FINISHED BEING FAT

Betsy Schow was good at starting things. Diets, classes, projects of all kinds, setting goals, …. you name it, she started it. You might say she was "addicted to starting”. The problem was that she never finished.

And with that lack of finishing came the unsatisfactory, even debilitating feelings of being out of control, of being subject to people, things and influences around you, of being ‘acted upon’ rather than acting, of not taking control of one’s own life, of not taking responsibility, of not owning ‘agency’.

Betsy was ‘fat’ – that was the word for it. No matter how nicely you’d rather say it – that was the word that best described her physical appearance. But it wasn’t just her physical appearance. It was her house and her attitude toward life. It was a ‘full-meal-deal’.

For Betsy, her story is about regaining her life. ‘Re-gaining’ may be a misnomer because it implies that she once had it; she didn’t really. ”It all started,” she says “with the sound that often accompanies the moment when you know your life has somehow gone awry …” A scream.

“Daily routine: Wake up, feed the kids, entertain the kids, keep kids from killing each other, put kids to bed, put kids back to bed thirty minutes later, and then collapse into my own bed and fade into unconsciousness. Repeat. My life was a lot like running on a treadmill, a whole lot of effort to get absolutely nowhere. Not that I had much experience with treadmills mind you, … One morning, I woke up depressed and berated myself for all the things that I wasn’t. Wasn’t skinny, wasn’t accomplished, wasn’t happy. In a fit of masochism, I decided it would be a good time to take on my mortal enemy, the digital scale. ….”
 

Betsy refers to things we have all experienced, but may not have put into words. Things like a “starter’s high” – that feeling (too often brief feeling) of taking control when you start a worthwhile goal – like a weight loss diet. “Like falling in love, starting a new project flooded my body with endorphins and gave me a single-minded focus on the task ahead, for at least a few weeks. …. This was the simple truth that I had missed at the time. I was addicted to starting, but once that initial high faded and things got hard and boring, I would quit and start something else to get my next fix.”

This is not a book about weight loss, although Betsy loses seventy five pounds (and keeps them off this time). It is not a book about running, although it includes some running metaphors as Betsy took up running, and eventually ran a marathon. It is more a book about “finishing”, about learning some very important truths about herself along the way, and working through them to take control of her life – of which weight was simply a part. Being “fat” was a symptom of many other factors. Betsy’s process was one of “finishing”. Finishing the project, completing the goal, discovering the wonderful feeling that comes from a job well done –

“For me, taking responsibility was not a matter of blame but of control. As a passenger, I had no control over my life. Living in constant worry waiting for the other shoe to drop was not healthy for my mind or my indigestion. Bad things happened, and there was nothing I could do about it. I hate that feeling of helplessness. Always looking over my shoulder, waiting for something to push me down. It took consciously choosing what I believe about myself and my relationship with the world. Was there some predestined life that I was supposed to lead and I just had to bear the rough patches? Or did I decide what I would do and who I would be?
I chose to believe that while yes, some things happen for a reason, one of those reasons was that I make it happen. As a driver, I decide which way I am going to go and how I let things affect me. Sure it means that I have to take ownership for my ‘accidents’, but it also means that I do not have to sit idly by waiting for a Mack truck to sideswipe me. And just like my car in real life, the driver not only gets to pick the radio station, but she picks the final destination.” – pg 56.

It’s a book about “Finishing”, and Betsy Schow was “FINISHED BEING FAT”.

Who is it for? It’s for all the rest of us who are finished letting someone else, or something else chose our final destination. It’s for those of us who truly want to be finished too. Finished with those nagging inconsistencies in our life that interfere with our feelings of self-worth and happiness. While you are journeying with Betsy on her personal road, you will discover that you have some things in common. And as Betsy gains control, you’ll find her journey empowering as you too commit to being a ‘finisher’.

