Coffee enema? Pass!

19 Wednesday Mar 2025

Posted by in Food and Cooking, Health

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Despite world conflicts and the disappointments with events in the USA, I greeted the arrival of 2025 with hope and determination. This Canadian had a list of goals that I wished to achieve during the year. A frequent resolution is to maintain good health.

One measurable goal was to lose 10 pounds by June 1st. One tool helping in this quest is the daily consumption of a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar as recommended by a family member, to aid with gut biome, digestion, blood sugar levels and weight loss. Other obvious approaches to help with this goal are to eat less snacky foods, and to move my body more often. I do not expect quick fixes and immediate results.

Imagine my curiosity when I saw a Netflix offering called Apple Cider Vinegar, “Two young women advocate for wellness remedies to cure deadly illnesses, unraveling their lives as they unknowingly — and knowingly — mislead the world.” I do not have a deadly illness but I was curious to watch the series and determine the reference to Apple Cider Vinegar. The acting was excellent. The blending of different characters with health issues was a good approach. I cringed at the alternative treatments people trusted like juicing and coffee enemas. We even joined a breast cancer patient on an ayahuasca hallucination trip in the Amazon.

The next day, I watched the 2015 YouTube 60 Minutes Australia interview with Belle Gibson. It was incredibly frustrating with how she avoided clear answers to the questions, especially her claims to having brain cancer, treating it with her Whole Pantry recipes and lifestyle.

She has been labelled as a pathological liar. Since journalists couldn’t legally obtain her medical records, they instead focused on the charities where Belle promised to donate portions of her Whole Pantry business’ revenues. Apparently, she never donated funds so she was called out for financial fraud.

My curiosity got me watching the ten year anniversary episode on YouTube as well.

Take aways:

  • There are no safe quick fixes;
  • Trust your doctors;
  • Question any claims made on social media.

My goal of losing 10 pounds by June 1st isn’t going well. As of March, I am back to where I was in January. I know I should snack less and move my body more instead of bingeing with shows on Netflix and CBC GEM (Canadian, eh?). Now that the snow has melted from walking paths, I am determined to get outdoors more often. Hellooo, spring!

Did you watch the Netflix series? What are your impressions?

Thanks for dropping by. Stay healthy and kind.

T

My low-key winter

16 Sunday Feb 2025

Posted by in community, Food and Cooking, Health, libraries, pets, Warm fuzzy, writing

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In an earlier post, readers were introduced to reckless joys and activities emerging from my brat summer.

Now seven months into retirement, I am appreciating less commuting, less stress … and less wants as a result of having less income.

I have been enjoying weekly walks on different days with two different friends, exploring our community, breathing in the fresh air, visiting local thrift shops and obtaining groceries on our way home. I appreciate getting out for volunteer activities and short jaunts to local stores for necessities. Some days I need more motivation. That’s why it’s good to have walking buddies who push you to stay on schedule.

Woman standing in front of a huge snow pile in a local parking lot

The above parking lot scene illustrates the challenge with snow removal after recent snowstorms in our region. With recent street parking restrictions by the City of Ottawa, I am so relieved that I do not have to worry about where to safely shelter a vehicle.

Tabby Cat observing Lunar New Year

As usual, I managed my seasonal depression by embracing colours, aromas and friendships while preparing for the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. I also participated in home cooking experiments with the Resident Millennial.

Preparing Chinese dumplings with the Resident Millennial

One unexpected, heart-warming encounter in January was an email received from a hopeful writer who found mention of my (Flo’s) novel online and requested to purchase a copy. I had to inform him that I had no more printed copies and had removed the electronic version in 2024. I was tickled pink yet cautious about this request. You can read about it at the novel’s blog.

Walking path through deep snow in a local park

As we navigate paths and obstacles in this deep and brutal winter, let us be optimistic that spring will arrive in the Northern Hemisphere in five weeks.

Let us dream about new places to visit in Canada this summer.

Let us continue to be kind and supportive of those in need.

Thank you for stopping by.

T