In other entries, I have mentioned the fact that my church counsels its members to have a food storage and to be prepared for those little emergencies and crises that come up along life's path. I have also mentioned that, in the past, before I understood the value of this advice, that I used to gleefully make fun of the women who became excited over traditional things like storing wheat or making their own bread/flour.
I have now come full circle...in addition to the seven #10 cans of wheat that we have on our shelves, I just purchased 100 lbs. of wheat, and a few pounds of spelt and rye, and I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new Wondermill so I can make my own whole grain flour (I'm also getting a hand operated mill for Christmas). (To be fair, once I received the diagnosis of insulin resistance, and was told to avoid commercially processed foods and to eat more whole grains/fiber...and less carbs/sugars/fats...the idea of processing my own flour became appealing, perhaps even necessary.)
So, who's laughing now? I stand corrected in my views. :)
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Friday, November 2, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
On the Fast Track...To Diabetes?
I have been having several reasonably minor, yet annoying, health issues lately, and have been in and out of doctors in an attempt to solve what has been going on. I have been battling chronic fatigue and a general sense of just not feeling well for months now. I have had blood work and ultrasounds and everything else, and in the meantime, because it has been a fight some days to even want to get out of bed, I am now battling depression (something I am prone to).
I found out yesterday that my triglycerides, cholesterol, and sugar levels are out of whack, and that they suspect that there might be plaque or thickness or something in my arteries (I have no idea what any of this means over the phone while I was driving and using a hands free set up...need to get a copy of the lab work). They are watching me for diabetes, saying I am "insulin resistant," and want me to change my diet and my exercise routines, allowing for less processed foods, less fat, less carbs and sugars, and more fiber/whole grains, plus exercise for 30 minutes as many times a week as I can handle.
I felt a bit of a blow to my pride--I felt like I took OK care of myself, I mean, not the best, but I have never smoked and don't drink, and we have been trying to eat a healthier diet (we have a long way to go). But I will use this as a wake up call and as a positive opportunity to change my life for the better, and to help my whole family learn to have better habits and routines when it comes to their health.
It's still scary. Wish me luck.
I found out yesterday that my triglycerides, cholesterol, and sugar levels are out of whack, and that they suspect that there might be plaque or thickness or something in my arteries (I have no idea what any of this means over the phone while I was driving and using a hands free set up...need to get a copy of the lab work). They are watching me for diabetes, saying I am "insulin resistant," and want me to change my diet and my exercise routines, allowing for less processed foods, less fat, less carbs and sugars, and more fiber/whole grains, plus exercise for 30 minutes as many times a week as I can handle.
I felt a bit of a blow to my pride--I felt like I took OK care of myself, I mean, not the best, but I have never smoked and don't drink, and we have been trying to eat a healthier diet (we have a long way to go). But I will use this as a wake up call and as a positive opportunity to change my life for the better, and to help my whole family learn to have better habits and routines when it comes to their health.
It's still scary. Wish me luck.
Monday, August 27, 2012
On Minimalism
Lately, I have been reading a lot of blogs and essays concerning the subject of minimalism. I'm not talking about the literary or artistic movements, nor am I talking about the home decor trend of everything stark black and white and barely there. I'm talking about living a minimalistic lifestyle--rejecting, even rebelling against, consumerism, getting rid of unwanted and unused items, getting out of debt, pursuing passions and life goals over material goods, etc.
This lifestyle appeals to me, even though it is the complete antithesis of my life a few years ago. I think it attracts me because it *is* the polar opposite of my former dreams and goals, and those goals, the need to possess lots of (and the best) stuff have wreaked havoc on my life, my health, and my sanity. Being able to focus more on living a self-reliant lifestyle, having less "things" to worry about, being able to say "NO!" loudly and firmly to the trappings of consumerism, will all lead to my ability to pursue my dreams and my passions that truly matter--and what a more fulfilled life that will be, not only for me, but for my family as well.
