I am amazed, simply amazed, at what has happened with my eGFR since seeing my dietary endocrinologist.
This man is my friend and I have seen him increase his medical/dietary/health knowledge time and again for nearly 40 years. He has helped me in the past, as a teenager on death's row, and he has most recently helped to reverse my declining kidney function.
I am not here to make claims on what could happen in anyone else's life. I am not here to promote a product. I am writing here on this "Learning Clean Eating" blog to encourage you that real life changes are indeed possible. Even probable.
What works for my body, of course, may not work for yours. After all, we are each bio-individuals (I think that's what another friend in health terms it!), meaning just as we are all wired just a little bit different (or a lot, sometimes!) emotionally, so too are we wired differently biologically.
Each physical body is uniquely and intricately designed, with certain 'anomalies' and specific ways of communicating with other organs and tissue and hormones in the body that are not exactly the same as another body's system of communication 'being.'
Some of you lucky geese out there may have not one single apparent health issue, and want to eat 'clean' to stay that way, or perhaps just out of sheer goodness to your body. Others, like me, have chronic illnesses that will leave us at death's door without proper medical help. Still others have gone the medical route on top of 'alternative' routes and, recognized illness or no, have not found that for which they are searching.
Some of us have tried to eat 'right' only to realize it's just not working! Why? Again, because each one of our bodies is sort of an island unto itself. The things we read about (the things I am about to share) do not work for everyone because they are not designed with YOU - not "you" in the general sense, but "you" specifically - in mind. And honestly, how could they be? Just in North America alone I would guess 99.9% of people require some sort of health remedy. Do the countries some people like at askance perhaps suffer less health remedies? And if so, might it be due to a certain wa of life - exercise through harvesting, eating the fresh non-GMO food just harvested, having access to their own farms/fields that yield healthy crops such as fruits and vegetables not just grains.
Ah, but I digress. That subject will fill up a whole other post. :)
An aside about my exercise feat:
I joined a gym about 4 months ago. Paid in advance in case I didn't stick to it. I do stick to things, generally, but I have never formally - okay, informally either - exercised in my life. Chronic illness that begins at a young age tends to do that to a person. I faithfully worked out 3x/week. I was committed. Sometime into the 3rd month someone asked me how far along I am. It took me some time to realize the person did not mean how long had I been attending weight-lifting classes, but rather when this supposed baby was due to pop out of my belly! <gasp>
It was only then that I realized what the gym trainers had been saying to me was absolutely true: it's 70% diet and 30% exercise. I had not altered my diet. I drink cokes for migraines and once in awhile I think it helps. (Having never before drank caffeine, it worked REALLY well in the beginning!) I realized that my entire outer physical body had not changed one single bit. I had not gained muscle (how do I know? Because they said I would gain weight, indicating as much). My arms/legs/etc had not toned. Obviously my belly had not shrunk.
I remembered, then, the 5 weeks I had spent with my dietary endocrinologist: I had lost weight, my migraines had considerably lessened (thus greatly reducing my coke intake). And in case I needed proof that I was feeling better and on the mend - I got my labs checked.
My kidney function had jumped from 26% (Feb) to 42% in April of the same year.
I encourage you to seek out a dietary endocrinologist for yourself if you have had health issues that you just can't seem to find a good answer for. I know my friend and D.E. has (once again) made a world of difference in my life.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Friday, June 28, 2013
Acidic/Alkaline Forming Foods
Foods are either acidic or alkaline. Many of us have heard that it is important to keep our bodies in balance - neither to acidic (for certain!), nor to alkaline. What foods many of us believe would cause our bodies to be more acidic, like lemons, for example, actually end up doing the reverse. The science behind this is beyond me. Even fish, which one - ahem, me - would assume would be alkaline, turns out to be acidic.
How did I get to be so smart? In part because I am so worldly(!) but mostly from research. Check out this link for more info if you're interested:
A List of Acid/Alkaline Forming Foods
How did I get to be so smart? In part because I am so worldly(!) but mostly from research. Check out this link for more info if you're interested:
A List of Acid/Alkaline Forming Foods
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Ever get tired of chicken?
