An Update + Some Hope

I don’t want to step over the fact that I haven’t written in four years.

I didn’t have anything new to share that would contribute to you until now.

Motherhood, running a multi-regional food company and life in general took up all of my time and writing, in general, went onto the backburner for me. My family went through Hurricane Harvey and eventually a big interstate move. My child has grown into a beautiful, healthy, active first grader.*

And now here we are in the COVID-era.

But this year something happened. I was invited to participate in a global virtual fasting retreat. For seven days I consumed nothing but green juice, and then fruit juice. It was empowering. And when I completed that fast I knew I never wanted to go back to the way we were eating before. Because raising a child and all the things made life very busy. I had slipped back into eating a lot of processed food, sugar, caffeine and all of that. I would say that while I didn’t feel necessarily unhealthy, the effects were more mental. And this is what led me to say yes to the fast.

About two years ago I began what I now can only call a spiritual awakening. So as my mind lifted to new levels of understanding, I found my body wasn’t keeping up with my mind. I felt sluggish sometimes and lacking a certain clarity. While I wanted to feel more compassionate or tolerant, for example, I would find myself responding to my physical being as I was moving through life. What this looked like were periods of frustration, checking-out and also inattention: an inability to focus and be present.

And so when the fast was complete (I’ll reference it below), I chose to switch to a 100% plant-based, or vegan diet and also eliminated gluten, hydrogenated oil, caffeine and sodium as much as possible. I’ve now been following this since February of this year.

At 41, I’m in the best health of my life.

No, my MTHFR mutations and hypothyroidism didn’t go away. But epigenetics kicked in. I never run out of energy. I lost 15 pounds without effort. I don’t take supplements anymore (aside from active B-12 and vitamin D). I sleep better than I ever have. I walk five miles several times a week with ease. I feel bountiful. I have agape love for everyone, especially those who challenge me.

To some of you, a vegan diet may sound very confronting. To others it may be the obvious piece you’ve considered and just needed a nudge to try it out. We are barraged with messages about what’s “healthy” and what isn’t. The most powerful ones I’ve received this year is that we must always question where we learn the things we “know” to be true.

I plan to write a few articles here for those who want to take the leap into plant-based eating. What I’ve discovered is that it’s not only ideal for our bodies, but also for the environment. I’m not going to lecture or attempt to convert you here. This is merely a suggestion because it’s worked for me (and for my husband who also joined me on the journey). And I know if you’re reading this you’re in a special subset of people who are actually open to challenging the status quo of what we believe about health and caring for ourselves.

The big reveal is that it’s nowhere near as challenging as you may think. The number of products on the market even compared to seven years ago when I first switched to a somewhat alternative diet have grown exponentially. We eat a wide variety of amazing foods, including things we were afraid to give up. You will need a blender!

If you feel you’re not ready or able to take the plant-based leap, consider removing hydrogenated oils, processed foods and excess sodium from your diet. Drink three liters of water per day at a minimum. Pay attention to food combining. Eat more whole foods. Let coffee go.

The goal is aliveness! For me it’s led to breakthroughs in mind, body and spirit. I don’t know what the result will be for you but I’m certain it will be a powerful shift.

I will also leave you with some resources that have helped me along to today. I wouldn’t share them if I didn’t think they’re worthwhile.

First, this video on epigenetics:

Resources:

The INITIATION – juice fasting program (if you’re even considering this, don’t hesitate, just jump in. It will transform your life and the facilitators are amazing.)

Vitality Podcast – I could share all I’ve learned but this naturopathic doctor is the best source. Start at season one and listen along. For mind, body and spirit.

What The Health – documentary; you can watch Cowspiracy and Seaspiracy after if this resonates. It’s on Netflix.

The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle

*For those of you wondering about my son, whose lab tests showed homozygous c677t. He is thriving. He was diagnosed with a phonological processing disorder and did years of speech therapy but doesn’t need it anymore. I don’t share about him on an ongoing basis because I made a commitment to his privacy and not having him appear on social media in any way until he is of the age to consent to that. My goal is for him to eventually join us in plant-based eating. At this stage, being six, he is 60/40 on eating what I consider healthy, and the usual junk kids his age are exposed to and beg for. He takes a daily kids multivitamin with the active B’s. No gummies! Multiple dentists have cautioned us against them because of the damage they do to teeth.

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