Clearing the fog – Guest post from Brittan
Last week, Mindy told her story about the challenges and rewards that come with switching to a raw foods diet. This week, continuing with my monthly theme on food, Brittan chimes in with the physical and mental relief she experienced through the simple act of changing her diet.
I am not here to say something that has not already been said. I’m here with words we have all heard more than once, and dismissed.
“You are what you eat.”
I’m not going to attempt the role of teacher when it comes to this idea. I think your body can teach you well on it’s own. I would much rather introduce myself as a portrait. I grew up immersed in art. I was a dancer from childhood and worked in local theatre. I was a highly involved visual art student who would travel to see live music at any given moment. I considered myself to be health conscious (as in, I tried not to eat fast food) and I practiced yoga. I’ve always lived a colorful, fast paced life.
Not too bad of a building block for a healthy future, I liked to tell myself.
However, through all of that I was plagued by little things that I would constantly ignore. Migraines everyday, insomnia, I was never hungry despite being on the move constantly. I grew into a young adult with the same problems. I’d prescribe myself more coffee for the headaches and I’d use the insomnia to get things done. I never thought I wasn’t a healthy person, I just thought my stasis was “creative alien that doesn’t need food or sleep to survive, and gets headaches when she is on to something.”
At nineteen I had to have my gallbladder removed. It was the beginning of a downward spiral. My health began slowly crumbling, just enough to avoid going to a doctor but never feel at top form. I stopped dancing. I began to loose my drive. Pains that were beyond my years started creeping into my muscles. At 24 I was no longer able to maintain the mobility of an inactive person, much less myself. I threw myself at the mercy of a good friend and chiropractor mere days after I ran a stoplight in my car because my right leg was completely numb. Sitting hurt my body, but so did standing. I didn’t have a single moment in the day where I wasn’t in pain, and of course, the headaches were ever present.
I was under treatment by my chiropractor three times a week for almost an entire year for advanced sciatica when my progress X-Rays were taken. Somehow, I was worse. My doctor was concerned and bothered by the fact that I had not responded to treatment at all. I was panicked. I stopped my care plan altogether and began looking into Neurosurgeons. My home life was also needing to change. My love and I had decided enough was enough and made the decision to change our dietary habits as drastically as possible. I needed to get to the bottom of why I could never just feel ‘good’. We strictly limited our intake to fresh and mostly raw fruits and vegetables for a month. I still remember the first four days making me question my sanity. I felt like I needed caffeine like I needed air. I wanted to eat things that I didn’t even enjoy just because I couldn’t have them.
Then somehow, and without warning, the fog cleared. I felt sharp. I was alert. I went to sleep at night and awoke in the morning with ease. I was beginning to move more. Everyone around me seemed to think the way I was eating was impossible to enjoy, but I knew at the end of the day that I was even smiling more. I felt like I wanted food for the first time instead of considering meals to be just a bother to my day. I could barely realize everything that was slowly correcting itself in my world. We added nuts and beans back into our diet, then raw cheese, and almond milk. I finally got my first slice of fresh baked organic bread. Fifteen minutes later, I felt the jolt of a headache.
What once was something I’d had everyday, I had been rid of headaches for almost a month. I never thought I could be thankful fora headache, but this one was necessary. I have gluten intolerance. In conjunction with all the amazing nutrients my body was filling itself with during the past month it was definitely not experiencing gluten intake. The inflammation from my intolerance was strong enough to create issues in several areas of my being, my muscles included. I would never tell you the answer that worked in my equation is what is best for you, but I am telling you that it already knows the right answers. All my body needed was a moment of clarity to be able to tell me what’s best for it. Since learning to listen to my body, I’ve regained my mobility and my joie de vivre. I feel sorry for wasting any of my days not being able to feel this alive because I am what I eat.
And I am vibrant.
Looking to experiment with a raw foods diet? Do your research first. Consult your doctor and a nutritionist. Resources, as always, are all over the net. Try jointhereboot.com and therawfoodcoach.com
read moreGuest Post: Mindy goes raw
Last week I wrote about how good it feels to not eat garbage. More energy, less illness, better mood – what’s not to love? A few readers of Not Quite Hippie sent in their stories about how drastically changing their diet affected their own lives. This week’s story is from Mindy, a Denver Mom who was looking for change. While the raw foods diet presented quite a challenge, the payoff seemed well worth it.
Read on.
What exactly is the raw food diet? Why are so many people doing it?
This is what I was wondering a year ago. Hard to believe that now I not only call myself a “raw foodie”, but feel better at age 37 than I have my entire life.
I first became aware of the raw food diet about a year ago. Seems as though anyone I read about who seemed healthy, both physically and mentally, was on the raw food diet. Then I somehow found myself on a raw food group email list and began receiving emails once a week. I soon found myself not only reading those emails, but researching the raw food diet for myself. I was amazed at all the benefits it claimed to deliver, such as increased energy, clear skin, weight loss, and reduced risk of disease. I think what interested me the most was the claim that it could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and stabilize blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes runs in my family and I was already struggling with my blood sugar levels. Also, I am a firm believer that, given the chance, our bodies have the ability to heal themselves.
