Its time to talk about the Natural stuff...
Over the past several months Paul and I have been doing a lot of research on different diets and, supplements, and all natural ways to treat common illnesses. To my surprise this is a topic that I have become increasingly curious about and interested in.
We have decided that there is no better way to learn about something than to try it!!
Have a little background story about me...
I have always struggled with my diet. In high school I found myself putting on quite a bit of weight and starting to have very bad anxiety. I did minimal research and decided to change up my diet to eat more veggies and fruits, and stop drinking juice and soda. That made me lose a bit of weight but it didn't make me feel any better, I still had no energy and anxiety out the wazoo! I began taking medication to treat anxiety about 3 years ago when I felt I had no other options. Over the course of the next several years I became a huge fitness enthusiast and learned a lot about health and wellness. I lost a ton of weight and got to know my body better than ever! I've learned that my body does not digest gluten very well, and by that I mean when I eat anything with gluten I look like I am 6 months pregnant. I have also discovered that my moods and energy levels are directly correlated to what I am putting in my body. Once I cut out gluten completely and started focusing on eating "clean" I felt my energy levels feeling better than ever! Although my weight is fluctuating, the only real unwavering aspect has been my anxiety, which I still take medication for.
Fast forward to present day...
These days my diet is looking pretty good. I am gluten free, and for the most part dairy free (minus a few slip ups with my biggest weakness... ice cream). Besides that I eat mostly veggies and fruits, throw in a few carbs (maybe one meal with rice or quinoa) and then the occasional protein. Compared to the majority I would say I eat really well! With all of that being said I still notice that things do not feel 100%. I still get bloated and have issues with my stomach, my weight still fluctuates as well, and to top all of that off my anxiety is still not under control without medications. So I have finally decided to do something about it...
Here's my plan: Vitamin therapy & going Vegetarian... kinda
So much of what I am learning about health and wellness revolves around the human body's ability to heal itself. As long as we can provide our body the appropriate amount of nutrients, there is no reason that we shouldn't feel great every day.
I have had a growing interest in vitamin therapy for some time now, but it was not until watching the documentary Food Matters that I decided to take a leap of faith and try to cure my anxiety without medication. Studies show that Niacin (commonly known as B3) has the ability to greatly reduce anxiety and depression. I am no scientist, but from all my reading I have come to understand the basics behind this theory. Niacin's ability to increase blood flow, reduce blood pressure, eliminate excess adrenaline, and regulate hormones can contribute to feelings of relaxation, and in turn decrease anxiety and depression. So an all natural way to reduce and possibly cure my anxiety?... How could I say no? I will be periodically documenting how my new vitamin therapy is going, hopefully I'll be reporting good news!
I have had a growing interest in vitamin therapy for some time now, but it was not until watching the documentary Food Matters that I decided to take a leap of faith and try to cure my anxiety without medication. Studies show that Niacin (commonly known as B3) has the ability to greatly reduce anxiety and depression. I am no scientist, but from all my reading I have come to understand the basics behind this theory. Niacin's ability to increase blood flow, reduce blood pressure, eliminate excess adrenaline, and regulate hormones can contribute to feelings of relaxation, and in turn decrease anxiety and depression. So an all natural way to reduce and possibly cure my anxiety?... How could I say no? I will be periodically documenting how my new vitamin therapy is going, hopefully I'll be reporting good news!
Now, here is a little bit about my choice to go vegetarian.. sort of. When I began to have some interest in a vegetarian diet I slowly started to learn that there are many different kinds of "vegetarians". You have people who won't eat any animal products, or the people who will eat fish (also known as a pescetarian). I have made the decision to become a fish eating vegetarian myself. Now, Paul and I have done quite a bit of research on this topic and have learned some amazingly interesting facts about the meat we eat and its possible effect on the body. The meat packing industry here in the U.S.A. has lowered its standards so much so that other countries won't accept our meat... that has to be saying something. I won't bore you or preach to you about all the terrible things that happen to these animals, or about the food that they are getting fed... I will simply leave that up to you to research and discover for yourself. BUT what I will tell you are some of the wonderful benefits of eating less meat!
1. Eating less fatty red meat reduces your chance for heart disease (the number one killer of women)
2. Lower your risk of cancer. Studies show that individuals who eat red and processed meat are more likely to have cancer. Hormones added to artificial feed of animals can in turn raise hormone levels in the individuals who consume said animal.
3. Reduce your allergens. It is proven that individuals who eat less meat, dairy, eggs and other animal products have fewer runny noses and less congestion.
4. Keep your hard earned muscles! Eating a diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables can help prevent the onset of muscular degeneration.
5. Stay at a healthy weight. Many popular studies show that people with a diet that does not contain meat have a lower body mass index. (Usually an indicator of healthy weight and low body fat)
6. Have better hygiene! People who consume less animal products have healthier skin and hair, they also produce less body odor and have better smelling breath!
7. Have more energy! One interesting fact I learned is that our bodies attack processed foods as if they are a virus or infection by sending white blood cells to attack it. Having a diet that is 51% or more of raw foods will allow your body to naturally level out hormones as well as use its energy for processes and activities that matter.
Now these are just a few of the reasons I have decided to give this a try, I will be sure to keep you posted on how it is going for me and Paul!
Wish us luck!
1. Eating less fatty red meat reduces your chance for heart disease (the number one killer of women)
2. Lower your risk of cancer. Studies show that individuals who eat red and processed meat are more likely to have cancer. Hormones added to artificial feed of animals can in turn raise hormone levels in the individuals who consume said animal.
3. Reduce your allergens. It is proven that individuals who eat less meat, dairy, eggs and other animal products have fewer runny noses and less congestion.
4. Keep your hard earned muscles! Eating a diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables can help prevent the onset of muscular degeneration.
5. Stay at a healthy weight. Many popular studies show that people with a diet that does not contain meat have a lower body mass index. (Usually an indicator of healthy weight and low body fat)
6. Have better hygiene! People who consume less animal products have healthier skin and hair, they also produce less body odor and have better smelling breath!
7. Have more energy! One interesting fact I learned is that our bodies attack processed foods as if they are a virus or infection by sending white blood cells to attack it. Having a diet that is 51% or more of raw foods will allow your body to naturally level out hormones as well as use its energy for processes and activities that matter.
Now these are just a few of the reasons I have decided to give this a try, I will be sure to keep you posted on how it is going for me and Paul!
Wish us luck!
Once again keep in check as we will be posting weekly if not daily.
Follow us on facebook for current blog posts and updates:
-Written by Samantha Abrams
