Angela

Take these broken wings—

For all of  you who enjoyed the previous post about suicide prevention –see the post HERE.  Here is a quick update on Lucy and Maggie’s story: Lucy (Maggie’s childhood friend) and my dear friend got her 1st tattoo this weekend.  Her parents weren’t keen on the idea but told her that she could get one when she turned 18.  Lucy (now 18) got her first tattoo in honor of Maggie’s favorite Shakespeare quote!

 

“The course of true love never did run smooth”  

Maggie’s spirit continues to live on in so many of us that hardly even knew her.  Some spirits just leave their mark in this way.

Wayne Dyer says that we are spiritual souls inhabiting a human existence and I can’t help to believe that when I experience such profound emotion over a child I barely knew.  We were obviously soulful connections.

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It’s strange but this last week has been filled with interesting circumstances and spirit filled interactions that I am compelled to share.  Some of these were some pretty incredible near death experience stories.

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One of my favorites is the minister that had a fatal car accident.  His car was a literal accordion and he was pronounced dead on the scene after being hit by a semi.  The paramedic’s tried to get him out of the car for approximately 2 hours.

A man (also a minister) pulled up to the scene and asked the medics if he could climb in the car and pray for the man.  He had driven by and felt a sudden inclination to pray for the accident victim.

Annoyed, the medics told him that the victim had been dead for over 2 hours but they eventually allowed him to enter the scene.  The minister climbed in while the medic continued to  work at getting the dead man out.  The minister  prayed over the shoulder of the man he could not see for about 10 minutes.  After around 10 minutes, the man began to sing “What a friend we have in Jesus”.  He had no idea why, but he felt compelled to sing.  Then —– he heard another voice chime in and thought how wonderful it was that a medic was singing with him.   He stopped and the voice continued.   Suddenly, the shoulder he was holding began to move.—

Yes- the victim was singing!  The medics continued to work feverishly at this point and as they pulled the victim out of the car, the minister realized that it was his best friend.

I have a patient in the last 12 years whose spirit honestly connected with mine.  We were kindred spirits right at the beginning of our journey together.  The story about Ric is so amazing that I struggle to put words to its content.  Ric was diagnosed with cancer just about a year after my conscience decision to transform my  practice into a nutritional/functional health approach.  He was 100% on board to heal himself of his disease and was confident and supportive of the unconventional decision that I had made.  There was no judgement-he supported me unconditionally.   He lost weight, ate right, and Damn-he even watched the CRAZY SEXY CANCER video in the office with me!  I was thrilled to have a patient listen and I was sure he was cured after his chemo and radiation.  He claimed that the Cancer would never win the War.

Unfortunately, Ric died this last year.  I had the opportunity of seeing his brother whom was his caregiver throughout his final days.  On Friday, we spoke of a dream that his kindred spirited brother had before his final days.  The dream was as follows and is paraphrased of course.  He saw his brother in his most healthy, strong, and happy states the first two nights.  He was mid 20’s, smiling, robust, and full of energy and vitality.  On the third night, his brother looking wonderful, sat with friends and family and announced that cancer won the battle but he won the war.

His brother was confused by this notion, however, the day after Ric’s life here had ceased—-His brother looked back on the tired, cancer ridden body lying in a hospital bed spiritless and realize that it was all true.  Cancer did win the battle –but the spirit of Ric had certainly won the war and left some pitiful remains—–

Posted on by Angela in cancer, disease, Mind, Spirit, Suicide, Uncategorized Leave a comment

STAY THE COURSE

Recently, I have been teaming with some co-workers for a series of one-month challenges to lose 10 pounds a month. At the end of the first month, one person lost 12 pounds, which is fantastic. The rest of us did well but then gained some of the weight back toward the end of the month. I have to admit it was discouraging to lose 9 pounds then gain back 5. I can tell why I did well, and then went backward. I stayed very strong for the first three weeks, counted calories and felt encouraged. At the three-week mark a couple of things happened. 1) I let my guard down. By reaching a good weight and feeling motivated I thought to myself “this is easy, I don’t have to keep working so hard.” I lied. Although it was pretty easy to follow the program, I DID need to keep at it. 2) I caught a cold and got off track. With a sore throat and feverish feeling, I gave into cravings for salty snacks, comfort foods like mashed potatoes, and ice cream. 3) I slacked on tracking. My daytime routine stayed pretty consistent but by the end of the night I got lazy in recording my calories. Writing it all down is very important.

Anyway, the point is that as long as you are moving in the right direction and don’t give up, applaud yourself. The only way to fail is to quit!

 

 Thank you Dee–we all need a little cheerleading every now and again!  Don’t quit!!!  Guilt and self-punishment aren’t options and tomorrow is always a new day!  We all need some lessons on being our own best cheerleader–not enemy!  Keep on keeping on my friend.
For more great advice from Dee visit her SITE
Have a great weekend!!!!!
Posted on by Angela in Body, Diet, Weight Loss Leave a comment

Gluten Issues –with the Gluten God!

What about all that GLUTEN????

