In lieu of these extremely warm days I really didn't want to be cooped up in the kitchen sweating my life away. I mean seriously, the only thing worse than a moody person is a hot & hungry moody person, that would be me. So last night after going food shopping I decided today's dinner would be done on the grill. Nothing says "Bring  it on summer!" like the sweet, or burning, smell of charcoal and charred meat. I got some steak and Cornish hens and started a marinating meat party in the kitchen.  I marinated the hens in Garlic & Herb marinade by A1 and the steak in the Chipotle Bbq marinade of the same brand. I will include pics below along with my brief instructions for my versions. After marinating the meats overnight I pre-cooked them  in the oven, that was just my personal preference. 

Grilled Steak
4 lbs. Bone-in blade steak or Flanken
ingredients on the package of marinade



Follow the instructions for the hens above, steak can be grilled on higher temperatures and some charring is ok, maybe even preferred. 

Hey peeps! I hope you all are staying cool and hydrated. So amidst dealing with the elevated temperatures outside, I got some bloodwork done this morning and received some of the results today. Good news, so far at least, my hormones levels that were off last week are closer to normal this week, I'm steal dealing with my not period (or BTB from my previous post) but these levels are better for what my doctor has lined up. I should be getting a call with the rest of my results later in the day or Monday, all that matters is I'm making progress.

Now on to this heat...... My eyebrows sweated out, I'm serious, I am not at all prepared for the summer, but I guess the weather told me I'm "gone learn today!" I encourage everyone to drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruit to stay refreshed and hydrated. I like to add a few mint leaves and a citrus wedge or slice of cucumber to my water, it leaves me feeling so refreshed.

I'll be updating later as well with some more hormone talk and my favorite grill recipes that I personally use.

Peace & love,

Zay

I believe there is something to be learned from every situation, good or bad. While optimism is not always my strong point, I do take heed to lessons life throws my way, by my own experiences or on the account of others. If nothin else is accomplished through my journey into this world of blogging, I truly want to inspire someone even if its only one person. Even if its not at all related to my story or my dream, just to inspire someone to tell their story or start following their own dreams. When I log onto this site everyday and see the number of visitors increase that's a blessing all in itself, to be heard is a wonderful thing especially in a world where everyone is struggling to find a sense of self, and so many get lost trying to emulate the life of another. Being an individual isn't always the easiest thing to do, but if its who you were designed to be why insult your Creator by attempting to be someone else?

• It works if you work it, so work it, you're worth it!! ~ AA slogan a friend told me
• Even if in the moment I don't understand why this is apart of my journey, eventually I wil.l ~ Kerry Washington
• If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. ~ Maya Angelou
• Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said: "If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts them with trials" ~ Sahih Al Bukhari vol.7 Hadith# 5645

While I'm sure most people have had chicken pox as children, I haven't. AND, my blood work shows that I am highly susceptible to the disease, and show little to no trace of the vaccine I received as a child in my system. Chicken pox is more severe in adults who contract the disease, they tend to have longer fevers and can contract varicella pneumonia, while death isn't as common its certainly a possibility as well. Women who are pregnant and contract chicken pox, risk miscarrying and possible birth defects. During the vaccination process, I can not try for conception for 2 months, and vice versa while trying for conception I can not be vaccinated at this present moment. SO, I will be keeping my distance from school children, their parents, and shielding my face as much as possible do i don't breathe in the highly contagious varicella zoster, known to you as Chicken pox

Breakthrough bleeding (BTB)- any vaginal bleeding outside of your normal period, as long as it isn't the result of an injury of course.

