A new Oil

For years, olive oil has been the "gold standard" when it comes to healthy cooking oils. And it's still a far better choice than most oils out there. But now there's a new oil that's making research news. It's macadamia nut oil, and given its immense health benefits, Dr. Williams firmly believes you're going to be hearing a lot more about it.

The big news is that macadamia nut oil has even more of the "good" monounsaturated fats than olive oil. In fact, it tops the list at 80% monounsaturated fats. Remember, monounsaturated fats are the heart-healthy fats that help promote cardiovascular health, and they're cholesterol-free. Plus, macadamia nut oil is the only significant natural source of palmitoleic acid, which supports overall cardiovascular health.

Macadamia nuts also contain a healthy balance of essential fatty acids (EFAs). These include the omega-3s, which support optimal cardiovascular health and mental functioning—and the omega-6s, which support the immune system.

You've probably seen macadamia nuts at the grocery store, and chances are they were grown in Hawaii. In fact, most people associate macadamia nuts with Hawaii, but they actually originated in Australia. And there's quite a difference between the Australian variety and typical Hawaiian macadamias. The Australian nuts are sweeter, slightly nutty, and have a unique depth of flavor. The quality of the macadamia nut makes a difference in the oil.

Hawaiian macadamia nut oil is usually highly refined, and virtually void of color and flavor. But the Australian variety has a rich yellow color and a nutty, buttery flavor. Dr. Williams found that the macadamia nut oils in Kenya and South Africa are just as rich in flavor, and health-giving benefits, as the Australian variety.

After much searching, Dr. Williams discovered a company that put together a delicious blend of macadamia nut oils that's packed with healthy fats for your heart, brain, and immune system. It's called Amarante Macadamia Nut Oil, and the quality and flavor are outstanding.

The macadamia nut oils that Amarante produces come from Australia, Kenya, and South Africa. Only the top-grade nuts are used and oils are extracted at a low temperature. This is important because it protects the quality, taste, and health-giving benefits. Plus, all of the oil Amarante produces is unrefined, which makes it the most beneficial and flavorful macadamia nut oil you can get.

The reason some of the less healthy oils, like canola oil, are so popular is that they have a high "smoke point." This means they don't smoke or burn at higher temperatures, which makes them suitable for cooking, or frying, at high temperatures. What's nice about macadamia nut oil is that it also has a high smoke point. Extra virgin olive only has a smoke point of 325ºF, by comparison macadamia nut oil has a smoke point of 410ºF—making it versatile enough to cook, sauté, bake or stir-fry with.

Plus, it can also be used without heating. Simply add it to your salads, pasta, and other recipes. And you can use a spray bottle to mist foods with Amarante oil. It's great on baking pans (to avoid sticking). To make it easy for you to try Amarante Macadamia Nut Oil, Dr. Williams asked Mountain Home Nutritionals to make it available to you at a special price. Order 6 bottles and you'll save $10. Click here to place your secure online order. Or call 1-888-887-8262 and ask for code 109687

Contributed by Bob Hong

Something missing?

We've certainly heard more than a few times that processed foods probably won't contain all the nutritional value that they had originally, but what about the healthy organic foods? Do they contain what you expect? I ran across a New York Times article that casts a little doubt.

Kids who go organic for breakfast may be missing out on their vitamins.

Since the 1940’s, commercial cereal companies have been adding vitamins to their flakes, puffs and O’s in order to replace nutrients stripped away during the manufacturing process. But the main appeal of organic cereals is that they’re made with only natural, organically grown ingredients free of additives, including artificial preservatives and colors — and often, vitamins.

If we have been practicing what Jayne Benkendorf preached, then we would already know this from reading labels. I just love running into stories that reinforce what we are doing. Some day the rest of the world might catch up to Prism.

Words of Wisdom

John Boyle O'Reilly:

"How shall I a habit break?
As you did that habit make.
As you gathered, you must lose;
As you yielded, now refuse.
Thread by thread, the strands we twist,
Till they bind us neck and wrist.
Thread by thread, the patient hand,
Must untwine ere free we stand."

I like this quote in regards to unhealthy habits of eating, self sabatoge, etc. PRISM is all about diving deeper than our outward appearances and in doing that we are asked to deal with bad habits. Easier said then done but something worthy of striving for non the less. Actually........ not just worthy, but necessary in order for this to be a lifelong change.

Deadly Weapons

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:31

Disregard for the physical aspect of life can greatly contribute to spiritual dryness. This means that a certain amount of discipline must be introduced into our lives. But what kind of discipline?

