The Back Story.

So you may be wondering, why natural health? Why not just go to your regular Dr and get some meds and be done with it?! Well in the simplest context, it just makes sense to me and it works for me. It makes sense to me to treat mild and moderate body ailments with natural cures that have worked for centuries. For example,  why use an antibiotic for something like boils when it's so much better for your body to use Berberis? Berberis is used as a broad spectrum "antibiotic" when heavier drugs are not quite yet needed. ailments like staph, external bacterial infections, epidermal infections, and so on. This is not to say there is no place for modern medicine. I respect and admire my MD, she is wise and well informed. And I do not replace her opinions with my own, but I will seek a second opinion in non life threatening situations for more effective treatment (treating the root of the issue not the symptom). Co-care, if you will.

Once upon a time, I spent a year working at Whole Foods Market , and it was mind blowing. I took many classes offered and was obsessed with learning everything I could about the products we sold, and the practises used to cultivate those foods and products. It was eye opening. for me. That translated eventually into me managing a Nutrition House, and being currently enrolled in the Advanced Nutrition program at Alive Academy. I also have a Digestive Care Specialist certificate with the company Renew Life. I plan to finish both available programs at Alive and register for the IONC and RNCP designations.

It just absolutely fascinates me! It's incredible to see a salve made of olive oil and marigold flowers (Calendula Cream) clear up my 7 month old son's cracked and bleeding eczema within 72 hours, when NO conventional medicines or creams worked. Or that a blend of homeopathic pellets nearly cured my allergies, when I had tried every over the counter drug, prescriptions and even shots all to no avail. Working at Nutrition House it was amazing to see people return and tell me that holistic medicines were working for them. Especially the sceptics. In the end I learnt more from my customers than they really learnt from me.  I hope you can see how I was so drawn to the practise.

I am still constantly amazed by how such complex issues can be treated with such simple cures. I hope to stay a life long student, and more importantly be a true representation of this lifestyle.

And So It Begins...

Welcome,

This is a big moment in time that you are about to journey with me through, friend. 

I have decided that it is time to change my life. Well, my life style that is. I have spent the majority of my life overweight and semi lazy. That finally became completely out of control over the last 5 years. After losing 54 pounds in 2007, I have gained over 130 pounds since I moved in with my now Husband (pregnancy weight included,) and it's taking a toll on my body, mind and dare I say, spirit. I hit rock bottom this past November when my father passed away from Brain Cancer. When I watched him being put into a large duffel bag I made the decision to NOT do this to my own child(ren) if I can help it. And, I most certainly can help it when it comes to obesity related issues.

That hurts to say, "Obesity". Lets say it like it is, it paints a picture doesn't it? Of an unkempt, glutton with no self control.Well my hair is brushed and my clothes are clean, but some days it feels like that is about the only thing separating me from The People of Walmart. Trust me, I am not being a sad sack about it, I just have to look at this from a realistic standpoint if I am ever going to do something about the mess I am in. 

Recently, my Husband (Daniel) mentioned that its starting to creep up on that time we agreed on to start getting ready for the possibility of another baby. I agreed, and we both spoke about it being time for me to do something about this constant state of near illness that I am in. 

You see, James was born by cesarean section after 17 hours of labour at 39w 4d, after a failed induction due to high blood pressure, weight gain and projected baby weight (11 pounds 1oz), and failure to dilate. I will be honest, I was very upset with myself that I literally ate my way into a section. I vowed that next time around I would do everything in my power to avoid that. IF I am able to qualify for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), than that is absolutely what I would want. In the meantime we had a rough year, with a number of deaths in the family and my own personal struggle with Post Partum Depression. Now that the fog is lifting on the family and PPD is 7 months in the past, I realised I haven't made a single genuine effort to get healthy again, and stay that way.

That all being said, we want to start trying to conceive in mid late summer, so this is do or die time. Lets be clear, I am not going to try to lose 100 pounds by July! I am however, going to try and get as healthy as possible, safely, in the next 7 or so months. I have my work cut out for me. 

In this blog I will discuss my weight loss, complete with its trials and celebrations. I will discuss the process, the people involved and the products I try. I will be honest and we will have fun! 

Wish me luck, I am going to need it!!