Du Du Du...Another one bites the dust..or the Carrot as it were. :o)

       I know its been a while for us, but we are still Shakin and Juicin to better health.  And so are a few other folks I know from what I understand.  Ryan just is a very private person, some in my family take offense to this as my siblings and I are so incredibly not, infact I have made some very good friends in the check out line at walmart.  So needless to say I was intrigued that he wanted me to use some of my fun writing skills to share his story.  Not because we wanted accolades or needed moral support, but because we hoped we could offer an alternative to anyone else out there dealing with chroic illness or failing health.  Ryan had gone to so many doctors and dealt with the side effects of drug cocktails if our words could lessen any one else's suffering of even just offer hope, he was willing to share.   I can not explain in words the sense of vigor and joy one gets from making choices for your self that dramatically increase your quality of life, so I won't.  I have a "guest" blog from my favorite nephew ;) Jason Metz.  One caveat, most folks reading this who have known me as an adult know me as Jennifer, Jen, Or Mrs. Smail.  My family knows me as aunty Jenny, you have been warned. ;o)

Jason's Journey:

    Hello, My name is Jason Metz (Jenny Smail's nephew) I wish to share with you some thoughts on the change to whole foods vs processed foods and the Standard American Diet, and a change in which will hopefully encourage other readers of this blog.

I am 29, I stand in at 6'5 and I at my peak weight was 378 lbs. I wouldn't describe myself as completely fat as I work on my feet alot and have always been active. However these activities have gone down immensely and I definitely wasn't getting leaner. Due to various schedule changes in the past 5 years between school, work and play, I was both a sleep schedule wreck and a dietary wreck. I ate whatever whenever and whatever amount I felt like including many servings of sugary foods throughout the day and my biggest vice of Soda.

In February I went to see the Doctor for sleep issues and he looked at me, prescribed meds to help me out but also said no alcohol, no caffiene. No problem I said and went home and cut it down to 1 can of soda a week. Lent came and a co-worker was cutting out "sweets", I figured I will join her (only allowing frozen yogurt once in a while). I started losing weight, and not just some it started to add up 10, 15, 20lbs. By Easter I was 30 lbs lighter and on a roll I changed more, I cut fried foods and pre-made no sugar added Apple Juice (its worse for you than you think). However I was at a weight stalemate, nothing was really happening, no gain-no loss.

I got a the gift of a kidney stone and did a wellness check up at work around the same time. I received some good news regarding my blood work at the wellness check up. Went and had a CT scan for Kidney stones (the worst pain in my life) and by the time I had the scan it was all gone. I found out other information though, I have a fatty liver. Not an issue, many overweight people of it, however it is not a great thing to have when diabetes runs in your family. I contacted Jenny because of the success she and Ryan has had, I did some basic research on the glycemic index and a fiber content index and I was hooked on the idea.

Since 2 weeks ago my diet has leaned even more towards fruits and vegetables, probably 80-85%. 2 weeks in and I am 10 lbs lighter and counting. At night I still eat what one would consider a well portioned dinner, all day all I eat is fruits, veggies and some nuts along with water and milk either in their natural state or made into a smoothie via my Ninja.

If I can do all of this, anyone can consider making dietary changes that would lead to better health. I ate fast food at least 5-7 times a week and drank 2+ liters of soda a day. I had no energy, I was uncomfortable in my own skin and couldnt sleep. Now my energy level doesnt peak and valley like before, I feel better as to my outward appearance (my belt is almost to big) and I am still working on sleep, but it is getting better, I am a little over 40lbs lost total. Last time I went into the doctors office the nurses cheered for 30lbs lost, give me a couple more months and we will see some excitement.

When Jenny and Ryan first started this I was a skeptic but the overall theme from my journey in the past 3 months is this: You have to choose things that you know you will be successful at.

