Stop the joint and chronic pain

People often ask me... "what did you do to stop the chronic knee pain", "did you really stop your endometriosis pain"?  The answer is with Dandelion root and yes I did.  

It's amazing now when I think back to how much pain I was in.  I had, had 2 surgeries on my knee and 3 surgeries on my endometriosis but the pain persisted.  It wasn't until I was so completely in pain that I finally decided I needed to change.  Why does it take so long for some of us to accept that deep down inside we do really know what to do with most choices we are faced with; however, somewhere along the line we convince ourselves otherwise, make excuses and justify why anything happens the way it happens. "Oh it's ok, I can have that cobbler it's just apples", or "I'll have the pasta it's gluten free so that's good for me, right?  These items and many others not only mess with digestion, they can aid to diabetes and create new inflammation in the body.  

 Until I chose to just let go I was never more clear on what I needed to do.  Things are the way they are for a reason, and all of us we were made with different levels of tolerance.  I had to accept that I am one of those people who's sensitivity to foods can be extreme.   Interestingly enough is that I see  it as been a blessing in disguise.  Ever since I started living this new nutritional way I have never felt better.  I'm amazed at my energy level... the loss of 35 pounds, the condition of my nails, hair and the relief from chronic pain.  It truly is amazing.

 Below are the ingredients that I use on a daily basis.

1. Dandelion Powder a teaspoon to a tablespoon 2x's a day mixed with water (CLICK HERE) 
2. Teaspoon of CALM magnesium:(CLICK HERE) 
3. Concentrace Trace Minerals:  (CLICK HERE)
4. Liquid Multi Vitamin with / minerals by Trace Minerals (CLICK HERE)

The above is what I can't live without when it comes to beating inflammation while giving my body the best opportunity to heal itself and absorb what I am eating.  If you buy all of this from Vitacost there shouldn't be any shipping charges as any order $45 gains you free shipping. Be prepared to need to use the potty :)....  The dandelion will help you release any unnecessary fluids that your body may be holding on to...  but don't worry it's loaded with potassium so it won't deplete that while it's working.  If you are serious about relieving your pains naturally then Dandelion root is a great way to go.  I can't be sure exactly how many days it took for me to reach a pain free day.  But I am going to guess and say that it was about 2 months.  I just remember waking up one morning and noticing that the pains were gone.  Amen.  What a breath of fresh air, I could walk without pain.  I felt so good I told my husband that I felt good enough to go for a run.  I noticed about a month later that my endometriosis pains had gone as well.  To this day I am still pain free and I still take this recipe everyday.

READ MORE ABOUT DANDELION HERE:  http://imholistic.blogspot.

com/2010/10/my-miracle.html


Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Peeling the layers of a sugar disorder

Wow, how silly am I... here I thought that because I had reversed my diabetes II that all of my sugar battles had been won.  How wrong was I?   Little did I know that I needed to also continue to stick to a hypoglycemic diet.  I had been so focused on my new plan that I lost site of balancing my proteins.  It is true that you need the great raw organic vegetables and fruits, the minerals, ph balance at 7.0, however, it is also true that you need to work harder at balancing proteins and complex carbs.  The challenge for me has always been trying to find non-animal proteins as I generally only eat fish periodically.  We'll go deeper into this in a little bit.

For the last 3 weeks I had been noticing a pattern in how I've been feeling.  Exhausted, claustrophobic,  night sweats, anxiety and nausea.  Like a roller coaster everyday my energy has been different from the last.  Then yesterday it dawned on me that it may be my blood sugar.  Curious I took the test.  My digital reader reported back a whopping 76.  So I decided to try a teaspoon of coconut oil,  a hardboiled egg, 1/4 of a tomato.  Within 20 minutes my blood sugar rose to 93.  Then 30 minutes later it dropped to 82.  By 2:00am my head was pounding, my chest felt closed in, I was nauseous, and my skin was clammy, by 3:00am I was vomiting off an on until 5:00am, this time my reading came in a 50.  Easily one of the worst nights I've had in a long time.  What happened?  Hypoglycemia happened.  

Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar, occurs from low glucose levels in your blood. Your brain needs a steady supply of glucose. Inadequate amounts may result in such symptoms as heart palpitations, anxiety, tremor, sweating and hunger. Serious effects include confusion, abnormal behavior, visual disturbances and even seizures or loss of consciousness. Diabetics and non-diabetics can have hypoglycemia.

Just like peeling an onion when you are peeling away at the disorders in your body you are very likely to uncover other issues that you may still need to attack head on.  Before my diabetes ever showed it's ugly head, I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia.  Now more than ever I realize that I am literally peeling the layers of a sugar disorder just like peeling an onion.  We've overcome the diabetes II and now it's time to attack the hypoglycemia by regulating my sugar levels.

