Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wellness Wednesday - The Broccoli Edition


Gracious.

I love broccoli.
It's my vegetable love affair of the month.
I steam it, I roast it, I saute it -
I eat about two cups a day -
not a big fan of it raw.

The following is from Wikipedia -

Broccoli is high in vitamin C, as well as dietary fiber; it also contains multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties, such as diindolylmethane and small amounts of selenium.[7] A single serving provides more than 30 mg of Vitamin C and a half-cup provides 52 mg of Vitamin C.[8] The 3,3'-Diindolylmethane found in broccoli is a potent modulator of the innate immune response system with anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity.[9][10] Broccoli also contains the compound glucoraphanin, which can be processed into an anti-cancer compound sulforaphane, though the benefits of broccoli are greatly reduced if the vegetable is boiled.[11] Broccoli is also an excellent source of indole-3-carbinol, a chemical which boosts DNA repair in cells and appears to block the growth of cancer cells.[12][13]
Steaming broccoli for 3–4 minutes is recommended to maximize potential anti-cancer compounds, such as sulforaphane.Boiling reduces the levels of suspected anti-carcinogenic compounds in broccoli, with losses of 20 – 30% after five minutes, 40 – 50% after ten minutes, and 77% after thirty minutes. However, other preparation methods such as steaming, microwaving, and stir frying had no significant effect on the compounds.
Broccoli has the highest levels of carotenoids in the brassica family. It is particularly rich in lutein and also provides beta-carotene.

Broccoli.
It's what's for supper.

I'm sitting here struggling a bit on how to start all of the drivel.
I'm going to tell you how I eat.
Let me preface it by saying, I'm not saying YOU should eat this way, or that the Bootcamp requirements are that you eat this way.



My Coach gave all of us in Bootcamp a week's challenge to drop wheat, dairy, soy, and all processed foods.

I went through the five stages of mourning.
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

I literally cried on day three - 'I can't eat anything', 'there's nothing that I can eat', 'I can't live like this'.
Coach warned me that if I didn't stop thinking about what I couldn't have, and focus on what I could have - I'd never be successful.

I woke up on Day Four feeling like a new woman.


Gals - I just kept eating that way after the week's challenge was up.
I haven't been perfect, and it's not about being perfect - it's not about saying 'I'll never eat X again'.
I'm more in acceptance now that it's just much better for me not to eat certain foods - especially processed foods containing preservatives and artificial colors, which really make my brain squirrely - wheat and dairy - wow - I had no idea they did such a number on me.

Remember in my early videos - I kept sucking my snot?  Ha - ya, I don't do that anymore without dairy.  If I have a latte or something now - I will be so congested, coughing up phlegm (sorry Janie) - and you don't want to be around my backside.  Glenco calls it 'my dairy aire'.  Clever boy.

Wheat?  I just get a bad stomach ache and feel awfully fatigued.
I could talk for the rest of the day about fatigue.
Oh girl - did I have it.  I pushed myself through everyday of my life it seemed.
Sheer stubbornness got me through most days.

So what do I eat?
Meat, eggs, fruit and veggies.
Occasionally, brown rice, sweet potatoes, oatmeal and nuts.
A little olive oil.
Water, tea.

One meal a week, I eat whatever I want - I'm still working on that so that it's not a bingey type meal that makes me feel sick.

My pantry is completely empty now other than a few cans of black beans and tomatoes.
All my food's in the fridge.
I don't eat food that has more than one ingredient for the most part!

Yep.

I know.
Y'all are clutching your chest right about now right?

Trust me.
You are talking to the gal who's very identity was in the loaf of bread she made.
Who's very self-worth was based on what she served guests for dinner.

I am a food addict.

I'm not joking.

For me to have this transformation?
It's epic.
I really didn't feel that I could do it on my own.
I'm so thankful for Coach.


I have struggled all my life.
Overweight.
Fatigue.
Achiness.
ADHD.
Bouts of mild depression.

Since eliminating certain foods, I feel a new.
I'm bounding with energy.
I have no PMS or menopausal symptoms whatsoever. (remember, I'm pert near 50)
I sleep like a baby.
I'm alert and mentally focused.
I have no bad hunger pangs.
I feel more in control of other areas in my life.
My blood pressure is text book perfect.
My self esteem is through the roof.

I want to keep this short today, because I don't want to overwhelm you with information.
What does a typical day in the Coop Keeper's kitchen look like now?

Breakfast - my beloved homemade turkey breast sausage and two cups of fruit.

