Better Together
🌟 My Journey to Vibrant Health
Relocating to Central Oregon was the beginning of a new chapter in my life—one rooted in fresh air, forest trails, and a deeper connection to wellness. With national forests offering endless opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and camping, I found myself in my element. My love for the outdoors runs deep: my father was a logger, and I spent my earliest days in logging camps with my parents. The forest has always felt like home.
🥗 Learning to Nourish My Body
In 2006, I joined a six-week nutritional class at work, where our nutritionist introduced us to the blood type diet—an approach based on ancestral eating habits. That was my first step toward understanding how food affects our bodies. I learned to avoid dairy and gluten, which for me caused bloating and discomfort. It wasn’t easy, but switching to alternatives like soy, almond, and coconut milk made a big difference.
💪 Movement and Strength
My job kept me active—walking through the forest daily, even snowshoeing in winter. I complemented that with aerobics classes to build endurance and strength training to stay strong as I age. These habits helped me maintain good health, confirmed by regular wellness screenings and CBC panels. My cholesterol has consistently stayed below 200, with strong HDL levels thanks to my active lifestyle.
🥤 Hydration and Healthy Choices
Since 1988, I’ve made water my go-to drink in the field. I gave up soda about 12 years ago after learning it was just empty calories. Now, I occasionally enjoy flavored carbonated water as a treat. Staying hydrated has been a cornerstone of my health journey.
🥒 Superfoods and Support
One of my greatest advocates has been my chiropractor, Dr. Dave. He and his wife launched a superfood smoothie and raw food business in the same building as his practice. With their guidance, I learned to make nutrient-packed smoothies that fuel my body and mind.
🌈 A Call to Action
As we age, what we put into our bodies truly matters. I’ve found joy in experimenting with vegetables—roasted zucchini and red bell peppers are among my favorites. I invite you to join me in embracing a healthier lifestyle. Let’s nourish ourselves, move withpurpose, and celebrate the vibrant lives we’re meant to live.
🍽️ Embracing Wholesome Foods
As I embraced healthier eating, I began experimenting with vegetables. Roasted zucchini and red bell peppers quickly became favorites—simple, delicious, and full of nutrients.
🌟 A Call to Join Me
As we age, what we put into our bodies truly matters. I’ve seen firsthand how small changes can lead to lasting transformation. I invite you to join me on this journey toward vibrant health. Let’s nourish ourselves, move with purpose, and celebrate the lives we’re meant to live—strong, joyful, and full of vitality.
💖 A Personal Reflection
Looking back, my journey to vibrant health has been shaped by the forest trails I’ve walked, the wisdom I’ve gathered, and the people who’ve encouraged me along the way. From the logging camps of my childhood to the nutrition classes and wellness screenings of adulthood, each step has deepened my understanding of what it means to truly care for the body God gave me.
I’ve learned that health isn’t just about numbers on a chart—it’s about how we feel, how we move, and how we show up for ourselves and others. It’s about choosing water over soda, vegetables over processed snacks, movement over stagnation, and faith over fear. It’s about honoring our past while embracing the future with strength and grace.
I hope my story reminds you that it’s never too late to begin again. Whether you're just starting out or refining your path, we’re better together. Let’s keep growing, keep learning, and keep inspiring—one healthy choice at a time.