Is This Normal?
Yes, I am still here!!!
Yes, I’ve been away for a while. Yes, a lot of things have been going on in my life. Yes, I am still totally fascinated with nutrition and the food we choose to eat.
With the changes in my life, I now more than ever, want to search out the best quality of food and life for my family and for you, my friends.
I have been doing a lot of thinking while I have been away, thinking about nutrition and life itself. I joined CrossFit S3 two years ago and never thought that I would be standing where I am today. I joined to lose the “baby weight”, which is what I called it then (wink wink), utterly obsessed with how I looked and how I gained so much weight. Today I look back and see that when I joined I literally changed the direction my life was going. The weight I had gained was from a life that was headed for sickness and disease. I am healthy now and on a path that is energizing, fulfilling and lots of fun, not just for me but for my family as well. I wished somebody a Happy Rebirthday for their 1 year anniversary for joining the CrossFit community, and that is really what it is, a Rebirth into a new life.
It has become a normal part of life in America that when you hit a certain age you will be on blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication and diagnosed with type II diabetes, still people continue their lifestyle thinking medication will cure them. These medications mask the disease still growing in their bodies and sometimes causing other complications. The truly sad thing is most people believe it is a sign of aging, but in fact, these diseases are the result of the Standard American Diet (SAD). A SAD diet is rich in processed foods that take a toll on the body. The truth to the matter is that if you are an average American you are highly diseased. I want people to know that it is not normal to be on medication, but it is standard in our society. You have a choice not to have a heart attack, stroke, diabetes and cancer.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” Hippocrates, 460 B.C.
It is normal to use food as your medicine. It is normal to heal yourself with the food choices you make. It is normal to feel healthy and strong when you choose real food. When you make the decision to be healthy and strong you must educate yourself with information on nutrition and the quality of food you eat.
My goal is to weed through all the information for you. Give you advice and share my experiences with diet and nutrition. We all can become healthy, stronger and disease free individuals.
One of the perks to fighting disease with your nutrition is you end up looking really good too! You naturally have a glow to your skin, you have a fit lean body and you have energy to enjoy life. Disease free and a hottie, what is stopping you!
Tom Ka Gai
(Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)
¾ pound boneless, skinless chicken meat (organic free range)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 can coconut milk
2 cups chicken broth (organic or homemade)
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
2 fresh limes (squeezed for their juice)
4 thinly sliced green onions
1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
Cut chicken into strips and sauté in sesame oil until meat turns white. In a large pot bring coconut milk and chicken broth to a boil and reduce heat. Add ginger, lime juice, mushrooms and chicken. Let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Add green onions and cilantro the last five minutes. Enjoy!
“No” Peanut Thai Sauce
½ cup Sunbutter (sunflower seed butter)
½ cup coconut milk
1 fresh lime (squeezed for the juice)
½ cup pureed apple
1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger root
3 gloves fresh minced garlic
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree. Keep in refrigerator.
My absolute favourite soup of all time!! Yum!! And, a bonus un-peanut sauce. Awesome. Thank you
My favorite too!!
You’re back! Yeah! Will try the soup and the sauce! I’m looking forward to continue on my pathway of healthy eating and exercise. You and your family are a great inspiriation. Thanks!
Yeah can’t wait to try this soup out! Thanks xtina
Nice to have you back:)
I have been considering joining this gym for some time. And after reading your blog, I have decided that I will, in fact, not be joining your gym.
I too am I huge believer in health and nutrition. I believe that a healthy life style can and will contribute to your overall health. However, your comment “You have a choice not to have a heart attack, stroke, diabetes or cancer” is not only ignorant but insulting. I cannot find where you are either one, a licensed nutritionist or two, a medical doctor. I can appreciate your desire to “help” people in their quest to achieve overall health, but as the wife of a diabetic, and someone who has lost more than one loved one to cancer, I find your statement to be ridiculous. I am certain that any one of my friends/loved ones who has a family member with disease, or suffers themselves, and finds themselves on medication, whether it be for ADD/ADHD, Cancer, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Acid Reflux- – you name it, would gladly eat “No” peanut Tai Sauce or Tom Ka Gai if in fact it would “cure” their disease. YES, I know that is not what you said verbatim, but it is what was inferred. I wish you luck in your quest to keep people “informed”; however, I pray that it is with a little more knowledge and empathy that you will do so.
