Pike Place - Yum!

Finally some photos from Pike Place Market in Seattle - a great place to spend the day if you are a foodie. Lots of fresh veg and fruit from local producers, dried goodies, oils, vinegars - a wonderful spice/tea shop. I loved wandering through here (also a great little juice stand across the street from the market with green juice, fruit juice and wheat grass shots). 

 We are just coming out of winter in the Yukon so to see this much fresh produce had me snoopy dancing and seriously thinking that I might wait another month or two before returning home. My friend Pam stood patiently by as I went snap happy with her camera (mine suffered an untimely death right before our trip). Pam is well aware of how food crazed I can become and put up with my excitement as I bounced from stand to stand ohhing and ahhing at it all.


One stand was full of dried goodies - lots of locally grown dried apples... Dried Veg mixes that were really good too. Another stand had locally grown dried cherries. The market isn't just food there are a lot of artists/craftspeople here as well. My favourite place to visit in Seattle hands down. Starting my Chakra food project this weekend...

Oil Pulling Update...

I posted a couple of months ago about how I've been using coconut oil to do oil pulling (swishing). I stopped doing it last month when I got the cold/flu but, my Mom continued and tells me that she has been doing it for 2 months now every day. She switched from using coconut oil to a high quality olive oil because of the cost. She says her teeth feel stronger and that she feels she has more energy during the day than she used to. My Mom feels that doing oil pulling is helping in subtle ways to improve her health day to day. I'm inspired to start doing it again. I'll post again on this in another month or two :) Chakra stuff coming...

The Chakra Juice & Food Project...

 

I did an online Chakra Test a little while ago for fun and to find out which of my Chakras might be under/over active. Chakras are said to be energy centres of the body. The word Chakra means wheel in Sanskrit. The lower Chakras rule our instincts/urges and the upper chakras rule our mental stuff.  There are seven Chakras; the root, the sacral, the navel, the heart, the throat, the third eye, and the crown. Each Chakra has its own colours, crystals/stones, essential oils, meditative chants and what not that are supposed to help shift energy and open or regulate each chakra. So how does this relate to food? Well there are foods associated with each chakra as well so I'm thinking (of course :) Chakra food and juice! So in the spirit of can't hurt/might help - I'll be experimenting with & posting recipes for the chakras in the next few posts.

My Results..
Root: under (-31%)
Sacral: under (-6%)
Navel: under (-44%)
Heart: Open
Throat: Open
Third Eye: Open
Crown: under (0%)

A Bit About Each Chakra Crown
Colour: Violet
Stones: Clear Calcite, Clear Quartz, Selenite, Amethyst
Food: Endives, olives, mushrooms, soy bean, fasting / detoxing
Air: Incense and Smudging Herbs: sage, copal, myrrh, frankincense, and juniper
Incense and smudging herbs are not to be eaten but are ritually inhaled through the nostrils or can be smoked through a ceremony pipe for purification purposes.
Scents: frankincense, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, elemi, rosewood, neroli, patchouli, myrrh, ylang ylang, galbanum and vetiver
7th Chakra Crown: Connects you with message from higher realms. Personal identification with infinite. Oneness with God Peace Wisdom






Third Eye
Colour: Indigo
6th Chakra: Third Eye
Stones: Amethyst, Iolite, Angelite, Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli, Barite, Phenacite
Food:Dark bluish colored fruits: blueberries, red grapes, black berries, raspberries, Purple asparagus and grapes
Liquids: red wines and grape juice
Spices: lavender, poppy seed, mugwort


Scents: tea tree, lavender, clary sage, geranium, lemon, chamomile and rose
Often connected to the forehead.
Clearing subconscious to channel intuition. See Divine perfection in all things. Devotion

Throat
Colour: Blue
Element: Air
Stones: Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli, Aquamarine, Turquoise, Blue Lace Agate, Blue Kyanite, Blue Calcite, Chrysocolla, Amazonite
Food: Liquids in general: water, fruit juices, herbal teas Tart or tangy fruits: lemons, limes, grapefruit, kiwi Other tree growing fruits: apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, blueberries, eggplant, blue cabbage. Spices: salt, lemon grass

Scent: clove, myrrh, lemon, sage, tea tree, peppermint, sage, frankincense, rose, jasmine, rosewood, elemi, sandalwood, neroli and ylang ylang
5th Chakra: Throat: Tied to creativity and communication.
Feels pressure when you are not communicating your emotions properly.Ability to Verbalize Expressing truth through power of the spoken word

Heart
Colour: Green
4th Chakra: Heart Chakra: Blockage can manifest as a weakened immune system
Element: Air
Stones: Emerald, Malachite, Jade, Peridot, Chrysoprase, Rhodonite, Red Coral, Kunzite, Rose Quartz
Food:Leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, dandelion greens, etc. broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, celery, squash, Leafy vegetables, peas, avocados, green apples, green grapes, broccoli, green pears, limes, kiwi fruit Liquids: green teas Spices: basil, sage, thyme, cilantro, parsley


Scents: rose, geranium, palmarosa, neroli, elemi, melissa, hyssop, rosewood, chamomile, ylang ylang, galbanum, angelica and jasmine. system or heart problems, or a lack of compassion. 
Releases emotionally suppressed trauma. Soul/heart consciousness. Expressing love in action.

Solar Plexus/Navel
Colour: Yellow
Element: Fire
Stones: Citrine, Malachite, Pyrite, Amber, Topaz, Moonstone, Prehnite
Food: Spices: ginger, mints (peppermint, spearmint, etc.), melissa, chamomile, turmeric, cumin, fennel, Granola and Grains: pastas, breads, cereal, rices, flax seed, sunflower seeds, etc. Lemons, rock melon, yellow pumpkins, mangoes, pineapples, yellow pepper
Scents: frankincense, rose, myrrh, melissa, neroli, elemi, rosewood, sandalwood, chamomile, and rosemary, peppermint, black pepper, lavender, chamomile, lemon, ginger, cardamom, fennel, bergamot, and rosemary.
3rd Chakra: Solar Plexis: Seat of Emotions. 
Assimilation experience. Digestion. Positive use of personal power. Manifest goals.

