Archive for the ‘Heath’ Category

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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!

Posted in Food/Nutrition, Heath, Trends | 2 Comments »

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.

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Posted in Heath, Inspiration, Mental Health, Spiritual | 1 Comment »

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.

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Posted in Food/Nutrition, Heath, Supplements, Trends | 2 Comments »

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!

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Posted in Food/Nutrition, Heath, Recipes | No Comments »

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!!

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Posted in Food/Nutrition, Green Living, Heath, Inspiration | 3 Comments »

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!

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Posted in Food/Nutrition, Heath | 1 Comment »

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

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Posted in Fitness, Food/Nutrition, Heath, Inspiration, Projects | 18 Comments »

FDA – The Food & Drug Abomination

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Genetically Modified Food

Genetically Modified Food

I just can’t keep my mouth shut any longer. I don’t have the clout to go meet with Michelle or Ms. Hamburg regarding the state of our FDA (just yet), but I do have a voice and if you eat food, have children that eat food or grow food to eat, I hope you’ll find an outlet for your voice too.
The FDA is not protecting us. Ajinomoto’s newly branded “Aminosweet” (read: aspartame) just sparked my fire once again with regards to how poor of a job this nation is doing with nutrition. And the FDA is allowing it. From artificial chemicals to genetically modified foods, sweetners that destroy our health (Mercola’s site for a good read), we are becoming chemically filled zombies, with a rate of disease and obesity that is our of control. The substances that the FDA allows in our “food” is atrocious. To make it worse, we’re not only feeding our children this crap, we encourage it because these unidentifiable scientific substances comes in pretty, shiny boxes with lots of colors. (ModernSage) Obviously, our trusted and well-paid staff of THE FDA is not doing a damn thing about it, so it’s left into the hands of us. It requires two things: 1 – we use our God-given smarts and 2 – we make choices accordingly.
Yes, we are a people easily influenced, BUT, we are influencial people. If enough stop buying that garbage they call food, they will pay attention. Someday. We’ve already seen a drastic movement to organic lifestyle in the mainstream, and the FDA trying to get there hands in the “alternative supplement” world. Why? There’s a lot of money in that industry.
Let’s not take it any longer. Do your own research. Just because the FDA “approves” something doesn’t mean it’s safe. More than likely, there’s a lot of money behind that decision and it’s not money that’s going toward the health of you or your family.
This subject is a passion of mine, and should be yours. This is a large topic, and there will be more to come. In the meantime, if you’re at work and want to do a bit of research, grab a box of whatchamacallit and see for yourself – just type in one of the 50 ingredients and see what you think.
Help me stop the madness. Eat real food

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Posted in Food/Nutrition, Heath, News, Supplements, Trends | 1 Comment »

Flax – The Better Way

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Do you ever have those days that you feel “not quite right”? Your appetite’s never satisfied, you wonder if your diet is good enough – are you getting enough protein without the unhealthy fats? – your skin looks dull or dry, your bones feels a bit stiffer than normal, you’re tired or constipated and bloated. You may even be directly, or indirectly, subject to hot flashes, moodiness or night sweats! Some would just say, “Welcome to the aging process!” I say, “No thanks. There’s a better way.”

With my lifestyle, and probably yours too, it’s hard to have 30-60 minutes of exercise every day, eat ALL the servings of veggies, fruit, fiber, protein and fats that are optimal for great health AND do the zillion things that I have to do before my head hits the pillow. The one consistent thing I do to keepp this machine working is supplement with quality food supplements. That’s not to say I’m an advocate for popping loads of supplement pills in the name of health, but using high quality FOOD supplements is a different story and a good idea. One of my favorites is flax, and in particular, Forti-Flax made by Barleans. Here’s why.

See that list above of the “whoa-is-me” conditions? Forti-Flax helps to address ALL of them. I’m sure you’ve heard about the great powers of flax seeds or its oil, but I’m a big believer in getting the most out of one thing as possible – I like a bargain. Forti-Flax offers all the benefits of dietary fiber, but also gives me a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acid (with a balance of 6 & 9), protein (a complete source with 10 essential amino acids), double-digit essential vitamins & minerals, both soluble and insoluble fiber, lignans and other protective powerhouse nutrients that keep me out of harm’s way from cancer, heart disease and other scary health concerns. Plus, flax helps with my brain function and mood with its naturally occurring DHA, which is essential to the function of brain cells and is also a mood booster. Flax also keeps my skin looking radiant and keeps my colon clean. Now where else are you going to find this kind of service?!?!

I know it sounds like a wonder drug. But it’s not a drug. It’s a food, and a very healthy, wonderful one! Another reason I love this product is that it’s so easy to use. I sprinkle it on my salads, yogurt, in smoothies or sometimes just eat it straight out of the container! (Chase it with water, please.)

If you are beginning to see the signs of “aging” or just want to increase your health – you should try my favorite Forti-Flax product. The benefits to the immune system, the digestive tract, arthritis and inflammation, heart health and so much more are well worth the small investment. Enjoy!

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Posted in Beauty, Food/Nutrition, Green Living, Heath, Supplements | No Comments »

My “Crappy” Superbowl Party

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

As a health writer, I can discuss things most people won’t. Halitosis. B.O. Hormones and these pesky chin whiskers, herbs that enhance sex… it’s what I do, what can I say. This story, however, is a bit revealing – and comical in a twisted sort of way – but there is a good health issue at hand. Constipation. Here’s my Crappy Superbowl Party story. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by the way.

It was a SuperBowl I’ll never forget. It just happened last week for crying out loud! Superbowl XLIV. I was at a party, a small gathering of my gay boyfriends. I’m straight, they are all gay, I’m the only woman – go ahead, psychoanalyze that Freud. Anyway, it was all I could do to get to the party. I had recently started a 6 week contract job, was finishing a writing project, had a TV shoot the day before and 3 weeks prior had a death in my family. ‘XLIV’ pretty much summed it up– no life left. On top of all that, I hadn’t gone number 2 in about 7 days. I KNOW!! I was seriously backed up, and felt like crap.

Of course my gay bf’s had lots of yummy food to eat, so eat I did. And by the end of the first quarter I thought I was going to explode. The pain, the bloating, the weariness. I needed help. Luckily these men love me and I figured if I could talk to anyone about anal issues, it was them. In the moment of my not so quite desperation, one bf recommended an enema. I needed it “right now.” For some strange reason, eh-hum, he had an enema bottle on-hand. After sterilization and some icky lube, I was able to find victory during the 3rd quarter. “We won!” I said, returning to the living room with a bounce in my step.

I’m not proud that I was constipated and had to use my bf’s enema bottle, but it did entice an interesting post Superbowl conversation about colon health and colonics. I’ve had issues with elimination most of my life and know, by now, that STRESS and dietary changes are the main culprits that keep me from “winning” on a daily basis. A healthy body and bowel should eliminate at least 1-2 times a day, if not three. It really is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and over 655,000 deaths a year are due to colon cancer. Risk factors include family history, polyps in the colon or age 50 +. If you are stressed or are having poopage problems for other reasons, you may consider a colon cleanse, natural fibers like flax or some gentle yoga exercises. That week was miserable, prompting strict attention to my precious colon. Nothing is worth the stress of ill-health.

Thanks bf’s! It was a great party (btw, who won that game?)

SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF COLON CANCER:

* A change in bowel habits.
* Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool.
* Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
* Stools that are narrower than usual.
* General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps).
* Weight loss with no known reason.
* Constant tiredness.
* Vomiting.

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Posted in Heath, Inspiration, Trends | 3 Comments »

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