Canadian Jen’s review of Fast Like a Girl: A Woman's Guide to Using the Healing Power of Fasting to Burn Fat, Boost Energy, and Balance Hormones > Likes and Comments
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Terrific review, Jen! Thank goodness I'm past all that awfulness, but I'm sorry you're going through it now. It was absolute hell at times. I think, for me, the night sweats were the worst! So much fun waking up in pool of water.🙄
Hope you find some helpful tips! Great review!
Jodi wrote: "Terrific review, Jen! Thank goodness I'm past all that awfulness, but I'm sorry you're going through it now. It was absolute hell at times. I think, for me, the night sweats were the worst! So much..."
I actually started HRT which is an amazing treatment. Night sweats gone. Hot flashes not so much....looks like I have at least another 5 years, Jodi. I shall be a grumpy old woman by the time I'm done...haha.
Great review Jen. I agree fasting is a powerful tool for healing the body and weight control.
Jayme wrote: "Hope you find some helpful tips! Great review!"
There were some interesting tidbits in there for sure...not sure I agree with them all but options and alternatives. Thanks Jayme
I am just going through this as well Jen. We are samesies! 😂
Great review! Thanks for putting this author on my radar.
Great review Jen! I've read some other books on fasting, but don't want to lose any muscle. Huberman has a great podcast. 🤩
Great review! I am with you that my core motivation is to feel my best. I have been doing 16-17 hour fasts for the past couple of months (with some exceptions). Thanks for recommending Huberman Lab - I have really been enjoying it. I work in a hospital and see so many unhealthy people on a daily basis. I am determined to try to remain as healthy and youthful as possible!
Definitely not so much fun. Wait for the full onslaught of menopause - absolutely not so much fun.😒
Rich wrote: "Great review Jen. I agree fasting is a powerful tool for healing the body and weight control."
It is, Rich, but she only just touched upon the power of strength training which is a key element to longevity and health. But, if the goal is to lose weight, this is a quick way to do it. My own fast cuts all those snacks I would have in the evening. So, it did bring about a positive change in my consumption of those bad carbs/sugar. I think I will try the 17 hour fast as I'm so curious about the metabolism going into ketosis. Stay tuned!
Tracy wrote: "I am just going through this as well Jen. We are samesies! 😂
Great review! Thanks for putting this author on my radar."
I would recommend her podcast actually over the book, Tracy. And the ones below I listed are quite good too. I did make the leap to HRT but the issue now is the backlog of patches. It made a huge difference for me to avoid many of those symptoms. We shall journey together, my friend!
Holly wrote: "Great review Jen! I've read some other books on fasting, but don't want to lose any muscle. Huberman has a great podcast. 🤩"
Isn't he great?! Me neither! We will need to build together, Holly :)
Terrific review! 🥰 I'm fascinated with the concept of fasting too.
I'll join you, Jen. I came across Pelz when I was doing keto some years back. Chiropractors or naturopaths are NOT doctors. (don't come after me, I'm to changing my opinion). I don't like her style, it's very Americanish, with big pronouncements, so certain of herself etc. Luckily, there are better-qualified OBGYNs and doctors out there talking about menopause and peri. It's a super sucky period in a woman's life, that's certain, should I say what else is new?
Mary Beth wrote: "Terrific review! 🥰 I'm fascinated with the concept of fasting too."
It is interesting the windows she puts out there. I'm still weary though with the empirical data.
Bianca wrote: "I'll join you, Jen. I came across Pelz when I was doing keto some years back. Chiropractors or naturopaths are NOT doctors. (don't come after me, I'm to changing my opinion). I don't like her style..."
Hell, I agree with you, Bianca. They aren't doctors and in the bio it doesn't even mention it so not sure if she even still practices it. However, She is a big voice and can be overwhelming but she has a huge following now thanks to instagram. Fortunately for me, I have an awesome OBGYN. And yes, a super sucky period with and without the period ..haha - did you intend that pun?
