New Beginnings in 2016!

We are excited to announce that our due date is July 3, 2016 and we are having a girl! 

If you head over to my new pregnancy blog alivelovedsatisfied.blogger.com you'll be able to follow me on that journey as well as still come here and pick up recipes and advice on eating clean and loving it!

Thanks for your support and interest!

Laura

Sugar Detoxing and New Beginings

Dear whoever you are,

Yes dear because everyone is dear, God thinks so and I believe He is right. Hello, how are you and how was your day? Isn't it nice when someone asks and then actually listens, cutting in only sometimes for clarification or not at all? And isn't it wonderful when they ask a really good question that makes you think a little but not totally stump you - because after all it was your day and pertains to you.

Those moments of comfort;

A hot cup of something, a sweet, insane rain and afternoon naps. Crunching leaves, warm sun on a crisp fall day, warming your face and causing you to smile. Snow falling outside, silent, magical, while you bake inside with loved ones and listen to your favorite music. Chocolate chip cookies, spiced apple cider or cold lemonade on a HOT summer day. A really satisfying workout, an amazing view at the top of that ridicules hike, the sound of your mother's voice, jumping in the puddles, not being too grown up to play, being grown up enough to eat what you want, when you want and not regretting it later because you didn't over do it. The strength of your father, the sounds of children laughing, swinging on the swings, the love of your partner that you will never be able to duplicate and you don't know why or how you got it.

Wonderful things, complex things or simple ones. Adult things. Stored up and memory things. Comfort, attachment, joy, health, things that cause your body and soul to sigh and relax.

I stopped writing, blogging, journaling (although I've never been very faithful to it), and being myself because of some intense body shaming that was given to me in a daily dose. I met my goal wouldn't you know, I lost those 50 lbs but someone was hurt by it because this person was still back there in +50 land and was miserable. I knew that misery, know that misery and I didn't help her. I let her shame me and tear me down and then I ate my way back up so it would stop. You know what, it did. I haven't heard a hurtful peep since. But I am miserable. I am heavy and tired, exhausted to be truthful, grumpy, unsatisfied and sadly - peering into the past at what I had at -50lbs.

Losing that weight was a miracle. I didn't know I could lose weight. It seemed so difficult, and then it wasn't and then I had done it.

The wonderful thing is that I have started this process again. I am 189.6 lbs this time around, my heaviest yet and it scared me. The reason I had first started this journey was to help my husband as well as become healthy for any babies we might have, the babies I look after for another and for myself (my physical, mental, emotional, spiritual self). Since I quit he's had a relapse that put him back a year in school, we had a miscarriage (totally normal apparently), caused my health to decline at an astounding rate and made me miserable. Failure and hurt, deep hurt are a nasty mix. It eats at you, tries to change you and twist you into something hateful and bitter. Well I'm not interested in hateful and bitter so I've forgiven and moved on and that includes myself.

You see I'm not blind, I know I ate the food that got me back here. I made the choice to revert to my old ways instead of confronting this friend and pulling my pain out so it could be healed. I stuffed it away and locked it up. I did that, nobody else.

So here I am a couple of years later and back up in the 180's and sugar detoxing. Did I mention the first time I did this how awful a detox is? You feel terrible, you have no energy, you have headaches, (sometimes) nausea, a terrible temper, you feel sleep deprived, and overall like you may be dyeing.

Here's the thing - there's hope and a lot of it! When you get past that phase, the death phase I'll call it, you wake up and don't even realize it's over. You start your day maybe with some anxiety, some dread, some snap, BUT you feel better so you don't totally lose it. By the middle of the day, when you're usually asleep on your feet, you realize you have a second wind kicking in and energy infusing into your normally, tired body. By the evening you get home and (high five) no headache, no nausea, no temper! You actually... FEEL GREAT! You feel awake, alert, more in the moment, present. You feel like you could clean your home, do something other than sit on the couch, maybe... GO FOR A WALK?!!!

This happens, after the death phase comes life. I'm talking amazing life. And the only difference is that you have survived the sugar detox. It only gets better (insert big grin). The weight will melt off, your toxins will leave your body, the energy grows naturally, you'll sleep better, feel better, be more stable emotionally, happier all around and more enjoyable to be with (wink).

So join me in healthy choices, whether you are just beginning, you're on your second, third or twentieth time around or if you haven't started yet. You can do this. I've done it before, I know it's possible, it's mine to reach out and grab. It's a choice, like anything else and I'm making it. You to can come with me and make these life changes, not being held back by fear, hate, selfishness, greed or your past. I will be supporting my husband once again by abstaining from sugar, starches, grains, and  dairy. I will be taking a multi vit each day and eating home made yogurt for my calcium intake (or sometimes drinking milk - I don't want osteoporosis and milk isn't a stumbling block for my hubby).

