Tag Archive for: raw foods

My 3-day Cleanse Journey – Day 2

Day 1 is done! So where do you think I struggled most? I caught myself in my daily habit of getting up from my desk to grab a snack. I realized that when I feel stressed, overwhelmed or anxious, I distract myself with a snack. Most of you know I am not grabbing a candy bar or cookie (we eat predominantly whole, clean) but, eating when your body doesn’t need food is not healthy! So how did I cope knowing that I couldn’t grab a snack? I decided to try some deep breathing and downloaded a meditation app. I believe this is a new healthy habit that I will incorporate long after the cleanse.

As far as detox symptoms, I dropped a couple pounds (toxins!) and had a few minor headaches throughout the day as well. My tongue has the usual thick white coating which is a sure sign of detoxing. But overall, I had great clarity and focus. My overall sense of well-being has improved. Less anxious. More calm.

My sugar cravings have subsided much faster than I imagined as well. The dark chocolate bar stashed in my freezer is no longer calling me!

The biggest benefit was not having to think about what we are having for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Then you have prep time, cook time and cleanup, so time savings was an unexpected positive benefit.

I was also blessed that my husband joined me, so the temptations were not there. If I had to prepare a meal for someone else, I’m sure it would have been a bit more challenging. If you have children heading to summer camp or, your hubby is traveling, this would be a great time to try a cleanse/fast.

I’m not sure I can say it was easy but, it wasn’t that hard. When you are drinking juice every 2 hours from 7am to 7pm, it helps you focus on that task. I rewarded myself at the end of the day with an organic bubble bath and some lavender essential oil. Sending a positive message to the brain is important when tackling something new or a bit more challenging then the norm.

 

Mango Bliss Balls

These treats are delicious for dessert or breakfast! The original recipe called for dried apricots but since I had dried mango on hand, I substituted.  Be sure to use organic for all ingredients as conventional fruits and nuts contains toxic preservatives. Nuts, especially walnuts, can also contain BHT as a preservative which has to been linked to increased risk of cancer. Dried fruits may contain sulphur dioxide (sulfites) which has been linked to respiratory issues.  The #1 Rule is to read ingredient labels and buy organic!

1 c of dried organic apricots or mango

1 c. pitted dates

1/2 c raw organic almonds

1/2 c raw organic cashews

1/2 c raw organic walnuts

Set aside 1/2-2/3 cup of pure shredded organic coconut flakes

Place all the items in a bowl (except coconut flakes) and pour boiling water over until covered.  Let soak for 15 minutes, drain and add to a food processor.  Mix until everything is finely chopped. Roll into small balls and roll in coconut. Store in the refrigerator.  Makes about 20-30 balls (depending on the size that you roll them).

 

My Dog Drinks Green Smoothies (or My dog eats better than most people)

Beau is focused on his green smoothie

If you haven’t met Beau you would love him.  He is our 10 year old boxer.  Many of my friends and clients have because he works with me daily.

Beau was diagnosed with cancer (mast cell tumor successfully removed) about 5 years ago and since then, we’ve changed his diet drastically.  He has a clean bill of health now! We were feeding him the vet recommended food which when reading the ingredients I realized wasn’t all that healthy (cereal based not protein). So Beau started his wellness journey.

He now drinks about ½-1 cup of Green Smoothie daily which is basically whatever I’m drinking that day. Today was a kale, cabbage, celery, broccoli, blueberry, banana, and apple mixture. Therefore, it was more blue than green!

Most dogs (and cats), like people, need live or raw foods because they contain enzymes. Enzymes in humans assimilate nutrients and break down our food so our cells can use it. Enzymes are the key to life and what is essentially missed in most people’s and animals diet. Once food is cooked or processed, the enzymes are destroyed.

Well, that’s not all my dog eats and drinks that most would think unusual. He also eats cod liver oil and organic yogurt daily, and uses essential oils. Plus he consumes a grain-free holistic dog food. We’ll touch on the benefits of cod liver, essential oils and yogurt in future blogs.