Type II Diabetics and Paula

   Oh, we’re having so many thunderstorms these days.  Some people find them exciting, and the negative ions released by the lightning are refreshing, but when so much rain falls so hard and so fast, it’s not good for the garden.  Kelly is worried about his tomatoes!

            *            *            *            *            *

   Before I opened my business in September of 1985, we were searching for the right healthy eating meals combinations.  A hard job!  And yet, so fulfilling!

   When I entertained in those days, I very much enjoyed serving veal parmesan to my guests.  The veal, however, didn’t fit into our healthy eating plan.  So I adapted this lovely dinner by substituting a filet of white turkey meat.   I was able to retain the rest of the meal—fresh asparagus and parsleyed potatoes.   The topper—of course—is a simply delicious basil cheese sauce spread over the turkey.  Mmm.  Mmm.  Great! 

   We’ve had this meal in our menu rotation from our first week in business.  In fact, I believe Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating is serving my turkey parmesan next week.

            *            *            *            *            *

   Our mission became a thriving business because of results!  We are able to help many people, some with too much weight, and—as we found out from Amanda Crowder last week—some with too little.

   My first “results” affirmation came almost immediately after we went into business.  Type II diabetics were the source.  Most Type II diabetics can improve their blood sugar simply by losing weight.  It’s important, as you can imagine, that they continue to eat a well-balanced diet and control their weight, really for the rest of their lives.

   So there we were!  Helping people!  I knew it!  Kept me going then.  Keeps me going now.

            *            *            *            *            *

   Type II Diabetics need to accept reality and tell themselves: “I need to lose weight.”  Even five pounds of weight loss will—in many instances—reduce blood sugar. 

   When on our meals, a Type II needs to understand that their medication will be reduced in balance with their weight loss.

   That can be confusing.  Because many need more knowledge about their Type II diabetes, I’ve asked my daughter, Paula, a nurse, to be available for information phone calls.  Although our meal fees do not include any counseling, there’s no charge for calling Paula.  Her number is 817.689.0265.  She’ll do her best to answer your questions.

            *            *            *            *            *

   My grandmother’s heart received some exceptionally good news yesterday.  My daughter, Sarah, a nurse who serves on Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating Board of Directors and is the company’s advertising director, has a daughter, Erin.

   Erin recently graduated from the University of Iowa.  Here is the bulletin which warms my heart:  She has agreed to join the company.  She will assist her mother with Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating advertising.

   Sarah and I describe Erin’s employment as “a dream come true.”

 

 

 

From Russia, With Love

   Well, here we are.  Almost June.  Only three more weeks of the days getting longer.  Growing up our North Dakota farm, we used the 16 hour days of summer sunshine to pamper our crops toward a fall harvest.  Often, we children would bring food out to the fields.   And, of course, those late dinners were a family delight.  Ah, memories.

     *            *            *            *            *

   I am quite proud of our nascent Home Delivery program.  Our mission—as you know—is to help people eat healthily and adjust their weight naturally while doing so.  The Home Delivery program allows us to ship our meals anywhere in the United States.   Because of gas price increases, the cost of shipping is difficult for many.  We’re always trying to find a better way, which takes a lot of our company’s time and energy.

   Things like the following make it worthwhile.  Rosanne from New York is a Home Delivery customer.  She began on March 3^rd and has never missed a week.  Yesterday, Rosanne called my daughter, Paula, to report significant weight loss.

   Rosanne is 43 years old.  When she began our program, she used a walker to shuffle around.  No more!  Not even a cane! 

   Before losing her weight, she paid a maid to do her laundry, housework, and many errands.  No more!  Self-reliance!  And she saves enough money as a consequence that she feels she is making a profit, including the cost of our meals and shipping.  Hurrah!

   One more thing.  Rosanne asked Paula to tell me (and I’m telling you) that she absolutely LOVES the meals.

   Me too.

            *            *            *            *            *

   Another of my daughters, Ruth, asked me to mention one of her favorite distributors.  Okay.  His name is Tom Polivka.  He and his wife have Illinois distributor locations in LaGrange, Oak Brook, and Elmhurst.  Tom began in LaGrange in 2004.

