Finding Wellness Through Good Nutrition

 Garden tours, taking pictures, landscaping our yard, and working on DIY projects are some of my favorite things to do...and to write about. But for the past 4 months my focus has changed...for good reason. 

 After years of ignoring my health, as well as my doctor, I finally realized I had to listen to my body. There's something about a chronically sore mouth that gets a person's attention...or at least it got mine. 

And that put me on a new path...one to finding wellness.

You may remember I went to the doctor back in the spring to find out if my suspicions were correct...I had self diagnosed Oral Lichens Planus, an autoimmune disease. I was given a referral to a skin specialist, with a 6 month wait. I did see the doctor in November, and he did confirm the OLP, but didn't feel a biopsy was necessary at this time...thankfully! He also prescribed a steroid medication to apply inside my mouth. After doing some research and hearing from others in my OLP FaceBook group, I decided not to use it. Right now, I'm able to manage my OLP by avoiding triggers such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, and tomatoes. I also find coconut oil and essential oils helpful in relieving some of the discomfort. Thanks to the supplements I've been taking, I haven't had any big flareups, and my general health has improved immensely.

"I firmly believe that when my body started getting the proper nutrition, it went back to healing itself."

Although this is a quote from someone else, it's exactly what I believe! As much as I would like to be able to get all the nutrients I need from the food I eat, clearly I wasn't. Since starting on nutritional supplements, there's been a dramatic improvement in my quality of life. I continue to have more energy than I ever had in the past, my sleep is better, and I wake up more refreshed. My joint pain is almost nonexistent, and I'm able to walk without pain. I honestly have never felt better!
 The proof that there has been a real physical change is in my blood work. My cholesterol came down enough that my doctor is no longer talking meds, and I'm no longer pre-diabetic! 

Nutritional supplements have made it easy to change the way I eat.
Intermittent fasting has become a way of life for me. I discovered intermittent fasting through Dr. Eric Berg's website and videos. Contrary to what most teach, Dr. Berg does not endorse eating 5 small meals a day, nor does he agree with the prevalent teaching that we must have a big breakfast. I can't tell you how happy this makes me...I`ve never enjoyed eating breakfast, and now I don't feel like I have to!

Since implementing this new way of eating, I usually have my evening meal between 5-6 pm, and break my fast between 11 am and noon. This gives my body a much longer rest period, and increases it's ability to heal itself. It's amazing how getting the proper nutrition during a smaller window of time has made such a difference! I'm satisfied with so much less than before...in fact I rarely feel hungry between meals. I don't crave junk food or snacks, not even chocolate! And I seldom eat bread...something I used to have daily, and I don't feel at all deprived.  I do have one crazy craving...peanut butter! I never could figure out how my kids could eat peanut butter every day, now here I am putting it in smoothies, and even using it for dip with apple slices! 

My weight loss is now at 30 lbs; Brian has lost 50! 

I've said in the past that weight loss was not our main goal...regaining our health was. But once we started to get proper nutrition, the weight just started to come off. Most of our weight loss occurred in the first 4 months, at what I believe is a very healthy rate. For me it was 1-2 lbs a week for the first 20 lbs. I then plateaued for a while, and the last 10 lbs came off much more slowly. 

I have about 5 more pounds to lose, but I still need to firm up some muscle, so hopefully some of that fat will turn to muscle! I'm still doing the walk at home videos and have added a few other exercises, as well as some work with hand weights. Brian's goal is to lose 10 -15 more pounds, which will put him at a lower weight than he's been in years. We just bought a family membership at our local gym...another step to better health!

What a difference from last year! I hardly recognize those tired old people!

Five years ago we decided to go for a hike in our local provincial park. We chose a trail that we had enjoyed hiking in the past. It starts out as a nice leisurely walk through tall grass and shrubs with boardwalks over the wetlands. But gradually the path takes an uphill turn, winding through the trees toward the top of a hill. The final stretch is a steep path leading to a beautiful view of the park below. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see it. We only have the photo taken by our son, as we decided to turn back. In our defense, it was an extremely hot day and we had three puppies with us...but enough excuses!

Eight months ago we took that first step to finding wellness, and with each step along the way we've regained our health and strength. This summer, we're going back to that trail, and this time there will be no turning back. 

This year we're going to the top!

Read this series: My Wellness Journey

Follow us on Facebook: Living Our Lives Well

For women who would like some encouragement or accountability for your own journey, we have a support group: the Christian Ladies Network