December Update for Best Breath Ever Experiment 2018

see www.kimsit.ca for previous posts

Hello, Winter Raindrop!

Happy first day of Winter, my friend.  Thank you for joining me for this update.

Can you believe we are just a few days away from 2019?  My youngest son counted the days before Christmas. “Mommy, there are just 4 days before Christmas.”

It’s been months since I last updated my Best Breath Ever Experiment where I intended to not consume sugar for the whole 2018.  I learned a lot. I learned about myself.

You’re probably wondering how come I stopped updating.  It doesn’t matter because they are all excuses. But, I will fill you in on what’s new and good.

Lessons in 2018 with Regards to My Best Breath Ever Experiment:

1. The longer the post, the more likely it won’t get posted.

Resolution:  schedule to write short and concise posts during allotted time.  Keep things simple.

2. The more I stop tracking something, the more likely I fall off track and go somewhere other than my desired goal.

Resolution:  Track my goal progression.  

3. It’s OK to accept falling down as part of succeeding; I keep getting up.  

Resolution:  From tracking progression, find what works and doesn’t work.  Do the things that work and avoid the things that don’t work. Work toward progress.

The reason why I wanted to do this Experiment was to see what would happen if I didn’t consume sugar for a year.  As I “fell off” target, I can’t tell you. What I can report is that there is sugar everywhere and in most processed things.  

I recently started tracking with an actual tracking book, and have noticed that I eat really well when it comes to vegetables and high fiber carbohydrates.  And as of recently, I have also included substantially more protein to my meals. I recall discussing this with a dietician last year about the amount of protein I was consuming, and she pointed out that I needed a lot more.  Now because of what I had read and heard repeated in the books and blogs I was reading that was that protein was overrated, I think I underrated it. There must be a balance.

I’ve also started a weight lifting and high intensity interval training program, and I have been progressively feeling more sore.  But I have also noticed that my good posture is easier to keep, my legs are stronger and my arms getting more and more defined. It’s pretty cool.

I am still working on diet.  From my tracking (and past mental tracking), I can see that when I have days of no junk food (cookies) or grazing (this is the biggest thing for me) that the scale will report success.  Now, weight gain does not necessarily mean fat gain. And weight loss does not necessarily mean fat release. What the scale helps me do is keep track and gauge my eating activities with the results.  I am excited to wake up in the morning, use the bathroom and hop on the scale!

There is such excitement and anticipation for something that used to be done once in a while or simply avoided.  It’s a change in mindset.

Okay, I am off to my LIIFT4 now.

What have been the biggest three lessons you’ve learned in 2018?

Blessings,

Kim

Dec 21, 2018

Thankful Thursday, june 23, 2016

Hello friends!

What fun things did you do for yourself today?

Me?

- I went to the farmers' market at lunchtime, ate a double from Marcello's
- after work I stopped briefly at Shoppers Drug Mart for some chips.  Seeing that it was $2 for one bag or $3 for two bags, I grabbed two. Fortunately for me, there were about four customers in line, so I dropped the two bags and spedwalked to my train! Yes :)

Now I am almost at my station.

Thank goodness I had lots of water and mini healthy snacks like organic nuts, seeds and berries.

You see, being in a rush and having lots of people in line can really help me avoid putting junk into my body ;

Have a great night! Guess what. Tomorrow is Friday... freedom Friday.

Happy day of the week

I am feeling ME again! Yay!

For the last couple of weeks, I have felt quite drained from a SAD way of eating.

After a wedding I attended two weekends ago, I needed over a week to recover.

Today I am feeling good :)

I celebrate:

-  Changes going on at work
- playing and laughing with my boys in the backyard before bedtime
- pulling my daughter to the washroom only for her to hang on to her bed looking like a flying Super Grover
- my manager getting me a whole box of 50 timbits to celebrate my job anniversary
- I didn't eat a single one timbits either :) but it was nice for my colleagues and family
- running and catching the train with one minute to spare... and not feeling out of breath! Awesome!
- I had a great conversation with a fellow GO train commuter
- and do much more

List your happy events ;)

Blessings,
Kim

Day 4 of ten day transformation

This day four started off well.

I took my aminos and super xanthin in the morning before my workout, then I had some delicious organic cantaloupe.

Before getting off the train, I shook up and started drinking my white American ginseng with my LOV shake.

However, as work got busy, I neglected to take my lunch break on time and then my intake went off schedule.