FINISHED BEING FAT by Betsy Schow 

review by Cindy Suelzle

Generations LDS Bookstore - Christmas Hours

for the Convenience of our Clients

Generations LDS Bookstore

pre-Christmas Extended Hours

Beginning the last full week in November

through to Christmas

 

Monday - as usual 10-5 PM

Tuesday - as usual 10-6 PM

Wednesday - extended 10-8 PM

Thursday - extended 10-8 PM

Friday - extended 10-9 PM

Saturday - as usual 10-6 PM

Sunday - as always CLOSED

 

Christmas EVE (unless its a Sunday) 10 - 3:00

Christmas Day - CLOSED

Boxing Day - CLOSED

 

Boxing week hours are back to normal

Monday 10 - 5 PM

Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 6 PM

Friday open later 10 - 8 PM

 

New Years EVE - (unless its a Sunday) 10 - 3:00

New Years Day - CLOSED

 

not sure? phone the store 780-413-0392

That Promised Day: the Coming Forth of the LDS Scriptures

I just watched the movie "That Promised Day" distributed on DVD by Covenant Communications, and produced by BYU Broadcasting. What a wonderful DVD.
It took me twice as long to watch it as it would anyone else because I paused to write down quotes and repeated several key parts. (I'm kinda sick that way)

My son and I had a good discussion about it afterward when I highly recommended he find some time to watch it. He was born in 1990 and has no experience of life before the current scriptures he uses. Its easy for our children to believe these have always existed or to not fully comprehend the tremendous effort that went into bringing them to the world. Truly do ANY of us fully comprehend the value of them? or the miracle of them?

That Promised Day DVD
available at GENERATIONS LDS BOOKSTORE
www.generationsbooktore.com

When I was a child, the daily use of scriptures was much different in any given home - even in strong Latter-day Saint homes, than it is today. I was raised in an in-active Latter-day Saint home. I realize that the politically correct term is "less-active" but trust me, my home was pretty in-active as far as the gospel is concerned. And since I'm talking about 'me', I can say whatever I want. Regardless of what kind of home you came from, as of 1971, when you read the Bible at home or in the classroom, it was from any one of several editions of the King James Bible available at the time.

It became increasingly evident to those responsible for church curriculum that relying on these editions was no longer the best option. The Brethren felt emphasis on personal study of the scriptures should be given priority. Existing editions of the King Jame Bible were inadequate for the new emphasis and after much deliberation it seemed that that the time was at hand that the church needed to produce their own edition of the King James Bible.

It was agreed that many improvements needed to be made that would be of great and lasting value to the Latter-day Saints. Improvements such as better chapter headings, more footnotes which cross referenced each of the standard works, a topical guide, a bible dictionary and maps. All these things would not only aid the personal experience of the casual reader, but would make the scriptures more accessible and meaningful to all who embarked on a serious study of them.

Elder Thomas S. Monson was assigned to head the committee that would oversee the production of hte new LDS edition of the King James Bible. Elders Boyd K. Packer and Bruce R. McConkie (the doctrinal expert) were also on the committee. It was felt that the members of the church must be more scripturally literate, so the project's goal was to assist in "improving doctrinal scholarship throughout the church".

Thousands of hours were dedicated by hundreds of volunteers, and prayerful energy was applied to every aspect of the work. Those who laboured therein felt the Lord's hand in it and knew they were part of a great undertaking. Doctrinal experts joined the team. Eminent men in their fields such as Ellis Rasmussen - fluent in Hebrew, Robert Patch - fluent in Greek, Robert Matthews - an expert in the Joseph Smith Translations, and many others.

Computers were in their infancy when the work began, but they proved to be a god-send in organizing the tremendous amounts of human research. Those working most intimately with the project felt the computer was developed for this precise purpose, seeing no coincidence in its implementation. President Kimball said "I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse ... If we do all we can, the Lord will bring more discoveries to our use .. of that I have great faith."

Speaking of the topical guide reference of Jesus Christ, Elder Boyd K. Packer said "these references constitute the most comprehensive compliation of scriptural information on the mission and teachings of Jesus Christ that has even been assembled in the history of the world."
 