Diane wrote: "Great review! I am with you that my core motivation is to feel my best. I have been doing 16-17 hour fasts for the past couple of months (with some exceptions). Thanks for recommending Huberman Lab..."
Huberman is amazing- glad I could put you onto him. Look at you 16-17 hours. That's awesome. I've just started doing weight training now 4 times a week so protein is a huge factor in this journey.
is another one I'm going to check out. She focuses more on strength and protein diets.
Seeing unhealthy people on a daily basis is tough. Def a motivator for not wanting to be that way. Thanks Diane!
Angela M wrote: "Definitely not so much fun. Wait for the full onslaught of menopause - absolutely not so much fun.😒"
I'm doing the HRT now, Angela. I don't want that onslaught. Too many women out there have no idea how much misinformation there is on HRT. It's shocking. Decades later still clearing up that mess of a study. I hope all women get an OBGYN as they start through this journey. I know not everyone will be a candidate for it but it's worth looking into. Hope you are out of it and feeling WAY better.
Terrific review, Jen. Glad this book helped some, though I know you like her podcasts better. It IS a taboo subject so I’m glad someone is addressing it. I had early menopause because I had to get a hysterectomy and also take a chemo-like drug, so I was doomed. Hot flashes were the worst. I can’t take HRT because I had breast cancer at 42, and I couldn’t take anything that adds estrogen. Hope your symptoms get better—it’s the pits!!
Jen, I was on HRT until that study came out about side effects and my gynecologist at the time stopped prescribing it. After that I tried a number of natural remedies, but nothing really worked . The hot flashes were the worst. My husband will tell you it was the mood wings - lol ! Thankfully out of all of that. Hope these treatments help.
This is fascinating stuff, Jen. Thanks for sharing. I’m right there with you on the edge of all that. Excellent review!
Great review Jen for those still suffering. Hope it’s been helpful for yourself.
Excellent review, Jen!
I do fasting for around 15 hrs every night to day.. feel better.. I’m way past all that menopause for many yrs now… had Premarin early due to total hysterectomy in late 30’s… never really had to deal with hot flashes, etc…my daughter is now going through that now though.
Jen,
I FEEL YOUR PAIN!! I started peri-menopause in my late 30s. . . and JUST entered menopause. Somebody should call Guinness World Records. It was a nightmare.
I do want to point out something for the record, though. In the past decade of my life, I have spent approximately $130, 000, out of pocket, on traditional medical care, functional and integrative medical care, "alternative methods," supplements, and books.
I am going to share that, from where I am standing, not one medical doctor was about to help me with nutrition guidance, fasting advice, or hormone imbalances. The AMA in the U.S. does not even train our medical doctors in such practices, and most of them (including two new doctors in my life) will openly admit to this.
So. . . I wouldn't dismiss Mindy Pelz, or anyone else, for not being a doctor, and technically, chiropractors are legally Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine.
Personally, I've learned more from Kris Carr and Anthony William than anyone else in this arena, and neither of them have any sort of medical training! I am absolutely in love with both of them. Also--I'm so happy you mentioned "The Blue Zones" with Dan Buettner. I think there's a lot of wisdom there.
I do want to say to you, Jen, and any women reading this: Fight for your health! Don't let them explain away your symptoms and reduce your conditions to "anxiety" and "perimenopause." Hormone imbalances are REAL and almost no one knows how to fix them. Keep plugging away at it until someone listens to you and stands up for you. And don't forget to eat your greens and your sweet potatoes!!
xoxo
Debbie wrote: "Terrific review, Jen. Glad this book helped some, though I know you like her podcasts better. It IS a taboo subject so I’m glad someone is addressing it. I had early menopause because I had to get ..."
Wow Debbie. I had no idea. I'm so happy you kicked that cancer right out of your body. Yes, HRT won't be for everyone. It is important that we openly talk about symptoms of peri and meno and not be dismissed!
Angela M wrote: "Jen, I was on HRT until that study came out about side effects and my gynecologist at the time stopped prescribing it. After that I tried a number of natural remedies, but nothing really worked . T..."
