i've been reading... and it's worth it

Several years ago, you would have found me elbow-deep in a Beth Moore study.  Workbook and notes all around me.  Homeschool.  Or something health related.  I have nothing against Beth Moore.  Really.  But I haven't picked up an 'inspirational-self-help' book in a few years.  That's a post for another day.  Maybe.

I just can't get into fiction.  Wish I could.  Well, except for The Shack.  Loved that book.  Once I got past the first 5 or so chapters, that is.  I know.  I'm probably in the minority when it comes to my I.C. {Institutional Church} friends.

I'm trying to get my health back on track.  Hubs used to call me a walking encyclopedia of information.  It's hard to pull that title off when you've somehow managed to find 20 lbs over the past 4 years.  Ugh.

Contributor #1:  Exercise. 
{Ummm... I decided not to use the word "Excuse" in place of "Contributor".  Just FYI.}  I used to have a great exercise routine {operative words being 'used to'}.   My alarm went off early-I was at the gym-back home-making breakfast... all before hubs had to leave for the office.  I miss that routine.

Fast forward.  Hubs has a different job.  A bit further away.  When he's in town, that is.  Now, his alarm goes off much earlier than mine used to.  All in the name of beating city traffic and getting to the gym in time to get cleaned up before his first meeting.

The girls and I really do appreciate his efforts in going to the gym.  I've wanted that for him for a long time.  He likes it, too.

Endorphins.  It's a good thing {spoken in my best martha stewart voice}.

Confession:  My exercise DVDs collect dust.  I have good intentions, but those are best exercised at a gym.  I love being driven by my own music via earphones.  And when I'm paying for a membership, I'm more likely to follow through.  It's weird.  I know.

So when do I go?

After feeding everyone breakfast would cut into our school time.  I can usually sneak in a visit to the gym during one of the girls' dance classes and a quick trip between Saturday or Sunday when hubs is in town.  When the girls are sick... it just doesn't happen.  And even if hubs manages to get home at a predictable time in the evenings, Mama is simply too 'tuckered out' to go.

I wish this weren't such a struggle.

Contributor #2:  Toxins.

Have you been wondering when I would get to the 'what I've been reading' part?   Suzanne Somers.  Se*xy Forever.  Don't let the title scare you.  This book is loaded with healthy information {probably similar to her many other books, in which i don't own}.  Se*xy Forever is really not about 'being se*xy'.  More about being healthy.

If you thought the sugar you were eating was the only culprit to the spare tire you may or may not be sporting, you'd be wrong.  Toxins.  Or should I say, a toxin overload!  I can honestly tell you that I felt my healthiest when I was on top of my exercise routine... and cleanses.  It's true.  I'm convinced my liver was never so clean.  TMI?  It's too bad that we're not more comfortable with this kind of talk.

We should know about the cancers caused by the usage of chemicals, like Round-Up.
The poison, which goes by the name of Fluoride, accumulating in the body.
BPA (Bisphenol A), found in many plastics, causing birth defects.
Aluminum, and it's link to Alzheimer's.
Words we can't pronounce in our cosmetics and cleaning products.
What and how our animals are fed... not to mention treated.

"Russia doesn't want our chicken, and they have a food shortage.  That should tell you something!"  {Oi}  
"The more toxins you take in, the more fat is required to store them."  {*sigh*}

There are a number of suggestions for cleansing in her book.  Some, I doubt I could afford.  You know, like purchasing a special sauna.  If I could, I would LOVE to at least have some of these tests done for my whole family.  I haven't been good at picking up on little clues when doing a quick elimination diet.  Maybe because I lose patience with it.  I like to eat.  #hangsheadinshame

So, finding out if specific foods are causing joint pain, bloating, headaches, weight gain, dark circles, and even cellulite {yes, it could be food allergies!!} would be won.der.ful!!

Have I bored you yet?

I say if you're interested in preventative health, you'd like this book.  There's tips on which foods are highest in pesticides {especially apples and grapes, which happen to be gracie's fave.  thankfully, i only buy those in organic.} and a plethora of easy-to-read information, so that you, too, can sound like a walking encyclopedia.

Staying out of the doctor's office {and health} is the goal.  {repeat}  Well, other than the chiropractor.  I see them more as preventative care.  Love them!  They gave Nator's ears a good poppin' on Tuesday.  We were talking about medications causing a plethora of symptoms, etc... and Nator said, "Don't they teach them {doctors} that in school?"  Ha!  If only the health system in America were focused on prevention.  *sigh*

This is the kind of post in which most of my friends politely roll their eyes, smile, and nod.  {here she's goes again, they think}  It's okay.  I've been getting that look for years.  But, secretly, I often wish there were more support for people like me.  Walking against the current gets tiring after a while.  So, I write this {eternal} post to remind myself to keep fighting the good fight.  Kids will get sick, even when all precautions have seemingly been met.  As my chiropractor gently reminded me, they are still building their immune systems. 

Buying organic, not driving through fast-food chains, dishing out daily doses of vitamins and supplements - twice a day, serving vegetables, getting enough sleep, and... even exercise are all... worth it.

#1:  Not sure how {yet}, but I've got to find a workout {routine} again.  Juggling the many logistics of a homeschool and mamahood may prove to be a challenge.  No excuses, right?
#2:  I'm getting started on a cleanse.  Hulda Clark style.  I'll spare you the details, though.  ;)

{suzanne somers did not send me a free book for review, nor does she even know of my existence; however, if someone from her company would like to donate a sauna or blood test results, i would be more than willing to write a review.}  :)