the alchemist & the needler

The Blog Has Moved

2010-12-06T14:56:00.000-06:00

I moved my blog this Fall over to my business website http://www.surfacingwellness.com

Read what I've been writing since October!

In Health and Happiness,

Lisa

Born To Run

2010-10-06T18:27:00.006-05:00

The Chicago Marathon is around the bend. A big cheer to old and new friends and to clients who are running, jogging, or walking marathons this weekend. These two quotes really sum up the a marathon.

To describe the agony of a marathon to someone who's never run it is like trying to explain color to someone who was born blind. ~Jerome Drayton

A marathon is like life with its ups and downs, but once you've done it you feel that you can do anything. ~unknown

My clients are keenly aware of the assistance their acupuncture treatments bring to their training and recovery. Acupuncture is one way to hasten the recovery from pain and inflammation that comes from running injuries and facilitates the body's recuperative powers.

Acupuncturists can utilize various styles of techniques from needling to cupping to gua sha to herbal remedies including plasters. An herbal plaster is a natural medicinal patch adhesively applied to the affected area. Any of the techniques will help to vitalize and move the blood that creates the stagnation causing the pain sensation.

Massage can help heal injuries as well. Many acupuncturists incorporate Tuina, a Chinese style invigorating energizing massage. Regular massage or myofascial massage are highly beneficial as well.

Yoga employs specific stretching that is much needed for any level of athlete, increasing flexibility, core strength, balance and a calm centered mind.

Moving the energy and blood with a combination of preventative and intervening modalities like acupuncture, massage and yoga will help you bounce right back from injury and fatigue right back into your running shoes.

If you are in Chicago, Allyu Spa is just one of the spas that has a great special for the marathoner in your life. Check their current promotion.

Breathing

2010-09-06T06:40:00.000-05:00

Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Breathing. Seems simple enough, but most of us do not breathe correctly or efficiently. We all know breath is needed to live but do you know what it does for a body? for a mind? for a spirit? I shared correct breathing in my teleseminar in August. Here is the condensed list of benefits:

Gives you more energy
Reduces mental and physical fatigue therefore reducing the need for stimulants and drugs
Eliminates toxins and waste
Improves blood circulation, relieves congestion, increases supply of blood to muscles and bones
Increases oxygen and nutrient supply to all the cells of the body. The brain and eyes need much oxygen!
Correct breathing (depending on technique) can calm or stimulate the central nervous system and balance the brain hemispheres
Better breathing opens up and balances the subtle energies of the body
Using the diaphram with proper breath massages the internal organs improving their function.
Facilitates the movement of the lymph throughout the body which eliminates toxins and improves the immune system
Shallow breathing puts stress on the organs of elimination
Along with a balanced alkaline diet, toxic carbon dioxide will be eliminated more readily through the breath
Improves the appearance of the skin, reduces wrinkles thanks to better blood circulation
Relax deeper
Recover faster from stress, exertion and injury
Reduces muscular spasm, tension, adhesions, and fibrosity

Feel like improving your breathing? Here are three options to activate relaxation and quiet your mind.

The yogic breath Sit with your neck, head, and spine in alignment. Place your hands on your chest and breath in and out through your nose, feeling your chest expand. Repeat 3-4 times. Now place your hands on your belly and inhale through your nostrils, letting your belly expand with air. Exhale through your nose and press in slightly with your hands. Repeat 3-4 times. Next, place your left palm on your chest and your right palm on your belly. As you inhale through your nose let your belly expand and then bring your breath up into your chest, feeling your ribs expand. Exhale through your nose, releasing your breath from your chest, then your stomach. Repeat 3-4 times. Now close your eyes, rest your hands on your lap, and repeat 10 times.

Alternate nostril breathing Place your right index finger and middle finger on the bridge of your nose. Close the right nostril with your thumb, inhale and at the top of the inhalation, close your left nostril with your ring finger. Release your thumb and exhale through the right nostril. Inhale through the right nostril and at the top of the exhalation close the right side with your thumb. Release your ring finger from your left nostril. Repeat 6-12 times.

Left nostril breathing Close your right nostril. Breathe in through your left nostril and out through your left nostril. Repeat this 10-20 times.

Garden Trout

2010-08-31T19:22:00.000-05:00

I had a smoked trout salad a couple weeks ago which reminded me that I really like trout. I rarely eat meat, but when I do it is something I crave and works well with my body which would be trout, turkey or duck. In the company of others, I may deviate from those.

No, the trout was not grown in a garden, but the rest of the ingredients were! So after buying a large bag of veggies at the farmer's market, I stopped by Whole Foods crossing my finger there was fresh trout in the case. YESSSS!

Even though the temperatures here have been hot and humid, I turned on my stove and baked my trout while I minced veggies. The veggies and herbs filled 2/3 of the bowl and I was still mincing so I had to nix some of the veggies to keep room for the fish!

I minced:

1 medium raw orange bell pepper

1 small raw red onion (size of maybe 2 golf balls)

1 small thumb of fresh ginger

1 Tbsp or so of fresh Italian parsley

15-20 steamed green beans

I julienned:

5 leaves of raw swiss chard, stems removed

Tossed in leaves from several sprigs of fresh thyme

Added a few dashes of Himalayan sea salt, a splash of coconut oil, juice of half a lemon

The trout was on 375 til done, maybe 15-20 minutes. I let it cool while I continued to mince, julienne, toss and squeeze; then I added it in large pieces removing any missed bones.

I like the sweetness of the bell pepper, green bean and trout against the pungency of the ginger and thyme with the slight bitterness of the chard and parsley. Nice harmony of flavors!

Dinner for the hot, humid week is served!

Squash Blossoms

2010-08-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

The squash blossoms I picked up from the farmer's market Thursday were on my mind when I went out for Italian last night. I didn't want to batter and fry them and I didn't want to make a summer soup.

I decided the flat, square homemade noodles that accompanied the abundance of everything else would be amazing with a chiffonade of blossoms and a little cheese. I headed out to Saturday's farmer's market on a mission for local cheeses! Not my usual food of choice but I was inspired!

Here is what I did:

Olive oil
1 Tbs unsalted butter
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
2 patty pan squash, finely chopped
small handful of Italian parsley, finely chopped
10 zucchini blossoms, quartered from stem to tip
Himalayan sea salt
5-10saffron threads
2 cups vegetable broth, preferably homemade
1 egg yolk
½ lb. pappardelle
Pecorino Romano, finely grated
Small wheel of chevre

Heat a large pot of salted water over high heat for your pasta.

In a large skillet, warm a small amount of olive oil and the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, patty pan squash, and Italian parsley, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are translucent. Add the zucchini blossoms, a pinch or two of salt, and the saffron, and stir gently to mix. Add about ¾ cup of broth, and stir to combine. Raise the heat to medium-high and add the rest of the broth a splash or two at a time, taking about 5-8 minutes to add it all. Stir frequently. Allow the sauce to simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated and only a small amount of thickened broth remains in the pan. Remove from the heat.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk slightly with a fork.

Cook the pasta until tender but al dente. When the pasta is almost ready, place the zucchini blossom sauce back over medium heat. Use a small measuring spoon, scoop up about 3 Tbs of pasta water and, whisking constantly with a fork, gradually add the hot water to the egg yolk: together, they should make a loose, pale yellow liquid. Pour this mixture into the sauce in the skillet, add small pieces of chevre, stirring well. Using tongs or a spider, scoop the finished pasta from its pot into the skillet, and toss with the sauce over medium heat for about 30 seconds.

Autumn Classes! Fermented Foods in the Kitchen

2010-08-24T08:56:00.005-05:00

What have you been looking for? An easy detox, improved digestion, more stable mood, greater energy?

Join me in the kitchen and I will teach you how to accomplish this and more!

Kefir is chock full of probiotics-all the good bacteria your digestive tract needs. Much of your immune system and serotonin production is housed in your gut. Reestablishing the microflora ecosystem will help you feel healthier, happier, more balanced.

Promotes Healthy Detox
Rehydrates the Body
Aids in Weight Loss
Enhances Mood
Boosts Energy
Reduces Allergies and Candida symptoms
Makes a good hangover cure
Lifts Depression, Fatigue and much more!

Cultured or Fermented veggies, think sauerkraut and kim chi, are also probiotic-rich. They keep for months in your fridge, just a small amount is medicinal and

Helps heal your stomach, liver and intestines
Clears your skin
Improves your energy
Tones your intestines and flattens your stomach
Eases digestion
Eliminates joint pain
Enhances immunity

We will get creative in the kitchen

Learn to make kefir with young coconut water from the mineral rich coconuts at your local market
Learn to culture your favorite veggies

COMING UP! Saturday, November 6 at 4 pm

Elemental Health 2225 W. North Ave, Chicago
$50 Go home with recipes, starter liquid and exactly what you need to feel better!
Pre-registration by November 3 required to hold your space. No refund on cancellation. No walk-in registration

Past classes at Elemental Health

Sunday, September 12 at 6 pm or Tuesday, September 14 at 6:30 pm

VITAL JUICE exclusive class for subscribers
Sunday, September 19 at 4 pm. Pre-register

Past classes at Be Optimal Holistic Health Center
Saturday, October 9 at 2 pm

Be Optimal Holistic Health Center 1249 Waukegan Road, Glenview

Gazpacho Memories

2010-08-08T21:21:00.000-05:00

The humidity of this current summer has called for some cool creative cooking or uncooking as the case may be. I have lived off salad greens with homemade dressings, smoothies, and gazpacho.

This last batch of gazpacho took me back East to my days in Boston. The summers I spent there weren’t unbearable, but I would make gallons of gazpacho with my handy dandy handblender. Returning with bags of produce from Haymarket, I spent my weekends and every evening in the kitchen combining this amazing bounty into dinners. I would sit on my back porch sipping the cool liquid with a little jalapeno bite while my cats lounged under or chased squirrels in our canopy of trees.

So today with my hand dandy Blendtec blender I conjured up some memories with 3 Beefsteak tomatoes, 1 red pepper, ½ medium yellow onion, ½ English cucumber, juice of 1 lemon and 1 lime, ½ cup liquid from some jalapeno sweet pickles (Can use a sliver of jalapeno and a dollop of honey), ½ cup Italian parsley (stems and leaves), 8-10 small red dandelion leaves, a pinch or two of pink Himalayan salt, 1 cup or more of water. (From the veggies above, I minced by hand ½ a tomato, ¼ red pepper, ¼ of the cucumber and added those to the pureed mix)

Thanks to the dandelion leaves this version won’t be the light bright red of a traditional gazpacho, it will be brown. The dandelion leaves are internally cooling and a diuretic and a great toning medicinal for the Liver, high in Vitamins A, K and calcium and iron. The parsley is high in Vitamins C and A and folic acid and increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood.

Blendtec Home TB-621-20 1,560-Watt Total Blender, Black

Bastille Day

2010-07-12T20:00:00.001-05:00

I am a francophile. I celebrate Bastille Day. It is one of my favorite days to create food and share with others. Marinated beans, pates, fruit, cheese, crusty bread and wine. Accordion and piano cafe music. Friends.

That day's event over 220 years ago is seen as the symbol for the uprising of the modern nation. At the foundation of all that cooking and celebrating I do each year, I envision that this year will be the uprising of a more enlightened consciousness.

So here's some food to create and share as you envision that uprising.

celebrate!

Marinated White Beans

Sometimes creative cooks don't write recipes down. When the person who enjoyed this left my circle, I stopped making it and the mental recipe vanished. This is pretty close:

1 cup of white beans, dried

4 cups of water

1/2 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic

Wash the beans and soak overnight. Combine the beans with the water, oil and garlic and salt. Simmer until tender up to 2 hours. You do this slowly because you want them intact. Try a few; you want them tender not mushy or soft. Drain and remove the garlic cloves. Place beans in a bowl.

Marinade

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup of white wine vinegar (sometimes I used tarragon vinegar)

3 T. chopped parsley

several sprigs of chopped rosemary

salt and pepper

Mix all the marinade ingredients and pour over the bowl of beans. This should completely or just cover the beans. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.

Fava beans and Olives

I wasn't a big fava bean fan but with olives anything is amazing!

2 cups of cooked fava beans

1 cup of green olives, pitted and sliced (get some good ones from the olive bar at your local grocer or deli)

Olive oil

Salt

Combine the four ingredients. Place in baking dish large enough that everything is just one layer. Bake for 30 minutes at 350. Watch it closely and stir occasionally. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.

You can also puree either of these beans, fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil and make a bean pate. YUM! slather it on crusty bread or flax or sprouted crackers with olives and tomatoes!

Figs and Fennel

Figs are one of those short season fruits. Right now is the time to grab a pint of Black Mission Figs, a bulb of Fennel and a Red Pepper and make this salad.

6 large figs, I prefer Black Mission

Olive Oil and Balsamic vinegar and salt

2 T. minced sweet onion or shallot

Slice in rounds about 1/4" thick. Place on plate, drizzle with oil and vinegar, cover with the onion or shallot, sprinkle with salt. Marinate at room temp for an hour

Red Peppers

You can buy these already roasted and marinated or you can do this yourself:

2 peppers, slice and core out seeds, stem and white part

Coat with olive oil

Place cut side down on foiled baking sheet.

Bake at 350 for 15 to 20 min til peppers soften and skin starts to raise. Remove from oven and place peppers in covered dish to steam the skin separate. When peppers are cool enough to hold, remove the skins.

2 roasted peppers

2 T minced onion or shallot

Olive Oil and Balsamic vinegar and salt

Toss the roasted peppers with shallots, oil and vinegar and salt to taste. Marinate for 1 hour.

Fennel

1 small fennel bulb, trim top down to the bulb

Olive oil and Balsamic vinegar and salt

Cut into paper thin slices until you have a 1/2 cup of shavings. Place fennel into bowl of cold water and will keep for a few hours.

Reduce some balsamic vinegar until you have about a tablespoon of glaze, mix with a 1/4 cup of oil (fennel oil if you have it). Pat the fennel shavings dry and toss with this oil and glaze.

Place a few fig rounds on a plate, place the peppers over the figs and top with another fig round and stack the fennel shavings on the top of it all!

Dare to Feel Alive Again!

2010-07-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

The majority of my practice and the majority of the people I come across in my daily life have something in common. They each tell me their own unique story of having too much to do in too little time, not getting enough sleep, and their minds are just ricocheting from thought to thought and from task to task. This is followed by a varied through rather typical list of physical and emotional concerns.

That's not what life is meant to be! My heart goes out to each person who shares their story, and I try to offer a sentiment or a technique that will guide them through. Knowing that I have plenty of insight on nutrition and herbs can be useful for the physical symptoms of stress and overwhelm and techniques for the mind and the spirit, I decided to do more.

Join me in my tele-training seminar

Tuesday, August 10 at 7 pm Eastern Time

Dare to Feel Alive Again

Simple, yet Powerful Techniques to Reduce Symptoms of Stress and Dis-ease & to Feel Alive Again!

Quotes

2010-06-29T05:32:00.000-05:00

I do have some blogs in progress, really. I've been re-reading and re-watching favorite books and movies, here's a few quotes until I post my other posts.

How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless. ~Paul Bowles The Sheltering Sky

If no one loved, the sun would go out. ~Victor Hugo Les Miserable

When the heart speaks, the mind finds it indecent to object. ~Milan Kundera The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Man... probably the most mysterious species on our planet. A mystery of unanswered questions. Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? How do we know what we think we know? Why do we believe anything at all? Countless questions in search of an answer... an answer that will give rise to a new question... and the next answer will give rise to the next question and so on. But, in the end, isn't it always the same question? And always the same answer?~Narrator Run Lola Run

Hey did you know Ice Cream is really good for you, lots of calcium ~The Ice Cream Man Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai

Cultivating Energy

2010-03-15T11:31:00.003-05:00

Last week, a few friends and I attended a weekend Qigong workshop. We couldn’t pass it up. Thirty-two hours of continuing education class for under $100 – unheard of! If that wasn’t enough, Green Smoothies and food healing were on the agenda. I was sold.

