I used to have a difficult relationship with food. When I was about 10 years old I started to have little control over my attachment to carb loaded meals and sweet desserts, I convinced myself that this was okay because everyone else ate this way too. I saw my friends and family eating breads, ice-cream, bacon, soda, etc... so why shouldn't I? I was always very active growing up, playing multiple sports throughout middle and high school, but there were very few moments where I actually felt healthy or even just overall good. At the beginning of my Senior year of high school (about 5 years ago now) everything started to spiral out of control and my health went through both physical and emotional turmoil.
My body was screaming at me from the inside out trying to tell me that something was wrong. I was constantly bloated, had swollen lymph nodes, brittle fingernails, painful acne, heart palpitations, trouble breathing, thinning hair, and constant fatigue. I was miserable. My family and friends began to notice changes in my behavior such as anxiousness, isolation, depression, etc... but they were very loving and supportive through this difficult time for me. I started to see a doctor about the numerous symptoms that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Although the doctor cared and was doing what she thought was best, I was very hesitant to take any pills for a "best guess" diagnosis. I felt like I wasn't getting any answers throughout the numerous visits and tests.
I was tired and confused. So I decided to figure it all out by myself instead of relying on others to know what was going on with me. I started to research my symptoms and from there I dove head first into a world of possible causes. The majority of the results showed that my symptoms were caused from what I was putting into my body; gluten, caffeine, animal products, refined sugars and oils. I can't begin to explain the amount of time I spent on my laptop trying to pinpoint each of my symptoms to what I was eating and drinking. I soon discovered that gluten, refined sugar, dairy, and meat all seemed to affect the majority of my symptoms the most. I was chronically ill. I cut out everything that could possibly cause my body pain and suffering and I have never looked back.
I was frustrated with myself for ignoring the signs for so long and moved quickly into a life of listening to and caring for my body. Feeling my mind and body suffer was terrifying and painful, but ever since the day I decided to take my health into my own hands I have been stronger than ever. Things have definitely not been perfect, of course. I still struggle with some symptoms, but not even close to the way my health was suffering in the past, not in a way that takes joy and happiness out of my life. Now when I am dealing with difficult physical or emotional experiences I remind myself how thankful I am that I have a mind, body, and soul constantly communicating with each other in order to do their very best to heal. I am thankful that I have the power to heal myself through thought and food choices.
I am always excited to try new whole plant based foods and recipes. I love the way my body feels after eating a home cooked meal filled with greens, healthy starches, fiber, vitamins and minerals, seeds, grains, fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners. There are countless possibilities towards a fully or a mostly plant based lifestyle. I still continue to enjoy eggs and fish occasionally, to go out to eat with friends and family by choosing what will make me feel good and making simple adjustments where I need to, and to drink coffee and wine. I still allow myself to live and to feel. I am grateful for a healthy working body that does its best to take care of me when I do my best to take care of it.
I fully believe that food and word are medicine. What we put into our bodies and what we say and think about ourselves are the greatest contributors towards our health, for better or for worse.
Perfection is not the goal. There is a unique balance for every single individual in which foods and routines are best for them. This is a never ending journey of putting you and your health first. You are capable of healing and of finding peace within yourself, I am just here to help. I was able to heal through the stories of others and now it is my turn to share mine and hopefully do the same for someone else.
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