The first time I started the raw food diet was back in March 2011. I had been an on/off smoker for years and quit for good a month before in February. I thought there was no better way to truly be healthy and finally rid myself of years of toxic buildup. Well, that was probably true, but it proved to be too much for my body at that time. I didn’t make it past the 3rd day, which is suppose to be the most difficult day of detox. The 3rd night I woke up with flu-like symptoms; cold sweats and nausea. I ran to the kitchen and ate a piece of toast and was instantly brought back to a feeling of “normal.” The next day, I resumed my typical diet prior to the detox, although I was very disappointed with myself.
I managed to put the raw food diet in back of my mind for the next 4-5 months until the following August. I had just gone to bed and my heart was racing from the glass of wine I had had earlier that evening. When I checked my email one last time before going to sleep there was an email from the raw food group. I felt it was a sign. Maybe it was time. Maybe I would be successful this time. I woke up the next morning still thinking about it. Such a drastic lifestyle change deserved a lot of consideration.
Turns out, every fear I had I was quickly able to dispel. Will I get bored eating only raw foods? I have been eating the same breakfast and lunch (or a similar variation) for the last 3-5 years. Obviously I wouldn’t. Would I miss out on my favorite foods? My favorite foods are tomatoes and pistachios. Obviously not. Would I miss out joining others when dining out? When I dine out I always opt for the salad anyway. I guess going forward I would ask for the salad without the dressing! What people see me as an outcast? I don’t care what people think! Especially if I am doing something that proves to be healthy for me. I had an answer for everything. I guess I was ready.
I actually started mid-day on a Thursday. I had just gotten back from the grocery store and all the produce looked so wonderful. I was excited to start. The first 24 hours was fine. Eating this way was novel and new. The next 24-48 hours? Well, those were a different story. Never one to do anything half-way, I cut out everything at once and went 100% raw day one, including coffee (I was drinking about 2-4 half-calf cups a day before). I felt coffee was the hardest part of the raw food detox. The detox symptoms were all pretty miserable. It got hard to tell what was causing which symptom.
That being said, I would also like to add that the symptoms were never anything I couldn’t handle. Nope, they weren’t fun, but they definitely weren’t anything I couldn’t “get through.” My symptoms included migraines, extreme fatigue, spaciness, and even mild depression. I think the mild depression (which only lasted 2 days for me) was the most uncomfortable part, primarily because I found myself crying about things that happened years ago. I think there also was a part of me that missed my old rituals around food. I had to develop new ones.
Soon, however, those feelings went away. After a week, I began to feel healthier than I have felt in my entire life. I was shocked at how clear my thoughts were. Prior to going raw my mind was always racing. When people spoke I had a very difficult time following what they were saying because my thoughts were all over the place. Funny thing, I always thought I was hiding this from people close to me but, of course, anyone who knows you knows what is going on. My new found ability to be fully present was the first thing those close to me noticed. I had this strange sense of calm and energy at the same time. I say “strange” because I was very familiar with the feeling of energy. I just never experienced the feeling of calm at the same time. I also noticed a few physical changes, such as the whites of my eyes were whiter and my skin looked and felt clearer. I lost roughly 5 lbs, which I hear isn’t that much. I was thin to begin with so this was also a good thing.
It’s been a month since I first started my raw food diet. I sometimes think of going to the kitchen and getting some candy, ice cream, or a cup of coffee (which is rare thought now). Then, my thoughts immediately drift to how well I feel and how I don’t want to compromise that feeling.
This diet has also had a wonderful affect on my 2 children, ages 11 and 13. When I first started the raw food diet, they would go the fruit and veggie stacked fridge and groan. Now they go to the fridge and happily return with a fruit or vegetable in hand to snack on.
Going forward I hope to maintain the raw food diet. I can’t imagine going back to how I felt before, anxious, mind racing, etc. However, I am a big proponent of moderation, with everything in my life. That being said, I want to aim for 75% raw. If I want to eat something cooked, I will. If I want a glass of wine, I will have it. I don’t want to limit myself in life and I think going 75% makes it easier for me to remain raw. Odd thing is, even knowing that I will “allow” myself to eat cooked food, I haven’t yet…..
Has Denver gone Chicken? Guest post from another hippie!
Today’s post is from Brian Zimmer who keeps a blog along with his significant other at 1/2 Hippie (No relation to us here at Not Quite Hippie). With the recent approval of food-producing-animals here in Denver, I figured it would be a good idea to get a few thoughts on raising chickens from another first timer. I would love to try my hand at chickens someday soon, and I’m sure many of you will to. I’ll let Brian tell you all about it:
Hello Friends,
(Not a picture of Brian)
This is Brian from Halfhippie.com. I heard from David that the Denver has recently passed an ordinance allowing chickens in (sub)urban areas. Well done y’all! Here, in the mountains of North Carolina, we are still allowed to marry our 1st cousins (To be fair, Charles Darwin married his first cousin) but we can’t have chickens within town limits. Luckily, I live outside of town. If you are considering trying your hand at a backyard flock or just want to house one or two to keep you in eggs, the following may help you avoid some of the pitfalls my brawksticks and I have stumbled into.
