Whole Lotta Living

HEAL

2012-05-14T10:22:00.006-07:00

Each week my healing journey continues to reveal new moments of awe and profound realizations that literally shake the ground I'm walking on...

My week at OHI in Austin was my healing journey in fast-forward. It was the mecca of healing wrapped into seven mind-blowing days.

I walked in the door with an open mind and heart.

I left with the renewed understanding that the highest level of health is possible for EVERYone.

It doesn’t matter if you are five-hundred pounds overweight or if you have been diagnosed with stage 4 “end-stage” cancer. You can heal.

It doesn’t matter if you have involved yourself in years of addiction to food, alcohol, sex, cigarettes, or prescription drugs. You can heal.

And it doesn’t matter if you are clinically depressed, have been ravaged by autoimmune disease, or carry a life of abuse on your shoulders. You can heal.

Or if you simply want to elevate the great health you currently enjoy, then you can proactively learn how to take your life's energy up another notch.

Whatever your health opportunity, the raw-food detox cleanse is a rare opportunity to see the human body in its most natural state... and consequently to witness a given disease process in reverse.

I am deeply moved by the innate healing capacity each of our body's contain when we integrate our mind, body and spirit, allowing us to remove the physical and mental barriers only we have created.

It begs the question: Why do we take something meant to be so simple and make it so very complicated, and costly???

Why does our culture immediately resort to prescription drugs, IV's and and surgery's... often temporary band-aids which do not address the root issue??

We know its the cumulative exposure to sludge that wears the body down.

We know its the build-up of toxins, both physical and emotional coupled with a continuously challenged immune system that can wear down every cell of our being.

It is extraordinary what a little time and effort taking out the trash and recalibrating the immune system can do for anyone.

Here are a few of the highlights from my experience:

A sample of the colorful, raw food meals provided throughout the week.

Our body typically spends a great deal of energy on the primary function of digestion.

When we give the body easy-to-digest nutrient rich foods,

we free-up our innate resources to focus on the secondary function of detoxification.

When the body is not digesting, its pulling toxins from each cell, circulating and then eliminating.

The body's needs are still met via optimal nutrition, further enabling the detox process.

Sunday evening dinner. Gorgeous living foods and happy kitchen staff.

There are numerous benefits to this type of raw food detox.

Two of my favorite benefits that directly combat disease include:

1) It helps create an environment for the gut to heal and seal, so digestive tract contents are no longer leaking into the bloodstream and brain

2) Allows the liver to reestablish optimal metabolic pathways, including balancing of all-powerful hormones

Singin my song... on a table in the dining room.

Buzz on rejuvelac...a fermented quinoa drink
loaded in beneficial probiotics and B vitamins.

Pictured here with my sweet friend who came all the way from Geneva, Switzerland.

I knew this was the place for me when I learned that
wheatgrass is the LIFEBLOOD of the organization.

You might recall wheatgrass is the miracle grass that helped me thrive during the gauntlet that was chemo.

Wheatgrass (aka liquid sunshine) is a fantastic source of protein and chlorophyll.

I have since learned the main reason it was so beneficial during chemo was because the structure of this plant is only one molecule away from the structure of our blood's hemoglobin.

Wheatgrass served as an excellent blood replacement in my time of need.

The purpose for drinking wheatgrass juice at OHI was not simply for blood replacement or detox. We also drank it for its alkalinizing benefit.

Wheatgrass juice is extremely alkaline. Disease requires a dark, moist, acidic and anaerobic environment.

We know that disease processes including cancer cannot thrive in an alkaline environment .

An alkaline body is a body that cancer HATES.

No doubt I love the way this stuff makes me feel. And every shot I take, I know that cancer despises every cell of my being.

For more on this healing plant, check out this previous post:
http://www.wholelottaliving.blogspot.com/2011/11/wonder-grass.html

Juicing of the grass

bottoms up!

Now that the body is in cleansing of the crud mode, its time for new knowledge!

The program consists of a plethora of thought provoking and educational courses.

This class' focus was on detoxing our personal care products.

It is mind-blowing to learn the variety of poisons we put on our on a daily basis.

We discussed better non-toxic options, typically more cost effective than the mainstream poisons,
and no-surprise much better for our environment.

I was especially grateful for the cozy accomodations once the detox symptoms set in....my own bathroom, a bed that felt like I was at home, and a big, clean, fuzzy white robe.

For a few hours the second evening I felt as though I had received another dose of chemo.. with headache, body ache, tummy ache, GI issues, even cold sweats.

Sure enough, that's exactly what was happening as my body pulled, circulated and removed the remaining chemo and other acidic toxins that had been bound to my cells.

I missed the coursework that second evening, and had a restless, rough night of sleep. I woke up dozens of times as my liver was in overdrive cleaning house.

I was grateful for a developed meditation practice... it connected me to a higher awareness that night that helped me see a new side of myself.

The challenge was worth it. The next morning emerged a new ME. I hadn't felt this good without the use of caffeine, sugar, drugs in a LONG time.

I was in awe of how good the body is meant to feel when there is little to no interference.

I continued to experience slight detox symptoms on and off thru the rest of the week, which I welcomed as it meant my body was still releasing toxins and repairing. The symptoms were manageable via water intake and relaxation!

Enjoying bubbles after a cathartic emotional detox course.

This is about the time I started to hammer Peg (4th from the left in the green vest)
with question's about her beautiful healing story... see link here for more info

http://www.wholelottaliving.blogspot.com/2011/12/thrive.html

Juice fast... the body and mind begin to desludge at an even greater intensity.

Crash course on how to grow the sweetest, best tasting organic wheatgrass.

An entire greenhouse is devoted to this stuff... Jenna (pictured) and I were in heaven!!!

The average client juices almost an entire tray per day.

Learning all about organic, sustainable gardening and sprouting...
resulting in most delicious and miraculous living foods.

In and out of the classroom, there are a number of opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual connection in whichever way suits each guests preference.

The institute provides an onsite chapel, and dozens of places to meditate, pray, enjoy peace and connect with your whole self.

Hikes and meditation spots along the gorgeous trails were my ideal way
to connect with the innate beauty and possibility all around

Stopping to smell the flowers

Foundational Healing Therapies:

With 80% of our immune system residing in our large intestine,
cleaning house is imperative for a move toward greater health.

Deep tissue, Swedish, Lymphatic.. you name it.
Messaging out built-up toxins is a cornerstone of a good detox process.

Reestablishing the connection
between our nervous system and our vital organs is foundational
to not just healing but in allowing our bodies and minds to reach their full potential.