Sacral
Colour: Orange
Element: Water
Stones: Carnelian, Fire Opal, Orange Kyanite 
Food: Melons, Mangos, Strawberries, Passion Fruit, Oranges, Coconut, Nuts, Cinnamon, vanilla, carob, sweet paprika, sesame seeds, caraway seeds, Carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, corn
Scents: Clary Sage, Elemi, Fennel, Galbanum, Geranium, Jasmine, Melissa, Neroli, Rose, Rosewood, and Ylang Ylang, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Elemi, Jasmine, Lavender, Melissa, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, and Vetiver, Anise, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Fennel, Garlic, Geranium, Juniper, Lemon, Rosemary, and Sage.
2nd Chakra: Spleen: Located just beneath the navel (3 fingers below), and is related to our sexual and reproductive capacity. 
Utilization of creative forces into all aspects of being. High soul procreation. Direct self toward devolution.

Root/Base
Colour: Red
Element: Earth
Stones:  black tourmaline, garnet, bloodstone, red jasper, fire opal, obsidian, smoky quartz
Food: Root Veggies, Carrots, Parsnips, Radish, Beets, Onion Garlic, Nuts, Tomato, apples, red pepper, pomegranate, water melon, red capsicums, red radishes, strawberries, rhubarbs, cherries, red grapes, raspberries, chili powder, almonds and chipotle pepper
Spices: Horseradish, Paprika, Chives, Cayenne
Scents: sandalwood, cypress, elemi, cedarwood, and rosewood.
frankincense, clary sage, geranium, rose, melissa, vetiver, patchouli, and ylang ylang.
1st Chakra: Located at the base of the spine.
Ground spirit forces in body, gain ability to work lovingly on the physical plane

What I'm Reading - The Natural Vegan Kitchen

 

I was sent a book to review for the site called "The Natural Vegan Kitchen" by Christine Waltermyer who runs the Natural Kitchen Cooking School (New York & New Jersey). I love me some free cookbook swag so I was all over this book as soon as it arrived in the mail. My graphic designer side enjoyed that the book was nicely laid out and easy to read with lots of colour photos. The book is a traditional Vegan/Macrobiotic Cookbook and is choc full of creative easy to prepare recipes. The chapter on sauces and dressings is mostly raw and has some really great ideas - her "Mom's Dynamite Greens Dressing" tastes like a honey mustard dressing (without the honey :) and goes really well over a spinach salad. All recipes that use grains are labeled gluten or gluten-free which is really nice for those of us who are trying to avoid gluten. If you are new to vegan cooking eating high raw for the winter months or want a simple/easy (tasty) cookbook for preparing wholesome vegan meals it is well worth a read.

Home again home again...

Just home from a great vacation. Lots of photos from the  Pike Place Market in Seattle - including HUGE garlic and the BEST apple chips I've ever had (YUM) - we spent most of the day there and it really wasn't enough time. The Cold/Flu that wouldn't go went - I'm putting it down to warm weather the ocean, the dessert, rambling about.  Will post soonish after I unpack and resettle into my life :)

Landslide...

Still Sick

I've been sick with the flu on and off now for over a month. I've had to miss a lot of work and am still struggling with a deep rattling cough. I've mentioned quite a few times that my immune system is delicate but, I'm feeling pretty down about just how sick I've been. I've fought this with everything I have and it still doesn't seem to be enough. My doctor told me I need to stop being so stressed out about it and just be sick. Not being stressed is difficult with life concerns looming and everything needing to be put off. Trying to have faith that my body will repair itself soon and I will be able to pick up things where I left off a month ago and start to move forward again...

PMS Grrrr Tea - Nettle

Grrrr! Feeling hormonal & ugh. I make a herbal tea for this time of month that seems to help. I have been sitting at my desk feeling grumpy and then remembered ahhh right - it is "that time" now sipping on my tea and waiting for the grrrrrs to go away.

PMS/That Time Grrr Tea

• 1tsp dried nettles
• 1tsp dried chamomile
• 1 tsp dried mint
• 3-4 dried rosehips split open
• 1 slice of lemon

Combine all in a tea ball or a tea bodum let steep for about 5 minutes and drink throughout the day makes one medium pot of tea.
Nettles are rich in vitamins, calcium, iron, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, carotene, and zinc they also contain a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory substances.
Chamomile has been found to contain fairly strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory constituents making it great for cramps.
Rose hips contain a lot of iron and are said to be good for headaches.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) - Tapping

I've become more interested in the idea releasing stress through energy work lately (Chakra balancing, Yoga, Meditation, Recapitulation and all that). A friend mentioned EFT (sometimes called Tapping) a few weeks ago. I had heard of it though one of Dr. Mercola's newsletters awhile ago but, it didn't really call to me at the time. Dr. Mercola describes EFT as a  "psychological acupressure technique". The idea is that most emotions trap energy in our nervous systems and by "tapping" or practicing EFT we can release these feelings more easily. Above is a youtube link that describes it better... Worth a try...
Here is a link to Dr. Mercola's site on EFT


http://eft.mercola.com/

Sinus Draining Tomato Cayenne Juice

I was sent this "sure fire" tomato juice cure to clear my sinuses today. I've looked it up online and there are a lot of people who swear by it. I'll try the recipe later tonight and let you know if it works for me.  BTW I know I said I'd post on oil pulling again - I stopped doing it last week when I got sick. I'll post again by the end of the month...

Tomato Juice Sinus Draining Juice

• 2 Cups Fresh Tomato Juice
• 3 Cloves of Crushed Garlic
• 2 tablespoons of Lemon Juice
• 1teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Heat all on a stove until warm and sip.

* UPDATE - this recipe is a keeper. It does help clear your sinuses.

Back at work...

 
Okay so I've been sick (really sick) for the past week and the week before that I was feeling cruddy trying to fight it off. When I woke up this morning I thought this is it we have to go to work today. Am I still sick - yes? Can I afford to be - no. It is hard when you know you should be in bed resting to have to keep going. I've missed 2 weeks of boxing and it is looking like tonight is out again. - boo stupid flu! My TCM recommended soaking my feet in hot water to draw the cold out of my head. He told me it is very important to keep your feet warm when you are sick. I've been using my magic mustard bath to bathe in since I've been feeling ill below is a variation on that to draw heat into your feet.

Head Cold Hot Foot Soak

• medium basin of hot water (for feet)
• 4 slices of fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons of powdered mustard
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Soak your feet in the hot water for as long as you can. Dry your feet well and remember to put on heavy socks when you are done to keep them warm.

Full Moon In Leo - Rollercoaster

The moon turns to full tonight at around after midnight tonight (PST).  High emotions and confusion about priorities and relationships will be setting in for some of us. If you are feeling like bucking your usual routine and hiding out don't worry it is part of the moon's energy. There will be changes in store for all of us with this moon try to go with new thoughts, ideas and energy that is coming in. Try not to resist the clearing out of old "stuff" (relationships, patterns of thinking and whatnot).  Lots of thoughts about where your life is at, and where you want it to be might be bubbling up. Feelings of helplessness and not knowing what to do next might be overwhelming now.  People are likely to react emotionally (Leo = drama) when they don’t get what they want during this full moon try not to take it too personally.

Still Sick

Sorry I haven't been posting - I'm still sick. I guess sometimes you just need to surrender to it. Hopefully I'll be back to work and over this flu soon. BLAH!

Fever - Magic Mustard Bath

My cold/flu and turned into a full blown fairly high fever/chills flu flu... Time to pull out the big guns.

You can find mustard bath recipes online....

Mustard baths are a traditional English remedy for drawing out toxins from the body. The mustard doesn't burn the skin at all and I find when I'm this congested and my body is battling an intense cold or flu that his will help unstuff my lungs/head, relieve aches and pains, and break a fever. It is a little like sitting in a sauna - the bath will cause you to heat up from the inside out and sweat. Use one cup in a warm bath and soak for as long as you like.

Sore Throat Gargle

 
Blah... I have a cold. I give up - some sort of wacky cold/flu/stressed about life weirdness has settled in. Today I woke up with a scratchy throat and stuffy ears - not so fun. I've been gargling with (2T) Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with (1t) Cayenne Pepper and honey in (1/4C) Warm Water. The Apple Cider Vinegar is said to kill bacteria, the cayenne is supposed to help draw out the infection and the honey is soothing... It is helping.

Green Flu Fighter Juice

My immune system is not great right now (have I mentioned that 100 times yet?) so frustrating. Also the temp here has dropped again into the -20s again. One of the joys of living north of 60 is that last cold snap before spring. There is almost always a warm front that has you believing it is over then whamo one more "will it ever be warm again?" week or so before it starts to melt. On the up side our days are getting longer. The sun is now still out when I leave work at 5pm - so it is coming...
I have picked up a cold/flu bug that has been going around. Time for some raw garlic soup, oregano oil and lots of green juice. Below is my green flu fighter juice.

Green Flu Fighter Juice

• 2 Cloves of raw organic garlic 
• 1 Medium Tomatillo (green mexican tomato - regular tomato will do - I like the tartness of the green ones best)
• 4 stalks of celery
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1 fist full of parsley or cilantro
• 1 medium green apple
• 1 medium bunch of kale
• 2 large carrots
• 1/4tsp cayenne pepper
• juice from 1/2 small to medium lemon

Juice all through a juicer or blend in a blender and strain. Make sure you put enough cayenne in that you have to sip it slowly and remember to "chew" your juice. Chewing your juice helps to stimulate the enzymes in your mouth and warms the juice so it is easier to digest. This one will clear your sinuses :)

Raw Shredded Sweet Potato Pineapple Salad

I adapted this recipe to raw from a classic southern sweet potato salad recipe. It is sweet, a little dessert like and very yummy... a great special occasion salad. * Note: 2 days later - soooo good! The sweet potato has taken on the sweetness of the honey and pineapple. Let this salad sit overnight if you can before eating to let the flavours marry.

Raw Shredded Sweet Potato Pineapple Salad

• 5C Shredded Sweet Potato
• 1C Pecans 
• 1 Medium Apple Chopped
• 2 C Fresh Pineapple Chopped

Soak drain and squeeze dry shredded sweet potato to get rid of starchy taste, mix with (soaked first - about 20  minutes) pecans, apple and pineapple...

Dressing:

• Juice from one medium Lemon
• 1C Cashews
• 1/4C Water
• 3T Honey (if you eat it maple syrup I'm sure would work if you don't)
• 2T of cinnamon
  

Blend in a high speed blender until smooth toss in with salad and dust with cinnamon.

More things I love - Mumford & Sons

Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

I gave this a try for the first time tonight. Oil pulling is one of those things I had heard of but, hadn't really felt drawn to trying before. I've been struggling a lot with allergies to certain types of body sprays and perfumes again. The idea of oil pulling keeps coming up as something that is good for detoxing. I've been told that it can be helpful for people with allergies (as well as good for a host of other things). The woman in this video says to spit the oil into the trash but, I've read that it is fine to spit it into the toilet. After trying oil pulling for around 15 minutes my mouth felt refreshed and my sinuses unstuffed - so I'm going to keep at it awhile longer and see how it works for me. I'll post again in a few days with more information about it if I feel it is helping me.

Oil pulling is best to preformed in the morning before breakfast. Swishing is belived to activates enzymes and the enzymes draw toxins out of the blood. The oil must not be swallowed, for it has become toxic. If you are trying to heal yourself from something and want to try speeding up the process oil pulling can be repeated up to three times a day, but always before meals on an empty stomach.

Happy Year of the Golden Rabbit!

 

Happy Year of the Golden Bunny!

Did you know that it is a custom for many Chinese people begin the New Year with a vegetarian meal? Veggies like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, (wealth), bean sprouts and lettuce wraps (filled with lucky foods) are especially popular. Having a meat-free meal is considered good karma because you are refraining from eating anything that has been killed (so think of the good Karma we vegans/vegetarians are gathering up!). Also some consider lighting fires and using knives on the first day of the new year to be bad luck so traditionally most food is made the night before - kind of makes it a great day for a raw food feast non?


In Chinese Astrology the Rabbit is the symbol of the Moon, (Peacock is the symbol of the Sun) together they are Yin and Yang. Full moons during Rabbit years are considered to be especially lucky days to focus on wishes you would like to have granted.

Lucky Foods for Chinese New Year. 
Certain foods are considered lucky based on appearance or because of how the Chinese word for it sounds. Here are a few...

