Week 4 - Day 6

(May 6, 2011)

Today it's about Enzyme's.  Enzyme deficiencies are a major contributor to maldigestion. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to ignite chemical reactions in the body.  Although the body makes enzymes, it must use those enzymes in food for optimal health.  Most enzymes are destroyed in foods that are processed, refined, or cooked at very high temperatures.  Raw or lightly steamed foods are rich in enzymes.
When enzymes are lacking, the pancreas takes on a greater responsibility.  The pancreas produces insulin, the hormone that maintains blood sugar levels.  So diets loaded with refined carbs, sugar and processed foods, overwork the pancreas and weaken its performance, thus making us more susceptible to yeast overgrowth, hypoglycemia and diabetes.

That's why in the gluten free aisle of the grocery store I'm noticing raw foods.  I had no idea what raw foods were.  I've seen raw honey and raw butter (I think).  I actually bought raw honey for a couple of the recipes that I've made.

I have to say that I'm so proud of Jeannette and how she is handling all of this.  I keep looking at some of these foods and just can't believe how hard it must be for her.  Again, she's still not eating as many green foods as she should.  That's my problem.  I don't even know how to prepare half these things to make them interesting and fun.  That's one reason why she's not getting them.  I must admit, I'm intimidated by vegetables.  Can you believe that?  A vegetable is intimidating me.  Now I love fruits.  I have no problem with the fruit family.  I just wish she could eat more fruits besides berries.  Although certain fruits contain high amounts of natural sugar, they still provide phytonutrients and lots of vitamins and minerals.

Humans are creatures of habit.  We are pushed against the wall when it comes to change, and this is whole way of eating is a huge change.  I also haven't found a fantastic web-site that gives me a lot of information on recipes.  I know there has to be one out there somewhere.  This book, The Candida Cure, has really helped me understand the body and understand how foods help and hurt your body.  I've learned so much in reading this book the past few days.  I'd have to say, after reading this, that 3/4 of the food on today's market is total and utter crap.  The amount of processed foods out there is appalling.

Tonight I was talking to my husband about how we all need to be participating better.  We've done pretty good, but we could do better.  For example; this protein shake that Jeannette has to take.  I told my husband that we all should be drinking this.  But you know what? I'm afraid to try it.  It's so completely hypocritical of me to sit there and tell my daughter that she HAS to drink this, when I can't even stomach the smell and looks of it.  How wrong is that?  I keep going back to what Michael, the nutritionist said to me.  He said that kids can change their palates and adapt at a young age.  By the time they're 18 years old, it's too late.  Now is the time to start them on healthy eating.  There are only 10% of people that can really make this change when they're adults.  Now I see why it's such a low percentage.  Can I become one of the 10% that changes my ways?