What would a detox program be without
assisting the body's innate ability to really
circulate and eliminate toxins??

Strengthening immunity via natural Vit D...
Gorgeous pool and balconies allow for more healing time with Nature

The Goal of the OHI program:
To alkalinize the body via mind, body and spirit.

As briefly discussed regarding wheatgrass, the pH index measures the level of oxygen circulating our blood.

Acidic blood= At or below a pH level of 7.0

Alkaline blood= Above 7.0

An alkaline urine pH between 7.2 and 7.4 is the ideal.

Remember cancer disease processes THRIVE in an acidic environment.

If we create an alkaline environment through our food and our emotions, cancer stands ZERO chance.

Before heading to OHI, my urine pH was consistently at or below 7.0
as conventional chemo and radiation toxins continued to circulate my body.

After the full week of OHI detox,
this is my urine pH measurement.

Cancer friggin HATES me!! WHOOP WHOOP!!

Note: I brought these pH strips from home (available on Amazon.com) to gauge how well my body was responding to the detox process throughout the week.

I call this pic OHI Bliss....

Its unreal how good a body feels after a week of life-changing research-based knowledge, plus
zero caffeine, zero sugar (I chose no fructose via fruit as well),
and zero stress.

Notes from my Journal 12/5/11

"It's been 15 months since I have felt this free of cancer."

"OHI will not save you. OHI will give you the tools to save yourself."

"The holistic approach simply employs the cure for cancer by reversing what caused it in the first place."

Let it be known there is no financial gain for me in sharing this information. I am not professionally affiliated with OHI in anyway.

What I do hope to gain is the peace-of-mind of creating awareness, of sharing a most viable option….so people know they have OPTIONS. So good people, doing the best they can, know they have OPTIONS.

In the face of health crises, let it be known we truly have OPTIONS.

It's often human nature to cast aside ideas that are new or that challenge the status quo. In most cases, we are the only ones who miss out.

Just imagine.... imagine what could be possible.. ..what a different world this would be if our focus was not on SICK care, but on true wellness care.

When we not only learn but incorporate the tools to be our best self, absolutely anything is possible. The only limits that exist are the ones that we create.

The information gained and habit's incorporated into my lifestyle from this experience will affect the rest of my ever-so humbled yet vibrant, abundant and disease-free life.

It has already impacted the health of those I love... especially those who fought along my side during conventional treatments... including my hot, slender rock of a hubby, and our glowing, exuberant healthy little girl.

If removing the root cause, healing your body from the inside out, and taking your whole self to a new level of health is your thing, then OHI is your Heaven on Earth.

For more insight into the transformational OHI experience, check out these powerful testimonials:

http://optimumhealth.org/program/ohi-testimonials.htm

Whole Lotta LOVE and VIBRANT living to you!

-Ang XXOOOXO

Studies and Related Articles:

Scientists found solid evidence that mind-body techniques actually do fight disease and promote health:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/mind-body-000355.htm

Healing Cancer: Latest research in mind-body medicine... Optimum Health Institute
http://www.healingcancer.info/resources/clinics/optimum-health

Healing Cancer: Latest research in mind-body medicine... Hippocrates Health Institute
http://www.healingcancer.info/resources/clinics/hippocrates

“Civilized” Medicine Dismisses Mind/Soul

http://www.noetic.org/about/case-studies/mind-body/

NOURISH

2012-05-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.

- e.e. cummings

Rain pours, the thunder cracks... the humid air runs across the covered porch sending goosebumps down my back and arms. As the much needed water nourishes the trees, the bushes, the garden... I am overcome with the beauty of this perfect day.

Our angel is napping. I want to greet her sleepy eyes and nourish her little body with one of her favorite treats. Luckily, it happens to be one of mine as well!!

Chocolate Almond and Mint Superfood Smoothie

Superfood Ingredients:

Almond Milk or nut milk of choice

· If purchasing from the store, the Silk brand has fewer additives (and no carageenan which is associated with increased cancer risk, see resources below)

· If making your own, just soak 1 cup raw nut of choice (almonds, pecans, walnut, cashews, etc) in 4 cups of filtered water for 6-8 hours, blend, sift through cheese cloth or nut milk bag, stores great in mason jars, can last 7-10 days in the fridge. Try this just once... its so delicious you will want to make homemade every time!:)

Pure Raw Cocoa Powder

· Make sure its untreated, naked chocolate

· Seriously amped-up antioxidant benefits minus the sugar, higher concentration of antioxidants than any food in the world!

· 20 times more antioxidants than red wine!

· By weight, has more antioxidants than red wine, blue berries, acai, pomegranates and goji berries combined!

· Greatest source of magnesium, the most deficient mineral in the (SAD) Standard American Diet, a mineral that:

§ eases menstrual cramping

§ increases alkalinity

§ helps build strong bones

§ increases flexibility

§ improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body

§ improves mood

§ increases brainpower

· Iron: 1 oz serving contains 314% RDA of iron, a critical mineral for healthy blood via hemoglobin

· Excellent Source of chromium, manganese, zinc, copper, vit C

· BLISS Chemical: Cocoa inhibits the body’s ability to breakdown the naturally produced cannabinoid endorphin called Anandamide, cocoa also releases its own Cocoa Anandamide, making us feel great even longer!!

Raw Almonds or raw almond butter

· Loaded in protein, magnesium, potassium and so much more

Chia Seeds or hemp seeds

· More protein, calcium, fiber, antioxidants

Kale/ leafy greens of choice

· Kale is one of the healthiest veggies on the planet

· All your vit A, C and K needs for the day, plus lots more

Berries or Banana

· Natural sweetener, go berries for more antioxidants and free form flavonoids

Fresh Chocolate Mint, Spearmint, or Peppermint

· More chlorophyll, antioxidants and flavor!

Ice (from filtered water)

Fresh Chocolate Mint

1. Simply add ingredients to blender in preferred amounts.... start with banana/ berries, kale/ greens, covering with nut milk and blend.

2. Once you can see a nice vortex in the blender, add nuts, seeds, cocoa powder, and ice.

3. Finish by adding a few sprigs of mint.

4. Serve with a few mint leaves for garnish. Enjoy!!

Extra Adds:

Spring: lots of fresh baby greens, can easily be hidden by the chocolate and sweet fruit

Summer: variety of or fresh or frozen berries, pineapple, mango, fresh coconut

Fall/ Winter: cinnamon, clove, mace, nutmeg, vanilla

To thicken: add an avocado for great texture

Relish in the perfect gifts of Nature!!

