Yesterday, I started this blog post. I ranted, and I inserted photos that I had linked to CDC, etc., and this morning, when I went to continue editing the post, everything was gone except for one picture.
Every word I had written was gone – lost in WordPress cyberspace, or removed because I had ranted about the lack of really valuable information being shared by the government about what we humans can be doing to help ourselves during the pandemic.
Healthwise, that is. They focus on commonsensical things we should be doing, like washing our hands and staying home when sick, etc.
That seriously bugs the h*ll out of me.
I’ve since forgotten what I wrote, so I guess that’s okay the words disappeared, even if I’m feeling down about it. It was a helluva clever post, trust me!
I’m numb to the feelings of ‘someone took that away from me, how dare they?’
Whether you lean right or left, depending upon which side of the plexiglass you stand, we’ve all had that stormy feeling come and go plenty during this pandemic.
Anyhoo … I’m back on the writing horse again and just want to share what I’ve learned during the pandemic.
About the virus that’s lurking around us. Just waiting to pounce on innocent victims.
And about the greener grass on the other side that has helped us learn what to eat to lessen our risk factors of catching it. And how we’ve trimmed our waistlines several notches on the belts we needed to wear to keep our pants up until we could shop retail again.
Well before the actual ‘at risk’ population for COVID-19 was defined for us by the CDC, et Al., Mr. and I had embarked on a life-changing excursion.
That learning excursion has taken us on a journey resulting in a different kind of loss than losing our lives to a virus. Loss, as in weight loss, and losses of the exact co-morbidities that would’ve put us at greater risk.
Especially diabetes.
Note, even the WHO tells us in the last two bullet points how to prevent or delay it.
Neither one of us was ever diagnosed with diabetes, but as we took a closer look at our metabolic measurements, they clearly indicated we were heading that way. Along with millions of fellow humans. Just look at the growth rate in one year’s time.
And how is that happening to so many people and killing more than COVID? One in 11 people has diabetes!
It’s our worldwide’s addiction to processed and unhealthy foods that contain cancer-causing added chemicals such as ‘natural flavors’, etc., washed down with sugar-laced beverages, or my former favorite, carb-loaded beers.
We’ve been eating and drinking our way to an early or unhealthy death for decades.
And … the most toxic, addictive forming chemical of all, leading us that way …
SUGAR
Did you know that added sugar in processed foods is listed on the packaging and it comes in 56 different names? Google it, you’ll learn A LOT as well. Or check out this book or any of Robert’s research about sugar.
Each book I read in the last three months has revealed to me that we humans should be fearing our overall decline in health. And FAST! (And do intermittent fasting while we’re at it …)
We should do so in a worldwide effort to SAVE LIVES.
More so than chasing spittle launched viruses as we don masks in hopes we won’t spread it or catch it from each other.
But, if we stop to notice that there are people who aren’t dying. What’s their trick? How come they’re asymptomatic or never get it? Isn’t that because they have a healthy immune system? I think that is our best defense.
Viruses come along every year. Yes, this year’s COVID one is nasty and has taken way too many lives. For that, I’m deeply saddened. Especially since many of those who died were living with, often, and well documented reversible diseases.
What will it take for us humans to spring into action and take our health back into our own hands? While we’re locked down, or staying home to avoid the virus, we’ve got time on our hands to learn what we can do to help improve our immune systems. We can put that learning to well use to SAVE LIVES!
Stay healthy! xx
PS – What’s your favorite trick for staying healthy during virus seasons? Have you reversed a disease by changing your lifestyle?
Our health is primarily our own responsibility. When it gets to the point that we need laws to help us stay healthy, we’re in trouble.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Dan!
Lots of good information. As a member of five at risk groups, I thank you for sharing. The information is of high value and can save a lot of lives when used properly.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts John. My heart goes out to you and all of the people who are in the high-risk groups. xx
When I was still working, I traveling a LOT – like three weeks/month. Airline travel is a pit of germs IMO, and I was consistently fighting sinus infections and colds despite my best efforts. My first activity when checking into a hotel was to wipe everything down. And the remote freaked me out most.
Of course, I was also stressed to the max (big factor) and having to do social meals with team members and customers many nights led me to eat poorly (too late, too fatty, too salty) and sleep poorly. Once I quit my job/retired early, my health improved almost overnight. I’m no saint and love my junk foods as much as the next person, but I know there is a definite relationship between that cr*p and how I feel. Avoiding sugar avoids heartburn for me – direct and quick reaction. As for Covid, I am a freaky germphobic to begin with, and I have just added a few Clorox wipe passes after I grocery shop. I used to enjoy grocery shopping within reason – now it’s a grim and unwelcome task. OK, end rant. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Laurel. Everytime (which hasn’t been often) I’ve traveled on a plane I’ve felt like you describe – in the pit of germs. And the remotes at hotels – ew! I have a friend who carries ziplock baggies to put the remote in so they can use it without actually touching it.
