Timing is everything! Adrenal Follow-up

I've been procrastinating writing this post, as I see it as admitting defeat in a way...  Even though I refuse to choose defeat on this issue.

I should know better.

I should know better than to elect to eliminate dairy, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, wheat, fried foods, processed foods, in addition to enforcing a 10pm bedtime and exercise restrictions when, within the selected time period:

A) I have various parties to attend,

B) I'm taking multiple long road trips,

C) and I'm running a half-marathon.

It certainly isn't impossible to do so, but it makes it far more difficult to accomplish and many of these things derail my efforts.

Therefore, I have decided to postpone my Adrenal Recharge until August 27th, the day after I complete the Wild Half.

This brings up a great lesson that I suggest you not learn the hard way (or be reminded as I was)...

When attempting to make a lifestyle modification, especially one this drastic, make sure to plan properly.

It didn't occur to me how difficult it would be to find acceptable food along the way, and how difficult it would be to get adequate rest.  By Saturday, I was sleep-deprived, sustaining myself on trail mix, and in no position to resist the call of free ice cream.  (Sleep deprivation, by the way, will always hijack your lifestyle changes, whether you're attempting to change your food, exercise, meditation, or social habits.)

So once again, feel free to join me, one week from today, as I purge the energy vampires from my lifestyle and add some building blocks to repair past damage.  We'll also be discussing this particular topic at the "Dinner with the Doc" August 27th.  Call Gianna at the office to RSVP and get lots of tips to start getting your energy reserves back on track!

Feeling Fatigued? Join me in my 30 day Adrenal Boost!

During my Facebook Fast, I got to hear others' stories of their own fasts, whether it be from media, alcohol, food, or whatever else they decided to challenge themselves with.  There were a variety of reasons behind their abstinence: weight loss, religion, proving a point, curiosity... It got me thinking of new ways to challenge myself (and if you've read my blog for a while, you know that's one of  my favorite things to do!). 

Since Adrenal Fatigue has been a major topic of conversation around the office lately (I've even decided to use it as the topic for our upcoming Dinner with the Doc) I've decided to do a 30 day Adrenal recharge.  This includes eliminating those things that tax the adrenals (caffeine, sugar, alcohol) and reducing behaviors that tax the adrenals (activity that raises the heart rate over a certain range - for me that would be 135bpm, lack of sleep, eating after 8pm, excessive screen time).  I have also decided to eliminate three of the most common allergens (soy, dairy, wheat), refined grains (white rice), and fried foods (not that I have ever eaten much of them) because these cause systemic inflammation which wears on the adrenals as well.

I started yesterday.

Some have already asked me, "What else is there to eat?!?"

Lots of wonderful foods!

Chicken, lean meats, fish, nuts (in moderation), all the veggies I can eat (preferably raw), fruit (in moderation), oats, millet, amaranth, brown rice, groats, sweet potatoes, eggs, coconut/almond/other alternative milks (unsweetened, of course), and assorted herbal teas.  I'm also allowing myself the occasional kombucha for it's alkalizing benefits.  Most importantly during this time is to eat a protein-rich breakfast and have protein at every meal. The Adrenal glands LOVE protein!!

I plan to make my best effort to be in bed no later than 10pm (obligations keep me from making it earlier but I will if possible) and limiting my screen time to average no more than two hours per day (that includes emails, YouTube, TV, Facebook, etc).  I will also be taking an adrenal support supplement that I absolutely love!

Wish me luck!  And, as usual, I'll keep you posted! ("Follow" to have the updates emailed directly to you.)

Yours in health and service,

Dr. Redmond