"However talented men may be in administrative matters [or] worldly things they will be denied the sweet whisperings of the spirit that might have been theirs unless they pay the price of studying, pondering, and praying about the scriptures."
- Elder Bruce R. McConkie

"Never since the day of Joseph Smith has there been such a opportunity to increase gospel scholarship as has now come to those who have our new English edition of the scriptures."
- Elder Bruce R. McConkie

"Therein" says Boyd K. Packer "is contained the fulness of the ever lasting gosepel. Therein we find principle of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilema that will face the human family or any individual in it."
 
Elder D. Todd Christofferson said "I believe we have a stronger generation than we had ever before, in large measure because they've had ready and constant access to the scriptures. .. We have a greater need than people at any other time in the world's history, to have that constant and immediate access to the scriptures. ... [to be] able to turn to them instantly, at our convenience, at any moment, and to carry a copy with us."

A gift not to be taken lightly. A gift not only from God, but from every individual who sacrificed time, energy, means - and in yesteryear even life - to bring us our present edition of the King James Bible that we so freely hold in our hands. Hopefully we will never take it for granted.

Breakfast: that MOST Important Meal of the Day

Breakfast: that MOST Important Meal of the Day

Whether you're a breakfast person or not, we all want our kids to have that good start on their day. 

Once a week at least, perhaps on Sundays - its nice to sit down as a family for a nice satisfying breakfast. In our busy lives usually that's the only day we can do it, 

so if you're like me, you often serve typical "breakfast foods" for Dinner. 

Whatever works for you, check out the video below for recipes 

and visual instructions from Chef Todd, and for some good fun

* German Pancakes
* 10 Grain Pancakes 
* Breakfast Burritos
* Energy Fruit Smoothie - (here's a hint, add 9 grain cereal into your fruit smoothie for some whole grain added nutrition. LIterally breakfast in a glass)
* Creamy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
* Hashbrown potatoes with peppers 
* Egg white Scramble for the calorie conscious  (with all the proteins and nutritients of fresh egg whites but with a three year shelf life!) 

All made in minutes with THRIVE Freeze Dried foods - ever available in your pantry.

THRIVE is always the Healthy, Easy option. Shelf stable for an extended life.  Nutritious and Delicious. No chopping or dicing, and Absolutely NO waste. Cooked without the fat and grease often associated with your typical breakfast foods

ENJOY! :D

I think I will go and make some breakfast!

Independent Consultants can Beat "BigBox".ca on THRIVE prices

Best Deal or Not Best Deal - that is the Question 

Should I Buy the THRIVE package from the "bigbox".ca store or my friendly Independent Consultant? 

I am told that I cannot use the actual 'name' of the bigbox store that lists these THRIVE packages on their website. (What's with that?) In order to comply I have eliminated their 'name', but I'm thinking you have a pretty good idea who I'm talking about.
Question #1 is: can they or can they not, beat your friendly Independent Consultant in price? Question #2 is: even if they can by a slim margin, isn't the personal service, ability to try the foods in your own home, and the education you receive from your Independent Consultant worth it?
When its all about the money - then where is the better deal?
Let me make it easier for you. I've done the math.

Costco.ca currently offers two packages online. One TVP and one called a Starter Package
Your friendly Independent Consultant will be happy to match those prices bytheway, but do you really want them to? Let me show you the details.

CXXXXX option on the TVP package sells for $99.99

Turn to the Thrive® Meat Variety Pack for a healthy, delicious meal anytime! Casseroles, soups, pot pies, sloppy joes, tacos, and a multitude of other menu options are easy when you have this variety pack in your pantry! This package comes with six different types of MSG-free meat textured vegetable protein’s (TVP) including ham, sausage, chicken, beef, sloppy joe and taco. All meat TVP’s require minimal preparation (just add water) and have a ten year shelf life. Thrive® Textured Vegetable Protein's are used primarily as a substitute for real meats.
Features:

