The power of foods is an amazing thing. Finding a diet that works is also an amazing thing! As I learned about nutrition and food groupings, I must have gone through 20 different ways to eat until I landed on one that worked. And still today, as my body changes, my diet needs change, so it is an on-going learning curve.

When I was a pre-teen I felt arthritic conditions in my toes and fingers constantly. At the time I just thought it was something I inherited or it was due to my activity level. Around the age of 14, I adopted a vegetarian diet and within months, the arthritic feeling went away. After 16 years of being a vegetarian, my naturopath doctor recommended some animal protein in my diet. I was having menstrual problems, anxiety attacks, and other symptoms. So, I began including the meat back in, and voila! No more anxiety attacks and better menstrual health. As the last few years have gone on, I’ve stayed on this diet of lots of veggies, fruits and clean proteins and have been happy with my health and figure. Recently, however, I got a reminder of just how powerful food can be…

Traveling so much for the show and taking some time away this summer, I have been on the road, in a car and just going. Usually I’m pretty good about packing organic foods and snacks. This time, there was no time, so I was winging it. In between cities, with little healthy options, I indulged in some of our country’s finest food offerings. Foods from gas stations, drive-thru’s, and convenience stores. More grease than I’ve even seen in 20 years. And guess what – my toes and fingers started KILLING me!!! It was like I had a knife in them! Being back for a couple of weeks now, and getting into the swing of my normal eating pattern, the pain is dissipating. I know it was due to grease, unclean meats and junk.

There are a million diets out there. I encourage you to start with the basics…. veggies, fruits, some grains and high quality protein of your choice. If you eat well, your body will feel better and your mind will too!