Here is me in a nutshell and why this works for me:

- I am busy so I don't make time to prepare food for the next day
- I dont like to spend alot of money on eating
- If I had to choose between eating and drinking I prefer drinking
- I dont like grocery shopping that much and certainly dont have time or a memory to count points or anything


Why it works for me:

- I cut one thing out at a time, you cant change everything overnight, dont try- it leads to failure.
- I can throw fruits and veggies in a bag and I am good to go. Little to no prep and the Ninja is easy to clean.
- Buying mostly fruits and veggies are cheaper than a diet that consists of processed foods and meats.
 - I can make smoothies all the time with my Ninja
- Mostly fruits and veggies leave you one main section to visit
-If you were on weight watchers most veggies and alot of fruits are 0 pts

That is my story, hopefully it inspires more people to start down this pathway. For me this has been a life change for the past 3 months not just a fad diet which one does for a month and then onto the next thing. I had no long term objective when I started, but now I have several long term goals I am working on because of the success I have had in this and the way it makes me feel.

Good luck and Good health
Jason Metz

*I have to add that I am so impressed with Jason's determination and will power.  He first contacted me during the last two weeks of tax season (Ryan owns a CPA firm.), his story helped keep me on track even when I wanted to grab a quick bite.  I have many nephews (all awesome in their own regard) and other than my inspirational nephew Aaron who went vegan a few years ago virtually healing himself of astma, I never immagined the first person to pop out of the wood work would be Jason.  I do believe  Jason has actually won one of those eat this giagantic steak and you get it for free deals.  Well Jason, I am officially here to thank you on behalf of your newly glowing liver & colon.  LOL

Its fun to baffle doctors. :o)

    This past week Ryan went to the his Rheumatologist at the University of Minnesota. To say the least Doctor Molitor was stunned at Ryan’s improvements. In December Ryan’s kidney was functioning at only 30%, the invasive surgery he underwent to save his kidney had not worked as they hoped. NOW the radiologist report reads, “little to no visible signs of blockage.” “Right kidney is near 100% functional.” Every three months Ryan does a myriad of blood work. They check many things, including inflammation markers. At his visit this last week Ryan had no noticeable inflammation markers present in his blood. Ryan was on 30mg of prednisone in December (and for nearly three years prior), he is now taking 12.5mg!! Dr. Molitor stated that he will be suggesting this diet to another patient he has who suffers from the same rare condition as Ryan. Dr. Molitor said there is no possible way doing such a dietary change could harm your health or cause progression in disease. The secondary effects of his nutritional therapy is the succession of drug side effects, the loss of over 20lbs, the succession of heartburn, snoring, constant fatigue and nausea. In return he gets loads of energy along with physical and mental stamina. More than he has had in years. The swelling in and around his face is receding. I can see both eyes again, his left was almost swollen shut in December.

     All this healing, on a diet of HEALTHY saturated fats, Organic fruits and vegetables, and lots and lots of nuts and seeds. You would be amazed at the delicious things you can create with these basic foods. We enjoy flax/seed chips I make in the dehydrator. We add fresh coconut and coconut oil to smoothies, hemp oil and hemp seed to salads and dressings.  I actually made "sour cream" in my blender out of fresh coconut, cashews and lime juice.  It honestly tasted exactly like sour cream.  When we do go out to eat and enjoy a restaurant dinner, we aren’t even able to finish half the portions given to us. 

    

     It was funny that Ryan's appointment was this week.  I had spent the past two weeks feeling frustrated that I was stuck at -12lbs and finding/making time to work out wasn't happening on a regular basis. How can I preach the natural heath gospel if I don't look the part, my own pride was clouding the vision. Ryan's baffling the doctors reminded me of the big picture.  It doesn't matter if I'm a size 10 by summer, it matters that my husband has his life back, we have our youth back. We also as a couple recording this journey, have an opportunity to offer hope and support to others suffering helplessly from rare and chronic disease.  After posting an update on an online support network for people with Ryan's condition I received 4 requests for more information.  Knowing that this way of eating/living could help others is gift enough.  And although I would like to see this same darn 30lbs I have fought off after the last two pregnancies come off faster.  I suspect that this slower weight loss and detox for me will be sustained for a long time.  God did humble me this week he but also blessed my slightly smaller buns into a size 12 comfortably.  :o)

 

    For anyone suffering or feeling afraid and confused by their chronic disease or their loved one’s chronic disease please research nutritional therapy. And for anyone out there who is seeking more vitality, and vigor, and improved immune system and who wants to cut their dependence on Caffeine consider nutritional therapy.