In fact I already have, I am two weeks in and feel great, and those pesky vitamins that I usually forget to consume - I take them when I remember (night or day I don't care) at least once in that 24 hour span.

So here's to new beginnings, being stronger than the first time, forgiveness and no shame. I'm proud to be me, to learn life's lessons and no give up or lose hope. I will dream and I will pursue those dreams and I will conquer!

Our First Born is in Heaven...

 Raymond and I have recently suffered the loss of our first child. I was pregnant for six weeks and five days. It was very exciting. We confirmed it the morning of July 7, 2014. It was our fifth pregnancy test due to one positive (but if it's faint is it really positive?!) two negatives and one test fell in the toilet - something to do with cat litter... Anyway, we were excited, scared, elated! We were parents. We started talking to our baby and calling it 'he' because I was sure it would be a boy. We prayed for him and started reading about the do's and don'ts of being pregnant (there are a lot of things to NOT do that you would have no clue about if you didn't read up on it). I had all the classic symptoms - nausea, exhaustion, a bloated tummy, a crazy sense of smell, some slight cramping (normal they say). 

On Saturday, July 12, 2014 I noticed a little blood and freaked out as any newly pregnant mom would. I called the nurses hotline but was told it could be completely normal and I didn't have any of the symptoms on the long list of "you may be miscarrying." On Sunday I had a Dr appointment and was set up to get an ultrasound and blood work on Monday - all normal stuff. But I knew it was wrong. I didn't feel right and my symptoms were less or off.... I was nervous. I was crying on and off, I was laying down, not moving, I was talking to God and to Samuel... I had peace, lot's of peace. I knew that no matter what the outcome, it would be okay - that I would be okay.

I woke up Sunday morning around 4 AM and it wasn't okay. By 5:50 AM Raymond had called an ambulance and they were on their way. It was agonizing pain. I kept saying "I can't do this" and then all of a sudden I could. The pain didn't lessen or go away but there was that peace again. We got to the hospital, Raymond helped me get blood work and my first IV (I have a fear of needles so that was hard for me). He held me in my hospital bed while we waited and encouraged me through the tests.

He got me home and napped with me for the rest of the day...

God gave my husband something really special for me. God gave Raymond the ability to be what I needed, when I needed it. I cannot even come up with the right words to describe how perfect Raymond was. Another blessing I've gotten from this tragedy was the closeness to God and to Raymond that came about. God has met me in my pain. He has been there every step of the way and on Sunday he showed me something beautiful. I will always hold it close to my heart until I get to heaven and see my son and hold him in my arms.

Now you may be wondering why the name Samuel. While Raymond and I waited for some tests the question was asked (by a friend dropping items off for us as we didn't have a car) "are you going to name the baby?" The night before when I had been praying God had reminded me of Hannah and her son Samuel that she begged God for. She was given her son and after he was weaned she gave him back to God as promised. Samuel means "God hears." Raymond, after hearing why I thought perhaps Samuel for the babies name told us that God had given him the name Samuel for the baby a couple of weeks prior but that he hadn't told me because he thought that I would think it was silly. I was then able to tell him that I had been asking God to give him a name for the baby. What a blessing for us to name our baby the name God had chosen weeks before and see all of those prayers answered and have our faith built even while waiting for our loss to be confirmed.

So here's our news. It's not joyful like the regular "we're expecting" announcements but it's ours and it's beautiful in itself. For everyone expecting or newly delivered I am so excited for you! I now know what it feels like to be pregnant, to hold that joy and excitement in, to keep it a secret (so hard) and to giggle about it with your husband. To fall in love, no matter how long or how short the time you have together is.

ANNOUNCING:

Samuel Oosterom
May 28, 2014 - July 14, 2014

Six weeks and five days I got to cary you, we love you, we wanted you, we miss you and we are very happy you are in heaven with Jesus.

"I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living my baby you'll be...."

I miscarried July 14, 2014 at the Richmond Hospital. Raymond and I were taken by ambulance and it was a very hard day for us.

Raymond was amazing. Exactly what I needed, when I needed it. I know God enabled Raymond to be that for me. Even when Raymond didn't know what to do he still stood by me and encouraged me or held my hand. He was right there to walk me through every step.

Working Out - 5 days and counting

Everybody starts somewhere, so I made a decision, hopped on my treadmill and did just that.

Day 1 I ran 1 mile in 10 mins and 6 seconds. I lifted weights for my arms, added in squats and finished with sit ups done at various angles.

Day 2 was similar but with time shaved off of my mile as was day 3 and day 4 (I ran 1 mile in 9 mins and 28 seconds).

So today is day 5 and I ran 1.44 miles in 14 mins and 30 seconds.

It was hard, I was huffing and puffing. I ran at a 6.0 miles per hour pace the whole time. Needless to say I am making progress. It's small but it's there. I'm going for total body health, cardio, muscles, etc. I want a healthy body, organs and mind! I am excited and determined.

Stuffed Chicken - When you're bored of your normal food fair!

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts (this allows one each for dinner or left overs if there are only 2 of you)
2 slices of Bread (home made on plan)
1 purple onion cubed
6 slices of well cooked bacon
bacon fat
1 large spoonful of goat cheese


Directions:

1. Pound your chicken breasts flat.
2. Take the next 4 ingredients and put them in your food processor. Process until it's a fine mix (really fine, not chunky)
3. Take the last ingredient and in a bowl add to the processed 4. This will make a paste.
4. Spread the paste onto the chicken breasts
5. Roll your chicken and stick it together with tooth picks
6. Fry chicken on both sides
7. Pop in oven at 350 degrees until totally cooked (about 20-30 mins)

Serve with a side of Brussel sprouts and Salad with home made dressing (honey mustard is good).

This was super yummy and half eaten already - haha
Over Eager!

Tomato Soup - from scratch

Tomato soup:

•2 cans of whole tomatoes
•3-6 fresh tomatoes
•1-2 cubes of chicken broth
•Salt and pepper
•3 cups if water (may use less or none if adding chicken broth vs. boullion cubes)
1-2 onions diced and sautéed in butter
1 cup of almond milk

Boil all the ingredients with bullets for about 30 or so mins.
Meanwhile sauté the onions then add once soft and keep boiling for at least another 10-15 mins.
Purée everything till smooth
Add in milk and bring to simmer
Add s/p to taste (lots if pepper)

Cool, serve and enjoy!

A WEEK IN THE FOOD LIFE OF LAURA (and RAYMOND)

TITLES AND PICTURES

A WEEKS WORTH OF MENU ITEMS AT THE OOSTEROM HOUSE

I had a request for a week of titles and pictures of what I'm eating (maybe it will help you with your weight loss journey or give you some creative ideas on meals, snacks, or examples of different foods that you wouldn't have thought to try before).

Anyway as I am just starting the week (today is Sunday, May 19, 2013) there won't be any pictures with titles until the end of the day!

I hope you enjoy and have fun following along with me as I give a little insight into my world of food!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Lunch & snack — I was so full!

BREAKFAST: One cup of tea and two cups of coffee (this isn't normal for me but I was on the worship team this AM and we had to be there super early and so my usual breakfast didn't happen - ladies and gentlemen, don't do this to yourself... PREPARE!)

LUNCH: SALAD ON BREAD!

DINNER: SALAD ON BREAD cont. IT WAS TOO MUCH FOOD          THE FIRST TIME TO FINISH AT LUNCH!

SNACK 1: APPLE PIECES AND PEANUT BUTTER

Monday, May 20, 2013

BREAKFAST: 2 pieces of toast with peanut butter and apple stropp
one mug of warm apple cider



LUNCH: 1 Huge Salad: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, shaved roast beef, cheddar cheese, and avocado - I added home made mayonnaise and mustard for the dressing
1 Large Glass of lime water



DINNER: Honey Garlic Chicken (fry the chicken in garlic and butter then drizzle honey over when serving).
Steamed broccoli and cauliflower with butter and melted cheese

SNACK1: Apple slices with peanut butter

THE REST OF THE WEEK INCLUDED THESE MEALS!

Home Made Taco Shell
with Cheese and Almond Flour

Home Made Butternut Squash Fries
and
Honey Mustard Mayo Dipping Sauce

Home Made Tacos
(turned into more of a salad)

Raymond made Fried Chicken
Carrots and Cauliflower
One night

Stir Fry (honey garlic)

Home made chips with
guacamole dip

Salad!

SALAD

Cheesey Onion Omelet 

Waffle (Almond Flour) with
Yogurt and fresh pear and
cinnamon on top with honey
drizzel 

Apple Pear (Yummy)

Coffee with honey and
Cinnamon Drizzle
(home made almond milk)

Peanut Butter and Apples!
My favorite snack.

Pineapple chicken stir fry

Breakfast:
Coffee, Shake, Toast with
Home made Jam and
Clean Peanut Butter

MORNING SHAKES!

This Message is for EVERYONE

this message is for EVERYONE

if you have ever bought, stashed or thrown out product (skin care, or beauty) because it was the WRONG COLOR or not for your SKIN TYPE or only worked for ONE WEEK, ONE MONTH or NOT AT ALL then you weren't using mary kay!

