Crazy Sexy Cancer survivor Kris Carr recently started a fabulous trend at her blog CrazySexyLife, the Love List. Love Lists are just an acknowledgement of things we adore. You can put a list together anytime, keep adding to the one you've got, shout out a new love daily, whatever rocks your boat. It's a sweet reminder of the beautiful loving world we live in. Check out Kris' lists (which she will be posting every Wednesday) here: Love List: Chandeliers & Airstreams Love List: Flea Markets & Snapshots
You can also check out Gala Darling's version Things I Love Thursday and follow the conversation on Twitter #lovelist.
Here's my Love List for this lovely Tuesday in August
Triton I LOVE spending time with my wonderful puppy dog, going to the park, walking down the Trolley Trail, watching him play with his artichoke, car rides where both his head AND tail hang out the window, random people taking pictures of him on the plaza, the busboy at Eden's Alley asking about him every time I go in, taking him to eat on the patio at restaurants, chasing squirrels, giving him baths, swimming at the dog park, cuddling on the sofa, he's my number one :)
Superfoods smoothies, shiny clean house, blogging, werewolves, musicals, meditation, raw cacao, meeting lovely new lady friends, Doreen Virtue, the rose garden at Loose Park, Ben&Jerry's Smores, coconut oil, zinc, Twitter, Reiki, being an ~ing girl, rebounder, affirmations, gratitude, forgiveness, teddy bears, LOVE LISTS, meetup.com, Her Future
LOVE THIS SONG!!
Squidoo, Warehouse 13, Eureka, Kris Carr, snail mail, meeting my Spirit Guides, Thai food, Laura Bell Bundy, Pandora, mini-golf, pecans, journaling, dancing it out, running barefoot in the grass, smiling, laughing, Naughty Monkey shoes, dolphins, ocean sounds
Check out Her Future and Gabrielle Berstein’s book ADD MORE ing TO YOUR LIFE: A Hip Guide to Happiness. This book has been an inspiration to me. The first chapter is on Feel~ings and includes meditations and exercises to release. She has an online book club at Her Future to support all the ladies on their own ~ing journey.
I’ve been tuning into the amazing feel~ing posts on Her Future this past month. Feelings have always been a challenge for me. I don’t remember that last time I cried, (ok, so I cried when Buffy died at the end of Season 5); I’m not sure I’ve ever cried alone. When I was 19, I started cutting to feel. I cut regularly for about 4 years, until one night, even that didn’t penetrate my emptiness. New Years Eve, lying on the floor of my dear friend’s bathroom; I had just cut myself over 100 times, and I felt nothing…nothing. In that moment I knew that things had to change, I couldn’t continue like this. If I couldn’t learn to feel than my only choice was to “check out.” Cancer is a gift, an opportunity to learn, to explore my ~ing (inner guidance system) and understand these things we call feelings. I have experienced more joy, love, gratitude, forgiveness, bliss, and much more these past five years, than in any year since childhood. I’m still learning how to distinguish my feelings from pure thought, something I’ve found challenging. This is my ~ing write from last weekend:
Saturday July 24, 2010 ~Ing Write
Am I turned off? New potential fellow has many of the qualities and personality that I have on my list, attractive, big doggie lover, but I’m not sure I feel more than kindness/friendship. Where are my feelings of desire/passion? I had that somewhat with the ex, but things were/are better for us as friends. Am I creating that friendship and communication are more important than passionate romance? Am I making up that passion and sex will corrupt the compassionate friendship of the relationship? Is new potential fellow really just a platonic relationship or am I making up that he can only be platonic? What are my actual feelings? Am I blocking feeling? How can I release this? What do I feel? How do I feel?
Last night I had a terrible headache, and my ~ing (inner guidance system) told me that I was blocking some feelings. I put on my headphones and did Gabrielle Bernstein’s “Feel~ing” and “Forgiveness” meditations and a Ho’oponono releasing meditation that my Mom had email me. Immediately I felt much better, and after a little nap, my headache was gone, and emotionally I felt satisfied.
Holding things in, blocking the ability to feel, these “tools” do not make the feelings go away. They just penetrate deep, and if not dealt with, manifest physically, a la heinous cancerous tumors. I’m just beginning this portion of my journey, but I know that releasing is an important step to healing. Now, if only I could FEEL it too!
As an avid lover of Jane Austen, I've recently become obsessed with the "spin-off" books that have become so popular. Ever wondered what happened after Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy walked down the aisle? Emma and Knightley? Maybe you always thought Sense and Sensibility would be better if told from the perspective of Colonel Brandon, or if they through in Sea Monsters. Ever dream of time traveling back to the days of Jane Austen? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, there is a book out there for you, and many many more. Check out my Squidoo lense on the continuing stories of Jane Austen.
