REPOST: Confessions of a Naturalista.....Did I reach my goals?

Hello good people!  This is a repost from December 2013.  As we move into the last quarter of 2014, I just wanted to take a look back at the goals I set for myself.  This life is truly a JOURNEY.  There are all kinds of pit stops and bumps in the road....so how do I stand?  I'm a little closer to achieving my goals.  I completed the liver flush and have gotten a good dose of spiritual cleansing.  But I still have a LONG WAY TO GO.  I'm still frolicking with TOM FOOLERY and have paid for it by with an expanding backside.  But I've learned SO much about juicing and smoothie making this year.  It's my new love.  I'm a JUICER FOR LIFE.  Check out my confession below.  I know I'm not alone!  What goals/resolutions did you accomplish this year? Tell me how you are changing your life and the progress or disappointments you've faced along the way! .................Peace and Love! 

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Hi Folks!  I consider my self a "Naturalista".  Not just because of how I wear my hair (which is what the term is mostly used for), but because of my personal philosophy on what living a natural life means.  I hope you all know by now that I am very transparent.  I wear my heart on my sleeve and it's hard for me to hide anything.  I'm a very bad liar.  Not very good at pulling the wool over people's eyes.  Which leads me to my confession.


My confession:
I have been living a double life.  My life is split 50/50 between eating healthy good food.....and eating junk! Ever since Thanksgiving I've been lacking my normal "food filter".  All that darn blueberry cobbler I made for Thanksgiving desensitized me.  Now I will say that I was a beacon of healthy food for my family - making stir fry , soup, fresh juice, smoothies and chia porridge during the entire vacation.  I even helped my mother combat a cold she got while I was visiting with herbs, food and juice.  I gave food advice and taught my sister to fix Caleb's seed milk in hopes that she would make some for her own children.  But that darn blueberry cobbler got me!

Darn Blueberry Cobbler!

50% of what I eat is good for me:
The thing is: every morning I start off REALLY WELL!  I consume: smoothies, fresh juice, oatmeal, etc.  By the time noon hits I find myself munching on something really sweet and naughty!  Not only that, but as my food filter gets clogged, my exercise filter has just stopped working all together!  What I haven't posted about recently was that in November I sprained my ankle and could not exercise.  Because of babying my ankle I've relaxed about getting my work outs in.  And I feel like a creaky old Ford that needs a tune up.....and an oil change.

I was doing so well in November with the Detox for a Diva program and my liver cleanse that got derailed because I caught a 2 week cold.

Mr. Foolery:
I've still been eating my CSA veggies, and vegan meals (as posted).....I've just been following them up with what I like to call: TOM FOOLERY.  And having something sweet displayed on festive holiday platters calling my name loudly every where I go does not help!  I can hear the sweets now: "Zahra!? Zaaaaahraaaaaaa! Over here!! Come get a little taste...Just a pinch! It won't hurt." It's a snowball effect. Loss of self control in one area of life trickles into other areas.

The combination of too many sweets and no exercise despite the healthy food has not been good.  My pants are getting tight, and I'm noticing a belly bulge! It's not just about looking good either.  I don't feel good when I eat all that junk!  I hate to be so cliche and talk about New Year's Resolutions: but I'm changing my 50/50 ways for the new year.  After knowing what it feels like to have endless energy and self control I feel hypocritical about my food choices recently.  I've succumbed to the holiday pitfalls most of us experience.  Moderation is fine...but I've exceeded that principle! It's like I've been cheating on nourishing food for disease causing crap.

Okay! Now that I've exposed myself who is still with me? The fact that I know better means I MUST do better.  Pitfalls are a part of the journey.  What we eat can heal us or kill us.  It's time to put down the sweets and get myself together. Can anyone relate to my tales of woe?

Coming up for 2014:
1. Liver cleanse (FINALLY!)
2. Exercise 3-4 times a week
3. Food filter overhaul
4. Self control tune up

What are your health and wellness goals for the new year??

Peace and blessings!

Detoxification: Liver and Onions Part 3

Hi Folks!

I'm on week three of my pre flush regimen.  So far so good!  I have not experienced any debilitating detox symptoms like in the past.  I started having headaches last week for about 5 days straight.  I think the toxins were getting loose and  revved up! I increased my water intake and hopefully flushed them out.

I also have less bloating and can fit into pants that I was not able to wear just two weeks ago!!!!! Awesome sauce!!!

I've  added probiotics back in to my regimen because the bloating I was experiencing prior to starting the flush was connected to my gut flora being out of control.  Probiotics help put the gut flora back into balance and decrease the daily bloating (gas forming) parties that bad bacteria like to have.  Ever seen your belly grow 3 more sizes through out the day leaving you feeling like a pig in a blanket?   Well that was me.

Gut bacteria

I've also been taking a natural supplement that helps move my bowels.  When you detox, toxins are eliminated from your body by various mechanisms.....bowel movements are one way.  And since the liver is an important part of digestion, you have to keep the bowels moving.  This is another product  from Herbal Bush House I've added to my daily regimen.

Natural colon cleanser: cape aloe leaf, barberry root, cascara sagrada (say whaaat??), garlic bulb, rhubarb, black walnut, cayenne pepper

My cravings for refined sugar have decreased and I'm able to quench my sweet tooth with fruit and hibiscus and cinnamon tea.  Alright now!!  I'm taking baths 2-3 times per week, exercising regularly, consuming more living foods and dry brushing my skin.  Overall I've been able to clean up my diet and I'm excited about the second part of the flush although I'm still a bit leery of what detox symptoms I may face.

Stay tuned!! :)

Peace and love!

The Health Journey: PMS - friend or foe?

