It Starts with Food

Just a background of why we (against Jimmy's will, but for his greater good) are doing the Whole30:

{an email i sent to my mom

1 February 2013}

Hi,

Not sure if you check my facebook or hear from dad--

Apparently I had mono or am still struggling through it. (But, I found that out from my RN friend and a friend's Dr. who I sent my results to.) I have a list of symptoms and my doctor can't figure out what's wrong with me. I've done 3 blood tests and they can't find anything wrong. She is ordering a sleep test to check for sleep apnea. If nothing is wrong there, then I will see a rheumatologist. After that, I think she will just write it off as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In the meantime, I will be on a waiting list to see a Naturopathic doctor that Bonnie recommended. He has been able to help her and her son. Unfortunately, I won't be seen until April unless there is a cancellation.

I have been fatigued for a year or longer. I know w/ a newborn moms get tired, so I was waiting for the newness to wear off. It never did. After Joey was weaned [in December], the fatigue stayed the same, if not worsened. I have had headaches daily for 19 days now along with tingling/numb legs. It's not bad, the numbness, but my legs are weak if I'm up for long periods of time. I first thought it was Celiac Disease because certain foods, like wheat, would give me diarrhea. I tested negative for CD. I have extreme fatigue with lots of brain fog, bloating, vision worsening, hair loss, dental enamel weakening.. I have lost interest in things I like/enjoy... which could be depression from all this... so your scrapbook pages are coming when I can get them done. Sorry. I have one page done. :) When I do have energy, it is used for dishes, cleaning, or the boys. Nothing else gets done. I just want to sit and not think about anything.

Anyway, that's where I'm at. I struggle every day to get by. I'm just tired...

Hope you guys are keeping warm [...]!

Love,

Mikensi

{meanwhile}

We exchanged emails (she sent me helpful information on nutrition and even ordered me a book, which you will see posted below) and I was getting help with my health issues from my natural healing friends. I believe that I have the EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus: which is like having mono on steroids), high blood sugar levels (not outrageously high, but something I need to control now so I don't get diabetes later), some possible pancreas problems, and a weak thyroid. I'm working on getting my thyroid strengthened and I'm pretty sure the virus has done its damage and has done its worst. Currently, I am getting the Raindrop Technique done, thank you Quin and Jimmy, and it is helping kill the dormant virus and flush out bad toxins along my spine. I can feel that my body is detoxing as I have become extremely tired again. Last year was horrible just falling asleep day after day, month after month, thinking that one day I'd get some energy. The lamest thing about being sick is missing out on being a {good} mom and wife. I just sleep and rest and sleep some more. I missed a lot of Joey's first year (no wonder he grew up so fast). And we had a lot of crappy meals. I admit that most of it was fast food, but now it's time change the way we eat and change the way we feel. I don't cook separate meals, so everyone in this place is going on this new diet. In addition to going on this diet, I hope to cure myself from the ADHD/ADD that I have. (You can read about that in the ADHD tab.)

{the book}

Front cover:
"Since 2009, their underground Whole30 program has quietly led tens of thousands of people to weight loss, enhanced quality life, and a healthier relationship with food--accompanied by stunning improvements in sleep, energy levels, mood, and self-esteem. More significant, many people have reported the 'magical' elimination of a variety of symptoms, diseases, and conditions in just 30 days.

diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, acne, eczema, psoriasis, chronic fatigue, asthma, sinus infections, allergies, migraines, acid reflux, Crohn's, celiac disease, IBS, bipolar disorder, depression, Lyme disease, endometriosis, PCOS, autism, fibromyalgia, ADHD, hypothyroidism, arthritis, multiple sclerosis

Back cover:

Imagine yourself healthier than you ever thought possible.  It starts with food.
What if you could increase your energy, sleep better, improve your mood  and lose weight - permanently?
What if you could break the unhealthy cycle of food cravings, indulgence and guilt - forever?
What if you could naturally change your tastes, so the foods you love to eat are the same foods that make you healthier?
And what if you could eliminate the symptoms of your medical condition - just by changing the food you put on your plate? 
It Starts With Food will prove all of these things are possible - starting with just 30 days.

whole9life.com

{in addition...}

I told my mom about my picky eater, Joey, and I am going to add some tips and purees from this book (which she also got me. She gifts the best books!):

http://www.doitdelicious.com/

The puree part will mostly be for Jimmy and Joey since they are the picky eaters when it comes to fruits and vegetables. If Joey sees anything green, he turns his nose up at it. A couple of times I tried to hide peas or green beans in his rice or potatoes and he would open his mouth, fish it out with his whole hand in his mouth, grab a handful and throw it on the floor. Then, he would push the rest out with his tongue. I'm just glad Jimmy doesn't do that, too.

This is going to be quite challenging as I am still very tired, but tomorrow I clean out the pantry/deep freeze/fridge/cupboards and go grocery shopping! That will be a fun blog post! ;) And a very tiring day.

Feel free to give us encouragement and motivation along the way and feel free to take the challenge and join us! The first week will be the toughest as we will be going through the "carb flu" stage. I won't be as strict with the boys, but I told Jimmy I just want 30 days of commitment from him. After that, if he wants to eat other foods, he is not allowed to bring it home! As for me, I will continue to cook a paleo diet for the family. After 30 days we can slowly introduce grains, dairy, etc.

Stay tuned...