Before October 2013, I would have never believed that food could potentially save your life. It could definitely make you a lot healthier, but surely it couldn’t cure you from chronic disease. A lot can happen over time, we grow older, we gain more insight and sometimes, we are fortunate enough to experience miracles. After witnessing Dad’s journey back from death and the critical role which diet played in his recovery, my husband (Gray) and myself have spent many months reading, seeking answers, absorbing information and discovering an entire new way of living.
In September 2013, one phone call changed everything. I had just arrived back in London from New Zealand where I had been visiting Dad in hospital who had been battling stomach cancer. A team of 5 oncologists had just delivered the news that Dad had days, maybe even a few weeks to live and there was nothing more they could do for him. I had been summoned back home to spend Dad’s last few days with him until his time was up. Within 48 hours of landing in London, I was back on another 24 hour flight back home with Gray – this was the start of our incredible journey.
Dad and me on our wedding day, 6th October 2013 – a few days after he had been given less than a month to live.
When the universe deals you a poor set of cards, you can choose to either give up, or play that hand the best you can. That’s what we did; we did not accept Dad’s fate. Instead, we proactively researched and questioned what we had been taught our whole lives. We met some incredible people along the way and made some amazing discoveries. We found alternative solutions to combat Dad’s cancer. Particular compounds found in certain vegetables and seeds seemed to contain cancer fighting properties which had successfully helped numerous people fight their battle with the big C.
So what did we do? We resorted back to basics and implemented a total overall in his diet. Particular kernels and pressed oils were ordered from around the country and a new regime was born, whereby Dad was fed seeds, spices, powders and large doses of vitamin C three times daily in between meals. The best strategy: a new diet whereby red meat, processed food, trans fat and refined sugar was replaced with organic fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, super juices, legumes, nuts and seeds.
It was only when I saw Dad’s transformation away from ill health and being given another lease on life, did Gray and myself decide to give up red meat, dairy, processed food and refined sugar and discovered an improved sense of wellbeing.
Friends encouraged us to write all of this down – document it. We felt an urge to share Dad’s story and all we had learned along the way; almost a sense of social responsibility. This is how Haleo was born.
We call it Haleo as the way we now eat seems to very loosely follow the paleo diet, except we still eat some whole grains, legumes, honey but no meat except for fish. Haleo isn’t confined to being just a diet, but rather, a lifestyle.
Haleo also reminds us of both of Dad’s positivity and incredible outlook; an optimistic way of life and how we can choose to live happy. The ‘halo’ reminds us that we all have it in us to be beautiful bright beings – kind, loving, compassionate and grateful.
Haleo is a place where I can share nourishing recipes with you which all contain similar, nutrient filled ingredients. One of my personal bugbears is finding recipes that contain ingredients I have never heard of and are not readily available. We have worked out a “Pantry” section where you can see the ingredients I use regularly in all my recipes, why they are cancer fighters and what other health benefits they have. It was important for us to create a place where everything is as simple as possible and easy to implement in your own lives. Haleo is also a place to share with you Dad’s journey, information about his regime and the critical role that diet plays with having a healthy body.
Away from the recipe side, Haleo is a place where you too can begin to understand the importance of mindfulness, optimism and expressing gratitude. How to live a life of wellness and abundance through a different way of thinking. It was not only diet which we believe saved Dad, but his incredible willpower, faith and reiki sessions all equally contributed to his recovery.
We believe that we have all the tools and teachers around us to help us live a truly wonderful life, we just need to learn to utilise them. Our mantra is – ask questions, seek guidance, keep exploring.
We feel incredibly blessed that we can share our story with you and as well as the things we have learn’t along the way.
Here’s to a life filled with much love, good health and happiness x
Love,
Jane and Gray x
Here is Dad walking me down the aisle and marrying us. The pictures on the left where taken on the 6th October 2013, a week after he was given no more than a month to live. The pictures on the right were taken on the 4th July 2014, 9 months later. Dad made it to our planned wedding date and ended up performing both ceremonies.
Jon Olphert, 4th July 2014.
Dad visiting us in London, a dream trip he never thought would happen! June 2015.
Making the world a healthier place through the creation of a like-minded community who share experiences, provide support and promote wellness. A community that lives and eats beautifully. Inspired by love, life, family and knowledge.