Here are some good places to start:

*Maximized Living (a book and supplement program that many chiropractors advocate for.) Look them up online, the information provided in their relatively small and easy to read book explains a lot of the nutritional principles behind eating to heal.

*Clean~ By Alejandro Junger, MD : A great book to start with, it offers a three week cleanse that is very similar to the way Ryan eats day to day. Especially good if you are dealing with inflammation.

Salsa!

I have caught more than one friend or family member licking their bowl after eating some of this fabulous salsa!  One principle I go by is eat what you like, don't use an ingredient if you don't like the smell of it.  You nose can tell you a lot, I use my sense of smell almost more than my taste buds in the cooking process.  I am going to offer you a base salsa recipe, to which you can add what ever fruits, vegetables, legumes, cheese, or level of heat your little heart desires!  Enjoy!

Jennifer's Salsa:

Simple Salsa base consists of these 6 simple ingredients puree together in a blender or food processor.

1. 2-3 very ripe red tomatoes whole.

2. Champagne Vinegar or any fancy white vinegar with a mild tang.

3. Agave Nectar or whatever sweetener you like or have on hand. (my friend uses brown sugar, I        sometimes use stevia)

4.  Mexican spice mix. ( I will list below my bulk Mexican spice recipe I make and add to any south of the border dish I create.)

5. The juice of two limes.

6. Olive oil

*Blend all these ingredients very well, if you are in a hurry add your veggies etc. to the blender and pulse.  If you want to be more fancy dice all your other ingredients.  I try to use at least 4 different color vegetables; like orange & yellow peppers, red onion, green cilantro & parsley, white corn, black beans, peel and juice your tomatoes before you dice so you get the best meat. (parsley is a nice substitute for cilantro)  The sky is truly the limit with salsa, I think that's kind of the point, its a nice way to use up all your little bits left from cooking.  When you invest in organic foods, like we do, nothing goes to waste!

Jennifer's Mexican Spice Blend:
Cumin, Cumin, Cumin. ( I recently found roasted ground Cumin, even better!)
Paprika, Paprika (again smoked or roasted varieties are better)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Garlic Pepper
Chili powder
Dried green onion & chives
Dried Parsley & Cilantro
Sea Salt
Optional: Dried essence of lime, Cayenne pepper, crushed red peppers, ground red pepper.

*Enjoy with chips, layered dips, heated with a half brick of cream cheese and used as a enchilada base, dump in your pot of chili and give it a fresh makeover!

Create something new!  ~Jennifer

Just because we can, doesn't mean we should....

    With all the recent press over the Susan G Koman foundation, and the HHR bill, I have noticed, like most folks,that there is no give or take. You are on one side of the fence or the other. I wracked my brain, how does one broach this subject on a blog about family life and good health with out ending up mired in ugly debate, and pegged by my readers as being a radical in one way or another. Well I came to some very interesting conclusions when I looked at both these issues in the light of good health and well being.

    I find it curious that when one rails on the necessity of "family planning" aka birth control, no one ever stops to question the cure/remedy to the epidemic of pregnancy. In the last six weeks Ryan and I have found out, more than ever, that our bodies are designed to self regulate. It's truly amazing how the body can heal itself, with little intervention. My husband for example,who is after all, the center of this great experiment we have been living, has experienced profound healing in a month. His face swelling (due to the steroids) has reduced enough that co-workers are quite amazed, the week before this his left eye was nearly swollen shut and had developed a twitch. He's sleeping better every night, he's not snoring at all. (which was driving me batty for months BTW!) Before the nutrition change, he had no energy. None. He couldn't keep his eyes open past 8, he also had frequent bouts of nausea and heart burn. (side effects of the chemo drugs) He now has more energy than I have seen him have in months, possibly years. The heart burn is completely gone, as is the nausea. He has lost 16.5lbs in just over a month. One really amazing effect we hadn't intended was that his hypoglicemia seemed to disappear, practically over night. The 13 years we have been married, as soon as meal time rolled around Ryan would develope a less than flowery personality, and if meals got postponed he would get shakey and sweaty. All these symptoms became worse when he started taking steroids for RPF. I was less than thrilled when I discovered this. BUT, in over a month, he hasn't been shakey or over hungry once. All on a diet of eating only fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and healthy oils. This amount of healing in meerly one month of fasting. Wow, not a bad trade off if you ask me. This is the point, it's a trade off. He has chosen and restricted diet in order to be healthy, a true inconvenience.

    We, as Americans, always want to have our cake and eat it too. That, to some extent, explains the economical mess we are in, as well as the health care crisis we are in. We don't ever want to be inconvenienced by our choices. We don't want to give up any part of our life and save it for another time. We want it all, and we want it all now. In regards to birth control, and abortion, it amazes me how readily women are to jump on the bandwagon, and at such a young age. I thought that with the advent of birth control, teen pregnancy was supposed to go down, when in fact it has gone up. If you find a figure on the net somewhere that it has gone down, keep in mind the pregnancy have not, but the births have. We women begin to pump powerful hormones into our bodies at increasingly younger ages, and more of us interrupt pregnancy with abortion, yet we are out marching for a cure. Keep in mind that this is no longer a debate over when life begins, etc., etc. It's a debate about life choices. There is a lot of research out (which began in the 60's) that there is a link to cancer among women

who use birth control and chose abortion.

[http://www.abortionbreastcancer.com/index/ is a good website that links you into numerous different clinical studies] Why, if we truly care about the well being of women, do we turn a blind eye. We are choosing "cake" over the very lives of our girls. It would be an inconvenience to guard our daughters bodies and hearts with every drop of energy in ours, in order to remove the need for birth control at fifteen years of age. (After all it's pretty hard to get pregnant if you are not sexually active.) It would be a huge cross to become pregnant in the second year of college, I couldn't imagine how to cope. But, if she chose to not abort and adopt the child out, she would reduce her risk of cancer, and mend the emotional well being of a woman unable to conceive. It's a valiant nine month trade off, and I commend every woman reading who chose it. 

     If you did not, and you chose abortion or contraception, or any other hormone therapy, chances are  you were not aware of any health risks (unless you smoke) and were most likely given a laundry list as to why you will actually be healthier and better off. Your options were limited to that of Western medicine.
I, in fact, encountered this in my twenties. I was unable to conceive for nearly five years. I had terrible cycles and pain. Knowing my family history of uterine cancers, I went to three different OB doctors. Each one said I needed birth control to regulate things, and that I would be better in no time. I refused for ethical and personal reasons. I wanted a baby for goodness sake! Why can't we find the source of the problem, and get me better? Upon my third visit, I pressed the OB for an ultra sound. Her response, "Oh my, I have never seen this in twenty years." I had three tumors in one ovary, one turning to cancer. CANCER! The Dr. informed me that had I accepted the hormone therapy so readily prescribed, it would have actually accelerated the growth of one of the tumors. Are you kidding me?! My point, is that they are passing out these powerful hormones to an increasing number of women, like Tic Tacs. Why aren't groups like NOW screaming their heads off? The very fact that SGK supports PP with funds, is akin to the National Lung Assocation supporting Marboro. Why would they offer healthy alternative? I doubt the big Pharm. companies that everyone loves to hate are going to jump on the "Birth control isn't so great after all." bandwagon, and PP isn't going to just roll over and admit that abortion carries significant risks to a woman's health. These two cash cows are far too important to our "have our cake and eat it too" society. What's that saying, "money talks and bull sh*%# walks??" To me this is no longer a issue of reproductive "rights". This is a hidden health crisis we are scoffing at, as women and society. We should demand the best. After all, we are the bearer of life to the world. Why would we let any money driven group or company decide what is truly in our best intrest??