Firstly, we need discipline in what and how much we eat. Every meal should be a sacrament offered on the altar of fitter and finer living. Doctors tell us that excess food - as well as too little food - destroys brain power. What is in the stomach often determines what is in the head.

Scripture says, "the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking" (Rm 14:17). But it is not a contradiction of that verse to say that often our food and drink determine our fitness for the kingdom of God.

Seneca, in an exaggerated statement made for the sake of emphasis, said, "Man does not die: he kills himself."Dr. R. L. Greene, a professor of chemistry and a specialist in nutrition, says, "The most deadly weapons used by man in committing suicide are the knife, fork, and spoon."

You may be repelled at the idea of committing suicide - and so you should be - but you may well be contributing to your death by choosing wrong ways of eating.

We need discipline also to ensure that we get at least the minimum amount of vitamins. Vitamins are necessary to vitality; they are God's gift to us. The divine Chemist has designed our bodies to work in a certain way. And if we ignore His prescription for health, we reduce our physical effectiveness, which can also reduce our spiritual effectiveness.

Daily Prayer

O Father, help me recognize that physical vitality contributes to spiritual vitality. May I respect the body You have given me and pay attention to the laws of health that You have built into the universe. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Thanks Penny for sharing this timely devotion!

Lentil Soup with Brown Rice

This recipe is out of the Sonoma Diet Cookbook. Pg 41

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
6 cloves garlic, minces (1 tbsp)
8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
½ cup long grain brown rice
2 cups chopped tomato
¾ cup dry brown lentils, rinsed & drained
1 tbsp chopped fresh Thyme
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp finely shredded Asiago Cheese

1. In a 4 qt dutch oven heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in broth and uncooked brown rice. Bring to a boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered, for 10 minutes. Stir in tomato and lentils. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 30 minutes more or until rice and lentils are tender
2. Stir in thyme, oregano, lemon juice, and pepper. Top individual servings with asiago cheese and, if desired thyme sprigs and/or oregano leaves.

1 cup serving has 257 calories

An Easy Omega Source!

Hello transforming people!!! Phase Three Prism people know that my husband just decided to eat the Prism way about two weeks ago! He has extremely high blood pressure and cholesterol. I am so glad that he decided to change!!!

In Week Five and Six we received a great Prism handout of "Essential Fatty Acids and Beneficial Oils". I re-read it and discovered that many of my husband's cravings were due to a need for essential fatty acids which are Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9's. I also wanted a more natural way to be sure to get these great Omegas.

These Omegas moisturize the skin, nourish listless hair, and will help you say good-bye to brittle nails. They also lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart attack, protect arteries, help burn fat and help the body decrease fat production. They are also very helpful for people with high blood pressure and diabetes!

Nuts and seeds have been the easy answer!!! It is a tasty way to add Omegas into our daily food list!!! Two things to remember are that the nuts and seeds must be raw and they do their best work if eaten in the morning or earlier in the day. They can be found at the Fred Meyer Nutrition Center and probably at the Co-op.

The following has been very useful to us and perhaps for you, too.

Omega-3
Raw walnut 1/2 = 12 calories

Raw Brazil nut 1 = 23 calories

Raw pumpkin seeds 1/8 ounce = 20 calories


Omega-6
Raw pistachio nut 1 = 12 calories

Raw pine nuts 1 teaspoon = 17 calories

Raw sunflower seeds 1/8 ounce = 20 calories


Omega-9
Raw almonds 1 = 6 calories

Raw cashews 1 teaspoon = 31 calories

Raw shelled peanuts 1/2 teaspoon = 1/8 ounce = 22 calories


I combine one or so of the nuts or seeds from each Omega group a day and alternate the choices every day.

We are transforming!!!

Crustless Feta & Cheddar Quiche

* This recipe would be for Phase 2 or higher since there is a little whole wheat flour in the recipe.

Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
4 beaten eggs
1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp chopped fresh dillweed, thyme, or mint
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 cups low fat cottage cheese (12 ounces)
1 - 10 ounce package frozen chopped broccoli, cooked & drained
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 ounces)
1 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9 inch pie plate with cooking spray
2. In a medium bowl combine eggs, pastry flour, garlic, dillweed, pepper, and kosher salt. Stir in cottage cheese, broccoli, feta, and cheddar. Spoon into the pie prepared plate.
3. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 servings at 188 calories per serving. Great for a ready to go breakfast.

