Articles in the health Category

Hi, y’all!

I went shopping today. And not just any shopping – whole foods shopping. Can I get a hurray?!

As I mentioned in my recent confessions post, I’ve been a bad, bad girl. I’ve let processed foods slip back into my diet (aka mouth). I’ve grown away from those every day raw juices, smoothies, and Greek yogurt snacks.

But no more!

I’m taking control of my health and life and am getting back on track. I’ve gained weight since being married. But I’m not the only one, I know. Just ask The Healthy Apron!

Nah, I won’t really blame my husband. I’m the one who put the food in my mouth. LOL!

It’s just that since being married, I think I’ve let my guard down and just eaten whatever I want, whenever I want, and have lost sight of my original health goals.

Believe me, it’s easy to get caught up in how juicy or creamy something tastes and just thinking “oh, I’ll get back on the wagon tomorrow” – knowing tomorrow might never come.

I’m not saying just give up all those on-a-whim treats. Those little moments and yummy tastes are the spice of life. I’m just saying I have to reign myself back in and get with the program! My own program!

Look at all the yummy produce!

Yep, our bicycles are parked in the kitchen. LOL! 

Whole Grain, All Natural Oats for chilly mornings!

Cashews ‘cause they’re SO yummy!  

Onions – I love ‘em raw or cooked!  

Bananas aka Nanners – for smoothies + snacks!

Broccoli + Carrots for nibbling!

Potatoes (aka taters) – love ‘em raw or cooked!

My long lost love, Greek yogurt!

Kiwi – SO juicy and delish!

Pears – crisp and delish!  

Avocados – you won’t BELIEVE

what they’re going in!  

Lemons & Limes – for tea and salad!

Grapefruits!

Purdy bell peppers! 

Cantaloupe – for snackin’ + smoothies!

Cucumbers – I could eat gazillions of ‘em!

So many bright and natural colors! 

I also bought some canned goods, tea, eggs, and meat (the husband loves meat and has shared the love with me – he’s a fantabulous cook and I’m spoiled!).

I’m excited to be getting back to more whole foods, my yoga practice, and living a more healthy lifestyle. As friends have called me in the past: healthatarian. LOL! 

So, what about you? Do you cram as many whole foods into your meals as you can? Have you been eating whatever is available just so you can make it through the day? It’s SO easy to fall into that rut. Do you judge others for falling into food and exercise ruts? Do you judge yourself?

If you’re in a rut, just start climbing out like I am. Purpose in your heart to make tomorrow different, even if it’s baby steps. Just start.

We must love ourselves, love whole foods, and enjoy life…

Are you on board? Talk to me, people!

And don’t forget the sweet freebies. You have until the 30th before your coupon code expires!

I’ve been:

• neglecting yoga, letting it slide ‘till I’m stiff and stressed
• allowing processed foods back into my diet – um, mouth
• letting white sugar sweeten me up
• focusing on life’s chaos – instead of what’s most important

Join me as I:

• move back into my yoga practice, with confidence and grace
• incorporate more whole foods back into my diet
• begin to cut white sugar from my foods and drinks, replacing it (once again!) with stevia, honey, and other natural, healthful sweeteners
• find peace, hope, strength, and a harmonious balance in my life

And what is going to help me accomplish all this? Besides determination and desire to take my life back, Stacy McCarthy, Brendan Brazier, and NuNaturals are going to help me!

Check out the awesome stuff they’ve sent me for upcoming reviews:

What about you? Have you been so caught up with all that life throws your way ‘till you’ve lost sight of yourself and your health? Have you caved and eaten that donut? Or melted when that plate of processed food passed your nose’s path? We haven’t gone too far – we can take control of our life today!

And a great big thank-you to the sponsors!

P.S. Did you enjoy the Labor Day sale?

Disclaimer: The opinions in this post are  my own, and are not meant to sway your decision of consuming agave. I am speaking from my “gut feeling” and the information I’ve personally come across – that is all.

So glad you’ve enjoyed my story about Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis + Fibromyalgia – your comments and emails have truly blessed my heart!!

