Spring is Here...Allergy Season is Coming!!

With the onset of spring (although it certainly doesn't feel like it), we are now facing the upcoming seasonal allergy season. How many of you have allergies? Do you take any medications for them? Did you know you can fight them off, naturally?

I used to have bad allergies, to pollen and dust...now, it seems my allergies are more toward animal dander (my sister and brother-in-law have 2 dogs and a cat). As you know, I've been researching different methods on how to battle breast cancer, naturally; so, I figured I should research and see what methods there are to battling allergies, naturally, as well.

Here's what I've learned...

Best Health Magazine lists these methods:

1. Supplement with "healthy bacteria" (probiotics)
2. Load up on butterbur
3. Take more Vitamin C
4. Eat your onions
5. Supplement with fish oils
6. Look for adrenal support
7. Pay attention to your diet

A more in-depth explanation of each of these points can be found, here. Definitely worth the read!

And, the Farmers' Almanac says these foods are beneficial in the fight for relief from allergies:

1. Apple cider vinegar
2. Local honey
3. Lime
4. Chamomile tea
5. Garlic

Click here, to learn how to utilize them, and why they're beneficial.

The website Care2.com has some advice for us, as well. You can find that article by clicking this link. I love this site!!

And, Dr. Mercola has an entire library of information concerning allergies...anything from food allergies, to pollen/dust allergies, to pet allergies (no, I mean pets who HAVE allergies!), etc. I encourage you to check it out!

Mother Nature Network says there are 10 foods that fight spring allergies. On that article, they even list a recipe for "Allergy Soup"! I love when I can get a recipe AND some great advice, at the same time! LOL!!

HealthWithFood.org also has a wealth of information for us, concerning a nutritional approach to combating allergies. That article can be found, here. Some of the information may sound familiar! LOL!

There; you and I are now armed to the teeth with tons of information on how to fight off our allergies, the natural way, rather than relying on medications! Let's do this!! As you explore them, please feel free to comment on which ones work for you! I'd love to hear from you!

I'll try them out, too...and, I'll let you know which ones work for me!

Have a great day, and may God bless you!! oxoxox

Why Are We So Sick These Days??

For the last 80-some years (in some cases, longer), we've been listening to the powers that be tell us that this and that will cause a host of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol/blood pressure; so we should eliminate *that* from our diet...or at least cut back on it! We've also been told that we should replace those things with their healthier options.

So, why have these medical issues become epidemics?? Because we've been listening to "them", instead of sticking with tried and true common sense nutrition.

In 1830, sugar consumption was 15 lbs per capita (most of it was molasses); today, we consume 150 lbs of sugar, per capita (most of it is high fructose corn syrup). In 1890, the obesity rate in the US (only white males, in their 50's) was only 3.4%; by 2009, it was reported that 32% of all Americans were obese. And diabetes has been around since the 1500's; but from 1980 through 2010, the number of Americans with diagnosed diabetes has more than tripled (from 5.6 million to 20.9 million). It's more common for an obese person to have diabetes, than for a person of ideal weight. High fructose corn syrup causes obesity, as well as other health concerns!

In 1902, Wilhelm Normann discovered that liquid oils can be hydrogenated, to create trans fatty acids. By 1957, the American Heart Association proposed that a reduction in dietary fats, namely saturated fats found in foods like butter and beef, can reduce the chance of getting heart disease. So, everyone switched to partially hydrogenated margarine.

In 1948, vegetable fat consumption was at 22 lbs. per capita. By 1976, it was at 55 lbs. per capita. As obesity and diabetes became public health issues, our consumption of of highly processed vegetable fats (including trans fatty acids) increased steadily, and consumption of animal fats has decreased. Dr. Mercola has a great article on the dangers of trans fats; you can read it, here.

Coincidentally (not that I believe in coincidence) but lard is a great source of Vitamin D, and a monounsaturated anti-microbial fatty acid called palmitoleic acid, that actually kills bacteria and viruses! And those same "experts" that told us animal fats were bad news, are now the ones over prescribing antibiotics, and other disease fighting drugs...they also say we're deficient in Vitamin D!