I've tried the natural remedies as well. It's tough when you aren't sleeping well as that just exacerbates every other symptom - at least for me. Glad you are out of that journey as it seems far too long and not enough doctor's are willing to talk about it and treat it!
Karen wrote: "Excellent review, Jen!
I do fasting for around 15 hrs every night to day.. feel better.. I’m way past all that menopause for many yrs now… had Premarin early due to total hysterectomy in late 30’s…..."
Thanks Karen -I hope your daughter is getting through it with support. It's tough when you don't recognize the typical symptoms of peri/meno and attribute it to perhaps getting early onset dementia! I felt so much better after speaking with my gyno...she totally gets it and has been so helpful. It really makes a difference.
Julie wrote: "Jen,
I FEEL YOUR PAIN!! I started peri-menopause in my late 30s. . . and JUST entered menopause. Somebody should call Guinness World Records. It was a nightmare.
I do want to point out something ..."
Thank you, Julie! Wow. I'm grateful that much of my own journey has been covered through our healthcare here in Canada and through my own private coverage. It really is a journey of a bunch of symptoms...even this a.m I read something on national geographic about women in menopause who chronically get frozen shoulder but it isn't addressed as that. WHAT? We really need to up our knowledge on this- so does science. It's changing our lives and sometimes our characters too! I'll check out Carr and William. I don't think Mindy is a one stop shop although I think she will be helpful to many.
Don't forget PROTEIN!!! I want to go to all those blue zone places now more than ever. They are doing many things right!
Bucket list expanding!
Jen,
Yes, how sad is it that MOST of what has helped me hasn't been covered by insurance? Our healthcare system here is so broken, and so uninformed.
I recently watched "The Blue Zones" program with my brother. We loved the connections he made--what all of the blue zones had in common. Every one of them had a native sweet potato that the locals ate, religiously, either every day or multiple times a week, they also had tight-knit communities and walked vigorously. Oh! And much better water sources. Why can't we implement more of these basic principals into our own communities?
Excellent review, Jen! Love the insights and addtl resources!
Julie wrote: "Jen,
Yes, how sad is it that MOST of what has helped me hasn't been covered by insurance? Our healthcare system here is so broken, and so uninformed.
I recently watched "The Blue Zones" program wit..."
It really doesn't make sense in the Western world not to have good healthcare and basic necessities. Sweden has it right! I'm not sure they have the potatoes though?! And yes, communities. So great for support as we age and not the nursing kinds either. Thanks Julie
Rosh (is busy; will catch up soon!) wrote: "Excellent review, Jen! Love the insights and addtl resources!"
Thanks Rosh
Teres wrote: "Welcome to The Club! 🥵"
Argh....thanks Teres. Have been part of it for longer than I've wanted!
I feel so much of this conversation! I also totally agree with focusing on protein, greens, and sweet potatoes. Once I upped my protein intake, I found it kept me fuller for longer and the fasting is progressing becoming easier. I do think strength training is essential, but I also find great value in yoga and cardio. At the end of the day, I think there is no straight one answer for all of us, but we do have to keep fighting for our own health! I am now reading Ultra Processed People and it is also mind blowing - all the artificial crap in our food that our body does not know how to digest properly. So frustrating that this has become the norm.
Diane wrote: "I feel so much of this conversation! I also totally agree with focusing on protein, greens, and sweet potatoes. Once I upped my protein intake, I found it kept me fuller for longer and the fasting ..."
It's such a great conversation! I agree with no one size fits all, Diane. The Ultra Processed People sounds scary but also like something we need to be aware of. What I don't get is that the organic food is triple the price. It's hard to be healthy these days...Why do we make it so difficult? I can't wait for spring and I'll be really putting more of an effort into my garden. Let me know how that reads as I'm curious now too!
Also, Diane not sure if you've checked out Barbara O'Neill - she is on instagram under self.heal.by.design and mistymountailifestyleretreat and is on youtube.com selfhealbydesign. She too, is fascinating on determining ailments and natural ways of healing. Very interesting.....Bianca, if you read this, She is Australian!
