Addictiveness Of Sugar: Cut Your Cravings!

This week I am all about educating myself, my family and friends about the addictiveness of sugar. Yesterday morning Mason woke me up, not with a "Good morning mom!" or "How are you mom!" No. He said, "I WANT CANDY!" Broke my heart. My oldest who I denied sugar, sweets or anything artificial for his entire first year is already addicted to sugar. He is refusing to eat the food I make, yet he will eat french fries, hot dogs, sweets, crackers, and other crap.

I am seriously kicking myself. Maybe I gave in too quickly to give him sugar? Maybe I bribed him too much to get him to eat something? Maybe I ate too much sugar in front of him and shared?  Heck, I know how great candy and sugars are. I have been addicted for years. It wasn't until I started drinking Shakeology daily that I didn't "have to" have my sugar fix. And I am so thankful for that. Do I still eat sugar? Yes. Because I enjoy it. But no where near what I used to eat. And when I do eat sugar, I do my best to keep it "clean" and avoid treats that have any Artificial Ingredients, Additives, Preservative, etc. There are thousands of additives out there. These are a few of the top, scary ones to watch out for:

- MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) – it is a neurotoxin and used as a flavor enhancer...found in many canned, frozen, processed and fast foods (also in many foods in Asian restaurants – particularly soups…Ask the waiter/waitress). Also be on the lookout for the following additives, which always contain MSG: textured protein, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed protein, plant protein, oat flour and vegetable protein, sodium and calcium caseinate, and yeast extract. Reactions to MSG include weight gain, heart problems, headaches, ADD, asthma, and headaches.

- Food Dyes – derived from coal tar and petroleum, and can be found in many baked goods, beverages, candies, ice cream, cereals, cosmetics, etc. They have been linked to tumors, as well as, hyperactivity and behavioral effects in children. NOTE – natural and safe food colorings include paprika, turmeric, and beet juice.

- Artificial Sweeteners - aspartame (Nutrasweet & Equal) accounts for the most adverse reactions to food and food additives combines. These reactions include headaches, dizziness, rashes, vision problems, slurred speech, and can trigger or worsen chronic illnesses such as MS, fibromyalgia, birth defects, and Parkinson’s disease.

-Sucralose (Splenda) can cause gastrointestinal problems, slurred speech, mood swings, blood sugar increase, and weight gain. Yep, weight gain. Studies show these artificial sweeteners stimulate your appetite, increase (bad) carbohydrate cravings, stimulate fat storage and weight gain

- High Fructose Corn Syrup (Iso-glucose, glucose-fructose syrup, corn syrup, fruit fructose) – made from GMO corn through a chemical brewing process. The consumer is exposed to mercury and side effects include, liver damage, hypertension, elevated “bad” cholesterol levels, weight gain, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Products that may contain HFCS include various processed foods, yogurt, applesauce, soft drinks, children’s vitamins, jellies and jams, and even ketchup. HFCS is also found in many fast foods.

In the end, it's best to avoid highly processed sugars, candy, treats, and candy bars as they are filled with any number of preservatives. Stick with the ingredients you know and understand. Make your own sweets from howe. That way you know exactly what you are putting into your body. Your body will thank you for it and you will be closer to reaching your goals!

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

AMAZING 3 Day Refresh Results

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS!?! My fellow coach and good friend Susan ROCKED her results with the 3 Day Refresh. In just 3 days she lost 7.8 pounds, and 5.5 inches! OH MY GOSH! She is a ROCKSTAR! Way to go Susan! Next up, she is going right into and rocking 21 Day Fix and getting even more leaned and toned! She kickstarted her progress in an amazing way! Want to try 3 Day Refresh? Click here to learn more! 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Weight Loss Victories

Do you have a little itty bitty accomplishment? Even the smallest of accomplishments are actually HUGE! How many times have we overlooked the smallest moments of our lives because we haven't made it to the final goal yet? I know it can seem silly, but somedays I celebrate the fact that I got my workout in, because my day was so hectic or crazy. Or a few months ago I celebrated the fact that I could fit in a sports bra I got that ended up originally being too small. Don't lose sight of the little accomplishments that you make in life. In anything. Because before you know it, that time will be past and there will be something else to celebrate!

~New pant size- celebrate it
~New outfit fits-celebrate it
~lost 2 pounds- celebrate it
~been stuck at a plateau and finally moved past it? CELEBRATE IT! 

Losing weight is hard to do. So celebrate your accomplishments. Not with sweets and treats or a big slice of cake. But make it known to your friends. Post about it on Facebook. BRAG ABOUT IT! You deserve to brag about it and don't let anyone bring you down. 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Saying Good-bye To A Family Pet

(Archer's last picture before we left to forever say goodbye)

Yesterday was such a hard day for the Allen household. Our dog of over 13 years took a turn for the worse this past weekend. We took him to the vet on Monday to have him checked out and blood work done. We received the results yesterday morning. Archer, our Puggle, was suffering from 3 different very bad diseases, only one of them were were aware of in November, with slightly elevated liver levels. But the other two were very aggressive.  With him fighting 3 diseases out vet advised that he was just too sick to help him out. We knew he was in pain and suffering and less than an hour later we said our final goodbye. The vet said that he is a fighter because of what was wrong with him. He wanted to be with us even though it was really hard and painful for him. 