Qigong, a system of self healing encompassing gentle movements, breathing, and meditative practices, was part of my master’s in Oriental Medicine curriculum. Last weekend’s workshop taught the same movements as I learned in school but I understood and could perform the movements better/more fluidly this time around. Qigong works and to be honest I don’t exactly understand it and I’m ok with that. I’m a pretty accepting person. I believe “Each to his or her own”. And, I will try just about anything without question, well sometimes with a slight raise to the eyebrow.

I didn’t feel the energy flow during the class way back in school, but I did experience symptoms of cultivating energy. The world was much more vivid when I left class at 8 pm, I experienced amazing clarity, and I was wide awake all night energized. Not the best use of energy, but still yes it works. In last weekend’s workshop I experienced the presence, the density, the movement of energy emanating from my hands and moving within my body. It was a remarkable feeling to know where I had blockages and which side was more receptive. And, yes, I was wide awake at night for 3 days and the exercise prompted other physical symptoms of flow as well. I now engage in qigong exercises only in the morning so I have that clarity and alertness all day instead of all night!

What's Bugging You?

2010-03-15T10:47:00.009-05:00

Do you experience any nagging repetitive thoughts? Run through past events over and over with alternative dialog? Seem to be stuck in negative emotions or complaining? Something’s bugging you!

These mental and emotional tendencies are what I like to call mental and emotional parasites - mentally repeating events or hanging onto destructive emotions and thoughts is unproductive and depleting to your energy. This is how I like to approach a parasite cleanse.

You can cringe and deny it all you want but we all carry around parasites. Yes, actual creatures. There’s a healthy balance of organisms and then there’s a whole slew that proliferate where they shouldn’t be. These organisms feed off the food you put into your body that is meant to give you energy, not them! When we cannot process or use what we feed our bodies, natural medicine practitioners see a correlation in the inability to focus or process events and thoughts mentally and emotionally. It’s completely linked from our perspective.

Spring is the time to awaken from the slowness of winter. Our metabolisms slow, weight accumulates, maybe our activity level slows down, and sleep increases in winter. Two weeks in spring using the protocol of extra strength Black walnut hull tincture, and capsules of wormwood and clove is all that is required to rev up the body. No diet change is necessary, but it’s a good idea to refrain from sugar, wheat, yeast, alcohol and caffeine. You will rid your body of the accumulations from winter, maybe some parasites from your gut, and most definitely the mental and emotional parasites.

I was able to put to rest a past event that kept creeping into my mind as well as make peace with a relationship. I certainly didn’t enter the cleanse with any expectations of this sort, and I was very excited by the outcome. Would these have happened without the herbal protocol? Maybe, but I don’t know if I would have resolved them within the two week cleanse.

Here’s one version of a protocol of dosages for a parasite cleanse. If you tend toward sluggish intestines or seem to during this cleanse, add in a laxative tea like Smooth Move or senna powder or visit a holistic practitioner who can provide an herbal supplement for you.

Black Walnut Hulls (from the black walnut tree - juglans nigra)
anti-parasite, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal remedy with active ingredients juglone, tannin and iodine

Wormwood (from the Artemisia shrub - artemisia absinthum)
Its known for its vermicidal properties and helps those with a weak and underactive digestion. It increases the acidity of the stomach and the production of bile. It reduced abdominal bloating

Common Cloves (from the clove tree - eugenia caryophyllata)
has anti-parasitical, anti-fungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It also removes pain

Come for the Fun, Stay for the Bliss

2010-03-10T14:34:00.003-06:00

Since childhood, I was drawn to non-fiction stories of families living with autism. Some of my favorite clients to work with in my acupuncture/energy work practice have been kids with autism and Down’s. And I can talk passionately about the link between the nutrient-lacking food we eat, the effect it has on mom’s-to-be guts and what that means for the health of their future children.

Last year, I met Gina Laverde and Dougie. You can read about their journey elsewhere, but they are amazing souls. Gina’s passion about the health of moms and kids is personal. When Gina and her husband Doug realized what was occurring in their son, they interviewed and researched tirelessly and effectively helped Dougie recover from autism. He is now a 5 year old smart cookie (gluten and sugar free of course) attending Waldorf school.

So far this doesn’t sound so fun or bliss-filled, does it? Here it is!

Gina’s other (brain)child, Certified Organic Woman is holding a benefit for autism recovery in Santa Monica on Friday, March 19^th. I guarantee it is a can’t-miss event - a night of DJed music, dancing, food, gifts, services and raffle prizes. Tickets are $40 at the door, but raffle tickets are available now if you can’t attend. Won’t you join us?

A recent message from Certified Organic Woman:

I'm so excited about the Magic Elixir Bar, and OH THE GIFT BAGS! I went to the shop yesterday and got to choose the treats you'll be taking home.

I'm not spilling the secret but I will say that Ally over at Lush is awesome, and she helped me pick things that the guys will like too.

So, there's something for all of your tastes (and smells).

Can't wait to see you there!

If you haven't purchased your tix yet -- please do!

Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/l/0d832;ow.ly/1gGeZ.

The guest list is filling up.
It's a cozy space and we want to make sure we can all fit.

By Land or By Sea, Green Superfoods

2010-02-08T12:32:00.004-06:00

Over the last couple months I wrote about a variety of superfoods. Nuts, seeds, berries, and now green stuff that is nutrient-dense for their tiny size. We’ve got nutritious green stuff that we find in the garden and not as familiar green stuff from the water’s depths.

For the landlovers, we’ve got your grasses-alfalfa, barley, and wheat (no relation to the grain) and your leafy green vegetables – to name a few: arugula, beet greens, chicory, collards, dandelion, endive and escarole, kale, kohlrabi, lettuces, mustard greens, parsley, spinach, swiss chard, turnip greens, and watercress.

Some controversy surrounds the benefits of grasses, but grass is a green plant and contains nutrients. I am allergic to wheatgrass but used barley grass throughout a 6 month cleanse several years ago.

Individuals on blood thinners need to eliminate Vitamin K intake because it is a blood thinning vitamin, meaning you will need to avoid most of these lovely greens. But, the flip side is if your doctor allows it and monitors your blood levels closely and you are committed to maintaining healthy diet chock full of green veggies, you can reduce you medication. This can only be done with the full support and guidance of your doctor!

Other than Vitamin K, depending on the leafy greens you consume, you will be taking in more calcium than you’d get from dairy, Vitamin A, C and E are up there too, magnesium, obviously fiber, inulin, chlorophyll – what I call the “blood” of the plant (a must for vegetarians!)

Yes, greens taste bitter and pungent. Our standard American diet is quite sweet and salty and oily, so the pungent and bitter tastes of veggies will be amplified until you are accustomed to them. This can be like feeding a baby new foods. It takes more than a few tries to not have it thrown back in your face! A little experimenting, a little help from cookbooks or blogs or wherever you collect recipes, will help you find the perfect way to eat your greens. Some I eat raw and some I eat steamed or sautéed. I like the flavors, and am overly sensitive to what most people enjoy, sweet and salty.

If you are going to try ANY superfood, try the grain-like seeds of quinoa and amaranth and then greens. It is easier to try a spin on something you already eat than to implement an additional food. Truly packed with nutrients, my clients with sugar-cravings or chocolate cravings soon lose the urge to OD on sugar when increasing their intake of green vegetables. I have noticed that chocolate cravings are a mask for the body’s need for magnesium, a stress relieving mineral which helps with sleep and muscular tension.

For the waterlovers, we’ve got your algae- wild blue green, spirulina, chlorella and your seaweeds.

I suggest talking to a nutritionist with a Chinese Medicine bent. With a consultation we can assess which green is best for you. Some people have strong, hot digestive systems which can handle the cold natured/temperature spirulina, whereas others need to nourish their yin and need one a little more subtle like chlorella, or, not a seaweed but, a grass that is warm natured like alfalfa. I myself stick with chlorella to nourish my waning yin and Wild Blue Green for all of its neurological attributes. A great supplement that I’ve seen work wonders with kids’ development is BioAge. I am taking the supplement now. I will let you know what I notice!

Sea veggies contain many times more calcium and iron than milk or beef. Brown wakame can be used instead of lettuce in a sandwich. Arame, brown stringy strands, I like to mix with hot pepper sauce, sautéed kale, and a few other vegetables in a cold salad. Kombu is a food tenderizer. I toss a large piece into the boiling water with dry legumes. It begins the process of breaking down fiber reducing the gaseous effects some people experience. Dulse is a red/purple color and available as sheets and flakes. It is nutty and mild. I shake it onto foods and grains as others would salt. No cooking or reconstituting needed. Green nori can be used to wrap something other than sushi.

Here are well-known healthy sea vegetables worth considering:

Irish moss seems to contain 15 of the 18 essential elements that make up the human body. This includes great amounts calcium, iodine, sulphur, and potassium as well as Vitamins A, D, E, F and K. This definitely makes it a superfood, plus it was the main food source during the time of famine in Ireland!
It has expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory actions. It is beneficial for the skin, connective tissue, for an array of lung conditions, for peptic and duodenal ulcers, for urinary bladder inflammation, and for diabetic maintenance.
I soaked this in water and kept in the fridge and added to smoothies. When blended with 3 times the water, it makes a paste and will add a creamy fluffy texture to recipes.

Other sea veggie options:

Arame , a mild, almost sweet brown kelp is a great place to begin if you’re unaccustomed to eating sea veggies. It's usually found in thin dried strands. Soak a small handful in water until soft, add to your favorite salad then toss on your favorite salad dressing. Your salad becomes even more nutritious. I usually combine with shredded carrots and shredded broccoli stalks, sesame seeds, steamed cool kale, and thai chili paste and veggie mayo. It’s really good!
Dulse is packed with protein and iron. I sprinkle the flakes on many things.
Kombu, a popular ingredient in miso soup and other Japanese dishes. Just put a small strip in water and simmer for 45 minutes or longer on low heat. Now you have a wonderful mineral-rich broth. Now, simple cook veggies, soups, or your grain-like seeds in this broth. I add a small strip of kombu to a pot of cooking beans to soften and increase digestibility.
Wakame – Closely related to kombu, this variety was found to have fat burning properties that could fight obesity, according to research from Japan. I add this to my smoothies. I soak a week’s worth in water and keep in the fridge.
Laminaria Japonica - This miracle cleanser of heavy metals. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals that help support your thyroid, detoxify your body from heavy metals and ward off disease.
Kelp – A brown algae, kelp grows in nutrient-rich ocean water and is packed with vitamins, minerals and iodine. Kelp is thought to be especially useful for prostate, pancreas and digestive health. It is recommended for a gamut of thyroid disorders. Your thyroid needs minerals (like the ones found in ocean veggies) and certain fats to work well.
Nori – the common sushi wrapper, as “seaweed sheets” use them as wraps or they taste delicious when toasted. Nori in Japan is used like injerra in Ethiopia as implement to convey food like rice to mouth.
Hijiki – Makes a great natural beauty aid. It needs more cooking than arame.
Agar – Agar is wonderful for creating delicious sugar-free desserts. It is a vegetarian alternative to gelatin. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes and has mild laxative properties...so can be helpful for those who suffer from constipation.

The Tiger at Your Door

2010-01-11T13:31:00.003-06:00

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. The New Year is celebrated as the Spring Festival for fifteen days commencing at the first new moon of the lunar calendar until the full moon. We welcome the Tiger February 14, 2010, the Chinese New Year.

The third sign in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, Tiger is a sign of bravery. The courageous, spirited fighter is admired by the ancient Chinese as the symbol that keeps away the three main tragedies of a household - fire, thieves and ghosts.

Tigers are physically powerful, gracious, independent and brave, they are extremely bold animals. They are friendly and loving but can also be selfish and short tempered. Tigers seek attention and power; frequently they are envious in relationships. Tigers live dangerously which often leads to trouble. They are intolerant, take risks and are always searching for excitement. Tigers are also instilled with a good dose of courage.

Were you born during a Year of the Tiger?
You were if you were born in one of these years:
1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, and 1998.

People born in the Year of the Tiger always take pride in being different from others, and normally demonstrate their originality best in their homes. Their homes are typically filled with beautiful, exotic or unique possessions. The cat’s eye is one of Tiger’s favorite stones, but also loves the sparkle of rubies and diamonds. Money comes in and goes out and Tigers tend to share it as well. They can be very impulsive spenders because they can always make more money.

The nature of the Chinese Zodiac animal will reflect in the year ahead. I mentioned to friends it would be a fast and furious year, and I think that is most likely the case!

We could be in for a wild ride thanks to the Tiger’s fiery instinctive courageous nature. Personally and globally we could see escalation of war, disagreements and disasters. Partnerships made during this year become riddled with fractured trust. Everything will be big and bold in the extremes of good and bad. Decisions will be dramatic and spur of the moment. We will see some hotheaded behavior and demonstrations of blindly charging ahead.

This all sounds daunting but from the fire comes ashes which revitalize the earth, which will bring new growth. See the cleansing side and cultivate the virtues of patience, kindness and peace to modify the fiery bold tendencies of the Tiger year. I suggest being prepared, welcoming what comes, using your instincts, giving and receiving, and hang on!

Happy New Year!

The Winter Solstice

2009-12-21T08:54:00.005-06:00

I get excited for the Winter Solstice; I look forward to noticing the one minute lengthening of days just like I watch for the onset of Autumn’s color changes! The little bright spots sustain me, what can I say.

The remedy in ancient days for this time of less sun, more cold was community, food, and activity. And what do we modern, evolved people do? We do the same - gather with co-workers for co-mingling, with family for celebrations, with friends for parties.

This is a time for us to connect with resources and people, rekindle the wonder and magic of this time of year. It is a time that brings forth the energy of sharing, not the commercial gift giving, but true sharing and connection.

Way back when, winter was the starvation season. To avoid this, cattle were slaughtered due to lack of feed thereby providing warming, sustaining food for people during the winter months. Grains and grapes from summer and fall harvests fermented and were ready for consumption. And the people gathered together toasting and eating around the fire that also extended their exposure to light. This was all that was needed, plus a little dancing and sparring, to get through until March or April.

Insufficient sunlight increases circulating melatonin in the body which throws off circadian rhythm with longer sleep cycles. Many patients mention seasonal affective disorder - the combination of cold, lack of sun, tiredness, malaise, decreased activity and therefore increased melatonin, decreased serotonin and depressive symptoms. What is the remedy for this?

Exercise. Most people start up a winter regime in the New Year. It does help. Even 30 minutes of vigorous activity 3 times a week. If you don’t want to join a gym, take advantage of the community donation yoga classes (usually on Sundays) or take a dance class.
Negative Ions. A room full of green plants will improve your wellbeing. The visual bursts of green will improve your mood, and the negative ions they produce will physically/chemically improve your symptoms.
Light therapy. Devices abound for increasing light exposure – tables, desk top models or just full spectrum bulbs. Get outside midday just to get a little sun despite the cold temperatures.

These will reinvigorate the body from the seasonal lull, decrease melatonin production and increase serotonin production.

But what I really want you to find is the inner light. Winter is the time to restore, go inward, the time for ultimate potential. The germination of a new life cycle starts with a spark, the inner light. When the external light is limited, find your inner light that which excites you, the creative potential that arises from delight, joy, wonder, magic and miracles.

