I've been watching a series of documentaries this week called iThrive. It's about the pandemic of diabetes that is currently happening in our world and what can be done about it. It features all the experts that I trust and follow as well as a few that I find shady and a couple that I find truly misleading. There was literally nothing in this that I hadn't heard before but I DON'T mean that as a criticism of this series and I DO recommend watching it if you get a chance, especially if you aren't aware that diabetes is a choice and can be reversed most of the time. The doctors who treat diabetes 2 patients with a WFPB, SOS free diet improve their numbers and reduce medication every time and completely reverse it most of the time if the patient is totally compliant.
(*WFPB - whole-food, plant-based; SOS no salt, oil or refined sugars)
It's always hard for me to hear the data on diabetes because, in my mind, it is pretty much criminal how many people are left to suffer and die horrible deaths from diabetes when it is completely reversible if caught early, can be greatly improved if not reversed at any time and it is affecting millions more people every year. It is one of the leading causes of death in this country and many others. And, while it used to be a disease of the elderly and pretty rare when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s, it is as common as dirt now and rapidly becoming a disease that affects little children far too often. But mostly, it hurts to watch a series like this one because I watched my sweet Mama become blind, crippled with neuropathy, go on dialysis for the last 14 years of her life (unusual really for someone to last as long as she did after going on dialysis) and eventually die at the age of 68 looking and feeling more like 98 from this terrible disease.
Mama was a nurse and a very determined woman who had overcome alcohol addiction, given up cigarettes cold turkey after 30 years of a pack and a half a day, went back to college at 48 after her first heart attack and graduated Magna Cum Laude even though her previous education only consisted of completing 8th grade and vocational school. This is a woman who followed her doctors' orders. If she had been told that changing to a diet of mostly fruits and veggies could reverse her diabetes, I promise you she would have done it. She actually loved vegetables and grew a huge garden when we had enough space. She would eat an onion just like an apple and snacked on the raw veggies as she was chopping them up for dinner. And I'm telling you, the woman could have happily lived on potatoes. She could have been a STAR McDougaller. Unfortunately, she was also a Southern woman who learned to cook in Texas. She was chopping those veggies to smother them in butter and/or cheese and to be a side dish to a big slab of meat. EVERYTHING was either deep fat fried or smothered in sauce, cheese or butter. She could make scratch biscuits and sausage gravy in her sleep.
Diabetes is definitely one of the things I always "knew" I would end up with. It is rampant in our family. My brother David is suffering with it now. One of the people in the documentary, sorry I can't remember who it was, said that you can't save the people closest to you and boy is that true and SO frustrating! My brother won't listen to me. He is one of the tough guy, "we all gotta die sometime" types who would rather enjoy his food than good health. And that is exactly how it is! Diabetes is a choice most all of the time. (Please note that I am only speaking of type 2 diabetes. Type 1 can also be improved with this lifestyle but isn't AS reversible as type 2 and the causes of type 1 are not as clear.) It is incomprehensible to me that anyone would literally choose certain foods over good health once the information is made available to them and I tend to think they just aren't allowing themselves to believe it so that they can justify to themselves continuing with that behavior. Plus, they don't seem to acknowledge that they are not only choosing an earlier death but also suffering a great deal more while they live. But that is a whole 'nother blog. I'm getting off on a tangent, which I definitely tend to do when the subject of diabetes is raised. Anyway... I always knew that I would end up with diabetes. After all, I was told over and over that I had the genes for it and because I was obese, I was at even higher risk for it. Doctors told me numerous times that I was "showing signs" of being pre-diabetic and were amazed with each of my 5 pregnancies that I did not test positive for gestational diabetes since I was obese, genetically predisposed and had really large babies. I spent my life feeling like a ticking time bomb. But I now know that I never have to suffer my mom's fate. I can choose differently. Genes can be expressed or turned off with lifestyle and food choices. My family history is not my fate.
So watching this series was hard for me. But it was also really, really good for me. It was another kick in the keester to get myself back on track. I have been feeling more and more strongly that I need to do a juice fast, possibly interspersed with a bit of water fasting to get myself back on the path to weight loss and excellent health. I have, as I have mentioned previously, gotten off track. Fast food and processed food has once again begun to represent a large proportion of my intake. And lately, I have even started giving in to cravings for totally non-compliant foods. I've had actual binges with increasing regularity and I'm too ashamed to admit what my weight is up to at this point. I'm not back to my heaviest and I'd like to keep it that way. It's time. NOW. Today. I haven't eaten anything yet today and I am ready to get this party started again. Today is a blank slate waiting for me to write upon it. I must choose to write "health" or "harm." I remember how incredibly well I felt when I was 100% WFPB. I remember how much energy I had. I remember how clear my mind was. I remember how great it felt to walk long distances or work out and feel my body responding like a body is supposed to! I have to remember those things because they are not true today. But TODAY I change that. So thank you Jon (the fellow who made the iThrive documentaries) for a much needed reminder that I didn't "fix" my problems forever by eating right for a couple of years. I have to give myself the highest possibility possible for excellent health and avoiding the darker side of my genes every single day. I can still develop the heart disease, diabetes, and cancer that are lurking in my genes if I don't choose to disable those genes every single day.
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Friday, August 1, 2014
YOU DON'T NEED THE CEREAL COMPANY TO ADD FOLATE TO YOUR FRUIT LOOPS TO BE HEALTHY!!
So I read this article this morning: Gluten-free for weight loss? You’re doing more harm than good: study
There is so much wrong here I almost didn't even try but here goes. Condescending claptrap. Just more of the medical establishment trying to convince people that if the doctor (is that spelled g.o.d?) didn't say it, it ain't so. Ordinary mortals are much too foolish and self-deluded to figure out what their own bodies need. Dumbing us down on a profound level. Ugh!
So they found that if you replace your white bread and doughnuts with gluten-free white bread and doughnuts you aren't helping anything? Genius. How about replace the gluten bearing grain with healthy, whole foods. And stop looking for science to "fortify" your foods and just go to foods that contain them *naturally.* Radical concept, I know. Me and my fads;o) My favorite part of this article (solely for the belly laugh it gave me) was, "If I’m a college student, and I want to lose weight, and I read on the Internet that a gluten-free diet is the way to go, I may start avoiding products that contain essential nutrients such as those found in cereal grains fortified with folic acid." If you need some folic acid eat some frickin' beans genius! Or some spinach or broccoli or a salad! Oy vey!!! You don't need the cereal companies to add folate to your fruit loops to be healthy!!!!!!!
Now I don't believe everyone needs to give up gluten but I think it is a good idea to cut back on it and be much more choosy about the gluten bearing foods you eat no matter who you are. First off, modern gluten 'ain't what it used to be.' The bread you are eating is far, far, far from the bread your grandparents ate. And even if your bread label says "Whole Wheat," chances are it is far from a true whole grain product. Just about everyone could benefit from switching their usual bread and cereal products to true whole grains. But true gluten sensitivity is brutal and pretty easy to diagnose even without a medical degree. If you cut out gluten-bearing foods for a week or two and you are feeling fine and then you eat a serving of gluten bearing food and get sick as a dog, it is a pretty good sign that gluten is a problem for you. Over the course of the last year, we found that my youngest daughter, Harmoni, was severely gluten-intolerant. I am actually considering getting her tested for actual celiac markers. It's bad. A tiny little bit of hidden gluten and she is curled up in the fetal position for hours - usually on the bathroom floor because she dares not get far from there... if you know what I mean. Both ends baby. It has happened a handful of times when I got just the tiniest bit careless about labels. (Seasoning packets and vanilla extract among many, many other things contain hidden gluten.) Or on one memorable occasion when we trusted a pizza company that said their product was gluten free. People who work at pizza places have since told me that while the product is gluten free, the employees are given NO training about the importance of handling gluten free products with care to avoid cross contamination.
Now, I do see the point that it is foolish of people to think that replacing one cookie mix with another cookie mix isn't going to help you lose weight just because one is gluten free. So teach people that where weight loss is concerned, the problem is that you are eating all your food from a box or food that is prepared by someone else and designed to survive sitting on a shelf for months or more. Teach people, spread the word, get the information in the hands of nutritionists and doctors that preparing your own food from whole, fresh products is the key to healthier bodies. Health and weight-loss doesn't come in a box! Gluten free or otherwise!! But don't try to convince people that their own intuition about their own body isn't to be trusted and that it requires a doctor to decide what you should eat. Read my lips people! Doctors are NOT taught nutrition!! And what little they are exposed to is promoted, backed and often even taught by big pharma, meat, dairy and fast-food representatives. As is the information taught to the average nutritionist. Don't believe me? Check this out: Nutritionists Annual Confab Sponsored by... McDonalds? Yes, seriously. "Andy Bellatti, a dietitian and member of AND, recalls his shock the first time he attended the organization's national conference, in 2008. "I could get continuing education credits for literally sitting in a room and listening to Frito-Lay tell me that Sun Chips are a good way to meet my fiber needs," he says. "I thought, 'No wonder Americans are overweight and diabetic. The gatekeepers for our information about food are getting their information from junk-food companies.'"
I went to doctor after doctor for 30 years trying to figure out why I was declining in health and expanding in size so drastically. Not one ever offered me any solid advice on what to eat or not eat. If and ONLY if I asked, they gave me those sheets about the healthy plate and the FDA's food pyramid. Yeah that worked. I followed the conventional wisdom on weight loss for years while I gained over 100lbs. When I would tell doctors what I ate, you could tell they thought I was lying. I couldn't be getting this fat if I really had given up soda and fried foods and was only eating "healthy, lean cuts of meat" and watching my portions. And even worse, not one single health professional ever even hinted that the medical conditions that were systematically trashing my quality of life could possibly have ANYTHING to do with what I was putting in my mouth. But I'm supposed to go pay for a test to prove what I have already found to be fact in my own experience and my child's about eating gluten and ask them to help me fill in the horrible, gaping void left by bread and pancakes and spaghetti? Thank you! I needed a good laugh today.
Now, there is the matter of that study they referenced. (Insert eye roll.) They said half the people were given standard cookies and chips and the other half were given gluten free cookies and chips. Gee, maybe the problem was that they were feeding these people COOKIES AND CHIPS!! "Participants were cycled through three diets: high-gluten, low-gluten and a control... Participants reported stomach pain and sensitivity even when they weren’t eating gluten. Each diet had patients reporting pain, bloating, nausea, and gas after their baseline treatment." Okay, what was the control? What was the "baseline treatment?" How long were they on this diet? And what did the rest of their diet look like? Lots of things can cause bloating, pain, gas, etc. And if none of these was completely gluten free, it tells you exactly nothing. And they didn't even mention the studies that have shown the effect of gluten on the thyroid.
So bottom line for me... I'm not saying everyone should go gluten free. Healthy, truly whole grain, preferably home-made, grains without artificial crap added are a great part of a healthy diet for many people if you haven't already developed a gut problem. My youngest daughter has SEVERE stomach issues, pain, diarrhea, gas and vomiting from even a whiff of gluten. I just get bloating, joint pain and gas. These can last a few hours to a few days. It is reliable as the sunrise. Eat gluten, this happens. Don't eat gluten and it doesn't. My middle daughter is on the same whole-food, plant-based diet as Harmoni and I, lives in the same home and eats the same food, but she can eat a truly healthy, whole-grain bread or pasta and not suffer any ill effects. She is losing weight right along with Harmoni and I and has stopped her acid reflux and horrible allergies and gotten off of the continuous need for medication for those conditions. I think I can save the money and time and skip the doctor on this one.
So no, I don't think everyone needs to go gluten free. But I'm beginning to wonder if we don't need to go doctor free:/ (Just kidding! Don't shoot me! But we seriously do need to take the time and effort to find a doctor who has a clue.) But I think if you are seeking your healthiest state that it is well worth trying an elimination diet to make sure gluten isn't creating a stumbling block for you. And make sure that whatever grains you include in your diet are really whole, as fresh as possible and not processed and messed with beyond the point of being healthy any longer. And above all, we need to stop spreading the idea that people are too stupid to know what their body needs without someone with a bunch of initials after their name to approve their decisions. And all the evidence out there that diet is the key to the huge health decline around us needs to be made available instead of covered up and ridiculed by people with lots of money to lose once people know the truth. And I really believe that those big money interests need to STOP being the ones funding the "studies." Has everyone forgotten what the term "conflict of interest" means?!
To quote Dan Miller, "Relax and enjoy, eat and drink plants." And of course, my favorite, JUICE ON YA'LL! WE GOT THIS!!
There is so much wrong here I almost didn't even try but here goes. Condescending claptrap. Just more of the medical establishment trying to convince people that if the doctor (is that spelled g.o.d?) didn't say it, it ain't so. Ordinary mortals are much too foolish and self-deluded to figure out what their own bodies need. Dumbing us down on a profound level. Ugh!
So they found that if you replace your white bread and doughnuts with gluten-free white bread and doughnuts you aren't helping anything? Genius. How about replace the gluten bearing grain with healthy, whole foods. And stop looking for science to "fortify" your foods and just go to foods that contain them *naturally.* Radical concept, I know. Me and my fads;o) My favorite part of this article (solely for the belly laugh it gave me) was, "If I’m a college student, and I want to lose weight, and I read on the Internet that a gluten-free diet is the way to go, I may start avoiding products that contain essential nutrients such as those found in cereal grains fortified with folic acid." If you need some folic acid eat some frickin' beans genius! Or some spinach or broccoli or a salad! Oy vey!!! You don't need the cereal companies to add folate to your fruit loops to be healthy!!!!!!!
