The Pioneer Woman

I like to promote and 'lift up' others out there who like to keep themselves grounded with whole, delicious food, sustainable farming and just living the simple, healthy, good life.

"The Pioneer Woman" is, to me, one of those people.

Nutritionally, I wouldn't consume those homemade donuts or the other 'bready' goods that she makes from scratch, as they will make ME scratch...my eczema...so, not gonna happen for me, BUT, I want to live a pure, down-home, simple life.

I think my husband thinks I'm nuts and going through a phase (let's face it, I'm a woman, my mind changes daily!), but there's something to be said for growing your own food, no commuting with idiot drivers, petting and feeding tomorrow's beautiful steak and just taking more time to appreciate your children, your family and all that life has to offer.

So (sigh) until the Amish come to adopt me, I'll live vicariously through "The Pioneer Woman". Tipping my floppy, folded, red, cowboy hat to her (purchased in a Knotts Berry Farms' amusement park 'hat store' by my beloved 10 year old for this last years' Christmas Present!) and hoping that one day, my life will be so 'pure'.

Look here, is that a tumor? Is it from my cell phone, my laptop, the gas-emissions of my commute? What IS that?!! ;-)

Be inspired!

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) - The Devil you say?!

OK, if you've read my blog at all, before now, you know how much I love science!

Actually, I think it's one of the major reasons I took my parents' affinity for healthy food to heart (heh, no pun intended!). Did you know that my mother is asking me for advice now? She was my mentor!

Anyway, not that I am considered a fully 'accredited' person (at least, in terms of the World's idea as to proper health & nutritional education), but I do love a good scientific study. Especially when they are done right. To me, a "meta-analysis" or a 'generalized' 'population statistical analysis' are so hokey, that I hardly pick up with their findings and mass-market it, as there are SO many flaws to these 'so-called' "Scientific Methods".

That being said, Princeton University decided to put those 'corn refiners' industries' refutes, about HFCS being JUST the same as table sugar, to rest!

Now, I agree, our body, in relation to insulin, sees sugar as sugar, regardless of the source. It can cause a major insulin spike, setting off inflammation in the body, causing all sorts of metabolic havoc (this to be covered in another topic, another day). Personally, if I have too much sugar (sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, bread, corn, etc), then my eczema returns FULL force!

But those lovely folks at Princeton University proved what we all assumed HFCS to be: A major issue in today's fight against obesity in this Country! Let's be clear here, not a contributor to weight gain, but of "characteristic signs of a dangerous condition known in humans as the metabolic syndrome, including abnormal weight gain, significant increases in circulating triglycerides and augmented fat deposition, especially visceral fat around the belly."

Oh, and one more thing, did you know they've found that HFCS contains MERCURY? Yeah! Fun stuff to let the kid guzzle down after that pizza eh? (Not that I'm a saint, but I'm just sayin'....).

Fructose is NOT good for your body, without it's natural packaging. Eat an orange, eat an apple, but for God's sake, stop giving the kids a glass of juice. Don't blame me for this statement, watch this! (OR, if you prefer, the hour and a half long (full) version).

Don't shoot the messenger! Am I wrong? Are these scientists wrong? Well, personally, I know how sugar of ANY form affects me, so take a good long look at your life and daily food choices. Walk with me in banning all this junk from your life! You just may live a longer, happier, healthier life. If I can affect just one person with this blog, then I will have accomplished my goal. Anything beyond that and it will be a major bonus!

I'll leave this post short and further ponderances on this may be saved for another day, but one thing is clear, You Can't Believe EVERYTHING you see on TV!!!!

BTW, if you are curious as to why I REFUSE to use Agave Nector as a sweetener, check out these sources:

• Agave Nectar is nature’s HFCS: http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/HFCSAgave.pdf
• Why Agave Nectar is not as healthy as you think: http://www.living-foods.com/articles/agave.html

I would say "Live long and prosper", but that's showing my geeky side a bit too much for today, so "Here's to your health"! (Meh, I need 'good' tagline!).

Oil Pulling - Myth, mystery, bunk? UPDATE

I took a picture of my Eczema, on Monday, in order to accurately document my 'ailment' and the possible affect any of my experiments may have on it. As you can see, it's not too bad at the moment.

What you can see at the top of the 2nd picture is close to my ankle, where the nasty little outbreak occurred, some 9+ years ago (thank you pregnancy). The rest 'crawled' its way to my shin and then some patches developed on my right leg (thank you 2nd pregnancy), but those are now pretty dormant as well.

These have been under control for the past month or so, so no remarkable changes have occurred since my 1st Oil Pulling day. I just want to see the dry/ rough patches completely vanish somehow...so follow along whilst I investigate all experimental methods for eradicating this nasty skin condition.

Updates to my current ailments:

1. Eczema. Like I stated above, no noticeable changes.

2. Acne. Nothing really new to report, no new breakouts, so that's good.

3. Colon Health. The next day after my initial pull, I did notice a great 'movement', which may or may not be attributed to this.

4. Weight loss. I am down 2 lbs since Friday and that's with one crappy meal and a stiff drink over the weekend, along with very few workouts (with the exception of weight lifting on Monday and a cardio (HIIT) session today. I wasn't able to lose anything this past month, even when I was being strict, so I just slacked off. I have been eating, however, lots of good fats, proteins and veggies, with my carbs in the form of mostly fruit and a few whole grains here and there, but no measuring or calorie counting, just eating when hungry. Do I count those two lbs then? Hmmm...probably not, since you just never know WHAT triggered it, but I'm not complaining. In fact, I was really surprised to see the loss considering my slacking off lately. Only time will tell!

5. Lethargy. I'm tired, but that's to be expected when you get less than 5 hrs of sleep every night. In order for my experimentats to work, I need to keep a consistency, so I shall attempt 7 - 8 hr sleep cycles. This only gives me 1 1/2 hrs without children, but alas, it must be done!

6. Nails. Nothing new to report.

7. Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome & Tennis Elbow/ Tendonitis. Nothing new to report.

8. Tooth Decay. Since this hardly ever bothers me, I must say that there is nothing new to report here as well.

That's all for today! Only time will tell. Should I continue this experiment daily for longer than a week?

Feel free to leave comments.

Cio!