Ladies, ladies, ladies!  Most of you probably read this article title and guffawed at the audacity I had for questioning if  PMS could even be considered a "friend"! For most women "that time" of the month is riddled with pain, discomfort, fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes and uncontrollable crying or laughing.  That's what we tenderly (or angrily) call: Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).  I've suffered from PMS since my cycle started when I was a wee age of ten.  I've never had bad cramps, but since I was 22 years old, I've suffered from the dreaded night sweats.  Years ago at an annual check up, my doctor asked me to explain my PMS symptoms.  I spoke of my crazy mood swings and she gave me some pink pills that would "help" me.  I've never been a fan of pill taking, but I took the sample anyway.  I never used the mood altering pills, and never actively sought a remedy for my PMS woes. I just dealt with the hand I was given month after month.   After I entered motherhood my body CHANGED!  My breasts didn't get as tender anymore and my energy levels were pretty stable but the night sweats came back and the mood swings I used to have turned into small anxiety attacks which currently scare the daylights out of me!

So what can I do??? Well I started researching PMS and natural remedies to manage my night sweats and increased anxiety. 

Here's what I found:

1. There are over 150 symptoms linked to PMS.  In addition to what I listed above there are: headaches, acne, swollen feet, depression, joint pain, insomnia, impatience, dizziness, constipation, hemorrhoids.  I'm sure you can think of 20 more!
2. PMS can occur 1-2 weeks before menstruation occurs.
3. Bearing children or being married can increase the likelihood of suffering from PMS and it can be a major cause of divorce.
4. Hormonal imbalance is the main cause of PMS.  Estradiol is a type of estrogen that builds up in the body if not eliminated.  When there is too much estrogen and not enough progesterone in your body fluid gets retained which affects circulation and impedes oxygen and nutrient flow to the brain and female organs. 
5. Diet is key to managing/minimizing PMS.  Women who eat a lot of refined sugar, fat, dairy, and salt suffer more severe symptoms.
6. During the premenstrual period the body wants more sugar for fuel.  When you over overindulge because of the craving  blood sugar levels shoot up then plunge which can trigger fatigue, mental fog, and emotional imbalance.
7. If you are regularly constipated, your liver cannot get rid of excess estradiol effectively.
8. Women who consume a lot of caffeine are more likely to have severe PMS.
9. Most of our meat and diary products contain hormones.  Since PMS is all about hormonal imbalance the more hormones you ingest, the more severe your symptoms will be.  Food treated with hormones lack progesterone and have excessive estrogen.
10. Vegetarian women eliminate 2 - 3 more times estrogen in their feces than non-vegetarians.  Which makes sense, because the meat containing hormones is not consumed.

Wowzers!!!!!! Last month my night sweats were unbearable and my anxiety and mood swings were on another level!!!!   I was under a ton of stress and was feeding the frenzy with junk food.  No wonder I had bad night sweats. I felt like I was LOOSING MY MIND! Can I get a witness???  This month I started early with my stress relief practices, eliminated junk and started drinking my herbal Hormone tea.  My night sweats were BETTER!

7 ways to cope with PMS the natural way:

1. CHANGE YOUR DIET! If you are eating a lot of fat, sugar, salt, caffeine and diary products, then stop it.  Try it for two months and see what happens.
2. You must start making changes early in the month.  Don't wait until the week of your period to make changes.  Start 2 weeks prior. 
3. Eliminate meat and other hormone laden foods.  Don't put the extra estrogen in your body.
4. Eat more fiber and drink lots of water so you can keep your system going....and going....and going.  Gotta help your liver get rid of the excess estrogen.
5. Exercise regularly.  Walking, running, playing sports or dancing is a great way to increase your oxygen intake which aids nutrient absorption and the elimination of toxins.
6. Get out in the sun.  Sunlight boosts melatonin and serotonin which help you sleep.
7. Start using herbs for relief.  You can used herbal remedies in so many format such as ointments for aches and pains, teas, slaves or aromatherapy.

Herbs for PMS (I know there are many more):

• Wild yam
• Angelica
• Chasteberry - can balance hormones
• Skullcap - can relieve nervous tension and irritability
• Raspberry - good for the uterus
• Ginger - can be a substitute for chocolate
• Dong quai
• Fennel seed
• Black cohosh
• Sarsaparilla
• Squaw vine
• Blessed thistle

My herbal Hormone tea (Original Herbal Remedies) is composed of the following herbs: Black cohosh, Sarsaparilla, Ginseng, Licorice root, Blessed Thistle, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Dong quai, Black Haw bark, Fo-ti. 

I'm a firm believer that NATURE HAS ALL THE ANSWERS!

Have you found natural ways of dealing with PMS?

Men - please share this with the lovely ladies in your life! Remember...we love you in spite of what come out of our mouths....It's the hormones talking! :)

Peace and love!

 

 

Reference: Natural Remedies Encyclopedia - Vance Ferrell and Harold Cherne, M.D.

Confessions of a Naturalista

Hi Folks!  I consider my self a "Naturalista".  Not just because of how I wear my hair (which is what the term is mostly used for), but because of my personal philosophy on what living a natural life means.  I hope you all know by now that I am very transparent.  I wear my heart on my sleeve and it's hard for me to hide anything.  I'm a very bad liar.  Not very good at pulling the wool over people's eyes.  Which leads me to my confession.


My confession:
I have been living a double life.  My life is split 50/50 between eating healthy good food.....and eating junk! Ever since Thanksgiving I've been lacking my normal "food filter".  All that darn blueberry cobbler I made for Thanksgiving desensitized me.  Now I will say that I was a beacon of healthy food for my family - making stir fry , soup, fresh juice, smoothies and chia porridge during the entire vacation.  I even helped my mother combat a cold she got while I was visiting with herbs, food and juice.  I gave food advice and taught my sister to fix Caleb's seed milk in hopes that she would make some for her own children.  But that darn blueberry cobbler got me!

Darn Blueberry Cobbler!