Do you see what I see? Those medical "experts" that gave us alternatives to the things that they said were bad for us, are the same ones who are inventing the medications we're being prescribed to help us manage the epidemics of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol/blood pressure, etc.; all because we became sheep, and decided to take them at their word, and consume those "healthier" alternatives!

Salt is another thing..."they" tell us to reduce our sodium intake to avoid getting high blood pressure, or to lower it if we've already got it; but, have you seen the amount of sodium in some of these "healthy" foods??? And, "reduced sodium" or "low sodium" foods are higher in unhealthy fats, and/or sugar (mostly high fructose corn syrup), to make up for the lack of sodium.

Most of you know I'm following the Ketogenic Diet, now...low carb, high fat, moderate protein. In 1863, William Banting did the same thing, and published the Letter On Corpulence, Addressed to the Public. Mr. Banting had lost 85 pounds on a high fat, carbohydrate-restricted diet. But, the British Medical Journal and the Lancet reported that Banting's diet could be "dangerous"; they said, "We advise Mr. Banting, and everyone of his kind, not to meddle with medical literature again, but be content to mind his own business."

Mind his own business??? Shouldn't the health and well being of the people be the business of these medical "experts"?? Just what are they afraid of, anyway??

A loss of profits on the medications they've invented, to help us manage our illnesses, for one....they're the ones who caused those diseases to become the epidemics they are, in the first place, by telling us those things that are bad for us are good, and things that are good for us are bad. And we listened!! 

Harry S. Truman once said, “If you can't convince them, confuse them.” I'm not sure what that was in reference to, but "they" took it to heart...and we paid the price!!

The Bible says, in Isaiah 5:20 (NLT), "What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter." I've always believed that this means God's not at all pleased with people who lie, and take advantage of others' trust; so, when our beloved "experts" face their Maker (and we all will!), they're going to have to answer for why they chose to lie to us, and make us sick, for the sake of profits!

In my experience of becoming one of their Lab Rats, and developing a disease because I bought into their lies, too...I've learned to question EVERYTHING!! And, I encourage you to do the same...don't even take my word at face value; do your own research!

Are you ready for the truth??

Dropping the Bomb

I've been asked by Suzan St. Maur to discuss how I broke the news of my diagnosis to my children. It wasn't easy, but they made it through the initial blow.

All of my children are grown. My oldest daughter is 25 yrs old, married, and living in Alcoa, Tennessee. My son is 22, and lives in Canton, OH. And my youngest daughter is 19, and living in near Atlanta, Georgia (and she's due to give birth to my 1st Grandchild, in July!); although, she was visiting me in Alliance, OH, when I was newly diagnosed.....July 3, 2012.

I was living in Alliance, to help a niece of mine build her new business; she owns a small cafe', and has only been in business for a couple years, now. I lived above the cafe', and helped out in the kitchen and with the customers...I basically did everything she did. It was during this time that my body began to shut down...I lost all feeling from my waist to my knees, and was having difficulty moving around. And boy, was I in PAIN!!

My youngest daughter was visiting me, at this time, and I finally decided it was time to find out what was going on with my body. She helped me get dressed; and then she helped me walk down a flight of steps, and out to the bus stop. The bus driver was great, too...he put the wheelchair lift down for me, so I wouldn't have to walk up the steps to get in! The ride to the local hospital was agony!! When there's something wrong with your back, bus rides and ambulance rides are NO FUN!! LOL!

In the ER, at Alliance Community Hospital, they took x-rays and blood tests (my vitals were good). And, after a while a doctor came in and broke the news...in front of my little girl (I know...19 isn't so little, but still)!! He said he believed it was Multiple Myeloma, because the tumors he saw were attached to my vertebrae. I remained calm, but my poor daughter just about hyperventilated!

Mommy's dying??? No..."relax, honey...it's just a few 'blobs'. The doctor's will know how to get them out of me, and I'll be fine!" I didn't like having to down play what was happening, but she literally looked like she was about to have a heart attack, after the doctor revealed his findings!

