Weekly Wrapup (and a Personal Update)

Hello, all! Just thought I’d pop in for a quick weekly wrapup, and for those of you who are keeping up with our diet/health stuff, I have an update for you! But first, here are this week’s posts, just in case you missed something…

This Week’s Posts:

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And don’t forget, there’s still time to link up your latest project to this week’s link party!

Personal Update:

Oh my gosh…good things are happening, y’all!!! Today is the 35th day of Matt’s and my new healthy lifestyle. I can hardly believe it! We haven’t eaten at a restaurant in 35 days. I haven’t had a Dr. Pepper in 35 days. I have made every single meal we’ve eaten in the last 35 days. That’s absolutely monumental! And the best part? We’re absolutely loving what we’re eating, we look forward to it, and we don’t feel like we’re suffering or depriving ourselves one single bit.

So is it all paying off?

YES!! A thousands time…YES! In 35 days, both Matt and I have lost weight. Unfortunately, I don’t have a bathroom scale, so I don’t know how much I’ve lost. But I can tell you that yesterday, I wore a pair of jeans (comfortably, all day long) that I couldn’t button and zip at the beginning of January. Exciting!

But the biggest changes are happening in Matt. Again, Matt has MS. He’s been in a wheelchair for almost 2.5 years. He’s unable to walk, and can’t even take one step, and really couldn’t even stand up. At the end of last year, he had gotten to the point where he suffered from extreme fatigue every single day, most days not able to sit up in his wheelchair more than two hours at a time, and not more than five hours total in one day. The rest of the day would be spent in bed, with his body aching. But even during the times he was sitting, he was usually sleeping because he was so exhausted all the time. When he was awake, he was constantly complaining about being dizzy and feeling like the room was spinning.

He needed help getting from his wheelchair to the bed, and most of the time, he even needed help getting from his wheelchair to the toilet. (Sorry if that’s TMI. That’s just life with MS.) He hasn’t been able to read a book in four years because his eye would “wiggle”, impairing his vision and making it impossible to read. When he used his computer, he would have to wear an eye patch over his right eye because the “wiggling” in the right eye would make it impossible for him to see the screen.

Well, folks…that was then…this is now. After 34 days of healthy eating (let me remind you, he doesn’t take any pharmaceutical medications for his MS), here’s what’s happening…

Just today, I saw him stand up perfectly straight. He had to hold on to something, but he stood. This morning, he used his computer without his eye patch covering his right eye. Just a few minutes ago, I handed him a magazine with tiny print, and he was able to read it. He did still have a bit of trouble, but again, it’s only been 35 days! He now sits up for an average of 10.5 hours every day, and during that time, he’s awake and energetic. He’s able to do things for himself now…get to the bed or the toilet. He’s completely independent in doing those things now. Oh, and the constant dizziness? Gone!

In his own words, “My life right now is 100 times better than it was at the end of last year!!”

And it’s only been 35 days. Things are going to get so much better.

 

 

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41 Comments

  1. Oh wow! That is amazing news!!! I can’t imagine how happy the two of you must be to see these drastic improvements in quality of life in such a short period of time! Thanks for keeping us updated and congrats on the healing!

  2. Kristi – I could not be happier for you guys. It is hard work to do all of that prep, shop, clean, prep again and cook. What an inspiration you are to me and many more. XO, Bev

  3. Wow Kristi that is incredible. I hope you are documenting what you eat and recipes etc…this would be a great inspiration to other MS sufferers. It is amazing how we (generally healthy) people take for granted our ability to stand on our own, or get to the bathroom independently. I am so excited for you and your husband. Congratulations! May God bless all your efforts, Lori
    P.S. Do you love the new Linky tool? I’m following you, and trying it out…Have a great week.