My holiday mailing to patients contained a quote from Les Miserable

“Children instantly and familiarly accept rejoicing and happiness because that is their natural element”.

If you cannot feel the wonder and joy in your current moment, reference a childhood memory. Wonder, magic and joy are there. I remember the wide-eyed kid rushing on December 7 to see what St. Nick magically left in her tube sock stocking! I was delighted by coloring books, fruit and chocolate. Two magical days just weeks apart, St. Nick leaving surprise gifts then Santa leaving (a portion) of the exact gifts written in the letter I sent him. I remember with fondness how my father encouraged the belief by leaving cookie crumbs, ho-ho-ho-ing and jingling bells late on Christmas Eve. Wonder and joy were and remain our natural element deep inside the heart and being. This inner light is sparked by wonder and joy deep within our core; it shines through warming, fueling, lighting the way through the dark months, the dead of winter.

Wishing you months of basking in the glow of your inner brightness this Winter Solstice!

Nutty, Seedy Superfoods

2009-12-16T14:15:00.011-06:00

Hemp Hemp is big right now. It is more alkaline than most proteins, and more easily digestible. Our bodies need to be more alkaline, and it also needs protein. Hemp is a complete protein containing all 10 essential amino acids our bodies don’t produce. When muscle repair and reduction of inflammation is paramount, hemp would be the protein of choice as it contains anti-inflammatory properties for speeding soft-tissue repair.

The athletic community will swear by animal protein stating treat like with like -eat muscle to treat muscle. I have swallowed my tongue a few times because I just can’t expend too much energy on brainwashed, sore-muscled athletes! My gym experience speaks for itself. I have experienced little to no muscle soreness, and quicker recovery than my meat-eating workout partner (She’s great but a staunch believer in treat like with like).

I believe in eating an array of foods, and our bodies like diversity, so you don’t need to make hemp your only protein! There are plenty of nuts, grains, oils that are equally beneficial in combination. Hemp is very easy to add to a smoothie for protein, more easily digested as a powder than possibly adding ground seeds to a smoothie. Whichever form you choose Thrive states to “look for a deep green color, pleasant smell and sweet, nutty taste” free of pesticides and herbicides.

Quinoa Here’s one of those protein alternative to hemp. Is it a grain? is it a seed? No matter, it is cooked like a grain, pulverized into a gluten-free flour, sprouted in the raw tradition. I’ve been eating quinoa since the mid-90’s. I didn’t like it initially since I was used to rice and pasta, but soon it became a staple. I started eating it as a cooked grain, then as flour in my gluten-free creations, and most recently as a sprouted raw ingredient. The profile of quinoa? It contains twenty percent protein, is packed with lysine, iron and potassium and B vitamins. It does contain a high fat profile but its good fat.

Amaranth is another high protein (17%) grain/seed but lower in fat (8% in the form of Vitamin E) than quinoa. It is not as readily available in grocery stores, but easily found online. I started using this as a gluten-free grain in the beginning of 2002 as the easily digestible protein in my Power Puff muffins for my triathlete friends. It has a 90 percent digestion rate so it is easy on the digestive system and a high net food meaning you get lots of nutrition in this one seed! It is high in calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C. Amaranth contains THREE times the fiber of wheat and FOUR times the iron.

Twister Powder Superfood Blend contains Hemp, Cacao, and Maca providing antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and protein. Mix your hemp that is high in protein and omega 3 oils; your antioxidant rich cacao and maca for the endocrine system creates an energizing nourishing easy blend that is also easily digested and absorbed. (see previous post for info on Cacao and Maca)

Navitas Naturals, the maker of Twister Powder provides organic power foods that increase energy and enhance health. You can easily add this to cereals - I like it with oatmeal, or use in smoothies, or as a flour substitute.

Coconut Tried coconut water? The water of the young Thai white coconut is sweet, cooling, refreshing and chock full of potassium, magnesium and calcium. The potassium makes it a great supplement for some forms of hypertension. Magnesium is beneficial for stress reduction and easing muscle tension. Coconut contains lauric acid which can ease digestive issues during pregnancy. It contains antiviral properties and is said to improve the immune system.The electrolyte content makes it perfect for replenishing and rehydrating the body after a workout or a day in the heat. If you need serious replenishing after a workout, you may need to add a little sodium to your post workout intake since coconut water doesn’t have as much as commercial sports drinks. Coconut water is available commercially, but I prefer to purchase cases of coconut at Asian markets to avoid any processing.

You can also use the water to make coconut kefir. Kefir consists of healthy bacterial strains like yogurt but at higher concentrations. Adding kefir starter to the naturally sweet coconut water creates a fizzy, sour, champagne-like drink, like a spritzer. The bacteria feeds on the natural sugar and your body won’t suffer from the long term effects of consuming too much sugar. Those unwanted effects are any conditions resulting from a too acidic environment: joint pains to skin and intestinal issues to cancers.

How about coconut meat? If you mix the meat with the water, you have the creamy coconut base for Thai curry. Coconut oil and therefore the meat are a saturated fat. Use of saturated fats in moderation is beneficial; coconut oil specifically can aid is weight loss as it boosts the metabolism. Of course it is most beneficial used in conjunction with a whole plant-based diet. I personally still promote the primary consumption of olive oil, flax and hemp oils.

Next, By Land or By Sea, we will find the Green Superfoods.

SuperBerries SuperRoot SuperBean

2009-12-10T11:28:00.018-06:00

A warning to superfood-lovers, my profiles on superfoods may seem a little sobering. I am providing the beneficial and the cautionary. Some are non-indigenous items and therefore maybe not eco-conscious or green or maintain their superfood profile once they get to our kitchens, while others are medicinal according to Chinese medicine. The medicinal aspect is why different ways of eating work for different people. Goji berries may create some intestinal issues for one person, but create noticeable improvement in energy for others.

SuperBerries
Acai, a berry like others, is packed with antioxidants, but unlike North American berries is high in essential fatty acids and fiber, higher than your average berry in trace minerals and phytonutrients. On the flip side, this berry is indigenous to the Amazon so there is processing and packaging involved and sometimes considerable sugar. With any produce, my feeling is one should consume it as close to its natural state, not processed and sugared. I would rather eat a local berry chock full of its goodness and add other ingredients high in essential fatty acids, fiber and minerals. If local berries are out of season, the powdered or liquid form of acai is the perfect choice to add to smoothies or other treats.

Goji berries have been talked about the last few years; it is second after cacao and cocoa in antioxidant levels. This tiny pinkish red dried berry is a mild tonic herb in Chinese medicine. Specifically we say it “builds blood”. Goji to some, fructus lycii or wolfberry to others, and gou qi zi to the Chinese herbalist, it is sweet in taste and neutral in temperature; energetically influences the Liver, Lung, Kidney acupuncture meridians; moistens the fluids or yin aspect of the body. Examples of what this berry can treat are sore back and legs, low grade abdominal pain, impotence, diabetes, consumption (when caused by a weakened state of the liver and kidney meridians or lack of yin fluids). It benefits essence and brighten eyes, aids dizziness, blurred or diminished visual acuity, enrich fluids/yin and moisten lung for consumptive cough. Not used for externally contracted excess heat patterns (infections) and cases of weak digestion with damp and loose stool.

In research this berry shows to reduce damage to hepatic cells in mice long term, ingestion in rats resulted in increase in serum and liver phospholipids; reduced blood pressure and labored breathing in rabbits when administered intravenously. A few things it contains: betaine, carotene, physalien, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C, beta sitosterol, and linoleic acid.

In the raw community goji is touted as this amazing energy source. In my opinion and experience as a Chinese herbalist if someone experiences a great energy surge ingesting gojis then some serious energy or blood or fluids need regeneration in that person. Yes, goji is beneficial, it is a lovely medicinal, and being mild it is beneficial for most everyone. I often receive samples of medicinal from herbal companies. A few years back, bringing my mail upstairs, my salivary glands were a little extra active. Odd, yes? I opened the package to find a sample of gou qi zi. Obviously I needed a little gou qi zi in my life. That walk up the stairs was a blind kinesiology experiment! In Chinese herbology we don’t even eat the berry, we decoct it in a herbal tea with other roots, rhizomes and leaves! It is used in Chinese cooking – I’ve had trout with goji and other green herbs and I now make energy bars (and smoothies) with gojis.

SuperRoot
Maca is a starchy root vegetable from Latin America – Peruvian Ginseng. You might know ginseng as the sexual tonic you can pick up behind the counter of some gas stations! Most if not all varieties of ginseng (Siberian, Chinese, Peruvian) are adaptogens and increase qi or energy. Maca, a medicinal, is a general endocrine tonic and used in my clinic to treat reproductive, fertility, and adrenal imbalances.

Maca contains the precursors for serotonin. If you suffer from sugar cravings this might be for you. The brain trying to calm your stressed body knows it needs to increase serotonin levels; sugar is the brain’s attempt to do that. Maca contains the precursors so the body can process the maca into serotonin and truly aid in adapting to stress. It is also rich in sterols for quick muscle regeneration. It repairs damage on the adrenal glands: damage from nutritional stress (caffeine), environmental stress (pollution), emotional stress, and life stress. Americans adrenals are tapped out from a lifestyle of performing at a high level for long periods therefore self-medicating to rev up and come down. When the adrenals are not performing, hormones decline causing signs of premature aging, excess body fat and impaired ability to build muscle and recover from stress, among other ailments.

Coconuts. (though it is a fruit will be discussed in the next post on nuts and seeds)

SuperBean
Cacao. The bean of the cacao fruit/pod, the food of the gods, contains the highest concentration of magnesium and antioxidants of any source – more than red wine, green tea, goji berries, or green vegetables. It is a good source of other trace minerals the majority of Americans are lacking like chromium.

Magnesium, the most powerful stress relieving mineral, relaxes muscles and builds strong bones and teeth. I usually recommend a magnesium supplement for clients who have sleep issues, palpitations from anxiety, and muscle soreness especially at night.

Antioxidants, anti-aging chemicals in whole plant foods, add a layer of protection to cells and fight free radical damage (cause of disease). Cacao is an excellent source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid converted to serotonin, think stress relief and mood elevation. It contains 1/20th of coffee’s caffeine and, unlike caffeine, does not spike blood sugar and contains no sugar. It is touted as a weight loss food and I would say because it is a high net food – adding many essentials a body needs so your body needs to take in less quantity of food.

Cocoa is the processed cacao meaning takes most of good stuff out except the flavor. Liken cocoa to white bread, devoid of all the nutrients of the wheat kernel, cacao bean. Adding dairy to cacao or cocoa cancels out the antioxidant effects, sorry!

Raw cacao is quite expensive when compared to your tin of Hershey’s cocoa powder. A little goes a long way and you can always use half cacao and half cocoa in recipes!

Next, the nuts and seeds of superfoods.

The Superheroes of Food

2009-12-09T14:12:00.005-06:00

They” call them superfoods or next level foods, I call them seeds and berries and algae. I do add to my smoothies seaweeds and other superfoods. Items within this category of power-packed foods vary depending who is making the list!

Gillian McKeith, controversial nutritionist, divides superfoods into 5 categories: Green, Bee, Herb, Sea, and Leafy. But she doesn’t include Brendan Brazier’s or living foods/whole plant food enthusiasts or most of the raw foods community favorites on her list: cacao, acai, goji berries, quinoa, hemp, maca, among others.

Essential qualities in my opinion for a living thing to be deemed superfood be it from a bee, the sea, a tree, or a leaf are:

Contains a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals or trace minerals than others in its grouping of food coupled with either essential fatty acids, protein, fiber, a more alkaline profile, and possibly some sort of “anti-“ properties anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging…

The idea is consume high-net gain foods – nutrient dense foods - therefore less food. Get more nutrient bang for your buck and effort! We don’t need all the food that we eat, our bodies need a certain daily allowance of building blocks to maintain homeostasis. If the body doesn’t meet that allowance, the specific cravings (I need cheese or chocolate) or vague cravings (I want something I just don’t know what) start.

So if I am making a green smoothie today containing 3 veggies, 1 fruit, and 2 superfoods that contain these high concentrations of good stuff, I am giving my body premium fuel and all it needs to run optimally. I obviously eat other meals throughout the day, but I am satiated longer, eat smaller quantities, and have no cravings.

The body will use less effort compensating for a lack of essential amino acids and lack of electrolytes and other good stuff for all the muscles (heart and brain and other organs included!) creating more energy available to get through your day. Believe me, I tested it. Months of green smoothies, green smoothies with superfoods, a few days of no green smoothies, days with more fruit based smoothies, and back to green smoothies. Once you are accustomed to a certain energy level and multi-tasking ability, when it wanes you notice.

Yes, I used superfoods in meals that did not require a straw. Sprouted quinoa is a favorite in combination with veggies and legumes. Hemp seeds or powder satiated hunger for hours! Seaweed salad and nori-wrapped creations are right up there too. I suggest slowly introducing foods and those that seem more palatable. If you haven’t soaked seaweeds and combined them with other ingredients, ask someone or get a recipe or check out pre-made salads at your natural grocer. You don’t want to thwart your progress before you begin!

Next up profiling berries, seeds and algae!

Thrive On

2009-12-03T16:24:00.005-06:00

Continuing on my Thrive in 30 Journey, I looked at the biker on the cover (Brendan Brazier of course) and I realized I needed to address another component - Exercise.

I bike. I bike only during a short season in Chicago, maybe 7-ish months. The weather the first half of the Thrive in 30 Challenge was not biking weather for me, so I needed to look at alternatives. My calorie consumption remains the same year-round but my activity level does not. This poses a problem for my mood and my comfort in my wardrobe!

I could definitely benefit from more consistent and varied physical activity. I wasn’t going to get to a group class unless it was at 5:30 am or at 9:00 pm. So my only options were working out at home or a gym. I know myself well enough it will not happen at home. And, committing to a gym was spotty concept as well. Thanks to a one week free deal I attended a gym daily, and joined that gym at the end of the two week mark of my Thrive Journey. I am there 4 or 5 early morning a week thanks to a workout partner. I wouldn’t be there quite as often without her.

Another muscle that needed exercising was my brain. Brendan states it in Thrive (and I say it to my clients), it only takes a few more minutes out of your day. Joke’s on me! A new activity or new food or concept being asked of a client could be completely foreign or maybe something familiar but not part of a routine, it is going to take more than a few minute a day to implement and time for new neural pathways to develop or a re-wiring of the old.

I think nothing of whipping up a complete vegan 5 course meal, but to tell the average Midwestern meat-and-potatoes family to just add green veggies or some flaxmeal or omega 3s to their day falls a little short.

I know what sprouting is. I haven’t done it but once as an experiment. I’ve soaked beans overnight, only to cook them thoroughly the next day. Despite the easy steps involved in sprouting or soaking, these were all new steps and I needed to do my own research, needed a little longer to add it to a routine or think ahead on how much I needed to sprout for the week. I admit for the future will I sprout only to the germination point to release the enzymes; I don’t grow mason jars of sprouts in my fridge. Between the coconuts kefiring, the beets fermenting, and the seaweeds, gojis and dates soaking there’s enough activity in that box!

So if you see a woman loaded down with 3 or 4 bags at 5:30 am, it is probably me heading to the gym with 1. A bag of Thrive food and sprouts for the day, 2. A bag of gym gear, 3. My laptop and/or other equipment, and 4. Just my bag.