• Noodles: Long Life (don't break the noodle before it is in your mouth! - zucchini noodles count - it is about the shape)
• Lettuce Wraps: Good Fortune (Cantonese word for lettuce sounds like raising fortune)
• Tangerines and Oranges: Good Luck (Again because the words sound like Luck/Wealth)
• Round Shapes: Family Reunion
• Apple: Wisdom and Peace
• Dried Apricot: Wealth Gold
• Bean Sprouts: new start, sprouting, positive start
• Cashews: gold money (crescents symbolize ancient gold bars of China)
• Garlic: Long life
• Coconut (juice/milk) togetherness
• Grapes: Abundance
• Lychee Nut: Family Togetherness
• Mixed Veggies: unity
• Mushrooms: longevity
• Onion: Cleverness
• Peach: immortality
• Peanuts: health, long life, birth of prosperity
• Pineapple: wealth, luck
• Sweets: sweeten the new year

Bunny-Pear Salad with Curried Walnuts

It is Chinese New Year's eve today - year of the Rabbit (also a new moon AND Groundhog Day!). To celebrate I've make a pear bunny spinach salad with curried walnut pieces. The tail of the bunny is macadamia cheez. Thanks to Larissa Muzzy (via Molly J) for the bunny idea!

Pear Bunny

• Cut pear in half remove stem and seeds
• Use 3 dried cranberries for nose and eyes
• Carrots for Ears and Wiskers

Spinach Salad

• Curried Walnuts (soaked dusted with curry powder and dried)
• Baby Spinach Leaves
• Sliced Red Onion
• Small handful of dried cranberries
• Shredded Carrot

 Dressing

• 3tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
• 1tbsp Olive Oil
• Pinch of Curry Powder
• 1 Clove Garlic 

Wizz up in blender until smooth


Macadamia Cheez

• 1/2C Macadamia Nuts
• 2tbsp Nutritional Yeast
• 1 Clove Garlic
• 1tbsp Olive Oil
• 2tbsp lemon juice
• 1tbsp water

Blend in high speed blender until smooth

Pickled Kale Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries

Um YUM! Here is the first salad I made with my pickled Kale.

Pickled Kale Salad with Walnuts and Hemp Hearts

• 1.5 C Pickled Kale
• one handful (about 1/2 cup) of dried cranberries
• 1/2C walnut pieces (don't forget to soak all nuts before using)
• 1C mixed salad greens
• 2C shredded carrot (I used saved carrot pulp from my juicer)
• 1/2 a tart apple diced
• 1/4C hemp hearts (sprinkled on top)

mix all together well and drizzle then mix with dressing

Dressing

• 1tbsp ground yellow mustard seeds
• 1/4 jalapeno pepper seeds removed
• 2tbsp walnut oil (if you have if not olive will work fine)
• 4tbsp of maple syrup

Bliss Tea - calm me down potion.

Life has been hectic lately (which is kind of great) but, I'm finding it difficult to unwind at the end of the day (or even while sitting quietly at my desk) --- too much brain buzz. I am battling a jumpy feeling that edges on panic because there is a lot to do. I decided to do today's post  on my recipe for Bliss Tea - a perfect calm me down potion (don't worry I haven't forgotten about my pickled kale - coming!).

Bliss Tea

• 3 Dried Rose Hips split open
• 1tsp Chamomile Blossoms
• 2 Sage Leaves (broad leaf)
• 1tsp dried lemon peel (I save my orange/lemon/lime skins and zest them. I dry the zest in my dehydrator - good for all sorts of things)
• 1/2tsp raw honey (if you do honey - if not try a little maple syrup) or a slice of lemon is nice too.

Enough for 1-2 large mugs (I use a little glass bodum style tea pot to make mine) but will also work in a tea ball or using a bamboo tea strainer. Let sit at least 3 minutes before drinking

Pickled Kale

 

A great way to use kale - keeps in the fridge for up 2 weeks. Yummy thrown into salads - not at all woody or bitter (I'll be posting some recipes - soon:). BTW the stick in the jar is my spurdle (traditional Scottish porridge-stirring stick - I use it ALL the time for various stuff in the kitchen) basically just a piece of dowling that has been buffed and rounded on the edge - I used it to pack the kale & onions down into the jar.

Pickled Kale

• One large bunch of kale shredded (cut out the ribs)
• 1/2 medium onion sliced (I used red but I think a yellow onion would probably be really tasty too)
• 1tsp of salt
• 1/4c olive oil
• 1tbsp maple syrup
• 2 to 3C of apple cider vinegar or ume plum vinegar

Mix olive oil, maple syrup and salt together in a bowl add kale use your hands and massage into the kale until limp pour ACV  or  ume vinegar over all and mix well. Pack well into a mason jar put on lid and store in fridge until needed. Let sit at least 2 or 3 hours before using.

The idea for pickling Kale comes from the Choose Healthy Food website (I've tweaked the recipe a bit to make it raw) - lots of Kale ideas here!

Smiling

So excited to see my recipe for Shredded Broccoli Salad in the Crazy Sexy Life newsletter today! They even used my photo. I am smiling like a sunflower.

Burning Bridges - Moving forward

"We cross our bridges when we come to them and burn them behind us, with nothing to show for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke, and a presumption that once our eyes watered."

Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

If you haven't heard of Chris Pureka yet check her out. Love the quote too...
Taking a little time today to think about the bridges I've crossed and the one's I've chosen to burn behind me (like the bridge back into eating animal products) Another favourite song below by Jimmy Cliff...

Tweek Tweek

As you may have noticed I'm doing some tweeking to my blog - my apologies if things are a bit wacky for the next couple of days and I tidy and sort :)

Things are changing - The mighty Opes speaks up for animals

 
As most of us know Oprah announced she was going on a 21 day Vegan cleanse awhile ago after rereading "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle. Oprah said on her show, "How can you say you're trying to spiritually evolve, without even a thought about what happens to the animals whose lives are sacrificed in the name of gluttony?"  With people who influence public opinion like Ellen Degeneres & Oprah going on air and speaking out publicly against what we are doing to animals maybe people will finally wake up and say enough.


Things are changing... Can you feel it? Choosing to believe.

Just One Word

 I came across this idea on Raw Food Rehab and thought it was such a good one I'd pass it along by reposting it here. The original idea comes from the book Wisdom Walks in the chapter “Just One Word.” by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page. The idea is you pick a word (just one) that will help you give more meaning and focus to the year. Don't just pick a word at random really think about it first.

The word I've picked popped into my head quickly because so far this year this word/concept keeps coming at me from all over the place - and no it isn't sale (but that is a pretty great word too no?). My word is Compassion - by that I mean I will try to be more compassionate to everyone who comes in to my life this year (& to those who are already there) and let go of my own agenda more when dealing with others - try to really listen and focus on who they are and where they are coming from - furry friends too :). The poster on the Rehab site had his family each paint a plaque with their word on it and has them hanging in their home as a reminder (another great idea).

