Reshaping It All (15 page)

Samson is a story of consequences. He left himself open for attack. All of the power he had available to him was lost because he wasn't attentive to the circumstances around him. He let the bully move in, take what was rightfully his, and leave him powerless in the process.

Bullies come in every shape and size, whether it's in the form of a person or a temptation we face. Avoid them at all costs, be brave when you're not, and find a good buddy who will stand by your side. That's how we stay strong; that's how "DJ" handles the heat.

The Pantry

CHOCKED-FULL OF FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The Main Ingredient

When steps are taken to establish a life-changing routine, sabotaging thoughts seem to find their way in. We can conquer negative thoughts by taking steps to avoid a run-in with them. Out of sight, out of mind is one of the best ways to control what we see. When we control what we see, we limit the lure.

A Slice of Advice

Dear Candace,

I really enjoy reading your advice. What a wonderful resource. Thank you for being the God-centered, Christ-loving woman that you are!

I, too, am a mother of three young children. Between Bible study, homeschooling, and caring for my home and husband, I struggle to find time to exercise and eat properly. I wonder, what is your secret to being so slim and healthy?

—Madison

Dear Madison,

My secret to staying slim and healthy is (drum roll please!) . . . eating well and staying active.

Okay, I know that was a pretty simple answer, but it's the truth. Over years of being on a weight roller coaster, I finally got to the point where I wanted to stay fit and feel good all the time. I always feel healthier and prettier when my weight is lower, and of course my clothes fit better. I had to change my eating habits and lifestyle once and for all. Luckily, my husband was 100 percent on board and was probably the biggest encourager to our family in this area. So eating habits changed not only for me but also for my children and my husband.

For me the key has been eating fresh, healthy foods and not overeating. I'd prefer to eat more of the yummy foods I enjoy in smaller quantities rather than eating large portions of only healthy foods that I don't really enjoy. For me eating is about the taste and not the quantity. A lot of women I know are just the opposite, and quantity is important rather than quality. You have to figure out what is important to you and get into a new way of eating from there.

Include your whole family. If you just try to diet on your own, it's not going to last for long. If you change your whole family's eating habits and fitness/sports routine, you'll have a better chance at sticking to it.

I take Pilates about three times a week as well as play tennis, and I walk about 1 1/2 miles every day (around my neighborhood). The kids either walk with me or ride their bikes. This turns into family time not only to share and laugh but also to exercise. (When the kids whine about walking the circle, telling them "no dessert" usually quiets them pretty fast.) And FYI . . . dessert is usually fresh fruit. They have ice cream or something sugary sweet once or twice a week. (And we keep that to a small portion.) Trust me, this makes the once-a-month trip to Cold Stones, for whatever they want, all the better!

—Candace

A Pinch of Practicality

Put away or throw away food that isn't in line with your plan. If treats are part of your plan, but you intend to have them in moderation, then put them someplace that is difficult to get to like on top of a cupboard or in the basement. You'll find that when you have to make an effort to get the food, you won't be as likely to repeatedly indulge.

Take a trip to the grocery store and pick up some healthier options like fresh vegetables, fruit, and bottled water. Take time to wash the produce and chop the vegetables when you get home to ensure that they are easily accessible.

Keep a fruit basket on the counter and a selection of cut veggies in the fridge.

Save your water bottles and refill them. Keep bottled water in the fridge at all times so you can grab one on the go. Also make a habit of grabbing a bottle each time you leave the house so you won't be tempted to stop for a sweetened coffee on the road. Piggybacking one new habit with a regular routine is a great way to introduce a new change.

Food for Thought

A recap of Scripture to meditate on:

• And it came to pass when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death; that he told her all his heart. (Judg. 16:16–17 KJV)

• Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (James 1:14 KJV)

• I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman? (Job 31:1 NKJV)

The Candy Dish

When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the world, and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

From My Stove to Yours

Grilled Vegetables

I simply love grilled vegetables. They're wonderful hot off the grill or used the next morning in an omelet.

Ingredients

Zuccini cut in ¼-inch thick lengthwise slices

Yellow squash cut in ¼-inch thick lengthwise slices

Eggplant, skin removed, cut in ¼-inch thick lengthwise slices

Scallions (long green onions)

Purple onion: cut into ¼-inch thick slices

Directions

Place cut veggies except eggplant on a platter and drizzle olive oil generously over them. Sprinkle salt and pepper.

Using a basting brush, lightly coat eggplant in olive oil. Note: the eggplant will soak up the olive oil quickly. Don't worry if you can't see it. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Grill on low-medium heat until lightly brown or tender.

Serve as an accompaniment to a protein or eat the veggies as an entrée. Enjoy!

Mom took my first head-shot in our front yard at age four.

One of my favorite commercial head-shots, wearing my mom's hat.

At age eight, I was recording a Chef-Boyardee jingle for the commercial. Notice my “audition” outfit: overalls, pigtails, and bows!

Brandy Gold, Emily Schulman, and I played ballerinas in a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial.

On set for one of my first commercials shot in New Orleans for Cascade Detergent.

At age ten, my debut on
Full House.
I'm standing in front of my dressing room door, rocking my Madonna look.

Full House
went to Hawaii! Standing with Jodie, Mary-Kate, and Ashley on location. I was feeling great in my bathing suit!