Time to celebrate!

Yeah! I have really good news! At one point I was so ill that I weighed a horrible 89lbs. I have worked very hard over the past few years to put back on all the weight that I lost, and now I'm finally back to my normal body weight. My husband reminded me that it's time to celebrate because I'm healthier! So I'm celebrating! I think I'll go eat some Rice Dream Ice Cream and gluten free cookies! :)

Chronic illness can be overwhelming when it comes to loving yourself just the way you are. It's important to be happy with the skin you're in! Take care of yourself and realize you're beautiful. Focus on your good attributes and become involved in something low-key that you're passionate about!

Check out the film Real Women Have Curves. It's a great movie with America Ferrera about embracing our flaws and recognizing how being unique is beautiful.

How you do feel about the popular trend in the media that you must be a certain size to be considered beautiful? How do feel about societal pressure to be a certain cookie-cutter look in order to be considered pretty? Feel free to comment!

How do I afford healthy organic food? (Financial Solutions)

If you read the post before this one, I know what you're thinking...eating healthy organic food can be very expensive! But look at it this way--healthy food is a long-term investment. The healthier you eat, the less money you will need to spend later on expensive medications and doctor visits.

1.Don't try to go organic all at once. When you go shopping compare the prices of regular food to organic food. If the difference is only 20 cents, then start there. Gradually add other organic foods into your diet.

2."Shop farmers' markets, or become a member of a CSA (community supported agriculture) farm; in return for a seasonal fee, you'll get a weekly share of the harvest. Visit localharvest.org for CSA options near you." ("6 Ways to Save the World" O magazine)

3. Search the internet for your local grocery store's website. The store will usually post what produce is on sale. Plan your meals around what fruits and veggies are cheap and in season.

How to avoid getting CANCER (healthy goodness)

"The American Cancer Society reports that one in two men and one in three women will develop cancer. Yet, the No.1 risk factor associated with cancer death is diet." (BetterNutrition.com, July 2008) If you already have cancer and are reading the title of the post, you're probably a little bugged right now. I know that most often when people are diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses, it isn't a result of choices that they've made. I lived a very active, healthy life before I became ill. I also know what it's like to try to control every aspect of your environment (what you eat, how much you exercise, etc.) and still be very ill. There is nothing you did to cause your illness. BUT there are prevention steps everyone can take for some cancers, and if you're already sick, this advice will really help your body handle your illness. Better Nutrition.com recommends, based on research, the following...

1. Eat at least 5 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit daily. (For example; fix yourself a big salad on most days of the week. If you have Crohn's disease, IBS, or a similar illness check with your doctor before adding a lot of raw veggies to your diet.)
2. Eat organic whenever possible to avoid harmful preservatives, pesticides, hormones, and other cancer-causing substances; new research also indicates that organic foods have higher nutritive value.
3. Drink more pure water (avoid sodas).
4.Choose essential fatty acids. Take an omega-3 product.