Beautiful Life | Priscilla Halterman

Paleo Diet Update: It’s All Good

January 28, 2013 1 Comment

So, I’ve been doing the Paleo diet for a little over a week. I haven’t had time to do a full post every day and I’ve realized that keeping a food diary on a blog can be BORING (for myself and my readers), though keeping track of the foods I eat and the reactions I have to them helps a lot so I’ve been trying to take photos of most of my meals. I post my meal photos on Instagram and Tumblr for those who are interested in following my journey or looking for meal ideas. Taking pictures helps to keep me motivated and accountable to the diet that is ultimately making me feel A LOT better!

Here is a little summary of what I’ve been eating:

Breakfasts–Raisins, nuts, bananas, apples, bacon and eggs

Snacks–Mostly fruit or nuts. Lots of raisins, almonds, walnuts, grapes, blueberries, bananas and apples.

Lunches–Lots of lettuce wraps or salads with chicken or turkey (and sometimes bacon…yum!). I like to add avocado, tomatoes, onions, cilantro sea salt, pepper, lemon juice and lemon pepper to everything. Here is a yummy beet salad I got at a local restaurant. Beet salads will always remind me of my time in Germany, which I look back on fondly!

Dinners–I’ve done some baked lemon pepper chicken, tilapia and turkey with sides like kale, and broccoli. I also did turkey burgers with fresh guacamole and caramelized onions which was totally different for me! Here are some of my favorite recipes so far:

Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Tomato with Spinach Soup

Chunky Paleo Guacamole

Loaded Paleo Turkey Burger

Kale with Bacon and Onions

Drinks–Teas with lemon and sometimes half a stevia packet

Biggest Cravings–CHEESE, Pancakes and a super-buttery, brown roll from a local restaurant!

Overall feelings– I have felt pretty good most days with minimal cramps/gas issues. The only time I really have these issues is when I “cheat.” I haven’t had any gluten (that I’m aware of) since the spaghetti but the few bits of rice I had didn’t rare very well with my tummy! I’ve also ”cheated” twice with cheese and I did okay, but had some cramps and gas. Overall, this diet isn’t very hard because I know it works! When I follow it, I feel good. I’ve even noticed my anxiety to be a bit better and am finding myself a bit more patient and just overall HAPPY, which is awesome!

Feel Goods of the week–

-Getting Organized! We’ve been purging and reorganizing which feels great. I also got this amazing planner from Erin Condren which makes me super excited about keeping my life in order!

-My husband joining Facebook! He has held out for so long, but I’m really glad he finally bit the bullet. In a weird way I feel like it’s one more thing for us to “bond” over. Lame, I know.

-Our girls! They are quickly becoming the best of friends, which brings us so much joy.

Miss Hattie eating solids! I think she really likes sweet potatoes!

Filed Under: Beautiful Life, Food Tagged With: diet, paleo

Happiness Is…Date Night, Friday Night Lights and Good Music

January 21, 2013 Leave a Comment

Right now happiness is…

Friday Night Lights: BEST. SHOW. EVER. I am kind of in love with so many of the characters. Tim Riggins for being my equivalent to Sawyer from Lost. Matt Saracen for singing Mr. Sandman to his grandma. Tami Taylor for her hair…her glorious hair. Lyla Garrity for just being so darn pretty. Coach Taylor for his…everything. And the MUSIC, don’t even get me started on the MUSIC!

(insert cheesy picture here)

Date Nights: I mentioned our date night in this post, but I can’t reiterate enough how much getting out for dinner and a movie every once in a while is a necessity when you have two small children. As we walked into the movie theater I said, “I feel like we’re in college again!” Geez, it’s been a while!

“Girl from the North Country,” Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash: I mentioned that we loved Silver Linings Playbook in my last post, and this is one of the best songs from the sountrack. I have the original Bob Dylan record with “Girl from North Country” so hearing this brought me back to my 9th grade bedroom, listening to that scratchy voice on my Fisher-Price record player for the very first time. You just can’t recreate that feeling, and hearing it in the movie came pretty close. This version with Johnny Cash is legendary. I found another version with Joe Cocker on Spotify and loved it, too.

“I’ll Tumble 4 Ya:” My sis sent this song to me through Facebook today and, I mean…I just can’t get enough. How can you not love some good Boy George? And that title? What does it mean to “tumble” for one? I’m guessing it’s quite the term of endearment. I’m wondering why Tumblr hasn’t stolen it for their official motto?! This video is just pure amazing-ness. I dare you to watch it without smiling.

