Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy

By Brooke McKirdy (Cameron’s Mom)

After all the parties, family dinners, and endless sweets, it’s time to commence the annual quest for fitness.  Last year, starting New Year’s Day, I began a 9 day cleanse.  My Naturalpathic Doctor wanted me first to just eat fruit and veggies for 3 days, and then drink raw juice for 3 days, finishing the last 3 days with more organic fruits and vegetables.

Please consult your Dr. before doing this, or any detox program.  For me, every extended cleanse has resulted in a loss of at least 7-10 pounds.  After 9 days are up, you can begin introducing other foods into your diet.  This is a good way to find out if you are allergic to anything, without having to pay for a blood test.  However, I must confess, I could not just add 1 thing back into my diet after 9 days, because I took a blood test.

My Doctor and I thought I might be allergic to dairy and wheat.  When the results were in, they concluded I was sensitive to dairy, especially whey and yogurt.  Plus, I’m very allergic to wheat, eggs, almonds, cranberries, pecans, pineapple, bananas, and almonds.  There’s a difference between being “sensitive and allergic.”  Some are extremely sensitive, and have symptoms such as bloating, change in digestion, headaches, memory problems, being tired, etc.  Others are allergic and have major symptoms such as hives, breathing problems, and migraines.  The blood test shows you to what degree you are sensitive, or allergic to each food.  For example, I am moderately allergic to cranberries, so I should only eat or drink cranberries like once a month, as advised by my Dr.  I am more allergic to eggs, so I should avoid them, but if they are diluted in a recipe then I can get away with it.  Additionally, I will never get a flu shot since it is made from eggs.

You can be fanatical, or balanced with your diet.  I recommend getting tested for food allergies, because many symptoms people have are being masked by prescription drugs.  Maybe these pains can be avoided if you knew which foods to cut out.  So make a resolution to have better health this year by eating the right foods for your body.  Between this, and a detoxification cleanse, maybe you can lose about 20 pounds like I plan to beginning 2014.  Happy Holidays from Survival Bros!

Brooke is an event coordinator, wedding planner, and great mom