Raw Challenge

Just when I think I am over being sore I am sore all over again! Sore in a good way -- lets me know my muscles are working. Speaking of being in working order, I finally got my lab results back from when I went to the endocrinologist week before last. Sometimes my labs take a bit longer because they have to do some specialized calcium and protein tests that are sent off. That being said, IT WAS ALL GOOD NEWS!

My endocrinologist is so happy and proud of me! He said, "please don't change a thing, just keep doing exactly what you are doing." I am so EXCITED! I was typing up some information on raw diet resources for a woman that goes to our church who is interested in learning more about it, and I couldn't stress enough how much this lifestyle has changed everything for me. If you are curious, even the slightest bit -- I dare you to try a raw food diet (high in greens) for one week and see for yourself. One week -- you can do anything for one week, can't you? Start right now, make a commitment to yourself, and see how you can change your life, too!

Journey to a healthy lifestyle

As you know I have been trying to add a little more lean protein back into my diet since I stated a pretty grueling workout routine. I have tried some raw protein powder that tastes pretty good and I have had some fish. It will be interesting to see if this works for me or not. There are a couple of things I have noticed right off the bat: 1.) my face has broken out and 2.) sorry for being so blunt, but I am constipated. So far, I am not liking the protein thing --- for me.

I am going to stick with it for at least a couple of days and see if my system kinda levels out, but my body is going to have to do better than this or it is not worth it. One thing that I have learned over the last 3 years since my health troubles began is to listen to my body. There are experts on everything and people line up to tell me what I should and should not eat, from my doctors to my trainer, to nutritionists. Sometimes they do give conflicting information and that is when I have to rely on myself and everything that I have learned, and the way that I feel. So when I say I am not sure about this protein thing, don't forget that I also say "for me." I am no expert on diet and nutrition either. I am excited about some of the things that have helped me on my personal journey towards a healthy lifestyle, and I want to share the things I have found that work for me. Green smoothies and a high raw diet have literally changed my life -- given it back to me, in fact. I hope that you try them and they change your life, too. As for me, I am taking new steps on my journey (largely because my previous raw diet has helped me get to the point where I can) and we will see where this path leads. I am excited about the future, whatever it may bring.

Feeding well

We took the kids to Fossil Rim today. It was so much fun -- I love going there. All of the zebras have had babies and they were so cute trying run around. They are much fuzzier than their parents. The moms would come right up to the car with their babies following right behind and nursing. Poor moms -- can't even get a moment to themselves (ha!). Seriously though, it was really neat to see. I also loved seeing all of the hills and valleys (not much but flat concrete where we live). It was nice to get my fill of nature for a day.

I have been struggling with my raw food diet over the last couple of weeks. I keep reminding myself that I am still doing pretty good -- approximately 60% raw. I know that 60%raw compared with this time last year (an occasional salad) is really good, but I also know that I do not look or feel as good as I did a month ago at 90 -95% raw. This weekend I have been doing some raw food reading and getting geared up and re-educated regarding raw foods. While I do not feel the need to be 100% raw anymore, a high raw diet really works for me.

I have also noticed that when I eat a high raw diet, my family also tends to eat better. I have never pushed my family to eat a raw diet. They are mostly vegetarian -- I don't cook any meat, but the occasionally have some if they eat out. But, when I eat healthy they do, too. I don't even have to say anything. When they see me eating a nice fruit salad or green salad they just want some, too. Funny how that works the same way candy or ice cream does.

Anyway, I went to Whole Foods this evening and have all the things I need to get myself back in gear. I miss having clear skin and energy galore. My mood has also been a bit sour since my raw intake went down, so I am sure my family will be glad to have me high raw again. My body is much smarter than my brain. It knows what it wants, now I just have to feed it well.