Feeling Good! It feels good to be back into blogging. It feels good to be eating better and working toward feeling better physically and mentally. Hail to Operation Feel Good 2013!

Filed Under: Beautiful Life, Entertainment Tagged With: happiness, music

Paleo Diet, Day 3: No Sugar Tonight

January 20, 2013 Leave a Comment

Here’s a quick summary of Day 3. I’m trying to decide if Sunday is going to be my “cheat day” because we typically eat out after church, and always have a big “Potluck” style meal with my husband’s family for dinner.

Breakfast: Banana and trail mix of almonds, walnuts and craisins

Thoughts/Feelings/Observations: I felt pretty good and snacked on this little mix all through church and Sunday school.

Lunch: El Charro, Mexican Restaurant. I caved and ate some chips and salsa, but not much because the salsa was too darn hot. I ordered chicken fajitas with grilled pepper and onions. I ate some of the rice and beans on the side, which may have been a bad idea! I had unsweet tea with lots of lemon to drink.

Thoughts/Feelings/Observations: I loved the chicken and veggies and felt very full afterward. This is the second time eating rice has given me a bad reaction, though. As soon as I got home it was run to the bathroom time

Dinner: Potluck Style–Grilled chicken + veggies sautéed with lemon juice, lemon pepper, garlic, olive oil and vinegar. Beef Stew with vegetables and white potatoes, Sausage Soup with tomatoes, and veggies. A few bites of warm chicken salad, and one bite of a queso dip. Sweet tea (gasp!!).

Thoughts/Feelings/Observations: I know Sundays are going to be hard for me. It can be SO hard to turn down some of my old favorites but I’m quickly realizing that it’s just not worth it when I feel horribly afterward. Tonight the biggest reaction I had was from the sweet tea. As soon as we got in the car to leave I felt shaky, nervous and anxious. I felt like that sugar was just pulsing through me. NOT a good feeling. It’s so interesting to be more aware of what I’m putting into my body and how it affects my mood. It seems like sugar really does have a bad effect on me!

And now all I can think of is…”No Sugar Tonight in My Coffee! No Sugar Tonight in My Tea!”

Enjoy!

Filed Under: Beautiful Life, Food Tagged With: diet, operation feel good, paleo

Paleo Diet, Day 2: Gluten Free Beer is No Good for this Girl

January 19, 2013 2 Comments

Here is a run down of Day 2!

Breakfast: raisins, water

Thoughts/Feelings/Observations: I’m getting sick of raisins but I haven’t been to the store yet so that’s all I had. I was pretty gassy this morning but I know it could take weeks and even months before I get all of the yuckiness out of my system (especially after eating spaghetti smothered in cheese last night).

Lunch: Spinach salad with raw carrots, broccoli, and onions. Ken’s steakhouse “Golden Vidalia Onion” salad dressing. The dressing is Gluten free but I’m sure it’s not “Paleo.” For now, it’s all I really have and it is DELICIOUS!

Thoughts/Feelings/Observations: I felt really great after lunch but was getting pretty hungry by dinnertime.

Snack: MORE RAISINS. They aren’t the best option because they are full of sugar, but they were all I had.

Dinner: A few Sushi (California Rolls) which I knew were NOT Paleo because of the rice. Three spring rolls with crab, carrots, and lettuce wrapped in rice paper. This is probably not 100% Paelo, but once again, I was on the go and this was a quick buy at the grocery store that we could eat on the way to our movie date. We stopped for appetizers after the movie and got some to-die-for deviled eggs topped with crab meat and chicken wings from Capital Ale House. I’m sure it wasn’t “totally Paleo” but it was definitely better than nachos or french fries. I tried a Gluten free beer which I soon realized was still not Paleo…or any good! Hubby drank it for me and I got a delicious glass of Virginia Cabernet Franc. The debate is out on alcohol–most people who follow Paleo say NO alcohol, but others say a glass or red wine or clear liquor drink here and there is okay. I don’t plan on giving up wine anytime soon!

Thoughts/Feelings/Observations: I finally made it to the grocery store to be better prepared for this diet! See a synopsis of what I got below. I felt pretty good after the sushi and spring rolls. I was barely tempted to get movie theater popcorn or soda (probably because we were in a hurry and because of the outrageous prices). I felt a little bit gassy after leaving the Ale House which could have been from that crazy Gluten Free beer…

Grocery List:

-Organic Free Range Chicken breasts and tenderloins, wild cod, ground fresh turkey burger patties. (We already have plenty of local beef in our freezer).

-Lots of frozen and fresh fruits and veggies, like Kale, avocado, carrots, celery, broccoli, bananas, grapes apples, and more.