Lots of Nourishing Love to you! XXOOO

-Angela

Resources:

Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future, David Wolfe. 2009

http://www.drweilblog.com/home/2011/6/4/does-carrageenan-raise-cancer-risk.html

http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/lindsey-duncan-nd-cn/chia-ancient-super-secret

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-truth-about-kale

http://www.naturalnews.com/011268.html

INSPIRE

2012-04-23T09:52:00.001-07:00

Need some Go-JUICE for your day??

Here is yet another testimonial to just how miraculous the body truly is...

How it wants to heal, to THRIVE.. and absolutely WILL when given the right stuff.

Brenda Cobb amazed doctors when she completely healed from breast and cervical cancer by following the living foods lifestyle using organic raw and living (sprouted) foods.

Here is a video clip of her story.

Here she is today, 10 years later... ALIVE and looking more gorgeous and vibrant than ever!!

http://www.livingfoodsinstitute.com/about_meetBrenda.php

Craving even more oomph in your step today?

Check out this beautiful picture of the body's natural defense against cancer... our powerful Killer T-cells (aka our white blood cells) post-attack of a cancer cell.

Killer T-Cell in lower middle... ding, dong, Cancer is DEAD

Lots of Healing, Warmth and Love to YOU!
XXOOO
-Ang

For a refresh of Peg's story, visit this previous post http://wholelottaliving.blogspot.com/2011/12/thrive.html

INVIGORATE

2012-03-02T08:06:00.013-08:00

Major bed head, zero make-up, but ready to bring on the day!

CHEERS!! and don't forget your cinnamon chaser!!

YES!!!

Feeling INVIGORATED by my morning 2 oz. shot of homegrown, organic wheatgrass...

Grateful my sweet neighbor, Neena, came to join...

Wanting to share the love via a couple of great articles I have recently come across....

First Article:

Can raw foods aid breast cancer treatments and prevention?

http://www.naturalnews.com/035022_raw_foods_breast_cancer_prevention.html

Be sure to read the part on wheat grass juice resulting in the
REDUCTION OF NUMBER OF CHEMO DOSES REQUIRED,
while LOWERING MYELOTOXICITY LEVELS, all
WITHOUT effecting the intended chemotherapy effect...

What a pure, simple, amazing and unadulterated GIFT we have right here at our fingertips!!

Check out this previous post for more on wheatgrass and all its benefits:
http://wholelottaliving.blogspot.com/2011/11/wonder-grass.html

Second Article:

I Will Not Be Pinkwashed: Komen's Race is for Money, Not the Cure

In case you wonder why you've never seen pink ribbons on the site,

here is an article that is RIGHT ON regarding the pink ribbon campaign...

Remember, the awareness is THERE... its time for ACTION!! And action via PREVENTION begins with US!!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/02/22/breast-cancer-awareness-ribbons.aspx?e_cid=20120222_DNL_art_2

Its going to be a beautiful day! Enjoy every bit of it!!!

Lots of LOVE, Angela

Yoga Buzz

2012-02-10T05:07:00.000-08:00

Down-dog is for babes too!!

If you heart any of the following:

YOGA
NPR
Connecting deeper with mind, body and spirit

then you gotta check this out.

Terry Gross, the host of National Public Radio's Fresh Air, interviews a science journalist on some recent yoga discoveries.

It's pretty intriguing stuff...

Whether you are a yoga newbie or have been hooked for years, this is sure to cultivate an even deeper appreciation for your practice.

Cheers and Enjoy!!

http://www.npr.org/2012/02/07/146463156/the-risks-and-rewards-of-practicing-yoga

(click on "Listen to the Story" at the top of the page)

Healing Hummus

2012-01-31T15:42:00.000-08:00

What’s a plant-based diet without good hummus?

It’s definitely a go-to food around here...

What’s not to love about it?

It’s a great protein-rich way to get lots of raw veg into my family’s belly. Its hubby and toddler approved, great for company, and so versatile it never gets old…….check out the ideas below.

Jo counting apples while I was dishing up her hummus

Conventional hummus is already pretty healthy, right?

What can make it healing??

In the past I would make hummus with canned chickpeas. It's hard to find BPA-free chickpeas for a good price, especially without tons of added salt.

So we switched to bags of dried chickpeas (organic when possible). Not only are they easier to store and better for you, they are much cheaper than cans.

And since tahini is made with roasted sesame seeds, it will never have the enzymes present in raw or sprouted seeds. So we traded in tahini for raw organic seeds, soaked and then sprouted.

What makes this hummus healing is that it is ALIVE. The seed enzymes are LIVING... they have been activated via the sprouting process, making it super easy for the body to digest and absorb.

Its good to give our bodies a rest so that our enzymes can go toward other vital processes... like detoxing our cells from the day.

And the result is still a fabulous and flavorful hummus, but loaded with tons of enzymes and amino acids.

In fact when hummus is made with a variety of sprouted seeds such as sesame, sunflower, or pumpkin, it becomes a complete protein. Because of the amped-up amino acid profile, it’s also more filling and satisfying than traditional hummus.

Here’s how to do it:

First, make your chickpeas.

1) Soak two bags of garbanzo beans aka chickpeas in filtered water for a minimum of 6 hours, no more than 24 hrs…. I usually soak overnight and cook whenever possible the following day.

2) Cook the beans. To do this, drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Put in a deep saucepan, preferably a cast iron dutch oven for best flavor. Bring to a boil, and then simmer on low till the beans are nice and soft, usually for 2 hours or so. Simmer with several cloves of fresh chopped garlic and mineral salt (like himalayan or celtic) to taste.

Not only does cast iron make the food taste awesome, cooking in cast iron is a great dietary source of iron .

3) Cool and store the garbanzo beans with some of the broth as well. Store in glass containers to avoid plastics from leeching into your food. I like to freeze two containers of beans for future use. I leave one in the fridge for the following weeks hummus or chickpea dishes.

Pyrex and Anchor make great glass storage containers.

Then, sprout your seeds.

A day prior to making your hummus, soak your raw sesame, sunflower or pumpkin seeds (or combination of) for 6-12 hours in filtered water. Drain the water, cover and allow to sit at room temperature for a day or so to allow the seeds to germinate, spraying 3 or 4 times with water. Just as little tails begin to poke off of the seed, toss in the fridge until you are ready to use.

Note: When you soak, sprout and germinate a seed, the enzyme inhibitors are released, making them easier to digest by our bodies. They also provide energy in a super efficient manner, are high in B vitamins, and are loaded with enzymes which are needed by every cell in our body to do work.

Cooked Food= no enzymes

Raw Food= some enzymes

Fermented and Sprouted Foods= MOST enzymes!!

