Posts tagged Lyme
From Mold Illness to Mindfully Healed, Part II: Clean-Up

Though misunderstood by many—even in the medical field—there is a difference between mold toxicity and a mold allergy. A mold allergy is what my husband experienced when we pulled off the door frames and found ourselves face-to-face with Stachybotrys, i.e., black mold. An allergy elicits an immune response that usually manifests with symptoms in the sinuses and lungs. This response is typically an acute one (at least on the surface) that subsides when a person removes himself from the proximity of mold.

Read More
They do too. Really.

How many of you have felt isolated and even rejected in the midst of your dis-ease? 

What happens when you’ve sung that hidden illness tune so many times that your song is no longer heard? 

Maybe it started with the doctors who couldn’t see anything wrong with you in their impersonal work-ups. 

Read More
What's Your Story?

We live in our narrative, our story, our paradigm.  Mark Twain said, “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”

Our inner story is based on ruminations of the past and fears about what could happen in the future. It’s real, but it’s not true. The story playing in our head and the emotions that go along with it are very real, but our idea is not true...

Read More
How I Made Peace with My Dis-ease

It was the evening of July 31, 2012 and I had hit rock bottom. My husband and I were celebrating our thirteenth wedding anniversary with a lovely dinner by candlelight that he had lovingly prepared for me at home. At this point, I was aware that something was going awry with my energy level so I knew better than to indulge in my favorite red wine. But, even totally sober and immersed in this romantic setting I was unable to keep my eyes open. My head hit the table and I was asleep before dinner was even served. How did I get here? What was happening to me?? 

Read More
The Magic of Loving Yourself First

If I can’t be superwoman for my family then how can I really be there for them? How can I insure that I’m doing everything possible to raise my children (or grandchildren) in a loving and supportive environment in the midst of my dis-ease? What does this look like? 
 
I know what it doesn’t look like. It doesn’t look like giving and giving and giving at the expense of yourself, only to end up playing the martyr. Been there. Done that. It didn’t feel so good. 

Read More
Phytonutrients Part I

Phytonutrients, also known as phytochemicals, are the powerhouse components of plants that give them their wide array of vibrant colors and flavors. We now know that we need more than fats, proteins, carbs, vitamins and minerals to achieve and sustain optimal health. Phytonutrients with their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and disease-fighting abilities are crucial for growth and wellbeing. 

Read More
Butternut Squash Made Easy

One of my favorite sources is winter squash, especially butternut. Its sweet, nutty taste compliments bitter greens nicely and satisfies my sugar cravings. Doesn't hurt that it's an excellent source of vitamins A and C. When I first starting eating it regularly a few years ago I was unsure of how exactly to tackle cutting the thing. Here are my simple tips...

Read More
Gems at Joe's

While the jury is still out on whether or not their private label products are actually 100% GMO-free (see Food Babe's post), they certainly seem to be a company dedicated to pleasing their customers. They offer many products that are free of antibiotics, preservatives and synthetic colors, they are super friendly, and their prices can't be beat!

I thought it might be fun to post some of my discoveries from time to time. Today I happened to have some kid-free time on my hands and decided to inspect the shelves more closely. I wasn't disappointed!

Read More
Universe Drink

Before moving down south to sunnier  Sarasota, Florida, we lived in Ponte Vedra and often ate at a wonderful little organic, raw food cafe in St Augustine called The Present Moment. They gave me permission to post one or two of their recipes when I was there, so I thought I would start with this one. It has antioxidant-rich raw cacao, the ancient Chinese superfruit goji powder, and hormone-balancing maca root powder...

Read More
Nutrient Dense Bone Broth Rice

So now you've made your first batch of homemade bone broth (or at least thought about it) and you're wondering what to do with it?!?  For picky kids who don't care for broth or even soup, saturating simple white rice in nutrient dense broth makes a nutritious side dish! Check out the process in action...

Read More
Why Eat Organic?

"Organic food can be difficult to find."  "It is so expensive!"  "It doesn't look as nice as the conventional versions."  "Organic, grass-fed meat tastes weird and is difficult to cook."  "Organic food seems to have a shorter shelf life."  "Recent studies indicate organic produce isn't any healthier."  "It's a luxury fad for the wealthy."  "Again, it's too expensive!"

We can make a conscious decision to pay for our health now with wise food choices and lifestyle modifications or we can choose to pay in the future as we take on the financial burden of fighting disease.  Many Americans see food simply as a means to satisfying their appetites. If we, instead, view food as nourishment and fuel for our body's innate ability to heal itself then we begin to understand the importance of really considering every bite we consume.

Here are the facts...

Read More