What does this mean for me?  It means that modifications we'll need to be taken into consideration.  Great... what will I be allowed to eat now.  They say that many who are hypoglycemic also suffer from many food allergies and I guess if you were researching me I would say this is true.  Already on my avoid list... dairy, grain, beans, potatoes, gluten, sugar, fruits high in fructose and processed foods.  What does this leave me to eat?  How do I get back on track?  By making sure to balance in more protein and complex carbs.  Avoid everything on my avoid list.  Eating more frequently and smaller amounts.  Be patient, go for walks, get the kind've sleep that allows you to wake up naturally and drink plenty of water with minerals.  Be patient for at least a month of managing and monitoring your intake.

A couple of great resources that have helped me put together my grocery list is the alkalinity chart (click here) making sure to stay on the alkaline side 80% of the time while I balance proteins and foods with a Low GI as shown below.

The glycemic index measures the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels and is most useful for diabetics, who have an excess of glucose, or sugar, in their blood stream. There are several protein foods that have a low glycemic value, which can provide essential this amino acid complex without spiking your blood sugar levels.

Here Is My List of Food to focus on for the next couple of weeks:

1. Poached Eggs

2. Steel Cut Oats (gluten free) or Quinoa

• Kiwi(1)
• teaspoon of coconut butter
• teaspoon of cinnamon
• 4 drops of vanilla liquid stevia

3. Fresh Vegetable shake

• Brocoli
• Turnip root
• Raddish
• Fresh Sprouts (fenugreek, raddish, brocoli)
• Celery
• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• (1) freshly squeezed grapefruit
• 1 Scoop of Jarrow Whey Protein (unflavored)
• 1/2 tsp of royal jelly
• Tsp of fish oil
• Tsp of Hemp oil
• Tsp of Kelp powder
• Tsp of Alfalfa powder
• 5 drops of trace minerals

4. Kale Chips

• Bake in the oven for 12 min at 350degrees
• Add a splash of coconut oil
• Garlic
• Nutritional Yeast

5. Hardboiled eggs - Whites only (2)

6. Celery (2-4 cut) w/almond butter

7. Green Apples (1/4) w/almond butter

8. 10 Almonds

9. Fresh garden salad

• Kale
• Apple slices
• Sprouts
• Carrots
• Celery
• Brocoli
• Shaved almonds
• Avocado
• Egg
• Tomato
• Lentil
• Fish 
• Freshly made dressing (balsamic / olive oil)

10.  Chia Chai Porridge / Pudding

• 8 oz of Coconut Milk (organic, 100% coconut milk no other additives)
• 2 tablespoons of cinnamon
• 4 drops of liquid vanilla stevia
• 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
• Let sit in the refrigerator 'till pudding consistency

11.  Coconut Balls

• Shredded coconut(macaroon)
• Coconut oil
• Mix shredded coconut in a mixing bowl with just enough coconut oil to bind the mix into the consistency of cookie dough.
• 4 drops of vanilla liquid stevia
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey
• freeze until the mix is almost solid
• When the mix is just about solid scoop into bite size balls.
• Store the coconut balls in a BPA free container in the freezer
• Grab one out whenever you feel you need a treat. 

12.  Nuts

• Walnuts
• Cashews

OTHER LOW GI OPTIONS

Fruits

Low GI
Cherries	22
Plums	24
Grapefruit	25
Peaches	28
Peach, canned in natural juice	30
Apples	34
Pears	41
Dried Apricots	32
Grapes	43
Coconut	45
Coconut Milk	41
Kiwi Fruit	47
Oranges	40
Strawberries	40
Prunes	29

Vegetables

Low GI
Frozen Green Peas	39
Frozen Sweet Corn	47
Raw Carrots	16
Boiled Carrots	41
Eggplant/Aubergine	15
Broccoli	10
Cauliflower	15
Cabbage	10
Mushrooms	10
Tomatoes	15
Chillies	10
Lettuce	10
Green Beans	15
Red Peppers	10
Onions	10

Legumes (Beans) - 20%

Low GI
Kidney Beans (canned)	52
Butter Beans	36
Chick Peas	42
Haricot/Navy Beans	31
Lentils, Red	21
Lentils, Green	30
Pinto Beans	45
Blackeyed Beans	50
Yellow Split Peas	32

Fowl

Protein is a satiating nutrient that will make you feel fuller longer and keep hunger at bay, according to Jennie Brand-Miller et al., in the book "The New Glucose Revolution: Low GI Eating Made Easy." Lean meat has a low-fat content, as fat is either trimmed from the cuts or the meat is from a non-fatty portion of the animal book authors say. And lean meat does not have a glycemic index, because it contains no carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar levels, according to the American Diabetes Association. Lean organic, range free, hormone free, antibitotic free meats such as chicken, turkey and Cornish hen without the skin, are high-protein foods conducive to a low-glycemic diet.