Jen, I've looked her up, and the first search result was Wiki it said "Barbara O'Neill (b. 28 July 1953) is an Australian alternative medicine personality, known for promoting dangerous and unsupported alternative medical ..." She's not for me.
Oh my! Thanks Bianca. That’s scary!
Just an FYI--Wiki defines Gary Null as "an American talk radio host and author who advocates pseudoscientific alternative medicine and produces a line of questionable dietary supplements."
We *might* be just as suspicious of WHOEVER is writing these blurbs! Just saying. Who DOES write these blurbs for Wiki?? Anyone know? There is rarely an "author" listed.
Gary Null, Jack Lalanne, Kris Carr, Anthony William, Marilu Henner. . . are just a few examples of famous health gurus who have promoted either raw food diets, vegetarian diets and/or raw juicing. What do most of them have in common? They've healed their own bodies, they look 20-30 years younger than their chronological ages, and they've had the courage to speak up against Big Pharma companies, speak out against commercial farms using pesticides. They often risk their own lives, to be a voice of reason in a very complicated world.
I have NO idea who Barbara O'Neill is, but some of these types of health crusaders actually are actually worthy of our time and attention.
Great review, Jen. Sounds very interesting and noteworthy. I am 57 and still going through hot flashes, seven years of them. They're terrible and ruin so much of my day-to-day life. I can't take HRT because I am diabetic. I had never heard of that until my doctor told me. 🤗💕
To Shelley: I am so sorry to know this! I have actually been spared hot flashes, but I've had enough sleep issues and mood swings to make up for it. Any chance you can get a copy of OUTLIVING YOUR OVARIES from your library? It's an "older" book, it came out in 2010, but I have learned a lot from it, and sadly, it's not like there's so much "new" stuff out there to render the information "dated." It was written by a former endocrinologist who has studied bio-identical hormones and really seems to know her stuff.
Jen, I will look her up! And, Julie, I do agree we have to be cautious of who is really behind saying alternative methods are dangerous. Yes, some are, but that is why you have to look at everything with a cautious eye. And, I can tell you from my experience that pushing more and more pills on people is also dangerous and not necessarily working either.
I agree with you, Julie & Diane. We do need to be aware but it's also fascinating to see others doing their own research to see what works. And what may work for one person, may not for another. Always need to weigh your options and get other opinions to support decisions made. Big pharma is scary. I don't think medication is always necessary for everything. But we are of a generation too that needs the quick fix.
Shelley's Book Nook wrote: "Great review, Jen. Sounds very interesting and noteworthy. I am 57 and still going through hot flashes, seven years of them. They're terrible and ruin so much of my day-to-day life. I can't take HR..."
I feel for you, Shelley. Do look into what Julie has recommended here - maybe there is some value there for you?
Hi Diane!
Just so we're clear. . . I'd like to make it to my last day of life without being on ANY pills, so I certainly hope I haven't given you that impression. Food is my medicine, and so is exercise, prayer, and meditation, but I also know that every body is unique and I get so frustrated by how little we have learned about women's bodies. Women are truly suffering during this stage of life and it really and truly hurts and frustrates me.
I am so grateful for a site like this where we can throw around some ideas and maybe learn something new. I want to know what works for other people, and I want to know if it's an option for me or mine. I hope we all find what we need!!
Amen, Jen, and I am sorry I have commented so many times on this review! The topic of women's health, especially in regard to hormone imbalances and menopause really gets me worked up. I feel like we should know a LOT more than we do, at this point. (I think I'm going to add that book Diane mentioned--ULTRA PROCESSED PEOPLE. Sounds timely for sure).
Great review, Jen! I hope you find what works best for you and I know how tough the journey can be. I opted for HRT for ‘quality of life’. No regrets!
Julie wrote: "Amen, Jen, and I am sorry I have commented so many times on this review! The topic of women's health, especially in regard to hormone imbalances and menopause really gets me worked up. I feel like ..."
