Wednesday, September 29, 2010

BACK 2 BRAGGIN'

I’m Back~ for today anyway…

Sorry for the unexplained absence; life has been CRAZY for us Driggers.
Thankfully, for the most part, my absence has been due to excess work and the craziness that comes with the start of a new school year, in addition to lots of little adventures along the way.

I’m still on my Bragg kick and loving it more than ever. I have many friends and coworkers that have been forever changed by the Bragg cocktails.

I am proud to say that I have had no issues maintaining my goal weight, and I am still more energetic & motivated than I have been in years.

My current/constant struggle is trying to give up cheese!
I’ve given up all meat (other than fish) and most dairy~ giving up cheese might be one of the top ten hardest things I’ve ever tried to do.

I will confess that when I feel like being really bad I do not hesitate to drive though the McD’s drive-thru and order a BIG MAC w/no patty or cheese…the special sauce rocks my world, the McD’s employees think I am nuts…maybe I am?

If you aren’t already drinking it- START TODAY and remember “If you screw with the earth, the earth will screw with you” believe it.

PEACE, LOVE, & GREEN

Monday, August 23, 2010

So it’s day 33…or somewhere around there...

So it’s day 33…or somewhere around there and I am 100% addicted to life and ACV!
I don’t remember when or how this all started, but little by little all these things in my life that used to be so chaotic are now, like dominos, becoming habits.

Maybe I’m getting old, but I LOVE the house being clean. I enjoy eating well & eating right. I am so into GOING GREEN. What’s good for the earth is good for the body.
I want to eat all natural raw NEW foods, and run, and pray, play, and jump, and read, and swim, and cook and clean.

WHO IS THIS PERSON THAT I AM BECOMING?

Yes, I still love a super long nap under 2 comforters with a heating pad while the AC is set to 68 and the fan is running on high. I still can’t break the habit of letting the HOT water continually flow into the bath tub while the drain is wide open. I have a long way to go, this is true, but I am growing and learning everyday.

Bradley and Jake think I am CRAZY, but I can tell that my new (eating & cleaning) habits have a tiny influence on them…
Jake has been putting his own clothes away each time after I do the laundry- I know this may not seen like a big deal to anyone but for Bradley Driggers son this is HUGE.

Bradley comes from a very long line of precious, submissive women with wonderful, loving servants hearts. I on the other hand come from a very, very long line of…LONG- Need I say more?
This has made it more than a little challenging for both of us at times, but I am trying very hard to keep everything in its place, while giving everyone their own space.

It’s kind of like a switch just got flipped, and now that I am cleaning and taking care of myself and my home, sometimes it feels like the boys should just up and do the same thing. The hardest thing for me to remember right now is the fact that I am the one who is changing my habits and our way of living and eating. The boys are simply adjusting, and doing so in their own way(s). I am being patient, but eager for them to jump on this wagon with me. I trust that the longer and harder I work, the more this will rub off on them and the easier life in general will become.

Enough writing for now; I’ve got stuff to do!!

More later- CD

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Day 29- I'm an ACV Drinkin' FLYbaby

OK- So I’ve told you all about the abundance of energy that I get from my amazing ACV Cocktails…so lately, when I get home from work in the evenings- I DON’T WANT TO SIT ON THE SOFA AND STUFF MY FACE! Crazy, I know- but it’s true.
I’ve been cleaning up and cleaning out; decluttering like a mad woman…or a FLYbaby, lol!

I might be just as addicted to Facebook as I am to ACV. Yesterday I am doing my daily FB stalking and I came across a conversation about FLYlady. Because I am super curious I had to check it out. Thank God for Google, right?
Anyway- It took me no time at all to find this site that apparently everyone is talking about, FLYlady.net.
I’m not sure why I didn’t know about this before, but I am in love with the FLYlady- so much that I joined the network and I am now a FLYbaby.

Check it out- FLYlady.net is a FREE online guide to help you establish a routine to keep your home decluttered & clean by taking baby steps- the website has all kinds of super cool tools to help you get your work done. I love it.

Between my ACV and my FLYlady resources, my house is on its way to spotless. I’m super excited.

