Each day I reflect...
I reflect the love that I enable myself to receive from others.
I reflect on the outside, what I feel on the inside... from the way I dress to my facial expression.
I reflect the person I want to be.
In every moment of decision, I pause, so that in responding, I can reflect my highest self.
~~~
Hippo
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Eating philosophy
I saw Skinny Ms. on facebook post their eating philosophy and I liked it a lot:.... whole, healthy eating. That is, eating foods in their whole state or as
close to the way nature intended it as possible. We believe that because
our bodies are 100% natural, the fuel we give our bodies should be too.
In addition, they stated what they consider to be portion sizes. (Eating this size 5-6 times a day)
As a general rule of thumb, portion sizes are approximately as follows:
For more about Skinny Ms.... http://skinnyms.com/category/recipes/
I'm not completely sure I CAN eat 5-6 times a day... but if I decide I need to do that, I could work on it. It takes a lot to remind myself to eat that frequently. But in any case, I think it's good to have a measuring tool for portions.
In addition, they stated what they consider to be portion sizes. (Eating this size 5-6 times a day)
As a general rule of thumb, portion sizes are approximately as follows:
- Whole grains, whole grain pastas and single servings of fruit – 1 cupped hand
- Veggies – 2 cupped hands held together
- Meat/proteins – the size of your flat palm
For more about Skinny Ms.... http://skinnyms.com/category/recipes/
I'm not completely sure I CAN eat 5-6 times a day... but if I decide I need to do that, I could work on it. It takes a lot to remind myself to eat that frequently. But in any case, I think it's good to have a measuring tool for portions.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Get your glow on!
Checking in. I feel so much healthier. I feel a certain inner glow. I actually FEEL it most of the time. Not always, life isn't perfect and sometimes I don't sleep enough or something else gets in my way but really, life is quite pleasant going green! :)
I haven't been posting as much lately. I think I've just been getting into a rhythm of this new leafy life. I still juice for breakfast at least 5 times a week. One day this week, I just did a juice fast all day in order to balance myself out.
Typically I try to avoid processed foods. I can't get away from it entirely (not without slaving over a stove constantly) but I've done VERY well. And when I choose processed foods, I choose organic or minimally processed for the most part. and Man am I getting my veggies in. I've had a few moments when I mindfully choose a really awesome delicious piece of cake or something. Once I treated myself to some dark organic chocolate which I ate over several days. I resist the random cookies and candy because they make me feel HORRIBLE, mentally and physically, but you MUST dip into pleasure and find treats for yourself once in a while!
Alkalizing:
I drink a whole water bottle of lemon water first thing in the morning at least 5 mornings a week. Lemon water has an alkalizing effect on the body.
I've just recently been learning about the body's ph balance and how acid/alkaline foods impact it. (PH balance: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH). Those who know more can explain it better than I can so take a look at this website for example: http://www.naturalhealthschool.com/acid-alkaline.html.
Essentially, your body needs to be at a healthy level but in our society today we digest a LOT of acidic foods. So, if we can understand this balance, we can change what we eat in order to create a healthy, happy, blissful inner green!
Drinking Aloe
Sometimes I also take a shot of aloe in orange juice. There are many benefits to aloe including regulating the digestion system, providing vitamins and minerals to your body, reducing inflammation (which we may not notice but occurs in unhealthy bodies all the time and can breed cancer or other illnesses), and assists the immune system. I'm wondering if this wouldn't be a great cocktail for cold season!
Oil Cleansing / Natural skin treatments:
I've also been trying a new cleansing method (new to me) for my face. It's called the Oil Cleansing Method. You can get more information here: http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/. Basically oil absorbs oil. Instead of stripping your skin of oils, you just gently clean and replenish. Castor oil has also been known to help with breakouts. Be warned: Any time you do a deep cleaning, expect a few breakouts from the detoxification. So far, it's WONDERFUL. My skin is the healthiest it's been in a long time. I also made a facial scrub from olive oil and sugar. Easy peasy and perfect for exfoliation. :) Then I researched and purchased 100% pure argan oil. I spent $20 for 4 oz on amazon.com (there is a large range of prices out there. I think some "brand names" might be a rip off, here is the one I purchased: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056UDXDK/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details). This lightweight oil moisturizes, clears breakouts, reduces spots (supposedly), is great for hair nails and skin, can help exema, has high antioxidant levels and fatty essential acids (can use on oily skin unlike many anti-aging products that are too hydrating for oily skin). Anyway, it's a good NIGHT mosturizer. It's a bit too "oily" for daytime. But the result is (thus far) very soft skin. I've just started this so I'll keep tabs on how all this is working.
