Cleanse Days 5-7

After some initial rebellion and internal struggle with some of the food changes, I think I'm finally settled. Green Smoothies help tremendously. I've noticed I rarely crave sugar, and if I do I have a nice pulpy glass of orange juice. I did purchase some low sugar chocolate snacks, but haven't really needed them yet. Yesterday I went to Whole Foods and saw my favorite pimento cheese and I just stood there for two minutes, then walked on. I barely glanced at the Bothhouse farm drinks (I like the Mocha Cappuccino) and for the most part managed to make some really good shopping choices.

 Coconut Based chocolate ice cream, cacao nibs and macadamia nuts, raw almonds dehydrated and seasoned with vanilla and maple, coconut ice cream bars, vegan/gluten free dark chocolate and orange bar and raw chocolate bar with superfoods. All very low sugar options and great for chocolate cravings.

 So good, I'm addicted

  LOVE this cereal! Reminds me of Grape Nuts without  the crap

I started coffee enemas this week, and have done my meditations while holding the enema. You do a fresh water enema first, releasing immediately, then follow up with the coffee enema, which the goal is to hold for 15 minutes. So far I've gone anywhere from, not going to happen, to about 12 minutes so far. I think it gets easier the more you do it. Here's a great video from Jess the Wellness Warrior on doing coffee enemas:



I'm starting to see some results. I had major fatigue issues through October, and as the week has gone on I've had more and more energy. In fact, yesterday was the first time I didn't nap in who knows when. Not only did I not nap, I tried to go to bed, and ended up laying awake for an hour and getting back up! I still went to bed at a decent time, and got about 8.5 hours of sleep, which usually I sleep for about 12 hours, but I haven't need to. In fact I've had problems with boredom now that I'm not sleeping as much. Suddenly, I have all this time and I have no idea what to do with it. I cleaned off my two tables filled with mail and sorted through. I organized my bills and created a payment plan. I've watched some Hallmark Christmas movies and done some things around the house. I need  to make a list of activities. It occurred to me that I could do that puzzle from my 31 Things list, finish putting together the photo album, also from that list. Shoot, I could actually start writing! My brain was too foggy, but it's clearing up so now it the time. Also, exercise and emotional/spiritual exercises. So we'll see how it goes.

 Green Smoothie

 Vegan Protein Powder

 Oatmeal with raisins, cinnamon and a dash of almond milk

Right now one of my biggest projects is finding the right supplement balance. I REALLY hate that Cellect, the mineral/vitamin powder that has like 97 things in it. It's nasty, smells nasty, and just doesn't go away. There really isn't anything else like it though; however, I believe I found an herbal remedy (that I already have some of) called Merlin's Herbal Magic Root Elixir. It has over 30 herbs in it. I will still need to take all my alphabet vitamins (A, B6, B12, B17, D3, E), and Iron. There is also something called Colustrum that is in the Cellect  and a great part of it that I can get on it's own. Plus I can start doing MSM again, Bee Pollen, and look into some other things. Some of the stuff is in pill form, but several things can be tossed into my smoothies.

So what's up for week two? Adding in exercising, which will be bouncing on the rebounder. Also, dry skin brushing and I really need to do the neti pot. I plan on thawing out the pesto I made this summer and making a delicious pesto pasta with Quinoa noodles, another soup, either corn chowder or baked potato, and trying out a Creamy Coconut Beans and Rice recipe. And of course, more green smoothies. I'll leave you with a photo of tonight's Buddha Bowl. This one has brown rice, diced potatoes, orange bell pepper, green beans, and seasoned tofu. Bowls are very easy to make. Pretty much use rice as your base, then any kind of veggie you could possibly think of, toss them together, and there you go. Delicious.

