Why am I?

Are you fulfilling your purpose in life? Do you even feel like you have purpose? I guarantee there is a reason you are in this world. If you have been consuming and surrounding yourself with unnatural things, you may feel disconnected from life, yourself, your family and friends. I know that I got to a point where I felt uncomfortable even being around the ones who love me most. I missed how easily a smile would come to my face in the past. I forgot how joyful life could be.

My new lifestyle has allowed me to be an openhearted, selfless person. Have the stresses of life vanished? NO! I have simply equipped myself with tools that allow me to cope with everyday life. I am still paying the same bills every month, facing the same mountain of student loan debt and surrounding myself with mostly the same folks I was before my change for the better. The difference is that now I can take deep breaths and feel secure that I will always have just what I need. I can also look past the cynical critics and those with evil intentions to see the hurt, disturbed child within them. Instead of being annoyed or disgusted with the words and actions of others, I am compelled to help them let go of their ill feelings toward me, others, and themselves so that they can experience true happiness as well.

So how does all of this help you? My hope is that you will draw strength from my positive energy and strive to inspire those around you to begin harboring positivity. A major part of becoming a happier you is changing what you feed your mind, body and soul. Picture a cuddly teddy bear. Its purpose is to be lovable and provide a sense of security and entertainment. If the teddy bear is filled with gravel and broken glass, it would no longer be huggable or safe. Over time, the bear's appearance will also begin to wear from the inside out showing evidence of being filled with something bad. However, if the same bear is filled with soft cotton, as intended, it will be able to serve its purpose and only need worry about natural wear.

In the same regard, if we fill our bodies with unnatural food that does not provide nourishment and inhibits natural functions, we cannot function properly, will fall vulnerable to disease, and will feel more intense pain emotionally and physically from the inflammation of our nerves. If we fill our minds with negative thoughts and selfish desires, we cannot support or care for ourselves, family or friends. If our soul is filled with anger and harboring past scorn, we will not be whole and will continue down a path of sorrow and pain.

Open your hearts and minds to this message and examine your life today. If you are not joyful and satisfied, you can be. You just have to allow yourself. If you don't know your purpose, start with taking care of yourself and feeding yourself only what it can use in a constructive, positive manner. Only then will you be able to see your true purpose in life no matter how big or small it may seem.

"It is never too late to be what we might have been." ~ George Eliot

Some Sugar Isn't Nice!

Like many others, my addiction to sugar and caffeine was obvious. I actually became proud of my love for all things sweet. What was I actually proud of as I proclaimed my obsession for substances that do not benefit my health. I became so dependent on these substances that I could not function without them. I encourage you to read a little about me. I've been overweight, unhappy and longed for change. I want to share my experiences to help you. This post will also give you some information about sugar, caffeine and how these substances affect your life and your body.

While struggling with Epstein-Barr virus and the great range of symptoms it carried such as gross fatigue, aching pains, depression and a depressed immune system. I had surgeries in college to remove infected tonsils, adenoids and teeth. On and off I cut carbonated beverages and replaced them with caffeine pills. This would greatly decrease my appetite, make me lose weight, and give me energy. It would also make me emotionally unstable, anxious and overly excitable. The weight I had lost was not just fat. My muscles and organs suffered the loss of essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Although I ate, my caloric intake was low and comprised of useless calories. I looked sick and anorexic because I was. I can say that without shame now because I know that I am on the right track keeping myself healthy today. At the time I didn't realize what I was doing to myself. Only after changing my lifestyle and taking responsibility for my actions have I been able to look at my past with a nonjudgmental mind so I can make better decisions today. Take steps that you are comfortable with as you try to better yourself.

It was not always this easy for me to admit my problems. I thought I had everyone fooled. After all, I had myself fooled! Lying to myself and living in denial only hurt me and the ones I love. My health deteriorated and I was on death's door. My spleen became enlarged and left me unemployed and unable to function. I went from an athletic ball of joy to a broken shell of the woman I was. I felt depressed, needy, anxious, angry, worthless, suicidal and mean. While exciting my nervous system, sugar and caffeine also encouraged bacterial growth and helped me starve my body. A couple weeks into January 2012, I decided to change everything. In just 3 weeks, I was able to resume Zumba which is a group dance class that lasts an hour. I've continued attending class weekly. I started yoga which bulked up my muscle and immunity. My diet has turned me into the woman I have been meant to be. I am driven, confident, and happy.

