Food is alive. Real food, that is. From seed to harvest to consumption, food has a life cycle that is full of energy. Even the nutritional content of food differs depending on the state of its life cycle. As fruits and vegetables ripen and then are picked, the life of the food begins to decline, and with it, the nutritional. As foods over-ripen, some ferment, change forms, or the sugar levels increase. Other foods quickly brown, dehydrate and decay. It’s a natural cycle of life and within this entire cycle there is a level of energy at play. Energy from the sun, the earth, water and other life-forms create foods that are meant to provide all life with perfect sustenance. So, why is the health of so many on a rapid decline? Choices.
There are many diets to choose from today, depending on your health philosophy. From raw foods to vegan or macrobiotics, even some insist on a liquid diet alone. I don’t want to tell you what you ‘should’ eat, but I want to bring attention to the choices you make with regard to the largest energy source made available to sustain your life: food.
If we know that real food attains its energy from natural sources such as the sun, water and earth, and we know that food contains energy that sustains us, why would we choose anything other than a pure food option? Unfortunately, many choose other “food” items due to cost, taste or addiction. Perhaps there is a lack of education, but I believe more likely it is due to the deceptive marketing ads of big-business “food” companies, which then get people (and their taste-buds) brainwashed.
The energy of boxed, processed and chemically derived “foods” versus the energy of fresh fruits, vegetables and clean poultry is completely off-the-charts in the negative. Although the label on the processed package may list some sound ingredients and nutritional values, you must ask, where did this come from and how is it going to make my health vibrant? The answer is: It’s not.
Food that is eaten in a state closest to its organic source is food that actually contains the nutrients your body craves. Food is medicine, and it can heal. But, food that is stripped from its source, run through a factory and laden with chemicals will not only be deficient in nutrients you need, but may deplete or harm your health with every bite. Instead of giving you natural energy from the sun, earth and water, it will deplete your energy by requiring your body’s organs to translate, sift and eliminate all of the foreign ingredients being constantly consumed. That is just exhausting on your body.
The best option, as we were taught in elementary school with the fancy charts: eat food from its source, a variety of color groups, fresh and organic. Let the natural processes of our ecosystem feed your body, your mind and your spirit. This is the best health tip anyone can give and put to good use. Your life energy will soar, health with flourish and the minute-to-minute energy you need will be provided with a constant high vibration by the pure essence from Mother Earth.
Archive for the ‘Food/Nutrition’ Category
Energy of Food
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010Relationships to Food
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010More people than you realize have an eating disorder. In general, our relationships to food have gone from necessity to abuse. People eat for the wrong reasons, over-eat, under-eat, are addicted to eating or have specific food addictions, and furthermore, we eat stuff that isn’t even really food. How do I know? Been there, done that.
Food is one of the few things that can keep us alive or kill us. We need it to live, and with great nutrition we can thrive. If food is abused, it will kill. A tight rope to walk? Not really. I find one simple way to navigate through the overly-marketed industry of food is to ask 2 questions:
1 – What is it?
2 – Why should I eat it?
The answers to these questions, if honest, will let you know if you have a relationship with food that is healthy or a disorder. If you don’t really know what a particular “food” item is, you can probably guess it’s not food. This may include chemicals or engineered products. Yes, you can eat these things, but they do not nurture you and were not made to ingest. In fact, many of these “food” items create chemical additions in the brain and bodily reactions that are very harmful. Steer clear.
The second question seems like a no-brainer, but is far from it…
Why should you eat that? Is it real food? Are you really hungry, or eating away your feelings? Does it provide your body with energy, protein, cleansing nutrients? Do you have an addiction to this food? Do you feel good when you eat this food?
Our bodies are wise creations and will tell you when something isn’t right -even with our relationship to food. Eating disorders affect more than the young teen or older woman with a distorted self-image issue weight concerns. Disorders begin at any age, to any race or gender and encompass a mental, emotional and physical relationship to food.
Eat well. Eat delicious and nutritious foods. Use these questions to help you turn your relationship to food into a most reverant, life-giving experience!
Breaking the Detox Cleanse
Thursday, May 13th, 2010Hooray! I am now officially finished with the 30-day cleanse, how are you coming along? Some have reported a nice amount of weight loss, new energy and a break of food or caffeine addiction – I’m thrilled!!
An important phase of cleansing is the “breaking the cleanse” period. Hopefully by now you have been accustomed to eating in a healthier way, have broken addictions to sugar and caffeine and your system is rejoicing – but you are probably wondering, “Can I resume eating dairy, gluten and sugar immediately following the cleanse?”