50% of what I eat is good for me:
The thing is: every morning I start off REALLY WELL!  I consume: smoothies, fresh juice, oatmeal, etc.  By the time noon hits I find myself munching on something really sweet and naughty!  Not only that, but as my food filter gets clogged, my exercise filter has just stopped working all together!  What I haven't posted about recently was that in November I sprained my ankle and could not exercise.  Because of babying my ankle I've relaxed about getting my work outs in.  And I feel like a creaky old Ford that needs a tune up.....and an oil change.

I was doing so well in November with the Detox for a Diva program and my liver cleanse that got derailed because I caught a 2 week cold.

Mr. Foolery:
I've still been eating my CSA veggies, and vegan meals (as posted).....I've just been following them up with what I like to call: TOM FOOLERY.  And having something sweet displayed on festive holiday platters calling my name loudly every where I go does not help!  I can hear the sweets now: "Zahra!? Zaaaaahraaaaaaa! Over here!! Come get a little taste...Just a pinch! It won't hurt." It's a snowball effect. Loss of self control in one area of life trickles into other areas.

The combination of too many sweets and no exercise despite the healthy food has not been good.  My pants are getting tight, and I'm noticing a belly bulge! It's not just about looking good either.  I don't feel good when I eat all that junk!  I hate to be so cliche and talk about New Year's Resolutions: but I'm changing my 50/50 ways for the new year.  After knowing what it feels like to have endless energy and self control I feel hypocritical about my food choices recently.  I've succumbed to the holiday pitfalls most of us experience.  Moderation is fine...but I've exceeded that principle! It's like I've been cheating on nourishing food for disease causing crap.

Okay! Now that I've exposed myself who is still with me? The fact that I know better means I MUST do better.  Pitfalls are a part of the journey.  What we eat can heal us or kill us.  It's time to put down the sweets and get myself together. Can anyone relate to my tales of woe?

Coming up for 2014:
1. Liver cleanse (FINALLY!)
2. Exercise 3-4 times a week
3. Food filter overhaul
4. Self control tune up

What are your health and wellness goals for the new year??

Peace and blessings!

The RAW FOOD Challenge is OVER: 13 Lessons for Journey

Hi Folks -  The 30 Day Raw Food Challenge is Over!

Picture me doing the happy dance (what ever happy dance you do....that's what I'm doing.....lol!)

How do I feel?
I feel great.  I was relieved when the last day ended.  I feel free...free from the bondage of Raw Food Land. But you know, 30 days is a long time, and I have formed some eating habits that will ensure a healthier food experience for me as this Journey progresses.  Physically: I feel stronger, I'm leaner (I lost about 5 to 6 pounds), and my skin has cleared up.  Emotionally: I have a better resolve to keep my reactions in tact when the going gets rough.  Mentally: I feel the same, but I know I have more self control.  All the expectations I had at the beginning were met 100% (30 Day Challenge Part 1). I have more energy, lost some jiggle, and cleaned up my system.

Lessons learned:
1. I CAN control my cravings.  I can exhibit self control and abstain from eating junk food when necessary - which should be ALWAYS (The Food Journey: Cravings!).

2. I have expanded my culinary repertoire. There are many items that I would not have combined in the past that I combined during this challenge.  Now I feel more empowered in the kitchen to NOT have to turn on the stove to have a great meal.

3. I maintained my duathalon training over the 30 days.  I supplemented with more protein and calories where necessary to keep me going.  The myth that you NEED meat or animal protein to get stronger and have a good exercise life is not true (for me).  Did you know Serena Williams (the tennis star)  is a VEGAN?

4. I can control my emotions. 

5. I didn't have very good eating habits at night or when stress hits.  I am a true blue snacker.  I love to munch.  During this challenge I munched on food that was GOOD for me...and I was satisfied. 

6. I CAN make better food choices (especially when it comes to snacking).

7. I CAN withstand peer-pressure.  When faced with French fries, Jamaican food or nay sayers I stayed on the raw food path.

8.  I CAN STAY COMMITTED to anything I decide to commit to.  This lesson, is going to be applied to ALL areas of my life. I could have given up...even when I broke rank and ate those potato chips and veggie burgers (Rebellion in Raw Food Land), I got back on the wagon and finished strong.

9.  Everyone reacts to detoxification differently.  There were 19 people doing the challenge.  All had a different experience. I'm now more aware of my body...and the changes it goes through.  We have a better "connection" now.

10. Detoxification is not just physical.  It's mental, emotional and spiritual and something that everyone should do at least one time.

11. Alternatives to the Standard American Diet (SAD) exist but you MUST think outside the box to find things that taste REALLY good!

12.  I can make it through tough challenges! I am WOMAN hear me ROAR!

13.  Everything in life is a choice. Getting married...staying married.  Eating the right food...or eating junk.  Making exercise a routine... or living a sedentary lifestyle.  Losing control and letting anger reign....or staying calm and being mature (no matter what the situation).  Being patient with a toddler....or feeling overwhelmed.  We have the ability to make the right choices concerning our health.  Your health is your command!


In summary:
The bottom line is that: I have to take control and RESPONSIBILITY for the choices I make on this Journey.  I feel good.  I feel accomplished.  I feel proud.  I'm thankful.  I feel empowered. I am awesome for making it though!

I recommend that you find a way to clean up your system.  Challenge yourself to grow, learn, and expand.  You will not regret it in spite of the hard times that will arise.  Push through until you reach the finish line. 

Since I started the 30 day challenge, my mom did 7 days of raw food and a close friend did 3 days of juicing (Detox by Juicing). Now I have two more friends that want to do the 30 day raw food challenge.

YOU CAN DO IT TOO! Start with a week, or 3 days.  See how you feel! Go for it!

Contact me if I can be of help! I would love to share more about what I've been though these last 30 days.  I also have a ton of raw food recipes to share!

Yaaay!!!! MOMMY DID IT!!! :)

One more thing: I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to Herbal Bush House for running this program and providing a wonderful meal plan for the entire 30 days!

Peace and blessings!

Rebellion in Raw Food Land (30 Day Challenge - Part 6)

Folks......

I had a wake up call today (just now actually).  All day I had a spirit of rebellion towards living in Raw Food Land. There was almost a coup at lunchtime as pizza from one of my favorite local joints was ordered for a lunch meeting.  I called myself being prepared by having a salad ready...but the revolution was already beginning because I added a vegan veggie burger to my salad to "jazz" it up...to give me a different mouth feel....to spice it up a lil!

The rebellion:
Pizza (especially from my favorite places) is a TRIGGER for me! As posted on The Food Journey: Eating Out, this sista right here can eat a whole pizza without any assistance!

Even though I was tempted, I did not partake in the pizza resting just a few feet away.  The salad (with the veggie burger) was actually quite satisfying. 

I have something else to tell you:  Last night I ate potato chips....more than three! This morning I finished Caleb's soup (it was only 2-3 tablespoons left) because I didn't want to throw it away!

I confess! I have been weak!  I let my mind cravings hijack my commitment to the challenge.  I consumed things I should not have. I don't feel guilty, just slightly hypocritical, but now I have a new resolve to finish this challenge strong. 

Every attachment to food has been tested during this challenge.  I'm spent....but not willing to let the rebels in my mind take complete control.  I'm calling in the reserves and fortifying the castle. 

Who pulled the fire alarm?
What led to this wake up call?  Well, I started following a blog called The Raw Raw Life
and the author, Carla, has been doing a 30 day juice fast during the entire month of June.  Her post today was EXACTLY what I NEEDED to HEAR! She reintroduced me to why I started this challenge in the first place:  to have a better life!

It's time to focus!
Wake up ya'll!  If you are making life changes to heal yourself and to straighten up your life, don't turn back! Employ radical practices to catapult you to the gold mine of excellent health. Keep moving toward the positive goal and enjoy the blessings you will receive by getting through the hard parts.

I am a witness that bad habits CAN change! You can do better. Positive change, although hard to do, is worth it for a better body and better health which ultimately leads to a better life.

I want a life as healthy and vibrant as this beautiful red rose!  It's going to take some work to get there, but I'm moving in the right direction!

5 more days!  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Has anyone ever struggled with making life changes for health reasons?  How did you do it?


Peace and blessings!

30 Day Raw Food Challenge (Part 5)

Hi Folks....we are ALMOST FINISHED with this challenge (8 more days to go).  I'm having mixed emotions.  On one hand I'm impressed with how I've been handling the challenge (sticking to the regimen VERY well) and on the other I'M READY TO EAT COOKED FOOD! This last week has been emotionally and mentally tough.

The cloud of irritation I posted about last week (Raw Food Land...Not a Happy Place To Be!) lifted this past weekend and although my desire for cooked food has dwindled, I gained more determination to finish this challenge.  I went out to eat with family this past weekend, and was tempted by the piping hot, crispy French fries that were ordered.  Hmmm mmmm! I've had a long standing relationship with French fries....(love them!!).  But I did NOT cave.  The NBA finals brought pizza to my kitchen table. But I did NOT consume any.  The memory of being refreshed by a creamy, cold Oreo cookie Blizzard from Dairy Queen tickled my senses on a steamy humid June evening.  But I did NOT indulge! Last week was tough...but going through that fire is keeping me on track for this last lap.

Along with all the detoxing and cleansing this challenge has rendered (mind, body and spirit) I'm really pleased at how I have been able to train for my duathalon with no performance issues.  I'm physically stronger and have been making progress in biking and running.  I rode 10 miles today (first time on a bike in over 10 years!!) then went on a brick run for 1 mile, lifted weights after that and ate a HUGE salad filled with greens, nuts, seeds and other veggies.

Due to the sour attitude I had  last week, I did not keep a good picture diary of what I've been eating (I was NOT in the mood). But I'll share with you what I did capture.

Day #17 - I honestly don't remember what I ate on this day......all I know is that I was exhausted and went to sleep before 9:30pm.

Day #18 - Breakfast tahini yogurt with blueberries and lunch was chickpea pilaf. Dinner was celery soup. Again...I was exhausted...so I was in bed before 10pm.

Breakfast for Day #18 - Tahini Yogurt (lemon juice, hemp seeds, chia seeds, blueberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds)

Lunch for Day #18 - Chick pea pilaf (onions, garlic, cilantro, tomato and avocado, other spices, lemon juice)

Day #19 - I was not really able to stick to the planned menu but I kept it raw (ALL DAY LONG).  Had a smoothie for breakfast, a huge salad for lunch and don't remember what my dinner was.  I also began to bulk up on nuts and protein shakes (made with seeds, nuts,  coconuts and cocoa). One of my co-workers had a canister full of raw almonds.  I ate 90% of the container......Plus with my training, I needed more calories. 

Day #20 - Kale salad was the special of the day. Quite yummy (I added pumpkin seeds and cranberries for more calories)! It contained kale, dandelion greens, spinach, vinegar, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and salt.

Day #21 - This day was tough from a time management perspective.  Again....I wasn't able to stick to the planned menu but I had a great fruit salad for breakfast drank banana cocoa smoothies for lunch and snacks. Now I did indulge on a Chitpotle salad on the go......it was great! And MOSTLY raw...I added black beans (oooops!!!!!!)

Breakfast for Day #21 - (papaya, pineapple, watermelon, strawberries, peach,  hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, orange juice)

Day #22 -  Smoothies were for breakfast and I made some sushi wraps for lunch.  Dinner was watermelon, cherries and water.

All the fixings: Nut pate (almonds, lemon, garlic, ginger, broccoli), carrots, lettuce, avocado, peaches, cilantro

Finished product!

Whew!

Overall -- a decent week.  8 more days to go! But what am I going to do then?  I don't want to put the toxins back in.....but I'm ready for something more! Oxtails? Mac and cheese?  Oreo cookie Blizzard?????   I have to work out a plan for the next steps. 

Any advice?

Peace and blessings!!

Raw Food Land - Not a happy place to be! (30 Day Raw Part 4)

I'm still living in Raw Food Land.

I think I have begun to experience a mental/emotional detoxification that has been linked to the toxins I've been consuming.

Over the last few days, I've had feelings of irritation, anger, low patience and mental fatigue. Raw Food Land has lost it's titillating allure and pleasure.  As I posted, I made it through the water fast and even "liquids only" week (The Water Fast....3 Things I did to Cope).  As solid food was re-introduced to the diet, my mind frame shifted from jubilation and confidence to a place of cravings and displeasure.  I have not given up on the challenge (I've invested too much!!!), but I almost caved today.  It's almost as if my mental stamina is waning.  I've tried to "out smart" my cravings by thinking about what sweet or salty whole food item I can replace with the need for junk food...what is my body really asking for (The Food Journey: Cravings!!!).? So far it's been working.

Maybe I'm getting rid of BRAIN toxins or my attachment to certain foods are coming under attack and I'm subconsciously resisting it!  I feel like a drug addict going through rehab.  I didn't think I was addicted to any foods.  But I do have some undesirable food habits.

I did not cave today.  I filled up with raw almonds and a banana cocoa protein shake (after dinner snack).  I tried to flush out my mental toxins by drinking as much water as possible!! I worked out like a maniac to relieve my tension and was still impatient with Caleb this evening. The glory of making it through the tough "liquids only" week is gone.....

I was FOCUSED for the water fast.... and I need that focus now to complete this challenge.  It's been more than I bargained for and expected....but nothing but growth can come from this experience.  Yes....I am giving myself a pep talk!!! :)

So now, after that soliloquy, let me share with you what I've been eating and drinking:

Day #11 - The water fast (Read about how I coped).

Day #12 - This is the day almond milk was introduced and I became obsessed with it.  Almond milk was for dinner and I combined it with rosemary tea (pictured below).  It was quite tasty.

 

Day #13 -  I mixed the leftover almond milk with fresh cantaloupe......YUM - MY!!!!! Later that evening green juice was on the menu.  I had a snack of chocolate almond milk which hit the spot. This is the day my feelings of irritation began to surface. My belly/body was satisfied...but my emotions began to turn south.




Breakfast for Day #13 - Cantaloupe - Almond milk

Lunch for Day#13 - Sprout salad (sprouts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, cranberries, avocado, lemon juice and salt)

 

 

Day #14 -  I was feeling even more anxious than the evening before, but was happy fruit was introduced to the plan.

Breakfast and Lunch for Day #14 - fruit salad (blueberries, raspberries, papaya, pineapple, apple, watermelon, cantaloupe, cilantro) and Kale/orange smoothie.  I added nuts and seeds to the fruit salad for lunch.

Day #15 -  I went to the movies and overdosed on POPCORN!! Okay...it was no where near and overdose...but I did have movie popcorn. And more chocolate almond milk.  Cucumber dill salad was on the menu and I bulked up on watermelon.

Cucumber and dill salad

Day #16 - My hunger levels went through the roof today.  All my angst about not being able to eat cooked food (bread, hot soup, chips, Chitpotle) came to a head.  I was emotionally upset.  Green Apple smoothie was for breakfast and sprout salad was for lunch. I had a lunch meeting and ate more salad there....instead of the rolls and jerk chicken that were whispering my name.  Dinner was a broccoli quiche and I followed that up with a banana cocoa protein shake.

Breakfast for Day #16 - Green Apple smoothie (kale, lettuce apples)

Supplement for Day # 16 - Banana Protein shake - (bananas, pumpkin seeds, seasame seeds, hemp seeds, cocao powder, dates, alkaline water, coconut butter, salt, vanilla)

Pray Church!!!!!!!!!!  13 more days to go!!

Peace and blessings (dropped the mic!)

THE WATER FAST.....3 things I did to cope..

Ya'll would be proud of me!  I survived the water fast with flying colors.  My day was pretty easy and I didn't feel hungry for food AT ALL!  When I wanted something to fill my belly I took out my lemon water.  I even ran 3 miles and lifted weights.  However, I ended up trimming my reps down from 3 to 2 towards the end of the workout...I started feeling a tad bit weak.  But overall pretty energetic!

When I left work the hunger pangs started in on me.  I finally ate some raw chicken noodle soup around 7pm. 

Breakfast, lunch, snack, early dinner......

The water fast breaker - raw "chicken" noodle soup

Then I ate some cantaloupe..........

And I had 3 potato chips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just three though!!! LOL!

I am proud of my accomplishment!  I have never completed ANY fast.  Granted this fast was for one day, but I'm happy about it.

What got me through it? Thanks for asking....

1. I had a made up mind.  I possessed the determination to see the challenge through.  The mind is a POWERFUL tool.

2. I didn't focus on food.  When lunch time hit, I was outdoors (being chased by cicadas - have MERCY!!) going for a run. I avoided even smelling other people's lunch.

3. I had support.  I knew others were doing it with me.  I also was texting a friend throughout the day to keep me laughing.

I know now that I can do ANYTHING I set my mind to DO.

Now I have no excuse to GET IT TOGETHER!! I have shown myself that self determination and self control is available for me to tap into.

Peace and blessings!