Now you are ready to make your basic hummus.

Here's what you'll need:

4 cups chickpeas with fluid
1 cup extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil
1 cup sprouted seeds (sesame, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds all work great)
2-3 tbsp lemon (juice from half a lemon)
3-6 cloves garlic (based on preference)
mineral salt to taste
smoked paprika or sumac

Gradually add the first five ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend accordingly. Garnish with a dusting of paprika or sumac.

Serve and Enjoy!

Hummus bottom right (made with channa beans vs. garbanzo beans and sprouted pumpkin seeds). Served with homemade almond cheese, sweet bell peppers, broccoli, cucumbers, red cabbage, avocado, clover sprouts, sprouted sunflower greens, sprouted lentils, carrots and heirloom tomato.

I find the taste gets even better after a day or so in the fridge, after the flavors mingle a bit...

There are tons of uses for hummus. Here are a few of our favorites:

The obvious …easy dip for appetizers or snacks.. our favorites: sweet bell peppers, blanched asparagus, raw yams, strawberries
With fresh herbs and diluted with olive oil, its a great dressing on small or big salads
As a spread on hot or cold sandwiches or wraps in place of mayo
Rolled up in olive leaves with rice and grilled veggies
In an omelette with sautéed onions and red peppers
Wrapped in nori sheets stuffed with sprouts, avocado, cucumber, carrot, red pepper and tamari

For some fun variations, here are some food combos to blend in with your basic hummus.

Mexican- avocado, cilantro and cayenne
Italian- sundried tomatoes and basil
Greek- kalamata olives and artichoke hearts
Indian- carrots and cumin
Woodsy- pine nuts and parsley
Green hummus- spinach and rosemary
Black hummus- black beans and cumin
Red hummus- roasted red peppers or sundried tomatoes

Also, hummus is a clever way to hide pureed veggies like spinach, zucchini, squash, bell peppers or roasted garlic for any picky toddlers or anti-veg family members.

Kids and toddlers love to dip....and homemade hummus is definitely mama-approved.

How do you like your hummus?

What other variations do you enjoy?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments.

Whole Lotta Love and Living to you!

THRIVE

2011-12-17T12:41:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful for your beautiful thoughts, energy and prayers as I ventured back to MD Anderson for my first check-up.

To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t a fraction as nervous as I originally thought I might be.

In fact, I found it necessary to relieve my family’s anxiety by texting them from the scanning area… “I feel like I’m in school excitedly waiting for the prof to tell me I got a phat A on the test.”

A few minutes later, that's pretty much what happened.

I gratefully credit so much of this profound peace to the life-altering experience at the raw living food detox/cleanse oasis of the Optimum Health Institute in Austin, TX.

I have always believed in, heard about and even closely researched the body’s ability to heal via approaches that work WITH the body and rather than ON it or AGAINST it.

Unfortunately at my time of diagnosis, information (and especially stats) was limited.

It’s completely invigorating to meet these holistic folks face to face… to hear their stories one-on-one… to get to know, to trust, and to grow to love them over a period of a week.

Several of the week’s guests were there with a purely proactive health approach.

Most were quickly healing from a range of health opportunities… food addictions, alcohol addictions, substance abuse, sex abuse, serious artery blockage, toxic lifestyles, severe allergies, autoimmune disorders, gastro-intestinal issues, high cholesterol, diabetes, skin rashes, etc.

And to my exhilaration, a small handful were there naturally and beautifully KICKING CANCER’S mother-freaking ASS.

One woman's story from my small session of five is particularly fascinating to me. Her name is Peg Harvey- Sweeney.

Here she is… pictured next to me at the far right (on my left), standing in the dining room at OHI.

In a nutshell, here is Peg’s story that she has kindly allowed for me to share:

About two years ago, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer.

She endured the conventional hell of surgery and radiation, which beat the disease into submission.

Then last May 2010, the cancer aggressively returned with golf-ball stage 4 tumors in both lungs, too close to her heart for surgical intervention.... and innumerable tiny tumors.

She beared the doctor’s words “There is nothing we can do for you.. go home and live joyfully in the time you have left.”

She told me she and her husband went home, closed the blinds, crawled into bed, cried and held each other for days.

Finally, she was motivated to get out of bed and take a trip to the farmer’s market. Here a man (selling the miraculous wheatgrass) told her “If I had an escalated health condition, I would get myself to OHI.”

She had never heard of OHI, but had nothing to lose… she was a guest within days.

Peg devoured everything taught to her during the three-week stay. She then continued the program at home for another four weeks.

At seven weeks, she went back to her doctor to x-ray the tumors.

The scans revealed the largest tumor was completely GONE, and the second largest was a third of its size.

Her doctor’s response: " I don’t know what you’re doing… but keep it up."

Sadly, when she started to explain, the doctor turned and left the room stating he did not want to know anymore.

But that didn't slow down Peg. At this point, her body was RELISHING in health and vitality.. her spiritual and mental self was THRIVING.

After 19 weeks of following the OHI program to the “T”, Pegs cancer was COMPLETELY GONE.

My favorite thing Peg said was “When you understand the relationship between mind, body and spirit, you can get out of your own way and allow healing to occur.”

Gorgeous Peg... oh so very ALIVE and GLOWING!!

Peg nurtured, inspired, and absolutely energized ME just as I know she will continue to do with thousands of people.

As if this isn’t enough, I learn Peg’s story, as miraculous as it is… is not an anomaly.

In fact there have been dozens, if not hundreds of people, over the past decades who have utilized OHI and other raw food institutes to learn how to reverse their breast, prostate, lung, ovarian, thyroid cancer etc. etc. naturally via the protocol.

In fact, in the group picture above, my friend Alisha (third from left, wearing a purple jacket…) was fighting uterine cancer as we spoke, and WINNING.

So why on Earth is the life-saving protocol from this place not more prevalent???

Yes, there are many reasons. One reason is that like OHI, many of these institutions are non-profit church based organizations. Therefore, any form of advertising is illegal.

Guests are referred purely upon word of mouth.

So let's pass the word people!!

I urge you to share, share, share...

I was fortunate to hear about OHI via a friend's facebook status... I am forever indebted, JP Lapeyre and Elise Jones.

I look forward to sharing more raw food/ detox details with you in upcoming posts.

But for now, here is a small taste of the phenomenal tasting living, healing foods served at OHI.

And finally one of my favorite quote-ables found on the kitchen counter at OHI:

Food is truly more than something that tastes good, gives us comfort, entertainment, or social connection.