Thrive Journey

2009-12-02T10:12:00.007-06:00

By the time I post, I will be well into my Thrive Journey. I was asked by Maya Henderson to join her and a few others on the Thrive in 30 challenge. Can you eat raw for 30 days the way Brendan Brazier eats raw? Are you ready to experience more energy? Are you ready to be free of cravings? Are you ready to get all your nutritional needs met? Even the nutritional needs of a triathlete? Are you ready to handle stress more easily? Are you ready to sleep great?

I picked up the book, Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life ,and read it one Friday night. I felt like I was hearing my own words on many of the pages. Brendan Brazier is a professional Ironman triathlete. He is a vegan. He tried lots of ways of eating. He developed this way of eating and developed the Vega product line. I do use and love to use the Vega EFA oil blend. If his energy bars didn’t contain wheatgrass, I’d love those too. I am allergic to the stuff, really allergic like go to hospital throat closing up allergic. If I had zero time in my life, I would also use his smoothie powder, but I have enough time to toss in my own ingredients. I also had enough time to try some of his raw recipes: energy bars, nut and seaweed pates, crackers, and my favorite kale wrap.

As some of you know I’ve been drinking a quart of smoothied green veggies and a little fruit every day the last five months. You may have seen a facebook status or a twitter post stating my smoothie ingredients of the day. Some weren’t so palatable, but most were awesome. The program I followed from the summer forward, of which the smoothies was only a portion, increased my energy, eliminated cravings, deepened my sleep and began the physical and emotional cleansing I needed.

So I can say Thrive maintained those achievements, educated me on some foods, and posed some time management challenges. Had I not gotten my feet wet with the summer smoothie adventure into raw food, I don’t know that I would have stayed with the Thrive Challenge. Life has been chaotic and the Thrive food prep took a mind shift, a little forethought, and an extra bag to carry every day! Unfortunately many of the ingredients since they are raw or a bit obscure must be purchased at a natural grocer. You aren’t going to find hemp seeds, maca, raw cacao, or raw goji berries, nuts or seeds just anywhere. Sometimes the Raw and Macrobiotic bars at the local natural grocer were lunch, snack and dinner for me. Not cost effective but exactly what I needed.

Did I have days that were not entirely raw? Heck yes. Two consecutive days - PMS days, mild irritation amplified to high stress and I ate bread. Good bread. Local bakery bread. And a not so good 10-pieces of bite size Halloween chocolate binge. My body rebelled with a flare of mouth sores. Nice. I ate a few eggs. I went out for Indian another night. I had a couple glasses of wine and a bloody mary. I wasn’t craving a drink, I wasn’t stressed, I was just out and enjoying life. So 2 of the last 30 days were stressful, while 5 of the last 30 days were off the Thrive wagon. Those aren’t terrible statistics.

Post script: in the three weeks since the end of the Thrive in 30 challenge, I ate a cooked Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey and lots of vegetables; I ate real pizza; I ate ice cream. I was low spirited and low energy and a little reactive. This isn’t how I want to feel or present, so I do my best every day. I drink my quart of veggie smoothies; I grab nuts and fruit if I didn’t prepare meals for the day; and reserve the deviations from a raw vegan lifestyle when with friends and family.

More to come on my Thrive experience!

Green Smoothies

2009-11-10T11:12:00.009-06:00

I’ve been on an adventure of green smoothies and of fruits from faraway places, and I’m returning to share a few recipes and a bit more of my current adventure! First, here are a few smoothies. Blend one up, sit back and read. I try everything once, take what I like, and make it my own.

I tend to blend up more ingredients than “they” suggest, so I’ve pared down the ingredients in traditional green smoothie style.

Most smoothiable veggies I don’t eat. Celery, cucumbers, zucchini, or lettuce are apparently the base for many varieties. I did use a red pepper, raw onion and raw garlic a few times, but really not a fan of drinking those. I am a fan of the cruciferous family which is comprised of siblings broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards, etc; and as you will learn, cruciferous are not smoothiable. So I was rather stuck.

The base of my green smoothies consists of a few of these ingredients daily. Don’t drink the same greens day after day; each have great health benefits, mix it up. I’ve only given you a glimpse of what each contain.

Romaine Lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, manganese, and chromium. It prevents cholesterol from sticking to artery walls.
Spinach, Chard and Beet greens contain at least 13 different flavonoid compounds that function as antioxidants and as anti-cancer agents.
Cucumber contains silica, an essential component of healthy connective tissue and cucumbers reduce water retention which can reduce certain types of high blood pressure.
Celery contains vitamin C and several other active compounds that promote health, including phthalides, which may help lower cholesterol, and coumarins, that may be useful in cancer prevention.
Parsely contains volatile oils-particularly myristicin-have been shown to inhibit tumor formation. Flavonoids in parsley-especially luteolin-have been shown to function as antioxidants that combine with highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules (called oxygen radicals) and help prevent oxygen-based damage to cells.
Summer squashes are excellent sources of manganese and vitamin C. It is also a very good source of magnesium, vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, copper, folate, and phosphorus. In addition, summer squash is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, calcium, zinc, niacin, and protein.

So the base is a little on the savory side, not so sweet and not so palatable for most people. The average green smoothie drinker will use 60% fruit to 40% vegetable, so definitely add some fruit. Banana thickens and sweetens it and dates are sweet, avocado thickens a smoothie and provides good fat. How about some berries or cherries? Not very sweet but full of antioxidants. Then, try more exotic items like coconut meat, coconut water and acai berries. Coconut contains good fats that actually help you process fats and the water contains necessary trace minerals and acai is filled with antioxidant qualities if they aren’t overly sugared or processed.

I still stayed quite savory adding basil, cilantro, thyme, or mint to berry, pineapple, papaya smoothies. I also used tamarind and guanabana pulp found in the frozen section of Mexican grocers, plus kiwi and pears.

I don’t use cruciferous veggies raw in smoothies because they inhibit the thyroid. I don’t need my endocrine system slowing down, so eating these veggies cooked or fermented will bring out their better qualities.

If you are drinking these in the Fall and Winter, add ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon or a dash of cayenne or drink them room temperature. Consuming cold or cold-natured items in the cold temperature seasons isn’t ideal for your body to break down so you can warm them up with spices. You may want to skip cooling summer vegetables like cucumbers until the the prime season for them come back around. Stick with slightly bitter or winter vegetables like celery, swiss chard, lettuces or spinach. Experiment with short season fall fruits like pomegranates and persimmon.

Oh, blenders! It really helps having a Vitamix or a BlendTec blender. Those can puree whole vegetables and fruits in seconds. I spent more time cutting up my vegetables and slowly feeding them to my old standard blender.

I will discuss some other add-ins a little later like Cacao, Hemp, Maca, and Goji Berries when I fill you in on Superfoods.

Here are recipes: This one was given to me which was clipped out of the newspaper
Pineapple Grape
1 cup Green Grapes
2 cups Pineapple
1 large handful Spinach
1 cup or more water
Raw spinach has no flavor in smoothies, so it’s an easy way to get a big dose of green goodness. This one was really sweet for me, but tasty.

Cilantro Pineapple
2/3 small Pineapple
Entire bunch of Cilantro
6 full leaves Romaine
Again a sweet one, but I want you to start with ones that will keep you wanting to drink your smoothie

Blueberry basil
2 large handsful of blueberries
6-7 basil leaves
1 green apple
1 large cucumber
1/3 cup parsley
2 cups red leaf lettuce loosely packed
2 cups spinach
Juice of 1 lemon or 1 juicing orange
Thumb nail size ginger root
Water

Mint lime thyme
3 thyme sprigs
8 mint leaves
Juice of 2 limes
1 green apple
3 stalks celery
1/3 cup parsley
2 cups spinach loosely packed
½ cucumber or 6 leaves of romaine

Rosemary raspberry
1 pt raspberries
10 grapes
2 large fresh tender rosemary sprigs
3 stalks celery
2 cups spinach
½ cucumber or 6 leaves of romaine
Thumb nail size ginger root
Juice of ½ lemon

Marjoram Acai beet
1 cup shredded fermented beets
1 portion frozen acai berry puree
4 marjoram sprigs
1 green apple
3 stalks celery
1/3 cup parsley
2 cups spinach loosely packed
½ cucumber or 6 leaves of romaine
Thumb nail size ginger root
Juice of 1 lime

Lemon balm orange
Entire juice orange
5 lemon balm sprigs
1 green apple
3 stalks celery
1/3 cup parsley
2 cups spinach loosely packed
½ cucumber or 6 leaves of romaine
Thumb nail size ginger root

Goji Pear
1 large handful Spinach
2 stalks Celery
1 small handful flat leaf Parsley
1 Pear
¼ cup Goji berries
3 – 4 Dates

Banana Mint
1 handful lettuce leaves
1 handful mint
2 bananas
1-2 cups water

Avocado Persimmon
3-4 stalks celery
2 ripe persimmons
1 avocado
1 handful of spinach
1 -2 cups water

Wellness & Health in Lincoln Park

2009-10-28T09:48:00.011-05:00

I have exciting news to share with you! I am spreading my practice east to Lincoln Park and am accepting a limited number of patients. You can join me in a cozy room in Partners in Wellness at 1967 N. Dayton. The office is just 1 block west of Halsted and and just around the corner from Armitage.

If you’ve been looking for assistance on your path to wellness & health for your physical body and your emotional and mental self, call me today to chat about what we can achieve together.

773 805 1216 surfacingwellness at gmail dot com

Male & Female Fertility Emotional concerns Depression Anxiety Insomnia Stress Fatigue Autoimmunity Menstrual & Hormonal imbalance Respiratory Dietary and Gastro-intestinal issues

Lisa is National Board Certified and a State Licensed Oriental Medicine practitioner with advanced training in fertility & women's health and emotional/psychospiritual treatment.

Quick Salad

2009-09-25T11:16:00.000-05:00

Outside of blending green smoothies these last few months, I’ve not spent much time in the kitchen. I started receiving weekly boxes of organic veggies from a local grocer this month, which has necessitated me to cook or at least assemble vegetables. Here’s one from this week:

2 small ears of corn
3 large leaves of kale
1 golden delicious apple
3 scallions
A little extra onion
4 sprigs of thyme leaves
1 small container of tuna
1 tsp coconut oil

While corn boils, mince kale, scallion, apple and onion. Place kale into a bowl, pour the boiling water from the corn over kale and cover the bowl. Cut the corn kernels from the cobs, place them and the minced ingredients into a bowl. Add thyme leaves, salt, pepper. Drain the kale, mix into bowl of ingredients with a tsp of coconut oil. Incorporate tuna. Serve or chill for later.

Blend and Ferment

2009-08-20T16:00:00.007-05:00

Some people have buffet style religious beliefs I have buffet style detox beliefs! Or so it seems to be the case this summer. I started with an herbal colon and liver cleanse without altering diet; the herbs didn’t agree with my colon though it still was detoxifying (see post from June). Since I knew that 3 weeks wasn’t enough to cleanse as deeply as I needed, I met with Gina Laverde. Gina is raw 99% vegan, body ecology proponent, reiki master, consultant, mom/wife/greenie and so much more. She offered guidance and suggestions for cleansing the gut. Fermented foods. Yeah, that’s the stuff! We aren’t talking good ol’ german sauerkraut and pickles; we’re talking make-it-yourself kefir.

Gina offers a six week rejuvenation program during which she emailed daily mantras, encouragement, tips and recipes on weekdays. My first 10 days was ordering all the necessary items, getting a colonic, slowly incorporating detox spa treatments, and concocting vegetable smoothies. She continued to check in and ask where I was in the process and what I experienced. She is definitely a partner in your rejuvenation. She offers her program ongoing, so you can also try what I am experiencing.

I haven’t been a smoothie person. I like them when they are in front of me; I just think making them takes extra effort and cleaning. As I add chopped veggies and fruit to a bowl to blend I think, “why don’t I just eat these as a salad?” But I make the smoothies as directed. I assume blending them makes the nutrients more bioavailable on a cellular level as well as conserving digestive energy by breaking it down for the stomach. After a couple weeks, I begin adding veggies to the blender I generally have no interest in eating so I know my body is asking for what it needs – celery, red pepper, or carrots. Every once in a while for a little variety I add in some guanabana or tamarind pulp (no sugar slightly sour fruits).

Also in those initial ten day, I buy a loofah for dry skin exfoliation – stimulates the lymphatic system and opens up the skin to eliminate toxins. I buy more castor oil since I will be applying castor oil packs (also in a previous post) a few days weekly, not monthly as usual. I admit I had difficulty fitting this in to my day and sometimes I would just massage castor oil onto my abdomen. The heated castor oil packs will stimulate the Liver and Gallbladder detoxification. I buy some green clay which will absorb toxins as they move down and out through the intestines. These are considered spa treatments if you didn’t catch that.

I visited Wendy Beyer in Lincoln Park for my first colonic. Our phone exchange was calming, we connected about biking. I was a little nervous because my previous at-home DIY experience elicited vomiting so I wasn’t sure what would happen in a professional setting. All went well. She took extra time and slowly began the process as well as challenged and guided me. If you are in Chicago, I highly recommend scheduling colon hydrotherapy with Wendy. The little neighborhood she works in is home to at least 2 other hydrotherapists and each practice has its own style, so if you are looking for just the colon cleanse without all the hulabaloo about nutrition, supplements, raw food, or disease, Wendy could be for you.

My kefir starter arrived from Body Ecology within a couple weeks of meeting with Gina. The Coco-biotic was on backorder. Coco-biotic is a naturally effervescent fermented coconut water drink. I purchased chlorella from Mercola. I chose chlorella over other algae because it nourishes the yin and I definitely needed that. My lungs were dry from biking and in general, my yin is a little depleted. Gina offers great resources for algae and probiotic brands she has seen success with in her own healing process.

I biked over to a Thai grocer and picked up a case of young coconuts. The young ones are the white cone top shaped ones. Now I know. I am making coconut kefir which consists of the kefir starter and the water/juice from 9 coconuts! The kefir contains significant number of strains of good bacteria. The fermented drink is cleansing and aids in digestion. I sterilized my mason jars, cracked open a few coconuts, and made kefir. It’s a good five day process for the entire case. And the mason jars multiply. Unfortunately my first attempt did not create good kefir and I was off to the grocer for another case! When it works, your fridge is full of fermented goodness (unless you live with someone who raises their eyebrows, then it is just crazy stuff). At first I had three large containers of kefir just sitting out fermenting and still fermenting when it dawned on me this kefir was going to be too powerful and I ran out to get another case of coconuts to keep making more. I had to get used to the ongoing process of buying a case of coconuts, whacking them open and making more kefir. It is a new thing to add to my life. I also scraped the meat out of half the coconuts and added some of the liquid kefir and made a tasty treat. I guess you could add more liquid to the fat rich coconut meat and make a thick kefir similar to a dairy version! You can add probiotic capsules to the coconut meat and have raw coconut yogurt, too.

Sometimes due to time constraints but wanting to stay true to the tenet of fermenting, I experimented with my own version of Gina’s recipes. I couldn’t recall the ingredients of her fermented beets so I just winged it. Not what she probably had in mind, but they were slightly fermented with coconut kefir! I was supposed to make a massive batch and use a dry package of kefir starter, not the liquid coconut kefir. O well they still ended up fermented. Fermenting helps with the digestive and the cleansing process. Raw cruciferous veggies and sweet root veggies take much energy to breakdown, fermenting those and also fermenting oils helps your body absorb the nutrients. I can ferment anything my body deems difficult to digest and it will no longer be difficult to digest after fermentation.

I realized the ordering snafus and kefir making mistakes and some really complicated weekly schedules here and there I experienced meant that this detox would fill my entire summer and that some of these changes would be integrated as a lifestyle change.

I continue with my supplements.

Maca, Peruvian gingeng, a tonic for the endocrine system. Taking one supplement for the whole shebang is a lot less stressful than taking a tonic for each endocrine organ!