• 263 total servings
• Freeze-dried products have up to 10-year shelf life if unopened
• Shelf life varies per can/product (see individual cans for optimum shelf life suggestions)
• High protein
• Easy preparation instructions and recipes on every can
• To rehydrate, soak meat TVP in hot water for 5 - 10 minutes, drain and enjoy
• The THRIVE® Meat TVP Variety Pack contains one can of each of the following:
  - Freeze-dried chicken TVP (45 servings)
  - Freeze-dried beef TVP (44 servings)
  - Freeze-dried ham TVP (44 servings)
  - Freeze-dried sausage TVP (45 servings)
  - Freeze-dried sloppy joe TVP (43 servings)
  - Freeze-dried taco TVP (42 servings)

bytheway - for your information, the above information says 'meat', but take note of the line that says "used primarily as a substitute for real meat". TVP - textured vegetable protein, is not meat. It is a meat replacement. Perfect for vegetarians, or those who would like to reduce the amount of meat they eat, or those who would like to extend their meat with a more economical source of protein.

At $99.99, this package works out to an average of $16.50 per can.
If you purchased this from your friendly Independent Consultant, and asked her for the 'party price' you would pay the following.
TVP Chicken = $11.59
TVP Beef = $11.79
TVP Ham = $12.69
TVP Sausage - $12.49
TVP Sloppy Joe - $17.59
TVP Taco = $14.59
total = $80.74 averaging $13.46 per can. 
Add the shipping cost of $24.00 on 6 cans ($4.00 per can) for a total of $104.74,
now averaging $17.46 per can. You would pay .96 cents more a can thru your Independent Consultant. Don't worry, he/she will happily match the Costco.ca price to save you the .96 cents.
But look at the rest of the picture.
Did you know that your Independent Consultant would be happy to answer all your questions about the product and let you sample it? Did you know that she would even be willing to come into your home to do a Home Demonstration for you and your friend? And if you decide to host a party, you would receive a full 10% in FREE product when you purchase this package (or anything else you choose to buy) PLUS additonal product at 1/2 OFF depending on the total value of your party sales! Now wait a minute! THAT works out to a savings of MORE than .96 cents a can!
+ you get personalized service
+ you get your questions answered, concerns addressed by someone who knows the product
+ you get a Home Demonstration
+ you get to sample several of the products as well as some dishes prepared from them
+ you can order exactly what you want, in the amount and can sizes that suit your family, not be restricted to the 'package' as is
+ you can share the good news with your friends and family
+ you can re-order again and again at the same great savings, because you are guaranteed to love the product.

See below for the breakdown on the CXXXXX option on the Starter package for $129.99 

The Thrive® Starter Variety Pack was designed to provide your family with a variety of great-tasting, nutritious foods that can be used in everyday menu planning. The taste and texture of meat textured vegetable protein (TVP) is consistent with real meat, making it a great addition to vegetarian diets. The freeze-dried sweet corn and broccoli are ideal as replacements for fresh vegetables in all your recipes and the freeze-dried peaches and the strawberries make excellent snacks!
Features:

• 270 total servings
• Freeze-dried products have up to 10-25-years shelf life if unopened
• Shelf life varies per can/product (see individual cans for optimum shelf life suggestions)
• High protein
• Easy preparation instructions and recipes on every can
• To rehydrate, soak your desired meat TVP, vegetable or fruit in hot water for 5 - 10 minutes, drain and enjoy
• The THRIVE® Starter pack contains one can of each of the following:
  - Freeze-dried chicken TVP (45 servings)
  - Freeze-dried beef TVP (44 servings)
  - Freeze-dried sweet corn (46 servings)
  - Freeze-dried broccoli (47 servings)
  - Freeze-dried peaches (43 servings)
  - Freeze-dried strawberries (45 servings)

At $129.99, this package works out to an average of $21.64 per can.
If you purchased this from your friendly Independent Consultant, and asked her for the 'party price' you would pay the following.