When used the right way, food can do so much more than we ever dreamed….

It can be appreciated as fuel… to nourish our body, mind and spirit… to protect the ONE vessel we have to experience this amazing world... to enable us to to HEAL, to FLOURISH, to THRIVE… and to max out the GIFT of this GLORIOUS life.

SOOOO much LOVE and Whole Lotta LIVING to YOU!!!

-Ang

*For more info on Peg's story, check out her video posted on this blog under the Video tab.

FIRST Check-up

2011-11-26T14:38:00.000-08:00

We’re ready.

This is part of the deal…. part of life after a cancer diagnosis.

We’re ready to patiently sit in the exam room, post scans, and to wait for my doc to appear.

I am confident she will enter the room with a smile, followed by great news.

My Mama, Tommy and I will let out a sigh of relief, hug, and head out to celebrate.

This is truly what I feel in my heart will happen.

But those butterflies… that freaking touch of nervousness… admittedly it’s here now just thinking about it.

I’ve been surprised before. I’m not sure if that feeling ever completely goes away.

But to be entirely honest, I am finding that I have such deep gratitude for those damn butterflies… I’ve recognized those occasional flutters are my friend.

They are keeping me grounded, keeping me focused… helping me to live in the moment, to be deeply grateful for all the little things, ALL the incredible people in my life…

Helping me to greet each day as a BONUS… forcing me stay TRUE to who I am.

Tommy told me just what I needed to hear. When I told him I was starting to feel a little trepidation about the check-up, he said something that immediately made me feel free as a bird.

I explained to him that within my journey toward WELLNESS, that there is still so much to learn…. and the more I learn, the more I realize there is still much to learn… so much I WANT to learn, so much that I would LOVE to share with others that could impact their lives… and I hope that what we are doing is enough to keep the bastard away.

I told him how important it is for him to know I am doing ALL I can, all that is within my influence, to BE here for him, and for Joanna.

He created a powerful vision in my mind, my new go-to vision whenever those butterflies try to make a presence.

He started with a football analogy…. (what else would one expect from a coach?)

He started to tell me how easy it is for players to get their nerves up toward the end of a close game. He said a little nervousness is good because it can make us do better… but we won’t let it get to us because WE HAVEN’T LOST… we are still winning.

Thankfully, he turned it into a running analogy and spoke my language:

I’m running through the woods on a winding trail… tall green trees all around, and the sunlight thrusting through. All the trees and curves ahead symbolize all I have left to learn about being “well”, and all that I am moving towards, one tree at a time.

And somewhere behind, somewhere lurking in the dark forest FAR behind me, is the cancer. It hasn’t caught me. I haven’t lost. Actually, I am winning.

We are AHEAD of the cancer.

It hasn’t caught up with me, and it’s not going to. With what we have learned, with what we have put into action, with all we feel in our hearts... that cancer is WAY back there, and continually getting further and further behind...

I truly feel this. And when I merge this visualization into my reality, a sense of warmth and ease blankets my whole body.

First check-up and results: Wed. Nov 30^th, 3 PM.

Deepest of gratitude for YOU… and for your love, support, positive energy and prayers.

Love,

Angela

*Butterfly photo by Jessica Stenklyft
*Jo and I photo by Corrine Smith

PREVENTABLE

2011-11-26T06:36:00.000-08:00

With hundreds of peer-reviewed journal articles on the topic, here is one that had to be shared:

The author, Dr. Aggarwal, is an oncologist and biochemist at MD Anderson whom I had the opportunity to meet this past summer. The man is intelligent and progressive. He is seeking to work with the body’s innate intelligence to improve the methods we currently use to address cancer.

Dr. Aggarwal was conducting an Indian cooking seminar and spoke in detail about Indian food’s anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer qualities. He revealed his compelling experience using large doses of the spice Turmeric (Curcumin) to shrink and destroy cancer cells both alone and in conjuction with chemotherapy.

Check out this link for more info: (http://www.curcuminresearch.org/)

I also love this article because I find it very empowering. If we know the root cause, than we know the cure!!!I

Here are a few of the Highlights:

· 90-95% of cancer’s are caused by environment and lifestyle

· Only 5-10% of cancer’s can be attributed to genetic defects

· Of the 5-10% caused by genetic defects, the gene still has to be triggered by environmental and lifestyle influences

Here is the Abstract:

My Conclusions:

· We KNOW cancer requires certain inadequacies in our immune system

· We KNOW cancer requires certain triggers in our environment

· We all have thousands of cancer cells floating around in our bodies RIGHT NOW

· Whose immune system is complete enought to stamp out these cancer cells before they become an invasive tumor??

· Which environmental triggers will we continue to be exposed to which will allow the cells to proliferate??

Here is the article in its entirety:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515569/

AMPING up IMMUNITY

2011-11-14T06:02:00.000-08:00

So, you ask… what kind of things am I doing to make sure cancer freaking HATES me???

Whether your goals are to evade the winter flu, keep cancer cells at bay, or just to seek out the gift of nourishing vitality, here are my top 10 FAVORITE things we can all do to Amp-Up our Immune Systems:

1) Don’t eat crap.

For real, what we put in our bodies is more intimate than putting on our unders. Our food literally BECOMES a part of us. This time of year, there is so much crap food, EVERYwhere… and I for one, am removing myself from the bodily injury. We know refined sugar is a poison… and among other things it drastically reduces immune function for at least six hours after consumption. And processed foods? The nutrients get processed right OUT. Just empty calories, with a few harmful additives and preservatives processed right IN. I have found from my challenging experience, and in learning to deeply love myself, that NOTHING tastes as good as feeling good feels. And after a lot of transition, I am grateful for taste buds that no longer lead me astray.

2) Do your D’s.

For years I have been that chick outside in the middle of the day… running the dog, soaking up the D. Knowing that there are no significant dietary sources of Vitamin D in food, I’ve always loved getting at least a few hours a week via my daytime runs. But what I didn’t realize is just how much Vit D we really need to support healthy immune function. Afterall, for eons the human race has been OUTSIDE, not stuck in houses, cars and offices. Even though I had been supplementing with Cod Liver Oil-D for several weeks, I got tested. Between 50 and 100 ng/ml is healthy and optimal. I was a 32!!! Definitely deficient.

You can bet I have amped that up a few notches. I now take 20,000 IU’s of a quality D3 daily, far from any threshold of toxicity. Once I reach the desired range, I will likely cut back to maintenance mode of 5-10,0000 IU’s daily. If you are adverse to supplementing, at least get tested!!! You, too, may shocked at what you find out.

3) Hook up with a good Chiro.