MARY KAY products are ALWAYS the right color and formula for your skin type. the products last and do what they say they are going to do because THEY ARE 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!

Shop with me online and DON'T PAY for shipping and handling.

you can SHOP WITH ME at:
www.marykay.ca/loosterom

BREAD (grain free - tastes good)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of coconut flour

1 1/4 cups almond flour

1/4 cup ground chia seeds or flax seeds (i ground my chia seeds up in the magic bullet)

5 eggs

1/4 tsp sea salt

4 TBSP coconut oil (heat up to liquid form in microwave then cool off)

1 TBSP apple cider vinigar

2 Tbsp honey

1/2 tsp baking soda

*This makes a smaller loaf of bread so you will want to double it if you're hoping 

for a normal sized loaf

Directions:

1. Blend all dry ingredients in a bowl and in a separate bowl all the wet ingredients

2. Make sure to blend the eggs till frothy, about 3 minutes THEN stir the honey and vinegar into the eggs.

3. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet

4. Scoop your batter into a well greased loaf pan

I cut the loaf in half and then sliced the wrong way

5. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes (until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean)

6. Cool and Serve

This recipe enables you to have sandwiches, buns for burgers or toast in the morning while on the SCD

FROZEN MANGO SORBET (DAIRY AND SUGAR FREE)

FROZEN MANGO SORBET 

(DAIRY AND SUGAR FREE)

INGREDIENTS:

2 mangoes

2 cups of lactose free yogurt

3 TBSP honey (or more, depends on how sweet you like it)

1-2 tsp pure vanilla extract

APPLIANCE:

1 ice cream maker ready to go per instructions

1 magic bullet or blender of some kind

DIRECTIONS:

1. peel and pit your mangoes. place the flesh in the magic bullet and puree

2. take your yogurt, honey and vanilla, place all 3 ingredients in the magic bullet (a new cup) and puree until mixed.

3. pour both the mango puree and the yogurt into the ice cream maker and let it mix for 30 minutes until it's ice cream consistency.

30 DAY SHRED CHALLENGE

So, for the past 6 months I have eaten my way to a 38 pound loss without working out at all (besides starting to hike once a week with my husband for our date day).

Today we got on our running shoes after I got home from work, put on a 30 day shred video by Jillian Michaels and did the first 20 minute workout of 30.

My goal is to tone up, gain definition and slightly increase my muscle mass. During the workout I'm using two, two pound weights strapped to my legs as well as lifting 2 pound weights for the weight required exercises.

I have decided to do the level 1 for 7 days, level 2 for 7-10 days and level 3 for 13-16 days depending on how quickly my endurance increases. I want to be able to do the whole video full out by the end and begin to form a habit of working out daily whether it's for 20 minutes like these videos, 1-3 hours of hiking on a Saturday.

My ultimate goals are to run a half marathon, be benching 110 lbs - 150 lbs consistently and continue to eat cleanly while introducing rice and quinoa back into our diet in 2-3 years.

Be encouraged, we're all in this together - btw, I made some amazing frozen mango, yogurt sorbet tonight and will post the recipe and pictures soon!

THUMB PRINT COOKIES

THUMB PRINT COOKIES 

With Home Made Jam and Coconut Whip Cream!

Uncooked, After the Jam is Added

Ingredients:

Before the Jam is Added

For the Macaroons

2 Cups of Coconut (unsweetened, flaked)

1.5 Cups of Almond Flour

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 - 3/4 Cup of Honey (depends on how sweet you like them)

2.5 TBSP Coconut oil / 2 - 3 TBSP Butter

I made Blueberry Jam

For the Chia Seed Jam

3 Cups of Frozen Berries (Raspberry, Blueberry or Blackberry)

1/4 Cup of Honey (this jam isn't very sweet)

2 Tbsp Chia Seeds

1 TBSP pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

• For the Chia Seed Jam; Put the frozen or fresh berries in a pot, add the honey and stir until liquidy with a few berries (should look like jam). Bring the pot to a simmer; after 5 minutes add the chia seeds and cook down the mixture for about 15 minutes (should thicken) - STIR FREQUENTLY TO AVOID BURNING YOUR JAM! Remove from heat, stir in your vanilla and put in the fridge to chill.

Baked till golden brown

• Preheat the oven to 275F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non stick mat. 
• In a large bowl combine all the ingredients together for the macaroon recipe. Using your electric beaters mix all the ingredients together. The dough is wet and sticky but this is normal.
• Grab a large spoonful of the dough, roll it into a ball and place it onto the lined tray. Using your thumb, make a print in the middle of the cookie. Repeat this process until the tray is full - PUT YOUR TRAY IN THE FRIDGE SO THEY FIRM UP.
• When you are ready to bake, first spoon your jam mixture into the holes in the cookies and then put them into the oven. 
• Bake at 275 for 20 minutes then rotate the pan and bake for another 20 minutes. 
• These cookies should be golden brown when fully baked and after a couple of minutes on the pan, firm enough to transfer them onto a cooling rack and then into the fridge.

Coconut Whip Cream:

Ingredients:

1 Can of coconut Cream

1 tsp of pure vanilla extract

1-2 Tbsp Honey

1/4 of a vanilla pod (optional - really adds to the vanilla flavoring and color)

Directions:

CHILL YOUR MIXING BOWL IN THE FREEZER!

• Open your can of Coconut cream, drain off the liquid (keep for shakes later) and keep the cream.
• Put your cream in your chilled mixing bowl (the bowl should be freezing) and mix on 3-4 speed with your electric beaters.
• When it's whip cream texture add the vanilla, honey and vanilla seeds (in the pod, scrape them out - don't put the pod itself into the cream) and whip it again.
• Put the cream in the fridge (taste it first, you may want to add more honey or vanilla extract)

When you are ready to serve your cookies, put a cookie on the plate, pour some cream over the top (or purposefully place with a spoon) and add a dollop of jam in the center of the cream. Serve with a fork and a cup of tea or coffee! ENJOY!

I'M AT MY PRE-MARRIAGE WEIGHT!

So I wanted to update really quickly by sharing that I am down to 143.6 lbs now. I'm so excited for that because I remember stepping on the scale a week before I got married and I weighed 143 lbs at that time too. It's been an exciting journey these past 5 months of changing what we eat and watching my body change because of that choice. I have officially lost 37 pounds, I started November 2012, and all I can say is that it's so sad how before I thought I could never lose the weight and that it would take so long to get it off. I believed that because it took me 2 years to put it all on that it would take even longer to get it off. I still have another 13 pounds to lose before I'm at my goal weight but I'm telling you that if I can do this so can you! I fully believe it 100%

Another exciting thing is a VEGAN dessert I stumbled upon, made and inhaled! It was "cheesecake" made from nuts! It tastes like cheesecake and is (was) so good! I will be posting the recipe soon and one for a chocolate carmel one too.

Eating in this way doesn't have to be restricted just different. It allows you and I to learn to cook with things we've never thought to try before and to experiment and relearn to make delicious dishes and desserts that are good for our bodies.

Thank you for continuing on this journey with me, I really appreciate it!
Laura

HE DIDN'T JUST CALL YOU FAT! (This is not the article you may think it is)

Are you hearing what is being said?

Okay ladies (and any gentlemen who read this) I'm about to get really honest. If you have a boyfriend, husband or male friend in your life (father, brother etc) that you care about their opinion DO NOT set them up for failure or bait them with loaded questions. It isn't fair! 

They get tongue tied, confused, nervous and most of the time will say the wrong answer because of what you are looking to hear. It's not them most of the time, it's you, me, us! 

As I gained an extra 40+ pounds I would ask my husband "Am I fat?" He would panic, swallow and say slowly "You have gained weight but you are still attractive to me." Then I would throw at him the "Do you think I need to lose weight?!" His reply would be "I think it would be good, yes."

Now before you get upset with him or take on any offense for me, listen to what he said. "1. You have gained weight (I had), 2. You still are attractive to me (I can't argue this although I tried), 3. I want you to lose weight so we can do the things we used to."

Lets take a look at the first one. I had gained weight and was continuing to gain at that point. When I asked him if I was fat the truth was that I was (at 180 lbs) and he wasn't going to lie to me. He didn't call me fat he said I had gained weight. It was true! The truth not only hurt but it fed my insecurity and after that answer I only heard the lies I was telling myself. They included, you're fat, that makes you ugly, that means you aren't attractive anymore, that means he doesn't like you and you already don't like yourself?! What a viscous cycle.

Men can separate things, categorize them and not let the one affect the other. For women it's the opposite, everything is connected and in most cases cannot or will not be separated. So when Raymond said that I had gained weight, I could still be attractive to him even though for me it was impossible to believe because in my head weight gain meant unattractive and there wasn't any other outcome. 

Now for all the ladies out there who are plus size, in the middle or larger I'M NOT BASHING YOU! I have been raised in a house where gaining weight was the worst thing that could happen to you. It created an mentality that if I gained weight (me, Laura Oosterom) then I was unattractive. However I have been friends and am friends with many plus sized girls and women and they are so beautiful in my eyes. They're sexy and voluptuous and I can't stop telling them how pretty or beautiful they are, how lucky some man will be to marry them one day and I mean it with all my heart. But for myself personally when it came to weight gain I couldn't get past how I had been raised to think about it.

