'the new normal'

Photo by: bradlauster

During my recent health checkup, a blood test revealed that my sugar and cholesterol readings were on the high side. Not enough to be overly concerned, but enough to try and correct the situation before it got out of hand.

To my surprise and total delight, my doctor recommended me to a naturopath, to get things on track with dietary changes rather than just writing me a prescription, to which I would be quite opposed.

Unfortunately, the naturopath is not covered by OHIP or any work benefits, and is therefore costly. Fortunately, she (the naturopath) believes we can get things back on track within two months, possibly only one.

I have been eating fairly healthily for awhile now, but this is the first time I've been to a naturopath, and have found out the error of my ways. I have been a big milk drinker my entire life, and have moved from whole fat to skim gradually over the years. BUT, apparently even skim milk is quite high in sugar, as are bananas, of which I was eating three a day.

The new regimen began about two weeks ago, and basically is a low-glycemic diet consisting of NO dairy, NO sugar and NO gluten, along with supplements to aid my liver in its cholesterol fight, supplements to aid my body in processing glucose and a mega-vitamin I have to drink.

I can fill up on most vegetables and most fruit, but my proteins and grains are limited to portions the size of a deck of cards. Example: A sandwich is made up of only one piece of bread.

As crazy as all this sounds, it really isn't that bad. I've always been creative and adventurous with food, so at this point it's kind of a fun challenge. And I'm extremely thankful I can eat eggs. They are my favourite food, and originally the doctor said NO eggs; however, the naturopath says only 20% of the cholesterol in our bodies comes from food -- and there's too much good stuff in eggs to drop them. (My sentiments exactly!)

The first few days the pounds seemed to be melting away, but after the first week, my weight seems to be about the same as when I began, which is too bad, as I do need to lose a few pounds.

I wasn't feeling any symptoms before I received the blood test results, so I can't say anything definite has or hasn't happened (other than feeling hungry most of the time). But -- and this is hard to explain -- I do feel lighter in my energy, as if my mind and body are better connected and not running into inner roadblocks.

I certainly hopes this works. As a very good friend -- who was quoting another good friend --said to me, regarding necessary dietary changes: It's 'the new normal.'

taking the leap

Photo by: sadashotit

Ah, the forward momentum has taken hold and it is leading me to Wales.

May be one of the craziest things I've ever done -- may be one of the smartest.

I have filled out my visa application online and am currently waiting for my passport to be renewed for another five years. It should be ready during the first week in June, at which time I have just to take my application copy, along with my passport, supporting documents and multiple photocopies, and get my fingerprints scanned and photo taken at an office downtown. Then my application is on its way to the decision makers in the U.K., who, according to their website, could have a decision made in no longer than a month's time.

If all is confirmed by mid-July, the journey is on track for me to be in Cardiff by mid-September, in time for a three-day job fair.

The online application was surprisingly easy to fill out. And it is a great benefit to me to be in Toronto and working a nightshift. If I were working in another city I would have to travel here to get my fingers scanned -- if I were working a day shift, I would have to take time off work for the scheduled appointment during regular business hours. There are decided advantages to working evenings.

And now that this step is almost complete, the moving and packing and selling aspect of emptying my apartment doesn't seem so formidable. I think I can keep it that way by doing little bits all the time. I'll bring things in my car that my brothers may want as I visit them this summer, sell and give away the rest, put a few things in storage.

The momentum is there now and I know it will carry me along.