The Parasite Cleanse - Part 2

Hi Folks – I cannot begin to tell you how tumultuous these last two weeks have been.  I need a wooo sah moment or just a simple vacation!!!!

I started theparasite cleanse two weeks ago with Well Diva Lifestyle (formerly known as Soul Food Therapy).  On day 2 of the cleanse, I broke rank and had ice cream (it was my birthday after all)!  The following week I had to travel for work.  Traveling has always been tricky because you never know what the food selection is going to be in the airports or at your final destination. Last year I wrote a series of articles that about diet and travel (Airplane Food parts 1 - 5). The difference in last year's saga was that I was not limited to foods parasites hat (FPH).   Most locations I visit are not metropolitan areas with a wide array of health food options.  Plus, I always use traveling as a means to get the naughty treats I normally refrain from (during a stress free week!). 

So here I go on a week long journey out of town, away from my kitchen stocked with foods parasites hate (FPH) and into the realm of foods parasites love (FPL).  I never really paid attention to the food choices (healthy or otherwise) in regards to what parasites hate.  It’s sad to say but MOST of the food available in the marketplace (restaurants and grocery stores) is a  parasite’s dream!  I wouldn’t be surprised if the general population was riddled with parasites based on the components of the standard American diet (SAD) that we consume. 

 

So how did I manage?  Did I give up?  Well…yes…and no.  Let me explain.

1 – I searched for food and snacks that parasites would hate in the airport.  It was quite disappointing and frustrating.  I found some snacks…..but they WERE NOT TASTY! I’m always talking about how healthy food should taste good but I was very disappointed and not eager to continue to torture myself.

 

2 - I stuck to my standard late night supermarket trip to pick up healthy snacks. This time, I included smoothie ingredients and a very small blender ($20).  I had a smoothie EVERY morning for breakfast but it went downhill from there. I did drink ample water and had no elimination issues.  

Late night grocery haul - berries, pineapples, nuts, basil, mint, coconut water, unsweetened peanut butter, celery, blender, water bottles, straws, crushed red pepper, lemons, small knife

 

I'm done.....EXHAUSTED........

3 – I compromised and ate foods parasites LOVE (FPL).  Examples: cheese on my salad with ranch dressing. Yeast rolls for lunch. Veggie nachos for dinner (with grilled veggies, beans, avocado, cheese and corn chips).  I had a stress episode on the last day and ate lasagna…………………and potato chips…..and a donut!

Lunch - salad with ranch and cheese - I added the nuts and pumpkin seeds

Lunch - salad, cole slaw and the forbidden potato salad

Dinner - veggie nachos (forbidden cheese and corn chips)

So I was on the edge and actually jumped in the water.  I felt slightly guilty…and even more disappointed because I did not stick to the program. I’ve rebelled during a cleanse before, but this time it just felt so hard.  Here’s what I learned:

1.       It’s really hard to remain faithful to a cleansing program while away from home.  When your comfort zone (the home kitchen) is stripped away and you are left to protect the cleanse in a “hostile” environment it can get rough.  I had difficulty and temptation even in the grocery store! I was so hungry in that grocery store a box of Nutty Bars was screaming my name!

 



Late night TEMPTATION
 



 

2.      Life happens.  You do the best you can, pick up the pieces and start again. There is no need to feel guilty or beat myself up.

3.      I’ve been exposed to another wellness activity and feel empowered that I can repeat it…..and actually complete the program.

4.      My advice to others is plan to do a cleanse when you don’t have anything else to do…no birthday celebrations, travelling, or visitors.  It can be done, but takes a lot more effort, and when you are away from home, you can never predict what type of food will be available. Granted I could have eliminated the cheese.........

 

Peanut butter and jelly smoothie ingredients (blackberries, strawberries, peanut butter, coconut water)

Pineapple, strawberry and mint with chia and coconut water

 

Infused water (lemon, mint and strawberries)

Next steps:

1.       Continue to pay attention to the foods I eat so that I can have a balance between foods parasites hate and love.

2.      Continue to eat pineapples and pepper along with the other yummy recipes I created while on the cleanse.

3.      Try the parasite cleanse again when there is less excitement in my life.

I'll leave you with key messages that have helped me:  just do your best.  Life is a journey.  Things are not always going to go as planned, but having a measure of self-control still goes a long way.  Will power is key in completing any challenge.  External forces can pressure your resolve.  It’s up to you to manage it, but don’t beat yourself up about falling short.  Just get back up and try it again. 