   Previous to his Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating career, Tom participated in his family’s dairy farming business.  One of the facets of his life that Ruth really appreciates is his close family.  In fact, Tom and his wife, Sue, value family so much that they have adopted two children (from Russia).  The children—brother and sister—were very worried that they wouldn’t be able to stay together. 

   Good for you Tom and Sue.

 

  

   

Amanda Crowder

   Hello, again.  Today I’m going to use my blog to reproduce a letter from an inspiring teenager whose story reminded me that healthy eating is for everyone.   Perhaps you know someone like her.

   I’ll let Amanda Crowder speak for herself.  What a wonderful, intelligent, and articulate young woman!

   “Dear Mrs. Sutton,

   “Like many others on your program, I owe you my life. But I am only 19 years old.  And instead of using your foods to lose an enormous amount of weight, I have used them to revive my body.  

   “In the Fall of 2006, at 17, I was diagnosed with an eating disorder.  There were a mere 86 pounds on my 5′5″ frame.  And I had done it all in the name of ‘health’.  

   “For two years leading up to November 14, 2006, I had slowly cut out all the foods I considered ‘bad’.  At first it was OK, I simply limited my use of fats and refined carbs; all the things that doctors tell you to do.  I also exercised and strength trained.  Everything was in balance and my body was strong and powerful.  

   “Then I took on the notion that all carbs were harming my health.  Baked potatoes, beans, and almost all breads were cut out of my diet.  My daily meals were extremely scant and calorie deficient.  I subsisted on canned tomatoes, pot after pot of steamed broccoli and cauliflower, huge bowls of unbuttered air popped popcorn, and the lowest calorie frozen meals I could find.  I also shunned all fats.  Yet I kept up my rigorous exercise routine which, of course, made my weight plummet violently.  

   “My mother insisted I visit a nutritionist, but her advice only enabled me to tweak my habits so it appeared as though I was doing fine.  Still, my friends and family were not tricked by my ruse.

   “Finally, after much pleading and heartbreak between my parents and I, I went to an eating disorder center.  I praise God that I did not have to drop out of my senior year in high school to live in a special house.  My doctor allowed me to stay home, but I was confined to my room as my mom literally had to re-feed me and build my body as if I was an infant.  It was a terribly trying time for our family. 

   “Eventually I recovered and was able to resume a semi-normal life.  My eating habits were still severely warped, though.  For the last year, before I started your plan five weeks ago, I ate the same thing every single day.  I had to follow a meal guide to make sure I ate enough carbs, fruits, fats, protein, etc., but I was still scared of many foods.  So I ate the same cereal, egg whites, grilled chicken, ‘pumpkin soup’ (canned pumpkin with water and spice), Egg Beaters, cauliflower, and strawberries.  Nothing else.  I would avoid eating until late in the day, so therefore I would be up until 2 AM to finish my meal plan.  Of course this is not helpful when I am trying to finish my first year of college.

   “So five weeks ago, with MUCH trepidation and deliberation, I signed up for your plan.  I broke out of my rut and ate pasta, something I had not done for almost 4 years.  And it was delicious.  I have loved most all of the meals I have eaten and I am so thankful that I have the ability to use your plan.  

   “Please, do not stop what you are doing.  While everyone else needs you to help them lose weight, I need you to help me gain and maintain my weight.  Without you, I would be back to the same foods as before, and I DO NOT wish to do that!! 

   “Thank you, Mrs. Sutton, for your dedication to your clients and our health. And thank you for helping me live!”

   Sincerely,

   Amanda Crowder  

A Quiet Thank You

   Memorial Day Weekend!  Have a wonderful time, everyone, but take a moment, please, to remember the many men and women who have given so much to keep our country free.  I’m sure we all know someone—friend or family—who lost their life in war.  How sad!  Maybe someday it won’t be necessary.  But this weekend, I’m going to take a moment and say a quiet thank you.  Hope you will too.

            *            *            *            *            *

   Here’s one of my favorite Seattle Sutton Healthy Eating breakfasts.  You can eat it in Week Five of our meal rotation. 

