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Severe chest pain, is how I remember that day in the mid 1990's. I had arrived at work, shortly after exercising at the fitness center ...

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Raw & GMO-free

I consider myself cured of Acid Reflux Disease. It has been ages since the last episode back in 2012, it seems so long ago. It's nice to live without pain, medicine costs, insurance hassles and food restrictions.

I continue to read and learn about food and water. Many of us do not realize what an important part food and water play in our overall health. I make my best effort to eat food and drink water that is free from pesticides, antibiotics and other toxins. I also do not want my food genetically modified, I want it labeled so I can make an informed decision.
 
I still cook mostly vegan and like to try a variety of raw recipes. I added wild-caught fish, organic free-range eggs, organic butter and beer back into my diet in 2012. Recently, I have also had wild game (moose meat and venison) and organic grass-fed beef. I do not want to get into the habit of eating dairy again, but I have had cheese occasionally on sandwiches or pizza. If I have a choice I choose goat cheese. I find cheese very addictive and it is easily one of those things you can over eat, especially in an American diet.

I am making my own nut milks now. It started with almond, then hazelnut. I use the nut mash to make chocolate truffles. No waste! And a delicious energy snack. I took a Raw Foods class and learned how to make a Raw Chocolate Mousse. Mmmm!

There are so many delicious, healthy recipes out there I just want to share my knowledge with everyone. To make everyone aware that the "low fat" diet is a scam. That the "American diet" is making us sick! That "big money" is controlling our food system and popping pills is not the way to good health. The FDA is shorthanded and leaving safety testing in the hands of the companies. Chemical company stooges have infiltrated the FDA and allow safety standards to be weakened or overlooked.

I read a book "The Ethics of What We Eat". The author was not interested in any particular diet. The book was more focused on the quality of our food and variety. The premise was we all get into a rut and eat the same foods over and over again; the reasons are many. My goal for 2014 is to add as much variety to my weekly diet as possible. I still intend to focus on vegan and raw recipes; the possibilities are endless! My body pH also interests me and I want to eat a more alkaline diet as well. Have I tweaked your interest yet? Are you thinking of ways you can live a healthier life?

There is more to it than food. Getting outside for some healthy fun is crucial! I plan to continue hiking, bicycling, camping and kayaking; along with photography and visiting every town in Vermont. I joined the Vermont 251 Club last year and intend to start visiting historic sites and photographing each town I visit.

After years of suffering with acid reflux, being in constant pain and giving up most foods that I enjoyed, taking pills and drinking antacids it seems nice to say I have been off prescription medicines and over the counter drugs for 8 years. I asked my doctor why he didn't suggest a vegetarian diet and he responded "I didn't think it would work". I think it is more likely that he didn't know. Doctors are not taught about nutrition and food. Don't assume that your doctor knows what it best; ask questions, do research, check with a naturopathic doctor, a nutritionist or someone that practices Chinese medicine; you just might be surprised! There are many food sensitivities and food allergies are on the increase.  With 80% of the American diet being genetically modified foods it's no surprise. You are what you eat!

You can find my full story within these pages or you can follow this link  Overcoming Acid Reflux to my first post.


Stay healthy and be aware!

John