The Crazy Makers

Carol Simontacchi is the guest speaker for weeks 2 and 12. She is also my favorite speaker within the PRISM program. The Crazy Makers, How the food industry is destroying our brains and harming our children, is just one of several books she has written. It came in the mail this past week and I wanted to share a page out of it. It says when we reach our 20's our bodies may be done growing but they are never dormant. We are a dynamic organism, constantly changing, constantly repairing, and never the same one minute to the next. To better explain let me quote from the book.

If you could see your body as it really is, you would never see it the same way twice. Ninety-eight percent of the atoms in your body were not there a year ago. The skeleton that seems so solid was not there three months ago. The configuration of the bone cells remains somewhat constant, but atoms of all kinds pass freely back and forth through the cell walls, and by that means you acquire a new skeleton every three months.

The skin is new every month. You have a new stomach lining every four days, with the actual surface cells that contact food being renewed every five minutes. The cells in the liver turn over very slowly, but new atoms still flow through them, like water in a river course, making a new liver every six weeks. Even within the brain, whose cells are not replaced once they die, the content of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and so on is totally different today from a year ago.

Just a small excerpt from the book but for me it reinforces the importance of what we put into our bodies. We need the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, healthy oils, etc. They all work together and I'm embarrassed at what I considered food before learning from the PRISM program. I praise God for our complex bodies, capable of so much when given a chance!

Best fruits

And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
(Genesis 43:11 KJV)

Almonds were an essential part of my Phase I & II. Even though they are relatively high in calories, they seemed to work great as a ready snack. I guess it shouldn't have surprised me to find that they were also praised in the Bible. I also found them praised in a NewsWeek article Up Close & edible: Almonds.

Almonds are chock-full of essential nutrients. “It’s a perfect nature’s package,” says registered dietician Dr. Connie Gutterson, author of “The Sonoma Diet.”

Almonds are also a great source of natural protein. A handful of almonds—about 23 nuts or 1 ounce—contains about as much protein as an egg, or an ounce of fish or chicken.

Rebels with a Cause

I had an epiphany today after hearing yet another story in a long line of stories about childhood obesity, childhood diabetes, and just today reading about undiagnosed hypertension among our youth. The epiphany? We are rebels! The twenty or so of us in our two groups have chosen to rebel against the unhealthy momentum growing in our society. We are cool and we are getting healthy. We are like James Dean, only not dead! We are like early Christians in Rome, only not dead. We are like rebels, only we're not just like rebels; we are rebels!

Link to Anti-Estrogen diet article

Glenn shared an article with Monday's group about how estrogen in our diets effects our health. Here is a link to the article The Anti-Estrogen Diet Could Change Your Life that was on Newsmax only a few days ago. This may not be common knowledge, but it isn't uncommon knowledge either. I've read and heard about estrogen sources and estrogen effects before, so for me this article was just another stick to hit me over the head with. A few more sticks up side the head and I might quit drinking soy milk in favor of the real stuff!

Also, a new Phase I group will be starting this Thursday and I think Monica said that there were 8 or 10 people. I guess there isn't a shortage of people who could eat better.

Just rambling on

I've been spending a bit of time reading around on the subject of refined sugar, refined flour and carbs in general. The skeptic in me, sometime referred to as the great deceiver, has me always thinking about whether or not PRISM is a fad diet that will come crashing to an end sometime in the near future.

I keep finding though, that the path we are on seems to be right in sync with what most nutritionists and doctors are saying. But, papers I have read online as well as my doctor himself also seem to think that the biggest pitfall with programs like PRISM is that people don't have the strength to stick with it long enough to retrain their bodies about how and what to eat. I guess this is where I think our group lends itself to success. We are not relying just on ourselves for strength. I would have quit by now if that were the case! No, we rely on the strength of ourselves and our group, but primarily we rely on God's immeasurable strength. Lucky for us He joined the group.

OK, well, that was a bunch of words I didn't plan on typing. I really just wanted to share this doctor's blog. He seems to encompass most of the things we are learning about in PRISM.

We should be eating what the Lord has provided. - We should strive to eat, as often as possible, the food that comes out of the ground, as fruit of the earth. The less that man has altered it, the better it will be for us. I cheer inside when I observe that refreshments served at Church functions include a wholesome vegetable tray or fruit plate, rather than the typical brownies and cookies.

Our journey toward more vibrant health has brought us to a point where we are starting to listen more carefully to our bodies. The results have—usually—been positive, except when we hear but fail to heed what our bodies are telling us. King Benjamin taught: “Now, if you believe all these things, see that ye do them.”