Lunch - nice portion of chicken breast, sauteed in one teaspoon of olive oil with onions, garlic and whatever veggie I happen to have a lot of  - could be spinach, tomatoes, broccoli - I put about 3 cups of asst. veggies in the pan and cook til tender.

Dinner - perhaps I'll make a Rosemary Turkey Meatloaf, mash some cauliflower, and have some fresh green beans.

Snack - more fruit

I want to share this link with you - my friend Marne is on a similar journey, and is having similar results of feeling fantastic.
We are all in this together - and together we can help each other be successful.
Please let me know if you are on this journey, and blog about it so I can link to your blog next week!
Eat clean my friends!

 

29 comments:

  1. I've had issues with wheat for years...I get such stomach pains after eating. It's horrible. I went off it for awhile a felt so much better. I need to find my way back to a wheat free diet..gosh I'll miss bread!

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  2. This is so fascinating to me! I am a pretty healthy eater, but you have inspired me to do a bit more cleaning. Especially when you mention the *ahem* menopausal bits.

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  3. Thanks for the pep talk! I need to add in more fruit and veggies to my diet for sure. Are there any that you don't eat?.... I remember my Sugarbusters days and they were against bananas, corn, carrots etc....

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  4. Is Glen eating what you eat, or is he doing his own thing food-wise?

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  5. When I read blogs that are full of butter and flour and backed goods I think how can people eat all of that and be healthy. Well, come to find out you can't...if you have any gluten free recipes for bread I would love that...or do you just don't do bread at all anymore?

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  6. Wow, that is really a change in eating. That is so awesome Jayme! I wonder if you're allergic to those foods? Reigning in your food cravings really does affect other areas of your life I'm finding. It is the one thing I felt I just couldn't do. I am reading a book called "Made to Crave" by Lysa Tuerkherst. I am finding my will power through trusting in God to be my portion (Psalm 73:26) instead of unhealthy foods. It is still very difficult to say no, but I can do it now :)

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  7. would you share the homemade turkey sausage recipe? Thanks and you look fantastic!

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  8. Hi Jayme. Thank you so much for doing this. I really need to have some encouragement in my life right now. I have had problems with food my whole life. If I eat processed food or things with salt, I just feel terrible--I'm tired and my joints ache. Especially now at the age of 57 I get almost crippled when I have things with a lot of salt. Do you know anything about this? I feel my absolute best when I eat just fresh meat and vegetables. I even have a problem with fruit. So I will be joining you. Thanks for the help. And I would also like to know your breakfast sausage recipe. Thank you for your help and inspiration! Mona

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  9. Thanks for the link Jayme! I just want to echo again what you said. I never thought I could give up all the things I thought I loved like cookies (Oh how I loved cookies) and bread and cake. I'm amazed that it has been as easy as it has been (once I, too, made it through the five stages of grief) :) The way I feel now is worth more than the fanciest, sweetest cupcakes you could imagine.

    I thought that it was just part of my genetics to wake up stuffy every day. I thought I was just lazy and lacked willpower and hated myself for being fat. I wore dark, dreary colors and plain clothes because I didn't think I deserved to look better. And I thought that it was normal to have to spend so much time in the bathroom, and to feel so bloated all the time, and that gas was just a consequence of eating any kind of food.

    It's all balderdash! I like my new normal. I feel like I am nourishing my body and my brain. And you know what? I still have a ways to go, I'm still chubby, but I feel so much better about myself and I feel like I'm really taking care of myself (and today I'm wearing white jeans and a bright pink sweater, and I feel confident and cute!)

    I'm so glad you're doing these Wednesday posts Jayme! I think your enthusiasm will encourage so many people to start their own journey to better health! Thanks for being amazing!

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  10. Awesome post! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I think everyone that struggles with weight or health issues struggles with food choices. There are TOO MANY unhealthy food options today so the struggles are huge!

    I would love to see some recipes that you use on these posts as I am always looking for healthy, simple recipes. Also menu ideas would be great!

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  11. I once had a sweet friend named Marne! I love that name! I also love broccoli...roasted with a tiche' of grapeseed oil drizzled over it. You're doing awesome!! Isn't it amazing when we reach for the fruits and veggies instead of chips and dips?? And sugar...that just makes me HURT! Now...what are you going to do about cooking club??

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  12. Hi Jayme!

    I was wondering how much of your well being and energy is coming from exercise?

    Food is becoming such a confusing issue, for example: eggs are OK to eat today, but are bad for your tomorrow. I also was curious if the bootcamp program addresses portion sizes.

    You look amazing and thanks for sharing and being an inspiration!

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  13. I'm really tasting food again now that I'm eating clean. And ya know what? Real, clean food is delish!

