chelsey

Why I Blog…

1. I love to write. I have always loved to write. It’s an outlet for me. I find I stumble when I try to get my feelings out speaking, so writing is perfect for me.
2. My memory stinks right now. I used to have the best memory – until my life got very busy. Now, I wouldn’t remember my head if it wasn’t attached to my body. I want to remember this time in my life.
3. Recipes: I love food – cooking, concocting recipes, etc… I need a central location to store all of the recipes!

My Journey…

My name is Chelsey, and I have a confession. I am a total foodie! I was born and raised in a suburb just south of Chicago. I love Chicago and the people who live there – I am just not a fan of the weather. I was born to live somewhere warm, near the beach, with many organic/vegetarian restaurants surrounding me. I love running and fitness in general. I love being active and moving – it pains me to sit still most days!

I was very active during high school – I swam and played water polo. I dabbled at track and field as well freshman year. Get this – I hated running in high school! Something about it totally turned me off. I also met my fiance during high school – we were social dance partners in gym class. I love this “how we met” story. He pretends he hates it, but of course I know how he truly feels.

In 2005, I went to Illinois State University, where I had a great four years getting my education degree.  During my junior and senior year of college I found a love for running. It was a chance for me to be by myself – to think, plan, reflect. I love the quietness of running; it may be my favorite part. I even ran my first half marathon in May 2010! I also became more aware of how I felt while eating different foods then – I began eating less processed foods, more fruits and vegetables, and felt great!

After I graduated, I moved back home and began my first teaching job. Throughout the beginning of the year, I began getting stomachaches (which I never had before) and became painstakingly aware of other symptoms I had: migraines (which I had always had), joint pain, overall exhaustion, mood swings, digestion problems, low energy. You name it, I had it. I felt miserable, but just pushed through. I never put all the symptoms together until I saw a doctor. He discovered I was gluten and corn intolerant. I have also never been able to tolerate milk products, so I guess lactose intolerant is added to the list as well! This was kind of a shocker to me. As a lover of all foods, I was definitely disappointed. It took me months and months to figure everything out and to finally be at peace with how my body works. After I eliminated all of these products out of my diet, I was amazed at how much better I felt. All of my symptoms “miraculously” disappeared. I am a total believer in the quote Hippocrates made:

Since eliminating these foods from my diet, I have not had any migraines, joint pain, etc… my story speaks for itself. I am hoping others see my story and begin to make a connection between the food they eat and the life they lead as a result. I am a newly pronounced vegetarian as well.

My Food Philosophy

Despite all of my obstacles when it comes to eating, I absolutely love food. Making it, eating it, trying new recipes – it all interests me. I find food is a way for people to come together. I am a “clean eater” – which in my blunt definition is: