Well I have made it through day 3 and I am even having a little fun dreaming up recipes. I have managed to walk through Starbucks on my way into Chapters and not even stop for a coffee (which I love incidentally and is NOT on this detox).
Today for lunch using leftover brown rice and broccoli I came up with this recipe. It was delicious.
In a frying pan brown chopped onions, garlic, peppers, celery and firm organic tofu in olive oil for about 10 minutes. Add the rice and chopped broccoli. At this point I squirted in about 1 tblsp of Bragg's (non GMO, no gluten soya), cumin and freshly ground black pepper. When everything was crispy and brown, I threw in a few handfuls of organic baby spinach. When it is wilted, plate the mixture and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and hemp hearts.
When this detox is over, I think this would be extra delicious with a bit of goat cheese crumbled in to melt a little ~ now I am drooling.
I think tomorrow night I am going to try stuffed peppers using tofu and brown rice.
This might be just the start I need to move to a vegetarian lifestyle ~ something I have thought about for years but just have never got around to actually doing it.
Having started this detox with a viewing of Food Inc., I have a whole new appreciation for how our food today gets from its' natural state to our table. The meat industry in particular I found quite difficult to watch, disturbing and upsetting at times. So far it has not been difficult to keep meat out of my diet.
If you are interested in how large corporations (some of which are named) have turned what should be a source of sustenance into a multi billion dollar conglomerate that has more power than even our governments, not to mention running over anyone or anything in their way, buying out those who don't agree with them, even lobbying to have laws passed to favour their way of running their corporations, then you must see Food Inc.
Watching how cows, pigs and chickens were treated just so we can eat meat made a huge impression on me ~ so much so that I am not sure I can eat meat again. I have lived my life disassociated from the fact that those lovely plump chicken breasts actually belonged to a living, breathing chicken once upon a time, a chicken that was given hormones to promote record breaking weight gain, a chicken that was kept in a chicken house in the dark, living in their own feces, sometimes being pecked to death.
I'll never look at a package of chicken breasts the same again.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
New Shoes
Okay, I admit it ~ I love shoes. Unfortunately due to very painful feet, I can only wear flats, but occasionally you can find some really pretty flat shoes. In fact, I recently found a gorgeous pair of purple suede pumps with an open toe. Great with all the plum pieces I have added to my wardrobe this season.
On this past weekend Don and I went to see a personal trainer to be properly fitted for athletic shoes.
Because Don trains regularly for marathon runs, he requires a perfect fit in a shoe to avoid injuries. As walking does not inflict the force on my legs and feet that running does, I require a less technical shoe, but still with good cushioning to hopefully prevent more pain when I do my 5k walks.
And, as you can see from the picture, I got my first pair of running shoes. (Believe or not, I've never owned a pair of running shoes).
Due to the amount of walking I am doing now, my Clarke's walking shoes were not providing enough support and my plantar fasciitis kept rearing it's ugly head. So, swallowing my love of shoes, I was fitted with a pair of New Balance 758.
Now I have to say, these are so ugly, I'm just not into athletic gear ~ does that say anything about my personality? Hmmmm.
Give me my black leather skirt, black tights and my new purple pumps anyday.
Tell me, how does a girly girl wear these ugly things? I'm going to have to develop a whole new mind set about athletic clothing. Well, maybe as long as it's Lululemon athletic clothing, I guess I can suck it up and feel a little fashionable while I'm walking.
Putting aside their appearance, these are however, the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever put on my feet. The cushioning on the bottom is miraculous, preventing any soreness on my feet. I'm going to try them out today for a longer walk after I get back from my morning group meditation.
On this past weekend Don and I went to see a personal trainer to be properly fitted for athletic shoes.
Because Don trains regularly for marathon runs, he requires a perfect fit in a shoe to avoid injuries. As walking does not inflict the force on my legs and feet that running does, I require a less technical shoe, but still with good cushioning to hopefully prevent more pain when I do my 5k walks.
And, as you can see from the picture, I got my first pair of running shoes. (Believe or not, I've never owned a pair of running shoes).
Due to the amount of walking I am doing now, my Clarke's walking shoes were not providing enough support and my plantar fasciitis kept rearing it's ugly head. So, swallowing my love of shoes, I was fitted with a pair of New Balance 758.
Now I have to say, these are so ugly, I'm just not into athletic gear ~ does that say anything about my personality? Hmmmm.
Give me my black leather skirt, black tights and my new purple pumps anyday.
Tell me, how does a girly girl wear these ugly things? I'm going to have to develop a whole new mind set about athletic clothing. Well, maybe as long as it's Lululemon athletic clothing, I guess I can suck it up and feel a little fashionable while I'm walking.