Immediately following the cleanse, you want to continue drinking ample amounts of pure water and eating many of the same healthy veggies and fruits found on the cleansing program (see blog entry Shopping List). One of the reasons I enjoy the longer cleanse is that the period of time being free of sugar, gluten and dairy helps break the cycle of food addiction. This is a great opportunity to practice the “elimination” diet, but in reverse. In other words, after a few days of breaking the cran-water protocol, you may introduce one of the forbidden food groups, i.e. dairy, into your diet – slowly. Only adding one of the forbidden foods at a time will allow you to notice what affect that food has on your body. If, after a week or so, you seem to be adjusting to dairy well, enjoy it moderately and then add one of the other food groups like gluten. In doing this, you should notice right away any allergies or affects from each group. Give it time and be aware. After reintroducing dairy, are you getting headaches? Do you feel stuffed up or notice sinus problems? How are your bowels and/or energy levels? Ask these questions after slowly reintroducing the foods. Some people (myself included) have opted to go with a gluten-free/low gluten diet as my stomach and elimination organs seem to operate at a higher level without all that gluten!
Exit the cleanse as you started – with great awareness, commitment and desire for a healthy and rejuvenated body! There’s only positive to be had with a diet full of healthy fats, proteins and natural carbs from veggies and fruits with a few clean grains “on-the-side”!
Delicious & Easy Stir Fry Recipe!
Sunday, May 9th, 2010
This is the easiest and most delicious stir fry I’ve made in years – and it’s healthy as well as gluten-free. I eat it as a LARGE side with brown rice and baked salmon. A gourmet meal you’d be proud to serve any special guest!
What you’ll need:
Broccoli stalks or Broccoli Slaw
Carrots (unless included in broccoli slaw)
Baby Portobello Mushrooms (cute!)
Celery
Olive Oil
Coconut Oil (optional)
If you can’t find prepackaged broccoli slaw at your local market, simply take the stalks of the broccoli and use a peeler to create slivers from the stalk. Same with the carrots. Cut the celery in slices about 1/4 in thick (sideways), and slice the baby portobello mushrooms to medium thickness (not super thin).
In medium pan, put 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or olive oil at lower than 180 degree heat) and let melt. Add all veggies. Over MEDIUM heat, continuously stir veggies. You do not want to overcook these veggies – the taste and nutrition will both be higher if cooked slowly, on medium heat. Toss for 5-10 minutes until tender but not “fried.”
Serve immediately and enjoy!! To add additional flavor, after lightly cooking veggies, top with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt.
This is an exquisite, yet simple, dish that will rival any stir fry at the finest of restaurants!!
3 Down, 1 to go!
Monday, May 3rd, 2010I’ve almost finished 3 weeks of the cleanse and I feel great! Do you? My cravings for sugar have vanished, my elimination organs are working better than ever, and my sleep has improved. One more week and the cleanse will be “over.”
For the final week of the cleanse (starting on Thursday for me) we will go back to the Week 1 plan in general, but continue to stay with the increased amounts of fiber and acai. So, you will be having the cran-water in the morning and evening and before and after every meal. Flax or psyllium in the morning and evening (1 1/2 -2 tbsp) and afternoon acai powder (1 1/2 – 2 scoops).
We are still eliminating sugar, dairy, gluten and caffeine.
It’s only one more week and I know you can do it! Will post some comments about “what to expect” later this week.
Cleanse Instructions Week 2 & 3
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010Made it through the first week of the cleanse – are you still with me? I know some have started late, or are postponing, but here are the modifications for the next two weeks of the spring cleanse – when you are ready.
Week 2 & 3, we are still avoiding gluten, dairy, refined sugar and limiting or eliminating caffeine. The only modifications to the program will be with the drink and supplementation.
Every morning, still enjoy the water, then lemon water mix, then the cran-water with fiber. The only other time you will be making the cran-water is in the evening, again with the fiber. All other times you were drinking the cran-water in week 1, replace with room temperature water (filtered, please!).
As for the supplementation, increase the fiber (flax meal or psyllium) from 1 Tbsp to 1/5 Tbsp (2 for advanced cleansers), and increase the acai powder in the afternoon from 1 scoop to 1.5 scoops (2 for pros). Remember to include a morning detox tea, preferably a combo tea that includes dandelion, red clover, milk thistle, nettles, or similar herbs.
After the first 3 days, I think I’m past the sugar cravings. Generally, I’m feeling good and my “elimination” organs are working smoothly and daily!! Hope the same is true for you – let me know!! And, yes – more recipes are coming!