Fish

Fish is a high-protein source that does not have a glycemic value, according to the American Diabetes Association. In addition to its nutritive protein, it is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to lower cholesterol --- a common complication for Type 2 diabetics, according to MedlinePlus. These acids also help to boost concentration and energy levels, while reducing blood pressure and triglyceride levels in the blood, according to D. Banda-Nyirenda et al., in "Impact of Nutrition and Fish Supplementation on the Response to Anti Retroviral Therapy." Cod, salmon, herring and tuna are effective sources of omega-3 fatty acids as well as protein.

For anyone first reading this you could interpret this as a set back, however, for me it is a reminder that although I had reached my first goal there is still more work to be done and in order to reverse all of the years of damage it may take alot more patience and due diligence. For now and until I get my blood sugar regulated it is imperative that I maintain a diet that maintains a consistent glucose level.  One that does not allow my sugar to spike and helps me get off the sugar roller coaster.    My best advice for anyone going thru this is to keep a journal and find out what foods you feel the best on, which foods spike your levels and which foods keep you steady.  Be patient and stick to it.  Even after you stabilize keep an eye on it. 

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Fighting for Energy

Many ask me what I use to keep my energy up and how do I recharge after I do cardio.   For me what has proven to work is to eat a teaspoon - or - tablespoon of coconut oil (organic  and extra virgin) in the morning and right before a workout or anything needed more energy from me.  I have also found that this is the best way to start my day:




AM - 1 lemon squeezed in water (distilled with concentrace minerals added)
AM - Power Green Shake - 

 PREJUICE:

• Kale
• Brocoli
• Tomato
• Carrot
• Raddish
• Celery
• Turnip root
• Grapefruit (1)
• 1/2 banana
• Ginger (1 small chunk)
• Sprouts (handful)

ADD:

• Jarrow Unflavored Whey (1scoop)
• Trace Minerals Liquid Multi (follow directions for 1)
• Kelp powder (1 tablespoon)
• Alfalfa powder (1 tablespoon)
• Hemp Oil (1 tablespoon)
• Spirulina (1 teaspoon or 4 tablets)
• Stevia (liquid vanilla add 4 drops)
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) 

TIP: After workout 1/4 cup of coconut juice (pure, organic, no added anything)

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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SUPER FOOD SALAD

SUPER FOOD SALAD

Try this salad to give you a powerful boost.   Whether you are Paleo, Vegan or just looking for a well rounded meal this combination just might do the trick.  Loaded with nutrition, digestive enzymes, proteins, vitamins, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, can help aid in absorption, reduce inflammations, can help in reversing disorder and help create an alkaline friendly environment.   

Kale (handful)

Spinach (handful)

Dandelion (half handful)

Broccoli (2 tablespoons)

Berries  (2 tablespoons)

Flaxseeds  (1 teaspoon)

Lentils  (1 tablespoon)

Avocados (1/2 chopped and somewhat mashed)

Black or Adzuki beans (1 tablespoon)

Squash  (2 tablespoons)

Raw almonds (1 tablespoon)

Walnuts  (1 teaspoon)

Garlic     (1 clove)

Turmeric  (1/4 teaspoon sprinkled)

Cayenne   (1/4 teaspoon sprinkled)

With this recipe add a 1 teaspoon of Grapeseed Oil or Hemp Oil and let the avocado blend with the oil.  Add a dash of  sea salt 

You can also add balsamic or other vinegar options for flavor as needed

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Cranberry Chop Salad

 Cranberry Chop Salad

If you are looking for something to hit the spot but want to keep it light.  This is a great salad loaded with proteins, enzymes, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. 

Combine as per needed per (1):


Mixed Greens (handful)
Cabbage (handful shredded)
Sprouts (handful)
Avocado (2 tablespooons)
Adzuki beans (soaked/rinsed in water 24 hours) (1 tablespoon)
Garbanzo beans (soaked/rinsed in water 24 hours) (1 tablespoon)
Dried Cranberries (2 tablespooons)
Goat Cheese Crumbles (optional) (1 tablespoon)
Chopped Celery (2 tablespooons)
Chopped brocoli (2 tablespooon)
Chopped Carrot (2 tablespooon)
Crushed eggs (1 - 2) 
Dried raisins (optional) (1 teaspoon)


Dressing:
Balsamic Vinegar (1 tsp) combine with either:

• 1 tsp grape seed veggenaise or
• 1 tsp organic virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Making food work for you

Many ask me 'what do you eat'?  It would seem that you don't eat anything.  But the truth is I eat alot and love my food as it loves me.  I've outlined what I have found to be successful for me below and hope that it can help you create your own plan that works for you.