Wolf Moon - Full Moon in Cancer

This year's first full moon is in Cancer at 1:21pm PST today.
The full moon in Cancer asks us to use our emotional intuition a little more (feminine side). We are encouraged to find a balanced between our hearts and minds. Be open/receptive to change and sensitive to the needs of those around you. Focus on finishing up projects, final touches and completion before Jupiter enters Aries and the pace picks up again!

Something I'm becoming more interested in is the use of herbs/foods that are supposed to be beneficial during certain times of year or are associated with certain planets/moon phases. Traditionally herbs that are said help us emotionally, increase our intuition /sensitivity are moon based herbs.

Some of these are:
Anise Seed, Star Anise, Cabbage, Camphor, Cucumber, Dog Rose, Ginger, Jasmine, Lettuce, Water Lily, Pumpkin, White Rose, Wild Rose, Sea Salt, Watercress & Wintergreen.  

I'm posting a recipe for Wolf Moon bath salts which incorporates some of these things.  I've posted before about how much I enjoy using bath salts . Epsom salts are full of magnesium and sulfates (which can be absorbed through the skin easily) -- I've linked my old post on epsom salts to the word bath salts above if you are interested.

Wolf Moon Bath Salts

• 2C Epsom Salts
• 1C Sea Salt
• 1 drop of ginger essential oil (or 2 slices of fresh ginger)
• 1 drop of rose essential oil (or a dash of rose water if you made some in the fall --- have to find the post I did on this as well and I'll link it - I used Wild Rose so I have some of this at home)
• 1 drop of Jasmine Essential or Wintergreen essential oil (which ever tickles your fancy I prefer wintergreen - I think it goes well with the ginger)

Pour Sea and Epsom Salts into a large glass jar like - put on the lid and give it a good shake. Take the lid off and put in essential oils don't over do it with essential oils or your salts will be too strong. Put the lid back on give it another shake and let the scent do its thing.When you go to have your bath pour in the salts throw in a few slices of ginger (and the dash of rose water if not using rose essential oil) and marinate yourself for a nice longish time...

An old post I did on eating according to the phases of the moon

Flax Seeds - Hot Flashes and Thyroid

For anyone who has experienced hot flashes due to menopause or from an over active thyroid - I stumbled across some information the other day that may be of interest...

According to a study done at the Mayo Clinic women suffering from hot flashes were asked to supplement their diet with 4 tablespoons of crushed flax a day. Each of the women studied were postmenopausal and each was experiencing at least 14 hot flashes a week (none were on hormone replacement therapy). According to the study "after just 6 weeks the severity and number of their hot flashes dropped by 50%" (Source: Prevention Guide 10/21/08).

Crushed Flax seeds are the richest plant based source of Omega 3 essential fatty acid (ALA). Flax contains molecules that block several estrogen receptors which reduce estrogenic stimulation of the body, especially in the mammary glands and prostate. Taking flax has been linked to slowing down the growth of tumors in breast and prostate cancers, and reduces cholesterol and the rise of blood-sugar levels.

Eat flax by crushing fresh seeds in a coffee grinder (better than taking the oil more nutrients!). Flax can go rancid quickly (will smell like paint thinner) so be sure to grind them fresh and keep the seeds in your fridge.

Caution: don't eat more than 3 or 4T of raw flax seeds a day - 1 or 2 might be enough for you (start slow so you don't upset your stomach). Flax contain cyanogen which is fine in small doses, but in large amounts can keep your thyroid from absorbing enough iodine. 

Flax seeds are great in raw crackers, smoothies, shaken up in your morning juice or sprinkled over cereal or fruit.

More things I love - A Hundred Years from Today

What a nice cover of this song (most probably have heard the Dean Martin Version)
 The singer is Bobby Long at a private house party in Seattle

"Hey don't save your kisses - just pass 'em around
You'll find my reason - is logically sound
Who's gonna know that you passed them around
A hundred years from today
And why crave a penthouse - that's fit for a queen
You're nearer heaven - on mamma Earth's green
If you had millions - what would they all mean
One hundred years from today
So (Hey) laugh and sing - make love the thing
Be happy while you may
('Cause) There's always one - beneath the sun
Who's bound to make you feel that way
The moon is shining - and that's a (very) good sign
Cling to me closer - say (that) you'll be mine
Remember baby we won't see it shine
A hundred years from today
A hundred years from today"

Boxing, juicing & thinking

I've been preparing for a fast this past week - juicing during the day light raw meals at night. I like to take on more yoga while I'm fasting to keep myself moving in a gentle way but, this time around I've elected to do a boxing class - totally new experience - (pretty high energy) 2 times a week - think Rocky training montages - lots of skipping running around air punching and boxing at a bag sort of thing. I'm planning to do a combo of juice feasting/water fasting for the next month or two to try and boost up my immune system again. Yoga/boxing and some weight training. I had no idea boxing was so complicated I feel like I'm learning new dance steps - my mid section seems to be getting a pretty good workout and I can do 5 fairly decent man style push ups now (don't laugh - I'm working on it!). Hopefully my energy will stay high... thinking I'll stick to juice on boxing days. I'll post a bit here and there as I go on how it goes.

Inspiration

Just a heads up that I've just created a new page called "Inspiration" on the site. I'll be adding to it - the first people on my list are the Rainoshecks.. I think I'll add other things that inspire in next few days as well - books, some great vegan cookbooks, raw prep books and the like. My thoughts on this are these people (and soon the books) have helped and inspired me on my journey - maybe by creating these pages I can help someone else to some amazing resources as well.

David and Katrina Rainosheck

What can I say these people changed my life. I'm so grateful I stumbled on their website a few years ago. My first thoughts were juice for 92 days that is insane - how wrong I was. How much I learned! Their pay site btw is worth every penny. I'm so glad I went down the path David pointed me to through his site.

Their website: http://www.juicefeasting.com/

Slogging along - ramble

Completely off topic BUT... Have you ever had one of those days, months, years where you feel like your feet are stuck in quick sand? You want to move quickly so you don't sink but, know that the best thing to do is probably stay still calm down and scout around for a vine or tree branch to pull yourself out with? But what if you don't find that branch or vine? What if you wait so long looking for that branch that you sink? Maybe lots of frantic movement is the answer in the end? K I'm rambling - but here is the thing. I'm feeling stuck - with me that presents as itchy feet - so maybe Morocco in the spring. Until then I need to find my centre so I guess it is juice time - and back to meditation and yoga. Oh and my new thing - boxing - what a great workout! feeling kind of ninja like with my black handwraps.

