Interesting Happenings!

We've got a lot going on with the job hunt. We had a great interview with an organization in IA yesterday. It isn't one I would have picked, but if it worked out, it would be great. The salary is amazing!

Then at lunch we got another phone call from another organization. She basically told me, "We're ready to move on this. We're ready to hire. What do you want to do?" I was quite taken aback! We arranged an interview for this afternoon at 1pm. This is a place that fits what we've been looking for to a "T." They have all the things we were wanting. The salary isn't as much as the other place, but we don't need that kind of money.

Also, we still have an interview with another place tomorrow, plus the dozens of applications we have out floating around!

Remedy update: I've not noticed much difference in my sleep, though I did a bit better last night. I have noticed an improvement in my ankle, and I don't seem to be running to the bathroom so often. Also, my shoulder and ribcage seem to be improving.

More updates later, I'm sure!

Blessings,

Sharron

Remedies

Yesterday, I wrote about finding that ABC Homeopathy site. I purchased another remedy for my husband, son, dog and cat. Kind of ironic, they all needed the same one! It actually came up for me, but I didn't fit the profile. I had trouble matching my husband, so I'm just giving it my best guess. I don't know about the people, but the animals seemed to respond right away. Toby immediately felt better. He started bouncing around the house and running around like a puppy. Cocoa, the cat, has also been very friendly and has shown no evidence of itching since I've been up this morning. I'm giving 30c of sulphur 1x per week to the dog and cat to help them with the fleas. We did Frontline Plus a couple of days ago, but they were still very itchy and sore. I read that the sulphur is supposed to keep them from reinfesting (possibly), and it is supposed to help them heal from the bites and stop itching. I'll give it 3x a day to my husband and son. We are watching for less back pain for both of them and better sleep patterns.

I don't know if it had anything to do with the remedy yesterday or not, but I took three naps! I had very good energy, but when I sat down and put my feet up, I slept! I did ice my foot, and that always puts me to sleep, so that was probably it. Also, my ankle was noticibly less swollen than usual. Icing doesn't make a difference in that, so I'm thinking it is the remedy. That is one of the areas it is supposed to target. My energy was so good that I was zipping around like I haven't done in years!

I did not sleep well last night, but I think I had too many carbs. I don't think it had anything to do with the remedy.

OK, that's it for now. Time to go fill out more applications...

Blessings,

Sharron

Low Carb Chocolate Chip Flax Pancakes

Hi!

I'm trying to incorporate more flax into my diet and wanted something different for breakfast, so here it is.  This is not a soy free recipe, and I wouldn't trust soy protein to be gluten free unless it states so on the package.

Low Carb Chocolate Chip Flax Pancakes

Dry ingredients:

1/3 cup flax seeds ground to 2/3 cup or 2/3 cup flax seed meal

1/3 cup ground almonds

1/4 cup soy protein isolate

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon SteviaPlus

2 packets Splenda

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet ingredients:

1 egg

1/4 cup cream thinned to 1 cup with water

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Sugar free chocolate chips

In a mixing bowl combine the dry ingredients. In another small bowl, combine the wet ingredients, then add them all at once to the dry ingredients. Stir them well, then let the batter rest for a few minutes so it can thicken up. You might need to add more water 1 tablespoon at a time to get it to the desired consistency. Pour the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot griddle and sprinkle about 10 - 12 chocolate chips on each pancake before flipping them. Serve hot with butter or peanut butter and sugar free syrup. For an extra treat, if you can manage the carbs, add some banana slices. Yum!

To me, these tasted like a really good whole grain pancake. I hope you enjoy them!

Blessings,

Sharron

Doing well and a new "favorite" site!

I'm doing well. I've continued to improve with the adrenal treatment, but did seem to hit some sort of stall or stalemate. I have had trouble getting back on track with the diet. I did start the three days with my friends then we got flown to another State for a job interview. We didn't get the job, but it was a wonderful experience with terrific folks! It gave us a good taste of what we are hoping to get into, career-wise. I stayed perfectly on track while we were gone, but when we got home, I lost it. I just couldn't seem to go a whole day "on-track" food-wise. I've re-started as of yesterday. I can't say I've done perfectly, but I'm certainly giving it my best and I'm not giving up.

My plan is to do CAD -- eat basic Low Carb then allow myself dessert at dinner if we have something like that. I want to have a serving of legumes (beans) and a serving of flax each day if I can get it in.

I'm still having issues. My three worst are getting up a lot at night, a nagging cough and sleepiness during the day (fatigue.) I decided to see if I could find a homeopathic remedy for the first and I found this wonderful site: ABC Homeopathy. It has a section where it "interviews" you like having a formal meeting with a practicing Homeopath! Really rather phenomenal... I picked those worst three symptoms and did the assessment. I found my remedy (causticum) and went to Whole Foods and purchased 30C dosage.

