Noe News is Good News

A Supportive Husband

In trying to live a healthier lifestyle, I thought I would clash a little with Adam. He has always been way big into protein and meat yadi yada. And I think I talked about this before... but I was afraid he wouldn't support my new almost vegan lifestyle. But I was wrong. He has embraced all my findings and has even dropped most dairy out of his diet. He eats Vegan meals with me. And he goes out of his way to bring me new healthy meals to eat. Today I tried a Kashi meal that was so delicious! I couldn't believe it.



It's completely Vegan and is made with Plantains! (like bananas) It was so delicious it actually makes me want to learn to cook so I can make amazing vegan meals like this!!

But he goes beyond that, as today proved. He does research for me too! We're learning so much about this miracle that our body is- God has truly made no mistakes with us. Today Adam sent me an article he came accross about Lymph. Have you heard of it? You've probably heard of Lymph nodes... we have some located in the back of our throat that get swollen when we get sick but we have them other places too. (and mine were terribly swollen when I got shingles!!)

Lymph is a clear-to-white fluid made of:

• White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, the cells that attack bacteria in the blood
• Fluid from the intestines called chyle, which contains proteins and fats

(from here)

The thing is, the only way to help circulate this fluid through your body is through moving!!

Adam and I recently read that you are more likely to get cancer and heart disease if you watch TV. We didn't get it. Now we do!! I'm including the whole article in this post just so I can have it in my blog book, but you can go here to see the source and find out other neat info!

Get your lymph moving and shed cellulite.

Every second of every day, your body’s cells are producing waste products—and dying. Bacteria, cancer cells, environmental toxins, and other harmful agents are also moving throughout your body.

Lymph is a clear fluid that carries these unwanted wastes away from the cells, produces immune protectors, and collects digested fat from the food we eat—depositing it directly into the bloodstream—bypassing the liver. Another superb organ of detoxification, the lymph channels are your body’s drainage system.

A complex network of needle-thin tubes carries lymph fluid (filled with fat globules, toxins, and excess liquid) to your lymph nodes where these wastes are filtered and neutralized. Lymph may be the most important part of the body that most people have never heard of!

Gerald Lemole, MD, an AMA Physician’s Recognition Award recipient, says that the lymphatic system also protects heart health. That’s because lymph circulation helps HDL (healthy) cholesterol scavenge excess fat from your arteries.

There’s only one catch to this highly effective system of garbage disposal—lymph (unlike blood circulating through your body) has no pump (like your heart) to keep it circulating. You need to move lymph yourself—by moving your body and breathing deeply.

When the Flow Won’t Go
Our increasingly sedentary lifestyle is bad news for lymph circulation. Plus, the everyday stress we live under also stresses the lymphatic system. Like the liver, the lymph can get overloaded with environmental pollutants and other harmful wastes.

When lymph isn’t flowing effectively, your tissues aren’t draining excess fluid. This creates a backlog, leading to bloating. Waterlogged tissues can cause your body to swell up two extra sizes—packing on an extra ten to fifteen pounds—yikes!

Slow flowing lymph can also cause cellulite—that dimply, cottage cheese-like fat that’s all too often found on the thighs, stomach, and buttocks. Finally, bacteria, cancer cells, and toxins remain in your body—where they can damage your cells and health.

Move That Lymph
The good news is it’s easy to get your lymph flowing again. And when you do, you’ll tone your body and enjoy smooth, glowing skin. Cellulite and cravings will disappear, along with bloating—only to be replaced with radiant good health.

Here’s how to make that happen:

1. Breathe deeply. Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth, making an “a-h-h-h” sound against the back of your throat. Deep, regulated breathing massages the thorax and all the lymph vessels in your chest, helping HDL cholesterol get where it needs to go.

2. Don’t sit too long. Sedentary people are most at risk for heart disease because lymph flow through the thoracic cavity is limited. Sitting packs on pounds too! Even if your work keeps you at a desk, get up and walk around every hour or so to get lymph flowing again.

3. Rebound. Bouncing on a mini-trampoline is the best exercise I know to get lymph moving effectively. Low-impact rebounding acts to gently move lymph (along with wastes), and the light pressure on the thighs activates lymph drainage. Within two weeks, ankles, buttocks, stomach, and thighs will look toned and dimpled fat will begin to disappear.

Is that interesting or what?? Another reason that proves why exercise can actually help keep you from getting sick too!!

