January 2012
2 posts
I've Moved!!!
http://brittluck.wordpress.com/
I don’t like the functionality of tumblr at all! So I am packing up and moving. It is pretty bare over at my new place, but given time, I will look nicer.
As I get healthier, I want to start turning my focus on helping others more. I still have lots of bad days, but I am having more and more good ones! I am hoping to post more fitness tips, as well as...
2 tags
Great Start Shake
Take a challenge: make a green shake every day for a week!
In your blender, put:
1-2 cups almond milk
1 entire carrot
1-2 Tbsp milled flax seeds
1/2 -3/4 cups frozen kale or collard greens
1/2 - 1 cup frozen fruit (mixed berries are good, but I do all of frozen fruits)
(start with less of the greens and more of the fruits then wean yourself onto more veg)
Your insides will love you. I...
December 2011
1 post
The "right" decision!
I went to the doc this week for a follow up. All in all, I am improving very SLOWLY. He was very pleased that nothing new had popped up. He said that my white blood cell count is still below normal, which is a typical disease marker. Also, I still have a positive ANA. Again, just another marker that yes, I have a disease.
BUT…and here is the awesome news…nothing else in my...
November 2011
5 posts
1 tag
Turkey Day, with a vegan twist.
For Thanksgiving this year, our family will be eating the following. It will be all of us cooking, my parents, sister and fam, and us.
Turkey (prob fried by my dad) for the omnivores
Shitake mushroom and vegetable stuffing (gluten free) (http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes/Thanksgiving-Daphne-Oz-Mushroom-Vegetable-Stuffing)
Vegan mashed potatoes (using Earth Balance and almond...
2 tags
A time to fast.
Watching my family drive away to church without me led to tears. Tears of sadness that I am not with them having those conversations in the car. Tears of sadness for Lucky having to go places without his partner. Tears of guilt for not being with Daniella and Reid and spending so much time in bed.
I have been having constant stomach aches, total fatigue, headaches, face broken out, joint pain,...
2 tags
I can’t ever decide when and what to post. I am getting better little by little.
However, Lupus still sucks a lot of the life out of me. I maintain some normalcy through the week while I homeschool and teach classes. And I am able to attend more functions than I used to. But I spend most weeknights and weekends in bed. And this week I had a day where tears took over and I couldn’t...
3 tags
Christians and vegans.
My observations:
Christians don’t always respond well to vegans. There is an instant defense mechanism that seems to kick in whenever I tell one that we (Sometimes I, but for the most part, we) are eating vegan in the home. I tend to get the vibe that Christians feel that God intended for us to eat meat and therefore, this is NOT something they want to be a part of. Biblical references...
2 tags
Thai soup success!
I looooooooove the tangy, coconutty soups filled with veggies that I have found at good Thai places. I think about them and long for those flavors. (most of them have chicken, but you can order them with veg stock and no chicken)
Don’t get me wrong. The first time I took a sip/bite, I was horrified by the clashing of flavors on my tongue. Heat, lime, sweet, OVERLOAD. And then I wanted...
October 2011
3 posts
3 tags
Italian style yum.
My sweet friend, Melanie, sent me this book a while back along with another Vegan must have: The Veganomicon. I have loved having these books!
Here is the best pasta sauce! (I may even like it as much as my homemade marinara!)
Italian Style Pasta (Adapted from The Gluten Free Vegan)
1 tsp olive oil
1 large onion
¼ cup chopped roasted red peppers
¼ cup sundried tomatoes
5-6 cloves garlic
½...
2 tags
Meal Planning Monday!
Each week, Melanie Flinn from Nutritious Eats has a Meal Planning Monday. She posts her meals for the week and invites you to do the same. Here is her blog:
Nutritious Eats
What is has done for me:
1) I ALWAYS meal plan on the weekends and am much more organized throughout the week.
2) I have drastically cut down on my trips to HEB. If I get all of my evenings planned, I am ready for them...
1 tag
Learning and relief.
This weekend was a test for me. We had a garage sale. These are typically stressful, exhausting, and LONG. So last week, I took the challenge upon myself to not let it be those things. Knowing that I was starting to come out of a flare scared me that this would send me back in. If you don’t yet know autoimmune diseases, know this: Stress = disease flare (gets worse for a week or two). ...
September 2011
10 posts
1 tag
Fever, go away!
Fever won’t let up, body aches, total and extreme exhaustion. This is one of the worst flares I can remember.
Also, my blood work came back with less than stellar reports. 5 of my blood irregularities worsened. My WBC count is too low. And other oddities. I am sure this is normal when you go off your meds. I am just ready for some of these natural remedies to work. I don’t...
