The Skeletons in Your Pantry

The top 3 leading causes of death in America are health related. I am broken hearted by these numbers but I am also extremely encouraged by the fact that this is preventable. Let me share...

• Heart disease: 611,105
• Cancer: 584,881
• Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 149,205

Everyone has heard the phrase "The Skeletons in Your Closet" but what about the ones in your pantry? You know, the processed foods that have no expiration date? I would say those may be of the worst types of skeletons, they are holding us back from living the life we were called to live. Frankly these nutritionally deprived foods are stealing life away from us each and every day that we consume them.

Here are some side effects of eating processed foods:
Brain Fog
Fatigue
Bloating
Digestive Issues
High Blood Sugar
Loss of Focus
Acne
Weight Gain
and so much more.

Think I am crazy? What if I told you that 2 out of 3 people are obese in the US today. Would that change your mind? Or, what if I told you that the younger generation of children is the first generation in history that is due to die before their parents. Does that strike something inside of you? This is no longer about preference of a clean healthy diet for looks and feeling better. This is becoming life or death as a matter of fact it is life or death. It is time we educate ourselves on the food industry and food ethics of our nation and start holding each other accountable.

Take a look at your pantry, is it full of life giving foods or is it full of skeletons? Do you have lots of living greens such as Kale, spinach, broccoli and other fresh fruits and veggies or do you have lots of hot pockets, frozen pizzas, bread and cookies? Now, I am not saying that you should never have these things occasionally but what do you have an abundance of in your home? If it is the latter, something needs to change.

I am willing to put in as many hours as I need to in order to inspire and help each of my readers to make a life choice that remove these foods from their diets. Please call or text me anytime at 407-443-1294 with questions or comments. I am also willing to give my time to people who want to do a pantry make over and do not know where to start.

Be intentional about your food purchasing. Be intentional about your health. You are loved, you are cherished.

Lexi

Call Me, Gluten Free!

February 2, 2014 marked one of the most important days in my life. 1 year ago I decided that I was going to give the gluten free diet a chance. And as you can clearly see I am not deprived of any incredible foods!

Prior to adopting a gluten free lifestyle I suffered from migraines almost weekly. Migraines so severe that I would wake up out of my sleep sobbing at the pain. I prayed one night and told God that I would be okay going through this pain if He revealed to me a way to help someone else and change someone else's life when I finally found a remedy. Little did I know the remedy was right around the corner and a few short months after that prayer I became gluten free.

I also had ADD that I took vyvanse for daily, a medication to treat ADD/ADHD for the 2 years prior to becoming gluten free. I remember praying to God a year before that about getting of my medication and I felt him say "If you take care of your health, I will take care of your ADD." He blew my mind a year later when that promise was answered. I had no idea that both health issues were a result of the same intolerance.

There many are more things I could say about the empowerment of a gluten free diet and how it has changed my life but that would just read as another blog post. So I want to get personal. Bob Goff has his cell phone number in the back of Love Does one of my favorite books. He writes that the most influential people in his life where the ones who were available. So here I am asking the Lord to bless me one more time with the opportunity to serve people through nutritional empowerment.

My number is 407-443-1294. Call me about your health issues regardless of the similarities or differences we may have. Through this I promise to pray for you and encourage you in the best way I know how to. Lets get you healthy so you can live the life you have always dreamed of!

Migraine Log: Keep track of your habits

This simple test may just be the answer to your migraines. When I was able to keep track of my migraines I was able to find a direct correlation between my high on carb days and my migraines. Print this easy checklist to see if any of these simple acts are causing your headaches and migraines.

Migraine Log

	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thur	Fri	Sat	Sun
Balance (Check Yes)
Did you get 6-8 hours of sleep?
Did you drink at least half of your body weight in fluid oz of water?
Did you eat breakfast?
Did you eat protein?
Did you eat veggies? (Lots of greens?)
Did you take a multivitamin?
Gluten (Check No)
Pizza
Donut/Bagels
Cereal
Bread
Pasta
Baked goods
Other gluten containing products

 

Directions: Print out and use for 1 week. Look for patterns in your daily habits. The top should be most/all yes’s and the bottom should be most/all no’s. I am not a doctor only a person with a testimony and a heart to serve others. 

You Don't Have to Be an Expert!

Gluten Free living is not easy, but it is not impossible ether. I have been on this journey for a little over a month now and I am feeling better than I have ever felt!

Here are some simple ways to say no to gluten:

Say no to...
Bread
Pasta
Pizza
Cake
Donuts
Cereal
Baked goods

All of these favorite comfort foods have no nutritional value and do not belong in your belly. Think about eating more protein and veggies rather than all of that processed junk. I promise you will find its not that bad after all. Here is an example grocery list that I found to be helpful:

http://www.drperlmutter.com/eat/list-of-gluten-free-foods/

• Shredded Coconut
• Kale
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Grass Fed Beef
• Free Range Eggs
• Avocado
• Free Range Turkey
• Free Range Chicken
• Mixed Greens
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Wild Salmon
• Berries (in moderation)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell Pepper
• Black Pepper
• Goat’s Cheese

Why Beautiful Brain?

I currently have a blog called "Beautiful Feet" which is where I write about my spiritual journey. I fell in love with the name after reading the verse Romans 10:15 "Beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel."

About 1 month ago I chose to read a book recommended by my doctor called "Grain Brain". This incredible book gave me a reason to call my brain beautiful and I plan to use this blog to tell you why.
Here are a few fun facts about me:

1. For the past 2 1/2 years I have taken 40mg per day of Vyvanse (a drug used to assist with ADD/ADHD)
2. For the past 4 years I have had migraines that would wake me up out of my sleep and put me in tears almost every time. 
3. My entire life I have struggled with anxiety and a hot temper both of which have controlled me at times and have caused others and myself lots of heart ache. 

Today I am free from all of those sicknesses and burdens by simply choosing a gluten free lifestyle. Each day I become more passionate about sharing my testimony so please join me as I share my journey to becoming healthier and happier.