As an RN, I know that our society, for the most part, is in to treating the symptoms and not the cause. I am a firm believer that foods are the healing answer to most issues and that our American diet and lack of exercise has most to blame for the state of health we Americans are in. Have you seen the fun being poked at the 'Fat Americans' in the Olympic's souvenirs? OK, OK, off of my soap box and back to my issues. I have not ruled out that possibly our bodies have become so saturated by these chemicals and hormones that symptoms appear and we think, or rather we are programed to believe that we have a disease like fibromyalgia, etc. So instead of running to the nearest doc to get a pill to pop to treat the symptom and cover up the cause, I set out several years ago doing some research. I have tried a lot of different supplements and remedies that helped a little but nothing helped completely. So I have kept searching. Now I am not touting that this is a 'cure all', I'm just saying, that for now, this is working for me and I thought that I would share my findings with you, the reader.
About a month ago I ran across a video called 'Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead' (http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com ). In a nutshell, it's an inspirational video about juice detoxing. Although I did not go to the extremes that Joe Cross did in the video, I decided to give it a try using a scaled down version- I ate along with juicing, just chose healthier, whole foods. Wow! Did it make a difference! I have been on a juice kick ever since. I have been juicing everything I can get my hands on. Juicing has made me feel better than I have felt in years and hubby is saying the he feels great too. I have experimented with so many recipes that I would love to share my favorites sometime (which I will in another post).
But alas, I am human and yesterday, I messed up...or rather, I made a bad food choice. One good thing came from it, It made me realize when I woke up feeling horrible this morning, how really, really good I had been feeling.
It all began last night when Noah (my wonderful 14 year old son) and I sat down to watch a re-run of 'The Big Bang Theory' before the Olympics began. On the show they were all sitting around eating Chinese food - instantly, me and Noah (whom we had just eaten dinner) looked at each other and said 'let's get Chinese food!' So off we went. Wow! The power of suggestion is amazing-yet another reason to turn off the TV! So we brought our msg laden sesame chicken home (me) and shrimp lomein (Noah) and chowed down on this food as we watched the ripped, disciplined athletes compete in the olympics.
I started with a morning juicing of fresh fruit : strawberries, blueberries, grapefruit (all my citrus I use a wonderful juicer by cuisinart and then add to vitamix) , pineapple, apple, banana and a pear. Add Ice and blend in Vitamix. The fruits start the day with anti-oxidants like poly-phenolic flavonoids, vitamin-C, anthocyanins.These compounds, firstly, help the body protect from oxidant stress, diseases, and cancers, and secondly, help the body develop capacity to fight against these ailments by boosting our immunity level.
After I drank my juice I ran a luke warm bath with epsom salt and lavender essential oil - I sipped on yogi detox tea while bathing. Afterwards I used a netti pot with sea salt to clear sinus cavities, flossed, brushed my teeth with an organic toothpaste(my current favorite is naturesway periobrite), scraped my tongue, used Tom's mouthwash. My body started feeling better already, now to work on my foggy head.
The next step was restorative yoga poses. My all time favorite is Supta Baddha Konasana: Reclined Bound-Angle Pose using a bolster. Here is a picture of it :
Benefits:
- Helps to Restore energy
- Improves Circulation to the Chest
- Releases Tension in the diaphragm
- Helps to calm/Relax the mind
- Helps with cramps associated with menstruation
The next restorative pose is Viparita Karani - Legs up the wall pose.
Benefits
- Relieves tired or cramped legs and feet
- Gently stretches the back legs, front torso, and the back of the neck
- Relieves mild backache
- Calms the mind
- Bathes the abdomen with a fresh supply of blood and calms the heart.
I am spending the rest of the day reading inspirational books and recharging my motivational battery. Lately I have been fascinated with ashtanga yoga. I am reading 'Sacred Fire' by Kino MacGregor. Hubby bought me as a gift a weekend workshop with her in January and I can't wait! I am also reading 'Yoga Mala' The Original Teachings of Ashtanga Yoga Master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Read whatever interests and stimulates you as long as it is positive and inspirational.
Now, back to the juice:
This afternoon I juiced carrots, beets and ginger. Interestingly enough, I saw yesterday on TV that a lot of athletes in the olympics are juicing beets. Hubby draws the line on this one. He won't drink beet juice. He says it taste like dirt. Beet juice is best known as a blood purifier and blood builder that helps in the creation of red blood cells. So go figure! Beets rule!!
Tonight's juice will be a green one - It will have kale, lemon, lime, spinach, ginger, celery, cucumber, mint and an avocado. I always feel really good after drinking a green drink. Hubby likes it, Hayden (my oldest) has always drank my green drinks, but Noah, he is one that needs a bit of encouraging to get one down. I'm happy if I can get him to drink half of one. The benefits of drinking this green drink are very numerous - bottom line, it is an immune booster like no other! Hail to the Kale!!!
