How I became a health foodie

I want to share a bit of my journey with you. Growing up, I ate like a normal 80s/90s kid. My parents gave us healthy options, but I also had more Happy Meals and sugary cereals than I'd like to admit. Somewhere around 9 or 10 I discovered nutrition labels and consequently drove my parents nuts. With 7 kids at home, the food budget was tight. Very tight. Even as a teenager I had to ask permission before consuming anything.

When I was 12, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I had a very severe and aggressive case, which led to my entire colon being removed. Ever since then, my small intestine has had to do the job for both the large and small. The doctors gave me medication, but there were no dietary guidelines or restrictions. I was on my own until I visited a nutritionist when I was 15. She told me that there was an overgrowth of yeast in my body and put me on a strict diet. The main thing was cutting out all refined flours and sugar. I was already learning what my trigger foods were (the largest offenders being dried fruit, nuts, and vegetables.)

Fast forward through years of struggling with what to eat/not eat without a colon, food freedom at a summer camp where I went overboard with food, a bout of (un-diagnosed) anorexia in my late teens, and some crazy diets in my 20s. I've been both scary skinny and uncomfortably overweight. I've researched fads and tried countless supplements. Today I'm about to turn 33, and I've never been happier with my body. It's not perfect, but I don't fight it. I don't own a scale, I don't count calories, and I don't obsess over exercise. As much as possible I go with my own healthy flow. I know what my trigger foods are, and try to supplement the veggie "problem" with extra fruits and supplements (including Shakeology). As a mom of two, I don't always have the time or extra money for new clothes, so I use my current wardrobe as a body measurement. If my jeans start to feel too tight then I review my recent behaviors and adjust where necessary. As for exercise, working out is an awesome stress relief. I mostly gravitate to dance based workouts, but I also enjoy strength training now as well.

I'm sharing this part of my story in hopes that it might help someone else. Life is too short to get caught up in fad diets, to obsess over your shape/weight, or to deprive your body. I encourage everyone to find YOUR healthy. My wish for everyone is to feel good and have energy. Start by making choices. Yes, it costs more to eat healthy. Yes, it may require sacrifices. Get creative and embrace the challenge because it is oh so worth it!!