I have always had a love for gardening and all things plants. My Nana and Aunty were avid gardeners and many hours were spent wandering around their beautiful home in Stepney, SA admiring plants and learning about their inherent beauty. Chooks were raised in the backyard and every imaginable fruit tree. Every available space was set aside in the backyard for something that could make its way into the kitchen.
This love of gardening has had an enormous influence on my view of life, the pollutants that the agricultural revolution have used to poison our food and land and the consequences on our health in general.
After a particularly grueling (but thoroughly enjoyable) overseas holiday with my sister, I was so fatigued and just couldn’t understand why I was gaining so much weight when I was a Fitness Leader and training daily. Off to the doctor I went, only to be told that I suffer a auto-immune disorder, Hashimotos Thyroiditis and just take this little pill and all will be well. ” What causes it” was my question. “Oh, we don’t know”, it’s “Idiopathic”, in doctor speak terms meaning, they really aren’t interested in finding out the cause, just take a pill and all will be well.
Seven years later, still exhausted and with constant weight issues I embarked on a new strategy. Herbal Medicine. For the most part the rest history. Although I still suffer fatigue, most of my “markers” are greatly reduced. My latest report from doctor had no mention of Hashimotos Thyroiditis, but simply consistent with early Hypothyroidism!! Still working on the auto-immunity, largely through a balanced diet, greatly reduced carbohydrate load, avoidance of grains and of course, the inclusion of healthy fats.
I am one of those individuals that worked in the era of complex carbohydrate loading with low fat!! It has taken a long time for me to overcome my love of carbs and anything sweet, but now that I eat lots of salads, fish, coconut, stir fries and no bread and complex carbohydrates I am a much healthier individual. There is a lot to be said for a balanced diet, rich in healthy fats, protein and vegetables. I still eat fruit, although I am following with great interest the fructose debate. Always more to learn.