I get tired of chicken. Meat in general. I guess I am just not much of a meat eater (unlike my husband). Although the thought of going completely without it, all the time, isn't necessarily something I want, either. I just need to think of a more methods of cooking it. So last night, even though my husband acted like he wouldn't be hungry for dinner, I was going to cook that thawed chicken. AND use some of that fresh produce before it went bad! That's not only healthy food waiting to go into our bodies, but good money I don't want going down the drain!
So a big meal I did cook. With it being over 90 degrees outside, I was in no mood wanting to use the oven. And since my husband hinted at having eaten not very long ago when we had met in town, I figured he wouldn't want to grill (aside from the searing hot sun). I cannot stand meat with no texture - it's as plain and boring as a big 'ol blank wall is to an artist. I even find that big, blank and an eyesore and I am no artist!
After opening the package and NOT rinsing the chicken (I read an article that argued it might actually spread more germs in rinsing the meat, whereas cooking it kills the germs anyway, and I have always thought this anyway), I poked holes in it and tried out some brand spanking new spices. Not new or new-to-me spices. But spices I have not tried together before. Remember, I am typically a recipe FOLLOW-ER so branching out on my own was a bit nerve-wrecking! Click on the Menu tab to see the recipe.
Then I tossed them in the skillet, in a bit of pure virgin Olive Oil, turned the burner up on mid-high to high, and browned them. Once they were nicely seared on each side, I turned the burner down to mid-low to cook them the rest of the way and added some more stuff for flavor and sauce (click on Menu tab for info).
I ended up using the oven for about 15-20 minutes (I know, I know...). But the asparagus and radishes turned out yummy! (Menu tab!) We also had some potatoes with the meal. These may not be on the 'healthy' part, but they sure were a nice addition. One small step at a time for my family. Must use what we have and do what we can. :)
How are YOU doing? Better than us? :)
So a big meal I did cook. With it being over 90 degrees outside, I was in no mood wanting to use the oven. And since my husband hinted at having eaten not very long ago when we had met in town, I figured he wouldn't want to grill (aside from the searing hot sun). I cannot stand meat with no texture - it's as plain and boring as a big 'ol blank wall is to an artist. I even find that big, blank and an eyesore and I am no artist!
After opening the package and NOT rinsing the chicken (I read an article that argued it might actually spread more germs in rinsing the meat, whereas cooking it kills the germs anyway, and I have always thought this anyway), I poked holes in it and tried out some brand spanking new spices. Not new or new-to-me spices. But spices I have not tried together before. Remember, I am typically a recipe FOLLOW-ER so branching out on my own was a bit nerve-wrecking! Click on the Menu tab to see the recipe.
Then I tossed them in the skillet, in a bit of pure virgin Olive Oil, turned the burner up on mid-high to high, and browned them. Once they were nicely seared on each side, I turned the burner down to mid-low to cook them the rest of the way and added some more stuff for flavor and sauce (click on Menu tab for info).
I ended up using the oven for about 15-20 minutes (I know, I know...). But the asparagus and radishes turned out yummy! (Menu tab!) We also had some potatoes with the meal. These may not be on the 'healthy' part, but they sure were a nice addition. One small step at a time for my family. Must use what we have and do what we can. :)
How are YOU doing? Better than us? :)
Sunday, June 9, 2013
1st and 2nd Breakfasts
1st and 2nd breakfasts are nearly a must in my house. First and Second Breakfasts. You know, from Lord of the Rings? Haven't read it? Or seen it? I wouldn't have, either, if my husband hadn't dragged me along, actually. That was my favorite part - I am all about 1st and 2nd breakfasts! I have always enjoyed starting my day out with a nice simple bowl of cereal.
I am: The Cereal Fiend. I will eat all of mine and all of yours, too, if given the chance! hahahahah <in tiny little mean voice> Of course, I used to eat only 'empty' cereals and this would definitely require more food within the hour. Depending on how busy I became. I'm sure you understand first- or second- hand how long cereals without any nutritional value last (despite what the print on their boxes may claim). So imagine my joy when I discovered that I am not just short like a hobbit (thankfully I do not have there large, hairy feet), but 2nd breakfasts really DO exist! Sort of.
