Grand Haven
About
I was raised to be S.A.D., you know, on the Standard American Diet. Hot dogs, hamburgs, casseroles, cold cereal with milk (and tons of extra sugar piled on top), white bread, pizza, pasta, candy bars and pop. Yes, pop. I live in Michigan.
We thought fat-free was good, sugar-free was great, diet pop made us skinny, grains were the basis of every meal, and milk gave us strong bones.
I've since found out eating fat doesn't make us fat, artificial sweeteners are bad for the brain, diet pop drinkers eat (on average) an extra 500 calories a day, gluten causes inflammation and we can get calcium from better sources than milk.
And in the spring of 2016 I discovered I get (note the positive spin) to be gluten-free and dairy-free, because my body can no longer handle them. Bah! I sure miss a big, extra-cheesy slice of pizza! But knowing how it makes me feel for days afterward - no thanks!
Fortunately my husband eats whatever I put in front of him, so I have his support on this new, crazy gluten-free, dairy-free journey of mine. Except for when we stop at the grocery store and he has to get a donut! (Did you see my eye roll?)
I have battled depression, been 40 pounds overweight, sluggish, forgetful, had achy joints, headaches and struggled to get my body out of bed in the morning. I once told my doctor I felt like an 80-year-old trying to get up. Not that I really know what that feels like, but I used my imagination.
I began seeing my doctor in 1991, and for years he taught me how to be healthy. I didn't always do what he said, but I had a head full of knowledge. (Yeah, that's not quite as helpful!)
But in 2009 I got really serious. I saw a health coach on a regular basis and she was amazing! I lost 33 pounds in 6 months, energy came back, aches and pains went away, memory returned, and I almost always get out of bed before my alarm goes off!
I loved my health coach and admired how she helps people, so I studied and became a health coach myself. I've learned so much about what makes us healthy, and it's not all just food!
The past few years I've also been on a mission to live a story of purpose. I don't want to live with regrets and should-haves, so I make a point to slow down, notice the things around me, make eye contact with the ones I'm talking to, and I'm trying to spend less time on social media and more time being social. People are so valuable and I try to convey that to everyone I meet.
Can you relate to any of this? Have you been there? Were you raised to be S.A.D. too? Are you confused about what food to choose for health? Do you wish you had more energy? Do you feel rushed and too busy? Maybe a little out of control?
The purpose of this blog is to help you regain focus. I like to share the things I've learned (and am still learning) about health. I want to help you declutter some areas of your life. I want to encourage you to have peace and hope. I want to help you tell a better story with your health and your life.
You are valuable and this world needs you!
Whether you're in your twenties (like my children) or in your fifties (like me) or somewhere else on the age scale, stick around and let's journey together. Let's learn from each other, talk, discuss, share. This blog isn't just for me, it's for all of us.
We'll never know all there is to know, and what there is to know is always changing as we make new discoveries. Being healthy is a process, never a final destination, so let's do it together. Having a friend along the way always makes it easier!
Here are a few popular posts to help you understand more about what I do:
Disclaimer
I am not a doctor. Any information you discover on this site should only be used to guide you to make healthy choices and not be used in place of gaining sound medical attention. I provide information I find interesting, timely, current or relevant, but I make no representations as to its accuracy, completeness, or its validity. I will not be liable for errors, omissions, injuries or damages arising from its use. Again, please be sure to consult with your doctor for serious health issues.
Read more about me here.
