Favorite CLEAN Foods

I have kind of fallen off the "clean eating" wagon. I am happy to say that I have retained some of the good habits that I got into last summer but things could still be better. I find myself going to "prepared" foods more often and eating out has become more of a norm than I would like. Granted my prepared foods now tend to be of the all-natural or organic variety but they are rather lacking in the "fresh" department. Eating out does not include fast food very often but, let's be honest, it is never the healthiest choice and my budget would sure appreciate a little less resaraunt patronage. So, I would like to get back to where I was last summer and hopefully make it stick this time. What is it about summer that is so motivating? In an effort to get back on the wagon I am going to make a list of my favorite clean foods and I would like all of you to do the same! Let's motivate each other, eh?!? homemade granola chia pudding steel cut oats with beriies and peaches dried apples quinoa spanish rice hummus popcorn Wow, that is kind of a sad little list. HELP!!!!

Where Oh Where to Start

After three years of questions, I finally have an answer to why my body seemingly betrayed me after having Hannah. One week ago my doctor told me she thinks I have fibromyalgia. I have been living with the idea that it was an under active thyroid since my Doc suggested it around Hannah's first birthday. Many of the symptoms were there and when you hear hoofbeats, think horses. However after three years of testing and retesting and then doing a few more tests, my blood continued to say there was nothing wrong with me. So why did I hurt all over? Why could I not lose weight? Why was I suddenly suffering from depression? Why was I exhausted even after sleeping 10 hours at night? Why was my once incredible memory now barely able to remember where I left the keys? Why did I get blinding headaches that started halfway down my back? And on and on. Answer: Fibromyalgia. So what now? Education. What I know is only what I have witnessed watching my Grandma and cousin live with this illness. I have watched my grandma pace herself and care for herself and thus, be able to do nearly anything she wants. My cousin, has let her body dictate her life. I am going to be like my grandma I am naturally blessed with strength and a fairly high pain tolerance. These things will, I hope, help me tremendously. I also have the benefits of youth and time on my side. having a diagnosis does not change anything about how I feel today. I am no less able today than I was yesterday or last week before I had a name for my symptoms. What does change, is the future. And I am hoping to be able to make a strong foundation so as my body ages and symptoms worsen, I am in a better position to fight back. So far I am learning that eating and exercise are the most important tools to managing the symptoms. Thus, Healthy Habits. Like Danielle, I am going to start cutting out the bad stuff and stocking up on the good. getting the rest of my family on board is going to be a bit of a challenge but I am hoping that in time, everyone will feel the benefits and want to continue for their own sakes. I have been reading about many foods that have anti-inflamatory properties and I am going to start trying to include these in my daily meals. I am also going to try to walk each day and get into a good routine of exercise while the weather is accommodating. Come winter I will hopefully be in a good enough routine that I am able to battle the elements and continue on. If not, I have the treadmill and can walk in the comfort of the dry shop. So this is my starting point. I am really grateful to have my family behind me and look forward to seeing the changes that come into our lives.