It wasn't just the weight gain! It was so much more, for myself I became lethargic, I had no energy, I was sad, depressed, didn't want to cook, clean, get off the couch, go anywhere, be seen etc. As you can read, I wasn't a very fun, interactive wife, friend, sister or daughter. I was super insecure and trying to disappear. Part of the problem was that I didn't believe I was beautiful anymore and another part was that I thought I was stuck and growing. I didn't believe I could lose weight or change my future in this aspect and it was killing me. 

The second thing my husband would say was "You are still attractive to me" and he meant it. I couldn't or wouldn't hear him but he said it and meant it. Now something that I wish he had known to do was come to me and tell me how beautiful I was, how attractive I had become or how sexy I was to him. However as a cornered man he wasn't coming near the subject. And the truth for us as a couple is that he does prefer a more athletic build which is what I was before we got married and for at least the first year after. He fell in love with my athletic self and all of the activities we did together but with the new overweight version of me all of my joy and adventurous spirit and athletics disappeared. I fully believe that if I was my joyful, spontaneous, athletic self at 180 pounds he wouldn't have cared. 

The third thing he said was that yes he did think I should lose weight. It was a hard pill to swallow but it was sage advice as well. All he knew was that when I weighed less I was happy, energetic, up for adventures and challenges. He told me that he wanted those characteristics back. "I want my happy Laura back" he would say. He thought that losing weight and spending more time with God would do that for me. He was right. 

One other thing I will mention is that my husband also doesn't want me getting too skinny. He doesn't want a stick, he isn't some sicko that is looking for a magazine add in his wife. He just wants me. Some of you will read this and say "But you are you at 180 lbs and you are you at 140 lbs." That's true and it's not. I wrote in a previous blog that I didn't feel like myself, like I had been lost somewhere along the way. The truth was that at that heavier weight I wasn't me, I wasn't able to do the things I desire as Laura Oosterom. I have my own goals and dreams because I'm me (just as you have your own which makes you, you). I couldn't be who I want to be at that weight. I love being strong and being able to run, I like to cook and clean and go after crazy wild dreams that take a lot of energy and hard work. I thrive on being as strong as the boys or being able to compete with the work ethic being put out there. At 180 lbs I can't . 

So here's my challenge to you, LISTEN, step outside the moment, look at the big picture. If someone is asking you to be who you are called to be because they love you and they want you back then don't be offended. Don't corner the ones you love with the scary questions that have no positive outcome. Don't go looking for a screaming match or to feed your insecurity and self loathing. Either LOVE who you are and stay that way fully embracing the new you or love who you are now and start to change into the person you desire to be. Lose the weight or keep it, just make sure you are being faithful to yourself and know that you are beautiful! 

But be healthy! Too much weight will give health problems that nobody needs to experience or go through.

Ps. If someone is being a bully and calling you fat that's not okay. Tell somebody who loves you and cares for you and get that situation sorted out.

MARY KAY

So I have officially started with Mary Kay as a consultant in the Lower Mainland, BC Canada area. If you are interested in a facial or trying out their product or having a party please contact me here and I will give you a call! There is a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and I'm all about finding what works for your skin! I won't sell you anything that you don't want or that is irritating to your skin.

My own testimony is that for my teenage years all the way up until about 2 weeks ago I have always had quite oily skin with frequent break outs, not to mention large open pores. I used to be quite good at covering up my blemishes and pores with make up and by drawing a lot of attention to my eyes. I decided to try Mary Kay after a woman at my church (who has amazing skin and who I thought was 20 years younger than she really is) told me what she used and that her mom was a consultant. I went to her mom's house, tried the product, liked how it felt and bought a package deal, plus I got 2 other items for half off.

For $235 I got face wash, face cream, night and day cream, foundation, microdermabrasion and lotion. The microdermabrasion and lotion cleaned out my pores and in two days I noticed them closing. The day cream and face cream together dried out my skin and my consultant promptly gave me a different day cream to try free of charge and took the other one back. Separately the creams are fine. My skin cleared up and even during that time of the month I only got one blemish that was easily hidden.

All that to say I am very happy with my purchase, I believe I have made a great investment, so much so I became a consultant myself and will be selling Mary Kay product as my new and second job.
I'm really excited to take you all on this journey of skin care that I have now brought into my health journey as we all have skin and should be taking the best care of it that we can.

Other important factors to good skin is at least 8 hours of sleep, each minute of sleep you get before midnight is worth 4 minutes to every minute you get after midnight. Also drinking a lot of water throughout the day keeps you hydrated, healthy and happy.

