Chick-Fil-A and Vanilla Coke

There is a famous saying, "You are what you eat."

If that's true, then my first semester of college, I was a Chick-Fil-a sandwich, large Waffle Fries (don't forget the honey mustard), and about four bottles of Vanilla Coca-Cola a day. They had a vending machine on every single corner.  Looking back, I really have no idea how I survived.

Between then and now, I had many major slow, and not-so-slow life changes that caused my delve into "health nut-ism," as some may call it. I try not to get on my soap box about it because I recognize that everyone has to make their own choices in life, and that includes diet. But, I have to say, that for me, eating a healthy diet has made a humongous change in my life, and I would love to share that with my readers from time to time if that's all right with you. So, fair warning, sometimes I will include little bits of interesting food or diet tips, or things I've learned along the way about vitamins or nutrition.

For example, did you know that quinoa is a complete protein? That's right! Quinoa contains all of the essential amino acids needed in the body. Quite a powerful punch for this tiny little grain, isn't it! It's one of my favorite foods! When you combine some cooked quinoa, corn, black beans, roasted tomatoes, bell pepper, lime juice, and your favorite Latin spices - it makes a quick and easy salad that can't be beat!

For those of you wondering, I hold to a vegetarian diet. I was vegan, or plant-based, for three years in the past as well. This diet works best for me and my husband. I find that it is the best for our digestive system, and helps keep weight down while on certain yucky medications like prednisone. I know these diets get a bad rap for not having enough calories or protein, but I believe this is when people do not do their research properly before starting these diets, and do them the wrong way. Personally, my transplant clinic encourages me to continue with my current diet.

Obviously, it is always important to speak with your doctor and nutritionist before starting any new diet regiment, and always, ALWAYS DO YOUR RESEARCH before jumping headlong into something new. This will ensure that everything is being done properly and healthfully. 

"You are what you eat." I am now purple cauliflower and asparagus and quinoa and sweet potatoes and tofu. What are YOU?

"I Climbed E-Rock" - That Overpriced T-shirt Will Be MINE

Once a week on Thursdays at the hospital, a special group of people gather together.  There, on the 4th floor of Dunn Tower, is the Heart/Lung Transplant Support Group.  I'm a regular there, and have been way before I was even listed for my transplant.  I credit a lot of people there for helping me to even come to the decision to stick with the whole process, sharing with me their very personal journeys, be it bad or good.  And now, as I am on the other side, it's my turn to pay it forward.

Recently, I was able to share with someone what I think has been my greatest piece of advice. Something that has helped me personally since I was admitted into the hospital in February and knew I wouldn't leave without my lungs, until now, trying to regain my strength after years and years of chronic illness - having goals.

It sounds mundane maybe, cliche even.  But, for me, having clear, set goals that I want to achieve in mind has been the greatest motivator to be able to overcome all the challenges of not only being a transplant patient, but being a person suffering from chronic illness, or just being a human being in a world challenging to live in in general.

Just think about it.  You wake up in the morning, pop open your eyes, and the first thing you think is, "Oh, great. Another day of nothing. No where to go. No one to see. Nothing to do."  What kind of motivation is that to get up and take your medicine?  Do you exercise?  Get stronger?  Be better?

But what about this:  You wake up in the morning, pop open your eyes, and the first thing you think is, "Oh great. Another day of nothing.  But, I'm going to run a marathon in two months... I'm going to ride the Houston Critical Mass next month.... I'm going to volunteer with Donate Life this weekend.... I'm going to climb Enchanted Rock when I'm strong enough.  I better get to work!"

Goals don't have to be grand in nature, either.  Mine started out as getting up and making my own breakfast, or putting up all my clothes myself.  The point is that you make a goal, and when you reach it, you've accomplished something you can be proud of, and that moves you forward in your life and health. Start with breakfast, and move on to the 5K.  It's all based on what you can do now, and where you want to go.

Goals. It might sound kinda stupid at first, but I'm telling you it works.  And yes, that bit about Enchanted Rock, that's all me.  I've tried a few times previously (even with oxygen in tow) and failed miserably.  But, soon I will get to the top. And I will buy the cheesy overpriced shirt, and hat, and bumper sticker, and whatever else that little shop down by the parking lot sells.  And you will hear me shout a victory cry from the top of the rock.  Cause it's going to be amazing people.