FD Chicken TVP = 11.59
FD Beef TVP = 11.79
FD Sweet Corn = 15.69
FD Broccoli = 17.69
FD Peaches = 27.79
FD Strawberries = 27.89
total = $112.74 averaging $18.74 per can. 
Add the shipping cost of $24.00 on 6 cans ($4.00 per can) for a total of $136.44,
now averaging $22.74 per can. You would pay 1.07 cents more a can thru your Independent Consultant. Don't worry, he/she will happily match the Costco.ca price to save you the 1.07 cents.
But look at the rest of the picture.
Did you know that your Independent Consultant would be happy to answer all your questions about the product and let you sample it? Did you know that she would even be willing to come into your home to do a Home Demonstration for you and your friend? And if you decide to host a party, you would receive a full 10% in FREE product when you purchase this package (or anything else you choose to buy) PLUS additonal product at 1/2 OFF depending on the total value of your party sales! Now wait a minute! THAT works out to a savings of MORE than 1.07 cents a can!
+ you get personalized service
+ you get your questions answered, concerns addressed by someone who knows the product
+ you get a Home Demonstration
+ you get to sample several of the products as well as some dishes prepared from them
+ you can order exactly what you want, in the amount and can sizes that suit your family, not be restricted to the 'package' as is
+ you can share the good news with your friends and family
+ you can re-order again and again at the same great savings, because you are guaranteed to love the product.
You get the picture. Your Friendly Local Consultant, would be happy to match Costco prices when you ask, or you can take advantage of her already low prices to SAVE even more!

The party price and the Q price are the same, low price!

Q: What is the Q?
A:  a Brillaint 'pay-as-you-go' plan for you to continue to get Freeze Dried foods at the best price possible. (Much more than is available on costco.ca) All fruits, vegetables, grains, basics, meats & other proteins, dairy products and the New THRIVE Express Meals. Simply use the planner to figure out exactly what your family needs, tailor it to your family's preferences, decide on your monthly budget and presto! Exactly what you want, on your doorstep, every single month! Building your family's FOOD STORAGE or "HOME-STORE" steadily and affordably with the Best product available in the world! Highest nutrition in preserved foods. Shelf life of 25+ years! It doesn't get any better than that! 

That's the Q in a Nutshell!
Talk to your Friendly Independent Consultant to get started today.
Don't know one? Contact me @ thrivewithcindy.shelfreliance.com

- Cindy 

THRIVE: helping you become Self Reliant! 

Food Additives in THRIVE Express Products? Really?

Food Additives in THRIVE EXPRESS products?

Since I was a young mom I had a 'food-rule' of thumb that I tried hard to adhere to. It was simply “if you can't say it, don't eat it”, and we were quite successful at it - I might add. I am not normally a 'mix' cook, or inclined to take short cuts at the expense of nutrition. If there was a contest, nutrition won. One of the things I appreciate most about the entire THRIVE line of foods is that even though they are intended to last a very long time, they depend on the brilliant process of freeze drying rather than food preservatives. Hence, a can of freeze dried spinach – contains 'spinach'. Simple. Straight forward. Nothing added. Just spinach. Same with peaches, apples, brocolli, and every other freeze dried fruit or vegetable.
In their New line of EXPRESS products – instant meals in 20 minutes, it only stands to reason that the mixes will contain more ingredients, and curses, some that are not commonly pronounced. THRIVE has assembled a team of food scientists to develop these combinations – who adhere strictly to THRIVE's commitment to avoid all harmful substances such as colours and preservatives. These recipes are developed by people who want only the best food for their families and ours, and those of us who know them best can be comfortable with their integrity in such matters. However, upon scanning the lists of ingredients on their Express line, we come across a few food “additives” which most of us are not familiar with (although if we read labels, certainly we have come across many times). I have done some research for my own satisfaction, and thought you might be interested in what I learned.

What is Maltodextrin?

If you're obsessed with reading labels, then you've probably come across the ingredient maltodextrin. Sounds like some type of sugar, but is it safe to eat? It'll settle your mind to know that this common additive is an easily digestible carbohydrate made from rice, corn, or potato starch (celiacs beware — it can also be derived from barley or wheat). It's made by cooking down the starch, and then acid and/or enzymes break the starch down even further.
Maltodextrin is a white powder often used in processed foods as a thickener or a filler since it's fairly inexpensive, as well as in pharmaceuticals as a binding agent. You'll find it in canned fruits, snacks, cereal, desserts, instant pudding, sauces, and salad dressings. Since it contains fewer calories than sugar, it's also found in sugar substitutes, such as Splenda or Equal.
Maltodextrin is usually used in such small amounts that it doesn't have a significant impact in terms of the amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate, or fiber it adds to foods. Although maltodextrin is processed and it's not the healthiest thing to put in our bodies, at least we know it's made from real food, not some nasty chemicals.