And now, as a mother of a toddler who, in my opinion, just goes to bed too late and gets up too early, I am still convinced the 1st and 2nd breakfasts are a must. After all, how much can I be expected to do when just rolling out of bed at my darling Edan's beck and call? Fortunately, he has learned to like yogurt. Unfortunately, I have not convinced him to like plain yogurt. Which means he is getting all that nasty sugar in the flavored kind. No matter that I pick up the 'healthy' stuff. It is still loaded. I tell myself that at least he is getting the calcium a growing kid needs. And I add in the healthy granola cereal to help hold him over until I am ready to eat. Nature's Path Organic is supposed to be at the top of the list for good cereals. We picked up the Chia Plus Coconut Chia Granola and my darling Edan likes that with his yogurt.
Coincidentally, by the time I've gotten him up, stumbled into the bathroom with him, 'listened' to his stories, and prepared his breakfast, I have actually decided I need something, too. So I pour myself a bowl of Mom's Best Sweetened Wheat-fuls (also highly recommended). To my dismay, sugar is the second ingredient on the list. But I figure since it only has 3 ingredients total - and good food should have no more than 5 - I'm okay. It's way better than what I use to eat!
So by the time brunch rolls around my husband (if he happens to be here - i.e; if it's a weekend) is ready to eat so we have our 2nd breakfast, my son and I. Farm eggs, if possible. Whole wheat or whole grain toast (not 'enriched'). Ezekiel bread is definitely top-notch (my nutritionist friend even told me this - it's not based on personal research!) but I can't stand the cardboard taste. Men's Bread or Women's bread is SO much better. They are usually in the cold sections. But still pricey, in my opinion. I have just been buying regular 'ol stuff off the grocery store shelf for now, that says 'whole wheat' or 'whole grain' as long as on the ingredients it doesn't say 'enriched.' It doesn't tasted good, either, but if you put some butter - the good fat - and peanut butter - only the natural kind (you can find this practically anywhere) you begin not to notice the taste of the bread.
Happy eating!
I am: The Cereal Fiend. I will eat all of mine and all of yours, too, if given the chance! hahahahah <in tiny little mean voice> Of course, I used to eat only 'empty' cereals and this would definitely require more food within the hour. Depending on how busy I became. I'm sure you understand first- or second- hand how long cereals without any nutritional value last (despite what the print on their boxes may claim). So imagine my joy when I discovered that I am not just short like a hobbit (thankfully I do not have there large, hairy feet), but 2nd breakfasts really DO exist! Sort of.
And now, as a mother of a toddler who, in my opinion, just goes to bed too late and gets up too early, I am still convinced the 1st and 2nd breakfasts are a must. After all, how much can I be expected to do when just rolling out of bed at my darling Edan's beck and call? Fortunately, he has learned to like yogurt. Unfortunately, I have not convinced him to like plain yogurt. Which means he is getting all that nasty sugar in the flavored kind. No matter that I pick up the 'healthy' stuff. It is still loaded. I tell myself that at least he is getting the calcium a growing kid needs. And I add in the healthy granola cereal to help hold him over until I am ready to eat. Nature's Path Organic is supposed to be at the top of the list for good cereals. We picked up the Chia Plus Coconut Chia Granola and my darling Edan likes that with his yogurt.
Coincidentally, by the time I've gotten him up, stumbled into the bathroom with him, 'listened' to his stories, and prepared his breakfast, I have actually decided I need something, too. So I pour myself a bowl of Mom's Best Sweetened Wheat-fuls (also highly recommended). To my dismay, sugar is the second ingredient on the list. But I figure since it only has 3 ingredients total - and good food should have no more than 5 - I'm okay. It's way better than what I use to eat!
