2013 Goal

My goal for 2013 is to have more energy.

I have been tired-- very tired-- since I was about twenty.  Blood tests done at the time came back normal, so I went on an anti-depressant.  I have taken Zoloft for the past 8 years, and it definitely helped alleviate a little of the exhaustion and made it possible for me to get off the couch and do the things I needed to do.  But here's the thing.   I want to thrive, not survive.  I want to enjoy life, not drag myself through it.  I do not believe that it's normal to wake up tired and end the day completely drained.  

My goal is to be vivacious, energized, and excited about living.   And I'm willing to take some serious steps to accomplish this.  I have a couple of things that I'm going to try to this end, one at a time, so I can tell what's helping the most:

First, my diet.  

For thirty days I'm going to be really strict about the following:
-No Dairy.
-No Gluten
-No Sugar.
-No Meat.

I'm not fully sold on the idea of "toxins" that need to be flushed out of your system or whatever, but these are all foods that have been found to be common allergens,  have a negative impact on a lot of people's overall physiological functioning, create negative immune responses, and be an overall drain on a persons' general well-being,.

And yes, I'll get enough protein, and yes, there are plenty of foods that I can still eat.  I'll be eating plenty of green smoothies and salads, as well as potatoes, yams, quinoa, coconut oil, olive oil, brown rice, lentils, beans, seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and tofu.  (Some people think that soy products are of the devil, but I love me some tofu, so I'm going for it anyway.)

I feel a little defensive about this because I anticipate a lot of criticism.  Going vegan is kind of like homeschooling.  Despite loads of evidence to support its benefits, it runs against conventional wisdom and therefore garners a lot of general criticism.

Anyway, I know it's going to be torturously difficult throughout the first couple of weeks and, because of this, I'm putting together a survival guide for myself to help me get through the torturous first couple of weeks wherein I anticipate I will be rabidly desperate for some sugary floury cheesy treats.

I am starting this TOMORROW because I want to be more energized YESTERDAY.

Next, supplementation.  

First I'm going to try Dr. Christopher's Fabulous Five natural supplements, as recommended by my friend Shacone, who is my healthy living hero.  It's a bunch of crazy stuff like molasses, kelp, cayenne pepper, and apple cider vinegar, but I'm willing to give it a go if it will help.

After I've established that as a routine, I'm going to try adding a hefty dose of Vitamin D, which my friend Laura swears by.

Finally, Witch Doctors. 

If I'm not feeling fabulously energized after doing these three things, I'm going to go all kinds of kung fu crazy and see an acupuncturist recommended by my friend Lara.

I might even go hog-wild super crazy and see that hand-scanning dude in Rexburg.

And if That Doesn't Work....

I'll do some serious introspection and see if I have some sort of deeply-rooted psychological issues that are draining all my energy.

And if That Doesn't Work....

I'll buck it up and deal with being tired.

I think that will about take up a year.  Wish me so much luck!!!  Here's to a more energetic 2013!

P.S. I know that exercise contributes to energy levels too, but that's not on the list because I'm already fairly good about exercising regularly.

P.P.S. Also, I'm pretty responsible about getting enough sleep.  I'm a bear if I don't get 8-9 hours a night so I make it a priority.  My kiddos like to interrupt that sleep as much as possible, but I do what I can in that area.