surviving psoriasis

day 29_more sun

2009-10-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana

afternoon sunbathe_45 min.

lunch_tuna salad: tuna, mango, carrots, onion, asparagus, cilantro, olive oil, lemon
snack_brazil nuts
dinner_salad w/ cucumber, avocado + ginger soy dressing + albacore sashimi
dessert_green tea w/ rice milk and honey + dark chocolate

spots are looking great!

day 28_sun, sun, sun

2009-10-05T23:20:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana + cantaloupe 1/2
snack_banana

afternoon sunbathe_1 hr.

lunch_banana
snack_brazil nuts
dinner_smoothie: bananas (2), strawberries, rice milk
dessert_green tea w/ rice milk + honey

the sun really help the spots. they are so light and very little flakes. i'm trying to get sun on all the days that i'm off work.

day 27_smoothie day

2009-10-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

lunch_chicken w/ rice, peas, tomatoes, onion
snack_brazil nuts
dinner_salad + roasted chicken
dessert_smoothie: frozen mango + berries, banana, rice milk
late-nite snack_turkey marinara

mellow day. made a vegan smoothie. so easy and soooooo good. spots are looking good. starting to get chilly. i think it's officially fall.

day 26_mellow yellow

2009-10-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana
snack_carrot juice

afternoon sun_45 min.

lunch_deviled eggs, 2
snack_deviled egg, 1
dinner_broccoli w/ garlic + roasted veggies: cabbage, brussel sprouts, carrots
dessert_dark chocolate

mellow, relaxing day...sunbathed and got some work done.

day 25_date nite

2009-10-02T23:17:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana + coffee, 1/2 cup
snack_brazil nuts
lunch_veggie soup: kombu, dried shitake mushrooms, onion, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, garlic + tamari sauce
snack_cocoa nibs

afternoon hike_to top of the street_5min.

dinner_shrimp miso soup + sushi, various: albacore, spanish mackerel, yellowtail, red snapper, eel/avodado roll, lobster/asapagus roll, scallop roll + cold sake (jozen)
after-dinner snack_smoked trout, salmon + anchovy plate + red wine, 1 glass (pets petite sirah)
dessert_dark chocolate

omg, date nite was soooooo good. sushi was amazing :) and went to wine bar after, yum, yum, yum. work week went fast. been so itchy and flaky. had coffee again this morning, just so sleepy. goal for next week, get to bed early.

day 24_veggie day

2009-10-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

breakfast_yellow melon 1/2
lunch_veggie soup: kombu, dried shitake mushrooms, onion, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, garlic + tamari sauce
snack_brazil nuts + coffee
dinner_sauteed veggies: onion, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, asparagus, avocado, honey + tamari sauce
dessert_dark chocolate
late nite snack_jello

stayed up late last night. so tired today. had a 1/2 cup of coffee. had an easy night. watched movies. can't believe it's october all ready.

day 23_so itchy

2009-09-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana
lunch_chicken sandwich on wheat bread + chips + watermelon + apple juice
snack_dried apple chips + banana

evening hike + jog_160 stairs, 3 times

dinner_salad w/ avocado + quinoa w/ egg + veggies: asparagas, mushroom, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, green onion

emotional today and so itchy. wonder if there was dairy in my sandwich, maybe the itchiness is from the starch. went for hike after work which helped me calm down.

day 22_skinny minny

2009-09-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana
lunch_salad w/ onion, cucumber, avocado

afternoon nap_30 min.

snack_dark chocolate + brazil nuts
dinner_roasted veggies: cabbage, brussel sprouts, onion, garlic, carrots, cauliflower
dessert_dark chocolate

lost another pound today (that's -6 lbs total from start of detox)...happy side effect of cleansing diet, woo hoo!!! spots seem about the same the last couple of days. tired in the middle of the day. then burst of energy after nap. met with client for consulting work :)

day 21_day at the beach

2009-09-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

breakfast_veggie soup: kombu, dried shitake mushrooms, onion, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, garlic + tamari sauce

afternoon walk/jog @ beach_1 hr.

lunch_apple
snack_veggie curry leftovers
dinner_salmon + salad w/ strawberries, mangoes, avocado
dessert_dark chocolate 1/3 bar

exercise on the beach and chat with friend really helped with stress and pain in my neck. got a little sun as well. spots a little inflamed and itchy from cheating on weekend. must be really strict with diet for the rest of the month.

day 20_pain in the neck

2009-09-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

brunch_bananas 3
snack_brazil nuts

afternoon swim_45 min., 15 laps
afternoon sun_45 min.

dinner_veggie soup: kombu, dried shitake mushrooms, onion, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, garlic + tamari sauce
dessert_jello

evening bath w/ epson salt

spots were looking very pale this morning. developed pain in my neck this afternoon. probably stress over my mom. thought the swim would help. pain didn't go away. thought the bath would help...ran out of hot water. bath ended up luke warm. stomach felt funny today.