So by the time brunch rolls around my husband (if he happens to be here - i.e; if it's a weekend) is ready to eat so we have our 2nd breakfast, my son and I. Farm eggs, if possible. Whole wheat or whole grain toast (not 'enriched'). Ezekiel bread is definitely top-notch (my nutritionist friend even told me this - it's not based on personal research!) but I can't stand the cardboard taste. Men's Bread or Women's bread is SO much better. They are usually in the cold sections. But still pricey, in my opinion. I have just been buying regular 'ol stuff off the grocery store shelf for now, that says 'whole wheat' or 'whole grain' as long as on the ingredients it doesn't say 'enriched.' It doesn't tasted good, either, but if you put some butter - the good fat - and peanut butter - only the natural kind (you can find this practically anywhere) you begin not to notice the taste of the bread.
Happy eating!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Is It Really That Difficult to Eat Healthy?
Why do I find it so hard to eat healthy? It is really that hard? I have very strong will power in a lot of areas. I think... I force myself to do things when I don't feel well; I force myself to be productive when I want to be lazy; I force myself to... or was that the old me?
No matter. Eating the 'right' way has always been difficult for me, regardless of how am in other areas of my life right now!
What is your biggest little hangup in life? Calling your mom? Going to your in-laws for the holidays? Watching your spouse indulge in that last piece of you name it because you wanted it instead but s/he didn't know it? Or worse, did know it?
The problem is that I become accustomed to handling even the biggest of my little hangups. And 'handling' is not always the best way to address something, in my opinion. I mean, I would actually rather not just get used to seeing the 'love handles' and protruding belly on myself, regardless of people's eye rolls and other kind tactics used to make me feel better. And calling my mom? Why can't it be an enjoyable phone call? I try to call people when I am already in a good - or at least content - mood in order to have a good conversation. That's not so hard. Learn how to end a conversation before it gets sour, that's all. (I know, sometimes that can be hard. Learn.) Going to the in-laws? Be glad you don't live with them and will be returning to your own home soon! ha
Truthfully, I have all this nice organic produce in my fridge, threatening to go bad if I don't eat it. Why haven't I or my husband cooked it? I for one don't know what to put with it that he will eat (i.e.; what kind of boring old meat will he want that I will have to mess with today) and he, despite being a good cook, really has to be in the mood to do it. So I have asparagus, onion, cabbage - all things he likes. And non-organic (because I couldn't find any) cucumber and carrots (which I hear are excellent for the kidneys!) - things I like. (I also like onion.) What to do, what to do.
And I froze some lettuce, per poor college girl's on a budget idea but it looks terrible. I don't think I will try it. I think I will just throw it out. Maybe it's only good for a day or two when frozen.
I DID, however, freeze 1/2 of the fresh strawberries my toddler and I picked from a nearby farm the other day, though! That was a new adventure for him so that was fun! We have eaten some and are working on the the rest of that first half. Picked so many because he just didn't want to stop!
I have requested a few guest posts... now I am expecting a few replies to this one in response! I don't want all my lovely veggies to go bad!
As my cuz'n says - smugs! (Smiles and Hugs)
No matter. Eating the 'right' way has always been difficult for me, regardless of how am in other areas of my life right now!
What is your biggest little hangup in life? Calling your mom? Going to your in-laws for the holidays? Watching your spouse indulge in that last piece of you name it because you wanted it instead but s/he didn't know it? Or worse, did know it?
The problem is that I become accustomed to handling even the biggest of my little hangups. And 'handling' is not always the best way to address something, in my opinion. I mean, I would actually rather not just get used to seeing the 'love handles' and protruding belly on myself, regardless of people's eye rolls and other kind tactics used to make me feel better. And calling my mom? Why can't it be an enjoyable phone call? I try to call people when I am already in a good - or at least content - mood in order to have a good conversation. That's not so hard. Learn how to end a conversation before it gets sour, that's all. (I know, sometimes that can be hard. Learn.) Going to the in-laws? Be glad you don't live with them and will be returning to your own home soon! ha
Truthfully, I have all this nice organic produce in my fridge, threatening to go bad if I don't eat it. Why haven't I or my husband cooked it? I for one don't know what to put with it that he will eat (i.e.; what kind of boring old meat will he want that I will have to mess with today) and he, despite being a good cook, really has to be in the mood to do it. So I have asparagus, onion, cabbage - all things he likes. And non-organic (because I couldn't find any) cucumber and carrots (which I hear are excellent for the kidneys!) - things I like. (I also like onion.) What to do, what to do.
