Tress Update #13 - I got a puff now ya'll!

Hi Folks - It's been quite a while since I've provided a hair update (besides reporting on my fungus problem).  So I am pleased to report that I have an official PUFF!!! I've hesitated to pull my hair back because I don't like the Sarafina look. Well I don't have to worry about that anymore! I'm happy about my growth and still need to work on tackling this fungus!!  Check it out:

Look at that PUFF!

Side view

 

Front view

On the go with a shout out to the Motherland!

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!

In Pursuit of a Curl Pattern: Caring for Children's Curls

Hi Folks! It's been a while since we've heard from Kiki but she's back to give us an update on her curl pattern pursuit.  She's also sharing techniques on how she cares for her beautiful children's curly hair.  We will call them Princess K and Princess J. 

 

Here is Kiki in her own words.

 

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Wow,  I am at Day 80!  NO HEAT!   Yeah, I am still wearing protective styles.  Here is the latest one.  My curl pattern has double to about 3 inches.  Wahoo!  But, all I can do is wait and keep wearing these protective styles - NO BIG CHOP for me.  So, I turn my attention to Princess K and Princess J.  They have beautiful curl patterns and I am green with envy.

 

Day 80 - protective style

 

Let's start with Princess K:

Princess K's hair is easy peesy. The only non-positive thing about it is that it is somewhat fine.  So when it's is straightened, it can look limp and thin.  Otherwise Princess K has wash and go hair.  It doesn't take much heat to straighten, curl,  and blow dry.   Her hair is a soft, pliable grade.  It response well to any shampoo, conditioner, mousse, gel... whatever...  I can wash her every every week and spend less than 2 hours, start to finish.   This is the style that we do when she is wearing her hair natural.  I wash it, condition it, detangle with big tooth comb, add a curling product.  Most any curl enhancing product will work well.  This time we used Tahlia Waajid Curly Curl Cream.  This and this is what happens.  Easy! 



Princess K's wash and go curls

 

 

Princess J is another story: 

 

Her hair is very thick and it requires that you use the "right" products for deep conditioning and detangling.  It takes me several hours to do Princess J's hair.   You have to used a multi -phased approach to get to the desired result.  Fortunately, I discovered that Bees Wax works wonders on her natural tresses.   I started sectioning her hair after blow drying it, applying some Bees Wax and twisting it. I did this once a week.  

 



Princess J's freshly washed and twisted hair using Beeswax

 

 After the 3rd week of doing this, I noticed that her hair was very soft  and had a nice sheen to it.  After washing her hair it was far less tangled.  I have been using the same products on her hair for years, so I know that it was the Bees Wax!    AMAZING! 

 

 

 

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Great progress Kiki and your children are ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!  Thank you for sharing with us! I love the fact that you are keeping their hair natural. 

 

Stay posted!  There's more to come from this family of curlies!

 

 

Peace and blessings!

The Health Journey: The Raw Detox Aftermath.......

Hi folks....

It's been a week post the raw 30 day challenge.  You are probably wondering what I've been doing, what I've been eating....and how I feel. I provided the 13 main lessons learned from the challenge last week and I'm still absorbing the learnings and converting to a new lifestyle.  So far so good!

What I've been doing:
I'm still training for my Duathalon (biking, running, lifting weights).  I've also been using my self control and perseverance muscles to help me through some personal struggles.  I keep thinking about the resolve I had to last 30 FULL DAYS! That blessing is keeping me focused!

What I've been eating:
I've been eating both cooked and raw foods.  I would say most days I've been 75% raw.  They say it takes 21 days to form a habit....I went hard (minus the rebellion) for 30 straight days.  I have definitely formed a habit! A good one at that! Some examples of my meals include:

• chia porridge with hemp milk, seeds and nuts
• more bruchetta (this time on veggie pasta)
• salads (with added rice on occasion)
• more smoothies and juices
• mashed potatoes
• vegetable Pad Thai
• CHIPS!!! But just enough to wet my appetite.
• lots of fruit!
• lots of nuts!
• chocolate cake (C'mon! It was Independence Day! And it was GOOD! - Big up Xan!)

I have not had: ice cream, SNICKERS!, tons of bread, and a lot of other processed foods.  My taste buds have been slightly reformed.

