Diet Tips: Chronicle Weight Loss in Pictures

I don't like having my picture taken. I've never found a friend in the camera. Since I put on 100 pounds, I'm particularly photo-shy. In dieting, though, I find that seeing pictures of myself motivates me to lose weight and keep it off. Here's how I do it. Start with acceptance. It's not a schmaltzy platitude to say that weight loss begins and ends with accepting myself as I am. I may not like what I see in the mirror, but I have to love myself. If I don't, I won't have the desire or ambition to lose weight. Why bother to change what's outside when I don't like the inside?  Diet Tips: Chronicle Weight Loss in Pictures

Natural Antidepressants, Anti-Anxiety Supplements

I've always struggled with panic attacks, anxiety, depression, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. I lost two second trimester infants and started menopause early, at about 45. For seven years, I took antidepressants. These made me feel disoriented and numb. I also put on 100 pounds (which certainly didn't help the depression!) I weaned myself several years ago and now use natural supplements to combat negative feelings and boost emotional health. Here's my daily mental health regimen.  Natural Antidepressants, Anti-Anxiety Supplements

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian Recipes for Lent

During lent, much of the world practices fasting. Whether we choose a physical fast, such as food or drink or a spiritual fast, such as refraining from gossip or internet use, our goal is improved spiritual health and closeness with our Heavenly Father. Most Catholic individuals and households observe some sort of lenten food fast. In the old church, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday was known as Shrove Tuesday. All sweeteners, dairy products, oil and eggs were used up and made into pancakes and during lent, not only was no meat eaten, but also no dairy products. The closest diet to this kind of fasting is a vegan diet, except that the vegan eats no fish.  The Lenten Kitchen: Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes