Trial Journal

[girl81]

I just want to keep things in check for a while. Typing them out helps me to reinforce my priorities.

W/O: 6 easy miles, abs/stretching
Stressors:
1 insomnia
2 digestion
Solutions:
1 tryptophan, melatonin
2 eliminate iron multi, probiotic, possibly add triphala




will update tommorrow... ran out of time.

[girl81]

Monday
W/O
1 hour weights, 5 easy miles


Tuesday
W/O
45 minutes weights, 5 easy miles
Stressors
school
finances
insomnia
Hopes/changes
Practice patience.
Count your blessings not your sorrows.
Tryptophan/magnesium/calcium, complete darkness, reading, decaf tea, I need to buy a fan to blow on me to help me sleep and block out any distracting noise; this used to help me and I had forgotten it.


(The first post is a reflection of Sunday)

[Buffycat3]

Hi

If you don't mind, I'd love to join you in your Trial Journal.

Even though I have never suffered from insomnia ( I could only imagine the hardness and frustration of it all )
But what I do know is: Count your blessing, not your sorrows!

Best of Everything to You!

[girl81]

Originally Posted by Buffycat3

Hi

If you don't mind, I'd love to join you in your Trial Journal.

Even though I have never suffered from insomnia ( I could only imagine the hardness and frustration of it all )
But what I do know is: Count your blessing, not your sorrows!

Best of Everything to You!

I am happy to see you "stopped by" Joan.
I know that my workouts and physique are no where near that of the other women on this board so I feel somewhat silly for having a journal take up space on the forum.
I genuinely appreciate the fact that you would take the time to visit my silly log.

[girl81]

Wednesday

workout
7 slow easy miles, 1 hour weights (tried to focus on quads a bit more)

stressors-- thoughts/hopes/changes/solutions
digestion-- still slightly bloated in lower abdomen. continuing: iron free multi, ab exercises, probiotic once daily (may try a stronger one tommorrow or eliminating it alltogether. I'm not sure it's beneficial.)
insomnia-- b12 supplement before dinner was a bad idea. continuing tryptophan, magnesium, calcium, tea, darkness, etc. forgot about the fan idea until just now (this reflection journal may prove to be helpful for absent-minded-me.)

progress
met with my financial advisor
spent 2 hours on campus getting things done
housework
family QT (quality time)
friends QT

[Buffycat3]

Wait, Wut?
Did I just hear/see you say You feel somewhat silly for having a journal take up space on the forum?
Silly?
Well I say, Phooey!

Keeping a journal for YOU, is Not Silly!
No matter what you write down, or what you do, feel, think....This is your life, your goal, and your personal reason for keeping a journal in this forum.
You are here to keep things in perspective and in check.
This is wonderful because it is For YOU!



If ya don't mind I was wondering why the b12 was a bad idea.
Did something negative happen?
Also, with your probiotic, you may either go stronger or eliminate....This is kinda two different extremes, just wondering why you choose all or nothing with this.
Is it because your not sure if it is really effective?
...and thanks for reminding me of a lower ab exercise I want to incorporate into my ab w/o (starting tomorrow)

Take Care,
And Enjoy Everything!

[Kee13]

Girl81, please don't feel silly about keeping your journal. I can honestly say the couple weeks that I have had my journal has truly helped me. If this is what it will take for you to focus, I say go for it! I see you have some pretty good workouts, I'm curious what is your diet like?

[twinnett]

Silly??? I think not!! You have been a support to so many girls on here!! It's not silly or a waste of space at all!!

[girl81]

Thursday

workout
5 slow easy miles, 30 minutes weights (focus on shoulders), 10 minutes abs

stressors-- thoughts/hopes/changes/solutions
digestion-- still slightly bloated in lower abdomen. continuing: iron free multi, ab exercises, probiotic once daily (I plan to try the stronger one tommorrow and note its effects Saturday.)
insomnia-- being consistent/patient/hopeful that tryptophan will start to elevate serotonin levels within the next week. continuing tryptophan, magnesium, calcium, tea, darkness, etc. must buy fan; added it to my shopping list.
fear about upcoming course load-- fear is paralyzing. Prepare for the worst then "let go and let God" of what is beyond my control. I trust Him; its me I doubt.
progress
slept almost 5 hours
campus work
housework
family QT (quality time)
friends QT
I realized today that much of my insecurity and frustration stems from internal fears of failure not even relating to the given situation. I'm trying to address those fears as they come.

