For my 10th birthday, my parents gave me a hardcover edition of Aesop’s Fables, and I fell in love with the entertaining tales. All the while my young, impressionable mind absorbed the morals that came with every story.
One of my favorites was the story of the fox and the cat. The wiley old fox was bragging to the cat about how clever he was, “I have a whole bag of tricks, and it contains at least a hundred ways of escaping my enemies.” The cat came back with, “I have only one, but I can generally manage with that.”
Just then, a pack of hounds descended on the pair. The cat quickly jumped onto a tree and hid herself in the branches, saying, “This is my plan.” Meanwhile, the fox was thinking. Pondering his hundred different methods for evading the hounds, confused and scattered and discarding one plan after another. While the fox was sorting through all the plans, the hounds caught up with him and he was soon killed by the huntsmen.
The moral, as voiced by Miss Puss:
“Better one safe way than a hundred on which you cannot reckon.”
That stuck with me, and in my journey for natural bone health, I’ve applied The Fox and Cat Principle.
Are You Like the Cat or Like the Fox?
Do you find a course that works and stick with it, or are you constantly leaping from one solution to the next, never confident how to proceed?
It’s certainly easy to be swayed. There will always be an article proclaiming that what you believe to be true is in fact not true, and there will always be a new “expert” who will come along and give you all the reasons why.
Indeed, there are alternative ways to approach most situations, and your bone health is no exception. In that sense, the fox had a point. The danger is that while you’re pondering all the different approaches, life is moving on, and you’re not taking action.
Ever heard of “analysis paralysis”? Here’s one of the best descriptions I’ve seen: “Analysis paralysis is where you can’t make any forward progress because you bog yourself down in details, tweaking, brainstorming, research and … anything but just getting on with it.” If ever there was a classic case of analysis paralysis, Aesop’s fox had it.
Create Your “Bone Health Philosophy”
But… even at that point, there are traps for the perfectionist.
If you’ve chosen to go with the Save Our Bones Program, you could still get bogged down. A true perfectionist is likely to think, “If I can’t do everything in the program perfectly, I may as well not try at all. I’d better get everything in place, make sure I have all the foods and understand their composition… I injured my ankle and can’t work with weights the way Vivian recommends, so I’ll have to wait to get started until my ankle heals… Oh, and Vivian writes about the benefits of grapefruit, but I’m on a medication that interacts with grapefruit, so I can’t eat it. Hmmm, better wait until I’ll know what to do about grapefruit before I start the program.”
Here’s the thing. You don’t have to follow everything all the time in the Save Our Bones Program to succeed in your natural bone health quest. You don’t have to be perfect! The Actions outlined in the Save Our Bones Program are so powerful and effective that even if you follow only a handful you’ll be doing marvelous things for your bones. And those few Actions can have amazing bone health benefits that will change your life for the better.
Let’s take a look at a few examples.
- If you eat a few meals that are not perfectly balanced… just get back to the plan without kicking yourself.
- If you’re worried about getting the exact proportions of each meal right… stop worrying! You don’t have to weigh and measure. Just eyeball your plate and shoot for an approximate balance by volume. And don’t worry about getting each meal perfectly balanced every day of the week. On occasion, you can think in terms of balancing your intake on a daily basis, rather than meal by meal.
- If you absolutely can’t do without your 3-latte-a-day habit (for now, anyway)… that doesn’t mean that you can’t improve your bone health. Follow as much of the program as you can. And gradually work on making changes to that latte habit. Perhaps substitute almond or soy milk for the regular milk, cut back from two shots of espresso per drink to one, then cut back to two lattes instead of three, and so on.
- If you can’t do an exercise I show you due to injury or because you’re out of shape or for any other reason… don’t stress about it. You can either modify the exercise or find other ways to achieve the same result.
- When I talk about the benefits of a particular food, that doesn’t mean you need to eat it every day… In almost every case, it’s just one of many bone healthy foods that you can include in your diet. It’s more important to eat a varied diet rather than to focus on one particular food. And if you’re allergic or simply don’t like one of the foods on my lists, just don’t eat it! There are plenty of others to choose from.
- And here’s the best part…
Worrying Less about the Details is Good for Your Bones
As I explain in the Save Our Bones Program, stress can hurt your bones because it activates cortisol secretion, and cortisol negatively affects bone density. So if you happen to be a perfectionist, now you have a great reason to let go!
The bottom line is that you don’t have to do everything that’s in the Program to improve your bone health.