Southwestern Blackbeans & Rice 50/50

 

This type of salad is a staple for me in the winter. I've mentioned before that in the fall/winter I've taken to adding cooked food into my diet because I feel it is more practical given the climate I live in - this salad is a 50/50 of raw and cooked ingredients. It is low in fat, high in protein and very filling AND my first not all raw recipe that I'm posting here. So what do you think? I'm not sure if I should continue posting this sort of thing because up until now I've only posted raw recipes - torn!

Southwestern Black Beans & Rice 50/50

• 2C mixed wild rice
• 2C cooked  black beans
• 2C RAW corn (from the cob:)
• 4 stalks celery chopped
• 1/4C fresh parsley or cilantro chopped fine
• 1/2 C onion chopped
• 1 medium tomato
• 1small yellow/orange pepper
• 1 large garlic clove
• 2T olive oil
• 1tsp salt
• 1tsp cayanne 
• Juice from 1 medium lime (about 1/2C)

Cook rice and beans. In a high speed blender or  food processor blend together garlic, olive oil, salt, cayanne, lime juice and tomato until smooth - mix fresh veggies, rice and beans pour tomato/lime dressing over and mix well. Eat warm or good chilled. Also great with quinoa instead of rice.

I am enough

A Ted Talk on vunerability - thanks Molly.

More things I love... 21 Day Vegan Kickstart

 

How great is this? There are apps for your iphone or itouch free meal planing and shopping lists - breakdowns of how many calories your vitamins/minerals for the day and on and on did I mention it's free? Great for newbie Vegans or for people who have been on the bandwagon for awhile and are looking for some meal planning ideas - link below...  btw this is vegan but not raw (some of the recipes are) - loving it all the same.

21 Day Vegan Kickstart

More things I love - Will I be Pretty - Katie Makkai

I love this angry, wonderful poem and the passion Katie Makkai delivers it with. I have to admit it made me cry - exactly the reminder I needed right now about the things that matter and the things that shouldn't.

Lift your spirits juice

Feeling a little low lately due to the cold weather and some personal stuff I'm trying to work though. A simple juice that makes me more light hearted is a combo of oranges, lemon, ginger and strawberries. I've been doing some reading and it turns out citrus smells have been studied and are proven to lighten your spirits. "Citrus is shown to help patients affected by hysteria and depression... Pleasant smells lower the heart rate and reduce stress, and that in itself makes you feel better," according to Dr Charles Spence Dr. Charles Spence is an experimental psychologist at the University of Oxford. He is the head of the Crossmodal Research group which specializes in the research about the integration of information across different sensory modalities.
..... Click the link for more information. at the Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University.

Lift Your Spirits Juice

• 2 Medium Oranges (rub the skin between your fingers to get the smell of the essential oils from the peel on your hands and breathe it in:)
• 1/2 a Medium Lemon
• 2C Organic Strawberries
• 1 sm knot of ginger

Juice through a standard juicer breathing in the smells as you go :)

Orange

David Wolfe on Thyroid Health

12 Days of Raw Cookies - Coconut Fruit Bars

Chewy sweet very tasty...

Base:
3C shredded coconut
4 dates soaked and pitted
4T honey (if you don't like honey use maple syrup)

Blend dates and honey until smooth mix with coconut and press flat on to a non stick surface (like a cookie sheet).

Topping
1C Dried chopped cherries
1/2 Dried chopped Cranberries
1/2 C walnuts in pieces
1/4c Orange Juice
4T Honey
1T lemon/orange or lime zest
2 Dates soaked pitted and chopped

(if it is too runny ad more fruit) mix honey oj and zest let sit for an hour (to let flavours mix) then mix with chopped fruits and walnuts spread mix on top of coconut base place in fridge or freezer until firm and cut into squares

12 Days of Raw Cookies - Peanut Butter Chocolate

If you aren't a fan of peanuts try almonds or cashews. I roll these in a ball and make them like a thumprint cookie.

Nuts for Chocolate Cookies

• 2c peanuts or (almonds or cashews - soaked)
• 1/4 c melted coconut oil
• 1/2 rolled oats
• 2T maple syrup
• 1/4c cacao
• 2 dates soaked and pitted

blend 1 1/2 c of nuts with oil until almost smooth (if you have a vitamix use this instead of your food processor) add dates, maple syrup and blend a little more. Crush remaining nuts into biggish pieces and stir these in with 1/2 rolled oats - roll into balls and flatten out with a fork.

12 Days of Raw Cookies - Carrot Cake Balls

This is a great one if you juice regularly save your carrot pulp to make these.

• 1/2 Cup Cashews
• 1/2 Cup Walnuts
• 2 Cups Carrot pulp (or shredded carrots about 3 medium carrots)
• 1/2 C Raisins
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 1/2tsp grated ginger
• 2 soaked and pitted dates
• 1tsp maple syrup
• 3T grated coconut
• pinch of nutmeg
• pinch of cinnamon

Grind nuts and spices together in food processor or blender, add the rest (except coconut) and blend together until sticky roll in balls then roll in coconut. Super Yummy --- again photos to come!

12 Days of Raw Cookies - Oatmeal Cranberry

Another cookie recipe w/o a photo (for now sorry guys - I'll post some after the Christmas crazies are over!)

Oatmeal Cranberry

• 2 cups ground raw cashews
• 1 cup ground raw oats
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup coconut oil

Blend all in a high speed blender or food processor until resembles cookie dough stir in
1C of dried cranberries. These can be rolled in coconut and served doughnut hole style or flattened out and cut into shapes

Too much Holiday Cheer? - 2 Juices

I had too much cheer at my office party last night. I don't drink often or much so a few glasses of wine went a long way. This morning after the obligatory why did I do this to myself thoughts I made a few glasses of Day after juice (full of vitamin C).

Day After Juice

• 2 Oranges
• Ice
• 1 Pomegranate

3 Days After Juice

• Beet with top (small)
• 4 Carrots
• 1 Medium Apple
• 2 Handfuls of Spinach (Kale or dandelion greens)

Wash well and juice in a juicer. If your juicer doesn't handle greens well try blending them in a blender with a little water and straining through a nut mylk bag (or any strainer) then whisk in with the juicer juice. If you have fresh Dandelion Greens you can use them instead of Spinach (excellent for the liver).