Now I don't believe everyone needs to give up gluten but I think it is a good idea to cut back on it and be much more choosy about the gluten bearing foods you eat no matter who you are. First off, modern gluten 'ain't what it used to be.' The bread you are eating is far, far, far from the bread your grandparents ate. And even if your bread label says "Whole Wheat," chances are it is far from a true whole grain product. Just about everyone could benefit from switching their usual bread and cereal products to true whole grains. But true gluten sensitivity is brutal and pretty easy to diagnose even without a medical degree. If you cut out gluten-bearing foods for a week or two and you are feeling fine and then you eat a serving of gluten bearing food and get sick as a dog, it is a pretty good sign that gluten is a problem for you. Over the course of the last year, we found that my youngest daughter, Harmoni, was severely gluten-intolerant. I am actually considering getting her tested for actual celiac markers. It's bad. A tiny little bit of hidden gluten and she is curled up in the fetal position for hours - usually on the bathroom floor because she dares not get far from there... if you know what I mean. Both ends baby. It has happened a handful of times when I got just the tiniest bit careless about labels. (Seasoning packets and vanilla extract among many, many other things contain hidden gluten.) Or on one memorable occasion when we trusted a pizza company that said their product was gluten free. People who work at pizza places have since told me that while the product is gluten free, the employees are given NO training about the importance of handling gluten free products with care to avoid cross contamination.
Now, I do see the point that it is foolish of people to think that replacing one cookie mix with another cookie mix isn't going to help you lose weight just because one is gluten free. So teach people that where weight loss is concerned, the problem is that you are eating all your food from a box or food that is prepared by someone else and designed to survive sitting on a shelf for months or more. Teach people, spread the word, get the information in the hands of nutritionists and doctors that preparing your own food from whole, fresh products is the key to healthier bodies. Health and weight-loss doesn't come in a box! Gluten free or otherwise!! But don't try to convince people that their own intuition about their own body isn't to be trusted and that it requires a doctor to decide what you should eat. Read my lips people! Doctors are NOT taught nutrition!! And what little they are exposed to is promoted, backed and often even taught by big pharma, meat, dairy and fast-food representatives. As is the information taught to the average nutritionist. Don't believe me? Check this out: Nutritionists Annual Confab Sponsored by... McDonalds? Yes, seriously. "Andy Bellatti, a dietitian and member of AND, recalls his shock the first time he attended the organization's national conference, in 2008. "I could get continuing education credits for literally sitting in a room and listening to Frito-Lay tell me that Sun Chips are a good way to meet my fiber needs," he says. "I thought, 'No wonder Americans are overweight and diabetic. The gatekeepers for our information about food are getting their information from junk-food companies.'"
I went to doctor after doctor for 30 years trying to figure out why I was declining in health and expanding in size so drastically. Not one ever offered me any solid advice on what to eat or not eat. If and ONLY if I asked, they gave me those sheets about the healthy plate and the FDA's food pyramid. Yeah that worked. I followed the conventional wisdom on weight loss for years while I gained over 100lbs. When I would tell doctors what I ate, you could tell they thought I was lying. I couldn't be getting this fat if I really had given up soda and fried foods and was only eating "healthy, lean cuts of meat" and watching my portions. And even worse, not one single health professional ever even hinted that the medical conditions that were systematically trashing my quality of life could possibly have ANYTHING to do with what I was putting in my mouth. But I'm supposed to go pay for a test to prove what I have already found to be fact in my own experience and my child's about eating gluten and ask them to help me fill in the horrible, gaping void left by bread and pancakes and spaghetti? Thank you! I needed a good laugh today.
Now, there is the matter of that study they referenced. (Insert eye roll.) They said half the people were given standard cookies and chips and the other half were given gluten free cookies and chips. Gee, maybe the problem was that they were feeding these people COOKIES AND CHIPS!! "Participants were cycled through three diets: high-gluten, low-gluten and a control... Participants reported stomach pain and sensitivity even when they weren’t eating gluten. Each diet had patients reporting pain, bloating, nausea, and gas after their baseline treatment." Okay, what was the control? What was the "baseline treatment?" How long were they on this diet? And what did the rest of their diet look like? Lots of things can cause bloating, pain, gas, etc. And if none of these was completely gluten free, it tells you exactly nothing. And they didn't even mention the studies that have shown the effect of gluten on the thyroid.
So bottom line for me... I'm not saying everyone should go gluten free. Healthy, truly whole grain, preferably home-made, grains without artificial crap added are a great part of a healthy diet for many people if you haven't already developed a gut problem. My youngest daughter has SEVERE stomach issues, pain, diarrhea, gas and vomiting from even a whiff of gluten. I just get bloating, joint pain and gas. These can last a few hours to a few days. It is reliable as the sunrise. Eat gluten, this happens. Don't eat gluten and it doesn't. My middle daughter is on the same whole-food, plant-based diet as Harmoni and I, lives in the same home and eats the same food, but she can eat a truly healthy, whole-grain bread or pasta and not suffer any ill effects. She is losing weight right along with Harmoni and I and has stopped her acid reflux and horrible allergies and gotten off of the continuous need for medication for those conditions. I think I can save the money and time and skip the doctor on this one.
So no, I don't think everyone needs to go gluten free. But I'm beginning to wonder if we don't need to go doctor free:/ (Just kidding! Don't shoot me! But we seriously do need to take the time and effort to find a doctor who has a clue.) But I think if you are seeking your healthiest state that it is well worth trying an elimination diet to make sure gluten isn't creating a stumbling block for you. And make sure that whatever grains you include in your diet are really whole, as fresh as possible and not processed and messed with beyond the point of being healthy any longer. And above all, we need to stop spreading the idea that people are too stupid to know what their body needs without someone with a bunch of initials after their name to approve their decisions. And all the evidence out there that diet is the key to the huge health decline around us needs to be made available instead of covered up and ridiculed by people with lots of money to lose once people know the truth. And I really believe that those big money interests need to STOP being the ones funding the "studies." Has everyone forgotten what the term "conflict of interest" means?!
To quote Dan Miller, "Relax and enjoy, eat and drink plants." And of course, my favorite, JUICE ON YA'LL! WE GOT THIS!!
Monday, May 12, 2014
Plateaus, Set Points and Other Boogeymen
I have said many times that even if I never lost another pound, I would continue to eat a plant-based diet and drink green juice because it has given me back my health. I would reassure others who hit weight plateaus for a week or two to just keep at it and the weight would start to go down again. Our bodies sometimes need time to adjust to this new way of being and doing, especially if we have been very overweight for a very long time. I had been from 280 to 340 for a couple of decades. So mid-March when I hit a plateau, I had to put my money where my mouth is so to speak. I hit a plateau. I hit 265 and my body froze, looked at me in horror and said, "Are you kidding me? We're melting like the wicked witch after she got watered down by Dorothy! This ain't right!!! Do you WANT to disappear? What if there's a famine? This is dangerous! You can't just go losing weight willy nilly I tell you!"
It didn't help that I had several extra-curricular stress activities pop up during this same time frame. If you don't know or understand what the stress hormone, Cortisol, can do to weight loss efforts, look up Dr. John Bergman on youtube. He explains it better than anyone else I've seen.
So for a couple of weeks, I was totally zen about this plateau. Seriously. I really didn't let it bother me because I understood what was happening. I had hit a lower weight than I'd seen in at least 15 years. When it had been a month, I started to get worried in that scared, secret, small place inside me that has always feared this new found health and energy will be ripped away. Right at this same time I was getting super busy trying to pack and clean to move out of this house finally. After several months of planning to move, we are finally actually moving. We HAVE to be out of this house by the end of the month even if it means camping out at the lake until we can find something else. Long story.... anyway, I was extremely busy and having to use every coping mechanism I had not to let the stress get to me. We had a very, very hard winter financially along with some other life stressors so it was no surprise, really, that the weight loss stalled. Knowing and understanding that and dealing with seeing that number stay the same every day are two different things. Actually, it didn't stay exactly the same. My weight, as with most people, can fluctuate 3-5 pounds in any given week which is the main reason I usually weigh daily. So I had hit that 265 for about 2 days when my weight started doing a gentle rollercoaster up and down and up and down from 266 to 269 for weeks. So I put the scale away. I didn't want worry over that number to pull my focus away from the main thing which is my health. I just played Dory and kept on swimming... and eating my plants and making my juice. As Spring came on strong, I did what I had always planned to do and shifted more to raw fruits and salads and less soups and starches. Not a big shift but just a bit more of this and a bit less of that. It felt right. I felt a boost in energy almost immediately.
I was out of town for over a week and got home last Wednesday night. Thursday morning I decided to pull out the scale and see where I was at and it said 266. Okay. Saturday morning, 264. Hey! Monday morning, today, 261! Yeah! Bye-bye plateau! I learned from you. I let you be and you let me be and now we must part ways. See ya!
That plateau lasted nearly two months. I learned that I really do have the power of my convictions within me to put my health first. I really felt that my body would eventually begin to seek a healthier weight once again. But I knew that if it didn't or if it took a year or two for that to happen, I would be okay in the meantime as long as I continued to flood my body with real nutrition. I learned some valuable lessons about myself. I have said many times that how I feel is far more important than how I look and I proved to myself that this was true. I've said that I have learned to trust my body. Now I've proven it. I've also proved to myself that if the scale becomes a detriment, I can just put it away.
I recently watched a video shared by my friend, Lori. It was posted by a bariatric surgeon and explained how our bodies will establish "set points" at a very high weight. He went into the anthropology of it all. His point was to make us feel hopeless to lose the weight without surgery. FALSE. The problem is that most people hit those points where their body is trying to adjust to the changes you've made, the weight loss slows or stops so they tighten down on the calories even more. They starve their cells which makes the body freak out even more. "Starvation! She's trying to kill us!" If you hit your plateau - or your new "set point" - and you just keep FLOODING your body with amazing nutrition, your body WILL relax and realize that it is safe to allow more of that weight to go. Truth. Doctors selling hopelessness to line their pockets make me sick. Right up until I drink my green juice or eat my bowl of fruit or salad. THAT makes me very, very well:)
JUICE ON YA'LL. WE GOT THIS!!
It didn't help that I had several extra-curricular stress activities pop up during this same time frame. If you don't know or understand what the stress hormone, Cortisol, can do to weight loss efforts, look up Dr. John Bergman on youtube. He explains it better than anyone else I've seen.
So for a couple of weeks, I was totally zen about this plateau. Seriously. I really didn't let it bother me because I understood what was happening. I had hit a lower weight than I'd seen in at least 15 years. When it had been a month, I started to get worried in that scared, secret, small place inside me that has always feared this new found health and energy will be ripped away. Right at this same time I was getting super busy trying to pack and clean to move out of this house finally. After several months of planning to move, we are finally actually moving. We HAVE to be out of this house by the end of the month even if it means camping out at the lake until we can find something else. Long story.... anyway, I was extremely busy and having to use every coping mechanism I had not to let the stress get to me. We had a very, very hard winter financially along with some other life stressors so it was no surprise, really, that the weight loss stalled. Knowing and understanding that and dealing with seeing that number stay the same every day are two different things. Actually, it didn't stay exactly the same. My weight, as with most people, can fluctuate 3-5 pounds in any given week which is the main reason I usually weigh daily. So I had hit that 265 for about 2 days when my weight started doing a gentle rollercoaster up and down and up and down from 266 to 269 for weeks. So I put the scale away. I didn't want worry over that number to pull my focus away from the main thing which is my health. I just played Dory and kept on swimming... and eating my plants and making my juice. As Spring came on strong, I did what I had always planned to do and shifted more to raw fruits and salads and less soups and starches. Not a big shift but just a bit more of this and a bit less of that. It felt right. I felt a boost in energy almost immediately.
I was out of town for over a week and got home last Wednesday night. Thursday morning I decided to pull out the scale and see where I was at and it said 266. Okay. Saturday morning, 264. Hey! Monday morning, today, 261! Yeah! Bye-bye plateau! I learned from you. I let you be and you let me be and now we must part ways. See ya!
That plateau lasted nearly two months. I learned that I really do have the power of my convictions within me to put my health first. I really felt that my body would eventually begin to seek a healthier weight once again. But I knew that if it didn't or if it took a year or two for that to happen, I would be okay in the meantime as long as I continued to flood my body with real nutrition. I learned some valuable lessons about myself. I have said many times that how I feel is far more important than how I look and I proved to myself that this was true. I've said that I have learned to trust my body. Now I've proven it. I've also proved to myself that if the scale becomes a detriment, I can just put it away.
I recently watched a video shared by my friend, Lori. It was posted by a bariatric surgeon and explained how our bodies will establish "set points" at a very high weight. He went into the anthropology of it all. His point was to make us feel hopeless to lose the weight without surgery. FALSE. The problem is that most people hit those points where their body is trying to adjust to the changes you've made, the weight loss slows or stops so they tighten down on the calories even more. They starve their cells which makes the body freak out even more. "Starvation! She's trying to kill us!" If you hit your plateau - or your new "set point" - and you just keep FLOODING your body with amazing nutrition, your body WILL relax and realize that it is safe to allow more of that weight to go. Truth. Doctors selling hopelessness to line their pockets make me sick. Right up until I drink my green juice or eat my bowl of fruit or salad. THAT makes me very, very well:)
JUICE ON YA'LL. WE GOT THIS!!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Spring Update To Juice Fast or Not to Juice Fast...
Wow, I have really neglected my blog. I have started making more and more videos and people are actually watching them and I sort of "get it out of my system" in the videos so I just don't think to come blog. I will try to remedy that. Also, at the end of this blog, I have a new progress picture for you:)
I am still on this amazing journey. I tried another juice fast in March and made it less than 3 weeks. I had a little budget crisis and a whole bunch of stress the 3rd week of March and just decided to go back to modified. It's cool with me because I don't feel a need to prove anything to myself or anyone else at this point. I am just continuing on my healthy path. It's all part of the journey.
I did discover that letting the stress of life get to me does impede my weight loss even if I don't eat wrong over it. I have been on a plateau for about 3 weeks now, just running up and down the same 3 pounds. Frustrating. But then I remember that I am struggling to get the weight loss going again to get me into the 250s when this time last year I was struggling to stay OUT of the 350s.
So where I am at right now is trying to figure out exactly what approach will be a good overall weight loss approach within what I'm already doing. I am in this for the long haul. I still need to lose 100 lbs or close to it (I'm 264.. or 5... or 6 lol) so I want to find the plant-based approach that is the perfect balance for me between optimum weight loss and what works with where I am right now in life. We are moving at the end of the month (finally!) so my house and kitchen are a disaster. I am feeling overwhelmed with all there is to do before the end of the month too so I just need it to be simple. Honestly, if I wasn't on a budget crunch, I would just do an all raw, high fruit cleanse for April. I just can't afford all that fruit. So I've been playing around with options and for the first two weeks of April. I'm doing the following:
2-4 days a week of juice ONLY - Sunday, Monday, probably Tuesday and maybe Wednesday.