Maitake mushroom will boost the immune system.

Probiotics

And I play with the detox herbal formula from my previous colon and liver cleanses. It has good stuff in it; I just can’t handle the heat from the habanero.

Add in the chlorella and seaweeds

I drink shots of Coco-biotic at work; I keep eating green smoothies; I slowly eliminate most, not all, carbs and sugar in the form of bakery cookies, breads, and sweet treats. I didn’t have cravings but I would allow myself the best of the best occasionally, not just any sweet wheat treat. I eliminated all fat in the second month…I had no sugar, coffee or wine cravings so I hoped the once monthly craving for cheese pizza would disappear. Early on had weeks of nineteen hour days and was unable to make meals at home other than a morning smoothie. I love breakfast food – oatmeal, granola, fruit, and nuts - and I did occasionally have oatmeal or nuts and raisins for breakfast and take the smoothie for lunch. On the busy days I would grab a salad; and in the first few weeks, I indulged in a burger and a beer; a hot dog and nachos; and a pizza! Most evenings I was so happy to chop up some veggies, lemon and garlic, cook or sprout quinoa or boil up some bean thread, mix it with a little miso paste and sit down to dinner. Surprisingly despite my normally high intake of vegetable eating prior to the smoothies, those pureed veggies in the smoothies were more filling and got the detox started. In the first few weeks, I’d get logey within a couple hours after a huge (32 oz) smoothie. Not hungry, not thirsty, just loopy and tired. Sure signs of detoxing.

I had a clear plan of my six week window of rejuvenating. The universe had other ideas and luckily I went with the flow. The nearly 2 weeks it took to receive the ordered supplies prepped me physically and mentally for the weeks to come. A month into the process, my liver kicked in. I was so aggravated and annoyed that the process wasn’t going “as planned” and complained I wanted warm, heated up food and then I had some PMS symptoms. Lisa’s got Liver qi! I laughed. Yes, the Liver is a little unruly and asserting itself, but knowing it is shedding toxins and the raw and fermented foods are also building the energy was enough for me to keep steady on the cleanse. So I would be cleansing til the end of Chicago summer. That’s ok. I’ve got a lifetime there’s no rush nothing I have to do instead.

photos: jasminesrecipebox, meghantelpnerblog, ecoki.com

Food, Inc.

2009-08-19T15:54:00.004-05:00

The movie's buzz was loud in the vegan, raw, macrobiotic communities months before it released nationwide. Links for Food Inc. were constantly popping up on my Facebook page from friends, practitioners, chefs, green activists, journalists, and businesses. If you've read or heard excerpts or synopses as I have of Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma, you will have some idea what this movie contains.

Viewing Food Inc. will literally open your mind's eye to the politics and corporate monopoly of the American food industry and to the abuse to animals and detriment of it all to your body. It is difficult to stomach, but what you are actually eating is even more difficult.

According to Food, Inc., "Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment" ...and it's happening with our government's consent.

Here are some highlights from the movie Food, Inc.:

Monsanto has patented "Roundup Ready" genetically engineered seeds that are made to do well with the herbicide, Roundup. If farmers save seed, a long-held farming practice of putting seeds aside from every crop to use again, Monsanto can sue them for violating the seed patents. Monsanto has won millions of dollars in lawsuits, literally changing the way farmers are allowed to farm.

Meat and poultry manufacturers have stringent regulations that require farmers to squeeze poultry or cattle into dark, cramped warehouses so that the animals can grow fat quickly. These animals are sick and can barely walk. They lie in their own feces and need antibiotics to make them healthy. Antibiotics that are now part of our meal when we eat non-organic meats.

Government regulations and farm subsidies have shifted our food supply from good calories to bad calories, like a proliferation of corn and soy. If you've ever wondered why fruits and vegetables are so much more expensive than processed foods, this is why. Subsidized crops like corn, wheat and soy are finding their way into so many foods as main ingredients, fillers or damaging sweeteners, like high fructose corn syrup. Subsidies make them much cheaper and poor families diets tend to suffer the most.

Cows are fed diets of corn, which is harmful to their natural digestive systems. The corn creates an acidic condition, when they require a neutral pH. This has caused harmful bacteria to thrive, particularly E. coli.
An added tidbit : 95% of a McDonald's meal is corn products from the meat to the bun to the condiments to the corn syrup to the shake.

Food Inc. does offer great suggestions and hope for what you can do to change the way you eat AND the way our nation eats.

What are some changes that don't include creating a farm in your home?

Educate yourself on the dangers of processed food and sugar. Make small changes to a whole food, processed- and sugar-free diet.

Strengthen your immune system and therefore your digestion with probiotics. Processed food destroys the gut health creating an imbalance of healthy to unhealthy bacteria. Taking probiotic supplements and drinks, eating fermented foods and drinks will all replenish the healthy gut flora

Eat healthy fats. Learn which are and which aren't. Avoid any in the clear plastic bottles at the supermarket, they are processed rancid oils. Choose olive oil, coconut oil, hemp and flaxseed oils, walnut and almond oils, evening primrose, among others.

Choose organic wherever possible. Certain fruits and vegetables absorb more toxins than others. Definitely choose organic meats.

Take time to detoxify. Take your time and add healthy choices individually and remove the unhealthy ones at the same pace. Allow three months of your Spring or Summer to cleanse your system of all it has accumulated, and continue to make healthy choices thereafter.

34 Billion American Dollars

2009-08-19T15:52:00.002-05:00

A 2007 survey on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) over a 12 month period showed American spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on products and services. CAM encompasses the array of medical and health care systems, practices and products including herbal supplements, meditation, yoga, chiropractic, massage and acupuncture that are not part of conventional allopathic medicine. 38 percent of U.S. adults treat existing conditions and diseases or maintain overall health and wellness with CAM.

From the study:

To put these figures in context, the $14.8 billion spent on nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products is equivalent to approximately one-third of total out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs, and the $11.9 billion spent on CAM practitioner visits is equivalent to approximately one-quarter of total out-of-pocket spending on physician visits.

"These data indicate that the U.S. public makes millions of visits to CAM providers each year and spends billions of dollars for these services, as well as for self-care forms of CAM," said Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D., MPH, acting director of NCCAM's Division of Extramural Research and lead author of the cost of complementary and alternative medicine analysis. "While these expenditures represent just a small fraction of total health care spending in the United States, they constitute a substantial part of out-of-pocket health care costs."

Media note: For the full report and downloadable graphics visit—nccam.nih.gov/news/camstats/costs/.

Raw Ecology Diet Rejuvenation Program

2009-06-25T16:01:00.003-05:00

Here is an amazing program for everyone and a great introduction to raw food by Gina Laverde. Pop over to her blog and read her personal journey with food and healing.

This is a 6 week personalized and guided program for an accessible price: $149 or $250 if you and a friend join.

Definitely check it out!

All Systems Go!

2009-06-19T13:02:00.007-05:00

Even though it was June, it was a little late in the season when I began my Spring cleanse - a colon cleanse, liver cleanse and blood and lymph cleanse – though a little later than I generally begin and it would be a 4.5 week process. The series was suggested by a colleague and it made complete common sense to cleanse the colon first.

Many of us focus on the liver assuming if we have daily bowel movements, there isn’t any issue with the colon. Wrong. The majority of us have a casing of accumulated gunk regardless of “regular” bowel movements thanks to the dairy, wheat, yeast, and bad fats in the American diet. Have you looked in your old kitchen or bathroom plumbing pipes? Probably a little bit of gunk there! Adding debris released from an organ during a cleanse, a liver cleanse in this instance, into an already overstressed colon isn’t going to improve ant system. That debris from the liver is just going to recirculate through the blood and lymph and much will end up back in the liver. That cleanse just provides a vacation for the liver. The idea of starting from the most concrete, physical toxicity of the colon to the more fluid, energetic toxicity of the lymphatic system again is common sense.

So when my 5-day Dr. Schulze’s Bowel Cleanse and 5-day Dr. Schulze’s Liver/Gallbladder Cleanse arrived, I ripped open the box like it was Christmas day. I read the enclosed booklets containing all the documented extreme cases written with much-expected sensationalism. It isn’t that I don’t believe the information, it is just that the over-the-top sales pitch doesn’t scare me into the cleanse or out of eating some of the foods I enjoy. Anyway, the photo of who I assume to be Dr. Schulze isn’t the spitting image of perfect outward physical health. I bet all the habenero in the formulae caused his hair to fall out! The Bowel Cleanse kit contains the standard size bottle of innocuously named Intestinal #1 capsules and a extra huge size of equally named Intestinal #2 capsules plus the added bonus (for those around you) of Air Detox (a spritzer of essential oils to use following expelling the actual #2!)

Intestinal #1 formula cannot be taken by individuals suffering from any heat-induced colon issue: heat-diarrhea, colitis, or irritated bowel of any kind. I will also add that if one tends toward a dry constipation, this formula should also be avoided. Though some of the ingredients are mucilaginous, the formula does contain many hot-natured herbs. It contains curacao and cape aloe leaf, senna leaf and pod, cascara sagrada aged bark, Oregon grape root, Hawaiian yellow ginger root, garlic bulb and habanero pepper.

Intestinal #2 formula contains bentonite clay plus a few of the ingredients from the #1 formula, and is not heating and according to the booklet. Individuals who bypass the Intestinal #1 can take this formula. Just a warning since the ingredients bulk up, there may be a tendency to sluggish bowels.

For the first 5 days I was going to ingest a little more than 50 Intestinal #2 capsules and 100 extra ounces of water each day. I was essentially filling my gut with bentonite clay and herbs and praying Intestinal #1 capsules would guide it out at appropriate times (when not in transit to work or elsewhere!)

Day 1: some heavy duty rumbling can be overheard during clients’ treatments today between the first and second of 5 doses of capsules. I biked a little extra and walked a little extra and added in some twisty yoga moves just to make sure nothing halted enroute. I notice a little added pressure level with my intestines but toward my back. I have visions of a clay-impacted intestine pushing into my kidney. Plus a little knocking in the lower right quadrant got my creative mind thinking not that it was the much discussed gas but that the clay was fighting with one of the many creatures sensationalized in the Bowel Cleanse booklet. Either those thoughts or the added clay caused a bit of a right-sided forehead headache pressure.

Day 2: Occasionally I doubt the necessity of following directions, but I highly recommend the directions of taking Intestinal #1 with food. Taking the formula solo, I experienced a raging and spreading fire from stomach to esophagus! After taking a larger dose of Intestinal #1 capsules the previous night just to be safe, I started in on my 5 daily doses. I haven’t changed my diet other than finishing off leftover sweet potato fries from a dinner out. I am still eating lots of carrots, collards, kale, and poblanos…and oatmeal and banana for breakfast. Today, my day off, I forced myself not to stay indoors to read or to research or to fiddle around the apartment. Still in worry mode, I remained active.

Day 3-5: All days are fairly uneventful, but I again stress this cleanse for anyone one with irritated bowels with heat symptoms or dryness. The habanero in the formulas is contraindicated for those conditions. (And avoid all the cleanses if you are pregnant or nursing) I continued to add more #1 capsules to my 5 daily doses of the #2 capsules since I wasn’t receiving the desired results. Walking and biking prove to be great activities after a dose of formula as long as it was a short distance or a circuit. The first time I’ve ever been glad to see a Starbucks while biking downtown was this week when I really needed a bathroom.

I crack open the Liver Gallbladder cleanse late one night. This one contained a loose detox tea of aromatic herbs, a detox tincture, a liver/gallbladder tincture, and a tiny bottle of mouth freshening product.

Detox tea contains dandelion root, burdock root, cardamom seed, cinnamon bark, ginger root, clove bud, fennel seed, licorice root, juniper berry, black peppercorn, uva ursi leaf, horsetail herb, pau d’arco, parsley root and orange peel

Detox tincture contains red clover blossom, Mojave chaparral herb and resin, Oregon grape root, burdock root, yellow dock root, poke root, goldenseal root, fresh garlic bulb, lobelia herb and seed, and habanero pepper.

L-GB tincture contains milk thistle seed, dandelion root, Oregon grape root, gentian root, wormwood leaf and flower, Mojave chaparral herb, black walnut hull, Hawaiian yellow ginger root, garlic bulb, fennel seed and artichoke leaf

I modified the suggested accompanying fast…with food. I ate lightly and avoided carbs and animal products. I understand a liquid fast is suggested to give the gallbladder and the liver a break and to keep the colon free of accumulation, but too late, I ate. This cleanse proved a little challenging. Items need to be prepared. After the first morning running late from preparing the tea, I prepared everything the previous night. Each morning I consumed a Liver/Gallbladder flush drink of fresh squeezed lemon, lime, and orange juice, olive oil, water, plus garlic and ginger. I modified mine to include kombucha, and replace olive oil with Vegn EFA oil blend. Herbs soaked overnight (or all day in my case) and were boiled in pot of specified material each morning (or night…then reheated). I carried and consumed 60 ounces of tea, plus about 70 ounces of water, plus tinctures, plus Intestinal #1 capsules and other herbs. I decided to continue taking the Intestinal #1 since I didn’t use them all in the 5 previous days. It was also recommended that I consume maitake mushroom capsules and a maca tincture for my immune and endocrine systems.

My only issues are

I don’t like alcohol-based tinctures. It seems a little counter-intuitive to ingest alcohol no matter how little during a liver cleanse, but I am following the plan. Even steeping the tinctures don’t reduce the taste of the grain alcohol
Still the heating nature of the formulas is creating hunger or enough discomfort that I want to coat my stomach with food. And, I have gained about 2 inches around my abdomen from the slow moving clay…or maybe it is one of the crazy critters sensationalized in the booklet!
I had difficulty taking in all the water necessary during the liver cleanse and suffered from frontal headache pressure for three days, no appetite, and a higher fatigue level. The toxins were definitely circulating and were not getting flushed out of the body.

Dr. Schulze states he is pretty hardcore with his formulas, but I expected a little more action with the page after page reiteration of “jet propulsion” throughout the booklets. I had greater results in the same amount of time from raw Chinese herbal formulas and will probably get those prescriptions filled once again after I complete the final three weeks of this process. Maybe this is TMI but though I do not have irritated intestines with heat signs, this may have not been the best formula for me. Continuing the Intestinal #1 caused intestinal cramping and bleeding in the days following the end of the Liver/Gallbladder cleanse. I lost a day of work, the condition was a bit scary and explained the high level of fatigue. Thanks to hemostatic herbs all is well now.

Do I think this is an effective cleanse? Based on the herbal ingredients, yes. The essiac tea herbs are included as well as liver tonics, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic herbs. I do think it should be administered much longer than 5 days. I think these formulas are modified for the palate of the typical American. The flavor isn’t so offensive that they will discontinue the process and just offensive enough that one will think it has to be doing something! My clients who also tried the cleanse thought the tea stunk up the house for days but for me it just smelled like masala chai minus the milk. The kits are extremely convenient and accessible, though one can do without the Air Detox in the Bowel Cleanse. If you have any heat sensation with bowel movements, hemorrhoids, colitis, dryness with difficult bowel movements, do not use the Intestinal #1.

The next three weeks I will take only the Detox tincture to cleanse the blood and lymph, as well as taking the remaining maitake mushroom and maca. Wish me luck.

Vegetables Don't Taste Good!

2009-06-17T12:02:00.005-05:00

Excuse Me!

During my slow and transitioning month of May, I turned on daytime tv. I came across an infomercial with Montel Williams. Did you know he promotes a juicer/blender? And every person who hates vegetables came to the taping? I was appalled.

