What To Do When Your Teenager Runs Away (Part One)

Startling title, I know.  Those who know me very well know I have a good sense of humor, but I'm definitely not a practical joker; unfortunately this is being written from raw experience and I wish it were a bad joke.

Why does a 16 year-old (now 17) run away (twice) from a perfectly good, loving home?  That is the question.

Hopefully the phrase is "if" rather than "when" your child runs away, but if it does happen, call the police first.  Every parent wants to ensure their child is safe whether they're on Mars or at your residence.

At the time of this writing, there are only 8 states in the U.S. where running away is illegal: Georgia, Idaho, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Our local police force, detective, and school administration have done an outstanding job in assisting our family, which we greatly appreciate.

In Maine, (where running away is not illegal) parents are severely limited legally when your child is 16 or under.  From 17 on, your child can willingly live freely at another family's house without your permission - which is what's happening in our case.  Our child belongs here, not at your house!  Parents don't spend years raising their kids for them to vanish (because they (the kids) feel we are too strict) and take up residence elsewhere.

For those that are curious, here are the rules at our house:  for full privileges you must maintain a C- or above in every subject, be well-mannered, respectful, and a team player.  Being on time is a core value taught in our family, it's a matter of respect and definitely beneficial in the real world.

In summary, get the police involved as soon as you know your child has runaway.  In most cases it will not be illegal, but your local authorities will guide you through this painful process.

Your comments and questions are most welcome.

Part two coming soon...

Who says I'm not nutritionally conscious? (Amazing drink recipe inside)

Party people!  (That phrase just cracks me up!)

There is a lot of buzz on whatisnutrition.org about how horribly I eat and many times I am asked...where is the good stuff?

I'll admit that my nutritional plan is not normal or even slightly mainstream, but there's a lot to love!

I wanted to put the spotlight on my latest drink discovery.  I am a big fan of Puritan's Pride products.  After doing a lot (I've just realized that "a lot" has been used a lot) of research, I found that they carried a brand of whey powder sweetened with the stevia extract (which I am a fan).  If you haven't tried it, it's called Designer Whey.  My absolute favorite is the Double Chocolate version.  Now, I usually always like most French Vanilla versions, but I'll have to admit, this one has not been one of my go-to's because it didn't seem to have much taste...until now!

After much ambitious trial-and-error, I believe we have a winner!  Especially if you love the taste of peanut butter, you will absolutely love this!

Here are the players:

Here's the recipe:
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 packet Truvia
1 level tablespoon of PB2 (powdered peanut butter)
1 scoop French Vanilla Designer Whey Protein powder 

Shake or blend until desired consistency and enjoy.

Here's the stats:
Serving size is a bit over 8oz
153 calories
12.5g carbs
21.5g protein
2.5g sugar
5g fiber

Man, now that's a nutritional win-win if I've ever seen one.  Also, you could use the Double Chocolate version for your own liquid peanut butter cup protein shake.  (Also, Puritan's got some of the best prices on Designer Whey Protein powder - 22.99 usually with free shipping.)

I'd love to know what you think.  Please leave your comments, questions, suggestions, or recipes below.  Have a fantastic Positive Tuesday!

How To Lose Weight (Without Losing Your Mind) eBook

Big News:  If you missed getting your complimentary copy the first time around, now's your chance.

For a limited time, my first eBook will be offered (at an unbeatable price) today through March 11.

I would be honored to have your honest rating and review on the Amazon site.  Many, many thanks in advance.

To claim your free copy, click this promotional link, input your first name and email (disregard the $1.99 price, it'll be free at checkout), and you'll be directed directly to the book.

Have a fantastic and productive Friday!  :)

p.s. - This book was the inspiration for whatisnutrition.org

Life In The Fast(ing) Lane, Day 4

At 6:49pm, last evening, the fast (which was intended to last 7 days) officially ended.  It wasn't an easy decision, but a good one considering the circumstances.  (The eating and drinking play-by-play is on http://whatisnutrition.org.)

One concern I had was heading into the weekend, where my responsibilities and work duty increase dramatically.  Energy levels were up and down; something I'm not used to feeling.  I couldn't go into the weekend without my A game.

I've read where most fasters experience an unbelievable burst of energy somewhere around day 3.  Unfortunately, that didn't happen, but I realize that every experience is individualized.

My purpose was to reset, cleanse, and detox my system.  After 78 hours, hopefully that goal was met.

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and support.  Even though I've fasted many times for shorter periods, I have a whole new appreciation for food and nutrition.

Thanks for reading!

Life In The Fast(ing) Lane, Day 3

At this moment, I have dove into hour 68 of the 168 hour/seven day fast.  Man, was yesterday an "off" day for me.  (For the detailed drink menu, check out http://whatisnutrition.org.)

If you're considering any type of fast, I would like to make one recommendation:  definitely begin when you have some time off.  Although every fasting experience is unique, the first couple of days are usually the most challenging.

After two naps and a great night's sleep, I feel amazing today.  I have high hopes for Day 3.

Feel free to leave a comment or question - I'll happily answer.

See you tomorrow for Day 4!

The World According To Sam Prindle: Life In The Fast(ing) Lane, Day 2

The World According To Sam Prindle: Life In The Fast(ing) Lane, Day 2: I can't believe it's been 49 hours.  49 hours sounds pretty intense.  It pales in comparison to famous fasts in history, but it stan...

Life In The Fast(ing) Lane, Day 2

I can't believe it's been 49 hours.  49 hours sounds pretty intense.  It pales in comparison to famous fasts in history, but it stands out for the average Joe.  (See the entire play-by-play on http://whatisnutrition.org)

What's funny is I'm more cold than hungry.  Energy level is good, although I've taken naps two days in-a-row.

My approach to life has been a little more lackadaisical than usual.  I wonder if that's psychological?

I'm picturing what food is going to be like in hour 168.  Right now, that seems so far away.

Later, exercise and more coffee (anything warms sounds pretty heavenly right now).

Tomorrow, more caveman like ramblings for Day 3.

I'll meet you back here.  Thanks for reading!