I was swept away to Akron General Medical Center, because the hospital in Alliance was not equipped to deal with what I was presumed to have; Akron General has a stellar cancer team, and all the necessary equipment to properly diagnose me! My youngest daughter came with me, to Akron, as well.

More tests...x-rays, CAT Scan, MRI (not fun!), blood work, etc. The Oncologist I was assigned to is a doll (honestly, my whole team was!) He introduced himself to both of us, and talked to both of us about what he discovered; I think my daughter felt better, once she was included in on conversation. He said there were tumors all over my ribs, up and down my spine, and in my hips...but he thinks it's breast cancer. He also told me that my 5th lumbar vertebrae was all but destroyed, so I was going to need surgery to remove it.

I watched her face, as all of this was being explained to us. Her head was spinning, but the look in her eyes was what I focused on the most..."I don't care what you have to do, just don't let my Mommy die!" Watching her world crumble down around her, was harder to handle than being told I had cancer.

After all of this had settled in, she called her sister, and broke the news; my niece (owner of the cafe') told my son...he was staying at her house, at the time. They all came to the hospital to see me, too!

The looks on their faces weren't any more uplifting, than my youngest daughter's. It took me a while to get up the courage to tell everyone to stop looking at me like I'm already dead. I couldn't stand that look in their eyes...not just my children's faces, but my whole family!!

As I discussed things with my older two (two separate occasions) they became more at ease with the whole deal. I told them what the diagnosis was, and what the doctor said my treatment plan would include....surgery, chemo, and possibly radiation. I had very nice visits with all my kids!

The mammogram, and biopsy, confirmed that it was indeed Stage 4 Breast Cancer; I had a massive tumor in my left breast; and tumors of varied sizes in the lymph nodes of my left arm pit, as well as all the way down my spinal column (from my neck to my tailbone), and in my ribs and hips. And, I maintained, (to all three of my children) that they're just 'blobs' and I'll be fine. It's been 8 months, since my diagnosis....they are still just blobs, and they're almost gone!!

My children are all back in their own environments, now. My oldest daughter, while visiting me, not only prayed over me...she also prayed, privately, and received a Word from the Lord that I wasn't going to die (John 11:3-4 NIV); so, every time I update them on my progress, we do the Happy Dance, together; and give God the praise He deserves! LOL!!

I'm Still Here!!

Sorry for the absence, folks....I've been a bit busy, these days! LOL! My wish for you, today, is that your St. Patty's Day celebration is everything you hoped for, and then some!

I woke up, this morning, with a great idea, and I hope that all of you participate! In order for you to participate, though, I must ask you a question...what would you like me to Blog about? 

That's right....I want YOU to come up with topics for my Blog!

The only rule is...it has to be health related; it can be about any health related subject (disease, exercise, nutrition, etc), including an elaboration of a Blog I've already posted, or one that you've already posted! You decide!!

With every suggested Blog topic, I will be giving you credit for the topic, and linking back to your Google+ profile (or Blog, if that's the topic).

Leave your suggestions in the comments section below, and I'll get right on it! I know I'm connected to a large number of people, but I do want everyone to participate!! LOL!

I hope to hear from all of you! Have a blessed day!! oxoxox

The Ketogenic Diet - What I've Learned

Our body's run on glucose, like a vehicle runs on gasoline; and our "tanks" have a 24-hour supply of glucose, at the ready; so, if you don't eat carbs on a regular basis, you'll run out of fuel...right?

Not necessarily! I've been researching this nutritional therapy plan, called The Ketogenic Diet, that teaches how to switch from "regular gas" to "diesel" (if you will) and still function normally, throughout the day. The Ketogenic Diet forces your body to burn fat as your primary fuel source, rather than glucose, because it's a low carb, high fat, moderate protein eating plan.

The Ketogenic Diet Pyramid

It's been said that this lifestyle plan can cure epilepsy, as well as cancer, and a host of other health issues. About 2/3 of our brain is composed of fat...specifically, fatty acids; so, the more fats, and fatty acids, you have in your diet, the better your brain will function.