   As far as the social implications of having to choose to naturally, or prevent pregnancy with out invasive drug, or "cure" pregnancy by means of abortion, sometimes, you have to choose things that are not fun, easy, or simple to live with. Personally, if someone told me that Ryan would only have to be on powerful medications for nine months, and that we only had to deal with spending, God knows what, on MASSIVE amounts of organic produce for "x" number of months, I would sign on the dotted line in a flash. The truth is Ryan and I have to swallow hard every morning, and know that we have no end in sight, and that in order for my husband to have any quality of life, he can't have his cake or eat it! Still, living a balanced, authentic and spiritually centered life, brings healing that filters into every aspect of life. Even if it's inconvenient....

*To the young ladies reading this who are on birth control or have had an abortion, this article is not meant to shame or scare you about this very personal choice.  It is meerly an invitation to a different way of thinking about your body, a way that our society doesn't reveal.  Infact I have had the pleasure of knowing many many women who live this way, and not all of them have a dozen kids.  But I know for a fact they have amazing marriages and husbands who understand and respect their bodies far more than most.*

French Pressing a Four year old....

    Eat your heart out Jillian Michaels; I have something better than weights, squats, and the dreaded "turkish get up," Jillian is oh so fond of. I have something much more physically and mentally challenging to master. I have CHILDREN! As I was quietly sitting reading on the couch with some tea, I was marveling at the fact that the chores were done, laundry in, and everyone was in their jammies 45 minutes before bed time. That’s when it happened. Like a thunderstorm rolling in across the lake the boys poured into the living room wrestling. The wrestling...oh the wrestling, you have no idea what a home where the four oldest children are boys can sound like when the wrestling begins. We could have experienced an earthquake and I would be oblivious; no one can tell where the laughing ends and the screams of terror begin. My only rule is, if you can't take it you better not dish it out; that keeps things clean. And of course, the little ones want to be involved. After all, a 26lb spunky little girl can take on her 80lb older brother any day, right? Well not just yet honey, that’s where I come in. You have to be creative when you are warding off big boys on the attack and doing french presses with your toddlers. The other toddlers waiting their turn in the wing occasionally lose their patience and knee bomb on to my abs. Seeing this coming, I am thrown instantly in a pilates move in an attempt to avoid injury, "Hold your core woman!" The workout hit its peak when my large 4 yr old Levi, who’s caught between the big kids and the little ones, wanted some Mommy time. He had been observing the french press, dive bomb routine for a good 15-20 min. Being a little older, he knew better than to just let loose and take the plunge. He said nicely, mommy can I have a turn? Being the devoted mother, I grabbed the chalk, clapped my hands and thrust my 60lb green jammie giant into the air. Four or five presses later, it was time for a cool down, which consisted of smooches and hugs and cuddles. NOW I would like to see one of those buff, perfect ab, super women do WWMOM and come out feeling as alive and happy as I do. (phew, now when does my husband get home with the wine?)

Dorothy and the Tin man....

    We have all seen the wizard of OZ, we conjure up images of tin men and a pre-teen awkward girl in red high heels. I am certain that was the entertaining scene the ice fishermen got last night when they watched Ryan and I attempt a kettle bell workout. (We have huge picture windows, and our home is very visible from the lake at night.) I felt so uncoordinated it was like I was actually working out in red high heels, and my husband's joints so stiff he looked something like a 6'2 tin man. Oh how I wish I could click those heels and fast forward to months from now when our bodies have acclimated to the new demands we are placing on them. For now we will suffer though, knowing the reward of good health, strength, and well being is on the way. For now, I will have to keep my grunts, groans, and whines to a minimum. Judging from Levi's response as I stumbled upstairs and poured my jello body in the the lounge chair, "oh no mommy are you ok, are you hurt, poor mommy." I may have frightened them. Oy Vey, only 8 more hours and I get to strap on those not so magic heels again, and I'll do it with a smile on!

