So before I moved to Guatemala, I knew there would be risks involved. But, when I thought about risks I thought about parasites, earthquakes, landslides, giardia, etc.

Never did I think about Tuberculosis.

Then I moved to Guatemala and after three months of grueling Peace Corps training I learned just how prevalent TB is in Guatemala. With 8,900 new TB cases in 2010 alone!

Somewhere along the line (during my seven months of service thus far) I was exposed to someone with an active case of TB. Don’t worry fellow Tumblrites, I don’t have an active case but I have been exposed and did test positive for TB. Once exposed one has a less than 10% chance of developing an active case during their lifetime without preventative treatment. In comes the preventative treatment.

Nine months of medications with a very hefty can and can’t eat list. 

• Eat foods high in B-vitamins and iron, such as whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables.
• Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell pepper).
• Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
• Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy), or beans for protein.
• Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
• No coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.

So basically I’m going to have the healthiest diet in the world or else I can severely damage my liver.

How’s that for enough incentive to put down the cookie? 

Nine months of not having a single drink or cup of coffee seems almost impossible. But, I know that in the long run getting rid of my vices will help me feel better and lose weight. 

When life gives you lemons you make lemonade. Right? Right.