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1. Acai. Acai has one of the highest antioxidant content in the world, neutralizes free radicals, contains high level of essential fatty acids, helps regenerate stem cells, very low glycemic level, and fights cancer. "A recent University of Florida Study...showed extracts from acai berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested."
2. Camu Camu Berry. This berry is know as the Vitamin C Sun King. It contains the world's highest vitamin C content. It also supports immune function, improves eyesight, creates beautiful skin, supports strong collagen, decreases inflammation, reduces stress, and improves lung health.
3. Chlorella. This algae contains more chlorophyll per gram than any other plant. Chlorophyll rejuvenates the blood, cleanses out the bowels, and detoxes the liver. Chlorella restores white blood cells, increases resistance to viral infections and is an excellent treatment for those suffering from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. It also aids in digestion, is one of the highest sources of protein on the planet and is extremely rich in vitamins and minerals.
4. Incan Berries. This delicious berry actually exceeds the goji berry in protein. It's also an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin c, and bioflavonoids. The combination of bioflavonoids and pectin in this berry makes is a great detox tool. They also have a mild laxative effect.
5. Kelp. This sea vegetable is mineral rich, helps restore thyroid functioning, improve metabolism, contains iodine which allows our organs to function more effectively, prevents cancer of the digestive system and aids in eliminating other forms of cancer. It is also a great memory tool and aids in speedy healing.
6. Noni. This fruit is most often found as a fermented beverage or in powder form. It is full of antioxidants and aids in skin elasticity, cell regeneration, defense against free radicals, anti-inflammatory, and detoxes the body.
7. Yacon Root. This plant is an excellent substitute for traditional sweeteners. It's a great blood sugar balancer and ideal for diabetics. It is great for colon health, creates healthy flora in the body and promotes the growth of probiotics.
I realize this is a lot of information and can be overwhelming. I suggest starting small. Pick a few Superfoods that you feel would benefit you and start adding them to your smoothies. A couple of other foods that I would label "superfoods" are wheatgrass, fermented foods, spinach, sprouts and avocado. If you are just starting out, these simple foods are easily accessible and will greatly aid you in your health journey. Wheatgrass can be purchased fresh or frozen; frozen wheatgrass is great in smoothies. Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimichi, and miso aid in digestion. Spinach, while not as high as Spirulina, is also a great source of Iron and Protein and available in any supermarket. Avocado's contain essential fatty acids that aid in eyesight and skin health. Be brave! Get out there and start experimenting. Let me know how you are doing and any recipes that you've created.
Yowza!! I'm buzzing off my Superfood Smoothie. I went nuts and stocked up on all sorts of yumminess. Today's smoothie: Spirulina, cacao, maca, incan berries, goji berries, mulberries, camu camu, marine phytoplankton, coconut water, aloe vera, bee pollen, royal jelly, banana and a touch of agave. Woowee!! I may have gone a bit overboard, but I was so excited when my shipment arrived from The Raw Food World Store. Hopefully my shipment from Sunfood will be here tomorrow! As promised, I've prepared a summary on the Top 10 Superfoods, according to David Wolfe. Keep in mind that the information provided is only a sampling of everything these foods provide. Most of the foods listed are complete sources of protein, filled with minerals, amino acids, and heal a litany of diseases. My information for each Superfood has only a fraction of the healing information available. For more details check out David Wolfe's Book on Superfoods.
1. Goji Berries. If you watched David Wolfe's video, you'll remember he emphasized how important goji berries are in Chinese Medicine. This tantalizing berry is known as the "longevity berry". Rumor has is a Chinese man named Li Qing Yuen drank a soup made from goji berries daily and lived to be 252 years old! They are a complete protein source, contain 19 different amino acids, 21 trace minerals, are extremely high in Iron and one of the highest antioxidant foods in the world. Antioxidants protect us from free radicals and counter the creation of cancer cells. Goji berries also support the adrenal glands, boost immune function, increase alkalinity, improve eyesight and much more.
2. Cacao (Raw Chocolate). This is chocolate in it's purest form. The Mayans considering this nut to be the food of the Gods and traded it as money instead of gold. Cacao is nature's number one weight loss and energy boosting tool. Raw cacao supports supports heart function and contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any food in the world! It contains a great deal of trace minerals, including zinc, copper and Vitamin C. It is the number one source of Magnesium, incredibly high Iron content, helps balance blood sugar and oxygenates the blood. Cacao also produces Serotonin, which helps us feel good.
3. Maca. Maca is a member of the cruciferous family. This incredible veggie supports and balances your hormones, heals depression, increases libido, supports the Endocrine system, and provides thyroid support. In men, Maca has proven to heal many issues involving the prostate.