And yay for Strawberry Serenity Kombucha. Thanks for your rave reviews of my review.

Oh, and I hope you enjoyed the post I published right before this one: Nuttzo + Apple Slices + Berry Blackstrap Smoothie = Delicious Lunch!

It truly was a fantabulous lunch. Yum!

Anyway, on to the topic at hand: agave and why it’s banned from my kitchen….

Finally!

Agave & Me

For years, I’ve listened to people “ooooohhh and aaaahhhhh” over Agave. Health food store employees have tried to sell me on it, too.

“You can sweeten tea or coffee with it!”

“It’s a delicious addition to recipes!”

“For vegans, it’s a wonderful replacement for honey!”

These are some of the sell points I’ve heard over the years. And while I absolutely agree with each statement (remember, I finally gave in and used it myself – and loved it!), I’ve come to the conclusion that I should have followed my initial gut instinct – and listened to my mother – and avoided agave all together.

Agave found its way in to my chocolate pudding and raw chocolate.

I realize that a TON of you use and enjoy agave and have made up your minds to continue using it, regardless – and we are all entitled to our opinions and food choices. But I’ve really searched my heart and soul on this one, and it felt right to not only quit using agave, but to share with you why.

Inflammation

As I recently mentioned in my post about living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, I’ve battled inflammation for several years now. Most days, I win. Some days, I don’t. But I have to be very careful about what I eat – or drink – because if I’m not, the old symptoms come back full force.

And I don’t like going backward. I don’t enjoy feeling stiff and not being able to freely move my fingers across the keyboard or have increased back pain.

I don’t enjoy hurting so badly, I can’t practice yoga. And I really hate hurting so badly that I can’t sleep – Raw Juice Girl is a grouch without enough sleep!

What to do?

Adios, Agave

I decided to say adios to agave because I literally feel horrific when I consume it.

How do I know this? I started noticing I was hurting worse than I had in a LONG time. Aches and sharp, piercing pains were back. I didn’t like that. I couldn’t figure out what I’d done differently. I wasn’t eating more fruit than normal. I wasn’t eating white sugar or bread or pasta. I wasn’t eating 100% raw at this point, but my diet consisted of really, really clean food.

What could it be? I thought and thought and couldn’t figure it out. Then it dawned on me… Aha, the agave – it was the ONLY thing I’d done differently.

So I cut it out of my diet. Just as an experiment. What happened? Within days, the extra aches and pains and aggravated Arthritis and Fibromyalgia symptoms were gone. Gone.

Amazing, huh? I think so.

Confirmation

The following article just sealed the deal for me and I knew I’d had one too many “signs” and “gut feelings” to do anything other than cut agave from my diet. Period.

Agave Nectar: Worse Than We Thought

Here’s an Excerpt

The Big Dirty Secret About Agave

In spite of manufacturers’ claims, agave “nectar” is not made from the sap of the yucca or agave plant but from the starch of the giant pineapple-like, root bulb. The principal constituent of the agave root is starch, similar to the starch in corn or rice, and a complex carbohydrate called inulin, which is made up of chains of fructose molecules.Technically a highly indigestible fiber, inulin, which does not taste sweet, comprises about half of the carbohydrate content of agave.³⁴

The process by which agave glucose and inulin are converted into “nectar” is similar to the process by which corn starch is converted into HFCS.³⁵ The agave starch is subject to an enzymatic and chemical process that converts the starch into a fructose-rich syrup—anywhere from 70 percent fructose and higher according to the agave nectar chemical profiles posted on agave nectar websites. ³⁶ (One agave manufacturer claims that his product is made with “natural” enzymes.) That’s right, the refined fructose in agave nectar is much more concentrated than the fructose in HFCS. For comparison, the high fructose corn syrup used in sodas is 55 percent refined fructose. (A natural agave product does exist in Mexico, a molasses type of syrup from concentrated plant nectar, but availability is limited and it is expensive to produce.)

According to Bianchi, agave “nectar” and HFCS “are indeed made the same way, using a highly chemical process with genetically modified enzymes. They are also using caustic acids, clarifiers, filtration chemicals and so forth in the conversion of agave starches.” The result is a high level of highly refined fructose in the remaining syrup, along with some remaining inulin.

