Back from Vacation!

My wife and I had a great vacation! Went to the beach, stayed in NYC, saw Zarkana, saw the sunset from the Top of Rockefeller Center (70 stories high) and had some wonderful meals together.

I gained a total of 10 lbs during that time but that's what I expected as we did not exercise (except for miles of walking in the city) and no recording of our food choices. I am back on the program and will be doing partial fasts until I lose the additional 10 lbs (probably 5-7 days).

All in all the "Maker's Diet for Weight Loss" that we are following is working great! We feel better and are losing weight at a sensible rate. My daughters are also following the plan and together the family has lost over 75 lbs in a little under a month and we feel better too. My blood pressure is declining (a good thing!) and our clothes are fitting better (some are falling off!).

I thank God for His grace in all of this. First by leading me to Jordan's great books and then by helping me to keep Him and His kingdom in front of me as the prize! The bible says in the book of Hebrews that we are to keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who FOR THE JOY SET BEFORE HIM ENDURED THE CROSS. That is a great lesson for us as well! Keep your goal before you as you sacrifice the momentary pleasure of foods you may miss or times you would just like to pass on your daily exercise! You will reach your goal if you keep your eyes focused on it and endure with patience until your there!!

Grace and peace,

Ed

Results!!

I started my "Maker's Diet" 10 day cleansing fast 10 days ago and the results are in! I dropped 25 lbs.! (I use "dropped" and not "lost" because that's what I intended to do!) I reduced my waist by 2 inches! I lowered my Diastolic BP by 1 point and my Systolic BP by 11 points! Those were they measurements I was most interested in so those are the only ones I'm following.

While the 10 days were difficult at times, it was WELL WORTH THE SACRIFICE! I am ready to embark on the next phase of the "Maker's Diet" protocol where I will be adding more protein and calories to my daily diet. Still eating 5 smaller meals a day.

While sacrifice is never easy, if the goal is a worthy one like your health, family or community it is always worth it. Jesus is our great example. The bible says, that for the joy set before Him He endured the cross! Keep your goal (health, family,community) before you! That is your joy! See the result and ignore the cost as much as possible. Your mind is powerful and your focus is crucial! When it gets rough (and it will sometimes) remember your goal and pray. God knows how you feel and He will help if you follow His will for your life!

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Cleansing Fast Day 9!

Every few days the protocol for this cleansing fast adds a few other foods. As I enter my last phase of the fast we added Yogurt, Raw Honey and Fish yesterday! Maybe that's why I missed bloging?!? Naw...had another sleepless night on Saturday so I was a bit foggy and tired. However, I slept 6 solid hours last night (my normal amount) and between that and the added nutrients I am feeling back to normal today! Praise God!!

I was thinking this morning of how much like my father I am and was wondering how that happens. I thought that some of it is genetic coding passed down through my DNA but some of it also came from me watching and listening to him throughout the day.

And so it is with my walk with God. I have the genetics of the New Birth passed down through my spiritual DNA thanks to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ but the rest comes as I watch and listen to God in prayer, by reading, studying and meditating on His word and listening for Him throughout the day as I go through my normal day to day experiences. I want to be more like Him!!

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Horrible Night's Sleep

Last night I tossed and turned all night! I literally woke up every hour! I was exhausted by 10pm after the 6th day of my "Maker's Diet" cleansing fast and a full day of work but I began waking up around 11pm anyway. Some of it was going to the bathroom due to the 100+ ounces of water I drink per day. Yesterday I drank a bit more because I did some yard work causing me to sweat. But that wasn't the only reason. I just seemed to be restless.

Jordan Ruben, the author of the "Maker's Diet" says that insomnia can be a sympyom of the cleansing fast so I'm gonna chalk it up to that. Four more days to go on the fast and I will be good to go! Tomorrow I get to add 4oz of Tuna or Salmon to my evening salad and I am looking forward to that!

Been reading in Matthew's gospel about being careful of the leaven of the Pharisees. A little leaven leavens the whole lump as any baker knows! And they're leaven ids deadly. A self-righteous, better than thou attitude is anti-productive at best and downright destructive at it's worst! See Matt 20:25-28.

Grace and peace,
Ed

Summer Cleansing Fast Continues!

Today is day 6! More than half way done and I feel great! While Wednesday was a rough day (the roughest so far)but, yesterday was awesome. Besides feeling lighter and my clothes fitting better, I felt really good. Clearer thinking, better energy and no cravings! I thank God for leading me to "The Maker's Diet" book! It is the answer I was looking for!

My wife and three of my four daughters are doing the same program with pretty much the same results. We have a renewed respect for what we eat and why. And, doing it together is giving all of us extra motivation!

I'm looking forward to going tomorrow to the community garden I'm a part of and putting in a few hours work tilling the soil! Not to mention bringing home some fresh, organic goodies from the garden! Then it's off to the farmer's market to add to what I bring home from the garden. I'm going with my youngest daughter. Then, perhaps we'll head to the beach and enjoy the sunset!

