Tuesday's Tip

I have lost some weight. Not as much as people think, but it is a few pounds.

I packed on the pounds after Missy was born. It took awhile for me to decide it was enough, but I did get to that point. I made a few changes and was able to drop some weight. I admit to 35 pounds. At some point I quit getting on the scale, so I don't know exactly how much.

That was great, but I needed to take another step. I had made a few changes and lost some weight, but there were bigger issues to tackle. I needed to make some lifestyle changes.

I'm slow. I don't deal well with change. I don't like any sudden disruptions in my life. But I'm not getting any younger and the stress of living in our toxic world has taken its toll on my body. I needed to clean up my act.

People have noticed and commented on the changes in me. And I just plain feel better. I thought this would be a great place for me to share some of the changes that I have made and why I made them. Some are related to food and diet, but a lot are household and other lifestyle changes. Some are big, some are little, but they all add up and make my life a little better, a little less toxic.

And so Tuesday's Tip is born. Each Tuesday I will try to share a little something I have changed in my life. If you you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to comment and let me know. I am not a doctor or specialist in this (or any!) area, so this is just what I've read and experienced along the way. We will start with....

Kefir

I have added kefir to my diet. Kefir is a cultured, enzyme-rich food filled with friendly micro-organisms that help balance your "inner ecosystem." It really helps sluggish digestive systems.

It is an ancient food. Anything that has been eaten for literally thousands of years has got to have something going for it! It is more nutritious and therapeutic than yogurt, and it supplies complete protein, essential minerals, and B vitamins.

You can make it home if you like, but it is available in most grocery stores now. I buy an organic kefir at Whole Foods. It is thick and tasty and makes a great smoothie. And it helps balance out my insides. Of course, the unflavored variety is the best, but it does come in many sweetened flavors that make it more palatable. Kefir has a little more “zing” than yogurt.

I am lactose intolerant, but the beneficial yeast and friendly bacteria in the kefir culture consume most of the lactose (or milk sugar). I don't have much trouble with it.

Kefir, it's what's for breakfast. (But I also like to take a swig any time I open the fridge. Yum.)