   Moist and flavorful orange bread.  Ummm good!  Served with cream cheese and fresh fruit.  Depending on what’s in season, the fruit might be strawberries or apricots or the like.  Cream cheese provides protein.

   We bake our orange bread in our own bakery.  Wonderful!   Of course, we’re very careful with the ingredients.  Same if we outsource a meal element.  Every ingredient must meet our standard.

   Having our own bakery gives us a distinct advantage.  We can control both the healthy eating and the taste aspect.  BTW, even type one diabetics can enjoy our bread.

   If you like snacking, you might save some of the orange bread for later in the day.  Maybe eat it a couple hours after breakfast.   Or take it to work with you.

               *            *            *            *            

   I had a chance to speak to the Rockford (Illinois) Smart Women Smart Money conference.  What an inspiring group!  Makes me proud to be a business woman.

   What useful advice could I give?  Believe me, I want to be helpful. 

   My message came from my life.  “Maintain a healthy balance between family and work.  Life isn’t just about making money.  Don’t feel guilty about going to work.  Don’t feel guilty about spending time with your family.”

              *            *            *            *            *

   More from our two customers who are using our program to lower their weight from 500 pounds plus.  My gosh, I am rooting for them.  I feel we are becoming friends.

   From Illinois, Janine continues to progress.  She’s “delighted” with her weight loss.  Remember, Janine has been on the program for several months, so she’s had a head start. 

   From Texas, Jean reports that after less than two weeks on Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating, she is “doing great.”  Although she cannot yet weigh herself, her knees are already less painful.

   Jean also told us that normally her legs did not fit underneath the counter of her bathroom vanity.  Now—already—they do!

   My daughter, Paula, arranged for Janine to call Jean.  The two women pledged to help each other.  Both have a long way to go.  We’re right there with them.  I’ll keep you posted.

 

Clean Air and Chipmunks

   Hello, everyone!  The air smells so clean.  This excellent weather brings out the best in people…and in animals.  From my work space, I can look out the window and witness rabbits, squirrels, birds, and chipmunks.  Of course, Kelly and I have seen many deer and, occasionally, the most brazen of foxes strut around our yard.

   For a while, I fed my favorite chipmunk almost every evening.  He came to expect my morsels.  You can be sure they were healthy.  When I was late, or missed a day, he greeted my eventual presence with what I took to be a pout.

   He doesn’t come around anymore.  Time—or outdoor life—must have taken him away.

            *            *            *            *            *

   I want to thank so many of you for giving me your opinions of the meals.  As you know, Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating has a philosophy, a plan, and a menu.  Each of our meals is part of our whole approach. 

   Within our structure, guided by nutritional science, we’re always willing to upgrade and update.  We used to have a meat-based pizza, for example, but now it’s made from spinach and cheese. 

   Why did we change?  Because cholesterol is a fat found on any meat.  We are always searching ways to improve the already top-flight healthiness of our plan.

   We won’t do anything to upset the essential healthy balance of our meals.  But, short of disturbing that equation, we do monitor and occasionally make changes.

   For example, we no longer have sweet potato pancakes on our menu.  I’ve always thought them delicious and many of you agreed.  Now some of you have requested that we bring them back.

   Bring back sweet potato pancakes! 

   Well, we’re considering it, but there are a few problems.  More later.

            *            *            *            *            *

   Eileen Spevak, a distributor mentioned in a previous blog, received the following letter from one of her customers, Alicia.  I am so pleased!  This is an example of Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating accomplishing our mission.

   “I will not be renewing for next week.  I started on this as a means to lose weight and I have hit my target and been maintaining for about a month.  I have been telling lots of people about you though!  I lost 24 pounds in 2.5 months!!!  J

   “I will keep you in mind for the future when/if I need to drop down again.  Thank you so much for your great customer service and wonderful product!

 

The Value of Time

   The last days of another school year are disappearing, one by one.  Do you remember how slowly time progressed when we were children?  Now it moves too fast.  Why can’t time make up its mind?