As you're racing to find out more about King Benjamin, make sure you grab your Book of Mormon and not your Bible. Brother Dr. Stanley Gardner or Dr. Brother Stanley Gardner appears to be Mormon with a leaning towards Eastern medicine/religion, but overall I find that he maintains a God centered perspective on health. I wonder if recalling that little piece of LDS trivia is why God delivered baby Garin to a Mormon home? Remember this post is titled "Just rambling on"

There are lots good of articles to be found at his blog, but here are links to a few I really liked. He even references our old friend Dr. Udi-do in one of his articles. :)

EATING: Gourmet, or Gluttony?

Alternatives to Traditional Medicine

CARBOHYDRATES: HEROES OR VILLAINS?

DIABETES: Critical Information You Should Know

Phase 1 Successes

Our Ferndale group completed Phase 1 of the PRISM guidelines this past July 10th. There are 9 people in our group following the weight loss guidelines and 2-3 additional support people that attend either to watch the videos or support someone on their journey. I'm happy to report that our group lost well over 100 pounds and inches. Because not everyone chose to weigh and/or measure themselves I calculated an average using the information I did have. On average we lost 17 pounds and 17 inches each. Other comments I've received throughout phase 1 include:

• I feel great
• Food Taste better
• I've lost 1 - 2 dress sizes
• My blood pressure medication has been reduced by half
• My blood sugar levels are well within normal; no early morning peaks
• I've gained a closer walk with God

If you know someone in our group please congratulate them on their success. It's a strict, tough program and everyone has worked really hard to get where they are.

Simplified version of yesterday's post

I'm reasonably sure that God didn't put me on this earth to eat, so I should spend my time here doing what He wants, rather than looking for more food.

Sustenance

So far the PRISM program has been very good for me physically. My blood pressure has gone way down, I am thinner and I generally feel great, but I am at a point that I can't seem to shake the idea that this is a temporary thing. It hasn't settled yet that I won't ever be eating the same way I used to. I have to admit that I haven't kept up on the readings on a daily basis. I play more of a catch up game a few times a week. I really want this program to be successful so I rededicated myself to doing the program the way it is laid out; reading everyday not just do every day's readings!

Today's reading starts with a verse which I've seen a few times already.

The good man eats to live, while the evil man lives to eat.
(Proverbs 13:25 The Living Bible)

A bent that I have is that I can't read a verse without wanting to read the verses before and after, or looking at what words were chosen, or looking at different translation, so I can really understand what we are supposed to learn. So I read and here is what I found.

I think PRISM chose the Living Bible translation because it is a bit more polished on the theme of eating to live vs. living to eat. While I don't find anything really wrong with the translation I do feel that it implies that the evil man can be satisfied by eating or that it is just the focus of an evil mans desire. Like it is just a choice to do this or that. After reading a few other translations I find that the message seems to be more of being satisfied by God both physically and spiritually when we choose Him or to go on with our life always in want or hunger if we don't chose His path.

The righteous eat to their hearts' content,
but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
(Proverbs 13:25 NIV)

The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul:
but the belly of the wicked shall want.
(Proverbs 13:25 KJV)

The righteous have enough to eat,
but the wicked are always hungry.
(Proverbs 13:25 GNB)

The righteous eats to the satisfying of his appetite,
but the belly of the wicked shall lack.
(Proverbs 13:25 LITV)

An appetite for good brings much satisfaction,
but the belly of the wicked always wants more.
(Proverbs 13:25 MSG)

So I read that no matter how much I eat, I will never be satisfied because the hole I am trying to fill is not in my stomach, it is in my soul. Feed my soul and my stomach will no longer hunger. Amazing how God and his Word are so timely. Food may sustain my body on this earth, but God is the real longterm sustenance.

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
(1 Timothy 4:8) KJV

Broccoli Casserole

Here's the recipe for tonights snack, broccoli Casserole.

4 oz low fat Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup cooked long grain brown rice
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup skim milk
1 tbsp butter
2 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 tsp Celtic sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 quart casserole with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. In 3 quart sauce pan combine all ingredients, except broccoli and Celtic sea salt and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until cheese and butter are melted. Add broccoli and Celtic sea salt and cook, stirring frequently, until broccoli is heated, about 2 minutes. Turn into sprayed casserole and bake until mixture is heated throughout and broccoli is tender, about 30 minutes.

Makes 4 servings at 221 calories and 8.2 grams fat each.