[girl81]

Originally Posted by Buffycat3

Wait, Wut?
Did I just hear/see you say You feel somewhat silly for having a journal take up space on the forum?
Silly?
Well I say, Phooey!

Keeping a journal for YOU, is Not Silly!
No matter what you write down, or what you do, feel, think....This is your life, your goal, and your personal reason for keeping a journal in this forum.
You are here to keep things in perspective and in check.
This is wonderful because it is For YOU!



If ya don't mind I was wondering why the b12 was a bad idea.
Did something negative happen?
Also, with your probiotic, you may either go stronger or eliminate....This is kinda two different extremes, just wondering why you choose all or nothing with this.
Is it because your not sure if it is really effective?
...and thanks for reminding me of a lower ab exercise I want to incorporate into my ab w/o (starting tomorrow)

Take Care,
And Enjoy Everything!

B12 is known to be energizing for some people; that's why I think before bed may have been a bad choice.
Yes, I question whether the probiotic is effective, that's why I'm considering all or none trial.
I think you have a big heart and I feel blessed to have your friendship and support Joan.

Originally Posted by Kee13

Girl81, please don't feel silly about keeping your journal. I can honestly say the couple weeks that I have had my journal has truly helped me. If this is what it will take for you to focus, I say go for it! I see you have some pretty good workouts, I'm curious what is your diet like?

Thank you Kee. I hope your journal continues to help you.
I will only post my diet when I have made advancements; maybe that will be an incentive. I know what I need to do, it is a matter of following through.

Originally Posted by twinnett

Silly??? I think not!! You have been a support to so many girls on here!! It's not silly or a waste of space at all!!

I guess I just don't want people to waste their valuable time; I understand the importance of time in today's society. I think some ppl browse these journals seeking guidance and I am far from the level of a mentor (nor do I strive to play that role). I just want to keep myself in check.
I was pleasantly suprised to see your visit; I genuinely appreciate your support.

[girl81]

Friday updates:

16 mile slow/easy/fun bikeride with friend
started NOW probiotic
no campus work (campus closed for Good Friday)
trying to line up weekend job (another meeting tommorrow w/manager)

[Buffycat3]

Thanks for the explaination...this is helpful to know for anyone with same issues.

How did you sleep last night? Any better?

Good luck with the weekend job, I hope everything works out for you!

[twinnett]

What kind of job are you hoping to get? I am looking forward to spring and riding my bike more! I'm trying to figure out a way to walk my dog while riding my bike without him freaking out..lol

[lilly_julia]

Hi. I like your log entries, they are positively poetic (albeit dark.)

My school work load and finances are also freaking me out. Husband was just laid off, and I graduate in June. So I'm feeling the pressure as well.

I have really bad digestion and I just want you to know, probiotics only help, they don't hurt. I saw a colon hydrotherapist and they basically schooled me on how to get your digestion in check. So far its working for me.

first thing in the morning, drink 1/2 lemon squeezed into warm water.

do not drink cold beverages, and do not eat and drink at the same time.

drink tons and tons of WARM (or lukewarm) water, 4 oz every half hour.
way more than you think you need. twice as much as you think you need if you drink coffee.

eat fruit ALONE. not with any other food. Reason being, it digests very easily but confuses your intestines when combined with more complex foods. Make fruit the first thing you eat every morning (after your wonderful liver-cleansing and energizing lemon water), wait 20 minutes, eat something else. And don't eat fruit for two hours after eating anything else.

Be careful with food combinations. Carbs+vegetables or Protein+vegetables. NOT ALL THREE TOGETHER (might be good for bodybuilding but wreaks havoc on digestive health)

I hope this works for you and I hope you cheer up soon.

[girl81]

Saturday

updates:

*workout- 8 easy miles, abs, 30 minutes weight circuit (emphasis on quads).
*digestion- day 2 NOW probiotic; will note results after 7-14 day trial. Continuing abwork to help strengthen my colon; I feel this may be helping.
*insomnia- day 8 tryptophan; will note results after 14 days (seems to be helping).
*work- spent much of the day helping my grandmother, reviewing paperwork, and spending time making arrangements with family members for a future project.

I feel really positive about life right now. I am continually amazed by all the blessings God has put into my life. I think my biggest obstacle at the time (and perhaps always) is my insecurities. The drive to be worthy of all God has given me can be a lot to handle at times. I feel I owe Him so much.