3 Day after Juice will "push" your liver and will probably make you feel more ill if you try to drink it the day after an alcohol binge so save it until you aren't feeling the effects of abusing yourself so much.

Beets, especially the beet roots, are excellent for healing the liver after abuse from alcohol and other toxins. Beet tops are even higher in nutrition than the root, but both are high in important vitamins and minerals. The vitamins that beet roots are especially high in are vitamin C, niacin, thiamine, and iron.
Carrots are extremely high in carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, and other B vitamins. Carotene is important because it helps rebuild white blood cells that have been ravaged and depleted with drinking. White blood cells are critical for a healthy immune system.
Apples are here mainly to make the juice tasty but, they provide vitamin A, vitamin C, and is a good source of carbohydrates to help with the sugar metabolism of people trying to detox from alchohol. Juice the apples with the skin on for maximum nutritional benefits.
Dandelion root and greens are a superfood for the detoxing the liver. Juicing this vegetable will provide more nutrients than many other vegetables, and even more vitamin A than carrots. "Dandelion root is regarded as one of the finest liver remedies, both as food and medicine. Dandelion root improves the flow of bile, improving ... liver congestion..." (Micheal T. Murray, N.D.) 

Kale is a powerful green to include in the juicing recipe for recovering alcoholics because of its high iron content, high calcium content (a cup of kale or collard green juice has more calcium than a cup of milk), and is high in potassium, an essential mineral. The thiamine content in kale is greater than in beets, as well. Spinach is high in iron, but also has high amounts of the B vitamins.

12 Days of Raw Cookies - Minty Cookies

• 5 soaked pitted dates
  1/2C mint leaves
• 1C soaked almonds
• 1T cacao powder

Blend dates, mint and soaked almonds in food processor or vitamix roll in balls and then roll in cacao powder (no dehydrating needed!)

12 Days of Raw Cookies - Apricot Biscotti

Another repost... buttery yummy Apricot Biscotti (spice cookies for tomorrow taking a bit longer to dehydrate than I thought!)
 
Moons of the faithful Biscotti

• 1 1/2 C Dried Apricots (soaked for .5/hr to soften)
• 2C Almonds
• 3 Large Pitted Dates
• 2T Raw Almond Butter
• 1t Cinnamon
• 1T Vanilla
• 1/4C Soak Water (reserved from Apricots and Dates)

Soak almonds in water overnight. Drain and rinse. Soak the Apricots and Dates in water for around .5 hour to soften. Drain set aside soak water. In a food processor, chop almonds until fine. Add dates, apricots, almond butter, cinnamon, and vanilla blend drizzle in water until a dough like paste is formed (will be a little chunky). To form roll all dough into a large loaf shape cut into biscotti. . Dehydrate at 110 for 20hrs flip off non stick sheets and return to dehydrator for 4-8 hrs.
Stores well in plastic bags in the freezer.

12 Days of Raw Cookies - Lemon Coconut Moons

The photo doesn't do these little cookies justice - they are really delicious (actually that photo is going to drive me nuts so I'll probably have to post a better one soon!). I think next time I'll make them more like a thumbprint cookie with maybe a curl of lemon zest on top of each one...

Lemon Coconut Moons

• 2C Cashews
• Juice from 2 Lemons (medium to large sized)
• Zest from one of the lemons (about 4T)
• 1C Hemp Hearts 
• 2C Shredded Coconut
• 4 large soaked and pitted medjool dates

Blend or Food process cashews into a powder add remaining ingredients and blend until the mixture resembles a raw cookie dough. Shape into moons or rounds and flatten dehydrate over night at 115 degrees flip and dehydrate another 3 to 4 hours (tasty w/o drying as well - but the dehydrator makes them a little crispy on the outside which is nice)

12 Days of Raw Cookies - Sweet Pecan Cookies

Silly me forgetting that I have to dehydrate my next few cookies before I can take photos sooo another repost of a favourite for day 3 - I promise next cookies will be new recipes!


Crumbly Sweet Pecan Cookies - delicious with cold almond milk!

• 2C Pecans
• 1/2C Pitted Dates
• 3T Maple Syrup
• 1t vanilla
• 1/2t cinnamon
• 15-20 Pecan halves for garnish

Soak Pecans in water for a few hours (2 should be enough). Drain and rinse. Soak dates in water for 15-20minutes until soft - drain. In a food processor chop pecans until finely ground. Add dates, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon - blend until smooth. If not sticky enough add a little of the date soak water.

Use a tablespoon to scoop out mixture roll into ball using your hands. Place balls on non-stick dehydrator sheets press out balls with the palm of your hand to 1/4 inch thickness. Dehydrate at 115 to taste (around 20 hours if you like them quite dry). Flip cookies to dry the underside and return to dehydrator for 2-5 hours. These store really well in baggies in the freezer or refridgerator.

12 Days of Raw Cookies! Devilish Delight Rum Balls

The first cookie is a repost of my Devilish Delight Chocolate Balls because they are my favourite (the cherries and real raw chocolate give them a rummy taste - well I think it does - try them and judge for yourself)

Devilish Delights

• 3C Walnuts (soaked and drained at least 20 mins)
• 1C Almonds (soaked and drained - a few hours is best)
• 2C Dried Cherries
• 1C Pitted Dates (soaked for 20minutes - reserve soak water)
• 2.5C Shredded Coconut
• 2.5T Cacao Powder
• 4T Cacao Nibs (if you have fine without)
• 1/2C Raisins or Dried Cranberries
• 3T Maple Syrup
• 1/2T Basalmic Vinegar (brings out the taste in the cacao - I'm not sure why but it works)
  

Pulse Walnuts, Almonds, Cherries, Pitted Dates, Cacao, Cacao Nibs, Maple Syrup and Vinegar in food processor until goopy (if it is too dry add reserved soak water from dates 1T at a time until the consistency is similar to peanut butter). Stir in Shredded Coconut and Raisins mix well with spoon. Scoop out with a tablespoon and roll into balls in the palm of your hand. Use a small bowl of shredded coconut to roll the ball in to coat. Put balls on a plate lined with parchment paper and stick them in the fridge or freezer until firm until. I've been told these taste like they have alchohol in them due to the cacao nibs. I think they would be excellent at Christmas instead of rum balls.

