Archive for the ‘Heath’ Category

Energy of Food

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

smoothieFood 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.

Energy and your Teeth

Monday, August 16th, 2010

toothIs it really possible that your teeth can reflect other issues of dis-ease in your body? According to the energy meridian system of your body, YES! I remember the first time I was told that I needed to keep my teeth healthy for the sake of my physical health – and that somehow they were interrelated. Knowing that, holistically, our bodies work together, it made sense but I had to actually SEE how it worked. And it does. Here’s a chart and short article about the connections between your precious pearls and your health. I hope this presents an “aha” moment, as it did for me. I even had a friend that was sick for years, then had massive amounts of dental work (including several extractions) and when her mouth was healthy again, her whole body felt like new.
Energy runs in your body. It is a current that keeps you vibrating health or, if afflicted, dis-ease. Take a minute and pay respect to your chi, including your teeth!

Energy Medicine

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

healinghands
I’m sure you’ve heard about energy therapies such as Reiki, acupuncture, polarity therapy or similar types of healing options. Many people still don’t know what energy is or how it works in our bodies or lives. In fact, I’m frequently asked if it’s voodoo, anti-Christian or the connected to some kind of cult. No, it’s not any of the above. Everything is made of energy (a quantum physics conversation that I won’t get into here, but one that is scientifically proven), and the energy in and around you is a very real ‘thing.’ This energy, if unhealthy, can be treated, manipulated and healed with the proper…energy! It’s a medicine that dates back to ancient times and is finally gaining popularity in our culture.

As an energy healer, I’ve worked on people, their homes and pets. As something becomes energetically out-of-balance, from stress, physical exhaustion, emotional or mental upset, the whole system of the energy field gets disrupted, which in turn will eventually disrupt other parts of the being. Physically, it is usually easy to correlate a bodily problem with an energetic imbalance – and vice versa. May sound strange, I know, but as you study the energy field of the body and become sensitive to its possible correlations, you begin to notice patterns and can even feel the imbalance on other levels.

If you understand the basic components of energy, the idea of holistic medicine begins to make a bit more sense. Everything is connected. Mind affects body, body affects emotions, emotions affect body and round and round it goes. Energy lives within each of these aspects and can be manipulated (for good or bad) by circumstances, food, feelings of love or hate, mental attitudes, activities and certainly emotions. As one energy system becomes affected (neg or pos). it will then affect another area of your well-being. It is a system that works synergistically. Simply genius.

Acupuncture, Reiki, polarity therapy, EFT, acupressure and many other energy healing therapies all rely on this system of energy that runs through and around the body. Attending to this system with the aid of a practitioner or self-manipulation creates healing that is a viable, safe and effective for your health. There is nothing voodoo about it. Yes, one that works with energy should be trained and have an understanding of how it works along with the healing process. Some people are particularly gifted in this area. To learn how to do techniques yourself, you do need basic information and we’ll discuss more in depth about your chakras, auric fields and healthy living tips to improve your well-being in the next weeks. As you become tuned into yourself and your surroundings, you’ll begin to see that the world of energy is alive, pulsing and seemingly magical. We are created to function at the highest level of health and ease, not dis-ease! This applies to physical well-being as well as all other areas of your life. Soon you will be living a truly organic lifestyle and thriving!

12 Week Energy Series Kickoff!

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

You are used to me writing about health – food, relationships, supplements, alternative treatments. You may not know that I’ve studied energy healing for over 15 years, working with energy of the body, auric fields, energy as it relates to relationships and even our homes. So, I’m starting a 12 week series of blog posts relating to this fascinating topic and how it affects all areas of our health including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual and relational. Energy is a force of life and a God-given instrument to enhance our wellbeing. The posts will go live by each Tues of the week until mid-October! So, join in regularly and post your experiences so we can all learn from each other.
You may have heard of energy fields, auras, chakras or meridians that correlate to your bodysystems in Eastern medicine. We’ll look at all of these aspects and the energy of your emotions, thoughts, foods and more. There are little tricks in the home you can do to increase positive energy, as well as energy tune-ups for increased health and wellness. I’ll talk about how to protect your energy (from negative people or places) and how to project your energy. This is information that will help you feel better, handle stress and life better and potentially heal from long-standing issues that have been “in your energy field” that you will now be able to release. There’s no voodoo involved, or strange & wacky ceremonies. Just great energy information to assist you on your life’s journey. See you next Tuesday!

