As we enter the holiday season, I always like to remind my patients about the power of moderation. Starting with Halloween, American culture becomes obsessed with food… candy, pies, Christmas cookies, comfort foods, etc. It’s everywhere! This year I’ve decided to be transparent with my own health to share that it is possible to lead a life of moderation and be healthy. I recently had lab work done and want to share my results with you. Through a healthy combination of moderate dietary choices, exercise, and whole food supplementation… it’s possible to be healthy!
For those of you that don’t know my dietary restrictions, I’ll begin there. In 2003 I was diagnosed with food sensitivities. To read about my food allergy journey, click here. For the last 5 years I have successfully refrained from any gluten or dairy intake. Dairy includes everything made from cow’s milk: butter, cheese, sour cream, ice cream, milk, yogurt, etc. It’s not worth the reaction! So instead of focusing on what I can’t have, I eat well (and a lot!) of the foods that I can enjoy. Veggies, fruit, nuts, and animal protein are my primary sources of nutrients… and it’s yummy! I like to point out that I am still human, just like everyone else. I still eat things like bacon and potato chips or drink alcoholic beverages, but not daily, and in moderation.
As for exercise, I have been slowly returning to a regular physical activity after having our second child. This is the most challenging area of health for me simply due to time restrictions. I spend an average of 48 hrs/week at our beloved Body Logic and have 2 small children (ages 4.5 and 1). Just like every working parent, there just aren’t enough hours in the day! However, with planning and creativity, it is possible to incorporate movement. I’m happy to say that I successfully achieve at least 10,000 steps per day 5 of 7 days per week on average. Movement, in the form of sustained exercise, is a key component to achieving healthy lab results.
Sleep and stress management. Trust me when I say- I get it my friends! In fact, earlier this week our son decided to be awake from 12:30am-3:30am, and I still had to go to work the next day. It’s not easy! The cool thing is, when you make healthy food choices and get moving, stress levels are naturally lower because you feel good on the inside. Proper digestion, healthy blood-sugar balance, and physical activity allow for better quality sleep, even if the length of sleep is lacking. *wink wink*
Lastly, whole food supplementation is an essential part of my life. Because I’m a working parent, it’s essential for me to support my own health so I can support the health of my patients and my family. Standard Process and Mediherb have been a part of my life for years now, and I must give credit to their products for helping me achieve the successes that I have. For those of you curious on my daily intake of vitamins, here’s my current list: Catalyn- GF, Organically Bound Minerals, Tuna Omega-3 Oil, Calcium Lactate, Cataplex F, Cataplex D, Antronex, Cyruta Plus, Zypan, Adrenal Complex, and Boswellia Complex. I also drink an SP Complete Dairy Free smoothie for breakfast daily.
So here are the lab results! I was so pleased to see them and it simply provides me with more motivation to keep making healthy choices. I wish this for everyone and want to help you achieve your goals. It’s time to take control of your own health. I’m living proof to say that it’s possible!