More Later- CD


GOOD LUCK REB!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Day 22

Yes, it’s true- I might be too close to becoming addicted to natural remedies, and preventative health and wellness but is that a bad thing? I think this is something I could do all day, everyday. I realize that I’ve become a little obsessed but I don’t think it’s an issue?!
While on my ACV kick I’ve heard a lot of suggestions, and success stories from a lot of different people. One of the most common cure-all remedies that I’ve heard about is Coconut Oil.
I decided to do some research of my own by going to earthclinic.com and below is some information that I found.
All highlighted information below was taken from earthclinic.com:

You can take coconut oil both internally and externally. Those who are proponents of this cure do both. The typical amount to take internally per day is 3 TBSP. It is recommended that you take 1 TBSP with every meal. Coconut Oil apparently gives an instantaneous energy lift and may help you give up caffeine! Many sports nutrition bars and drinks include coconut oil for its energizing properties.
Warning: Coconut Oil is contraindicated for those with hypertension / high blood pressure! But if you suffer from low blood pressure, this is a great remedy for you.
Lots of research has been done on the subject of Fatty Acids and Monogycerides (found in coconut oil). Some of the reported cures from research are:
WEIGHT LOSS:
Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate. Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats. Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
SKIN/HAIR/BEAUTY
Applied topically, helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward off infection; Reduces symptoms associated with psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis; Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin; Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking; Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots; Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion; Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.; Helps control dandruff.
VIRUSES/BACTERIAL INFECTIONS/FUNGUS/PARASITES
Studies have found that coconut oil can kill viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases; Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections; Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites;
Coconut oil may provide an effective defense against many parasites including giardia. Like bacteria and fungi, giardia can't stand up against MCFA found in coconut oil. Research has confirmed the effectiveness of MCFA in destroying giardia and possibly other protozoa. By using coconut oil every day, you may be able to destroy giardia. Another possible use for coconut is for the removal of intestinal worms. In India it has traditionally been used to get rid of tapeworms. In one study it was reported that treatment with dried coconut, followed by magnesium sulfate (a laxative), caused ninety percent parasite expulsion after twelve hours. In India coconut oil is also rubbed into the scalp as a treatment to remove head lice.
CHRONIC FATIGUE
By taking coconut oil daily, you may also be eliminating the possibility of developing food allergies, chronic fatigue, and other related symptoms. If you're currently troubled with these conditions, coconut oil used liberally with meals may provide a source of relief. Because MCFA are quickly absorbed by the tissues and converted into energy it seems logical that those suffering from chronic fatigue would gain a great deal of benefit.
DIGESTION:
Coconut Oil provides a nutritional source of quick energy; Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance; Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose; Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body; Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis; Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes;
BODY/ORGANS
Coconut Oil reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis; Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth; Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease; Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers; Improves digestion and bowel function; Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids; Reduces inflammation. Supports tissue healing and repair; Functions as a protective antioxidant; Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease; Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome; Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement); Reduces epileptic seizures; Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections; Dissolves kidney stones; Helps prevent liver disease; Supports thyroid function;
CANCER:
Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers;
HEART:
Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease; Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease;
TEETH:
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
COCONUT OIL FOR POOR CIRCULATION
Do you feel cold much of the time? You might try coconut oil, which is said to increase body temperature (and blood pressure). This is due to increased metabolic rate as medium-chain fatty acids of the coconut oil are burned.
CURE FOR ATHLETE'S FEET
The 8% caprylic acid in coconut oil is said to be effective against fungus, and on skin conditions like planter's warts and athlete's foot.
CURE FOR ROSACEA
Used externally and internally, we read one report on the internet of a 15-year bout of rosacea clearing up within 2 weeks with Coconut Oil!

I am going to do more research on Coconut Oil, first to make sure that it’s ok to take with my 3x daily ACV cocktails, and second to see if there are any negative side effects that I should be aware of. I’ve heard from a friend, and have also read online that you can take Coconut Oil with peanut butter to make it taste better.
If my research proves that this Coconut Oil is another safe cure-all, then I would consider adding this to my diet around the first part of September.
Again, I am not dieting to lose weight because I have met my weight loss goal. I am simply trying to be as healthy as I can by exercising and eating right, and also by adding natural supplements to my daily routine.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Coconut Oil. Let me know if you’ve tried it, and/or what you think about it- suggestions/stories/all opinions welcome, nice or not- I’m interested either way.

More later- CD

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The Earache

So I mentioned in my most previous post that I had an earache last night.
Y’all know what I’m talking about when I say that the entire side of my head was in horrific pain when I laid on the (right) side of my (what I believe was) infected ear.