Puffy Face Juice

So today a small post on a recipe for "Puffy Face Juice" - think Vince Vaughn - I saw his photo the other day - and thought that man needs a good food detox and some Puffy Face Juice. I tend to carry "puff" in my face as well - with me I think it is mostly due to allergies and the lymphs in my neck not draining properly - probably my liver struggling too - not sure. About 6 months ago I started drinking what I call "Puffy Face Juice" and doing self lymphatic massage on my jawline neck. I've had people comment that my face/neck look slimmer so something must be working...

Puffy Face Juice

• 1c blueberries (anti-oxidants)
• 1c pineapple (diuretic)
• 1/4 of small beet (helps to stimulate the liver and get bile flowing)
• 1 medium piece of ginger (warming)
• 1 medium apple (helps body clear out toxins)
• 1/2 medium cucumber (electrolyte-restoring) OR 1c watermelon - I switch it up depending on what I can find.

Run all through your juicer and drink as soon as possible after you make it so you don't lose any of the nutrients.

Lymphatic Face Massage
Just under the jawline (where your doctor feels to see if you have swollen glands - there) press firmly but not hard on both sides hold for 4-6 seconds then stroke upwards towards the face lightly - and that's it. Once a day in the shower in the morning or before bed.

More things I love... So Delicious Coconut Milk

 

I don't usually push products but, I'm loving this stuff so much I wanted to share.

I've been adding it to my smoothies and hot cocoa for about a month now. I'm noticing a difference in my waistline and my energy level. This coconut milk isn't like the kind in the cans - it has about 5g of fat  per cup and it needs to be refrigerated. I've only tried the unsweetened (which is delicious), it is also available in vanilla and sweetened. I had to order it through an organic food co-op locally and have it shipped north because it isn't available at any of the stores here - I'm starting to get antsy about running out before I can place another order for it in a few months...

• Dairy Free / Lactose Free
• Soy Free
• Gluten Free
• Rich in Medium Chain Fatty Acids
• Excellent Source of Vitamin B12 (vegetarian friendly)
• Formulated for Maximum Calcium Absorption
• Cholesterol Free
• No Trans Fats
• Certified Vegan

 

 

Coconut Milk Hot Cocoa

• 1 Cup Coconut Milk
• 1tsp Organic Cocoa Powder
• 1tsp (to taste) Maple Syrup
• .5 tsp cinnamon

Heat milk on low/medium until hot on stove top, whisk in cocoa powder, cinnamon and add maple syrup to taste. (if you are a raw foodie - you can warm your milk to 115 - make a paste with a little of the milk the cocoa/maple syrup/cinnamon then stir it in to the rest of the milk - just as yummy as the hot stuff)

For more info on coconuts:
 http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

Detoxing without fasting - basics.

A bit of a ramble about detoxing....
Anyone who knows me knows I'm in to fasting. I've posted a few times about why I choose to fast and why I think it works for me. Fasting isn't everyone's cup of tea however - I remember several years ago talking my mother into doing a short fast with me and it was far and away NOT her thing. After the first day she was suffering terrible headaches and nausea. I wasn't as aware back then about how important it is for people who eat a regular diet to detox and clean up their systems before taking on a fast - for some people - a lot of people - doing a week or two of clean eating without going on a fast is a great gentler way to detox than taking on a full on fast.

If you are stressed or feel like you are missing vital nutrients in your diet (or aren't absorbing the nutrients you are putting into your body properly), eating more simply will give your body a break. If you can get past the initial discomfort while your body cleans out the junk and are willing to battle your brain while it is telling you "I need my coffee" or "I'm sad/angry I want a cookie - I deserve a cookie!" or what have you. The end result - is worth the effort (in my humble opinion).

What does detoxing do?

"Detox is a naturally occurring physiological process wherein the body rids itself of toxic substances through sweat, urine, and feces, Dorfman says. These toxins typically include air and water pollutants and processed food chemicals. "The body first eliminates these toxins through the gut; whatever the gut can't catch gets into the bloodstream and passes through the liver, which flushes them out. sometimes toxins don't leave our body - they hang around in our lymph and digestive systems.
Detoxing provides your body with a nutritional break so that it can become a better waste dumper and nutrient absorber. A proper detox lasts about a week and involves eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet that's high in essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, drinking plenty of water and clear fruit juices, and getting enough rest. You can also incorporate moderate exercise into your routine.

When?

I tend to go on fasts or cleanses when I'm going through changes in my life - when I need to centre myself or gain more clarity. Some people like to do it in the spring or at the start of the new year.

What to put in...

Start your mornings off with an 8-ounce glasses of warm water with  half a lemon squeezed into the water - lemon wakes up your digestive juices. (try to drink between 8-10 glasses of water a day - I count my herbal teas in with this)

During the day eat a variety of fresh fruit, whole grains (quinoa is an excellent one and loaded with protein), and lightly steamed veggies. I'll also use coconut oil to about 4tblsp for fat. Smoothies and fruit and veggie juices are also great...

With one of my glasses of water during the day I'll mix in a powdered vitamin c supplement (I use a brand called Emergen-C) - This aids in neutralizing free radicals produced by your body as you begin to detox, from things like sugar and caffeine. Another thing that helps if you are feeling sick to your stomach is ginger or mint tea. 

What to cut out...

• Sugar, (so this means sodas, chocolates, candies, cough drops - anything that has sugar in it is out)
• Caffeine
• Vinegar
• Corn 
• Mushrooms
  
• Dairy (if you consume it - creates excess mucus in the body).
• Anything processed

In addition to the food things to think about:

• Take hot baths with epsom salts (contains magnesium that can be absorbed through the skin)
• Dry body brushing (helps the body eliminate toxins more quickly)
• Yoga or Walking daily - anything to help keep your blood moving and allow your lymphs to sweat out toxins.
• Neti Potting - sometimes I'll get stuffy while I'm detoxing 
• Turn off the news - take a mental break - allow yourself to avoid negative emotional stuff coming at you through your tv or computer.

Make sure you are regular while all this is going on - if you aren't going #2 at least once a day. Munch on prunes or try drinking laxative tea.


What you'll have to put up with....
You'll probably be tired for awhile, have a headache or two, be hungry and grumpy - for the first 2 or three days after that it usually goes away.

When you go back to eating a more regular diet - be as my friend calls it a "petite eater" ... chew things carefully  - introduce foods you haven't been eating back one at a time...

If you have health concerns - talk to you doctor before radically changing your diet. You are trying to be nice to yourself not throw your body into shock.