Priorities {Our Family Makeover}

These guys have been my inspiration for a self and family makeover.  I had been feeling that my life wasn't on the path that I wanted it to be on.  Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful for all the blessings that I have been given, but I wasn't using my blessings in a productive manner, or how the Big Guy would be satisfied with.  I took time to really think and act upon what has been bothering me.  I came up with a few pieces that I shared here.

This last week, I began putting my plan into action.  I know I need to set an example, and take better care of myself.  Hopefully, it will rub off on the boys!  I haven't been so lucky yet, but I want to share what I've done so far. 

{via Chantix}

My first step, was to start taking Chantix (I relapsed after last summer) to quit smoking.  You're supposed to take Chantix for one week, and keep on smoking.  Then, week 2 is your no-smoking time. I actually cut back by half of my normal use in three days on the first week!  Then, I was fortunate enough to start out this week (yesterday) by being smoke free.  Amazing.  But, you must talk to your doctor!  Personally, this is a hardcore option to stop smoking.  The effects I've had to deal with (last year and this year) have been very diverse and unpredictable.  At this point, I'm so excited for my future, I'm willing to do anything to be free of nicotine.

Then, I started taking my internal organs and body performance into my own hands (well, duh, because no one else will take care of me, except myself!).  I have so been on top of taking my vitamins.  I usually take a Multi-Vitamin, 3 Fish Oil, 3 St. John's Wort, 3 meds, and 1 B-12.  Then, there's the fiber.  Gotta have it people!  This is the cocktail my doctor and I agreed would be best for me.  This is NOT me saying, "Do this, or do that."  Also, do be sure to read your labels!  The Fiber, Fish Oil and St. John's Wort, are supposed to be taken as 1 pill/serving, 3 times a day.  Which is why I have my handy-dandy condiment dish.  In the morning, I dole out my pills from the big basket.  What needs to be reserved for later times goes into the dish.  I keep it out of reach from the child, but in my view so I don't forget to take them.

Finally, I have tremendously cut back my soda consumption.  Our family would go through a 24-pack of cola in several days.  I'm embarrassed.  And do you know how much sugar is packed into one of those bad boys!?  Ayyeee... that's why I have extra junk in my trunk, on my belly, my thighs... yeah.  Once a week, as a treat, Dyl and I will go grab a happy hour drink.  Daily, while breakfast is cooking, I make up a giant 4 liter pitcher of green tea.  Usually, the pitcher is gone at the end of the day.  I then know, I've drank the recommended water intake, I'm hydrated, and detoxing.  After years of smoking, bad eating, and sugar highs, my body definitely needs a detox. 

So you see, I've done nothing extreme, we're taking baby steps.  I'm already on week 2 and haven't missed any of the old habits.  I can already tell a huge difference in the way I look and feel.  Want to make a change with me?  Let me know!  Leave me a comment, email me (ashleycrenshaw dot blog at gmail dot com), anything.  I want to cheer you on!