Green Smoothies & Other Stuff..

Sine I lasted posted I have completed the green smoothie challenge. Sorry I didn't post as promised. I challenged myself to a month of green smoothies. I thought it would be only green smoothies, but it wasn't. I decided to eat very little solid food and only vegetables, beans, fruits, and nuts (I drank as many green smoothies to feel full and satisfied). I learned during this process that I am not vegan in the sense that I will not wear the leather items that I already own - shoes and bags. I haven't bought any new leather and don't plan to either, but I cannot afford to replace what I already own. I do not own leather coats or clothing or belts. I feel good about this decision.

The only animal product I missed eating during this time was butter. I only eat butter on bread and I'm not eating bread so I can live without the butter. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I dropped a few pounds - 17lbs to be exact without feeling hungry or deprived. If anyone is interested the Global Juice Feast began on March 7th and goes for 92 days. You are free to modify this juice feast to fit your life and needs. I haven't decided if I'm going to participate.

Now for the other stuff. When I first started this blog I wanted to talk about healing through nutrition and other natural means. I still plan to do that, but I'll also discuss what's going on with me in general from time to time. I want this to be a place I come to celebrate, to rant, to get support, to talk, to just be - sometimes with no agenda. For those who care I promise to not stay away so long. Next post I'll share some of the things I've been doing while I was away. Until then...

My Green Smoothie Challenge - Week 1

I have been trying to do a green smoothie challenge for a few months now. I am excited to report that I have had green smoothies for 7 days. So far so good. I notice that I'm feeling lighter and satisfied with no hunger pangs.

One reason it took a while is that I had to do research as to the best method to treat chronic systemic inflammation, which I have and have had for at least 7 years. Not one doctor has addressed the danger of chronic inflammation. In fact not one has even talked to me about how to rid the body of inflammation. I've done the research myself and the biggest culprit is a diet high in refined sugars, foods that a person is allergic (and probably does not know it such as wheat, dairy, & eggs). I believe, this is my opinion based on my experience, that most doctors in the US don't believe that nutrition is important. They are usually only educated about the USDA food pyramid. But enough about them.

Here is what I've been doing. I drink a minimum of one quart of green smoothies a day. I've learned to enjoy the taste with far less fruit than I would recommend to someone else, but I am correcting a candida (yeast) overgrowth that has contributed to, if not caused leaky gut syndrome. I'm not consuming a lot of fruit in order to avoid fruit sugars, but will increase my fruit intake after completing the yeast overgrowth treatment. I also consume 6 - 8 cloves of garlic a day with warm lemon water. I actually like it.

Acupuncture has really helped to "clear my head." I have this funny, hazy feeling in my head which no allopatic doctor ever addressed. Acupuncture has helped and helps me deal with my body pains. Therapeutic massage has with my anxiety, which is high most of the time. I'm looking into the art and spiritual practice of Tai Chi; once I find a place to go I'll start. Yoga is another interest of mine. I'll keep you posted.

I thought the oranges looked good; I wanted to see another color food other than green!