Let's turn the attention back to you. Flip over a candy bar or carbonated beverage. Check the first few ingredients. My educated guess is that you are reading sugar, corn syrup, corn starch, dextrin and other sugar substitutes. Toward the end of the list there will be a host of artificial colors and flavors.

What do these ingredients do to you? After consumption, expect happiness and an energy rush, possible anxiety followed by a crash and depressed or low feeling. If you eat and don't burn off this energy, expect a future fat deposit as well. Sugar is a carbohydrate. Simple sugars are NOT the only carbohydrate. Complex sugars and fiber can be found in whole grain breads, oatmeal, brown rice, fruits and vegetables.

Some measurements of carbohydrates' effects on the body are glycemic index and load. Glycemic index is basically how fast the carbohydrate is broken down in the stomach and moved to your blood stream. Glycemic load tells how much glucose, or sugar, is in a substance. Insulin resistance is a problem that means the body is unable to properly regulate and use insulin. Genetics, stress, and excessive carbohydrate intake all play a role in contributing to insulin resistance. This leads to diabetes which is changing lives for the worst when people to do not take responsibility and decide to make a change. Learning these terms and how to apply them to your food choices is important for you and your family. Most all of us are making uninformed decisions resulting in 30% of our nation being obese. If your child is struggling with hyperactivity, START with their diet. Decreasing sugar and caffeine intake will give you your angel back.

Suddenly stopping sugar and caffeine consumption can lead to withdrawal. These substances are addictive for the body. Symptoms can be fatigue, drowsiness, depression, headaches, and skin aggravation. Supplement with healthy carbohydrates to maintain energy. I encourage you to talk to your doctor or a dietitian about ways to change your diet safely. If your primary doctor fails to see the importance of the relation between diet and your health, I encourage you to find someone who will help solve your issues naturally with healthy changes instead of another processed substance that will change you even more. It is often true that less is more.

Learning exactly how the body uses the fuel you give it can help you make more responsible choices. Food can be rewarding, tasty, fun and a source of a good time. First and foremost, food is fuel and the building blocks for your body. Take a closer look at what you are putting in your mouth, chewing on and consuming. Are you building a fragile house on unsteady foundation? What can you do to help yourself? Talk to anyone who makes you feel comfortable enough to seriously open up. If you don't have anyone like that, talk to me. Below is a link with information about healthy carbohydrates.

http://commonsensehealth.com/Diet-and-Nutrition/Carbohydrate_Foods_List_with_Healthy_Carbohydrates.shtml

What Should I Drink?

For many people, the aluminum can or plastic bottle of carbonated sodas are the equivalent of a baby bottle. You always see them being carried and guzzled down like a sweet sense of security is being released upon ingestion. The easiest way to start down the path to healthy living is changing what you feed your body. I'll start with some common beverages you should avoid and follow with healthy alternatives. I've included links to support my claims. I also urge you to search the web yourself to identify the negative and positive effects of these items on your health.

1. Sodas (or 'dopes' as I call them) are stocked full of sugar and caffeine. 'Diet' soda is much worse, having artificial sweeteners that have been classified as neurotoxins. The effects of these chemicals on the body are slowly coming to light and the results are scary. They are revealed as carcinogens and contributing factors to heart disease. These drinks also increase the acidity of your body making you less healthy overall. 8 Dangers of Diet Soda

2. Cow's milk is a staple in many Americans' diets. The milk of our generation is highly likely to contain growth hormones and antibiotics. These additives increase the risk of cancer and decrease the ability of your body to use antibiotics when you actually need them to fight illness. A large portion of the nation is also found to have difficulty digesting cow's milk. Cow's milk can be affecting your body without you even realizing it. Milk: America's Health Problem

3. Sweet tea is among the ranks with dopes. As a Southern woman who was raised on the goodness that is sweet tea, this was the most difficult drink for me to give the boot. It is full of caffeine and sugar. The diuretic effect causes you to become dehydrated and use the good nutrients in your diet less efficiently. The Effect of Caffeine on Vitamin Absorption

4. Alcohol use is something many people cringe to think of as unhealthy. There has been debate this way and that about the positive and negative effects of alcohol on the body. Alcohol is empty calories with low nutritional value. Many young adults often skip meals, purposefully or not, to increase the effects of alcohol. Ditching food is not cool! You need to keep yourself full of healthy calories or you run the risk of throwing your metabolic balance out of whack. When you decrease caloric intake on a regular basis, your body slows the rate of metabolism to conserve energy. CDC Alcohol Fact Sheet

5. Electrolyte supplements have been advertised as a healthy drink for athletes, however, most are sugar and sodium. The negative effects are weight GAIN, high blood pressure and tooth decay. Gatorade Health Risks Gatorade Not Fit for Gators or Kids

6. Energy drinks are mostly full of caffeine and additives. Same ole story on caffeine. A quick list of side effects include but are not limited to insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, heart disease, muscle tremors, headaches and anxiety. The effects of supplements that are being added are widely unknown. Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?

Health Risks Tied to Energy and Sports Drinks

7. Fruit punch and other children's drinks often contain excess amounts of sugar. The additives and coloring may help your child drink more, but they are not necessarily drinking something good for them. With hyperactivity and mental disorders consuming our young generations, it is high time we pay attention to the ingredients in food and beverages that are being marketed to our babies. A Closer Look at Popular Beverages

Stop putting these toxic beverages in your body and feel better today! I suggest consulting a doctor before completely discontinuing use of these drinks. Because caffeine and sugar are essentially drugs, your body is likely to have withdrawal symptoms. This fact alone should be a wake up call. Suddenly stopping intake of caffeine can cause severe headaches and fatigue. From experience, I can say that you will get through this, and it will be more than worth it! Some professionals suggest a gradual decrease of intake over the course of weeks to lessen the effects of withdrawal. How to Minimize Caffeine Withdrawal

Now for the good part! Here is a list of things that will make you feel fabulous and boost your health.

1. WATER..water and more water!!! Many people hate the taste of water. To this I reply, get over your palate! Your body is made of water and needs constant replenishment. The positive effects are plentiful. Water aids in the digestion and absorption of food, regulates body temperature and circulation and help eliminate toxins from the body. Although water intake is important, it is also important to listen to your body and not force more water than your body can handle. Something important to consider with water intake is the source. I choose to use a personal filtered water bottle to decrease my impact on the environment while getting healthy. There are many options to choose from besides bottled water. Water Health Benefits Green Alternatives to Water Bottles

2. Vegetable and fruit juices are a great source of essential vitamins, nutrients and water. It is what we like to call nutrient dense so the calories you are drinking are full of the things your body really needs. Juice boosts the immune system and provides a healthy source of energy to replace all that caffeine and sugar. Juice is a great source of antioxidants which decrease your chance of cancer. *Beware* Many juices available on the grocery shelf contain additives, preservatives, artificial flavor and dyes. Take the extra time to search labels and find juices that are 100% juice so that you will get the full benefit of your beverage. Vegetable Juice Benefits

Fruit Juice Health Benefits

3. Herbal Tea is healthy beverage that has been used for centuries to remedy illness. There is a wide variety of flavors from which you can choose. Each ingredient has different health benefits on the body. Allergic reactions may occur with the use of green tea so it is important to do your own research and consult a physician before diet change or after an adverse reaction. Herbal Tea Benefits

4. Milk alternatives provide the nutrients associated with dairy milk without the risks. Raw almond milk is a tasty alternative full of protein and nutrients essential to health. Almond milk is comparatively lower in calories and does not contain cholesterol. Almond Milk: 3 Health Benefits

Natural Calcium Sources

I know what you're thinking, 'Just 4 healthy drink alternatives?' Vegetable and fruit juices spread over a wide area though. There are so many choices and different combinations that it is difficult to get bored with the possibilities.

*Coffee is a beverage that I have left out of these lists. Personally, I cut all caffeine sources from my diet and feel like a brand new woman. I will not be adding them back to my diet any time in the foreseeable future. Just like many foods, coffee is a popular 'frienemy' that goes back and forth in the scientific community as healthy then not healthy. 11 Health Risks of Coffee Coffee and Your Health

With the recent rapid evolution of our diet, Americans are feeling the negative effects of consuming products of which we do not know the full effects, positive and negative. As a nation our health is declining. I hope these lists provide you with information that you will use while researching ways to create a healthy diet and lifestyle. I urge you to consider the sources of information, the possible sponsors that may have influenced the content of material you will read and any ulterior motives they might have. As always, consult a physician before making changes in your diet to make your transition into healthy living as safe as possible.