Even though the parasite cleanse was rocky, I’ve been enlightened on what parasitic symptoms are, how bad the standard American diet is, and how to manage my diet better.

Whew!

Peace and love!

Good Food = Good Hair: 6 Foods to eat for Good Hair

Howdy folks! This article is a repost from last year.  I was chatting with friends yesterday and the subject of hair growth came up.  One lady said she had difficulty growing her hair...she said her hair was the same length for almost three years...and she as not been cutting it.  My response was: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize...........and EAT FOOD That is GOOD for you.

So here is  a reminder of the food we can eat for good, healthy, beautiful hair. 

I have always been blessed with hair that has grown quickly and did not break easily.  I thought my hair was healthy and strong.  What I didn't realize was how much what I ate (or did not eat) affected my hair and scalp.  I thought since it was thick and long, and grew fast that it was healthy.  I've made references to the dry scalp issues I've had for years in earlier posts (Tress Update and The Hair Journey).  I was using the wrong products and my diet was definitely NOT optimal for truly healthy tresses. Now that I am starting from scratch, I am very curious to see how my "new" hair will perform under a reformed regime. 

Again: my definition of good hair is not texture, length, color...it's HEALTH (Your Hair is So Nappy).  I believe diet plays a bigger role the health of our hair than the products we use. 

Our entire body is fused into itself.  Our body works as a symphony not a soloist.  If we are not eating optimally, then some part of the symphony will suffer..it may be the horn section...or the string instruments or the percussion section.  Some areas make deficiencies more apparent such as kidney failure or a heart attack as opposed to weak hair and nails or tired eyes.  But all are signs that help is needed in a particular area of our orchestra. 

So just as diet will affect the chances of getting type 2 diabetes, it will affect the strength, porosity, retention and growth of our hair.  Here are some foods I found that will help my hair journey.

6 Foods to eat for Good Hair:

1.  Beans - they are rich in B vitamins and protein which are essential for strong hair.  Lack of B-vitamins can cause premature hair loss  and dry scalp which is what I was experiencing around my temple area. The vitamin B complex is important for protein metabolism, cell growth and repair.  Other foods containing the vitamin B complex are: whole grains, poultry, organ meats and eggs. The B complex includes:

oVitamin B1 (thiamine)

oVitamin B2 (riboflavin)

oVitamin B3 (niacin)

oVitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

oVitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

oVitamin B7 (biotin)

oVitamin B9 (folic acid)

oVitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Beans - black eyed peas

2.  Molasses - this sweetener is rich is minerals and trace elements. Hair needs: zinc, iron, calcium, silicone (to name a few) all which are found in molasses. Iron deficiency leads to dull, brittle hair (1,2).

3. Coconut - this fruit gives a balanced proportion of minerals needed for hair.  The oil is one of the best  moisture sealants for natural black hair.  It works in two ways:  it can decrease penetration of water from the environment and can bind to the protein in our hair reinforcing the hair fiber which makes it stronger (1, 2).

Coconut fruit and oil

4.  Cucumber - provides sulfur and trace elements (1).  Di -sulfide bonds join sulfur atoms together creating amino acid linkages.  The more di-sulfide bonds you have the curlier or kinkier your hair will be. These bonds can only be broken by chemical means such as relaxers.  This is why relaxers are irreversible and you have to grow your perm out in order to have your natural texture back (2). 

5.  Spinach - provides vitamin A which aides in hair growth. Vitamin A can keep the dandruff forming process under control.  Too little of this vitamin can lead to dry hair and scalp.  Dry hair leads to breakage.  Conversely, too much vitamin A can lead to thin, coarse brittle hair.  Other foods high in vitamin A content are carrots, chard, apricots, mangoes, and watermelon (1,2).  

6.  Citrus fruits - provides vitamin C which is a collagen builder and helps us absorb iron.   The lack of vitamin C can cause bleeding under the skin and weak, brittle and dry hair and scalp. Vitamin C can also be found in broccoli, tomatoes and cauliflower (2).

In order to have truly healthy hair I have to beef up my diet in the areas of vitamins and minerals, protein and water.   Water is not a food but it is essential to every part of our body. The goal is to stay away from supplements and get what I need directly from the food source. 

Good ole broccoli

Are there any other foods that can be added to this list? Share your thoughts!

Peace and love!

References for this post:

1 -  Encyclopedia of Food and Their Healing Power - Dr. Pamplona-Roger

2 - The Science of Black Hair - Audrey Davis - Sivasothy

The Juicing Journey: Detox by Juicing! Reposted....

