Hola Amigos,
Tonight marks the closing of my first five weeks here in Mexico City. Wow, it has been adventurous to say the least.
This week has been full of adventure, a different kind of an adventure. This adventure has included exposure to my arch enemies gluten and dairy, a surprisingly intense bout of the swine flu, antibacterial injections in the rump, and finally some peace.
I am continuing to learn Spanish and have gotten especially good at reading comprehension. This is helpful, except in the case with menus- the food preparation methods are not listed out as in the US. Thus, I thought I was getting something with corn starch and ended up with a gluten filled dish. It's been about 4-5 months since I had gluten, and this run in has proven to be much less than pleasant. I immediately became sick and soon after got pounced upon by the flu.
This flu is intense- very fast acting and powerful. Extreme dizziness, body aches, inability to sleep, sore throat, swollen body, loss of voice, semi-consciousness, and fever. I ended up going to a local doctor, something I try to avoid, and am happy I did. I immediately received an antibiotic shot and I must return for 3-6 more. I'm already feeling better, and after my first injection was finally able to sleep- Major Triumph.
I figure there's several positive aspects to this: 1) I now will have a stronger immune defense against local germs and 2) I'm officially Mexicana- I mean, the flu germs, the Mexican flu germs, were literally inside of me- I'm as good as a local.
Chalk this up to yet another experience, in a strange and beautiful Land!
Besos Amigos,
Jade
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Hola from Mexico!
Me Amigos, you will never believe where I am- hopefully once you do you will understand my hiatus from blogging.
I am in Mexico City! I know, can you believe it? Let me tell you a story: Since I have been a very young girl I have been fascinated with Spanish and the Latin culture. I think this has something to do with my Italian heritage. There is a real similarity of culture between the Italians and Latinos and I have always wanted to know more about the later.
When I was about five years old I remember standing beside a Mexican family in our local grocery store. I was absolutely enamored with their language and so intrigued at the idea of using different words to indicate the same things. That day, my fascination with language began and it has been tinkering around in my mind since.
This past year has offered me the opportunity to make a complete 360 change in my life (thanks Mom) and find myself. I am vibrantly aware of what a gift this is; the gift of being allowed to pursue your true self and consequently your dreams and goals is invaluable.
That is the short story of how I now find myself, on 9 Febrero 2010, writing to you from a departmento overlooking Mexico City. I have been here three weeks, and in these three weeks have had more life changing experience and growth than I ever could have imagined.
It's hard to know where to start; I want to share all of my experiences with you but there have been so many that delineating this stimulating journey proves a little tricky. Aha, that's it- I think I know how to describe this journey to you: Everything is New.
No exaggeration here, it is all new and different, glamorous and terrifying, challenging and invigorating- and I love it.
To be in an environment where I am constantly challenged is awesome. I am learning Spanish, but am definitely not fluent yet. I am in a Spanish-speaking country where English is not used...... Challengingly frustratingly wonderful? Si! Bring it on, I want this challenge and I will be fluent, as for now it is a "win"to be a Spanish speaker at all- even if I am an infant speaker. I am loving learning the language and will be a successful, fluent, Spanish speaker soon.
I have done many exciting things since arriving here, but am finding that the things I enjoy the most are quiet moments during an extended lunch at a small cafe listening to a musician that comes to serenade us all, watching families on the metro, hearing the different music vendors are selling, and people watching.............
Food and weight wise, I am doing really well. It's extremely easy being gluten free here as corn is the main grain staple. Leche is a bit more difficult to avoid, but nothing insurmountable. I have joined a local gym and frequent it at least four days a week, using doing some sort of cardio 3 days and weights 2 days. I am also walking a lot- a whole lot. Not to mention the 500 something steps I took up the Aztec pyramids.
I am immersed in a culture different than what I've known. It's isolating and welcoming, reserved and effusive, macho and tender,progressive and third world, feo and bonita. Mexico is a beautiful dichotomy and I love it.
I hope you all have the oppurtunity to reach for a dream- you will never regret any movement you make towards your goals.
Abrazos y Besos,
Jade (Hathe en Espanol)
I am in Mexico City! I know, can you believe it? Let me tell you a story: Since I have been a very young girl I have been fascinated with Spanish and the Latin culture. I think this has something to do with my Italian heritage. There is a real similarity of culture between the Italians and Latinos and I have always wanted to know more about the later.
When I was about five years old I remember standing beside a Mexican family in our local grocery store. I was absolutely enamored with their language and so intrigued at the idea of using different words to indicate the same things. That day, my fascination with language began and it has been tinkering around in my mind since.
This past year has offered me the opportunity to make a complete 360 change in my life (thanks Mom) and find myself. I am vibrantly aware of what a gift this is; the gift of being allowed to pursue your true self and consequently your dreams and goals is invaluable.
That is the short story of how I now find myself, on 9 Febrero 2010, writing to you from a departmento overlooking Mexico City. I have been here three weeks, and in these three weeks have had more life changing experience and growth than I ever could have imagined.
It's hard to know where to start; I want to share all of my experiences with you but there have been so many that delineating this stimulating journey proves a little tricky. Aha, that's it- I think I know how to describe this journey to you: Everything is New.
No exaggeration here, it is all new and different, glamorous and terrifying, challenging and invigorating- and I love it.
To be in an environment where I am constantly challenged is awesome. I am learning Spanish, but am definitely not fluent yet. I am in a Spanish-speaking country where English is not used...... Challengingly frustratingly wonderful? Si! Bring it on, I want this challenge and I will be fluent, as for now it is a "win"to be a Spanish speaker at all- even if I am an infant speaker. I am loving learning the language and will be a successful, fluent, Spanish speaker soon.
I have done many exciting things since arriving here, but am finding that the things I enjoy the most are quiet moments during an extended lunch at a small cafe listening to a musician that comes to serenade us all, watching families on the metro, hearing the different music vendors are selling, and people watching.............
Food and weight wise, I am doing really well. It's extremely easy being gluten free here as corn is the main grain staple. Leche is a bit more difficult to avoid, but nothing insurmountable. I have joined a local gym and frequent it at least four days a week, using doing some sort of cardio 3 days and weights 2 days. I am also walking a lot- a whole lot. Not to mention the 500 something steps I took up the Aztec pyramids.
I am immersed in a culture different than what I've known. It's isolating and welcoming, reserved and effusive, macho and tender,progressive and third world, feo and bonita. Mexico is a beautiful dichotomy and I love it.
I hope you all have the oppurtunity to reach for a dream- you will never regret any movement you make towards your goals.
Abrazos y Besos,
Jade (Hathe en Espanol)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Living Gluten Free and Loving IT
Hey Ya'll,
You hear you can no longer eat gluten- the doctor flatly states, "You can't eat anymore barley, rye, oats, or wheat- period". Alright- what's your reaction? Shock, disgust, anger?
Or- are you like me and when you hear this your instantly hit with an insatiable curiosity and some deep bell goes off because you know that finally a truth has been found?
I was happy- I am happy, and the longer I stay away and better I feel- the happier and happier I become. I cannot tell you the INCREDIBLE changes occurring with my body, which of course is making me just one heck of a happy girl! First off, my skin! I have struggled with acne for over 10 years. I've tried Acutane, retinol, ProActive, blah blah blah. My skin never recovered, although it might improve- it would not clear up completely and heal.
Well, thanks to ending my relationship with gluten, and finding a gifted aesthetician my skin has NEVER looked better (well okay when I was a baby maybe but you get the idea). My skin is so clear and healthy looking. This is a huge development and I am just tickled pink.
My energy has improved, my lean body mass is increasing (with exercise), I want to do more and more things, I'm losing weight, and well- I'm glowing.
I am so happy to be living this lifestyle, it's like I have finally taken a huge step in the right direction and I can see a very bright future. I know I'll reach my goal of Optimal Radiant Health.
Oh, on a side note- I can't get enough apples right now. Want a non-gluten-containing yummy treat? Core a nice organic apple, sprinkle on cinnamon and bake or broil for about 5-10 minutes. No sugar needed- it's sweet and delicious- sweet as pie.
Besos!
Jades
You hear you can no longer eat gluten- the doctor flatly states, "You can't eat anymore barley, rye, oats, or wheat- period". Alright- what's your reaction? Shock, disgust, anger?