1 tag
Had a bit of a stressful week. Sure enough, it send me in a flare. I am hoping it will go away soon. On Friday, I started getting a fever and stayed in bed almost all day. Followed that up by today and tomorrow in bed with fever.
Still eating vegan. Still exercising. Still losing weight. Slowly, but surely! Hair falling out and face breaking out (always happens on flares).
But tomorrow...
2 tags
How I am feeling.
For those of you who would like to know how this new diet is affecting me, I can tell you the following:
-I am NO worse than I was ON the meds. Yay! I am hoping it will only go up from here.
-I do have more symptoms like sores in my nose and hair loss and fever, BUT I have NO tummy pain! This has been a life of tummy pain that I am out of for the first time EVER.
-I think it may be working! ...
3 tags
Healthy and Fabulous Tacos! (Shhhh, they are...
Today, dinner was a huge success! I was really skeptical that I could pull this one off. My kids know that every dish I put in front of them these days is somehow a vegetable….either in disguise or straight up. One cares, the other doesn’t. My picky one takes a microscope out, it seems! And she is the one who first said the meat was great! Yes, she thought it was taco MEAT! And...
2 tags
The shake blues.
So sometimes I am all gung ho on those shakes of mine! I have now managed to get to the 3:1 ratio of veg to fruit, on the recommendation of Elisa at http://www.eaturveggies.com. Yay, me!
And then today, I woke up and wanted NOTHING to do with those dang shakes! I am tired of kale and collard greens for breakfast! One kidlet was having cereal with bananas in it and the other was having...
2 tags
My doc ROCKS!
For real. People constantly say things about doctors not being on board with natural remedies. Well, mine is defying the odds!
I went in today, the first time seeing him since going off of my meds, fully expecting him to make some sort of medical recommendation. He didn’t! He was happy with where I am. He wanted me to keep at it. He asked specifically what foods I was avoiding and was...
$10 for $20 to Spend at Whole Foods Market →
1 tag
Pie!
To celebrate the completion of my first successful juice fast, Luck and I made a pie. Gretchen had shared the website and recipe that she found online. It seemed like just the right thing to make. I was veeeeery skeptical what the kids would think. A pie with no added sugar? No flour? No butter or oil? The only thing that bothers me about this pie is the canned mandarin oranges. Sure, I got...
2 tags
Liquids!
Liquids, liquids, and more liquids!
I am SO ready to chew something! It is not that I am all that hungry. I just want to chew!!
Each day has looked like this:
Breakfast: Juice, that I juice myself…of any of the following: apple, beets, pear, orange, cucumber, carrots, etc… (prob a cup and a half of juice)
Lunch: Blended Kale or bok choy with carrots and tomatoes or fruits.
...
3 tags
Juice fast begins!
I am still having fever, achy body, exhaustion. My hair is falling out like MAD. My sores on my scalp are not going anywhere. I need some relief.
So the next step in this process of natural healing is doing a juice fast. Ideally, a water fast would happen right now, but I am back on Lexapro. And it may be too hard on my organs. My dietitian is recommending that I stick with juices that I...
August 2011
14 posts
2 tags
Still...and a medicine returns.
Fever, body aches, complete fatigue.
And this is Saturday. Fever started on Tuesday.
Today, I started back on Lexapro (antidepressant). I was finding myself getting too mad at the kids too quickly. I was overreacting to everything. I was crying ALL. THE. TIME. I am not in a place to be off of that and I was wanting to inflict pain upon myself (like I needed punishment or something. ...
2 tags
Fever.
A few days ago, I was super exhausted and achy. I was asked if I was sore b/c of the way I was walking. I should have known right then. My eyes had been burning on the inside for a few hours. When I finally got home, I took my temp and there it was. A symptom I thought I had left in the dust a year ago when I started on the meds.
And it is back. Even as I write, my body aches and my eyes...
2 tags
The weight is over.
Outta here! No more! Never again!
Over the past few weeks, I have measured my progress daily. I write down everything I eat, as well as my weight, my symptoms, supplements, etc… Most people can probably accomplish this and thrive. But not me. I have a REAL problem with my scale.
I think about it when I wake up and weigh right away. I weigh a little later before getting in the...
1 tag
Thankful.
I am thankful for food, glorious food! Just the way God gave it to us to enjoy.
My family. Luck, the kids, my parents, and Michelle, Justin, and Gabi. They not only help take care of me and the kiddos, but they put up with eating with me. Can you IMAGINE having me as part of your dinner plans? I know, I REALLY throw a wrench in things.