On the other 3-4 days, I will have 1-2 juices and 1-2 healthy, plant-based, raw meals, 1 plant-based, cooked meal, and as much as I want/can afford of fruit, nuts and seeds. I will try for healthy, home-made dressing on my salad but if I need to use a premade dressing, I will. No stress this two weeks. This will not be very structured or well-defined. These food days are pretty much what I have been doing when not on juice fast this whole time. Will this plan break through my plateau? We shall see.
I would love to do a food journal here but I can't promise that to be honest. I am writing down what I eat in a little notebook though. At the end of two weeks, I will switch up some things and see what affect it has on my weight, energy, mood etc. Not sure yet exactly what I'll switch up. May try 7 days of all juice except 1 raw meal. That would be a pretty big switch up. Or I may just cut out the bottled dressing altogether and start being more structured with exactly how much I allow of the fruit and nuts. We'll see. Who knows, since I will be actually coming up on the time we move during that portion, I may want to do all juice 5 days a week or something. Stay tuned!
My new progress picture is taken with my two youngest daughters who have been on this journey with me since day one. In this picture, I have lost 75 lbs and Harmoni and Gini have each lost in the area of 45-47 lbs (can't remember which is which to tell the truth.) We went for a walk together and a friend was waiting at our house when we got home and took this pic for us. The pics on the left are us when we started back in August. The butterfly is to cover where Harmoni's top had ridden up and her pants were low cut so her belly was showing which she was self-conscious about. She is SOOOO long-waisted that she has this problem a lot. Poor kid has heard, "Harmoni! Pants up, shirt down" so many times in her life it's pathetic. Anyway, we are feeling fantastic this Spring! How about you?
I am still on this amazing journey. I tried another juice fast in March and made it less than 3 weeks. I had a little budget crisis and a whole bunch of stress the 3rd week of March and just decided to go back to modified. It's cool with me because I don't feel a need to prove anything to myself or anyone else at this point. I am just continuing on my healthy path. It's all part of the journey.
I did discover that letting the stress of life get to me does impede my weight loss even if I don't eat wrong over it. I have been on a plateau for about 3 weeks now, just running up and down the same 3 pounds. Frustrating. But then I remember that I am struggling to get the weight loss going again to get me into the 250s when this time last year I was struggling to stay OUT of the 350s.
So where I am at right now is trying to figure out exactly what approach will be a good overall weight loss approach within what I'm already doing. I am in this for the long haul. I still need to lose 100 lbs or close to it (I'm 264.. or 5... or 6 lol) so I want to find the plant-based approach that is the perfect balance for me between optimum weight loss and what works with where I am right now in life. We are moving at the end of the month (finally!) so my house and kitchen are a disaster. I am feeling overwhelmed with all there is to do before the end of the month too so I just need it to be simple. Honestly, if I wasn't on a budget crunch, I would just do an all raw, high fruit cleanse for April. I just can't afford all that fruit. So I've been playing around with options and for the first two weeks of April. I'm doing the following:
2-4 days a week of juice ONLY - Sunday, Monday, probably Tuesday and maybe Wednesday.
On the other 3-4 days, I will have 1-2 juices and 1-2 healthy, plant-based, raw meals, 1 plant-based, cooked meal, and as much as I want/can afford of fruit, nuts and seeds. I will try for healthy, home-made dressing on my salad but if I need to use a premade dressing, I will. No stress this two weeks. This will not be very structured or well-defined. These food days are pretty much what I have been doing when not on juice fast this whole time. Will this plan break through my plateau? We shall see.
I would love to do a food journal here but I can't promise that to be honest. I am writing down what I eat in a little notebook though. At the end of two weeks, I will switch up some things and see what affect it has on my weight, energy, mood etc. Not sure yet exactly what I'll switch up. May try 7 days of all juice except 1 raw meal. That would be a pretty big switch up. Or I may just cut out the bottled dressing altogether and start being more structured with exactly how much I allow of the fruit and nuts. We'll see. Who knows, since I will be actually coming up on the time we move during that portion, I may want to do all juice 5 days a week or something. Stay tuned!
My new progress picture is taken with my two youngest daughters who have been on this journey with me since day one. In this picture, I have lost 75 lbs and Harmoni and Gini have each lost in the area of 45-47 lbs (can't remember which is which to tell the truth.) We went for a walk together and a friend was waiting at our house when we got home and took this pic for us. The pics on the left are us when we started back in August. The butterfly is to cover where Harmoni's top had ridden up and her pants were low cut so her belly was showing which she was self-conscious about. She is SOOOO long-waisted that she has this problem a lot. Poor kid has heard, "Harmoni! Pants up, shirt down" so many times in her life it's pathetic. Anyway, we are feeling fantastic this Spring! How about you?
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Exciting Plans for March
So, February is over and I'm glad to see it go. The weather is gradually getting better and better although there are still way too few sunny days for my taste. We are supposed to get ice and frigid temps for Sunday and Monday but then it is supposed to warm up to normal temps for this area and time of year. So with the majority of the really cold stuff behind us, I am confident enough to go ahead and start another juice fast. I'm juicing at least through March and maybe part or all of April. I'm calling this my March Juicing Madness!
I reached my second 10% goal in February so that was a huge victory that put me at 275.5 and I actually got down to 273. But overall February weight loss was quite slow. I believe that it is probably normal for our bodies to hold onto the weight tighter when we are exposed to frequent subzero temps as a safety mechanism and I was definitely exposed. Not as in, "Baby It's Cold Outside" so I'll stay in my house where it's nice and warm. Oh no! I'm talking cold as in my house is a pile of crap and you can't keep it warm. Cannot. I have been freezing my assets off this winter. But I just feel in my bones that my body is ready to start letting it go again so as a kick start, I'm back on Da Juice! I have my brain in juicing gear so that I'm not even looking at or thinking about the chewed stuff. That is the hard-to-describe difference between wanting to do a juice fast and having it just not take off like I did earlier this winter and a juice fast that is working for me. I'm in the zone baby.
I'm really pumped because the 10% goal I'm working on right now is to go from 275.5 to 248. Making 248 will put me just 8 pounds away from having lost 100lbs. So I've been hoping that I could hit 248 by the end of March but now I'm thinking that I will go on into April however far it takes to actually hit 100lbs gone. I'm really going to hit 100lbs gone! Like within the next few weeks! How exciting is that?!
I made a youtube vid about my March plans that I've also posted here on my blog and I am getting ready to upload one about willpower. I said I didn't believe in willpower and a friend said she was curious about that and I should make a vid so I did:) It'll be up shortly. I don't usually feel like I really articulate what I'm trying to say in these videos which is frustrating for me as public speaking is another one of those things that I used to be good at:/ But it is a personal challenge I've set for myself. It's almost therapeutic.
So that's where I'm at for March. I'm planning to weigh in on Fridays so I'll at least post progress blogs on Friday or Saturday of each week.
JUICE ON! WE GOT THIS!!!
I reached my second 10% goal in February so that was a huge victory that put me at 275.5 and I actually got down to 273. But overall February weight loss was quite slow. I believe that it is probably normal for our bodies to hold onto the weight tighter when we are exposed to frequent subzero temps as a safety mechanism and I was definitely exposed. Not as in, "Baby It's Cold Outside" so I'll stay in my house where it's nice and warm. Oh no! I'm talking cold as in my house is a pile of crap and you can't keep it warm. Cannot. I have been freezing my assets off this winter. But I just feel in my bones that my body is ready to start letting it go again so as a kick start, I'm back on Da Juice! I have my brain in juicing gear so that I'm not even looking at or thinking about the chewed stuff. That is the hard-to-describe difference between wanting to do a juice fast and having it just not take off like I did earlier this winter and a juice fast that is working for me. I'm in the zone baby.
I'm really pumped because the 10% goal I'm working on right now is to go from 275.5 to 248. Making 248 will put me just 8 pounds away from having lost 100lbs. So I've been hoping that I could hit 248 by the end of March but now I'm thinking that I will go on into April however far it takes to actually hit 100lbs gone. I'm really going to hit 100lbs gone! Like within the next few weeks! How exciting is that?!
I made a youtube vid about my March plans that I've also posted here on my blog and I am getting ready to upload one about willpower. I said I didn't believe in willpower and a friend said she was curious about that and I should make a vid so I did:) It'll be up shortly. I don't usually feel like I really articulate what I'm trying to say in these videos which is frustrating for me as public speaking is another one of those things that I used to be good at:/ But it is a personal challenge I've set for myself. It's almost therapeutic.
So that's where I'm at for March. I'm planning to weigh in on Fridays so I'll at least post progress blogs on Friday or Saturday of each week.
JUICE ON! WE GOT THIS!!!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
The Fox Guarding the Hen House?
Am I the only one who just feels like the world has really gone insane? I mean, first off, we've already learned that medical schools do not teach nutrition. Period. They just don't. Maybe 1 in 4 requires even 1 full credit class in nutritition. We already know this and while this is disturbing, I really have no problem owning my own health and well-being. Okay, I'll go to the doctor when I get exposed to a communicable disease that really responds well to antibiotics (those are a lot more few and far between than you think they are though... just saying.) I'll go to the doctor if I break a bone. When I'm deciding what foods are going to nourish me, I'll go elsewhere. But it gets crazier. For real.
I like my doctor. She is pretty cool. I'm not trying to bash doctors but people, what you need to remember is that your doctor is a regular human being just like you. Their pants go on one leg at a time just like you. They may or may not have spent a few more years in school than you but I question the true value of that even. During those years they are under extreme stress, they are sleep-deprived, they are overwhelmed with more information than they could possibly realistically absorb in the short span of time they are there. It is a miracle they learn and retain as much as they do. Well, thank goodness for ongoing education, right? All doctors go through regular courses of ongoing education to keep them on top of things. I mean after all, how long of never using your high school trigonometry did it take before you forgot how to do trigonometry? Use it or lose it.... So, it's great that they have ongoing education resources and opportunities. Right?
Well... not-so-much. It would be great if not for the fact that most of those classes are sponsored (paid for) and/or provided by pharmaceutical companies and food and drink manufacturers. Pepsico, Merck, The Dairy Council.... Yup. Your doctor probably took time from his or her busy schedule to attend a class taught by a doctor or scientist paid by Pepsico to explain why there is no problem with HFCS (High fructose corn syrup.) Doesn't that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? See when I was growing up we called that setting the fox to guard the hen house. And in case you aren't sure... that's a bad thing.
I like my doctor. She is pretty cool. I'm not trying to bash doctors but people, what you need to remember is that your doctor is a regular human being just like you. Their pants go on one leg at a time just like you. They may or may not have spent a few more years in school than you but I question the true value of that even. During those years they are under extreme stress, they are sleep-deprived, they are overwhelmed with more information than they could possibly realistically absorb in the short span of time they are there. It is a miracle they learn and retain as much as they do. Well, thank goodness for ongoing education, right? All doctors go through regular courses of ongoing education to keep them on top of things. I mean after all, how long of never using your high school trigonometry did it take before you forgot how to do trigonometry? Use it or lose it.... So, it's great that they have ongoing education resources and opportunities. Right?
Well... not-so-much. It would be great if not for the fact that most of those classes are sponsored (paid for) and/or provided by pharmaceutical companies and food and drink manufacturers. Pepsico, Merck, The Dairy Council.... Yup. Your doctor probably took time from his or her busy schedule to attend a class taught by a doctor or scientist paid by Pepsico to explain why there is no problem with HFCS (High fructose corn syrup.) Doesn't that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? See when I was growing up we called that setting the fox to guard the hen house. And in case you aren't sure... that's a bad thing.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Is It My Amazing Willpower? BHAHAHA!
I am in an online group who set a goal each quarter of the year to lose 25lbs with the goal of ultimately losing 100lbs in one year. I started my journey in August of 2013 so I didnt start this particular challenge until the last quarter of 2013. So from Oct 1 to Dec 31, my personal challenge (it is NOT a competition) was to get from 310 to 285. I did that. Nearly exactly that. So now for the first quarter of 2014, my goal is to get to 260 by March 31st. I'm already to 274. I KNOW that I will reach my goal. The sad fact is, I won't have much company. Very few reached their goal last quarter and very few are looking good for this quarter. The MOST important thing, of course, is that most participants lost some weight. And equally important is that they are mostly still trying as we all know my policy is that you don't fail until you quit.
The thing is, I have to sometimes remind myself not to feel guilty for succeeding where so many others who are trying SO hard fail. Does that sound crazy? I find myself downplaying or just very quietly recording my success unless someone else in the group brings it up. I've made no secret of my methods but I don't try to "push" them on anyone else. So there are people on there using all different sorts of approaches. I mean some of these people count every bite, track it on their calorie tracker and work out like a beast and make sure they have a "calorie deficit." They work hard for every pound lost! Each person has their own idea of what a "healthy diet" looks like and that is fine. The thing is, I honest-to-goodness have to fight feeling guilty because what I'm doing is so easy to me. I don't feel like I'm having to really "fight" for it anymore. It is comfortable and easy.
On the other hand, I do occasionally have to fight off mini waves of panic that at any time now it will all be ripped away. My plant-strong diet will suddenly stop healing my body. My body will suddenly stop seeking a healthy weight and releasing the fat. I will once again find myself "fat, sick and nearly dead." The great thing is that the scared little girl who fears these things is growing paler, weaker and quieter with each passing day. I know that this fear is just born of a sad, sick past. It isn't real. It isn't a part of my today or my tomorrow. I can ignore it and it will go away. Once in a while "ignore it and it will go away" actually works in our favor! LOL Seriously though, if we don't feed our fear, it will wither up and die. If we indulge in it and feed it (with our time and attention) it will grow stronger. Don't feed the fear!
