Notice - the picture has not a dang thing to do with the post - not exactly. And it was taken some 50 pounds ago. Yay me.
I AM NOT PREACHING - PROMISE.
But in a way it does. See we are fixing food in this picture that is "healthy". That pill bottle contains my blood pressure medication -which at this time has been cut to the lightest dose made and is almost approaching being eliminated.
As I added healthy foods and exercise to my lifestyle - I did not get rid of soft drinks. I simply changed them to the Diet Dr. Pepper variety.
I was exercising regularly for the first time in years and part of that routine was two Ibuprophen tablets before a workout and then some afterwards.
As I have been completely honest about here - I also consumed tequila (and other alcohol) regularly.
Well then, life threw me onto the sidetrip now known as the SURPRISE YOU HAVE KIDNEY CANCER vacation. I lost a kidney and gained some restrictions.
1. only three alcoholic beverages per week - I can have them all in one day or space them out over a week. (the joke is I now make margaritas in a BigGulp cup)
2. No Ibuprophen or Aleve - actually all anti inflammatory meds are to be used very very cautiously. (I can take Tylenol or Acetaminophen based pain meds)
3. No artificial sweeteners. (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, etc)
Well - jokingly the alcohol was gonna be the biggest issue.
NOPE ------- I read labels ALL THE FOOD LABELS BEFORE I EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING.
Seems artificial sweeteners - which are horrible for your brain - nervous system - kidneys and liver - show up in some of the most unexpected places.
Newsflash - I would do almost anything for a Diet Dr. Pepper.
But in reading labels I found some really bizarre locations - aspartame is in almost every chewing gum out there - Bubble Gum being an exception. Even some ketchup contains aspartame. Yup.
Here is the generic list from the ASPARTAME.ORG website. and no they do not have to be labeled as diet or low calorie to have the product in them - you have to read all that damn timy print to find out.
Breath Mints, Carbonated Soft Drinks, Cereals, Chewing Gum, Flavored Syrups for Coffee, Flavored Water Products, Frozen Ice, Frozen Ice Cream Novelties, Fruit Spreads, Gelatin, Sugar Free, Hard Candies, Ice cream Toppings, Ice Creams, No Sugar Added or Sugar Free, Iced Tea, Powder, Iced Tea, Ready to Drink, Instant Cocoa Mix, Jams & Jellies, Juice Blends, Juice Drinks, Maple Syrups, Meal Replacements, Mousse, No Sugar Added Pies, Non-Carbonated Diet Soft drinks, Nutritional Bars, Powdered Soft Drinks, Protein Nutritional Drinks, Pudding, Soft Candy Chews, Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup, Sugar Free Cookies, Sugar Free Ketchup, Table Top Sweeteners, Vegetable Drinks, Yogurt, Drinkable, Yogurt, Fat Free, Yogurt, Sugar Free
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SACCHARINE - the original recognized alternative.
shows up in baked goods, diet drinks, ICE CREAM, and of all freaking places ----- TOOTHPASTE.
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Sucralose (Splenda) - this is made from suger and CHLORINE (you know the same stuff as bleach) In my opinion that really needs no elaborating.
But it may occur in Yogurt, Syrup, Canned Fruit, and Ice Cream.
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So now you see why the artificial sweeteners are my biggest challenge. I have done reasonably well at eliminating them, and still maintain my weight loss. But I haven't lost any more weight and I really do need to. So I am once again working on my diet and upping my exercise intensity.
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I do want to add that I know many people who are regular users of these products. I am not saying they are good, bad, or indifferent in their use. (although the FDA does have a daily usage amount listed in the sweetener specifications. ) I am simply saying that they are on my NO list for some reason. So for me -- plain old sugar / corn syrup / honey have become my go to sweeteners and I really believe that used in moderation can cause no weight issues in a healthy person.
I'll keep you updated as I continue my health and weight loss journey.
Much love. (and have a margarita tonight - I know I am)
Teresa
I hope there is some information here that you can use.
Grey and black and a sheer overlay and check out the bodice. My response OH MY GOOD GRACIOUS HAVE YOU LOST YOUR DAMN MIND. or some other adult language version of that phrase. But being the wonderful and kind and loving mother that I am. And having an enormous amount of spare time to devote to this project ----- I said sure honey. Knowing full well that her idea of making this dress was going to involve me way more than I wanted to be involved. A pattern was purchased. Fabric. Notions. And away we go. We had a pattern for a strapless under dress. But that bodice - the really important part - well she trusted her Mama to come up with something. Mind you - that picture was the inspiration. The finished dress only kinda has that idea. But it was very very pretty. AND I FINISHED THE DAMN THING AT 2:45 PM ON SATURDAY THE DAY OF AND PICTURES WERE AT 3:15PM. There ya go. Pictures from the day. 
College Girl and Softball Princess. The gunmetal grey was beautiful on her. 
Mom's interpretation of the bodice inspiration. 
The adorable couple - All pictures were made at Watson Mill Bridge State Park. 
Ben's mom made his vest and bow tie from the same fabric as the dress. Nice attention to detail. 
The lace is beautiful - I have some left - it will go into the stash. 
Custom order converse - to match the dress. Great aren't they. 
