1000 meals to health

Our family recently watched the documentary "Fed Up." It chronicles the obesity epidemic in our nation, especially among children. One statement stood out like a beacon on a lighthouse. "One bad meal doesn't create a chronic disease: 1000 meals do." I had the thought that if 1000 bad meals can cause disease, perhaps 1000 really healthy meals could heal disease.

I've been diagnosed with three chronic degenerative diseases: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis. I had my right knee replaced this past summer at the age of 39. My left knee is now worsening by the day despite taking the newest RA medicine "Xeljanz." The retail cost of this drug is $2,400 per month. I also take Celebrex, Zantac, Wellbutrin, and varying levels of Prednisone and Cyclobenzaprine.

Prior to becoming so unwell, I avoided even Tylenol for a headache because I did not like putting chemicals into my body. The medicines I currently take keep me from being bedridden and dependent upon my family for using the restroom, showering and dressing. Nothing quite humbles you like having your young son put your socks on for you.

Today I start my journey of 1000 meals to health. A summary of my starting point: I weigh 191 lbs., have auto-immune arthritis, depression, poor sleep, frequent head-aches, fused wrists, and shoulders that dislocate from something as simple as sneezing. I have pain, swelling, limited mobility and extreme weakness in my feet, knees, arms, neck, hands, fingers, jaw and hips. 

My guidelines for what I will eat: vegetables and fruits, almost always raw. Nuts and seeds and their butters (raw whenever possible). I will occasionally eat fish, cooked veggies and prepared salad dressings. Coconut oil. Olive oil. Honey. Sea salt. And the rock star of protein shakes Alive Pea Ultra Shake Powder. Seriously, check the ingredients out on this and the RDA's of vitamins. It's amazing and I feel so much better and AWAKE after drinking it.

Prior trial and error have proven what foods I must avoid. These foods worsen my dysfunctional immune system and cause it to attack my body: meat, all grains, white potatoes, dairy, sugar, preservatives (anything sold in a package). I eat less of these foods than I did before but it hasn't been enough effort to heal my body. My weight when I first became ill was 222 lbs. I eat better than before but not good enough to tackle the fiery beast inside me.

I raise my glass of green smoothie and drink this first of 1000 meals on my way to wellness. Salud!!

Disappointment

What does that mean? It sounds like something was appointed to the wrong area. "Appointed" incorrectly. Maybe that's fitting. Disappointment is raining heavily in my world today. Or Depression, another D-word. Or PMS on top of my AS (Ankylosing Spondylitis). Or an ugly storm cloud-like combination of all three. Yeah, that's it.

Today my son wouldn't go outside and play with my daughter. I started crying. He said its because she is mean. He's right. She said she's mean because he is a brat. She's right too. So let's recap, the 11 year old is grounded for backtalking, the 13 year old is grounded for sluffing class and using her Iphone for things previously banned. And now the 15 year old is mad at me because I confirmed that at times she is indeed, mean. This was a shock to her.

The disappointment I feel comes from the fact that I used to be such a good mom 7 years ago and beyond. When I would see unkind behavior between sibs I could jump in and be a good example. "Oh, he doesn't want to play with you?? I will." Then pretty soon we were all playing together. What happened 7 years ago? AS happened. Now the only example I can give is how to sit in a chair ...a lot..and take naps...and medicine. It is unfortunately taking a toll on my children. They don't seem to know how to work and help and show love to each other. I can dictate from the chair but as you can imagine, it isn't very effective. It feels like we are falling apart.

Diving in to blogging!

"Just hold your nose and JUMP!!!"

It seems appropriate advice for starting a blog. Here I go!

SPLASH!!!