Jake was asleep and Bradley was so tired from playing in a golf tournament yesterday and then working in the yard all evening, I didn’t want to disturb either of them.
As I laid there IN PAIN, I remembered that once when I was little I got swimmers ear at the beach so my mom called the pharmacy to find out what to do. If I remember correctly, the Pharmacist told her to mix grain alcohol and vinegar, to put a few drops of that in my ear- hold it there for a min. or so and then drain.

Well, I didn’t have any grain alcohol in the house, but I did have a “empty” bottle of ACV that needed to be thrown out. I checked the bottle and there was at least 5 drops left- not enough for an ACV Cocktail, but plenty for my earache.

I got a medicine dropper that we still have from when Jake was younger. I then laid on my left side and dropped the ACV in my ear, I waited for about 3 mins and then turned to lay on my right side so to drain the ACV from the “infected” ear.
I ended up falling asleep while I was laying on my right side, and believe it or not…I woke up this morning without any pain in my ear at all- none. The pain is gone, completely!

I totally 100% believe that the ACV cured my earache.

Day 20 already??

What a huge difference the ACV makes…

So we drove down to Charleston on Friday afternoon, by the time we got on the road I had already finished my 3 ACV cocktails and I was feeling great!
I wasn’t starving Friday afternoon so I skipped lunch and just had a snack on the road. We at dinner late Friday evening and I was satisfied with what Fleet Landing calls a “small plate,” I didn’t even WANT the fried shrimp!

I didn’t pack my ACV (not smart) so I did slip up and allow myself a Bodacious Bagel for breakfast on Saturday, but as soon as we were finished eating I made Bradley drive to the Whole Foods so we could pick up a fresh bottle of Bragg so I could start my daily routine.
We spent the entire day on the beach, we played, Bradley surfed, and had a wonderful day- I felt (as usual) totally energized!
We ended up not eating lunch until 3 p.m., which was fine for me because I wasn’t starving at all- Bradley’s favorite place to eat in the Charleston area is The Kickin’ Chicken. I was a little stressed since I don’t eat meat anymore, especially chicken- YUCK- but because it’s his favorite we went. I was so surprised to find some super yummy options on the menu. I finally decided on the Grilled Veggie Wrap and water with lemon; can I just say AMAZING? It was soo good.

We went out with some friends on Saturday night and had too much fun! We started out at Wild Wings so naturally most everyone had wings, I ordered chips and dip to snack on, and because we had eaten such a late lunch the chips were perfectly filling, but even if I would have eaten a 4 pound burger I’m pretty sure I worked it all off dancing with Renee at the Market Street Saloon 

Of course I had to tell Renee all about the ACV!!! I fixed my cocktail first thing Sunday morning, but then left the rest of it with Renee so that she can jump on the ACV train with me.

We didn’t make it home until Sunday evening, and I still haven’t had a chance to make it to Bloom or Whole Foods to pick up another bottle of ACV for myself.

Yesterday morning was such a disaster- it was the first day (at work) in a while that I didn’t have any ACV- the difference was UNBELIEVABLE- I was so tired, my stomach hurt, I was hungry, and ill. I realize that some of that bad mood/feeling was because we had such an amazing weekend and I was coming back to face reality, but I honestly believe that the hunger and fatigue were due to the fact that I missed my ACV.
Finally around lunch time yesterday I stole a couple of teaspoons from a friend in the office because I felt like I was going through some sort of withdrawals…not good.
I felt very sluggish last night and on top of all that I had an earache.

***More about the Earache to follow***

Anyway- today has been the same as yesterday. I feel a little better than I did yesterday, but WOW I can really tell a difference when I’m not on my ACV.
The fatigue is ridiculous, and I find myself wanting snacks when I’m board.
Although it sucks, I’m kind-of glad that I could experience my day to day routine without my ACV, if nothing else just to prove to myself that it does make a HUGE/POSITIVE impact on my daily routine. Believe me…I will have my ACV tomorrow and everyday there after.

DRINK YOUR ACV! IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Day 16

Woop, woop- It’s FRIDAY!!!

I am pumped about this weekend, but I know this weekend is going to be the hardest YET. I hope that I can stay strong and stick to my healthy eating & exercise routine
IN CHARLESTON!
Brad and I are heading down this afternoon to celebrate 8 years of LIFE together as a married couple.

Surely a bridge run will cancel out a four course meal at Magnolias, right?