            *            *            *            *            *

   Thanks to a reader (and customer) comment, we have been examining our use of flax seed.  The research is a little complicated, but I’ll try briefly summarize.  In almost every case, ground flax is superior nutritionally to whole flax.  That’s why Seattle Sutton Healthy Eating uses milled seeds. 

   One exception is our cereal.  And that’s because the combination of whole flax seed and pumpkin seeds add approximately 550 mg of Omega 3 per serving.  That wouldn’t happen with ground flax.

   I think our approach maximizes the nutritional value of flax seed.

            *            *            *            *            *

   In our youth, we more frequently wanted time to speed us to new experiences and adventures.  We didn’t conceive of time as finite. 

   In our maturity, we appreciate the value of time, and wish to fully use each moment.

            *            *            *            *            *

   Which is another good reason to embrace healthy eating.

               *            *            *            *            *

   Another one of my favorite Seattle Sutton Healthy Eating meals is our tortellini vegetable soup.  My husband, who graduated from the University of Illinois, thinks we should call it Tort-Illini.  But we don’t.  Maybe we should.  Kelly is usually right.

   The meal consists of hearty tortellini soup, plus garden fresh vegetables simmered in a succulent broth, plus fresh spinach salad (with nuts), and a healthy salad dressing we make ourselves.

            *            *            *            *            *

   Alert!  Alert!  People easily can go wrong with salad dressing.  High fat is a danger.  And so is a loss of portion control.

            *            *            *            *            *

   I’m glad to report that our client in Dallas, who weighs over 500 pounds and is determined to successfully diet in order to protect her life, has finished her first week on the meals.  Her report: “I love them.”

   I promised you I’d protect her privacy, and I will.  Perhaps you remember my request that we have a good thought for her.  She’s literally battling for her life.

   One of our customers—from the Chicago area—read about our Dallas woman and contacted us to offer support and assistance.  She’s ideal for that role, because she entered our program one year ago, weighing 550 pounds. 

   Now she is able to walk and lives a much, more active life.  But she’s nowhere near ready to leave Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating.

   I’ll keep you posted.

            *            *            *            *              *

   Of course, let me remind you that our meal plan helps people lose whatever weight they need to lose.  Maybe it’s ten pounds, maybe 50, or 100, or 300.  The point is to eat healthy, utilize portion control, and enjoy the time that belongs to you.

 

 

Not Yet

   My husband, Kelly, is fully supportive of his family’s involvement in Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating.  Sometimes, though, when he witnesses the stress of keeping a business healthy so that it may keep its customers healthy, Kelly brings up the question of retirement.

   I never say never, but I always say not yet.  Maybe at age 90.  Kelly should plan my retirement party with that number in mind.  I thoroughly enjoy my work and, even better, experience a deep sense of satisfaction when I hear success stories. 

            *            *            *            *            *

   Joyce from Chicago: “I have lost 50 pounds and I am thrilled.  I had been on three different medications for my blood pressure and now am completely off two of them, and able to cut the third dosage in half.  This is the best program.  I don’t cook at all and I get fresh food every week.  Oh, and the best thing, all my ‘fat’ clothes are gone.”

            *            *            *            *            *

  Steve from Schaumburg: “The plan is easy to follow.  It is so convenient for me.  The meals provide a variety.  Not to mention the health benefits.  I am on the 2,000 calorie plan, and for about the last ten months, I have lost 210 pounds.  I started at 460 pounds.  My health has improved, everything from sugar levels, cholesterol, blood pressure, energy level, and total fitness.  It just may have saved my life.  Thanks.”

            *            *            *            *            *

   Our distributors in Lake Geneva and Glendale, Bob and Randi, report more good news.  One of their customers has lost over 80 pounds.  When his teenage daughter came to pick up his meals, she told Bob and Randi, “Thanks for giving my family our father back!  He is acting like he did years ago—happier, playful, and healthier.” 

               *            *            *            *            *

   A blind couple in California received our meals by home delivery.  They praise the convenience, especially because stove-cooking can be hazardous for them.