Food:
I've made some delicious recipes. I'll post the links here.
Sweet potato black bean spicy salad: http://reluctantentertainer.com/2010/08/black-beans-sweet-potatoes-so-good-for-u/
Spicy cabbage soup: http://www.kalofagas.ca/2010/02/26/cabbage-soup/
Garlic roasted brussel sprouts: http://www.thecookingphotographer.com/2010/12/oven-roasted-garlic-brussels-sprouts.html
Spicy thai soup : http://
*I make it slightly different using:
1tb ginger
4 cups veg broth (better than boullian 1/2 mush and 1/2 veg)
1 tbp minced garlic
1 jalapeno
1 c sliced mushrooms
1 cup broccoli
1 cup chopped bok choy
1 green onion
1 tbsp cilantro
Kale Chips: http://umamigirl.com/2011/11/how-to-make-baked-kale-chips-recipe.html
I haven't been posting as much lately. I think I've just been getting into a rhythm of this new leafy life. I still juice for breakfast at least 5 times a week. One day this week, I just did a juice fast all day in order to balance myself out.
Typically I try to avoid processed foods. I can't get away from it entirely (not without slaving over a stove constantly) but I've done VERY well. And when I choose processed foods, I choose organic or minimally processed for the most part. and Man am I getting my veggies in. I've had a few moments when I mindfully choose a really awesome delicious piece of cake or something. Once I treated myself to some dark organic chocolate which I ate over several days. I resist the random cookies and candy because they make me feel HORRIBLE, mentally and physically, but you MUST dip into pleasure and find treats for yourself once in a while!
Alkalizing:
I drink a whole water bottle of lemon water first thing in the morning at least 5 mornings a week. Lemon water has an alkalizing effect on the body.
I've just recently been learning about the body's ph balance and how acid/alkaline foods impact it. (PH balance: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH). Those who know more can explain it better than I can so take a look at this website for example: http://www.naturalhealthschool.com/acid-alkaline.html.
Essentially, your body needs to be at a healthy level but in our society today we digest a LOT of acidic foods. So, if we can understand this balance, we can change what we eat in order to create a healthy, happy, blissful inner green!
Drinking Aloe
Sometimes I also take a shot of aloe in orange juice. There are many benefits to aloe including regulating the digestion system, providing vitamins and minerals to your body, reducing inflammation (which we may not notice but occurs in unhealthy bodies all the time and can breed cancer or other illnesses), and assists the immune system. I'm wondering if this wouldn't be a great cocktail for cold season!
Oil Cleansing / Natural skin treatments:
I've also been trying a new cleansing method (new to me) for my face. It's called the Oil Cleansing Method. You can get more information here: http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/. Basically oil absorbs oil. Instead of stripping your skin of oils, you just gently clean and replenish. Castor oil has also been known to help with breakouts. Be warned: Any time you do a deep cleaning, expect a few breakouts from the detoxification. So far, it's WONDERFUL. My skin is the healthiest it's been in a long time. I also made a facial scrub from olive oil and sugar. Easy peasy and perfect for exfoliation. :) Then I researched and purchased 100% pure argan oil. I spent $20 for 4 oz on amazon.com (there is a large range of prices out there. I think some "brand names" might be a rip off, here is the one I purchased: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056UDXDK/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details). This lightweight oil moisturizes, clears breakouts, reduces spots (supposedly), is great for hair nails and skin, can help exema, has high antioxidant levels and fatty essential acids (can use on oily skin unlike many anti-aging products that are too hydrating for oily skin). Anyway, it's a good NIGHT mosturizer. It's a bit too "oily" for daytime. But the result is (thus far) very soft skin. I've just started this so I'll keep tabs on how all this is working.
Food:
I've made some delicious recipes. I'll post the links here.