Stress and junk food – bad combination. You’re on to something by noticing the heartburn. I was getting that a lot with my Tostitos binging!
I made my first shopping trip in 90 days to Walmart this past week – I couldn’t get enough of the sanitizer on the handles of the small basket!
Thank you for sharing your rant, I always appreciate hearing your thoughts!
Our government doesn’t truly care about us, hence the lack of usable information. We are expendable sheeple…
Thank you for sharing your thoughts John.
In my opinion, as we all want give one over this chaos, there are many ways to go and no information to help define any given direction. I don’t trust the news, have little trust of the government, and not real sure we can trust the numbers of the CDC. The only thing I myself can trust is God and His direction for me. He is sovereign and the one really in control, so I do what I can that makes common sense and try to stay in step with His guidance for me. And PRAY.
Anita, thank you for sharing your thoughts on how prayer and God help you through life! xx
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Hi Shelley. Nice to see you here. I had gestational diabetes with my last two pregnancies and Type II diabetes after I turned 50 and had to take two pills a day to help keep it in check. Fortunately, I reversed my diabetes by following the Keto/low carb/low sugar eating plan. I just ordered a couple of pairs of shorts because it’s getting warmer and all my clothes are too big 🙂 I do believe we can and should control our own health.
We are in the process if reversing diabetes 2 in our home. Keto/ Lo carb … but if we slip, the effects are noticeable. Is there an easy way without prepared foods?
My Mr’s diabetic medication was causing thyroid and kidney issues so it gave me the impetus to be more diligent about our diet.
Way to take charge and be more diligent about what you eat! It does make a huge difference.
Reversing Type 2 comes with reducing the carbs. Yes, and when you slip it is quickly noticed! Some really great sources on how to do Keto/Lo Carb can be found by Google searches on Low Carb Down Under, or Dr. Sten Ekberg, or Dr. Ken Berry on YouTube.
Thanks for the resource!
You’re welcome. I wish you well on your journey!
Hi Janet – thank you for sharing your story with us. I remember when you first started your journey with Keto and I was like, “That’s gonna be bad …!” But then I learned more about it, and watched your story unfold and I found inspiration and am still cheering you on! Diabetes doesn’t have to ruin our lives, it can be controlled and reversed, you’re a living example of it! YAY for smaller shorts!!! YIPPEE!
John and others,
If you like, take a look at my latest blog just now being created … to see my response to some of the comments made here. While I don’t disagree with them, I guess I have a different take. As I wrote one of you privately, I think often of the elephant story we all know … because many of our pronouncements about this pandemic virus are made from the comforts or discomforts of our own geographical boundaries.
Hi Ellen, thank you for sharing your thoughts. You’re right, our perspectives do relate to our own geographical boundaries. For those curious to see your post, I’m sharing the link here! Clever clickbait title!
https://slowerlane.home.blog/2020/05/28/i-was-a-socialist-spy-for-the-fbi/
You are doing such a good job with your regimen! My husband read Salt, Sugar, Fat–have you read that? I think it was after he read that that he started to do the intermittent fasting, and it really works for him. I’m happy if I can just maintain my healthy weight, though I do know I need to be more active, especially as I see “the change” approach. The writer’s life isn’t so good for keeping super active–need to work on that. I think it’s easy to get complacent–even for those of us with the know-how and the resources to be healthy. Also, I think, as we age, we as Americans have come to think we’re “supposed” to gain a few pounds. My husband’s trick is buying only nice, tailored clothes. (I work from home so I don’t really need the tailored clothes!) While his friends from high school balloon with beer guts and go out and buy the next size larger chinos from Target, my husband, when he sees his slacks for work are getting a bit snug, cuts out the beer or fasts a few mornings a week. It’s not easy, I’m sure, but that’s his way. And I think we women ALMOST have it easier, because we’re trying to stay thin from the time we’re young. I think a lot of men are shocked at what happens when the metabolism slows! But, you’re right, it’s not just about how we look, but it’s about how long we will live on this planet!
Thank you Rebecca, I appreciate reading your thoughts. That’s cool to hear how your hubby is maintaining his tailored look. It was fun for my Mr. to get new pants and new shirts (which I raced through Walmart to buy on my first excursion to the store in 90 days!). $3.88 for a t-shirt was a big score!
Mr. and I did intermittent fasting a year ago and found that it does work really well. We’re so happy with our current plan and it is so easy (once we figured it all out) to maintain.
Interesting that you say women are used to trying to stay thin. That has been a consistent message that I remember starting when I was in high school.
Yes, indeed – it’s not how we look but how long we will live that matters most! I hope you’re teaching your kids how to maintain healthy weight. I’m sure they pay attention to your hubby?!