And I froze some lettuce, per poor college girl's on a budget idea but it looks terrible. I don't think I will try it. I think I will just throw it out. Maybe it's only good for a day or two when frozen.
I DID, however, freeze 1/2 of the fresh strawberries my toddler and I picked from a nearby farm the other day, though! That was a new adventure for him so that was fun! We have eaten some and are working on the the rest of that first half. Picked so many because he just didn't want to stop!
I have requested a few guest posts... now I am expecting a few replies to this one in response! I don't want all my lovely veggies to go bad!
As my cuz'n says - smugs! (Smiles and Hugs)
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Your Chance to Answer the Poll Ending Soon!
Readers - please don't miss your chance to answer the poll! In case you missed it, there is a poll on the top right side of the front page. It's all about your favorite 'healthy snacks'!
If you don't recognize any of those names, just pick the brand you like. If you don't know the brand, either, that's okay - just drop me a line and tell me what you DO like!
We are just getting started here, after all, right?
By the way - no post for last night's dinner. We had a nice little cheat night and ate Loafin' Joe's pizza. Nice little treat. But way better for us than the big 'ol deep dish pizza we used to indulge in!
If you don't recognize any of those names, just pick the brand you like. If you don't know the brand, either, that's okay - just drop me a line and tell me what you DO like!
We are just getting started here, after all, right?
By the way - no post for last night's dinner. We had a nice little cheat night and ate Loafin' Joe's pizza. Nice little treat. But way better for us than the big 'ol deep dish pizza we used to indulge in!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Hockey Game and Mexican food for Dinner - YES!
Last night my husband went to
watch the hockey game, which meant I could, without internal guilt (he
never gives me any), make Mexican food! I was excited. Instead of hiding
away the 40 bucks I found in my pocket to put into our trip fund, I
handed him half and admonished him to go have fun.
Then I realized that I had no peppers to go with my idea for fajitas. So I just kept it simple and made 'chicken tacos' instead. Not the same with such few ingredients, and not near as healthy, but sometimes it comes down to using what you have, right?
The chicken I used was not Tyson - I hate the ever-present gristle and stopped buying it for that reason and my husband is certain it is unhealthy, so we began purchasing any other grocery-store brands, pretty much - which is very difficult to find in this area. Now that we are working hard to be healthy - and we'll see how long we can stomach the prices - the 'least expensive' healthiest brand is the frozen one at the local 'healthy' store - Ozark Natural Foods. We would prefer fresh but it turns out the local farmers have frozen meat too from when they have it butchered, due to USDA or FDA regulations or something. Anyway.
I haven't made the switch to pure/goat/natural/non-homogenized sour cream or anything. Not sure I ever will. But if you have, or if you do - congratulations to you and wish me luck! I do, however, make my own taco and fajita seasoning (so no MSG), but since I had planned on fajitas AND didn't realize I was out of taco seasoning, well, you guessed it! 'Chicken tacos a la Christina' made with fajita seasoning! That's the link to the Menu tab - you can get the seasoning recipes here, too, if you like. Oh yes, I served it with
Sage Valley Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, but I'm not sure if these are GMO-free or not... the corn is organic, but who knows which oil is used? Apparently not the makers of the product, for it reads: "Expeller pressed Safflower, and/or Sunflower, and/or Canola Oil..." Doesn't Canoloa Oil have GMOs? Comments are much appreciated!
Please do not think I conjured up these seasonings on my own, by the way. I am quite typically a huge recipe FOLLOW-er! Only I cannot remember from whence they came (Grandma, website, a mixture...?) I admit, though, I am becoming much, much better at adapting. For instance, like last night. Had my husband needed to adapt, however, he would have been much more creative... But not near as healthy!
Then I realized that I had no peppers to go with my idea for fajitas. So I just kept it simple and made 'chicken tacos' instead. Not the same with such few ingredients, and not near as healthy, but sometimes it comes down to using what you have, right?