  They enjoy our meals hot and cold. Some of their cold preferences are new to me.  For instance, they think our manicotti and green beans are “great” cold. 

   James told us that they have peace of mind because they know we will never serve them raw meat.

   My daughter, Paula, called them after their first order, and walked them through every item on the week’s menu.  Of course, we now supply Braille menus, so everything is easier.

   Paula told me she is “amazed at the great sense of humor and positive outlook” of this couple, in spite of their life-long challenges.  How can we who are “sighted” even imagine their courage and persistence?

   Consider me—and everyone associated with Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating—inspired.

            *            *            *            *            *

   One of our customers, Colleen, commented that she really liked our meals, but wished we didn’t serve fish.

   Thanks, Colleen, for the kind words.  As for the fish, we offer two servings per week, which is exactly what nutritional experts recommend.  Our fish is mild, delicious, and very healthful.  Give it a try.  You might be surprised. 

            *            *            *            *            *

   Salute to our Minnesota franchise owner, Stephanie.  From her cache of wisdom accumulated through practical experience of building and maintaining a kitchen, Stephanie is helping our new Arizona franchise do things the right way.

   The challenge, of course, is to replicate exactly the meals we make at headquarters.  No one has done it better than Stephanie.

   She is assisting Arizona through the goodness of her heart and her belief in our mission of helping people eat healthily.  Thank you, Stephanie.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Keep a good thought

   Hello again!  Since 1985, when we began Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating, I’ve seen so many gimmick diets come and go.  Powder food and low carb are two that quickly come to mind.

   Undoubtedly, my chief concern was, is, and will be how to inform people that our plan is different.  We help people lose weight, true.  But we do it the natural way because the fundamental of our approach is healthy eating.  That’s not a gimmick.

   Separating ourselves from the deluge of quackery is essential if we’re going to fulfill our mission of helping people learn to eat healthily.

   That’s why I make so many speeches to adults and children.  I especially love the intent focus on the faces of girls and boys when I explain the merits of reading labels and avoiding harmful foods.  

   If you see someone that healthy eating would benefit, please feel free to point them to my blog or share your experiences.  Maybe, together we can help.

            *            *            *            *            *

   A reader wrote:  “Will your black bean and seafood jambalaya have shrimp in it?  I am VERY allergic to shrimp!  (Which I didn’t know.  A reaction to some shrimp cocktail once led to my first ride in an ambulance—which would have been exciting if I hadn’t been so scared.)

   Be totally assured!  None of our meals have any shellfish of any kind.

            *            *            *            *            *

   I’m keeping a close eye on a new Home Delivery customer.  She lives in Texas and weighs more than 500 pounds.  After calling us twice for information and talking with my daughter Paula, she finally called a third time and ordered!  To protect her privacy, I’m not going to reveal her name.

   Obviously, she is  morbidly obese.  And knows it.  Cannot leave her house.

   She’s tried many diets. To speak plainly, her excess pounds are destroying her body.  In basic terms, if she doesn’t lose weight, she will not live much longer.

   Can she stick to our meal plan?  If so, I like her chances. Keep a good thought for her and I’ll keep you posted.

            *            *            *            *            *

   Eileen Spevak, one of my favorite distributors, passed along this note she received from a customer, Christine:

   “I started with Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating a week ago and I am seeing results already.  I pick up at the Plainfield, Illinois, location.

   “I already love not having to think about what I should eat.  I love not having to shop for good foods or cook them.  And, since I work in downtown Chicago, I believe I am actually saving money since I bring my Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating meals to work instead of running out for something for lunch and sometimes for dinner too if I work late.

   “Thanks for making all this available.”

 

 

 

 

Be Good To Your Mother

   Mother’s Day!  To my wonderful mother, who has passed on, I send my love and gratitude.  To my five children and fourteen grandchildren, I give the same. 

   My children all help me with Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating.  Many of my grandchildren also make contributions and I’m hopefully that more of them—by their own choice—will someday continue our mission.

            *            *            *            *            *

   Here’s a terrific idea.   For Mother’s Day, why not give your mother a week of healthy eating?  Instead of taking her to a restaurant for one meal, gift her a week of Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating.

