I had the pleasure of being a part of the local Autism Speaks Foundation walk this weekend. I was there as a friend and supporter, but I was also there promoting my "other" job, CrossFit Kids New Smyrna Beach. I had a very simple set-up as it was only decided the day before that I would have a presence at all. I was sitting behind my little table, dealing with a what came to be a two-day migraine, when up came a young girl, I'm guessing about 12 years old, and her mom. I'm going to call her "Ava" because I don't know her name and I love the name Ava:) So, Ava, who was rockin a hand-made Justin Bieber shirt, energetic and excited said, "look mom, crossfit, those people eat Paleo* like I do." It may not have been those words verbatim, but pretty darn close! My initial thought was, "wow, how does a 12 year old know about Paleo?" My other instinct was of course to tell her that I call it "Paleo-yo" because when I first learned about Paleo, I wasn't sure how to pronounce it properly and that adding the "yo" kept me from messing it up! She thought that was kinda funny...of course, because she's 12! :) Moving on, I asked Ava what she knows about Paleo and why. Her mom proceeded to tell me that with her Autism, comes a lot of food allergies. I'm not sure if that is a normal side effect/symptom but either way, here was a girl with Autism AND a food allergy. That seems like a lot to handle! Her mom continued to tell me that Ava took it upon HERSELF to research different diets that would help her control her allergies. Ava found the Paleo diet and has been religiously following it for 8 months and not only has her allergies under control, but has lost 42lbs! 42lbs!! Are you kidding? A guesstimated 12-year old??? And, ON HER OWN? I was blown away. I had goose bumps. For me, to have that conversation with a 12-year old was quite refreshing. She had a problem, so she took it upon herself to fix it! A lot of adults don't do that! Wow, I was impressed! Looking back, I regret not jumping up and giving her a huge hug! What I did do was tell her that I was simply impressed and extremely proud of her and that she should be too! I also told her that Paleo isn't a diet but a lifestyle. Having to be on a "diet" at such a young age can play mind games, plus a diet is temporary. On the other hand, choosing a healthy lifestyle is something to be proud of and can last a lifetime!
My encounter with "Ava" was all of 5 minutes but the effect that had on me will last a very long time. With my own food challenges, I do my best to follow the Paleo-yo program, but like any human being, we are just that...human. We have cravings...we get lazy..we go out. It's hard to stick to any kind of strict food program, never mind an adolescent! She will be in my mind when I feel myself start to cave, or when I need a bit of emotional motivation! I wish I knew her real name and I really wish SHE knew the positive effect she had on little ole' me!
My point today is this...we all have challenges. Some more intense than others but we all have them. In order to live a healthy, balanced life, we need to take initiative. We need take time to research what is relative to our own situations, make the changes that are necessary and frankly, stick with them. If a 12-year old with Autism can do it, so can you!
Here's to a healthy and happy you!
My encounter with "Ava" was all of 5 minutes but the effect that had on me will last a very long time. With my own food challenges, I do my best to follow the Paleo-yo program, but like any human being, we are just that...human. We have cravings...we get lazy..we go out. It's hard to stick to any kind of strict food program, never mind an adolescent! She will be in my mind when I feel myself start to cave, or when I need a bit of emotional motivation! I wish I knew her real name and I really wish SHE knew the positive effect she had on little ole' me!
My point today is this...we all have challenges. Some more intense than others but we all have them. In order to live a healthy, balanced life, we need to take initiative. We need take time to research what is relative to our own situations, make the changes that are necessary and frankly, stick with them. If a 12-year old with Autism can do it, so can you!
Here's to a healthy and happy you!
*Paleo is used to describe a lifestyle that consists of whole foods and the elimination of processed, refined non-nutrient factory foods. If you want to learn more I would highly suggest the book Practical Paleo, by Diane Sanfilippo. It is one of my favorites and staples in my kitchen! There are also a number of websites and blogs dedicated to the Paleo lifestyle! For the record, it's not just for CrossFitters...clearly!
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