Here is my daily recipe:

• Lots of Distilled Water with Concentrace Trace Minerals
• Lots of Raw Organic Fruits, Veggies, Herbs and Spices
• Sometimes Flash heated Organic Fruits, Veggies, Herbs and Spices
• Sometimes Dried Organic Fruits, Veggies, Herbs and Spices
• Sometimes  Organic Nuts and Seeds
• Once and a awhile Sprouted Grains
• Sometimes Fish, Range Free Turkey, Eggs 
• Minimal Grains, Beans and Potatoes

Always Avoid;

• Refined Sugar
• Processed Foods
• GMO
• Dairy
• Gluten (pasta, rice, wheat, grain)
  

When you feel that your immune system needs a boost add:

• Probiotics - Natren "Healthy Trinity" at least a 30 day supply
• "Wellness Formula" by Source Naturals.

MEALS I TYPICALLY MAKE:
Breakfast:

• Squeezed lemon in distilled water with minerals
  
• Grapefruit
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 poached or hardboiled egg

or

• Juiced Shake -
  
• Jarrow Protein Unflavored
• 1/2 grapefruit
• Mix of Spinnach / Carrot / Ginger / Celery / Brocoli / Radish / Turnip / Parsley (made with juicer)
• 3 drops of Vanilla liquid Stevia
• Organic vanilla extract 1/4 tsp
  
• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon 
• 1 egg raw
  

or

• Juice -
  
• Spinach
• Apple
• Ginger
• Celery

or

• Protein Shake
• Jarrow Whey Protein Unflavored
• 1 egg raw
• Chia seeds - 1 tablespoon
• 3 drops of Vanilla liquid Stevia or dark chocolate liquid stevia
  
• Organic vanilla extract 1/4 tsp or 1 tsp of organic Cocoa powder
  
• 1 tablespoon of cinnaomon or mint leaves

or

• Sampler of fruit
• 1/2 banana
• 1 grapefruit
• Handful of almonds
• 1/2 avocado

or

• Foe Granola Cereal Breakfast
• 1/2 banana
• 3 strawberries
  
• 10 blueberries
  
• 2 tablespoons of Chia seed
• 1/4 cup of almonds chopped or ground
• 2 teaspoons of pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup of coconut milk 

There are many variations that can be derived from the above suggestions.  Get creative and have fun with your breakfast and remember to focus on the 80/20 rule.


LUNCH:
We generally go all raw organic for lunch.

• Salad - Make your own with the following: (TIP:  Add lots of veggies and fruits it makes the salad more interesting)
  
• Green leafy lettuce - spinach / spring mix / kale
  
• Dandelion
• Cabbage
• Brocoli
• Chopped hard boiled eggs
• Carrot
• Sprouts
• Blueberries
• Pear
• Green Apple
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Almonds - chopped
  
• Walnuts - chopped
• Pumpkin seeds
• Raisins
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Tomato
• Baby Bella mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Hot peppers
• Banana peppers
  
• Dressings
• Gluten Free / Dairy Free are the best  - or - Make your own
• Balsamic
• Vinegar
• Olive Oil - Virgin cold Compressed - Organic
• Braggs Amino Acids - Organic Soy
• Veggenaise instead of mayonnaise
• Cabbage Wraps (any sandwich you might create you could use Cabbage wraps as a substitute for bread)
• Taco wraps
• Asian wraps
• Salad wraps

MID Day meals we try to keep light but full of energy by focusing on the 'RAW' organic 'LIVE' foods you can give your body, you are giving your body the opportunity to stay energized while boosting your immune system and fighting inflammations.


SNACKS:
If you find your self getting hungry I always recommend grazing on healthy foods and if it's among the following items you can have them in small doses whenever you feel the need.  These are general foods that are really easy to bring with you anywhere and are definitely the easiest to pack for trips:

• Hard boiled eggs
• Celery with almond butter
• Almonds, Pumpkins Seeds and Raisins (Trail Mix)
  
• Chia seeds and a can or pre-poured into a travel bottle of 'Thai organic Coconut milk' -  (CHIA seeds are great fiber and if you let them sit in coconut milk for even 30 min they start to absorb the milk and turn into the consistency of tapioca.  Add 3 drops of vanilla liquid stevia and a dash of vanilla extract and you have a great treat) Season to taste
  
• Fruit (apples / grapes / bananas / berries / grapefruit / dates)
• Kale Chips (premade)
  
