Why ... Hello There!

Hello, lovelies!

My name's Allyssa. (a.k.a. Lu) I'm sixteen; a martial artist in training, and an aspiring UFC fighter. I'm constantly on the look-out for ways to improve my health; spiritually, mentally, and physically.

My healthful pursuit began about 4 years ago in seventh grade, when I got a terrible face rash. Dry, flakey, patches of red irritated skin appeared around my mouth and below my eyes. We tried everything. From natural remedies, like washing my face with oat meal. To many visits to both doctors and dermatologists. (Where I was falsely diagnosed with both ringworm, and cradle cap on different occasions.)

After months of searching, and having different prescription creams thrown at me in hopes of treating my symptoms, my self-esteem was at an all time low. Finally my doctor suggested an elimination diet. For a few weeks at a time I was to take wheat, sugar, and dairy, out of my diet one at a time in hopes that my skin would improve.

We took wheat out first. For a few weeks I stopped eating old favorites, like pasta, commercial ramen, and cookies. A few days later, BAM my skin started to heal. On top of that I felt less bloated and had a ton of energy! And that is the story of how I learned about my gluten intolerance!

One would think, that with clear skin and tons of energy, I would've been sold on the whole gluten-free thing. Sadly, I must say I was not. I went through this two year "denial period." Where I decreased the amount of wheat I was eating, but I still ate it a bit too often ... Which lead to more bloating, and skin issues.

I'm happy to report that in the past two years or so I realized my dream of being a fighter, and have made leaps and bounds nutrition-wise. I've taken wheat out of my diet entirely, along with most other grains and legumes. I've also eliminated dairy, and a ton of processed sugar.

I have so much more energy now than I did four years ago. I've lost a ton of weight and bloat. My strength, will-power, and over all well being are the best they've ever been.

I'm so excited to start this blog; and I hope I can share health, and happiness with whosoever happens to stumble across our posts.

Who Am I? Who Are You?

Hello lovelies, please allow me to introduce myself, I am Tree. I'm going to be one of the authors of this blog. Although, while I am full time in school, to become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), she will probably be the primary author. 
We wanted this blog to not be about any one thing; because as we have learned over the years, Vitality (or true wellness of the Body, Mind and Soul) is best approached holistically. This blog will be our opportunity to share our thoughts about who we are, who we want to become, our struggles, and triumphs, with some general fun thrown in. Please keep in mind we are only human, and we make mistakes.
I try not to label myself or others, so you won't find me using terms like: Paleo, Vegan, or Vegetarian, in reference to myself. I believe that food should nourish the body, mind, and soul. So if something is not "good" for me, but it makes me happy I still indulge on occasion. I am in my late thirties, a wife (in our 15th year of marriage), a mother (to two wonderful girls), a daughter, a sister (although I haven't spoken to my sisters in more than a decade), a friend, a student, a sometimes artist (but not a good one), and so much more. I strive to be the person that I would want my daughters to look up too, but also to be truly happy.

It took me a long time to realize that MY happiness was not tied up in other people's expectations or wants. I am truly happy when I am making other people happy, but not when I am not being true to myself. I spent my teenage years into my early thirties, trying to be everyone else's image of myself.
At some point in my life my daughter (in her tween and teen years) started asking questions about ME. Things like what made me happy? What did I enjoy doing? (When I reference my oldest daughter (who is writing this blog with me) I will often reference her as Lu or Lulu, and my younger daughter is Thia.)
When Lu started asking my tough questions about her own future, and happiness it became crystal clear. The path I had laid out for myself was designed to make those around me happy, and it was making me truly miserable.  What I truly want for my girls is happiness. Whether they are happy as struggling artists, or entrepreneurs, that will be success in my eyes. After all, MONEY cannot buy the things in life that make me feel JOY!

So my name is Tree, and I am an ever evolving personality. It is nice to make your acquaintance! Please take a moment to tell us a little bit about yourself in the comments. If you think our blog is going to be interesting, feel free to follow us so you don't miss a single post!