Good morning!! Since I'm on a juicing kick, I decided to re-post an article I wrote last year about the benefits of juicing (and juice fasting).  Now, I am not doing a juice fast, but the info is still good to keep in mind!

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Hi Folks!

Last night I took part in a juicing Q&A session sponsored by Soul Food Therapy, where it is Juicy June Month.  It was great! The guest was Kareen (a dietician) of  I am Eating Right. 

Have you ever heard of a film called: "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead"? Well it's about a man who cleans up an extremely overweight and unhealthy body by going on a juice fast for 60 days. 

This is what Kareen has done....TWICE!

Juicing for improved health is becoming a fast moving train.   I was enlightened on some things last night that I want to share with you.  As posted in The Juice Journey, I've dabbled in juicing and still make juices now....but I've never tried a juice fast.

Key Points:
1.  9 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables per day can boost your body's cancer fighting ability.

2. If using juice to replace a meal,  drink 32 ounces.

3. Benefits to juicing: increases energy levels,  you consume more veggies, and you look better (skin, hair and nails).

4. If partaking in a juice fast YOU MUST PREPARE YOUR BODY by eliminating junk (processed foods, caffeine, etc. one to two weeks prior).  And this goes for any type of  detox or cleanse.  (I am a witness!!!)

5. Exercise levels while on a juice fast will depend on you! Also, protein can be added to the juice if necessary.

6. Smoothies and juices are both excellent ways to fuel your body. Note that smoothies contain more fiber and will not give your digestive system a complete rest like juices will.  Juicing removes all insoluble fiber allowing the nutrients to be delivered in an clean, pure format.  There is a higher concentration of nutrients in juice compared to smoothies.

7. Juice fasting can last from one day to 60 days. A one day juice fast can help clease your palate and give your system a rest.

8. Discipline key in following any juicing or detox plan.  Having an accountability partner will help greatly.  It's a challenging experience not just physically but mentally and emotionally.  Personally, when you conquer the task of having self control, you have a deep feeling of accomplishment.  This is how I felt after my airplane food challenge (The Food Journey: Airplane Food).  Succeeding in the last two challenges have boosted my self control and is helping to keep me on track with this new challenge.

The first time Kareen did the 60 day juice fast she lost 40 POUNDS!!!

Because a juice fast is a form of detoxification, some adverse symptoms may rear their ugly heads.  According to Kareen, detox symptoms are the worst on Day 2 through Day 4, and decrease around Day 5.   I can attest to this.  We are on Day #4 of the 30 Day RAW Food Challenge and I have been feeling it!


Luscious Lacinto Kale Juice( Great Juice recipe!)

Grapefruit Mango Smoothie

Happy Juicing!

Peace and Blessings!

Why is Hair So Important?

Hi Folks!  I have a guest post  tonight that  brings an extremely provocative view on HAIR to the dinner table.  Hair all over our bodies and the connection nature has to it will be explored in this article.   I hope you will read this with open hearts and minds.  I found that some statements made me question my own ideas about hair.

Mark P. is a natural enthusiast and herbalist.  Here he is in his own words.

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Why is hair so important?

Facial Hair (nose, ears, eyelashes):

When you think of hair the first thing that may come to mind is beauty.  Long flowing locks that are shiny, soft, and straight.  Some folks still categorize hair as good or bad hair.  I even saw something online about different stages of hair, stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3 and so on.  Now I was asked to share something on hair so I’m going to talk about hair as I see it.   I always say nature has all the answers and is ever present when intelligent men look for solutions.  Ever look up as you pass through the toll booth and the top of the toll plaza is lined with fine wires sticking up at various angles? Or even in the mall parking lot at the top of those light poles.  They may likely have these same wires sticking up.  One of the main reasons for the wire is to stop birds from landing, eliminating waste or building nests all over the signs and lights. Now for those people that clip unsightly nose and ear hair remember that hair was put there for the same reason and that is to offer protection from insects entering your body and (worst case scenario laying eggs and multiplying inside of you).  Especially with your nose and ears being so close to the brain. Eye lashes are there for the same reason, to prevent some little fly from getting into your eyes. Hair also offers protection from dust and other airborne particles we may not see.

Nose hair removal...is it really necessary?

Ear hair...hope yours is not as full and fluffy!

Eyebrows:

The eyebrows were not only designed to divert water away from the eyes but to also stimulate the pineal gland. Ever had a suspicion about something or someone you saw or heard of?  Have your eyebrows been activated by raising up? The outer eyebrow goes up and the inner eyebrow goes down and you’re like “what the heck is going on here?” Now you’re on alert and start paying closer attention to this person.  “Okay…suspect is 5’4” about 160 lbs., blue suit, white shirt, red tie”.   Then facial recognition kicks in and you’re also looking for specific identifiers (like a pin of the American flag on his suit). So now that your pineal gland has been activated the next phase is sensing the energy that every living thing in this universe is vibrating.  Antennas go up in the form of the hair on your body hair standing at attention.  Like hair standing up on your neck.  Now that all your antennas are up you should be picking up the suit's vibrations.  If you are picking up a bad vibe then of course you will be more alert and aware of your surroundings and if the vibe is cool your body will relax.  But since we don’t listen to our bodies that much anymore we are blind to things like this because the professionals may say that it can’t be scientifically proven.  But Googling the situation for how to react is always on the table.

Eyebrow raise.....lol!

Underarm and private organ hair:

We all know that the lymphatic system plays a very important role in our body’s immune system. In your body’s lymphatic system here are over 200 lymph nodes that help fight bacteria to keep us healthy (since this article is about hair I’ll keep information on the lymphatic system high level).  The heavy bush that grows in these areas (underarm and private organs) work together with your lymph nodes as they breakdown and kill bacteria. The vast amount of hair that grows in these areas help remove some of the toxic waste that may reside in the lymph nodes. Hopefully your eyebrows are up right now and you’re thinking like a two year old and asking “WHY?” What other high energy parts are in these regions? You are right, it’s the breast, uterus, prostate, etc.  So in a world where there are so many toxins around us on a daily basis, why remove hair from parts of your body that were designed to help in so many ways? Come on people…..what in the world is manscaping?  And ladies the main reproductive organs are covered with hair for a reason (I don’t wonder why so many are having problems with conception).  I’m not saying that shaving the hair from these areas is the only cause of all their problems but it is definitely a part of the equation.  I’m not going to go too far with breasts but when we shave the hair from our underarms and use deodorants containing toxic heavy metals lumps will form because we are shutting down elimination channels.  By doing this we take a gamble that the other elimination sites can handle the extra load.

Is shaving armpit hair really the right thing to do???

Head Hair:

Now let’s talk a little about the hair on the head that everyone looks at. Question: is it me or do only Black people use the phrase “natural hair”?  I have never heard someone from Asia, Europe, Mexico, or Russia say that they are wearing their hair “natural”.  Remember your hair is an antenna to the universe! Yes, in our ancestor’s days hair styles were used to tell age, status and who the village healer was.  Moving forward, slaves leaving Africa had their heads shaved. This was to destroy identities and connections with their homelands.   Interestingly, even today all military personnel get their heads shaved. When the connection is lost or limited an individual can be controlled and programed  easier.  Hair defines who we are.  Now their universe becomes smaller and the level of consciousness drops to just doing their jobs and not thinking critically.  Without a doubt black people are the most spiritual people on the planet and because of this, ways to control and distort their self-image were created.  Namely by promoting hate of the natural coils and kinks that grew out of their heads.  Resolution to a "bad" head of hear, could only be found through chemical or heat treatments.  Chris Rock did a special on hair and there was a scene where they applied one of the more popular hair products (chemical relaxers) that my sisters and some brothers use on their hair to a soda can and it ate up the can. If it can eat through a soda can…what must it be doing to our bodies?  I’m going to leave you with this because this is supposed to be a short piece on hair and I’m just carrying on.  I can tell when the body is copper deficient because hair starts to turn gray. Copper is one of if not the best conductor there is. We know that a coiled antenna gets better reception than a straight one.  So I always say to people "don’t only look at the big picture as a whole".  Look through, under, behind, on the sides and in every corner of that big picture. Love yourself and love your hair it means more than you know.

My Natural Tresses (2008)

I’ll leave you with this scenario:  Take any woman or man working in corporate America with a perm (chemical relaxer), shave their head and put them on a 30 day detox to remove those harsh chemicals from their bodies.  I guarantee their level of consciousness and awareness rise within 6 months and you will hear or see signs that they want to pursue their independent dreams loose the desire to work for others.   

Again, I encourage you all to love yourself and love your hair (all of it!).  It means more than you know.

Mark P.