How I'm feeling:
I noticed a strange thing the other day: I now have a bionic nose and tongue.  My sense of smell and taste are heightened.  For example: I ate slices of conventional and organic apples at the same time and I COULD taste the soap/pesticides on the conventional apple! I have NEVER been able to tell the difference before.  Just call me Super Zahra!

The other thing is that I am way more aware of my body.  The slightest tinge of pain does not go unnoticed.  My libido has also increased! Okay...TMI (too much information)...but you know what? It's true and a great benefit from CLEANING out my system!

So folks - I'm pressing on the upward way...new heights I'm gaining everyday!  Yesterday I overate....and I COULD FEEL IT.  All I ate for the remainder of the day was good ole watermelon (More Watermelon Please!)

Thinking about detoxing?  What program are you going to try??

Peace and blessings!

The Hair Journey: Finally! Dry Scalp and Fungus Free!!

Hi Folks -

I've never been worried about hair growth..it's always grown quite well...but what has worried/concerned  me is the dry scalp/fungal issues I've been experiencing for YEARS!

I am happy to report that since I've been on the Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)/aloe vera gel regimen I have been free of the fungus!!

I am in a really down mood this evening...have you ever had a headache that just WILL NOT quit? Well that's me tonight. I'm in pain...but I have to share this  success story about my hair!

The process:
1. I sprayed ACV (diluted with water) on my hair for 1 week.  Kept it in overnight covered with a shower cap. 

2. Most of the time I DID NOT rinse my hair in the morning.  I just sprayed the aloe vera mixture on my hair, applied tea tree oil (diluted with jojoba oil) on my scalp and locked in the moisture with plain shea butter.

ACV

Shea butter

Aloe vera gel

The result:
1.  As I stated in the beginning of this post, I am fungus free (based on what I can see with my naked eye meaning no visible scaling).  

2.  I have not had any extreme itchy episodes (including when I was rocking the Mohawk). No major flakes falling and no burning. Plus the white spots that were starting to form on my forehead are gone!

3.  My hair felt nice and moist until about noon...then it felt dry.  But when I ran my fingers through it, it wasn't as dry as I thought.  So some moisture was being retained.

4.  I am a happy camper! Loving the fungus free experience! And loving the fact that I'm finding a good process to keep my hair clean and moisturized.

I will continue to use this process for my hair.  And I LOVE the fact that I did not have to spend a heap of money on products!

What natural elements are you putting in your hair?

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!

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!!

The Hair Journey....more coping skills!

Hi Folks!

My fabulous growing tresses have been molded into a closer replica of a Mohawk! I love it!

I blew it out to get enough length to braid....then I twisted the rest of it! Love it!!! I'm so excited about my new do!

The pictures below show the "released" version.  I felt a bit like Coolio with the straight twists. Plus releasing the twists gives more body to the style.

As usual there have been looks and comments about the new look....most of which have been extremely positive.  If I may be transparent, I am a tad bit concerned about this not being a "professional" look.  I work in corporate America and although things are relaxed (people come to work in jeans and sneakers...maybe a spandex skirt here or there)....I still feel a bit strange rocking such a radical (Afrocentric) style.  My faux-hawk from last week was "boss approved"....but I don't know....

Yes...this means I've been brainwashed....just a little....but I do believe in looking the "part" while you are in the workplace.  I've never straightened my hair for a job interview since I've been natural. I've always worn it, in it's natural state.  But I've never had this style before.........

Well....the braids are NOT coming out...sooooo....I'll just see what kind of response I get! :)

I'm walking on the wild side!!

What do you think about my new look?

Peace and blessings!

The Hair Journey: Tress Update #4

Hi Folks!

Since my hair is growing nicely I've decided to begin to explore various hair styles.

The Flo Fro is back with a vengeance and a bit of a twist.  I've been picking it out and patting it into  a nice smooth halo. (I actually wore it like this to work the other day).

 

Then I decided to add some side twists to mimic a Mohawk....so I'm rocking the faux-hawk now.
I'm not quite sold on the faux - hawk.  I think I have a bit more styling to do around making sure the profile is just the way I like it, but I appreciate the variety it gives me.

 

Based on my dry scalp issues (The Hair Journey: Dry Scalp Woes) I've been diligently applying apple cider vinegar (ACV) and tea tree oil (cut with jojoba oil) to my scalp.  It's been a week and so far so good.  My scalp is not itchy, flaky or dry!  I've also been using a mixture of fresh aloe and water to help moisturize my growing tresses.  It's definitely cheaper to treat my hair to the natural, fresh goodies as opposed to products that run $8 - $14 (or more) a bottle.  One aloe leaf costs approximately $2, and  a big bottle of ACV (unfiltered) is around $3.99.  Both last a really long time!!

 

You have to be careful with the aloe, because it can get flaky and leave white pieces in your hair after it dries.  Be sure to wash it out fully or cut it with water to eliminate the flakes (if using it as a leave in).

 

I've also noted how dry my hair is.....so I've been spritzing with aloe and water, putting  a shower cap on and sealing the moisture in with shea butter.  So far so good!

 

Today someone surveyed my faux-hawk curiously, then suggested I cut my hair into a fade and dye it blond.........NO THANK YOU! :)  On the other end of the spectrum, I received compliments on my new look.   When I cut my hair some folks got upset.....now that I'm growing it back they don't like it either! Sheesh!

 

There will always be an opinion out there...but the one that really matters is MINE! And the hubby's....but my opinion still trumps his! It's my hair after all!  :)

 

What do you think about my shapely Flo Fro and faux-hawk??

 

 

Peace and blessings!



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!

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!

The Hair Journey: The Flo Fro gets a break.......

Good evening folks!

Today was the warmest day in the year for my region (over 90 degrees Fahrenheit).  The change in temperature spurred a need for me to change some things as well.  Namely my hair style!

I've been rocking the "wash and go" and Flo Fro for almost three months now (Tress Update #3).  The time has come for a CHANGE!  Can I get a witness somebody?? 

Tonight I returned to my old twisting ways, by putting two-stranded tiny twists in my hair.  I like the change, but admit I do not miss sitting for an hour or more twisting my hair.  As my arms and fingers began to "talk to me", I had flash backs of sitting in the most comfortable chair I owned (at the time) watching television, wondering why I decided to twist my hair so small....mind you this was around hour number 3 with potentially 2 more hours to go! Have mercy! I sat for an hour and 20 minutes tonight.  Not bad in comparison with the past!  :)

Dare I ask what you think? :)

Two-stranded tiny twists - side view

Front view
 

Detoxification: UPDATE!!

Hi Folks!

I am now on Day 24 of my dry brush challenge (The Health Journey: Detoxification - The Body).  I am pleased to say that the detox symptoms I experienced in the first 15 days have disappeared and have not re-surfaced (Detox: Small Brush...Large Impact).

Here's how the last 14 days have been:

Day 11 - I had upper back pain that lasted for about a day.

Day 14 – My left arm began to tingle and get quite stiff.  This happened on and off for about 5 days.  

Day 19 - The arm tingling stopped.

Day 20 – The arm tingling came back.

Days 21 to 24 – No adverse symptoms to speak of. 

Any other changes?

I have noticed that my skin (overall) is smoother and softer.  I have noticed a slight decrease of cellulite on my thighs.  Cellulite is a form of restricted circulation….so it makes sense that I have other circulation issues.  I think I have a body wide circulation issue and I have to figure out the root cause.  I’m hoping that the dry brushing has helped my lymphatic system get energized.  Overall, I don’t think my energy levels have soared but I’m feeling good.

What’s next?

1. I'm going to continue the dry brushing for another 30 days (I want beach ready thighs!!)

2. I’m going to start a liver flush on 5/27/13 sponsored by Empressive Vitality (Liver Flush by Empressive Vitality) check out the posted link for more information.

3. I’m going to couple the liver flush with a 30-day Raw Food challenge sponsored by Herbal Bush House (Herbal Bush House 30-Day RAW Food Challenge).   Why am I doing two challenges at once??? Well, the challenges are compatible because you have to clean up your diet while on the liver flush anyway....so it makes sense.  I’m looking forward to maintaining my relationship with Mr. Detox. We’ve come a long way and  I’m getting used to his companionship!

Let's get ready for the beach!!! :)

I’ll keep you posted!

Anybody else in the middle of a detox or about to start one??

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 4

Okay folks...day #4  on another one of my self induced challenges (Airplane Food...Part 3 and  Small brush....Large Impact) is over. 

I has such a large dinner last night, my digestive system needed a break! I could feel it!