The hardest part of the day was that I started feeling better and wanted to get on my bike. I believe my body was telling me that I needed some down time to restore and renew. In this fast paced world, slowing down and taking time for yourself is hard. But since doing this restoration I feel good and believe the benefits are more than I will ever truly realize. The benefits for the people who have to live with me are great as well!
Now, I am human...I know that I will indulge in Chinese food again... What can I say, I love food! But if I take a conscious effort to minimize these foods and maximize whole fruits and vegetables that perhaps the quality of my life will be better, and those around me....just food for thought.
So now the big question....How long has it been since you have taken an entire day for yourself to restore and detox your body, mind and spirit? Try it! You will be glad you did :)
Namaste'
This post is perfect timing - thanks! :-) As of tomorrow, I had planned on recommitting to a mid-day yoga asana practice (longer and more intensive than what I do for early morning), and also starting back into a healthy food awareness practice. Actually, I've been eating healthy foods (organics, lots of veggies and fruits) for a few years now, but *too much* (thus, too many calories). Plus, last year while moving and trying to adapt to Arizona in the summer, had way too much ice cream which loaded on the extra poundage! Anyway, I love what you share above about your own journey and what helps you to feel good in your body. And, yes, reclining bound angle pose is AWESOME. I've watched half of the video you recommended (will finish it tomorrow) and it's very interesting. I may just buy a juicer ... but need to figure out what kind of machine seems best ... Mostly, again, I'm so very happy that you are listening to your own body and intuition on what creates a feeling of health and self-love. That is beautiful. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you Darla. Glad you enjoyed. Let me know what you decide on the juicer. In the video Joe Cross uses a Breville juicer, which I understand is awesome. I personally like the vitamix because it grinds the whole fruit and is more filling. But I love a juicer too! I wish I could afford both. I ended up with the vitamix because I got a good deal on one. I do love it and they are well worth the investment which ever way you go.
DeleteNamaste' dear friend :)
Good blogging Annette. I had to change my way of eating a couple of years ago also because of health/aging reasons. At the age of 35 I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and then a couple of years ago diverticulitis which only flared up when I ate McDonald's (really makes you wonder whats in those burgers). I had been having a colonoscopy every 5 yrs. but my Doc said at age 50 I would have to start having them once a year, he told me if I changed my eating and he saw a difference he would go every 2 years. I started eating a much cleaner diet although I have always eaten fairly healthy. I cut out most all white flour and loaded up on fiber rich veggies and grains which I love anyway so it hasn't been too much of an adjustment for me but more so for Chip. Anyway when I had my colonoscopy last year there were no polyps and no active ulcers so I was able to skip the testing this year. I have always made my own smoothies but just recently started adding more fruits and veggies. My blender is having a hard time so I really need to get a juicer. Jonathon and I often talk about the overweight kids we see, he in the gym and I through sewing for a kids Mardi Gras krewe. It's really sad and I know where they are headed health wise. I don't think the country will be able to handle the healthcare repercussions of the diet America is eating. I'm sure you see this in your work also. Anyway thanks for sharing and looking forward to the recipes
ReplyDeleteThank you Jill! I'm so glad to hear you are doing better with diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis-my twin sister deals with those issues as well, unfortunately it runs in our family. The green juice (kale & spinach) is so good for those issues. A naturopathic MD told me that he believes it can be cured through green juicing even though the ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease. However, I thought about it and did some research. The kale and spinach have super anti-inflammatory and alkalinizing properties so if not cure, at least it can help keep it at bay (that and stress reduction)! It's well worth a try if you haven't done it yet. If you have access to a WholeFoods, they make an awesome kale juice called Kalicious. I have to have one every time I go there! I believe it is made up of Kale, apples, ginger & parsley. Try one and let me know what you think! My green juice recipe is Kale, Spinach, celery, cucumber, ginger root, lemon and apple. Mike even drinks it and says he feels great.
DeleteHere's to your good health Jill!
LOL! I'm drinking that same green juice as I'm reading this except no kale or celery + added a frozen banana, that's crazy! I believe the same and have faith that one day I will be able to get off this super expensive Colozol ($350+ p/mo from Canada/$675+ here w/BlueCross discount) I eat spinach everyday and love it. Tried making kale chips and did not enjoy, they were too bitter for me. I'll have to try kale in a drink. And yes stress does make a difference that's one of the main reason's I am "retired" for now. Don't have a Whole Foods available but will look for that next time I'm in Pcola. Thanks!
ReplyDelete