Sweet Potato Fries – Recipe!
Monday, April 19th, 2010
Sweet Potatoe Fries
Sweet potatoes are a healthy and sweet indulgence to be eaten in moderation during the cleansing process. As we are approaching the second week, here’s a recipe you can use that will add a whole lot of flavor to any ordinary meal.
Preheat oven to 425-450. Lightly grease cookie sheet.
For every one large sweet potato, you’ll need:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp dried oregano
1-2 tbsp sea salt
1 tsp either fennel or coriander (optional)
Cut sweet potatoes into small wedges no more than 3/4 in thick, or slice to make round “chip” fries.
Toss all ingredients in a bowl, spread fries evenly on cookie sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes.
These are TO DIE for. The flavor is outrageous and I LOVE them. You can take liberty with the herbs and play around – use cayenne, just oregano, ground red pepper, cumin – get creative!
ENJOY!
First Day – what to expect!
Thursday, April 15th, 2010By now, you should be on your way with the cleanse (although some are starting this weekend I hear). Many have emailed the big question: “What can I expect?” Don’t worry, you won’t need to be attached to the toilet, but don’t go too far!
The first week, you will notice an increase in urination right away. Bowel movements should also increase or change in consistency, but you shouldn’t be cramping or having an anal blowout. Just comfortable, full and healthy bm’s is all we’re looking for.
You might also notice an energy lift or drain, depending on how your diet was prior. Some will have headaches from the lack of caffeine or simple sugars, but as your body acclimates and you get the right kind of carbs, fats and fiber going, all will be great!
Here’s what I’m having for dinner tonight:
Brown rice with kale or broccoli (steamed or lightly sauteed), bean mixture (black, pinto, garbanzo) and fresh tomatoes – topped with olive oil drizzle and a tiny amount of raisins to satisfy my sweet tooth. Not too many though!
Let me know how you are coming along. We stay with this cycle for 6 more days! Will post additional recipe ideas tomorrow…
Tips for Pre-Cleansing
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010I know you (Donna), you want to eat all the sweets and potato chips in the house before you “start” the 
cleanse. Humans have this funny thing called a ‘mind’ that tries to manipulate us with fear of loosing something – don’t fall for it! You are not going to starve, you are not going to be banned from sugar the rest of your life, you are not going to waste food in your pantry (give it away if you have to) and you are not going to fail this cleanse!! You can do it! One of the great things about this cleanse is that by the end of the 30 days, your body and mind will break the food addiction pattern. Cravings will cease and before long, you’ll have an organic lifestyle that is free of mental anguish, instead choosing to healthier options that will keep your body amazingly strong.
Here are some tips to consider before and during the cleanse – some are reminders.
1 – If you have sensitive teeth or weak enamel, drink the lemonade with a straw.
2 – While taking fiber supplements or teas, drink 2 glasses of pure water in addition to the water you drank with the fiber concoction. Herbal teas and our drink mixes on the cleanse do not count as pure water.
3 – If you are taking other supplements that are not necessary, discontinue for at least a week during the cleanse (week 2 or 3). Do not discontinue if you need supplements or other medication for health purposes.
4 – Addicted to coffee? Read the last post.
5 – Alcohol – a general no-no during a cleanse. A cheat of a wine spritzer (half glass wine, half seltzer) or similar is not going to ruin it, but will not help either. I suggest no alcohol.
6 – No store-bought fruit juices allowed except the pure cranberry. If you juice, green apple or berry juice in a mixed green juice is allowed.
7 – If you own a juicer, you can ramp up this cleanse by adding one afternoon juice cocktail of choice: kale, carrot, cucumber, green apple, ginger, celery, green bell pepper, etc.
8 – If you make smoothies and want to include fiber or acai in smoothies, no soy milk, bananas or vanilla/chocolate flavorings. Rice almond or hemp milk preferred.
9 – Try to get 7 1/2 – 8 1/2 hours of sleep every night.
10 – Light to moderate exercise ONLY.
The most important thing: DON’T give up! The first week is the hardest, week two you will start to see results and be encouraged, week three we’ll need to get creative and the fourth week – you’ll be feeling so great you won’t want it end!!
Gettin’ Your Fix
Monday, April 12th, 2010
A 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!
Leah Guy is a Producer, TV Host, Writer and passionista for inspired, healthy living. She believes in 
A Girl Named Guy Productions is a multi-media company focused on Eco-tainment. Creator & CEO, Leah Guy, launched the company in 2006 with a goal to meet the demand for positive, inspired content for the mainstream audience. AGNG produces videos, 