So relax, do the best you can, and you’ll reduce your stress and improve your bone health at the same time. And remember, you don’t have to be “purr-fect” but be more like the cat.
To your bone health success!
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January 27, 2011
You mentioned in your recipe section “vegetable butter”, can you recomend one that you use?
Also, is Chicory ok as a coffee substitute, or even using half chicory & half coffee?
I know taht when we stop making estrogen, our bones suffer….what is your take on having organic/plant estrogens to help boost he bones? I really need to know. Thanks, Joyce S.
December 7, 2010
How can I get calcium into my bones instead of sticking in the veins?
Would appreciate your advice. Thanks.
September 29, 2010
That was great advice! I am a perfectionist and I have started to tail off following your plan because I couldn’t do it all. I shall get back on track now!! Many thanks!
September 28, 2010
Vivian,
I had my left front and back pelvis removed 10 yrs ago for an extremely rare Cancer. I underwent experimental heavy chemo and limb salvage surgery with no promises of saving my life as cancer was in stage 4 and very active and spreading. I now have many health and physical problems. I have been on fosamax for 10 yrs due to osteoporosis. This summer I fractures my lumbar spine bilaterally, without any injury, just sat down and could not get up. Dr’s thought it may be pathological, but all scans were clear. My spine is in bad shape and I have severe bilateral leg cramps and muscle pain. I do what I can for exercise. Is there any advice you can offer me. I also take 1800mg/day of gabapentin for the severe peripheral neuropathy cause by the chemo, which I barely lived through.Was hospitalized for the 6months during chemo in a pallitive rm. Like I said all was experimental, it was that or be dead for sure in 2 months. Now it has been 10 years, but my medical problems are many. I just want to feel good and prevent my spine from getting worse.
September 27, 2010
I tried to order your Safe our bones book, however was not able to, as I do not know what you mean by shipping method and I was not able to order without specifying shipping method. I want it send to my address. how do I specify this?
September 27, 2010
I was diagnosed Jan. 2010 with osteopenia and osteoporosis in the spine and hips. I took Actonel 4 years before this time. I ordered your book last winter and have been trying to follow it. My body continues to excrete the calcium through my urine. I am taking Hydorclorithyzide and Forteo. I have seen two doctors, one at the Mayo Clinic. They don’t talk much about diet. I have been drinking tap water filtered through my refrigerator. Is it better to use distilled water? I exercise every day. I saw you said to drink parsley tea. I will try that. Any thing else???
Thank you
September 27, 2010
These tips you’ve given me are really helpful . I agree that soy milk is good for everyone, especially for the elderly.It can help your eye not be dry anymore. Normally in the elderly life, they have dried eyes.
Thank you also for the stories you have given us.
September 26, 2010
I like your emails and your storis,good on you Vivien and THANK YOU.
Slavica
September 26, 2010
THANKS AGAIN FOR THE STORY. I READ ALL YOUR RESEARCH AND ADVICE. WHEN IN DOUBT I ALWAYS REFER TO THE SAVE OUR BONES BOOK.
ERLINDA
September 26, 2010
Approximately two years ago, my bone density scan showed problems at L1,L2, L3, and L4. Three were at osteopenia level and one at osteoporosis level (just slightly into each, but nevertheless, there). My doctor suggested I go on Boniva. I researched all osteoporosis medications and decided I did not want bisphosphonates in my body: I simply said “No” – at least until I tried every other way to improve my bones.
I purchased Save Our Bones and chose the parts of it that I felt I could comfortably do. Recently I had another bone density scan. I was somewhat concerned because one year into my personal efforts to save my bones an autoimmune disorder struck and I was on prednisone almost a year. As you know, prednisone is detrimental to our bones. My best hope was that I had held the bone density at the level of two years before. When I got my report, it showed no osteoporosis. L4 had improved. L 1-4 are still in range of osteopenia. Because of the usage of prednisone, I consider this to be a huge success. I fully expect to see improvement in two years – provided I don’t have to go back on prednisone.
Vivan, thank you for sharing your ways to improve our bone density.
September 26, 2010
Do you have an opinion re: Algaecal plus Strontium and/or Strontium?
September 26, 2010
Hello Vivian,
Thank you for your work. Since I am allergic to gluten and want to follow the right food combination, I was looking for buckwheat from this pointy of view and could not find it in your book. It is alkaline food as well and can be eaten with meat or other protein.