day 19_happy day

2009-09-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

breakfast_cantaloupe 1/2
snack_brazil nuts

afternoon sun_30 min.

lunch_fried rice w/ veggies: onions, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots
snack_grilled shrimp (4)
dinner_grilled chicken, twice baked potato, cobb salad + wine 1 glass + port 1/2 glass
desert_watermelon + donuts (1 plain + 1/2 glazed)

hung out at the sister-in-laws house...family vibes, good times. spots are looking like they are finally starting to fade. my husband's aloe vera treatments must be helping...he's been giving me rub downs of aloe vera in the morning and at night. still haven't takin' that epson salt bath: set goal for tomorrow. also heard that eating jello is really, really helpful.

day 18_sad day

2009-09-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana
snack_cocoa nibs
lunch_salad w/ avocado + fried tilapia
snack_peaches 3
dinner_chicken mole (1 thigh) + grilled zucchini + wine (3 glasses)

evening swim_10 laps
evening jacuzzi

got a little depressed today...realized it is my mom's 60th birthday and i'm not speaking to her anymore. hung out with friends after work, which was good...cheered me up. spots were itchy. found out today that the thai ice tea is made with half and half :( no more thai ice teas, or at least far and few between.

day 17_veggie day

2009-09-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana
snack_cocoa nibs
lunch_brown rice + broccoli + thai ice tea
snack_brazil nuts
dinner_kale w/ peanut sauce + grilled veggies

evening bellydance_1 hr.

started period. crampy. work schedule reduced from 4 days/wk to 3 days/wk...not happy about that. i'm itchy. why am i itchy...sake yesterday, thai ice tea today??? think i'll take an epsom salt bath.

day 16_moving along

2009-09-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana
snack_brazil nuts
lunch_salad w/ cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, tuna + balsamic vinaigrette
snack_banana + cocoa nibs
dinner_sushi, various happy hour conveyor sushi + sake 1 glass
dessert_soy strawberry ice cream

extremely tired tonight. psoriasis is looking the same. getting frustrated.

day 15_half there

2009-09-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana
snack_cocoa nibs
lunch_roasted veggies: cabbage, brussel sprouts, carrots, onions, cauliflower
snack_banana + brazil nuts
dinner_brown rice + veggie curry: onion, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, crushed tom., coconut milk, tom. paste, curry powder, nutmeg, thyme

itchy, flaky and peely. wish i was healed more. feel like i'm healing sooooooo slowly :(

day 14_relaxing

2009-09-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

breakfast_cantaloupe 1/2 + peach
lunch_banana, hummus + lettuce

late afternoon sun_ 30 min.

snack_walnuts + dark chocolate
dinner_roasted veggies: cabbage, brussel sprouts, carrots, onions, cauliflower + salad w/ avocado

elbows were looking better today, maybe some clearing spots. wish legs were healing faster. sore from yoga...it must have been too long. note to self: buy more brazil nuts!!!

day 13_back on track

2009-09-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

breakfast_bananas 2

afternoon_power yoga_1.5 hrs

snack_apple
lunch_chicken breast, fried 1.5 (no skin)

nap_1 hr.

dinner_roasted chicken breast, sauteed broccoli w/ garlic + salad
dessert_dark chocolate

yoga was great for releasing some built-up tension in my body. skin seemed really thin on elbows and spots looked light today. goal for tomorrow: get more sun.

day 12_hungover

2009-09-19T23:19:00.000-07:00

breakfast_scrambled eggs, veggies sausage, hashbrowns, wheat toast + decaf coffee
snack_banana + red rasberries

swimming_lazy laps (10) + plenty of sun

lunch_salad w/ oranges + avocado
dinner_roasted veggies: cabbage, brussel sprouts, carrots, onions + cauliflower
desert_frozen banana w/ dark chocolate

my stomach really needed that breakfast this morning and the sun was just what my skin needed. now back on the detox cleanse. dinner was yummy :)

day 11_fish day

2009-09-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana
lunch_salad w/ cucumber, avocado + fried tilapia
snack_apple
dinner_salad w/ onion, mango, avocado, pine nuts + salmon, glass of red wine

party_shots of: tequila (5), vodka (1), brandy (1/2) + beer (1)

late night food_chicken finger + fries :(

so day 11 and i break the detox with loads of alcohol and late night drunk fast food run. but it felt good. and tomorrow, back on the plan. the fish today was sooooo good. my spots have super thin flakes, if flakes at all.

day 10_i made it

2009-09-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

breakfast_cantaloupe 1/2
lunch_soup: cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, onion, garlic, ginger + tamari
snack_bananas 2

evening bellydance_1 hr.

dinner_sauteed veggies: onion, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, garlic + avocado

i did it!!! 10 days of only veggies, fruits, nuts + leafy greens. i feel sooo good, so clean, like a well oiled machine. i'm very proud of myself. there were many temptations along the way, even tonight, but i did not falter. now i can start the one out of four days part of the diet. tomorrow will be fish. today spots were so itchy, but flakes were super super thin. it's trying to get out. now let's let the healing begin.

day 9_still going strong

2009-09-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

breakfast_bananas 2
snack_trail mix
lunch_soup: cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, onion, garlic, ginger + tamari
snack_watermelon + carrot juice
dinner_ zucchini salad, lettuce salad: mango, cucumber, red onion, pine nuts, avocado + roasted veggies: carrots, onion, brussel sprouts

evening hike: 160 stairs, 3 times_30 min.

soup was soooo good. had it last night and today for lunch. when i first made it, it was kind of bland. last night i added some sauteed veggies to the original broth...perfection :) there were donuts at work today that were staring at me, but all i kept hearing was, psoriasis, psoriasis, psoriasis. so, no donuts. i did however decide that there would be one day this month that i will cheat and eat what ever i want. i will eat as clean as possible 3 days before and 3 days after to combat the effects. but that will give me a day to look forward to and i won't be tempted to cheat a little each day. i will stay strong now and reward myself later. being spot free will be the real reward. can't wait to see my body covered in beautiful, clear skin again!!! today red and itchy, must be trying to come out. get out, get out, get out!

supplements

2009-09-16T01:27:00.000-07:00

every morning

2 milk thistle (for the immune system)
1 vitamin b complex + c (for energy + immune system)
2 cod liver oil (for the vitamin d)

day 8_super flaky

2009-09-15T23:01:00.000-07:00

breakfast_trail mix + couple of strawberries
lunch_salad w/ avocado, cucumbers, beets + lemon hazelnut dressing
snack_peach
dinner_soup w/ cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, onion, garlic, ginger + tamari
dessert_frozen banana w/ dark chocolate

diet was easy today. body feels so clean. spots were super flaky and thin. the first 8 days are supposed to be the roughest. you don't really see much improvement the first week, red, itchy and flaky for the most part. but i can feel the psoriasis coming out. day 10 is supposed to be the magic day when the body stops "making" psoriasis!! and day 11 is the first day of the diet i can eat fish!!! so looking forward to the end of this week.

day 7_woo hoo

2009-09-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

breakfast_half a cantaloupe + strawberries
lunch_salad w/ avocado + vinaigrette
snack_watermelon
dinner_roasted veggies: carrots, brussel sprouts, onion, cauliflower + olive oil
snack_brazil nuts

woo hoo, it's been one week on the diet!!! spots are looking light in color and not too flaky. the flakes that are there are super thin. it's hard to be strict with a diet when there is temptation everywhere, especially when your husband brings home pizza or makes some yummy smelling paella around you. but truth is, there is going to be temptation everywhere and i have to learn to deal with it and not to give in every time. there will be a time and place that i can eat whatever i want. it just has to be calculated. and plus i ate all the "bad stuff" that i wanted last weekend. and i don't have to "treat" myself every weekend.

day 6_doing good

2009-09-13T23:17:00.000-07:00

breakfast_2 bananas + 8 brazil nuts

afternoon walk_around the lake + stairs_45 min.
afternoon meditate_10 min.

lunch_sauteed veggies: onion, carrots, mushrooms, asparagus, garlic + olive oil
dinner_soup: kumbo + dried shitake mushrooms w/ cabbage, carrots, onions, ginger + tamari sauce
desert_glass red wine + dark chocolate

slept in and had a lazy morning. went for a walk and sun before lunch. felt good today. got a little cranky before dinner, ate late. feeling good about the diet. lost another pound. that's four pounds since the beginning of this cleanse. can fit into my pink jeans again, woo hoo! i've lost 15 pounds since x-mas. that was my heaviest and my worst psoriasis break out. there seems to be a correlation to % of body fat and outbreaks. the body has a hard time processing the toxins and starts pushing it out of the skin. today spots looked light in color, itched slightly. can't wait until next friday, i'll get to reward myself with some fish!

day 5_getting lighter

2009-09-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

brunch_packet of strawberries + roasted veggies: cabbage, carrots + cauliflower
snack_banana + carrot juice
dinner_salad w/ sunflower seeds, coconut + italian dressing
desert_glass of red wine (PETS petite syrah)

stayed up late last night. it was friday night. slept in this morning really late. felt sooo good. i swear sometimes i need to sleep like a bear :) spots were looking better in morning...lighter pink and thin flakes. by night time...red and itchy, maybe from the wine.