I would like to say that by changing what I ate I lost a lot of weight but my skin stayed the same. By introducing Mary Kay to my skin I have noticed a visible difference that I cannot deny. It's worth checking it out and trying it, because if you are not satisfied with the results you can always return it and get your money back. Also you can exchange your product for different product free of charge if it's not perfect for your skin type the first time you purchase Mary Kay, sometimes you need a little tweaking to your product choice.

STEAK, ASPARAGUS AND CESAR SALAD - Anybody want to lose 34 pounds with me?!

Tonight for Dinner I Had...

So tonight for dinner I made and ate a large cesar salad with delicious creamy dressing (made from scratch), steak, fried onions, pan fried asparagus in butter and garlic. For dessert I ate apple slices dipped in peanut butter and for my drink I stuck to water as I had already had a glass of orange juice during the cooking process. 

I have lost a total of 34 pounds (I am down to 146 pounds as of this week) and it has been 100% to diet. In my diet I do not eat sugar, grains, starch or dairy (although I have brought cream back with my coffee - it's my only exception). Because of the weight loss I have much more energy and so for the past few weeks my husband and I have done one fun outing every Saturday whether it be a hike, snow shoeing and today was ice skating. I lasted for an hour and fifteen minutes before I decided my socks were digging too deep into my skin due to rental skates. It was so much fun!

Due to my Mary Kay skin regime I have a clear face and that has been such a bonus to my weight loss. I feel so confident, joyful, energetic and I feel... Like myself again. For a couple of years I had lost myself. I gained 40+ pounds which changed so much more than my appearance. My energy flagged, my personality altered, I was sad and depressed, lethargic and a far cry from the happy, bouncing, beautiful woman my husband told me he had married. 

I've been on this journey since November 2012 which makes it 5 months ago that I gave all my food away and never looked back. It has changed my life and the life of my husband. He has been struggling health wise lately but he has kept on his weight and the relapse has looked different. He feels hopeful which is so important!

Here is a snap shot of tonights dinner that my husband took today. 

If we can do it, so can you, I believe it.

33 Pounds Lost and The Confidence to Start a Business!

Mary Kay and Me!

Today is March 30, 2013 and I weighed myself as I do on Saturday's and was surprised and happy to see that I am down 2 more pounds and now weigh 147.6 lbs.

Last night I got down on the floor before bed and did 22 push ups (full body, in a row) and today I'm going snow shoeing with the love of my life.

Before losing 33 pounds those things weren't possible. I was too heavy for more than 3-5 push ups, I was too tired and lethargic to even think about hiking or snowshoeing. The thought of those activities stressed me out and caused anxiety to creep in and I wouldn't be able to breath. This cut out the possibility of being active and doing things I had previously loved.

I'm still working towards my goal of being 130 lbs by the end and the end is in sight for sure. Only 17 lbs to go and now I have other goals as well. I want to be able to pump out 100 full body push ups in a row, I want to be able to do a 3 minute wall sit and a 5 minute plank. I want to be able to run AND jump again higher and faster, longer and with controlled breathing! I want to be able to do 25-50 pull ups and be flexible again (I have started stretching). I want to be healthy and fit, ready for anything whether it be a walk with friends or a 50 km bike ride or an over night hiking trip with full on gear or a half marathon.

I want to be able to do these things so that I can be strong and agile now, when I have children and as I get old. The grandparent figures in my life were in shape, could swim, hike, cook, bake, build, boat, garden, they were involved in their respective communities, traveled, loved, took chances and lived life. I don't want to find myself a couch potato when I'm 45 or 50 just because I was lazy and didn't take the time to develop my body or control my eating or get involved in the world around me. I want to live life for myself, not through my tv or movies. I want to be an active part of the people in my community, church, neighborhood and family.

These things are important, these things are real.

I also have just started the exciting adventure of becoming a business owner. I have started my own company with Mary Kay cosmetics and am the new Richmond BC consultant! I have been looking into various home owned businesses for a while now and decided to choose Mary Kay for a number of different but positive reasons.

Yes is was a substantial investment, yes it's taken commitment, but what doesn't that's worth anything. My husband is in full support of this choice and I can't wait to get started. My shipment comes in the second week of April and I will be booking parties and welcoming people into my home right away.

I feel so blessed to have been able to take this opportunity and also to have the confidence to do it. I remember being a teenager who had to sell coupon books for her school but couldn't muster up the courage to meet new people and find who needed and wanted the books. I feel as I've grown older I have gained a confidence that has allowed me to love and care for those around me. I'm not being busy with my insecurities or wondering what others think, I'm trying to bless and encourage those I come in contact with.

