Frustration

I have heard so many wax poetic that the obesity epidemic in the world today is directly related to a lack of physical activity. Others claim the cause is poor nutrition and lack of self-control. If either, or both, are correct, what is wrong with me and those like me?

Let me paint a picture of my week:

• I do one hour of intense Zumba Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• My husband and I take at least a 2-mile walk 5-7 days per week.
• I drink over 100 ounces of water daily.
• I drink a soy milk and green superfoods drink every morning.
• I eat a primarily vegan diet with the occasional chicken breast or hamburger added to the mix. 
• Our home is dairy-free and, mostly, gluten-free, thanks to Celiac Disease in my husband and second daughter.
• I spend Tuesdays and Thursdays on my feet 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, teaching college mathematics.
• In addition to teaching math, I also teach clarinet and flute lessons on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
• When I teach all day, I drink a vegan meal-replacement shake and eat a Clif Bar for lunch.
• I have four daughters, a husband, an orange furbaby, and a home to tend.
• I play in a woodwind trio, woodwind quintet, and orchestra.
• I am planning a solo clarinet/chamber music recital.
• I practice one hour or more daily.

My point? I am far from lazy, I do not overeat, and I eat pretty healthy food.

Why, then, am I gaining weight instead of losing? I suspect a few culprits:

1. A healthy body requires at least eight hours of sleep per night, and I am averaging just under seven right now.
2. Weight training is missing from my routine.
3. My stress levels have soared this semester.
4. Although I eat heathy foods, and not too much of anything, I do still have a bit of a sweet tooth.
5. Hormonal fluctuations that are not being adequately subdued by my current medication.
6. Asthma that is not as under control as it used to be.

My plan is to start with the first item on my problem list and work my way through them until I discover what is stopping my weight loss. I have lost it all before, and I can again.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 4

As I posted today on Facebook, I need to refocus my trust in God to provide what we truly need, so I think it is time to start up some thankful posting.

Today, I am thankful for a patient, kind, and loving husband. Did I mention patient? 

I have no qualms in admitting that I can be a bit, well, demanding.  Incredibly so, some days.  Through it all, my husband remains so patient with me, and I do not know what I would do without his support.  His sense of humor and ability to allow things to roll off his back have helped to bring down my somewhat higher level of maintenance over the past thirteen years together.  I pray that we can continue to laugh our way through the obstacles yet to come in life.

No, Dominos, That's Not Technically Gluten-Free

So, today I get an email from Dominos that proudly claims that they now have gluten-free crusts.  Then, they tell you to read a disclaimer which states:

"Domino’s pizza made with a Gluten Free Crust is prepared in a common kitchen with the risk of gluten exposure. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness supports the availability of Domino’s Gluten Free Crust, but CANNOT recommend the pizza for customers with celiac disease. Customers with gluten sensitivities should exercise judgment in consuming this pizza."

So, no, that's not technically gluten-free.  While they have the best of intentions, Dominos is showing a lack of research and basic knowledge concerning cooking for Celiac sufferers.  My husband would practically give his left leg to be able to order pizza for delivery again, but he is not willing to take this sort of risk.

If a Celiac were to try this "GF" pizza, which has a fair likelihood of becoming contaminated by wheat flour, the repercussions could be extreme.  Luckily for him, my husband's reaction is GI-related.  My poor eight-year-old daughter would have extreme mood swings for the subsequent six weeks in addition to the GI-related issues.  In short, the consequences outweigh the risk.  By a mile.

While I applaud your effort to help those with gluten allergies and intolerances feel a bit more normal, you missed the mark a bit on this one.