Hoping to live healthier in the coming year? I hope Peg’s story encourages you. Peg and her husband, Ron, are active retirees here in Arizona. It all started when they attended a fermentation class in 2013.
Peg’s Story: Healthy Living, Small Steps, and Big Changes
After the fermentation class, I began a journey that continues today. The information regarding how our bodies work and what’s needed to maintain natural health was, literally, life changing. Thus started my quest to begin making changes that might encourage a healthy gut.
During the course of a single year, I surprised myself with the changes. While I thought small changes were being made, I realized I’d made kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, laundry soap, sunscreen, and shea cream. I bought and used a number of essential oils, started dry body brushing, began buying some organic foods, bought a dehydrator . . . and probably more that I’ve missed. I have incorporated healthy oils, grains, nuts, sweeteners, etc., all without much thought—and have had fun in the process.
Three years later, my life and my pantry certainly look different! Here are a few of my recent projects.
It has been quite a journey. For anyone thinking about making healthy changes, it’s well worth the effort. AND my husband has enjoyed the changes! In fact, after the first year, Ron’s dermatologist asked what he’s doing differently because his skin looks so much better.
As for expense, I’m surprised how affordable these changes have been. Once you have things on hand, they go a long way!
Peg is right. Small steps lead to big changes.
One additional note: Peg has integrated some of these changes for her mother, who comes by daily for dinner. Her mom turns 92 this year!
What changes have you made in the last year? Do you relate to Peg’s story?
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I can relate to Peg. I have had some health challenges that have gotten worse over the past 5 years. Not sure if it is just perimenopause or something more, but I have struggled with anxiety and insomnia. About 2 years ago I sought some natural help, and although I am still struggling, I have made some changes in the way I do things. For years I had used more natural cleaning products and used some supplements. I also made my own bread from fresh-ground wheat. I definitely tried to eat better, and while my kids were little, they ate well too. (My husband though never caught on and my kids gravitated to his ways as they grew.) So after having almost every lab test under the sun completed, I was advised to change my diet drastically among some other things. I am now dairy-free, gluten (actually all grains) free and sugar free. A lot of people ask, “so what is there left to eat?” I am sure I am not the only one who has been asked this. The very first day when I was told to change, I came home and tried to plan a week’s worth of meals. I could not make it past one meal. I had a total melt down! I love the name of your blog, Andrea. “It Takes Time.” It does. After a pep talk from my husband, I realized this was going to be a process. But now I can make flax, almond or coconut flour bread products like a pro. I also have an arsenal of DF/GF/SF recipes that I can whip up in a jiffy! I have spent a lot of time on natural blogs “figuring it out.” I am thankful to God for bloggers. I am now learning to make DIY cleaners and personal care products instead of buying the expensive store-bought ones. Andrea, you have infuenced me in just the last few months to get rid of the WIFI in my home and throw out my DECT phones. My 18 year- old techie son is still not happy, but he got over it when I dug my heels in. He thinks I am off my rocker actually believing that WIFI and cell phones could cause cancer! I could go on, but this is too long as it is. Thanks for contributing to my being “one of those types of people”! 🙂
Oh you made my day, Sheri! Especially about the DECT phones and Wi-Fi. I applaud your determination and am glad you relate to Peg because she is very much like you. Thank you for sharing your story!
Hey this is great. I have made all of these same recommendations to my patients that have had similar issues. I am a chiropractor and have owned my clinic for years, and I see a lot of patients struggling not only with their diets, but with the fact that they have to fight through a lot of obstacles to function throughout the day. Great article, and I appreciate the comment as well.
Thanks so much, Holly!