Ugh. There are too many unhealthy, unhappy people. This isn’t news to me – I watched my Mom lose her strength and eventually her life when she was just twenty-nine. It has been many years since, but unfortunately, these illnesses are getting much more common despite the investment and research to cure them. Having my own children has been my wake up call.
Since early 2000, I’ve been strategically navigating the nutrition waters, and let me tell you – these waters are NOT safe. Honestly, I’ve been slowly figuring it out over the years, reading – taking classes, whatever it takes to learn about the opportunity to be healthy and stay healthy. And it IS an opportunity rather than a given. You have to reach for it, preferably before you are already at a deficit.
So, here I am today – frustrated. So many beautiful lives out there are losing the fight. The loss that my friends, family and clients are feeling after getting the heartbreaking news makes my soul ache. I can’t keep questioning how I’ll be received – or how many people will even read what I have to say. We all have to start somewhere and I am determined to help people get started toward healthier lives.
For those out there who want to be healthier, or want to encourage others to be, let’s join together and square off with our food. Here’s the challenge – commit to ONE WEEK of real food. Read labels, chose organic, avoid all processed foods and KNOW WHAT YOU’RE EATING. Just give it ONE WEEK. Of course, I don’t want you to stop there, but the education that you will get in that time should motivate you to make lasting changes. It will take effort, and you will make mistakes and eat unhealthy food sometimes, but your health is worth every challenging step you take.
I’m not trying to rebel against commerce or “fight the power” – but I don’t want to see people handing over the health of their children or the strength and resilience of their own bodies to ANY wealth-seeking entity. My original, immediate family is gone – not because of any targeted, malicious act; they just didn’t live with the intention to stay healthy. They were seemingly fit most of their lives, but their resistance to disease somehow slipped away. They didn’t see the dangers in everyday living, or maybe they chose to take that risk. I learned a difficult lesson from that.
Now, it’s my job to educate my family about the opportunities and dangers. My children are young enough that I can guide them and provide the healthiest foods, but they need to make their own decisions for health as well. We all do. There are so many opportunities to grow in a positive direction; I don’t want them (or any of you) to get bogged down in the negativity of the issues. Just know the facts, and make health-conscious decisions for yourself and your family based on those facts. Each of your decisions will add up to positive results.
I welcome any of you who wish to join my extended health-seeking family. I will be glad to provide more information, support, lists, recipes, references and answers to questions – just comment below or send a message. Whether you’re just starting this journey or somewhere along the path, I believe there is a lot we can offer each other.
Blessings on your health-seeking adventure!
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