[girl81]

Originally Posted by Buffycat3

Thanks for the explaination...this is helpful to know for anyone with same issues.

How did you sleep last night? Any better?

Good luck with the weekend job, I hope everything works out for you!

My sleep is still off, but I'm optimistic.

I appreciate the good luck Joan . The manager ended up being busy and asked me to return for an interview Tuesday.

Originally Posted by twinnett

What kind of job are you hoping to get? I am looking forward to spring and riding my bike more! I'm trying to figure out a way to walk my dog while riding my bike without him freaking out..lol

I am looking for a weekend job serving tables/waitressing. I've done it on and off since I was 14 and really enjoy it.
I was suprised at how much fun biking was. It was my friend's choice of activity and turned out to be awesome. I crave outdoor activities and get addicted; total endorphines junky. lol

Originally Posted by lilly_julia

Hi. I like your log entries, they are positively poetic (albeit dark.)

My school work load and finances are also freaking me out. Husband was just laid off, and I graduate in June. So I'm feeling the pressure as well.

I have really bad digestion and I just want you to know, probiotics only help, they don't hurt. I saw a colon hydrotherapist and they basically schooled me on how to get your digestion in check. So far its working for me.

first thing in the morning, drink 1/2 lemon squeezed into warm water.

do not drink cold beverages, and do not eat and drink at the same time.

drink tons and tons of WARM (or lukewarm) water, 4 oz every half hour.
way more than you think you need. twice as much as you think you need if you drink coffee.

eat fruit ALONE. not with any other food. Reason being, it digests very easily but confuses your intestines when combined with more complex foods. Make fruit the first thing you eat every morning (after your wonderful liver-cleansing and energizing lemon water), wait 20 minutes, eat something else. And don't eat fruit for two hours after eating anything else.

Be careful with food combinations. Carbs+vegetables or Protein+vegetables. NOT ALL THREE TOGETHER (might be good for bodybuilding but wreaks havoc on digestive health)

I hope this works for you and I hope you cheer up soon.

Wow; I appreciate you taking the time to type all that. Thank you!
I pretty much know my digestion issues stem from a sluggish colon. I'm doing my best to strengthen it naturally and have come to agree that a probiotic is a positive addition to my plan.
I apologize if I came off and needing cheered up. Truly, I feel blessed and loved in my core. My self doubt may be a bit of a dark cloud, but I think it reminds me to stay humble and aware.

[Buffycat3]

I like your journal, postings, and all-around aura of it all
Dark? Mmmm Maybe just a touch.
Uplifting? Ohh Certainly!
Blessed? Absolutely!

Put these all together and you have YOUR Life!
And I LIKE It!

The Positives the Negatives the Yous!

Truly, I feel blessed and loved in my core. My self doubt may be a bit of a dark cloud, but I think it reminds me to stay humble and aware.

I feel really positive about life right now. I am continually amazed by all the blessings God has put into my life. I think my biggest obstacle at the time (and perhaps always) is my insecurities. The drive to be worthy of all God has given me can be a lot to handle at times. I feel I owe Him so much.

God Bless You!

[girl81]

Sunday

*workout: 7 easy miles, 10 minutes abs/stretching
*digestion: major bloat; possible causes: insomnia, too much vitamin C powder, too much food, NOW probiotic. ??? I think the lack of sleep was the main cause; my digestion tends to be poor with poor sleep.
*insomnia: very poor sleep, finally got a fan and will update results tommorrow.
*skin: my skin was noticably better on ET probiotic pearls. I will see if it adjusts to the NOW probiotic this week. Currently have 4 blemishes (new since switching to NOW probiotic).
*changes/hopes for tommorrow: no vit C powder, use fan to sleep, "Instead of counting sheep, talk to the Shephard." (I usually pray throughout the day; maybe doing so at night will help me relax and feel centered as it does in the day. The quote was advice from my mom.)

[LittleCharlie]

Ooh your journal has so many yummy positives in it! I love it!

Good luck with everything,.

[girl81]

Originally Posted by Buffycat3

God Bless You!

He has.

[girl81]

Originally Posted by LittleCharlie

Ooh your journal has so many yummy positives in it! I love it!

Good luck with everything,.

Thank you so much. I really appreciate the support.