I departed my hotel room with my swamp water, tea and trail mix again... but all I wanted for most of the day was fruit, veggies and tea.  I also downed my less super duper cayenne lemon tonic this morning. I am pleased to say my arm felt good today...no numbness! Praise Him! :)

So here is what I ate today:

Breakfast - swamp water, blackberries, bananas, carrots
Snack - banana
Lunch - two heaping plates of salad and 2 small pieces of veggie pizza (light cheese)
Snack - trail mix, apple, banana
Dinner - rice, green beans and stir fried veggies (three pieces of teriyaki chicken)
Dessert - NONE but I almost caved and got a big huge snicker bar! Why you ask? Because we just stopped working tonight around 11:40pm (EST) and I was feeling a bit stressed!!! Snickers are my go to food for work stress!

I settled for 3 Famous Amos cookies and more swamp water instead.  The rest of the cookies were discarded....

So here I am tired to the max....but feeling good about what I was able to achieve on this trip with making better food choices.   But there is still tomorrow!

I haven't made good on my daily workout goal this week....but you can only do so much in a day when your schedule is tied to other's.  I'm not going to beat myself up for not working out everyday while on the road.

My swamp water was investigated again and commentary was rendered. But it's all good man! I love it! Like I said last night, a chance to share good news about good alternatives is always welcome.  I have noticed a lot more fruit in the room though! Positive influence doesn't have to be aggressive or overbearing...the opposite is more effective. 

What do you think?


Peace and blessings!

The Food Jouney - Airplane Food....Part 3

Okay...So I'm on day #3 of the "Food on the road" challenge (Airplane Food...Part 2).

My healthy hotel vittles are starting to disappear (which is good!). I'm still rocking my swamp water and trail mix.  The bananas are now ripe enough to munch on so I felt like the Queen of Banana Land today (Caleb's Corner....King of Banana Land).

If you ever wonder if people are paying attention to you....start doing things that are not considered "normal".  I'm amazed at how many people are paying attention to what I'm eating and drinking on this trip.  Someone is always paying attention. There are voyeurs in every corner of the earth.  Sometimes they bring awareness to their voyeurism and sometimes they don't.  That's why you always have to be real, honest, and true to your inner core.  Be you...do you...live your own life. Of course as your individualism ascends please display therapeutic behavior (be respectful, non judgmental, kind, gentle, gracious, merciful and loving) to those who are not on the same trajectory (The Health Journey - Therapeutic Behavior). Therapeutic behavior makes all the difference in your ability to render a positive influence on other people's journey and lives. 

Okay...so what did I eat today??

Breakfast - oatmeal with trail mix
Snack - banana and trail mix
Lunch - taco salad (veggies, black beans)
Snack - 1/4 piece of cake, trail mix, banana
Dinner (another BBQ joint) - baked potato, BBQ trout, spinach salad with pecans and strawberries.  (I also tried a small "burnt end" piece of beef brisket.)
Dessert - NONE!

I think I ate too much at dinner...I'm feeling heavy and drowsy it was either too much food or that little snatch of brisket topped me off in a bad way.

I feel like I splurged a bit at dinner....but it was GOOD!

I took my super duper cayenne and lemon tonic today and drank plenty of swamp water and ginger/red raspberry tea.  The numbness in my arm showed up this morning...but dissipated by early afternoon.

Overall I think I'm doing well.  Better than I have in the past for sure.  I hope I didn't jeopardize too much progress by tonight's dinner!!! :(

Whew! Time to rest!

What is your favorite travel meal?

Remember: Someone is ALWAYS watching!

Peace and blessings!

Radical Practices

Have you ever felt "weird" about doing something out of the norm? Have you been criticized for stepping outside of the box? What about being criticized for staying in the box??

In the box

For years radical practices have been a topic of conversation and strife between families, institutions and cultures.

Radical practices are necessary when an individual or a community/society have either exhausted all other ways to accomplish their goals or are forward thinkers and naturally think in the "radical" space.  It's like when your back is against the wall...or your arm is stuck tightly between two boulders...you'll do anything to remove the obstacle or problem.

Stuck...better get radical!

It should be the same way with our health (mental, physical, emotional and spiritual).  We need to think radically about removing obstacles or problems for the betterment of our lives.  End of story. 

If we thought radically about healing our bodies, there would be plenty of things we would not eat, slather on our skin, drink, inhale, and sniff. 

We are literally killing ourselves by what we are putting in and on our bodies. 

When I talk to people about the healing journey we are on with Caleb (the bathing process, what he eats, what nourishes his skin) the feedback is interesting to say the least.  Most people cannot fathom going to the extent that we have to help him heal naturally.  This is radical...out of the box...and "Is it really necessary?" some ask. "Can't you just give him some cortisone for that eczema??" "When is he going to eat "real" food?"....I suppose that means a happy meal from Mc Donald's or a cup of Kool Aid.  "What does he drink for milk?" "Tea??"  "hmmmph".....Radical practices gets people talking boy!

If your children eat Mickee Dee's and drink Kool Aid please don't get upset at my statement.  The point is: Caleb cannot have what most people can. It's not an option.  I am okay with it.  I am thankful for it.  With out his healing journey I would not have been enlightened to the true healing process.  I would not have been exposed to another way...and that way is proven due to how he is now thriving (demonstrated by kissing girls repeatedly at daycare...have MERCY!!).  His journey is helping me grow.

Caleb the kisser...he better stop putting his lips on those girls!! :)

Society helps author what is and is not radical.  Using NAET treatments to eliminate allergies and other conditions is seen as radical to some...soemthing out of the norm.  Just get a allergy shot.  Healing with herbs and eliminating meat from the diet is seen as radical to others.  Don't we need meat for protein?  Just get a prescription at the doctor's office.  Eating raw food is really out the box for most.  You haven't had a meal unless you slave over a hot stove right?  I was thinking about the whole raw food thing today and the thought came to my mind that animals in the wild eat raw food.  They are getting all the nutrients the food has to give, fresh, and unadulterated.  We cook the mess out of ours and loose valuable nutrients in the process.  We are living beings...don't we need living food? Radical practices. 

Giving birth in a tub in your living room with a midwife present....Chile! You better take your behind to the hospital and get out that tub!

Baby Birthing Tub!

Personally, I struggle with negative thoughts ruling my mind.  I have to fill my mind with the Word of God in order to overcome this.  "Why she always reading her Bible? She's a fanatic." But the Word is the only thing keeping my negative thoughts at bay because they are replaced with promises and encouragement  from the Most High.  Radical practices.

Chiropractic medicine, Acupuncture,  Homeopathic medicine are all considered radical practices.  Our bodies are not one sided.  There is no "one side" to optimal health.  Conventional vs. Alternative?  or Conventional AND Alternative?  It should depend on what the situation calls for.

Radical behaviors have changed this world for the better and also made it worse:  Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Joe Clark (Lean on Me - people),  Fidel Castro, the practice of slavery, Nazism, and the list can go on. 

Nelson Mandela 

The normal way of doing things (business as usual) is killing us.  Obesity, high blood pressure, mental health issues, diabetes, food allergies in children and respiratory problems in children are all on the rise.  In order to quell the tide of poor health, we have to turn to radical practices.  Enough is enough.  We must fight for our health.  I encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to areas in life you KNOW you need to do better in. 

Replace the Fruit Loops with Chia....Try aromatherapy with essential oils instead of popping that Excedrin for a headache.  Drink a smoothie for breakfast as opposed to eating bacon and eggs.   Love the un-lovable....which is the most radical practice of all from where I sit. 





I  have a long way to go.  Sometimes I feel "weird" because I've chosen non conventional means to reach my goals.  Not weird enough to revert back because I know its a better way.  But it makes me think about how far we are from the basics.  God gave us every seed bearing plant and tree with fruit to be our food (Genesis 1:29).  Basic.

I have to teach Caleb that he is not weird or strange, because kids can be cruel. He has to be empowered to take a stand for his health.  Just like the three Hebrew boys in the Old Testament who didn't eat the king's food and were smarter and stronger and appeared more nourished than the others (Daniel 1:3 - 21).  Radical practices.

Think about it. Open your minds with the heart of truth and really think about the areas you need help with.  Then determine how far you are willing to go for sustained relief....not just short lived or temporary relief. This journey is making me go full throttle.  My arm, leg, left ear and right pinky toe are all tightly stuck between two boulders.

I've been called worst things than a radical so onward I press. 

Join me! Tell me what you think of radical practices!

Peace, love and blessings!!