A while back, a friend whom I hadn’t seen in awhile exclaimed that I looked about 20.
Of course, I didn’t believe her. (When I look in the mirror, I’m as critical as the next person).
But I was pleasantly surprised and secretly quite pleased to hear this.
Who wouldn’t be, right?
After all, it isn’t exactly easy to pass for 40 years younger than your actual age!
“What about my gray hair?” I asked her, thinking that was a dead give-away.
She brushed that aside, saying it didn’t mean a whole lot.
Well, OK then.
The thing is, this wasn’t an isolated incident – which, to be perfectly honest, leaves me a bit baffled..
People focus on my skin, especially. They want to know “What’s your secret?” – and I’m never quite sure.
But then I think about the work I’m doing, and how I live my life, and I realize – that’s the secret right there!
What I teach, after all – is a lifestyle.
And it’s something you can have too!
Here, in a nutshell, is my formula for success:
Clean Up Your Diet
This alone does several things, since removing inflammatory foods from your diet helps to:
- Put out the fire in your belly
- Heal your digestion
- Boost your energy (although it can take awhile to get there)
- Leave you with clear, glowing skin
- And lots more…
And yes, by inflammatory foods – I’m referring to gluten, dairy and sugar, which happen to be 3 of the BIGGEST culprits!
How do you know if gluten is a problem for you? First, take a moment to read over this list of symptoms:
- Digestive Complaints – including Leaky Gut
- Cramps, Bloating or Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headaches or Migraines
- Sinus Congestion
- Joint Pain
- Rash or Itching
- Insomnia
- Chemical Sensitivity
- Memory Loss
- Osteoporosis
- Weight Gain
- Mood Swings
- Neurological Symptoms
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Autoimmune Disease
While this list is by no means comprehensive, the thing to note is that NONE of these symptoms are NORMAL! This is why it’s critically important to take a closer look at what you’re eating – so you’ll know whether you have Celiac Disease or non-celiac Gluten sensitivity – & take the appropriate steps to correct the problem.
If you’re still questioning whether this even applies to you, you’ll want to read this and this. And be sure to check out my educational video series: A Gluten Primer – Everything You Wanted To Know From A-Z.
Heal Your Digestive Tract
Healing a leaky gut – aka intestinal permeability – is another key step in helping you to feel fabulous again, and younger than your years.
But it takes lots of diligent work. (Did I say this would be easy?)
In short, you’ll need to:
- Clean up your diet. (See #1, above).
- Identify and remove those foods that your awesome body is allergic, or sensitive to
- Obtain appropriate tests to identify any gut infections – i.e. a yeast or bacterial overgrowth or parasite (it’s a lot more common than you think)
- Restore your digestive health with supplemental enzymes, herbs and tonics
- Take a good quality probiotic
- Avoid taking antibiotics whenever possible (with the exception of life-threatening situations)
In addition, you’ll want to look into any environmental exposures to chemicals and other toxins throughout your home – especially in your food, but also cleaning products, toiletries and so forth – as these can also contribute to intestinal permeability (aka Leaky Gut).:
Re-think What It Means to “Eat Healthy”
It turns out that much of what you and I were taught growing up about what it means to “eat right” – has been turned on it’s head.
So it’s time to alter your mindset, and leave the old way of thinking in the dust.
Here are a few guidelines to get you started:
- A diet high in refined carbohydrates will NOT lead to good health (translation – it will make you fat)
- Carbohydrates (i.e. bread, pasta and whole grains) are NOT essential to a healthy diet (unlike protein and fat, you can survive very well without them)
- Gluten-free bread, pasta, cookies and crackers are even worse
- Good quality fats are a MUST – be sure to include these in your diet every day (coconut oil, olive oil, ghee, avocado, nuts)
- The right kind of fat does NOT make you fat!
- Avoid foods that have been genetically modified (GMO)
- Purchase organic fruits & vegetables as often as possible – or, at the very least, stick to this list provided by the Environmental Working Group (EWG)
- Animal products, including eggs, should be pastured or grass-fed (rather than conventionally raised on GMO-grains & antibiotics)
- Choose wild-caught fish & seafood over farmed
Clean Up Your Environment
My advice wouldn’t be complete without also addressing your personal environment.
By that, I mean your home.
Yes, I’ve touched on this already. But just as certain foods can be toxic to your system, so too, can your cleaning supplies, toiletries, cosmetics and lots more.
All of this can mess with your health and undermine all your hard work.
It’s another key step that you don’t want to overlook!
In summary…
I realize this can all sound a bit overwhelming.
You might be thinking, “This is all very well for you to say, but how the heck am I suppose to get a handle on all of this? It’s way too overwhelming!”
I hear you, and I totally get it.
It CAN be overwhelming!
That’s exactly why it’s so important to work with someone who understands, and can guide you through the process – step by step.
It’s also exactly why I’ve created the programs that I offer, to make everything just a wee bit easier for you.
My goal, throughout, is to help you create a safe and uplifting environment in your home, while doing what you can to:
- a) Reduce your exposure to things that cause you harm, and
- b) Increase your exposure to food and behaviors that are protective.
So you can banish the aches and pains of getting older!
Sound good?
Contact me through my website, or email me directly at info@designahealthylife.com – and we’ll set up a time to talk!
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