Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Eating Too Much Melon? Freaking out about Calories (1 Sept '22)

Hello World, 
It's me again... and journaling my thoughts.


The First Meal:

Today at breakfast/lunch (3:45pm) I had bigger amount of melon than what I usually have. Usually I've eat about 300-500g of melon, and that, along perhaps with something else, keeps me fine till I reach home and have dinner at 7pm or ideally I'd have dinner earlier at 6:30pm. 

However, today I pushed myself (for some reason) to finish the melon that I brought from home bc it was already about 5 days since I'd bought it and cut into it, and the longer it sits in the fridge the more mold and decomposed it gets. Hence, I decided "Just do it" and actually it was a very good, delicious, hydrating melon.

Only melon. 

However when I finished what I'd brought, approximately 700grams eaten, I felt bad bc the calories then ingested were more than usual AND I then had the anxious thought:

"I overate and now my lower abs will push out and I'll be a bit more bloated." Ugh. The despised bloat lol. 

However, that was my own exaggeration and assumption and 'jumping ahead to worst case scenario".

I promptly went about my moment, the afternoon, and rinsed my teeth, and then a postprandial walk. It was a good and energized walk for sure although I felt tired nevertheless. 

So thus far today I've eaten or taken in: CJ (60 cals) + decaf coffee w.Oat milk (20 cals) + Melon, 250cals maybe. So total about 350 cals according to MFP. I've been tracking and logging my food for as long as MyFitnessPal has existed, since my college days and I actually started tracking calories and educating myself about the caloric/energy content of different foods when I was 16 yr old. I still remember my first traditional food scale (before the advent of the handy digital kitchen machines) and I weighed 1 portion of mozzarella cheese which was, according to the package, 1 sq inch. Turns out that after weighing and measuring it w/a ruler it was a tiny portion compared to what I normally ate and actually enjoyed. 




And so it happened that I began tracking calories, weighing out the different foods and learning about their caloric values, and keeping a notepad with the daily food record, just for myself. 

Fast-forward to now, 19 years later and I still track what I eat every day although not perfectly and completely bc I sometimes omit some things, or I record an amount/quantity that was actually higher that what I log just because I don't want to feel anxious about the higher calories overall that I would have eaten in the day due to the higher amount of foods. Essentially it is just a superficial effort to fool and quell the anxious thoughts that eventually emerge:

"Oh gosh, I've overeaten today... :-(" or,

"I might begin to gain weight if I keep this up" or,

"Damnit, what can't I keep this caloric intake under control to 1200kcal max?" Etc.

Freedom from anxiety about my imperfect soft body. 

 
What I'd Like:...

Peace with food. Peace with my body...Accepting my body as a fine and perfect, 'done' body that is lean enough, thin enough, and which will not gain weight ever. 
However, I am not really there yet today and truth is that there is absolutely no guarantee that no one will ever not gain weight because it is super easy to happen and actually that is evolutionary and biological tendency and predisposition of the body/brain. The brain/body does not like restriction or food deprivation and hunger, and weight loss...and it will fight back to avoid intentional weight loss and make it easier to continue gaining over time. 

What Else I Would Like: 

 
Reach a point where I'm eating precisely 1200kcal daily and feel fine with that. 
Eat a totally vegan high raw food diet and be happy, content and satisfied with that.
No cravings for animal protein...
Not comparing myself to other women's bodies who I deem to possibly be leaner or "skinnier" than me. It's all so superficial...but alas, it's where my mind goes more often than not these days. 

There are a couple more things I'd 'Like" however will leave like this for now. 

It is said "Ask and ye shall receive".
So how else should I be asking - and from whom? Exhortations to the Universe, to God, to my Guardian Angels, to my Inner Being, to my Higher Self...to Life. 

We all know the age-old maxim: 
Be careful what you wish for... You just may get it.

However, this previous quote is rather somber so I do prefer a kinder, more loving and harmonious tone and approach to this. I feel that the key, crucial advice is:

 Ask God for the Wisdom to know what to do,
how to ask, 
and what to ask for.
And, God, please help me to help myself.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Ultimately, you've got all the power (My Journal Notes from July 3, 2019)

Ultimately, you've got all the power. The center is with you and within you, and that is true of each person out here (in here).

Each person is a reflection of you.
Each person you encounter is at first a concept in your mind. The labels the mind puts on the person or situation.
It's not good or bad - just different.
It is OK to feel uncomfortable - you can feel uncomfortable or be thinking uncomfortable thoughts and still be safe and alright.

Not seeking yourself in other people or other things; not seeking or awaiting or expecting validation in others, objects, items.
The moment you notice your own defensive behavior - defending yourself - know that you are currently caught in Illusion (maya).