Not at all, Julie. It's a 'hot' topic and I love that we can share what we've experienced so far. This is the community to do it!
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Dec 15, 2023 11:50AM
Terrific review, Jen! Thank goodness I'm past all that awfulness, but I'm sorry you're going through it now. It was absolute hell at times. I think, for me, the night sweats were the worst! So much fun waking up in pool of water.🙄
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Hope you find some helpful tips! Great review!
Jodi wrote: "Terrific review, Jen! Thank goodness I'm past all that awfulness, but I'm sorry you're going through it now. It was absolute hell at times. I think, for me, the night sweats were the worst! So much..."I actually started HRT which is an amazing treatment. Night sweats gone. Hot flashes not so much....looks like I have at least another 5 years, Jodi. I shall be a grumpy old woman by the time I'm done...haha.
Great review Jen. I agree fasting is a powerful tool for healing the body and weight control.
Jayme wrote: "Hope you find some helpful tips! Great review!"There were some interesting tidbits in there for sure...not sure I agree with them all but options and alternatives. Thanks Jayme
I am just going through this as well Jen. We are samesies! 😂Great review! Thanks for putting this author on my radar.
Great review Jen! I've read some other books on fasting, but don't want to lose any muscle. Huberman has a great podcast. 🤩
Great review! I am with you that my core motivation is to feel my best. I have been doing 16-17 hour fasts for the past couple of months (with some exceptions). Thanks for recommending Huberman Lab - I have really been enjoying it. I work in a hospital and see so many unhealthy people on a daily basis. I am determined to try to remain as healthy and youthful as possible!
Definitely not so much fun. Wait for the full onslaught of menopause - absolutely not so much fun.😒
Rich wrote: "Great review Jen. I agree fasting is a powerful tool for healing the body and weight control."It is, Rich, but she only just touched upon the power of strength training which is a key element to longevity and health. But, if the goal is to lose weight, this is a quick way to do it. My own fast cuts all those snacks I would have in the evening. So, it did bring about a positive change in my consumption of those bad carbs/sugar. I think I will try the 17 hour fast as I'm so curious about the metabolism going into ketosis. Stay tuned!
Tracy wrote: "I am just going through this as well Jen. We are samesies! 😂Great review! Thanks for putting this author on my radar."
I would recommend her podcast actually over the book, Tracy. And the ones below I listed are quite good too. I did make the leap to HRT but the issue now is the backlog of patches. It made a huge difference for me to avoid many of those symptoms. We shall journey together, my friend!
Holly wrote: "Great review Jen! I've read some other books on fasting, but don't want to lose any muscle. Huberman has a great podcast. 🤩"Isn't he great?! Me neither! We will need to build together, Holly :)
Terrific review! 🥰 I'm fascinated with the concept of fasting too.
I'll join you, Jen. I came across Pelz when I was doing keto some years back. Chiropractors or naturopaths are NOT doctors. (don't come after me, I'm to changing my opinion). I don't like her style, it's very Americanish, with big pronouncements, so certain of herself etc. Luckily, there are better-qualified OBGYNs and doctors out there talking about menopause and peri. It's a super sucky period in a woman's life, that's certain, should I say what else is new?
Mary Beth wrote: "Terrific review! 🥰 I'm fascinated with the concept of fasting too."It is interesting the windows she puts out there. I'm still weary though with the empirical data.
Bianca wrote: "I'll join you, Jen. I came across Pelz when I was doing keto some years back. Chiropractors or naturopaths are NOT doctors. (don't come after me, I'm to changing my opinion). I don't like her style..."Hell, I agree with you, Bianca. They aren't doctors and in the bio it doesn't even mention it so not sure if she even still practices it. However, She is a big voice and can be overwhelming but she has a huge following now thanks to instagram. Fortunately for me, I have an awesome OBGYN. And yes, a super sucky period with and without the period ..haha - did you intend that pun?