Sweet potato black bean spicy salad: http://reluctantentertainer.com/2010/08/black-beans-sweet-potatoes-so-good-for-u/
Spicy cabbage soup: http://www.kalofagas.ca/2010/02/26/cabbage-soup/
Garlic roasted brussel sprouts: http://www.thecookingphotographer.com/2010/12/oven-roasted-garlic-brussels-sprouts.html
Spicy thai soup : http://
*I make it slightly different using:
1tb ginger
4 cups veg broth (better than boullian 1/2 mush and 1/2 veg)
1 tbp minced garlic
1 jalapeno
1 c sliced mushrooms
1 cup broccoli
1 cup chopped bok choy
1 green onion
1 tbsp cilantro
Kale Chips: http://umamigirl.com/2011/11/how-to-make-baked-kale-chips-recipe.html
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Don't slow your roll.
My habits are so much better. I eat fruits, fresh veggies, baked veggies, hummus, salads, homemade soups, homemade dressings, etc. When I do splurge, it's not too bad and not too frequent. I could say of myself: I don't drink coffee or pop. I haven't had any since Jan 1st. Well, no, I did have a spiked cherry cola drink at a bar, just one. But other than that... just teas and water! I don't really miss it at all.
I don't always go to bed when I should. And I haven't ever resumed the crazy workout life I used to have 6-7 times a week at the gym. But I find I don't have the heart to make myself do things I don't like. I may never be a runner. Maybe I don't want to be.
But I am a yogi. And maybe I could swim to get in extra cardio! I think I'll try it!
I haven't lost a single pound since eating again. In fact, I gained 2 lbs back (probably water and food related). It can get frustrating but I have to not care. I have to simply enjoy this awesome body that I have.... (yes, it's not easy saying that, but I'll say it every day till I die) and enjoy the HEALTH that I receive from eating better. and if my body decides to let go of more weight... GREAT! If not, I can deal with this! :-)
I feel like when you get the healthy momentum going, you have to keep it going, keep pressing down on the peddle. Accelerating into the change of direction actually makes the change easier. Seth Godin refers to "leaning into the change". Someone mentioned that a NASCAR driver once said to them that "You can't be scared of the turns. Funny thing about turning - if you accelerate into the turn, then the car will actually corner better. The forces will suck the car down to the track and you will feel more confident going faster than you do going slow!"
So, I better not slow this roll I'm on! :)
I don't always go to bed when I should. And I haven't ever resumed the crazy workout life I used to have 6-7 times a week at the gym. But I find I don't have the heart to make myself do things I don't like. I may never be a runner. Maybe I don't want to be.
But I am a yogi. And maybe I could swim to get in extra cardio! I think I'll try it!
I haven't lost a single pound since eating again. In fact, I gained 2 lbs back (probably water and food related). It can get frustrating but I have to not care. I have to simply enjoy this awesome body that I have.... (yes, it's not easy saying that, but I'll say it every day till I die) and enjoy the HEALTH that I receive from eating better. and if my body decides to let go of more weight... GREAT! If not, I can deal with this! :-)
I feel like when you get the healthy momentum going, you have to keep it going, keep pressing down on the peddle. Accelerating into the change of direction actually makes the change easier. Seth Godin refers to "leaning into the change". Someone mentioned that a NASCAR driver once said to them that "You can't be scared of the turns. Funny thing about turning - if you accelerate into the turn, then the car will actually corner better. The forces will suck the car down to the track and you will feel more confident going faster than you do going slow!"
So, I better not slow this roll I'm on! :)
Friday, January 20, 2012
Challenges
I'd say my "setbacks" are minor. I was tempted by sugar cookies one day, but since then I really have eaten all unprocessed foods, mainly vegetables. The only animal products I've had are some salmon, and some hard boiled eggs.
But the thing I'm concerned about is quantity of food and an old habit of eating before I eat. So, after juicing, my stomach seems to be really small. However, once I start eating, I want to eat it all. (The whole portion). So here is how this isn't working. I come home, I need to prepare dinner, but I'm hungry. So, as I'm preparing dinner, I munch on several carrots with hummus dip. Then, because I'm hungry, I prepare probably a little bit too big of portions. A whole bowl of soup and a whole bowl of salad (sometimes with a whole grain bakery bun). This is entirely too much. I was SOOOOOOOOO stuffed.
So, new method. I am going to try not to snack while I prepare my meal. A snack should be on it's own at least an hour before or after a meal. When I have a snack, I have to prepare it like a meal. No eating out of the container standing by the fridge. Take out a portion and leave.
