Bio-individuality is pretty simple. It says that each person is biologically different with different needs for the body.
Knowing that you are an individual can alleviate the stress felt to always be able to react to suggestions that seem to work for others concerning health and wellness.
What works for one person may not work for you. Of course you need macronutrients and micronutrients for the body to function properly. You also have to exercise, get sunshine, drink water and rest. Leave some of these out and you won't experience good health. But the particular types of foods you eat might be very diferent from what others eat.
Some foods can put weight right on your hips while other food take it off. That's why some people can be vegetarians or vegan and feel great while others can't feel any energy without consuming large amounts of red meat.
So you first need to stop and become aware of the type of eater your are. What digests well in your body? What type of foods and food combinations make sense to you, make you feel energetic, make you feel relaxed after eating? It's possible to never take time to figure this out. Sit down right now and ask yourself what foods always "agree" with you? Which foods make you feel gassy, bloated, lethargic? You might be surprised at the responses.
Showing posts with label healthy eating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy eating. Show all posts
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Is There Hope for Cancer Problems?
Cancer is a disease that has no respect for persons. That means it strikes anyone. I know, as I've recently experience this in my immediate family with great sadness. Baby Boomers are totally concerned with the ravages of this disease.
The question continues to be, can cancer be cured?
More than that, the concern could be, can cancer be prevented? Here are a few articles that give some new information and thoughts on this question. Note the relevance of nutrition and healthy eating and healthy foods as wel as an active lifestyle as preventative measures.
Click the titles to go to the articles:
Proof that Cancer is a Man-Made Disease
The Coming Cancer Explosion
The question continues to be, can cancer be cured?
More than that, the concern could be, can cancer be prevented? Here are a few articles that give some new information and thoughts on this question. Note the relevance of nutrition and healthy eating and healthy foods as wel as an active lifestyle as preventative measures.
Click the titles to go to the articles:
Proof that Cancer is a Man-Made Disease
The Coming Cancer Explosion
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Big Belly Syndrome
I read an interesting article today about the dangers of having a big belly. It's particularly dangerous the older you get. Apparently, having a large waist will take up to 10 years off of your life. That's pretty sobering as a majority of Americans are considered to be obese.
I don't happen to have a tape measure right now or I'd do a quick measurement of my waistline. Of course I wouldn't post the results on this blog, but I would share if I was "worried" or not at the results. I realize that I'd be in good company if I was. However, as I continue to develop more conscious eating habits, the problem is quickly fading away.
Too many people that have the Big Belly Syndrome and don't know what to do about it. Let me give you a hint about why stomach fat occurs. (By the way, let me put in the disclaimer that I don't know if there is such as thing as a "Big Belly Syndrome"; I just made it up. But that stomach that sticks out past your breast is what I'm referring to).
Let me give you an example of why this could happen. I just went through a 7 day raw foods cleanse and detox of coffee. In that time, my digestion improved, taste buds became more sensitive, food became a new excitement. It also helped me to get over the cravings for white sugar.
Well, I had company over the weekend and they wanted to try the cakes at the famous Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, so off we go, four of us ordering a slice apiece of the type we each wanted. I thought I was being good because I ate my slice over two days. Well tonight, I have a first hand knowledge of what brings on big belly syndrome - white sugar.
As of tonight my stomach is growing bigger again and I'm so disappointed. All of that hard work seems to have gone down the drain. I guess I have to confess to sneaking some baked potato chips too. Even though baked, it was too much sodium.
All of this white sugar and artificial seasonings is death to a flat stomach. Don't eat these - I tell you, if there's any motivation to get off of white sugar it's to keep a flat stomach.
Well, I immediately went back to watching my eating and getting off of the white sugar with great results. This is an example of why it really pays to be attentive and think "health" prior to stuffing anything into your mouth.
The questions to ask are:
* Is it worth dying 10 years early just to eat sweets?
* Is it worth being sick?
* Is the temporary taste of white sugar worth a big belly?
Now, I know there's more to the problem than just white sugar. Stress plays an big role in the situation along with increasing the cravings for sugary foods. Managing stress is an important part of managing the cravings for sweets. Being aware of stress is a step towards managing it and the effects it has on your eating. For instance, start charting what makes you go for that piece of cake. It's not just because it was Sunday and everyone was around. It was because of the conversations happening that day, the stress of what was coming on Monday and the result of feeling out of control. Right?
Learning to take control of your health means learning to chart behaviors, recognize them and change them. You'll be more aware although it might take some time to realize that real behavioral changes. More later.
I don't happen to have a tape measure right now or I'd do a quick measurement of my waistline. Of course I wouldn't post the results on this blog, but I would share if I was "worried" or not at the results. I realize that I'd be in good company if I was. However, as I continue to develop more conscious eating habits, the problem is quickly fading away.
Too many people that have the Big Belly Syndrome and don't know what to do about it. Let me give you a hint about why stomach fat occurs. (By the way, let me put in the disclaimer that I don't know if there is such as thing as a "Big Belly Syndrome"; I just made it up. But that stomach that sticks out past your breast is what I'm referring to).
Let me give you an example of why this could happen. I just went through a 7 day raw foods cleanse and detox of coffee. In that time, my digestion improved, taste buds became more sensitive, food became a new excitement. It also helped me to get over the cravings for white sugar.
Well, I had company over the weekend and they wanted to try the cakes at the famous Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, so off we go, four of us ordering a slice apiece of the type we each wanted. I thought I was being good because I ate my slice over two days. Well tonight, I have a first hand knowledge of what brings on big belly syndrome - white sugar.
As of tonight my stomach is growing bigger again and I'm so disappointed. All of that hard work seems to have gone down the drain. I guess I have to confess to sneaking some baked potato chips too. Even though baked, it was too much sodium.
All of this white sugar and artificial seasonings is death to a flat stomach. Don't eat these - I tell you, if there's any motivation to get off of white sugar it's to keep a flat stomach.
Well, I immediately went back to watching my eating and getting off of the white sugar with great results. This is an example of why it really pays to be attentive and think "health" prior to stuffing anything into your mouth.
The questions to ask are:
* Is it worth dying 10 years early just to eat sweets?
* Is it worth being sick?
* Is the temporary taste of white sugar worth a big belly?
Now, I know there's more to the problem than just white sugar. Stress plays an big role in the situation along with increasing the cravings for sugary foods. Managing stress is an important part of managing the cravings for sweets. Being aware of stress is a step towards managing it and the effects it has on your eating. For instance, start charting what makes you go for that piece of cake. It's not just because it was Sunday and everyone was around. It was because of the conversations happening that day, the stress of what was coming on Monday and the result of feeling out of control. Right?
Learning to take control of your health means learning to chart behaviors, recognize them and change them. You'll be more aware although it might take some time to realize that real behavioral changes. More later.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Sneaking Sugar at the Fair
We went to the local Fair this evening. I've been wanting to go and sneak a cotton candy ever since I saw Bethany Frankel have some on her show, "Bethany Getting Married?" (Yes, I watch it; it's an enjoyable distracton).
After walking the entire fair, I couldn't find one cotton candy vendor. Maybe they don't make it anymore, or maybe they just don't sell it at our local Fair. Well, I found a moment to get off on my own in the Commerce Display Building and lo and behold, there it was. A candy display with vanilla fudge.
I always think things go better with fudge; so I ordered a 1/4 pound piece for $3.50. The amount really was too much to pay the amount given I was desparate; or so I thought. I walked around the corner while my husband was deeply entrenched in learning about some item from another vendor. Hiding the fudge in my purse, I pulled off bits and pieces, savoring them as I walked. However, I did notice something distinct.