Walking and eating beautifully cut  up organic strawberries is much more pleasurable while sitting in front of a Lakeview, with golden sunlight glistening on the water, watching ducks chase each other and listening to the ever sweet sounds of the birds singing than eating them rushing back to work while pulling my groceries from the St Lawrence Market.

In any case, when there is dissatisfaction, there  launches  up new rockets of desire.

So I just took a nice LOV ginseng shake on the train... may be a little late for taking my last serving of protein and super xanthin today, but tomorrow is a new day.

I really appreciate giving my stomach and digestive system time and space to do its work. And it is establishing a new habit of eating certain foods separately.

Tomorrow will be day 5.

Thanks for visiting! Happy slumber.

Kim

Day 3 of Ten Day Transformation

It is feeling better.

I am getting the hang of this now.

It started off a little rough for me in Saturday morning, my decided date to start the transformation. So, while in bed, I decided Saturday would be my day zero of ten instead of one of ten.

Today was the first day of going to work being on this transformation. It was tricky to stick with the two hour schedule, but I did the best I could.

At lunch time, I managed to get away to sit by the lake for about 7 minutes.

Athlete Transformation: prep day 2 of 2

Haha... Yes, here's Kim embarking on yet another cleanse!

Well, we are well into Spring. Yesterday I was our buying shoes with my daughter, and I realised it was still light out at 8 pm, her bed time!

I love you this time of the year, and it is the best time (in fact it is nature's time) to clean. Know the saying "April showers being May flowers?" Well, it is true.

The particulars of my his cleanse are different from past cleanses I have done. During these ten days, I will be having a chewing meal :) I like that idea.

As I was writing the labels for this post, I accidentally spelled Transformation as transformation... As I saw the word in front of me I realised that it is a transformation :) I am toning up my muscles so will be firming up my body!

End of April - how ten years fly by

Ten years ago at this time, I was living singing songs from The Sound of Music and counting the seconds... Minutes and intensity of my first contractions. All the while I was planning my baby signing business in front of my huge 15 inch computer monitor (huge compared to the plasma monitors we have now twn years later). And in the other room of our rented basement was my husband watching the Ottawa Senators in the playoffs.

As it got more intense accompanied by other signs that I should probably get to the hospital, we started gathering bags and called a cab.

It was the most excruciating and annoying taxi ride ever! Every little bump and swerve intensified the already tremendous contractions.

Yet through all of this, I felt strong and in control. I just needed to get to the labour and delivery Ward.

I led the way carrying my luggage followed by my husband.

Our lives were about to change drastically.

I reached the triage in the delivery area. Nurses were under excited while I saw many women hooked up to contraction monitoring belts.

"This is your first birth?" Asked a nurse.

"Yes," I responded.

The pain and intensity was getting do strong now that my ears seemed to cut off sound. No wonder some women asked for an epidural! But of course, according the birthday the plan I wrote, there would be no drugs!

"It is still going to be a long time before the baby comes," says the nurse without much feeling. She seemed desensitized to all the first time moms and their first time experiences.

Fortunately, an intern with a smile came to "examine" how far open my cervix was.

"I just need to ask a nurse if I am accurate," she said. Then I overheard her telling the head nurse that she thought I was 8 cm dilated.

The nurse came unimpressed. "No, dear, it is her first child. It is going to take a long time. But I will check to show you."

Then to her surprise, she discovered the intern was correct.

I finally saw some spark of emotion (well, I didn't really see much - but her voice was more animated). "Aren't you in pain? Why aren't you crying? Ok, we are sorry. You can go right away to the delivery room."

Finally there was some urgency in the place.

It was such a painful and jbtense race to the delivery room.

I just recall from this moment forward, people just flooded the delivery room. The OB on duty that night read my birth plan and commented on how crazy I was to refuse an epidural in case of c-section.

Fortunately it was not necessary. After 8 minutes of pushing, he literally exploding out of me, leaving a 3rd degree tear. All the splatter of fluid was felt. I had never felt so much trust for strangers to take care of me in such a vulnerable time.

They placed his slimy, warm body over my belly. I felt him with my hands. I heard him cry a bit.

Then I heard people calling for the on duty paediatrician. Someone mentioned there was trauma in the birth.

My body was beat and torn. Then came rushing in some people who sewed me back... At one point the local anesthesia wore out while still stitching me. That was another type of pain!... But all done now.

Remy,

You are ten years old. How the years have just flown by. I remember our first nights together nursing. I lamented and cried... "Only 17 years together, and then you would be off to college or university," I said to the 7 pound infant boy. I was going to cherish every moment.

