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In beginning this newsletter series, I look forward to being able to get to know you, especially if we?re not friends already. I have been positively influenced by many great mentors in the field of health and nutrition, many of which have become my dearest friends. I look to establish a relationship with you as well, and help you with your health needs.

I must begin with my own story. Even if you know me, few really know my story and how I came to be doing what I do, and why I firmly believe what I believe. [Editors note: You can "meet" Erleen Thursday, Dec. 2, at 11:00 MST; when Erleen will be telling her story in a ?Tele-Interview". Listen in and learn even more about this fascinating lady and her story of health and wellness!! Learn more HERE!]

When I was 21, I was diagnosed with a multiplicity of health problems. They included: hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), colonitis, anemia, and valley fever. In addition, blood tests showed that I was extremely low in most vitamins and minerals, and high levels of prescription and over-the-counter drugs were affecting me. What tests did not show was that I also had 10-12 breast lumps, arthritis in my knees, depression, frequent migraines, and horrible pollen allergies.

At the time, I was working with a Naturopath and he set up a program for me that would lead me back to health. This was a very rigid program, one that I did not like, and I looked forward to the time I would be finished with it! He took me off all refined foods (white sugar, white flour and all breads period), all dairy products, and put me on a diet of whole grains and legumes (bean family), lots of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and sprouts, a few selective white meats (chicken and fish), and lots of purified water.

For those of you who know me now, and are amazed at my ?self control?, please understand that this was very difficult for me then. Permanent diet changes are not easy, but I had quite a few serious health problems and was desperate to be healthy again, so I was determined to stick with it. It wasn?t long before I really did see a huge difference. I began to have energy (like I had not had for years), and one by one my health problems melted away. I enjoyed feeling clean, energized and healthy!

However, the breast lumps were a huge concern of mine, as it would be for most women. With so many lumps, I had feared the worst ? a double mastectomy at my young age. However, I went to a medical doctor who did a biopsy, then sent me to get a mammogram. The results showed they were benign, but I was given strong advice: ?Since you are susceptible (as many women are), permanently omit four things from your diet: coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate ? in other words, the caffeine foods.? Well, I was grateful that I was not raised on coffee or tea, and I wasn?t raised on soft drinks either. The only thing I really had to give up was chocolate, and that was not easy for a chocoholic! This was the biggest test for me! But I gave up chocolate for life. With these diet changes, within a few months my breast lumps all disappeared and have not returned.

What we eat really does affect our energy level, our moods, our appetites, and it also produces our health results.

Ponder these questions for a moment.

• Why do I get so attached to certain foods?
• Why do I think I can?t do without some of the things I have been accustomed to eating?
• Consider, why do I eat foods anyway?
• Do I view different foods as potential dangers or as potential healers?
• Does my body ?talk to me? by making me feel good or uncomfortable after I eat and do I listen?

Think about these questions over the next few weeks. Think about why and what you are eating, and listen to your body. With a little bit of conscious effort, your may see foods and eating in a little different light, and feel it is time to consider the need for change.

My experience was obviously life changing for me. I made many permanent changes in my diet and have had no regrets. While that experience was expensive, that investment in myself changed my health and my life and I have been forever grateful. I could not have done it without a mentor who coached me on a bi-weekly and weekly basis for months. Without him , I would have given up on the process way too soon, and gone back to my old eating habits. It was so rewarding to experience the transformation in my health, which was phenomenal.

If I could do it, YOU CAN DO IT TOO!

To a healthier lifestyle!

Erleen

P.S. For a limited time, sign up for one of my consultation programs, and you will receive my cookbook, Enjoy Nature?s Harvest, which is one of the best handbooks for healthy living- as my gift to you!.

• Take smaller portions than normal and don?t overeat!! The less variety of foods the better you?ll feel
• Remember that the thing that causes indigestion more than anything is mixing fruits with your meals. Try eating the fruit as an appetizer, but not with the meal - yes even the cranberries
• After the basic meal ? this is a tough one here ? clean up the dishes, chat a while, and enjoy the pie an hour, or two, or better yet three hours after the meal! You?ll feel a whole lot better if you do!

Special bonus: if you need books drop-shipped to any address, we will do that for you. During check-out, just give us the shipping information (If only one, just make it the "Ship to:". If more than one, use the "Comments" box) for where you want it sent, and we will let them know who it is from.

Watch this space for more announcements about Erleen's upcoming Teleseminar schedule. Coming SOON!

In upcoming issues, we'll also introduce, The official Announcements & Schedule section
- Recipe of the Month
- Tips for the Organic Gardener
- Herbs to the Recue

Stay tuned!