I'd figured the fudge was fresh but it just didn't taste as good as I remembered. I could taste the artificial flavorings and it was too sweet. I kept thinking of the headache I expected to get and wondered how many calories I was consuming with that one piece of unnecessary candy.
Things had really changed. After that, nothing looked good. I shared a few bites of a Jalepeno and Cheese Pretzel fresh out of the oven that my husband got and left it at that. By the time I got home, the stomach ache started, the gurgling deep inside and reality hit. Guess my stomach didn't want to house a so-called treat that was full of white sugar and artificial flavorings. The pretzel probably didn't help either.
But I learned a painful yet needful lesson. I've gone through steps to start changing my body dynamics. I don't like going backwards in life so I have to move forward. What was noticably obvious was that there was little to nothing to eat for a person who is seeking to be healthy at the Fair. Sweets, salt, sugar, syrup were the main fare. All I found was roasted corn on the cob and the pretzels but that was about it. Some vendors had a few items; a bag of natural almounds among the sugar coated, salted ones. Even the roasted peanuts are gone.
There's a great opportunity to explore for the food entrepreneur.
After walking the entire fair, I couldn't find one cotton candy vendor. Maybe they don't make it anymore, or maybe they just don't sell it at our local Fair. Well, I found a moment to get off on my own in the Commerce Display Building and lo and behold, there it was. A candy display with vanilla fudge.
I always think things go better with fudge; so I ordered a 1/4 pound piece for $3.50. The amount really was too much to pay the amount given I was desparate; or so I thought. I walked around the corner while my husband was deeply entrenched in learning about some item from another vendor. Hiding the fudge in my purse, I pulled off bits and pieces, savoring them as I walked. However, I did notice something distinct.
I'd figured the fudge was fresh but it just didn't taste as good as I remembered. I could taste the artificial flavorings and it was too sweet. I kept thinking of the headache I expected to get and wondered how many calories I was consuming with that one piece of unnecessary candy.
Things had really changed. After that, nothing looked good. I shared a few bites of a Jalepeno and Cheese Pretzel fresh out of the oven that my husband got and left it at that. By the time I got home, the stomach ache started, the gurgling deep inside and reality hit. Guess my stomach didn't want to house a so-called treat that was full of white sugar and artificial flavorings. The pretzel probably didn't help either.
But I learned a painful yet needful lesson. I've gone through steps to start changing my body dynamics. I don't like going backwards in life so I have to move forward. What was noticably obvious was that there was little to nothing to eat for a person who is seeking to be healthy at the Fair. Sweets, salt, sugar, syrup were the main fare. All I found was roasted corn on the cob and the pretzels but that was about it. Some vendors had a few items; a bag of natural almounds among the sugar coated, salted ones. Even the roasted peanuts are gone.
There's a great opportunity to explore for the food entrepreneur.
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Humungous Veggie Salad
Here's the vegetable salad I keep around constantly. It goes with absolutely everything.
The quantities of each vegetable are not exact.
I list the vegetables that I use in the standard salad then list others you can use to "lighten" it up, change the dominant tastes, or create a full meal according to your tastes.
Experiment with the amounts of the various vegetables to get the quantities that work for you.
Basic HVS
These vegetables make up the basic salad. This can last for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator without getting wilted.
Green cabbage
Red Cabbage
Red Pepper
Green Pepper
Celery
Tomato
Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, basil, thyme,
Additional vegetables
These vegetables can get soft or discolored quicker. That mean you have to eat the salad quicker. You can add these on any day to change the taste of the basic mix.
Lettuce/Spinach
shredded broccoli
cauliflower
zucchini
avocado
Toppings
Toppings are optional. This is what makes this salad versatile enough to be the base of a fully meal, 7 days a week.
Nuts or seeds
Raisons
Left-over meat, fish, chicken
Roasted vegetables
Rice
Cheese
Cooked vegetables
Whatever else you have.
Dressings
These go from simple to complex. The tastes are so good, you can eat this salad with no dressings. I started with bottled dressings and now use a simple squeeze of fresh lemon. Sometimes I add some Olive Oil. Another alternative is a great balsamic vinegar. Of course, you can use your favorite low fat dressing.
Directions:
Wash all of the vegetables and thinly shred them with a knife. This lets them come out in thin layers that are fun to eat. You can also shred by hand, chop in chunks or "break" some of the vegetables.
Use more or your favorites and change things up a bit. Try new tastes by adding other favorite vegetables I've forgotten here. If it's something you eat raw, it can go into the basic salad. If it's cooked, add as a topping for a special meal.
As a Side Dish
I serve a version of this salad almost everyday. You can add anything else in your meal. To make it a side dish, serve a portion with your cooked protein (meat, fish, chicken, beans). It goes with ethnic foods and vegetarian delights.
Keep this around on a regular basis. It's crunchy and satisfying. Depending on other meals, you can use this and start to naturally lose weight by making it your staple meal of the day or by eating more of this than other, higher calorie foods.
Let me know how you like it.
The quantities of each vegetable are not exact.
I list the vegetables that I use in the standard salad then list others you can use to "lighten" it up, change the dominant tastes, or create a full meal according to your tastes.
Experiment with the amounts of the various vegetables to get the quantities that work for you.
Basic HVS
These vegetables make up the basic salad. This can last for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator without getting wilted.
Green cabbage
Red Cabbage
Red Pepper
Green Pepper
Celery
Tomato
Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, basil, thyme,
Additional vegetables
These vegetables can get soft or discolored quicker. That mean you have to eat the salad quicker. You can add these on any day to change the taste of the basic mix.
Lettuce/Spinach
shredded broccoli
cauliflower
zucchini
avocado
Toppings
Toppings are optional. This is what makes this salad versatile enough to be the base of a fully meal, 7 days a week.
Nuts or seeds
Raisons
Left-over meat, fish, chicken
Roasted vegetables
Rice
Cheese
Cooked vegetables
Whatever else you have.
Dressings
These go from simple to complex. The tastes are so good, you can eat this salad with no dressings. I started with bottled dressings and now use a simple squeeze of fresh lemon. Sometimes I add some Olive Oil. Another alternative is a great balsamic vinegar. Of course, you can use your favorite low fat dressing.
Directions:
Wash all of the vegetables and thinly shred them with a knife. This lets them come out in thin layers that are fun to eat. You can also shred by hand, chop in chunks or "break" some of the vegetables.
Use more or your favorites and change things up a bit. Try new tastes by adding other favorite vegetables I've forgotten here. If it's something you eat raw, it can go into the basic salad. If it's cooked, add as a topping for a special meal.
As a Side Dish
I serve a version of this salad almost everyday. You can add anything else in your meal. To make it a side dish, serve a portion with your cooked protein (meat, fish, chicken, beans). It goes with ethnic foods and vegetarian delights.
Keep this around on a regular basis. It's crunchy and satisfying. Depending on other meals, you can use this and start to naturally lose weight by making it your staple meal of the day or by eating more of this than other, higher calorie foods.
Let me know how you like it.
29 Benefits of Better Nutrition
1. Waking up without having to be dependent on a drug called caffeine.
2. Waking up and knowing where you are because your mind in clear.
3. Waking up without blurry eyes because your natural tears are in order.
4. Seeing your stomach get flatter.
5. Being able to go to the bathroom with ease!
6. Watching your skin clear up and look smoother.
7. Having a better, deeper sleep.
8. Naturally eating less.
9. Naturally wanting to eat better, healthier foods.
10. Sores, wounds, healing quicker, faster.
11. Fingernails getting stronger.
12. Watching your hair grow out and get thicker.
13. Having enough energy to exercise each day.
14. Trying new recipes because you want to try new vegetables.
15. Ready to try new ideas and concepts.
16. Feeling the effects of drinking more water
17. Naturally being attracted to foods that digest better in your body.
18. Having a better disposition.
19. Getting along better with others.
20. Realizing that the stress levels are going down.
21. Feeling that you CAN do what you want.
22. Going more places without feeling so tired.
23. Starting to feel emotionally balanced.
24. Able to make a decision and stick to it.
25. Cleaning up.
26. Smiling more.
27. Being more calm.
28. Accomplishing things and finishing what's undone.
29. Being present in the now instead of being stuck in the past.
2. Waking up and knowing where you are because your mind in clear.
3. Waking up without blurry eyes because your natural tears are in order.
4. Seeing your stomach get flatter.
5. Being able to go to the bathroom with ease!
6. Watching your skin clear up and look smoother.
7. Having a better, deeper sleep.
8. Naturally eating less.
9. Naturally wanting to eat better, healthier foods.
10. Sores, wounds, healing quicker, faster.
11. Fingernails getting stronger.
12. Watching your hair grow out and get thicker.
13. Having enough energy to exercise each day.
14. Trying new recipes because you want to try new vegetables.
15. Ready to try new ideas and concepts.
16. Feeling the effects of drinking more water
17. Naturally being attracted to foods that digest better in your body.
18. Having a better disposition.
19. Getting along better with others.
20. Realizing that the stress levels are going down.
21. Feeling that you CAN do what you want.
22. Going more places without feeling so tired.
23. Starting to feel emotionally balanced.
24. Able to make a decision and stick to it.
25. Cleaning up.
26. Smiling more.
27. Being more calm.
28. Accomplishing things and finishing what's undone.
29. Being present in the now instead of being stuck in the past.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Determining What Works
A result of doing a cleanse is the ability to find out what works and what doesn't when it comes to eating certain foods. I'm still on a natural cleanse with high fiber, but not on the veggie, fruit raw cleanse. A few days ago, I made a Shrimp Scampi. Within a few minutes I felt muscle soreness and a tightening in my throat. I had never felt this before. It showed that shrimp is probably a problem for me.
I've never liked shell fish too much. What surprised me was that realize that it is possible to be eating foods that cause problems in the body on a regular basis. Because we get accustomed to being a bit under the weather on a regular basis, the feelings of being sick don't strike us so much. When a food is isolated and results in a reaction, it becomes more apparent. Fortunately, I confirmed that I need to be leery of shell fish and shrimp in particular.
The next day, I decided to venture out to eat and ended up at a new restaurant in my city that was rather like a deli. I ordered a Cobb salad, feeling it wouldn't be too bad. It was my first taste of chicken since coming off the fasts. The salad was alright; I had it with balsamic dressing.
Today, I created another chicken salad. Habit took over and I made two chicken meals in one day. It's a habit to think we have to have animal protein at each meal. It is not sitting well on my stomach late at night. In fact, sitting on my stomach is the problem. I need to get up and do some exercise. Focusing on a vegetable based diet is definitely what is going to work for me.
I've never liked shell fish too much. What surprised me was that realize that it is possible to be eating foods that cause problems in the body on a regular basis. Because we get accustomed to being a bit under the weather on a regular basis, the feelings of being sick don't strike us so much. When a food is isolated and results in a reaction, it becomes more apparent. Fortunately, I confirmed that I need to be leery of shell fish and shrimp in particular.
The next day, I decided to venture out to eat and ended up at a new restaurant in my city that was rather like a deli. I ordered a Cobb salad, feeling it wouldn't be too bad. It was my first taste of chicken since coming off the fasts. The salad was alright; I had it with balsamic dressing.
Today, I created another chicken salad. Habit took over and I made two chicken meals in one day. It's a habit to think we have to have animal protein at each meal. It is not sitting well on my stomach late at night. In fact, sitting on my stomach is the problem. I need to get up and do some exercise. Focusing on a vegetable based diet is definitely what is going to work for me.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Relearning Tastes
Probably the hardest thing to do when changing how you eat is to learn to change tastes. Taste is a learned behavior. Think about it; some people can eat things that make you gag while you do the same. Consider raw oysters. With a heritage from New Orleans, oysters should be something I can understand. But I've never developed a taste for anything raw that used to be alive and walking. The distinction is made because raw veggies are totally one of my greatest joys. But raw slimy oysters are something I don't think I'll ever willingly eat. That goes along with other raw meats or fish. However, I certainly respect that some people adore these foods. That's what diversity is all about. It also illustrates my point that tastes are learned behaviors.
Here are some of the tastes I have the most struggles with as I change my consumption patterns.
1. Coffee. What I miss is the rich, full taste of coffee. However, after the experience of the withdrawal the desire has definitely diminished. Will I ever enjoy it as much again? Probably not because of what I know it did to my body. Something with that powerful of a hold on my life has no place in it. Instead, I have a new box of Oolong tea on my kitchen counter that I'm going to try. I can tell there's a fear of caffeine addiction. I was informed by the nutritionist at the health food store that one cup of caffeinated herb tea has about 30 mg. of caffeine compared to 150 mg. in one cup of coffee. That's a lot to consume.
2. Chai Tea. I also miss chai tea. That's because the brands I use have a lot of sugar and I don't want to get back on so much is that white sugar. Unfortunately, artificial white sugar is found in almost all prepared foods in the US. That is a taste that a lot of people are developing and small children are bribed with a sweet taste. That's a taste that needs to be unlearned. I'm sure I can find a way to enjoy a god tea without having to aldd any sugar. A splash of soymilk could do the trick.
3. Fried Fish. Living on the Central Coast makes fish and chips a normal meal. You get spoiled having fish straight off the fishing boats to eat along with freshly fried garlic fries. A new thing is sweet potato fries too. This fried meal is probably the most difficult thing to change at this time, but my health dictates that move. I have been working on some good recipes for oven baked fried foods that have the same crispy, crunchy tastes and flavor without any of the calories and fats. Even though I use olive oil for frying my food, that’s not the best thing for me either. I'm going to perfect the oven baked recipe and share it with you.
4. Fries. I have to go back to the fries. The classic French fry is one of my favorite comfort foods. Why I don't really know whey I can easily eat a baked potato and be happy. I think I just enjoy fried foods. The reason is that I only trusted fried foods in restaurants for a long time. I felt that nothing could be "messed" with and that the food was well cooked. So I would eat fried foods when out. Plus, my comfort food is crunchy. Therefore, the other hard potato is of course the potato chip or other fried snack such as Cheetos. Baking fries is an option. Also, using Jicama, a root vegetable often found in Mexican foods. It's sweet with a character like potato. I'm going to work on substituting this vegetable for the potato and fries.
5. Oatmeal cookies. I am a true Cookie Monster with no excuses. Give me a bag of cookies and it is impossible for me to eat just one. I can eat fewer potatoes than cookies and oatmeal raisons are my favorites. I like the crispy one of course. Crunch again; comfort food for me. Another difficult to resist cookie is the shortbread. Not all shortbread cookies are good. The really buttery ones that are flaky and light are the best. I love Pecan Sandies; can eat the whole bag unfortunately. .
6. Good Cake. I have to emphasize, the "good" with the cake. There's nothing like a light, fluffy cake that makes you feel like you're to really cheating on your calories. The other is a just sweet enough and very dense, perfect pound cake. My favorite cake is a great carrot cake. I used to be a carrot cake queen in college and kept cake baked and on my table in my college apartment. Anyone could come by and get a hunk of cake. Of course there was the great crème cheese icing too, all home made from scratch. There was nothing like it. I have to find that recipe. I'm grateful for places that sell one slice of cake instead of making you buy the whole thing. I found only one place in Los Angeles that has the perfect red velvet cake. I'll also work on that recipe. The question is can you really create a real low-fat cake without losing the texture and taste? I'll let you know.
I'm sure I'll think of several more foods as soon as I sign off. That will have to be another post.
tge
Here are some of the tastes I have the most struggles with as I change my consumption patterns.
1. Coffee. What I miss is the rich, full taste of coffee. However, after the experience of the withdrawal the desire has definitely diminished. Will I ever enjoy it as much again? Probably not because of what I know it did to my body. Something with that powerful of a hold on my life has no place in it. Instead, I have a new box of Oolong tea on my kitchen counter that I'm going to try. I can tell there's a fear of caffeine addiction. I was informed by the nutritionist at the health food store that one cup of caffeinated herb tea has about 30 mg. of caffeine compared to 150 mg. in one cup of coffee. That's a lot to consume.
2. Chai Tea. I also miss chai tea. That's because the brands I use have a lot of sugar and I don't want to get back on so much is that white sugar. Unfortunately, artificial white sugar is found in almost all prepared foods in the US. That is a taste that a lot of people are developing and small children are bribed with a sweet taste. That's a taste that needs to be unlearned. I'm sure I can find a way to enjoy a god tea without having to aldd any sugar. A splash of soymilk could do the trick.
3. Fried Fish. Living on the Central Coast makes fish and chips a normal meal. You get spoiled having fish straight off the fishing boats to eat along with freshly fried garlic fries. A new thing is sweet potato fries too. This fried meal is probably the most difficult thing to change at this time, but my health dictates that move. I have been working on some good recipes for oven baked fried foods that have the same crispy, crunchy tastes and flavor without any of the calories and fats. Even though I use olive oil for frying my food, that’s not the best thing for me either. I'm going to perfect the oven baked recipe and share it with you.
4. Fries. I have to go back to the fries. The classic French fry is one of my favorite comfort foods. Why I don't really know whey I can easily eat a baked potato and be happy. I think I just enjoy fried foods. The reason is that I only trusted fried foods in restaurants for a long time. I felt that nothing could be "messed" with and that the food was well cooked. So I would eat fried foods when out. Plus, my comfort food is crunchy. Therefore, the other hard potato is of course the potato chip or other fried snack such as Cheetos. Baking fries is an option. Also, using Jicama, a root vegetable often found in Mexican foods. It's sweet with a character like potato. I'm going to work on substituting this vegetable for the potato and fries.
5. Oatmeal cookies. I am a true Cookie Monster with no excuses. Give me a bag of cookies and it is impossible for me to eat just one. I can eat fewer potatoes than cookies and oatmeal raisons are my favorites. I like the crispy one of course. Crunch again; comfort food for me. Another difficult to resist cookie is the shortbread. Not all shortbread cookies are good. The really buttery ones that are flaky and light are the best. I love Pecan Sandies; can eat the whole bag unfortunately. .
6. Good Cake. I have to emphasize, the "good" with the cake. There's nothing like a light, fluffy cake that makes you feel like you're to really cheating on your calories. The other is a just sweet enough and very dense, perfect pound cake. My favorite cake is a great carrot cake. I used to be a carrot cake queen in college and kept cake baked and on my table in my college apartment. Anyone could come by and get a hunk of cake. Of course there was the great crème cheese icing too, all home made from scratch. There was nothing like it. I have to find that recipe. I'm grateful for places that sell one slice of cake instead of making you buy the whole thing. I found only one place in Los Angeles that has the perfect red velvet cake. I'll also work on that recipe. The question is can you really create a real low-fat cake without losing the texture and taste? I'll let you know.
I'm sure I'll think of several more foods as soon as I sign off. That will have to be another post.
tge
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Day 7 - Coffee Detox and Cleanse
CI can hardly believe a week has passed since I decided to make a drastic change in my life. Finally, I'm reaching the goals I've always wanted to reach by just saying "Yes" to my desire to be healthier and to help other reach their desires to be healthier.
Today, Day 7, I finally, finally, have relief in this coffee detox experience. My body is "sore" as if I've been on a long climb that used every muscle. But for the internal pain, it's essentially gone. I guess it was so bad that this relief is something that I am just thrilled to experience now.
I still realize that I'm a bit dehydrated. I always thought I was drinking a lot of water, but now I realize that the caffeine masked a lot of dehydration in the body. That certainly had a lot to do with the cramps. Also, I'm going to look for a high quality vitamin mineral supplement. Magnesium, calcium and zinc are three essential minerals that are depleted with high level caffeine intake.
As for the Raw Foods Cleanse, I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed going through that process too. I don't think I'll go completely raw in my life but I'm definitely adding more raw foods to my diet on a regular basis. I've learned that it's possible to exist with uncooked foods and feel satisfied. I missed hot foods. I know that foods can be heated to around 140 degrees without destroying their enzymes and all. But I really enjoy really hot foods; probably from my Peace Corps years in Africa where hot foods were all I knew.
Either way, my intention is to stay more vegetarian in my diet. I don't think this is best for everyone.
In fact, I have a client at this time that is studying to be a Personal Trainer and he is very interested in a high protein, meat based diet. Every body requires a different diet. That's the point of working with a professionally trained nutrition and health counselor. I certainly would love to be your health counselor and will continue to let you in my adventure this year as I become healthier.
Today, Day 7, I finally, finally, have relief in this coffee detox experience. My body is "sore" as if I've been on a long climb that used every muscle. But for the internal pain, it's essentially gone. I guess it was so bad that this relief is something that I am just thrilled to experience now.
I still realize that I'm a bit dehydrated. I always thought I was drinking a lot of water, but now I realize that the caffeine masked a lot of dehydration in the body. That certainly had a lot to do with the cramps. Also, I'm going to look for a high quality vitamin mineral supplement. Magnesium, calcium and zinc are three essential minerals that are depleted with high level caffeine intake.
As for the Raw Foods Cleanse, I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed going through that process too. I don't think I'll go completely raw in my life but I'm definitely adding more raw foods to my diet on a regular basis. I've learned that it's possible to exist with uncooked foods and feel satisfied. I missed hot foods. I know that foods can be heated to around 140 degrees without destroying their enzymes and all. But I really enjoy really hot foods; probably from my Peace Corps years in Africa where hot foods were all I knew.
Either way, my intention is to stay more vegetarian in my diet. I don't think this is best for everyone.
In fact, I have a client at this time that is studying to be a Personal Trainer and he is very interested in a high protein, meat based diet. Every body requires a different diet. That's the point of working with a professionally trained nutrition and health counselor. I certainly would love to be your health counselor and will continue to let you in my adventure this year as I become healthier.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Day 6 Coffee Detox - Evening
Since it's July 3rd, my husband and I went to one of our favorite restaurants for lunch this afternoon. I choose to break the cleanse and ordered a roasted vegetable sandwich on Fortini bread with sweet potato fries. Probably should have ordered a simple salad but the food was getting boring to me with just veggies and fruits and nothing else. I miss various tastes. Still I realize that the best health comes with no fried foods and sweet potato fries are not the best to have. The common idea at this time is that sweet potato fries are healthier than regular fries, but oil is oil.
Before leaving I tried to find a raw food or vegetarian reswtaurant in the area. Being along the coast I was surprised to not find a lot of choices. Guess I never looked before. It was surprising to me that the choices weren't much more than deli's, Thai restaurants or other sandwich shops with vegeatable sandwich choices. It made me wonder how people that eat raw or strictly vegan or vegetarian ennjoy a family meal out in th earea? Do they have to bring their own foods?
The coffee temptation wasn't too much fortunately. I usually get coffee at this restaurant for lunch. After my week of detoxing from coffee, there was no temptation. I skipped it without a second thought and stuck with water.
Fortunately, the fries were shared so I didn't eat all of them. I also removed about 90% of the bread from the sandwich, eating it with a fork. I just wanted to get the fresh basil sauce from the bread which was actually quite delicious. The sandwich was simple; portabello mushroom, tomato, pesto sauce, roasted on the bread. It was good.
We usually go for a long walk along the shoreline after eating but neither of us was feeling up to it today so we just drove along the shore and came home. Something about the ocean is always refreshing and stress relieving. My legs are sore this evening but I'm praying the cramping is gone. It really hits when I try to rest so I'll find out in a little while. So far today has been much better. I'm having hope.
It's been a good day. I think the worse is over - I'll let you know.
Before leaving I tried to find a raw food or vegetarian reswtaurant in the area. Being along the coast I was surprised to not find a lot of choices. Guess I never looked before. It was surprising to me that the choices weren't much more than deli's, Thai restaurants or other sandwich shops with vegeatable sandwich choices. It made me wonder how people that eat raw or strictly vegan or vegetarian ennjoy a family meal out in th earea? Do they have to bring their own foods?
The coffee temptation wasn't too much fortunately. I usually get coffee at this restaurant for lunch. After my week of detoxing from coffee, there was no temptation. I skipped it without a second thought and stuck with water.
Fortunately, the fries were shared so I didn't eat all of them. I also removed about 90% of the bread from the sandwich, eating it with a fork. I just wanted to get the fresh basil sauce from the bread which was actually quite delicious. The sandwich was simple; portabello mushroom, tomato, pesto sauce, roasted on the bread. It was good.
We usually go for a long walk along the shoreline after eating but neither of us was feeling up to it today so we just drove along the shore and came home. Something about the ocean is always refreshing and stress relieving. My legs are sore this evening but I'm praying the cramping is gone. It really hits when I try to rest so I'll find out in a little while. So far today has been much better. I'm having hope.
It's been a good day. I think the worse is over - I'll let you know.
Day 6 Coffee Detox
Woke up this morning feeling a bit better. Some cramping was still there. The chills came and went yesterday by the way which I forgot to mention. Right now at 11:00 a.m. on day 6, my legs are still sore but feeling better. Mentally and emotionally, I need some relief from the pain.
I'm going to drink water like crazy today. I cleaned the water filter yesterday. I had put lemon in the tank but found they get rather funky. So don't take that step, just add lemon to the glass of water instead.
Today is also day 6 of my raw food cleanse. That's going pretty well. I have to admit that I cheated a bit on that. I started putting some raw cashews in my veggie salad about two days ago which set up eating the raw cashews. I guess I'm just really feeling hungry at times. Last night for dinner I fixed a piece of salmon for my husband and had a small piece in my veggie salad. Adding that small piece of protein probably wasn't too bad.
Overall I'm really pleased with the cleanse and detox. I feel much lighter in one week and it's obvious that some weight is coming off. That is a great reward for this "jump-start" program. No doubt I'll keep going on that. I doubt that I'll go back to coffee after this, even for a small amount. It just doesn't seem worth it right now; I'll see how I feel afterwards.
Getting through today will be the problem. It's the 4th of July holiday weekend so I expect my husband will want to go do something. I'm usually the one talking about getting bar-b-que ribs. I can't see doing that after a week of raw foods without tearing up my stomach. But I might fall for a bit of fish.
Everything on the coast will be fish and chips I know. We leave by the Pacfific Ocean where the smaller towns always have some type of festival or something on holidays. It's really a fun thing to enjoy.
I still need to get my green smoothie for the day. That's a part of this adventure that's going very well and I'll start letting you know about that soon.
I'm going to drink water like crazy today. I cleaned the water filter yesterday. I had put lemon in the tank but found they get rather funky. So don't take that step, just add lemon to the glass of water instead.
Today is also day 6 of my raw food cleanse. That's going pretty well. I have to admit that I cheated a bit on that. I started putting some raw cashews in my veggie salad about two days ago which set up eating the raw cashews. I guess I'm just really feeling hungry at times. Last night for dinner I fixed a piece of salmon for my husband and had a small piece in my veggie salad. Adding that small piece of protein probably wasn't too bad.
Overall I'm really pleased with the cleanse and detox. I feel much lighter in one week and it's obvious that some weight is coming off. That is a great reward for this "jump-start" program. No doubt I'll keep going on that. I doubt that I'll go back to coffee after this, even for a small amount. It just doesn't seem worth it right now; I'll see how I feel afterwards.
Getting through today will be the problem. It's the 4th of July holiday weekend so I expect my husband will want to go do something. I'm usually the one talking about getting bar-b-que ribs. I can't see doing that after a week of raw foods without tearing up my stomach. But I might fall for a bit of fish.
Everything on the coast will be fish and chips I know. We leave by the Pacfific Ocean where the smaller towns always have some type of festival or something on holidays. It's really a fun thing to enjoy.
I still need to get my green smoothie for the day. That's a part of this adventure that's going very well and I'll start letting you know about that soon.
Day 5 - Coffee Detox
Yesterday, Friday, was Day 5 of the detox. I was too busy then too tired to write even though I lay in bed thinking about getting up to make at least this one post. The leg cramps really got to me yesterday. One reason was that I had a business meeting all morning; was out of the house by 9:00 and got back around 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon.
The meeting was to scout out a new place for an event so it involved a lot of walking up and down stairs, hills, and on trails. The place is gorgeous and will make a lovely setting for a health retreat. I drank a fabulous herb tea from Africa and sipped water all morning.
I was famished on the way home but that was my fault for not thinking ahead to bring some fruit or a veggie mix to munch on until I got to really eat.
But the leg cramps set in as soon as I got home. They were so bad I was almost crying by 2:00. I did some extra research because of course, the mind starts to go crazy thinking there's all type of diseases going on in the body at this point. What I learned was essential.
A large dose of caffeine can affect various minerals in the body. I knew about the calcium but learned that potassium and magnesium are also affected. It also has a dehydrating effect. So my legs were probably suffering from a lack of essential minerals and possibly dehydration. I did notice that although I've been drinking water like an empty lake I'm always thirsty.
So it's possible my body is regulating the water needs that I never noticed before. I have a wonderful health drink called "Calm." It's a shot of magnesium in powder form. I put it in a cup of hot water and drank a cup of that like tea. The only bad thing is that it contained stevia, a natural sweetener but another trigger for a headache! I took two Aleve and tried to rest. That helped for a while.
So this leads to the theory that the minerals are depleted in some areas of my body as well as a problem of dehydration which causes cramping. I drank water for the rest of the day and tried to rest.
By night time, the legs cramps were back so much I had to get out of bed and took another Aleve and drink another huge glass of water. I hate admitting I took so many tablets but I never expected to hurt getting off my levels of coffee consumption. If I had to do it again, I would probably get off coffee slower instead of cold turkey. I was trying to do raw foods cleanse and cold turkey coffee in the same week. That's a real shock to the system. My way of doing this is to just make up my mind and get something done rather than piece-mealing it. That's why I'm doing the cold turkey thing.
My coffee habit was so severe it really is drastic to get off. Your consumption levels might not be as severe as mine so take a detox problem in a personal way. I am going to develop pa program to start assisting others with this process as it will lead to so many other health benefits too.
The meeting was to scout out a new place for an event so it involved a lot of walking up and down stairs, hills, and on trails. The place is gorgeous and will make a lovely setting for a health retreat. I drank a fabulous herb tea from Africa and sipped water all morning.
I was famished on the way home but that was my fault for not thinking ahead to bring some fruit or a veggie mix to munch on until I got to really eat.
But the leg cramps set in as soon as I got home. They were so bad I was almost crying by 2:00. I did some extra research because of course, the mind starts to go crazy thinking there's all type of diseases going on in the body at this point. What I learned was essential.
A large dose of caffeine can affect various minerals in the body. I knew about the calcium but learned that potassium and magnesium are also affected. It also has a dehydrating effect. So my legs were probably suffering from a lack of essential minerals and possibly dehydration. I did notice that although I've been drinking water like an empty lake I'm always thirsty.
So it's possible my body is regulating the water needs that I never noticed before. I have a wonderful health drink called "Calm." It's a shot of magnesium in powder form. I put it in a cup of hot water and drank a cup of that like tea. The only bad thing is that it contained stevia, a natural sweetener but another trigger for a headache! I took two Aleve and tried to rest. That helped for a while.
So this leads to the theory that the minerals are depleted in some areas of my body as well as a problem of dehydration which causes cramping. I drank water for the rest of the day and tried to rest.
By night time, the legs cramps were back so much I had to get out of bed and took another Aleve and drink another huge glass of water. I hate admitting I took so many tablets but I never expected to hurt getting off my levels of coffee consumption. If I had to do it again, I would probably get off coffee slower instead of cold turkey. I was trying to do raw foods cleanse and cold turkey coffee in the same week. That's a real shock to the system. My way of doing this is to just make up my mind and get something done rather than piece-mealing it. That's why I'm doing the cold turkey thing.
My coffee habit was so severe it really is drastic to get off. Your consumption levels might not be as severe as mine so take a detox problem in a personal way. I am going to develop pa program to start assisting others with this process as it will lead to so many other health benefits too.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Day 4 - Caffeine Detox
Four days into this and I'm still feeling the detox. As a result of this, I've learned that caffeine can affect your levels of calcium in the body which can be serious in women at an older age. According to a Personal Trainer who is just starting to work with me to help me through this, large amounts of caffeine can affect glucose levels in the body. That means metabolizing fat is not normal in a body that is filled with this drug.
I've let you know that I love drinking coffee. It's a social event as well as a good tasting beverage for me. But I've turned into something else. I've allowed it to take over my life and my body.
On this fourth day, my legs are still cramping. I'm doing stretches and getting ready to do a few minutes on my Elliptical machine this afternoon. Keeping up with my workouts seem to help although I couldn't do it yesterday. I took a short nap today and that helped. I'm on my second green smoothie since they are so delicious. I know that keeping my body full of fresh vitamins and minerals will be the biggest help with this.
As you know I'm also doing a one week raw foods cleanse. Yesterday was difficult for that. I wanted to start eating everything in the refrigerator. I did fall a bit in that I act some raw cashews instead of sticking strictly with fruits and veggies. But I don't think that's going to hurt. I am looking forward to getting back on more food however.
I've fasted for up to five days before on just water so this is not a fast at all. Instead, it's a cleanse. If you need to get your body moving (can I be more direct and say, your bowels), this is a great way to do that in a gentle and natural way. If you don't have the detox going at the same time, you will love how you feel as your body starts rejuvenating itself.
I've let you know that I love drinking coffee. It's a social event as well as a good tasting beverage for me. But I've turned into something else. I've allowed it to take over my life and my body.
On this fourth day, my legs are still cramping. I'm doing stretches and getting ready to do a few minutes on my Elliptical machine this afternoon. Keeping up with my workouts seem to help although I couldn't do it yesterday. I took a short nap today and that helped. I'm on my second green smoothie since they are so delicious. I know that keeping my body full of fresh vitamins and minerals will be the biggest help with this.
As you know I'm also doing a one week raw foods cleanse. Yesterday was difficult for that. I wanted to start eating everything in the refrigerator. I did fall a bit in that I act some raw cashews instead of sticking strictly with fruits and veggies. But I don't think that's going to hurt. I am looking forward to getting back on more food however.
I've fasted for up to five days before on just water so this is not a fast at all. Instead, it's a cleanse. If you need to get your body moving (can I be more direct and say, your bowels), this is a great way to do that in a gentle and natural way. If you don't have the detox going at the same time, you will love how you feel as your body starts rejuvenating itself.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Day 3 Coffee Detox Evening
Time for sleep. I took a nap earlier; the leg cramps became too much. I'm trained as a massage therapit so I gave myself some great leg massage that helped somewhat, took a hot shower and now I'm ready to get into a comfortable bed.
I was thinking about this detox. A reason I must do this is because I'm determined to get serious about being a Health and Wellness Coach. It's been something I've desired to do for years, since retruning from the Peace Corps. Natural health has always been my belief. But for integrity sake, I have to live my talk.
This experience is making me think. What's interesting is that our bodies are totally ours to control (except in unusual situations of course). Isn't it a wonder that the first thing most people do when they are stressed is start to do what is harmful to their own body?
I started drinking loads of coffee during times of great stress. Even when the situation started to tune down, the coffee drinking increased; up to eight cups a day.
Probably most addictions start this way; a little bit of dabbling in what brings an artifical relief that really shouldn't be a bad thing. Coffee is a worldwide drink. I enjoyed great coffee in Africa, Mexico, Spain and in all States of the US. It's great to bring people together. But with everything, you can go overboard.
Too much of a good thing soon turns to a bad addiction. Now I need to get control of my life again. How many thousands of professional people are in the same position but haven't taken the steps to control their health? All the money in the world can't make you healty if you don't take control of it yourself.
All the money in the world can't take away the pain of the withdrawals. It's a strong reminder to me that the most important thing is to live longer, healthier.
Going to bed - hope to have a better day tomorrow.
I was thinking about this detox. A reason I must do this is because I'm determined to get serious about being a Health and Wellness Coach. It's been something I've desired to do for years, since retruning from the Peace Corps. Natural health has always been my belief. But for integrity sake, I have to live my talk.
This experience is making me think. What's interesting is that our bodies are totally ours to control (except in unusual situations of course). Isn't it a wonder that the first thing most people do when they are stressed is start to do what is harmful to their own body?
I started drinking loads of coffee during times of great stress. Even when the situation started to tune down, the coffee drinking increased; up to eight cups a day.
Probably most addictions start this way; a little bit of dabbling in what brings an artifical relief that really shouldn't be a bad thing. Coffee is a worldwide drink. I enjoyed great coffee in Africa, Mexico, Spain and in all States of the US. It's great to bring people together. But with everything, you can go overboard.
Too much of a good thing soon turns to a bad addiction. Now I need to get control of my life again. How many thousands of professional people are in the same position but haven't taken the steps to control their health? All the money in the world can't make you healty if you don't take control of it yourself.
All the money in the world can't take away the pain of the withdrawals. It's a strong reminder to me that the most important thing is to live longer, healthier.
Going to bed - hope to have a better day tomorrow.
Day 3 - Coffee Detox
It's Wednesday and Day 3 of my raw foods cleanse and coffee detox. I guess you could really count it as day 4 if Sunday night counts. I won't rush it.
I'm still feeling the effects of the detox. The headache has gone but I'm feeling wasted. However, I did get a burst of energy this morning and took advantage of that to get in about 20 minutes of exercise. It felt good to stretch and get the heart pumping a bit.
