All about juicing.

How are those New Year's Resolutions going?  Did you hit the gym? Go on a "diet" or start a juice cleanse?  Ahhh the infamous juice cleanse.

Benefits:

1.  Gives your digestive system a break.
2.  Helps to get out toxins.
3.  Reduce cravings.
4.  Gives your body a jump start.

Cons:

1. Weight lost is typically water weight and almost always gained back.
2.  Some gain weight on a juice cleanse.
3.  Too much sugar in some juices.
4.  No fiber.


My thoughts, if you're going to do a juice cleanse, incorporate some food. Stay vegan, clean and low fat.  Typical juice cleanses are high carb and some end with high fat drinks, I don't agree with these cleanses.  A mix of high carbs/sugar and fat is not good for the digestion.  I have learned from experience being a raw vegan.  Douglas Graham has a great book on the 80/10/10 raw vegan lifestyle and explains why high fat and carbs/sugar do not mix well.

Tips:

1.  Beware of a sugar overload.  Include organic fruits but don't go overboard.
2.  Use the Cronometer, (https://cronometer.com/), to track calories.  Make sure to have 80% carbs and 10% fat & protein to keep your digestive system working properly.
3.  Add some steamed organic vegetables and steamed organic brown rice in the evening.  Keep the spicing to a minimum, enjoy the natural taste of the food.
4.  After the cleanse ease your body back into foods, wait a few days to add meat, poultry and fish back into your diet.
5.  Listen to your body, if you are gaining weight on the cleanse your body is telling you something.  Feed it!

Do as I say, not as I do....

The most common question I get asked, "What does your diet consist of?"  I am always hesitant to respond.  To me, diet is almost like a fingerprint.  It is unique to you and what your body "likes". When you learn to listen to your body, you'll learn what your friendly foods are.   That's what I help teach my clients through elimination and testing.  Most people aren't able to test foods until they eliminate the common culprits.  Someone that has hypothyroidism will have a different starter plan than someone with diabetes.

I have gone through various diets.  I listen to my body and eat what I crave.  I'm able to do this because I've eliminated the "bad"cravings from my body.  Once the 21 day initial phase is completed, cravings are diminished and while you continue on your new lifestyle they decrease even further.   Different seasons seem to bring on different cravings and even more, I can sometimes eat foods that I previously reacted to!  For example, cucumbers. I can eat them in the summer months but in the winter my digestive system is not a fan.  In the winter I can drink coffee, (mind you it's organic & GMO free).  In September of 2014 I simply stopped eating meat and I have zero desire for chicken or fish which was previously something I ate 5-6 times a week.  I may go back to eating fish and chicken and I may not.  As of now I'm a gluten & soy free vegan who's main staple is brown rice.

I get my vitamin levels checked at least once a year.  My favorite test is the SpectraCell Micronutrient test:  http://www.spectracell.com/clinicians/products/mnt/  Using these tests, I add vitamins & minerals my body is missing.   It is an incredible and comprehensive test that will also show how much of a vitamin or mineral your body needs.  This test along with listening to my body is what my "diet" consists of.

Castor Oil Pack

Worldwide our energy has been affected by the recent pandemic. Finding unique ways to relax has been challenging for many. Our typical activities such as physical fitness, yoga and group meditation are not available. Meditation has been more difficult to focus as our mind continue to wonder while we try and relax.

In addition to relaxing the mind the benefits include improving the immune system, liver detox, relieves constipation & digestion issues, circulation and lymphatic drainage.  We’ve also noticed our sleep has improved dramatically since including the castor oil pack in our routine.

We suggest doing this daily for 4 days, then take a break for a day or two. Some experts suggest doing this for 4 weeks straight. 

Materials Needed

Three layers of undyed wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area.

Castor oil

Trash bag or plastic wrap cut one to two inches larger than the flannel

Hot water bottle or heating pad

Container with lid (to store the flannel)

Old clothes and sheets. Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding.

Directions

Fold flannel three layers thick so it is still large enough to fit over the area you are looking to detox. Either your upper/lower or entire abdomen.

Soak flannel with the oil so that it is completely saturated. The oil should be at room temperature.

Lie on your back with your feet elevated (using a pillow under your knees and feet works well), placing flannel pack directly onto your abdomen; cover oiled flannel with the sheet of plastic and place the hot water bottle/heating pad on top of the plastic.

Cover everything with the old towel to insulate the heat. Take caution not to get the oil on whatever you are laying on, as it can stain.

Leave pack on for 45 to 60 minutes. Now is the time to clear your mind, focus on breath and relax your body.

When finished, remove the oil from your skin by washing with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda to one quart water, or just soap and water. (Be sure to wash the towel by itself, as the castor oil can make other clothes stink if washed together.)

Extra Bonus: Take an Epsom salt bath for added detox & relaxation benefits.

You can reuse the pack several times, each time adding more oil as needed to keep the pack saturated. Store the pack in a large zip-lock bag or other plastic container in a convenient location, such as next to your bed. Some suggest in the fridge. Replace the pack after it begins to change color.

For maximum effectiveness, apply at least four consecutive days per week for one month.

The castor oil pack has several known benefits other than improving relaxation, sleep and the immune system. When done consistently you will notice anti-inflammatory benefits and improvements with your digestive system. Whether you are looking for a new way to relax or improve your immune system, the castor oil is a very effective and affordable option.

We hope this helps you and offers many benefits. Love and blessings!

Thyroid Attack

I can't believe it's been 10 months since my last post.  Over the past year so much has happened!  My thyroid is finally under control with the help of Levothyroxine in addition to Westhroid, who knew?  I was so against bringing in "synthetic" thyroid medication.  I am now on 1 1/2 grains of Westhroid and .025 mg of Levothyroxine.  Guess what?  I've lost weight and feel "normal" again.  We looked at my T3 & T4 levels and my T4 was just a little low, she suggested we try the Levothyroxine and I was feeling so drained I gave in & I'm so glad I did!

In addition my doctor put me on DHEA which has helped in many ways, weight loss, energy, increasing my testosterone and more.  My skin is clear, I'm glowing, (so people say!), and my moods are better than ever.  We started at 5 mg and recently moved up to 10 mg.  I was told if I feel like a raging animal with aggression we'll go back down to 5.

It took me 2 1/2 years to find a good doctor in Dallas.  I still use my Homeopath in Phoenix but I'm so relieved to have someone local as well.  My doctor listens to me and allowed me to change dosages until I felt right rather than only looking at blood levels.

Moral of the story?  Don't give up!  Keep focused on your goal and find a doctor that will work with you and truly listen to how you feel rather than look only at blood work.