Diane wrote: "Great review! I am with you that my core motivation is to feel my best. I have been doing 16-17 hour fasts for the past couple of months (with some exceptions). Thanks for recommending Huberman Lab..."Huberman is amazing- glad I could put you onto him. Look at you 16-17 hours. That's awesome. I've just started doing weight training now 4 times a week so protein is a huge factor in this journey.
is another one I'm going to check out. She focuses more on strength and protein diets. Seeing unhealthy people on a daily basis is tough. Def a motivator for not wanting to be that way. Thanks Diane!
Angela M wrote: "Definitely not so much fun. Wait for the full onslaught of menopause - absolutely not so much fun.😒"I'm doing the HRT now, Angela. I don't want that onslaught. Too many women out there have no idea how much misinformation there is on HRT. It's shocking. Decades later still clearing up that mess of a study. I hope all women get an OBGYN as they start through this journey. I know not everyone will be a candidate for it but it's worth looking into. Hope you are out of it and feeling WAY better.
Terrific review, Jen. Glad this book helped some, though I know you like her podcasts better. It IS a taboo subject so I’m glad someone is addressing it. I had early menopause because I had to get a hysterectomy and also take a chemo-like drug, so I was doomed. Hot flashes were the worst. I can’t take HRT because I had breast cancer at 42, and I couldn’t take anything that adds estrogen. Hope your symptoms get better—it’s the pits!!
Jen, I was on HRT until that study came out about side effects and my gynecologist at the time stopped prescribing it. After that I tried a number of natural remedies, but nothing really worked . The hot flashes were the worst. My husband will tell you it was the mood wings - lol ! Thankfully out of all of that. Hope these treatments help.
This is fascinating stuff, Jen. Thanks for sharing. I’m right there with you on the edge of all that. Excellent review!
Great review Jen for those still suffering. Hope it’s been helpful for yourself.
Excellent review, Jen!I do fasting for around 15 hrs every night to day.. feel better.. I’m way past all that menopause for many yrs now… had Premarin early due to total hysterectomy in late 30’s… never really had to deal with hot flashes, etc…my daughter is now going through that now though.
Jen, I FEEL YOUR PAIN!! I started peri-menopause in my late 30s. . . and JUST entered menopause. Somebody should call Guinness World Records. It was a nightmare.
I do want to point out something for the record, though. In the past decade of my life, I have spent approximately $130, 000, out of pocket, on traditional medical care, functional and integrative medical care, "alternative methods," supplements, and books.
I am going to share that, from where I am standing, not one medical doctor was about to help me with nutrition guidance, fasting advice, or hormone imbalances. The AMA in the U.S. does not even train our medical doctors in such practices, and most of them (including two new doctors in my life) will openly admit to this.
So. . . I wouldn't dismiss Mindy Pelz, or anyone else, for not being a doctor, and technically, chiropractors are legally Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine.
Personally, I've learned more from Kris Carr and Anthony William than anyone else in this arena, and neither of them have any sort of medical training! I am absolutely in love with both of them. Also--I'm so happy you mentioned "The Blue Zones" with Dan Buettner. I think there's a lot of wisdom there.
I do want to say to you, Jen, and any women reading this: Fight for your health! Don't let them explain away your symptoms and reduce your conditions to "anxiety" and "perimenopause." Hormone imbalances are REAL and almost no one knows how to fix them. Keep plugging away at it until someone listens to you and stands up for you. And don't forget to eat your greens and your sweet potatoes!!
xoxo
Debbie wrote: "Terrific review, Jen. Glad this book helped some, though I know you like her podcasts better. It IS a taboo subject so I’m glad someone is addressing it. I had early menopause because I had to get ..."Wow Debbie. I had no idea. I'm so happy you kicked that cancer right out of your body. Yes, HRT won't be for everyone. It is important that we openly talk about symptoms of peri and meno and not be dismissed!
Angela M wrote: "Jen, I was on HRT until that study came out about side effects and my gynecologist at the time stopped prescribing it. After that I tried a number of natural remedies, but nothing really worked . T..."I've tried the natural remedies as well. It's tough when you aren't sleeping well as that just exacerbates every other symptom - at least for me. Glad you are out of that journey as it seems far too long and not enough doctor's are willing to talk about it and treat it!
