Tag: Health

It’s Cleansing Time: 21-Day Clean Program

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So it’s January and I’m super original so I’m trying this cleanse rigmarole again. I knew over the holidays that I was going for it which was most convenient. Oh yes, I’ll have another cookie. A bucket of sausage balls. Another bottle of champagne. You see, it’s all good. I’m cleansing in January. I might have used it as an excuse to be indulgent over the holidays, but I was excited to take on the 21-Day Clean Program. After an attempt that wasn’t so stellar with another program, I’m thrilled to find the right fit for me. It’s basically the elimination diet that I completed in the Spring with an element of detox. I’m over halfway through the program and feeling pretty spectacular!

I have shakes provided through the program for breakfast and dinner complimented with additions such as avocado, blueberries, carrots, peaches, pineapple or whatever strikes my fancy that can be tossed in the blender. Continue reading “It’s Cleansing Time: 21-Day Clean Program” →

Tea Tree Oil-1 Me-0

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I keep wondering why I seem to have so many random mishaps happen. Then I have an ah-ha moment and realize that I’m meant to share them all here with you. In my what will one day be a famous series a la Emily Post. Except I’ll tell you what you need to know before you even know you need to know it. Pretty clever.

So the latest mishap occurred when I decided to try out the merits of tea tree oil for a pesky scalp issue I’ve been having. (Yep full disclosure here) I purchased a bottle of must be amazing cause it’s from Whole Foods tea tree oil and was on my way.  Continue reading “Tea Tree Oil-1 Me-0” →

My Life These Days…

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Me: This tea is pretty tasty. (as I happily sipped from my tea mug)

Garett: Oh. So you finally added the tea.

Me: What??

I was drinking a mixture of coconut oil, cinnamon and hot water that was also supposed to contain Earl Grey tea. In my frazzled state, the tea bag didn’t make it into the mug. I didn’t even notice that I wasn’t actually drinking tea. It was hot, comforting and hitting the spot. Sometimes almost is close enough.

 

tea

Helmet Advised

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Soooo, have you guys been missing me? In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been a bit MIA. Or did you think I was on an intentional hiatus? Or possibly a vacation? Hard to tell around here I know. Consistent posting is not my strong point, but I promise this is not a case of the dog ate my homework. It’s more of a hijacked by the roller coaster of life kind of situation.

Well I guess you can decide for yourself. Rewind to last week. I was on the verge of leaving my job so life was a bit hectic. Basically, I decided to quit my salaried position in event management and take a part-time job in development at the local university. So, it was a week meant to be spent dealing with the transition and preparing for my new job.

Things were moving right along until Wednesday evening when I began to feel sick. I didn’t have time for that so I picked mind over matter and willed myself to be better. I went to sleep ok, but had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. That’s when a curve ball came hurtling my way and knocked me on my ass.

Literally. I remember feeling disoriented, nauseous and like I was about to pass out. And then I did pass out and managed to fall out of the bathroom, down the stairs and hit my head on the tile floor. Thank goodness Garett heard the thump and my subsequent moaning and came to the rescue.

Before I knew it I was bundled up in the car and we were headed to the emergency room to get my head all stitched-up. After much poking and testing, it was determined I had a run of the mill virus, was dehydrated and probably suffering from a concussion. Oh and should not be allowed to use the restroom in the middle of the night without a helmet or escort.

So the moral of the story is just when you think that life can’t get an crazier it can and will. Oh, and be careful what you wish for. If you entreat the universe to shut-up your brain and constant mind chatter it just might happen. During the recovery period my brain was strangely empty and quiet. I’m happy to report I’m feeling better every day and that my brain seems to be working. I still think the concussed excuse is legitimate for a while longer. Also, you are never too young to consider wearing a Life Alert device. Or too cool to consider a permanent helmet. Especially if you are starting to notice that “Cautionary Tales” is coming up quite frequently in life and on your blog.

Chugging the Kool-Aid

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So if you think this blog has turned health-centric you should live with me. I am completely sold on this “you are what you eat concept” and convinced that I am surrounded by toxicity. In my defense, I’m reading Clean which is both informative and very scary at the same time.

The toxicity is in my shampoo (I hate washing my hair anyways) seeping into my brain and probably why it feels like mush half the time. It’s pumped through the vents at my office building clouding my senses which is probably why I feel like a zombie at work. It’s definitely in the box mac n chz I so adore clinging to my insides and poisoning my stomach one elbow pasta at a time. It’s in our laundry detergent leading to a universe of missing socks, jeans that no longer fit and itchy sweaters.

It’s all too much. I give-up!  I’m moving to the middle of nowhere, living off the land and shutting out this toxic world. A place where I won’t be judged for not washing my hair, work zombies don’t exist, there are no shiny grocery stores with boxes of mac n chz calling my name and it’s acceptable to wear stretch pants every day.

Who’s with me???

 

Elimination Diet

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Sooo, remember that time I did a cleanse and it was intense and not really that fun and and I pretty much hated it?? Well, I’ve discovered a different way to torture myself  cleanse my body and reset for the summer. It’s called a 21 day elimination diet and it’s main function is to determine potential food allergies that may cause a myriad of symptoms that really make life kind of a pain. When my doctor suggested that my complaints might be food related, I wasn’t surprised due to a family history of that sort of thing. Not to mention that summer is coming. Call me vain but I want to be in prime form!

It took me awhile to wrap my head around the idea of eliminating gluten, dairy, soy, alcohol and various other fun foods from my diet for an eternity three weeks. My logical side reasoned that it would no doubt help my daily headaches and other random ailments, but my indulgent side screamed for mercy. As a wise thirty year old, reason won out. I am happy to report that we are on day 7 of our elimination diet. Oh yeah, Garett graciously agreed to join me on this food adventure. I like to think of it that way. We are exploring other food types and options in lieu of our normal fare.

While it takes a lot of planning, prep, patience and dedication to follow this program, it’s been quite a learning experience and eye opener. A tasty dressing can be whipped together in a jiffy. Almond butter is a great alternative to peanut butter. I can make soup that rivals the box soup that’s my go to quick meal. I don’t really miss bread. I really miss sushi. My headaches probably are food related. I have been headache free since embarking on this diet which is pretty flippin awesome.

As we settle into a groove it definitely gets easier. Could this be habit forming?? Yes, please! I can actually say that I am not dreading the rest of this experience. I’m looking forward to continued health improvements and discovering what foods are hot buttons in the reintroduction phase. In the meantime, I’ll be tantalizing your taste buds with tales of our delicious and nutritious meals!