So, the qustion is, how can I succeed after all these years with my abysmal track record when so many other are failing? Am I smarter? No. Am I blessed with a better metabolism? BAHAHAHA!! Do I work harder? Not in most cases! Some people I know work super hard at doing everything "right" with painfully little to show for it. Do I have more willpower? No. Only two things come to mind to explain this. One, I hit my own personal rock bottom which put me in the perfect position to be truly willing to do whatever is required. Most people look at my life style and only focus on what they would have to give up. They immediately zero in on whatever their particular weakness is. "No steak?!" "No doughnuts?!" "No McDonalds?!" NO WAY!! Whereas my focus is on NO PAIN! NO WEAKNESS! NO WHEELCHAIR! NO STROKE! NO HOSPITAL! NO MORE SIZE 28! So when someone asks me if I'll never have a cookie cake or a pizza ever again, I can calmly, truthfully and with no regrets say, "Not if you paid me!"
The second thing is much simpler for me but resisted by so many because of the pervasive lies we have been fed as a society about diet and nutrition. It's the plants. That's it. Beginning, middle and end. It's. The. Plants. Plants heal and nourish. Fake foods and chemically and genetically modified crap posing as food destroy and damage and disease. Plants heal and nourish. It. Is. The. Plants.
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The thing is, I have to sometimes remind myself not to feel guilty for succeeding where so many others who are trying SO hard fail. Does that sound crazy? I find myself downplaying or just very quietly recording my success unless someone else in the group brings it up. I've made no secret of my methods but I don't try to "push" them on anyone else. So there are people on there using all different sorts of approaches. I mean some of these people count every bite, track it on their calorie tracker and work out like a beast and make sure they have a "calorie deficit." They work hard for every pound lost! Each person has their own idea of what a "healthy diet" looks like and that is fine. The thing is, I honest-to-goodness have to fight feeling guilty because what I'm doing is so easy to me. I don't feel like I'm having to really "fight" for it anymore. It is comfortable and easy.
On the other hand, I do occasionally have to fight off mini waves of panic that at any time now it will all be ripped away. My plant-strong diet will suddenly stop healing my body. My body will suddenly stop seeking a healthy weight and releasing the fat. I will once again find myself "fat, sick and nearly dead." The great thing is that the scared little girl who fears these things is growing paler, weaker and quieter with each passing day. I know that this fear is just born of a sad, sick past. It isn't real. It isn't a part of my today or my tomorrow. I can ignore it and it will go away. Once in a while "ignore it and it will go away" actually works in our favor! LOL Seriously though, if we don't feed our fear, it will wither up and die. If we indulge in it and feed it (with our time and attention) it will grow stronger. Don't feed the fear!
So, the qustion is, how can I succeed after all these years with my abysmal track record when so many other are failing? Am I smarter? No. Am I blessed with a better metabolism? BAHAHAHA!! Do I work harder? Not in most cases! Some people I know work super hard at doing everything "right" with painfully little to show for it. Do I have more willpower? No. Only two things come to mind to explain this. One, I hit my own personal rock bottom which put me in the perfect position to be truly willing to do whatever is required. Most people look at my life style and only focus on what they would have to give up. They immediately zero in on whatever their particular weakness is. "No steak?!" "No doughnuts?!" "No McDonalds?!" NO WAY!! Whereas my focus is on NO PAIN! NO WEAKNESS! NO WHEELCHAIR! NO STROKE! NO HOSPITAL! NO MORE SIZE 28! So when someone asks me if I'll never have a cookie cake or a pizza ever again, I can calmly, truthfully and with no regrets say, "Not if you paid me!"
The second thing is much simpler for me but resisted by so many because of the pervasive lies we have been fed as a society about diet and nutrition. It's the plants. That's it. Beginning, middle and end. It's. The. Plants. Plants heal and nourish. Fake foods and chemically and genetically modified crap posing as food destroy and damage and disease. Plants heal and nourish. It. Is. The. Plants.
Monday, February 3, 2014
February Plans and Some Reflection On My Weight History
So after a VERY depressing Superbowl and yummy and healthy but overly plentiful game day snacks, I am ready to get this ball rolling again. I was planning to just flatout juice fast through the month. But since the weatherman has revised our 2 week fore cast to stay below freezing the entire time with lows in the teens and single digits, I'm not sure I can face how cold I feel on just juice. My house only stays about 50degrees when it's this cold and I have no hot water now (long story) so I have to heat up water in an electric pot to clean my juicer and jars. We will be out of here by the end of the month but, of course, it will probably start to warm up by then. And I've spent too many years waiting for the perfect conditions to do what I need to do. So I WILL juice in February in spite of all the challenges I face. But I will probably also have a bowl of veggie soup now and then when the cold gets to me.
I'm predicting that my weight will start with a 2 and a 6 by the end of the month. Oh, I'm 278 today. I haven't seen a 260-something in about 8 years. Maybe 10? I know I got down into the 240s in 2000 when we lived near Grand Lake which was the lowest I'd been in many years at that point. I hadn't been below 220 since the 1980s. And I hit the 260s I believe within a year or two of moving away from Grand Lake. I know I was battling to get out of the 280s from '05 if not longer. So even being in the 270s is a huge victory. For nearly 2 years I fought hard to lose the weight and get healthy but I didn't realize yet that the food I was eating was making that impossible. When the doctor sent me to physical therapy in Spring '09, I had been fighting the 280s for a while already. I found renewed hope in the progress I made with my physical therapist and started really trying to "eat right" according to conventional wisdom and I was working out like a BEAST. When the PT maxed out on my insurance, she told me I should start swimming. So I did. I joined the Y and went swimming 3-5 times a week and was going upstairs and working out on the machines for 30 minutes 3-5 times a week as well. In spite of all that work, I never got below 280. I got in good enough shape to go to work again which was awesome. Started doing cell-phone tech support. I fought my way through the MG flareups and the increasing pain in my back, hips and legs. In February of 2012, my truck broke down and I walked the mile and a half to work when I couldn't find a ride. The walk home was all uphill and was killer on my pain areas. I could only take that for so long and had to quit my job. I was having more and more MG flareups and the pain in my back and hips was getting unbearable. There were times I couldn't stand in the mornings until pain relievers took effect. Those times became more and more frequent until that was my everyday condition. In early 2013, I had already been diagnosed with high blood pressure and hypothyroid and was on medications for those. The doctor convinced me to go back on blood thinners to postpone the amputation of my bad leg as long as possible. I was giving up. I figured I had hit my wall and my good years were past. When I was diagnosed with Paget's and told that the combination of the location of the bone disease and my weight, which by this time was about 320, the bones in my pelvis and hips were becoming deformed, I was trying hard to accept that a wheelchair was in my near future. That was about a year ago. I put on another 20 pounds to top out just over 340, became seriously depressed and just gave up on life. Last summer, I had become so weak and in such constant pain that I rarely left my bedroom. I began having symptoms of congestive heart failure. That's when I decided to stop fighting and just die.
So that brings us up to where I started this blog. I saw "Fat Sick and Nearly Dead" and "Forks Over Knives" and decided to live. And in 5 months, I've undone the damage from the last 5 years of rapid decline, gotten off of all medications. And I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that the next year will undo more like 20 years worth of damage.
I turn 52 a week from tomorrow and I will hit that day feeling better than I have in years. And I'll hit 53 feeling better than I have in decades. I was planning to do another progress picture on my birthday in my new jeans just because it felt so amazing to be able to wear jeans again but... my new jeans are already too big!! Maybe some size 20 jeans will be my birthday gift to myself;o) I started out in a 28 so that isn't too shabby. But I won't buy any if I can't find them discounted because I know I won't be able to wear them for long. Now that is my kinda dilemma.
JUICE ON!! PLANT-STRONG FOREVER!
I'm predicting that my weight will start with a 2 and a 6 by the end of the month. Oh, I'm 278 today. I haven't seen a 260-something in about 8 years. Maybe 10? I know I got down into the 240s in 2000 when we lived near Grand Lake which was the lowest I'd been in many years at that point. I hadn't been below 220 since the 1980s. And I hit the 260s I believe within a year or two of moving away from Grand Lake. I know I was battling to get out of the 280s from '05 if not longer. So even being in the 270s is a huge victory. For nearly 2 years I fought hard to lose the weight and get healthy but I didn't realize yet that the food I was eating was making that impossible. When the doctor sent me to physical therapy in Spring '09, I had been fighting the 280s for a while already. I found renewed hope in the progress I made with my physical therapist and started really trying to "eat right" according to conventional wisdom and I was working out like a BEAST. When the PT maxed out on my insurance, she told me I should start swimming. So I did. I joined the Y and went swimming 3-5 times a week and was going upstairs and working out on the machines for 30 minutes 3-5 times a week as well. In spite of all that work, I never got below 280. I got in good enough shape to go to work again which was awesome. Started doing cell-phone tech support. I fought my way through the MG flareups and the increasing pain in my back, hips and legs. In February of 2012, my truck broke down and I walked the mile and a half to work when I couldn't find a ride. The walk home was all uphill and was killer on my pain areas. I could only take that for so long and had to quit my job. I was having more and more MG flareups and the pain in my back and hips was getting unbearable. There were times I couldn't stand in the mornings until pain relievers took effect. Those times became more and more frequent until that was my everyday condition. In early 2013, I had already been diagnosed with high blood pressure and hypothyroid and was on medications for those. The doctor convinced me to go back on blood thinners to postpone the amputation of my bad leg as long as possible. I was giving up. I figured I had hit my wall and my good years were past. When I was diagnosed with Paget's and told that the combination of the location of the bone disease and my weight, which by this time was about 320, the bones in my pelvis and hips were becoming deformed, I was trying hard to accept that a wheelchair was in my near future. That was about a year ago. I put on another 20 pounds to top out just over 340, became seriously depressed and just gave up on life. Last summer, I had become so weak and in such constant pain that I rarely left my bedroom. I began having symptoms of congestive heart failure. That's when I decided to stop fighting and just die.
So that brings us up to where I started this blog. I saw "Fat Sick and Nearly Dead" and "Forks Over Knives" and decided to live. And in 5 months, I've undone the damage from the last 5 years of rapid decline, gotten off of all medications. And I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that the next year will undo more like 20 years worth of damage.
I turn 52 a week from tomorrow and I will hit that day feeling better than I have in years. And I'll hit 53 feeling better than I have in decades. I was planning to do another progress picture on my birthday in my new jeans just because it felt so amazing to be able to wear jeans again but... my new jeans are already too big!! Maybe some size 20 jeans will be my birthday gift to myself;o) I started out in a 28 so that isn't too shabby. But I won't buy any if I can't find them discounted because I know I won't be able to wear them for long. Now that is my kinda dilemma.
JUICE ON!! PLANT-STRONG FOREVER!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
If You Are Juice FASTING, Then, for Heaven's Sake FAST!
Okay, I'm gonna rant a bit so prepare yourself. And remember that this rant applies to the old Natshell as much as to anyone else.
I have heard SO many people say, "I don't like vegatables." And I've even heard quite a few say, "I don't like water." Let's be clear here. What you are saying is that you have become so addicted to artificial crap posing as food and drink that your body has forgotten what it really needs. That, in my humble opinion, is the best and most important function of a juice fast. It gives your body the chance to get out from under that addiction and remember what it really, biologically, needs so that it will start telling you that this is what it wants again.
Those of us who have been through some juice fasting tell newcomers not to worry because their taste buds will change. It's truth. The same is true of the water. There are some people who try to baby people along and tell them to do whatever is easiest for them. "Just drink tea or flavored water." "Don't worry about giving up your coffee if that is too hard for you." "I'm sure a diet soda once in a while won't be the end of the world, at least you'll be getting some healthy juice too...." I tell people similar things sometimes when I sense that they are really not mentally prepared to deal with their addictions. But here is my honest to goodness bottom line. Here is where what Natalie really believes departs from what kind Natalie isn't going to push on others. When I'm in a public forum, I am pretty good at feeling out where someone is mentally and emotionally and I don't generally push. I'm not God and I'm not the world's leading juicing expert so I encourage people to find their own path and make their chosen path work for them. Here's the not-so-kind truth why I say and act that way. Everyone out there has the same resources I had to find the truth. Everyone has the same responsibility to themselves to find it. And everyone out there has to live with their choices. Meanwhile, here on MY blog, I can be blunt about what I've learned and about what I believe without worrying about hurting anyone's tender feelers. So, are you prepared now? This isn't the Natshell you are used to....
SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP. JUST DRINK THE JUICE AND THE WATER. Your body was not designed to crave coffee or that poison crap called soda. It was designed to NEED and CRAVE pure water to survive! Your body wasn't designed to crave a cheeseburger. It was designed to crave plants. Give it a chance. Give it a tiny little chance to get out from under all the addictive S.H.I.T. that our illustrious scientists have created to cause it to crave those things and you will be ASTOUNDED by how fast it will switch to doing what it was designed to do.
In case there is anyone out there who hasn't yet come to accept that the food industry intentionally hooks us on unhealthy crap, don't take my word for it:
You haven't been able to "eat in moderation" or use "portion control" any more than a crack addict can "control" himself with crack. It's addictive. And if you don't believe the higher ups at the food giants know this and use it to sell more more more, then you are too naive to waste my time on. So with you, I'll be gentle and kind in another place and time. For now, those of you who can handle the truth, suck it up, recognize you are being used and abused and do what you would tell any alcohol or drug addict to do. Step away from the crap that is hurting you. Replace it with what can make you healthy and strong. If you don't "enjoy" it in the beginning, just "take your medicine" and have faith. You will come to enjoy it. You will come to crave it as the life-giving substance that it is. Your body knows. Once you clear out the crap, you can trust your body to tell you what it needs.
Let's not forget that sometimes old, sick tapes can still play in our heads and tell us that we "deserve" to "enjoy" the junk that Barbie and Ken are having at the family picnic. After all, look how sexy they look! Just remind yourself that what you really deserve is health, freedom from disease, depression and obesity. What you really deserve is to live into your 90s with vigor and purpose. And it doesn't hurt to remind yourself that you can "enjoy" things that don't hurt you! Do I feel deprived when I'm having a vegan, raw chocolate brownie at the party while others are having TollHouse cookies? Hell no! I'm getting the great hormonal boost of the raw chocolate without the heaping dose of poison on the side! Thanks anyway;o) And it doesn't hurt to remind yourself that in 40 or 50 years, Barbie and Ken will probably either be pushing up daisies or toodling around a nursing home with their walkers while you are doing 5ks or (if you are me) trail riding with your grandkids.