Karen wrote: "Excellent review, Jen!I do fasting for around 15 hrs every night to day.. feel better.. I’m way past all that menopause for many yrs now… had Premarin early due to total hysterectomy in late 30’s…..."
Thanks Karen -I hope your daughter is getting through it with support. It's tough when you don't recognize the typical symptoms of peri/meno and attribute it to perhaps getting early onset dementia! I felt so much better after speaking with my gyno...she totally gets it and has been so helpful. It really makes a difference.
Julie wrote: "Jen, I FEEL YOUR PAIN!! I started peri-menopause in my late 30s. . . and JUST entered menopause. Somebody should call Guinness World Records. It was a nightmare.
I do want to point out something ..."
Thank you, Julie! Wow. I'm grateful that much of my own journey has been covered through our healthcare here in Canada and through my own private coverage. It really is a journey of a bunch of symptoms...even this a.m I read something on national geographic about women in menopause who chronically get frozen shoulder but it isn't addressed as that. WHAT? We really need to up our knowledge on this- so does science. It's changing our lives and sometimes our characters too! I'll check out Carr and William. I don't think Mindy is a one stop shop although I think she will be helpful to many.
Don't forget PROTEIN!!! I want to go to all those blue zone places now more than ever. They are doing many things right!
Bucket list expanding!
Jen,Yes, how sad is it that MOST of what has helped me hasn't been covered by insurance? Our healthcare system here is so broken, and so uninformed.
I recently watched "The Blue Zones" program with my brother. We loved the connections he made--what all of the blue zones had in common. Every one of them had a native sweet potato that the locals ate, religiously, either every day or multiple times a week, they also had tight-knit communities and walked vigorously. Oh! And much better water sources. Why can't we implement more of these basic principals into our own communities?
Excellent review, Jen! Love the insights and addtl resources!
Julie wrote: "Jen,Yes, how sad is it that MOST of what has helped me hasn't been covered by insurance? Our healthcare system here is so broken, and so uninformed.
I recently watched "The Blue Zones" program wit..."
It really doesn't make sense in the Western world not to have good healthcare and basic necessities. Sweden has it right! I'm not sure they have the potatoes though?! And yes, communities. So great for support as we age and not the nursing kinds either. Thanks Julie
Rosh (is busy; will catch up soon!) wrote: "Excellent review, Jen! Love the insights and addtl resources!"Thanks Rosh
Teres wrote: "Welcome to The Club! 🥵"Argh....thanks Teres. Have been part of it for longer than I've wanted!
I feel so much of this conversation! I also totally agree with focusing on protein, greens, and sweet potatoes. Once I upped my protein intake, I found it kept me fuller for longer and the fasting is progressing becoming easier. I do think strength training is essential, but I also find great value in yoga and cardio. At the end of the day, I think there is no straight one answer for all of us, but we do have to keep fighting for our own health! I am now reading Ultra Processed People and it is also mind blowing - all the artificial crap in our food that our body does not know how to digest properly. So frustrating that this has become the norm.
Diane wrote: "I feel so much of this conversation! I also totally agree with focusing on protein, greens, and sweet potatoes. Once I upped my protein intake, I found it kept me fuller for longer and the fasting ..."It's such a great conversation! I agree with no one size fits all, Diane. The Ultra Processed People sounds scary but also like something we need to be aware of. What I don't get is that the organic food is triple the price. It's hard to be healthy these days...Why do we make it so difficult? I can't wait for spring and I'll be really putting more of an effort into my garden. Let me know how that reads as I'm curious now too!
Also, Diane not sure if you've checked out Barbara O'Neill - she is on instagram under self.heal.by.design and mistymountailifestyleretreat and is on youtube.com selfhealbydesign. She too, is fascinating on determining ailments and natural ways of healing. Very interesting.....Bianca, if you read this, She is Australian!