I think it’s sad for your health that you’re choosing not to join our family. As someone that lost a brother to an 8 year battle with cancer, and someone who has lost over 70lbs since joining this community/family, I find it sad you would try to attack these wonderful trainers. I made a CHOICE not to get cancer, diabetes, to have a heart attack or stroke. But should it ever happen, these people have prepared me mentally and physically to fight. I think I will quote you and say, “I pray this is with a little more knowledge and empathy that you will do so”
I wouldn’t pay any attention. This person probably didn’t really want to join anyway and was looking for an excuse not to, thus took Cristina’s comment out of context. Obviously, NOT eating one meal isn’t going to cure you or prevent disease. And obviously Type 1 diabetes isn’t what she was talking about. And also obviously, there are no guarantees in life. I’ve had friends and family fight, die, and live from cancer. Family and friends fight depression. I fear some of my family may acquire Type 2 diabetes if they don’t chose to change. This is exactly why I am passionate about my diet and exercise. I look at it as “taking my medicine” every day to prevent problems down the road. I’m lucky that I also enjoy it. Is Crossfit expensive? Yes, but so is diabetes, etc.
Some people are always looking for a reason to get angry. Just the way it is. I hope for their sake that they can back up and take another look at Tina’s comments for what they really are, rather than a misinterpretation.
There are no guarantees that eating right will prevent me from having a heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc. But what other choice do I have. At the end of the day I want to know that I did everything I could to make my short life the best it could be.
JSC
My name is Brandon and I am one of the owners of S3endurance LLC / CrossFit S3. I am sorry to hear this post has hit you in a sensitive way. We actually would love too meet you in person and welcome you to stop by to meet our community. I can promise you’d be impressed.
As far as Crisitna and her nutrition blog I can tell you she is one of the most caring people I know. Her own mother is going through a battle with cancer right now. So as far as sensitivity and empathy I have a funny feeling she is personally effected by this and emotionally driven by this.
The research supports her opinions and we understand at times it is a sensitive subject.
Ultimately your lifestyle will dictate your health on many levels … It is that simple and food is one of those choices.
Clearly, no one has a CHOICE on whether or not an individual is affected by disease or sickness. However we do have a choice on whether or not to do what we can to limit that probability. I also made a choice to read this blog and take what I wanted from it in a positive, helpful and informative way. Laslty if you decisions to not join a gym community rely on a single blog, without knowledge of the people behind it, I applaud your decision.
While Cristina is not a medical doctor, I challenge you to find a medical doctor who has done as much research on nutrition as she has. Actually, I’d challenge you to find a medical doctor who has done as much research on nutrition as most of the folks at S3. Nutritionists, yes they have the research. Doctors, not likely. Read the research papers…watch the documentaries…talk to the hundreds and thousands of people in the CrossFit community that have changed their diet, following the very principals that Cristina shares with us, and have seen their diseases and health problems vanish. Diabetes gone, osteoporosis gone, joint issues gone. This is not to say that simply changing your diet will 100% eliminate any and all disease, but it has been documented, and proven, that this approach to food CAN alter health problems and heal. Most of us at S3 are like you, JSC. We have family members suffering from these diseases, or we have them ourselves. And we know that with a full effort to change your diet and workout program, you CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. And Cristina is the greatest advocate we have for a healthy change. To use your word, it is ignorant to base an entire decision and opinion on one post and it is ignorant to assume that if Cristina tells you to cut out bread that she is promising you that you will NEVER have a heart attack or will NEVER get diabetes, or that you will be cured. Read all the posts, talk to the people, watch Food Inc/Food Matters, read the Paleo diet books and then come back and say she is ignorant. You will always be accepted at S3 and we will ALL work hard to help those that join our family to achieve the healthiest life they have ever had. But it takes hard work, an open mind and a little faith in those around you to achieve this. If you change your mind, you know where to find us. If you don’t, there are plenty of top notch facilities in the area that ultimately will give you the same information as you see here on Cristina’s blog.
JSC-
I think we can all agree disease is a sensitive subject, especially when it’s you, a family member, or someone close to us. The blog message was not intended to minimize the impact of disease by any means nor insult the medical field diligently working to cure these diseases by inferring “No” Peanut thai soup will cure cancer. The blog is meant to challenge the way we think about the food we choose to put into our bodies because we DO have a choice. Most of us at S3 have seen first hand what disease can do and JSC- that’s why we are all here. So what if…. just what if.. those disease stricken people you know had the same crossfit family to challenge their thinking well before the disease? Would they be where they are today? I certainly don’t know and I could safely say you don’t either but what if they had….. I am hoping you don’t close the door on the challenge to change the way you think and feel about food even if you’ve closed the door on us. This crossfit family has certainly changed my life as it has many others. Best of luck to you either, off to open gym right after I eat lunch which happens to be “No” peanut thai soup, Cheers!
