The morning after...

I thought I'd be beyond anxious to eat something this a.m. but I feel quite calm about it.  Yesterday, day 7 without food, was fascinating... I felt a little bit outside of myself and both day 6 & day 7 I did not feel hungry - fnally!   

My plan to exit the cleanse....
I will take my herbs 3 x/day until I run out of the parasite candida combo herbs then I wil transition to
herbs 2 x/day (as G is doing now) until we're getting low and then down to 1 x/day.

I will have a smoothie breakfast and vegan raw lunch and vegan dinner, I might induldge in some cooked vegetable soup this evening.

I don't want to go on too much about food since some of you are in week 4 and are perhaps not eating food... it really does get easier.   I found drinking plenty of green juice and warm broth in the evening that G prepared made it much more do-able.  Having my mate complete the cleanse with me made it way easier too.  A brillinat shared transitional experience!

All in all a really great adventure and one that I shall treat my body to every spring...

Greens, Greens & more Greens + a kiwi or 3

We were notably greedy at the farmers market this morning but wanted to be sure we had enough veggies to both juice and EAT since we get to start that glorious activity of eating on Monday!   I know the kiwi will taste beyond amazing...

Interesting that last year when I competed a cleanse, not Ejuva, one of the main things I was craving was chocolate and I indulged in some raw cacao paste gently melted on a quinoa amaranth patty and then drizzled with agave nectar.

This year I'm craving zucchini "pasta" with curried cashew "cream" sauce, hearts of romaine and cucumber spiralized with a touch of sesame oil and raw apple cider vinegar.  Oh and I got English peas at the market today, can not wait to gobble those up!  G wants goat curry?!!?  Additionally, he just clarified, he wants lots of veggies with that curry! Each to our own...

As discussed, this cleanse is not just about what we put in but what comes out and I think it's noteworthy to say there is an awful lot coming out considering how little is going in.  And not to be too graphic the consistency is not what one would expect either, if you get my down low on the download!

Happy cleansing...

Day 26

Ahhh... I am feeling fine!  Hard to imagine that suddenly it's almost over.  I will say I'm looking forward to that Monday morning smoothie... I will use super foods and all raw ingredients for a gentle re-introduction to non juice nutrients!  Everyone seems to have gotten rather quiet?

Day 25

Here I am on my 4th day without food and it's way easier than I imagined it could possibly be!

Talking to some cleansee's today symptoms that have been noticed include: less toxic smelling workout sweat, less gas, more energy, clearer brain function, less or NO inflammation, smoother calmer energy - not wanting to kill anyone even whilst driving in San Francisco!

Pounds have been lost and more importantly inches!

All seems very well in our little cleansing world....

Day 24

I'm really glad to be doing this and really glad I feel way better than yesterday!  My energy is good, downloads sufficient and not too weird yet, head clear... I do feel a bit hungry but not ravenously or obsesssively so!  I hear it's easier not to eat any food after three days... that you go into some sort of zone?!?!  I'll keep you posted!

Additionally my brain is occupied with thoughts of my relationship with food, my habits, any addictions (not just to food but to t.v. watching, shopping...) and how this new awareness will translate for me post cleanse.

Some book recommendations that have come up in the above context:

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Life Management by Elizabeth Wilson
50 ways to soothe yourself without food by Susan Albers, PSY.D.

I'm also thinking about the best way to re-introduce food and health maintenance ideas. 

For health maintenance I may steal an idea from Natalia Rose (Detox the world) and designate one day per week for a mini cleanse and consume only green juice.  She suggests Monday and I like that idea.

More on food re-entry tomorrow...

Day 23...

Wow, the time is flying by.  Day 2 of no food was more challenging for me and less for G.  I felt a bit pinched & headachey... More green juice didn't seem to be doing the trick.  Brandi reminded me that I felt this way on day 1 or 2 of each new phase and that reminder gave me the where with all to re-commit! 

Since Brandi is training 2 hours/day she had a great idea that some of you other zealously active people might want to consider.  She blended green juice with some ice and raw protein powder to give her that extra workout boost.  Word is that it was delicious and good fuel for the energy intensive day.

Jason is going full bore on phase four even though his job is quite physical, that inspires me... 

Sheri is seriously taking back her closet and then some... sounds like there may be alterations in her future, or at least in the future of some favorite clothes in her closet!

So all in all we are an amazing lot aren't we?!?

Day 22

We made it through Day 1 of no food and feel pretty darn good.  No cleansing symptoms to speak of.  G said he felt a bit light headed and his downloads are historic.  For me, not so much... although I guess if you consider how little is going in I suppose the output is significant?!?

G made a nice veggie broth which we enjoyed for dinner.  I think the reason Ejuva does not mention a broth, like so many other juice cleanses, is that he recommends doing 100% raw.  However we had broth and it tasted like the elixir of the gods!  Saute some garlic, onion, ginger, then toss in some carrots, celery and whatever else you have, a bit of salt, a squeeze-o-lemon and some water.  We included some veggie fiber from the juice I was making.   As G says, it was just made of scraps...  Cook it for about 30 minutes, strain it and toss the solids.  Enjoy the broth warm...

As an aside, I'm enjoying the fact that many of us taking this cleanse beyond the physical and including other emotional & spiritual aspects as well!  I really appreciate each one of you participating and all that each of you brings to the experience!

Happy cleansing..............

Day 21

We finally watched "Fat Sick and nearly Dead" and found it very inspiring, a brilliant thing to see before we launch into our week of juice only, 7 days seems like nothing compared to his 60 days!  Again, I'm excited and a bit nervous... I was perhaps a wee bit greedy today at my "last meal". 

English peas, strawberries & kohlrabi oh my...

The Farmers Market brought some new seasonal treats this week... We got the most delicious strawberries (not grown in a tunnel) from Rose "the carrot lady" and once I saw english peas I couldn't not have some of those.  G's "candy" were gorgeous spring onions, he grilled them and had them with chinese brocoli.  The only challenge with all this tasiness is the knowledge that we won't be chewing those delightful foods after Sunday night until the end of the cleanse!  I'm sort of excited and yet also have some trepidation wrapped around NO Chewing for 7 days.  Obviously one CAN NOT do this phase if you are not having shed loads of fresh juice.

Happiness formula?

Happiness is made up of 3 things!?!

  Formula for happiness:

1)      BRAIN SET POINT (42 – 43 % of overall happiness).  This has to do with genetics and upbringing.  Do you see problems or creative opportunity?  How do you change your set point?  A) Meditation and B) reflection that is cognitive therapy - letting go of limiting beliefs or Automatic Negative Thoughts or ANTS.  When you experience an ANT ask yourself the following:  Is this true?  Am I absolutely sure this is true?  What does holding on to the belief do to me?  Who would I be without this belief?  Then turn it around and write down the opposite.  Question the truth of your own limitations.  C) Drugs – not recommended for long term happiness!

2)      CONDITIONS OF LIVING (7-8% of overall happiness).   Physical conditions, money, job etc.  So if you won a giant lotto, after the thrill was gone, you wouldn’t be any happier one year from now than you are today.  Similarly if you had a tragedy, it would take 1 -2 years to adjust.

3)      VOLUNTARY CHOICES (about 50% of overall happiness).  A) Choices that increase pleasure (ie: a good movie, a fine dining experience, a new outfit) create transient happiness.  B) Choices that increase fulfillment.  1) Choose to make someone else happy.   2) Find and express our creativity especially through manifesting.   Manifesting is the highest form of creativity and creates great joy; it is there all the time.  It’s within me at all times!

these are notes from the same Deepak Chopra lecture... Enjoy!

Day 18 and feeling fine!

I listened to an amazing lecture by Deepak Chopra and since our cleanse is a time of renewal I wanted to share with you my notes on meditation.

MEDITATION:   when you meditate, use a mantra.  A mantra is a magical word or words.  A mantra is a thought without history.  Thoughts have karma.  The prison of Karma is the prison of the same thoughts all the time.  The mechanics of creation are from past memories and desire that comes from that memory.  The mantra “I am” has no history! 

When you meditate, have a clear idea of what you want and anchor it to an emotional state with a timeframe.  (An intended outcome creates its own reality).  Then let go!  Quantum leaps of creativity make their own reality.  Imagainal cells (and yes that is a scientific phrase) start to create and then connect.  For example: A butterfly is NOT a worm with wings but an entirely different creature.  The more conscious your intention the more available it is to you – your spirit wakes up!  You are moving toward discontinuity.  To visually see a flower is continuity.  Discontinuity is to see the universe in the flower.  Let go of ego, the best way to do that is to experience gratitude for what you already have.  Have a willingness to surrender.  Be filled with gratitude, joy and happiness – not for a reason but just because you exist.  If you are happy first you will be more successful.

Tomorrow I will share the notes I made on the ingrediants of happiness!

hmmm... happy cleansing..............

Day 16 - "pasta in creme sauce" & asian cuke salad

I told y'all I'd let you know how that cashew creme with zucchini pasta held up and tasted for lunch today?  It was DELICIOUS & super satisfying!

cashew creme:
1 cup RAW soaked cashews - soak them in a bowl in for fridge for 4 hours or up to overnight
scant 1/2 cup h2O - you can add a bit more if needed
pinch-o-salt (good salt such as Himalayan pink or Celtic grey)
juice of one lemon
scant teaspoon curry powder - more if you like it spicy
blend til super smooth

zucchini "pasta":
peel the zuchini and if you have a spiralizer, use the spaghetti setting.  If you don't have a spiralizer, use a peeler and peel round and round, more like fettuccine.

I used 3 small zuchini to about 1/4 of the above recipe. 

Make the sauce first and toss the zuchini immediately, that's supposed to seal the "pasta" so it doesn't get watery.

Another easy lunch treat was an Asian inspired cucumber salad...  While I had the magic spiralizer out I spiraled me some cucumbers.  Again lacking the magic tool... use a peeler and work your way around length wise for a more uniform slice.

2 good size cucumbers - sliced or spiralized
1 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 T raw apple cider vinegar
pinch-o-salt
  Toss it, and either eat it straight away or let it marinate overnight.

Just a few more alluring ways to increase your vegetable intake in a delightful & delicious way!

Day 15 and the beginning of Phase III

Today went surprisingly well for both G and I.  We had our one meal around lunch time, 3 doses of herbs and about 32 ounces of veggie juice each.  G just asked me... "how come we don't have a lot of symptoms of de-tox?"  I have the same surprise.  We used to feel major symptoms during our old school  3 day juice cleanses.  I think it's the herbs man!
                                       *** A BIT-O-FEEDBACK ***
*A family member who is not on our journey recommends against colonics feeling they may have caused internal hemoroids and possible scaring on the appendix... Ouch!!!
*Pat is doing quite well... aches and pains are gone and the need for OTC heartburn medicine is no more!
*Sheri is able to fit in trousers that she hadn't been able to wear...

Tonight I made my version of the zuchini "pasta" with curry cashew creme that Mary mentioned ages ago.  I'll let you know a) how it holds up for lunch and b) if it's as amazingly delicious as it looks!

Day 14... at the half way point already!

I'm strangely & simultaneously apprehensive & excited to launch into phase III tomorrow... 
Phase III = more herbs (3x/day) for all of us
+ for those of us including Parasite and Candida cleanse, we'll have 3 extra doses of herbs per day for the remaining 2 weeks. 
Excited?  I've been feeling energetic, light & extraordinarily clear headed.  I'm anticipating more pleasant surprises as we reduce to just one meal per day.
Apprehensive?  Only one meal per day.... but then I think that the guy in "Sick Fat and Nearly Dead" went a lot longer on a lot less than 1 meal per day and came out the other side with glowing health!  G and I have both realized that some of the desire to eat is more about the emotional habit of stuffing our pie hole at a time designated by the clock. 
I know you will all be quite shocked to hear this... but in addition to addiction to eat at certain times, we are also acknowledging our addiction to "hunting" and will take a respite/vacation from that for the remainder of the cleanse.  We'll add in more walks on the beach (we are so close it's silly not to go fill our souls with the crashing waves at Ocean Beach regularly) and other soulful things that do not include hunting or eating!

Happy life changing cleansing to each of us!!!!

To colonic or not to colonic is that the question?

I know a lot of health fanatics think one must have colonics or enemas regularly, no matter how clean your diet is.  There is a suggestion too that if you cleanse too quickly you have more detox symptoms such as headache, achy joints, almost flu like symptoms and that one of the above will move that stuff out so you'll feel better faster.  I have a really hard time getting super excited about either idea but at least one could perform an enema on ones self in the privacy of one's home... for a fraction of the price!

Sheri, registered nurse and shopping queen, did some research and found this enema kit online.  So if one thinks one wants to do this "activity" here is the info she shared...

Stainless steel enema bucket with silicone tubing that can be sterilized and reused....   It comes with a book by a naturopathic MD on enemas. This is more expensive than the plastic stuff, but again, don't want to use plastic, and don't want to use PVC or plastic tubing either.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JGWY1Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A2PMP3DB63SCFJ

plus extra tip- although the above product comes with several different tips...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JH785K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A2PMP3DB63SCFJ

Happy CLEANSING!?!

Wow... Day 12 already...

Day 12 and I honestly think it just keeps getting better!  Krystal and Jason both reminded me of important things that I want to share: 

"People often think of living a healthy life style as 'giving-up', but this could not be further from the truth."  I think when we are done with the cleanse we will have added in so many additional healthy treats that the idea of having less nutrient dense food will seem less and less alluring!

Jason has been adding coconut oil to his morning smoothie to help him feel full and satisfied for longer.  I think I'll add that into my morning drink immediately!  He didn't realize how much of a health nut he's become but the nuttier he is, the better he feels and the better he looks!

Smoothie Ingrediants...

It sounds like most of us are having a smoothie as our breakfast, I'm trying to get away from food products and mostly use food.  Here are some ideas of  raw super food "stuff" to include:
soaked Chia seeds (aids elimination, high in fiber, omega 3, protein and antioxidants)
soaked goji berries (rich in vitamins A, C & E, B2 and over 20 trace minerals including zinc & iron)
maca (an adaptogen - to  increase endurance, energy, mental clarity + hormone balance & an aphrodisiac!)
stevia leaf -not the white powder (regulates digestive track, balances blood sugar, increases energy)
hemp seeds (high quality complete protein, boosts immune system & anti-inflammatory)
macadamia nuts (creamy goodness & they are supposed to be good for our skin)
cacao (magnesium, chromium, antioxidants, B1, B2, B5, B6, C & E... the list goes on but mostly its happy!)
Vanilla powder (it smells good, adds a sweetness - even if it's only in my head & aromatherapy = relaxing)
Green powder (I use Vitamineral Greens by Healthforce Naturals because it's raw, fermented & from various sources)
   If I'm not doing chocolate, I throw in a handful of frozen berries of some sort - low glycemic and helps hide the slightly swampy essence of the vitamineral greens!

Day 11 and going strong!

VIVID, VIVACIOUS & MEMORABLE dreams are the new pattern!  For the last 2 nights in a row I've had amazing dreams... I told my niece Krystal (who now has her Doctorate - yes a PhD in MATH!!!) it's like going to the movies every night!  I had dinner last night, in my dream, with my great Uncle Frank (who has been gone for at least 30 years) and he hadn't aged a bit.  It was such a lovely warm cozy dream... I think this a "symptom" of the cleanse and I like it!
One of the things my sister Sheri was going to include in her cleanse was to abstain from negativity.  I really like that idea and have been consciously aware doing the same.  An appropriate ritual if there is something negative or less than alluring in any way rotating inside your monkey brain is to consciously rid yourself of it.  Write it down, burn it and let the smoke carry it away.  Or write it down and wrap it around a rock and toss it into the Erie Canal to sink or float without you if that suits you best.  However you do it...
Other than that, energy remains strong and I feel good and so happy to be doing this cleanse with a group of amazing family & friends.  Thanks for joining in!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 10

And so it goes... G and I are both feeling really great.  Sleep is good, waking up alert and feeling well rested and ready to go even if it is a bit cold in the house and that's novel!  I feel very clear headed too which is lovely after the headache "scare" at the beginning... I'm already starting to think about how to come out of the cleanse even though I'm not even half way through!  More on that as the time approaches.

Day 9 and oh so much better....

Woke up this morning feeling perky and fresh... I guess yesterday was just an adjustment to Monday + beginning Phase II!  Yesterday I was worried, today I'm excited and energized... Grandma started back in on her Phase I yesterday without Papa, I guess he's still feeling a bit off from being sick.  But Gma said he's really watching what he eats to see if that helps his itchy skin patches.  So far the cleansing men seem to be having a life altering experience.  We'll see if that "sticks"!  Happy Cleansing....

Oh yeah... I made "cashew creme" (1 cup soaked cashews, 1/2 cup h2O, a pinch salt, juice of one lemon, a scant teaspoon curry powder - blended til super smooth) and had it for lunch today with "Go Raw Sunflower Flax seed crackers" and it was amazingly delicious and satisfying.  Paired with baby carrots and green juice for a well rounded all raw lunch!  Yum!

Day 8 and the beginning of Phase II

I'm tired, G is tired... I imagine as we adjust to the 2 meals/day we'll perk up a bit.  Both of us felt the aromatherapy Vibram was not just beneficial but essential!  Anyone who is having any major anything coming up should probably stay in week one until after the major event has occurred!

Day 7 and Happy Easter!

OK so we are not eating peeps today... or ever again really but it's fun they come in so many colors!?! On the other hand brightly dyed colors are better worn than eaten.

I've gotten some feedback that I am not alone in my irritation factor.  Not that I'm happy others are feeling this as well but it's a bit of relief that it really is a symptom of the cleanse. 

Pat, my brother in law, being a man born and raised in Idaho, a man who hunts (no not thrift store hunting), a man who hunts and eats what he has hunted has joined us on this journey and it sounds like he's having some great results with better sleep and energy!  Isn't that a lovely thing....

G and I did our own hunting yesterday... yes the thrift store kind... and I must say our energy seems great too.  We hunted all day long, we shut down the big hunting grounds on Van Ness.  As G says, we woke with the chickens and came home with cows! 

Now that I've taken back my own closet I must keep it content with alluring new additions that keep us both happy!

Tomorrow we begin Phase II.... 2 meals and 2 "combi/moflora shakes".  In the manual it is written "dinner - optional".  I think it's important to really tune in to YOUR body.  I know I keep saying that AND it's critical.  These herbs seem amazingly powerful.  Please remain in Phase I for the full week and do not move on to Phase II unless you feel ready.  The manual also suggests there are some folks that extend Phase I up to several months!?!  Listen listen listen!  G and I feel ready to move on to the regular suggested Phase II and skip that optional dinner.  We will keep you informed how that goes for us.

Day 6

OK, so G says I worry too much.  The seemingly too quick weight loss has leveled - for both of us!  My energy seems fine... I'm a bit irritable, and for this I must pause and sniff some aromatherapy "Vibram" and that seems to sooth my nearly savage soul! 
Visited the Farmers Market today so we have our usual load of fresh vegetable deliciousness.  Zuchini & Persian cucumbers have popped into season since last week so I hope to have some new food invention to share with all y'all!
We ran into an old friend of G's and were reminded again of how critical it is to fuel our bodies with our weekly Farmers Market abundance... The friend mentioned their many mutual acquaintances who have had heart attacks or strokes.  Some of them have passed and others are living a more challenged existence post physical trauma. 
GO GREEN PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 4 - WARNING to the skinny people...

Warning to the skinny people... while it's true I pigged out on Chinese food AND pizza on Sunday + I'd been eating more than usual including some gluten/agave nectar etc for the last week... creating a weight that was up 4-5 pounds to start with... I've lost 4 pounds since Day 1.  I'm eating a "normal" amount of food, no sugar (of any kind) no gluten (or glutinous grains) and no dairy... Get ready for the possibility of "TMI"... I think it's the zealous "down loads"  (3-5/day, well formed).  Just be sure to LISTEN to YOUR body and only move to the next phase when you really feel it suits you. 

Oh and BTW, G is eating a bit of meat daily and he's down 3.5 pounds with a similar "download" status. 

TMI aside, I feel really light and good this morning... I decided NOT to mix my Combi and Mo'Flora into my a.m. shake and had it separate, in green juice, both yesterday and today. 

Kelp Noodle Salad

KELP NOODLE SALAD

1 PACKAGE KELP NOODLES  WE USED “SEA TANGLE” BRAND SINCE THEY WERE AVAILABLE AT RAINBOW GROCERY BUT I’VE SEEN VARIOUS BRANDS BOTH ON LINE AND @ WHOLE FOODS

RINSE NOODLES, PLACE IN BOWL WITH JUICE OF 1- 3 LEMONS/LIMES – DEPENDS ON THE JUICINESS OF THE FRUIT AND HOW TART YOU LIKE YOUR FOOD

NOW HERE IS WHERE THE FUN AND CREATIVITY COME IN…

CHIFFONADE WHAT EVER HERBS AND GREEN LEAFY SUPER FLAVORFUL STUFF YOU CAN FIND… WE USED:

THAI BASIL (1/4 CUP)

PARSELY (1/4 CUP)

DILL (1/4 CUP - CAUSE IT LOOKED SO PRETTY AT THE FARMERS MARKET)

CILANTRO (1/4 CUP)

FINE CHOP OTHER PRETTY CRUNCHY VEGGIES AS AVAILABLE… WE USED:

2-3 RADISHES

½ - ¾ CUP FINE CHOPPED PURPLE CABBAGE

3-6 BABY CARROTS CHOPPED OR GRATED

            TOSS IT ALL, LET IT MARINATE FOR A BIT AND VIOLA YOU HAVE A MINERAL RICH, CRUNCHY TASTY SATISFYING TREAT!

            VARIATION: YOU CAN ADD A SAUCE MADE OF ¼ CUP RAW ALMOND BUTTER STIRRED TOGETHER WITH THE JUICE OF 1-2 LEMON/LIME TO MAKE THIS MORE LIKE A “RAW PAD THAI”.  DON’T BE TRICKED BY THAT NAME THOUGH ‘CAUSE THESE NOODLES ARE CRUNCHY!

ENJOY!

Day 3...

Ahhh.... I woke up this morning feeling great.  Well rested and without "the headache" and thus decided it was clearly a barometric pressure thing.  I was a bit shocked and stunned when I felt "it" creeping back this afternoon AGAIN!?!  I poised and sniffed some of that lovely aroma therapy potion "Ejuva Vibram" and did some deep breathing exercises and the little beast subsided.  Yay! 
G commented that he feels like he's sleeping better already, that he has less heat.  You know how these Pitta people can be!

Day 2... or Day 1 for some

I think all 10 of us now have our Ejuva cleanse kits and we'll be able to start sharing information.  My sister and her husband took their before pictures last night.  My mate and I haven't taken ours yet?!?

For me, on Day 2, all seemed normal and well... until this evening.  I am the headache queen and yet I'm surprised that I have one this evening.  Is it cleanse related or the change of climate?  Hmmmm... Still very excited and motivated to see what transpires. 

Today is the day...

The only thing different from "real life" so far is my mind set and different additions to my morning drink... Since I've been drinking a smoothie for breakfast most days, and it suits me, I figured I'd continue with that.  So I took my morning herbs and made my morning drink into my "Moflora/Combi Shake".