As the mornings woke us up, i would peer out the bright glass doors to the back. I saw each morning how the trees started filling in with buds, then young leaves, then large leaves. Soon the trees were lush and green.

You and I took walks up and down the steep sidewalks to the beach. We walked so much together. By August my weight was down to about 150 pounds from over 200 pounds while pregnant.  We were always together.

My identity became "Remy's mom." I would tell people I was Kim... Then tagged on "Remy's mom."

I was so proud, so grateful and so motivated to face my fears so that I could  unconditionally love and take care of you.

What throws you off track and how do you recover?

Hello, my friends!

Thanks for coming by to visit.

How have you been? How do you feel in your body today?

I am humbled in the last two weeks. From feeling invincible to being bogged down my invading viruses, I am grateful to experience the contrast between these states. I appreciate where I am.

With all the coughing, sore throat, poor sleep, hacking up gross stuff, dealing with children, I had fallen off the Pledge of eating healthy.

Well, that is OK. Where I am, I am OK. But as am breathing better, I am getting back on track with some mild exercises like yoga.

I haven't made any videos since last week since I want to speak with a clear voice.

What do you do when you lose momentum from a healthy streak?

Have self compassion. Realise that each moment is a chance to shift toward what you want. Stop and just count all your blessings.

I count my blessings, and I feel better.

Now, let's gather back some momentum.

Light and love,

Kim

Wednesday, March 23, 2016: day 28/90

Hi, friends!

Today, I just wanted to share one habit that has greatly impacted the quality of my days.

Watch my video to find out what that is, and then share with me what key habits you have changed in your life that have been an impact.

Have an awesome day!

Kim

Thankful Thursday, March 17_ 2016: day 23 of 90 day Core 3 pledge

Hi! Can you believe it is already more than half way through March?

I have been very much appreciating the moments with my kids, walking in our neighborhood and chatting with people I haven't chatted with in a while.

My daughter was the main show of my latest video.

She would love if you would "like" and to R ad your comment nts and questions.

Enjoy!

Kim

Magical Monday, March 14, 2016: day 20/90 day Core 3: why cravings?

Magical Monday to you all on this second day if daylight savings. It has been rainy and windy here, but certainly hope you are appreciating the added extra hour of sunshine ;)

Today I share some thoughts I learned about cravings. Watch my video, and let me know what your thoughts are on your cravings.

Cheers to your health,
Kim

Thoughtful Thursday, March 10, 2016: 5 tips to fit in exercise

Happy Thoughtful Thursday!

Thank you for coming by to visit me on day 16 of my 90-day Core 3 Pledge.

Thank you for all your comments, questions and encouragement on my health and happiness mission.

Today I had a request to talk to about fitting in exercise.

What a great question!

Here we go.

Here are 5 quick tips for fitting in physical activity.

First of all you need to know and acknowledge what fitness level you are at. For example, I would love to do chin-ups, pull-ups and headstands, but I know that I have pre-requisits before I get there.

So, map out where you are. If you have not exercised much at all, perhaps you could just get up and walk for ten minutes during your break. Start with what you can and build from there. Always challenge yourself, but set yourself up for success.

Celebrate your efforts. Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.

1. Choose an activity you enjoy. I love walking so I do that often... To and from the train station, at lunch, on the weekends with my kids, etc.

2. Start with something and build on it. Walk for ten minutes a day, then increase it.  

3. Make it fun! Challenge friends and family. Dance to music!

4. Do it in the morning before anything else to make sure it is done. This will set the ton for an energetic day.

5. Set it as your routine. 

Now tell me what your tips are for fitting in exercise.

Have a extraordinary day!

Kim

CHOOSEday, March 8, 2016: day 14/90 core3: hunger strikes

Hello!

Thanks for visiting me on day 14. How are you today?

I am feeling awesome today! My eyes are glowing, I felt tall and steady during the day. I am aiming for some good sleep again tonight.

What do you do when hunger strikes?

See the little video I made you to give out what I do.

Happy International Women's Day!

Kim

Monday, March 7, 2016: day 13 of 90 day Core 3 Pledge: under the weather

Thank you for joining me for Day 13!

Happy Monday of Miracles to you :)

I noticed on the weekend that I was tired because of a virus that my kids must have shared with me.

So just wanted to share a few things about what I do when I am under the weather. I am not a doctor, so don't take this as medical advice.

1. Drink warm fluids to keep hydrated and to flush out toxins.
2. Rest - don't over exhert yourself
3. Contain your spread of viruses by washing hands, coughing into tissue or shoulder, etc
4. Take hot baths and showers
5. Rub essential oils on bottle on bottle of feet
6. Avoid eating a lot of food - especially gluten, dairy and sugar
7. Sleep! Zzzz SLEEP - this is really important!