Cristina — Great post, I am happy to see that you are becoming famous! Our family truly appreciates the time and research you put into your posts. I only wish we found Cros3fit and the inspiring group of people that sweat it out each week with us at the box years eariler.
- The Coziers
I think the point of this blog was simply to encourage healthier lifestyle decisions. While it may not be the cure, we all know that nutrition can play a huge part in many diseases out there, including the above mentioned ADD, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and reflux. There are numerous studies out there that prove this. I’m not saying good nutrition is the cure, but it is certainly a part of the equation. I think that’s the point that was trying to be made here. True, we can’t always control what disease may overtake our bodies, but we can control what we do with our bodies and what we put into them. A stronger, healthier body will always give you a better fighting chance against anything.
As Cristina’s husband and father of her 3 children, my comments will obviously not be taken as unbiased but I will share them anyway. The previous responses have pretty much summed it up. To take a single sentence out of this entire blog and interpret that she is explicitly saying you can 100% put a comprehensive “no-disease shield” over yourself solely based on eating foods A/B/C is “ignorant”. The intent was to continue promoting discussion and action regarding how we can minimize (not eliminate) risk of disease by making changes in our nutrition choices. Choice, Choice, Choice. We have the power to choose what we put in our bodies and how those choices have scientifically proven cause and effect consequences related to disease.
In the same manner, you have the choice of what you take away from this writing. You can take away a negative, visceral reaction as your comments have suggested or you can take away that there is passionate, educated, caring, researched and dedicated person trying to help herself, her family and her friends in and outside of the Crossfit community to live healthier and happier lives. On this 9/11 memorial (where thousands had no choice in their awful fate) let’s not get into petty arguments over single phrase and lose the big picture which was intended.
As stated before, we welcome you to join the S3 Crossfit community and would love for you to have the opportunity to experience what a positive supportive environment can do for your life. Best of luck in your choices.
This was a very emotionally driven blog post. One I have been thinking about since my own mother was diagnosed with cancer. One that I have been thinking about empathetically as we, as a family, have been fighting this awful disease.
I am not a nutritionist and I am not a doctor. I am a daughter, I am a mother and I am a wife. I am a daughter that wants and prays for her mother to get better. I am a mother who is raising 3 children in the first generation that will not outlive their parents because of Type II Diabetes. I am a wife that is looking forward to growing healthfully old with a wonderful and supportive husband. I am not ignorant but rather well informed on nutrition and the effects on our health.
The above supportive comments on my blog post inspire me. This community is really where I belong and I want to continue to learn and have discussions on nutrition and health.
JSC – I hope you reconsider joining this great community.
Cristina
Hello JSC – What you’ve seen in this blog post is exactly why all of us are part of the CrossFit S3 community. There isn’t anything like it. We are here for each other. You mention that you have been considering joining S3 for some time now….obviously, there were things you saw that drew you to it. Let me elaborate on maybe why that is.
Cristina has a truly compassionate and kind heart, not just for the subject of nutrition, but for the whole person. Brandon & Kirk (the owners) have created the right kind of CrossFit community….one where results are always celebrated, but what’s most important is the camaraderie and helping all of us become the absolute BEST we can be. Nutrition is a big part of it, along with the type of fitness programming we get from our owners and coaches. They really do know their stuff. I can say for myself that I was a bit of a skeptic on going 100% to eating in a new way. Since the first of the year in doing so, my cholesterol is the lowest it has ever been in my life…EVER!! And, I have a big history of heart disease in my family/high cholesterol.
Rather than drawing a line in the sand, I encourage you to meet everyone at S3. You will find a supportive group of mothers, fathers, daughters, sons and friends that will be there with you in each workout and wonder where you are when you don’t show up. And after you meet Cristina, I’m betting you’ll change your mind. All of us wish you much success with whatever decision you make.
Tina, in your last blog you mentioned growing old with a supportive, wonderful husband…….. You’re still married to Jim, right???
JSC, I hope you revisit this blog and read all the posts. Crossfit S3 is a community of encouaraging people who never give up on you!!! You can see that by each post, everyone has envited you to meet and workout with us. The owners and trainers provide you with the best workouts and the most update information on improving your health. They do not promise to be “GOD” and prevent you from illness. They teach and encourage you it is up to you to improve your health and fitness. I too will extend the invitation to join me at S3 and meet this wonderful community. If not I wish you success in your journey to good health.