BTB can be as light as simple spotting, full flow like ur normal period, or even heavier. In my case it's the latter. Usually the introduction of some type of birth control is the culprit, because it can take up to four cycles for the body to adjust to the birth control and that's usually when the BTB disappears. When it appears and you are not on any birth control then its always best to contact your doctor, the BTB could always be a symptom of some underlying issue going on. In my case the BTB is the result of my endometrial lining (the lining of my uterus) which usually builds up to prepare for ovulation and releases during a period, along with the unused egg. Since I don't ovulate, the hormones don't signal my lining to release on a monthly basis as most women so it continues to build, and at some point (never really the same point) it begins to shed and I have the BTB. During my recent visit to my gyn she did an ultrasound on my ovaries and uterus and told me that the lining looked good and wasn't too thick, however, in the blood work the hormone levels were too low to try for conception. So, a regular period must be brought on when the BTB is done, as if this wasn't enough blood.

After a long day of work and a dr.appt I wanted to unwind with a warm chocolate chip cookie, I could have walked the 8 blocks to wawa and got it, but I opted for the more effective method of baking my own. This was my first time not using premade dough and I must say these are tasty. I already had the Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chips so I just went with there recipe. This is definitely a must try, check out their website

I definitely apologize for the lack of updates over the weekend, but this week will be full of them....

Thanks for the support
Zay

• Diet- a particular selection of food, especially as designed to improve a person's physical condition or to prevent or treat a disease
  
• Blood sugar- the quantity or percentage of  glucose in the blood 
• Exercise- bodily or mental exertion, especially for the sake of training or improvement of health 
  

Being the lover of food that I am, it should go without saying that I am NOT a fan of a diet that forces me to give up something that I want to eat. Now I am for adjusting my portion sizes and creating healthier versions of my favorite recipes. While I do love to eat, I'm not a big fan of the sluggish, 'itis', feeling you get after fairly large, predominantly starchy meals. So if I could capture all the same flavors in lighter versions then I'd definitely be on to something. Now while the body is made up of many parts they all work together, like a team, if one part slacks the others might pick up. Naturally if anything does a little more than what it was to designed to, it will be prone to damage from over exertion. Which brings me to blood sugar, PCOS can inhibit the way insulin is used in the bloodstream. Insulin carries sugar from the blood stream into the cells, to be converted into energy. When insulin's' effect on sugar weakens then more insulin is needed to get the job done, cause the pancreas to work harder. When the pancreas works harder too much insulin is released into the bloodstream, and it causes the ovaries to produce more androgens, worsening the PCOS. 

I walk a lot, but I'm not as active as I used to be and exercise is a great way to help manage the symptoms of PCOS. By working the muscles through exercise, the body burns the stored glucose, thus helping along its breakdown, this is called muscle cell activation. Exercise also helps to release testosterone, yes that predominantly male hormone, it can be over-produced in woman with PCOS. Testosterone imbeds it self in the body, mainly the muscles, but is easily released through muscle exercise. Running, jogging, and brisk walking is good for the legs and organ enhancement, the circulation and aerobic activity when kept in a daily routine can help glucose elimination.

While trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle I cam across this salad recipe it involves several of my favorite foods, shrimp, cheese, & spinach.

Caribbean Shrimp Salad
2 cups Baby Spinach (or greens of your choice)
2 Oranges
1/4 lb. Raw Shrimp
1/4 cup Shredded Carrots
1/4 cup Shredded Cheese (I prefer Sharp Cheddar or Parmesan)
1/2 tsp. Turmeric
1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
1 pinch Ground Ginger
1 pinch White pepper
1 pinch Sea Salt




Citrus Vinaigrette:
1 Small Shallot (finely chopped)
3/4 cup Olive Oil
1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
3 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tbsp. Fresh Orange Juice
1 tbsp. Cilantro (finely chopped)
1/2 tbsp. Mint (finely chopped)
pinch of Kosher Salt
pinch of White Pepper

Juice an orange and set it aside for later use, Slice the remaining orange into segments and set aside until plating. Combine cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, white pepper, sea salt, and ginger together in a bowl, mix well. Sprinkle over raw shrimp until well coated, discarding any excess spice mix, cover and refrigerate while vinaigrette is prepared. Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a jar, shake until well blended, add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate dressing and remove the shrimp. In a hot skillet add 1 tbsp. of olive oil, and pan sear the shrimp on med-high heat careful not to over cook them. Once shrimp are done assemble all remaining ingredients on a place topping them with the orange segments, drizzle the salad with desired amount of vinaigrette and enjoy!!

