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 Osteoporosis Reversal 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 Osteoporosis Reversal Program to succeed in your natural bone health quest. You don’t have to be perfect! The Actions outlined in the Osteoporosis Reversal 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 Osteoporosis Reversal 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!
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.
Dear Vivian,
Thanks in large part to you and your program, today I have perfect bone health. But that was the case three years ago, when my bone scan showed -3.86 in my spine. I was shocked as I am a fitness trainer and was walking daily and working out with light weights every day, teaching classes. I am, however, the perfect osteoporosis candidate: white, thin, 5′ tall, and post-menopausal.
I researched Fosomax, which my doctor recommended and rejected it. Then I started researching natural ways to strengthen my bones. I followed your plan, and others, combining your diet, wearing a weighted vest, working up to 10 lbs (10% of my body weight), and changing my weight-training program to heavier weights and fewer reps leading to muscle fatigue. I also started jogging or using a mini trampoline to create more bone stimulation in my workouts through impact, and began taking B-12, D3, and calcium.
Like you say, I didn’t follow all aspects perfectly everyday, but I did do some things every day. Last week I got my results from my latest test: Below 2.5 is considered osteoporosis. In my first test, I was -3.86. Now, I’m perfect 1.0! Am I stopping my program because I succeeded? No, I’m so excited I’m working it harder than ever, now 100% fully confident that it works! Thank you, Vivian for all that you do!
All Best,
Alexandra Eyle
Way to go, Alexandra!! And thanks so much for sharing your inspiring success story with us 🙂
How can I get calcium into my bones instead of sticking in the veins?
Would appreciate your advice. Thanks.
Great question, Joyce, especially because doctors indiscriminately recommend calcium, without distinction of what type. Inorganic calcium, such as calcium carbonate, is not recognized by the body, so it’s treated as a toxin. This explains the negative health effects it causes. You can read a complete explanation on the difference between organic and inorganic calcium as well as the latest update on calcium and heart attacks by clicking the two links below (and feel free to use the Search option at the top right of the saveourbones.com page. Just type “calcium” or any other topic of interest 🙂
https://saveourbones.com/the-ultimate-calcium-guide/
https://saveourbones.com/confused-about-calcium-read-this/
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!
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.
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?
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
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.
I like your emails and your storis,good on you Vivien and THANK YOU.
Slavica
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
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.
Congratulation, Syble! Taking prednisone for almost one year AND reversing osteoporosis is fantastic, and yet one more way to prove that the Program does work 🙂
Do you have an opinion re: Algaecal plus Strontium and/or Strontium?
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
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
Michael, if someone has digestive problems, it’s best to not eat starches and proteins together. Also, fruit should be eaten alone and before a meal (not after). Notice that if you follow the pH balanced Program, eating a steak (a protein) with pasta (a starch) would make it very difficult to balance with other alkalizing foods.
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.
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.
enjoyed reading all the emails i have learnt a lot more from them than i have from my doctor. keep them coming
Thanks for your kind words, Brenda!
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.
This is my first comment.
My stomach doesn’t tolerates almond milk and soy milk because gastritis.
Who knows other alternative?
This is for Maria F
YOU could try Rice Milk.Hope it works for you.
My stomach doesn’t tolerates almond milk and soy milk because gastritis.
Who knows other alternative?
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!
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.
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
I love your idea of listing positive and calming thoughts, Andrea!
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
Vivian, I really appreciate your efforts to keep us updated on bone health.
Thank you,
Veronica
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!
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
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.
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.
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
Thank you for all of your e-mails. I enjoy reading and following your advice.