A Revelation....

A recent quandary has transformed me in more ways than I imagined. This revelation has prompted me to alter my lifestyle to a more holistic one. I started with surrendering a large portion of my favorite foods (predominantly unhealthy processed animal and dairy products), allowing me to implement a more organic and healthy diet. I'm already quite active with rigorous boot camp, body fit and cardio classes. In addition, making the switch to paraben and sulfate-free products was not an easy transition (my hair and underarms are still trying to adjust). My dilemma surfaces as I begin to wonder where to draw the line? Am I ready to completely renounce dairy and meat products? Am I strong enough is the question, really. During my lunch this afternoon, I stopped in to Kramer's,(a store that sells all holistic and organic products) in the South Loop. When I go in here, I try to steer clear from asking for any type of assistance. Usually I know what I want and I check out quickly. Why you ask? Because I tend to come out traumatized and paranoid after speaking to one of the employees, today being the case in point. I proceeded to ask Sheila advice on an effective shampoo for thinning hair. She immediately offers her advice and informs me that the problem is not my hair but my eating habits. Essentially, she accused my liver of being toxic and soiled which is why my hair follicles are "torpid" as she described it. For thirty minutes she lectured me on the need to start a juice diet and subsequently give up dairy and meats produce. Otherwise I am looking at a short-life span. Though I greatly appreciated Sheila's time and advice, this is not the first time I have heard this shpeel. Still, the way Sheila described it put a serious jolt in my day. Exiting Kramers I began to ponder on my willingness to give up two of my all time favorite things to eat. Am I strong enough to overcome this? Can I really stick to it, if I start it? Then I proceeded to contemplate about my favorite dishes; Kumas burger, pizza, and more poignant....my favorite mom dish: sopes. I can't, I just can't. This recent quandary that I speak of has indefinitely changed me and I will eternally be conscious of what I put in my mouth. Nonetheless, I realize all is fair in moderation. I can opt to consume a more natural selection of dairy and meat products, enjoy their invigorating flavors, meanwhile be conscious that I should consume them infrequently. This life-changing journey has also swayed me to want to educate and raise awareness about nutrition, particularly in the Latino community(s). As a Latina, and through much observation of my own community and family dynamics, I realized that we are notorious for consuming large portions of red meat and dairy products. Not always being mindful of the excess of harmful toxins involved. Giving up meat and dairy should be the wise choice, however, I don't think I am ready to jump ship just yet. I have done significant research, finding other great options which are rich in vitamins and are considered "super foods". I feel renewed and I want to help others. Here is hoping to impact at least one life in the near future.

Renewed and Enlightened,
CurlyHairGirl