30 Day Raw Food Challenge! (Part 3)

I'm still living in Raw Food Land and things are progressing nicely. Emotions, thoughts and physical symptoms have ranged from being really hungry to extremely satisfied. Or totally exhausted to having enough energy to potentially run a 10K.   I've had cravings for fried chicken and candy bars and then felt absolutely no desire to eat any junk at all.  Today wasn't as bad as I anticipated.  There was no solid food on the menu....only juice and smoothies.

The breakdown for Day #10:
Breakfast: Grapefruit/Watermelon juice
Lunch: Grapefruit/Watermelon juice
Dinner: OJ banana raspberry smoothie

Before I tell you about how today ended, let me give you an update on the last five days: 

Day #6 - We ate lettuce wrap tacos that were pretty satisfying for lunch.  I felt no adverse symptoms and had a ton of ENERGY.

Day #7 - Pretty quiet day.  Felt really tired, but ate well and had no cravings. Lunch was an Asian inspired slaw (see pic below).

Lunch for Day #7 - Asian cole slaw (cabbage, carrots, ginger, garlic, cilantro, corn, green onions, Braggs liquid amino, lemon juice)

Dinner on Day #7 - Melon mint smoothie (cantaloupe, mint, banana, papaya, nectarine)

Day #8 - I went out to eat with friends and maintained the integrity of the challenge (Eating Out While Raw).  BIG pat on the back!! But later that night before bed I caught an enormous case of the munchies! I was getting ready to tear open and consume any bag of chips I could find (in 5 seconds or less).  Sanity stepped in at the last moment and I resorted to eating watermelon! The mind is a POWERFUL thing!

Day # 9 - Green Juice was my breakfast and all I wanted to do was chew on something! I had a great lunch and ate a peach and banana for snack.  Work was a walk on the wild side and I had visions of Snicker bars dancing across my desk! I opted for the Sunshine salad instead (pictured below) and drank a whole heap of swamp style water (blackberries, lemons and mint). That evening I had a bowl of air popped corn (is that cheating?????????)

 

Breakfast for Day #9 - Green juice (kale, pears, apples, lemons, cabbage, lettuce)

Lunch for Day #9 - Sunshine salad (tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, oregano, cilantro, dill, garlic, onions, cranberries, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, dressed with lemon juice and salt)

Dinner for Day #9 - blended salad (aka gazpacho)

Day #10 - Today was  NOT as bad as I expected.  I actually brought fruit with me to supplement my huger pangs (a peach and blueberries) but I didn't need to eat them.  Surprisingly the juice and water kept me full today at work.  I had a carob shake on stand by to help curb the cravings for Snicker bars I had yesterday.  I actually drank all of the carob shake....it was absolutely DI-VINE!

Lunch and snacks for Day #10 - water w/blueberries, grapefruit watermelon juice, carob shake, peach (which I didn't eat)

Up close and personal with the carob shake............hmm mmmm GOOD!

 

The last 10 days of this challenge have been trying but encouraging.  Aside from the first week (30 Day Raw Food CHALLENGE! (Part 2), I've been feeling really good.  I've kept my duathlon engines revved up and have been running and working out.  I have not buckled and left the gym or track with an incomplete workout.  On Sunday I was void of  knee pain for 85% of my workout.  Awesome!! I see some progress being made and I'm happy!

 

Tomorrow is going to challenge me mentally and emotionally because it is a WATER FAST! Yep...you heard right.  I didn't know fasting was a part of this challenge..........SURPRISE!

I have never lasted through any fast for the allotted period of time prescribed.  I've always cut it short.  Well folks, tomorrow is the day I will PUSH THROUGH.  Nothing but water (with lemon). 

 

If I can make it through this, I will be one step closer to a higher level of peace, tranquility, self control, and strength.  I will be better equipped to handle all the other issues in my life that I've been struggling with. It's called: GROWTH! And I am excited for what is to come!!!

 

Pray church!!!

 

Peace and blessings!

 

 

 

Eating out during the 30 Day Raw Food Challenge......

Hi Folks -

Today I met a few friends at an Italian restaurant for dinner.

Prior to arriving I had some thoughts running through my head: "What do I eat?"  "I love me some bread!" Ya'll know me - if I get a whiff of pizza there's no telling what I will do (The Food Journey: Eating Out)!

Well I'm happy to report that I stuck to eating salad...and more salad....and even more salad! It was a family style restaurant so there was plenty of salad!

As a strategy to thwart any temptations that may show up,  I bulked up on watermelon and cantaloupe prior to leaving my house.  I figured I would already be pretty full by the time I got to the restaurant.  It also helped that others ordered food that was not my favorite (shrimp pasta, calamari, etc.), so the desire to munch....or snatch a taste didn't arise. 

I was fortunate that this restaurant had salad...what if I get invited to a burger joint with no salads on the menu? Do I decline?  Do I go and have them put the burger fixings on a plate for me?  How much would that cost I wonder........?

I know that the previous challenges I've put myself through such as Airplane Food (part 1 - 5) and (Detoxification: Small brush..Large impact) have helped my self control and discipline. YES! Fist pump!! Progress! And that's what it's all about....progressing, growing, changing into a better person.  Even on Day #8 I have a feeling of accomplishment.

My next test will be later this month, where I'll meet up with some folks at a French joint.  Let's see what happens!!!

Peace and blessings!

30 Day Raw Food CHALLENGE!.....(Part 2)

Hi Folks! Today is Day #5 of my 30 Day Raw Food Challenge.  So far it has been a roller coaster (yes...only after 5 days.....)!  Today was the best day of the challenge so far in terms of how I've been feeling.  Let me update you on the last 5 days:

Day #1 - This day was awesome! I ate well.  Had a lot of water and fruit and felt really good.  I didn't miss anything from my previous diet and had no cravings.  Check out my previous post for what I ate that day (30 Day Raw Food Challenge Part 1). 

