Walking My Talk On the Pathway to Health

     Many patients and workshop participants ask questions about my lifestyle, eating habits and supplements. Being a homeopath many people wonder about my lifestyle. When people are "winning" with the health game it is important to share to help each other improve their wellness too. We can learn and be inspired by other's good habits and successes. Many people feel perfect health is out of their reach due to the overwhelming amount of health information, confusing diets and strict rules that govern many health plans. However, some of the answers given below may help one decide if any of these responses would suit their lifestyle and be easily incorporated such as:

1. What do you do to stay healthy? I exercise in some way five days a week via walking, weights or I go to a personal trainer for a more intense workout. I eat a healthy diet which involves eating whole foods and cooking for myself. Whole foods are food in their original state, (not altered by man), such as fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and lean proteins. I try and limit the amount of grains I eat to one to two servings a day. I also try and eat 20 grams of protein per meal to stave off food cravings. Our diet is the most important tool we can use to stay healthy. All of the news research alerts on food, nutrition and their good health benefits are about foods in their original state, like walnuts, broccoli, brussel sprouts or flaxseeds for example. If our society continues to push fast and prepackaged foods, our health will continue to deteriorate. Cook real food. Our diet is the basis for all health! Clean up your diet and eat whole foods and feel great.
2. Do you ever take prescription drugs? If I could not manage my health with natural means I would be open to using conventional drugs or methods. I believe there is a place for both modalities. Although I don't like the thought of relying on prescription medications for a long duration because they typically have a lot of side effects. I always use the natural methods first and am open to using drugs if needed.
3. Are you a vegetarian, vegan or do you follow the raw foods diet? I am not a vegan, vegetarian and don't follow the raw food diet. I eat lean meats like  chicken, fish and turkey. As mentioned earlier I like to eat mostly whole foods. I believe raw produce retains a lot of it's nutrition and is highly beneficial. I follow the Mediterranean diet.  
4. Do you always eat healthy? I do enjoy a good quality chocolate or a glass of red wine every now and then. I do not deprive myself of anything but I try and stay fit and keep my weight down. If you know my story, I am a foodie and was quite a bit heavier than I am now. If I do indulge I try and burn it off with an extra walk or try and have a small but satisfying portion of a tasty treat. I have learned that it is staying power not will power that wins. I don't deprive myself but I choose higher quality foods in moderation.  
5. How do you feed your family? Do you get any flack from them for eating healthy? My family eats what I eat. What I cook is tasty and my kids like it. The odd time when I make brussel sprouts or tofu I get some complaints! Their health is my priority and I feed them the way all people should eat. When I changed our diet, my oldest son had to get used to the change, but now he knows no different. I also am happy to say my youngest son has never had to take a drug thus far in his life. My older son has been pretty healthy and hasn't needed any for 14 years.
6. Do you take supplements too? I take a multi-vitamin, fish oil, silica for healthy nails, probiotics for healthy gut flora and a herbal formula called "immune support" to keep me healthy dealing with a lot of sick people every day. I also take a constitutional homeopathic remedy. I walk my talk and feel pretty great taking supplements. 

     Staying healthy through a good diet focusing on whole foods, cooking for yourself and having a good supplement regime will keep you healthy for the long run. People who eat well, are active for just a half an hour a day and have good community ties tend to live longer than their less active counterparts. A healthy lifestyle is the foundation for good health and each choice you make equals an outcome. Just as in farming, you cannot have a healthy crop without first planting seeds and tending to your garden. Invest in yourself and health and in time you will achieve optimum vitality and health.

Weight Loss Group Check In

We are in week 2 of our weight loss group. We had an awesome first weigh in with losses between 2 and 4 pounds for the week. It doesn't hurt that we have a great group of gals who are motivated and support each other. I am proud of them, way to go!

Springtime Immune Booster

     This season has been colder, darker and damper than normal. Many of us have had our share of viruses, sinus infections, bronchitis, colds, laryngitis and stomach bugs. We have been blaming it on the weather and we may not be all wrong.

     When we get outdoors in the sunshine, we improve our vitamin D stores. Vitamin D3 has a lot of study with regards to boosting immunity, even preventing cancer and osteoporosis. Taking 2000 to 4000 IU per day of Vitamin D3 with a fat containing meal can boost your immune system, improve the winter blahs and prevent many other diseases.

     Contrary to popular belief healers and doctors sometimes do get sick, but they heal themselves using their tools of preference. Here is my natural regime that helped me beat the mother of all bugs naturally that affected the sinus, larynx, tear ducts and lungs:

• Anti MFP, a herbal blend that kills bacteria, viruses and fungal forms
• Immune Support, a blend of herbs to boost the immune system
• Vitamin D3, 2,000IU twice a day
• Calcarea Carb 30CH, a great remedy to clear out purulent mucous from the eyes, sinus and throat
• Probiotics, keeps our good flora high when battling a bug and using anti-microbial herbs, aids the immune system
• Green tea, lime juice, honey and a dash of cayenne to soothe the throat