Living With Psoriasis - Healing Through Diet

One of my favourite salads: mixed greens, carrots, celery, cauliflower, radishes and cheddar cheese topped with oil and lemon juice

As indicated in my introductory post about living with Psoriasis, I am documenting my goal of healing (or at least controlling) my Psoriasis through natural means. One of the major changes I am undertaking is overhauling my diet. Most of my inspiration and guidance has come from  the book 'Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative'. It should be noted that  I am not strictly adhering to all of the suggestions in the book, I am focusing on diet for now.

Another favourite: mixed greens, cucumber, carrots, radishes, celery and feta, topped with oil and lemon juice

After reading the book and exploring suggestions on Psoriasis forums I have come up with an individualized plan that suits my lifestyle and goals. Here is what I came up with:

 

Plan A

*This is my first attempt and is a little less strict in regards to dietary limitations

* I am going to follow this plan for 3 months and evaluate my progress. If I do not see any improvement I will move onto plan B. (more about that later)

 

-My Diet will consist of 80% alkaline foods and 20% acidic foods

-I will not eat gluten, red meat or nightshades

-I will greatly limit my consumption of sweets and alcohol

-I will eat a large salad at least once a day

-I will drink 8 glasses of water every day.

Pesto pasta (recipe coming soon)

 So far I am loving this diet! I am feeling very healthy and satisfied and have not had much of an issue sticking to my self-imposed guidelines. My diet now features an abundant amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, poultry, fish, nuts and gluten free grains. It's amazing how easy it is to make dietary changes when your motivation is increased health :)

I have had a few challenges to overcome, but I am still feeling very positive and motivated now that I am a few weeks in.  I look forward to sharing my journey as I move forward. Some upcoming posts will include: my challenges so far, my favourite new recipes, and other lifestyle changes I have made that aren't related to my diet.

Everyday Happenings

 A cold and frosty morning

A leisurely weekend Breakfast in the sun

 Delicious, locally made apple cider

Look at all that flavourful goodness in the bottom

Homemade Cleaner

Because we have a new baby on the way, I have become interested in using more natural products in our home.  There are so many great resources out there, I had no trouble finding some easy 'recipes' that use common household ingredients. The first thing I wanted to make was an all-purpose cleaner, you can see the recipe I used here at I Heart Organizing.  I also printed off the cute label from the I Heart Organizing Website also.  

 All I needed was some baking soda, vinegar, water, a couple of spray bottles and a few drops of some essential oils (I used lemon)

It's been working great so far and has a very pleasant, natural smell that is not overpowering. I can't wait to try some more natural cleaning products in the near future.

Summer Bucket List 2012

Since summer is now in full swing, I figure it's the perfect time to introduce my Summer Bucket List.  Sitting down to write this out was a true joy. I just love thinking about all the wonderful things that come along with the season! I have even crossed a few items off of my list already, so stay tuned for some related blog-posts.  I have quite a backlog of blogposts that are waiting to be shared with everyone .

What I'm Up To Week #3

What I'm Reading:  "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan.  This book is extremely thorough and eye-opening, I can't believe the length of the chain that brings most food from the earth to our tables.  If you need encouragement to eat less processed food, this book would be a beneficial read. It delves deep into the relatively new phenomenon of industrial-organic, and also examines the realities of using a hunter-gatherer approach to acquiring food.

What I'm Watching: Revenge, Underworld Awakening

What I'm Listening To: Old favourites that I like to sing-along with - Jill Barber, Bic Runga and Chantal Kreviatzuk

What I'm Eating: Many new 'gluten-free' foods because were pretty sure we have a celiac in the house (and it's not me), just waiting for blood test results....  We decided we don't like rice pasta, but I absolutely love corn pasta!!! Fish has become a new staple in our house, we had fish tacos using this coleslaw recipe as filling, mmm mmm.

What I'm Making: I started knitting a second pouch for Kaitlin's birthday as per her request :)  The process is much quicker this time, and I find I can knit for longer periods without my hands hurting.
I also made some new labels for my kitchen containers, nothing fancy, just practical and cheery:

What is Inspiring Me: Gluten-Free Living blogs - This is a new topic for me but I have found so many helpful websites and delicious wheat-free recipes.  People who are diagnosed Celiac are very inspiring themselves, I can't believe the sense of community that has been created, there are so many positive attitudes out there!  Gluten-Free Goddess is a wonderful resource for recipes and Celiacs in the House is packed with resources and links.

What is Making Me Smile:  The comments and feedback on my first yarn-along post! Thank you everyone for sharing your encouraging comments with me.  You can visit my yarn-along post here.