Cleansing Days 1-4

Cleansing week is starting out just so so right now. I have definitely not been perfect in the food department, or starting enemas, exercising or most of what the cleanse entails. However, I have been good about having at least one quart of green smoothie each day. And really, I have mostly been good about food, but I did have some leftovers (pasta and such) that I didn't want to waste that I ate. I made a White Bean chili that turned out good, spicy, but really good. It fits perfectly, as it is gluten free, vegan (with vegan sour cream) and of course no coffee or sugar. I did clean the kitchen up today and dishes are finishing running in the dishwasher, so as soon as that's done I'll be able to make up the coffee for the enemas. I also bought a little bathroom heater from Target. The idea of laying half naked on the floor in the cold in the winter for 30+ minutes while doing enemas, not too fun. Plus, don't you just hate having a nice steamy shower, then stepping out into the blistering cold. So I thought I little heater would be perfect. Tomorrow I'll have my coffee solution and the heater so enemas, here we go!

My goals for the weekend include:

• Starting the coffee enemas 1-2 times daily
• Bouncing on the trampoline in 5 minute increments and working my way up. 
• Work on getting 2 quarts of smoothie in 
• Declutter my kitchen and living room tables and go through my bills
• Wash sheets
• Meditate. Actually, I had been doing this with the enemas. You are supposed to hold the coffee enema for 15 minutes, so I have been doing Gabby's Spirit Junkie meditations to keep me relaxed and make it easier. I will continue to do that. 

Otherwise, taking it one step at a time. Just have to work through some cravings, which amazing have more to do with pasta/pizza than chocolate. I really haven't had a lot of issues in that department. I've been drinking orange juice and that seems to take care of any possible sweet cravings.

Here is my Mom's White Bean Chili Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 onion, 1 minced garlic, 1/2 chopped yellow bell pepper (I used a whole one), 3 cans great northern beans, 2 cups veggie broth (I used water b/c veggie broth makes me vomit), 2 cans chopped green chili's, 1/2 bag frozen corn, 2/3 cup rice, 1 cup sour cream (I used vegan), both regular and white bean chili seasonings





Saute onion, garlic and yellow pepper in oil. Add rest except sour cream. Note: If you are using regular rice, add it here, if you use minute rice, wait until about 15 minutes before chili is done. Simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. You may garnish with cilantro or cheese if you wish.

Off to make a green smoothie!

It's Cleansing Time!!

October my health schedule went nuts. I experienced a lot of fatigue, which caused me to miss some pill time, sometimes choose quick carryout foods instead of going to the grocery store and I was hit and miss on my enemas. I also took a vacation at the end of the month, which really through off any healthy eating and taking of pills/supplements. So I've planned on doing some detoxing, getting back into the swing of things. At the beginning of the year I did the 21 Day Adventure Cleanse from Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet book. This is a great program and essentially what I intend to do again. It's gluten free, dairy, meat, coffee and sugar free. That may sound like a lot, but half of those things don't really affect me anyway. I intend to stick mostly to the gluten-free part, except I will likely eat Ezekiel bread, which is sprouted grains. It's easier for your body to digest, and having done this before, I know I do not have a gluten intolerance. I will however still to my quinoa pasta.and avoid other processed  wheat products. The most challenging one will be sugar, which is also the most important, however I have several ways to handle that issue.

Green smoothies are a big portion of the plan. I intent to drink at least 2 quarts a day, and do a smoothie fast on Sunday's, which will be 6-8 quarts, depending on my hunger. I did the smoothie fast just once last time and I think if I had made even just one more smoothie it would have been easier. I'm going to make sure I make plenty this time.

Otherwise there are several options such as almond butter sandwiches, Buddha bowl, gluten free pasta with pesto, falafel,  chili and soups, mashed potatoes, veggie burgers, etc. Healthy snacks include raisins, almonds, fruit, gluten free pretzels, granola bars, more smoothies, etc. I am allowed one piece of dark chocolate daily to help with cravings, however the granola bars have some chocolate, plus I plan on making raw cacao smoothies, so that should be enough.

