When I decided to become vegan, a major motivation was my desire to “heal” my gut and alleviate the constant pain that accompanied my menstrual cycle. Every month brought bouts of vomiting, crying, and an inability to walk. Throughout this journey, I tried everything—fasting, exercising, yoga, herbal remedies, and even the dreaded birth control pill. While I found some relief with birth control, I knew that relying on a pill for two consecutive years wasn’t the answer; my body deserved better.
During this time, I began working with Nourishing Food for Thought, particularly with Farmer Suzie, who shared her extensive knowledge about food with me. I fell in love with the animals, the farm, and the cause, which resonated deeply with my own nonprofit, Nourished From Nature. However, there was a stark focus on meat and dairy that challenged my beliefs. I faced a crucial decision: would I continue down a path that no longer served me, or would I explore a new way of living that allowed me to feel healthy, happy, and unmedicated?
I chose to participate in the harvesting of a chicken just a month after stepping away from veganism. I gradually acclimated my palate with broth, small bits of chicken, and eggs.
Farmer Suzie learned about my passion for food and introduced me to the Weston A. Price Foundation, which countered everything I had previously believed. I dove into the literature, eager to learn and engage with the information. My first practical step was starting a cookbook club at the farm, where people could come together to cook and discuss food. Naturally, the first book we tackled was Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon.
As the cookbook club thrived and I spent more time on the farm, I slowly introduced organ meats, broth, cheeses, and kefir into my diet. The day after my second cookbook club meeting, I was bracing myself for the arrival of my period, which typically left me bedridden. However, that day on the farm was unexpectedly joyful. By midday, I felt a bit of pain, but I continued working and experienced no nausea or discomfort—I thought I might have gotten lucky. Have I truly started healing with this simple switch?
With this journal, I will discuss my journey, exploring nutrient-dense eating while sharing my experiences with ingredients, meals, and my connection to the community throughout it all.
Stay tuned,
Krystyna Medina
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