changing times

So, this past year I have become more involved in the food that I eat. I realized I am allergic to gluten, so I have cut it out of my diet (mostly... I still eat tortillas every once in awhile, but not often). I have also switched to a 100% organic diet, where before, I was maybe only 50%. I have cut out almost all processed foods except corn chips, tortillas, and turkey jerky. But, I make sure to check the ingredients so that it doesn't have "natural flavour" cause we ALL KNOW that natural flavor is not natural. I try to buy things that I know what the ingredients are... and let me tell you, it's made a huge difference.

After watching movies like, "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead," "Food Matters," "Fork Over Knife," and reading books such as the "Omnivores Dilemma," I have realized that what I was putting in my mouth was slowly going to kill me. I feel better eating mostly fruits and vegetables. I feel better eating foods I have made and know that all the products are organic, local, and fresh.

I got a juicer back in October, and it's made getting my daily intake of fruits and vegetables a lot easier. It's also freakin' delicious. This morning I had two bunches of spinach, a half a cucumber, three carrots, three apples, a pear, half a beat, and a half a lemon. And it tasted so good. I just bought a stainless steal insulated thermos so that I can start bringing juice to work with me for lunch. I would like to do a two week juice diet where all I eat, or rather drink, is juice.

Since I have changed my diet, I have lost 20 pounds since May. I don't necessarily feel like I look like I have lost 20 pounds, but I can tell in my clothes and the way I feel. It is not just about losing weight, which is why I have failed so many diets and exercise regimes. I am doing it this time to be healthy. To not get sick, to feel better, to make sure I know exactly where and what I am putting in my mouth. I still treat myself to chocolate or a some gluten-free brownies, but I stay away from it most of the time.

I honestly believe that we don't need medicine or doctors to treat diseases and illnesses like cancer or a common cold. I think that the drugs that doctors and the FDA give people only treat the symptoms, not the actual reason as to why you're sick.

Watch the movies I mentioned above. You'll become a believer.