Or- are you like me and when you hear this your instantly hit with an insatiable curiosity and some deep bell goes off because you know that finally a truth has been found?
I was happy- I am happy, and the longer I stay away and better I feel- the happier and happier I become. I cannot tell you the INCREDIBLE changes occurring with my body, which of course is making me just one heck of a happy girl! First off, my skin! I have struggled with acne for over 10 years. I've tried Acutane, retinol, ProActive, blah blah blah. My skin never recovered, although it might improve- it would not clear up completely and heal.
Well, thanks to ending my relationship with gluten, and finding a gifted aesthetician my skin has NEVER looked better (well okay when I was a baby maybe but you get the idea). My skin is so clear and healthy looking. This is a huge development and I am just tickled pink.
My energy has improved, my lean body mass is increasing (with exercise), I want to do more and more things, I'm losing weight, and well- I'm glowing.
I am so happy to be living this lifestyle, it's like I have finally taken a huge step in the right direction and I can see a very bright future. I know I'll reach my goal of Optimal Radiant Health.
Oh, on a side note- I can't get enough apples right now. Want a non-gluten-containing yummy treat? Core a nice organic apple, sprinkle on cinnamon and bake or broil for about 5-10 minutes. No sugar needed- it's sweet and delicious- sweet as pie.
Besos!
Jades
Thursday, December 3, 2009
This Week In This Girl's Life
Hello my Friends,
I hope this finds y'all doing well, I trust everyone had your full of Thanksgiving delights and is able to freely move around and is nearing the end of endless turkey sandwiches and cranberry snacks.
My week was quite good. I ended up spending most of it alone as my Mom had to fly out of town last minute and my Dad has been MIA at the Texas coast for a month now.
On T Day I entered my first race, the Turkey Trot, and trotted around the Capital and downtown area with 14,000 other athletes. It was a wonderful way to start the day. Families brought their children and pets, big-time athletes showed off and demonstrated their inspiring abilities, and of course we had our token Austin quirky characters. I found myself smiling in these peoples' company and spontaneously decided to make this a new TDay tradition for myself. I want to be around people who care enough about health, family, and community to show up and work together on a pretty November day.
I left happy and inspired, next year I will be one of the 5 mile runners and get a photograph of me crossing the finish line in all my glory. I then went into Whole Foods and got a double shot of espresso, blended with ice: No sugar, milk, syrup (I think I've named all the choices the barrista gave me). It was yummy and I felt special gripping my fancy-smanzy coffee drink browsing the aisles. I checked out sugar substitutes, bright colored produce, and people watched. I then meandered over to my best friend's house and had the meal.
She is an incredible chef and made quite the vegan spread. The colors were amazing, and I took some shots for her. I found myself realizing that what made the spread so unique looking was not the lack of meat, eggs, or dairy- it was the vast rainbow of color. Thanksgiving spreads are usually monotone, I came to realize. I had never fully realized this before, but the more I think about it the more sure I am of this recent discovery; which led to another decision being made that any Thanksgiving meal I make will have all the colors in it.
I did not partake in her beautiful food, being that it was heavily laden with gluten. Instead she graciously steamed me bright spinach and sparkling asparagus, and after several phone calls of encouragement an insistence from her, I even brought my own organic grass-fed steak. Dessert consisted of perhaps the best apple I've ever had sprinkled with cinnamon. It was a wonderful meal, and I felt great. It left me with a sense of well being and happiness, and plenty of energy which I put t towards happily cleaning the house when I got home.
Cliche was it might be, I have been thinking a lot lately about what I am thankful for. But really, isn't that the point of Thanksgiving? So perhaps it is not cliche, but intentional focus on what I have and the gratitude I feel because of it.
I am thankful for many, many things. My family immediately comes to mind, the relationships I have and cherish, the healthy body I'm creating to reach it's full potential, our laid back kitty, Easy, and me. Yes me- this Thanksgiving what makes me proud is I'm learning to show up for myself. I'm conscious, aware, and respectful of me- and gosh darn it, I love myself.
Hallelujah, now that's something to be thankful about.
Besos, Jades
I hope this finds y'all doing well, I trust everyone had your full of Thanksgiving delights and is able to freely move around and is nearing the end of endless turkey sandwiches and cranberry snacks.