Strong immunity begins at our foundation. Like many, I used to be ultra-skeptical of “back-crackers.” But thankfully, I have since allowed for my heart and mind to open… and to understand how pivotal the nerve supply is in our overall health. Truth is, it is not natural for human beings to be kinked over on cell phones, hunched at computers, squeezed into cars and airplanes… with sports injuries and life trauma that has altered our basic skeletal foundation. When we hit the reset button on our nerve supply, allowing for our innate intelligence to flow, we send a flood of immune responses to all our tissues and organs. You can’t argue the research, and you certainly can’t argue the life-changing results.

4) Love the Sleep.

I used to think I was “fine” running on 5 hours or so each night, as long as I caught up on the weekend. That obviously caught up with me. There is zero shame in getting a restful night sleep, and in allowing the body to fully repair itself. I now make sleep a priority, shooting for 7 peaceful hours every night, and an occasional 20 minute cat-nap with my sweet Jo.

5) Wake-up and Drink-up.

One of my favorite new habits when I first pop out of bed: a huge glass of filtered water with lemon. Our bodies worked hard all night to repair and remove toxins, so let’s do our body a favor and flush ‘em out. Not only is the added lemon super refreshing, it starts the day right by creating an alkaline ash in our blood, contributing to an alkaline environment that cancer (and disease processes in general) totally despise.

6) Break the Sweat.

Seek out the endorphins… keep the immune system firing. Enough said.

7) Chill the Freak OUT.

In my search for inner Zen, I have fallen deeply in LOVE with deep breathing and yoga. I have found it is also super important to do things we enjoy EVERY day, whatever that may be. Life is short afterall, and if you don’t like it… change it!!! Doing what we love helps relieve tension, and boosts physical and mental resilience.

8) Get the Greens.

Bokus of nutrients. Phytochemicals galore. I look forward to my daily kale or collards via a dark chocolate or fruit smoothie… or deep-green spinach incorporated into my all-time favorite meal: a 20 ingredient salad. A monthly tray of juiced wheatgrass keeps the chlorophyll reserves on high, and the toxins outa my blood. Best part, I love the greens. I crave the greens. Our body knows what’s best if we allow it to tell us!

9) Create a Rainbow.

Seek out gorgeous fruit and veg in every color of the rainbow. Pile em high in baskets and bowls right on your kitchen counter. I have found the easy access and top-of-mind placement makes fruit and veg my EZ go-to foods... and they never go bad when we know exactly how ripe and ready-to-eat they are.

10) Go Juice.

Drop the energy drinks and hi-caf bevs, pick up a juicer, and discover the raw energy that comes straight from nature. Come up with juice combinations that rock your world… like my favorite juiced combo: fresh organic carrots juiced with a touch of orange (soooo good!!)

Whole Lotta Living and GREAT HEALTH to you!!!

Love,

Angela

MIRACLE Grass

2011-11-07T15:14:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a miracle, this stuff may just save your life.

Take it from someone who has been there... someone who has watched their blood counts fall... someone who got slapped by the same heinous cytotoxic drugs week after week for six full months... someone whose docs said there was nothing that could be done.

Guess what.

Something can be done.

Something POWERFUL can be done.

And it's easy.

Wheatgrass. FRESH. JUICED. WHEATGRASS.

Simply put, freshly juiced organic wheatgrass strips toxic heavy metals and poisons from the blood, allowing blood counts to quickly regenerate, and the body to properly heal... putting you back ahead of each and every chemotherapy treatment.

Wheatgrass allows your own cells to recover while the chemo works to whither away the cancerous ones.

This is of dire importance as a delay in the chemo schedule (almost always because of low blood counts) could mean undue advantage for the cancer cells.

You have nothing to lose by giving it a try.

Here is an excerpt from my online journal, written a week after my last chemo treatment.

"More than any other single food, I HIGHLY recommend freshly juiced wheatgrass to ANYone traveling the gauntlet of chemo, and really to any person looking to disinfect, detoxify and heal the body from the many toxins we encounter in a given day.

I first had wheatgrass shots back in High School, and then later at airport juice bars when traveling for work week-in and week-out.

I swore by the benefits…made me feel better than a shot of espresso..... and for a much longer period of time.

Once chemo started, and my blood counts began to fall, I began digging for ways to feel better.

I knew I had to get some wheatgrass.

I had trouble finding it freshly grown here in Galveston, so I decided to order the supplies and grow my own!

It has proven to be one of the best decisions I have made in my fight to stay ahead of the damage…

Based on scientific studies, here are just ten of the innumerable benefits of wheatgrass:

1) A one ounce shot of wheatgrass has the same nutritional value as 2.5 pounds of green garden veggies!!

2) Wheatgrass juice is the best source of living chlorophyll available

3) Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins

4) Chlorophyll purifies the liver

5) Chlorophyll improves blood sugar

6) Chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body

7) Chlorophyll rebuilds the bloodstream

8) Studies show red cell count was returned to normal within 5 days after the administration of chlorophyll, even in those subjects who were extremely anemic (low in red count)

9) Wheatgrass reduces high blood pressure

10) Wheatgrass improves digestion

And the list goes on…

And if this is not convincing enough to buy or cultivate your own whether going through chemo or not, take it from my blood panel report:

Before my final chemo treatment... after 15 consecutive poisonings... and when my blood counts were expected to be the lowest, the concentration of hemoglobin in my blood (the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen) was ABOVE the range of a normal, healthy, NON-chemo person…a 31.7 on a 27.0-31.0 scale!!

This is with zero blood cell booster injections from the doc, which often have a slew of side effects like bone and muscle aches, headaches, allergic reactions, etc.

If this is not an objective testament to the power of wheatgrass, nutrition, exercise and LOVE, than I don’t know what is!

Furthermore, my platelet count was a 45.8 on a 35.1- 46.3 scale.

My white count was a 4.9, nine tenths above the 4.0 minimum.

My chemo was never delayed…

I never contracted illness…

For supplies on growing, juicing and enjoying your own wheatgrass, check out this link, www.wheatgrasskits.com... Scroll down for 40 of the benefits, growing tips and medical references.

More of my best wishes to you for GREAT health and PROactive cancer ass-kicking!!"

No surprise Mother Nature can create the PERFECT recipe...

I am currently 8 months out of chemo. I continue to cultivate and juice my own wheatgrass. I probably will the rest of my life.

In my journey toward wellness, juiced wheatgrass is the easiest, most economical, and most effective at-home detox method I have found.

If you are located in Mobile, Virginia's Health Foods on Airport will provide fresh-juiced wheatgrass shots at the restaurant located at the back of the store.

