Eradicating the Childhood Obesity Epidemic; Mothers Will Lead the Way!

February 18, 2019 in healthy food, food addiction recovery

More than ten years ago, I lost 100 pounds.

I was chubby in childhood, and then obese for nearly twenty years of my adult life—namely my childbearing years.

I gave birth to five children and fed them primarily low-nutrient, processed food. I wanted to feed them healthy food, but all of my good intentions and attempts to change were futile. The mainstay of my family’s diet was the highly palatable food of the Standard American Diet: highly salted, high-fat, low-nutrient, processed food. . .because I was addicted to it.

These are the perfect replacement for high-fat, high-sugar bars and cookies.

Blueberry Bars

January 31, 2019 in healthy food

We are currently experiencing a polar vortex in the Midwest. It’s way too cold to set foot outdoors, so I had fun making these blueberry bars yesterday with simple ingredients I already had on hand.

If the kids are home from school, and you want a healthier replacement for conventional high-fat, high-sugar cookies, these blueberry bars are the perfect solution.

They are also great for Super Bowl parties, to share with a family who is welcoming a new baby, or teens on the go.

Winter fun in Indiana: playing with my two grand pups Fern and Frankie. Photo credit: Yaro Photography

Depression and Addiction Go Hand in Hand

January 17, 2019 in food addiction recovery

For the past decade, I have used light therapy first thing every morning—either my UV therapy light or a morning walk outdoors without sunglasses.

I have also intentionally exercised most every morning too.

Addiction and depression go hand in hand.

I do everything I can to stay out of both, because both hijack God’s best for my life.

And let me be honest, throughout the winter months I have to fight twice as hard to exercise and do the things that come so naturally to me the rest of the year.

I'm More Than Ready to Talk Now

January 12, 2019 in healthy food, food addiction recovery, Breaking the Silence

This past week, someone asked if I was ready to speak publicly about my son Daniel’s death—more specifically, was I ready to talk about the “s-word” publicly.

This upcoming Memorial Day will mark seven years since he died by suicide at age 21. . .with the first year being one of shock and post trauma; the second year a dark hole of depression; and the third year burying myself deeper into that hole.

I felt horrible. I ate unwisely. I gained weight. I didn’t care.