-Walnuts, almonds and craisins to make a “trail mix” snack. I realized afterward that sweetened craisins have too much sugar and are not Paleo…no wonder I love them so much!

-Fresh, organic Eggs

-Pickles, olives, lemon juice, dijon mustard–all condiments which are Paleo friendly!

This diet actually simplified my grocery trip because I basically stayed out of the middle aisles (where all the “fillers” are like, chips, snacks, etc.)

“Feel Goods” of the Day: Feeling good is the whole point of this journey, so these are the things I’m doing daily to help me achieve this goal on the inside and out.

-I got new glasses yesterday and I think I like them…at least more than the ones from college that I’ve been wearing! And the best part, I can actually see out of them!

-Having a “Date Night” with the hubby. We went to the movies and saw Silver Linings Playbook, which was one of the best movies we’d both seen in a very long time. It was very funny, very real, kind of weird, and really sweet–definitely my kind of movie! It was so great for the two of us to get out and enjoy some time together, and we are very grateful for our babysitter who came at the last minute!

Thanks again for all of the encouragement…keeping up with everything on the blog has really made me feel more accountable!

Filed Under: Beautiful Life, Food Tagged With: diet, operation feel good, paleo

Paleo Diet, Day 1: Lemon is Key and Spaghetti Hurts

January 18, 2013 11 Comments

I’ve started reading the Paleo Solution and decided to ease into the diet today. I’m not even sure what’s allowed yet, which is why I say “ease in”…Here is a run down of my day:

Breakfast: Apple, raisins, water

Thoughts/Feelings/Observations: I felt pretty full for a while but was starving by noon. I know most Paleo eaters have a meat for breakfast to keep them full longer. I’ll get to that when I get more organized! Most mornings I just grab whatever I can on my way to preschool or the sitter.

Lunch: Thickburger from Hardees with light mayo, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle. No cheese or bun. Small french fry. Unsweet tea with lemon (which was surprisingly good for this sweet tea addict). The key was adding the lemon. It sweetened things up nicely and because I love lemon juice, I have a feeling it’s going to help me a lot on this diet!

Thoughts/Feelings/Observations: I have never been good at self-control when it comes to food and eating out is one of my favorite things to do. I don’t want to miss out on any fun because of this diet, so when my hubby and his parents invited me to lunch, of course I couldn’t turn it down. Living in a very small town, our immediate choices for lunch unless we want to drive 20 minutes include McDonalds, Wendy’s, Hardee’s, Burger King, a pizza place, and a rib place. When we’re in a hurry we normally hit McDonalds, but today was Hardees.

I was surprisingly satisfied with my meal, but must admit that the mayo soaked bun was calling my name! I think I already realize that carbs have always been a comfort food for me. I ate the french fries instead. Who knows if they are allowed on this diet? I am going to guess, NO, but I haven’t gotten that far, and potatoes are a veggie, right?

In other news, I have not yawned at all today! This is so abnormal for me. I normally yawn constantly. I felt a little nauseous after lunch…maybe that’s the sugar withdraw. Unsweet tea is sooo not me!

Snack: Raisins. (Luckily I like raisins a lot).

Dinner: Chicken Cacciatore (Ooops!)

Thoughts/Feelings/Observations: Okay, so I already had a weak moment. I ordered takeout. It’s Friday night, my hubby had a basketball game, I was home by myself with the girls and I was STARVING. Like, dizzy, irritable, cranky starving (or what some people like to call HANGRY–see picture below). Luckily (or unluckily) we have a pizza place within 1 mile of our house which delivers. Hmmm. I tried to think of something I could order that wouldn’t hurt my stomach. I immediately thought of Chicken Cacciatore for some reason. When I ordered it I imagined a big chicken breast with grilled vegetables and maybe some noodles on the side (which I would give to my daughter, who loves “sketti’s”). What came was actually grilled strips of chicken on a bed of spaghetti, covered in tomato sauce and smothered in melted cheese. Hence the “ooops.” I tried to just eat the chicken but I am really picky with chicken and it left a lot to be desired. In my ravenous state I gobbled up half the spaghetti drenched in cheese (and gave the other half to my daughter). In my mind this was a “last supper” of sorts, but…

The Result—>Pain. Cramps. Running to the bathroom within 10 minutes. FOR REAL. This stuff is for real, people! I’m still sitting here in pain as I type….and also re-considering what I feed my daughter BIG TIME (who at the ripe old age of 2.5 has already had her fair share of stomach problems).

All I can say is tonight I’m going to do some more reading and tomorrow I’m going to try harder…for the sake of my stomach…and my sanity!