Day #2 - I had a headache and felt very HUNGRY....all day long, even after I ate.  So I supplemented the meal plan provided by Herbal Bush House with fruit (apples and blueberries). 

Dinner on Day #2 - Red pepper stuffed with gazpacho (I ate two of these with a mango lassi)
 

Day #3 - Things started turning ugly. I had really bad stomach pain followed by diarrhea....ALL DAY LONG.  Based on what was happening at work this week, I could not afford to take a sick day....so I suffered through it...praying (literally) that there would be no "accidents".  Have Mercy!! Along with the sharp stomach pains, nausea started to set in and that evening my legs felt achy and I was absolutely drained/exhausted.  I felt like I had the flu! Every time I ate I felt worse....so I didn't eat much on Day #3.

Day #4 - The stomach pain and diarrhea continued.  I had very low energy and felt down emotionally.  Later that evening the nausea began to lift along with the stomach pains.

Dinner on Day #4 - Zucchini pasta with tomato sauce and fresh oregano (This was yummy!)

Day #5 - I woke up feeling MUCH better! No stomach pains, no diarrhea and the nausea is gone! Thank God! Whew!

Lunch for Day #5 - The Incredible Hulk salad (spinach, cilantro, kale, avocado, green onion, pear, cranberries,  hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds -- dressed with lime juice and salt) This was an awesome salad!

Every day I tried to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I stayed hydrated with my swamp water (Airplane Food Part 2) and added a smoothie and fruits and nuts when necessary.  Today (Day #5) I had no desire to eat dinner at all.  I think it was the Incredible Hulk salad (pictured above).

Swamp water - mint, limes, blueberries and ginger (Dee-lish!)

Five days down.....twenty-five to go!

Are there any detox experiences you've had that you are willing to share? I'm ALL ears!! :)

Peace and blessings!

The Food Journey: Airplane food...Part 5

Honey! I'm hooooooome!!!!

Day #5 of my on the road food challenge is officially over (Airplane food...Part 4)!

No more "airplane" food for at least a few weeks.

I feel good about the food choices I made this week.  I really used self control to keep myself from disrupting the relationship I've formed with Mr. Detox.  There were times that I did indulge (Airplane Food....Part 2), but nothing extreme to the point of feeling guilty. I proved to myself that self control does indeed exist and can be metered out when you are ready for the next step in life.  It takes some effort, but you have to prepare yourself to make good choices.  Do not rely on the outside world to have a great salad or fruit bowl waiting for you.  You have to make it happen even if it means going to the grocery store and picking up healthy snacks for your trip. My experience this week with abstaining from unhealthy food, opened my eyes to the amount of junk we put in our bodies on a daily and weekly basis.  Diet Coke, Mountain Dew, cookies, crackers, chips....all of which contain toxins and empty calories.  So the goal was to replace the desire for all of the above by eating more whole, nutritious food.  It worked.  I was successful in eating more good stuff while on the road! Mission accomplished!

Preparing to make better choices, executing those choices  and exhibiting self control is key to success in life.....not just in eating better.  Think about it: if you can prepare, execute and have control of yourself you can overcome ANY OBSTACLE that shows up! Getting through school, a demanding job, a tough marriage, and the list can go on! What do you need to overcome?  I will definitely be using this airplane food experience to catapult me into a new phase of this Journey! I have proven that I CAN be in control of my diet in spite of the temptation at my fingertips.  I WILL use this lesson in other areas of my life! Whew! I'm excited!

Okay so enough with all the chatter! I know you are wondering what I ate today....so here it goes:

Breakfast - oatmeal with trail mix, banana and black berries
Snack - 2 bananas
Lunch - baked potato and 1 roll
Snack - 2.5 cookies! - slight indulgence!
Dinner - I flew in and out of a very small airport.  The only thing they had in the gate area to eat was pre-packaged deli sandwiches junk food and whole fruit. So I ate an apple, pop-chips, an orange, and a few sweet potato tortilla chips. Not the greatest dinner, but I stayed away from the junk! When I started reading the ingredients on those sandwiches, I just couldn't bring myself to purchase one.

I rolled with the swamp water and ginger/red raspberry tea and drank my cayenne lemon tonic again today.  The swamp water was less swampy (no greens or nutmeg...just lemons).  Sure enough there was a comment made about the state of my water: "Hmmm...where's the swamp?? No nutmeg or mint today! Just lemons? You are slipping!"

Remember folks: when you start behaving or making choices that are outside of the norm, people WILL pay attention.  Some let you know...and some don't. 

My hope is that you will make better food choices in your day to day Journey.  Will power and self control are powerful tools to help you do this.  Think about what your body needs to stay or to get healthy.  Fill up your body with those substances and remove the other stuff that does not do a body good.

If Zahra Eat a Large Pizza Alone (The Food Journey: Eating out) can do it, I know you can too!

What do you think?

Some of the good stuff I ate this week!

 Peace within!



 

The Food Journey: Airplane food....Part 2

Hi Folks!

It's day 2 of my "Food on the road" challenge (Airplane Food Part 1).

Anyone else struggle with eating right while traveling on business??  Tell me about your experience!

Today my vitamin water was given the nick name of "swamp water" by my colleauges.  It was a popular topic for discussion today.  Again....it provides a platform to expose others to alternatives.  In a room where everyone is drinking sodas and coffee all day...I'm drinking tea, swamp water and eating trail mix.  Today's vitamin I mean swamp water contained: cilantro, lemon, blackberries, nutmeg and ginger. 

So what else did I consume today?

Breakfast - oatmeal and hotel made trail mix
Snack - apple and trial mix
Lunch - tuna fish sandwich with a pickle
Snack - 1/4 of a cookie
Dinner (an Italian joint) - house dinner salad and bruchetta ( the fresh garlic, tomatoes and basil was quite good!)
Dessert - APPLE PIE!!!!!!!!!!!! and it was hmmm hmmm good! A little splurge wont hurt right? And it went down so gooooooooood!!!!!!!