4. Bee Products (Raw Honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly). It's extremely important when researching bee products to support beekeepers that use cruelty free, organic practices. Not only is this more humane, but you will get a much better product. Also, if possible, purchase your Bee Pollen from a local source. Pollen has proven to greatly reduce allergies, and locally sourced pollen will better protect you from possible allergens in your area. My Mom gives her dog Aurora bee pollen for allergies and has noticed a significant different in her skin condition, scratching, and other signs of allergies. Bee Pollen is also highly alkaline, neutralized free radicals, increases hormone levels, increases strength and muscle definition. Royal Jelly is fed exclusively to the Queen Bee. This product is extremely high in protein, regulates nerve fibers, B-Vitamins, and treats hormonal imbalances. A study published in 1960 by the American Association for Cancer Research Inc. found that "whole royal jelly, when premixed with tumor cells before inoculation, has been shown to inhibit completely the development of transplantable AKR leukemia..."
5. Spirulina. This superfood contains the highest concentration of any protein on the planet. It's also one of the best sources of Iron and great for anemics. This bad boy contains all eight essential amino acids, rich in vitamins and minerals, chlorophyll, an anti-inflammatory, balances brain chemistry, a blood builder, immune booster, high in antioxidants, and contains Gamma-Linolenic Acid, which gives us soft silky skin and healthy hair.
6. AFA Super Blue-Green Algae. Another great green, this algae improves digestion, is a great blood builder, has over 40 trace minerals, is an excellent source of B-Vitamins, a complete protein source, inhibits the growth of cancer cells, reduces inflammation, and protects against free radical damage. It also contains Phenylethylamine, dubbed the "love chemical" which increases our feelings of joy.
7. Marine Phytoplankton. The favorite food of whales, this is one powerful food source. Essentially, it is life. "The makeup of Marine Phytoplankton is exactly what human cell membranes need to carry out their metabolism. Research indicates that Marine Phytoplankton contains every nutrient needed for the creation and maintenance of new cells...Phytoplankton is 100 percent bio available to the human body; when you eat it, not a single part of it is wasted. This is astounding because even the healthiest foods contain less than 50 percent absorb able and available nutrition. " Check out David Wolfe's video from my previous blog entry for some cool info on this amazing product!
8. Aloe Vera. This amazingly beautiful plant is a great healer and easy to grow at home. Topically Aloe heals many skin problems including burns and eczema. You can also drink it, I suggest buying "George's", this brand is not the slightest bit bitter, in fact it tastes just like water. Aloe is great for all types of digestive problems, including Crohn's Disease, it aids in relieving fungal infections, kills yeast, and is great for weight loss. Aloe Vera also reduces inflammation, reduces cancer tumors, normalizes blood sugar, produces white blood cells, promotes healthy kidneys and increases the elasticity of our skin.
9. Hemp Seed. This controversial seed is also one of nature's richest sources of complete protein, only exceeded by Spirulina and Blue-Green Algae. Hemp Seeds are extremely high in Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids, are a great source of fiber, an anti-inflammatory, high mineral content and contain 18 amino acids. There are a lot of great Hemp Protein Powders on the market, making this a very easily accessible Superfood.
10. Coconuts. Forget sports drinks, coconuts are one of the highest sources of electrolytes in nature. Coconuts improve digestion, aid in fighting off viruses, symptoms of hypoglycemia, regulate hormone production, support the thyroid, increase metabolism, support healthy cholesterol, alleviate kidney stones, aid in urinary tract infections and are a great source of raw saturated fat. Fun fact: "Young coconut water is nearly identical to human blood plasma, making it a universal donor. During the Pacific battles of World War II, between 1941-1945, both sides in the conflict used coconut water--siphoned directly from the coconut--to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers."
I realize to the average reader that some of these Superfoods sound rather foreign and sketchy on the taste factor. Never fear, Super Smoothies are here!! Any and all of these items can be tossed together to create a kick ass, healing taste sensation. Coconut water is also great on it's own and makes an excellent sport drink. Most of these products can be found in your local health food store or Whole Foods. For the harder to find products, I recommend checking out The Raw Food World for great deals, fast service, and a monthly informative newsletter with coupons. Tomorrow Superfoods Part III will debut, where I will cover David Wolfe's Honorable Mentions, along with a few suggestions of my own. If you missed Part I, click here to check it out: Superfoods: Eating for Optimal Health Part I.
This past week I've been a bit sluggish. I've been sleeping alot (like, until 2pm), have less energy when I'm up, zero creativity, and more or less have been planted on the sofa watching early episodes of Stargate SG-1 and Scarecrow and Mrs. King. I wondered what could be causing this shift and I realized that I've slacked a bit, not intentionally in a few departments. With the heat, Triton and I haven't been walking as regularly, and unfortunately I haven't replaced our walks with another form of exercise. Instead of doing my energy routine twice a day, it's been more like once a day or every other day recently. And although I eat pretty well, I haven't been eating optimally for my health. Meaning, while carrots are superfantastic, Spirulina kicks some carrot booty, plus some. Generally I get the "goods" in my daily smoothie, but this past month the laziness bug has kicked in and I've swapped my Superfood Smoothies for processed Naked/Botthouse Farm beverages. Monday I started back up on my smoothies, and in just two days I've noticed a huge difference. I started getting up earlier day by day, I've been writing again, I have more energy, and even took Trition for a very sweaty sticky walk this evening. I decided I need to kick things up a notch, and checked out David Wolfe's book "Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future" from the library. He's an incredible resource of information, and inspired me to really get gung ho in regards to my diet. Since the beginning of the cancer parade, I've had a few items that consistently show up in a bad way on my blood tests.
1. Low levels of Hydrochloric Acid. What does this mean? Essentially hydrochloric acid is the stuff that breaks down your food in a digestible format that your body can use and distribute for all it's various functions. So all those pills, veggies, etc. have had very little effect because my body is unable to absorb most of it. 2. Anemia. I have an extremely low iron count, in fact generally I'm only a point away from a blood transfusion. This tends to freak the doctors out. My Naturopath literally cannot understand how I get up each day based on the results of my blood test. 3. Hypoglycemia. My blood sugar is all over the place, and I've always bounced between being at risk for hypoglycemia and diabetes. Neither one screams fun times. 4. Hormonal Imbalance. Now this one has been on and off over the years. I've had long periods of time where everything is perfect, my cycle is regular and life is good. However, I've been wacky since about Thanksgiving, I think I've had maybe three menstrual cycles, which is not good. It freaks me out just a bit because I only have half an ovary, due to some benign tumors they cut out in my early twenties, so my understanding of this part of my body is really weak. Note to self: See a gynecologist.
Everything else is awesome! When I first starting going in for blood tests five years ago, EVERYTHING was off the chart's bad. Hemoglobin levels, kidney enzymes, you name it, the results sucked. For the past year everything has been in balance except for those four items, plus my inflammation levels. The level of inflammation in my body has always been off the charts bad, which is the cancer, however, slowly by surely it's edging towards happier levels. However, I think the other issues are making the process much slowly. If my body didn't have to put all it's effort on getting me to function on a basic level each day, the cancer would probably dissolve quickly. Hence the interest in Superfoods.
David came up with a list of his "Top 10 Superfoods" and "Honorable Mentions." Each item on his list has everything I need to eliminate anemia, hypoglycemia, hormonal imbalance, cancer, and my digestive issues.
I feel this is an extremely important and eye opening subject, so I'm splitting this into a three-part blog. For now, check out this video of David Wolfe discussing various Superfoods. Check back on Friday for Part II, where I'll break down the Top 10 Superfoods and share why they are so "super"!
Ah the Farmer's Market, my favorite part of summer. I love browsing through all the delicious, fresh picked produce, mingling with the farmer's, dining on homemade breakfast burritos and being a part of the community. You've never truly tasted a cucumber until you've eaten an organic locally grown cucumber from the Farmer's Market. Pure Bliss. I also love trying out unique vegetables such as kohlrabi and amaranth. This week I took home quite a haul. Purple, red and golden potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, pearl onions, purple cabbage, kohlrabi, tomatillo's, orange and purple cauliflower, bok choy, broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, purple and standard basil, micro greens, alfalfa sprouts, okra, peas, green beans, amaranth, sugar snap peas and cilantro. Whew!! I also snagged the most delicious pecans I've ever tasted and a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie.
There are so many fantastic deals at the market, plus there is something special about buying your produce directly from your local farmer. Often they will provide tips and recipes for cooking some of the rarer vegetables they are selling. A few tips for attending the farmer's market:
1. The Early Bird Catches the Worm. The earlier you can get there, the better. Usually by mid-morning popular items such as tomatoes, cucumbers, sugar snap peas, and anything at the end of it's season are long gone. 2. Bring Your Own Bags 3. Do a Walk Through Before Making Any Purchases. This way you can determine the best deals, the best looking carrots, etc. 4. Check for Organic Certification. If the farmer is not certified organic, ask him/her what farming methods are used. Many small farms cannot afford certification, but still use natural methods. 5. Come Hungry! Most markets offer locally sourced breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls and coffee. 6. Don't Bring a Shopping List. Create your recipe plan for the week based on what's fresh and available from the market.
HUGS!!!