“Feel Goods” of the Day: Feeling good is the whole point of this journey, so these are the things I’m doing daily to help me achieve this goal.

-As part of my “Operation Feel Good” I got a facial and a manicure today. I want to feel good on the inside and out, so a little sprucing up was in order. I’ve been having some issues with my skin and was ready to do something about it. The facial was amazing and helped get rid of all of my clogged pores and yuckiness. I just threw in the manicure for good measure!

-Hanging with my girls. This always makes me feel good!

Thanks to those that’ve tweeted, texted, emailed and commented with words of encouragement! It’s so awesome to see that I’m not the only one on this “quest”!

*I’m looking for a good mobile app to use when I’m out and about as a quick reference guide. Let me know if you know of a good one!*

Filed Under: Beautiful Life, Food Tagged With: diet, food, operation feel good, paleo

Operation Feel Good 2013

January 17, 2013 7 Comments

It’s time to start feeling better!

I’ve been struggling with stomach issues and anxiety for as long as I can remember and I really want to make a change.

My chiropractor recommended a unique doctor who specializes in female issues related to diet and hormones and today was my first appointment. It felt so refreshing to meet with someone who I feel can really help me!

She recommended a few things to start with and I go back in two weeks for another check-up. She also ran some initial tests to get an idea of where I am with my hormones, thyroid, and more.

Over the years I’ve tried cutting out meat, dairy, and gluten, among other things but I’ve never been able to stick with it or see a real difference with my stomach pains. As for the anxiety, I’ve tried everything from meditation to medication and haven’t found much relief. She recommended I read The Paleo Solution and start experimenting with The Paleo Diet. A quick summary of the diet says that, “It’s the healthiest way you can eat because it is the ONLY nutritional approach that works with your genetics to help you stay lean, strong and energetic! Research in biology, biochemistry, Ophthalmology, Dermatology and many other disciplines indicate it is our modern diet, full of refined foods, trans fats and sugar, that is at the root of degenerative diseases such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, depression and infertility. – Robb Wolf

Hmm…it’s definitely worth a try, though I know it’s going to be HARD.

Cutting out grains, dairy and refined sugar is part of the diet. This may sound impossible right now but I think I’m willing to give it a shot if it’s going to help with my stomach problems, anxiety and low energy!!

I’d love to chronicle my experience here to help get the motivation and encouragement that I am going to need to make this positive change! Let me know if you’ve heard of this diet and lifestyle change or any other tips you may have!!

Source: equationarts.com via David “doodleslice” Cohen on Pinterest

Filed Under: Beautiful Life, Food Tagged With: anxiety, diet, food

Once Again…Choose Love

December 17, 2012 Leave a Comment

I was searching for one of my favorite Marianne Williamson quotes and came across a blog post from one year ago titled Choose Love.

It was just what I needed to read after the horrible event that took place last Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, CT.

When bad things happen I turn to my favorite inspirational ladies–Brene Brown, Patti Digh, and Marianne Williamson. Their words and beliefs are generally in line with how I feel and tend to offer the best support. I can very quickly find myself in a downward spiral of fear and anxiety, so I look to them to help keep my thoughts grounded in reality, and love.

If you’re looking for comfort and support right now, check out their websites, blogs, and Facebook pages and I’m sure you will find it. Here is a poem posted on Patti’s blog yesterday.

Shoulders

A man crosses the street in rain,
stepping gently, looking two times north and south,
because his son is asleep on his shoulder.

No car must splash him.
No car drive too near to his shadow.

This man carries the world’s most sensitive cargo
but he’s not marked.
Nowhere does his jacket say FRAGILE,
HANDLE WITH CARE.

His ear fills up with breathing.
He hears the hum of a boy’s dream
deep inside him.

We’re not going to be able
to live in this world
if we’re not willing to do what he’s doing
with one another.

The road will only be wide.
The rain will never stop falling.

~ Naomi Shihab Nye ~

I also recommend reading this post from another blog Patti participates in with two of her best friends. The last story reflects my deepest fears and thoughts as a mother. And it is beautiful.

That is all.

Filed Under: Beautiful Life, Make it Beautiful Tagged With: love

Momma Mojo

September 25, 2012 1 Comment

What exactly is “momma mojo?”

How do we lose it, and more importantly, how do we get it back?!

I’ve never been a big fan of the word “mojo” but in this case it just seems to fit.

To me, mojo is that extra pep in your step. It’s feeling good about yourself. It’s a fresh pedicure, bright pink blush, and chartreuse skinny jeans.