Thanks you,
Michael
September 26, 2010
Hi Vivian,
Please advice if it possible to combine or interact somehow two different systems where each one groups food based on different prinzipals:
your book into two groups: alkaline and acid products
Natalia Rose (Life force energy) into 4:
Starches
Proteins
Nuts and seeds
Fresh fruits
For instance, from your point of view it is good to combine into one meal meat and potatoes with peel, but from Natalia’s point of view is not a good idea.
Thanks, Michael
September 26, 2010
Perfectly timed! It’s taken me a year to decide on exactly this course of action. I am a perfectionist, and put 3 months into researching and cross referencing before deciding that actually, you have it right on the money, and for the last 6 months I haven’t bothered checking anything else. A month of relatives staying with me from abroad has severely knocked my serene balance, but I’m not worrying about it. I have come to the conclusion that alkaline water (distilled, spring, or ionized) is really important.
September 26, 2010
Hi Vivian,
I remember the tale of the Fox and the Cat so well. How relevant it is in helpings simplify
the Bone Programme.
Many thanks for all your wisdom.
Mary.
September 26, 2010
enjoyed reading all the emails i have learnt a lot more from them than i have from my doctor. keep them coming
September 26, 2010
I just bought this Program, and this is my first comment.
My stomach do not tolerates almond milk and joy milk, because gastritis.
I need other alternative.
September 26, 2010
This is my first comment.
My stomach doesn’t tolerates almond milk and soy milk because gastritis.
Who knows other alternative?
October 5, 2010
This is for Maria F
YOU could try Rice Milk.Hope it works for you.
September 26, 2010
My stomach doesn’t tolerates almond milk and soy milk because gastritis.
Who knows other alternative?
September 25, 2010
Vivian, an especially good email today about the Cat and Fox! Looks like others agree! I try and follow your advice but it’s hard when you can’t “do it all”. I have a tendency not to do anything if I can’t do it all and/or right. The Cat is right on! I get a lot of exercise – always have – but still developed osteopenia. Hardest thing for me to do is cut back (or quit!) coffee! I drink half-caf but still not good for me!
September 25, 2010
Great true story. Working with a diet the doctor gave me but checking the list for balance and yes it does seem harder then it use to but still feel good and on no medicine. Watching your advice on the Q-10 and was going to change brands but seen it did not carry a 5o mg as you suggested. Found it in Spring Valley and was going to change to nature made but they did not have the 50 mg. I am taking that multi vitamin by nature made but I guess I will stick with the place I can get the mg. Having a hard time finding vitamins that agree with me. Thanks for the information very interesting and helpful.
September 25, 2010
I have noticed that as we get older that we have the tendency to worry more. I believe that worry is important to eliminate from our lives as it is harmful and does no good. I have a list or positive and calming thoughts and quieting activities that I force when I am feeling anxious. You can design your oun thoughts and activities that work for you. Write them down so you can easily refer to them when you are feeling troubled.
I appreciate the emails, Vivian.
Andrea Moore
September 25, 2010
Hi Vivian,
I purchased the save our Bones Program a few months ago. Unfortunately, because My computer was infected with a virus, I lost the e-books that I saved in the C drive.
It’s difficult for me to follow the program with just the printed book.
Could you resend me the link so I could download it again?
It would be greatly appreciated.
Marie
September 25, 2010
Vivian, I really appreciate your efforts to keep us updated on bone health.
Thank you,
Veronica
September 25, 2010
My husband has just had a bone density test recommended for long use of steroids, low dose, he is 67 and his levels had improved. I’m the one with all the fractures so I am taking the credit for his improvement, please God my levels are improving as well. I’m sure they are!
September 25, 2010
Hi Vivian
Loved your Fox and the Cat email today I have
tried to follow the advice in your book it is
hard to know whether my food intake is adequate
or not I guess a bone scan after 12 months will
let me know if my calcium Vitamin D intake has
been enough
Thanks keep up the emails
Joan
September 25, 2010
Thanks Vivian for all the emails and informative articles regarding bone loss. I have really been sticking to the “save our Bones” diet. I’ve pretty much given up animal protein and dairy. My sinus problems are almost gone and I’ve lost 18 pounds. Keep on sending the great information. I’m looking forward to checking my bone density next year.
September 24, 2010
Yes lets get this subject about soy milk cleared up.There are so many organic milks out there too, is one better than another? Vivian you are doing a wonderful job on answering most questions asked by us. congratulations are in order.
September 24, 2010
I enjoyed the story on the fox and the cat.I guess, I am more like the fox. That was a helpful article. I stopped taking, Actonel, about 2 weeks ago, and hope to use some of your hints to help the bone density.I would like to buy your book, but can not afford it, at this time.But do enjoy your messages and helpful hints.You are wonderful, to share these things, with all of us.Thank you, so much, for all you do.
Cathy Smith
September 24, 2010
Thank you for all of your e-mails. I enjoy reading and following your advice.
September 24, 2010
I too am interested in your comments about using plain keifer.
September 24, 2010
Your story about the fox and the cat was very encouraging to me. I tend to want to do everything just the right way and get bogged down when I fail. Thank you for the words of encouragement to keep on keeping on!
September 24, 2010
Dear Vivian,
Good advice. I enjoy all of your e-mails.
September 24, 2010
Hi Viv:
Another great bone philosophy that I love is:
Reach for the Moon, if you fall, your still
amongst the Stars. Thanks for all the great
emails. Allison***
September 24, 2010
It is expensive.
September 24, 2010
Thanks for all of your information Vivian… I
appreciate all of it.
I always told my children, “Do the best you can with what you got.”
I was getting nervous when trying to keep up with all of the information on what to eat, etc., so I told my husband, that’s it… I am doing the best I can and that is IT !!! I am now enjoying eating and knowing that I am doing the best I can… So far, so good…
Blessings… Elizabeth W.
September 24, 2010
Has anyone had any experiences with vibrating machines? I have been using one for awhile now and my latest bone density test showed that my spine was now in the normal zone (which is great) however, my hips are way worse.
September 24, 2010
Can anyone tell me the best calcium supplement with vitamin D and magnesium
October 5, 2010
There is a liquid with cal/mag/Vit.D {all three) in it. the company is called “Prairie Naturalls”. I am in Canada. i have been using that for a few months and I also take 1000 IUs of vit. D. I broke my hip two years ago and had a full hip replacement and am doing fine. I also had been on Fosamax the other one that you mentioned Vivian. I got side affects from both of them and I promptly stopped them and am now just on what I said above here as well as Stem Enhance to stir up my stem
cells in my bone marrow. i am 80 years young and otherwise healthy Praise God for that!
October 5, 2010
There is a liquid out now with all three,calcium,magnesium and Vit.D. The brand name is Prairie Naturals. I just purchased some today at my Health Food Store. I have been using it for a few months, and I also take 1000 1000 iu.s a day.
I live in Canada
September 24, 2010
My nutritionist reccommended this to me.
Cal Mag Plus Vitamin D2 by Priority One Nutritional Supplements, Inc. http://www.priorityonevitamins.com
It is working well for me.
September 24, 2010
Best calcium (in Australia, perhaps elsewhere?) is ‘AdvaCal’ Hydroxyapatite as Calcium Citrate with Boron, containing Cal.234 mg magnesium (as oxide heavy)112.7 mg,Zink (as amino acid chelate)3.2 mg, Manganese (as amino acid chelate)1 mg, Copper (as gluconate) 22o micgr, holecalciferol (vitamin D 1oo IU,)Phytomenadiore (vitamin .K)5 micgr.,Silicone (as silica-colloidal anhydrous)7.26 mg,Boron (as Borax) 1 mg.
The Hydroxyapatite is from, bone sources!
Made in Australia by BioCeuticals.IDEAL COMPOSITION
My bone density after one year of “Arimidex” which depletes calcium from bones, my bone density is STRONGER, thanks to info by Vivian Goldschit, my self-responsibility and the “Advacal”
September 27, 2010
How do I buy this calcium that you mentioned?
I stopped taking the daily injections of FORTEO 3 weeks ago, after being on it 18 mo. Dr. allows only 24 mo because of danger.
But my osteoporosis was/is very bad.
I take 15oo mg calcium (shews) with D & K.
I do yoga 2 tiems a week & walk a mile 4 tiems a week.
I injured my back 18 mo. ago & broke 2 vertabra,& have some back ache at times.
OSteoporosis scares me so much & I want to get strong bones again.
suggestions?
IF Vivien is reading, please also recommend anything.
September 25, 2010
I’m still taking the daily arimidex – is this OK?
I stopped the Fosimax about 6 weeks ago and feel much better – my cheeks are no longer sticking to my teeth – yuck!!!