The cleanse is not just about food. I am getting back on track with my pills and supplements. I will also be doing daily coffee enemas, skin brushing, and the occasional detox bath and neti pot. Exercise is an important part too, but seeing as I am just starting to be able to walk short distances and such, I will start slow with minimal movement on the rebounder. I really would like to get back into yoga, so at some point as my energy increases, I will add that.

Taking care of emotional and spiritual health is also important. Daily meditation, journaling, watching Brad Yates EFT videos, doing Louise Hay exercises, etc. I would like to do at least two of these things as well.

So off to the store, after cleaning out my fridge, and be ready to start Sunday!!

My 2011 Intentions: How I'm Doing

At the beginning of the year, I created a list of intentions for 2011. We are a little more than half way through the year, so I thought it was time to check in on my goals.

• I intend to create a daily practice of yoga, meditation and journaling
• I intend to drink at least one Green Smoothie daily
• I intend to do 35 minutes or more of cardio exercise at least 4 times a week, this includes dog walking, rebounder, etc. 
• I intend to focus on growing my blog this year, including number of followers, investing in SEO program, creating regular posts and updating the look
• I intend to write and publish my first book
• I intend to focus on my Spiritual practice, which could include taking classes at the Rime  Buddhist Center, increasing my meditation practice, Spiritual reading, prayer, and creating my own Sacred Space.
• I intend to start the year with a 21 Day Adventure Cleanse, and do mini-cleanses throughout the year
• I intend to continue to build and grow my friendships and schedule at least one social outing each week
• I intend to attend a Vipssanna meditation retreat as part of my healing and Spiritual growth
• I intend to take a vacation this year, location TBA

My Success:
I drink green smoothies almost everyday, and really enjoy it. I attending a Spiritual retreat called Spirit Junkie, started A Course in Miracles, and have been learning to be more Spiritual. I blogged about my 21 Day Adventure Cleanse experience. I have made several new friends, made an effort to get social at least once a week, and have done fun things like the Roller Derby, chit-chat at a local coffee shop, and going out to the movies. Read here about my Vipssanna Meditation experience. I took a vacation to Portland, you can read my blog post here.

In progress: 
I started off the year on a good path regarding Yoga and exercise, but sadly my health has taken a turn lately and prevented me from doing so. Hopefully as I build up my strength again, I can start small by rebounding. I also have not been very diligent about journaling, although I've done it a bit, and I've only recently increased my meditation practice. I will continue to focus on these two things. I have not had the mental clarity to focus on a book, so this may roll-over to 2012, once I am healed.

Overall I think I'm on the right track. How are your 2011 Intentions going? 

21 Day Adventure Cleanse: The Wrap Up

The last week of my cleanse went well. My detox symptoms slowed, as my body adjusted to the new diet and finished releasing it's baggage. I had several days where I had extreme fatigue, but my mid-week that improved greatly.

Some of the lessons I learned:

1. I do not have a gluten intolerance, so I will allow it back into my diet. However, I do know that overdoing it, makes me queasy, and pasta seems to be the biggest culprit. So when at home at least, I will stick with Quinoa pasta, which, tasty! I also don't want to overindulge on white flour, so I will be staying away from that, making it more of a treat, or simply using gluten free and healthier flours when I do indulge my baking bug. 
2. Drinking green smoothies each day gives me energy and keeps my system clean. I really enjoyed getting back into smoothies over this 21 day period and intend to continue incorporating them daily. 
3. I need to refocus on exercise and find ways to motivate myself. I'm sure the weather is part of it, but still, that's an excuse. 
4. I am a chocoholic, which, not a surprise, but I think I need to do a sugar detox at some point. I may have an emotional attachment that needs to be addressed. 
5. I didn't eat a lot of dairy anyway, I've been drinking almond milk for the last decade, but still indulge in cheese from time to time. I really didn't miss dairy at all, and in fact was glad it was gone, so I will focus on not letting it back in. If I do indulge, local/organic only. 
6. I journaled about my progress daily, and rediscovered my love for keeping a journal.