I want to be able to have a firmer resolve, to spend less, to give more, to share my time and abilities with others, to reject jealousy, to conquer my goals and chase after my heart's truest desires. I want to choose to tromp around outside in this big, wide world when I need comfort, instead of going up to the mall to snag some little thing that provides me temporary happiness--only until I get it home. Can you imagine being able to live a life where you mainly rely on yourself and your family, instead of what society or friends tell you is important? Can you imagine being able to live without a mall or Walmart? Can you envision being able to grow your own food, or make your own, most of the time, or to find outlets for the freshest food you can, instead of relying on processed convenience foods? That makes my body happy just thinking about it.
This kind of life is possible, with a true desire and conversion to a philosophy of minimalism and self-reliance. It's better for your family, the environment, and for you. And I want to examine it more closely and pursue the changes necessary to obtain it.
This lifestyle appeals to me, even though it is the complete antithesis of my life a few years ago. I think it attracts me because it *is* the polar opposite of my former dreams and goals, and those goals, the need to possess lots of (and the best) stuff have wreaked havoc on my life, my health, and my sanity. Being able to focus more on living a self-reliant lifestyle, having less "things" to worry about, being able to say "NO!" loudly and firmly to the trappings of consumerism, will all lead to my ability to pursue my dreams and my passions that truly matter--and what a more fulfilled life that will be, not only for me, but for my family as well.
I want to be able to have a firmer resolve, to spend less, to give more, to share my time and abilities with others, to reject jealousy, to conquer my goals and chase after my heart's truest desires. I want to choose to tromp around outside in this big, wide world when I need comfort, instead of going up to the mall to snag some little thing that provides me temporary happiness--only until I get it home. Can you imagine being able to live a life where you mainly rely on yourself and your family, instead of what society or friends tell you is important? Can you imagine being able to live without a mall or Walmart? Can you envision being able to grow your own food, or make your own, most of the time, or to find outlets for the freshest food you can, instead of relying on processed convenience foods? That makes my body happy just thinking about it.
This kind of life is possible, with a true desire and conversion to a philosophy of minimalism and self-reliance. It's better for your family, the environment, and for you. And I want to examine it more closely and pursue the changes necessary to obtain it.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Looking for Organic and Sustainable Food in Your Area?
Here's a nifty website that lets you find sustainable and/or organic food in your area?
Eat Right Guide
Eat Right Guide
Monday, July 2, 2012
Little of This, Little of That...
A lot of random thoughts are brewing today...we'll see where they take me.
Animals. I've had animals on the brain a lot of late. We still have our foster kitty, renamed Sunflower (or Sunny, for short). I renamed her something more positive than Crybaby was, and I swear her personality has brightened under the name change. She has a propensity for searching out sunbeams and laying in their path, and since I call her "my little sunflower," she started answering to that, and it stuck. We've dealt with a few minor health issues along the way, but she is adjusting quite well to our family. Even the dog plays well with her (most of the time).
As I've mentioned, I volunteer at a local animal shelter. Our main mission is to save as many lives as we can, so we can match adoptable animals to potential forever homes. However, as with anything in life, there is occasional loss. During my shift yesterday, I spent some time helping with some sick kittens in our kitten nursery. Our shelter director was called out on an emergency, and we were unable to euthanize a very ill kitten, and a volunteer was holding it and attempting to comfort it as much as she could. I felt compelled to take a turn with the kitten. I wasn't sure why, but it made my heart ache, so I took over the duties with this little kitten. It was not easy. The kitten was in respiratory distress and suffocating on fluid. I held it in a blanket, as close to my chest as possible, up against my heart, as I caressed its fur, tiny head, and ears, and attempted to make it as comfortable as possible. It passed away snuggled against my breast. I spent a lot of the evening angry--angry at pet owners who refuse to care for their animals, who don't spay and neuter--and I tried to figure out why it was so important to take a turn with this kitten. It dawned on me. As hard as it was, it was easier to give something of myself, even if a little, than to walk away. It made me sick to think that the kitten was there, and I had to give something. It would have hurt more to walk away. I have dealt with dying animals before, but this one affected me so much more. It was one of the most difficult and yet moving experiences of my life.
On to more positive subjects. Lately, due to some questions I have about things, life, and whatnot, I have been investigating alternative means to peace and health in my life. We have been eating healthier foods, less meat, and less dairy. I have been doing extensive research into natural remedies, homeopathy, herbal cures, etc. for minor health concerns. When my church stopped funding for our counseling sessions, I started looking for different ways to reflect, meditate, and to find peace in our lives. We have been spending more time outside, taking in the natural world around us. I also experienced my first reiki treatment. (A good source for information on reiki can be found here.) I am blessed to have a friend who provided this service to me. It was a wonderful time for me to reflect and to ponder about my goals, my concerns, and so forth. I had this image that I was shedding this skin of negativity as I listened to the music in the background. When the session was finished, my friend asked me a lot of questions about my life that were spot on--she noted that I am often too hard on myself and that I have my expectations too high when it comes to where I feel I should be, and she said that she felt the need to express to me to work toward balance and being fair and kind to myself. She also noted that my healing colors were purple and green, which I have found myself drawn to of late before my session. It was a great experience, and I'm not sure I have ever so deeply meditated in my life. My friend also shares a similar religious background and understood where I was coming from when I expressed a weakness in my testimony lately, and was so willing to listen to how I felt, while supporting me in my questions and needs, as well as my desire to reconnect to my spiritual foundations while staying true to myself and my heart and what I feel is right.
So, what else have we been into? I've been enjoying the summer spending time with my family before I go back to the grind of teaching. We've been playing a lot in sand, and in water, reading stories together and watching movies. I admit to a growing frustration with my teething infant's lack of desire when it comes to sleeping, but we're managing. I'm preparing for a course redesign this semester, mandated by my department--I, along with two other adjuncts, will be testing out a new design for our freshman composition courses, and in some ways, I'm grateful because I felt I was starting to develop a rut when it came to my teaching/curriculum. The hubby received his HAM radio license, and I've enjoyed seeing him get so excited about this new hobby in his life. It especially proved valuable as a radio service during a massive storm in the area which did extensive damage to the region and has left tens of thousands without power (called a "super derecho," a violent and destructive wind and thunderstorm that was in a arc shape that spanned several states). The radio enabled us to stay connected to weather service updates during moments of unreliable power, as well as emergency updates, thanks to diligent amateur radio broadcasters. The storm was so bad that it took the neighbors' staked, full sized trampoline out of the ground, down the hill through our driveway (and over our car--sigh), and across our street into the next neighbors' yard. (Our car is OK--nothing a trip to the body shop won't fix. I will show a pic of the trampoline's landing spot.)
Well, that's about everything that I can think of. Now, if you'll excuse me, this sleep-deprived mama is going to search for rest. Good night. (Also, planning on getting back into our "What We Store" series soon. Keep an eye out.)
Animals. I've had animals on the brain a lot of late. We still have our foster kitty, renamed Sunflower (or Sunny, for short). I renamed her something more positive than Crybaby was, and I swear her personality has brightened under the name change. She has a propensity for searching out sunbeams and laying in their path, and since I call her "my little sunflower," she started answering to that, and it stuck. We've dealt with a few minor health issues along the way, but she is adjusting quite well to our family. Even the dog plays well with her (most of the time).
As I've mentioned, I volunteer at a local animal shelter. Our main mission is to save as many lives as we can, so we can match adoptable animals to potential forever homes. However, as with anything in life, there is occasional loss. During my shift yesterday, I spent some time helping with some sick kittens in our kitten nursery. Our shelter director was called out on an emergency, and we were unable to euthanize a very ill kitten, and a volunteer was holding it and attempting to comfort it as much as she could. I felt compelled to take a turn with the kitten. I wasn't sure why, but it made my heart ache, so I took over the duties with this little kitten. It was not easy. The kitten was in respiratory distress and suffocating on fluid. I held it in a blanket, as close to my chest as possible, up against my heart, as I caressed its fur, tiny head, and ears, and attempted to make it as comfortable as possible. It passed away snuggled against my breast. I spent a lot of the evening angry--angry at pet owners who refuse to care for their animals, who don't spay and neuter--and I tried to figure out why it was so important to take a turn with this kitten. It dawned on me. As hard as it was, it was easier to give something of myself, even if a little, than to walk away. It made me sick to think that the kitten was there, and I had to give something. It would have hurt more to walk away. I have dealt with dying animals before, but this one affected me so much more. It was one of the most difficult and yet moving experiences of my life.