For me, I think the outside should reflect the inside. If you take care of yourself (get a hair cut once and awhile, dress comfortably but also nicely, put on some make up, exercise, make healthy food choices etc) it shows and others are attracted to that. When people are cared for they can care for others around them.

Mary Kay is a wonderful chance for me to take care of my family (my husband is quitting his job in September and attending university) and still be able to bless others even though we are going down to one income. This is HUGE for me and I was really saddened by the thought of not having enough to support ourselves which would mean we couldn't support the different charities and children that we are invested in. This is my chance to teach others how to take care of their skin (which we all have) and how to be more confident in themselves which is also very important to me.

Welcome on my journey as a Mary Kay consultant! I'm very excited about it and will be sharing my journey of health, exercise and now Mary Kay with you as you read along with my writing.

Thank You for any prayers and all of your support!
Laura O

When I'm Sick For Five Weeks....

When I feel like I can't go on, God reminds me He allowed me to marry a GREAT example of a non quitter, no matter how sick he is.

So I've been dealing with being sick for about 5 weeks now. It started with the flu, moved onto more stomach issues, continued down the path of a terrible cold and has finally ended with this week of sickness free!
It's allowed me to look into my husband's life for a bit. How he is sick every day and doesn't complain. He goes to work and works hard, he comes home and works hard, he attends functions such as church and lifegroup and doesn't murmur a peep.
Let me tell you that being sick for five weeks has been tiring, exhausting even. Going to work and coming home to everything that needs doing here has almost gotten the best of me more than once. I have not been complain free. I have cried, whined, whimpered, used my illnesses as an excuse not to pull my weight around the home and my husband, for the most part, has been understanding and picking up my slack.
I want to take this time to publicly thank him for his high standards for himself and his sacrifice and good example to me. He is tireless and works diligently until the job(s) are complete. He works first and rests at the end of the day. He is such a good leader and is also very patient and kind.
Thank you Raymond for showing me how to be self controlled, ordered, patient, kind, diligent, hard working and a non complainer. There are so many other good qualities I could add but I just wanted to do a little shout out for the things I've been noticing these past few weeks. And for the lessons you have been teaching me even when I didn't know it. I'm glad my eyes have been opened and that I can see all that you've been doing and teaching me even in my blindness, selfishness and stubbornness.

Today I made soup from scratch, baked chicken, fried fish and am about to put cookies in the oven. I managed to do all this because my husband needs to eat tomorrow and even though I'm tired (mostly from recovering) he would have done it for me. I love that when he's home I can count on him to make delicious dishes for me when I get home (even though he rarely feels top notch). I am also working on finishing up the laundry and the dishes I have recreated in my cooking ventures.

DEEP COVE HIKE

Quarry Rock Hike

This is an easy hike that took us 40 minutes to get up and 30 to get down. The view was beautiful and reminded me of home. I am currently out of shape although losing 30 pounds sure made a HUGE difference that I noticed (and my husband did too). We stopped a few times on the way up but I had an extra bounce in my step on the way down, I even jogged a little. I want to add that the way down had almost as many ups and flat places as the way up did. If you live in the Vancouver BC area I challenge you to check out this hike, gather some friends or your hubby and make a date of it! Enjoy yourself and make sure you pace yourself properly so you can enjoy your time and not feel as if you're dying! Good luck hiking, this is a fun one for starting out!

Views

The Trees are also Cool!

Me and my husband, March 11, 

Check out how to get there through this link!  http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/quarry-rock/

EGGPLANT BURGERS!

WHO KNEW EGGPLANT COULD TASTE SO GOOD!

ALL YOU NEED IS A PANINI GRILL

INGREDIENTS:

1 EGGPLANT - keep skin on and cut into rounds

Home made Mayonaise

Cheddar Cheese Sliced

White or Yellow Onions Cut into Rings

Tomatoes Cut into Thick Rings

Butter about 1/4 - 1/3  cup

Garlic - Fresh, Crush

Directions:

Dip your veggies in a garlic / butter mixture (melt 1/3 cup of butter and add 2-3 freshly crushed pieces of garlic, mix).

Grill them on the panini grill in stages (first the eggplant, then the tomatoes, next onions) 

Layer them.

1. Eggplant

2. Mayo

3. Cheese (should melt because veggies are hot)

4. Onion

5. Tomato

I served these with a side of pickles and pan fried garlic chicken. To make the chicken just cut up 1-3 chicken breasts into cubes (boneless and skinless are the easiest). Fry them in butter, coconut oil and 3 crushed pieces of fresh garlic till fully cooked. 

The chicken is also amazing on salad the next day or with a side of veggies!

This is a panini grill

This is pan fried chicken

This is to show the layers

The finished product! Yummy!