The Fortunately Unfortunately Diet

Have you ever told a fortunately, unfortunately story? I used to assign this to young writers to get their creativity flowing. Fortunately, I am still around today to write about it. Unfortunately, my storyline has changed. Lately it goes something like this.

Unfortunately you have a chronic illness. Fortunately, you can change your diet and you will feel better. Unfortunately, you will have to give up some good stuff...sugar, gluten, dairy. Fortunately, you can eat all the fruits and veggies you want. Unfortunately, many of those fruits and veggies are covered with pesticides. Fortunately, organic fruits and veggies are available, although...unfortunately, very pricey.

Unfortunately, you will have to give up meat. Fortunately, not all the experts say to give up meat. Unfortunately, some experts say you should only eat organ meat (liver, gizzards etc.) Fortunately, the previous experts said you shouldn't eat meat so you don't have to eat liver. Just make sure that any meat you do eat has been raised on grass grown by leprechauns and that any poultry you eat has been sung to sleep at night by angels.

Unfortunately though, you will have to stop cooking with vegetable oils. Fortunately, the experts say coconut oil is ok to use instead. Unfortunately, other experts (your doctors) say that coconut oil is a definite no-no and will raise your cholesterol. Fortunately you can lower your cholesterol by eating Amla (gooseberries). Unfortunately, they are grown in India and you will need to find an Indian grocery story that carries them.

Fortunately, what you can't get from your food, you can get through supplements. Unfortunately, you never know what you'll really be getting in those supplements. Fortunately, there are any number of complete strangers online who will tell you which ones to buy (and even sell them to you). Unfortunately, they are not really the experts.

Fortunately, you will eventually figure out what to eat to help you feel better but be sure you don't wrap it in aluminum or store it in plastic...don't even get me started on that one.

Fortunately, I can now go feast on some water and kale. Unfortunately, the water must be triple filtered and the kale must be grown in virgin soil in my backyard.

Comments

Diagnosing with Compassion and Hope

My hackles are raised, my feathers are ruffled, my … I’m not sure I can find the words for how I am feeling. This morning, I read a recently published article called “ Delivering the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease-setting the stage with hope and compassion.” I am not upset that the article was written. I am glad that the authors have brought this to the attention of others. I am upset that it needed to be written. I just think it is common sense that when someone is given a life-changing diagnosis, it should be given with hope and compassion. The authors note that some say the moment of diagnosis is “almost akin to a traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one.” Of course it is! The person receiving the diagnosis is losing their future self. Everything they thought their life would be from that moment on has now drastically changed! I would count that as traumatic. I was...

Missing Tom

I recently lost a good friend. Never would I have imagined that I would become such good buddies with a man old enough to be my dad. I met Tom over seven years ago in a Rock Steady Boxing class. I entered class as a shy, teary-eyed, newly diagnosed mess who didn't like to sweat and had never boxed. Tom quickly took me under his wing, introduced me to the movers and shakers in the local Parkinson's community and eventually recognized a potential in me to further help the community. Within a year, with the encouragement of Tom and others, I became a certified Rock Steady coach. Tom and I would go to the same conferences and seek out the newly diagnosed. Ever the salesman, Tom would ask me if I "closed the deal," meaning, did I convince someone to come to an exercise class or attend a support group. Tom knew the benefits of attending these groups and he wanted everyone else to know also. He just wanted everyone to live the best life possible, even while living...

Attitude is Everything

I was never much of an athlete so when I found out that I had to exercise to stay well with Parkinson's, I was dismayed. Sweat and I never got along and still don't. Why can't Parkinson's be beat by eating M & M's? That sounds like much more fun. When I realized what a difference exercise made in my quality of life, I was sold. Intense exercise had to be part of my life like it or not. In fact, it helped so much that I wanted to help others realize it, and I got certified to help coach at the gym. I was feeling like a bad ass and that attitude has served me well. My Parkinson's has progressed over the past seven and a half years, although slowly, and some days can be pretty rough. I still find that calling out that bad ass chick inside me helps get through the tough times. I may have many more years to deal with Parkinson's so I hope that bad ass chick sticks around. My dear, sweet husband made this design and put it on a shirt for me. It is my reminder...

Rock Steady Fighter

Search This Blog