Posts Tagged ‘cleansing’

Detox Precautions & Notes

Friday, April 29th, 2011

A few precautions before you begin your 3-Day Detox….
~You may experience cravings, moodiness, a bit of lethargy or feeling slightly “not right” – this is normal to a certain extent as the cleansing is taking place. Drink plenty of water and make sure you are not starving yourself – this is NOT a starvation or liquid diet cleanse.
~Staying hydrated is extremely important, in particular if you are taking psyllium or other fiber supplements/teas during the cleanse. Also, if you are exercising to the point of sweating, taking hot baths or have a demanding job, it is crucial to stay hydrated and supplement with electrolyte water/vitamin or mineral water during the cleanse.
~If possible, take a 3-day break from your normal supplement routine.
~If you are taking medication for any reason, consult with your doctor prior to cleansing.
~If you are hypo or hyper-glycemic, consult with your health care professional prior to cleansing.
~If you are pregnant, nursing or menstruating, do not follow the detox diet at this time.
~If the yoga/movement exercises are too intense or you do not have the proper mat, please do not attempt. Modify or ask for other suggestions.

Good luck and happy cleansing! The SHOPPING LIST is posted, and the DAILY DIET for the 3-Day Detox will be posted Saturday, April 30 and the following 2 days!

3-Day Detox Prep Step 1

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

The cleanse is coming, the cleanse is coming! On May 1, I’m going to lead a 3-Day Detox so we have 1 week to prepare. The Shopping List will be posted by Tuesday morning, so check back to allow time to get the goodies! This cleanse won’t break the bank, no worries.
Below are some items you want to get together (either borrow or buy if you don’t have) and pre-cleanse healthy living tips. As mentioned, this spring cleanse involves some movement (basic yoga type) exercises that will assist in the detox process. I’ll be walking you through the daily diet and movement regime with pictures, food ideas and inspiration. It’s going to be a great 3-Day rejuvenation for your body, mind and spirit. Join us!

1 – Blender (or food processor)
2 – Exercise mat. I prefer a good yoga mat (if you’ve been wanting to buy a mat, now’s a perfect time! Manduka’s eKO Mat For the same price as at target $39 you can get a great quality mat that will support your body and keep you safe!)
3 – Loofah, dry skin brush or sugar salt body scrub
4 – Juicer (optimal but not necessary)

That’s it! The food and supplement list will be posted by Tuesday.
2-3 days prior to the cleanse, begin to reduce your meat, coffee, alcohol and sugar intake. We want to be gentle to our bodies and allow time to purge the toxins.
Of course, if you can’t start the cleanse on Sunday, May 1, do it at your leisure but we would all love your support!

Gettin’ Your Fix

Monday, April 12th, 2010

caffeineaddictA lot of people have asked about caffeine withdrawals and “how-to” get off the buzz – especially in the face of a cleanse! I’ve been there, so all I can do is tell you what worked for me. Know that caffeine in small doses is not going to kill you – even on the cleanse. But if you want to help your body function more efficiently by using natural & healthy energy, kicking the coffee habit is wise.
As simple as it sounds is as simple as it is. Just like anything else, 90% of the work is in your mind. The other 10% is taking action to replace coffee with healthy substitutions. I used to drink 3-5 large mugs a day, in a variety of styles & flavors, but haven’t had a cup of joe in 10 years! This was my strategy:
First – any coffee you drink, make sure it’s organic. I believe that removing the chemicals, pesticides and junk from anything will help the brain and liver “read” the substance for what it is, and lesson the detox affects.
Second – Do the good ole fake-out. Yes, I switched to half caf/half decaf for a week or two. Have a friend or spouse mix it together, and you wont know the difference. Faking yourself out gets the mind under control, which lessons the “withdrawal” symptoms.
Third – Start replacing. If you MUST have that first cup in the morning then have it, but any other time you crave caffeine during the day replace it with a coffee alternative like Teeccino (found in health food stores or gourmet markets) or peppermint tea. I used Teeccino as my half-replacement for a few days, then went straight to peppermint and green tea.
Before long, the habit, aromas and pleasurable associations with coffee start to change, and you’ll find yourself not “needing” the fix. Especially after a cleanse, you body will find its natural rhythm, and energy levels will rise and fall naturally.
To help your body adjust, you may want to pay attention to your adrenal glands with herbal support. Healthy adrenals give your body the energy needed at various levels during the day. If you want to read about this, go to A Girl Named Guy fanpage on facebook in the discussion section – I’ve written a lot of healthy tips there for adrenal support.
Good luck – YOU CAN DO IT!! I know, because I got off the caffeine roller-coaster and so glad I did!

Spring Cleanse SHOPPING LIST!

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Basket of veggies

Basket of veggies

Here’s a fairly complete shopping list for our Spring Cleanse. Obviously, you will only buy the food as you need. If you have questions about other foods, just ask. I suggest organic food/herbs as affordable and available. As we proceed, I’ll post specific instructions and diet recommendations, but this shopping list is to give you a heads up. NOTE: If you have health issues, bowel trouble or allergies, please consult your physician before altering your diet. Some herbs and supplements are not suitable for everyone.

A good way to prepare for the cleanse is to know what you will be leaving OUT of your diet. In some cases (like with sugar) there will be alternatives. Some people recommend prepping the diet before the cleanse starts, for example, getting off the caffeine and sugar a few days ahead of time. If you are an addict, please move gently through this. Try the substitutions and if there is a struggle, I’ve got some specific recommendations. (I was a HUGE caffeine junkie at one time. And sugar. I get it.)

BREAD WARNING: If you CANNOT live without some type of bread product, there are a couple that are allowed with moderation. The Baker, wheat-free breads (German style) or Grain alternatives listed below (NOT CANE JUICE SWEETENED. ONLY FRUIT JUICE SWEETENED GLUTEN-FREE BREADS).

NO DAIRY
NO REFINED SUGAR (see alternatives)
NO WHITE FOODS (bread, rice, pasta, crackers)
NO GLUTEN (wheat, barley, gluten products)
NO CAFFEINE (green or white tea the exception)

Specialty Items To Buy/Have on Hand
1. Lemons (a bag a week approx)
2. Pure Cranberry Juice (not concentrate, not ocean spray, it will say Just Cranberry or Pure Cranberry. There will be no sugar in it. Will need two 32 oz bottles)
3. Acai (powder or frozen)
4. Flaxseed Meal or Psyllium Seed Husks (*Only use psyllium if your bowel and elimination system is in great working condition. If you have constipation, colitis, spastic colon, polyps, irritable bowel or other weak bowel condition, do not use psyllium. If using psyllium, you must drink ample amount of water with and during day. I will be using Flax meal, as it is gentler on my system to cleanse and offers other health benefits. You may decide the same.)
5. Dandelion or Milk Thistle Tea. (Some people are sensitive to these teas if asthmatic or allergic or weak liver. Please use your discretion. If you have used either in the past, both are advised on this cleanse. Some tolerate Dandelion better than Milk Thistle. If sensitive, a general Detox Tea will suffice.)
6. Other teas recommended:
Ginger, Peppermint, Alfalfa, Detox, Red Clover, Burdock, Mullein, Green, White Tea (many of these are in combinations in store, or buy loose in bulk)
7. Filtered or Distilled Water. (If you don’t have a home filter, I suggest boiling your drinking water for 5 minutes throughout this cleanse.)

CAN DO FOODS

Oils

Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
Flax Oil

Beverages
Pure Water
Herbal Teas (listed above)
Coffee Alternatives (I love Teeccino)
Rice Milk (original, unsweetened)
Almond Milk (original, unsweetened)

Nuts/Seeds
Almonds (limited)
Pumpkin Seeds
Sunflower Seeds

Sugar Substitutes
Stevia
Zsweet
Maple Syrup (limited)
Raw Honey (limited)
Fresh Dates (limited)

Fruits
Green Apples
Grapefruit
Lemons
Limes
Blueberries
Raspberries
Strawberries
Pomegranate
All berries
Avocado (in moderation)
Raisins (very limited – per dish recommendations)

Legumes
Adzuki Beans
Garbanzo Beans
Kidney Beans
Lentils
Lima Beans
Mung Beans
Split Pea
Black Beans (moderation)
All sprouted beans
Fava beans

Grains/Flours
Gluten-free oats
Brown Rice
Amaranth
Buckwheat
Millet
Quinoa
Chickpea
Corn
Dal
Rice Bran

Lean Protein
Freshwater Fish
Turkey
Chicken
Lamb (limited)
Ocean Fish (limited)

Veggies
Green Beans
Kale
Lettuce
Parsley
Peas
Sweet Potatoes (limited)
Radishes
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Watercress
Seaweed
Endive
Dandelion
Corn (limited)
Celery
Cauliflower
Carrots
Cabbage
Brussel Sprouts
Broccoli
Beets
Bell Peppers (limited)
Asparagus
Artichokes
Arugula

Spices/Herbs
Garlic
Clove
Mustard
Cinnamon
Cardamom
Cayenne
Dill
Oregano
Sage
Rosemary
Turmeric
Nutmeg
Fennel
Dill
Basil

Threshold

Sunday, November 29th, 2009
Chlorella

Chlorella

Every health conscious human alive in this era has embraced the word green. It’s become a word about lifestyle, be it environmental, physical or mental. Green represents sustainability. Freshness. Eco-friendliness and frankly, life itself. This word is now embedded into American pop culture: the “Go Green” movement of the 21st Century. I propose we employ an even more thorough green movement, one that will feed the hungry, heal the sick and preserve our ecological system: The “Green Micro-Algae” movement, powered by the dynamos Spirulina and Chlorella.

With a full spectrum of macro and micro-nutrients, trace minerals, fatty acids, nucleic acids, chlorophyll, phytochemicals as well as being chock full of protein, these food substances have fueled civilizations for centuries, offering not only a food alternative to the natives, but optimal nutrition for modern-day health enthusiasts alike. These superfoods are thought to contain every nutrient required by the human body. You could literally live off these micro-algae!

A scientist I am not, but as a natural lifestyle expert and passionista for health and healing, I can attest that Spirulina and Chlorella are harmoniously effective for any body’s health. And, like all food or beverage, the higher the quality input, the greater the results output. That’s why I love Source Natural’s Organic Spirulina and Emerald Garden Organic Chlorella. These superfoods from Source Natural are super-high quality, grown under the rigorous standards of the USDA Certified Organic regulation with no GMO’s, presticides, contaminants, filler or binders, harvested in fresh water or open air in natural sunlight… just the way nature intended.

People often ask, “Do you need to take both Spirulina and Chlorella?” I liken these two powerhouse foods to exercise and nutrition. You can take spirulina or chlorella, the same way as you could choose exercise or a healthy diet. There will be arguments until the end of time if healthy food is better for your health than exercise alone, but in general we know that the two absolutely compliment and support each other. The same is true with Spirulina and Chlorella. One without the other is a great start. The two together? Watch out! Your body, mind and spirit will soar!

Emerald Garden Organic Chlorella is a vegetarian protein that contains 90% of the amino acids available and up to 7% chlorophyll. With a full range of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, amino acids and ample protein, this food source is unique in that it actually nourishes the system while at the same time cleanses the body of toxins. Chlorella has a unique fibrous cell wall to bind all toxins including heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides and excrete them from the body. Also, Chlorella contains very unique Chlorella Growth Factors to promote growth and regeneration for a younger and more beautiful you! This broken-cell wall Chlorella is a powerful food that also supports the immune system, the cells/DNA, circulation and even blood sugar regulation. You can equally count on this natural cleansing agent to cleanse the colon, blood, kidneys, lungs and liver; as well as to stimulate healing and repair of tissue.

I encourage people interested in adding Organic Chlorella to their diet to begin slowly. Chlorella will most definitely be a great support, but to jump in at mega-doses may not be  comfortable, depending on your level of health and/or toxicity. Hearing the amazing benefits of this superfood might inspire you to chug a whole bottle at once. Probably not the best idea. Chlorella’s amazing detox ability should be folded into your lifestyle with ease. Chlorella is capable of removing alcohol from the liver and heavy metals (such as cadmium, mercury, uranium and arsenic), certain pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorbiphenyls (PCBs) from the body’s tissues. Let your body adjust to the healing transformations, allow your system to release the negative toxins and gradually increase dosage as desired results are attained. An added bonus: weight normalization. When the functions of the body are balanced and cleansed, and the processes of assimilation and elimination are working correctly, the body will naturally revert to its ideal weight. As the body is supported at cellular levels, a sluggish bowel is restored, friendly bacteria in the gut are increased and the organs throughout are working with ease. Your energy levels soar, your skin radiates, your mental clarity sharpened and over-all vibrancy returns. It’s the miracle of Green. Green Algae that is.

If  Chlorella is the cleansing nourisher, Organic Spirulina is the energy enhancing, nutrition champion of this powerhouse duo. The simple, multi-celled blue-green algae is a complete vegetable source protein that also offers a rare vegetarian form of GLA and is chock full of nutrients. The benefits of ingesting this highly alkaline food substance are so numerous, you’ll wonder why it’s not mandatory on our food pyramid. From antioxidant defense, anti-inflammation support, immune function enhancement, healthy circulation, increasing endurance and energy to preventing oxidative damage to your DNA and supporting healthy neurological function, Organic Spirulina is a win-win-win for your health. It’s highly absorbed protein content is a major bonus for vegetarians and vegans, which has made it a universal food option for all health enthusiasts. With the added nutritional benefits of chlorophyll, calcium, iron and antioxidants, anyone will benefit from Spirulina’s nutritional profile. In fact, Spirulina offers 10x more calcium than milk, 50x more iron than raw spinach and approximately 20x more chlorophyll than wheatgrass, barley grass or alfalfa! And, if you’re watching your weight, this is a perfect addition to your diet. It’s low fat and low calorie but you won’t sacrifice nutrition while monitoring food intake!

Organic Spirulina works congruously with its cousin Chlorella to enhance the natural cleansing and detoxification processes throughout the body. This duo is sure to take you to the next level of health. As is the case with all foods and supplements, it’s imperative to know the source and trust the brand you use.