Living here on Long Island is a blessing! While it is quite expensive, God has always provided for our needs while being close to the beaches, great public parks and of course New York City! Bless the name of Jesus!

Ed

Day 5 of My 10 Day Cleansing Fast

Today is day 5 of my 10 day "Maker's Diet" cleansing fast. Yesterday was a bit rough. Had cravings, mood swings and an overall "icky" feeling. On this fast I eat a serving of different fruits 4 times a day and a large tossed salad for dinner. I also drink 100+ ounces of water per day and take some prescribed all natural supplements.

If it were not for my walk with God I would have quit the fast yesterday! The street I drive home from work on is filled with restaurants and fast food joints and the smell of meat cooking was driving me crazy! However I go to prayer whenever I have felt weak and also remind myself of the reasons (strong motivators) why I am doing this!

On another note I watched a powerful documentary last night about genetically modified foods and the direction our country is taking in regards to genetically modified food production. It was a real eye opener and again another strong motivator that I am on the right track with my dietary changes and my joining an organic community garden near my home. If you'd like to view the documentary I have added the link for you. http://www.thefutureoffood.com/

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Ed

As I was doing my morning devotions this morning, I was reading Matthew chapters 15 -18 and I was again reminded of the importance of the heart! Jesus said it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person but what comes out of the mouth because out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

While our physical health is important, our spiritual health is even more important! While I am being careful about what I am putting in my mouth, I must be even more careful of what I am allowing to enter into my heart (soul, mind, spirit).

While I am guarding my body from processed foods, trans fats and excessive calories, I must with even more diligence watch out for unforgiveness, pride, arrogance, unbelief and other things that the Bible says, " war against my soul".

So today, as I embark on day four of my summer cleansing fast, I am reminded by the Word of God, Jesus Christ, to watch over my heart as well and with an equal if not more diligent intent for out of my heart flow the issues of life!

Be blessed and full of grace and peace,
Ed

Summer Fast Day 3

Well Praise the Lord!! I successfully completed day two of my summer cleansing fast and it was the 4th of July! I had a great day with the family. They're doing it too! It wasn't as hard as I expected. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

My approach to my weight and health has been different since June 1st. While spending time with God in prayer I felt Him ask me, "Do you love me more than these?" Sounds simple but it was a profound moment in my life! God doesn't ask a question because He doesn't know! He asks to reveal something to you!! And, thank God he did! I have a new revelation by grace as to how to approach this and thanks to Jordan Rubin's book I have the way laid out in a simple do-able form.

Just got back from my morning prayer walk and am feeling great despite being on the fast!

To God be the Glory!!

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Independence Day!

As we here in America celebrate our Independence we are reminded that Independence usually comes after a fierce battle with what sometimes seems to be insurmountable odds! Those of us that are Christians understand that our liberty from sin and it's dominion came as a result of a fierce battle and the Ultimate Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those of us on Spark People dot com know that our Independence from our previous unhealthy lifestyles also requires a fierce battle and sacrifice! But on days like today we are reminded that the battle and sacrifice IS WORTH IT!

I pray that you continue to find the grace and fortitude necessary to win your personal independence from destructive habits and lifestyles and that you take time to celebrate your victories as they come. Do not grow weary in well doing for you will be rewarded with a greater personal freedom if you don't quit!

PS. Today is day two of my 10 Day Summer Fast as outlined in "The Makers Diet" by Jordan Rubin. Yep, I will celebrate the 4th of July without my usual fare of burgers, ribs and hot dogs as I learn more productive ways to celebrate and come closer to my own personal Independence from my dependence on food for pleasure.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

The Dawning of a New Day!

I have been using the "Spark People" website for about a year now and it remains one of my favorite web sites! While I have not lost the weight I wanted to as of yet it has continued to educate and inspire me throughout the year with informative e-mails, recipes and articles of interest for a healthy lifestyle.

I began reading Jordan Rubin's best selling book "The Maker's Diet" in the beginning of June and have subsequently read his book "The Maker's Diet for Weight Loss" as well. I have been totally inspired to embark on a journey to health using the principles in his books.

Today I began a 10 day "Summer Fast" to kick start my program and am doing a total pantry/refrigerator/freezer clean out in preparation for my new dietary guidelines. While my wife and kids plan to do this plan as well, the cleanout is going to be hard for my wife as she is very frugal and hates throwing anything out. I plan to document my entire journey here as well as on "Spark People" as a journal for myself as well as a possible inspiration for others.

I have been exercising 6 days a week since June 1st and will continue as well as making other minor changes in preparation to today's "official start".

Well, here's to a new/healthier me and subsequently healthier family! To God be the glory!

Grace and Peace,
Ed