A week ago (last Tuesday, May 5, 2009) I had a meeting with a new friend—a local photographer. Her name is Amanda. To ensure that you believe that the story I am about to tell is true, and is unfolding as I type this story, I am adding a link to her web-site. (http://www.poweredbythesonphotography.com/)
The reason for our meeting was two-fold: to get to know each other and to prepare to change Amanda’s life and health.
When I met Amanda about three weeks ago, I did not know [but she did tell me later] that she has been praying for a way to improve her life and her health. She did not know how to, and it is no surprise—there is so much confusing and conflicting information out there, with numerous diets and pills offered as a quick fix to all of our problems. An average person is so overrun by this information and ads that most of the times they just don’t know where to go, what to believe. Even simple, rational and common-sense lifestyle changes become a burden, since there is so much conflict from various sources. So a lot of them end up being paralyzed by indecision and get nowhere at all, sentencing themselves to a life of ill health and bad moods.
Fortunately Amanda did not stop after trying different diets (at least a couple that I can recollect that she mentioned—SAD [Standard American Diet], and a low- or no-fat diet, that actually damaged her health, since it was not properly structured). After meeting Amanda at a photo shoot we chatted on Facebook, where I mentioned to her about my health and has it has been positively revolutionized by a whole foods vegan diet. She became very interested. What I told her made sense, and although appeared challenging in the beginning, was not so overwhelming, as I spoke to her starting with making small changes—such as introducing green smoothies for breakfast. The idea was simple, and… delicious.
A few days later, after Amanda decided that she want to be well badly enough to make whatever changes are necessary, we decided to meet and lay out a plan of action for her.
Whenever I meet or speak with anyone, I encourage them to write down goals. I believe it makes efforts more tangible. The main goal for everyone should never be weight loss, although I know it is to many, but a great state of health: spirit, soul and body. If you focus on weight alone, there are tons of diets that can get you thin, but not well (Atkin’s diet comes to my mind). What you should desire is HEALTH, and when health comes—weight will go. It’s a given! These two components of healthy living go hand-in-hand. When you do things for your body to get well, introducing wholesome foods, your body will start detoxing and healing, and, indivertibly, shedding unnecessary pounds.
When Amanda and I met, we reached the consensus that she should start introducing more whole raw foods into her diet, and reach at least 50/50 ratio of raw to cooked foods. She decided to go vegan, which, of course, was a great decision, as a well structured vegan diet will aid her body in faster detoxification and thus, healing.
I checked with Amanda a couple of days back and again yesterday, to see if she had any questions, struggles or any good news. She was happy to tell me that by simply adjusting her diet alone she was able to lose close to 8 lbs in one week. I was glad to hear that. Amanda had also gone through a few days of feeling better and more energetic and a few sluggish days (which is very common when your body is working hard to get old toxins out of your system). But the most amazing news came yesterday, as we chatted on Facebook. Amanda told me that she had a tumor on her thigh for about 8 months. When she checked her thigh yesterday the tumor was GONE!!! Yes, folks, GONE—not there! And that is only 7 days into her new lifestyle! You never know the healing power of foods God created until you try them in their fullest state of potential!!!
As you can imagine, Amanda and I are ecstatic! She now has even more reasons to press on with her new lifestyle. She has an irrefutable proof that whole foods vegan diet works. And what a great example she will be to her family and friends!
I had asked Amanda to keep a journal of her journey (and food journal) to observe her progress and struggles. I will keep you posted on her story from time to time. If you have a second, stop by her web-site (http://www.poweredbythesonphotography.com/) or her Facebook profile (http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?drop&ref=mb#/profile.php?id=570988379&ref=ts) to congratulate her and to encourage her in her efforts.
If you are looking to make changes in your life, remember that they do not have to be drastic right out of the gates, unless you are battling a serious illness. You can start with one meal a day, then introduce things that you enjoy, only in a whole foods state, then you will be able to transition without feeling deprived. Keep a journal. You will be amazed how emotionally you are tied to the foods you eat. If you don’t believe me, I have a quick test for you. If I ask you to give up foods that you eat now to become vegan or raw vegan, which you know would ensure better health and longer life for you, and your first reaction is NO WAY! or I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ____ (fill in the blank), you know that you have an attachment to your food, and mostly likely mild-strong addiction. If you find this to be a struggle but still want to find a way to change, find a local wellness group, meet people that have been through the same journey.
If you are local here, I have organized a Wellness Society and we meet on monthly basis to support and encourage each other, as well as to share delicious foods. We have a meeting coming up this Friday (see details by clicking on the Wellness Society category link to the right). Make sure to join us.
You can also find a nutrition coach that would work with you one-on-one. I provide at home consultations and love meeting people who are serious about their health and life. There are very few things that are as thrilling as seeing someone get better.
There are tons of forums and web-sites, including mine, that have tons of delicious recipes you can try.