Putting aside their appearance, these are however, the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever put on my feet. The cushioning on the bottom is miraculous, preventing any soreness on my feet. I'm going to try them out today for a longer walk after I get back from my morning group meditation.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Why Should I Detox?
Our bodies naturally detoxify everyday as part of a normal body process. Detoxification is one of the body's most basic automatic functions of eliminating and neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin. Unfortunately in this day and age, with the pollution found in the air, water and the food we eat, our bodies have a hard time keeping up. Our chemicalized diet with too much animal protein, too much saturated and trans fats, too much caffeine and alcohol radically changes our internal ecosystem.
Body systems and organs that were once capable of cleaning out unwanted substances are now completely over-loaded to the point where toxic material remains inside our tissues. Our bodies try to protect us from dangerous substances by setting it aside, surrounding it with mucous and fat so that it will not cause an imbalance or trigger an immune response (some people carry up to 15 extra pounds of mucous that harbours this waste).
Detoxification through special cleansing diets and colonics is the best way to assist your body's natural self-cleaning system. It is especially important for immune-compromised diseases like cancer, arthritis, diabetes and chronic fatigue. However, even if your diet is good, a spring cleanse can revitalize your system and rid your body of harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites.
I have fasted in the past and also done the elimination diet. With the start of the new year I joined a group in my community who are detoxing together. This detox is very similar to the elimination diet ~ no sugar, no wheat/gluten, no diary. We will do this together for 4 weeks.
As well, I have discovered another method of detoxing through bathing, which I will add to my next 4 weeks. The detox bath was developed by Louis Kuhne, (a German naturopath) in the 19th century to in an effort to heal the hereditary stomach and lung cancer's that were devouring his body. Not only did he succeed in alleviating the symptoms, but he went on to devote his life in treating the ill.
Here is the recipe and instructions.
1/8 cup of fresh ginger, 1 cup Epsom salts. Add to water as hot as you can stand.
Body systems and organs that were once capable of cleaning out unwanted substances are now completely over-loaded to the point where toxic material remains inside our tissues. Our bodies try to protect us from dangerous substances by setting it aside, surrounding it with mucous and fat so that it will not cause an imbalance or trigger an immune response (some people carry up to 15 extra pounds of mucous that harbours this waste).
Detoxification through special cleansing diets and colonics is the best way to assist your body's natural self-cleaning system. It is especially important for immune-compromised diseases like cancer, arthritis, diabetes and chronic fatigue. However, even if your diet is good, a spring cleanse can revitalize your system and rid your body of harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites.
I have fasted in the past and also done the elimination diet. With the start of the new year I joined a group in my community who are detoxing together. This detox is very similar to the elimination diet ~ no sugar, no wheat/gluten, no diary. We will do this together for 4 weeks.
As well, I have discovered another method of detoxing through bathing, which I will add to my next 4 weeks. The detox bath was developed by Louis Kuhne, (a German naturopath) in the 19th century to in an effort to heal the hereditary stomach and lung cancer's that were devouring his body. Not only did he succeed in alleviating the symptoms, but he went on to devote his life in treating the ill.
Here is the recipe and instructions.
1/8 cup of fresh ginger, 1 cup Epsom salts. Add to water as hot as you can stand.
Before submersing in the water, dry brush your skin (always towards the heart). This helps with lymphatic drainage.
Now, get in the tub (make sure you keep a bottle of water handy in case you get thirsty). After 30 minutes, get out and rub your body vigorously with a towel until your skin turns red. Wrap up and get into bed, covering your body with a blanket. You will most likely sweat for an hour or so. If you can fall asleep ~ that's great, your body will be eliminating toxins through your skin.
Now, get in the tub (make sure you keep a bottle of water handy in case you get thirsty). After 30 minutes, get out and rub your body vigorously with a towel until your skin turns red. Wrap up and get into bed, covering your body with a blanket. You will most likely sweat for an hour or so. If you can fall asleep ~ that's great, your body will be eliminating toxins through your skin.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
New Year - New Goals
Well here we are at the start of another decade.
Did any of you make new years' resolutions? I am not a believer in making resolutions. Too many start off the new year with resolutions and within short order they are forgotten. Why set yourself up for a failure by setting unrealistic goals.
Now, having said that I am embarking on another leg in my journey towards good health. Having lost 15 pounds and maintained that loss for over 2 months, I am now prepared to take on the next 10. So I guess you could say I am making a resolution to lose yet another 10 pounds.
I also signed up for my second 5K walk in April, so I must stick to my walking program. Over the Christmas holidays I fought a case of acute bronchitis and walking pneumonia, so unfortunately my exercise took a major hit and I'm just getting back at it now. I walked 2 miles this morning and tonight I am nursing stiff knees and sore calves.
As well, I have started to meditate. I came upon meditation through a lovely woman that I met through a joint friend. She has a lovely, relaxing way of leading a group meditation which I participate in one morning each week. As well I am working towards incorporating sunrise and sunset meditation into my daily routine. I find that I spend most of my time rushing towards the next thing on my list, so meditating is teaching me to "just be".
Did any of you make new years' resolutions? I am not a believer in making resolutions. Too many start off the new year with resolutions and within short order they are forgotten. Why set yourself up for a failure by setting unrealistic goals.
Now, having said that I am embarking on another leg in my journey towards good health. Having lost 15 pounds and maintained that loss for over 2 months, I am now prepared to take on the next 10. So I guess you could say I am making a resolution to lose yet another 10 pounds.
I also signed up for my second 5K walk in April, so I must stick to my walking program. Over the Christmas holidays I fought a case of acute bronchitis and walking pneumonia, so unfortunately my exercise took a major hit and I'm just getting back at it now. I walked 2 miles this morning and tonight I am nursing stiff knees and sore calves.
As well, I have started to meditate. I came upon meditation through a lovely woman that I met through a joint friend. She has a lovely, relaxing way of leading a group meditation which I participate in one morning each week. As well I am working towards incorporating sunrise and sunset meditation into my daily routine. I find that I spend most of my time rushing towards the next thing on my list, so meditating is teaching me to "just be".
Those who practice meditation on a regular basis report that their ability to concentrate increases and the mind becomes progressively sharper and more under control, including freedom from unwanted thoughts, emotions and influences, and with a much higher ability to enjoy the present moment. Research has shown that meditation contributes to reducing stress and achieving deep relaxation and a profound state of rest. Meditation gives us the tools by which we can start to enjoy fuller, happier lives and better relationships. Many people have noticed dramatic improvements in their lives and health. People who meditate look and feel much younger than their age!
Meditation calms the mind, relaxes and dissolves tension from the body (and who can't use a little less stress/tension today). With regular practice, the mind begins to experience much higher levels of peace, tranquility and serenity, not only during meditation itself but also during daily life. There is a progressive and profound increase in happiness, tolerance, love, understanding, fearlessness, and inner powers and abilities.
This moment contains all moments ...... C.S. Lewis
Meditation calms the mind, relaxes and dissolves tension from the body (and who can't use a little less stress/tension today). With regular practice, the mind begins to experience much higher levels of peace, tranquility and serenity, not only during meditation itself but also during daily life. There is a progressive and profound increase in happiness, tolerance, love, understanding, fearlessness, and inner powers and abilities.
This moment contains all moments ...... C.S. Lewis
Saturday, January 16, 2010
EFT
I have just been introduced to a new program called E.F.T. (Emotional Freedom Techniques).
Let me say what an incredible method of releasing pain, illness, past issues, etc... I downloaded a manual on the basics and already I have relieved a headache that has been plaguing me for just over one week. It had been so bad on some days that I was injecting pain killers. But with only two sessions which take about 1 - 1/2 minutes, the pain was completely gone.
I am going to continue learning about this technique and continue to use it to unlock all the potential within me.
EFT is based on this simple discovery statement ~ "The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system".
Imbalances in the body's energy system have profound effects on one's personal psychology. Correcting these imbalances, which is done by tapping on specific body locations, often shows remarkable recovery. Most problems vanish in minutes.
By tapping near the end points of your energy meridians (acupuncture/pressure points), you can experience some profound changes in your emotional physical health. Many health practitioners are finding ways to use our vital energy system to aid in physical healing. Acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, massage therapy and chiropractic are but a few of them.
Go to Gary Craig's ~ (one of the pioneers of this healing modality) website and learn about it for yourself. http://www.emofree.com/
Let me say what an incredible method of releasing pain, illness, past issues, etc... I downloaded a manual on the basics and already I have relieved a headache that has been plaguing me for just over one week. It had been so bad on some days that I was injecting pain killers. But with only two sessions which take about 1 - 1/2 minutes, the pain was completely gone.
I am going to continue learning about this technique and continue to use it to unlock all the potential within me.
EFT is based on this simple discovery statement ~ "The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system".
Imbalances in the body's energy system have profound effects on one's personal psychology. Correcting these imbalances, which is done by tapping on specific body locations, often shows remarkable recovery. Most problems vanish in minutes.
By tapping near the end points of your energy meridians (acupuncture/pressure points), you can experience some profound changes in your emotional physical health. Many health practitioners are finding ways to use our vital energy system to aid in physical healing. Acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, massage therapy and chiropractic are but a few of them.
Go to Gary Craig's ~ (one of the pioneers of this healing modality) website and learn about it for yourself. http://www.emofree.com/
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