Barf Wrecks...

    What is a Barf Wreck you ask? It’s the glowing term my son Gabe gives to his least favorite school lunch. The actual name of this particular menu item is “Train Wreck.” This is a pretty accurate description for a pile generic dorritos covered in ground beef, globs of nacho "cheese" sauce, and shredded ice berg lettuce (meaning lettuce that has the equivalent nutritional value of a chunk of ice) optional. Oh lest I forget the cinnamon roll for dessert. Train wreck… this is the state of the school lunch system. The school lunch system is the same government run program under which day care providers get reimbursed monies for their lunch program, provided they keep accurate records and adhere to the "strict" guidelines set forth. In my years as a day care provider I was baffled by these guidelines; for instance, french fries count as a vegetable, as do tater tots, pizza sauce, and the orange sauce in "spaghetti" O's. I don't need to go on and on to prove the short coming of the government’s guidelines for good health. What I can say, is as a parent at what point do we say no? I started three years ago, and it does get easier over time. One approach that I use is being very scientific about the issue. Explaining to Ben, age 11, (who sort of digs having cheap nacho's for lunch once in awhile) that he will get an initial sugar rush and feel pretty good. However, by the end of recess his blood sugar will drop causing fatigue. All that salt will make him thirsty and his brain will be foggy; finally he will feel more hungry that before he ate lunch. Quite often their response is complete disbelief and shock that "food", which is supposed to be fuel for their body’s, can do harm.

    I have felt some success in my years of railing on them about sugar, no pop, more water, and no white grains etc. Success came last night; their pallets have changed.  Ben has been working on a persuasive speech for English; he decided speak on why food additives are bad. When he was giving me the speech as practice, he thanked me for not letting them eat cereal with BHT in it. (Which if you are aware, GREATLY lowers your choices to about 3% of what is in the whole cereal aisle) "Mom it causes cancer and its illegal in most countries, and food dye is made from Tar. I know sick, right!" Ben's final conclusion after an evening of practicing and re-checking facts was: "I think the FDA is broken, or doesn't work anymore." He noticed that in the past, they were quick to outlaw certain food additives, such as orange dye 1. He was very disturbed when he was reading that it is highly toxic and was actually in food for a period. But now, there are many additives and none of us ever ask why. (Including the FDA) He was also confused as to why MSG and corn syrup are in almost every food in the supermarket.

    I would like, as a "dare", to have every person who reads this to attempt to buy 10% of your groceries as whole foods. If the fruit is waxed or sprayed it is not whole. It is NOT as easy to buy whole foods as one might think (although it should be, but that's a rant for a different day).  My children are an investment and I am looking at the big picture for them health wise. For now, they are pretty healthy kids. Sure we get the normal stomach bugs and colds. But I honestly don't remember the last ear infection we had around here or the last bout strep throat. I called the clinic once for one of the children's records and the nurse on the phone said, “is it true this child hasn't seen the doctor in three years?” I said, "uh.. well... yeah I guess not, he's pretty healthy." I guess our investment is paying off, sooner rather than later.

    Fourteen years ago on February 1^st I lost my mother to cancer, just four months after my 20th birthday. This is a huge reason why I take my health and my children's health so seriously. I plan on being strong and active when my children enter adulthood. I hope our efforts to change both of our family's health history will result in very positive outcomes for this crew. My mother wasn't at fault for having cancer. She lived, ate, and smoked the way her culture did. But that is the point, are we going to be a "train wreck" culture, and watch as our children crash? Or are we going to be advocates for cultural change and watch our children grow and enjoy all the adventures this world has to offer, happy, healthy, and free from disease.