We ~~can~~ lose our mojo when we have a baby. Many of us spend at least six weeks in a hole of colic-induced crying fits, spit-up stained shirts, sleepless nights, painful pumping and nursing tank tops. Soon enough we realize something’s gotta give.

We need to feel like ourselves again.

We need our momma mojo back.

For me that involves the following:

1. Losing the muffin-top. (Yes, shi* just got real.)

I may or may not have googled, “Fastest way to lose a muffin top.” All the infomercials I’ve watched during late night feeding sessions have tempted me to buy all (but not limited to): Insanity, Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis, and Total Fitness. I am not going to delve into a weight conversation here. It’s not about weight or size. It’s about feeling happy in your own skin, and I don’t care what size I wear, or what I weigh, seeing a muffin top ruin every pair of pants I own is not fun anymore. I will feel so much better when I can go back to wearing my old jeans, sans muffin top.

2. Writing/blogging every day. I realized long ago that I need to write and connect with others to feel like “me.” When I start losing “me” I become unhappy momma, or momma without mojo, and that is not good. For anybody.

3. Exercising. (See # 1). Like writing, I know that exercise is good for me. It makes me feel better. It releases stress, and anxiety, and endorphins and helps me feel better about myself. Yet, like so many others, I don’t make it a priority. UNTIL NOW! Sunday evening I decided after a nine-year hiatus that I was going to take up running again. I made it about 1.5 miles in 15 minutes and it felt GOOD. So good, that I did t again the next day. It was nice to have alone time, with no one needing me. The air was crisp and refreshing. Life seemed pretty perfect against the backdrop of Phillip Phillips singing “Home.” I had a few zen E.LE. moments, feeling love for even the gothic-dressed teenagers that snickered as I passed. Today I walked 3 miles and tomorrow I plan on running again. Thursday is yoga day.

It feels good to have a plan, to breathe deeper, to connect with my body– muffin top and all.

I will keep you updated on this journey to momma mojo-hood, and encourage you other momma’s out there to do the same.

***

What has motherhood done to your mojo? How do you plan on getting it back?

Filed Under: Beautiful Life Tagged With: motherhood, parenting

Happiness Is…Fall Edition

September 23, 2012 4 Comments

Happiness is…

big sister reading to little sister.

She’s making up a story about Granny and Pops and a little boy crying (who happens to be Charlie Brown)…and it.is.awesome.This is the same book that actually started this “Happiness Is…” series and it’s one of her favorites.

Hattie is clearly unimpressed

****

Happiness is…

the arrival of fall.

AKA: Boot weather

I have a slight obsession with boots. Especially Frye boots. Beautiful, beautiful leather.

Fall is also famous for…

Football season

Go Hokies!

Fall Fashions

We love denim vests. And boots. Lots and lots of boots.

Baseball Playoffs

AJH loves the Michael Morse Bobble Head doll. She calls him “the little boy.” Congrats on the Nats making it to the playoffs!

First Day of School

Somebody is LOVING pre-school.

***

Finally,

Happiness is…

a smiling baby.

Especially after six weeks of crying!

***

What is making you happy these days?

Filed Under: Beautiful Family, Beautiful Life Tagged With: fall, happiness

Happiness Is…Strawberry Pickin’

June 5, 2012 2 Comments

We have a little book called Happiness is a Sad Song and every night AJH likes to pick it up out of the hundreds of books on our shelves, take the cover off and inspect it.

It’s not as depressing as it sounds…the book was actually published as part of the Peanuts Happiness Is…series and includes many adorable metaphors for happiness, including one of my favorites, “Happiness is a side dish of french fries.”

I might even start my own Happiness Is…series on the blog, beginning with this gem…

Happiness Is…

Strawberry Picking!

AJH has been talking about going strawberry pickin’ for months now.

It all started with this video, Caillou Goes Strawberry Picking.

We’ve watched it over. and over. and over. The whole family knows it by heart.

It was pure bliss watching what she thought was only available on a computer screen come into fruition.

In fact, on the way there she didn’t understand why we were pointing to a farm and not my iPhone screen when we said we were almost to “Strawberry Picking”…kind of scary (but that’s a whole different post)!

We’re lucky enough to live five minutes from a lovely strawberry patch in the picturesque setting of our Shenandoah Valley.

And we even got to ride on a wagon!!

(Can you tell mommy’s smile is hiding a slight twinge of “I-must-find-a-bathroom-as-soon-as-we-get-off-this-wagon”?)

When Ben was a kid, he and his family were close enough to walk to the famous patch from their home. His mom, AJH’s “Granny,” came along to show us the ropes.