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That was heavy folks! Any questions/comments/concerns???  I have issues with keeping hair on certain areas of my body....not sure I'm ready to let all my hair frolic and live a life of freedom!!  I stopped chemically relaxing my hair years ago, because it was damaged.  After I went "natural", I began to LOVE my hair and the ability to have such versatility.   I then realized the connection I have with my ancestors and heritage by choosing the natural journey.  Hair is a blessing and just like the liver, kidneys, heart and skin....it plays a vital role in being healthy.

Peace and love!

Detoxification: The Juice Fast and Anger

Hi Folks!  This is the last day of the juice fast!  The last few days have been emotionally challenging for me.  They say you carry a lot of emotions in your liver – especially anger.  I’m not sure how this happens or what the physical mechanism is….but I have been very angry over the last two days.  So maybe there is some truth to it.

 

 

Why I’m Angry:

For some reason it feels like the thoughts and feelings I was ignoring or pushing away have resurfaced over the last two days.  Instead of choosing a better thought process or looking at things from the “bright” side, I’ve chosen to dwell on hurt feelings and people’s ill behavior which has led me to feel angry, bitter and resentful. Whoa Nelly!! Where is all this coming from??? My liver??  When I did the 30 day raw food challenge, I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster, but this is more severe. 

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that I naturally hold grudges.  Especially if my feelings were decimated.  The last 2 years have been rather peaceful in that area and I’ve been actively working on releasing my grudgeful spirit.  You know…practicing to “let things go” and treat people the way you want to be treated in spite of how they treat you.  Well…the grudge is back!  And I don’t like it.  It’s too heavy.  I didn’t expect this.

Detox symptoms from the juice fast:

-joint pain (knees and shoulders)

-emotional roller coaster

What I’ve been drinking (and eating):

’ve been drinking the liver flush mix every morning along with the nutritional smoothie.  I’ve consumed more Mean Green and Carrot Delight juice, herbal tea and water.  I didn’t have a taste for the vegetable broth these last two days so I didn’t bother with it.  I actually felt quite satisfied at lunch time, but I still ate a banana and hummus around 3pm.  I NEEDED to munch!   Today, I had fruit and a bowl of cereal!!!! Ooops!! I can’t wait until tomorrow where I can eat more food!!

Keep me lifted up as I complete this liver flush and move to the next level.

Peace and love!

Detoxification: The Juice Fast

Hi Folks! This is day #2 of the juice fast.  I’m hanging in there. But it’s tough!  Yesterday was the first day and I had horrible headaches for most of it.  When I increased my water intake, the pain subsided a bit.  But I’m not sure if the headaches are detox symptoms or allergy symptoms….For some reason, I think I may have acquired seasonal allergies this year.  Hmmmm…..there is more to come on the allergy hypothesis!

The first day of the juice fast:

I was able to have a smoothie in the morning, but the rest of the day was filled with juice, water, herbal tea and potassium (vegetable broth).  There are no rules when it comes to the type of juice you can drink during the flush. So I’ve been operating like a juiceologist (is that a word???). Oh! I had a very small salad with greens to accompany my veggie broth for lunch.

I have a confession:  I ate three tablespoons of red beans and mashed potatoes (which are not on the approved list) last night!!!

Emotional triggers:

Since I’ve discovered/admitted that I am an emotional eater, stress triggers have been all around me (especially at work).  Normally I turn to sweets (ice cream, candy bars, etc.) but yesterday (and today for that matter), I’ve turned to my inner spirit (the Holy Spirit) to get me in check!  Three tablespoons of red beans and mashed potatoes is better than a candy bar for sure!! So I am not going to beat myself up or feel guilty about eating it.  I have too many other things going on that could beat me up….I’m not going to do it to myself!  Can I get a witness!! J

Detox symptoms from the juice fast:

1 – Headaches?

2 – Emotional irritation

3 – Hunger!!!

Here are the juice recipes:

Mean green (Juicer: Omega):

½ bunch of lacinto kale

½ bunch of dill

½ bunch of rainbow chard

½ bunch of parsley

½ bunch of dandelion

Mean green ingredeints (dill, parsley, kale, dandelion and rainbow chard)

 

A closer look at each green (note the leaf type and shape)

Omega juicer squeezing the greens

Mean green prior to dilution

Carrot Delight (Juicer: Jack LaLane):

8 Celery ribs

6 large carrots

3 golden beets

½ head of red cabbage

2 inches of ginger root

 

Juice prior to straining

 

Mean green and Carrot delight! :)

 

 

 

Peace and love!