• Hummus
• Veggies (carrots, broccoli / cucumber)

KALE CHIP RECIPE:

Start the oven at 350, place already rinsed and dried Kale on a cookie sheet sprinkle:

• Garlic Powder
• Nutritional Yeast
• Sea Salt
• Drizzle with Organic Olive Oil
• Flip and Stir until all of the leaves look like they are covered add more Nutritional yeast and Garlic to taste
  

CURBING APPETITE SNACK - COCONUT BALLS

In a mixing bowl combine the following:

• 2 cups of shredded coconut / macaroon
• Add 1 tsp of RAW HONEY the kind from a honey comb (this is a sweetener loaded with 'green' nutrients)
• 2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil - made add more if needed
• Stir and mix until it is the consistency of cookie dough
• Place in the freezer for an hour
• Check your mix with a spoon.  Can you create gumball size balls?  If yes, then make as many little coconut balls as your mix will allow, place them in a freezer friendly container and keep them in the freezer.
• Whenever you get a sweet tooth or are craving a little something go grab a coconut ball. 
  
• Experiment with flavors... add Vanilla Liquid Stevia or Dark Chocolate Liquid Stevia

DINNER:
Dinner for us can be a mixture of the same from lunch or it can be any of the following:
BOWL FOODS: (EAT THIS THE MOST)

• Stir Fry Veggies (cook with Coconut oil)  (For Variety of Flavors after finished cooking when heat turned to low or off:  add Olive Oil cold compressed - Virgin / Braggs Amino Acids - Soy  / Gluten Free - Dairy Free Sauces)
  
• Green Beans
• Carrots
• Sprouts
• Egg whites
• Mushrooms
• Brocoli
• Celery
• Raisins
• Egg plant
• Jicama
• Zucchini
• Peppers
• Stir Fry Veggies with a Meat: (All of the above plus)
• Fish - Wild Caught any kind
• Turkey or Turkey Sausage
  
• Chicken (Free Range / No Medications / Organic)
  
• Eggs with Veggies - Like an omelet but mixed together
• Goat Cheese & Blueberries are great to add as well
• Tacos -
  
• Cabbage leaf for shell or organic corn shells
• Lots of Veggies
• Turkey meat
• Avocado
• Black beans
• Salsa
• Beanitos for a fun chip (available at Whole Foods)
• Meat w/ Veggie Plate (choose a meat and a veggie)
  
• Turkey
• Fish (wild caught)
  
• Chicken (free range)
• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Breakfast for Dinner:
• Sweet potato with onions sauteed in skillet
• Eggs
• Turkey bacon or sausage

Cheat night:

• Option 1

• Fish
  
• Sweet potato fries

• Option 2

• Gluten Free Pasta
• Spaghetti sauce - homemade from tomatoes, onions, garlic, rosemary, thyme, basil, bay leaf
• Turkey meat or Beyond Organics Ground Beef (free range / no meds ever)

• Option 3

• Rice Bowls - Add rice to any of your bowl foods

Cheat Desserts:

• Ezekiel Raisin Bread
• Add almond butter
• sliced Bananas
  
• Apple butter
• Any Icecream made from Soy / Coconut / Rice

Healthy Desserts:

• Coconut balls
• Fruit
• Almonds / Raisins / Pumpkin seeds
• See our recipes for Paleo Pancakes / Muffins
• Smoothie
• Chia Seed pudding
• Chia Seed pudding with fruit slices
• Fruit cobbler (apples / kiwi / pear / strawberries - cook until mixture looks like a cobbler place in a bowl add chopped almonds and walnuts)
• Dates

EATING OUT:
Eating out can be a challenge; however, if you ask the waiter to let you know what on the menu is Gluten Free and Dairy Free you'll be given the better choices of what will work with this plan


WORD OF CAUTION:
This plan is not for everyone and the first thing you should try is to implement the items that you know you'll be able to handle.  Take one step at a time, you do not need to change everything completely and I have found that the best results have come from those who took their time to determine what would work for them.  So for the first month try focusing on gradually introducing a plan like this into your life.  As you grow comfortable with the change and you find what really makes you feel better add something new.  It took me realistically 5 years to adopt the above plan, now I'll never go back. 


Remember to always look at the sugar content in items as well.  One of the most overlooked ingredient in our diet is sugar, not just what we see on the back of a label but what our body actually turns into sugar. (the best substitute for sugar is STEVIA, others that are on the ok but not the best list are Coconut Sugar / Raw Honey / Beets.  Absolutely avoid Corn Syrup / Cane Sugar / Aspartame / Splenda / Xylitol / Agave and any other fabricated or manufactured sweetener they all come with their own reason for avoiding and should be thought of as toxin to the body.) 