    You are looking great!! -Tammy

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  14. So happy for you Jaym...I wish I liked to cook, or was at least good at it. Or didn't have kids that won't eat healthy ANYTHING, which means I've been preparing 2 dinners for months on end and have to keep crap in the house, which just tempts me. Whine, whine, whine.....

    I just finally quit all my healthy stuff. It became too overwhelming with no results. Evidently I've burned out my adrenals, so I can't even get thru a simple 15 minute workout. I actually began gaining weight and inches about a month ago.

    A thin and healthy me is just not gonna happen in this lifetime. Poo. But I'm just thrilled that you've had such awesome success. I'm would be jealous, but you're just so doggone nice :)

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  15. I'm can do this. . .I've been struggling with weight all my life, I lost 10lbs since May!
    Not enough I say Ö

    You can't get into much trouble if you are limited to meat, eggs, fruit, wine and veggies. . .and I do love veggies. Especially this time of year when they are so plentiful.

    I'm going to miss bologna sandwiches on a roll with fresh, sweet, jersey tomatoes, and mayo, but who wants that when I could have a dish of broccoli Ö. . . realllly

    Jayme, when I read your posts, your enthusiasm, and joy, just screams out at me, I can't help feel, I want what she has. . . I want that energy. Law

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  16. Wow, did I say Wow? That is terrific. I want what you have. I am so glad I checked you out today I am going to reread it again. I can do it, this is beyond a leap of faith. This s like walking in the pitch black along a bridge with no sides but at the end is feeling good.

    Thanks for sharing and Tell us more.
    Kathy

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  17. First of all, you look terrific! Just sayin'. Second of all, will you share some of your new menu with all of us? Thirdly, what does your husband eat? The same thing as you? Something different? And fourth....the salad that Shannan made for you when you came to visit and went to the park...is that on your current diet? It looked yummy!

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  18. I have also found that the less dairy I consume the better I feel.
    I admit I have a problem giving up wheat........
    But I gave up meat a couple of years ago.......so it leaves me in a corner.

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  19. I eat all these good things and then I slip and have 3 cookies or a piece of chocolate or hot cocoa. But, I keep trying to stay away from them. I'm good for a week or so and then... sigh...

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  20. I read! I agree! I'm on my (un)smart phone. I'll come back later!

    Rebecca

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  21. Thanks for the great menu ideas. My son (17) was just diagnosed with an allergy disorder. He is allergic to wheat, soy, dairy, nuts....you get the picture. The doctors tell us what NOT to eat, but it is hard to come up with what TO eat. He is an athlete so it can get tricky trying to figure out what to feed him! Keep the ideas coming!! (you look fabulous!)

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  22. You are continuing to inspire me... I was just sharing some of what you've written about with my husband... I think we are ready to start this journey together.

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  23. Broccoli is my bff too! My husband can't bear to eat it, smell it or touch it so.... I get the whole bunch! I made broccoli cheese soup this week and ate it several days in a row! Our youngest daughter does raw diet and says she has so much more energy. So glad I don't have issues with dairy, I'd miss that so much.

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  24. I just found out I have a gluten intolerance and our diets are basically the same. I feel great too. :)

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  25. You look like you sound - happy n pretty n energetic! I did the total elimination diet when I breastfed both my colicy kids. No nothing - gluten, dairy, soy *plus no nuts, no corn no eggs! It helped them AND me! My big indulgence became potato chips!
    Then I went back to just "healthy" eating... Found I'd become gluten intolerant and now eat very much like you. Only I now eat cheese and drink raw goat's milk (and wine). I should probably try giving those up too but waaaaaaaaa! ;-P THANKS for sharing and keep the details comin' please!
    xo
    Leslie

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  26. I am beginning this journey...not quite ready to blog about it yet...thanks for the tips and inspiration!

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  27. Dietary restrictions are so hard. I managed to keep a VERY strict diet for 3 mths about a year ago. I was following the candida diet to test if it would solve some skin issues I was facing; when it didn't have any effect I quickly returned to my usual habits. In that time, I lost 30+ lbs. I swear I lost 8 lbs in a single week at one point! Since returning to my former bad habits, I've gained most of it back again. I'm now on the quest to find a happy medium: limiting some foods, but not as severely or religiously as I had to before, so I can keep it up more long term. Hadn't really thought about blogging about it tho... may need to think about that.

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  28. Thanks for the pep talk! I just came across your blog today! I was doing what you are doing and have had a major slip up for the last 5 days! So, this encourages me to get going again today and straighten up! Blessings!

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Thanks so much for leaving a comment!