A Note From A Hunter/Gatherer With No Hunting or Gathering Skills

 While finally beginning my latest journey towards better all around health, I have discovered how quickly I lose track of my updates here. I'm looking forward to posting my updates though. Not only will it answer any questions everyone has been asking along the way but also, it keeps me dedicated when I hit rough spots I need to hurdle. 

 I've begun seeing a nutritionist/herbalist, in conjunction with my acupuncturist. Well, if I'm honest, it's actually a 5 member support team that also includes my chiropractor, massage therapist and my yoga instructor. All of which are vital in my learning how to heal and strengthen from within. I will touch on each of them separately at another time though. 

 I was very excited about meeting with this new addition to my "get well"clan. I was not sure what to expect however I did know how beneficial herbs have been in others' lives and I was eager to try them also. I went in with an idea of what I thought might be going on inside of my body. As some of you may know, I went through a tough time in the past couple years not knowing exactly what was going on inside. I was given prescription meds, various doctors advice, tons of blood work and made more than I care to remember trips to the ER. After a diagnosis of anxiety disorder and panic attacks, to which I still feel to this day was more of a symptom of the real underlying issue, I decided to take a break from the constant office visits and maybe try to research on my own another avenue. One day while reading an email from my favorite cancer thriver/health wise guru, Kris Carr, I came upon a topic I had seen many other times and wondered about. Adrenal fatigue and issues facing our endocrine systems. After going through this article and researching it out a little more, I decided far too many symptoms sounded like my day to day! It was time to really question this. That's when I found Bree, the newest member of my holistic health care team:) After my visit with her, I felt confident and armed with great info (as well as a bit overwhelmed in the beginning). She did her own evaluation and ultimately informed me that it was in fact an adrenal/endocrine issue that has been wreaking havoc in my body. Affecting not only organs like my liver and stomach but also an imbalance chemically causing my system to react in abnormal and drastic measures. The good ole fight or flight reaction was in super high gear from a combination of the wrong foods, the wrong stresses and not enough self calming moments. Not to mention a few years of chronic insomnia and fatigue, lead to a body I could not recognize, inside and out. 

 So this is where my new adventure begins. At day one. Present moment. The first step. I learned that through my blood type, there is a lot I can do on my own to understand why my body reacts the way it does to certain foods. I am classified as a "hunter/gatherer" so that my body will thrive at its best on foods that are typically higher protein and fat rather than carbs and grains. Most veggies are good however, not all and berries are at the top of my fruits list. 

 Bree told me, I would be at my optimal self barefoot out in the middle of the cool woods gathering my food and snuggled up in the trees! (I may have added the tree snuggling part myself though) 

Of course, A hunter by nature is just that…most typically one who would eat and survive on animal proteins. Seeing I am not a big meat eater (not quite vegetarian, not quite vegan, but certainly more so than a full on carnivore) this was a tough thing to hear. That my body was asking for more protein from the animal family. However when I expressed this to her, being the soft spirited and open hearted person I felt her to be, she told me a wonderful thing. She said, "eat the meat of your kingdom"! I love that! I had no idea what she meant but it sounded amazingly poetic and purposeful! Basically, what she was saying was, whatever food family you choose to nourish yourself with be sure to find the "meat" of that family/kingdom. Because I primarily eat from the plant kingdom, I was told that nuts and seeds are the meat of my kingdom! Therefore indulge in plenty of these plant kingdom meats to keep my hunter body happy. In addition, mushrooms are super important for this diet as well. Especially shiitake and oyster. Yes! I can certainly do that! 

 So here I am on Day 2 technically of beginning a 3 herbal supplement regime. I am eating much more protein and doing my best to abstain from carbohydrates and grains. Gluten-free and wheat free completely. Sugar-free as well! When they say sugar is a drug so expect the withdrawals, they aren't kidding! I am incorporating a lot of sea vegetables, new seeds like sesame and chia, and partaking in my new favorite probiotic in the form of Kombucha! I see a Kombucha dedicated blog post in the near future :-) 

 In addition to all this, I am dedicating one night a week to a yoga class. And I try to incorporate my own at home practice into each day as well. I am moving more and trying to get back on a sleep pattern that will support my lazy weary adrenals. Retraining your circadian rhythm is a feat in itself. I am beginning with the help of my old friend, melatonin. This is all a process that cannot be rushed. Staying present is key. Learning to trust the process is a must. And meditation, a tool I am working diligently at sharpening.

 I will continue to update, post and of course, share 1 billion photos of some of the food I prepare. The cliché food pics actually make me happy so they will not be ending anytime soon LOL. If you see something you like feel free to message me for the recipe! And I'm happy to give advice or tips on what I'm learning along the way. 

 Get outside and start to enjoy spring time now that it is finally here. I will be sure to let you all know how appointment #2 works out!

 Until then, here is a picture or two or three of a few of my new go to favorites. Be well and take care! Until next time.

a hard boiled egg mixed with tumeric and kelp flakes and topped with the latest super food of 2016, chia seeds!

although grains are on my "limited" list these oats were a perfect part of my breakfast that included plenty of raw nuts, seeds and fresh berries!

part of my "meat" diet includes the gorgeous shiitake and oyster mushrooms that look like nature on a plate!

who says a bowl full of greens, brussels and asparagus cant be breakfast. as a matter of fact, this has been breakfast, lunch and dinner in our home. topped with eggs and pepper sauce...yum!