In a confidential FDA letter, Dr. Martin Stutsman of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Labeling Enforcement, explains the FDA’s food labeling laws related to agave nectar: “Corn syrup treated with enzymes to enhance the fructose levels is to be labeled ‘High Fructose Corn Syrup.’” According to Mr. Stutsman, agave requires the label “hydrolyzed inulin syrup.”³⁷ Even though, like corn, agave is a starch and fiber food processed with enzymes, it does not require the label “High Fructose Agave Syrup.” Agave “nectar” is a misnomer; at the very least, it should be labeled “agave syrup.”

Agave syrup comes in two colors: clear or light, and amber. What is this difference? Mr. Bianchi explains: “Due to poor quality control in the agave processing plants in Mexico, sometimes the fructose gets burned after being heated above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, thus creating a darker, or amber color.” However, the labels create the impression of an artisan product—like light or amber beer. As consumers are learning about problems with agave syrup, the label “chicory syrup” is beginning to appear as a non-conforming word for the product. Consumer beware!

Like I said, this article sealed the deal for me. I knew in my heart agave wasn’t for me – it just resonated with me.

Closing Thoughts

I did enjoy agave’s taste; I don’t enjoy the side effects it has on my body.

Learning things like this, and following my gut instinct, is why I feel I will probably never be 100% vegan.

Here’s why…

I do eat mostly vegan foods – most of the time, for days or weeks – but there are times I use a little (raw) honey or want to eat an omelet (made with organic eggs from right here on my farm) or I give in to a craving for organic Oikos Greek yogurt. And I personally feel it’s better to eat a little honey (something my body doesn’t have trouble processing) than to eat agave and ignore that tugging feeling, and suffer the painful side effects it has on my body.

I know there’s a lot of controversy about agave and a LOT of people who are never going to give it up. This is just my opinion and decision. And I thought I’d share it with you.

And I also personally feel it’s in the best interest (for MY body and happiness and overall health) to stick to “real” foods and not consume a lot of processed vegan/vegetarian stuff. This is where the whole vegan/vegetarian thing can get “sticky” because while a lot of people may judge me for eating an egg or Greek yogurt once in a while, I am not chugging soy milk, highly processed “vegan” and “vegetarian” foods and eating what is really “fake” food, in my opinion. Ya know?

I am not judging you if you do eat those things – I actually feel it’s better to eat them than lots of meat and fast food. So, I feel there’s really not a black and white understanding – or rules even – when it comes to living a raw/vegan/vegetarian lifestyle.

In the end, we all have to make the best possible choice we can at the time and just go from there.

Updated 3/20/2010 to add another article about agave I just discovered. It’s by Dr. Mercola: Beware of the Agave Nectar Health Food Fraud

So now you know why agave is no longer in my life. Is it what you suspected? Do you agree? Disagree? Even care at all? Is agave something you use every single day, or just on occasion? Do you agree that it’s better to use the real thing in place of a fake alternative? Such as a real egg instead of fake egg substitutes? Or honey instead of agave? Or real butter instead of fake? Do you eat foods or drink beverages because they taste good – or because they’re good for you?

Coming Next

• Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses – And Why I Drink It
• Tart Cherry Concentrate Health Benefits – And Why I Drink It
• More reviews and giveaways!

Contest Alerts

• Averie, over at Love Veggies & Yoga, is having a raw food book giveaway.
• I’m giving away a jar of Tropical Traditions raw honey.

Update: At the time I wrote this, I was high-raw vegan. I’m no longer vegan. While I do eat raw foods daily, I have added back to my diet the following: fish, venison, black angus beef, chicken, eggs, honey. I don’t eat a ton of meat but I do allow myself to have meat, eggs, and honey as I crave them. I eat eggs more often than I eat meat or honey but I’ve always been honest with you and that won’t change. I’ve mentioned this several times already but wanted to be sure noone got the impression I’m still a high-raw vegan after reading this post. I also eat 12 grain bread. I am working on a new website that will launch sometime this year that suits my lifestyle more these days. Thanks for reading!