Another method: Imagine my entire dinner in a 2-3 cup measuring cup or a large bowl (for visualizing purposes). Meaning, if I have soup and salad (use two smaller bowls). I think with two smaller bowls and no snacking that would have been a much more appropriate portion size.
I do love food. It was almost easier to operate under the juicing guidelines because I didn't have to make a choice, and the taste of the food didn't drive me past my limit. So, I just have to develop some new healthy techniques to keep me mindful and keep my tastebuds or emotional hunger from taking over.
But KUDOS to me for the quality of food I'm eating! I am a kickass green goddess!
But the thing I'm concerned about is quantity of food and an old habit of eating before I eat. So, after juicing, my stomach seems to be really small. However, once I start eating, I want to eat it all. (The whole portion). So here is how this isn't working. I come home, I need to prepare dinner, but I'm hungry. So, as I'm preparing dinner, I munch on several carrots with hummus dip. Then, because I'm hungry, I prepare probably a little bit too big of portions. A whole bowl of soup and a whole bowl of salad (sometimes with a whole grain bakery bun). This is entirely too much. I was SOOOOOOOOO stuffed.
So, new method. I am going to try not to snack while I prepare my meal. A snack should be on it's own at least an hour before or after a meal. When I have a snack, I have to prepare it like a meal. No eating out of the container standing by the fridge. Take out a portion and leave.
Another method: Imagine my entire dinner in a 2-3 cup measuring cup or a large bowl (for visualizing purposes). Meaning, if I have soup and salad (use two smaller bowls). I think with two smaller bowls and no snacking that would have been a much more appropriate portion size.
I do love food. It was almost easier to operate under the juicing guidelines because I didn't have to make a choice, and the taste of the food didn't drive me past my limit. So, I just have to develop some new healthy techniques to keep me mindful and keep my tastebuds or emotional hunger from taking over.
But KUDOS to me for the quality of food I'm eating! I am a kickass green goddess!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Eating food again...
Everything is alive and more vibrant. The taste of a green bean is unexpectedly delicious. I have been back on food for a few days. I feel just fine. I have been eating mostly vegetables, and also getting in about 2 cups of juice too.
I haven't yet had a BM so I noticed the scale go up a bit. It was to be expected.
Hopefully I'll regulate and balance out.
I've eaten salads with homemade dressing, homemade potato leek soup, spicy polenta and a veggie medley, some carrots and hummus. Everything tastes so good. But I notice that I feel REALLY REALLYY full on what I used to consider a pretty small meal. But I definitely want to get back to eating around 1000- 1200 calories, because I want my metabolism to operate with efficiency.
But overall, just really enjoying making things fresh. I no longer look at food the same way. Every time I consider eating something I visualize how it was made. That really helps. Emotional food cravings are a part of my life, but I feel like my tactic of riding out the craving and telling myself I can have what I really want works well. For instance, considering a bag of M&Ms, I ask myself if I would rather have some organic dark chocolate and some almond butter. What do I REALLY want? Do I want a bag of doritos or maybe I'd prefer to have carrot chips and hummus. These things ACTUALLY taste better, but take prep to have. I can't grab those in a vending machine. Do I want pop or do I really want some lovely chocomint tea or maybe some iced green tea? Those things ACTUALLY make me FEEL better. I haven't had any soda or any m&ms, and honestly I don't feel very tempted by them right now. I'm thinking that might be one of the best benefits of the fast. (Although, a really awesome homemade chocolate cookie sounds good)
UPDATE~! DANG IT! I shouldn't have visualized that cookie! It came true, my friend brought homemade cookies and I went overboard! haha. dang sugar. Oh well, life is about balance, I'll balance it out tomorrow.
I haven't yet had a BM so I noticed the scale go up a bit. It was to be expected.
Hopefully I'll regulate and balance out.
I've eaten salads with homemade dressing, homemade potato leek soup, spicy polenta and a veggie medley, some carrots and hummus. Everything tastes so good. But I notice that I feel REALLY REALLYY full on what I used to consider a pretty small meal. But I definitely want to get back to eating around 1000- 1200 calories, because I want my metabolism to operate with efficiency.