Jen, I've looked her up, and the first search result was Wiki it said "Barbara O'Neill (b. 28 July 1953) is an Australian alternative medicine personality, known for promoting dangerous and unsupported alternative medical ..." She's not for me.
Oh my! Thanks Bianca. That’s scary!
Just an FYI--Wiki defines Gary Null as "an American talk radio host and author who advocates pseudoscientific alternative medicine and produces a line of questionable dietary supplements."We *might* be just as suspicious of WHOEVER is writing these blurbs! Just saying. Who DOES write these blurbs for Wiki?? Anyone know? There is rarely an "author" listed.
Gary Null, Jack Lalanne, Kris Carr, Anthony William, Marilu Henner. . . are just a few examples of famous health gurus who have promoted either raw food diets, vegetarian diets and/or raw juicing. What do most of them have in common? They've healed their own bodies, they look 20-30 years younger than their chronological ages, and they've had the courage to speak up against Big Pharma companies, speak out against commercial farms using pesticides. They often risk their own lives, to be a voice of reason in a very complicated world.
I have NO idea who Barbara O'Neill is, but some of these types of health crusaders actually are actually worthy of our time and attention.
Great review, Jen. Sounds very interesting and noteworthy. I am 57 and still going through hot flashes, seven years of them. They're terrible and ruin so much of my day-to-day life. I can't take HRT because I am diabetic. I had never heard of that until my doctor told me. 🤗💕
To Shelley: I am so sorry to know this! I have actually been spared hot flashes, but I've had enough sleep issues and mood swings to make up for it. Any chance you can get a copy of OUTLIVING YOUR OVARIES from your library? It's an "older" book, it came out in 2010, but I have learned a lot from it, and sadly, it's not like there's so much "new" stuff out there to render the information "dated." It was written by a former endocrinologist who has studied bio-identical hormones and really seems to know her stuff.
Jen, I will look her up! And, Julie, I do agree we have to be cautious of who is really behind saying alternative methods are dangerous. Yes, some are, but that is why you have to look at everything with a cautious eye. And, I can tell you from my experience that pushing more and more pills on people is also dangerous and not necessarily working either.
I agree with you, Julie & Diane. We do need to be aware but it's also fascinating to see others doing their own research to see what works. And what may work for one person, may not for another. Always need to weigh your options and get other opinions to support decisions made. Big pharma is scary. I don't think medication is always necessary for everything. But we are of a generation too that needs the quick fix.
Shelley's Book Nook wrote: "Great review, Jen. Sounds very interesting and noteworthy. I am 57 and still going through hot flashes, seven years of them. They're terrible and ruin so much of my day-to-day life. I can't take HR..."I feel for you, Shelley. Do look into what Julie has recommended here - maybe there is some value there for you?
Hi Diane!Just so we're clear. . . I'd like to make it to my last day of life without being on ANY pills, so I certainly hope I haven't given you that impression. Food is my medicine, and so is exercise, prayer, and meditation, but I also know that every body is unique and I get so frustrated by how little we have learned about women's bodies. Women are truly suffering during this stage of life and it really and truly hurts and frustrates me.
I am so grateful for a site like this where we can throw around some ideas and maybe learn something new. I want to know what works for other people, and I want to know if it's an option for me or mine. I hope we all find what we need!!
Amen, Jen, and I am sorry I have commented so many times on this review! The topic of women's health, especially in regard to hormone imbalances and menopause really gets me worked up. I feel like we should know a LOT more than we do, at this point. (I think I'm going to add that book Diane mentioned--ULTRA PROCESSED PEOPLE. Sounds timely for sure).
Great review, Jen! I hope you find what works best for you and I know how tough the journey can be. I opted for HRT for ‘quality of life’. No regrets!
Julie wrote: "Amen, Jen, and I am sorry I have commented so many times on this review! The topic of women's health, especially in regard to hormone imbalances and menopause really gets me worked up. I feel like ..."Not at all, Julie. It's a 'hot' topic and I love that we can share what we've experienced so far. This is the community to do it!