What things are you doing to improve your health? What would you like to learn about health? Have you done a cleanse?

21 Day Adventure Cleanse: Days 8-12

This week has been filled with ups and downs.  As the week progressed, I started to get a little neurotic. This can happen as cravings kick in, toxins crawl their way out, etc. Tip #4 Go to the grocery store every 4 or 5 days. Too long in between trips and certain food items may go bad, fewer choices can create some mental craziness, and sometimes what's left doesn't constitute a properly balanced meal. 

Tuesday night I started to go a little nuts, and by Wednesday I had completely lost it. Fortunately/Unfortunately, I didn't have the ability to really break the cleanse because I only had certain foods left and a shortage of cash. My vegetables were all gone, the fruit as well, most of the snack items, and so for dinner I made an extremely bland portion of brown rice, black beans and sweet potato. I was so hungry, and out of balance, I hadn't meditated or exercised or done any of the other things for the emotional/spiritual aspect of my cleanse. Around 9pm, I started getting a headache, I felt like crap, but knew that the next day I would be able to buy food, but still....hungry! Then my inner guide said "Eat some almonds." Whew! Those almonds saved my sanity! My headache went away, my sanity restored, and I had a good nights sleep. I woke up with a new attitude, meditated, had a delicious green juice and veggie sandwich at Coffee Girls, went to Whole Foods, and got back on track. I bounced on the rebounder and made a delicious Gluten-Free, vegan, sauerkraut pizza. I felt fabulous and motivated once again.

Today I had a delicious kale/orange/goldenberry/cacao smoothie for breakfast.  Lunch consisted of gluten free falafel and baba ganouj, locally made with a lovely side of veggies.  Tonight, I'm thinking Buddha Bowl.  In a bit, I'm hopping back on the yoga train, going to finish the laundry, and get things done.  Cleansing can be difficult at times, but in the end, all the releasing, new wonderful habits, and re-establishing previous good habits is certainly beneficial.

How is your cleanse going?

21 Day Adventure Cleanse: Days 4-7

I've made it a full week on my cleanse now and I'm feeling pretty good.  The last few days I've been a little fatigued, and spent some extra time resting.  Today, however, I feel great, alert, and ready to get things done.  There is a list of "check in" items, to review at the end of each day.  In addition to tracking each item of food, I am also tracking how much water I drink, what supplements I take, how my eliminations are, what time in the evening I have my last bit of food, and how the cleanse makes me feel physically and emotionally.  I also record if I abstained from: coffee, alcohol, gluten, animal products and sugar and whether or not I did: dry brushing, neti pot, exercise, meditate, chew mindfully, laugh out loud, spend time in nature, get a good eight hours of sleep.

I've been doing a great job abstaining from everything but sugar. I have been eating a piece of dark chocolate at the end of each day. I admit that I haven't even resisted the urge. This week, though, I would like to see if I can go a few days without, and break the hold sugar has on me.

Chipotle Hominy Stew

I have been meditating everyday to the Vortex meditations, which I highly recommend.  Exercise has been hit or miss.  We had several nice days last week and Triton and I ventured out on walks, which gave us our "time in nature" quota as well.  I can't say I'm as motivated to walk in three feet of snow, in the 12 degrees. However, part of my 2011 Intentions included daily yoga, which I can't say has happened so far. The Yoga Journal online started a 21 day yoga challenge, today, which I signed up for. This should get me back on track for my intention and daily exercise.

I've generally been pretty good with the detox tools, but I haven't done a lot of laughing and as for chewing mindfully, I am terrible at this! So this week those are the things I will focus on.  I have been sleeping pretty well, except the last two nights, I've had to get up and pee every 30-45 minutes, no joke! Apparently my lymph is moving stuff through, which is great! However, it makes solid sleep very difficult.  Let's hope that chills a bit this week. 

How are you doing with your 2011 Intentions?