Friends. You all know the amazing things you do. You...
Hunger.
While speaking to a friend recently about what I am (not) eating, she gave me an incredible perspective.
Every time I feel hunger or am sad about not being able to eat something, pray for the hungry people in the world. Do I REALLY have reason to be sad? Nope. I sure don’t. But I can pray for them and focus on what I can do to make a difference for in their lives.
Thanks, Xochitl. ...
2 tags
Mixed bag.
If you ask me how I feel, it will REALLY depend on the moment. I am having moments of feeling almost normal. They are few and far between, but they are there. And that gives me hope.
Today, I am totally wiped out. Have felt feverish all afternoon and am having return of some symptoms. Still eating everything I am being told to (except dang watercress b/c I can’t find it!!!). I am...
3 tags
The light is peaking through :)
The ugly depression is lifting! Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. It is no coincidence, friends!
I have followed the diet to the best of my ability. I am surviving and enjoying the foods I eat. I am DEFINITELY still adjusting to life without salt!!! I used fresh tomatoes and garlic and onions and basil and made a marinara that is great!! If it only had a little salt! Oh...
nessavendetta asked: You are a truly remarkable person. Your words are inspiring. I feel like I'm worth nothing most days - with all that lupus does to me - but your honest just saved my day. Thank you for being you. I think God gave you those words to speak to many people.. and for what it's worth, They spoke to me. I'll be praying for constant healing.
Ness
Ness
2 tags
Honesty.
I so want to come on here and report good news! I am an optimistic person!
But this…this has broken me. Already in a flare, already vegan, now off all but one med (that last one will take weeks).
Depression is in full force. I have not cried this much in years. I cry easily and often. I am so sad. And not one of those put on your big girl panties and deal with it kinds of sad,...
2 tags
I don’t want to eat vegan.
I don’t want to have to sit for hours figuring out what I can eat and what my family can eat that compliments that, while allowing for some meat and dairy for them.
I don’t want to do this forever.
I want to be in the sun….SO BADLY. I just look out the windows all day long and remember what it feels like to have sunshine hit my skin. I miss...
1 tag
Jumping the gun. And week 3, down!
I am thinking of this whole process as a marathon. The gun was just fired. It seems I may have jumped the gun, though.
I was so ready to see some changes and had heard about this diet and just jumped in. I prob should have come more slowly off my meds (my doc doesn’t have much experience in taking people OFF things! ). The reason I am feeling so horrible right now is prob because...
1 tag
Getting real help. →
Here is a link to the RD who is helping me achieve my goals. It is a bit weird hiring someone for something I have studied my whole life! But she has successfully gotten off of her medications for Lupus. She told me today we are looking at 6 - 12 months of this before feeling better. And that it took her a little LONGER than that. But she did it.
3 tags
Back to my roots, Gumbo style!
If you asked me to summarize childhood in one bite, I think my mom’s gumbo would probably be that bite. We did not have it weekly or monthly, but we had it often. And hers is the best gumbo I have ever had. Sometimes we would have it because company was coming in town, sometimes because our dear friends Buck and Alma brought us fresh shrimp from the gulf, but mostly, we had it because it...
1 tag
Reality
Reality is:
I am definitely getting worse. I was hardly out of bed yesterday. Today has not started any better. I just feel awful. Symptoms are the same. Stupid sores in my nose. They look like little carved out caves. And they hurt like mad. Zero energy. As in the kind that you just can’t push through. Headaches. And on and on.
I will just sleep the day away and get ready for...
3 tags
Spring rolls!
My sweet friend, Gretchen, and I cook for each others’ families every other week. We live only a street away, cook similarly in regards to nutrition, and both love to experiment! It is FABULOUS! I think everyone should find a neighbor or a good friend to share dinner duty. It is awesome.
A few months ago, she made spring rolls. They were wrapped in rice paper, and are gluten free!
...
3 tags
Addiction, revisited.
Remember my addiction? You know, the whole marinara thing? Well, I have a new one. I have made 4 batches of it in two weeks. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And it, too, is TOMATO!!!! Evidently, I have a thing for lycopene.
And here it is!
Vegan Roasted Tomato Basil Soup (adapted from Chow.com)
INGREDIENTS
6–6 1/2 pound tomatoes, cut into chunks (any that look...
July 2011
18 posts
3 tags
Lots of Veg Risotto Recipe
I was so overwhelmed with the veggies I had and really just went with my instinct on what to make and how to make it.
Please read this recipe through before starting. It is a little bit of a juggling act. Risotto is always best made with a helper.