As far as being the cure for cancer, it stands to reason...sugar feeds cancer cells. Carbs break down into sugars, in our bodies; so, if you limit the amount of carbs you eat, you will starve the disease. This eating plan can also help you lose weight! Simple, right?

Not if you're a caboholic, like me!! LOL! The Mayo Clinic says that a low carb diet would allow for 50g - 150g of carbs, per day. My favorite multi-grain pasta is 38g all by itself!! However, I'm planning on putting this lifestyle change to the test; incorporating what I've learned about alkalizing foods, and this eating plan, I should be able to stay cancer free! And I can't wait to be a size 10, again!! LOL!

Here's how the Ketogenic Diet works...

Ketones are a substance that your body makes, when it uses fat as your primary source of energy, rather than glucose. If you are diabetic, and choose this lifestyle, please make sure to discuss this with your doctor...too many ketones in your body could be dangerous!

Remember, back in the day, when everyone said a reduced fat diet was healthier for us?? They grouped all fats in the "dangerous" category...whether they were good fats, or bad fats. I did a Blog about the difference between fats. Not all fats are bad for you! The good ones do a lot of beneficial things to your body; the "bad" fats do, too, as a matter of fact!

A high fat diet is said to be very healthy for you, when you keep the carbs at bay. A diet high in clean saturated fats, and low in carbohydrates actually raises your good cholesterol and lowers your triglycerides, according to the Ketogenic Diet Resource page. This site lists a great deal of benefits from this particular lifestyle plan! It also has menu plans!

Now why would the powers that be tell us that all fats are bad, and we should limit our fat intake, when fats actually do a lot of good to the human condition?? Two words....Big Pharma. Whenever there's a buzz about this and that medical condition, no one stops to figure out why that medical condition exists...they just create a pill to help us "manage" those conditions. And, they even have pills to combat the side effects of the disease management drugs!! It's all about money, folks!! Believe it or not, most of the diseases and conditions we suffer from are metabolic (they happened because we don't eat properly!)

Your fats should come from high quality sources...regardless of whether it's a saturated fat, or a "good" fat. Quality is key! Eat grass-fed animal products (meat & dairy), make sure your pork products are uncured (no nitrites or nitrates), eat full fat dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc). Consume LOTS of organic, non-GMO (non-starchy) veggies, and limit the amount of fruits, grains, cereals, breads, etc. that you eat.

If you're suffering from insulin resistance, the Ketogenic Diet just might be the answer to your prayers, as well!

I'm currently trying to figure out how to navigate the low carb part of this eating plan (notice I don't call it a "diet"?). Fruits are carbs; they're also anti-estrogenic (most of them). So, I'm thinking...in terms of the "low carb" part of this, I'll eat fruits as my 50g - 150g of carbs per day....cutting out rice, starchy veggies, and all grains (or maybe replacing a fruit with one of them, from time to time). I'm going to have to make sure that whatever I use in place of a piece of fruit, will be high quality, though...no corn syrup, or processed grains.

It's time to take back our lives, reverse these health issues we're being taught to manage; and live healthy, and drug free, once again!!

Happy Meatless Monday!!

Hi, everyone!! Happy Meatless Monday! I've started experimenting with different recipes I find on the web; so, this is my first official foodie Blog. Yay, me!! Please excuse the amateur photography! LOL!

This evening I made Moo Shu Vegetables.

It didn't turn out too bad...it was pretty good, actually!! I think I'll scale down on the sesame oil, next time. And, instead of the grilling sauce, I used BBQ sauce; I also cooked it for a little longer than the recipes says to, so I'll probably shorten the time, as well.

This recipe fed 4, and there's plenty of leftovers, for another time...as you can see, by the photo of the frying pan! LOL!!

Here's the recipe....

Moo Shu Vegetables

This was taken after we all filled our plates! Leftovers!!