Personal Power Wellness: Live Juicing-Fresh Melon Juice! ✨️Carpe Diem✨️

Hello everyone! Getting back into the kitchen to make a fresh melon juice after a long time ⌛️. Better now than ever and the key for today is to "Seize Your Day!" Make it your own day and let it work its magic 🎩 for your greatest thriving. Today we focused on: - 350g Sweet Melon - 200g Honeydew Melon w/the rind

***Benefits of Melon Juice (Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Sweet Melon, Watermelon, etc.):
1) very hydrating due to its high water content 2) soothing and gentle on your stomach and digestion (in case you have a sensitive stomach or digestive issues) 3) Absolutely delicious 4) High Vitamin C (which is vital for a robust Immune System) 5) Containts beneficial Vitamin A (which is great for your skin and hair) 6) High in Potassium which is useful to stave off muscle cramps and dehydration (particularly after an exercise session) 7) Contains health-promoting Antioxidants which counter premature aging, drying skin and illness 8) It is overall easy and swift to make which easy kitchen clean up 9) Melon juice is light on the digestive system which can help you stay more regular in your bowel movements and the alkalinity of your body (which is really beneficial and crucial if you consume a highly acidic (high in grains, animal products and processed foods, vegan or non-vegan)). 10) Melon will yield a high amount of liquid extracted juice - which is great value for your money! My personal favorite is CANTALOUPE JUICE + GINGER AND TURMERIC ROOT :-).
Enjoy your own health journey ✨️ 😊.
See you soon & thank you for tuning in. Blessings & Gratitude, Jennifer ✨️- Personal Power Life Coaching - Wellness✨️

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Wellness Episode: Is Food Addiction Real? What's Right to Eat? Confusio...


Hello Friends!

Hope you are doing well. 

In today's Wellness video::::: Now up on the YOUTUBE Channel ;-)  
Personal Power Wellness - ADDICTION TO FOOD? 
Does the Type of Food we eat really matter? 
What to think 🤔 & do? What's the best and are processed foods the villain, or is it Sugar? 
Or is it the high fat consumption that causes obesity and illness?

There is a plethora of data, information, trendy diets, fads and gimmicky tricks and 'health hacks'...
All for the higher goal of losing weight, or keeping healthy, or repairing an ailing body, or to prevent future sickness in older age. 

So what's an average human like you and I to do?
We want to do what's best, ultimately, however the modern food environment only seems to keep us in the dark about how to eat. 

Furthermore, the culture of consumption of low-cost, highly palatable foods is widespread and we are all participants in the 'system' whether directly or by extension through the friends, family and contacts we keep in our daily lives. 

Hence, I think the only conclusion to reach at this point in time is to find  your own  Answers based on your concrete experience in your physical body. Only you know what works for your body and which things (foods & drinks) may cause more discomfort that desired. 

Lastly, ask yourself: 
"How would my ancestors have eaten and fueled themselves?"

As Steve Harvey says on his talk show regarding dating and relationships advice:  "OLD FASHIONED STILL WORKS". 

Going back to the earth day by day :-).

Thanks for tuning in, everyone!
Hope this helps and uplifts and inspires you to an higher level of living. 

Blessings, 
Jennifer @Personal Power Wellness Coaching
IG:  jen_arcila
FB:  www.facebook.com/CoachArcila

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Convincing Yourself of New Beliefs that Work for YOU - Example: Be/Stay Vegan or Not Vegan

 Conversation with My Source:

Written: 11 August 2020

To be Vegan or not vegan?

What's Best for me? What's true? And what's good and healthy and balanced...Here is my 'dialogue' with my Inner Being and Source Energy, seeking guidance, clarity and more inner peace (on 11Aug2020...)


JAA: Fear thought - Will I get sick if I start eating eggs, dairy (nice simple dairy and organic too)...? And what about meat? According to some, meat does not feed pathogens but dairy and eggs do? This may be true for some but is not true for me. 

We can clear-cancel-delete that thought and old belief or idea that came from someone else whom I do not personally know.  

Source:  Practice the Art of Allowing, ease, flow and nonresistance to your innate, natural, always-flowing-to-you goodness. 

Allow the floodgates to Love to OPEN for You, Jen!  We love you, we adore you and we support you in whatever you choose. Key word: "CHOOSE". 

JAA: I am currently having Cottage Cheese 100g and Organic Greek Yogurt 100g - and so far I feel fine in my digestion. I am combining it with raw carrot sticks and raw cucumber - which is superbly hydrating! Yay! I also added Raw Manuka Honey and 1TB PB Fit for an added sweet kick :-). I did sniffle a bit (like antihistamine reaction?) towards the PBFit. Once this container finishes I will not purchase a new one. 


The main concept and word that popped up for me since yesterday is Balance. It seems that no matter whether Vegan or non-vegan and the stories they share, some people take things to an extreme and then do the complete opposite of what they were doing before as if the previous approach was completely flawed. It may not have worked completely to satisfaction and may have even disappointed you, however that does not mean that it's a sort of 'poison'. The fact and truth is that there are millions of people who live and thrive long lives of well-being while eating dairy and eggs, fowl, animal foods and have harmony, health, well-being, goodness and etc. And there are also those who do not thrive and need to find a different approach.

