Where do I even begin with this post? Hmm...how about the beginning. For starters, I used to be very skeptical (and probably judgmental) about those who lived "all-natural" lifestyles. What's all the fuss?, I would wonder to myself. In addition, I also felt "looked down upon" by people who practiced this kind of lifestyle because often, though their intentions were good, the delivery came across as brash or condescending. It took some time, but with the help of a good friend of mine, we are slowly making the appropriate changes in our household as well.
Most of you already know that in January 2011, I had a miscarriage about 10 weeks into my second pregnancy. While the miscarriage itself was devastating enough, the pain didn't stop there. Since then, I have battled many health issues (I will spare you all the details) and despite seeing various doctors, there hasn't been a true diagnosis for all my ailments. On top of that, there has been the unexplained infertility issues that have plagued us since the loss of Baby #2.
I should pause right here to add that after the miscarriage, my eating habitats became atrocious. I didn't seem to care what or how much I ate. I was addicted to sugar and caffeine and could care less about fruits or veggies. I liked them, but they weren't a priority. Also, pasta was a staple in our meal plans while meat took a backseat.
Jump ahead to December 2012. For whatever reason, this was probably my most painful month on record. I was dealing with tendinitis and swelling in my lower left leg and excruciating pain along with numbness in my left shoulder/shoulder blade. I was tired of going to the doctor because usually I would end up in physical therapy, which would bring some relief, only to have the pain return after therapy ended.
Finally, in January (2013), while feeling defeated mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, I was talking to a dear friend of mine about all my issues, including the infertility. She mentioned that while at a class called Birth Circle, she heard a story about a girl who couldn't get pregnant and was told to go on a special diet for awhile. Not long after being on the diet, she became pregnant. Again, I was still skeptical, but my friend gently said, "What do you have to lose?"
While I never researched the specific diet, at the beginning of January, I eliminated soda completely out of my diet, limited myself to 1 cup of coffee a day (and switched to an organic creamer), cut way back on my sugar intake, and juice fresh fruits and veggies regularly. I also switched to a daily diet that includes mostly fruits, veggies, and meat with little carbs (pastas, breads, etc.) In addition, I have eliminated most processed foods, limited eating out, drink water like it's going out of style, and try to buy organic or whole foods, as our budget allows. (I've also begun using homemade cleaning products as well!)
Amazingly, since the beginning of January, I've lost around 6lbs, all while not working out very much. I decided that I was going to do some light weight-lifting at home to try to nurse my leg back to normal strength and build up tone in the rest of my body so I could hit the ground running (literally) come spring time.
The change I have felt has been amazing. I have almost no pain (except now I have pain from the surgery), more energy, and feel better than I have in a long time. Interestingly enough, after having my surgery, I lapsed a little in these practices and instantly began feeling cruddy again, so back to healthy eating I go!
I do want to point out that I do still enjoy treats and junk food from time to time, but my focus has completely changed. I have been doing research about what goes into our foods and am completely appalled by what I am finding. I want to continue taking steps toward living a more natural and wholistic lifestyle because I think it is what is best for me and my family. It may or may not "cure" the infertility, but I have been pleased with the results so far and look forward to learning about more natural ways to care for my family.
So, I want to close this post by saying that I am thankful for my dear friend, Sheri, for lovingly nudging me in the right direction and for constantly being the source of answers for all my questions.
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