In a prior post Run Baby Run I talked about my wife training for a 12km (7.46 mile) race. The training went pretty well although we did not get in nearly as many runs as I had hoped partly due to the weather. By the time Sunday's race rolled around she was able to run 5.5 miles with some confidence. In preparation for the event she had a big green salad topped with eggs and potatoes for breakfast a few hours before the run. This is a mainstay in our diet and provides us with all the energy we need to get through the day.
Since eating mostly raw vegetarian foods (we still eat wild game upon occasion) directly from our gardens we have noticed a number of changes to our health. In addition to shedding excess pounds, we have noticed that our energy levels have gone up dramatically. My wife who used to suffer from low blood sugar levels has no issue with this at all anymore. She has been able to greatly increase not only her endurance but strength as well. We attribute this to the nutrient dense foods we have been consuming of late.
Another interesting benefit of our garden diet is that we never get sick anymore and believe me we are exposed to germs on a daily basis. Our grandson spends part of his week in daycare and is always bringing some sort of illness to his grandparent's house.
Not only did my wife run the race and finish in the top 25%, pretty good considering the crowd of over 44,000 runners, but upon arriving home she spent the rest of the afternoon working in the gardens with me. It was a long day for her but she was pleasantly surprised to find herself with still more energy to burn.
Sometimes when you push yourself, as in an athletic endeavor, it taxes your immune system. I had her follow up the race with an immune system boosting concoction of a raw clove of garlic, tablespoon of honey and a handful of sorrel leaves (extremely high in vitamin C). Of course a hot bath, foot rub, and Corona with lime were also in order for the champ...her idea of an immune system booster.
I must say that the best part of the ensuing race towards self sufficiency has been the amazing changes to our health...health is our wealth. Good job honey!
6 comments:
Nice job. Nice inspiration. Nice veggies. Very impressive.
Congrats to Mrs H. for doing so great in the race! I am impressed! Also with your mostly raw diet. I find that a whole lot easier in the summer. When it's cold, I want warm and cooked food. ;-) I've noticed a huge difference in our health just by cutting out refined sugars and flours. I haven't had as much as a sniffle in a year and a half! Daniel still gets a cold sometimes from his students, but his migraines are gone completely! A healthy diet makes such a difference! Love your blog!! :) Silke
Wonderful post! And congratulations to Mrs. H. on a well run race. I'm impressed with your healful diet as well. I probably don't eat enough raw food, but I do follow an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant regimen pretty closely. Nothing quite like the benefits excellent health to keep one on track. I haven't been sick for years, which as a singer is an added perk of living the healthy life. Thanks for this,
Deborah
SuburbanGardener,
Thanks, we are really enjoying our new lifestyle and hope it will pay off with unforseen health dividends as the years progress.
P.S. I set out three big fruit tree pots and am going to fill them with soil and potatoes as soon as it stops raining. Thanks for the idea.
Mike
Silke,
I really do believe that the average American diet is a terrible health risk and am glad to hear that you are aware of the pitfalls of refined products. Besides, our time on this planet is too short as it is, we might as well proceed down the path of life in as good of health as possible....who has time to be sick?
Thanks for the kind comments,
Mike
Deborah,
It is so nice to hear that others are able to avoid illness through good health. I can only imagine how important it is to someone who uses their voice as you do.
I think that perhaps it is not quite as important whether one eats raw or cooked food as they can both be high in nutrition. The important factor is that it is real food and not boxed garbage from the store.
Having perused through some of your recipes it is most obvious that if anyone understands what a real meal is comprised of it is you...I am still looking forward to trying your "Parsley and Gouda Quesadillas" recipe.
Mike
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