A little snack

 

A gal has got to have her chocolate... does anyone else out there know what I mean?? I admit that I am an emotional eater... so when I am under some stress, I need my chocolate. Good thing dark chocolate in small amounts is actually good for you and full of antioxidants!! Adam gets me bars of dark chocolate from the store every once in a while. They are usually gourmet since other dark chocolates like Dove or Hersheys still have milk in them. Some have fruit chunks in them and others are pure chocolate ranging from 65-80% cocoa. For a snack, I like to grab a handful of almonds, some craisins and a piece of chocolate (a square or two). Then, I will nibble off a little piece of chocolate, throw in an almond or two and some craisins for a nice little happy dance in my mouth. This is really my favorite. And the funny thing is, this actually satisfies me. I used to eat a whole candy bar in one sitting!

I've lost 10 pounds so far this past month! Eating real chocolate and other yummy stuff :)

The China Study - in a nutshell.

I'm not much of a book reader. It's hard for me- if I DO read, I often end up falling asleep because it's so relaxing. When I do want to read I skip out because it takes up so much time and I feel like I could be doing something more productive. It's really the same reason I don't watch much TV anymore too. I RARELY watch TV. I only like doing things that are teaching me something or helping me be a better person in some way or get to know a friend better. So I have not read the book I am about to talk about. But I feel like I HAVE because my mom has told me so much about it!

The China Study is on my mind tonight because my kids are sick. Again. Landen has been battling a small cold this past week, but Joselyn was doing fine until tonight. Fever and barking cough. Ugh. I feel so sorry for the little girl. So I started looking up phrases on Google like "why do my kids get sick so much?" and was amazed at the responses. I thought I was going to hear "You take them to daycare" or "pre-school". But instead a lot of people had mentioned Dairy products. Apparently, dairy products affect your immune system and can make you get sick more often. I don't have any sources to quote except for many many testimonies by frustrated mommies who heard about it from other mommies and took their kids off dairy. Results? Their kids weren't getting sick as much! This is what reminded me of the China Study and the reason Adam and I have resolved to take dairy out of our kids diets as much as we can. Another drastic move on my part, right? Landen loves his milk- but the other day I gave him almond milk instead and he couldn't tell the difference! It's amazing to me how much we eat determines how healthy we feel and are.

The China Study basically is a book containing studies about how what we eat is directly linked to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The study found the people who ate more animal products tend to have more cases of the diseases while those who ate a more plant based diet saw a significant less instance of the diseases. Interesting, huh? This book is one of the reasons I have changed my diet to what it is. (yes, even though I haven't read it)

So just in case you're curious, here is a summary of the book from the China Study website. It's kind of long, but worth the read.

The science is clear. The results are unmistakable. 

Change your diet and dramatically reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Respected nutrition and health researcher, Dr. T. Colin Campbell reveals the truth behind special interest groups, government entities and scientists that have taken Americans down a deadly path

Even today, as the low-carb craze sweeps the nation, two-thirds of adults are still obese and children are being diagnosed with Type II diabetes, typically an "adult" disease, at an alarming rate. If we're eating healthier, why are Americans stricken with heart disease as much as we were 30 years ago?

Drawing on the project findings in rural China, but going far beyond those findings, The China Study details the connection between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The report also examines the source of nutritional confusion produced by powerful lobbies, government entities, and opportunistic scientists. The New York Times has recognized the study (China-Oxford-Cornell Diet and Health Project) as the "Grand Prix of epidemiology" and the "most comprehensive large study ever undertaken of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease."

"After a long career in research and policy-making, I have decided to step 'out of the system'. I have decided to disclose why Americans are so confused," said Dr. Campbell. "As a taxpayer who foots the bill for research and health policy in America, you deserve to know that many of the common notions you have been told about food, health and disease are wrong."

"I propose to do nothing less than redefine what we think of as good nutrition. You need to know the truth about food, and why eating the right way can save your life."

Early in his career as a researcher with MIT and Virginia Tech, Dr. Campbell worked to promote better health by eating more meat, milk and eggs -- "high-quality animal protein ... It was an obvious sequel to my own life on the farm and I was happy to believe that the American diet was the best in the world."

He later was a researcher on a project in the Philippines working with malnourished children. The project became an investigation for Dr. Campbell, as to why so many Filipino children were being diagnosed with liver cancer, predominately an adult disease. The primary goal of the project was to ensure that the children were getting as much protein as possible.

"In this project, however, I uncovered a dark secret. Children who ate the highest protein diets were the ones most likely to get liver cancer..." He began to review other reports from around the world that reflected the findings of his research in the Philippines.

