This article is part of our Food Stories series. Here we explore holistic health topics and share inspiring stories from our community.
A massive stroke with a bleak prognosis
In 2008, my grandmother suffered a massive stroke and was initially immobile and barely able to move even her tongue.
“What you see is what you get” the doctors concluded. They set a cold expectation: “Don’t get your hopes up… She could be in this vegetative state for a while or forever.”
But they didn’t know my Other Mama.
By the time I arrived at her rehab facility in Florida, she was able to speak words, but her phrases were jumbled due to aphasia.
It was dinner time, and I was appalled by what was on her plate — fried greasy, heart-clogging comfort “foods”.
“Vitamins,” she said to me proudly, as she pointed to the fortified high fructose corn syrup “milk”.
My heart sank. She was convinced she had to drink every last drop of that garbage.
I looked her in the eye and pointed at the carton and said: “Poison”.
At that moment I knew exactly what had to be done.
“Sit tight,” I said… “I need to speak with your nurse and get your nutrition sorted out.”
Thankfully, the staff was open – even welcoming – to me bringing in and completely overhauling her food.
Frankly, they were apologetic and disappointed that they couldn’t offer better.
Nourishing, healing foods provide support during health crisis
From that day forward for a week straight, I cooked 3 square meals for my grandmother, including pasture-raised eggs, sautéed kale, chard and greens, nutrient-dense organ meat burger patties, wild salmon, and more.
Each morning I arrived with a fresh cold-pressed organic juice that included flax oil for brain support. And, we established an organic smoothie for her afternoon snack.
It was an all-in, all-on nutrient attack!
The hitch was – I knew exactly where to get all of these provisions. A health food store provided each morning’s all-organic juice and produce, plus wild salmon patties; while a biodynamic farm store provided the organ meat patties, pasture-raised eggs, and more.
Even better – the nursing team and dietitian agreed to continue the protocol even after I left the following week. Special supplies for her smoothie were also kept in their kitchen.
The healing power of Real food
With supportive, nourishing foods alongside intense rehab, social support, and many prayers, against all odds – and to the doctors’ astonishment – my Other Mama made a miraculous recovery.
In under a year, she was back to living independently on her own and even driving again.
For me, knowing exactly where to go and what to get was paramount in supporting her recovery – precisely when she needed it the most.
It’s a huge driving factor behind Healthy Anywhere. I want to assure you can find what you need when you need it – without any stress or fuss.
This personal story plays a large part in why we work to include wholesome meal services, regenerative farm stores, and specialty markets in our Healthy Anywhere app, in addition to healthy, sustainable, delicious restaurants and eateries.
Members: 🔎 Find healthy meal services and specialty markets nearby in the Healthy Anywhere App! 📲 Simply open the app and see what’s nearby or apply these filters using the “More options” menu.
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Have you experienced the profound impact of wholesome nutrition on recovery and well-being?
Share your story in the comments at the bottom of this page!
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