Success Stories: Children’s Health

Quote - KidsThis 11 year old patient recently prepared a speech for school about his experience at our office, and how he was able to improve his focus, mood and body. Way to go! We’re all very proud of you – thanks for letting us share your story. -Tara

Dear Ms. M. & Fellow Students:

My life without “junk food”. It all began two years ago when I was nine years old. I constantly craved sugar, sugar, chocolate and more sugar.

I was tired, cranky and gaining weight. My Mom and Dad did not know why I gained so much weight when I played hockey, soccer, baseball and I swam all the time.

My Mom suggested we talk to a naturopathic doctor, our friend Tara. On our very first visit, Tara asked me all kinds of questions, here’s some: How was my focus in school, was I tired, how did I sleep, and what did I crave?

We decided that I should stop eating certain foods for one month to see how I would feel. Tara promised I would be allowed one treat every month.

It was a huge challenge! I stopped eating all foods such as chocolate, Cheez Whiz, KD, ketchup, cheesies, chips, microwave popcorn (DEATH IN A BOX), gummies, hot dogs, Gatorade, ice cream, fast food such as Pizza Hut and Wendy’s and cereal (and guess what – this means Cheerios!) My family removed all foods with preservatives, dyes and artificial flavors from our house.

We learned that if you can’t say it why you would put it in your body: Monosodium Glutamate, Carrageenan, Propylene Glycol, Acesulfane-Potassium, Tricalcium Phosphate, all Artificial Colors and Flavors added. We became experts at reading food labels, even Dad!

After three months, I began to feel “gnarly”. I replaced most of the foods that I love with organic or homemade. My Mom has become an expert at finding foods with no “crap”. She found organic nachos and salsa, ice cream and yogurt, organic pop, who knew that “root beer” was really white. My friends love to visit, there’s always a ton of fruit at our house and my Mom makes amazing “smoothies”, “pancakes”, French Toast”, and homemade chocolate sauce, to die for.

Two years later, how do I feel now? I feel tremendous. I’ve lost weight. Tara takes my body mass index (BMI) at every visit. She puts sticky pads on my toes and hands and hooks me up to a machine. My body fat has dropped and my lean muscle has increased. I have tons of energy. I am like a freight train at hockey, lots of speed and agility. I actually love to run during soccer, major change for me. My focus, well, it’s okay most days – just ask Mom and Ms. M.

I love healthy food, fruit, cheese, whole grain bagels, veggies and dip, yogurt parfaits, but I got to admit, those little “Ferrero Roche” chocolates, they still get me.

Would you like to inspire someone to find their best health? You can tell us a few words about your experience at StoneTree here. We keep all personal information confidential.