I am the most adamantly against the in-your-face “do this or you’ll miss your chance” promotion techniques. Or in this case, this is the only way a vegetable will ever be palatable. This could be why I have a moderate practice; I am the first to admit I am the worst promoter of my services. I am a “here I am, this is what I do, if you are ready and we mesh, you will come; if not, you are meant to go another way” nonviolent promoter. So, to hear that no one likes the taste of vegetables and maybe people eat 1 to 5 servings PER WEEK and maybe that is just the lettuce and tomato on their sandwich, I wanted to just shut off the tv. Well, I did. I questioned why I am even in this profession. Why am I writing about dandelion greens and collards and kale if no one wants to ingest the more benign flavored carrots, cauliflower or broccoli.

The easiest way to improve your overall health is to increase consumption of “real food” – food our grandparents ate - not the new food - processed, packaged, soy or wheat gluten products (literally NON foods). Specifically increasing the daily intake of vegetables and omega 3 oils will have an impact on your life within a few months of the switch (this is the most in-your-face I will get). According to national standards we should be consuming about 5 servings each day or 5 cups of vegetables. I’ve had the recent opportunity to observe the carb-heavy diets of my generation and know why they are drinking coffee, fiber drinks and eating fiber bars and looking to doctors for prescriptions for abdominal discomfort!

Then I caught a glimpse of my t-shirt “eat more greens”; remembered that I have some distant facebook friends who are raw foodists; and remembered that a previous roommate recently said she’s loved kale since I introduced it to her and she converted her boyfriend. My nonviolent promotion has been effective and others out there must be eating these vegetables. The only saving grace of Montel’s shock-lisa-infomercial was that everyone miraculously loved juiced and blended vegetable by the end of the taping. Whew! Another happy ending in Hollywood.

one of the many of my favorite green things

2009-05-13T10:17:00.002-05:00

Dandelion Greens are making a comeback! These super-nutritious leaves are one of my favorites and local chefs are catching on.

May Promotions for Acupuncture and Core Synch

2009-05-08T09:26:00.003-05:00

Please sign up for my updates through Surfacing Wellness & Health website to continue to receive monthly promotions.

Receive $10 off acupuncture or core synch appointments in Wicker Park Mondays and Thursdays in May between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm.

New clients receive initial consultation free when booking their first Community Acupuncture session in Wicker Park. Wednesdays 9:00 am – noon and Thursdays 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Calm amidst the Chaos

2009-05-01T15:08:00.001-05:00

Where do I begin! I generally touch on time-for-oneself around the Winter holiday season when we are pulled in all directions – family gatherings, hosting and attending parties, thinking of gifts, finding those gifts, in addition to the regular daily routine. We are all feeling the additional stresses in this time of economic and social change, so it feels aptly appropriate to discuss me-time at present. I am reaching out in different directions and feel on the precipice of change. I am constantly mentally aware of all signs and opportunities, bringing into focus anything in the periphery, turning these over in my brain for their meaning to my current state. Really? This means my energy is all on the surface and I am really not present at all.

I recently asked for a sign and received a dream of a tornado. In reality I have only witnessed three tornadoes. Directly in its path, one hopped over the house; one gained momentum through a field of crops as I rode along side on a motorcycle; and the other raged in the opposite direction in the distance. In the past, dream tornadoes elicited fear in me, either the funnel passed in front of me or I woke before it approached. This time, wider than my vision, it whirled toward the building. I calmly though quickly sought shelter but was turned away, I clung to the steel stair in the hallway as I was pulled into the funnel, eyes shut, aware of the tension in my arms, only to observe as the dream ended I now clung to the wing of a jet safely landing on the tarmac.

A tornado is considered "the finger of God", so I think He personally provided me with the sign. Unfortunately I wanted clear direction when I requested a sign, but I only asked for the sign not the clarity. Tornado, a combination of wind and water, can be likened to a combination of change and emotion. Yes, I am experiencing that! Feng shui – a technique of harmonizing external/environmental qi – translates to wind and water. So I need to change my environment, but does this mean finding the new apartment I am in pursuit of, a new position, or take a jet to a new location. I don't know! All dreams are a service to our health and wholeness, provide opportunities for self-knowledge and evolution. All I know is I need to chill out because this is chaotic.

Now comes the me-time. Studies show that even a few minutes to relax and unwind can decrease stress and increase productivity. I have plenty of time on my hands, but it is busied with simultaneously walking down all the avenues unlike the ordered path of a tornado! So here is what I have to do and what we all should do. First catch the chaos before it is out of control. Prevention is key. Just like any mode of transportation needs tune-ups, so do we. I am well aware that calming the mind, giving the autonomic nervous system a break, mindfully exercising the body will provide clarity or at least a little added insight. Once I stop the energetic and mental chatter, I will 1. Learn more from that dream, 2. Gain clarity for my direction, 3. Boldly move with the change.

Taking some time each day to focus on your needs allows you to:

Have the energy you need to continue caring for everyone and everything else in your life
Become a healthy role model to those around you.
Experience less stress

If you are committed and have the time, take a yoga class or practice daily meditation. Don't sabotage yourself if you don't have the time; just follow these easy suggestions that only take minutes of your day.

Start your day with a morning walk. 10 minutes up and down the street will do. This is NOT the hurried dash to the train but a calm walk.
Close your eyes and take 5 deep breaths. This takes about 1 minute. If
you are having a particularly stressful day, set your alarm for the top of each hour and breath in renewed energy and exhale the old .
Take a lunch time stretch break. First TAKE a lunch break! Reaching your arms up over your head or a few neck rolls are a good place to start. 1 to 2 minutes.
End your day quietly snuggled up with loved ones, reading a good book, listening to soft music or indulging in a warm bath. Do this one as long as you like. Keep the TV off as long as possible, it depletes energy.
Practice gratitude by taking some time to be thankful for the new day you've been given and for the people around you to love and care for. Gratitude helps keep life in perspective. Do this one for a lifetime.

Allowing yourself these minutes of me-time will lessen the effects of stress, and calm will emerge.

Spring

2009-03-11T10:33:00.002-05:00

Seasonal changes affect everyone on some level. Our responses to the shift, thanks to being an individual, can be varied, subtle or frustrating. Some of us know the seasons are shifting by our allergies and others by a change in sleep patterns or changes in energy or moods.

Wood is the element associated with spring. We are the reflection of nature, we are emerging from winter's hibernation, the seed's vital energy is awakening, and will soon emerge from the ground. With that emergence comes a renewal of energy which sometimes sputters and spurts as it starts or surges or becomes a little unruly. The energy of the Liver is part of the Wood element and controls the free flow of energy throughout the body. That irregularity of movement of energy at this season's start is due in part to the strength and awakening of the Liver energy.

I see Spring coming a little earlier than most. At the start of February, my flower bulbs have fully emerged into new growth and while walking throughout the densest areas of the city I see robins, rabbits, and other creatures that should hiding away. I feel like I am usually a few weeks ahead of the shift. This year I was annoyingly restless between one and three am, wide awake between three and five in the morning, and ready to crash again just as the clock turned to 5:01 am. Some people are unluckier and are wide awake until 3 or 4 am or later. Clients have been coming in with sleep issues for a few weeks, annual exacerbation of shoulder pain, and a few are just starting to arrive with sinus aggravation.

It is at these times that I figure the Liver needs a little love and support. It is time for castor oil packs. If you don't think you have time for this, you are wrong. If you are surfing the web, losing time on facebook, or watching tv, you could be doing that with a castor oil pack. I suggest avoiding using castor oil packs while pregnant, breastfeeding or during menstruation. If none of those applies to you go out and buy some castor oil and tea towels. Ideally "they" would like you to use undyed wool or cotton flannel, but I just use old white tshirts or tea towels. I run hot water over the cloth, wring it out, apply a thin layer of oil to one side and slap it over the Liver region - the right upper abdomen and rib cage. You can place a large piece of plastic wrap on the towel to insulate it and protect your clothes from the oil and dampness. "They" also suggest soaking the cloth in castor oil and keeping the cloth warm with a hot water bottle. You can improvise. You can reuse the pack multiple times. Store covered in the refrigerator.

I also use herbs and essential oils in conjunction with the castor oil packs and will concoct a combination that will also support the Liver energy.

Essential Oils

Spearmint or Peppermint – to vent heat

Fennel, Lime, Spikenard – to mildly detox

Juniper, Lemon, Oregano – to tonify and calm

Geranium or Rose – to quell mood shifts

Herbs

Herbal recommendations from a consultation with a practitioner are ideal, but the most accessible mildest supporting herbs are dandelion leaf, milk thistle, turmeric.

You could just drink a packaged herbal tea – Everyday Detox tea or dandelion tea. You want to avoid any detox or weight loss tea that contains rhubarb or da huang if you don't have issues with constipation. Reduce the caffeine and alcohol, and increase the water, green veggies, and green tea. Increase cardio to assist the consistency in energy flow. Just a short walk through your neighborhood will help or a yoga class.

Happy Shifting into Spring!

Response to Anxiety

2009-03-02T13:40:00.003-06:00

Anxiety is a combination of fear and worry. Our central nervous system mobilizes us to respond to danger by setting in motion a complex sequence of biochemical and physiological events. The sympathetic fight-or-flight response should trigger action, but many times we experience the sweating, racing heart, and acute awareness and possibly other physical symptoms yet remain still. Remaining still without action can deeply affect the body's overall function. The adaptive side of worry allows us to take preventative action to perceived or anticipated danger. Some types of fear and certain amounts of worry are healthy. Persistent and escalating sensations with no actual threat are the maladaptive side of worry. And this can have physical and emotional effects.

Impaired judgment
Increased irritability
Reduced overall function
Depressed immune system
Heart disease
GI disorders
Fatigue
Muscle tension and pain

Scientists find a genetic predisposition in some individuals and environmental conditioning in others. From the perspective of Chinese Medicine we have a host of ways anxiety can manifest and how the person will respond based on their particular pattern of energetic imbalance. A Kidney yin imbalance anxiety will manifest differently than a Liver Yang imbalance and the way to adapt the imbalance is also different. Since that will be too lengthy to discuss, I will stick to some general information on coping with anxiety.

First, rule out any medical condition with your primary care physician.

If an anxiety disorder deeply affects the physical body, medications (even for the short term) to reduce the sympathetic stress on organs coupled with a multidisciplinary approach to quell and understand the emotional imbalance and triggers is highly beneficial.

Notice the people who surround you. Individuals who thrive on drama and chaos will trigger a sensitive central nervous system. Distance yourself from either the person or situation and surround yourself with grounded individuals. The Dalai Lama emphasized cultivating compassion and deepening connection with others while maintaining boundaries. His cognitive intervention to overcome anxiety and worry is to replace them with well-reasoned positive thoughts and attitudes. No easy task!

We experience anxiety and fears - fears of suffering or consequences of our negative actions - that bring us closer to being a "good person" and to our right path. Most of the fears we experience are projections of our own feelings onto someone else, a mental projection, and our creative mind manifesting childish fears. Genuine fears of violence are not generally part of our daily lives.

Even the Dalai Lama is prone to performance anxiety. In the book The Art of Happiness, he was asked why he accepts to teach if it elicits anxiety in him. Proper motivation to be of service or to be of some benefit to those attending is the antidote to reduce fear and anxiety. Ego-motivation or showing off knowledge will benefit no one.

I, personally, don't feel the anxiety until just hours before speaking; I acknowledge to the audience that I am anxious or nervous and encourage dialogue both of which breaks the ice and takes the edge off the presentation.

When asked about fear of appearing foolish, a failure or incompetent the Dalai Lama came back to the same response sincere intent, compassion and being of the best service. If you did not succeed and had pure intent then the situation was beyond your best abilities and there is no regret. Also, knowing that even the Dalai Lama will reply "I don't know" to a question is comforting. If the motivation is ego-driven or to cheat someone, you will be nervous if you fail and unhappy if you succeed.

So the Dalai Lama's two remedies

Constant rumination and worry: If there is a solution to the problem, there is no need to worry. If there is no solution, there is no sense in worrying either.

Either it will work out or it is out of your control.

Broad-spectrum remedy: Transform the underlying motivation

Stand back and make sure that your mean no harm and that your motivation is sincere can help reduce anxiety in daily situations.

Two techniques that have helped me when I am anxious or just a bit off, I learned from Aleya Dao.

One technique that helps reduce my low level worries, fears and anxieties is to unplug and reconnect. Let me explain. We reach out energetically on a horizontal plane to those around us (our social field), bring your energy vertical off the horizontal plane, and focus on an internal vertical axis of your energy (spiritual axis). I see it as a column of light and energy that flows through the spinal column from the top of your head to your sacrum. Then I imagine a plug in the socket of an electric outlet, I remove the plug from the electric outlet of mass consciousness where we pick up the sensations and stresses of those around us. I insert the plug into a different electric outlet of enlightened consciousness and the sensations reduce. Enlightened consciousness brings us our resources. Nature and the universe are the enlightened realms – the whales, the dolphins, the magnetic of the earth and the electricity of the atmosphere. See the column of light on the vertical access extending beyond your crown and sacrum to the atmosphere and the earth's core. Stay connected on the vertical, focused on that enlightened consciousness outlet until the calm returns.

Also to reduce the level of stress hormones circulating throughout your body at those anxious times, you can say "I choose to believe that everything will work out". Actively acknowledge, own and accept your current state of lack or unease; don't hold on to a negative outcome; and truly believe that all will work out as it should.

Another technique when I can't make a decision or others are on my mind is to imagine a tiny sphere just a few inches above my head. It should be self-contained, not reaching itself out to anyone or anything on a horizontal plane. Sometimes others and ourselves project out and perceive reality from someone else. I get in organizing mode and bring all my points of perceiving reality back onto myself and energetically give back those that aren't mine. I don't know whose perceptions are on my sphere, I just visualize it going back. Like with paddleballs , the elastic that attaches the paddle to the ball pulls it back to its source. That is theirs and this is mine.

I've learned other techniques from Aleya but work with these and the ideas of the Dalai Lama for now and find your calm.

Self-imposed happiness

2009-02-21T12:42:00.001-06:00

I have many days free this time of the year. Easily sucked into the anxiety surrounding me and within me, I am not enjoying the free time. Logically, realistic reasons exist, but, as with anything, getting caught in that frenzy of what is not, what I do not have, what I need is keeping me out of the present moment. Yes, I can say at this present moment I need to pay rent, but this very second I do not. I don't need to pay it for another week. Not that I am going to shirk paying it, but a clear anxiety-free mind and spirit is more likely to attract what I need. I am not observed as anxious and wouldn't consider what I am feeling fear, but it is. Any time there's number crunching, hiding away, ruminative thoughts, lots of planning on paper without a result, the person's mind is effectively "closed for business", is stuck, and energy is stagnating. Really the only "cure" is going out or going in and connecting. I am unproductive in attaining my goals when stagnated in rumination and long-term daydream-like planning. I had side-work which would have brought in a little money, but I can do it tomorrow. Clearing my mind with this exercise seemed important plus I was dying for a chunk of time to absorb a book.

So I tried it for a day. Friday.

I rolled out of bed at 7, smiling, no, smirking. No reason, but I guess I was giving permission for the day to unfold. I reheated yesterday's coffee since I was out of coffee beans. I observed my sunny neighborhood from the window over the stove while I breathed in the coffee aroma and steam from the coffee wisped my chin. I took a deep breath. I prepared the living room for a morning of loungy reading; curtains wide open, Sam's bed on her chair and my blanket, coffee, notebook and book ready. I actually started with a meditation which got the happiness rolling with its focus on interconnecting with nature to reconnect to the joy point. I could hear kids start piling into the schoolyard across the street as I finished the meditation. I was able to read the Book of Ruth (all three pages of it -yep, the Bible) and the heady TCM book for a few hours, ate my lunch for breakfast, and headed out to find some nature with no view of the city. Leaving the jumble of city energy is strong medicine for me but that was not possible today. I could feel all this bound energy just unravel from my chest as I watched the animals, water and every-so-slightly budding trees around me as well as absorbed everything I read at home. I breathed easily and deeply.