Where to get chickens?
Lots of people talk about getting day-old chicks off the interweb. I’ve stayed away from this for three reasons: 1.) They have a minimum order (usually around 12) and I have only ever needed a half dozen or so chickens at any one time. 2.) Mortality rates are ~10-15% and no animal should be “shipped”. 3.) Day old chicks take 4-6 months to start laying. I raised chickens from chicks once and in month 5, my chickens were taken out by a raccoon with explosives and we had to start all over again (This is not hyperbole… there was a hole blown out the side of my chicken-wired run).
The daily "awwww"
I prefer to buy my chickens at ‘pullet’ age (not a chick but less than a year). I got my most recent batch of australorps from this kid, Tommy, who runs a racket at the local farmer’s market. He charges cute girls a full $3.00 less per chicken. I’m getting Meg, my girlfriend, to do the buying should we need more next year. You can expect to pay $5-10 / per chicken. Craigslist usually has several chicks/chickens for sale, just remember, if you want full-sized eggs, you don’t want bantams and be sure to verify with the seller the age of the bird(s).
Housing
I’ve made several different coops for my chickens. If you have a yard, but not enough to pen, or free-range, I’d recommend using a mobile coop or “chicken-tractor”. These enclosures can be moved daily to fresh grass, or they can be left in place with hay being changed out every 3-5 days (Lots of great compost!) In the winter, I just pull the tractor up to the sunny / downwind side of my house so they get the ambient heat that freely flows out the sides of my ancient farmhouse. If you are in an area that commonly freezes, electrical water heaters are fantastic. They save a lot of hassle and don’t need to be changed daily. You will need one nesting box for every 6-8 chickens built into your coop – somewhere dark and off the ground.
The 1/2 Hippie Chicken Tractor
Fencing
Building a fence that chickens will not escape has been quite a challenge. Some people have had success with the electrified “feather-nets”, but for my flock of a dozen layers, the cost was prohibitive, especially when you consider having to replace batteries. I’ve finally built a fence that the chickens cannot escape (except for Renegade, who escapes about once a month). I used 6’ metal t-bar stakes with the flange that sticks in the ground. Anything weaker gets bent over by raging hordes of chickens as they chase tomato bits. The chicken wire I run around is a 2” mesh that is 4’ tall. I use 4” metal staples to keep the wire pressed to the ground. Finally I run several rows of fishing line across the top. That way, when the chickens do try to flutter out, they aim for the top of the chicken wire, but get hindered by the essentially invisible fishing line. It confuses the heck out of em and they eventually give up. You will be amazed at the way predators can get into your coop area, so go for bomb-proof and always close your chickens in the coop at night, even in the city…
Breakfast!
As you raise your chickens you will discover the joys of predation, egg-eating, and broody hens that will sit on empty nests, but there is far too much to write about in a single post. I wish you luck and many eggs and would be glad to answer any direct questions you have. I post regularly about chicken life on halfhippie.com and invite you to check it out if you have the chance.
Thanks Brian!
Have an idea for a guest post? Want to contribute your own adventure in urban gardening or homesteading? Then drop a line to dave at not quite hippie dot com.
read moreAwesome Guest project | Guerrilla Gardening in Menlo Park
Today’s post is fueled by guest content. My friend David (the thing about having the name “David” is that you tend to know a lot of other Davids) lives out in Menlo Park, not far from the Stanford Campus in California. When I hear him describe Menlo he makes it seem as if the area is very white bread and square and afraid of most things awesome.
Earlier this week David emailed me a few inconspicuous photos, it’s the description which made them something of value:
There’s this vacant building next to where I live. There are planters
out front that look like they’re meant to hold ornamental fruit trees or
something. But there’s nothing in them so they just fill up with
garbage. In my ongoing quest to freak out the squares, etc., etc., I
emptied one of the containers of trash, filled it with potting soil, and
planted some peas. They just emerged yesterday! Maybe people will be
reluctant to throw trash on the tender green seedlings?
It is hard to say, would litterbugs even recognize a small seedlings? How big and pronounced would the seeds have to get before they were recognized as being a food source? This reminds me of the Seed Bomb methonds used by guerrilla gardeners. They would draw more attention to a blight by throwing seeds of brightly colored flowers into empty lots. At first, they are just used to beautify the area. Then the idea starts to sink in: we could actually grow something here.
With just a little bit of effort, we can grow things anywhere. David’s project is proof alone.
David is also interested in street art, and you can check out his documentation of Menlo Park street art here.
What are some simple things you could do in your area which could beautify or draw attention to something otherwise neglected?
