Day Eight - Dealing with Setbacks

  As I've mentioned from the start, you must be willing to deal with setbacks.  It is not about being a raw food purist or even developing a hatred for any one specific food.  It is just a matter of doing the right thing most of the time.  As simple as it sounds, it can be very difficult to learn what the right thing really is as mis-information is a plague on our consumerist society.  Discerning what information is correct and what is a marketing message meant to promote a specific product can result in much frustration.  It is for this reason that the 'Grocery List' is most important.

   These are the foods to focus your meals and snacks around (in order of quality and healthfulness):

1. Raw fruits and vegetables (preferably organic) such as apples, grapes, melons, bananas, avocados, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, kale, tomatoes, etc; raw honey, stevia (a natural sweetener)

2. Lightly-steamed, low-starch vegetables (all vegetables other than white potatoes, acorn and butternut squash, and pumpkin); pure maple syrup, agave nectar

    *note that corn and legumes are starches, not vegetables.

3.  Organic raw nuts and seeds (almond, pine nuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.)

4.  Raw stone-pressed or cold-pressed plant oils (especially olive oil, though hemp seed and flax seed oils are also acceptable)

5.  Cooked starch vegetables (sweet potatoes, butternut and acorn squash, pumpkin, etc.)

6.  Raw unpasteurized dairy products (particularly from goats and sheep).  

     * note, dairy products from goats and sheep are less likely to contain pathogens requiring pasteurization or boiling.

7.  Whole grains (brown rice, millet, whole wheat, buckwheat, etc.)

8.  Pasteurized dairy and animal flesh (preferably limited to organic fish and minimal organic meat and poultry products)

  My last day has been hectic but I have been able to get plenty of sleep and eat a good proportion of my foods as vegetables.  I will admit I could be doing better.  I have not had any of the 'healing crisis' because I have held onto some foods that I will give up after the coming holiday weekend.  For now, I'm doing my best at eliminating fast food and most processed foods and feel better.

  I will continue this blog on Tuesday May 27th on return from the holiday.

  Until then,

  Namaste,  Michael

Day Seven - Understanding the Basics

As day seven comes and goes, with the excitement giving in to some semblance of a routine, we can begin to look at the basics of detoxification and raw foods.

We begin our study of detoxification using the principles and information outlined in Natalia Rose's book "The Raw Food Detox Diet".  In my opinion, the title is a misnomer in that the word 'diet' usually signifies a temporary state until a goal or objective is obtained.  For our purposes, we are learning how to eliminate the accumulated waste and prevent further buildup through preventative practice.  First, let us understand exactly what we are dealing with:

     "Perfect weight and a youthful appearance are the result of clean, waste-free cells - that is, cells that are free of inorganic matter.  However, with our modern diet and lifestyle, clean cells are not the norm.  Rather, it's much more common to find a body riddled with cells carrying matter that's not easily eliminated.  This is the fundamental cause of our physical and, some would argue, mental ills.  Clean, healthy cells maintain homeostasis (the healthy state of balance in the body), which keeps us feeling well.  It is only when debris or waste matter from synthetic foods and overeating get lodged in our cells that our natural birthright of homeostasis turns into illness and excess weight."(Rose, 2006)

        Improving the caliber of your cells requires a simple process based on a simple equation.  The application of even a few of the principles on this equation will trigger your body to lose weight and feel younger as early as the very first night, with marked results in just one week.  Here is the equation in its perfect simplicity:
Waste = Weight
Waste matter in the body is the fundamental source of the excess weight in your body.  Get the waste out and you get the weight off.  It's that easy!  Imagine relieving your body of the thickness that weighs you down and makes you look prematurely old.

         As we continue on, we need to ensure we are eating sufficient quantities of food.  This is most important.

          Learn More

Rose, Natalya.  The Raw Food Detox Diet.  Harper Collins; New York, NY 2006.

     
        I had a fairly decent day snacking on healthy trail mix and eating a sandwich using romaine leaves as the wrapper.  It is amazing how well fresh romaine leaves leave me satisfied as opposed to bread or grain products.  Ezekiel sprouted bread is also very good but can be expensive.  Romaine leaves last a long time in the fridge and are still relatively inexpensive.  My day has been most productive.  This, in itself, is reason for cheering.