  4. That’s great, Kristi!!! I’ve been reading with interest about how you are shopping at the farmer’s market and trying to eat more healthfully. We have been trying to incorporate more organic foods into our diets…esp. for the kids as much as we can. It’s hard–it’s SO expensive! But I think all of the additives in foods contribute to so many health problems….and we’re not even dealing with something like MS! I wish we had a farmer’s market all year….ours are just June-Oct. Keep up the great work! I’ve been watching my food and working out in the last few weeks and it feels SO good to have pants that fit comfortably! Congrats!

    1. To Michell (Girl in Air), Do you have any tips for me on how to give up sugar? I am an addict and am having a very hard time, so any help you can send my way would be greatly appreciated!! xoxo

      1. I am a major sugar/carb addict too. I usually have to do a complete fast from sugar and all processed food for at least three days to get it out of my system. I no longer have any cravings for junk food when I do that. One slip up and I am in trouble though. I am about to start a juice fast on Monday to once again get back on track to a healthier diet. Unfortunately for me, when it comes to sugar and junky carbs, I have to be all or nothing.

  5. Kristi, that is absolutely fantastic news! Have you looked into hippo therapy? I only ask because my mom and I used to volunteer with it and I’ve seen it work absolute wonders.

    Congrats on your and your husband’s improving health- may it only get better and better!

  6. Kristi,

    What an exciting accomplishment for both you and Matt. It’s amazing what the right foods can do for you. I’ve been trying to make healthier choices in my life and it’s hard work. I’m excited to hear about your journey and I’m sure the results feel great. Getting into a pair of jeans and wearing them comfortably is a great accomplishment.

  7. I just want to say that I’m new to your blog so I’m just hearing about Matt for the first time- that is AWESOME!! So glad things are going so well now!!! I’ll be praising God and asking that he continue to work in your lives!!

  8. Kristi, That is amazing news! I am so happy for you and Matt. You deserve so much appreciation for all the hard work. You are inspiring and teaching others along the way! Thank you

  9. I’ve only been following your blog for a week, so this is the first I’ve heard of your new diet and Matt, but this is utterly fantastic. I’ve been a believer for a long time that we can heal our bodies through our diet….and I think you and Matt will be walking testaments to that. I agree home-cooked food is superior to restaurant fare….we just need to retrain ourselves to do the work. I hope you share your diet at some point – it just might help others as well.
    Blessings!!

  10. Congrats to you and Matt! I just read some information on this a few weeks ago. This may be something you’re interested in! I have no affiliation in any way, just thought it was super interesting and now I’m shocked I have someone to share it with. 🙂

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLjgBLwH3Wc

    I hope it’s ok to post a link. Thanks for letting me share!

  11. Praise God!!!!!!! What a blessing for your family. Glad to hear how your new lifestyle is going!!!! We have dabbled in juicing but with the expense (and 3 children) haven’t felt that we are able to totally change our lifestyle!!!!! What an inspiration. God is so Good. Praying for total restoration for your sweet husband!!!!!

  12. That is so inspiring. Keep up the good work. And I look forward to the day you would post that your husband is walking on his own again. May you both be blessed abundantly!

  13. Hi Kristi,
    Congratulations to you and your husband. It is so inspiring to hear his progress over the past 35 days. You gave me something that I needed today: encouragement – which is such a blessing. God bless you both!!

  14. Kristi,

    Being a nutrition coach I know first hand the miraculous things nutrition can do for our bodies. You are what you eat! By putting in the nutrients your body craves it can almost heal itself if we just get out of the way and let it happen! I can’t wait to hear more about how Matt’s body continues to heal! Are you juicing 100%? Keep up the great work! You are truly an inspiration!! God Bless!

  15. This is the best post i’ve read anywhere on the tinternet in a long while! Having a very close friend who suffers with MS I see all too clearly how she struggles minute to minute….and to see how a diet can have phenominal effects I must share this story with Jenny….!!
    Big congrats to you both…and ‘welcome back’ to Matt! 🙂

  16. That is simply amazing! I didn’t know about your husband or his struggles, but so happy to read this…. What a testament to the old saying “we are what we eat”. Look forward to reading more about the continued healing.