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I absolutely love the Underground Wellness Site and always refer legitimately interested patients there to learn about nutrition and it’s healing effects on the body.  The body never ceases to amaze mean and the way that we are all so intricately woven together from system to system makes me marvel at the body’s resilience to its mistreatment.  I wasn’t ever aware of how perfectly in tune my mind, body, and spirit all were until these last few years and I am thankful to my awakening.  I’ve played this video in follow-up to the Wheat Belly video that many of you have watched during your office visits.  I am amazed at how little it takes to cause such an uproar in the body–This one is short and worth a one time viewing.  Tom O’Bryan is like the “Gluten God” to me and Sean Croxton has many resources on his site and podcasts that are filled with incredible science, tips, and transformation stories.  Please dig deeper if you are interested at all!

Posted on by Angela in disease, Nutrition, Weight Loss, Whole Food Leave a comment

Ways to Self Sabotage

10 Ways We Sabotage our own Health and Weight Loss

1.  Skipping breakfast

2. Eating too little

3.  Lack of sleep

4.  Dehydration

5.  Lack of protein

6.  Pharmaceuticals

7.  Toxins in processed foods

8.  Eating inconsistantly

9.  Pestacides on foods

10.  Not believing in ourselves

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10 Ways we can break the cycle

1.  Eat something when we wake up

2.  Add 1 fresh veggie a day (free calories essentially)

3.  Go to bed 10 minutes earlier than usual

4.  Drink 1 glass of water (or extra glass) daily

5.  Add protein between meals (i.e./ a handful of nuts or seeds)

6.  Eliminate any drug that is unessential

7.  Eat 1 less processed food daily

8.  Eat 3 times a day for 3 days straight

9.  Wash all veggies and eat fresh or frozen and not canned

10.  Affirmations–start each day by saying in the mirror “I love you ______!”

BABY STEPS!!!!  They still count and will get you walking strong eventually!

Posted on by Angela in Body, Call to action, Diet, Spirit Leave a comment

Chasing the Moon

Around 5am September 1st, 2013–the Aurigids will be entering the meteor stream in the last hour before dawn.  So it’s a perfect way to start Sunday by checking out the shower around 5am.  It is extra special because the Moon enters a new phase on September 5th and will be located near the Sun.  You will be able to find a crescent moon in the early morning and approximately 14-20 meteor showers before dawn.  With a bonus attraction, the Moon passed Jupiter today the 31st and will still be visible in the am along with Mars.  13aug31_4302

I’m not usually an astrology freak, but researching the correlation of  the mind, body, and spirit has helped me be grateful for all the intricate connections between the Earth and how our bodies function.  It really does make me feel more complete when I pay attention to how I blend with the Universe.  Best wishes for a wonderful holiday weekend!!!  Enjoy!

Posted on by Angela in Mind, Spirit 2 Comments

Loving the Unsolicited Feedback!

“Dr Angela,

Just thought that you would like to know that I have been mostly gluten-free since Friday when I saw you.

I have a had a few moments when I did indulge but I am happy to report that I am already 7 pounds lighter! I am so happy and I noticed that my feet are not as swollen anymore.

I could actually lace my shoes tighter!

This is a big deal for me because for the last 2 years putting on my shoes has been a daily reminder of the weight I was gaining and risk I was putting my health in.

I have also cut caffeine completely.

My GI issues also seem to have been greatly improved.

This has been such a blessing.

Thank you”

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Need I say more?  I love that this is really happening for patients!  I couldn’t make this up if I tried.  Have I told you lately that sooooo many patients are getting better with this “Food is thy Medicine” thing.  Quackery, it is not.  This sh&% really works!!

 

Don’t worry-I plan to keep annoying and preaching to you regularly.   I honestly think that hearing the results from other patients is much more inspiring than hearing me preach to you.   So Game On!  Look forward to more inspiring patient stories!

 

Also, please realize this is really hard for my family and I as well.  Staying healthy is expensive, takes a lot of effort, and isn’t fun.  Jeez, it’s almost a full-time job.  Caving into guilt and exhaustion this last week,  I took both of my girls to McDonald’s for dinner (YUCK).   That must be rock bottom!

 

This is hard –and it’s best to take Baby Steps– One baby step at a time!

That’s just about all I can say!  Next week, I think I’ll move to Australia (Alexander and the horrible, terrible, no good, very bad, day)

 

Posted on by Angela in Nutrition, Uncategorized, Whole Food Leave a comment

Benefits of Gelatin

Gelatin- a virtual wonder drug!  Remember, the days when your grandmother boiled the chicken soup for close to 24 hours and you got all the warm healing properties from the bone broth?  That’s precisely where the amazing nutritional benefit came from—the collagen and gelatin that comes from the marrow of the bones.  Gelatin is a purified protein, derived from the hydrolysis of collagen.  Collagen is the organic component of the bones and skins of mammals.  Here are just a few quick reasons why gelatin is such a nutrient.

1.  Gelatin binds to H2o in the gut–this helps to improve digestion and essentially slicks up the GI tract for easy movement.