The cold finally numbing me, I went home to eat my breakfast for lunch, and crack open the books. This time, I looked for some good quotes from Beat-era authors. I only found a couple, both from Joyce Johnson, "I believe in the curative powers of love as the English believe in tea or Catholics believe in the Miracle of Lourdes" and "He took extraordinary pleasure in small things like that". I think those are the themes for my day though I felt myself physically scoffing the first quote. I was searching for joy in the little things and waiting for it to cure what ails me.

I returned to reading my TCM book for a few hours and I broke for tea and toast, a little French cafe music, and playtime with Sam. Now hearing the kids running out of the schoolyard to the streets, I realized I spent an entire day without anxious thoughts and feelings, without chest tightness, without number crunching, just reading and being in the moment.

I now have the task, nay opportunity, of maintaining this feeling moment after moment after moment. Watch out, it might be catching!

PS friends asked what were my reverse meals. Nothing exciting. Lunch-for-breakfast was grilled almond cheese on gluten free bread with hummus and breakfast-for lunch was a granny smith apple with sunflower seed butter.

Videos

2009-02-17T13:54:00.004-06:00

Two very talented friends came to Allyu Spa this Fall and spent a day filming us demonstrate services. Here are the results. The clips are beautifully done!

Acupuncture
Prenatal Services
Core Synchronism
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

A Special Offer just for YOU this month

2009-01-30T13:15:00.002-06:00

Mushroom Soup

2009-01-16T14:50:00.001-06:00

I made another quick soup while I was housesitting:

Mushroom Medley

It wasn't photo worthy – looked a little grey lavender and that just didn't look appealing no matter what bowl I used.

I picked up some fresh sage and whatever mushrooms Stanley's had which were about large portabellos (5 of them), a small container of white buttons, and a small container of shiitakes.

I cleaned, de-stemmed, diced, and sautéed those in a saucepan with olive oil, a little garlic, diced onion and a splash of port. I didn't have any broth so I figured what's a better use for white wine! So in went nearly an entire bottle. I did add a couple cups of water, a dash of salt and pepper, and lots of fresh sage. I pureed it all in the blender and poured it back into the saucepan to simmer for an hour.

Friends came over to enjoy the housesitting digs – fireplace, wine and a movie. We ate like royalty. They made a lobster dip for an appetizer – it was amazing. The soup was served with some fresh rosemary sautéed greens and bacon-wrapped filet medallions.

New Year’s First Course

2009-01-14T12:35:00.003-06:00

I spent the end of 2008 and beginning of 2009 house sitting. I had the luxury use of a Wolf range. It is gorgeous. I didn't have the time to use it to its fullest capabilities, but here is a little tasting of the amazing array of food from New Year's Eve. I was still feeling under the weather and didn't get to try everything. Everything includes a rich flaky veggie pot pie, baked beet quarters with pecans, vegan lasagna, tofu stir fry and these tasty morsels:

Kim Chi Soup

AI know I sound like a broken record, but I didn't record or measure the ingredients. It has been 2 weeks and I only remember what each tastes like not how I made them. I only had 90 minutes of free time between work and work to get everything done. So with some fast cleaning, chopping, and boiling you can have soup and rice patties and the warm brussel sprout salad from Christmas.

2 large carrots, cut to large matchsticks

1 medium red pepper, diced

½ bunch of Bok Choy, a few greens and a few stems cut

½ head Napa Cabbage, spines removed and leaves diced

1 container Crimini mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed

1/3 cup or so Apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup or less Bragg's amino acids

1/3 cup or less Garlic chili sauce

4 cups Broth

Lots of Basil and Cilantro, chopped

Fresh Ginger, julienned

I sautéed carrots and red pepper in oil for 5 minutes. I added the mushrooms and sautéed another 5 minutes. I added the broth, vinegar, bragg's, and chili sauce. I brought it to a boil, then let it simmer for 45 to 60 minutes. I added the bok choy, cabbage, basil, cilantro and ginger, covered the pan and turned off the burner. Soup is On!

Rice patties

1 cup Arborio rice

2 cups water

2 T minced ginger

4 minced cloves garlic

½ cup minced cilantro

juice of one lime

1/3 cup diced onion

Olive oil

Sauté onion in the oil, add the rice and stir continuously for 3- 5 minutes. Add the water and vinegar, cover until rice is al dente. This will not turn to creamy risotto rice. Mix in the cilantro, garlic and ginger. Using a shallow 2" diameter dish or ramekin; scoop, pack, and level rice mixture into the dish or ramekin. Pop it out onto plate. I think I made 14 patties. I heated a pan of oil and fried them on both sides briefly til lightly brown. I blotted the extra oil. 10 minutes before serving, reheat in oven. Tastes great along side or in the kim chi soup.

O there was dessert too. We had a friend with very special dietary considerations – we made a vegan, agave-sweetened, gluten-free cheesecake. Yep you read that correctly.

We googled a recipe so I am not sure where we got it but who ever created it, thanks! It was a hit.

It was supposed to be a firm silken tofu but we just got extra firm regular tofu. It would have been creamier than our results but no tastier! We only had a blender to mix the ingredients so we tossed all of this in at once.

Pie Filling

12-ounce package extra firm light silken tofu
8-ounce package Tofutti Better than Cream Cheese
½ cup agave nectar
½ cup Silk Pumpkin Spice drink
2 T lemon juice
nutmeg and cinnamon to taste
3 T cornstarch

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Drain the tofu and put all ingredients into the blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.

Crust

I had my harvest granola cookies from a couple weeks earlier that fell apart (sunflower seed butter, rice flour, hazelnut flour, pecans, and pumpkin seeds). I tossed those into the blender with a cup of rice flour to make a crumbled crust. I incorporated enough Earth Balance to press the crust into a glass pie plate.

We poured the contents into the crust and baked for an hour (don't let it brown). It will still be jiggly soft when you remove it from the oven. Let it set for 2 hours and put in fridge til ready to eat. And you will eat the entire pie.

A New Year

2008-12-31T08:04:00.002-06:00

A few quotes for a new year from 11^th Century Abbess, mystic, lyricist and writer of all things holistic, Hildegard von Bingen.

Every element has a sound, an original sound from the order of God; all those sounds unite like the harmony from harps and zithers.

I, the fiery life of divine wisdom, I ignite the beauty of the plains, I sparkle the waters, I burn in the sun, and the moon, and the stars.

The earth which sustains humanity must not be injured, it must not be destroyed.

The soul is a breath of living spirit, that with excellent sensitivity, permeates the entire body to give it life. Just so, the breath of the air makes the earth fruitful. Thus the air is the soul of the earth, moistening it, greening it.

There is the Music of Heaven in all things and we have forgotten how to hear it until we sing.

Underneath all the texts, all the sacred psalms and canticles, these watery varieties of sounds and silences, terrifying, mysterious, whirling and sometimes gestating and gentle must somehow be felt in the pulse, ebb, and flow of the music that sings in me. My new song must float like a feather on the breath of God.

When the words come, they are merely empty shells without the music. They live as they are sung, for the words are the body and the music the spirit.

Community Acupuncture

2008-12-23T09:38:00.002-06:00

It's here. Economical acupuncture!

I am so excited. I am well aware firsthand that acupuncture is incredibly effective in treating a whole slew of conditions and imbalances. I am also keenly aware that most people I know can't afford ongoing treatments. It hurts my heart every time someone says they always wanted to try acupuncture or really need it and don't have the discretionary funds to pursue treatment. I trust that community acupuncture is the answer.

The group format for acupuncture is ideal – we participate as groups in yoga, meditation, and other restorative activities at low-cost rates. Plus, in community acupuncture you can share in the healing with your friends and family by coming together for treatments. There is also strength in numbers. Group or collective energy is more potent and effective in the healing process. So don't do this alone.

Here's how it works. You come in for your first scheduled appointment wearing loose and layered comfortable clothing. We chat for a brief time as you fill out forms. I continue the intake by performing pulse and tongue diagnosis. You enter the treatment room I prepared with five seats, soft lights and meditative music. You will sit in a chair while I place sterile single-use needles in specific locations in the ear and from the elbows to the hands and from the knees to the feet. I might also need access to your shoulders. Other participants will take a seat as frequently as every 15 minutes. Rest and meditate for 40 minutes. I will remove the needles and walk with you back out to the reception area. That's it.

So let's do this! Make your appointments now; treatments beginning January 6. Sessions range from $20-40 which makes ongoing treatment possible for everyone!

Tuesdays Allyu Spa 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Wednesdays Elemental Health 9:30 am – 12 pm

Thursdays Elemental Health 4 pm – 7:30 pm

Stay tuned for neighborhood monthly offerings at community centers and yoga studios.

Third Week of Food Delivery

2008-12-23T09:32:00.002-06:00

My computer was getting de-virused two weeks ago so I didn't post the recipes. And last week I was recuperating from my own virus so I didn't want to infect my friends by delivering food. So here what I made last time.

I barely remember the proportions of ingredients since these were from two weeks ago, but I will give it a try.

Curried Quinoa

1 ½ cups Quinoa

1 T each Turmeric and Mustard

1 – 2 tsp each Allspice and Nutmeg

Dash of Cayenne, Pepper and Salt

2 -3 cups stock

1 cup cooked beans, I used tiger eyes

4 Dates, chopped

2 cups collards, minced

Handful of pumpkin seeds

I placed the spices in an enameled pot; stirred them over a low flame until I could smell the aroma. I poured the quinoa into the spices and tossed that mixture for 3-5 minutes. I added 1 cup of stock, stirred briefly and covered. It is similar to making risotto. When the liquid is absorbed, add another cup. When that is absorbed. mix in the cooked beans, chopped dates, pumpkin seeds and another ½ cup of stock. When that is absorbed, add the minced collards and if you need more stock, add another ½ cup.

Veggie Pie

2 ish cups thickened broth

2 carrots, minced

½ medium onion, minced

1 cup broccoli, tiny pieces

Small package of baby portabellas, sliced

½ - 1 cup peas

Salt and Pepper

You can use prepared soups like potato leek or mushroom, or a vegetable stock. I made my own and thickened with potato starch. I don't remember all the vegetables I used but I minced them all, sautéed them with olive oil, added the sliced mushrooms and then the peas and then the broth. I poured it all into the unbaked pie crust and topped the filling with another crust.

Pie crust

Hm I'm not sure which I used for this one but let's go with

1 ½ cup quinoa flour

1 ½ cup sorghum (milo) flour

1 cup shortening

Cold water

Cut the shortening into the mixed flours until it resembles a coarse meal. My cuisinart is deceased so I cut this one by hand. Ah the good old days of elbow grease. Alternate adding drops of water and stirring until the dough holds. Separate into 2 balls. Place in refrigerator for a short time if the dough is soft. Either on parchment or plastic wrap, roll out one ball. It is best to either place a piece of plastic wrap between the dough and rolling pin or enclose the rolling pin with plastic wrap to keep the dough from adhering to the pin. Remove the top layer of plastic. Carefully secure your hand between the counter and the bottom layer of plastic. Quickly flip the rolled dough into a greased pie plate and carefully remove the plastic. Form the dough into the plate. Do the same for the top crust after you pour the filling.

Bake at 375 for about an hour.

Sweet mixed nuts

1 cup pecans

½ cup pumpkin seeds

½ cup slivered almonds

Shortening

Brown rice syrup

I melted shortening in a saucepan over a low flame and tossed the nuts and seeds in it until the liquid mostly absorbed. Brown rice syrup is very thick and not as sweet as other liquid sweeteners. I added the brown rice syrup blop by blop since it is so thick. I think it was maybe 1/3 of a cup or maybe more. It thinned out and coated the nuts and seeds as I stirred it all together. I transferred it all to a large sheet of parchment paper to cool then wrapped it up in the paper.

CRAVE Holiday Shopping Party

2008-12-10T08:54:00.003-06:00

I worked the CRAVE Party last night at the Cultural Center. The event touted as a green holiday event with 40+ locally owned businesses was teeming with after work holiday shoppers. My colleagues and I represented Allyu Spa. First, I love the Cultural Center – from the free events to the art to the architecture – it is hands-down one of my favorite places. Have you checked out the Tiffany Room? A beautiful Tiffany glass dome ceiling and decent acoustics.

Anyway, back to the CRAVE party. The week prior to the event the Allyu spa coordinators created holiday gift baskets at every price point from all the amazing retail we carry – from incense and accessories to Spa Ritual nail polish and accessories to Astara skin care products to various other good-for-you sundries. We took photos but I think you will find those on the Allyu Spa blog next week.

At the Allyu booth, we offered those holiday baskets and free mini-spa services. Three nail technicians, one esthetician and one acupuncturist (me) busily pampered and educated and balanced women while they festively shopped after work.

Of the women who sat in my chair last night, 90 plus percent experienced acupuncture for the first time. As each woman cleaned her ear with an alcohol swab, I informed them of what I was going to be doing and what it was for and then, amidst the din of holiday music and reveling shoppers, they relaxed for 15 minutes. I needled five acupuncture points in the ear – all organ energy and all body systems are mapped onto the ear. The five points I needled comprise a protocol which is effective for smoking cessation, cravings, addiction, weight management, and overall de-stressing and relaxation. I can also customize a treatment with an extra point for any specific concerns. Most of them were surprised and a few shocked that they felt "more chill". One even tested the treatment by calling up anxiety, frustration, and who knows what else, but, nope, none of the sensations could muster any response from her. Skeptics are the best marketing for acupuncture!

I saw a few familiar faces of clients from Allyu, my old Edgewater neighborhood (Metropolis Coffee!) and met a few new people as well. Check out Eva May. Her storefront is up in Andersonville. She sweetly traded a hand silkscreened t-shirt from her collection for the auricular acupuncture.

You can take a peek at those holiday gift baskets down at Allyu or try the auricular acupuncture for yourself. Allyu will offer $25 group treatments at noon on Tuesdays beginning January. And, the acupuncturists at Elemental Health (including me) will offer $25 sessions one evening each week, but the specifics are yet to be determined. Stay tuned.

Holiday Open House

2008-12-02T17:00:00.003-06:00

All the practitioners at

Elemental Health

invite you to our

Open House

Sunday December 14

3 - 6 pm

We will offer

Auricular Acupuncture 30 min for $10 (profits will benefit charity)
Reflexology 15 min for $15
Chair Massage 30 minutes for $30

We will have locally produced gifts available

Join us for refreshments and conversation

A Dose of Methyl Paraben?

2008-12-02T16:55:00.003-06:00

I delivered week two of food to my friend last night. We got to catch up. Mom looks great! I had a perfect wintery night chatting in the kitchen; a cup of tea in one hand and a three week old sleeping on my chest for a few hours. My friend and I will always discuss health, healing and wellness and other silly things. I've not had my own child, yet have a wealth of information from my stint as a nanny, as a day care teacher, and always as a friend of a new mom. She had a doozy for me this time.