I'm happy to report my arm has not felt numb all day. I'm tired, but feeling good.  Hopeful for a new day and another chance to take my Journey to a higher level.

This morning I made another super duper cayenne pepper and lemon water tonic....I think I added too much pepper because my stomach kicked me in the gut a few times........Once recovered...I was good!

Super Duper pepper and lemon tonic

It felt easier than yesterday to make better choices....but the food choices were not as un-healthy as yesterday...so I didn't feel like I had to make a "hard" choice.  My friends the munchkins didn't show up so my sweet cravings felt at bay.  So do I really crave those things or do I just want what I see??? The mind is a powerful thing!  If we focus on good things (better food, better drinks, healthy living) we can make strides in the right direction easier than if we are distracted by the "munchkins" that show up wanting to play.  

Day 3 coming up!! :)

What are your struggles with food while traveling?



Peace and blessings!

The Food Journey: Airplane Food...Part 1

This week I'm traveling for business.......eating right while traveling has always been my nemesis.  In the past I used traveling as an excuse to eat ABSOLUTELY WHATEVER I WANTED! :)  As my travel began to pick up eating whatever I wanted became a problem! Whenever you travel your life program changes...your sleep pattern changes, your eating patterns change, your bowel movements may get altered by the change in environment...oh and your exercise patterns can also shift or become non-existent.

I'm on the road again and I am still on my 30-Day dry brush challenge (Small Brush...Large Impact).  So I'm in detox mode.  What I did not want to do on this trip was add more toxins to my body, thereby disrupting my new relationship with Mr. Detox.

One thing I didn't do however was PREPARE for the type of diet I needed to have while on the road. There was too much going on at home before I left...I felt like a crazy lady! I packed 1 hour before leaving for the airport so I forgot some key items needed from home to ensure a healthy trip.

So what food am I going to eat before, during and after my airplane ride (to and from my destination)??

I got in late last night and HAD to go to the nearest grocery store to get some "supplies".   Mind you I was SO HUNGRY and there was a McKee Dee's on every corner with OPEN lights on in the windows! Fresh french fries!!!  Have Mercy!

I had two issues to find solutions for:
1 - Find herbs/food to help increase my circulation
2 - Find food to eat during the day while working

Circulation woes:
I mentioned in earlier posts that I've struggled with circulation issues for the last few months and actually for the last 10 years or so (with out knowing).  More recently my arms and fingers are "falling asleep" while my body is at rest....last night my arm was numb for almost 3 hours.... and I'm having a repeat experience tonight.  Its the same sensation I experienced with my left leg when I used to do a lot of long distance driving.

So what did I get at the store to help?  Cayenne pepper, ginger (tea, capsules and powder), fresh garlic and nutmeg powder.  I made a solution of what listed above and drank it last night before retiring. 

This morning I  made vitamin water with:  nutmeg, blackberries, ginger, lemon and mint to drink throughout the day.  I also drank ginger tea (with red raspberry) for half of the day. 

Tonight I drank a super duper solution of cayenne pepper, lemon and water.  I'm praying all will be
well in the morning.

Vitamin water - lemon, nutmeg, ginger, blackberries (on bottom) and mint (at the top)

Food to eat while working:
While working away from the home office, there is always some sort of tempting treat to much on ALL DAY LONG!

I was visited this morning by my friends the Dunkin Donut munchkins (The Food Journey: Cravings!!). Lunch was a heavy Italian offering of pasta (alfredo, lasagna, stuffed shells), chicken, bread and salad.  Dinner with colleagues was at a BBQ joint serving succulent beef brisket!

So here I am...the Pizza Lady (The Food Journey: Eating Out) being put to the test! As I mentioned before Mr. Detox and I have started a great relationship and I do not want to jeopardize it by frolicking with munchkins and a bunch of cheese!

So today I was armed with "hotel" made trail mix from pumpkin seeds, granola, almonds, cashews, and cranberries.  I had a baggie of baby carrots, an apple and plenty of vitamin water and tea to curb my desire to frolic.

Hotel made trail mix (pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds, granola, cranberries)

I will admit I did eat two (2!) munchkins (one in the morning and one in the afternoon).  For lunch I had a ton of salad, two stuffed shells and one piece of bread. For dinner (at the BBQ joint) I ate a green salad, a taste of potato salad and I couldn't resist a swig of sweet tea. 

Over all I feel pretty good about my eating performance today. I ate almost all the trail mix, my apple and filled myself up with vitamin water and tea.  While everyone else was expressing their "stuffed" feeling after all the BBQ they consumed...I felt light as air and was able to exercise an hour after dinner.

Of course I received comments on my water, my apple, and my SALAD at the BBQ joint! But it's all good and most of the comments were positive and inquisitive. Peer pressure is something serious. Standing apart and not following the crowd is a powerful witness and testimony. I readily explained what I was eating and drinking but did not do it to make a scene or draw attention to my food choices.  It's interesting what people notice when the status quo is challenged.

Tomorrow I plan to do even better.  There is always a better choice no matter what restaurant or site you end up visiting. Most hotels are armed with refrigerators and hot water, so you can pick up a few items so you can eat better while on the road.  But just like everything else worth doing: it takes more time and extra work.  But it's worth it.  Your body temple will thank you for it!

I have decided that I am not detoxing in vain!! So I have to pull it together and handle business! This week is actually a good challenge for me to break the "traveling habit" of poor eating.  I've been doing better this year (2013), but I've never traveled while being in a relationship with Mr. Detox...so this week is going to put me on another level.

Some of the goodies from the late night grocery trip

Onward I press!!
I know I can!
I know I can!
I will!


Peace and blessings!