Lab Values Different For Vegans

It's been a while since I have written anything in my fitness blog, there has been so much going on in our lives since our recent move and settling in to our new life here in South Florida, that I have not been able to write as much as I would have liked. I want to say that the best place in the world to be out doors, get plenty of sun and fun is Fort Lauderdale Beach. I love where we live, there is so much going on all the time, and the amount of fitness oriented people parading the streets is motivating to say the least.

We have return to our vegan and Raw till 4 pm life style, with the occasional sushi run, which can technically make us pescatarian if you need to label us in any way. I since went to the doctor to do a hormone profile having been off T for almost 4 months, I wanted to see what my body was doing as far as lab values are concerned. I found that my white blood cell count was low and at first I was concerned, till I did the research and found out that individuals that eat a clean diet, mostly plant based, their white blood cell count tends to be lower, since their bodies do not consume foods filled with toxins. So the general publics white cell count tends to be elevated to deal with all of the toxins they consume.  I found that rather interesting and my theory that most people make themselves sick by their increased stress levels, chemical intake and improper nutrition, pretty much was validated.

That old saying you are what you eat is not far from being fact, in fact, I truly believe that every disorder and disease we experience tends to be related with our inability to handle stress and from consuming the Standard American Diet. So you ask what is that exactly? Well your typical animal protein filled fare, loaded with sugar, dairy and unhealthy fats. Most Americans eat food like products that are not really food after all. If it doesn't come from a tree, the ground or a vine, and its loaded with additive, preservatives and in a box, then most likely its not food. Your bodies cellular mechanism requires nutrition to live, people are eating but are malnourished and over weight. Why you ask? Because none of the food they eat has any value, just dead and dense calories that take room in your fat cells.

Here are a few tips to improve your diet and attitude towards life.

• Make sure you get at least 20 min of sun every day
• Drink 1/2 a gallon of purified water and add 12 oz of coconut water in addition to the rest
• Take time to do deep breathing meditative exercises either upon awakening or before going tot bed. Find a quiet spot where you can clear your mind and focus on your breath
• add apple cider vinegar to a warm cup of water and drink first thing upon arising 
• add a raw snack or meal at least 3 times a week such as sun dried tomatoes, celery or carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, 2-3 fruits with proper fruit combining 

People tend to neglect their bodies and forget that maintenance of your machine is important for proper health and longitivtiy. Find reasons to change your life, become excited about being in the best shape and health ever. Don't fall into the typical rut and lack of enthusiasm. You are worth every bit of your effort to be the best you, you can be.

Until Next time, Love you all but remember to love yourselves too.

Maritza Lopez