So, what else have we been into? I've been enjoying the summer spending time with my family before I go back to the grind of teaching. We've been playing a lot in sand, and in water, reading stories together and watching movies. I admit to a growing frustration with my teething infant's lack of desire when it comes to sleeping, but we're managing. I'm preparing for a course redesign this semester, mandated by my department--I, along with two other adjuncts, will be testing out a new design for our freshman composition courses, and in some ways, I'm grateful because I felt I was starting to develop a rut when it came to my teaching/curriculum. The hubby received his HAM radio license, and I've enjoyed seeing him get so excited about this new hobby in his life. It especially proved valuable as a radio service during a massive storm in the area which did extensive damage to the region and has left tens of thousands without power (called a "super derecho," a violent and destructive wind and thunderstorm that was in a arc shape that spanned several states). The radio enabled us to stay connected to weather service updates during moments of unreliable power, as well as emergency updates, thanks to diligent amateur radio broadcasters. The storm was so bad that it took the neighbors' staked, full sized trampoline out of the ground, down the hill through our driveway (and over our car--sigh), and across our street into the next neighbors' yard. (Our car is OK--nothing a trip to the body shop won't fix. I will show a pic of the trampoline's landing spot.)
Well, that's about everything that I can think of. Now, if you'll excuse me, this sleep-deprived mama is going to search for rest. Good night. (Also, planning on getting back into our "What We Store" series soon. Keep an eye out.)
 |
| BTW, we need to mow our lawn. |
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Back to Our Roots
Lately, I have possessed a desire to really know more about what my family is eating, consuming, putting in or on their bodies, where it comes from, and how to incorporate natural medicine into our health care. My motives are relatively simple. For example, have you ever taken a really hard, long look at the ingredients, say, in the lotion you use on a daily basis, or that sticky-sweet candy that you're giving your kids? I know I don't always, and even when I do, I couldn't tell you what the ingredients mean. Propylene glycol? What is that? Is that something I want my children consuming? Is that something I want inside or on my body? Food is being recalled every day--why is it being recalled? What are the quality controls put into place? How is the food gathered, processed, produced? Where does it come from? Or, another example, why is it that I pay hundreds of dollars for the simplest things at a doctor's office--treating a cold, or a sunburn, or an earache, when I never seem to see a doctor for longer than five minutes, and, often, we're back in two weeks because such-and-such antibiotic failed to work--again.
I am striving to know more. I want to have more of a say as to what goes into and onto our bodies. I want to know what these ingredients are. I'd like to know who makes my food, who has a say in what is "safe for consumption" and what isn't. I'd like to walk the fields where our produce is grown, or where the cows are fed who provide our meat and our milk. I'd like to know that I have the knowledge to treat minor health issues with natural or home remedies. I'd like to buy foods that contain as little additives and chemicals as possible.
So, I'm pursuing these questions and goals. I am learning to navigate the natural and organic sections of our supermarkets--buying all natural or organic foods, cleaners, or beauty/bath products when it is feasible (oh, how I am addicted to agave nectar). We love buying local produce and meats when possible. I am researching what is in our food, and who says that it is acceptable. I am discovering that I have the ability to treat certain health issues myself and naturally.
There's so much to learn, and I'll never be able to live a 100% organic, natural lifestyle. Some health issues absolutely require medical intervention--many do, in fact. It's not possible to eat and use 100% natural and organic products all of the time, nor, do I want to (this mother has a mass market frozen pizza planned for dinner tonight because I am feeling lazy). Sometimes, I need to buy my meat or my fruits and veggies at a traditional store. There will be more things in my house with ingredients that I don't know than those where I do. The goal isn't 100%. The goal is KNOWLEDGE. The goal is freedom from reliance on mass produced goods and medical treatment when possible. The goal is having more say as to what we eat, consume, and use. A goal of getting back to our roots, relying on Mother Nature's wisdom when I am able.
I am striving to know more. I want to have more of a say as to what goes into and onto our bodies. I want to know what these ingredients are. I'd like to know who makes my food, who has a say in what is "safe for consumption" and what isn't. I'd like to walk the fields where our produce is grown, or where the cows are fed who provide our meat and our milk. I'd like to know that I have the knowledge to treat minor health issues with natural or home remedies. I'd like to buy foods that contain as little additives and chemicals as possible.