         Have a wonderful night!

         Michael

Day Six - Focusing on the Basics

There is so much information available on the internet concerning 'how tos' and 'tips' that it can easily become overwhelming.  Everyone has their own advice, often, with their own special product or solution to sell you.  Eating right and changing behaviors does not have to be complex.  It is simply a matter of making the decision to eat food based on 'nutrient fulfillment' instead of for 'entertainment'.

As we continue our journey, it will be necessary to go back over the basics again and again.  Today, we'll look again at the first step.  If you have not created a 'Grocery List', now's the time.  You can use this list over and over in your trips to the grocery store.  Don't limit yourself to what you've purchased in the past; try new items.  The produce department is loaded with choices.  Remember one key when shopping: the darker and more vivid the color the better.  Darker and vivid colored vegetables and fruits have more nutritionally rewarding phytochemicals and micronutrients than lighter colored ones.  For instance, 'Head Lettuce' has much less nutrients than 'Romaine Lettuce'.
Use Natalya Rose's 'Hierarchy of Foods' to add food items to your list.

I continue to choose more healthy foods than non-healthy.  The sprouted bread has been a sufficient replacement for traditional varieties and I find the salads satisfying.  With the Memorial Day holiday quickly approaching and a northern travel excursion planned, I continue to focus on making the right choices in the present moment.  As in time's past, I'm finding myself not going overboard but taking things slowly.  Like I have said - I'm in it for the long haul.

Namaste,

Michael

Day Five - Dealing with Challenges

No matter what, you can expect to encounter challenges on this road to excellent health.  It is inevitable and must be planned for in advance.  I had a wonderful and juicy rib-eye steak last night and do not see it as 'failing'.  The problem would be if I let that one experience lead me in the opposite direction of the main road.  It has not.  Plus, because of the overall quality of foods I am ingesting, improved bowel health allowed everything to pass quickly.

This morning, I did find Natalya Rose's book and will begin providing excerpts as we continue to detox and make significant changes to our dietary lifestyle.

In the video 'Healthy Food for the Islands', the narrator takes a looks at refined versus un-refined foods and looks at both benefits and disadvantages.




As mentioned during the preparation days leading up to 'start day', there will always be obstacles getting in the way of your success.  Injuries, illness, emotional crisis, sadness, great joy, etc., etc.  The list is endless. The key to overcoming obstacles is the certain awareness strict adherence is not the goal.  If you are injured, you need food that will help you heal quickly.  This may mean a greater quantity of proteins, fats, and restorative nutrients.  In periods of sadness, a comfort food with inspiring mental associations may be just the ticket.  We are in this for the long haul.  The overall goal is to eat well most of the time.  Do not give up on this goal because of a setback lacking success.


Stella Green wrote about her own setbacks  in her Blog Posting.  In general, it is necessary to understand we are human beings and subject to the laws of nature.  Keep up the good work!

Day Four - What's your Motivation?

As I mentioned yesterday, your motivation in making any type of health change (going to school, or working) needs to be identified.  I spent much time 'trying out' various get-rich-quick schemes and they all had you start by listing the reasons you wanted to become financially independent.  While making health changes will not necessarily bring you fame and fortune, it is just as important as becoming financially secure - even more important.  Without good health, all the money in the world will not bring you joy, happiness, or contentment.  Many people spend their lives working hard so they can retire and finally enjoy life.  After retirement, the years of self-abuse have taken their toll and life becomes a struggle.  With that said, it is vital for you to write down the specific reason you want to make health changes. Include photographs and keep them handy for those difficult times when you want to give up.

I have included one single picture of my motivation.  My son Vanya.  Having waited until middle-age to have a son, I am finding it a challenge keeping up with him.  One of his favorite games is to run back and forth in a large room imitating each other as we run.  He calls it "running like crazy".  Guess who runs out of energy first?  When he turns 18, I will be 60 years old.  While he is just getting started in his life, I'll be nearing the end of mine.  I want to be around to see him grow up and have his own family.  This requires me making the right choices today.