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

First and foremost I give all honor and praise to Allah , the Most High, who is ruler of my life. When I accepted Islam I accepted the decree of Allah, good and bad. I know that every thing happens in His time, He is the best of planners. I also believe that I was giving a voice to be heard, and a test to bless others with the story of my triumph. I do know that if and when I conceive it will be by Allah's will, and by no way do I believe that any fertility specialist could change that. However, with every hardship Allah grants us two eases, and I see the advancements in fertility research as one of those eases for me. This wasn't the original post that I was preparing for this evening but, this was definitely on my heart to share.  

Peace & Love 
Zay

The endocrine system is the system of glands, each of which secretes different types of hormones directly into the bloodstream to maintain homeostasis.

•  homeostasis-  a process in which the body's internal environment is kept stable.

Glands & Hormones

• Pituitary Gland- master of glad of the human body. 

Growth hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, beta-endorphin, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, melanocyte-stimulating hormone, oxytocin, vassopressin

• Thyroid- controls how quickly the body uses energy, makes protein, and how sensitive the body is to other hormones.

Triiodothyronine, thyroxine, calcitonin

• Adrenal glands- release hormones in response to stress

Glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, androgens, adrenalin, noradrenalin, dopamine, erikephalin

• Pancreas- a mixed endocrine and exocrine gland; it secretes both enzymes & hormones

Insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide

• Testes-reproductive organ that produces sperm and androgens, mainly testosterone

Androgens, estradiol, inhibin

• Ovaries- ovum (egg) producing reproductive organs

Progesterone, androstenedione, estrogens, inhibin

Since PCOS is an endocrine disorder, I felt it was important to share a little about just what exactly the endocrine system is and what role it plays in our lives. Hormones not only affect our ability to reproduce but also our moods, and how we deal with stress. While a GYN can deal with the issues PCOS may cause in your reproductive system, a healthier lifestyle and endocrinologist can help you stabilize the rest of your hormones as much as possible.

"To blog?, or not to blog?" That was the question... How do u decide whether or not to reveal your vulnerabilities to the world ( and my world I mean whoever actually takes the time to read this blog). Maybe someone could benefit from my experience, and I'm sure many can relate. Then I thought of blogging afterwards, but who want a watered down version when they can have raw; in the moment thoughts, feelings & experiences. After much deliberation that's what I've decided to give, in the efforts to free myself from the emotional burden brought on by infertility. I'm allowing you the chance to journey with me as I measure, mix and bake my way to getting a "bun" in my oven. While some of my recipes will actually consist of food, more importantly, I'm going to measure and mix the most beneficial amounts of positivity, hope, love & faith with healthy eating and an active lifestyle to ensure I am at my best to carry my "bun".

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in a  nutshell:
• Higher levels of androgens
• Lower levels of estrogen
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods
• Many small cysts on ovaries

The ovaries, where a woman’s eggs are produced, have tiny fluid-filled sacs called follicles or cysts. As the egg grows, the follicle builds up fluid. When the egg matures, the follicle breaks open, the egg is released, and the egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus (womb) for fertilization. This is called ovulation.


In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for an egg to fully mature. The follicles may start to grow and build up fluid but ovulation does not occur. Instead, some follicles may remain as cysts. For these reasons, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman's menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Plus, the ovaries make male hormones(androgens), which also prevent ovulation.

http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.cfm

I was diagnosed with PCOS only a year ago but have been dealing with its symptoms since puberty, I just wasn't aware that they had a name for it. No hormones = no ovulation, no ovulation = no mature egg, no mature egg = no baby!