One more little bitty rant and I'll return you to your regularly scheduled easy-going Natshell. Promise. When you are on a juice fast. FAST on JUICE. "Is it okay to add a bit of meat so I'll get enough protein?" No. "Is it okay to take a bunch of chemical pain relievers because I have a headache?" No. "Is it okay to have my coffee in the morning since it's liquid?" NO! Go ahead and do those things if you want. But DON'T call it a JUICE.... FAST! Caffeine, meat and chemicals are some of the precise things your body is having to try to recover from in detox!!!! If you are still using those things, or having a super healthy weight watchers frozen dessert to keep from feeling "deprived" or having "just a bite" of the kids mac and cheese, you aren't juice fasting. You are giving your body some great nutrition. You are giving your body a chance to battle the effects of those toxins. Giving your body a fighting chance is a good thing. But it isn't a juice fast.
(Big sigh.) I feel better now.
Oh and, for those who care to know, I'm juicing February starting the minute the Superbowl ends. I have my healthy snacks and my salad and I am READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!! Go Broncos!!!!
Oh and my birthday is Feb 11 so I will be having a super yummy, satisfying and indulgent vegan healthy meal on that day. Is that a "planned cheat?" NO! It's a planned healthy meal. I DON'T CHEAT!
Okay, NOW I feel better. Let's just say that some Dysfunctional Eating Societies posing as juicing support groups are making me a bit cray cray. But I'm aaaaallll better now;o)
JUICE ON!!
I have heard SO many people say, "I don't like vegatables." And I've even heard quite a few say, "I don't like water." Let's be clear here. What you are saying is that you have become so addicted to artificial crap posing as food and drink that your body has forgotten what it really needs. That, in my humble opinion, is the best and most important function of a juice fast. It gives your body the chance to get out from under that addiction and remember what it really, biologically, needs so that it will start telling you that this is what it wants again.
Those of us who have been through some juice fasting tell newcomers not to worry because their taste buds will change. It's truth. The same is true of the water. There are some people who try to baby people along and tell them to do whatever is easiest for them. "Just drink tea or flavored water." "Don't worry about giving up your coffee if that is too hard for you." "I'm sure a diet soda once in a while won't be the end of the world, at least you'll be getting some healthy juice too...." I tell people similar things sometimes when I sense that they are really not mentally prepared to deal with their addictions. But here is my honest to goodness bottom line. Here is where what Natalie really believes departs from what kind Natalie isn't going to push on others. When I'm in a public forum, I am pretty good at feeling out where someone is mentally and emotionally and I don't generally push. I'm not God and I'm not the world's leading juicing expert so I encourage people to find their own path and make their chosen path work for them. Here's the not-so-kind truth why I say and act that way. Everyone out there has the same resources I had to find the truth. Everyone has the same responsibility to themselves to find it. And everyone out there has to live with their choices. Meanwhile, here on MY blog, I can be blunt about what I've learned and about what I believe without worrying about hurting anyone's tender feelers. So, are you prepared now? This isn't the Natshell you are used to....
SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP. JUST DRINK THE JUICE AND THE WATER. Your body was not designed to crave coffee or that poison crap called soda. It was designed to NEED and CRAVE pure water to survive! Your body wasn't designed to crave a cheeseburger. It was designed to crave plants. Give it a chance. Give it a tiny little chance to get out from under all the addictive S.H.I.T. that our illustrious scientists have created to cause it to crave those things and you will be ASTOUNDED by how fast it will switch to doing what it was designed to do.
In case there is anyone out there who hasn't yet come to accept that the food industry intentionally hooks us on unhealthy crap, don't take my word for it:
Let's not forget that sometimes old, sick tapes can still play in our heads and tell us that we "deserve" to "enjoy" the junk that Barbie and Ken are having at the family picnic. After all, look how sexy they look! Just remind yourself that what you really deserve is health, freedom from disease, depression and obesity. What you really deserve is to live into your 90s with vigor and purpose. And it doesn't hurt to remind yourself that you can "enjoy" things that don't hurt you! Do I feel deprived when I'm having a vegan, raw chocolate brownie at the party while others are having TollHouse cookies? Hell no! I'm getting the great hormonal boost of the raw chocolate without the heaping dose of poison on the side! Thanks anyway;o) And it doesn't hurt to remind yourself that in 40 or 50 years, Barbie and Ken will probably either be pushing up daisies or toodling around a nursing home with their walkers while you are doing 5ks or (if you are me) trail riding with your grandkids.
One more little bitty rant and I'll return you to your regularly scheduled easy-going Natshell. Promise. When you are on a juice fast. FAST on JUICE. "Is it okay to add a bit of meat so I'll get enough protein?" No. "Is it okay to take a bunch of chemical pain relievers because I have a headache?" No. "Is it okay to have my coffee in the morning since it's liquid?" NO! Go ahead and do those things if you want. But DON'T call it a JUICE.... FAST! Caffeine, meat and chemicals are some of the precise things your body is having to try to recover from in detox!!!! If you are still using those things, or having a super healthy weight watchers frozen dessert to keep from feeling "deprived" or having "just a bite" of the kids mac and cheese, you aren't juice fasting. You are giving your body some great nutrition. You are giving your body a chance to battle the effects of those toxins. Giving your body a fighting chance is a good thing. But it isn't a juice fast.
(Big sigh.) I feel better now.
Oh and, for those who care to know, I'm juicing February starting the minute the Superbowl ends. I have my healthy snacks and my salad and I am READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!! Go Broncos!!!!
Oh and my birthday is Feb 11 so I will be having a super yummy, satisfying and indulgent vegan healthy meal on that day. Is that a "planned cheat?" NO! It's a planned healthy meal. I DON'T CHEAT!
Okay, NOW I feel better. Let's just say that some Dysfunctional Eating Societies posing as juicing support groups are making me a bit cray cray. But I'm aaaaallll better now;o)
JUICE ON!!
Monday, January 20, 2014
Hard Truths - We Are Raising a Generation of Children to Die Young
I went shopping with my middle daughter and 3 grandkids Saturday. It was pretty fun. I love those kids more than sunlight. When we got to the checkout, Ryley asked if she could get a drink from the cooler and Cheyenne said sure. Ryley got a bottle of water and the cashier scanned it and handed it back and watched in apparent amazement as Ryley opened it and started drinnking it. "Oh she's drinking water! What a good girl!!" As if it were completely amazing to see a 6 year old drinking water. It got me thinking so here I am on a bit of a rant. LOL First a cute pic of my shopping buddies:
I can't remember exactly where I found it but I read an article recently that talked about Jamie Oliver, the chef, going into a public school system either` here or the U.K. and asking the kids how often they drank water. There was a large percentage that said, "Never" and even more who said, "Less than 16oz per day!" I also came across an article about attempts by some people to get vending machines removed from schools. There was a picture (I've tried but can't find it again) of parents and lower elementary aged kids picketing with signs proclaiming their "right" to twinkies when they want them. Honestly, when did twinkies become a right and not a privilege? I went through 12 years of public school without ever having the option of buying a candy bar, snack cake or soda pop on school property. Well, except during sporting events at the snack bar. Since when do kids have an actual need or right to have 24/7 access to junk food? And when did parents stop givnig their kids water to drink? I'll tell you how to figure out the answers to those questions. You can make a little timeline that leads directly from when those things started happening to when obesity rates for children in grade school started going through the roof and childhood diabetes became common instead of rare as it was when I was a kid. If I was techie enough, I would love to make you a graph showing the rates of heart disease and diabetes and the age of onset. Those were diseases of the lederly when I was a kid. Now they strike people my age (51) and younger every dang day. Our kids and grandkids will be experiencing heart disease, stroke and diabetes in their 20s and younger. Authorities predict that this generation of children will die younger than their parents. I suspect that my grandkids generation will die far younger.
The big food companies have spent a fortune creating an entire society addicted to harmful substances in the food. Parents are so steeped in the hogwash that passes for nutritional wisdom that they don't even realize they are raising their children to die young. "We deserve Twinkies!" You have a right to them and I, as a Libertarian would never use the law to inhibit your right to choose. But I feel so bad for the children. And there is a big difference between your right to choose those things and society's responsibility to provide access to them 24/7. You have a right to smoke but we don't have to put cigarette machines in all our public buildings to make sure you have ready access to them at all times. So no, I don't think it is right to have junk food vending machines in the schools. Trust me the people who are egging that trend on (and it is a trend - a pretty recent one) are the people who want to make darn good and sure that your children and grandchildren are well and truly hooked on all the most addictive substances in food by the time they have their own income to contribute to the wealth of those companies. Don't believe me? Take a peek at this...
Yes, that is a toddler vending machine. They say it will be filled with only healthy, nutritious snacks. Well, good for them:/ Problem one - unless you are tending that thing daily, it isn't going to have things all that healthy. Maybe things that pass for healthy nowadays but really healthy? No. Because truly healthy things don't keep for long in a vending machine. If they do keep truly healthy, stuff in there it will be expensive. Promise. So poor mom says, "I'm sorry honey, I can't afford that machine but I don't want you to feel left out so have a cupcake from this machine instead." God bless the few moms that will say, "No honey, we don't get our nutrition in a little foil wrapper from a machine. I want you to live a long and healthy life!"
Problem two and, in my mind, the bigger problem: it is just establishing a pattern of behavior that suits the companies like Pepsico and Frito Lay quite nicely thank you. Let's get our nutrition a prepackaged ounce at a time from a machine. We deserve it! Can't we teach kids they deserve something MUCH better!
I was a victim of one of the earlier and most successful campaigns of this kind. Pepsico and CocaCola companies successfully converted my entire generation to drinking nothing but pop all day every day. Hence, my generation is no stranger to many, many 300, 400 and 500 pound people. I never met a person over 300 pounds in my life until I was an adult! And women over 200 pounds were quite rare. Now a good half the women I know are over 200 lbs. And over 300 is common as dirt. My kids drink water, thank you. And since discovering that Naked and Bolthouse are owned by Pepsico and Cocacola respectively, we don't buy those either. These companies have a vested interest in making you crave their products. And until people understand that and realize the full implications of it, the outlook for the little ones is pretty dire. My grandkids are being taught what true nutrition is and what the human body thrives on and the consequences of living on poison. Are yours?
Friday, January 10, 2014
JANUARY JUICE AND CHEW DAY 10
So with the van broke down, it was late evening before we got any groceries. We usually get our groceries on Thursday afternoon so we were out of just about everything! No greens! No carrots! No oranges or lemons! It was pretty crazy so I didn't have any juice today:'( I did take my water way up. I was a bit constipated for the first time since I started this whole thing and I realized that with the cold weather I was literally, even with herbal tea, only getting about 20oz of water each day. No bueno. I ended up just doing a lot of snacking and water drinking today. We'll see how that plays out on the scale tomorrow and the next day (I don't believe results of what we eat today always show up immediately.) So without further ado...
Weigh-in this morning 280.6
76oz water
Large salad
Grapefruit
3 tangerines
1 banana
Quinoa with red peppers and spinach - 1.5 cups
Small apple
1 oz raisins
1 cup popcorn
I suspect my calories were low today. That definitely might slow me down a bit but maybe with the increased water I'll be okay. Anyway, I feel like my body felt sufficiently nourished. As I said, it was just a lot of snacking. I prefer when I divide my eating into some semblance of meals but I'm not really concerned. I have a lot on my non-food "plate" right now and I'm keeping it healthy, which is the bottom line. But I have to say I really can't wait to get up in the morning and get my juice on:) Speaking of which, JUICE ON!!
Weigh-in this morning 280.6
76oz water
Large salad
Grapefruit
3 tangerines
1 banana
Quinoa with red peppers and spinach - 1.5 cups
Small apple
1 oz raisins
1 cup popcorn
I suspect my calories were low today. That definitely might slow me down a bit but maybe with the increased water I'll be okay. Anyway, I feel like my body felt sufficiently nourished. As I said, it was just a lot of snacking. I prefer when I divide my eating into some semblance of meals but I'm not really concerned. I have a lot on my non-food "plate" right now and I'm keeping it healthy, which is the bottom line. But I have to say I really can't wait to get up in the morning and get my juice on:) Speaking of which, JUICE ON!!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
January Juice and Chew Day 9
Day 9
4 pints juice
3 tangerines
1 banana
1 boiled egg
1 large baked potato with Mrs. Dash
I'm a little overwhelmed by my non-food related life today so I'm going to leave it at that for today.
JUICE ON!! Everything is better with juice! Even all the sh** the world throws at you.
4 pints juice
3 tangerines
1 banana
1 boiled egg
1 large baked potato with Mrs. Dash
I'm a little overwhelmed by my non-food related life today so I'm going to leave it at that for today.
JUICE ON!! Everything is better with juice! Even all the sh** the world throws at you.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
JANUARY JUICE AND CHEW DAY 8 Or The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men...
So, not juice fast day 2 and not day 1 again. I'm postponing my hardcore juice fast for a week or two. Hubby isn't snowed in anymore but his truck broke down so now they have him put up in a motel in Indiana while he waits his turn for the shop to fix his truck. Around 200 other guys are waiting for the same thing. Some new fuel they have made him use in the truck gels up when it gets too cold. Yup, trucks broke down all over the North half of the country. Him not moving for a week means my grocery budget will be VERY tight. Also, when the pipes thawed out, there was a burst pipe in the bathroom. Long story but it won't be fixed for at least a few days so we have the water to the house shut off. Not shut-off valve in the bathroom - retarded right? See why I'm moving? So clean up will be challenging this week too. So we'll just go ahead and do what I've already been doing since the 1st. It's cool. I'm feeling very zen about it. The facebook group I LOVE, Reach4Raw, is doing a 90 day juice and chew challenge so I'm just travelling along with my rawfriends there:) I'm eating healthy, drinking juice and losing weight so it's all good.
J&C Day 8
Weigh in - 281.8
3 pints juice
3 tangerines
1 LARGE salad with greens, tomatos, mushrooms, green onions, cucumber, sprinkle of sunflower seeds and light balsamic.
I did a 20 minute Sparkpeople resistance band video and discovered that my right leg is still very much weaker than the left. It wasn't as bad after I finished physical therapy but over the last 3 years being so horrible health wise, it has gotten really weak again. (I had a massive blood clot in that leg that damaged the veins and also the right knee is the one that is trashed.) So I have a goal now to rehab my right leg. I finished the video but was not able to do all reps on the right leg and my form sucked! So room for improvement:)
On a personal note, I was really excited when Kitten the Juice Pirate joined my group on rebootwithjoe. She is SUCH a huge inspiration for me and one of the first examples of what you could do with this lifestyle. I posted on Reach4Raw about this and got lots of great responses but I was so touched I can't even tell you when my friend Taffy said that I was her Kitten the Juice Pirate. That I was to her what Kitten was to me. Wow. I am floored. The day before, I posted my progress picture and had a few people say that seeing that gave them the inspiration to get on with it and start juicing and eating raw! Me!! Inspiring people!!! On top of all the really stressful stuff that was going on I have to confess I shed a tear or two. But we'll just say that was emotional detox and keep that between you and me okay?
JUICE ON!!
J&C Day 8
Weigh in - 281.8
3 pints juice
3 tangerines
1 LARGE salad with greens, tomatos, mushrooms, green onions, cucumber, sprinkle of sunflower seeds and light balsamic.
I did a 20 minute Sparkpeople resistance band video and discovered that my right leg is still very much weaker than the left. It wasn't as bad after I finished physical therapy but over the last 3 years being so horrible health wise, it has gotten really weak again. (I had a massive blood clot in that leg that damaged the veins and also the right knee is the one that is trashed.) So I have a goal now to rehab my right leg. I finished the video but was not able to do all reps on the right leg and my form sucked! So room for improvement:)
On a personal note, I was really excited when Kitten the Juice Pirate joined my group on rebootwithjoe. She is SUCH a huge inspiration for me and one of the first examples of what you could do with this lifestyle. I posted on Reach4Raw about this and got lots of great responses but I was so touched I can't even tell you when my friend Taffy said that I was her Kitten the Juice Pirate. That I was to her what Kitten was to me. Wow. I am floored. The day before, I posted my progress picture and had a few people say that seeing that gave them the inspiration to get on with it and start juicing and eating raw! Me!! Inspiring people!!! On top of all the really stressful stuff that was going on I have to confess I shed a tear or two. But we'll just say that was emotional detox and keep that between you and me okay?
JUICE ON!!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Progress Pic As Promised
Okay, so this is not exactly earth shattering but there is a difference. Pic on the left is August 23rd, 2013 at 340. Pic on the right is January 2nd, 2014 (that's 4 months and 10 days) at 287.
I was going to try to use the same clothes but it was too freaking cold! It was hard enough to take off my jacket for this one. and the next one probably won't even be able to be in the same spot since we are moving soon. (Thank God!) The only measurement I'm going to share right now because I am being lazy, is that my waist went from 52" to 45" so far but trust me, my hips, legs and upper arms are all smaller too. Now... bring on the next 50! Now THAT will be a progress pic!!
So for my daily update that really will hopefully become daily:/ Friday and Saturday, I had a couple juices along with a couple pieces of fruit and a big ol' salad. Today, I'm having more juice, less fruit and a veggie soup that I'm mostly just taking the broth off of. It has herbs and spices, very little salt, cabbage, mushrooms, squash, green beans and a few stray carrots. It's yummy:) I plan to scoop out the veggies and put them in the blender for a cream soup for the girls and I'll set back the broth for me.
Weight this morning 284.
Exercise - 0 (I usually don't exercise on Sunday.)
JUICE WITH ME!!
So for my daily update that really will hopefully become daily:/ Friday and Saturday, I had a couple juices along with a couple pieces of fruit and a big ol' salad. Today, I'm having more juice, less fruit and a veggie soup that I'm mostly just taking the broth off of. It has herbs and spices, very little salt, cabbage, mushrooms, squash, green beans and a few stray carrots. It's yummy:) I plan to scoop out the veggies and put them in the blender for a cream soup for the girls and I'll set back the broth for me.
Weight this morning 284.
Exercise - 0 (I usually don't exercise on Sunday.)
JUICE WITH ME!!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Welcome 2014!
This is the first time I can ever remember being happy on New Years. Usually New Years, like my birthday, is an occasion for me to try very very hard not to fall into a terrible depression; or at least to not let it show to my family. People talking about their New Year's resolutions just reminded me that I had let yet another year go by without doing anything to change the dismal direction of my life. Thank God for Joe Cross and his movie Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and for all the other wise and wonderful people and resources that it led me to. Dr. T Colin Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn among others. Today I can honestly post this on facebook and mean it! (As I, in fact, did;o)
That pretty much sums up how I feel about New Years. I lost 54 lbs during the last 18 weeks of 2013. And I have every expectation that I will lose double that during 2014. That will put me at the weight I graduated high school in 1980. I don't know what my final ideal weight will be but I know that will be an unbelievable victory and that I will be in radiant good health. I have reclaimed my dreams and plans. I think of 2013 as the year I came back to life. If you read my blog, you know that this is not hyperbole. Now here is how I think of 2014:
I am not one for big, involved New Year's resolutions but I have made some plans for the new year. I eat a clean, healthy diet but I am still growing and learning in this lifestyle. I am not fully raw, just high raw and I am not even 100% vegan. For now, this is cool with me. Maybe I'll "evolve" beyond this and maybe I won't. But I really do feel a need to both track my food for my own benefit and to be accountable. So I plan to start posting here daily instead of randomly. I may frequently only post what I ate and what specific exercises I did but there will be something every day unless my computer or ISP goes down. I'll also post my weight every Friday. And everyone has been after me to do progress photos since I've lost over 50lbs now but trust me, since I started at 340, 50lbs isn't a dramatic change to the naked eye. But I'll do them. I'll try to do them and post them tomorrow. And I will post progress pics every 50 bs or every 4 months, whichever comes first or seems to make more sense at the time.
And, for the record, I am starting another juice fast Friday. I will go to the store tomorrow for supplies and start juice only the next day. I am committing to 30 days of nothing but juice. Period. After the 30 days, I'll decide on a weekly basis. I'm hoping to go 90 days. I may end up having a one day a week salad and I will be having a special, healthy, vegan meal at a great restaurant for my birthday on February 11th but hopefully I can do 90 days other than those exceptions. I have no problem with making up my own rules about my juice fast as I have nothing to prove to myself this time. I am just pushing for as much health and weight loss as I can possible get in the next three months. I have things to do and horses to ride come this summer so we got to get this party started!!
Hopefully, my third long juice fast will be late this summer when I have a garden of my own to harvest and I'll be juicing as fresh and organic as it gets. Yeah babay! JUICE ON my friends! 2014 is Going. To. ROCK!!
And, for the record, I am starting another juice fast Friday. I will go to the store tomorrow for supplies and start juice only the next day. I am committing to 30 days of nothing but juice. Period. After the 30 days, I'll decide on a weekly basis. I'm hoping to go 90 days. I may end up having a one day a week salad and I will be having a special, healthy, vegan meal at a great restaurant for my birthday on February 11th but hopefully I can do 90 days other than those exceptions. I have no problem with making up my own rules about my juice fast as I have nothing to prove to myself this time. I am just pushing for as much health and weight loss as I can possible get in the next three months. I have things to do and horses to ride come this summer so we got to get this party started!!
Hopefully, my third long juice fast will be late this summer when I have a garden of my own to harvest and I'll be juicing as fresh and organic as it gets. Yeah babay! JUICE ON my friends! 2014 is Going. To. ROCK!!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
But But But... Tough Love
Nota Bene: if you don't like reading long blogs, cut to the last paragraph. That's the long and the short of it.
Okay, lets start by getting the provisos out of the way. First, I am addressing people like me. People who are morbidly obese with multiple serious health problems that are connected to that obesity and have decided to address the problem with a whole food/plant based diet. Many of us watched Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and also incorporate juicing into our quest for healthy bodies.
Second, I am NOT addressing people who truly, literally do not have control over their own environment. It's not all that common and you need to really look at whether or not that is true and not just a cop-out. But if you really are not in control of your home environment then stop reading or understand that I'm not really speaking to you. Work environment is much more commonly out of our control but not nearly as critical either.
Another group I really can't address in this post is a large one. In my interactions with people seeking better health and/or weight loss, I see many, many more come and go than those who stay. Most people just aren't ready. They just haven't hit their own, personal, rock bottom yet. When it becomes uncomfortable they make a beeline for the mac and cheese muttering, "I can do it with portion control and working out like Jillian Michaels. I don't need no stinkin' vegetables." Cuz, that has worked out so well for them in the past:/ Heaven knows there is plenty of propaganda out there to feed their desire to choose an "easier" path or to even just continue on the one that is killing them. Everyone likes to hear good news about their bad choices so when the media spouts off crap about how we really have to eat dead animals or how chocolate is a health food, it's easy to grab onto that. Anyway, that's another soapbox entirely.
Right now, I want to address people like me. You're obese and unhealthy and truly committed to changing that. You have come to believe that a WFPB lifestyle is the best medicine out there. You are making changes and seeing progress.... and this is where SO many insert a "but."
But... it's the holidays.
But... my family is visiting.
But... my girlfriend doesn't want to give up chips and ranch dip so it's there in the cabinet taunting me.
But... I still need to fix cookies for my kids or I'm a bad mom.
But... my husband deserves fried chicken because he works so hard.
But... I have to go out to dinner with clients a lot.
But... nobody wants to see a veggie tray at the party.
When people who are just as sick and fat as I am/was say things like this, I want to ask them just how important this is to them. For me, it was literally life or death. If you've read my early blogs you know I don't exaggerate. So many people describe situations just as dire, nearly as dire or even more dire than mine was and then turn around and say, "Oh I have to fry chicken and bake cookies."
I believe we need to look at two things when we find ourselves letting these "buts" interfere with our best intentions. First, how important is this to ME and second, how important am I to the people around me. How much can I reasonably expect from those nearest and dearest to me. Here is where I start to sound harsh but bear with me. I know that I am lucky. Blessed actually. I didn't know how my family would handle it but, to be honest, my family is a matriarchy. My hubby is a truck driver and I'm a bossy, independent type chick so it works for us. In other words, I worried I would meet opposition but I. Didn't. Care. Once I knew that I had finally found the answer, I knew that I would follow through with it whether they liked it or not. I have kids from 17-32 and I wanted to influence them but I can't control them so I figured I would do what I had to do for me, require of them what I needed and leave their own bodies to them. I have been absolutely astounded how readily my family has not only embraced and supported my needs but followed my example. I have not exactly been a shining example to them in the physical/health department so they had every reason to shrug this off as "Mom's latest attempt" but they recognized something in the way I talked about it and in the evidence I presented and they have been on board 100% from day 1. I have NOT, however, been all that surprised that they had no problem with all the junk food and processed foods going bye-bye. If I told them I had developed a deadly allergy to cotton that was leaching away my health and energy, they would be right in there helping me find all the hidden cotton in our house. Because they love me! I would have expected nothing less. If you can't depend on your family to support you in your own fight for your very life, then what is wrong with that picture?!
So what if your family isn't on board? Get tough! It's your health people! In many cases it is how long you will be around for them and it is definitely how you will feel and function during that time. Sit them down and watch Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and, even better, Forks Over Knives. Tell them that you want to look better, feel better and be around to annoy them in your old age! Say flat out, if you love and value ME, you will support me.
I don't want this to be too long for anyone to get through so I'll cut this part short. If you have grownups who don't have the issues you have, look at two things. Do they actually need or benefit from the foods that were making you fat and sick? Does it really make you a bad mom/wife to refuse to prepare foods that contribute to diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart disease? So Susie isn't overweight? Yet? Most of us were thin at some point. The groundwork was laid while we appeared to be healthy. If they are healthy and fit, let's keep them that way! And if the hubby really has to have something like fried chicken or chips and dip, they are adults, they can go through the drive through. Same goes for adult children. They have to decide for themselves. But they should have enough concern and respect for you to support your effort to create a clean, healthy environment.
Here is my bottom line. Yes, I realize it sounds pretty harsh. If your family will not support your need to eliminate junk food and food that trashes your health from your home, then you have some deeper problems than weight.
And my other bottom line (hey, who says there is only one bottom line?) is that no matter how thin or fit your family appears to you, if you have discovered that certain foods are deadly, why would you continue to feed them to your family? If you've come to understand that a high consumption of sugar, animal protien, saturated fats... whatever, creates terrible health problems over time, then tell me again why you are a bad mom if you don't give it to your kids? You don't have to make the change completely overnight but I can't understand why you wouldn't start transitioning them to healthier and healthier foods. That is what my daughter is doing with her boys. I'll let ya'll know how that goes;o) But, trust me, you aren't a "bad mom" if you refuse to feed a diet laden with sugar and salt and animal fat to your growing children. Frankly, if the children are dictating what goes on the dinner table then we have a case of the inmates running the asylum.
Now about all those other "buts," if you have to eat out with clients, is it really going to make them lose respect for you in your professional capacity to eat a salad instead of a steak? To leave the butter and cheese and bacon off of your baked potato? If others at the party don't want a veggie tray... okay! More freggies for you!! And more of the junk they are scarfing for them. If your family is visiting, visit some vegan chef websites and find some really impressive recipes to show them just how tasty your diet can be. Sure, go ahead and fix PopPops favorite casserole but offer a couple of really yummy things they've never tried before with it! It gives you some healthy options and shows them that you aren't starving yourself on rabbit food;o)
I really want to add one last note to those who have somewhat dysfunctional families. You know who you are. You read this and think, "Yeah, try telling my husband that. He would start bringing home Kentucky Fried Chicken and eating it right in front of me while taunting me the entire time." "Try telling my mom that this is healthy. She is just as overweight as me but she would start bringing my favorite fattening treats over every weekend and telling my kids that I don't love her because I won't eat her thoughtful gifts." Yes, some families are dysfunctional. If these things are a problem, you probably know you have other issues besides food to deal with. You, my friends have to advocate for yourself. You have to love you. You have to realize that a healthy you can work on your families dysfunction better if you are in a healthy body. Especially since WFPB diets also make you think better and feel emotionally and mentally stronger.