It was amazing. Just like the very first time I had a homeopathic remedy from Dr. Prem Dev back 12 years ago! The first thing I noticed was a clearing of my vision. I can read small print I couldn't read earlier today now. Also, I saw my chiropractor today after my remedy. My whole body adjusted better than it has been doing unless I'm medicated with pain meds of some sort (naproxen usually.) She was impressed. I noticed an immediate increase in energy and a relaxation at the same time. I told my daughter it was like I could either go for a swim or take a nap at the same time! I took another dosage this evening and I walked faster and more exuberantly than I have in probably 4 or 5 years -- since before I injured my ankle. I only needed to stop and rest once and that was when we were walking on pavement.

I thought maybe I should re-take the test, thinking about my ankle and spine. When I did, I came up with some of the same remedies as before, but not the main one. Then, I decided to look up the properties of causticum. Wow! It is like all my symptoms are there!! Even some of the crazy things that happened to me in my youth, (right side paralysis specifically), are listed. It is really wild, unimaginable, but it is there nevertheless.

I'm going to try to get my hubby and my son to do the assessment and maybe there will be a remedy for their issues as well??

Blood pressure, B-vitamins and less me!

Hi,

I've not taken my blood pressure for a while and since it has been an issue when I've not specifically been "doing something" for it, like apple cider vinegar, it has tended to be a bit high. I'm excited to report that I took it night before last and got a reading equal to my previous "lowest reading" I had posted in my blog -- 137/74. I was pleased! It's not "perfect," but is most definitely acceptable and not needing meds. Woo Hoo!! All I can attribute it to is this adrenal program I'm on, specifically thinking of the sublingual B-complex.

Also, I've not really lost any weight this month. It's been discouraging since I am on a "diet." I know the diet is not for the purpose of weight loss, rather to heal my adrenals, but I was hoping that would be a side effect! Last week I started wondering if things weren't maybe moving around, ie. inches lost. I nearly lost my pants at the store because of carrying things in my pockets. I had to give my stuff to my daughter. Then, I tried to wear a shirt yesterday that had previously fit, and it was too big. I weighed myself and have not lost anything significant since I started. I measured -- I've lost 2" pretty evenly distributed. That makes a total of almost 6" since starting, with no discernable weight lost! I've always said the scale was a cheat and a liar!

I'm going to do a "Three Day" diet with my friends hoping to straighten out their body clocks and help my own sleep pattern. We are going to only eat meat, green veggies, nuts, a little sour cream in the form of dip, pork rinds, salad dressing, butter or oil for the veggies and beans (dry legumes.) I'm also going to continue my "green drink" and my supplements. After the three days, then we will add some fruit and see how we feel. I'm hoping to get to where I do not need a nap at all, eventually.

Oh, and I've discovered that my Flax Cereal recipe (in my books) makes up quite nicely just by adding boiling water rather than putting it into the microwave. So easy!

Blessings,

Sharron

Low Carb Flax Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are kind of a prescription in a cookie. They have flax with all its wonderful essential fatty acids and fiber, almonds with their heart-healthy fats, too, and fiber, soy protein, molasses...

Here's a quote about molasses from the World's Healthiest Foods site:

Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of manganese and copper. It is a very good source of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. In addition, blackstrap molasses is a good source of vitamin B6 and selenium.

SteviaPlus with its fiber and blood sugar stabilizing properties, agave nectar that's sweet but doesn't raise the blood sugar, walnuts ...

Here we go!

Low Carb Flax Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is NOT a gluten free recipe
Makes 16 cookies

Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine the following ingredients in a bowl and set them aside:

3/4 cup flax seeds, ground to 1 1/2 cups or 1 1/2 cups flaxmeal

1 cup finely ground almonds

1 cup soy protein isolate

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons SteviaPlus

In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the following until they are light and fluffy, about two minutes:

1 tablespoon molasses

3 tablespoons agave nectar

3/4 cup butter, softened

Add

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

and beat for another minute, until they are well beaten.

Gradually add on low speed until they are well combined:

1 cup dark chocolate chips*

1/2 cup broken walnut meats

Using a 1/4 cup measure or a scoop, scoop out the cookies and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. They do not spread out, so you can put quite a few on a pan. Press the tops down so that the cookies are as flat as you want them to be when they are done, about 1/2" thick. Bake them for about 10 minutes and remove them to paper towels to cool immediately. Store tightly covered.

I no longer have a program with which to figure nutritional info, but because these are so fiber-dense, the actual carb count on these babies is going to be pretty low.

*Note about the chocolate. You could use artificially sweetened chocolate and break it up into chips, however, my goal here was to keep everything all-natural. The chips I use are dark chocolate with 73% cocoa. Their carb count is actually pretty low, though I don't remember what it is. You could also decrease the chocolate by 1/2 and double the nuts for even fewer carbs, but still a very yummy treat.

My kids and I enjoyed them, I hope you do, too!

Stuff & continuing to improve...

Hi,

I'm continuing to improve health-wise. I'm completely off all pain medication -- even over the counter naproxen. I've not taken any for almost a week, and the only reason I did then was because I saw the chiropractor! Kind of ironic, eh? I'm generally having more energy. Sleep is so-so. I think maybe the naproxen might have been some of my sleep problem. Since I went off it, I'm regularly sleeping 2 to 3 hour stretches rather than 45 minute to 1 1/4. I'd sure like a more normal sleep pattern, though. I still might be eating too many carbs.