Yes we need good sugars but if there is any lesson I personally learned is that if I went for my cheat items too much I would most definitely feel the pain of it the next day.  My biggest lesson was with pasta.  I love the gluten free pasta but did not realize how this would effect my body.  Now that I have made the full switch to the above diet I am feeling better than ever, I've reversed my diabetes, I don't feel my endometriosis pain anymore, my chronic fatigue is gone, no more allergies and if I get a headache it's generally because I ate something on my cheat list.


If you'd like more resources on others who have designed programs similar, research studies, etc.. please let me know.. there are many now.  My best advice is to make it your own. Learn more about how nutrition can help your body stay well and work for you and focus on what makes you feel great.






Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Is Candida the missing link to your unexplained health issues?

Find out if you have CANDIDA today take the quiz!

Yeasts are single cell fungi living organisms that are neither animal nor vegetable. They live on the surfaces of all living things, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and your body. They're a part of the "microflora" which contribute in various ways to the health of their host. Yeast itself is nutritious, and small amounts of yeast give bread its light taste. To understand Candida I recommend buying the book "The Yeast Connection".

Is Candida the missing link to your unexplained health issues? 

New Medical discovery courtesy of the Rockefeller University...

The Nuclear Periphery and the Oncogenic Protein Mlp/Tpr: Functional Studies of its Yeast Homolog

As reported by The Rockefeller University the instructions encoded in the DNA presented in each cell are at the heart of regulating cell growth and development in organisms as diverse as yeast and humans. Exciting recent discoveries point to how it is not just changes in the instructions themselves, but how they are organized and controlled, that cause cancers.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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In the beginning... How to turn your health around starting today.

Starting anything new is difficult, let alone trying to implement a life change with food.  Are ready to do something but you're not sure what to do first?  Here are some ideas that helped me get started that may help you.  Now I know this may sound crazy but it is what I did and it did completely change my life and my health.

IN THE KITCHEN:

Go get rid of...

• 'WHITE' flour (pastas, rice, bread, cereal) 
• Sugar - (corn syrup, white sugar, splenda, agave)
• Baked Beans - Beans in a can
• Potatoes - (white/red)
• Anything with GMO
• Soda
• Juice

Scared yet?  Amazingly enough it seemed hard to remove these items from my life at the time and now I can't imagine ever having them in my life again.  Here is what I went to the store in search of...


NEW FOOD CHOICES

• Gluten free products (pasta, brown/long grain rice, bread, cereal)
• Stevia  (liquid form offers - vanilla/chocolate flavors and more)
• Sweet Potatoes
• Millet, lentils, adzuki beans, black beans, red beans - whole raw
• Hummus - garbanzo beans, tahini (sesame seed)
• Organic Foods without GMO
• Organic Vegetables
• Organic Fruits (sour fruit only - green apple, green grapes, berries(ANY), grapefruit, lemons, and limes)
• Distilled water (add Trace minerals from Concentrace)
• Make your own Juice drinks with a Juicer

In this step you can quickly see the replacement items for those items that may be found "in the kitchen" with your "new food choices".  Your new goal is to eat RAW ORGANIC foods, preferably FRUITS and VEGGIES 80% of the time, everything else should be thought as a supplement.  Now remember this new goal will take a while to obtain so go slow and do what you can.  Noone expects you to get to 80% the first week.. just keep aiming for the goal.


Also, please remember that even though you are replacing gluten products with gluten free products you should still pay attention to the sugar content on the bag of every package. 


So with all of that said... HAVE fun GO TO RECIPES for more fun ideas with food!


CLICK HERE FOR ITEMS TO ADD TO YOUR LIST!







Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Healthy Snacks To Go...

HEALTHY SNACKS TO GO

Everyday we are on the go and every where we go we try to maximize on our daily routine by doing what is the quickest and easiest.  Unfortunately, for our bodies this is not always the best choice for our general health.  Below are some quick ideas for snacks on the go and items that you can carry with you everywhere you go.

You'll need.... 

• A small travel cooler about the size of a lunch box, or a little bigger if needed. 
• Containers - bpa free all sizes
• A knife
• A fork

Foods Great for travel:

• Avocado
• Hummus
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Snap peas
• Celery (great with almond butter)
• Cucumbers
• Cabbage - just a few leaves (could be used to make wraps)
• Almond Butter
• Apples
• Bananas
• Berries
• Grapes
• Grapefruit
• Lemons (add to water all day)
• Hard Boiled Eggs
• Coconut Oil
• Vegenaise 
• Almonds (almonds, walnuts, cashews, raisin, pumpkin seed is a great trail mix)
• Walnuts
• Cashews
• Raisins
• Pumpkin seeds

All of the above are great for...

