I believe with all of my heart that the Lord uses testimonies as a way to not only point people back to Him but as a way to encourage and give people hope. I want to share a little bit of my health story with you with the intention of encouraging you.
That dark purple spiral notebook was dated, "August 23rd, 2006 with the title, 'My Testimony at 15 years old' and it started like this, "Am I really beautiful like some people have told me?"
At the ages 14-15 I struggled with anorexia. I lost 30lbs in 6 months from not eating. It got to the point that I was so skinny my parents told me if I didn't start eating again they would have to take me to the hospital. I never remember thinking I looked sickly. At the same time I never remember feeling satisfied or pretty even after losing so much weight. I was never fat before I lost the 30lbs either. Now looking back I wish that I had seen myself the way Christ saw me. The way my family and friends saw me. That I had rested in the fact that I was beautifully made and what I thought of as flaws like being tall with broad shoulders was actually a benefit.
At the age of 18 I went away to college with the excitement that I was free and independent. I could do what I wanted when I wanted and eat whatever I wanted! I would resort to fruit loops most nights, with a side of icecream and pizza. Most mornings I'd eat donuts and drink numerous amounts of coffee. My water intake was very small. At this point in my life I was the farthest thing from physically active. Running? I would hope that running to my classes counted as exercise. The poor choices of food I ate combined with no physical activity caused so many digestive problems. Meaning, I would go 4 or 5 days, sometimes a week not being able to go to the bathroom. Let's talk about pain I hope no one has to experience. Finally, about a year later I started running and eating better. This immediately started the process of healing my digestive issues. It's amazing to me how the Lord created our bodies to heal themselves by simply feeding it natural foods and exercising.
Let's skip to today... I now eat gluten free because of my bodies inability to process wheat foods and the past couple weeks I have been eating Paleo (except for Thanksgiving day 😉). I have felt so much more energized, my skin has significantly cleared up and my stomach no longer bloats. For those of you who are unsure what Paleo is it's cutting out, gluten, grains, dairy, processed sugars and hydrogenated oils like Canola and Vegetable oils. Then you incorporate complex carbs, fresh or frozen veggies, fruit, nuts, healthy fats and lean meat like chicken, turkey and beef.
Starting today after coming back from Thanksgiving break I'm starting a 28 day challenge, The Lean Fit Project through Advocare. I'm so excited about what I've already started using. Along with doing Paleo (an anti-inflammatory diet), I'm incorporating Spark which is full of vitamins and has some caffeine in it to get me started for the day instead of coffee, a variety of vitamins you take like Fish oil, a probiotic for gut health, a vitamin to help curb your appetite, and Advogreens chocolate, meal replacement shake to drink when life is crazy. I already feel energized with my Spark and can't wait to see how many body changes and grows stronger. I'll be done Christmas Eve! Just in time for Christmas Day 🤗!
As I think back over my life and struggles I had with self-confidence, digestive problems, the struggle of cutting out gluten and dairy to find a cure for my acne and constant bloating I just keep thinking God was always and stills is in control. I can't tell you how many times I have prayed for a solution for my skin issues and the desire to feel good and beautiful about myself even though I would work out at least 5 days a week. He has helped me understand that fueling your body with the right kinds of foods and vitamins heals your body and helps it function the way that it was meant to. There's always an answer friends. Don't lost hope if you've struggled with or maybe are struggling with health issues right now. Start small and incorporate foods that are in the produce and meat section. If you need encouragement I would love to help you in whatever what I can. We are in it together!