We're getting closer to our cleanse the 20th of this month and our bodies will cleanse much more easily if we continue our preparations. The next few weeks, focus on getting more greens and plant based foods in your diet.
A good place to focus to get more greens is on eating a salad a day. You can find a lot of variety in salad by changing up different types of greens as well as your topping vegetables or fruits. Try salads with different varieties of lettuce, spinach, kale or collard greens. Kale becomes softer and more palatable if you place the leaves in boiling water before adding them to your salad. All it takes is a second and they're ready. (We like to add some Bragg's Liquid Aminos for protein and flavor. This also helps us use less of our more fattening and more expensive salad dressing.)
Lately my family has discovered a new found love for morning green drinks. Breakfast green drinks are a great way to get more greens for yourself and your kids. They set your day off on the right foot and give your body a chance to start some gentle cleansing. In the beginning, if you want more substance, eat something healthy with your green drink for breakfast, maybe some whole grain mush or health food store yogurt with fruit. A few days to a week before your cleanse, break it down to just your green drink and maybe a piece of fruit.
Here is the green drink my whole family enjoys:
1 cup water
1 cup fruit juice (apple or orange)
1 banana (frozen or not)
approx 3/4 cup other fruit (We alternate between pineapple, pears, and a mixture of berries. The baby likes pears the best)
1 very large handful of greens (typically baby spinach at our house)
You can minimize the fruit and up the greens as you get used to the flavor if you want a more alkaline drink.
Spinach can be very expensive so we buy conventional 2 lb. bags at Costco for $4.00. They also have 1 lb organic bags for 4.00. I am happy to pick some up for anyone who doesn't have a membership.
Here are some reasons your body loves greens:
-the most concentrated form of nutrition of any food
-packed with iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium
-contain vitamins K, C, E, and many B vitamins
-contain properties which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems
-protect against osteoporosis and diabetes
-they act as an intestinal broom (might not sound fun, but it's better than carrying it with you forever!)
-hormone balance
-strengthen immune system
-stimulate digestion and digestive enzymes
-and many, many more!
Enjoy your green drink and your salad a day! Your body will thank you!
Last week I felt a strong desire to eat something, when I knew I was not actually hungry. I took a moment and tuned into my body. I felt a physical craving in my veins, like a mild internal shaking, and identified my desire to eat as an actual, physical sugar craving. Defining my desire to eat as a sugar craving, gave me a tangible ah-ha moment and a determination to not feed this literal addiction my body has developed.
There have been years in my life that I have spent only putting the best, most whole and wholesome foods into my body. During these times I was not the least bit tempted by unhealthy foods. I mention this to say that I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Sugar is a drug and like any drug there are withdrawal symptoms when you quit. You must make a mental commitment and a plan for when a craving hits. Here are some side effects of this drug that may help deter you when your body says . . . SUGAR!
SUGAR:
-weakens the immune system
-creates extra work for the pancreas
-leaches calcium from the bones (leading to osteoporosis)
-robs the body of B vitamins (essential for your nervous system)
-creates an unhealthy pH which creates an environment for disease to thrive
-creates cravings that lead to higher intake of carbs and calories
-creates general moodiness
Ridding your body of addictions is a beautiful, empowering thing. Make attainable goals, based on your current sugar consumption, to gradually eliminate refined sugar from your diet. If you eat a lot of desserts, cut those out first. Before you reach for food, check in with yourself, see if you are hungry, or if you are responding to a craving. Stock your kitchen with your favorite fruits, maybe some wholesome fruit or carrot juice and drink a lot of water. Remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel and the longer you go, the easier it will become. Your body will thank you.