First, the little guy gained a half a pound his first week. According to the pediatrician that's unheard of for an exclusively breast fed baby but other healthy friends' MDs said the same thing. Next, the doctor shared that Vitamin D is missing from breast milk. That's not exactly true. Yes, I know it is winter and I know we live in that northern area most deficient of Vitamin D. My friend does give the little one daily sun baths which definitely compensates, and thanks to his fair skin tone he needs less than 2 hours each week of sun exposure. Regardless, the pediatrician prescribed infant Vitamin D drops. Vitamin D is sort of like the missing link in the body's absorption of calcium and phosphorus. The doctors are concerned about bone and heart health. The prescription remained unfilled, but when the now 3 week old started with a few sniffles Dad picked it up from the pharmacy.

When mom looked at the ingredients, she was shocked. Should I really knowingly give my child methylparaben, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide, red food dye, and caramel coloring just to get a dose of Vitamin D? Am I being a negligent mom by knowingly depriving my child of a vitamin or by knowingly feeding my child synthetics? Many of my friends have chosen to postpone or abstain from all vaccinations. That is a personal educated choice. Children's immune systems are fully intact by age two. My personal choice would be to keep their systems clean and pure of synthetics at least until that age. Most of my friends have chosen to use only glass bottles, natural cloth diapers, organic pesticide-free food, and all those other good things. Here blatantly on a label for all to see are chemicals preserving and coloring a vitamin easily sourced from the sun, oily fish and fish oils and fortified milk.

First of all, red food dye and caramel coloring is apparently to appease the parents' vision and palatability because a 3 week old isn't seeing much right now. Caramel coloring is an emulsifier as is Polysorbate 80 – keeps the ingredients combined. Polysorbate 80 is a common emulsifier in cosmetics, vitamins, vaccines and even ice cream and milk products and has been proven to damage fertility. Sodium hydroxide is a pH buffer. Hello, if you didn't use synthetic ingredients you wouldn't need to buffer the medication.

Then comes the methyl paraben. I understand medicine needs preservatives but there are natural alternatives like soy lecithin and beeswax. Parabens offer an inexpensive way to increase the shelf life of products and to inhibit the growth of bacteria, molds and yeasts even though they are known to be highly toxic. Scientific studies have found that parabens have the potential to cause cancer. The estrogen activity of this ingredient has been directly linked to the development of certain cancers, including breast, prostate, ovarian, and uterine.

Health conscious folk have been lobbying for years to have laureth sulfates, parabens, and phlatates removed from personal care products. Product ingredients can be searched on cosmeticdatabase.com and the site includes a risk ranking and the effects the ingredient has on the body. Cosmetic companies have made some changes but for the most part, consumers are absorbing chemicals with every use. Unfortunately, I found no resources for medications free of synthetics.

Second Week of Food Delivery

2008-12-01T11:59:00.002-06:00

I didn't cook for my friends last week since they were being thankful with and fed by family and friends for the holiday.

I stated at the end of the last entry what I would be cooking this time and my ideas changed some. I was watching the grey windy sky and all I wanted was roasted root vegetables and gingerbread, but since I was feeding someone else I also made some veggie burgers.

Here's what I made

Veggie Burgers

These vary depending on what I have on hand. Today I didn't have much variety of vegetables so these were protein-packed burgers.

1 cake of extra firm tofu, drained

½ cup or so of flax meal

A few shakes of sesame oil

A few tablespoons Braggs amino acids

Slivered almonds, crushed

¾ cup cooked lentils

½ medium onion, chopped

Small wedge of purple cabbage, chopped

Broccoli stalks, peeled and chopped

Thyme

Salt and pepper

Brown rice flour

Cook the lentils. If you drained tofu before you've got your method. If I'm in a hurry I press the cake between paper towels or tea towels with my hands until the towels are barely damp. I mix the tofu, sesame oil and Braggs amino acids, thyme, almonds and flax meal and let it sit while I chop the veggies and sauté them in a skillet olive oil. I hand blend the sauté veggies once they've cooled and add it to the tofu mixture. Drain the lentils, mash them a bit if you like and add to the burger mix. Add salt and pepper. In a glass pie plate, I pour a handful of flour. I form into small patties and coat both sides in the flour. You can bake or pan fry them.

Roasted Root Vegetables

This rendition of roasted veggies is a little different than most I make. I wanted some sweet and tart flavor with the earthy sweet and bitter flavors of sweet potatoes and rutabagas.

Dad handed me a bag of tangerines when I departed from my family thanksgiving gathering. "Too many seeds," he grumbled. Uh, thanks? I deseeded one and squeezed the plentiful juice as well as the juice from half of a lemon into a ceramic baking dish. I added a couple dozen fresh cranberries and a dollop of brown rice syrup. I peeled and cut the 2 sweet potatoes and 1 small-verging-on-medium rutabaga into large chunks and added it to the dish. I baked at 425 until the veggies were soft and absorbed nearly all the citrus juice.

Ginger(pumpkin)bread

Vegan and gluten-free! As far as I am concerned my oat flour is gluten-free. Oats are gluten-free; most are packaged in plants that process wheat so if you are allergic to wheat or gluten be careful. I purchase all my flours online from Purcell Mountain Farms. The flours are organic, but since they also process wheat, the flours are not guaranteed gluten-free.

My first gingerbread was insanely moist and amazing flavorful but it was dense yet delicate and falling apart. The pumpkin puree wasn't enough of a binder. You can certainly add an egg to this or a Tbsp of flax meal or some potato flour (starch). For the second batch, I just increased the flour to 2 ½ cups total and added another tsp of baking soda. It helped.

¼ cup Earth Balance

½ cup molasses

½ cup soy creamer

¼ cup maple syrup

½ cup brown rice syrup

¾ cup pumpkin puree

1 cup oat flour

1 ½ cup sorghum (milo) flour

2 tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp total: allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon

With flame on low, I melted the Earth Balance in a saucepan, added molasses, soy creamer, maple syrup and brown rice syrup. In a large bowl, I sifted the flours, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger, and other spices. I incorporated the liquid into the flour mixture. I mixed in about 6 oz pumpkin puree. Pour the mixture into an oiled square ceramic baking dish. Bake at 300 for 75 min.

I made another batch in a small rectangular baking dish with fresh grated ginger and I topped it with about 12 fresh cranberries and some slivered almonds. I might make it a little more Swedish next time with grapefruit rinds and lingonberries.

Research: Autumn births and asthma connection

2008-11-23T11:08:00.003-06:00

A recent study out of the Asthma Research at Vanderbilt University states babies born in autumn months – 4 months preceding the peak cold and flu season – are more likely to develop asthma. Genetics predispose the development of asthma, but environmental exposure to viruses may activate the genes.

Autumn, Metal element season in Chinese Medicine, is related to the Lung and the Large Intestine and our immune system. The mucus membrane lining of the digestive tract, lungs and sinuses are our defense against infection. Dry membranes are open to viruses and bacteria and membranes congested with thick mucus hold onto the bacteria. Both states can contribute to frequent or recurrent infections.

Autumn is the season when nature begins to contract and move inward. A person born in this season, open and exposed and no longer in the protection of the womb is definitely not heading toward a more reserved, hibernated state. Any infant will be susceptible to infection in the first few months of life. The lung is the last organ to mature in fetal development and continues to develop during early childhood, so it would be understandable respiratory issues could be a concern.

That being said, I know twelve or more Autumn-born people. Without any time-intensive research, funding or controls, I can say only one of them has had asthma since childhood and recurrent immune system imbalances with no genetic predisposition; another has chronic genetic colon issues; and another has a Metal personality but no Metal physical imbalances. If I extend autumn to August 30, a 14-month old with a genetic predisposition to asthma has experienced multiple colds and ear infections in her first year. The remaining people have Fire and Earth imbalances. So from my unofficial research, genetics would contribute to respiratory imbalances and the season of birth, in theory would as well, but contributes to about 20% of the Autumn-born people in my life.

I don't think a parent can prevent a child from developing asthma but you can influence your infant's respiratory health. My advice is to keep the little one completely clothed, including a cap. In Chinese culture, caps are worn for the first year. Wind, the element that carries infection, can enter through the open fontanel or at the nape of the neck causing colds in infants. Keep the home environment free of drafts and free from humidity and dryness. Use vaporizers and humidifiers with a drop or two of essential oils with antimicrobial, antibacterial or antiviral qualities. As a breastfeeding mom, keep your body healthy and balanced through diet, exercise, and rest (when you can!).

Essential Oils (the short list)

Cinnamon Leaf
Cypress
Eucalyptus
Grapfruit
Lavender
Lemon
Sweet Orange
Patchouli
Spearmint
You may find some great blends as well like Thieves from Young Living Oils

Vision vs. Execution

2008-11-22T18:28:00.002-06:00

Babies! A friend had her first baby last week. I got the honor of participating in the early part of the process. I needled acupuncture points to begin labor. I get so excited being part of the team that welcomes a new soul into the world.

My baby shower gift is providing food for mom, dad and baby for at least the first month. I could say it's an excuse just to see the baby! This week, I made my first delivery. Here's the menu:

Sundried Tomato Winter Squash Risotto

Creamy Potato Leek Rustic Vegetable Soup

Pecorino Plum Parsley Scones

After making all the food, I realized it was carb-heavy. Better to start with easy to digest foods the first week, since mom is breastfeeding. Bitter flavor is the only taste we acquire, so I thought it best to wait on recipes including kale, collards and rutabagas until week four and beyond!

Sundried Tomato Winter Squash Risotto

I realized halfway through the "pour, absorb, stir" risotto process that risotto is best eaten immediately. It doesn't keep well. That's ok, the winter squash I wanted the store didn't have, so the stringy variety was falling apart as the risotto cooked. It wasn't going to be a picture perfect entrée anyway.

1o sundried tomatoes softened and diced

½ cup butter/shortening

2 cups firm non-stringy winter squash, roasted and cubed

½ cup onion, diced

1 clove garlic

2 ½ cups Arborio rice

½ cup dry white wine

4 cups vegetable stock

2 cups lightly packed arugula

1/3 cup julienned basil

2/3 cup pecorino cheese grated

Pepper

Saute onion, garlic and sundried tomatoes for 10 minute over medium flame. Add the rice, stir and toast it for about 3 minutes. Add the wine, let it evaporate. Add the stock in portions, about 2/3 cup at a time until absorbed. Stir once after adding each portion of stock. Slowly adding stock brings out the creaminess, not the sticky starchiness. When the rice is just about done, add in the arugula and basil, stir until the greens wilt. Add the grated cheese and squash cubes and stir and serve.

Creamy Potato Leek Rustic Vegetable Soup

I ended up pureeing the potato and leek since I was a little lazy in the uniformly chopping the leeks. Long stringy chunks of leek would have been a little too rustic for anyone.

2 lbs or about 4 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped

4 cups water

2 cups leeks

1 cup onion diced

1 cup red or orange pepper

2 cups spinach

4 cups mushrooms, quartered

1 large tomato

Fresh basil and Italian parsley

1 tsp salt

1 ½ cups milk (almond milk)

½ cup vegetable stock

Boil potatoes in 4 cups of water until soft. Sauté leeks and onion in olive oil, transfer to potato and water. Either transfer in sections to a food processor to puree or just use the handblender in the pot like I did. Sauté diced pepper, add in the mushrooms until reduced. Transfer those to the soup pot, add the chopped tomato, herbs, milk, salt, and stock. Stir and serve.

Pecorino Plum Parsley Scones

I was out of my usual flours, but was hellbent on making scones. I love the flavor combination of the deep purply sweet September plums with the bitter Italian parsley and the salty sharpness of pecorino cheese; it makes a great salad with Italian fare. I combined those three into scones; the ones I made turned into crispy crumbly drop scones thanks to the combo of rice flour, hazelnut meal and oat flour. Here's what I would do instead.

2 cups ripe plums, chopped

1/3 to ½ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped

½ cup grated pecorino cheese

1 ½ cup sorghum flour

1 ½ cup quinoa flour

½ cup butter

½ - 1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

2 T maple syrup

Combine dry ingredients. Cut in the butter to the dry ingredients. Beat ½ cup of buttermilk with the egg and maple syrup. Slowly add the dry to the wet. If too dry to handle, add small amounts of the additional ½ cup of milk. If it's too wet you can add more flour or just make drop scones. Fold in the plums, parsley and cheese. Pat or roll out onto a surface and cut into 12 triangles and bake at 350 for 25 ish minutes.

Next week is Veggie Burgers, Baked Beans, and Apple Pie!

Fit Day or Not

2008-11-16T23:16:00.001-06:00

A friend is clocking her calories and exercise at www.fitday.com. I decided to give it a try. I have slowly been gaining weight over the last few years; there are many possible or combination of reasons. Could be slowing metabolism, could be reduced exercise, could be increased stress/cortisol levels, and could be a shift in diet.

Maybe this will give me a glimpse at what it is or is not. I am just tracking what I eat and my exercise level. I am not making any changes in either so I can get an idea of what is going on right now and assess what can be altered in the future.

The site is pretty comprehensive with many report options – graphs and charts galore! The anal-retentive or OCD planner in me drooled at the charting options. As long as I log my food intake accurately and activities, I can track my nutrition level - percentage of carbohydrates, fat and proteins, total nutrition, nutrition as RDA and DV, nutrition budget, calories over time, calories eaten, fat breakdown; Activity and metabolism; Trends – calories eat vs burned and calorie balance over time; weight changes, and goals for weight and calories and measurements. I can also keep a calendar, a journal and track my moods. That won't be happening but, yes, a comprehensive site marketed to the planner in me.

Each day I typed in food I ate. The program pulls up options and you choose one to add to your food list. Each food on the list has a nutrition label just like packaged foods. You could just pick one that is closest to what you've consumed or you can create your own food item and input the nutrition label data. For homemade soup that consisted of rice and beans and a water broth, I just entered beans, dried, cooked and the approximate portion size and rice, brown, cooked and its portion size. I cheated a little there. There were many options on the food list for cellophane noodles, but the nutrition labels didn't match so I created my own. I realize even if I am not making the best food choices, I rarely eat more than 1500 calories/day. I think that's good.

Each day I typed in the exercise for the day. Well, I don't exercise outside of walking right now, but the program already gives you a freebie. The program deducts over 2000 calories just for living and breathing. Great! Again I typed in walk in the search, the program pulled up options. I picked the walking pace that matched my walking pace to and from work, entered the distance and the number of minutes. I could have included other walking activities – paces walking around the office, up and down stairs, carrying supplies, etc but I didn't bother.

There is an option to alter your metabolic rate. I played around with the option, but since I have no way right now to quantify or prove my metabolic rate I left it alone.

I've only completed 2 weeks and it has yielded some insight. A number of the products I consumed this week weren't my usual fare. It was very much "revert to childhood" week. You may have noticed I said products not foods. Vegetables, grains, and herbs comprise 90% of what I purchase and the remainder is shortening, oil, gluten-free waffles. This week I was at the grocery store 4 times. Yep. I bought prepared items, not just prepared items FROZEN items. I bought a frozen pizza Monday, crispy battered fish fillets and skinny cow ice cream sandwiches Thursday. Whoa Nelly. I must be going through a crisis. I also grabbed a chicken breast and a cabbage cranberry walnut salad for lunch one day. Adding that to all the pizza from the previous insane week with no time to cook, I knew fats in my pie chart of carbs, fats and protein will comprise a big slice.

I barely got a green vegetable or an orange vegetable in me this week. I think the best I managed was one bunch of kale, plenty of green apples and does homemade apple pie count? Needless to say my RDA or Daily Value of vitamins was a bit scarce on calcium, magnesium, folic acid, some B vitamins as well as vitamin C and E.

With that knowledge, I dug out my multivitamin, my probiotics, and my chlorophyll and prepared plenty of greens and oranges for the next week. I pulled out the yoga schedules for the neighborhood studios. I will keep you posted on how my charts alter and how my life alters.