Moo Shu Vegetables

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons smoky spicy grilling sauce (such as House of Tsang)
• 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 bag (10 ounces) coleslaw mix
• 1 bag (8 ounces) shredded carrots
• 4 ounces sliced mixed mushrooms
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 6 scallions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 10 whole-wheat flour tortillas (such as Mission Life Balance)

Directions

1. In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook 30 seconds. Add coleslaw mix, carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts and the broth. Cook, stirring frequently, for 8 minutes.
2. Stir in the scallions, and sesame oil.
3. Serve with slightly warmed tortillas.

I hope you enjoy this!! Please let me know what you think, when you fix this for your family! God bless!!

The toothpick was put in place for the sake of the photo! LOL!

Margarine vs Butter vs What the Heck??

Anyone ever have just coffee (or tea) and toast for breakfast? I like to spread my toast with some butter and fruit spread, most of the time.

Since becoming The Savvy Survivor, a niece of mine forwarded some information on the differences between margarine and butter, and said she hoped I could use this info in one of my blogs. So, here it is!

~~~~~~~~

Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back.

It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow colouring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you like it? They have come out with some clever new flavourings....

DO YOU KNOW.. The difference between margarine and butter?

Read on to the end...gets very interesting!

Both have the same amount of calories.
Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams; compared to 5 grams for margarine.

Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.


Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.
Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few and only because they are added!

Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavours of other foods.

Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years .

And now, for Margarine..

Very High in Trans fatty acids.

Triples risk of coronary heart disease ...

Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)

Increases the risk of cancers up to five times..

Lowers quality of breast milk

Decreases immune response.

Decreases insulin response.

And here's the most disturbing fact... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING!

Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC... and shares 27 ingredients with PAINT.

These facts alone were enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance).

Open a tub of margarine and leave it open in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will notice a couple of things:


* no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something)


* it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value ; nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not a find a home to grow.


Why? Because it is nearly plastic . Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast?


Share This With Your Friends.....(If you want to butter them up')!

Chinese Proverb:
When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others. 

~~~~~~~~

And now....a comparison of ingredients between some of the nations leading margarines, butter, and stuff I call "What the heck??" Those are supposed to be good for us, because of key ingredients...but they're really no better than margarine.

 Country Crock Margarine...  

Ingredients (16):

Vegetable(s) Oil Blend (Soybean(s) Oil Liquid, Soybean(s) Oil Partially Hydrogenated, Cottonseed Oil Hydrogenated) , Water, Salt, Soy Lecithin (Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Disodium EDTA Used to protect quality) , Whey (Milk) , Vegetable(s) Mono and Diglycerides, Flavor(s) Artificial, Beta Carotene color(s), Citric Acid, Vitamin A Palmitate

Right off the bat, I can't eat this....soybean oil; and anything that's "partially hydrogenated" or "hydrogenated" is a Trans fat...and WILL clog your arteries! Mono- and Diglycerides are emulsifiers...and another trans fat! Artificial flavors...what??? Artificial flavors from....where? Too vague for me! There are also hidden sources of MSG, in this product...do your homework!

Blue Bonnet Margarine...

Ingredients (15):

Water, Soybean(s) Oil Liquid, Soybean(s) Oil Partially Hydrogenated, Salt, Whey, Vegetable(s) Monoglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Propylene Glycol Monostearate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Flavor(s) Natural & Artificial, Vitamin A Palmitate, Beta Carotene color(s)

Again...soybean oil, and it's partially hydrogenated, too! Ok, wait...there's what in this stuff?? Does that say "Propylene Glycol Monostearate"?? Folks...that's an emulsifying agent found in cosmetics and personal care products!! Ewww!!

EDTA is short for Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (and I'm not even going to attempt to pronounce that! LOL!) Calcium Disodium EDTA is made from poisons and chelation chemicals; you can read all about this wonderful ingredient, here. And, again with the vague terms....natural & artificial flavors.

Next....

The folks on the Benecol website tout this as containing "a plant-derived ingredient that actually lowers your cholesterol" It even brags about it, on the package!

LIES!!! Read the ingredients...

