About Addie

I want to share my journey towards vibrant health and happiness, so that I can live my life to the fullest! More and more, I am prioritizing my health, self care and self love. After dragging myself around for the 30+ of my life, I kept waiting to feel better - for life to somehow really begin.  I've lived my life being lethargic and depressed and am now dedicating myself and my priorities towards healing my gut. Why the gut? Because it is the foundation of not only physical health, but also mental and emotional health. As more and more studies come out emphasizing the gut-brain connection, this will become more common knowledge.

My current determination for physical and mental healing begins with a visit to the doctor in 2010, complaining of stomach aches and depression. This led to a possible diagnosis of Celiac diseases, which is still inconclusive. I feel better off of gluten, that much is clear, but whether or not contamination is an issue is not. In fact, I feel better off of all grains, so it might not be a gluten issue as much as general weakness of digestion. Gluten issues are often a sign of poor digestion.  I am determined to eat only foods that make me vibrantly healthy, to be fit and love my body, to have minimal stress levels and most of all...to enjoy life!

I know we are all struggling to find balance in our lives. We want to eat healthy food that is yummy, satisfying and affordable. We want to have fit, active bodies but don't always have the time, energy or money to participate in the activities that we enjoy the most. Motivation can be hard to drum up early in the morning or after a hard day's work. With all the pressure to get by in life, it can be hard to relax and be happy. This last one is particularly hard for me.

A little bit more on my history: My earliest documentation of being depressed comes from my first journal that I began at age 11. I may have been depressed earlier than that.  My digestive issues start with being a colicky baby, and my dad remembers my stomach aches starting at age 14. In the last few years I've gained weight, developed reoccurring nausea, headaches and dizziness. I remember about 4 years ago, a naturopathic doctor told me I had low adrenal levels. I didn't know what that meant and didn't take her seriously. I now know that adrenals are what regulate your energy. Low adrenals means feeling lethargic despite how much sleep you get. I also now understand that your colon is directly connected to your brain. It actually produces many neurotransmitters. An unhealthy colon means none of your body's functions can work properly. My gut is definitely not healthy, it's been telling me that since I was very young and I'm just now really listening!

I hope to build momentum for myself and for my friends in creating healthier lives. I will share tidbits of my successes; great recipes, fun workouts, stress management techniques and more! Right now, my blog is focused on healing my gut through the GAPS diet. I would love to hear your comments and have you share your ideas and experiences!

Here's to a living healthy!
xoxoa^2