This past day was alright.  Being Saturday and a beautiful sunny day, I took a nice walk on the Wiowash Trail and enjoyed the budding trees and bird activity.  It is amazing how much money I'm saving by preparing my own tasty food.  At this point, I'm not completely 'Raw' and am taking it slow.  I'll have a piece of Salmon tonight with asparagus romaine lettuce.  Raw Almonds have been a good source of protein.  I slept well last night and woke more quickly than usual.  

Tomorrow, we'll start diving into Natalya Rose's book "the Raw Food Detox Diet" (if I find it.).  It has to be around her somewhere.

Until then, enjoy the bountiful foods available and get out to enjoy some fresh air.

In Peace,

Michael

Day Three - Eating Sufficient Real Food

It is essential to eat adequate quantities of real food throughout the day and drink plenty of fluids.  This cannot be over-emphasized.  We are not undertaking a 'Diet' but a change.  Fad diets fail because they do not provide the essentials.  Instead, they leave the person to feel depleted or empty.  When you make changes and it involves satisfying hunger and need for tasty food, this will become the better option than your previous routine.  One important point that needs to be stressed is that you must begin to see eating food and drinking liquids as the mechanism for nourishing your bodies cells rather than eating and drinking for entertainment.  This is huge.

In day three, many may begin getting over the initial physical symptoms while some may have already slipped and eaten something they didn't want to.  It is alright.  Let me repeat........it is alright.  This isn't a race but a slow, consistent journey towards a major and beneficial life change.  Eating and benefiting from a mostly raw food diet does not mean you can never go out to eat or enjoy a big, juicy steak.  Just not everyday.

 At the site "Cheap Health Revolution", the importance of eating enough food  is stated simply and eloquently:

- Make sure you eat enough! As you overcome certain cooked food addictions (e.g. processed carbs, sugars, cheese, etc.) it becomes easier to tolerate hunger. You may get complacent and lazy and start to eat less and less food. While some advanced raw foodists (notably Tonya Zavasta) claim that eating as little as possible is most healthful, it is certainly not the case for the first few years of being majority raw. If you don't eat enough, you will slowly become more and more tired and miss out on all the fun!

You have to feed your body!

This day started out better than the previous two.  One thing I notice is how quick I wake up and become productive.  I woke about 545A and had several projects started and half-finished in the course of two hours.  Without even having to drink two cups of coffee, I was off like a streak of lightning.  THIS is the reason I make the changes in the first place.  I remember the benefits and they definitely outweigh the discomfort.

Tomorrow, we'll write down our motivation for making health changes.  During difficult times, your reason for making changes will mean either your success or failure.  Until then, enjoy the day!

Day Two - On a Roll

Historically, 'Day Two' has brought a few  problematic symptoms.  For me, by this time I am experiencing a mild headache and frequent urination.  Both are signs that my body is clearing out toxins.  Many people will notice within the first week feeling lighter, less 'puffy', due to the decreased inflammation.  Inflammation (a buildup of fluid in the tissues) is a direct result of the accumulation of toxins and wastes; the bodies mechanism for self-defense.   Plus, a diet heavy in sodium (salt) will always mean a large reserve of water.  Sodium and Water (H2O) go hand in hand.  Decrease the sodium and you decrease the H2O.  This is the reason why people with cardiac conditions are told to decrease their intake of sodium - in order to decrease the amount of water (translated as blood volume) their body has to circulate.

In addition, I have always been surprised by the experience of having increased energy while also being 'fuzzy'.  Having more energy to accomplish the simple tasks of daily life but also feeling a bit spaced out.  It is an interesting phenomenon.

As in the past, I am off to a good start and am experiencing just a slight amount of 'fuzziness'   I know this will pass after another day or so and predict tomorrow may see the headache.  My sleep has already started to become more restful.  Today, I picked up some wonderful food from the local grocery store including:  Avocados, Romaine Lettuce (for wraps), Raw Cheese, Raw Almonds, Vegetable Juice, Lemon Juice (for my water), Herbal Tea, Salmon (for Sunday), Fuji Apples, and some sushi.  I know, the list could be seriously critiqued.  However, its only a start.  The goal here is to make some significant and sustainable changes.  It's not about denying yourself of food but rather opening up your palate to the rich variety of healthy and fresh foods that are available.

Have a wonderful day and feel free to reply!

Michael

Spring Waters - center for healing

Day One - Getting Started

 Today is 'start day' and this week will be the most taxing.  In the past, the first three days are the worst but then the body adjusts.  Two years ago, I broke out in a rash after a week.  It was my bodies way of getting rid of all the waste products and toxins.  Over the next three days, it is essential to make sure you eat enough real food and hydrate sufficiently.  I like to drink water with a splash of lemon juice for an antioxidant boost.

  As we continue our journey, I will break each day's postings into two sections.  The first section will include advice and instruction based on my past experiences with raw food detoxification.  In this section, I will include material from other experts (i.e. Natalya Rose and others).  I will also include useful resources to help such as instructions in Meditation and other tools.  The second section will be my experiences since the previous posting.  When I get tired and bitter and angry because I can't have a steak - I will tell you.  If I fall short of the day's goal - I'll tell you that as well.  As I said, it is not about being perfect but making sustainable changes and keeping them for the majority of time.  We are not going to be perfect.

   Take some time to read through Natalia Rose's "Quick Exit Foods".  These are the foods that will exit the stomach quickly and help to cleanse the system from sludge.  Also, remember to perform some manner of "Exercise" daily to keep your metabolism fired up.  In time, you'll see the effects of certain foods on your metabolism.  However, when making profound dietary changes, the body can activate an initial defense by turning down your metabolism significantly.  Aerobic exercise (something you can do 40-60 minutes a day) counteracts this process.


   Day One - Off to a great start.  Expecting to be a little slower hitting the blocks tomorrow but started the day right with minimally-cooked oatmeal, slices of apple, and a glass of lemon water.  A brisk walk on the Wiowash trail provided the unexpected surprise of sighting a couple very beautiful birds.  I packed a lunch for school/work including large leaves of romaine with crunchy vegetables (mini-red and yellow pepper - and a couple chunks of raw cheese) wrapped inside.  Romaine leafs make great wraps.
 
    Have a Wonderful and Natural Day!

     Michael

3:56P - You will learn (if you haven't already) to identify the trouble times during your day.  It is always on the first day, in the late afternoon (like right now), that I start saying to myself, "Maybe I should just begin this tomorrow.  You know, what about a nice veggie pizza from 'Ratch and Debs'.  Why start now?"  Well, this is only normal thinking.  Yes, my head is just a tad whoozy but I ate enough and have a solid dinner planned.  I know (from experience) that tomorrow will be better and the next day better after that.  Hang in there!

Final Preparation Day

Greetings Fellow Sojourners,

Today is a  day to celebrate and prepare for the challenges lying ahead. Having our cupboards and fridge ready and stocked with fresh natural foods, we can focus on enjoying ourselves and experiencing a larger array of tasty and healthy foods. Personally, I have tended to eat a narrow range of food items.  This will change.

 It is important to not see this as a 'Diet' or a temporary change.  We are looking forward to a lifetime of incredible and vibrant health by taking in only 'real food', food that is loaded with nutrients and free from the garbage and toxins mucking up the system.  While we see this as a long-term strategy, we must focus on just one day at a time.

Very often, someone will slip and come short of the day's goals.  This is no reason to
give up and submit to the old emotional-based eating patterns.  Simply accept you are human
and move on.  Some people will take a day off each week - I have difficulty doing this.

A Recap of Our First Steps:
1) Begin slowly.  If you have food that needs to be eaten (as long as it's not red meat or heavily processed), eat it in moderation.
2) Plan regular and frequent trips to the grocery store to buy real and fresh foods. Eat a variety.
3) Refrain from all processed foods.  This includes fast food and quick preparation foods.
4) Spend an hour each day doing some form of aerobic exercise.  Whether it is walking in a pool, swimming, recreating, or bike riding.

Let's have some fun with this!

Tomorrow - Start time is on waking.

Enjoy the Day!

Michael