My week was quite good. I ended up spending most of it alone as my Mom had to fly out of town last minute and my Dad has been MIA at the Texas coast for a month now.
On T Day I entered my first race, the Turkey Trot, and trotted around the Capital and downtown area with 14,000 other athletes. It was a wonderful way to start the day. Families brought their children and pets, big-time athletes showed off and demonstrated their inspiring abilities, and of course we had our token Austin quirky characters. I found myself smiling in these peoples' company and spontaneously decided to make this a new TDay tradition for myself. I want to be around people who care enough about health, family, and community to show up and work together on a pretty November day.
I left happy and inspired, next year I will be one of the 5 mile runners and get a photograph of me crossing the finish line in all my glory. I then went into Whole Foods and got a double shot of espresso, blended with ice: No sugar, milk, syrup (I think I've named all the choices the barrista gave me). It was yummy and I felt special gripping my fancy-smanzy coffee drink browsing the aisles. I checked out sugar substitutes, bright colored produce, and people watched. I then meandered over to my best friend's house and had the meal.
She is an incredible chef and made quite the vegan spread. The colors were amazing, and I took some shots for her. I found myself realizing that what made the spread so unique looking was not the lack of meat, eggs, or dairy- it was the vast rainbow of color. Thanksgiving spreads are usually monotone, I came to realize. I had never fully realized this before, but the more I think about it the more sure I am of this recent discovery; which led to another decision being made that any Thanksgiving meal I make will have all the colors in it.
I did not partake in her beautiful food, being that it was heavily laden with gluten. Instead she graciously steamed me bright spinach and sparkling asparagus, and after several phone calls of encouragement an insistence from her, I even brought my own organic grass-fed steak. Dessert consisted of perhaps the best apple I've ever had sprinkled with cinnamon. It was a wonderful meal, and I felt great. It left me with a sense of well being and happiness, and plenty of energy which I put t towards happily cleaning the house when I got home.
Cliche was it might be, I have been thinking a lot lately about what I am thankful for. But really, isn't that the point of Thanksgiving? So perhaps it is not cliche, but intentional focus on what I have and the gratitude I feel because of it.
I am thankful for many, many things. My family immediately comes to mind, the relationships I have and cherish, the healthy body I'm creating to reach it's full potential, our laid back kitty, Easy, and me. Yes me- this Thanksgiving what makes me proud is I'm learning to show up for myself. I'm conscious, aware, and respectful of me- and gosh darn it, I love myself.
Hallelujah, now that's something to be thankful about.
Besos, Jades
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Allergies
Hey Ya'll!
Alrighty, I'm sure you've heard of allergies. People are allergic to all sorts of things- foods, plants, pollutants, fabrics, etc. What is an allergy? An allergy is an immune reaction wherein your body essentially rejects something it finds harmful. The symptoms range from itchy eyes to stomach pains, headaches, severe illness, closing of the throat, etc. There's also different types of antibody reactions, which then create different allergic reactions.
Why are allergies important? Besides the physical discomfort exposure to allergens can create, there are more serious physiological and psychological affects.
When your body is in immune response it shuts down or limits many of its metabolic functions. It almost goes into a "preserve" mode wherein it limits functions in order to protect the body and use energy in for the immune defense. This is taxing on the body and limits effective digestion, metabolism, and other bodily functions. It is extremely difficult to lose weight in the presence of allergic exposure because 1) the body is in the immune defense mode and 2) the body retains fluid to help protect itself from the allergen.
This immune response leads into many psychological problems and has been linked with learning disabilities, depression, and even schizophrenia. The link between emotional problems and allergen exposure should not be over looked. Many studies show an intrinsic link and you should take heed. This can especially be useful for a child suffering from learning disabilities. Instead of putting the child on mind-altering (and chemistry - hormone altering which has devastating affects long term) their allergies must be tested.
I personally had my allergies tested through Austin Wellness Clinic here in Austin, Texas. I worked with Dr. Vince Bellonzi. Here is an exerpt from his website: "There are two types of reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) reaction, and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) reaction. IgE reactions are more immediate and generally occur minutes or hours after a food is ingested. These are also more obvious reactions often resulting in swelling, rash, and in severe cases, asphyxiation. On the other hand, IgG reactions are more difficult to detect, with the effects occurring subtly, sometimes for days after the food is ingested. These allergies can only be determined by the difficult process of eliminating suspected foods, or by advanced testing." www.Austinwellnessclinic.com (It should be noted that I am not accepting any endorsement, matter fact, Dr. Bellonzi doesn't know I'm writing this).