You can also pick up sprouted wheatgrass from the produce section of Virginia's and Fresh Market, but you will need to juice it yourself.

I recommend a manual juicer as an electric juicer will cause the wheatgrass to oxidize, diminishing the nutritional value of the wheatgrass.

Also be sure your manual juicer is stainless steel rather than plastic or aluminum, to avoid leaching chemicals into your wheatgrass shot.

Should you choose to cultivate your own, this is the kit I recommend: http://www.wheatgrasskits.com/wheatgrasskit.htm

Please reach out to me if you have questions or need ANY help at ALL in getting started.

Whole Lotta Love and LIVING to YOU,

-Angela

Food Framework #3: EZ Veg Wrap-Up

2011-11-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

(continued from Recipe tab)

This is definitely one of my go-to hubby/ toddler approved mid-day or evening meals when I haven’t made time to plan.

First and foremost, if you haven't already, look-up and hit-up your local International Food Store!!!

You will be blown AWAY at the variety of individual and bulk options, lack of preservatives, and GREAT prices... seriously a fraction of what Whole Foods or Fresh Market get away with charging.

And no doubt if I can find one here in Mobile, you will have options in the city/town where you live.

Once you find your local international market, pick up some Lavash bread. It was an inexpensive, easy find in the freezer section of our international food store (only $2.95 for three 20" flatbreads.)

My favorite brand is called Turlock Lavash, imported from Isreal, and is made of 100% stone ground whole wheat, water, yeast and salt.

All you gotta do is spread out the beautiful lavash and pile the inside with loads of whatever you prefer.

Stuffed and ready-to-wrap Mediterranean adaptation: hummus, tabouli, sauteed mushrooms and tomatoes, squeeze of lemon and drizzle of balsamic vinegar; one stuffed, rolled, and cut-up 20" lavash will easily satisfy at least two people

This is another recipe that is open to interpretation and can be catered to your liking, hence the word “framework”.

Here are a few of our favorite things to stuff inside, in all sorts of combinations:

fresh homemade hummus (or check your international market, ours makes a hummus that is unbelievable!)
tabouli, eggplant dip, coleslaw, any favorite salad
any warm sauteed veg combo
fresh veg of any kind: mixed greens, sprouts, avocado, sweet peppers, hot peppers, tomatoes, etc.
sliced cucumber soaked in vinegar and fresh dill
garbanzos, black beans, black eyed peas, green baby sweet peas etc.
an organic egg (fried in ghee or coconut oil) on top is fantastic
Daiya brand non-dairy cheese is my new favorite, and a great melty add
nuts and seeds such as pumpkin, sesame and sunflower
apple-cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, olive oil lemon and/or lime for dressing

Then just wrap it up and enjoy!

Other than the Mediterranean version (pictured above), here are a few other adaptations we love:

Baja Mex: black beans with cumin, daiya non-dairy cheese, tomato, onion, cilantro, avocado, lime, chili peppers, fresh salsa

Italian: tomatoes, artichoke hearts, fresh sweet yellow, red and orange peppers, sprouts, pesto, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil

Greek: kalamata olives, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mixed greens, whole-grain couscous with lentils, oregeno, olive oil, vinegar

Indian: sauteed cauliflower, potato, tomato, onion and spices including fenugreek, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric and chili powder

I love this go-to plan as its also a great way to utilize odds and ends from the fridge. You will love experimenting with amazing combinations.

Let me know you and your family's favorite whole-food plant-based combo, or what new one's you come up with!

Whole Lotta Living and LOVE to You and Yours,

Angela

ACTION

2011-10-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

How can it be?

How can 1 in every 8 women fall victim?

What will that day feel like if your daughter, your sister, your best friend comes to you with the news “I have breast cancer”?

How will it feel if you find a lump in your own breast, and learn it’s not what you hoped.

Is this really a statistic we can just brush aside, go on with our lives, and think “I hope I'll never be that one”?

Guess what, I never thought in a MILLION years I would be that one.

How ignorant was I….

Or maybe just poorly educated.

For someone who had all the resources, all the motivation, all the interest in the world on the topic, I was poorly informed… and didn’t even know it.

As I popped daily birth control pills my doc told me were safe, slathered on my aluminum-laden Secret anti-perspirant like my peers, and consumed bokus of sometimes organic meat, cheese and dairy, I never thought in a million years I would be that ONE.

Never me, as long as I continue my active lifestyle, my high spirits, my fantastic relationships, my supurb veggie-rich diet…

But sure enough, those hot cancerous lumps popped up so quick…. before I knew it I was inviting a plethora of cytotoxic chemicals to be injected right into my bloodstream, straight into my heart.

Look, all this to say….. what I was doing was obviously NOT working.

And with 1 in 8 women getting breast cancer in their lifetime, and numbers only increasing, what WE are collectively doing is obviously NOT working.

Breast cancer appears to be so random and unavoidable, but it’s not.

We know more than ever before about this disease…. we know Cancer requires certain conditions, certain inadequacies in our immune system, certain toxic exposures in order for it to occur.

Consequently, we have major control over our risks, and in prevention.

If we sit back and say… “There was nothing I could do”…then we ARE victims.

If we stand up, survey our risks, and change our behaviors… we are empowered, educated and STRONG beings that cancer can't touch.

We are inundated with awareness… with afflicted aunts, sisters, mothers… with ribbons, charity races, and drugs. It is freaking due time to turn that awareness into ACTION, in the form of EDUCATION, PREVENTION, and VITALITY.

Here are two broad areas where we can all take immediate action:

1) Reduce the onslaught of TOXINS in our lives

Chemicals in personal care products
Chemicals that are prescription/ OTC drugs
Chemical cleaners
Chemical fertilizers
Chemicals in our food

2) Amp up our IMMUNE SYSTEMS

Be aware of refined sugar intake and reduce
Embrace plants!
Reduce acid by eating less meat and dairy
Ensure nutrient and vitamin needs are met, esp Vit D!!
Breathe, move and sweat!!!
Understand the spinal columns relationship with immunity, and maximize the nerve supply accordingly

I can’t wait to expand on these ideas with you in upcoming posts.

For now, here are two of my favorite links to help you get started.

1) http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ (Thank you, Karrie McNaughton) Understand the ingredients in your personal care items you are currently putting on you body, see toxicity ratings, and view non-toxic alternatives.

2) www.maximizedliving.com (Thank you, Kelly Eubanks)... These guys are the docs of the future. With a proactive focus on wellness, before disease can even take root, the multitude of resources here will provide you with loads of inspiration on how to take control of your own health and vitality.