What Is Autolyzed Yeast Extract?

Autolyzed yeast extract is a substance that results when yeast is broken down into its constituent components. It is used as a substitute for MSG, and as yeast extract is a natural substance.
Definition: Autolyzed yeast extract results from the breakdown of yeast cells. The cell wall gets disrupted as the yeast’s enzymes break down proteins, releasing amino acids, salts and carbohydrates. The soluble portions are separated from the insoluble components and referred to as autolyzed yeast extract.

Uses: Autolyzed yeast extract is used primarily as a flavor enhancer in a variety of processed foods such as soups, meats and vegetarian “meats.” Like MSG, it is valued for its ability to stimulate taste receptors that are sensitive to the savory type of taste.

What is Disodium phosphate?

Disodium phosphate is a sodium salt of phosphoric acid. It is a white powder that is highly absorbent and water soluble. It is therefore used commercially as an anti-caking additive in powdered products. Used as a food additive for emulsification and phosphate fortification.

What is Thiamine Mononitrate?

Thiamine Mononitrate is a water soluble vitamin of the B Complex. It is sometimes called aneurin. Thiamine is synthesized in plants, fungi and bacteria.

When all is said and done, I'm okay  with these additives. In true THRIVE style, their attention to the best is still evident in this Newest of their THRIVE line of great products.

Sun Oven? in Alberta?

What the heck is a Sun Oven? and can it possibly be of any value in Alberta? 

A Sun Oven is a cooking solution for energy conservation or emergency preparedness. It is a durable appliance that can reach 400 degrees Farenheit - yes, even in Alberta! Hey, we have more sun year round than most other locations. Its not the temperature you're supposed to think of here, its the 'sun', and even in the winter, Alberta gets plenty of sun.

Devised for areas where heat sources are expensive at best, non existant at worst - a sun oven is the perfect way to harness the sun's rays to cook outside in the heat of a summer's day, without heating up the kitchen too. But the same principle that works in the summer, works in every season - just with variation and a little ingenuity. Angle your Sun Oven to catch the rays of the sun, and let nature do the rest. With special reflectors and a tempered glass door to retain the sun's powerful heat, the Sun Oven can cook anything that can be baked in a conventional oven: breads, cakes, muffins, pizza, vegetables, poultry, fish, meats, casseroles, grains, pastas and desserts. It lets you harness the power of the sun to cook without fuel. How simple and yet how clever is that? 

Working like a greenhouse, the Sun Oven will work on any sunny day at any time of the year - rays from the sun can pass through the glass front, but a good deal of the longer waves can't find their way back out. The result: heat is trapped inside. For convenience, the Sun Oven comes equipped with an oven thermometre, and can reach as high as 400 degrees and can be adjusted by adjusting oven and reflectors. It is not difficult to maintain a 350 degrees oven.

The adjustable Sun Oven reflectors allow you to take advantage of differing sun positions - depending on time of day and season. It is easy to take anywhere there is sunshine. When closed, it is as portable as a small suitcase. With the Sun Oven, you will be prepared for any interruption to traditional power sources, able to cook any kind of food as well as boiling water. As long as there is sunshine, you will have the power you need to cook your meals.

Hints for increasing the efficiency of Sun Oven in winter months: 
1) The sun is so low during the winter that the solar oven and reflectors need to be tilted at nearly a 90 degree angle. 
2) Turn the cooker frequently, especially when needing a constant high heat like for breads or muffins. 
3) Best cooking time is between 10 AM - 2 PM. After 3:00 on short days, the sun is too low for solar cooking. 
4) To increase circulation of your cooker on cold clear winter days, wrap the body of the cooker in an old blanket. 
5) For highest heat, check for gaps between glass and the box. Should be a tight close. 

 Available at Generations LDS Bookstore - www.generationsbookstore.com