The long and short of it is that more and more studies are revealing the link between impaired mental and physical health to allergies. Find yourself a health professional who can test for both types (or go to two different professionals) if you or someone you know is having physical and/or mental problems and be amazed at what you find- it's life changing.
Best in Health,
Jades
Alrighty, I'm sure you've heard of allergies. People are allergic to all sorts of things- foods, plants, pollutants, fabrics, etc. What is an allergy? An allergy is an immune reaction wherein your body essentially rejects something it finds harmful. The symptoms range from itchy eyes to stomach pains, headaches, severe illness, closing of the throat, etc. There's also different types of antibody reactions, which then create different allergic reactions.
Why are allergies important? Besides the physical discomfort exposure to allergens can create, there are more serious physiological and psychological affects.
When your body is in immune response it shuts down or limits many of its metabolic functions. It almost goes into a "preserve" mode wherein it limits functions in order to protect the body and use energy in for the immune defense. This is taxing on the body and limits effective digestion, metabolism, and other bodily functions. It is extremely difficult to lose weight in the presence of allergic exposure because 1) the body is in the immune defense mode and 2) the body retains fluid to help protect itself from the allergen.
This immune response leads into many psychological problems and has been linked with learning disabilities, depression, and even schizophrenia. The link between emotional problems and allergen exposure should not be over looked. Many studies show an intrinsic link and you should take heed. This can especially be useful for a child suffering from learning disabilities. Instead of putting the child on mind-altering (and chemistry - hormone altering which has devastating affects long term) their allergies must be tested.
I personally had my allergies tested through Austin Wellness Clinic here in Austin, Texas. I worked with Dr. Vince Bellonzi. Here is an exerpt from his website: "There are two types of reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) reaction, and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) reaction. IgE reactions are more immediate and generally occur minutes or hours after a food is ingested. These are also more obvious reactions often resulting in swelling, rash, and in severe cases, asphyxiation. On the other hand, IgG reactions are more difficult to detect, with the effects occurring subtly, sometimes for days after the food is ingested. These allergies can only be determined by the difficult process of eliminating suspected foods, or by advanced testing." www.Austinwellnessclinic.com (It should be noted that I am not accepting any endorsement, matter fact, Dr. Bellonzi doesn't know I'm writing this).
The long and short of it is that more and more studies are revealing the link between impaired mental and physical health to allergies. Find yourself a health professional who can test for both types (or go to two different professionals) if you or someone you know is having physical and/or mental problems and be amazed at what you find- it's life changing.
Best in Health,
Jades
Friday, November 13, 2009
I'm a Vlogger!
Hey Ya'll!
Drum roll please, guess what- I'm on Utube! Yeah, how exciting is this? You can find me at lifewithjades.
My channel is going to reflect my life, interest, career endeavors, and Optimal Health journey.
I am not just losing weight, I've done that before, I can do that. Now I'm changing my life and achieving Optimal Health. I'm releasing pounds, increasing muscle, handling my sugar sensitivity and food allergies, and creating a lifestyle wherein I excel.
My gluten and casein free diet is going well. I've had a few slips and definitely feel the difference. The terrible feeling I have afterwards is definitely motivating to stay on track. Not to mention the weight gain eating something I'm allergic to causes- it creates major water retention and makes for frustration.
Optimal Health- to me that means I will have confidence in how I look and not use my weight to stop me. I will be able to pursue anything I desire (acting/ modeling/ being an athlete/ physical rigorous adventure type activities/ wearing a bikini/ living in a way I' m proud of) and not have an excuse to be "afraid of my light". Optimal Health, to me, means Radiance.
ML,
Jades
Drum roll please, guess what- I'm on Utube! Yeah, how exciting is this? You can find me at lifewithjades.
My channel is going to reflect my life, interest, career endeavors, and Optimal Health journey.