   Thoughtful, yes.  And good for your mother.

            *            *            *            *            *

   My husband Kelly and I are both on our meal plan.  He’s very active at 78.  Lots of golf, poker, and helping me.  He’s very good to his wife and former head nurse. 

            *            *            *            *            *

   Amy Moore, our distributor in Merrillville, Indiana, was a customer before becoming our first Indiana distributor ten years ago.  This past weekend, in Indianapolis, she ran her first half-marathon!  Thirteen and one-eighth miles!  Amy is signed up for the 2008 Chicago Marathon.  Keep us posted, Amy.

   Her husband, Scott, has lost 75 pounds on SSHE (so far).  Maybe you heard him vouching for our meals on WGN.

            *            *            *            *            *

   One of my favorite breakfasts is on next week’s menu.  Cinnamon raisin oatmeal (yum!) served with a whole wheat English muffin and an appetizing fruit spread.  

   I absolutely love oatmeal.  So healthy!  In the course of our 105-meal rotation, we serve several different kinds of oatmeal.   It’s a great dish to start the day.

   Is breakfast the most important meal?  I look at it like this: with people working different shifts and sometimes having their main sleep in the daytime, how can any one meal be the most important?

   To eat healthy, we have to consume ingredients our body needs.  And we have to follow a basic, foundational rule.  Eat when you’re hungry.

   Most of us are conditioned to be hungry at mealtime.  Why?  Custom and habit.  Social patterns.

   But to nourish our bodies, we don’t have to eat at any specific times.  Some people like three meals a day, some like to eat more frequently. 

   Goodness, you can hoard our meals until midnight if you like.  Or eat half your breakfast early in the morning and the other half at ten o’clock.   Heed your body.

            *            *            *            *            *

   Happy Mother’s Day.

   

Merry Month

   In the merry, merry month of May!  When you were in school, did you ever dance around the Maypole?  I wonder if many school teachers still have their classes carry out our old spring-greeting ritual?

     *            *            *            *            *

   Michael Sobota, I read your comments with great interest.  I appreciate your praise of our upcoming shift to corn-based containers.  We’re still working out the details.  Keep in touch!

   As for your food preparation question…from now on, our sweet potatoes will be baked to a higher temperature.  Thanks for addressing it!  I agree!

     *            *            *            *            *

   My daughter, Paula, told me the story of Clifford—no last name to protect his privacy—who many years ago was involved in a motorcycle accident and suffered a brain stem injury. 

   Initially, Clifford was not expected to live or even wake-up from his coma.  He’s tough, though, with a strong will. Confined to a wheelchair, he never stopped believing he could experience a full life.

   Since Clifford doesn’t live in a part of the United States served by a Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating franchisee/distributor, he orders his meals through our Home Delivery Program.

  When he first became a client, Clifford was solely reliant on the wheelchair.  Now—thanks to his tenacity and positive state of mind—he walks.  Despite the remarkably courageous progress he has made, it is still very difficult for him to shop and cook.  He likes our food, it’s healthy, we deliver, and so the fit is perfect.

   One scheduled delivery day, Clifford called Paula to report that his meals had not arrived at the usual time.  Our tracking system indicated otherwise.  What to do?

   Because we use DHL for Home Delivery, Paula was able to actually view the signature of the person who had received the meals.   With the name in hand, she called apartment complexes near Clifford’s home.

   Sure enough, she found the woman with the meals, and gave the information to Clifford, explaining that DHL would correct the mistake.  But no! 

   Excited to have the 4-1-1, he wanted his meals now!  So he wheeled himself to the location given by Paula and picked up his package!

   Clifford told Paula he loves Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating.  Though it’s not always easily affordable for him (those nasty fuel charges), he finds ways to make it work, because convenience and opportunity to eat healthily makes it worthwhile it to him.

   He also loves the fact that he can take a week off here and there, if necessary.  “I always return in a week or two,” he said.

   Clifford, I salute you, Paula salutes you, my family salutes you, our entire company salutes you.   Thanks for being on our meals.