I go to see the Oncologist on Tuesday. I wonder if I’ll have a fight
Sheila
September 24, 2010
Thanks Vivian for email.This is underful.. Love,
September 24, 2010
Hi! Vivian,
I Guess Right Now, I’m More Like The Fox. But I’m Going To Try To Be More Like The Cat! Wish Me GOOD LUCK! WILL YOU?
LOVE, MS. L.
September 24, 2010
I have a problem with my esophagus called Achalasia which I have to control by taking Prilosec. I know Prilosec is terrible for my bones but if I don’t take it (or an equivalent), disphaagia prevents me from eating. What can I do to control GERD — I don’t eat spicy or fried foods but I stll get Gerd. (I sleep with my head elevated.
September 27, 2010
Your problem, I believe, is too much acid in your system. Going on an alkaline diet will remove all these problems. Gerd and acid reflux is amongst many of the problems associated with too much acid. A naturopath will be able to make you up a diet which will reduce all these symptoms. Acid Reflux is also from too much acid.
Frances
September 26, 2010
I don’t know if this will help you but I started getting acid reflux; turned out I was lactose intolerant. Can’t take cows milk any was but stopped even being able to have goats/sheeps milk. Stopped the milk and the reflux went away along with the pain in my big toe joint.
September 24, 2010
Vivian: I really liked this email today as it hit home for me. I stress out so much about everything especially what I eat. Thanks for reminding me to back off being the perfectionist and just take one day at a time. margieshiffman@yahoo.com
September 24, 2010
I had always been a perfectionist until I fractured my back. Pain can make you do things different. I always exercised religiously, buy after the fracture when I did not feel like it, I procrastinated. Now I know I have to do what is good for osteoporosis, so if I need to vacuum or do other chores, I now know they can wait, so I exercise. I have learned I can’t fit everything in so I have changed.
September 24, 2010
Vivian, Loved your article today!!!! Thanks for your good sound advice and it really makes sense. Thanks again
September 24, 2010
Vivian,
I have not purchased your book yet, since I have a few other issues that I need to work around. I have tried Fosomax and Boniva and had reactions to both of those. I just recently tried the new nasal spray calcitonin-salmon. but have developed side effects, so have discontinued that also. I’m on my own now trying to save what bone strength I have left. I have osteopenia. I am also hypoglycemic. I read your information regarding milk and now have a dilemma. I use a lot of daily products, skim milk, yogart, fat free cottage cheese, and cheese. The lactose breaks down slower and helps my blood sugar from dropping. I do not eat anything that breaks down quickly into glucose, such as potatoes, rice, bread, pasta, corn, etc. I am only allowed 2 fruits a day. I usually eat apples or blueberries when they are in season. I do not eat sweets or anything with sugar, or breaks down to sugar. My diet is mainly higher protein and lower carbs, with some fruits, vegetables and almonds. I have too much insulin. The reverse of being diabetic. What ever I put into my mouth that has sugar or breaks down to sugar (glucose), sends a message to my pancreas to produce more insulin. As a result, my blood sugars run low most of the time.
With this in mind, would your book still work for me?
Thank you,
Melba
September 24, 2010
Hi Vivian,
I have been diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoperosis. When given a 24 urine test it showed that I was releasing too much calcium from my kidneys and they put me on HCTZ to flush the kidneys. I had some terrible side effects from it after 3 weeks, so I stopped. Is there anything else I can take that will flush the kidneys and help me to absorb calcium into my bones?
September 24, 2010
take a tea made out of parsley
September 24, 2010
I need an answer to this also, as I have been diagnosed with hypercalciuria (spilling too much calcium from the bones). Please let us know how we can absorb calcium better!
September 24, 2010
I’ve been on the Program for about 4 weeks, not following it completely, but making small changes. Mostly, I’ve stopped drinking tap water and got a filter jug and I’m eating more alkaline foods than i used to. I’ve just noticed that my fingernails aren’t splitting as they used to – in fact, my nails are long and stronger than I’ve ever seen them! Could i really be making a difference so soon?
September 24, 2010
very good advice,Vivian, I to will apply the fox and cat principal, it makes sense, I would assume it could apply to any area of your like, thanks for your sound advice, Mary
September 24, 2010
I’m waiting for delivery of the book I ordered…can hardly wait to start reading…
September 24, 2010
I LOVED this article! Thank you. I can get discouraged when I can’t do it all just right, so this is just what I needed to hear.
Thank you!