Relationships to Food

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

More 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!

The will to live

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

There’s nothing that clarifies life more than death.
When people we love pass away, it’s typical to go through a grieving period for the loss of their earthly presence. I believe we also go through a spiritual emergency regarding the life we are or are not living. For a certain time we may question what we didn’t say, haven’t done, aren’t doing or even what we are doing. The presence of death seems to spark this kind of character review and actions taken… or not.
What are we doing here, anyway? We don’t want to die, but are we really living? This is a large topic, larger than a simple blog entry, but one that makes me think of a common word in the English vocabulary: will. As I ponder life and living, this word ‘will’ seems one that is vastly overused, yet generally misappropriated.

Here are a few definitions of WILL: a decree, a determination by choice, a futuristic intent, a legal document declaring the disposal of property after death.

If I had to put all of my money on the table, although the pile wouldn’t be high, I’d bet that the most used translation of the word ‘will’ would be “a futuristic intent.” Of course, it’s appropriate to have a will and an intention. The problem with this overly used word is that it keeps us out of the present and always in another time-zone, one that hasn’t happened yet and probably “never will.” We can’t predict the future, nor should we constantly expend energy on something that is not actually even real. Most intentions, except the tangible ones such as “I will turn the light off” never turn out like our vision in the first place. If we have an intention of moving to California, we can fulfill the actual packing and moving, but the vision of our intention – the smells, experiences, feelings are never as we had envisioned. Think about it – the amount of time we spend dwelling on, worrying about or planning for some unknown happening consumes the majority of most people’s day. Even our hopes and current desires are wrapped around this notion of ‘will’. How can we live a life of happiness and peace when we are not even living a life of actual reality? This is a powerful realization which prompts the awareness to remove the ‘will’ and live in the now.

When the ‘will’ becomes ‘am’ then the mind becomes aligned with the body and spirit and health is created. Examples: “I will lose weight.” “I am loosing weight.” “Someday I will take dance classes.” “I am dancing!” “I will call her back tomorrow.” “I am calling her right now.” “Before I die, I will travel South Africa.” “I am booking my flight to South Africa.”

As a matter of fact, however positive the will to do something is, it’s not worth anything until it is done. This begs the question, “What are you waiting for?”
I know we can’t do everything in one single moment, but to understand that you are only doing what you are doing right now, and nothing more, is an awakening to the present that allows a life to be lived deeply – richly, with no regrets. It returns the reality of your life right before your very eyes. As we mourn the death of others, ours becomes a time to celebrate the life we still have right now, not later – there is no later. This concept is the impetus to make that call, book the flight, paint your house, call your long-lost friend.
As you alleviate the ‘will’ mentality of the constant time-traveling mind, health and happiness in your life begin to flourish and now becomes the only time to live.

3 Down, 1 to go!

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

I’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.

Sweet Potato Fries – Recipe!

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Sweet Potatoe Fries

Sweet Potatoe Fries

I’ve had a sweet tooth lately – it’s day 5 into the cleanse for me, and though I’m feeling great, I’m looking forward to week two! I’ve had lots of requests for recipes, and although there are tons of great recipes online (search gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free) I’ve posting some of my favs to help get you through the next phase of the cleanse.
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!

Tips for Pre-Cleansing

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

I know you (Donna), you want to eat all the sweets and potato chips in the house before you “start” the lemoncleanse. 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

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!