fasting regimen on Monday, January 14th. The beauty of this is the water fast does not ensue until Week 6 of this program. A ketogenic lifestyle will be the main attraction during the other six weeks.

WEEK 1

Use the principle of 2-2-2-2 to move your body into ketosis.

Ketosis is when the body burns fat for fuel; instead of glucose. 

Your diet must follow these criteria:

• High in fat
• Moderate to low in protein
• Low in carbohydrates

Consume the following every day:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp grass fed butter or ghee
• 2 tbsp of olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 tsp of sea salt (Himalayan or Celtic are best—not table salt

I plan to add a distinct spiritual element to this fast for it to encompass body, soul, and spirit. You are welcome to join me. I would love the company and support! I will be posting the guidelines for each week on Saturday or Sunday before the new week.

In the Fast Lane,

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Keto Instant Pot | Maria Emmerich

If you have ever acted onstage, you know that the key to great comedy is timing. I also like to think that the key to thriving involves timing as well. For instance, I attended a Ketogenic consultation last Saturday, hosted by my Chiropractor, Dr. Rosie Main. She subscribes to the philosophy of Dr. Josh Axe and Dr. Ben Lerner, CEO of Maximized Living. Since my husband's passing, I have been intent on rescuing my body from the grips of grief, stress, and loneliness. You might call it a reboot!

So, today I received Maria Emmerich's newest publication: Keto Instant Pot. I am honored to review and promote her books here at Everlovin' Low-Carb. I not only have hard copies of her works but keep some them on Kindle, too. Life is too short to be sacrificing flavor, and Maria intuitively understands how to create satisfying meals with real food and innovative tools.

I bought my first Instant Pot in April of this year. Even though my cooking, since February, has been limited because I have fewer people to cook for, I have been collecting new ideas and inspiration.

Amazon writes...

The Instant Pot is one of the hottest cooking tools around these days. With its ability to pressure-cook foods in mere minutes, all in one pot, it is a huge time-saver for busy home cooks. You can even bake a cheesecake in it! A ketogenic diet that eliminates processed foods sometimes require a little more effort in the kitchen, so any time saved is a plus. In this book, international bestselling author Maria Emmerich presents more than 160 delicious low-carb, high-fat keto recipes designed to be cooked in an Instant Pot or other multi-cooker. The recipes run the gamut from appetizers and sides to soups to main dishes to sweet treats and even a few drinks, along with some handy keto basics. As a bonus, Maria also includes slow-cooking instructions (which can be done either in the Instant Pot or in a separate slow cooker) for each recipe for those days when set-it-and-forget-it convenience takes precedence over the need for speed.

Recipes include:

• Pumpkin Coffee Cake
• Easy Baked Eggs
• Buffalo Meatballs
• Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
• Italian Chicken Chili
• Curry Beef Stew
• Philly Cheesesteak
• Pork Lettuce Cups
• Amazing Asian Pulled Pork
• Chicken and Bacon Lasagna Roll-ups
• Garlicky Tuna Casserole
• Lemon Ricotta Torte
• Chocolate Almond Fudge
• Homemade Root Beer
• …and much more!

I am definitely in a soup-mood lately, plus leftovers are a cinch to freeze. So I will be trying the following recipes first: Reuben Soup,  Pumpkin Chili, Cioppino, Seafood Chowder, Broccoli Brie Soup, African Nut Stew, Belgian Booyah,  Egg Roll Soup, Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, and Lasagna Soup!

Check out Maria's new book HERE!

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Thankful Musings

Since this was my first Thanksgiving without my husband, I accepted an invitation to feast and fellowship with another family. Brock and I got to have deep fried turkey for the first time! It was fun meeting their family and friends—an amiable bunch! It made the day more comfortable, and I appreciated that!

As I suspected, my 4-day holiday took on V-formation, winging its way to what my co-workers, in Orthopedic Scheduling, describe as a Monday on steroids. At least I have a chiropractic appointment after work.

It rained all day Friday. I mostly relaxed, although I launched some overdue projects. Yesterday, I attended the Small Business Saturday in Downtown Boise. Guests were given a passport that could be stamped by participating businesses. Amazingly, the outdoor market is still open until December 15th, which is impressive since the temps are descending fast! I warmed up with an aromatic espresso when my extremities grew numb.

I veered from my low-carbing (which I seldom do) to treat myself to Sambusas—traditional African meat pastries. They remind me of empanadas but with a fluffier crust. Africa was a theme because I also bought handcrafted items from refugee ladies who came from the Congo and Somali.

Today was comprised of an inspiring church service, grilled salmon and winter squash, French press coffee, and Christmas movies.

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Equilibrium

Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
Stewart's Bar & Grill | Caldwell, Idaho

Parmesan Encrusted Salmon
Orphan Annies | Caldwell, Idaho

I have been a widow for over eight months now. I rejoice that I have made it this far! Grief, the stress of starting a new vocation, and the resulting sedentariness of life in a cubicle have undoubtedly caused havoc with my equilibrium. After losing 41 pounds, I am still creatively low-carbing, although I have mysteriously gained weight. It is incredible how a crisis can disrupt success.

I recently began seeing a holistic chiropractor, Dr. Rosie of Main Health Solutions. Dr. Rosie is a proponent of the ketogenic diet and natural healing. She agrees that the sudden changes in my life have created a disturbance. Much like a hard drive malfunctioning when its directory branches are broken, the body loses its balance when the nervous system misfires or fails to communicate properly. 

Truthfully, my back has been out of whack since the delivery of my youngest son—18 years ago. At 60, I have noticed that my posture is not where it should be. Xrays show that I have a bit of degeneration where I had my last epidural. 

I am looking for a life alignment, not just a repositioning of my physicality. 

This said I am continuing to do what I know to do. I believe that I will find my sure footing again. Cheryl A. Barrett wrote, “Time has no boundaries in matters of the heart.” Perhaps another revelation resonates with Shauna L Hoey's thoughts, “Heartache purged layers of baggage I didn’t know I carried. Gifts hide under the layers of grief.”

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Hodgepodge

Trees are beginning to disrobe here in Idaho. Since winter creeps in reasonably fast, I celebrate with the first signs.

It's not National Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor’s Porch Day (celebrated on August 8th), but I am enjoying the efforts of generous gardeners. I baked chicken thighs and roasted zucchini halves covered with Pork Panko Breadcrumbs (crushed pork rinds). I season them first with whatever catches my fancy and then add some melted butter to achieve the texture and color I prefer. This is also a tasty addition to fish! Of course, we can crush our own; however, I love the convenience.

Although I am still embattled by a sedentary lifestyle due to my new job in a cubicle, I continue to persevere with low carb choices. To counter, I joined a gym! I have 2 visits under my spandex waistband. To celebrate, I gave myself a bit of TLC last Saturday: French Press Coffee with heavy whipping cream.

Autumnally yours,

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Adjusting to Change

Meaty Omelet
The Bird Stop | Caldwell, Idaho

Parmesan Encrusted Salmon
Orphan Annies | Caldwell, Idaho

DINING OUT

After 33 years of marriage and raising three children, I am not used to shopping and cooking for just one person. I also arrive home later. As I am rethinking these challenges, I am inclined to finding affordable ways to eat out. 

For instance, I have the Smashburger app on my phone. I am fond of their bunless burgers and fried (unbreaded) Brussels sprouts. I received this particular meal for free yesterday, and I recently paid $3.00 for a signature Cobb Salad—which features a fried egg. To accomplish this, I consistently participate in their online surveys, and I scan my receipts for reward points. Taking surveys have garnered favor with the staff, primarily because I continually praise their service to Smashburger corporate. The more diligent I am, the more the rewards seem to pile up. 

AT HOME

As I begin to cultivate scaled-down meals at home, I am averaging one meal per day. I seriously am not that hungry. If I do snack, it is with something fatty.

A dear lady at church has been gifting me with homegrown zucchinis. They are delicious breaded with crushed pork skins and then roasted. I am using crushed Chicharonnes to bread many items, including fish and onion rings. I call this my new summer thrill.

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Recent Bite-Seeing

Meatballs with Bolognese and Alfredo Sauce
Wild West Eatery & Cantina
Eagle, Idaho

Caprese
Wild West Eatery & Cantina
Eagle, Idaho

I am gradually creating new adventures by inserting familiar faces into settings that were once shared with my husband. It is a process, but I am finding satisfaction and pleasure in simple things. I continue to search for local events that will keep me happily distracted.

