We're having extremely horrid humid weather at the moment...the sort of clammy heat that causes sweat to run down your back..gross I know. Today my daughter and I were lamenting about our lack of air conditioning...and we both decided that we don't care how much extra it would cost in power bills, we're just so desperate to be cool.
January normally sees me preserving food like a crazy woman, but this year it's just too jolly hot and so I'm just enjoying the gardens bounty fresh and giving any extra away. Last year I think I canned about 50 jars of relish or various kinds, and we did get through it. But this year I think I'm only going to bottle a few jars of plums, make some Tomato relish later in the season and stew any extra tomatoes for freezing, to use these in soups and casseroles.
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And why? The quick answer: it's time for a change. Over the last few years I've added on a few pounds here and there and I just don't like it. Most of my life I've been reasonably slim (apart from during and after pregnancies. I've prayed many many times over the last year asking God to help me to stick to something and strengthen my resolve to get back into exercising. And He is helping me. I have started walking again (treadmill) and I've also started the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle eating plan, after much loving encouragement from my sweet daughter.
For anyone who doesn't know what Trim Healthy Mama is, its basically a low carb (not no carb), low glycemic style of eating. I initially found it a bit confusing. I looked at the book last year and it all seemed too different and i didn't have the motivation or the head space to truly give it a chance. This time when my daughter suggested I try it, I thought why not? and I can honestly say I'm not feeling deprived at all following this plan and am even enjoying Stevia as a natural sweetener. In fact, I will go as far as saying I love THM and have become somewhat of a devotee.
Here's a good video that gives a good introduction to what it's about.
Here's a link to the main website for anyone interested. They also have facebook pages which are very helpful to new people like me.
https://trimhealthymama.com/
and another great THM low glycemic sort of blog:
https://www.briana-thomas.com/
Here's what I've been eating...
B L U E B E R R Y S M O O T H E E with almond milk
Bacon and eggs and tomato/garlic/courgette
(I have this once or twice a week for breakfast
(normally without the additional smoothee)
Most mornings I eat pancakes, with fresh berries - these are from the THM cookbook with lite cottage cheese, oats, natural sweetner and egg whites. I love them :) For luch I normally have salads with some sort of protein and various different yummy dinners. I also have great snacks. If anyone else out there needs to lose some extra weight and is looking for something that really works, I hope you'll give this a try. THM was started by two lovely Christian mums who have a real heart to help people achieve their goals, whether that be to simply eat healthier, gain weight or lose it..and best of all 'maintain it'..yeh!! :)
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Other things...
- I N T H E G A R D E N -
I've been harvesting and infusing St Johns Wort flowers which have no end of medicinal qualities.
I've made a tincture and also infused flowers in Olive Oil. I'll leave both of these infusions for about 6 weeks and then strain and bottle.
Here's a little info:
St. John’s Wort is useful for reducing stress, anxiety and mild depression when used consistently overtime. It also has a reputation for being a 'Trauma Herb' ,beneficial to the skin and soul. Its blood red anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory medicine is wonderful for treating bruises, burns, sprains, reducing pain and infections.
Here's a good link to some helpful info about St Johns Wort : https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/st-johns-wort-oil-salve-for-tired-muscles/ I purchased this ladies book and enjoy it very much.
Please let me know if you also use St Johns Wort and what you make with it or use it for. :)
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Well that's about all from me. Blessings to anyone who stops by. I hope what I have shared tonight is helpful to someone in some way ~ Linda :)