But overall, just really enjoying making things fresh. I no longer look at food the same way. Every time I consider eating something I visualize how it was made. That really helps. Emotional food cravings are a part of my life, but I feel like my tactic of riding out the craving and telling myself I can have what I really want works well. For instance, considering a bag of M&Ms, I ask myself if I would rather have some organic dark chocolate and some almond butter. What do I REALLY want? Do I want a bag of doritos or maybe I'd prefer to have carrot chips and hummus. These things ACTUALLY taste better, but take prep to have. I can't grab those in a vending machine. Do I want pop or do I really want some lovely chocomint tea or maybe some iced green tea? Those things ACTUALLY make me FEEL better. I haven't had any soda or any m&ms, and honestly I don't feel very tempted by them right now. I'm thinking that might be one of the best benefits of the fast. (Although, a really awesome homemade chocolate cookie sounds good)
UPDATE~! DANG IT! I shouldn't have visualized that cookie! It came true, my friend brought homemade cookies and I went overboard! haha. dang sugar. Oh well, life is about balance, I'll balance it out tomorrow.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Day 15 - MADE IT!
I made it! Day 15!!!!! :)
I actually wasn't sure I'd make it 15 days.
I'm down 7 lbs.
But more importantly, I FEEL lighter and less bloaty.
I don't have morning headaches.
I don't get overwhelmingly sleepy at 2/3pm.
I've been going to bed on time during the week.
My MOOD has been something that has been impacted. It's MUCH better and more stable! (I did learn that our gut is like a brain and can make us depressed).
For dinner:
Potato Leek chickpea Soup Recipe
Ingredients
3 large leeks, cut lengthwise, separate, clean. Use only the white and pale green parts, chop
4 Cloves Garlic, peeled and chopped
1 Yellow Onion, peeled and diced
2 Tbsp butter or olive oil
2 cups water
2 cups vegetable broth
3 large red potatoes, peeled, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
1 ½ Cup Canned Chickpeas
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
Sea Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Method
Heat the olive oil in a large pot; add leeks, garlic, and onions with a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture until soft and translucent but not brown.
Then add the potatoes, chickpeas and continue to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the chicken stock, bring it to the boil and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Allow the soup to cool slightly before you puree it with a handheld blender. Bring the soup back to the boil and season with some salt and pepper. Serve warm.
I actually wasn't sure I'd make it 15 days.
I'm down 7 lbs.
But more importantly, I FEEL lighter and less bloaty.
I don't have morning headaches.
I don't get overwhelmingly sleepy at 2/3pm.
I've been going to bed on time during the week.
My MOOD has been something that has been impacted. It's MUCH better and more stable! (I did learn that our gut is like a brain and can make us depressed).
For dinner:
Potato Leek chickpea Soup Recipe
Ingredients
3 large leeks, cut lengthwise, separate, clean. Use only the white and pale green parts, chop
4 Cloves Garlic, peeled and chopped
1 Yellow Onion, peeled and diced
2 Tbsp butter or olive oil
2 cups water
2 cups vegetable broth
3 large red potatoes, peeled, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
1 ½ Cup Canned Chickpeas
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
Sea Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Method
Heat the olive oil in a large pot; add leeks, garlic, and onions with a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture until soft and translucent but not brown.
Then add the potatoes, chickpeas and continue to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the chicken stock, bring it to the boil and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Allow the soup to cool slightly before you puree it with a handheld blender. Bring the soup back to the boil and season with some salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Day 12 - Not quite the end
Just before the end is always the hardest. I really am ready to eat food again.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Day 11 - Green Goddess on the Go
Today, just a brief update.
I have felt good. I enjoy my green juice. I don't feel deprived. No more weight lost though. I've lost 5 lbs and my male roomie has lost 12. Men! LOL. But all is well. I haven't had any really negative side effects for a few days (dizziness, fatigue, etc). I taught yoga tonight, then went to my book club. So, I have the energy to get through it all.
I am getting pretty ready to eat something. Temptation has nothing on me, but at the same time, I drool over pictures of food sometimes! Only 4 more days left (and the last meal of that day I'm eating some SALAD!!)
I have felt good. I enjoy my green juice. I don't feel deprived. No more weight lost though. I've lost 5 lbs and my male roomie has lost 12. Men! LOL. But all is well. I haven't had any really negative side effects for a few days (dizziness, fatigue, etc). I taught yoga tonight, then went to my book club. So, I have the energy to get through it all.
I am getting pretty ready to eat something. Temptation has nothing on me, but at the same time, I drool over pictures of food sometimes! Only 4 more days left (and the last meal of that day I'm eating some SALAD!!)
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