Nature….Not Nurture

Rantings of an Amateur Chef

Like many areas of the country, last winter was a weather nightmare. It was cold. It was snowy. It was very cold. It was icy. Did I mention it was a bit cold?

Because of the nasty weather, schools around the area, state and region were closed a lot more than anyone could have predicted. Here in Ohio, the state allows for schools to be closed no more than 5 days a year for “calamity” reasons but this year that wasn’t enough. So what to do?

The first answer, and probably the most common solution, was to “make up” those days. Some school districts reduced or eliminated breaks and other days off in the calendar. Others scheduled the school year to end much later than they anticipated.

One solution that was developed was the idea of “calamity” bags. This is where packets of work are sent home with students which…

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Journey

I am back.  Since March 2013  I returned to the workforce and gradually stopped exercising, blogging, eating well, and I stopped writing. I stopped.  I thought I could hold my breath for 6 months, but it has been a year and added now another 6 months and maybe more.

My birthday year 65.

Off track.  Depressed. 

At some point working just costs too much.  At some point.

To your health.

Claudia

Gluten Free Diet & The Food For A Healthy Brain – Dr. Perlmutter

Gluten Free Diet & The Food For A Healthy Brain – Dr. Perlmutter.

Off Track

How hard is it to get back on track when circumstances derail every good habit and intention?  Rule # 1:  Buy healthy food.  Control what goes in mouth by what goes in pantry.  Rule # 2: Make a menu.  Make a plan, work a plan.  Rule # 3: Connect with others.  Like an alcoholic, it is easier to waste away behind closed doors; open to life and love and support.

Stay in touch and thank you all for comments.  I consider it a privilege to share and support you in your journey.

 

To your health,

Claudia

INNER QUIET

Fitness encompasses more than physicality.  Foods, environment, lifestyle, mental, and emotional aspects equally impact daily life.  And working out without peace is like cake without icing.

Pumping iron, running,  swimming, or yoga cannot make a person whole.  The connection to inner quiet is essential.  Like a perfectly iced cake, peace rushes through the blood, floods the nervous system,  and is euphoric. And like good icing, it is fleeting.  So sweat and pant.  Then take time to acknowledge your effort and hard work.  Consider your good fortune and ride the wave as gratitude secrets ecstasy endorphins   Bliss.  No worries.  Carefree. Peace!

Now you are ready for your icing!  Have a green smoothie, salad, fruits,  vegetables, and plenty of water!  You deserve it!

To your health,

Claudia

VEGETARIAN CHALLENGES

After six months a wrong dental diagnosis led to pain treated with high doses of OTC pain meds. That caused high liver enzymes which led to recommendation to cease supplements and pain meds. I n less than a month the liver was fine, but aches overtook body. I complained my bones ached. WHY? Remember those supplements? I stopped taking B12 and vitamin D3, which gave me many symptoms attributed to deficiency.

I did a lot of things wrong, trying to assure my liver recovered. Sudden withdrawal is never recommened.

Also, if we need D and B12 that comes from dairy and meat, then why is being vegetarian and dairy free optimum? D is absorbed after after acid in stomach breaks it down. A vegetarian diet is alkaline. Dairy is acidic. Mmmmmmm……

CHANGE

Last year was a year of change and progress starting with career, dietary changes, weight loss, health benefits, and exercise.  I embraced gray hair, cut it short, and last week colored it again!  I reconnected with childhood friends and family.  Finally, writing a novel I expect to publish by June 2013 tops my list of accomplishments! 

Until now, I had not realized how much I have changed.  Usually focus on struggles and failures overshadow successes.  By the end of this year, I will be a published author.  I will continue pursuing and maintaining good health, including a plant based diet, juicing, and exercise.  However, I will focus more on mental and emotional health, including self esteem and healing wounds.

There is no magical formula to execute change.  For me, it began with a decision.  I decided to do these things, then I did them.

What about you?  What have you always wanted to do?

Well, do it.

Happy New Year,

Claudia 

CONVERTING TO PLANT BASED DIET

Converting to a plant based diet was not difficult and and concerns simply faded.  As Nike says, JUST DO IT.  Cravings never happen.  A possible crash day may occur as the body is overwhelmed with toxins, but that quickly passes.  Basically, there are no excuses for being overweight or unhealthy if ones diet is the root cause.

So what are you waiting for?  What are your concerns?

Eat well,

Claudia

Acupuncture

Aches and pains influenced my acupuncture decision, my first since 1983 to combat PMS.  A heating pad, blanket, and warm drinking water is as racy as I think I can be after an hour session earlier today.  I’m not sure what to expect, but so far, I feel worse.

Has anyone had experience with aftermath?

To your health,

Claudia

Ernest Hemingway Quote

“Write drunk, edit sober.”

Cheers!

Just kidding…