Confessions of a Wisconsin Girl

What do think of when you hear Wisconsin?  Let's keep it food related sports fans.

Yes, I am thinking about cheese.  As I was eating a salad for lunch it struck me just how far I have come.  I really, really like cheese and I am especially fond of  Wisconsin cheese.  It could be the Wisconsin girl in me, but I find those not from Wisconsin also find themselves in a vulnerable state when a cheese tray presents itself.

Fellow cheese-lovers pay attention.  This is for you.

A little history on my own personal nutrition journey with cheese.  Laugh all you want but this is a true story.  I grew up in the small town of Mauston where cheese was a main staple for a family of 5 girls.  My Mom was a busy lady therefore we ate what was convenient: cheese and crackers, macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, cheese pizza, lone slices from the big block of American cheese she would buy and of course Velveeta (not sure I consider that cheese anymore). I think you get the drift.  At one point my sister worked at a cheese factory.  This added to my love for cheese. Hello Gouda!!  Of course the squeaky cheese that is near and dear to my heart, cheese curds, are still a favorite.  Yes, non-Wisconsin people, they come without breading and can be found fresh daily in the convenience stores across the state. They have traveled across the border to places including CT, KS and MN.


So, have I overcome this love for cheese?  Not in my lifetime. What I have done is learned to enjoy it and not let it consume me.  I know my limitations; I do not buy blocks of cheese unless I am entertaining and the same goes for cheese trays.  I will order some occasional Colby-jack for my kids from the deli.  Cooler weather will bring grilled cheese, so the American slices will appear.  But my best personal tip.  Buy it shredded.  A little cheese goes a long way.  Crumbled feta, is another favorite.  Parmesan is the bomb! String cheese in a single serving package is also a house staple.  Non-fat cheese...not a favorite.  I will occasionally opt for the the low-fat string cheese just because I like the texture.

 If I'm going to enjoy it, it might as well be real. That's all my fellow cheese lovers.  I am not going to break it down any further and tell you to choose one over the other.  That is not what balance is about.  Enjoy your cheese and eat it too!


If you are looking for basic meal and snack ideas and want to know more about my nutrition philosophy feel free to visit my page on Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Challenge

Pop quiz:

• ·         Are you happy with the life you are living?
• ·         Do you love your body?
• ·         Do you love your daily frame of mind and energy?
• ·         Do you love what you do?
• ·         Are you getting paid what you are worth?  
• ·         Will you be happy living the same life 2 years from now?

If you can honestly answer all of the above with YES, good for you! Great for you!!! Enjoy your day and days to come!

Not where you want to be? Then it’s time you explore your options. It might be time to get uncomfortable. It might be time to challenge yourself and those around you to. Find your solution.

If you are a competitive person, a challenge will peak your interest. To others a challenge might not be what you are looking for. A life style change perhaps, but this too can be daunting to some as they have failed prior attempts. A commitment…well for some men, I know you are running the other direction. I forbid the 4 letter D word unless we are referring to the basic nutrition you put into your body, or lack thereof, to fuel it day to day.

So what is this challenge I speak of?  Supplementation. By definition a supplement is something that completes or enhances something else when added to it.  Increased energy, craving control, feeling better, looking better and moving better. A better quality of life: This can be achieved by choosing the right supplement (remember the definition) for you.  Perhaps added income helping others? Finding significance in adding something of value to someone else’s life? Priceless in my book. For me it started with a friend who saw the value in me; who put their fear aside and shared with me; who enhanced me; who provided me with a supplement. Looking for details on my supplement of choice? I am happy to share. If this is not your solution I applaud you for looking.  

One last question:

• Are you ready to Do Something?

If you would like to learn more about the challenge or just basic balanced nutrition you can find more at http://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness.

Are you Curious?

Oh My Goodness I am fired up today!!  No worries, this is a good thing.  

Do you consider yourself a curious person?  Do you ever read a book, see a show and then slightly obsess over the fact that you were not ready for the story to end.  Can you relate?  Did they live happily ever after?  Did they get married? Have kids? What about the "Biggest Loser" did they keep the weight off?? Did they help family members to do the same? Whatever happened to the man who....  and it continues.

So today I am going to share just one continued journey/success story with you.  I  want you to know one is very difficult at this point because the stories are many!!!  The majority if not all of the credit goes to the individual because it takes a level of readiness and commitment to choose to change.  I will however point out that the common factor in all of these stories includes a vehicle of sorts; a vehicle that works to promote a lifestyle.  It is NOT a cult but IS a culture, of health, wellness and even the Extraordinary.  

Here it is, the one continued story I am sharing today...

Back in December My Aunt Jennifer sent me the most exciting email   

Dear Liz, 

Hope this holiday season is finding you happy and healthy!I just wanted to share a little of my success with you. Today, I bought asize 4 stretch jean and they fit really well! I used to be a size 10! YIPPEE! OK so, I know that the cut of the pant was large, (a size 8 in other jeans are just starting to feel loose), but I have to tell you that I was jumping for joy! Although my weight has plateaued at around 135, (Not too bad for 53!) my body is still shape changing. I'd like to think it is the AdvoCare and a little dedication! And, even though I am finding it difficult to squeeze in the extra workouts right now, my body is continuing the process. You promised me that if I remained committed to this program that I would achieve my goals! Thanks for those words. They became my mantra of the year! Thanks so much Liz for getting me hooked! Have a most blessed holiday season, dear! Can't wait to see you in the spring!

Much love,
Auntie Jen

I then posted her fitness journey on my facebook page in December of 2011.  The responses were most exciting as her journey inspired many. 

Curious as I indicated at the beginning of this blog post I asked her for an update…

Hi Liz,

I continue to be totally thrilled with the AdvoCare products.  I am happy to say that I have maintained my original 15 pound weight loss for a year and a half now and am slowly creeping down to my goal weight.  It's those infamous and evasive "last five pounds" that seem to elude me!  But you told me once that if I stay committed it would happen, so I continue to persevere!  I love the Spark and Rehydrate, especially this time of year.  Exercising in this heat can really take its toll!   My favorite thing is to mix the Mandarin Spark with the Mango Pineapple Rehydrate.  The flavor is really yummy and intense, and the benefits are even better! I also love the meal replacement shakes.  They really save me when I'm in a hurry, or just don't want to fuss with making something!   I think the thing I appreciate the most is how good I feel and the energy I have when I'm dedicated to the entire regime.  I find my body responds better when I put the work into it.  It is really a great system of balanced nutrition.   Truthfully, my weight isn't as important as how I feel in, and about my body.  I can tell you the word that describes it best is "healthy"!  Who can ask for more?!

Love you Liz!

Jen

If you have questions on what program or products my Auntie Jen is using or if you have any other questions about AdvoCare, please email me at lizblom@comcast.net.  You can also visit my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness for wellness information.