So, I'm pursuing these questions and goals. I am learning to navigate the natural and organic sections of our supermarkets--buying all natural or organic foods, cleaners, or beauty/bath products when it is feasible (oh, how I am addicted to agave nectar). We love buying local produce and meats when possible. I am researching what is in our food, and who says that it is acceptable. I am discovering that I have the ability to treat certain health issues myself and naturally.
There's so much to learn, and I'll never be able to live a 100% organic, natural lifestyle. Some health issues absolutely require medical intervention--many do, in fact. It's not possible to eat and use 100% natural and organic products all of the time, nor, do I want to (this mother has a mass market frozen pizza planned for dinner tonight because I am feeling lazy). Sometimes, I need to buy my meat or my fruits and veggies at a traditional store. There will be more things in my house with ingredients that I don't know than those where I do. The goal isn't 100%. The goal is KNOWLEDGE. The goal is freedom from reliance on mass produced goods and medical treatment when possible. The goal is having more say as to what we eat, consume, and use. A goal of getting back to our roots, relying on Mother Nature's wisdom when I am able.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Why I am Grateful, #26 and #27
Today, I am grateful for being able to start afresh each and every day, getting a chance to make things right and to begin again when I stumble in life, as we all do. I'm going through a bit of a trying time right now where I am really doubting myself and my abilities, and it helps me to make it through knowing that today is another new start, and I have people who love me unconditionally.
I am also grateful for health insurance/dental insurance, which I didn't have as a kid, and enables me now to decently afford health care and dental work. While it doesn't cover everything, it makes the costs digestible and manageable, and I know it would be so much worse not having it because I've lived having to do without it. This week, I went to the doctor and came back with three prescriptions, and only had to pay $23 for all three, and I was able to also go to the dentist and get my teeth cleaned and x-rays for free as I have done for a few years now, and which I couldn't get done regularly as a kid.
For those two things, today, I am grateful.
I am also grateful for health insurance/dental insurance, which I didn't have as a kid, and enables me now to decently afford health care and dental work. While it doesn't cover everything, it makes the costs digestible and manageable, and I know it would be so much worse not having it because I've lived having to do without it. This week, I went to the doctor and came back with three prescriptions, and only had to pay $23 for all three, and I was able to also go to the dentist and get my teeth cleaned and x-rays for free as I have done for a few years now, and which I couldn't get done regularly as a kid.
For those two things, today, I am grateful.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Why I am Grateful, #11, 12, 13, and 14
I'm a few days behind with my gratitude entries, so here we go:
--I am grateful today for the fact that, between grocery store reward points, the hubby winning a contest, and the yearly free turkeys at work, we will have three turkeys for the holiday season that we didn't have to pay for. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I am grateful we have a bounty this year to celebrate.
-I am grateful for my health. I have been struggling with some minor health issues, and they can get me down at times, but I have it so much better than countless millions of people in this world, and I am thankful I have my health so I can be productive, play with my children, and enjoy the world around me.
-I am grateful for hand-me-downs and the giving nature of others, because that is less money that I have to spend when the budget is a little bit tight. My family has been able to snag some of the nicest clothing, furniture, etc. for free due to others' generosity.
-I am grateful for laughter, for things that make me laugh, for the sound of my happy children laughing, and for the ability to bring joy to others through said laughter. Can you imagine how boring and dreadful life would be without a little bit of fun?
--I am grateful today for the fact that, between grocery store reward points, the hubby winning a contest, and the yearly free turkeys at work, we will have three turkeys for the holiday season that we didn't have to pay for. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I am grateful we have a bounty this year to celebrate.
-I am grateful for my health. I have been struggling with some minor health issues, and they can get me down at times, but I have it so much better than countless millions of people in this world, and I am thankful I have my health so I can be productive, play with my children, and enjoy the world around me.
-I am grateful for hand-me-downs and the giving nature of others, because that is less money that I have to spend when the budget is a little bit tight. My family has been able to snag some of the nicest clothing, furniture, etc. for free due to others' generosity.
-I am grateful for laughter, for things that make me laugh, for the sound of my happy children laughing, and for the ability to bring joy to others through said laughter. Can you imagine how boring and dreadful life would be without a little bit of fun?
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