Health & Stuff

Well, I am happy to report that I am finally able to gain weight.  Ever since my October 2008 surgery to take down the colostomy, I had issues with pain.  So much so that I was not really able to eat much.  I went on like that until my surgery in April 2013.  After a year of recovery I am finally able to eat normally and I have gained weight.  For the first time in 5 years I have to watch my weight.

One of the ways I am trying to cut calories is to cut back on sugar.  I have been reading a lot about sugar and how unhealthy it is.  However, I have a sweet tooth, so I thought I better cut back slowly.  One of the ways I am trying to cut back is through the use of an alternative sweetener in my tea & coffee...which is Stevia.

Here are a couple of bottles of liquid stevia (NOW brand) that I am using.  One is plain and the other is French vanilla flavored.  It is taking a bit of adjustment, but I just keep thinking about the calories I am saving not to mention the health benefit.  Did you know that too much sugar can be a culprit to higher cholesterol (amongst other things)?

Here is my tea station.  My current favorite teas are the Numi Chocolate Pu-reh, Tazo Chai and Oregon Chai's Dreamscape Herbal Chai, which is made with Rooibos.  However, my ultimate favorite tea is Peppermint.  You know in Germany when I asked for peppermint tea I was given a glass of hot water with fresh peppermint in it and a small bowl of rock sugar.  It was so delicious.  At home I just use peppermint teabags.

By the way, I just recently looked up the benefits of Rooibos tea and was amazed.  Supposedly Rooibos can help relax the body for sleep amongst other claims.  Here is a link to a tea website to check out what your favorite tea can do for you:  http://www.theteatalk.com

This is a picture of my side of the end table in our living room.  I made the knitted coaster for Valentine's Day.  I also painted the cup and the little bowl beside the cup.  I like to do seasonal decor, it keeps things interesting at home.

Behind the glass in the corner of the picture you can see a little tray with bottles.  That is my tray of health goodies for the cold season.  I have it loaded up with things like Olive Leaf and an Olive Leaf throat spray by Barlean's (it works wonders), Mucinex, Advil and a saline nasal spray.  I also have a bottle of Sovereign Silver nasal spray, which I have been using Sovereign Silver for years and I haven't turned blue.  Next to the tray I have a box of tissues, can't be without tissues when a cold hits.

So here's to health!  Hope you all are staying well, but if not, make yourself a little wellness station to pamper yourself while your body works at getting itself back to normal.  Take good care and God bless you!