[girl81]

Monday

*workout: 7 easy miles, 1 hour weights (focus on lats, quads)
*digestion: day 4 NOW probiotic. a lot of bloating/gas/burping, poor concentration, feeling itchy (very odd).
*insomnia: working on it. I think the tryptophan and fan are good additions.
*gameplan:
I intend to move the NOW probiotic to nighttime preshower and try to give it 10-14 days to allow my body to adjust. If I still feel overly bloated, brainfog, itchy I will eliminate it and reintroduce the enzymatic pearls.
During the adjustment period, I may add fennel tea to help with the gas/bloat.
I hope I have the patience to tough it out; my digestion has been an issue for too long. I'm optimistic.

[twinnett]

Have you ever been tested for food allergies??

[girl81]

Tuesday

*workout: 7.5 easy miles, 1 hour weights (focus on deltoids, abs)
*digestion: day 5 NOW probiotic. I held off taking the probiotic until night and felt much better all day. I don't know if I felt better due to skipping the probiotic or the large amount of vitC I took last night. I'm sticking to just the NOW for today.
*insomnia: couldn't fall asleep when I wanted to but slept well for 5-6 hours when I finally did fall asleep. I want to find something nonhabitforming to knock me out at 10 or 11pm for a few nights until it becomes routine. gameplan: earlier dinner, tryptophan, fan.
*work: We had tornado warnings so interview was cancelled.

I feel very frustrated about the insomnia. I realize it is a minor issue, it's just that it affects so much in the other areas of my life and what I want to persue. I think I have a lot to be honest with myself when addressing this issue (my insomnia). I think fear is holding me back.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
-Maryanne Williamson

[girl81]

Originally Posted by twinnett

Have you ever been tested for food allergies??

Not recently. My diet is currently soy, gluten, sugar, and dairy free.

[Buffycat3]

Originally Posted by girl81

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
-Maryanne Williamson

I've read this twice...going for the third
Brilliant!


I was wondering if you may think your insomnia could be caused by Hormonal Fluctuations?

[girl81]

Wednesday

*workout: 6 easy miles, 1 hour weights/abs/yoga positioning
*digestion: day 6 NOW probiotic. Feel much better taking it at night. Adding cascara to help stimulate peristalsis in the intestines, today and tommorrow.
*insomnia: May try ambiem this weekend. I will try to change my thoughts at night to "more faith, less worry" regarding what tommorrow's events hold.

Things are going well. Just tired right now. My body is tired, my brain just won't switch into sleep mode. Maybe I just need to remember how to relax and daydream rather than worry about trying to control the next day. Faith needs to overcome fear.

[girl81]

Originally Posted by Buffycat3

I was wondering if you may think your insomnia could be caused by Hormonal Fluctuations?

Yes I do. I think my stress levels are the issue causing chemical imbalances.

[girl81]

Thursday

*workout: 5 miles, abs/stretching
*digestion:
-day 7 NOW probiotic.
-day 2 cascara. Cascara caused horrible/miserable bloating as it always does at first, but it got things moving. I wonder if I took it regularly if it would strengthen my colon. Some websites say it has this ability while others say not to take it for more than 7 days.
-I wish I was more diciplined.
-I wonder if the garlic I had yesterday contributed to the bloat.
-gameplan: Continuing NOW pro for 7 more days. No more cascara. I want to try adding hot tea on an empty stomach and with meals. Cut out garlic; may reintroduce once cascara is out of my system so I know if garlic is the real culprit. Still considering adding fennel tea.
*insomnia gameplan: continue tryptophan/magnesium/calcium, fan, and "more faith, less fear" mindset; I think is helping; knock on wood.

I feel really grateful. Life is such a blessing.

[girl81]

Sunday

*workout: 7 miles, abs/stretching
*digestion:
-Taking a break from NOW probiotic.
-I'm pretty sure I'm experiencing candida die off. So bloated, brainfog, bloodshot eyes, rashes, fatigue; yeah, I'm looking hot.
-I've added vitamin C to help deal with the toxins.
-drinking more hot water to try to stimulate digestion.
*insomnia gameplan: continue tryptophan/magnesium/calcium, fan, and "more faith, less fear" mindset.
-trying to develop a bedtime routine; it's in the works. I need motivation to go to bed. Maybe a tv in my room with a dvd player to watch a movie would help. hmmm. I can fall asleep to scrubs, house, grey's and friends.