Friday, December 4, 2009

Added Vineyard, making progress!

I snuck another one in today...Juice Plus Vineyard. For the past 2 days I have been adding the Orchard Blend and Garden Blend, but I noticed the Vineyard blend on the counter right next to the other bottles, when I was making my daughters smoothie, so I thought, "What the heck, she needs some antioxidants, too!"

I know that it's unlikely, but I feel like I see a difference in her already! I gave her a double sleepy time tea and she slept all night, except for when I woke her up as I barged into her room at 3:00am. My dog started barking his head off (not literally!) and, naturally, as most mothers of teens would do, I jumped to conclusions. Fortunately for my daughter, she was sleeping soundly.

I've been told that your blood replaces itself every four months, so I think that the difference I saw in both her attitude and complexion this morning was due to a good night's rest. Personally, when I don't eat right, I notice it right away, so perhaps it goes the other way, too. When we eat right, we feel better right away. She's staying home this weekend so I will be able to keep it up through the weekend as well. Mission accomplished this week.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Teenager and Eating Right

I'm on day two of giving my daughter Juice Plus in her smoothie. So far, she hasn't noticed a difference in the smoothie I prepare for her every morning. I'm starting to feel really good about getting the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables in her first thing in the morning. In addition, I have been adding a protein supplement. Although, I realize there is no substitute for getting the nutrition from food, at least she is getting some nutrition.

Yesterday went off without a hitch. Today, was a little bit of a challenge. She claims to have only slept 3 hours last night and has had very little sleep for the last two weeks. First thing I questioned was if she had been on the phone all night. Her response was a resounding, "NO!" Teenagers exaggerate so many things that I'm not sure if the time frame for her sleeplessness is correct. I had to cajole her and convince her that she needed to drink the smoothie so she would make it through the day. It was tough as she just wanted to sleep in the car, but she finally came through for me. Her coloring was off, hopefully due to the lack of sleep. I will keep you posted!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Parenting Teens!

It was so much easier when the kids were little and you could make your kids eat what you told them to. I'm sure we've all said "You're not leaving the table until you eat your vegetables," or, "no ice cream unless you finish your dinner." Now my kids eat before dinner, share things at school, buy junk, and resist healthy food every step of the way.

I'm somewhat of a health nut. Not skinny, but not chubby. Exercise almost daily for mental and emotional health! Ahhh, gotta love those endorphines! Even though I model fairly decent eating habits, I'm not seeing a difference in my daughters' choices.

My daughters are now teenagers. One is a "vegetarian" and one is "proteinarian" and my oldest, now living on her own, will eat anything free! I'm concerned about my middle daughter's health. Actually, I'm concerned about all three of them, but my middle daughter is always sick. I'm on a mission now to get her healthy. She's recently gained about 30 lbs (thanks to her boyfriend taking her to fast food everytime she wants it) - You're right, it's not his fault, it's hers! She's the one asking him to take her to Subway and In and Out, or whatever the place might be. She's been sick with caughing, throwing up, and other cold symptoms on and off for about three months. We have been under alot of stress, as I'm going through a divorce and moved to a different area, and the kids started new schools. I know these dramatic changes in their lives doesn't help at all.

So, this is my plan. I'm getting up early and making her a smoothie with about 1 cup of fruit, 1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt, milk, and Juice Plus smoothie mix "Complete." Starting tomorrow, I'm going to open up the Juice Plus capsules and dump it in her cup and see if she tastes a difference. Also, I'm going to research protein alternatives for her and get protein in her everyday. Weekends are going to be tough, as she likes to spend the night at her friend's house. If I can do this at least 5 out of 7 days a week, I should see a difference, right? I'll let you know if she tastes a difference in her smoothie tomorrow!