Ingredients (15):

Canola Oil Liquid, Water, Soybean(s) Oil Partially Hydrogenated, Plant Sterol Esters, Salt, Emulsifier(s) (Vegetable(s) Mono and Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin) , Soybean(s) Oil Hydrogenated, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid and Calcium Disodium EDTA To Preserve Freshness, Flavor(s) Artificial, Di Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Colored With Beta Carotene

Do you see it?? Hydrogenated, and partially hydrogenated ANYTHING will increase your cholesterol...not lower it!!

Add that to all our other "favorite" ingredients, and I'd say this one goes on the "Ain't Happening" list, as well! LOL!

And, here we have butter....

Ingredients (2):

Cream Sweet Pasteurized, Salt

Well....finally! Ingredients I can pronounce; and, I know where they come from, too...no need for research, here! I think we have a winner, folks!!

Here's a few more brands of butter, with only those two ingredients...

I've never heard of this brand, but I thought the package was lovely!

Butter really is the best choice! As always, I will encourage you to investigate in order to find quality butter made from the milk of grass-fed animals; that's the best quality, and most nutrient dense, of all creamery butters.

And now...my "What the heck??" moment. This next product is touted as being super beneficial, because it's mixed with extra virgin olive oil; that's not the only thing it's mixed with...

Ingredients (17):

Butter Blend of Natural Vegetable Oils (Palm Fruit, Soybean(s), Flax Seed, Olive Oil Extra Virgin) , Water, Fish Oil, Contains less than 22% of Salt, Soybean(s) Lecithin, Flavor(s) Natural, Whey, Lactic Acid, Vegetable(s) Monoglycerides, Sorbitan Ester of Fatty Acids, Di Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Beta Carotene

Natural Vegetable Oils....like soybean oil (can't do it!); flax seed oil is good and there's water in this. Wait...do I see what I think I see?? FISH OIL??? Now, fish oil is very good for you...but what's doing in a vegetable oil blend? Oh my!

Ok, moving on....more soy (soybeans and lecithin), natural flavors (still waiting for someone to tell me where these come from); monoglycerides...ok...don't let the "vegetable" notion fool you, folks, it's still bad news!!

Sorbitan Ester of Fatty Acids....used as a surfactant, an emulsifier, a buffering agent, a defoaming agent, a synthetic flavoring, a stabilizer and a lubricant. Ok...back up!! A defoaming agent?? I think I've just lot my appetite!! At least I now have a better idea of where "natural & artificial flavors" come from! LOL!! Here's some more info for ya!

I also understand why they used that in this product...water and oil don't mix, unless you force them to; hence, the need for a stabilizer/emulsifier.

Personally, I don't care how good vegetable spreads, margarine, and "blends" taste...pass the BUTTER, please!!

And, have a blessed day!! oxoxox

My New Best Friend - Dr. David Brownstein

Here it is, folks...the book review I promised!

I recently signed up for Dr. David Brownstein's Newsletters; I should be getting another one, soon. With my "membership", I received a book called "The Guide to Healthy Eating", authored by him; he's authored 10 books, and I'm planning on owning all of them! LOL!

Within this particular book, you will learn everything you need to know about carbs, fats & oils, salt, making children's favorite foods more healthy for them, and what foods to avoid eating (and why), and so much more! There's even a section of the book devoted to recipes...I can't wait to try them!! In the back, there is a tip section...healthy eating when dining out, food prep tips, meal planning, etc. There are also two appendices....a glycemic index, and a grocery shopping check-list.

I highly recommend purchasing this book; it is a comprehensive guide to put you on the right track toward a healthier life!

Oncology Update

I had an appointment with my Oncologist, yesterday afternoon.

I told him I was doing good; changed my diet, learned a thing or two about preventing disease by balancing the body's pH levels, etc. I also told him that I had started my Facebook page (The Savvy Survivor) and my Google+ Blog, to help other people get, and stay, healthy. He liked that idea!

Then, I gave him the good news....I can no longer feel anything solid in my left breast; it was still tender, but there was nothing obvious there, anymore. He really liked that!! LOL!