The new HGTV magazine has definitely been contributing to the huge smile on my face. I read every single word , from cover to cover, which is such a rarity for me.  It resonates with me so much that I may just have to subscribe to it :)

What I'm Up To - Week #2

(Please see the bottom of this post for a blurb about the unintended benefits of my "What I'm Up To' posts)

What I'm Making: I started a beginners knitting class this week and I am proud to say that I am working on my very first knitting project! I just knew I would love knitting and boy was my hunch right on :)  This little piece will eventually turn into a pouch/mini purse type thing, I can't wait to show you my finished product next week.

I also made a pencil holder that I featured previously in my cubicle makeover post:

What I'm Watching:  I haven't watched a single TV show or movie this week. Luckily, I've been to busy reading and creating, which I don't mind at all.

What I'm Listening To: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds (self titled album).  It is rare that I like every, single song on album, but this one is a special case apparently.  I loved Oasis as a kid and this new group appeals to me even more, if that's even possible.

What I'm Reading: Still finishing up 'The Conqueror' By Conn Iggulden... I"m taking my time because I don't want the series to end.

What I'm Eating: We tried some tangelos this week, because citrus fruit is in season, but we found the bag to be 'hit and miss.' Some were juicy but others were dry and shriveled and none of them were very sweet.

I am loving the new vanilla rooibos tea I've been drinking at work though, very subtle and no caffeine, which I find just perfect.

What's Inspiring Me:  'Nature Moms Blog' - I feel like this blog was made for me, specifically!  It contains list after list of useful, practical, green, healthy, and minimalist ideas.  She also reviews books, and products that actually appeal to me, I am forever clicking on her links and being rewarded for it.

What's Making Me Smile: One thing that I am super excited about (to say the least) is the new 'Couples Budget' I have started this month. Luke has finally agreed to let me track our spending and to create a realistic budget for the two of us.  I downloaded a free office program called Open Office (which is making me smile in its own right) and just had a ball creating spreadsheets.  I am a huge numbers geek and can't think of anything more fun than analyzing our finances and keeping a budget. I have been eagerly awaiting this moment for a long time and I am so very happy that its finally here!

Oh, and of course, I have to mention finishing my cubicle makeover, you can see my full post here.  Not only was it fun to do, my personalized environment certainly helps keep my spirits up at work.

 An un-intended benefit of my 'What I'm Up To Posts':

Now that I have this list of categories to fill out at the end of the week, it has really made me aware of how easily I get stuck in ruts, reading/listening/watching the same things.  It  also makes me aware of the weeks where my free time becomes very one-sided and un-balanced.  

Having a way to acknowledge and track how I’m spending my free time, what I’m eating, and what’s making me happy, has really helped me identify what is important to me at this time in my life.  It has also inspired me to become more diverse, to branch out, and to try new things as often as possible.  I think I will be doing this weekly feature for quite some time, I really enjoy the writing process and the resulting benefits!

What I'm Up To Week #1

I came up with a new idea for a weekly feature on my blog called "What I'm Up To".  Basically, I will write a little list each week of the new things that are inspiring me and the little things activities that I'm engaging in.

What I'm Reading:
'The Conquerer' by Conn Igulden - This is the last book in a series about the Mongol conquerer Ghengis Khan and his family. This in a must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction!

'You Are What You Eat' by Dr. Gillian McKeith  - Just started this one yesterday, so far I'm loving it

What I'm Listening To:
'Down the Way' By Angus and Julie Stone - I can't believe I've never heard of these two before, the are amazing and fit right into my listening style. I heard one of their songs on a Revenge episode last month and boy am I glad I tracked down the artist.

What I'm Watching:
TV Show - Revenge - The only new show worth watching this season (In my opinion)
Movies - Luke and I have watched all three Underworld movies in the past couple days. We needed to refresh our memories before going the see the new 3D Underworld: Awakening

What I'm Making:
I'm currently finishing up my cubicle makeover and will do a full feature post shortly :)  Here's what I've shown on my blog so far:

 Mouse Pad

Stamp Tray

I'm also using some of my new Christmas gifts: I made an adorable cardboard Giraffe from a set that Kaitlin gave me during my trip to Ontario

What I'm Eating:
Lots of Homemade Pizza!

What's Making me Smile:
Evernote: This is a free browsing aid that is similar to Pinterest, but even more practical. I am obsessed.  Please check it out here!

What's Inspiring Me:
'Small Things' Blog: Just wonderful, I can't even begin to describe the awesomeness of this blog!  This blogger  inspires me on so many levels: photography, homeschooling/parenting, knitting and on and on.  Check her beautiful blog out here.