The chicken I used was not Tyson - I hate the ever-present gristle and stopped buying it for that reason and my husband is certain it is unhealthy, so we began purchasing any other grocery-store brands, pretty much - which is very difficult to find in this area. Now that we are working hard to be healthy - and we'll see how long we can stomach the prices - the 'least expensive' healthiest brand is the frozen one at the local 'healthy' store - Ozark Natural Foods. We would prefer fresh but it turns out the local farmers have frozen meat too from when they have it butchered, due to USDA or FDA regulations or something. Anyway.
I haven't made the switch to pure/goat/natural/non-homogenized sour cream or anything. Not sure I ever will. But if you have, or if you do - congratulations to you and wish me luck! I do, however, make my own taco and fajita seasoning (so no MSG), but since I had planned on fajitas AND didn't realize I was out of taco seasoning, well, you guessed it! 'Chicken tacos a la Christina' made with fajita seasoning! That's the link to the Menu tab - you can get the seasoning recipes here, too, if you like. Oh yes, I served it with
Sage Valley Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, but I'm not sure if these are GMO-free or not... the corn is organic, but who knows which oil is used? Apparently not the makers of the product, for it reads: "Expeller pressed Safflower, and/or Sunflower, and/or Canola Oil..." Doesn't Canoloa Oil have GMOs? Comments are much appreciated!
Please do not think I conjured up these seasonings on my own, by the way. I am quite typically a huge recipe FOLLOW-er! Only I cannot remember from whence they came (Grandma, website, a mixture...?) I admit, though, I am becoming much, much better at adapting. For instance, like last night. Had my husband needed to adapt, however, he would have been much more creative... But not near as healthy!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Do Your Favorite Snack Brands Contain GMOs?
GMO's. Genetically Modified Organisms. Natural flavors apparently can now also mean MSG, which is equivalent to 'you can't just stop at one''
Love, love love this site, so far. And, sadly, yes, my favorite brands DO contain all that bad stuff. <sigh> It is difficult, giving up what is so lovely to my taste buds.
Which is why I posted the poll on what non-GMO snacks are the best! I will eat as healthy as I can but I cannot give up my snacks! There is a limit, you know - as I said in my 'about me' area: I am not one who can go 100% whole food or pure. Maybe one day, but it will take a gradual uphill crawl. Never say 'never,' right?
Even when it does end up on my hips. And of course into the very cells of my body, harming the very thing I am supposedly trying to protect (not that I have absolute control, or any, possibly) - my kidney. However, I do better at keeping my tot away from the obviously bad foods. Still... if I am not here to care for him in a few years, and I could have been here longer had I eaten better, am I doing him enough good, in the end?
Perhaps I should have my taste buds removed. :( I truly am good at self-control. In other areas.
But I digress. Enough lamenting and back to this great link:
Do Your Favorite Snack Brands Contain GMOs?
Love, love love this site, so far. And, sadly, yes, my favorite brands DO contain all that bad stuff. <sigh> It is difficult, giving up what is so lovely to my taste buds.
Which is why I posted the poll on what non-GMO snacks are the best! I will eat as healthy as I can but I cannot give up my snacks! There is a limit, you know - as I said in my 'about me' area: I am not one who can go 100% whole food or pure. Maybe one day, but it will take a gradual uphill crawl. Never say 'never,' right?
Even when it does end up on my hips. And of course into the very cells of my body, harming the very thing I am supposedly trying to protect (not that I have absolute control, or any, possibly) - my kidney. However, I do better at keeping my tot away from the obviously bad foods. Still... if I am not here to care for him in a few years, and I could have been here longer had I eaten better, am I doing him enough good, in the end?
Perhaps I should have my taste buds removed. :( I truly am good at self-control. In other areas.
But I digress. Enough lamenting and back to this great link:
Do Your Favorite Snack Brands Contain GMOs?
What the Heck is Clean Eating?
What the Heck is Clean Eating?: Clean eating. It’s a term that’s tagged in tweets and blogs, posted on Instagram and Facebook, and seen on television screens. Is it a diet? Is it a lifestyle? Does anyone really know what it is? The truth is, it’s a very simple concept. “In...
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