I made it today after getting all of these fresh veggies from the Farmer’s Market. I am trying to just let the food guide me as to how to...
2 tags
Someone went coo coo!
Today, we visited a local Farmer’s Market: http://www.pearlfarmersmarket.com/
Then we went to Whole Foods.
Then we ran out of money.
Not really, but we spent a LOT on food. This is what our kitchen counter looked like when we got home. We have to keep remembering that this is my medicine and the hope is that we are investing now and saving medical bills in the future.
2 tags
Week two, down!
Week two was spent in the cool mountain air of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Even though I spent pretty much the entire trip inside, my family got to hike and walk in the creek and so much more. That air is just so fresh and wonderful! We went with Lucky’s family and the cousins had a blast playing together.
Still off Plaquenil and the immunosuppressant. Still on 1/4 Lexapro, and now attempting...
2 tags
Week one, DOWN!
I have now been off both of my Lupus meds for a week! I no longer need coffee, I am on 1/4 of my antidepressant (weaning VERY SLOWLY off this one) and I am feeling….well, a little better?!?! I still feel like crap a lot….but this is a huge step!
Like I said below, the insomnia at this point would hinder my body healing…so I will tackle that pill when I am more symptom free and...
2 tags
Day 5 and the start of 6.
Day 5: No coffee. Took Prilosec. Took 1/2 antidepressant. Took vitamins and at perfectly all day. No dairy, egg, meat, anything other than fruits and veggies. Again, none of my Lupus meds. Yay! I felt good for the first half of the day. So good, I called Luck and told him I felt normal! By afternoon, I crashed and never left the couch the rest of the day. But still, a win in my book!
...
2 tags
Days 3 and 4
Day 3: Tough day. Very low energy. Very low appetite. Ate only fruits and veggies. Skipped coffee altogether. Took 1/2 a Prilosec. Took sleeping pill….can’t take insomnia for now. I will get off this other stuff now and deal with that later. But if this heals my body, I won’t have insomnia. That would be nice! I cried a lot. Not sure if this is b/c of meds coming out...
Sweet.
A friend sent me a message saying she is eating vegetarian this week to show me her support. I am overwhelmed by how wonderful people are. She said she will pray for me every time she goes to eat those fruits and veggies.
Another friend is mailing me a vegan cookbook.
I love my friends. You people are the best.
Your calls, emails, FB comments, etc…make me want to keep going.
1 tag
Day 2
Today, I am wiped out. My body has been hurting a lot. I am just exhausted. I am trying to come off of my sleeping pill (insomnia is a result of Lupus) and therefore, not sleeping at night on top of everything else. Wondering if I should wean off that one at a different time??
I am hungry, yet have no appetite. I eat and immediately have gi probs. My body is not sure what is going on. I...
4 tags
No coincidence.
Yesterday, Luck and I started the day together and prayed. We asked God to make it VERY clear if I should get off of my meds.
I drank water all day. At dinner time I had some veggies (thanks, Gretchen!) then later, some watermelon. I connected with a Registered Dietitian yesterday who has successfully gotten off of her Lupus meds through diet. She is a patient of Dr. Furhman, the man who...
3 tags
Day -1
Tomorrow I start.
I got my doctor’s approval! He said to get off of everything except my Prilosec for my tummy. I am happy for that b/c 1) he is paying attention to my chart and knows how I am ulcer prone and 2) I have so much tummy pain that it scares me to come off of that.
So today, I gather articles and books. I am taking the entire day to educate myself. Read, read, read! And...
1 tag
Food Guide.
Have you seen this? Whether you completely agree with the gov’t recommended portions or not….I think we can ALL agree how much healthier we all would be if at least half of every plate you eat and you serve your children was fruits and veggies. Take on that challenge! From now on! Give your family the gift of health. It is not expensive. Just buy them and do it!
Will you join...
2 tags
Opposites attract.
My sweet hubs is an engineer to the core. Our life…our entire life….is on a spreadsheet. You think I am kidding or exaggerating? I am not. I am grateful that it is people like him that work on crack growth on airplanes. We need people who care SO MUCH about each and every tiny detail. And who love to track data. Our planes would not be safe without them. (I DON’T think we...
3 tags
Blah, black beans, and a blog.
Well, I achieved step one. I got my doctor’s e-mail address! Now I need to compile journal articles and books and whatnot to present to him. I have been vegan this week, with exception of an egg used in the falafel I made on Tuesday and a tiny bit of diary that I served the Greek meal with (I could not pass up on my homemade tzatziki and some feta) and gluten and corn free. Vegan just...