The key element is Balance in our intake and focusing on real, whole, natural, non-chemical and non-artificial chemical foods. 

 

My current, logical, rational self considers that there is no need to throw out the baby with the bathwater and there is no reason why you cannot incorporate and merge elements of both diets into your daily life whilst choosing the very best ingredients and products that are organic (to the utmost within my bounds), natural, REAL, whole Foods with a dominance from Plant foods to reach 40-50g+ fiber/day, and fruit daily as well.  The fruits and veggies are fundamental, to me, to ensure I'm balancing my nutrition with food-derived hydration and the fiber from natural plant foods which will feed the healthy gut biome. 

If I don't feel like meat and no attraction or attention to it emanates or inspired from me then I don't do it because there is really no need, except if in the moment it is in your vortex, aligned and you feel absolutely good and no resistance to it. It can be organic and preferentially very moist to support my body's hydration. 

Source:  Remove the resistance from your path.  Let the goodness flow to you, dear one. Nothing has gone wrong and you will never get it done. 


JA: I realize from this experience of just a 4-5 days now having incorporated more dairy and eggs and fish (no meat) into my daily diet, that I have been quite self brain-washed by others perspectives and beliefs. Whereas I started this journey out of becoming Vegan in 2017 due to a dream I attributed as a message from God - for my own beliefs and reasons and not health or the trends or global ecology and agro-business - it turns out that I self-taught so much and researched and learned so much from YouTube and some books - that I am sort of brain washed now about the importance and even imperative of being Vegan to be Healthy.

In other words, I've been taught the belief that some foods will cause me to be ill and develop sickness. Whereas before I never personally felt that in my body, thank God, I just accepted what so many doctors and online peers believe. 

Interestingly enough, I don't actually have any Vegan friends and I have only had 1 Vegan doctor who was my dentist and I was with her due to chance and not because I chose her as a doctor for her plant-based eating habits. 


So NOW, here and today - the key I've learned is that I have to now DE-program myself and teach/affirm new beliefs for myself that support harmony with myself, alignment, health, vitality, vigor, joy, thriving, confidence and ease with my nutritional and daily lifestyle. 

Monday, July 13, 2020

Positive Aspects - Count My Blessings 1x1

Dear Lord, Dear Self, Dear Higher Guidance and infinite intelligence and Higher Wisdom,

I come before you and with you now - (and in fact we are always connected, aren't we?) - to focus on the good, positive and love-filled path. It is the track of Source or God energy to amplify and grow the goodness in our lives, starting individually and then that energy radiates and emanates henceforth. 
These are worldly terms for The One Life Force, or Creator.

Thank you for this day. Thank you for my life. I love my life and I love God.
Life loves me and God loves, adores, values and cherishes me.
I am encouraged and boosted from my higher forces and I am surrounded by the Love of Angels.

Thank you for waking me so pleasantly, peacefully and serenely this morning. In my home, my own private bed, my own space to have privacy, joy, ease of movement and comfort. 
Thank you for our morning walk and taking in the fresh air and sunshine. It's a blessing to walk freely in terms of physical health and capability. It is a twofold blessing in the sense that so many other countries are still in lock-down mode or facing the soaring numbers of Covid. 
We are fortunate - I am really, deeply fortunate - to be in Dubai. 

I am thankful I went to the gym ensuing my outdoor walk and lifted weights, trained my shoulders and abs. It's a blessing to have an open, accessible, and conveniently-situated gym that is well stocked and well maintained and where fellow residents can also exercise. 

 Thank you!

Thank you for my amazing, loving, kind family. Thank you for so much love we share and good harmonization - with my loving, kind mother, father and phenomenal brother.

Thank you for my job and employment and how it prospers me in financial wealth and social fabric and in mental/emotional well-being. 

Thank you for my healthy, nourishing foods and drinks - herbal teas and clean, purified water. These are magnificent! Thank you for strengthening and empowering me to choose my foods and drinks and THOUGHTS with wisdom, intelligence, planning and joy. 

Thank you for my magnificent colleagues and the nice, pleasant, well-kept office premises.
THank you for my most decent and humane, pleasant and excellent boss.
I really appreciate where I am in life and eager for more development, expansion and movement forward into feeling even more satisfaction in my profession and career.

I love and appreciate my relationships - my magnificent, amazing, one-of-a-kind Friends! Those blessed beings with whom I share the good and bad stories and our rollercoaster journey through life.
We enjoy wonderful laughs and good outings. Thank you so much for my friends!
Thank you, thank you for so much health and vitality and energy in my body! Thank you for my amazing and awesome, remarkable, extraordinary body which carries me cheerfully through my daily life.