  17. This is the most inspiring story I have read on my blog feed today. Congratulations and keep up the GREAT work. In this month of love, you are showing the ultimate love for yourself and Matt.
    Thank you for always sharing the best decorating ideas and for sharing a little piece of you too.
    Wishing you Peace, Strength and Love!

  18. It’s incredible that taking preservatives out of our diets allows our bodies to be healed. I’ve heard it so many times – never did anything about it, mind you – BUT, hearing your first hand account is the kick I needed to get me started on this in our household. I’m truly inspired to hear how it is changing your lives on a daily basis. I can only imagine the excitement in your home right now. What a testament to healthy eating and lifestyles.

    I’d love for you to share what kind of meals you’re actually making. This can help so many people! I’m sharing your story with my mother who suffers in her body daily. I just know this can really benefit her.

    Thank you for sharing your experiences. I can’t wait to hear about the changes for Matt in your next recap. God bless you both!

  19. Dear Kristi, this is the most wonderful news, as many other people have commented we are what we eat, I am going to add another condition – all the chemicals that are in our food chain are responsible for many of our ailments – BPA in the lining of cans, BPA on all sales slips, all our food is wrapped in plastic – except the odd veg and jarred goods – but even those have plastic lined and BPA in the lids. Ammonia added to meat products – the list is too long to go into here – but you get my drift. I have a facebook page where I am documenting attempts to live plastic free – and it starts with food – seriously next time you are in the supermarket – just take a look – plastic everywhere – Woman versus Plastic – has tips on how we can make our lives less plastic – Once again I am so happy that Matt’s health is improving.

  20. Okay just had to comment on the personal update…that is absolutely fantastic!!! I am with you and totally believe in the Hippocrates quote “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. Anyway, thanks for all the design inspiration too! Keep doing what you are doing!

  21. Thank you for sharing your battle with MS with us. Even we who don’t deal with this have other problems that diet can help. My husband and I are struggling to lose weight and it’s so hard at our ages. (63 & 65) I’m going to go back and read your post where to outlined what you were going to eat and read it again.

    I am so proud of you both for being so faithful not only to God, but to yourselves by staying on this health way of eating. God is truly blessing you both! Keep us posted on your and Matt’s progress!

  22. Kristi, Love your blog and am thrilled to hear about your health update and Matt’s 100% improvement over the last month. How wonderful for you both. Sue

  23. Wow, I had no idea your husband had MS (I’m a new reader). I loved hearing this update. So happy for both of you…you deserve some huge pats on the back for making the sacrifice of giving up things you love as well as all the cooking and planning necessary. Go you!

  24. This is such wonderful news for you both! A great reminder that a healthy diet does make a difference. Now if I could just remember that in the morning when I’m hungry and grab the first (unhealthy)food I see!

  25. Wow Kristi, that is fabulous news. I’ve been a follower of your blog for about a year and didn’t know that your husband suffered from MS, what an ordeal the both of you face! And what amazing news you’ve shared about your diet! My husband and I have also changed our diets this past year, joined weight watchers, and both lost a significant amount of weight. Thanks for your inspiration!

  26. Hello, this is the first time reading your blog and the personal update category immediately piqued my interest. I am so glad I read it. Although I need to eat much healthier, some of my friends think I am a health freak because of how they eat. I see first hand what diet can or can not do. These same friends have so many health issues and rely on their doctor’s guidance and medication only and it drives me crazy. I have another friend who has MS and she is pretty consistant with eating a healthy diet and your article is a testiment as to why. I wish you the best and congrats on your immediate success. Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing. It will motivate the rest of us for sure!

  27. hi there,
    i’m new to your blog and LOVE it! i so enjoyed reading your personal testimony and am so amazed and in awe of what you’re both doing and the human bodies ability to restore itself!
    would you mind sharing what exactly you are doing?
    raw/any specific programme?
    thanks,
    Claire x