Aaron is improving. We can sure tell when he's had too many carbs! He has trouble sleeping and is wild.

I'm experimenting with a sugar-free cookie recipe for us right now. If it works, I'll post it. If not, then forget I mentioned it!! :)

Blessings,

Sharron

A good day!

Hi!

Today was the best day that I can remember in some time for my son, Aaron.  It is slow going with the healing process of the adrenals, but we are definitely seeing progress.  Today, for the first time in ages, my son had a "normal" day.  He was neither sick nor hyperactive.  I'm not saying it was a perfect day.  He did end up with a bit of a headache by the end of school, but I think he was just needing to eat and drink.  As soon as we ate lunch, he felt fine.  Also, with regard to the hyperactivity, instead of him not being able to control his mouth or himself, this time I only needed to remind him.  I explained the difference between what "you CAN do and what you SHOULD do."  Then, when he did something he shouldn't, a gentle reminder was all that was needed.  Two weeks ago, even two days ago, it would have done no good.

I had a good day, too.  I did crash / get sleepy in the morning, but I did not fall asleep.  It wasn't overwhelming sleepiness and eating just a few sunflower seeds took care of it.  That was all I needed.  Then, after lunch I was "lethargic" -- sleepy and slug-like, but again, it wasn't overwhelming.  I did take a nap, but only about an hour rather than the 2+ I've been taking!  I didn't feel so brain-starved after I woke up, either.  I've had good energy the rest of the day.

I'm looking forward to many more such days and even better ones!

Blessings,

Sharron

Continuing to feel better & losing it

Ha!  Did I get you?  No, I did not lose my temper or my sanity!  I've lost 5 pounds :)

Also, I'm feeling better.  I didn't sleep on the way to or from church this evening.  This is the first time in ages that I haven't done that.  

I'm still having sleep apnea issues.  I've been forgetting my mouth exercises.  Oops!  They won't help if I don't do them.

I am excited about my improved energy.

Blessings,

Sharron

Salisbury Steak Recipe

Hi,

I wanted to do something different with ground beef and found Salisbury Steak recipe.  I modified it and this is what I came up with.  It is neither gluten free nor low carb.

2 1/2 pounds regular ground beef

8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped (optional, but not really!)

1/2 cup sweet onion, finely chopped

3/4 cup whole rolled oats 

2 eggs

1 can cream of mushroom soup (you could substitute 1 cup of sour cream or yogurt)

1 tablespoon prepared brown mustard

1 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt

3/4 teaspoon lemon pepper

3/4 teaspoon basil

Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.  Mix them together by hand or with an electric mixer until the consistency is uniform.  Shape the meat mixture into patties and place them on a large baking sheet and bake them at 350 for about 20 minutes or until they are done.  Alternatively, they can be fried or frozen for later use once made into patties.  Serves 8.

Enjoy!

Sharron S. Long c2009 Adams Media Corporation

Author of Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine, available where books are sold

B-12 Sublingual continued benefit

Hi,

I've been continuing to take extra of the B-12 sublingual B-Complex liquid.  I just take about 1/2 dropper whenever I feel weak, shakey, tired, hurting, etc., and it really seems to be helping with my pain level and the adrenal fatigue.  

This morning we had a showing (house for sale) and I crashed about 1/2 hour before we were supposed to leave.  I was completely fatigued with fibromyalgia symptoms (muscle pain and weakness, etc.)  There was still quite a bit of work left to do.  I got a glass of water, took some of the B-Complex sublingual liquid and put my feet up for about five minutes.  Sure, it would have been nice to have been able to just go to sleep, but I didn't have the time for it.  Instead, I was able to just get up and go back to work.  I wasn't at full strength, but considering I was completely exhausted when I sat down, just getting back up is pretty amazing!  

People are starting to see the difference in me.  Yesterday, my friend, B, commented on it and this evening my in-laws noticed that I was joking around and being silly.  Usually, I'm just tired and sit there when we go over there.  Not tonight!  I was up, helping with the meal and being corny, too :)

I hope these posts are helping someone.

Blessings,

Sharron

Sublingual B-12 Complex and Fish Oil

Hi,

I was not feeling well today, (TOM), but couldn't use my regular remedy of molasses because of the sugar content.  I remembered how much better after I took that extra dose of the B-12 liquid (B Complex), so I decided to try it.  It actually helped!  I didn't feel fantastic by any stretch of the imagination, but I was able to function.  I needed to re-dose about every two hours, and I only gave myself 1/2 the normal dosage.  I checked a couple of medical websites to make sure there's no risk of toxicity, and there isn't.  I could tell when it was going out of my system; I would feel all tired and shakey again.  I then re-dosed and was able to function again.

I read on Kalidasa's website about how Fish Oil is supposed to help completely eliminate monthly cycle problems.  He says it can take up to three months, but sometimes benefit can be seen in a month.  Well, I know it helped me today.  After I got the fish oil, I took two of them along with my B-12 and I felt better than without it.  I'm encouraged!  

I purchased 1000 mg capsules of lemon flavored fish oil.  I muscle tested with a couple of different brands.  Some I was very weak with, but this one was fine.

Blessings,

Sharron