Walk the Talk

In my long and sometimes arduous journey toward a college degree, I realized that I had to find the calling within my career. I started as a liberal studies major, which means that you get a degree in general education. No big deal. But, as I moved to the upper division courses, I knew I had to make a concrete choice.

First, I tried to get my BSN (bachelors in nursing). I spent two and one-half years studying year-round to complete all the prerequisites to enter the nursing program in the fall of 2004. As a long story cut short, plan A disintegrated in lieu of the family. So, I moved on to plan B: a teaching degree. I started back at square one and completed all of the prerequisites I needed to enter the Professional Teaching program at the University. Again, a surprise pregnancy took precedence over my proposed educational goals.

I didn’t quit my schooling, but I took a hiatus for a year to focus on my new baby. As I regained my momentum to figure out a career that could combine nursing and teaching, I found a major called Health Promotion. The bonus part is that it is completely online! I could continue to stay at home and study while raising my children. Even though I didn’t plan to complete my degree in Health Promotion, I see now that it has become vital for my life, the life of my family, and my community.

As I have drawn closer and closer to the finish line (with only an internship standing in the way between me and my degree) I took a good look at myself. I discovered that I wasn’t “walking the talk.” I hadn’t put health promotion as a top priority in my own life. I knew what I needed to do, but in all honesty, I didn’t believe in myself. I was scared. I was afraid to fail. Until I heard these words from my chiropractor, “your heart is stressed,” I decided to make a change for good.

So, on January 5th, 2011, I embarked on a daring and exciting journey toward better health. Through a 21-day purification program, I began my journey by eliminating every possible food source that was poisoning my body. I could only eat vegetables and fruits, along with the approved “detox” shakes and whole food supplements. I was terrified. I had never done anything so drastic before in my life. Sure, I had given up carbs on a temporary diet at a previous time, but this purification program is different. It is meant to be a lifelong change.

The first three days of my purification program were the most difficult. I had to endure hunger pains, sugar cravings, a severe headache, and irritability. But, I kept telling myself, “Even though you feel miserable now, it is only temporary. Wouldn’t you rather have a few days of horrible symptoms, and then have a lifetime of wonderful health?” So, I endured. I did not cheat. Not even one bite or lick of a forbidden food. I prayed a lot; I walked away and ignored the kitchen (my poor husband and kids had to fend for themselves).

I finished the first week with a 9 lb loss of weight, and an increased stamina and energy that I haven’t felt in such a long time. It was almost euphoric! I could literally bounce down the stairs, feeling light as air. I still struggled with the wonderful aromas of food that lingered in the grocery stores and nearby restaurants, but I kept my eyes focused on day 21. I had to cross the finish line with 100% success. I had to “walk the talk” and prove that better health can be achieved through proper eating and exercise.

In conclusion, I did complete the 21 day purification program with 100% success. I encountered a slight viral illness during the middle of it, but I perservered. I learned so many things about ME during this process of self-control. The food of nature can be man’s best friend. I learned that I didn’t have to predict my future as a type 2 diabetic just because my parents were diabetic. I learned that I could live without ONE item that was stocked in my pantry. I learned that water became my source of life in my body.

I also learned that my endocrine system is connected to the nervous system, which connects every system for homeostasis (balance). If the balance is off, then the other body systems will start to react. The liver will show elevated enzymes; the blood fats (cholesterol and trigylcercides) will increase; the oils will increase in the skin; the heart will experience high pressure; the pancreas will pump out too much insulin to try and accomodate the excess sugar; and the kidneys will become overworked through continual filtering and produce stones. Even the small injuries to the tissues, like carpal tunnel and arthritic knees, will respond through chronic inflammation.

The only way to correct and reset the body’s functions back to normal is through a purification program. Most medical doctors do not want to share this information with you because they make more money when you’re sick. They also receive the “kickbacks” from the insurance and pharmaceutical companies to promote the medicinces that are supposed to help or cure the ailments. WRONG! Most medications are just bandaids to relieve the symptoms, but true health is only achieved when you shoot down the root cause and stop it for good!

So, my major is Health Promotion, but my lifestyle will also become Health Promotion. If I can’t be an example for others to believe in a change that will prolong their lives, increase their quality of life, and give them hope for a better future, then I’m not fulfilling my calling as a teacher of health. May you find the strength, courage, and conviction to pursue the best health. The tools are out there; you just have to know where to look! And, don’t be afraid to ask!