Today, I'm still having leg cramps. It feels like something is crawling up and down my muscles. I wish I could just go get a great massage and feel relief. It's been difficult to sit at the computer to get my work done but at least I can see today. I'm feeling restless. I'm up and down, going to this room to that one. I think it's the body pain. I react to body pain with movement and restlessness.
I'm going to fix my husband some flank steak, rice and salad for dinner. That won't be tempting to me because I'm not that into steak. I'm ready for the big raw veggie salad though. In fact, I just went to the store to get some more fruits and veggies. I've been having a green smoothie in the morning and eating raw all week. I think I'm starting to lose weight.
I think of it as letting go of toxins that want to kill me. It's like a fight. The bad stuff wants to stay on the body and you're fighting to make it leave. It takes will power to keep going. The toxins know this so they torture you to stay put. I'm going to win this battle.
I'll let you know how the day ends.
I'm still feeling the effects of the detox. The headache has gone but I'm feeling wasted. However, I did get a burst of energy this morning and took advantage of that to get in about 20 minutes of exercise. It felt good to stretch and get the heart pumping a bit.
Today, I'm still having leg cramps. It feels like something is crawling up and down my muscles. I wish I could just go get a great massage and feel relief. It's been difficult to sit at the computer to get my work done but at least I can see today. I'm feeling restless. I'm up and down, going to this room to that one. I think it's the body pain. I react to body pain with movement and restlessness.
I'm going to fix my husband some flank steak, rice and salad for dinner. That won't be tempting to me because I'm not that into steak. I'm ready for the big raw veggie salad though. In fact, I just went to the store to get some more fruits and veggies. I've been having a green smoothie in the morning and eating raw all week. I think I'm starting to lose weight.
I think of it as letting go of toxins that want to kill me. It's like a fight. The bad stuff wants to stay on the body and you're fighting to make it leave. It takes will power to keep going. The toxins know this so they torture you to stay put. I'm going to win this battle.
I'll let you know how the day ends.
Day 2 - Coffee Detox
Yesterday, Tuesday, was Day 2 of my cleanse and coffee detox. I thought I was dying. The headache I had kept me from looking at my computer screen, so I couldn't even blog about the experience. I actually didn't realize what was going on at first.
I thought something was wrong with me.
I had chills, my nose was running, I was achy all over. I could think of many things this could be attributed too. Such as the long walks I'd taken with my son in San Francisco over the weekend while playing tourist. Maybe I'd caught a cold or something, but it wasn't that type of sick. The chills were different. I was sweating and a bit dizzy.
I guess something WAS wrong with me. My body was throwing off toxins in my body from the overload of caffeine. I started reading online how caffeine is a drug. I knew this but the actuality of it didn't hit until I had this experience. It reminded me of the scene in the movie "Ray" with Jaime Fox when Ray Charles goes through drug rehab. I felt like a junky getting off drugs.
It hit me that I was having withdrawal symptoms; I just never thought they would be so bad. By late afternoon, I was wiped out and had to take a nap. Mostly , I needed to close my eyes because of the headache. The aches in my body were really bad. I couldn't stand it after a while and took an aspirin. That helped. After having a raw vegetable salad and some fruit I decided to just go to bed early. I couldn't sleep becuase of the body pains. I felt like a wimp but I took an Aleve. It probably has caffeine but I don't know; I just wanted to get rid of some of the pain and go to sleep.
I thought something was wrong with me.
I had chills, my nose was running, I was achy all over. I could think of many things this could be attributed too. Such as the long walks I'd taken with my son in San Francisco over the weekend while playing tourist. Maybe I'd caught a cold or something, but it wasn't that type of sick. The chills were different. I was sweating and a bit dizzy.
I guess something WAS wrong with me. My body was throwing off toxins in my body from the overload of caffeine. I started reading online how caffeine is a drug. I knew this but the actuality of it didn't hit until I had this experience. It reminded me of the scene in the movie "Ray" with Jaime Fox when Ray Charles goes through drug rehab. I felt like a junky getting off drugs.
It hit me that I was having withdrawal symptoms; I just never thought they would be so bad. By late afternoon, I was wiped out and had to take a nap. Mostly , I needed to close my eyes because of the headache. The aches in my body were really bad. I couldn't stand it after a while and took an aspirin. That helped. After having a raw vegetable salad and some fruit I decided to just go to bed early. I couldn't sleep becuase of the body pains. I felt like a wimp but I took an Aleve. It probably has caffeine but I don't know; I just wanted to get rid of some of the pain and go to sleep.
First Day of Detox
I started my coffee detox when I started my cleanse on Sunday evening. After dinner on Sunday around 7:00 p.m., I didn't eat again until Monday evening around 7:00 pm. During that time I only drank filtered water. I've done a fast for several days before but I admit, I always had a bit of coffee with it.
This time, a part of the cleanse is to clear out my system of toxins so that means getting out of the coffee habit. Whether I'll drink any after this is questionable but I'll deal with that later.
By Monday evening, I was feeling tired and dragged out, but I attributed it mostly to not eating all day. I was starting to get a headache and feeling disoriented. All I could think about starting around 5:00 p.m. was taking a shower and getting into the bed. But I was able to eat something at 7:00 so I was also looking forward to that.
I had half a watermelon and a half of a banana after the initial fasting session. It never tasted so good. When you're really hungry, food taste better. When you get full, it starts to lose its taste. I was really hungry because the taste of the fruit never went away. In fact, I thought I'd eaten too much because I started to feel a headache. So I drank loads of water and tried to get to sleep.
That was Day 1 of getting off coffee. I hadn't started to miss is yet since I was so focused on just not eating anything.
This time, a part of the cleanse is to clear out my system of toxins so that means getting out of the coffee habit. Whether I'll drink any after this is questionable but I'll deal with that later.
By Monday evening, I was feeling tired and dragged out, but I attributed it mostly to not eating all day. I was starting to get a headache and feeling disoriented. All I could think about starting around 5:00 p.m. was taking a shower and getting into the bed. But I was able to eat something at 7:00 so I was also looking forward to that.
I had half a watermelon and a half of a banana after the initial fasting session. It never tasted so good. When you're really hungry, food taste better. When you get full, it starts to lose its taste. I was really hungry because the taste of the fruit never went away. In fact, I thought I'd eaten too much because I started to feel a headache. So I drank loads of water and tried to get to sleep.
That was Day 1 of getting off coffee. I hadn't started to miss is yet since I was so focused on just not eating anything.
Caffeine Withdrawal
Sunday evening I started a cleanse. While I don't have to starve myself this week, I'm only eating raw fruits and vegetables. Additionally, I only drink pure water with lemon at the most. That means no coffee.
For some that's not a big deal. For me, it's really serious. Coffee is precious to me. I'm the type that makes it first thing in the morning like it was a companion or something. My coffee intake was up to 8 cups a day. It's not that difficult to reach that level without knowing. Everything related to food in America is super-sized, including the cups we use to drink coffee. So swigging two of the large ones already gives me four cups. Then by afternoon, I'm ready for more. Without realizing it, I consume more coffee in a day than some people do in a week.
Going cold turkey is the only way I know to stop this habit. If you ever wondered if this was a form of detox I can vouch that it is. I have been having the worse withdrawal symptoms ever. In fact, I had to do some research online to be sure I was experiencing something normal in a detox situation because I've never been through this before.
I thought it might be helpful for you to know what it's like to withdraw from coffee addiction. The reason being that I hope you also take the step if you're as addicted as I am. In order to really experience a new start with my health, I have to go all the way to getting better. That starts with letting go of what's been holding me back and coffee consumption is a start. I'll chronicle the next few days and leave a trail of information for you to access when you decide to make the coffee withdrawal.