day 4_flaky, flaky, flaky

2009-09-11T22:49:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana
snack_trail mix
lunch_salad w/ cucumbers, avocado, strawberries, mandarin oranges + sesame ginger dressing (too sweet)
snack_peach + brazil nuts
dinner_roasted veggies: cabbage, brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower
dessert_dark chocolate (no dairy)

evening hike: hill (twice) + stairs (once)_30 min.
evening meditate_5 min.

went to bed late. slept in to regular time. lost three pounds since the weekend. feeling good. so far it's been easy sticking to the diet. over the last number of years, i've been eating more and more vegetarian. which means i can be totally satisfied with an all veggie meal. but it is important to keep the variety up. i get bored easy. i was craving some fish today though :( maybe crispy salmon or sushi. but it's only 10 days with just veggies. 10 days in the span of my whole life. i can do that, especially if my skin can be free and clear :) today skin was itchy and flaky, flaky, flaky. the flakes did seem thin, so that's a good sign.

day 3_flaky, flaky

2009-09-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

morning walk around lake and up the stairs_45 min.

breakfast_1/2 cantaloupe
snack_cocoa nibs + brazil nuts
lunch_cabbage + carrots + squash
snack_banana + 1/2 cantaloupe
desert_watermelon
dinner_sauteed mushrooms, onions, carrots, asparagus, garlic + avocado

evening belly dancing_60 min.

went to bed late night before. woke up really tired and went on morning walk anyways. supper emotional in morning. got into a fight with the hubby :( skin is red and swollen and flaky, flaky.

day 2_diet delights

2009-09-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

breakfast_banana
snack_cocoa nibs
lunch_cabbage + carrots + squash
snack_apple + brazil nuts
dinner_salad w/ mango, avocado, red onion + lemon olive oil
desert_watermelon

evening hike up hill, three times_30 min.
evening meditate_5 min.

diet going well. itchy again today. really tired this morning...couldn't get up early. set goal for tomorrow: morning walk.

day 1_soooo itchy

2009-09-08T23:39:00.000-07:00

morning walk around the lake + up the stairs_45 min.

breakfast_2 apples
snack_cocoa nibs
lunch_salad w/ cucumber, avocado, carrots, beets + lemon hazelnut dressing
snack_apple + nibs
dinner_5 brazil nuts + cabbage + carrots + squash
desert_watermelon

evening meditate_5 min.

today i am so itchy :( but i did binge on junk before the diet. i ate everything i wanted this past weekend...pulled pork, corn pudding cakes, bacon cheese burger, bbq chicken pizza and plenty of alcohol. now i am paying for it. but i did get the cravings out of my system. and to tell you the truth, the junk food was disappointing, not as satisfying as one builds it up to be. so i'm really happy to be going on this cleanse now. ridding my body of toxins, apparently the toxins that it can no longer handle.

the plan

2009-09-07T23:06:00.000-07:00

this is my getting rid of psoriasis diet and plan:

i have noticed over the last number of years that what i eat tremendously effects my psoriasis. starting tomorrow, i am going to be extremely strict with my diet and see if i can eliminate all spots.

i will not eat any foods on the forbidden list.
i will eat at least six cups of vegetables a day.
i will eat at least six brazil nuts/almonds every day.
i will eat breakfast every day.
i will get plenty of sunlight and take cod liver oil daily.
i will exercise/meditate daily.

foods that are forbidden
anything from a cow or pig:

red meat
milk
cheese
butter
cream
yogurt
lard

any form of wheat or wheat-like grain:

flour
bread
pasta
cereal

starchy foods:

potatoes
beans
peas
corn

coffee, strong teas or milk chocolate
alcoholic beverages (beer or liquor)
preservatives and chemical additives

foods that are permitted
vegetables and vegetable juices
fruits and fresh squeezed fruit juices
brazil nuts or almonds
natural oils (non meat)
vinegar
spices
pickles and olives
herbal teas
sugar, honey, syrups
wine (1 glass twice/week)

only after the first 10 days,
foods that can be eaten only one out of four days:
rice and oats
poultry
eggs
fish
alternative meats

history

2009-09-06T02:00:00.000-07:00

i only had one outbreak as a child. at that time, i had no idea what is was. i didn't even shown my mom the big red itchy spot on my leg until it had gotten huge. she totally freaked. i remember the doctors giving me lots of different creams to use. one finally worked.

i didn't have any more outbreaks until the middle of architecture school. i was in my mid to late twenties. i had dandruff since childhood. college was the first time my elbows and chins started to get regular spots. i am now 35. my spots have grown and shrunk and they almost completely went away once. but for the most part, have spread and gotten worse over the years.

currently i have spots covering my chins and backs of ankles, small spots on thighs, small spots on stomach and a patch on my butt crack, sizable spots on my elbows and some small spots on the ears and in the hair. sometimes my face will look splotchy if i'm really inflamed.

i am determined to eliminate all spots on my skin and gain control over my life.