So, you see, you are already set up for success when you see right resources. If you are contemplating making a change, remember that the only thing holding you back is YOU! So, take a step, make a change! Be inspired to LIVE!
Have an amazing rest of the night!
The reason for our meeting was two-fold: to get to know each other and to prepare to change Amanda’s life and health.
When I met Amanda about three weeks ago, I did not know [but she did tell me later] that she has been praying for a way to improve her life and her health. She did not know how to, and it is no surprise—there is so much confusing and conflicting information out there, with numerous diets and pills offered as a quick fix to all of our problems. An average person is so overrun by this information and ads that most of the times they just don’t know where to go, what to believe. Even simple, rational and common-sense lifestyle changes become a burden, since there is so much conflict from various sources. So a lot of them end up being paralyzed by indecision and get nowhere at all, sentencing themselves to a life of ill health and bad moods.
Fortunately Amanda did not stop after trying different diets (at least a couple that I can recollect that she mentioned—SAD [Standard American Diet], and a low- or no-fat diet, that actually damaged her health, since it was not properly structured). After meeting Amanda at a photo shoot we chatted on Facebook, where I mentioned to her about my health and has it has been positively revolutionized by a whole foods vegan diet. She became very interested. What I told her made sense, and although appeared challenging in the beginning, was not so overwhelming, as I spoke to her starting with making small changes—such as introducing green smoothies for breakfast. The idea was simple, and… delicious.
A few days later, after Amanda decided that she want to be well badly enough to make whatever changes are necessary, we decided to meet and lay out a plan of action for her.
Whenever I meet or speak with anyone, I encourage them to write down goals. I believe it makes efforts more tangible. The main goal for everyone should never be weight loss, although I know it is to many, but a great state of health: spirit, soul and body. If you focus on weight alone, there are tons of diets that can get you thin, but not well (Atkin’s diet comes to my mind). What you should desire is HEALTH, and when health comes—weight will go. It’s a given! These two components of healthy living go hand-in-hand. When you do things for your body to get well, introducing wholesome foods, your body will start detoxing and healing, and, indivertibly, shedding unnecessary pounds.
When Amanda and I met, we reached the consensus that she should start introducing more whole raw foods into her diet, and reach at least 50/50 ratio of raw to cooked foods. She decided to go vegan, which, of course, was a great decision, as a well structured vegan diet will aid her body in faster detoxification and thus, healing.
I checked with Amanda a couple of days back and again yesterday, to see if she had any questions, struggles or any good news. She was happy to tell me that by simply adjusting her diet alone she was able to lose close to 8 lbs in one week. I was glad to hear that. Amanda had also gone through a few days of feeling better and more energetic and a few sluggish days (which is very common when your body is working hard to get old toxins out of your system). But the most amazing news came yesterday, as we chatted on Facebook. Amanda told me that she had a tumor on her thigh for about 8 months. When she checked her thigh yesterday the tumor was GONE!!! Yes, folks, GONE—not there! And that is only 7 days into her new lifestyle! You never know the healing power of foods God created until you try them in their fullest state of potential!!!
As you can imagine, Amanda and I are ecstatic! She now has even more reasons to press on with her new lifestyle. She has an irrefutable proof that whole foods vegan diet works. And what a great example she will be to her family and friends!
I had asked Amanda to keep a journal of her journey (and food journal) to observe her progress and struggles. I will keep you posted on her story from time to time. If you have a second, stop by her web-site (http://www.poweredbythesonphotography.com/) or her Facebook profile (http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?drop&ref=mb#/profile.php?id=570988379&ref=ts) to congratulate her and to encourage her in her efforts.
If you are looking to make changes in your life, remember that they do not have to be drastic right out of the gates, unless you are battling a serious illness. You can start with one meal a day, then introduce things that you enjoy, only in a whole foods state, then you will be able to transition without feeling deprived. Keep a journal. You will be amazed how emotionally you are tied to the foods you eat. If you don’t believe me, I have a quick test for you. If I ask you to give up foods that you eat now to become vegan or raw vegan, which you know would ensure better health and longer life for you, and your first reaction is NO WAY! or I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ____ (fill in the blank), you know that you have an attachment to your food, and mostly likely mild-strong addiction. If you find this to be a struggle but still want to find a way to change, find a local wellness group, meet people that have been through the same journey.
If you are local here, I have organized a Wellness Society and we meet on monthly basis to support and encourage each other, as well as to share delicious foods. We have a meeting coming up this Friday (see details by clicking on the Wellness Society category link to the right). Make sure to join us.
You can also find a nutrition coach that would work with you one-on-one. I provide at home consultations and love meeting people who are serious about their health and life. There are very few things that are as thrilling as seeing someone get better.
There are tons of forums and web-sites, including mine, that have tons of delicious recipes you can try.
So, you see, you are already set up for success when you see right resources. If you are contemplating making a change, remember that the only thing holding you back is YOU! So, take a step, make a change! Be inspired to LIVE!
Have an amazing rest of the night!