During my exam, he made sure to pay close attention to the area where the lump was last noticed; bear in mind, it was a mass, when I was newly diagnosed. I noticed a big grin, on his face, and then heard some great news....he can't feel it, either!!! Oh my goodness....could it be?? It's only been 9 months...is it gone??

I have an appointment scheduled for a CAT Scan, on April 10th, to find out if I can officially announce that I am cancer free!! I'm so excited!! LOL!

I hate these machines...that bench is SO uncomfortable!!

Brings me back, in remembrance of when this all started. While I was in the hospital, my oldest daughter had prayed for my healing. She told me, in the middle of her prayer time, God led her to John 11:3-4; and she quoted it to me.

So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (NIV)

He said it...I believe it! I've been standing on that Scripture, since July of last year; and regardless of the outcome of April's CAT Scan, I AM healed, in Jesus' name!!! And, I give Him all the glory for it, as well! LOL!

Oh, one more thing....tomorrow's Blog will my book review on Dr. Brownstein's book, "The Guide to Healthy Living".

Have a blessed day!! oxoxox

Protein is Protein...Right??

Wrong! There are some major differences between animal-based proteins and plant-based proteins.

Proteins become amino acids, during the digestion process; amino acids are the building blocks of the body. The body also uses protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body processes. The amino acids that can't be manufactured by our bodies are called essential amino acids. There are nine essential amino acids, and 12 which are manufactured by the body, itself. Here's where the differences come into play.

A complete protein is a food that contains a significant amount of all nine essential amino acids. All animal-based proteins are complete proteins...most plant-based proteins are not. There are only a hand-full of plant proteins that are considered complete.

Soy has long been considered the highest quality complete protein in the vegetable kingdom. When soy was first touted as "the" plant-based alternative to animal protein, I fell for it hook, line and sinker. I became a soy foods fanatic! Soy milk and tofu were staples, in my house...my kids didn't like the tofu, but they devoured the milk! I went out of my way to replace animal proteins with soy, and other plant-based proteins, because the powers that be said it was better for our health.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer, last year. And I'm terrified that my children (2 girls and a boy) will develop breast cancer, later on in life, because I bombarded their bodies with so much soy...I am a dethroned convenience food queen! With all the new information out about how bad convenience foods are for us, and how practically everything boxed, packaged, bottled or canned has soy in it...this Mommy is worried for her children!

Complete proteins, in the plant kingdom are found in other sources...spirulina, hemp seed, amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa. I will never promote soy as a reliable source of ANY nutrient! Trust me!

My new best friend, Dr. David Brownstein, says soy also contains enzyme inhibitors that stop our bodies from absorbing a lot of minerals, like calcium, magnesium, zinc, molybdenum, manganese and iron. And, large amounts of refined soy (convenience foods) can cause deficiencies in Vitamins B12, D, E, and K. This information can be found in his book, "The Guide to Healthy Eating" (book review coming soon!)

When eating foods that are incomplete proteins (most plant-based proteins), it's a good idea to make sure you eat complimentary proteins, to achieve a complete protein source. You don't have to combine them in the same meal, just make sure you've eaten plenty of complimentary proteins, by the end of the day.

I've plugged myself as being a former omnivore, suggesting that I have become a vegetarian...when, in fact, I still eat meat, from time to time. I'm what's commonly known as a "flexitarian"; a vegetarian who still eats meat, on occasion. I've also learned that animals who are common herbivores will eat meat, when they need to; so, I'm ok with being a vegetarian who eats meat, once in a while! LOL!

Eating meat is the only way to ensure that the body gets an adequate amount of B12...it's not found in any plant food, unless it's been fortified with it. Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient, in that it helps produce DNA in our bodies, helps reduce the risk of pernicious anemia, helps maintain energy levels, reduces the risk of heart disease, and so much more!

With that being said, I would also not advise become a strict vegan...B12 supplements are great; but by not eating meat at least once in a while, you will be missing out on so many other nutrients that are only found in animal flesh and animal products (milk, eggs, honey, etc).

So, for an adequate amount of protein (and other nutrients) in your diet, it is always a good idea to eat meat, or animal products; even if it's only once in a while!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed day!! oxoxox