On to original post…

Note: There is SO much to my health history and story in general, it was especially difficult to focus this post on only RA and Fibromyalgia. I hope I’ve managed to successfully share this with you, though – and not just ramble.

I recently mentioned that I was going to share more information on living with Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis, so here it is…

I was diagnosed with both Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia in my mid-twenties. (I was also diagnosed with debilitating migraines, depression, PCOS/Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and endured other grueling health issues (like Candida and colon problems) but in order to keep to a bit of sense to this post, I’m sticking to the RA and Fibromyalgia today.)

This came after barely escaping domestic violence and enduring countless tests, doctors visits, and excruciating pain.

I’ve never shared to the full extent of just how horrific that time in my life was. I do plan on sharing everything in a book someday.

When I was diagnosed, I couldn’t believe it. Arthritis AND Fibromyalgia? But I was so young?! How could it be???

(Source)

Of course, it all made sense: the chronic (and never-ending) muscle spasms, sharp pain, awkwardness with trying to use my hands to do simple tasks (like hold a drinking glass!) and much more.

My hand-eye coordination was the pits – basically non-existent. When I was able to walk, I had to drag my right leg – my hip just wouldn’t cooperate. Things got so bad, I began to lose the ability to move easily. I could no longer hold a drinking glass, write with a pen, or fold laundry – and I woke up one morning and simply couldn’t get out of bed; couldn’t move; couldn’t roll over. Nothing. I became bedridden.

If my mom hadn’t nursed me during that time (brought me meals, drinks, helped bathe me, helped me to the bathroom – everything) I’d have ended up living in a nursing home. I’m not even kidding, people. Not even.

I had so many health issues in my mid-twenties that some doctors I went to literally thought I might not make it to see the age of 30. One doctor told me to my face: If you don’t do something – and quickly – you’re going to die.

At that point, I was right at 300 pounds with horrific levels: blood pressure, blood sugar, hormones, cholesterol – the works.

Now, I know some of you may think I ate myself into a Bolivian because of depression/stress brought on by barely escaping domestic violence – but that isn’t true. While I wasn’t eating tons of fresh raw veggies during that time (it was very hard times and there were lots of meals that consisted of packaged noodles, if ya know what I mean ) most of the weight gain was due to my lack of mobility, side effects from prescription medications and shots, and also stress.

Die? Going to die? In my 20s? AFTER escaping domestic violence? How could it be?

I was scared, folks. Really, really scared. I cried. I was angry. I couldn’t believe that God would spare my life from the nightmare of my abuser – only to let me die from the after-effects of stress, obesity, and all that came with it.

I couldn’t accept it. I didn’t want to die. I had come too far. Way too far.

I wouldn’t give up!

Things are MUCH better now, but I still have bad days and painful times.

For example, there are days I have tried to spend a lot of time in the garden or have done too much sweeping/mopping/walking, etc., and have ended up rotating an ice pack on different parts of my back and am literally in tears because the pain is so bad.

Hope

I finally realized that if I didn’t get my mind above the condition my body was in, I wasn’t going to make it – I was caving. I was giving in to the symptoms, the pain, the depression. No, my future didn’t look positive. No, I didn’t feel good. I hurt. I ached. I didn’t sleep. I cried. Some days I wanted to die. It was that bad. Other days I was afraid I would die. And I didn’t want to.

Mind over matter tips that inspired me to keep going:

• I wrote positive thoughts in notebooks, journals, or on loose scraps of paper.
• I eliminated toxic people from my life.
• I hung on to every word of positive quotes and encouraging Bible verses.
• And most importantly, I prayed – and believed – with all my heart.

The verse that especially pulled me through and still has a most special place in my heart, is Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

I had to find joy in my situation. Yes, I was in agonizing pain – but I was ALIVE! I had survived domestic violence and I didn’t live through it only to whither away from illness and negativity.

