Hi everyone-I’m Jen. After days, weeks and years turning to each other for support so my friends and I have decided that we should also give support to you!!
So, a little bit about myself. I am a working mom-I have two beautiful, talented daughters, a musician husband and a chocolate lab who is my bud. I currently live in the Boston area having relocated back to “home” from Florida a few years ago (I know, I’m crazy!).
My daily life involves working as a learning & development professional while juggling being a mom/wife/daughter/sister/friend and patient. I was diagnosed a few years ago with an auto-immune disease called psoriatic arthritis which definitely affects all aspects of my life.
This blog seemed like a great way to share ideas, triumps and yes, maybe some near successes. I have been searching for years for ways to use food for fuel while also reducing my chronic illnesses damage. Recently I have stopped eating meat and have been trying to cut out dairy as well as they are inflammation foods. I also try to stay away from processed foods which is crazy hard for a mom on the go. The meat was easy for me for the most part-I have never been an enthusiastic carnivore! The dairy has been a lot more difficult and I am still looking for ways to reduce my intake.
My goal:
To learn to use food to feed my body in a way that promotes health and balance. I will surely make some changes and experiment with new things. I would love to hear from any of you who have tried something that works for you and look forward to sharing my journey!
Cori says
April 24, 2014 at 9:32 amHi Jen, have you tried turmeric capsules? They are supposed to be great for inflammation. I started taking them awhile back but ran out and have since forgotten all about them but your blog is gonna get me to start taking them again. Also eat berries…lots of berries….best if you can find a place to go pick them as they are ridiculously expensive. Frozen berries are cheaper and make great smoothies.! I have my own health issues. To start, coronary artery disease. Heart attack at 40. Stent in place. Asthmatic. Allergic. And now menopausal…..yikes! Hot flashes galore but can’t take hormones because of heart….I want to try ” I cool” Does anyone know anything about it or if it really works? I am married and travel eight months a year on a yacht as a chef and crew. It’s hard to keep up a good exercise regimen when you’re on the move…..also putting out high end fattening food is hard to resist when the fridge is full of leftovers! Love to hear from people with ideas of how to get healthier.
Jennifer says
April 24, 2014 at 9:08 pmI haven’t tried turmeric capsules but maybe I will give them a try. I had intended to start cooking with it but haven’t gotten there! As you know, as sisters we share some of some fun stuff like asthma and allergies.. This season has been a killer!
I don’t know about I cool– maybe someone else does????
Cori says
April 24, 2014 at 10:54 pmJen,
Cooking with turmeric is not easy . It stains really badly. The taste is doable but the color stained my spatula and a bowl not to mention teeth. Try the capsules….lol….hope they help. Love you little sis!
Trina says
April 28, 2014 at 9:44 amAny anti-inflammatory herbs and spices also help to reduce the chances of Alzheimer’s- a concern for us since (as sisters) our mother suffered from this horrible disease. Staying away from processed foods, GMO’s and unhealthy fats and focusing on organic whole foods will only benefit you and your family. Here in New England we will soon see roadside farm stands and farmer’s markets opening up and they can be a lot cheaper. Before you know it, we will be outside picking strawberries!
Jennifer says
April 30, 2014 at 10:22 pmI am looking forward to all of the fresh foods!! I have also been tinkering with different herbs for some relief/treatment. I think it is amazing that for many years herbs and supplements were our medical treatments and we have moved so far away from them. I have to believe there is still some value to those ancient remedies!