• grazing
• making cabbage wraps
• making a sampler
• making a salad

Dressing Base Ideas: (create a base with any of the following before hand and have in a container for use later)

• Vegennaise
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Brags Amino Acids - Soy

MY RECOMMENDED PERSONAL COOLER

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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A Great Raw Food Diet for a Dog or Cat

A Great Raw Food Diet - Dog/Cat

Ingredients:

1. Raw, naturally raised (without hormones and antibiotics), ground turkey; and whole, ground chicken (about 1/3 of the diet)

2. Raw, pureed organic carrots, cabbage, kale, celery and apples (in blender or food processor with water until baby food texture.) Note: Remove apples and other fruit if your dog has an ailing pancreas, too much sugar for them.(about 1/3 of the diet)

3. Raw, organic egg yolks; THE YOLKS MUST BE RAW. (figure 1/2 yolk to 1 full yolk per day) Keep the egg whites for you and your family but please don't give them to your dog they mess with their biotin absorption.

4. Ground, organic flax, pumpkin and sesame seeds (flax only for the cat)(handful is fine per day)

SUPPLEMENTS: [approx. 1/3 of the diet by volume] 

· Organic, cold pressed flax seed oil 

· Cold-pressed olive oil (usually organic).

· Fish oil  

· Lecithin granules (non-gmo by NOW brand). 

· Solgar brewer’s yeast (debittered, & grown on sugar beets). 

· Y.S. Organic Bee Farms royal jelly, bee pollen, & propolis, 

· Organic kelp powder. 

· Organic dandelion root powder. 

· Organic alfalfa leaf powder 

· Chlorophyll liquid or capsules—the cat gets organic spirulina powder instead of the chlorophyll that the dogs get; spirulina is high in chlorophyll and cats are crazy about it 

· Garlic oil gel-caps for dogs. The cat gets a bit of the powder from a capsule of Kyolic aged, deodorized, organic garlic · MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin for the German Shepherds.  

· For Cats, 1/4 to 1/2 a capsule of Taurine to the mix for the day (depending on the size of the cat). This is crucial because cats have been known to be deficient in Taurine if it is not specifically added to their food.

DOG SNACKS: Lots of organic celery sticks; organic cabbage leaves; diced organic carrots; organic, raw greens (usually dandelion roots [dried or fresh], parsley stems or spinach leaves).

WATER: Distilled water, then “replace” the lost minerals by adding drops of Concentrace, by Trace Minerals Research, which come from the sea water from the clean side of the Great Salt Lake (minus the salt).

**This menu is a suggestion of a raw diet that has worked personally for my dogs and many others and is highly recommended when rehabilitating dogs who suffer from severe allergies, poisoning, or poor immune systems.  If you have an emergency situation please seek the advice of your veterinarian.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Sweet Potato Pancakes

SWEET POTATO PANCAKES

A dairy free, gluten free meal

1 Large Sweet Potato (soak in water for 24 hrs then blend in a food processor)
2 Eggs
1 Dropper of Liquid Vanilla Stevia
1 tsp of cinnamon
A splash of nutmeg
A splash of cloves
A dash of ginger
A tsp of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of coconut milk

Mix all of the above in a bowl until creamy add more coconut milk if you need to thin the batter out.   Smear coconut oil throughout your pan and heat to medium.   Pour the size pancake you'd like to create and let it cook on medium to low heat, cover for a few minutes and flip when it appears to be cooked most of the way thru.  These pancakes take a little bit longer to cook so stay patient they are worth it.

When they appear to be cooked all the way thru put them on a plate, add smart balance, fruit and 100% pure maple syrup .  There you have all natural Sweet Potato pancakes




Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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A Journey of Healing from Ulcerative Colitis

A Note from I'M Holisitc...

So many suffer from disorder and disease, Mica has an inspiring story on how he has battled Ulcerative Colitis using alternative and natural methods and how he has won.  Whether you suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, Krohn's or other Auto Immune disorders you might find hope by reading more about Mica. 

A Journey of Healing

Mica Akullian M.S. - Holistic Health Counseling

I was challenged with Ulcerative Colitis for eight years before I discovered how to heal myself.
Over the course of those eight years I investigated countless alternative healing modalities and various types of alternative medicine, yet could never get to the root cause of my dis-ease.

I eventually began to dig a little deeper, realizing that healing wasn’t going to be a quick fix.  As I started looking at the thoughts in my mind, my ego, and the emotional patterns I was continually repeating, I began to understand why Ulcerative Colitis was manifesting in my body.  I was searching for love from outside myself.  I was searching for a deeper connection to the Source Energy that flows through everything, not understanding that it flows within myself.