2.  Gelatin can help to reduce food intolerance by forming a protective barrier across the gut mucosa.

3.  The amino acids in gelatin help to strengthen bones and joint tissues.

4.  Gelatin helps detoxify the liver –the major detox organ of the body.0f1d1d7d25706b8d6c17a6529dae91d6

5.  Keratin found in gelatin is an essential building block for the teeth, hair and nails.

6.  Concentrated collagen found in gelatin helps give the skin a natural boost and prevents wrinkles.

7.  Last but not least, it improves sleep quality.

 

Here is an excellent tutorial on how to make a killer bone broth at home.

 For those a little less motivated —-Great Lakes has a great gelatin

Posted on by Angela in Diet, disease, Nutrition, Supplements, Whole Food Leave a comment

All About the Numbers

Thanks Dee–this is just more proof that a calorie doesn’t equal a calorie—Check out a little about Johnny Bowden who gives a great explanation on this topic.  All calories are not created equal.  And Snicker’s doesn’t satisfy!snick

 

Dee writes:

We recently had a dietician come to my work to talk about reading food labels and she gave a great presentation about the acceptable levels of sugar, sodium, trans fat, protein and carbohydrates. One thing that she said about calories was funny, that you could do a Snickers bar diet. What she meant was that I could consume all 1200 of my daily calories in the form of Snickers bars — about 5 a day — and lose weight. If you create a negative net calorie point, you lose weight. You need to burn more calories than you consume. Twelve hundred calories of sugar and fat however, will not lead to any long-term benefit PLUS you’ll be starving all the time from the high sugar, simple carb rush. The trick is to get your 1200 (or whatever) calories in each day in the form of colorful, nutrient-rich, raw or minimally processed fruits, veggies, lean proteins and whole grains. That is what keeps you feeling full, energized and ultimately healthy in the long run.

 

 

Posted on by Angela in Body, Diet, Nutrition, Weight Loss, Whole Food Comments Off on All About the Numbers

So Glad I Kicked that Diet Dew!

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Ok–I’m going to admit a deep dark secret now that I have finally kicked the habit.  Up until about 5 months ago, I was drinking up to four diet mountain dews a day!!  I popped one first thing in the am.  I then cracked another for my 45 minute commute into work.  Of course, when I got to work, I needed something to sip on and help me get started.  And last but not least, lunchtime required another hit of the vice because I would be starting to drag.  I wasn’t worried about the sugar because it was DIET.  What I didn’t realize was that the artificial sweeteners + aspartame + caffeine was even worse for me.  I watched the documentary “Hungry for Change” and was flabbergasted that what I had been doing was so incredibly toxic to my body.  No wonder I felt like crap!  I can honestly say that it took some time and effort to wean the habit.  I started by telling myself that I could have 20 cans a day as long as I drank a glass of water between doses of my chemical romance.  That helped me wean down to 1-2 a day.  After months of affirmations in my mirror, (I am not an addict.  I am healthy and alive) replaced the drug with unsweetened iced tea.  I only have one glass (maybe two on a particularly busy day) of tea that I make at home without any artificial ingredients.  I have to admit–I really don’t miss the stuff.  If I can do it–you can too.  I wish I could get a five month sober medal just to represent my strength!!  Maybe I’ll start a DEW-Aholic group!!  Watch this cute little animated video that highlights some of the dangers of this addictive drug.

 

 

Posted on by Angela in Body, Diet, Nutrition, Weight Loss, Whole Food 2 Comments

Cheat Day –It wasn’t worth it!

Dee writes:35cdfb5aef716fe1a63e1f697f1fefe9
After nine days of diligently dieting, and losing seven pounds, I decided to eat things I’ve been avoiding last night. I didn’t go crazy all day, but at night I sampled three chicken wings, two beers, two Krispy Kreme donuts and a Philly Cheese Quesadilla. It was pretty fun, I have to admit. The last thing I ate though brought the fun to a screeching halt. I split an order of fried grouper nuggets and the grease felt so foreign to my stomach that I felt the need to get home and jump in bed for the night and I did!   This morning, I felt like the crap that I ate. There was a knot in my stomach that didn’t go away until nearly lunchtime. I knew what my remedy should be and got right back on the healthy eating plan…tofu peach smoothie for breakfast, white bean soup for lunch, and meatballs in red sauce (minus the pasta) for dinner. As I write this, 9:30 pm [watching a donut challenge on Food Network] I feel like my NEW self again. I like my new self and am really loving the way healthy feels.

I have to refer to a previous post by Kevin Deeth about the importance of cheat days and the pathophysiology behind them .  View the post HERE.  But, for the rest of us that don’t really care about the science behind all of this, Dee and I have put into common terms.

I admit that I have felt like Dee as recently as last week!  This weekend at the Binford Farmer’s Market, I helped my friend raise money for the Amani Foundation and ran into Darby Simpson from Simpson Family Farms (SITE HERE)–he’s my go to local farmer  who provides us with quality grass-fed meat and poultry.  He was telling me about his recent Cheat Day –Apparently, he had the same problem as Dee and I–he felt awful!  Isn’t it wonderful how the body can adapt to healthy eating and then make you pay when you cheat.  A dire warning for those starting this lifestyle change–keep the porcelain goddess nearby if you decide to cheat!

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