{About}

Hello,

I hope you're enjoying A Sweet and Salty Life, welcome, if it's your first visit! Now, for a little glimpse into who's behind all this funny food business, here's a bit of my story...

I'm a San Diego girl, recently married to my best friend - to learn more about our adventures, take a peak at my {October Love} posts. My food journey began when I was young.  I grew up with a mom who packed the apple instead of the fruit-roll up. I had a different childhood than most.  As a result, I have come to love most all things healthy and have learned to choose the apple over the fruit roll up all on my own.  Appreciating the fresh, light and energetic feeling I receive from eating well, I continue to pursue new and exciting ways to eat and live.

The reason I dove into the unique and beautiful world of gluten-free, vegan and raw eating was a result of heath complications.  Ironically, my healthy upbringing could not prevent the issues that began to arise in my high school years.  As I entered college, I had already experienced frustrations with doctors' attempts to quickly label and band aid my troubles. When a dear friend suggested food as a possible culprit I was intrigued.  I lined up a blood test.  The lab documented my antibodies' response to different foods on a low, medium or high reaction level.  The results were off the charts and overwhelming.  I can still remember the phone call. My doctor simply listed off the foods I would have to remove, sighed and said "well...good luck?"  I think she was a little overwhelmed as well! As you can guess from my blog's description, I was expected to removed many key ingredients in a normal diet.

I had a choice right then, to ignore the results and continue on my easy merry way or turn my current world upside down. As you can guess, I chose to take on the challenge and see it as an adventure.  

There have been many ups and downs since.  My courage has falter more than once, but that's why I see it as a journey.  It has now been three years since that fateful October day and to many people's surprise I am still alive!  Apparently it is possible to live without those necessities, despite what most people think.  Over the three years I have discovered many creative ways to enjoy food, I have met many lovely friends,  and I have learned how to listen to my body and take note of how it works! I wouldn't trade it.

God has given each of us beautiful, unique and intricate bodies that are fascinating to observe and learn about. I challenge you to try it.  Take notice of the simple and intricate ways your body functions. The mere fact that you are able to breathe, eat and move is incredible.  Observe how your individual body goes about each of these functions.  Notice if you slow down or get tired after eating certain foods or if you have trouble thinking clearly or responding calmly to situations.  Believe it or not, everything in your body is connected.  Food affects your brain, which controls all the parts of your body! Spend time learning about the human body and educate yourself on ways to live well and live long.  You will be so thankful you did as the years pass on.

So here I am continuing on towards whole health, sharing my process with you and the many others that may be traveling on a similar road.  I would love for you to join me on this adventure.  Please come back often for inspiration or fun updates.  Share your story, your thoughts, your comments and ask questions!  Let's encourage one another as we venture along.  Thank you for taking time to read my story.  Now I can't wait to hear yours!

May your life be refreshed and renewed as you view photos and attempt new ways of eating with me!

With much love,

Jessi