I kept the above meals low-carb by removing the noodles. I see my weight dropping again as stress and grief levels acclimate to this new life of mine. I feel relief!

It occurred to me yesterday evening why doing things alone bothers me in ways that it never did before. I am usually independent and unafraid of launching out on my own. When Barry used to work out of town, I often flew solo, but I felt secure in knowing that he would be returning. Now, with him gone, I have no choice. Strangely, that makes a difference. Thankfully, friends have been showing interest in joining me. I find this soothing.

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More Bite-Seeing

My low-carb adventures continue, even in the midst of major change.

Ceviche de Pescado

Pollo con Crema

Fish Filet on Roasted Veggies

CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE.

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Reset

Understandably, these last four months have introduced me to emotions and challenges I have never faced. On June 8th, it will have been four months since Barry died! I have undoubtedly scaled some new terrain. While time seems to have evaporated, I have made some incredible progress.

Still, there has been discouragement. Since the day after Barry's passing, I vowed to stick to my low-carb/ketogenic lifestyle. I knew it was essential to stay the course and take care of me. I had lost 41 pounds! I was not willing to trash that success. Food could quickly become a pacifier, and I refused to let it.

Despite staying the course though, I began to gain weight. 

Out of necessity, I had abruptly begun a new vocation about five weeks after Barry died. I became a Patient Specialist with a major hospital. I had previous customer service experience but had never worked in the medical field. I had jumped directly into the fire and was enduring a longer commute to boot!

One day, after battling traffic, I pulled into a strip mall, horribly depressed. I felt like a spent, frumpy old woman whose waistband was beginning to choke my spirit. Seeing my reflection in my car's window offered no comfort.

Now, I believe that God is more willing to speak to us than we are eager to listen. (And no, Joyce Behar, I am not mentally ill.) In a still, quieting voice, He nudged me. He reminded me that five things factored into this weight gain.

1. The stress of Barry dying suddenly and leaving me on my own
2. Grieving his loss
3. Being thrust into a sedentary job—in a cubicle—for 8 hours a day
4. More driving time in rush hour traffic
5. Not getting enough sleep

I had left a more active position and a commute that was only 10-15 minutes each way. My life had undergone a major rehaul. My operating system was affected. 

So, I countered with positive steps...

1. Reading the Bible and plugging into peaceful, soothing outlets of strength and hope
2. Allowing myself to grieve and heal
3. Utilizing the four flights of stairs to my office, parking my car further away, and doing planks to strengthen my core
4. Leaving earlier for work to beat the traffic and listening to life-building audiobooks
5. Prioritizing my time so that I can get more sleep

I AM NOT GIVING UP!

Perseveringly,

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Hygge

~Alex Beauchamp, of Hygge House, describes "hygge" beautifully... 

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh not hoo-gah) is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cozy, charming or special. 

Hygge (or to be “hyggeligt”) doesn’t require learning “how to”, adopting it as a lifestyle or buying anything. It’s not a thing and anyone telling you different either doesn’t understand it or is literally trying to sell you something that has nothing to do with the concept. You can’t buy a ‘hygge living room’ and there’s no ‘hygge foods’ to eat. 

Hygge literally only requires a conscious appreciation, a certain slowness, and the ability to not just be present – but recognize and enjoy the present. That’s why so many people distill ‘hygge’ down to being a ‘feeling’ – because if you don’t feel hygge, you probably aren’t using the word right.

My ancestral lineage—on my dad's side—includes Danes, so I find this concept to be connective. I had "hygge" in mind when I transformed my bedroom into a Kare-Lair (as in Karen), even replacing an expired 32-year-old mattress. Indeed, I have created a place to retreat, to be.

It's amazing how a major life event can knock routine out of its orbit. Since Barry's sudden passing on February 8, 2018, I have used projects as a tool of distraction. Projects have included major financial decisions, record changes, thank-you notes, paying off debt, cleaning, purging, reorganizing, and redecorating. I even had my gardener plant Day Lilies and a Malus Loyalty Crab Tree in my front yard.

In many respects, these activities have displaced ordinary pursuits such as Everlovin' Low-Carb, my Facebook Pages, and Instagram. Yet, it has been therapeutic. Navigating grief is an ongoing factor, but my life-flow is beginning to make a comeback. I am thankful for that.

How to pronounce hygge: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSXiH_0HgwI

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