Gravel Mouth

Week 3 lesson 5 really encouraged me and so I thought I would share about it with you.

Never been a closet eater. Yet when I read the verses from proverbs they hit me pretty hard. "The women folly sits at the door.... calling out...let all who are simple come in here! Stolen water is sweet and food eaten in secret is delicious!" So often we have this voice inside our heads that says eat it it's ok it won't really be bad for you. It really helped to give that voice a name... and that name is folly, it is sin, and not good! And Prov. 20:17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel. Unhealthy food does not satisfy. And I never thought of that as biblical.

I pray you keep up the good work, That you notice a difference. KNow that you have encouraged me by starting this group and I know many others as well. Don't listen to folly. Listen to our LORD.

You are blessed,

Laura May

Micro Baked Apple Delight

Snack for our 6/18 PRISM meeting

1 Golden Delicious apple
1/3 cup unsweetened apple juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/3 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Core Apple. Place in microwave-safe baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on HIGH 3 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes, covered.

Makes 1 serving at 126 calories and 0.6 grams fat.

I will be baking mine covered in the oven at 350 for a half an hour (or as long as it takes) and then will let stand for about another 10 minutes. Somehow it just seems like apples should be baked and not zapped.

This diet is for the dogs

Since we've been on this program my stomach has been feeling much better. No more clearing the room with unexpected gas problems. No more waking myself up at night with unbearable flatuence. As good as I feel right now I couldn't have done it on my own. I just don't have the will power. I eat what I see; burgers, corndogs, scrambled eggs, donuts. You name it I eat it. I'd eat the cat but Monica wouldn't be happy with me at all.

And I want her to be happy because if it weren't for her determination and will power, I'd be right back eating her leftovers and having an upset stomach. This diet truly is for dogs.

I am having a bit of trouble understanding the devotions though.

Sabre,
the dog

Chili Recipe

Snack for the 6-11 meeting was PRISM's Easy Chili recipe. I add and subtract different ingredients each time such as ground turkey meat, different color peppers or different kinds of beans such as black, cannellini, etc. Of course if you decide to do that you'll need to adjust the calories accordingly. If you add ground turkey I recommend 1/2 lb per batch.

Below is exactly how it reads in the book.

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 green peppers, chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp water
2 (16 oz) cans unsalted tomatoes, cut up
2 (16 oz) cans kidney beans, drained
1 to 3 Tbsp chili powder, or to taste

Lightly saute fresh vegtables in oil and water until onions are tender. Add tomatoes, beans, and chili powder. Cook, covered, for 1 hour or longer on low heat.
6 servings at 217 calories and 3.0 grams of fat each

Great for the freezer!

The Rocking Chair Method!

PRISM may have said put away your scales but it didn't say anything about rocking chairs and tape measures! My boys have a child size rocking chair in their bedroom. According to Garin's tape measure the width of that chair is 12.5 inches at its widest point and 11.5 at its skinniest point. What does this have to do with PRISM? Well, last night wanting to sit somewhere besides the floor for evening devotions, I tried to squeeze my caboose into that rocking chair. It's never worked in the past but last night I was surprised to find both caboose cheeks firmly planted (although uncomfortable) in the base of that rocking chair. And when I say firmly I mean it was hard to stand up without the whole chair coming with me. But who cares? Success is success! Even if I cant look at a scale, I do now have a place to sit for devotions.

Way to go Monica!!

Monica, your blog is so inspiring. I just went through and read everything to catch up. You make me want to try harder. I am totally struggling right now, but I need to start journaling and reading again. Thanks for the blog and all the support. Keep up the good work!!!

Crunchy Chicken Salad

Here is the recipe for tonights (6-4-07) snack. If you come across any good recipes you'd like to share by all means do. You can post them here, email them, or bring them to the meetings. Thanks! Monica

4 oz diced cooked chicken
1 tbsp low fat Mayo
2 tbsp mustard (spicy mustard is good)
1 finely chopped medium apple
2 chopped dill pickles
2 chopped baby carrots

Mix it all together and serve on a bed of chilled lettuce or spinach greens.

P.S. I personally think this is better after a night in the fridge.