I am not just losing weight, I've done that before, I can do that. Now I'm changing my life and achieving Optimal Health. I'm releasing pounds, increasing muscle, handling my sugar sensitivity and food allergies, and creating a lifestyle wherein I excel.
My gluten and casein free diet is going well. I've had a few slips and definitely feel the difference. The terrible feeling I have afterwards is definitely motivating to stay on track. Not to mention the weight gain eating something I'm allergic to causes- it creates major water retention and makes for frustration.
Optimal Health- to me that means I will have confidence in how I look and not use my weight to stop me. I will be able to pursue anything I desire (acting/ modeling/ being an athlete/ physical rigorous adventure type activities/ wearing a bikini/ living in a way I' m proud of) and not have an excuse to be "afraid of my light". Optimal Health, to me, means Radiance.
ML,
Jades
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Gluten Intolerance; Say What?
Hi Ya'll,
How's your week going? Mine is going really great so far. Let me catch you up to speed.
I got the results back from the allergy test and it revealed some very interesting things. As previously mentioned, the culprits- almonds, beets, wheat, goat and cow milk, cheese, pineapple, zucchini, brewer and baker's yeast, and also gluten intolerance.
First off, gluten-gluten-gluten. Turns out gluten and I are not friends. First question, what exactly is gluten? Gluten is the protein in many grains, such as wheat, barley, spelt, etc. It is the sticky stuff that is a binding agent and thus used in a lot of baking, sietan, etc. I've done some research and found it also is found in lots of baked goods, sand which meats, ice cream, candy, vegan foods, etc. Moral of the story is you really have to check out labels to ensure it isn't hiding somewhere in there.
I have cut out my allergic foods for the past week and the difference already is amazing. I experienced immediate increase energy, clarity, lessening of cravings and appetite, and weight loss. The difference in my overall attitude was amazing. I was "slipped" some gluten on accident Halloween night (nutritional yeast in a potato) and at the next morning woke up with a pounding headache, itchy skin/ eyes/ nose, and major lethargy. There were also some beets in a salad I had, and again, experienced my throat swelling, itchiness, and moodiness. So, the allergy thing is true- and it's making a big difference in how I'm feeling, my weight loss, my mood, and overall happiness.
I'm really happy to have done these tests and looking forward to continual research into gluten and casein free lifestyle. I'm really onto something here, and with patience and understanding finding the correct lifestyle for myself.
This week I've concentrated on positive reinforcement as well. I'm making positive affirmations and really focusing on what I want, who I want around me to help me get there, and the exact steps I am taking- and need to take to accomplish those goals.
Happy Week!
ML,
Jades
How's your week going? Mine is going really great so far. Let me catch you up to speed.
I got the results back from the allergy test and it revealed some very interesting things. As previously mentioned, the culprits- almonds, beets, wheat, goat and cow milk, cheese, pineapple, zucchini, brewer and baker's yeast, and also gluten intolerance.
First off, gluten-gluten-gluten. Turns out gluten and I are not friends. First question, what exactly is gluten? Gluten is the protein in many grains, such as wheat, barley, spelt, etc. It is the sticky stuff that is a binding agent and thus used in a lot of baking, sietan, etc. I've done some research and found it also is found in lots of baked goods, sand which meats, ice cream, candy, vegan foods, etc. Moral of the story is you really have to check out labels to ensure it isn't hiding somewhere in there.
I have cut out my allergic foods for the past week and the difference already is amazing. I experienced immediate increase energy, clarity, lessening of cravings and appetite, and weight loss. The difference in my overall attitude was amazing. I was "slipped" some gluten on accident Halloween night (nutritional yeast in a potato) and at the next morning woke up with a pounding headache, itchy skin/ eyes/ nose, and major lethargy. There were also some beets in a salad I had, and again, experienced my throat swelling, itchiness, and moodiness. So, the allergy thing is true- and it's making a big difference in how I'm feeling, my weight loss, my mood, and overall happiness.
I'm really happy to have done these tests and looking forward to continual research into gluten and casein free lifestyle. I'm really onto something here, and with patience and understanding finding the correct lifestyle for myself.
This week I've concentrated on positive reinforcement as well. I'm making positive affirmations and really focusing on what I want, who I want around me to help me get there, and the exact steps I am taking- and need to take to accomplish those goals.
Happy Week!
ML,
Jades
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