For the love of our children, for the love of our families, for the love of OURSELVES.... let's up our game.

Let THIS be the day we make the decision to really take responsibility for our own health.

CHEERS to this Whole Life!

Much Love,
Angela

Painting (pictured above) by the talented Cory Smith

Fall Food that Warms the SOUL

2011-10-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

AWESOME, it’s feeling like Fall!

Snuggling on the couch with windows open, a crisp evening breeze running through, and a good football game on the tube is in order. And with the peeps you love, of course…

Oh, and a warm bowl of fabulous soup.

Check out this dinner idea to amp up the cozy Fallish feeling even more…

Braised Pumpkin with Coconut Milk

AKA “Canh Bi Ro Ham Dua”: Traditional Buddhist Vegetarian Dish

Adapted from The Food of Asia Cookbook

What you Need:
(serves 4)

2 whole pumpkins- cut in half width-wise, bottom halves to serve as bowls, top halves peel and cut into 2 cups worth of cubes
sweet potatoes- 2 cups cubed
mushrooms-1 cup any kind (portabella, shitake, whatever you like)
1 whole coconut- crack, drain and set aside coconut water, peel out fresh coconut for garnish, two remaining halves to serve as bowls
coconut milk-1-2 cups
cashews- 1 cup (more if you like)
salt/ pepper to taste
agave nectar to taste
Fresh cilantro- garnish
Fresh grated coconut- garnish
Chopped cashews- garnish

1) Place pumpkin, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, coconut water (or sub with coconut milk) in a deep saute pan (cast iron will give it great flavor!) Bring to a boil and then lower to simmer until colors are vibrant.

2) Place in blender with coconut milk, and cashews. Blend well. Add salt, pepper and agave nectar to taste.

3) Serve in coconut and pumpkin bowls with fresh cilantro, coconut and chopped cashews as garnish.

Serve with salad and whole grain bread. And your choice beverage.

Full Meal Cost Per Serving= $2.86!

Enjoy the cooking time, the time with your peeps, and the cost-savings of not ordering-in or eating-out.

And know that your feeding you and your loves whole-food, nutrient-packed calories in a fun, seasonal and memorable way! Hope you enjoy as much as we did!

Cheers to you, Cheers to Whole Living!

Much Love,

Angela

Must-Reads!

2011-10-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

These three foundational resources will BLOW your mind, ROCK your world, and change your life... for the better.

Of the hundreds of books I have poured over on the topic, here are the three I recommend to any person looking for credible, research-based solutions for prevention, and CURES.. yes, CURES.. to fight, and even reverse both minor AND involved disease processes... allowing us the freedom to live our best life.

Book #1:
Gut and Psychology Syndrome
Dr, Natasha Campbell McBride MD, MMedSci Neurology, MMedSci Nutrition

(Thank you, Jessie Tuggle!)

Book #2:
The China Study, Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health

T. Colin Campbell, PhD and Thomas M. Campbell II, MD

(Thank you, Kelly Hoogenaker!)

Book #3:
Anticancer, A New Way of Life,

David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD

(Thank you, Audrey Boss & Danielle at MD Anderson)

Order them, borrow them, listen to them… whatever... just put 'em in your brain!!

Individually and collectively, these books will revolutionize the way you view AND experience wellness, sickness, disease, your own state of mind, and consequently your decisions, your actions, your LIFE ... and their direct relationship with the foundational sustenance you choose to make a part of your body.

Cheers to you, Cheers to this LIFE!

Lots of Love,

Angela

ALIVE

2011-09-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

A year ago this week we received the shocking diagnosis.

Damn, what a year it has been.

But you will hear me say it a million times, and I stand by this…

It’s been a year that has taught us priceless lessons about the choices we make, about our bodies innate yearning to be healthy… and about what it means to be ALIVE.

For those who NEVER want to walk in my shoes... for those who have unfortunately heard the haunting words "You have cancer"... for those who care for someone who is striving to regain their own health... or even for those who want to honor someone who left this world far too early, it is only prudent that I pay forward the kindness and compassion that was offered me.

While many folks who face an escalated health challenge need to maintain their jobs, take care of their families and keep the ball rolling, I was humbly provided the luxury of a haven removed from the everyday stressors of life, and surrounded by all the love and support one could dream.

My husband, my family and friends offered me the freedom to sleep, recover, and most importantly to research... to dig-in and uncover solutions that would contribute to our success in owning each harrowing treatment... to freaking nail cancer to the wall.

Knowledge is POWER.

We know SO much more than EVER before about cancer, about disease processes in general... and the human body’s natural inclination for health.

Regardless of your circumstance, regardless of what your well-intentioned doctor says, THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN DO!!

Heck, you can even choose to forego the status quo, and pave your own research-based path back to health.

YOU are NOT helpless, and this is not just happening to you.

You have every ability... you can choose to gain valuable insight and TAKE ACTION that will be pivotal in both preventing and overcoming cancer, and a slew of diseases brought on by our Western lifestyle.

Your body can and WILL kick its ASS.

You WILL reclaim the life you so humbly deserve.

Of all cancers, less than 3% are related to a genetic predisposition. I tested negative for every genetic link. Like most cancer's, mine was environmental in cause.

You better BET I have since created a bodily environment that cancer HATES.

With an immune system that has never been so fierce, and a steep reduction in controllable environmental triggers, cancer despises every cell of my being.

Are my lifestyle changes an absolute guarantee it won’t come back?

No.

But I do have the peace of knowing I have done everything in my power to fight for the life I crave.

To be ALIVE in this world, and alongside my beautiful family... to kiss every boo-boo, to celebrate every win, to grow from every defeat... to protect those I love, and to follow my heartbrake by easing even an ounce of this world's anguish.

Do I wish I could go back 5, 6, 7 years and change my habits? Abso-freaking-lutely. Prevention is always the best cure.

But there is nothing to be gained by living in the past, or blaming myself. When we learn better, we do better.

Taking responsibility for my disease has allowed for an igniting level of understanding and empowerment, such that can reduce pain and suffering for any person open to learning and taking action.

It's time to deeply honor the profound gifts with which Mother Nature has so miraculously graced us, the gift of this one body, this one life, this one planet...

I spent a year of my life being SICK. Now it’s freaking time to be WELL.

Not just well, but to be truly ALIVE... as we know true health isn't merely the absence of disease, but the presence of vigor, vitality, and a profound love of life.

Come be ALIVE with me!!!

All my Love,

Cheers to WHOLE LIVING!!

Top Photo By Jackie O'Brien