The Flip Flop Theory

In line with The Spoon Theory is the the Flip Flop Theory, http://fighterzblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/the-flip-flop-theory/. This theory is for those that have an auto-immune disease.   Many of us focus not on what we accomplish each day, but what we could not do or give up.  The Flip Flop Theory is about focusing on what we can do and did accomplish and rewarding ourselves for the good things.  It is also suggested that we keep a journal and write everyday about our accomplishments not matter how small they may be.  For some days it might be taking a bath or shower, while other days might be back to school shopping or even working out.  By rewarding ourselves and taking time to remember all the things that are accomplished we train ourselves to look for the positive in things. In line with The Flip Flop Theory, I am going to take the time and blog my daily accomplishments.  I am hoping that this will not only help me out, but will help out others that are also struggling with Fibromyalgia or other auto-immune diseases.  Here is looking at the positive!

The Spoon Theory

I am sure that I have already mentioned that I have Fibromyalgia, the reason that I am now a stay home mom.  If you had not heard of it before then you are not alone, neither had I when I was diagnosed.  I was glad to have a name to what was happening to my body, but there were more and more questions.  The hard part about this disease is that on good to pretty good days I do not look sick and it is hard for others to comprehend what I am going through.  Even my husband and daughter have a hard time understanding after two years of being diagnosed.  Some days are okay and some days are not and when I don't look like something is wrong with me they sometimes forget.  Trying to explain what is going on is also difficult because it is not only about good and bad days, but what I can do without paying a high price.  For example, we went to Canada over the Christmas Holidays and my husband wanted me to be able to ski with him and my daughter, so he wanted me to ask my doctor if it would be okay.  I already knew the answer, but asked anyways.  The answer is yes, I can ski, but I might not be able to do anything else on the trip.  Not because I might fall or might be sore, but because of the energy to ski would definable make me sore and because of the Fibromyalgia, my recover time would be much longer than the norm.

As more and more people are being diagnosed everyday with Fibromyalgia and other auto-immune diseases more and more of the public is being made aware, but I did find a great story that explains what it really is like to live with a silent disease that is often misunderstood.  The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino, http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/, is a perfect way to explain what it is really like.  If you have time you should really check out the story.  You never know who you might know that is suffering.

Losing it Day 33

Weight 171 (yep, I am up!)

I did weigh myself on Thursday before our family camping trip to Jelly Stone Park and I was 167, but since I failed to post it, I am stuck with today's weight.  I am sure that you noticed I had a good time, and I ate all that I want.  I am going to have to work hard this week to take off those added pounds and get back into shape.  Yuck!  I hope that those of you out there that are trying to eat and live better are doing better than me.

For the Love of the Crock Pot

Okay, so I love my Crock Pot.  Nothing is easier than putting a few ingredients together in the morning and by dinner time you have a whole meal ready.   

I found a website on Pinterest where you can find 5 crock pot meals that are doubled at a time with the shopping list.  Wow!  Nothing could be easier, right?  The website name is Six Cents at http://www.six-cents.com/2012/06/crockpot-freezer-cooking-101.html.  Aimee talks about how much money and time you spend when you go ahead and make double recopies at the same time.  So, today I made 3 of her recipes and doubled them, so now I have 6 Freezer Crock Pot meals in my freezer (well, on 5 because I am cooking one now).  It only took me about 30 minutes to prepare the six meals.   I did not try the Curry Chicken because curry is a “Hard Limit” at my house.  I did buy all the ingredients for the Pepper Steak, but had to put the meat in the freezer before I had time to prepare it.  No problem because I will just make the double batch and freeze half of it after cooking so I just have to reheat it.  I will update how the meals taste as we eat them.  I personally am excited to have several meals done in so little time!  Check out Aimee’s website to see more meals!

Losing It - Day 16

Weight: 168 :)

Wow!  Finally back on the losing trend.  Hopefully I can keep it up over the weekend.  Weekends are hard because we live in a great neighborhood where we all like to get together and eat and drink.  All the bad things when you are dieting!  I just have to tell myself that I can be strong!  Yeh, right!  We all know how hard it is for me to stay on the wagon.  Wish me luck!

On another front, I am now running and walking! 

Happy Friday the 13th!