I do think my boys pay attention to my husband, as he tries to keep a healthy body weight. Also, my guys are good at knowing when their little tummies are full, and I’ve never made them finish everything on their plates. (Though sometimes this means I do!) I think we can easily lose the feeling of knowing when we’re satiated–especially when we eat really fast, as I do.
I just realized that I hadn’t answered your question regarding the book your husband read. I haven’t read that one, but I suspect it is in line with the Hacking book I just read. It’s amazing how much information has come forward in the last several decades about the foods we’ve been consuming and the chemicals added that hook us into eating way too much of it. I bet your hubby would like the Hacking book. That’s awesome that your boys pay attention to your hubby and that they know to stop when their tummies are full. That’s a key factor (so I read) to ward off childhood obesity. Yes, eating fast doesn’t help us consume until we’re satiated. The food we’ve been eating has been more satiating than our former diet. I have found replacement chips versus the Tostitos via Siete Brand. I still have to work hard on not consuming a bag of them in one setting! 😉
I’m a firm believer in the power of mint tea to solve that which ails me. I have no scientific reasoning to back up my claim, but drinking a mug of it seems to make me feel more alive.
I’ve never tried mint tea … maybe I should! I think holding a warm cup of anything makes my heart feel better. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Ally!
So much in one post Shelley that others may find helpful. I live in isolation any way so nothing has changed for me. Love the storm photo. You two stay well and keep writing and taking photos x
Thank you Brian. We’re like you, other than going places for necessities, we’re pretty much isolated at home. That storm rolling in just made me grab my camera. I’ve found a lot of valuable information from Low Carb Down Under. You and your bestie stay well too! I look forward to seeing what photos you’re capturing to share!
Not a lot of photos for my May wrap up. I will take time as I won’t be home until Monday night. Have a fabulous weekend Shelley
Safe travels – have a great weekend Brian!
Thanks Shelley 😀 have a fab one yourself
Sorry about losing your work! I love the storm photos. I agree that too much processed sugar is a problem for many people, but I’m finding that there are more people destroying their health by eating processed restaurant foods. Not just fast food! The majority of moderately priced restaurants use a lot of processed foods to fill out the menu. The most expensive REAL FOOD menu items are not as popular. Your best choice on the lunch menu is a big salad with chicken with olive oil and vinegar dressing. But most people will order something breaded and fried with a fried appetizer and maybe even a high calorie dessert. A large baked potato with a steak is also good. People have been brainwashed into thinking that processed soy ‘food’ creations are healthy, wrong! Eggs , meat, nuts, veggies, some fruits, are your best bet. I hope that the stay home orders have helped people learn how to cook and eat differently.
I went almost 90 days before going to the grocery store as well Shelley (did so as I used up my pantry supplies and still had not exhausted them, so went on Memorial Weekend). I had been listening to what was going on in San Francisco in late February as to the Coronavirus, so I went and did a fairly large shopping of perishables and other items to supplement my existing “stock” on March 1st. So this time I was nervous about going and thought there would be more restrictions about standing apart, regulation how many people were in the store – none of that happened. I likely would have returned earlier had I known that. I put all my stuff in the basement to “de-germ” as I’m a bit of a germaphobe to begin with – the pandemic is wigging me out.
Several years ago, I returned from walking one day and felt a tightness in my shoe a few hours later. It felt as if I had put on socks and somehow wadded them up and made creases or big wrinkles. I wore Minnetonka Moccasins in the house and they were kind of a sloppy fit. So I kicked off my shoe and saw inflammation on the big toe. Googled around as I figured it was gout – sure was per the images – red, swollen and shiny. I realized that everything I was eating was causing issues, so I eliminated them all and made a list to go shopping that weekend. I modified my entire diet as I decided there was no way I’d go on gout medicine (if I could help it). It helped immensely but the biggest issue I had was not drinking enough water during the day, so upped the water intake to 8 large glasses a day – I felt like I sloshed when I walked, but it was okay. The problem was everything I ate before was healthy – too healthy, but in the wrong way. I’ll include the link I wrote about my “discovery” knowing it will go to your SPAM for moderation:
https://lindaschaubblog.net/2017/03/05/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-2/
Thank you for sharing Linda! Wow-what an experience. Glad you figured it out. I personally think that every person is unique and not all diet recommendations work. What is bad is all the added sugar in processed foods and the recommendations to avoid healthy fats and salt. We need the minerals that help prevent diseases. And when we avoid whole foods and opt for processed foods we have health issues. You’re wise to stay away from processed sugars! Your exercise routine and staying hydrated likely saved you from a really bad case of gout too!
Yes, and it seems that no matter what you eat or drink, it is all too easy to be committing some sin as to unhealthy eating. Here I thought I was eating healthy and look what happened. Read the labels – the best way to stay healthy.
Yes, read labels, better yet, just eat whole foods that don’t come with labels! 😉