Emotional healing began when I started a practice of mindful awareness.  I started to simply watch the thoughts and emotions moving through me over the course of my day, noticing when, where, and why I was having thoughts and emotions relating to self protection, making myself feel better about myself, role playing, and negative emotional reactions (anxiety, annoyance, frustration, worry, and fear).  Over the course of this process I had a powerful awakening, where I realized greater depths of my emotional and mental experience, began to feel the energy within my body and how I was directing it, and see very clearly the root of my dis-ease (maladaptive patterns of thought and behavior developed throughout my life).  Over the course of two months my symptoms went away completely, and I felt a joy, love, and peace return to my life that I had not experienced in a long time.  My path of energy healing is ongoing, however, as I continue to grow into more of who I am.

I now have a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of the body, mind, emotions, and spirit.  The process of healing extends far beyond removing physical dis-ease from the body, but rather, reflects a greater journey of growth and expansion of consciousness on the path that each one of our souls embarks upon during this lifetime.  Bringing love and compassion to ourselves during our journey is one of our greatest tools for growth and positive change.  I now offer spiritual counseling for those who are seeking this kind of energy healing.

What is Ulcerative Colitis? It is an auto immune disease where the immune system continually attacks the intestinal lining of the digestive tract. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis are intestinal bleeding, diarrhea, cramping, weakness, fatigue, and depression.  What causes Colitis? Western medicine does not know the cause or have a cure for Ulcerative Colitis, and colitis treatment involves daily doses of medication to suppress inflammation in the digestive tract.  The symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis were quite challenging to live with and limited the enjoyment of my life for 8 years.


There are so many natural remedies for colitis, and natural remedies for healing in general, that it can be overwhelming to know where to start.  I tried acupuncture, psychotherapy, counseling, a specific colitis diet, regression therapy, meditation, herbs and vitamins, chakra healing, sound therapy, saw a spiritual counselor, and went to a Reiki master.  While many of these approaches helped, I was never able to get to the root cause of my dis-ease.

The Plot Thickens…

I eventually began to dig a little deeper, realizing that healing wasn’t going to be a quick fix.  It wasn’t until I started looking at the thoughts in my mind, my ego, and the emotional patterns I was continually repeating, that I began to understand why this dis-ease was manifesting in my body.

Healing began when I started a practice of mindful awareness.  I started to simply watch the thoughts and emotions moving through me over the course of my day, noticing when, where, and why I was having thoughts and emotions relating to self protection, making myself feel better about myself, role playing, and negative emotional reactions (anxiety, annoyance, frustration, worry, and fear).  Over the course of this process I had a powerful awakening, where I realized greater depths of my emotional and mental experience, began to feel the energy within my body, and how I was directing it, and see very clearly the root of my dis-ease (maladaptive patterns of thought and behavior learned throughout my life).  Over the course of two months my symptoms went away completely, and I felt a joy, love, and peace return to my life that I had not experienced in a long time.  My path of spiritual healing is ongoing, however, as I continue to discover more of who I am, and how I want to create my life.

Holistic Healing of Mind, Body, and Emotions.  

Disease happens within all layers of a person’s being.  While my healing was focused on releasing mental and emotional energy, I was also fine tuning my relationship with my body during this process as well.  The more I researched, the more I realized how important diet is.  According to Chinese medicine, poor diet, digestive pathogens, and malnutrition all contribute to almost all disease, including digestive diseases (visit the “Physical” subpage under the “Holistic Counseling” page for a Colitis diet that was a part of my healing.)

Candida overgrowth, for instance, is believed to occur in approximately 75% of Americans, many of whom are totally unaware of this imbalance in their body.  This overpopulation of yeast in the body can be responsible for the breakdown of the digestive functioning, allowing toxins into the blood stream, and ultimately contributing to a host of problems in the body.  Another possible culprit might be other foreign pathogens in the body, such as parasites.  Food allergies, as well as dairy and gluten sensitivities, all could be contributing to symptoms that fit under the umbrella of U.C., Crohns, irritable bowel syndrome, or irritable bowel disease.

In other cases, these digestive diseases are more deeply rooted in unaddressed emotional trauma being held within the cells of the body.  Often times anger, grief, and sadness are held within this part of the body, creating energy blockages, and over time, can cause dis-ease in the body.

Wether you are suffering from U.C., irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bowel disease, or Crohn’s disease, there is a systematic approach for uncovering the potential root cause of these types of imbalances.  By beginning with nutrition and lifestyle changes, and continuing into the subtler layers of mental and emotional energy flowing through the body, we can come to understand where imbalance is occuring.









Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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