It was bittersweet to be with him as he passed knowing that he will feel so much better and without pain but also knowing how quiet our house and lives will be without him and how sad we all will be. He was apart of our marriage since the beginning. We will never forget him. The vet gave us a clay paw print to remember him by. Which was a nice gift.

First of all, these pregnancy hormones are HORRIBLE! I cried almost all day long. And any little thing just sent me off. But he was my best bud. He was always my shadow. Hanging around me. He even knew I was pregnant before I did and made sure to protect me more (he became an even bigger shadow when I was pregnant.) He was a sweet dog. Very good with kids (unless Mason pestered him too much, then he would pitch a fit.) He was a snuggle bug, spending most winter as my personal furnace in my bed. He had a long life and I am pretty sure he was happy, always knew he was loved. It is a hard thing to say goodbye to your household pet that is a family member.

We got Archer from a pet shop just 3 months after our marriage. When we had decided on him, he was the runt of the litter and the most submissive, were almost done with the paperwork, I asked what his birthday was. We found out that it was our wedding day. It was fate! Also, we were originally going to name him Porthos, after the Beagle on Enterprise, but it didn't fit him at all. So we went with the Captain of the Enterprise, Archer and his middle name, Malcolm, is from the armory officer on the same ship. Archer Malcolm Allen became part of our family. We had so many years with him.

Here are some tips that we used to help Mason cope with the loss of his dog:

So Mason doesn't quite understand what is happening. But we decided that we need to be upfront with him. The "going to sleep" thing wasn't working and honestly I didn't want Mason to think that when he goes to sleep he won't wake up either. So we have been very up front telling Mason that Archer is very sick and that the doctor can't help him anymore. That we have to help him by letting him to go sleep and dying. Mason is now telling us that Archer died today. He is sad, but he isn't confused. Or at least he understands a little bit about it. He does keep asking when can we go back and get Archer. Which we remind him that Archer died. Then he says that Archer is with Jesus eating, and getting strong. One comment he made that just shattered my heart was, "Can Jesus send him back for a little bit to play with me?" Oh so sad, but it is what it is. So be upfront with your kids. Help them understand as much as they can, and think about how much you want them to know. but the biggest thing for them is to just be upfront.

Coping with loss of dog for adults:

Apparently males and females process this different. I have been crying and sad all day long, and Matt has been more internal. I know he is sad, but he isn't showing it. I suspect to be strong for me. Take time to accept what happened. Take time to be sad. To grieve. It's ok. Don't be quick to get another dog to replace your previous one. Honestly, we have said for many years that we wouldn't get another dog. I don't think we will. But only time will tell. Probably not until the kids are much older is what I am thinking. But be sad. Take time. It is not shameful.

One thing I have been thinking is that I have been blaming myself for not taking him in earlier. But honestly, this is what was meant to happen. He let me know he was ready, even last night. He was just tired last night. He was ready. And I am at peace with that, but for a time I was blaming myself. Don't blame yourself. Things work as they are supposed to.

Dogs are only with us for so long. Take the time to enjoy your 4 legged family member as long as you can. Remember the good memories! To Archer, I miss you already puppy. I hope you are enjoying your time pain-free in puppy heaven, and playing with your best buddy, Bubba. Love you Archer.

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

New runDisney Race Costume Guidelines

Hey all you princesses! I wish I was joining you this year at the runDisney Princess Half Marathon again, but I'm not. I will be enjoying watching all of your photos and reminiscing on the amazing time that I had running in the race in 2014 at 29 weeks pregnant. As you are making the final preparations for your trip YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW COSTUME GUIDELINES!

RunDisney is getting more "strict" about costumes, because they have to. People are getting more and more creative and some things they are doing are just becoming a safety hazard for the runner themselves or those around them. Check them out!

NEW runDisney Race Costume Guidelines: 

• Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.

• Guests who dress like Characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.

• Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.

• Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.

• For runDisney participants ages 13 and under:

• Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.

• For runDisney participants ages 14 and older:

• Layered costumes, that could conceal prohibited items, are not permitted (e.g. Jedi robes).

• Costume props, including those that surround the entire body (e.g. Death Star, UP House) are not permitted.

• Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g. full-length Princess dresses)

• Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.

• Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.

• Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.

• Guests may not wear masks of any kind.

Please note that while costumed attire may be worn during runDisney events, Guests 14 and older are not permitted to wear costumed attire in the theme parks. As a result, Guests may need to change their attire prior to visiting the parks after participating in a runDisney race.

Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, a race or any race related event/activity unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

------

Make sure as you prepare your costume that you adhere to these rules. At the WDW Marathon Weekend in January, there were check points monitoring costumes. And to be honest, I saw women wearing full length tulle skirts which made no sense to me at all! Look at what you are making and does it create a small bubble of space around you. I wouldn't do anything more than 12 inches out from my body. (avg tulle skirts are 9-12 inches long, which do give you that personal space bubble when running in very large crowds.) I hope everyone is having fun putting the final touches on their costumes. And I can not wait to see what they look like! 

Want to read more about my Princess Half Marathon Experience? Check out the whole series here: 

Princess Half Marathon: The Expo

Princess Half Marathon: The Costumes

Princess Half Marathon: The Race

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey!