On Wednesday, it was my Mom's birthday and she is not a real cake person, but loves pies, especially lemon meringue. I usually bake a homemade dessert for my family members on their birthday and have been doing this since I started baking and cooking in the 6th grade. This year was a mixed bag with regard to celebration because my Mom has been quite ill. She is on a renal diet and dialysis, thus many foods and beverages are limited. In fact, she was supposed to be home from the hospital, but has had one complication after another. When our family arrived to the hospital on Wednesday, she was not feeling well and was quite hungry because she had not been allowed to eat in order for medical tests to be done. As we opened cards for her, showed her the flowers and old photos from the family album, we also presented the pie. She was happy to have a piece of the pie and felt better - I'm sure part of that was raising her low blood sugar from having no food all day.
It is now Saturday and my Dad has been bringing her a slice every day. When I arrived this afternoon to see her, Dad brought her in another slice and immediately her eyes lit up. She savored every bite, seemed more content and I knew that while my Mom is quite ill with aging diseases, at least in this moment, all is well!
Food has so many meanings in our lives and one of those meanings is an expression of love. Every culture has their expression of love being associated with food and this is wonderful as long as food is offered and not forced. Never feel offended if someone does not accept a food offer - this is truly an individual choice. Keep it simple and be grateful!
Next blog, I will share some tips for adjusting recipes to keep them delicious and nutritious at the same time.
With joy and gratitude,
Julie
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
"You Look Great"
Have you ever heard that from someone before and yet felt bad instead of glad? I'm sure many can relate. As I've said in my personal story and will also do in the blog, you will learn about me - my trials and my triumphs, as well as hot topics in nutrition, alternative therapies and psychology.
For years, I have counseled women with disordered eating issues, listening to how invalidated they feel when someone comments how good they look. What goes through their minds are statements like, "I must be fat" or even worse, "She has no idea how depressed or anxious or fearful I really feel." And so the unhealthy behavior continues, with underlying hopes that people will really see the pain, the fear, the inability to step into being a confident and responsible adult.
When I work with these folks, I help them to find their voice, to use their voice and to know that this will help in gaining self-confidence and attracting the people, jobs, things that are wanted in life.
While I do not have this specific issue with regard to body image, I have really struggled with this theme during my illness. I feel that the cancer that I have has great meaning in my life. It is a slow growing cancer, is not necessarily debilitating, but can be and it does not cause deformity. While I have felt poorly, I have remained functional and usually on work days, wear make-up to create a bright and cheerful image. My attitude is also generally upbeat and energetic, and even on days when I feel lousy, I normally don't let it show. So often during this past year, people have commented how wonderful I look and while I thank them, down inside, I feel angry, invalidated, thinking, "Do you know how I feel?"
This week, I had an "ahha". I realized that I have not been in my integrity, not being upfront about how I really feel, thus how could anyone even know how I feel. Talking to someone who is ill is often uncomfortable and as humans, we want to avoid pain for ourselves and others. The best way to avoid the discomfort is to tell someone how wonderful they look, trying to be supportive. By learning to be honest about our true feelings - "I'm not feeling well these days" - we have an opportunity to allow others into our space, to be closer to us and to be able to help in some way.
The moral of the story is that it may be best to avoid commenting on how people look, but to say how good it is to see them and to ask genuinely how they are, intently listening to their response. We spend far too much time looking at the outside without listening to what's going on inside.
Be well,
Julie
For years, I have counseled women with disordered eating issues, listening to how invalidated they feel when someone comments how good they look. What goes through their minds are statements like, "I must be fat" or even worse, "She has no idea how depressed or anxious or fearful I really feel." And so the unhealthy behavior continues, with underlying hopes that people will really see the pain, the fear, the inability to step into being a confident and responsible adult.
When I work with these folks, I help them to find their voice, to use their voice and to know that this will help in gaining self-confidence and attracting the people, jobs, things that are wanted in life.
While I do not have this specific issue with regard to body image, I have really struggled with this theme during my illness. I feel that the cancer that I have has great meaning in my life. It is a slow growing cancer, is not necessarily debilitating, but can be and it does not cause deformity. While I have felt poorly, I have remained functional and usually on work days, wear make-up to create a bright and cheerful image. My attitude is also generally upbeat and energetic, and even on days when I feel lousy, I normally don't let it show. So often during this past year, people have commented how wonderful I look and while I thank them, down inside, I feel angry, invalidated, thinking, "Do you know how I feel?"
This week, I had an "ahha". I realized that I have not been in my integrity, not being upfront about how I really feel, thus how could anyone even know how I feel. Talking to someone who is ill is often uncomfortable and as humans, we want to avoid pain for ourselves and others. The best way to avoid the discomfort is to tell someone how wonderful they look, trying to be supportive. By learning to be honest about our true feelings - "I'm not feeling well these days" - we have an opportunity to allow others into our space, to be closer to us and to be able to help in some way.
The moral of the story is that it may be best to avoid commenting on how people look, but to say how good it is to see them and to ask genuinely how they are, intently listening to their response. We spend far too much time looking at the outside without listening to what's going on inside.
Be well,
Julie
Saturday, August 10, 2013
GMO and Your Digestion
We have an underground war ongoing in this country about the use of genetically modified foods. While years ago, scientists were researching ways to keep seeds and plants healthy through challenging environmental circumstances - rain, drought, heat, cold - it seems that these modern, technological advances have actually created more problems. The genetic modification of seeds that become fruits and vegetables for our consumption leaves our digestive systems with an inability to interpret what the food really is and hence, how to digest and absorb the nutrition from it.
Part of the problem lies in how do we restructure the economics in this country to support local farming and to research ways to get back to the basics with regard to production and purchase, while feeding the masses. This brings to mind a teaching opportunity that I was engaged in a few years back. A local charter school asked me to come and speak to the classes about organic foods, genetic modification, local farming etc, because the students were to be going on a week to live on a farm and learn about these very topics. In my research to prepare for the classes, I had to review some basic facts: organic fruits and veggies must withstand the elements, thus they are often higher in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants because these "phytonutrients" (plant chemicals) are in larger quantity in order to survive. Wow - does this make sense!
The tip of the day is to choose non-GMO foods and organic foods (especially the dirty dozen fruits and vegetables) as much as possible. Use farmers markets, local farms, BJ's and Costco, as well as Whole Foods and other markets that offer these.
Yours in health,
Julie
Part of the problem lies in how do we restructure the economics in this country to support local farming and to research ways to get back to the basics with regard to production and purchase, while feeding the masses. This brings to mind a teaching opportunity that I was engaged in a few years back. A local charter school asked me to come and speak to the classes about organic foods, genetic modification, local farming etc, because the students were to be going on a week to live on a farm and learn about these very topics. In my research to prepare for the classes, I had to review some basic facts: organic fruits and veggies must withstand the elements, thus they are often higher in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants because these "phytonutrients" (plant chemicals) are in larger quantity in order to survive. Wow - does this make sense!
The tip of the day is to choose non-GMO foods and organic foods (especially the dirty dozen fruits and vegetables) as much as possible. Use farmers markets, local farms, BJ's and Costco, as well as Whole Foods and other markets that offer these.
Yours in health,
Julie
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Are You Complicated?
Aren't we all? Yes and no from my perspective. I tend to attract clients who have been everywhere, have had every test, and by the time they arrive at my doorstep, they are frustrated, angry, often invalidated and told that there is nothing known that is wrong, so try some valium!
My first goal and often most therapeutic is to listen to their story, their hurts, their traumas and to validate his or her pain. Next is get a chronology of the medical, lifestyle, emotional history and to begin to create a picture, a working canvas so to speak.
Why are we viewed as complicated. I think in part because our health system tends to put labels on illness and conditions and by doing so, health insurance will pay for part of the treatment. Only problem here is that we are not merely a body, but a body with a mind and spirit, and it is by weaving together a composite of all aspects of the person that we begin to really understand what is really going on.
Luckily, integrative medicine is emerging, more than just poking its head above water, but is really taking on momentum. Modalities such as acupuncture, now have peer-reviewed research that lends credibility in the eyes of more traditional medical modalities.
Back to my original question - are we complicated? When looking at the body-mind-spirit approach, not so. Take low back pain for instance. There can be structural issues that cause low back pain, but also stress from fear of finances, feeling insecure, can also impact low back pain. Another example are digestive issues. Challenges with food intolerances and allergies, and a lack of adequate digestive enzymes can certainly play a role in this major cause of US health complaints, but also being unable to take in what one needs on an emotional level and to eliminate toxic emotional waste, can impact one along the digestive path.
While these concepts may seem far-fetched, there is much written about weaving the body, mind and spirit together and it is a habit in my practice to look at these various levels of health.
I look forward to supporting your process along the way!
Blessings,
Julie
My first goal and often most therapeutic is to listen to their story, their hurts, their traumas and to validate his or her pain. Next is get a chronology of the medical, lifestyle, emotional history and to begin to create a picture, a working canvas so to speak.
Why are we viewed as complicated. I think in part because our health system tends to put labels on illness and conditions and by doing so, health insurance will pay for part of the treatment. Only problem here is that we are not merely a body, but a body with a mind and spirit, and it is by weaving together a composite of all aspects of the person that we begin to really understand what is really going on.
Luckily, integrative medicine is emerging, more than just poking its head above water, but is really taking on momentum. Modalities such as acupuncture, now have peer-reviewed research that lends credibility in the eyes of more traditional medical modalities.
Back to my original question - are we complicated? When looking at the body-mind-spirit approach, not so. Take low back pain for instance. There can be structural issues that cause low back pain, but also stress from fear of finances, feeling insecure, can also impact low back pain. Another example are digestive issues. Challenges with food intolerances and allergies, and a lack of adequate digestive enzymes can certainly play a role in this major cause of US health complaints, but also being unable to take in what one needs on an emotional level and to eliminate toxic emotional waste, can impact one along the digestive path.
While these concepts may seem far-fetched, there is much written about weaving the body, mind and spirit together and it is a habit in my practice to look at these various levels of health.
I look forward to supporting your process along the way!
Blessings,
Julie
Saturday, August 3, 2013
To Carb Or Not To Carb
It seems that there have been an influx of stomach-related issues with clients being referred recently. What is going on? Many folks have long histories of dieting, on sugar-off sugar, many medications, lots of stress. We'll talk about GMO's next time! Can you relate?
Our digestive system is very delicate and needs a balance of nutrients, as well as an atmosphere of calm in order to properly digest, absorb and eliminate. What does carb (short for carbohydrate) have to do with this? The US diet is very high in carbohydrate (starches, grains, snack foods, fruits and drinks-both alcohol containing and not), and much of this carb is refined, meaning it either is in the form of sugar or turns to sugar very quickly. This sugar in turn, upsets the insulin response or becomes food for the "ugly buglies", as I call them.
When insulin levels become elevated, our bodies hold onto body fat in the mid-region for dear life, fearing the crash and subsequent starvation. We know that we are going to eat, but our bodies are on auto-pilot.
Carbs are also fuel for yeasts and bacteria and this is quickly becoming a more prominent problem. There are healthy carbs and less healthy ones and keeping the portions limited will help to keep balance and less chance for these "bad bugs" to overgrow.
If you are experiencing gas and bloating, constipation/diarrhea, stomach pain or discomfort, you may want to consider consulting a health professional about these overgrowth conditions.
Here's to a happy and healthy digestive system!
Our digestive system is very delicate and needs a balance of nutrients, as well as an atmosphere of calm in order to properly digest, absorb and eliminate. What does carb (short for carbohydrate) have to do with this? The US diet is very high in carbohydrate (starches, grains, snack foods, fruits and drinks-both alcohol containing and not), and much of this carb is refined, meaning it either is in the form of sugar or turns to sugar very quickly. This sugar in turn, upsets the insulin response or becomes food for the "ugly buglies", as I call them.
When insulin levels become elevated, our bodies hold onto body fat in the mid-region for dear life, fearing the crash and subsequent starvation. We know that we are going to eat, but our bodies are on auto-pilot.
Carbs are also fuel for yeasts and bacteria and this is quickly becoming a more prominent problem. There are healthy carbs and less healthy ones and keeping the portions limited will help to keep balance and less chance for these "bad bugs" to overgrow.
If you are experiencing gas and bloating, constipation/diarrhea, stomach pain or discomfort, you may want to consider consulting a health professional about these overgrowth conditions.
Here's to a happy and healthy digestive system!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
The Colonoscopy
I'm sure many of you who are now of the "golden age" or for many of my clients with GI (gastrointestinal issues), this dreaded procedure has been done. While writing this blog, I am in my starvation phase, dreaming of the wonderful meal that awaits at the end of the day!
I've pondered over this past 24 plus hours how much I think about food, depend on food, plan my day around food! Of course, this is of no surprise because I talk about it all day with my clients and have my own history of disordered eating and past weight issues. This process sobers me yet again, giving me more compassion and insight into what others are feeling in this very moment.
I do not like to fast, I am pretty scheduled around fueling my body regularly, giving it a blend of protein, carb and fat, usually decked out in some delicious manner. And yet, this process is an opportunity to let go of the food and to go inside and feel emotions. Journalling during this time can be a wonderful source of bringing our truth to the surface - what do I really feel, who am I under the surface.
My last fast was in December when I attended an alternative cancer program in Germany. We fasted on juices and teas, while engaging in a silent retreat. The fast was for 2 1/2 days, the silent day for 24 hours and we were expected to journal, be outside observing nature and it was truly amazing. Everything was crisp and clear and I noticed things that normally just pass me by. Thoughts and feeling came up easily and I was able to really process some of my "blind spots".
While I do not suggest fasting without discussing the idea with a health professional, it can provide another tool to learning more about ourselves and to truly appreciate the wonderful gift that food is for us.
Blessings on your day,
Julie
I've pondered over this past 24 plus hours how much I think about food, depend on food, plan my day around food! Of course, this is of no surprise because I talk about it all day with my clients and have my own history of disordered eating and past weight issues. This process sobers me yet again, giving me more compassion and insight into what others are feeling in this very moment.
I do not like to fast, I am pretty scheduled around fueling my body regularly, giving it a blend of protein, carb and fat, usually decked out in some delicious manner. And yet, this process is an opportunity to let go of the food and to go inside and feel emotions. Journalling during this time can be a wonderful source of bringing our truth to the surface - what do I really feel, who am I under the surface.
My last fast was in December when I attended an alternative cancer program in Germany. We fasted on juices and teas, while engaging in a silent retreat. The fast was for 2 1/2 days, the silent day for 24 hours and we were expected to journal, be outside observing nature and it was truly amazing. Everything was crisp and clear and I noticed things that normally just pass me by. Thoughts and feeling came up easily and I was able to really process some of my "blind spots".
While I do not suggest fasting without discussing the idea with a health professional, it can provide another tool to learning more about ourselves and to truly appreciate the wonderful gift that food is for us.
Blessings on your day,
Julie
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Post Surgery Reflections
It is 2 days since having surgery and I've already walked the lake with Tammie, looking peacefully at the blue sky and vibrant green trees. While surgery went well, the ego blow was learning that my cancer markers have worsened over the past 2 months. Hmm - what can I learn from this.
When I revised my website 2 years ago, I had all intentions of becoming an online expert, creating interactive communication and learning for my clients. Shortly thereafter, I began to feel more and more poorly, going down the path of auto-immune disease and chronic lyme, only to be surprised by the diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia, a rare, but generally slow growing cancer. I chose to face this head on without fear, but with curiosity and also decided against chemotherapy for the time being, as the drugs have potentially more lethal side effects.
My journey is now one year long and it has been quite an adventure. I withdrew retirement funds in order to attend a program in
Germany that focused on diet, meditation and inner exploration, along with detoxification. for many months I felt much better, but this past month was challenging - a cervical polyp that needed removal in the hospital due to the low platelets associated with the hairy cell; significant stomach distress resulting in an upcoming colonoscopy and endoscopy and major dental work to be done, again, possibly associated with the hairy cell. Wow, what a month - I need to check to see if I am really 55 or 85!
I met with my coach - my work coach, life coach, stress coach - not sure what I'd do without her! She instructed me on an autohypnosis program in order to use less anesthesia. I was more concerned about the poisons being introduced than the actual surgery. For 2 weeks prior to surgery, I used the Peggy Huddleston Prepare For Surgery approach and came prepared to the Brigham and Women's Hospital with IPod, instructions for the anesthesiology team for me to have reiki and very little medication.
I was awake during my surgery, spoke often with my doctors and came home feeling awake and quite hungry!
As I reflect on these past 2 days, I am alert, have very little pain and feel grateful for being alive and well. I realize that part of my learning about my cancer is that I have been working too much without the balance. In Germany, we were expected to be outdoors for 20 minutes following each meal. I know that balance is the key to thriving and being in nature offers that balance. Never underestimate the power of it!
With peace and love for all,
Julie
When I revised my website 2 years ago, I had all intentions of becoming an online expert, creating interactive communication and learning for my clients. Shortly thereafter, I began to feel more and more poorly, going down the path of auto-immune disease and chronic lyme, only to be surprised by the diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia, a rare, but generally slow growing cancer. I chose to face this head on without fear, but with curiosity and also decided against chemotherapy for the time being, as the drugs have potentially more lethal side effects.
My journey is now one year long and it has been quite an adventure. I withdrew retirement funds in order to attend a program in
Germany that focused on diet, meditation and inner exploration, along with detoxification. for many months I felt much better, but this past month was challenging - a cervical polyp that needed removal in the hospital due to the low platelets associated with the hairy cell; significant stomach distress resulting in an upcoming colonoscopy and endoscopy and major dental work to be done, again, possibly associated with the hairy cell. Wow, what a month - I need to check to see if I am really 55 or 85!
I met with my coach - my work coach, life coach, stress coach - not sure what I'd do without her! She instructed me on an autohypnosis program in order to use less anesthesia. I was more concerned about the poisons being introduced than the actual surgery. For 2 weeks prior to surgery, I used the Peggy Huddleston Prepare For Surgery approach and came prepared to the Brigham and Women's Hospital with IPod, instructions for the anesthesiology team for me to have reiki and very little medication.
I was awake during my surgery, spoke often with my doctors and came home feeling awake and quite hungry!
As I reflect on these past 2 days, I am alert, have very little pain and feel grateful for being alive and well. I realize that part of my learning about my cancer is that I have been working too much without the balance. In Germany, we were expected to be outdoors for 20 minutes following each meal. I know that balance is the key to thriving and being in nature offers that balance. Never underestimate the power of it!
With peace and love for all,
Julie
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