For some that's not a big deal. For me, it's really serious. Coffee is precious to me. I'm the type that makes it first thing in the morning like it was a companion or something. My coffee intake was up to 8 cups a day. It's not that difficult to reach that level without knowing. Everything related to food in America is super-sized, including the cups we use to drink coffee. So swigging two of the large ones already gives me four cups. Then by afternoon, I'm ready for more. Without realizing it, I consume more coffee in a day than some people do in a week.
Going cold turkey is the only way I know to stop this habit. If you ever wondered if this was a form of detox I can vouch that it is. I have been having the worse withdrawal symptoms ever. In fact, I had to do some research online to be sure I was experiencing something normal in a detox situation because I've never been through this before.
I thought it might be helpful for you to know what it's like to withdraw from coffee addiction. The reason being that I hope you also take the step if you're as addicted as I am. In order to really experience a new start with my health, I have to go all the way to getting better. That starts with letting go of what's been holding me back and coffee consumption is a start. I'll chronicle the next few days and leave a trail of information for you to access when you decide to make the coffee withdrawal.
Easy Steps to Change Your Bad Food Habits
Use the suggestions here to get in the habit of eating healthier.Have you ever really asked yourself the question, “Do I eat to live or live to eat?” It’s amazing how so many people really live to eat thinking any food is better than no food. But what you put in your mouth today will have an effect on you body for a long time.
Certainly you have foods that that you particularly enjoy. These are most often comfort foods that are hard to give up. Not all of these are bad for you, in fact, some can be highly nutritious. But if you make food choices that aren’t the best on a regular basis, here are some suggestions for making changes.
1. Don’t Set Yourself Up. It’s common to sabotage your eating habits when you grab whatever is available when you are hungry instead of stopping to prepare a proper snack or meal. For instance, if you just happen to have a box of chocolate cookies in your desk drawer when you’re ravishing, it’s too easy to reach for them when stressed or you think you are hungry.
2. Stay away from the grocery store when hungry. Being around food when you’re hungry is a key to eating sabotage. You might have the intention to only get a few things at the grocery store but when your stomach us empty, it is easy to abandon the pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have to be prepared for the fried chicken wings at the deli that you can eat in the car on the way home.
3. Don’t snack while cooking. This habit that many of us have can be a real diet killer. It is really bad around the holidays. Depending on how much you snack you could consume an entire meal worth of calories before you sit down to eat the actual meal. Even if you are cooking a healthier meal, you can eat too much before the meal is even served.
4. Change one food habit at a time. Taste is a learned behavior and difficult to change. Don’t force yourself to go cold turkey in giving up foods but take it in steps. For instance, if you enjoy eating full-fat ice cream as well as macaroni and cheese, you know you need to cut back. Don’t drop them both at once; just give up one food at a time. You can start by eating a lower fat version of the food such as a lower fat alternative.
5. Get a Coach. A Health, Wellness or Nutrition Coach can help you to understand how to eat in a way that becomes a new lifestyle, not just for a diet. Coaching can help you get rid of your bad or annoying habits through a series of positive supports provided during your sessions.
6. Make a plan. It is not enough to say that you will change your bad eating habits. That is a vague statement that gets you nowhere. You have to write it down and commit to it. For example, say that you will begin eating whole grains instead of white bread, or using lower fat dairy products over full-fat ones with more calories.
7. Keep a food journal. Record everything that you eat for a week. When you go back to it you may be amazed at all of the sweet, salty or fatty foods you consumed. Use the journal to create a list of the foods that are and are not healthy for you so you can make a plan to make changes.
It's easier to make better food choices when you can be conscious about what you put in your mouth. Do your planning so ou can develop easy steps to change your food habits.
Certainly you have foods that that you particularly enjoy. These are most often comfort foods that are hard to give up. Not all of these are bad for you, in fact, some can be highly nutritious. But if you make food choices that aren’t the best on a regular basis, here are some suggestions for making changes.
1. Don’t Set Yourself Up. It’s common to sabotage your eating habits when you grab whatever is available when you are hungry instead of stopping to prepare a proper snack or meal. For instance, if you just happen to have a box of chocolate cookies in your desk drawer when you’re ravishing, it’s too easy to reach for them when stressed or you think you are hungry.
2. Stay away from the grocery store when hungry. Being around food when you’re hungry is a key to eating sabotage. You might have the intention to only get a few things at the grocery store but when your stomach us empty, it is easy to abandon the pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have to be prepared for the fried chicken wings at the deli that you can eat in the car on the way home.
3. Don’t snack while cooking. This habit that many of us have can be a real diet killer. It is really bad around the holidays. Depending on how much you snack you could consume an entire meal worth of calories before you sit down to eat the actual meal. Even if you are cooking a healthier meal, you can eat too much before the meal is even served.
4. Change one food habit at a time. Taste is a learned behavior and difficult to change. Don’t force yourself to go cold turkey in giving up foods but take it in steps. For instance, if you enjoy eating full-fat ice cream as well as macaroni and cheese, you know you need to cut back. Don’t drop them both at once; just give up one food at a time. You can start by eating a lower fat version of the food such as a lower fat alternative.
5. Get a Coach. A Health, Wellness or Nutrition Coach can help you to understand how to eat in a way that becomes a new lifestyle, not just for a diet. Coaching can help you get rid of your bad or annoying habits through a series of positive supports provided during your sessions.
6. Make a plan. It is not enough to say that you will change your bad eating habits. That is a vague statement that gets you nowhere. You have to write it down and commit to it. For example, say that you will begin eating whole grains instead of white bread, or using lower fat dairy products over full-fat ones with more calories.
7. Keep a food journal. Record everything that you eat for a week. When you go back to it you may be amazed at all of the sweet, salty or fatty foods you consumed. Use the journal to create a list of the foods that are and are not healthy for you so you can make a plan to make changes.
It's easier to make better food choices when you can be conscious about what you put in your mouth. Do your planning so ou can develop easy steps to change your food habits.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Are You Calorie Aware?
If you are older than 40, it's important to know that your metabolism has slowed down effectively burning less calories than you did as a youth.
Most people are not actually aware of just how many calories are eaten each day or just how many of them get burned up through body processes and activity levels.
Those individuals who are age 60 or older also lose muscle mass and as most of us know muscle mass helps us to burn calories. Without muscle mass, we add poundage to our frame when we eat more than our bodies need.
Men and women who are in their fifties burn 4 to 8% more calories than men and women in their 60s.
Individual who are 40 years of age or older need to be more careful about how many calories they consume each day and more diligent about being able to burn off what we do not need.
If you find that you are gaining weight, make changes now such as increasing your daily activity level, or eating fat-free or light products. Watch portion sizes and drink more than eight 8-oz glasses of water a day.
When counting calories don't forget to count the calories contained in beverages, condiments, and of course desserts.
Most people are not actually aware of just how many calories are eaten each day or just how many of them get burned up through body processes and activity levels.
Those individuals who are age 60 or older also lose muscle mass and as most of us know muscle mass helps us to burn calories. Without muscle mass, we add poundage to our frame when we eat more than our bodies need.
Men and women who are in their fifties burn 4 to 8% more calories than men and women in their 60s.
Individual who are 40 years of age or older need to be more careful about how many calories they consume each day and more diligent about being able to burn off what we do not need.
If you find that you are gaining weight, make changes now such as increasing your daily activity level, or eating fat-free or light products. Watch portion sizes and drink more than eight 8-oz glasses of water a day.
When counting calories don't forget to count the calories contained in beverages, condiments, and of course desserts.
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