November 5, 2007: Cleaning Out the Old. Finally!

Cleansed with pure water

I've been counting on a promise lately that there is a "purification" process I'm in ... and so images of crystal drops of water, splashing waterfalls, etc. have been catching my attention. Today, this simple photo of a kid delighting in clear, clean water at the shoreline -- just the playful innocence of it -- drew me in.

One of the ways I'm feeling this "purification" is that on every level I seem to want to just "dump the junk" that I've been carrying with me for way too long -- on every level -- but mostly emotionally and physically. They say there are "cellular memories" we keep locked in our bodies that are attached to emotional trauma or abuse -- and I'm ready to offload all of mine!

"Declutter" on every level -- that's what I want. We clean a clogged, gunky container by pouring clean, fresh, water in for however long is necessary to overpower and flush out the drek. That's exactly what it'll take for my body and mind to be "decluttered" -- purified. As long as I keep putting good things in -- eventually, the yucky stuff will find it's way out. Housecleaning beginning in my very cells is what I'm after. An inside-out kinda thing. Physically and mentally.

This morning I drank lots of water and had two bananas throughout the morning. Lunch was a medium salad of spinach, mesclun greens, tomatoes, red peppers, mushrooms and olives w/ a vinaigrette. Dinner will be a chopped kale and avocado salad, w/ a bit of freshly made summer squash "pasta" w/ raw maranra sauce.

I'm going to "declutter" a bit in my closet and dresser -- a little each day is all I need do -- and call it an early night.

Here's a little info sheet on chia seeds, courtesy of Angela Stokes. Chia seeds are one of those foods I've learned will help my thyroid get restored/rebalanced. Sea vegetables also help a lot. The only other time I ever heard of chia seeds was that god-awful "Chia Pet" that was popular years ago -- remember that? -- "chi-chi-chi-chia"! They were super-popular (like the pet rock was) for about a year! Behold the mighty chia seed:

Chia Seeds

November 2, 2007: The Mighty Banana!

Driving me bananas

For the morning and up to about 2:00 p.m., all I had today was my green smoothie. This kind of smoothie is extremely filling . . . and acts as nature's "whisk broom" -- along with being a quick source of energy that boosts mental clarity and emotional well-being.

two handfuls of kale
half of a cucumber
one handful of mesclaun greens
one handful of romaine lettuce
1/2 cup nectarine
1/2 cup pear
1/2 cup kiwi
1/2 cup strawberries
ONE BANANA

Courtesy of my buddy, Susan -- here are some vedy interesting stats on the BANANA:

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

Rose Bushes: Blend one skin (soft Part) with blender full of water and pour on base of Rose Bush. Promotes healthy roots and new growth.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase from an apple a day to a banana a day!

November 1, 2007: One droplet of water . . .

A droplet fell . . . and created this!

Isn't it something how a tiny droplet of water has such a stunning effect?! This looks like a crystal crown.

This photo made me think of how little things have great effect. In getting healthier, I'm remembering that it works both ways: doing "little things" that are good (taking the stairs instead of the elevator) and doing little things that are not-so-good (eating that little piece of cheesy-bread that came with the salad rather than handing it back to the waiter) -- both have an effect on what I want in my life. What is worth remembering is that doing good "little things" when the opportunities arise will lead to drastic physical changes in my body and soul a year down the road!

Today's green smoothie was made with parsley, cucumber, swiss chard, romaine lettuce, pear, banana, and strawberry. Like nothing I've ever tasted before . . . surprisingly good.

October 30, 2007: Bill Mahr's Take on America's love affair withprescription drugs

Pill Poppin

Found this clip of Bill Mahr today on the Natural Paradigms website, and I thought it was worth a listen. It's Bill's take on America's love affair with drugs , not just the illegal ones.

(Something I find a little incongruous about Bill, though, is his love affair with pot -- since he's such a health advocate in other ways . . . for the small farmer, healthy organic sources for food, fresh water legislation, etc. I guess he hasn't seen the studies linking it to increased depression, paranoia and memory loss.)

October 23, 2007: Great Day!

Purification

Had a great morning talk and a terrific lunch with two women friends today. Women are such a blessing to each other at times, 'cause there's a language spoken between close women friends that is so easily understood. I'm just so thankful for that.

Friends, you know who you are!

October 22, 2007: Sexy Note from . . . ??

[This wacky thing arrived in an email from a nutty friend today. I couldn't resist posting it here.]

"I will seek and find you. I will take you to bed and have my way with you. I will make you ache, shake & sweat until you moan & groan. I will make you beg for me to stop. I will exhaust you to the point that you will be relieved when I'm finished with you! And, when I am finished, you will be weak for days."
*********************************** All my love, THE FLU !

Now, get your mind off sex and go make a green smoothie!

Speaking of which . . . My green smoothie today (breakfast & lunch) is made with organic strawberries, pear, peach, collard greens, parsley and romaine lettuce. Delicious!

October 20, 2007: Smoothe On Down the Road

MY "GREEN FOR LIFE EXPERIMENT" IS UNDERWAY!

Cabbage

Today I start an experiment of drinking mainly raw green smoothies for two weeks. I'll take it in 2-week increments and document my fitness progress as I go.

Came across this 90-minute, highly informative video today on food production that is pretty eye-opening and worth watching, I think. It can be viewed in separate sections for easy "digestion."

The Future of Food