I was asking my daughter, and she was able to tell me all that I mentioned above.

Aiming to go to bed as a priority. Take care!

Kim

Thankful Thursday, March 3, 2016: day 9 of 90 day Core 3 challenge

Thank you for visiting me on day 9 of my 90 day challenge.

It was a rough day today. So you gotta be tough and smile even brighter! It's okay to cry and feel negative for a while too.

I want to thank those of you who cast light upon my day. It was really nice getting a message for no reason other than for wishing me a great day! 'Chin up, Kim.'

Then I was encouraged by the Spanish speaking lady who replenishes the toilet paper. There are always people worse off. Priority is health and happiness.

Again in the way to the train station I was kindly reminded by the man with HIV that we will have better days. He thumoed his heart and said we gotta be tough.

It takes about 17 positive experiences to offset a negative, so spread positivity and kindness.

Thankful for you,

Kim

Wednesday, March 2, 2016: day 8 of 90 day challenge: consistency

Hello, friends!

Thank you for joining on day 8 of my 90 day Core 3 challenge.

A few things on My Gratitude list for today:

1. The workers who have shovelled, cleared and salted the roads. There are do many important worker whom without them, getting about would be less easy. Thank you!
2. Having boots, coat and clothes for walking outdoors
3. Wonderful home cooked meal when I get home. Thank you, Husband!
4. Innocence and wisdom from my kids.
5. The awesome support of friends like you!

Please leave your comments and questions below or contact me privately with any questions.

Kim

CHOOSEday, March 1, 2016: day 7/90: 5 tips to tackle tiredness fast!

Hi, friends!

Thank you for joining me on day 7 of my 90 day pledge to eat well and self care.

I am feeling lighter and slimmer especially around the waist, hips and obliques! Looking forward to burning more of the fat :)

In this video, I share 5 tips to tackle tiredness:

1. Drink water
2. Get up, stretch, massage and shake!
3. A drop of pure peppermint essential oil
4. Get fresh air
5. Breathing  technique

The kids barged in half way into the video, so be warned about the noise.

Enjoy your CHOOSEday!

Kim

Leap Day, February 29, 2016: day 6/90 - make your vote count!

Happy Leap Day Greetings, my friends!

Thank you for taking the time to come see my blog. It is day 6/90 of my 90 day Core 3 pledge. I am feeling great! And slimmer :)

Happy birthday wishes to Anthony Robbins, peak performance coach whose work has influenced the trajectory of my life.

Happy birthday to my cousin's twins. You are previous miracles!

I made you a video about making your vote count. If you find it resonates with you, please like and share.

Enjoy!

Leap to where your heart desires,

Kim

Sunday, February 28, 2016: day 5 of 90 day challenge

Hello, friends!

I made this video for you to tell you a little bit about the Core 3 Challenge, and why I am doing it.

Enjoy! And I encourage you to join me, or at at least something consistently to take better care of you.

To your health,

Kim

Friday, February 26, 2016: day 3/90

Fantastic Friday to you!

How was it fantastic for you?

For me, let me count some ways:

1. I got to work early to cover for a coworker who wasn't feeling very well. And since the phones were quiet, another co-worker was able to show me pictures of his family and home in India!

2. I had printed out the Million Mom Movement pledge so I could glance at it throughout my shift reminding me of the things you see on the pic.

3. Enjoyed potluck by selecting the best foods available and didn't even entertain the idea of even looking at the donuts or other sweets.

I did feel pretty drained/sleepy about half hour after eating.

Great bonding with the team.

4. While on the train, I was looking at my last text message to a really good friend and noticed she hadn't responded to any of my texts. For whatever reason, her mobile number was missing from my phone! But her home one was there, si I called it.

To my surprise she answered! She was so surprised to hear my voice too!

We had a great chat from the time u called her in Scarborough to the time I was walking across the 401.

Sometimes the Universe just delivers gifts in the most mysterious ways ;) just follow the lead.

5. I had an awesome relaxing date with Husband. We chatted and ate responsibly. See the pic of the plate of food I gathered from the all-you-can-eat buffet. I also cheered (quietly with a big smile) when I would see other diners choosing from the salad bar.

No artificial sweets for me this time, and I did not miss it! It is great feeling just satisfied (not stuffed) after a meal.

6. Going to bed now counting my blessings...

May you take your dreams to bed,

Kim