No sugar is best in breakfast cereals

I needed clarification on cereal options this past week so I spoke with a PRISM consultant today and this is what I learned. Cheerios, which has sugar listed as a 3rd ingredient is ok to have on the PRISM diet. It's the 3rd ingredient but it is only a total of 1 gram of sugar per serving. PRISM considers 1-2 grams of sugar per serving in cereal not great, but ok. An example of a cereal not allowed is Kashi's Heart to Heart cereal. With this one, sugar cane is listed as the 3rd ingredient which is one of the allowed sweeteners, but it has 5 grams of it per serving. Too much. So, now on to a cereal I have found which has no sugar. General Mills, Fiber One. It's a sugar free option that's not as bad as it looks in the picture on the box. There are other sugar free options out there so look at the labels and do the best you can. Remember to only do one serving, measure that serving, and count the calories in your journal. -Monica

It's not about the 6 weeks!

This is a tough program. And we've been asked to quit a lot of things cold turkey without any exception, but it's the discipline someone like me requires. The reading from Week one, day 3 really spoke to me in that I do need to GROW UP, quit my little pity party about everything I can't have, and get over myself!

It's not about the 6 weeks, it's about getting control. It's not just about transforming our bodies, but our thinking. I would like to think a day will come when I can have cookies in the house without eating the whole pack.

Food is a problem for me and I don't want to struggle with it the rest of my life. I need to get a grip on it!

The first three days were tough and I missed my 7-Eleven family, but as the week went on I felt quite empowered and ready to grow up.

Monica

Show me the food!

It's break time (formerly cookie time) and I thought I would write in how it is going.

I am halfway through day two and yet it seams like only a week. I've eaten 1 cup of cottage cheese, a single 1.0 oz string cheese, 1 large banana, 11 almonds and for lunch I had 3/4 cup of healthy chili soup made by my lovely wife Monica. I must be sticking to things or I wouldn't be able to cite food and quantity from memory.

Really things are going OK, but I do wish that Moses would come and strike the Diet Coke rock for my wife.

bye

Congratulations to Jennie and her group!!

For those of you that were at the introductory meeting and met my sister in law, Jennie, I have good news! Her group down in South Prairie has completed the first phase of PRISM. Within her group of 9 people over 100 pounds have been lost. (Their are two more people still on vacation that have not been weighed yet. ) Jennie herself has lost 15 pounds and 15 inches. If you'd like to congratulate her, her email is jennie.gilbert@hotmail.com

I thought this was inspiring news as we are about to head into our first week of Phase I.

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone that expressed an interest in PRISM, even those of you that just wanted to be a source of encouragement. We had a good turnout and I'm looking forward to beginning the first phase.

Monica's thoughts on starting PRISM

Hello and welcome to the PRISM blog!

I first learned about PRISM from my sister in law Jennie who is into her 4th week of phase 1. I was impressed with the program when I heard some of the daily devotions from her PRISM study guide. They hit the nail on the head for me and with devotions that would hold me so incredibly accountable, I thought loosing weight would actually be a secondary benefit of the program.

So, after finding out that there is not an existing group in Ferndale, I looked into starting one. I did not however want to lead it. Fears & doubts crept in on how I'm the last person that should be leading others into this arena, after all cookies are my friend. Then it dawned on me how arrogant that line of thinking was when it would have less to do with me and more to do with God working through me. It's his strength I should be relying on, not mine.

Today (as I continued the struggle of fighting off those doubts and fears) I was listening to Praise radio and thought to myself, wouldn't that be an undeniable sign if they were talking about PRISM on the radio today? Well, they weren't, but they did have a speaker named Robbie Zacharias talking about Daniel. (Read Daniel 1:8-15) I missed the point of the actual lesson but what stood out to me was the part where it said Daniel refused to participate in the king's lavish feasts. Doing this ran the risk of his upsetting the king whom he was a captive of. The speaker went on to suggest that Daniel did not participate because he knew an uncontrolled appetite could ruin a person and that he belonged to Christ first, not the king. I think Daniel stood up for what he knew was right despite his surroundings.

Prism's motto is to transform yourself into the person God created you to be and no food is more important than that. I also think we need to be reminded of two things: Whose we are & that no one can serve two masters. In my mind that master can be anything that distracts you from God including an over indulgence in food.

I have never done PRISM before so I'll be learning with everyone else. It's a strict program, in fact, I believe Jennie's group has nicknamed it "prison." But I don't think we'll regret the decision to do it. I also have not had much experience in leading a group so I ask for your patience and forgiveness as we move forward. I hope that after the introductory class, if you decide to join, that we can encourage and hold each other accountable in this journey.

I created this blog for our Prism group here in Ferndale, but anyone wishing to sign in and offer a few words of encouragement or support is welcome. If you are interested in joining this PRISM group or would like more information about PRISM email me at wallacecabin@earthlink.net.

Thanks, Monica