Although it was "heretical to say that protein wasn't healthy," he started an in-depth study into the role of nutrition, especially protein, in the cause of cancer.

The research project culminated in a 20-year partnership of Cornell University, Oxford University, and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, a survey of diseases and lifestyle factors in rural China and Taiwan. More commonly known as the China Study, "this project eventually produced more than 8000 statistically significant associations between various dietary factors and disease." 

The findings? "People who ate the most animal-based foods got the most chronic disease ... People who ate the most plant-based foods were the healthiest and tended to avoid chronic disease. These results could not be ignored," said Dr. Campbell.

In The China Study, Dr. Campbell details the connection between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and also its ability to reduce or reverse the risk or effects of these deadly illnesses. The China Study also examines the source of nutritional confusion produced by powerful lobbies, government entities, and irresponsible scientists.

The China Study is not a diet book. Consumers are bombarded with conflicting messages regarding health and nutrition; the market is flooded with popular titles like The Atkins Diet and The South Beach Diet. The China Study cuts through the haze of misinformation and delivers an insightful message to anyone living with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and those concerned with the effects of aging. Additionally, he challenges the validity of these low-carb fad diets and issues a startling warning to their followers.

Oh yeah. And tonight Adam and I decided I can't really call myself a Vegan. More like a very avid Word of Wisdom follower. It makes more sense to me since I'm following it loosely. I'm MOSTLY vegan, but occasionally some vegans might call me a cheater when Thanksgiving comes around.

My Favorite Salad

Ok- so this is the salad I've been telling you about.



It's seriously so delicious. The pomegranates burst in your mouth and have a little crunch, and each bit also has a little bit of sweetness with the fresh apples and candied pecans. You barely know you're eating a salad although I really do like salads.

So here's the recipe!

Dressing:
½ cup olive oil (not extra virgin)
2 tbs. white vinegar
Juice of 2-3 limes (you can use pre-squeezed juice as well – just how much it says for each lime)
1 clove garlic (again – I use the already minced garlic in the jar)
¼ cup squeeze honey (like a honey bear type)
Handful cilantro (grab leaves in your hand and rip off the stems)

Blend together in blender until all the chunks are gone.

Salad:
1 package Dole Spring Mix
1 package Baby Spinach
1 package crumbled FETA (I didn't use- but it tastes great with it)
Green onions
Apples or pears – chopped small with skin
Candied pecans – heat brown sugar and pecans in pan until caramelizes
Pomegranate – peeled and seeded

Mix together and toss with dressing.

Too bad pomegranates are out of season- but if you get your hands on some and try this out let me know what you think! And thanks again Stacie for the recipe!

You are what you eat

People are somewhat surprised when they hear I've gone vegan! It's a drastic change that's for sure... but I can tell you I have not missed out on much and I actually enjoy it! The phrase "You are what you eat" has new meaning to me. Eating fresh food actually makes me feel like a better person vs. feeling "greasy" after eating at McDonalds. I'm still learning the ropes, but I'm discovering a few favorites that are my go-to foods.

My absolute favorite was discovered when I was sick with Shingles... my sweet friend Stacie brought me this delicious salad that I am HOOKED on. It's a spring mix salad topped with pomegrantes, pears, candied pecans and lime-cilantro dressing. (she also added feta cheese which we loved, but since I am vegan I have not added the cheese). SO delicious! Since pomegrantes are out of season, I won't be able to enjoy this much longer. I have one pomegrante left and I hope it's still good! I'll try and take a picture tomorrow and I'll post the recipe!

Adam has been so supportive of my new vegan lifestyle. He's a big protein guy, so I was honestly be afraid he would be like "you need to eat some chicken at least" or something like that. But even Adam has shown some interest in the vegan diet with it's many health benefits. His dad is mostly vegan... I say mostly because he does eat meat or dairy on occasion, but he follows the word of wisdom almost to a T, and stays very healthy that way. This has inspired Adam to maybe follow in his dad's footsteps and join me in the vegan lifestyle. His first act of support and sacrifice came in driving out of his way in a winter storm (with very bad roads) to get me pomegranates for my beloved salad. Last night he brought me home 2 new goodies to try... and I didn't even ask. He is just thoughtful that way. The first was a burrito from Amy's Kitchen.

Isn't the packaging pretty? I tell Adam all the time that I have yet to taste something bad that has beautiful packaging. Anyway, that's beside the point. This was SOOOO yummy! If you love indian food, then you'll definitely love this. I like tofu, but even if you didn't you can't even taste it. It just tastes like curry with chunks of potato wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. And this is something I can easily throw in the microwave for a quick meal! Completely organic and vegan. Seriously love it. Because of this, I am so excited to try more food from Amy's Kitchen brand!

Something else we've been eating a lot of is Chipotle. Did you know that most of the stuff they use to make their food is organic and even locally purchased? I get a burrito bowl minus the meat and tortilla and add lots of lettuce. Rice+black beans+corn salsa+lettuce. It's my favorite and the kids love their rice and beans too. We eat there a lot when I'm too lazy to cook. I doubt I'll ever get sick of that place!

For breakfast I eat a lot of oat meal and fruits. I've also considered cereal with almond or rice milk, but I am staying away from that for now while I try to lose weight. I also have started incorporating green smoothies into my breakfast routine! I'm actually quite excited to try this kale-pear smoothie I discovered today online!

One thing I knew I would miss though was chocolate. I love my chocolate. But a few days ago I read that dark chocolate was vegan! You don't know how excited I was! I honestly wasn't looking forward to tasting tofu cheesecake and other weird sounding vegan desserts. I had mentioned this to Adam and was so excited when he brought me home a chocolate bar!! An organic vegan dark chocolate bar by Newman's Own. It's so smooth and yummy. And I haven't scarffed it down like I usually would. I eat a couple peices a day, and it satisfies me while giving me that little bit of "sweet" that I crave!

I am hoping for some dark chocolate covered strawberries for valentines day!!

Anyway, I'm not 100% perfect at this. If I have no other choice on what to eat or am in a situation where something vegan is not being served and I need food, I just try to stick to it as much as I can but I don't beat mysef up over it. I'm doing it to be healthy- not because I am an animal's rights activist. I love animals, but I also believe God gave us animals as a source of food in moderation. So an occasional bit of meat or dairy, to me, is not going to kill me or my lifestyle.

But I do feel so much better about myself since eating this way... and it's not going to be as hard of a thing as I thought. Vegan food is actually quite delicious and I don't miss meat or dairy as much as I thought I would! Actually I don't really miss it at all!

Dr. BoCheesy

Last June, our pediatrician (the one who was there when both of the kids were born and who we have seen ever since) stopped carrying our insurance. We were really sad because we LOVED Dr.Bottigi. So this year when open enrollment came, we switched our insurance to go back to him. Yes, we love him that much. And we love our nurse Angie too! Anyway, we didn't necessarily want to go and see him this early on in the year, but after 1 night of throwing up, the next day of runs and high fevers this morning, we knew it was time to go visit him.

The kids were both a little reluctant at first today but Dr. Bottigi can win your heart right away. To start off, I think he looks like a Sesame Street character- in a good way, of course. Thick hair, bushy eyebrows and glasses with a very distinct voice. He's nice to the kids- blows up balloons for them with his examination gloves, asks to try on their shoes, lets them blow out his otoscope light, and all sorts of other silly things. He then asks them about their day and actually listens and talks to them. When he left the room for a minute Joselyn called him "Dr. BoCheesy" and I just have a feeling that the name will stick in our family. CUTE.

Since both of the kids had the same symptoms, he split up the throat and nose swab tests. Joselyn got the throat and Landen got the tougher nose one. Neither of them cried- AMAZING. We were so proud of them. I've had both and they are NOT fun! As a reward for their bravery, Joselyn got 2 princess tattoos and Landen got 2 monster truck tattoos. Both were a hit.

Joselyn's test came back positive for STREP. Good thing she hasn't complained about her throat just yet- I think it's in it's early stages. This probably meant that Landen was getting it too, so they both left with prescriptions for antibiotics- and suckers, bracelets and balls.

You know you have a good doctor when you leave the office and your children say "That was FUN!"

Word of Wisdom Living

I was reading one of my favorite blogs yesterday when she mentioned a new blog her father was starting called "Word of Wisdom Living". On top of reviewing many interesting books and scientific findings, this blog focuses also on scripture and the basics of living a healthy lifestyle by introducing 1 thing for every week of the year that we can eliminate or work on to become an overall healthier person.Since it's only the second week of the year, it's not too late to join in! And even if you don't want to take the weekly challenges, this blog is full of great advice and is EXACTLY how I feel about the kind of lifestyle I would LIKE to live and what I think is BEST. Check it out and let me know what you think!