The Savvy Survivor

When I started The Savvy Survivor, on February 14, 2013, I had every intention of sharing my journey with you; I wanted to show whomever was watching that they could survive an incurable disease, beyond their doctor's prognosis. That was my plan, anyway. I feel that I have failed my mission. Throughout the years, I have survived; but I haven't taken care of myself as well as I should've been doing. I backslid into old eating habits, more times than I can count; to the point of almost being diagnosed with Diabetes. I have half a dozen new health issues to deal with, as I'm writing this to you; including being the reluctant owner of a peptic ulcer . There are two ways to get peptic ulcers; one is via H. pylori bacterial infection. The second is by way of overuse of NSAIDS ; this is how I got mine. I have been taking far too much Ibuprofen, more times a day than I should've been, to keep the pain of my breast cancer from spoiling my day. I will never take Ibuprofen, ag...

Today is the day the United States of America has set aside to count our blessings, and walk in a mindful state of gratitude. At some point, today, I'll be asking my grandchildren if they understand the concepts of gratitude and thankfulness; and then explaining why those concepts are so important. It's good for overall health to hold onto gratitude and thankfulness. No matter how bad your life is, find something to be be thankful for; show gratitude toward anyone who has done something nice for you. Count your blessings, even if you can only think of three things to count. According to Psychology Today magazine, there are seven scientifically proven benefits of gratitude, including improving sleep and physical health. You can check out that list, by clicking this link . Before I go any further, I want to tell you how grateful I am that you're reading this; I appreciate you, so very much! And I'm thankful that you continue to follow me, on my journey! I al...

Look at all those yummy colors! "Eat your vegetables!" Who didn't hear that, growing up? I wish I had kept up the practice of eating vegetables, a couple times a day….I probably wouldn't have breast cancer, if I had! It's not that I disliked them...I just found the food-like substances of the Standard American Diet more tasty, more convenient, and more affordable. My bad!  For the last seven years, I've learned to incorporate lots of different plant foods, every day. Brief PSA, here - Always choose organic fruits, veggies, grains, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds, whenever possible; and eat them raw, but soak them, first! Soaking them reduces the anti-nutrients in them, making them easier to digest, and easier for your body to assimilate nutrients. Wait….let me backtrack here. Some veggies are healthier  cooked  (steam them); and you should always cook beans and legumes. The rest, I encourage you to eat raw. Cruciferous veggies, are great!  L...