As always Tayls, thanks for the support.
“The wife of a diabetic…”
Should we let her know that the diabetes could be reversed with diet?
Yep, we’ve all lost people to cancer. My first was my girlfriend at age 16:
http://robbwolf.com/2007/09/23/cancer-ketosis/
Not surprisingly, this was a large part of why I went into cancer research and we now know how to effectively treat astrocyte brain tumors and glioblastomas:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1819381/
Sounds like JSC has simply given up. I’ll give up when they throw dirt on me.
I quote the blog endorsed by S3 without any disclaimer that the comments are editorial in nature:
“You have a choice not to have a heart attack, stroke, diabetes and cancer.”
If you don’t see how that statement, presented as fact on a company website, could be anything other than insulting to someone who is surrounded by survivors and those who did not survive these diseases, then you need to take a good hard look at what you REALLY believe. The opportunity was right here to say, “You know what….you are right…it is NOT a choice to have these diseases. Healthy eating and healthy lifestyles can certainly improve your well-being and studies show that these types of activities reduce your risk…..but it’s not a CHOICE”. To post that as fact is irresponsible on the part of the writer and S3.
I am not attacking the writer of this blog, but the reality of this is that NOWHERE in this written piece, clearly endorsed by S3, is there any discussion or counterpoint to the writer’s assertion that these diseases are ANYTHING other than a choice. Does S3 GUARANTEE that if I join and follow their workout and diet regimen that I will NEVER get cancer, stroke, diabetes…..? This endorsed editorial certainly makes it sound that way.
Sincerely, I am saddened to learn that the writer’s own mother is suffering from cancer. Being the survivor of, unfortunately, more than one family member lost to the disease, my heart goes out to her. And I do believe that her intention was to motivate people to have a healthier lifestyle, but in her wording, she may have inhibited a lot of peoples interest in this forum.
It does truly seem like there is a great camaraderie among the members of CrossFit. I wish you all the best of luck in seeking out your healthiest best. I truly do, but please remember what you put out there stays out there. That’s all I’m saying.
And ignorant may be a strong word; however, clearly, this stuck a nerve. Now knowing that the writer’s own mother is suffering from cancer, I can see where her thoughts may have been driven. When we become passionate about something we tend to piss people off. But you have to remember the whole realm of people you are reaching, and what their personal situation may be. Again, this is a public blog. I sincerely wish you all the best!
JSC
This is a nutrition blog. The online Webster definition of a blog is, “a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer” The last few lines in that paragraph are from something I read, an article, another blog but something that made me think. “You have a choice” is what I personally think and reflect on these days. It struck a chord in me and now resonates as I decide what my nutrition will be. There is no arguing that nutritional choices can prevent many of the syndrome X risk factors we see in our society. I truly hope you will investigate the Paleo Diet because this has struck a chord in you. “The Paleo Solution” by Robb Wolf is a great place to start.
Thank you Robb for the articles you posted.
Medical News Today: September 7, 2011 -
2.8 Million Global Cancers Annually Linked To Diet, Body Weight And Physical Activity
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234041.php
If you aren’t born with the disease it is lifestyle induced.
Thanks everyone for the support.
Special thanks to Robb and Dr. Matt for backing up our thoughts with some brilliant medically documented articles. Just when you think the our community couldn’t get anymore supportive.
JSC
Robb Wolf’s book is one of the most telling / scary books I have ever read.
All opinions aside I think it is one you should check out.
http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Solution-Original-Human-Diet/dp/0982565844/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315915673&sr=8-1
Again thanks everyone for the support
Brandon
S3endurance LLC
I am glad you are back!! I missed your blog. I would like to add my opinion. You have inspired me for the past year to get healthy. We are on our way, we have had a few set backs. If we had a Cross Fit in Anderson, Anthony and I would be there. As far as diet and health, you are so much more knowledgeable than any other person I have talked to, you helped me more than my Dr. The entire S3 website is useful and informative. If anyone would like to see an example of what you are “inferring”, look at my Mom: Type 1 Diabetic for 45 years, heavy smoker until a year ago. Poor diet, lack of exercise and poor lifestyle choices have lead to PAD, multiple strokes, lifetime of coumadin therapy, fem pop bypass with a recurrent infection at the top incision, MRSA in June…should I continue. I know she could not avoid the Diabetes, there are better choices she could have made that would have made her life better now.I refuse to let that happen top my child, husband, or myself. Thanks for all of your help and recipes. We love them and you too!!!! Now, I am going to go have a piece of fruit instead of the doughnuts that a sales rep just left!