Lately I’ve been thinking about how we live according to our beliefs. In our lovely brains, there’s no difference between beliefs and facts so it shouldn’t surprise you that negative beliefs could be creating a little roadblock in your life.
“I don’t feel well” becomes “I’ll never feel well.”
“I’ve been on this new Lyme disease/autoimmune protocol for a year without success” becomes “I will never have success.”
The problem is these are False conclusions. You wanna know how I know this? Because I’ve been working on healing my body for a decade. If I had quit after a few doctors rejected me or because a year had passed without me feeling better, I wouldn’t be writing this right now.
I’ve learned that the people who succeed in life (anything in life)….are those who can fight through pain, failure and discomfort. There are some folks who wanna play a ‘safe’ game of life where they are content with their family, friends, pets, yoga, etc. and that’s fabulous–there’s nothing wrong with that but if that’s all you want, it should make your life pretty simple. No need for trial and error and failure and rejection and frustration and confusion….and possibly never finding the underlying cause of their health issues. That’s your call. Not mine. But don’t make the mistake of quitting because you haven’t found relief yet. And stop thinking that if it hasn’t happened yet—it’ll never happen. Because it WILL. It requires a bit of pain and frustration and disappointment but if your old way isn’t working and hasn’t worked—well then it probably won’t ever work. It’s time for a new doctor, a new protocol, a new approach, a new mindset.
This time last year I was feeling AMAZING. OMG A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I was fabulous until something happened in July—that triggered an autoimmune reaction along with some Lyme symptoms. Needless to say- I was in bed pretty much from July until November and went back to square one working with new doctors- because I wasn’t getting any answers from my current doctors. Could I have just taken a drug—such as prescription Cortisol, which they wanted to put me on—and IVIG—something to reset my immune system, well sure I could have done both and pretty much been a vegetable for the rest of my life while these IV’s and drugs covered up whatever the heck was happening inside my little bod pod.
So, I said NO. That’s right. I said NO to two of the best doctors in the country. Walked away and hired two NEW doctors. Talk about burning a hole in my pocket—$4,000 later and a two office visits, I had two doctors who went through my 10 lbs. of medical results from the past decade, sat with me for over 5 hours in their own homes and gave me hope because FINALLY…..someone was looking at the BIG picture. Not just my elevated liver enzymes, failing hormones, elevated CPK, low white blood cells and chronically low immune system.
It’s amazing how after a decade of working with some of the top integrative MD’s in this country- they missed SO much and I hold myself accountable for this too, which is why NOW I am going above and beyond tests, blood work, etc. to understand the numbers behind my results–instead of relying on doctors to miss something! I’ve also learned that many of the ranges you receive in blood work are not accurate—there is a whole different set of ranges for Integrative Medicine – and wow are these different! My mind has been blown, yet again.
And so, after thinking I was finally healed last year- I’ve had a little dip in my health. But, I’ll have you know I’m staying strong. Super positive. Meditating. Practicing yoga. Clearing my calendar of everything. Saying NO, yes N-O to a whole lot because my health isn’t worth risking.
If you refuse to change anything from the way you were doin’ it before, well then yes there is no point in figuring out what’s going on inside your body. Some of you are probably reading this….nodding your head, agreeing and understanding/relating to most of this but still doing the same ol’ thing.
Well, folks. It’s time for a new game plan.
I want to inspire you to take a new action. Budgeting 30 minutes a day to researching your symptoms, setting up a new doctors appointment, opening up to people in your community to ask about their experience with other doctors and giving a new doctor a chance to shine.
Action gets results. Knowledge doesn’t. I know a lotta information about autoimmune, Lyme, etc—more than most doctors- however without action- there’s no result. So, even if you are the most fabulous man in town, nothing changes unless you do something different.
In the past few months, I’ve had a handful of new clients find their underlying causes and they’re no different than you are. One was 18, another 39 and another 72. I’m not here to share my client success stories or promote my services. Heck, I don’t care whether you buy anything from me. I just want you to be WELL and understand that there IS an answer out there….whether it’s heavy metals, adrenals, hormones, viruses or something else…you CAN figure it out and you will.
Why bother?
Because, to me, not bothering is saying you quit. And I’m not a quitter.
Neither are you.
xoox
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Try to buy everything organic. Here’s why: The Benefits of Eating Organic.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 head kale stemmed and chopped
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. tahini
- 2 Tbsp. water
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp. golden raisins optional
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
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Heat oven to 450 degrees F.
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Toss the cauliflower with cayenne pepper, 2 Tbsp. oil, sea salt and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes or until tender and golden brown. Toss cauliflower after 10 minutes of roasting to ensure even cooking.
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Steam kale in a steamer basket over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
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Meanwhile, whisk tahini, lemon juice, remaining 1 Tbsp. oil, salt and pepper and 2 Tbsp water. Add more water if needed to thin out the dressing.
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In a large serving bowl, add the chopped kale, red onion, golden raisins, and cauliflower and toss to combine. Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve warm.