Okay so THIS is actually my bottom line. (Yes, really! Why do you doubt me? LOL) Do what you need to do to get healthier. You count. YOU matter. Advocate for yourself, even with your own family, employers, clients. Unless you have some pretty extraordinary circumstances, clean up your environment. Your family won't die from lack of deep fat fried food. Require those who love you to show it. Become fierce about your own well-being. I know many people (myself included) who have spent November and December losing an extra 10 or 20 lbs while the average american gains 8 or 10. For the first time in many years, January 1st will be a time to celebrate all I've accomplished and plan for all I will accomplish in 2014. My only regret is that I didn't start way sooner in the year! I don't for one second regret skipping the pumpkin pie or sugar cookies. And I don't regret refusing to contribute to the poor health choices of others either.
Okay, lets start by getting the provisos out of the way. First, I am addressing people like me. People who are morbidly obese with multiple serious health problems that are connected to that obesity and have decided to address the problem with a whole food/plant based diet. Many of us watched Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and also incorporate juicing into our quest for healthy bodies.
Second, I am NOT addressing people who truly, literally do not have control over their own environment. It's not all that common and you need to really look at whether or not that is true and not just a cop-out. But if you really are not in control of your home environment then stop reading or understand that I'm not really speaking to you. Work environment is much more commonly out of our control but not nearly as critical either.
Another group I really can't address in this post is a large one. In my interactions with people seeking better health and/or weight loss, I see many, many more come and go than those who stay. Most people just aren't ready. They just haven't hit their own, personal, rock bottom yet. When it becomes uncomfortable they make a beeline for the mac and cheese muttering, "I can do it with portion control and working out like Jillian Michaels. I don't need no stinkin' vegetables." Cuz, that has worked out so well for them in the past:/ Heaven knows there is plenty of propaganda out there to feed their desire to choose an "easier" path or to even just continue on the one that is killing them. Everyone likes to hear good news about their bad choices so when the media spouts off crap about how we really have to eat dead animals or how chocolate is a health food, it's easy to grab onto that. Anyway, that's another soapbox entirely.
Right now, I want to address people like me. You're obese and unhealthy and truly committed to changing that. You have come to believe that a WFPB lifestyle is the best medicine out there. You are making changes and seeing progress.... and this is where SO many insert a "but."
But... it's the holidays.
But... my family is visiting.
But... my girlfriend doesn't want to give up chips and ranch dip so it's there in the cabinet taunting me.
But... I still need to fix cookies for my kids or I'm a bad mom.
But... my husband deserves fried chicken because he works so hard.
But... I have to go out to dinner with clients a lot.
But... nobody wants to see a veggie tray at the party.
When people who are just as sick and fat as I am/was say things like this, I want to ask them just how important this is to them. For me, it was literally life or death. If you've read my early blogs you know I don't exaggerate. So many people describe situations just as dire, nearly as dire or even more dire than mine was and then turn around and say, "Oh I have to fry chicken and bake cookies."
I believe we need to look at two things when we find ourselves letting these "buts" interfere with our best intentions. First, how important is this to ME and second, how important am I to the people around me. How much can I reasonably expect from those nearest and dearest to me. Here is where I start to sound harsh but bear with me. I know that I am lucky. Blessed actually. I didn't know how my family would handle it but, to be honest, my family is a matriarchy. My hubby is a truck driver and I'm a bossy, independent type chick so it works for us. In other words, I worried I would meet opposition but I. Didn't. Care. Once I knew that I had finally found the answer, I knew that I would follow through with it whether they liked it or not. I have kids from 17-32 and I wanted to influence them but I can't control them so I figured I would do what I had to do for me, require of them what I needed and leave their own bodies to them. I have been absolutely astounded how readily my family has not only embraced and supported my needs but followed my example. I have not exactly been a shining example to them in the physical/health department so they had every reason to shrug this off as "Mom's latest attempt" but they recognized something in the way I talked about it and in the evidence I presented and they have been on board 100% from day 1. I have NOT, however, been all that surprised that they had no problem with all the junk food and processed foods going bye-bye. If I told them I had developed a deadly allergy to cotton that was leaching away my health and energy, they would be right in there helping me find all the hidden cotton in our house. Because they love me! I would have expected nothing less. If you can't depend on your family to support you in your own fight for your very life, then what is wrong with that picture?!
So what if your family isn't on board? Get tough! It's your health people! In many cases it is how long you will be around for them and it is definitely how you will feel and function during that time. Sit them down and watch Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and, even better, Forks Over Knives. Tell them that you want to look better, feel better and be around to annoy them in your old age! Say flat out, if you love and value ME, you will support me.
I don't want this to be too long for anyone to get through so I'll cut this part short. If you have grownups who don't have the issues you have, look at two things. Do they actually need or benefit from the foods that were making you fat and sick? Does it really make you a bad mom/wife to refuse to prepare foods that contribute to diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart disease? So Susie isn't overweight? Yet? Most of us were thin at some point. The groundwork was laid while we appeared to be healthy. If they are healthy and fit, let's keep them that way! And if the hubby really has to have something like fried chicken or chips and dip, they are adults, they can go through the drive through. Same goes for adult children. They have to decide for themselves. But they should have enough concern and respect for you to support your effort to create a clean, healthy environment.
Here is my bottom line. Yes, I realize it sounds pretty harsh. If your family will not support your need to eliminate junk food and food that trashes your health from your home, then you have some deeper problems than weight.
And my other bottom line (hey, who says there is only one bottom line?) is that no matter how thin or fit your family appears to you, if you have discovered that certain foods are deadly, why would you continue to feed them to your family? If you've come to understand that a high consumption of sugar, animal protien, saturated fats... whatever, creates terrible health problems over time, then tell me again why you are a bad mom if you don't give it to your kids? You don't have to make the change completely overnight but I can't understand why you wouldn't start transitioning them to healthier and healthier foods. That is what my daughter is doing with her boys. I'll let ya'll know how that goes;o) But, trust me, you aren't a "bad mom" if you refuse to feed a diet laden with sugar and salt and animal fat to your growing children. Frankly, if the children are dictating what goes on the dinner table then we have a case of the inmates running the asylum.
Now about all those other "buts," if you have to eat out with clients, is it really going to make them lose respect for you in your professional capacity to eat a salad instead of a steak? To leave the butter and cheese and bacon off of your baked potato? If others at the party don't want a veggie tray... okay! More freggies for you!! And more of the junk they are scarfing for them. If your family is visiting, visit some vegan chef websites and find some really impressive recipes to show them just how tasty your diet can be. Sure, go ahead and fix PopPops favorite casserole but offer a couple of really yummy things they've never tried before with it! It gives you some healthy options and shows them that you aren't starving yourself on rabbit food;o)
I really want to add one last note to those who have somewhat dysfunctional families. You know who you are. You read this and think, "Yeah, try telling my husband that. He would start bringing home Kentucky Fried Chicken and eating it right in front of me while taunting me the entire time." "Try telling my mom that this is healthy. She is just as overweight as me but she would start bringing my favorite fattening treats over every weekend and telling my kids that I don't love her because I won't eat her thoughtful gifts." Yes, some families are dysfunctional. If these things are a problem, you probably know you have other issues besides food to deal with. You, my friends have to advocate for yourself. You have to love you. You have to realize that a healthy you can work on your families dysfunction better if you are in a healthy body. Especially since WFPB diets also make you think better and feel emotionally and mentally stronger.
Okay so THIS is actually my bottom line. (Yes, really! Why do you doubt me? LOL) Do what you need to do to get healthier. You count. YOU matter. Advocate for yourself, even with your own family, employers, clients. Unless you have some pretty extraordinary circumstances, clean up your environment. Your family won't die from lack of deep fat fried food. Require those who love you to show it. Become fierce about your own well-being. I know many people (myself included) who have spent November and December losing an extra 10 or 20 lbs while the average american gains 8 or 10. For the first time in many years, January 1st will be a time to celebrate all I've accomplished and plan for all I will accomplish in 2014. My only regret is that I didn't start way sooner in the year! I don't for one second regret skipping the pumpkin pie or sugar cookies. And I don't regret refusing to contribute to the poor health choices of others either.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
There Are No Magic Bullets, But There Are Miracles
Every time I find myself describing my journey to someone new, I realize just how much I sound like an infomercial or like I'm just caught up in the pink fluffy honeymoon cloud of a "new diet" but I've never in my life stuck to a diet for this long much less been in the "honeymoon" phase of it for several months and going strong. This has most definitely settled into lifestyle mode.
So that begs the question, how can a simple change of diet create the incredible changes I've experienced. Well, lets look at a few things. First, getting the disgusting mess the local grocer passes off as meat and animal products that I was eating - hormones, puss in the milk etc - out of my body. Just removing those has to help. If I had changed to homegrown, grass fed, lean cuts and healthy prep and still ate the meat, I would be better off but still not as good as just getting the animal protein out of my diet. (If you aren't following me here, read the China Study and/or watch Forks Over Knives.) I'm 90% animal protein free. I still eat a serving of fish 2 or 3 times a month, have a bit of organic chicken or turkey in the crockpot soup once or twice a month and I have an organic, cage-free, hormone free, preferably locally grown boiled egg a couple times a week. I don't know if I will eventually eliminate those or not. Even the China Study noted that the cancer growth and other bad effects weren't triggered with a low intake of animal protein. So I'm good with this for now.
Next, let's note that my diet went from very near zero fresh fruit and veggies to a good 75% freggies. That alone had to be a huge shock (of the good variety) to my system. At this point, every system and cell in my body has to be singing for joy. It's like, "Halleleujah! She's finally giving us something to work with!"
Now let's add the fact that I juice and blend a lot of freggies and add really nutrient dense, natural additives like ground flax etc. Now you are taking the great nutrients that your average healthy eater would consume in a day and putting all those nutrients into one serving. You are literally just FLOODING your system with nutrients it's been deprived of for decades.
Our bodies are amazing self-healing machines but we take a machine that has the ability to repair itself and even regenerate on its own but we deny it the building blocks it require to do that. And then we wonder why we fall apart. So what do we do? Instead of handing it those high-quality, sound and solid building blocks that God gave us in abundance, we give it man made imitations made of cardboard and chemicals. And then we wonder why we fall apart!
One last thing to consider that really just makes our body sing is that even when I was eating a salad or drinking juice before, it was made and packaged and stored and shipped and stored again before I ate it. If I had ever gotten ground flax in something, it had probably lost most of it's nutritional value before it got to me. Now, I grind my flax seeds, throw that into the soup or smoothie and consume it. No nutrional loss there. Again, tons more nutrients hitting my body than it is used to. And next year is really going to take it up a notch as I will be able to just go to my own garden and pick the veggies as fresh as fresh gets:)
So if I sound like a crazy infomercial sometimes; if it sounds crazy to say that I went from depressed, barely able to walk across a room, in constant pain and a mental fog every day of my life and then literally became pain free, regained my energy, improved health conditions dramatically, started losing weight at a steady pace and regained a much higher degree of mental clarity all within days of starting a juice fast and now I'm still feeling fantastic just as much after 4 months of a clean, plant-based diet, you can understand that I'm not promoting the latest fad or a magic bullet or even a "diet." I'm just saying to eat the way God meant you to. Eat the abundance of things he gave us to thrive on. If that includes meat for you then at least make that a smaller ratio of your calories and make it fresh, untainted by a disgusting industry and prepare it in a healthy way.
It's not a miracle... and yet it is the biggest miracle of all. How miraculous that those plants include all those crazy nutrients that really can heal, regrow, vitalize and maximize the potential of every cell in your body. The things your doctor throws his hands in the air over and just writes another script for? Your creator gave you the cure. When the few doctors who have actually studied the topic of healing through nutrition say, "Sure, a plant based diet would help my patients but they won't follow it so I just give them a pill instead." You can shout, "I'll do it! I'll heal myself with nutrition!" Maybe more doctors will seek out that information and share it with their other patients if they have patients coming in with dramatic improvements and telling them, "I don't need those pills, doc. I stopped taking those months ago." I am praying that by the time my grandkids are grown, they will defy all those predictions about the newest generation of children dying younger than their parents did.
So that begs the question, how can a simple change of diet create the incredible changes I've experienced. Well, lets look at a few things. First, getting the disgusting mess the local grocer passes off as meat and animal products that I was eating - hormones, puss in the milk etc - out of my body. Just removing those has to help. If I had changed to homegrown, grass fed, lean cuts and healthy prep and still ate the meat, I would be better off but still not as good as just getting the animal protein out of my diet. (If you aren't following me here, read the China Study and/or watch Forks Over Knives.) I'm 90% animal protein free. I still eat a serving of fish 2 or 3 times a month, have a bit of organic chicken or turkey in the crockpot soup once or twice a month and I have an organic, cage-free, hormone free, preferably locally grown boiled egg a couple times a week. I don't know if I will eventually eliminate those or not. Even the China Study noted that the cancer growth and other bad effects weren't triggered with a low intake of animal protein. So I'm good with this for now.
Next, let's note that my diet went from very near zero fresh fruit and veggies to a good 75% freggies. That alone had to be a huge shock (of the good variety) to my system. At this point, every system and cell in my body has to be singing for joy. It's like, "Halleleujah! She's finally giving us something to work with!"
Now let's add the fact that I juice and blend a lot of freggies and add really nutrient dense, natural additives like ground flax etc. Now you are taking the great nutrients that your average healthy eater would consume in a day and putting all those nutrients into one serving. You are literally just FLOODING your system with nutrients it's been deprived of for decades.
Our bodies are amazing self-healing machines but we take a machine that has the ability to repair itself and even regenerate on its own but we deny it the building blocks it require to do that. And then we wonder why we fall apart. So what do we do? Instead of handing it those high-quality, sound and solid building blocks that God gave us in abundance, we give it man made imitations made of cardboard and chemicals. And then we wonder why we fall apart!
