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Greetings to you foodies, newbies, and those accidentally stumbling upon my site! I'm the author of Green in a Pink World, but I'd like to start a blog that lays out the foundation for the principles that guide my recipes and eating habits. I believe so strongly in the power of food to heal and nourish our bodies, and I'm passionate about sharing what I've learned with others. I know it's not an easy road, so I've decided to be as good of a resource as I can to those who may want to explore the rationale and practices of traditional methods of food preparation, as well as experiment with new recipes.
I know it's not simple to shift eating habits, especially in our busy world. However my goal is to make this information as accessible and simple as possible. So many are sick, tired, weak, and stressed. I'm not making light of any of these issues, but I do know from experience that what we put into our bodies can have a large impact on how we feel. I also learned that many of the so-called "health" foods we think are doing our bodies good, really aren't. So let's go on a journey together and take back food!
My Experience
About four years ago, my husband Mark was diagnosed with either Crohn's disease or Colitis. (The two are very similar and doctors weren't 100% sure which one he had.) These diseases are basically inflammation of the intenstines and/or colon. There is no recognized medical cure. People live with varying degrees of severity. Some take prescription medication for the rest of their lives and are fine, others need sections of their bowels removed. The symptoms vary, but usually include frequent and loose stools, intestinal bleeding, abdominal cramping, and joint pain. Mark began taking drugs for his condition, and was told by his doctor that he would likely remain on these drugs for the rest of his life. At first, we accepted this.
However, I began experiencing incredible joint pain, fatigue, anxiety, and mild depression due to the other symptoms. Two years ago I was at a point where I barely walk, brush my teeth, or stand. I saw my PCP for blood tests (nothing), a physical therapist for tendonitis, an accupuncturist for anxiety, and a joint specialist who told me to suck it up and start working out again - "It's all in your head." Family and friends had suggestions, but no one had any real solutions. I laid on the couch most days and felt bad for myself for some time. Meanwhile, Mark was also experiencing debilitating symptoms. He had such bad arthritis that it took him two hours to get from our bed to the shower to the car in the mornings before work. There had to be a better way.
While wallowing in self-pity, I started reading Jordan Rubin's The Maker's Diet. The book changed my life. He talks about his life-threatening experience with Crohn's disease and how he achieved optimal health mostly through changing his eating habits. Rubin said that changing or eating habits can help a host of issues aside from just intenstinal ones, and since Mark and I were pretty desperate, we bought into what he was saying. I could never have imagined the journey that one book would take me on! I've since read voraciously on the topic of local, organic, and healing foods.
Mark is symptom free - 11 months! And my joint pain is virtually gone. Though at times the anxiety comes back, I'm much more equipped to deal with it. The added bonus: since adopting healthier ways of living, I've had one brief cold in 18 months. That's a far cry from my quarterly illnesses and constant strep throats!
Goal of this Blog
I'd like to share some of the things that have worked for us. I'm not a doctor, but I am pretty well-read and well-connected to others on this journey to take back food as nourishment rather than a cheap commodity. None of my experiences should be taken as Truth. Our bodies have different needs and tolerances, so I encourage you to try new things, but feel free to adapt them as you see appropriate.
I hope that we can be a community for each other. Does someone have extra kefir grains? (You'll learn more about kefir soon!) Anyone have an herb garden? Know someone who raises chickens? Let's be resources to one another to make this process fun, enjoyable, and easy! I welcome comments, suggestions, and questions along the way. Each week you can expect to review one guideline of healthy eating, information about that topic, recipes, and a "challenge" to go with it. If you'd like to participate on an active level, fill out my survey so I can get to know you a little better! Click Here to take survey
Thanks for visiting!
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