When I did focus my mind on the positive, my life began to change. Yes, it was an uphill battle all the way. It still is. I can’t eat like other people, or I literally feel the pain of increased inflammation. And when I do fall off the wagon and “cheat” on foods I know my body can’t process, I pay for it with pain and feeling blech.

What I physically changed in order for the symptoms to fade dramatically:

• quit drinking soda
• cut out all white sugar, flour, and processed foods
• ate fruit sparingly, stuck mostly to berries
• added a TON of fresh, raw veggies
• started drinking raw juices and juice fasting
• started taking herbal supplements
• started drinking herbal tea
• began cleansing my entire body – especially my colon
• started drinking apple cider vinegar (with Mother/living enzymes) every single day
• started drinking tart cherry concentrate every single day, up to 3 x a day
• started taking probiotics daily
• and more

(Source)

What I physically do to maintain the decreased symptoms now:

• eat a high-raw (mostly vegan) diet
• drink raw juices and smoothies
• eat minimal fruit
• yoga
• drink herbal teas
• take herbal remedies
• continue to cleanse my body/colon as I feel the need
• take apple cider vinegar with Mother daily
• take tart cherry concentrate daily
• drink lots of water
• avoid soy
• avoid agave (post coming next to explain this)
• use stevia as a sweetener
• walk
• try to get enough sleep
• blog (because it brings great joy to my life, it seems to help my health overall)
• consume healthy fats and oils
• try to start every day by drinking warm lemon water on an empty stomach
• still take probiotics often

Natural vs Western

I mostly manage my pain with my high-raw (mostly vegan) diet, herbal tonics, apple cider vinegar with Mother, tart cherry concentrate, and yoga but there have been times I simply cannot tolerate the pain and I will (reluctantly) take an Ibuprofen or similar over-the-counter pill. I try not to, though. I personally gave up on Western medicine because I tried so many different pills and shots, I got tired of the side effects. It just wasn’t worth it to me.

I don’t judge people who go the Western medicine route, though, because I know what it’s like to suffer with horrible health issues and we all have to listen to our bodies, make the best choice we can at any given time, and be kind not only to ourselves, but to others. I’m a firm believer in the fact that we don’t know what someone else is going through unless we’ve walked a mile in their shoes – and even then, we all react differently.

Root Cause/Cure

Some of you wanted me to share my opinions on the root cause of RA/Fibromyalgia and a cure. And that’s exactly what this is: my OPINION. That’s it.

So, here goes…

I personally believe that the root cause is inflammation. I believe processed foods, sugar, antibiotics, yeast, etc., contributes to out-of-control inflammation. I know immediately how much – or little – inflammation is raging in my body at any given time. I’ve learned to listen to my body and because of that, and my high-raw (mostly vegan) diet, I can manage my symptoms so well that it’s ALMOST like it is cured.

And when I’m juice fasting, I feel SO light – and I don’t mean weight; I mean inflammation. Make sense?

The Happy “Ending”

It seems silly to think of my current status as a “happy ending” because I feel my life is only beginning! I’ll be 35 this summer and just thinking of that is a breath of fresh air. I’ve lost over 100 pounds and gone are the days of not being able to hold a drinking glass – I can now type, write with a pen, and even thread a needle!!!

From this

(And this wasn’t even my heaviest!)

To this

And never in a million years did I EVER think I’d be sharing such inspiration and encouragement from this side of the screen because I remember countless times searching online (with tear-filled eyes) for any ounce of hope that my health might improve – that’s how I was led to juice fasting, and what prompted me to start this blog.

Do you suffer with RA or Fibromyalgia? How do you manage your symptoms? Do you just go the Western medical route? If so, do you supplement prescription meds with alternative remedies, a balanced diet, herbal teas, cleansing? Do you only seek natural methods for healing? Do you find relief in exercise – like walking, running, yoga, swimming, etc.? Can you relate to my experiences of battling illness at such a young age? And if you’re suffering tremendously right now and feel there is no hope of getting better, has my story encouraged you to keep trying different things, and to keep fighting no matter what? Did I leave anything out? Share your stories, tips, thoughts, opinions, pain, triumphs, and let’s glean from one another!

The sky is the limit!