I heart chocolate.

Ah, yes, that sweet velvety smooth cocoa goodness that can calm you on a bad day and treat you on a good. It’s sad that today, when there is so much communication, so much seeming transparency in our interactions, that chocolate producers still find it necessary to use unethical practices in the making of this wonderfulness.

If you buy Hershey’s or ever have, please take the time to read this and decide for yourself if you should continue to do so.

It’s sad, and bittersweet, but it looks like until they can change their practices I am off on a quest for a chocolate peanut butter concoction that can rival that dang egg. PLEASE, let me know if you have any suggestions.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Getting Healthy….Again!

So, yes, I successfully lost 30+ pounds in 2008. Then in 2009 I proceeded to get pregnant and put back on almost all the weight with the exception of about 8 pounds. But I would say now I’m more determined than ever. I want to be able to swim, hike up Stone Mountain, run around the park and more with my little girl. In order to do that I have to get serious all over again!

It is lovely being a mother, so I know all the curves and jiggles are worth it, but now (most) of them need to go. For reals.

My 1st goal is to lose 12 pounds by May 10th. No, that is not far away but it will probably allow me to fit back into my (non-maternity) bathing suit and take an infant water class with Gems before summer officially starts!

Another thing, I LOVE food! With the exception of some meats I am never going to be a huge “eliminator.” I like a variety in my life and as a Southerner of course I have many weaknesses and loves that are full of fat! Diets DON’T work for me. So here is what I did to get some balance and have a healthier attitude about food and weight loss.

Here are my tips (and how I did it before). I’m posting them here for myself and anyone else who might be interested.

1. Hit the gym AT LEAST 3 times a week (Preferably 4-5).
2. On non-gym days take a walk, do some yoga, something to get that body moving.
3. Eat often, but don’t overeat. Snack on almonds, apples, a little peanut butter with crackers, or a yogurt to get you between meals.
4. Love those leafy greens (and often)! Eat healthy salads (think spinach and bitter greens) with dressing on the side. If you want that fattening dressing, go ahead, but dip your fork and use less than half.
5. Eat breakfast! To be honest I would have a bagel with light cream cheese and a large coffee at least once a week, but it didn’t hinder me losing weight because I kept moving and ate healthy most of the time.
6. Maintain a healthy attitude about carbs, don’t neglect them but don’t make them the centerpiece of all your meals!
7. Eat off the kids menu. Sometimes I wanted something with fries, ya know? Ordering from the kids menu is instant portion control. If you’re still hungry get a side of steamed veggies or a side salad.
8. Have a treat night. Don’t overindulge yourself for a whole day so that you feel gross and run-down at the end of the day. But choose a night and split the cheesecake or have that steak (from a restaurant that serves grass fed beef hopefully) ;) .
9. Don’t think, oh, I can’t eat there or I can’t do that. What I learned? Bruster’s has great yogurt and even the unhealthiest places will let you create your own healthy option (no butter, can I get that with mushrooms and spinach instead of cheese? are great)
10. Drink water!!! Keep a bottle on you and refill it and keep refilling.

Okay! Time to start following my own advice. :) If this doesn’t help you or you think I’m crazy, sorry. Like I said, I’m not a dieter and I’m from the South (unhealthy eating is sometimes a requirement)!

Popularity: 9% [?]

Have a little Compassion…

Name: Jahidul Islam (BD2190180)

Birthday: November 10, 2002    Age: 7

Gender: Male

Region: South Asia

Country: Bangladesh

Program: Kaunia Child Sponsorship Program

Personal and Family Information:
 Jahidul lives with his father and his mother. At home, duties include carrying water, buying or selling in the market and caring for animals. His father is sometimes employed as a seller in the market and his mother maintains the home. There are 2 children in the family.

As part of Compassion’s ministry, Jahidul participates in Christian instruction. He is also in pre-school where his performance is average. Soccer, singing and art are his favorite activities.

Please remember Jahidul in your prayers. Your love and support will help him to receive the assistance he needs to grow and develop.

Community and Project Information:
Jahidul lives on the plains of Kaunia, home to approximately 5,500 residents. Typical houses are constructed of dirt floors, bamboo walls and corrugated iron roofs. The primary ethnic group and language is Bengali.

The regional diet consists of beans, rice and lentils. Common health problems in this area include viral hepatitis, typhoid fever, asthma and malnutrition. Most adults in Kaunia are unemployed but some work as day laborers and earn the equivalent of $26 per month. This community needs health care facilities, educational materials, schools, employment opportunities and income-generating activities.

Your sponsorship allows the staff of Kaunia Child Sponsorship Program to provide Jahidul with Bible teaching, nutritious food, medical treatment, health and hygiene education, safe drinking water, recreational activities, picnics, tutoring, uniforms, shoes and academic support. The center staff will also provide meetings for the parents or guardians of Jahidul.

Please consider and pray about being a part of Jahidul’s life. You could be a huge difference in the life of this child. Click HERE to sponsor Jahidul. This child has been waiting for a sponsor for more than six months. Credit card payment is required to ensure that this child’s wait ends today. Help make a difference in the life of this child, who is anxiously waiting for a sponsor.

Popularity: 9% [?]

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