One last thing to consider that really just makes our body sing is that even when I was eating a salad or drinking juice before, it was made and packaged and stored and shipped and stored again before I ate it. If I had ever gotten ground flax in something, it had probably lost most of it's nutritional value before it got to me. Now, I grind my flax seeds, throw that into the soup or smoothie and consume it. No nutrional loss there. Again, tons more nutrients hitting my body than it is used to. And next year is really going to take it up a notch as I will be able to just go to my own garden and pick the veggies as fresh as fresh gets:)
So if I sound like a crazy infomercial sometimes; if it sounds crazy to say that I went from depressed, barely able to walk across a room, in constant pain and a mental fog every day of my life and then literally became pain free, regained my energy, improved health conditions dramatically, started losing weight at a steady pace and regained a much higher degree of mental clarity all within days of starting a juice fast and now I'm still feeling fantastic just as much after 4 months of a clean, plant-based diet, you can understand that I'm not promoting the latest fad or a magic bullet or even a "diet." I'm just saying to eat the way God meant you to. Eat the abundance of things he gave us to thrive on. If that includes meat for you then at least make that a smaller ratio of your calories and make it fresh, untainted by a disgusting industry and prepare it in a healthy way.
It's not a miracle... and yet it is the biggest miracle of all. How miraculous that those plants include all those crazy nutrients that really can heal, regrow, vitalize and maximize the potential of every cell in your body. The things your doctor throws his hands in the air over and just writes another script for? Your creator gave you the cure. When the few doctors who have actually studied the topic of healing through nutrition say, "Sure, a plant based diet would help my patients but they won't follow it so I just give them a pill instead." You can shout, "I'll do it! I'll heal myself with nutrition!" Maybe more doctors will seek out that information and share it with their other patients if they have patients coming in with dramatic improvements and telling them, "I don't need those pills, doc. I stopped taking those months ago." I am praying that by the time my grandkids are grown, they will defy all those predictions about the newest generation of children dying younger than their parents did.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
BRRRRR and Some Embarrassing Truths About My Life
So here in Oklahoma, winter is making up for how mild it was the last couple of years by icing on us and leaving us in the single digits. I'm freezing and pissy. I HATE ICE!!! I don't mind snow, I kinda like it. And when it's cold outside, it can make you appreciate your warm house and your fuzzy slippers (or in my case, hand-knit wool socks) even more, right? Yeah right!! We are doing good to keep it over 40 degrees in this place. My house is old. Really old and falling apart. They found problems with the gas pipes so they won't allow the gas on. Some nonsense about the danger of explosions or fumes... whatever. (Yes, for those who might not understand me yet, I'm being sarcastic.) So we have no hot water and only space heaters. We are supposed to be moved out by the end of the month but it may realistically be January something. We rent, by the way. The windows and doors are so poorly installed that you can literally pass things through to someone outside around the edges. Seriously, we've done it. The sliding glass doors have about a 3 inch gap on one side because they don't fit the opening! We've filled that with foam but it still lets in air. There are holes that you can throw a cat through, as the old saying goes. Although nobody better be throwing my kitties anywhere;o) I know the holes are that big because possums keep sneaking into my house. Yes, literally.
Totally off subject but I have to tell this story now, since I mentioned the possums. They live under our house. I'm cool with that. Well, this one is so comfortable living with us that he likes to stroll through in the night. We would usually just yell at him or the dog would bark or a cat would hiss and he would take off back out the hole. (It's not a hole I can get to - the landlord made the holes last year trying to fix the gas problem.) Possum wasn't aggressive, in fact he was quite shy and nervous so we just ignored the problem. I grew up in the country; critters don't bother me. My cousins had a pet raccoon for years. Well a couple weeks ago, Cameron woke up and the possum was strolling across his body on his bed as he slept!!! He screamed like a little girl and the dog came running and started barking and the chase was on. Well, possum realized he had screwed up big time (even though he was considerably bigger than the dog) so he did what possums do.... he played possum. He had made it to my room by this time. So Gadget dragged what he presumed to be his "kill" behind my love seat. Possum still playing dead. Cameron moved the love seat, put a bucket over it, took it outside and THREW it across the yard. Still playing dead! He came in the house and we watched out the window. About two minutes later, he gets up and casually strolls back under our house. Yup, it's like that around here.
I've mentioned that I had given up on life until last August when I watched Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Well, I'm admitting to all of this so you can understand just how low I had sunk. We were living in a house that should have been condemned. We can only plug use one appliance at a time in the kitchen other than the frig. Throwing a breaker is a very regular occurrence. Basically if you turn on the toaster without unplugging the juicer, bam. This neighborhood isn't great either. Oh and my beloved old truck (I LOVE old trucks - especially Fords; I would rather push an old truck than drive a new car) has been neglected and left in need of repairs for over a year. I had to have someone to help me in and out if I went anywhere anyway and I couldn't do my own shopping anymore as I couldn't walk unassisted and was too proud to use an electric cart. So what did it matter if I had my own transportation. My poor family could do nothing to pull me out of this downward spiral. It was actually quite telling that I was even willing to live in town. I have always hated living in town. I need to be in the country surrounded by nature and critters and air. I feel trapped and claustrophobic in town and it sets off my PTSD something fierce.
So this really does relate to all my healthy life changes. I hated myself so much that I didn't care how I lived. I don't now. Juicing and WFPB eating has not only given me back health, energy, weight-loss and independence (which is so important to me I can't even express it here - I am independent to a fault by nature) it has also given me back my self-respect and my desire to live the life I choose. We are getting out of this rat trap. We are looking for land to buy out in the country. We are going to buy a large RV to stay in while we pay off the land because once you have 50% equity in your land, there are a couple of companies that will either put a double wide on it or build a prefab home on it for no down payment. Your land serves as your collateral. The RV will also allow me to do another thing that I've always yearned to do and never been able to - travel. And buddy, let me tell you... we are going somewhere warmer for the winter. We should have the RV by the end of January at the latest - probably a 32' 5th wheel, haven't decided for sure. Getting the truck fixed by the end of the month as well - that's my Christmas present. I have friends in South Texas I'd like to see as well as a sister in Arizona and brothers and tons of cousins in California. I am most definitely going somewhere warmer for at least a good chunck of this miserable, cold, icy winter that Oklahoma apparently has planned. I love Oklahoma but I HATE ICE!! (See how I brought that back around. I really did have a point!)
Oh and lest you think I'm too off topic on this post, let me just say that as long as I have to literally bundle up in several layers including hat and scarf and mittens inside my house, I will probably not be losing as much weight because I'm not drinking cold juice and eating cold salad today. If I can see my breath in my bedroom, I'm having hot lentil soup and warm broth and baked potato with salsa and oatmeal and anything else that is served nice and hot! Don't get me wrong, still plant-based and clean but not much raw. And I have really come to believe in the power of raw. I'm not getting involved in all the drama going on in the raw community these days but I do believe that eating as much raw, fresh foods as you can manage will always benefit you. Except when it's 8 degrees fahrenheit outside and you only have a space heater.
Oh and as to my weight, I have lost a bit more. I'm down to 293 which means I've lost 47 lbs since August 23. I'm really curious to see how much the weight loss slows with these changes or if it will surprise me and keep going at 2-3 lbs a week. Stay tuned!
Totally off subject but I have to tell this story now, since I mentioned the possums. They live under our house. I'm cool with that. Well, this one is so comfortable living with us that he likes to stroll through in the night. We would usually just yell at him or the dog would bark or a cat would hiss and he would take off back out the hole. (It's not a hole I can get to - the landlord made the holes last year trying to fix the gas problem.) Possum wasn't aggressive, in fact he was quite shy and nervous so we just ignored the problem. I grew up in the country; critters don't bother me. My cousins had a pet raccoon for years. Well a couple weeks ago, Cameron woke up and the possum was strolling across his body on his bed as he slept!!! He screamed like a little girl and the dog came running and started barking and the chase was on. Well, possum realized he had screwed up big time (even though he was considerably bigger than the dog) so he did what possums do.... he played possum. He had made it to my room by this time. So Gadget dragged what he presumed to be his "kill" behind my love seat. Possum still playing dead. Cameron moved the love seat, put a bucket over it, took it outside and THREW it across the yard. Still playing dead! He came in the house and we watched out the window. About two minutes later, he gets up and casually strolls back under our house. Yup, it's like that around here.
I've mentioned that I had given up on life until last August when I watched Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Well, I'm admitting to all of this so you can understand just how low I had sunk. We were living in a house that should have been condemned. We can only plug use one appliance at a time in the kitchen other than the frig. Throwing a breaker is a very regular occurrence. Basically if you turn on the toaster without unplugging the juicer, bam. This neighborhood isn't great either. Oh and my beloved old truck (I LOVE old trucks - especially Fords; I would rather push an old truck than drive a new car) has been neglected and left in need of repairs for over a year. I had to have someone to help me in and out if I went anywhere anyway and I couldn't do my own shopping anymore as I couldn't walk unassisted and was too proud to use an electric cart. So what did it matter if I had my own transportation. My poor family could do nothing to pull me out of this downward spiral. It was actually quite telling that I was even willing to live in town. I have always hated living in town. I need to be in the country surrounded by nature and critters and air. I feel trapped and claustrophobic in town and it sets off my PTSD something fierce.
So this really does relate to all my healthy life changes. I hated myself so much that I didn't care how I lived. I don't now. Juicing and WFPB eating has not only given me back health, energy, weight-loss and independence (which is so important to me I can't even express it here - I am independent to a fault by nature) it has also given me back my self-respect and my desire to live the life I choose. We are getting out of this rat trap. We are looking for land to buy out in the country. We are going to buy a large RV to stay in while we pay off the land because once you have 50% equity in your land, there are a couple of companies that will either put a double wide on it or build a prefab home on it for no down payment. Your land serves as your collateral. The RV will also allow me to do another thing that I've always yearned to do and never been able to - travel. And buddy, let me tell you... we are going somewhere warmer for the winter. We should have the RV by the end of January at the latest - probably a 32' 5th wheel, haven't decided for sure. Getting the truck fixed by the end of the month as well - that's my Christmas present. I have friends in South Texas I'd like to see as well as a sister in Arizona and brothers and tons of cousins in California. I am most definitely going somewhere warmer for at least a good chunck of this miserable, cold, icy winter that Oklahoma apparently has planned. I love Oklahoma but I HATE ICE!! (See how I brought that back around. I really did have a point!)
Oh and lest you think I'm too off topic on this post, let me just say that as long as I have to literally bundle up in several layers including hat and scarf and mittens inside my house, I will probably not be losing as much weight because I'm not drinking cold juice and eating cold salad today. If I can see my breath in my bedroom, I'm having hot lentil soup and warm broth and baked potato with salsa and oatmeal and anything else that is served nice and hot! Don't get me wrong, still plant-based and clean but not much raw. And I have really come to believe in the power of raw. I'm not getting involved in all the drama going on in the raw community these days but I do believe that eating as much raw, fresh foods as you can manage will always benefit you. Except when it's 8 degrees fahrenheit outside and you only have a space heater.
Oh and as to my weight, I have lost a bit more. I'm down to 293 which means I've lost 47 lbs since August 23. I'm really curious to see how much the weight loss slows with these changes or if it will surprise me and keep going at 2-3 lbs a week. Stay tuned!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
The Real Thanksgiving
So for those of us trying to live a healthier life and lose weight and regain vibrant health, Thanksgiving can represent a challenge. I must have been asked at least 85 times in the past week how I would "handle" it and even asked for advice about how best to handle it for others. That's new. I still haven't gotten used to having other people act as if my opinion on topics of health and weight loss really matters. LOL Everyone really has to decide for themselves. Some people have complicated family situations to consider and I would never presume to get in the middle of that! But, as usual, my real, deep down feeling is that family should value your health and well-being enough to make some concessions or even (gasp) just support what you are trying to do. I can't imagine not having a family that supports me like that. And that is probably what I'm thankful for this year most of all. My husband is one in a million. He supports me through all things. He epitomizes "in sickness and in health" and "for better or for worse." My kids and grandkids bless every day of my life and don't hesitate to do anything in their power to support my efforts. So how did I "handle" the challenge of Thanksgiving?
I have had a great Thanksgiving with my two teenagers. I am so proud of them. I told them that if not having pie or rolls or something was going to make them feel deprived or like this lifestyle was too hard, I would get them some. They both said NO! And Harmoni (17 year old) said, "The main thing I'm most thankful for this year is how happy you are just living every day now." My hubby is on the road but we are used to that. We have a nice meal when he gets home and we don't celebrate Christmas until Epiphany so that he can be home. I told my grown kids that since Thanksgiving meal was going to be turned on it's ear that they should probably just spend it with their inlaws. I hope to be so used to this lifestyle by next year that I will make them a feast to remember that I won't hesitate to eat as well. I'll be spending some time with my oldest daughter and that new baby boy next week and I'm definitely thankful for that! I'm really thankful that all three of my grown kids have found really amazing and wonderful people to share their lives with. Both son-in-laws and my daughter-in-law are really awesome. I honestly couldn't have chosen better for them myself. I have NINE beautiful, healthy, intelligent grandchildren. God has blessed me beyond measure.
Thanksgiving was really my Mom's holiday as she was an amazing cook in the old-school Southern cooking style. I see her in my daughter Cheyenne. I always miss her so much on this day but part of me is glad she isn't here to see what terrible condition I have let myself get into. At least I have felt that way every Thanksgiving until this one. I know that she would be so proud of the changes I've made, the things I've learned and the rest of the family for their unwavering support. A few weeks ago when people first started talking about Thanksgiving, my first thought was, "Oh no! Mom's stuffing and apple pan dowdy and heavenly hash!" Fixing her recipes always made us all feel closer to her. We knew that she was there with us in spirit. Well, the day came and we ate our small serving of roast turkey and roasted veggies and lots of fruit. We even had a special treat that Cameron brought us; gluten free, dairy free cookies! I do NOT feel like I missed a thing. Rather, I feel more thankful and more blessed than I have in many years. And that, my friends, is what Thanksgiving is about, not turkey or pie or cornbread dressing.
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