A 3 minute Read
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Having personally battled with mental health issues since childhood, I was eventually diagnosed with clinical depression and Bi-polar disorder. As a result of the depression and bi-polar I had very low self-esteem and self-worth. I was on medications for a number of years but due to life changes and loss of insurance I had to stop taking them. In 2004 I had a major episode and was hospitalized, I was put back on medication which I continued to take for many years. Eventually, believing I was well enough to stop taking my medications, I stopped. Gradually over the years things deteriorated and eventually it was suggested that I go to the doctor and restart my medication. Refusing to accept this, I knew there had to be better options than being on medication all the time. I began to research and learn how food effects our bodies, gut and brain, as a whole. I decided to eliminate gluten and within two weeks I was starting to notice a change, physically, mentally and emotionally, my husband commented how different I was. I have been gluten free for almost six years now and I feel so much better; mentally, physically and emotionally. I no longer have the brain fog, I no longer feel fatigued and I no longer have the mood swings and negative thinking that I did before. Its very personal but having gluten for me is life and death (hence hospitalization), and I am so glad I have figured that out. I have also discovered there are other foods my body responds negatively too as well, such as corn, dairy, rice, and peanuts. I have found that I feel so much better following a Paleo diet, when it comes to mental clarity, emotional well-being and physical health. For me following a Paleo diet is so important, helpful and key. Working out, has also been a HUGE help for me. When I lift weights, run, walk, hike, or whatever other physical activity I decide to partake in, it is time for me to do my "mental filing", time for me to "clear my head", "focus on the WHY", push out any negativity and sort out things that are bothering me. Getting my nutrition, physical health, and mental clarity/health in order has helped me feel more confident and happier. I deal with anxiety as well but have learned to manage it for the most part. Managing my diet and food selection has helped by managing my diet and food selection. I find the added control enables me to reduce most of my anxiety Over the years I have learned to listen to my body, we must listen and learn what our bodies need. What works for one person, what works for me, may or may not work for the next person. We each must be in control of ourselves and our own bodies. We can use food as medicine, put good in, get good out. We are what we eat. I love fresh fruits, veggies, clean proteins like chicken, eggs, egg whites and my chocolate Paleo protein powder. (I make it almost daily and it is like having a milk shake, just a Paleo version.) Thank you for your amazing support and starting and growing PLT. I am so happy to be a part of such a great community. I am so thankful for PLT’s help, from the amazing coaches to the awesome community. Being part of the PLT helps me mentally a lot, and seeing other people achieve goals helps me to keep pushing and reaching to be a better version of myself. Things are better for sure and being part of PLT and having the nutrition aspect in balance has helped that so much and I am so thankful. Mindy Bolgrin
Tracy O'Connell
6/9/2019 08:10:08 pm
Thank your for sharing Mindy. It is amazing what we can do with diet and exercise. I am so incredibly happy you found an alternative to medication and with all that you became your best you. My brother has bi polar and from reading this I am going to suggest he give Paleo a try. You just never know like you said and it may lead you to find other food intolerances. Comments are closed.
|
AuthorI'm Paul Leonard, CEO & founder of PLT Nutrition. Categories
All
|