So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem. From that day to the present it has been under construction but is not yet finished." Ezra 5: 16
Friday, April 15, 2011
Today is a day to make note of.
It's DAY 30 - the last day - of the initial purification diet. The pruning. The struggle to weed out and wean myself from all irritants to my system. And tomorrow I can start introducing selected foods back into the menu.
Every three or four days I can try another pre-approved item. I'll need to check my pulse before eating, then 30, 60 and 90 minutes after, to gauge if I have a reaction. An elevated pulse rate would be the first sign of an allergic response, so if my heart rate remains about the same through the two hours, I can add it into the menu mix, double checking with the pulse check each time I eat it in the next few days. Just to be on the safe side.
Tomorrow I will try something I have sorely missed. Surprisingly, it's not anything sweet and gooey, nor is it crunchy and crispy. It's not freshly baked or highly caloric. It's high in protein, and self-contained in its solitary shell. I shall celebrate the next stage of my journey by consuming an egg.
Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed. Nahum 1: 15
Two days ago I met with Dr. Ford, and he agreed that it was time to begin an exercise routine. First he explained what had gone wrong with my earlier venture, and I was amazed and enlighted at the same time.
It seems that I was actually harming myself by trying to better myself. My internal systems were overworked already, my metabolism was so impaired, that the extra strain of the intense exercise worked against me. With the proper nutritional training -- which I am now receiving from Dr. Ford -- I should be able to work out as little as 20 minutes a day, three times a week.
Forget my fancy-schmancy exercise bike. Put away my mini trampoline, my aerobic steps, my hand weights. Get rid of the yoga ball and pilates tapes.
Instead, he asked me to trade it all in for one piece of equipment approximately the size of my purse, although a bit heavier.
He introduced me to the kettle bell, a ball-shaped weight with a handle to grip. The exercise is simple. I only need to grasp the bell and swing it upward, pivoting from my hips with my legs spread, knees slightly bent. Besides trying to contain my laughter, the hardest part is the breathing.
It seems I don't know how to breathe. At least not properly. So begins a new phase of healing. But I'll share more about that tomorrow, as it's a topic to address on its own.
"How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe." Daniel 10: 17
In the meantime, Dr. Ford noted that my adrenal glands are still overworked, which may be contributing to my afternoon fatigue. I'm low in minerals, and he compared my sitting blood pressure (118/72) and standing (110/68), so we'll be working on regulating that as well.
I also filled out a new metabolic assessment form, which, when compared to the previous paperwork, was "one of the better ones I've seen in a while," Dr. Ford informed me. Physiologically, things are changing for the better.
That's definitely good news!
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15: 30
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