Don’t know if you get messages long after you posted something but I just had to say “Thank You”. You are truly doing what you were meant to do and that is help those of us suffering with chronic illness. Sadly, many of us share a similar health story and experience the disappointment and frustration that comes along with it. Today, I turned to your blog for inspiration and this post was exactly what I needed to read!! Thank you for all you are doing to help others.. I don’t always comment but I purchased your cookbook and look to your blog for advice, hope, and more great recipes. Please keep up the good work and continue to feel well!
Awwww thank you so much Lisa; that means so much to me. Sending you the biggest hug and so much love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. xox
I like your approach and I think the real epidemic here is not the dis-eases we are faced with, but the constant loss of hope when we go to the doctors. The truth is, I don’t want to take a pill for the rest of my life that whether it does anything for me, one thing it does is manifest side effects. There is a better way and the body wants to heal, if, and that is a big if, IF, it gets what it needs. Our bodies naturally heal, is all it wants to do. If you cut your finger a week ago and did not put a band aid on or anything else for that matter, won’t the finger heal regardless, by itself? It is the natural ability, to heal, to stay healthy, at ease rather than at dis-ease. We can do it, there is a better way, I know. Life is sweeter when we are healthy, I am hearing you. Good job and keep on going!
Thank you so much Christopher. Big hugs!!
My toddler is allergic to cashews and sesame seeds hence the tahini is a no no for us. What do you suggest instead?
No worries; hemp seeds are great!!!
Yes try hemp seeds!!!!
I’ve been pondering writing, Amie — mostly, I greatly appreciate your words. It’s rare to find a blogger in the food realm with good words, and I love your writing style and heart. Good writing, with good food, and meditative thoughts to go with nourishing ideas for meals.
Thought I’d drop you a gratitude.
Best,
CJ
Looks yummy! Thanks for the post!
I absolutely love the look’s of this dish! never though to roast my kale/cauliflower.. delicious 🙂
Looks extremely healthy. Must try.
I have two autoimmune illness lapses in my life and have been healthy for over 10 years without any symptoms-probably due to the celiac diagnosis! I have been a guinea pig to many doctors and became my own advocate as I know myself best! Hang in there power through it and you find your inner strength!
We can not let illness get the best of us. We have to push on and learn more! This bowl looks yummy!
This looks amazingly yummy! I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for the pep talk, it actually was an appropriate time for me to read it. I’ve been in some pain the last couple days and today switched into massive migraine and so I’ve been tempted to take some pain killer but close to 3 months ago, I said enough is enough I don’t want to rely on pain killer without figuring out the why. You’ve inspired me to keep up the good work. I’ve worked hard and seen some great results, there is probably just some tweaking to do and so patience is key. As always, blessings health & happiness to you!!
Thank you Lisa! xooxxx
I’m having a roasted cauliflower, roasted sweet potato, artichoke and broad bean salad with almonds. Actually not almonds, almond pulp which I had from yesterday’s homemade almond milk. A lovely and filling salad which happens to be my dinner. (Thanks for all the information you provide, I love reading your website!)
Yum! Making this over the weekend!
I’m definitely making this recipe.
Thank you for getting so personal and raw. Can’t tell you how inspiring that is. Do you want to share the names of the new Dr’s you are working with? Any of the new protocols?
Thanks Ana! All doctor info is on my Functional Medicine Doctors in New York page. Protocols will be coming in the future blog posts. Thanks!!!
Yes Ana they are all on my Integrative Doctors in New York page on my site. xoxo
You are so wonderful to share your personal journey! I think many of your can understand the pain and stress you are going through, and the hope that those breakthroughs offer. Sending you tons of healing energy!
Awe; thank YOU Alisa. xoxo Big hugs!
Oh good another cauliflower recipe I can use. I pinned a cauliflower crust (for “pizza”) and would love to make this too. I agree totally about the positive attitude and to keep searching for your own answers (what I am still doing). I know as a nurse that pills aren’t the only answer and can sometimes make things worse! So many of us in the same boat, seeking answers.I am also entering today for Dr. Hyman’s detox book so I can gain more knowledge on healing with good nutrition. Thanks!
Amie, I am sending as many good vibes your way as I can. I love your spirit, attitude, and determination. I say no to doctors all the time because I know my body best and I know traditional medicine is often not the answer. Your advice is applicable in so many arenas of life. I have to fight for my dreams to come true, fight to have friends, and fall in love. I can’t give up, and neither can you. xoxox
Thank you Laura! xooxo HUGS!!!
Thank you Laura! xooxxx
Are we supposed to roast or massage the kale, or just chopped and raw?
Marie, it’s steamed on stovetop then added to cauliflower with dressing. xoox
You still are Amazing. You inspire me. Thanks for doing so much research. Keep up the great work. Hope you feel better.
YOU just made my entire week. Big hugs Barb; thank you SO MUCH!! xxxoooo