Tag Archives: weekly update

Follow me!

Posted on by
Reply

I’ve decided to continue writing my blog, utilizing it as a platform to talk about WHATEVER I WANT BWAHA.*

This may include topics like veganism and holistic health (yeah, I still love my animal buddies), my thought-loop of the day/week/life, and fictional short stories that are really totally based on fact.  I’m pretty much saying that it’s going to be a Renaissance kind of blog, which is really just a nice way of saying I’m going to write about a lot of random shit.

*Please consider that I am in my twenties and have accumulated relatively little life experience.  In fact, I have led a great deal of my existence in my head.  That said, my opinions are probably inaccurate and/or irrelevant.  On the other hand, I try to be pretty honest, and I’ve found reality to be solidly entertaining without much embellishment.

Continue at your own risk.  If you’re still reading this, it’s probably a good case of the blind leading the blind.  Yeah.  That’s a picture of me earning an IRL red light ticket.  BUCKLE UP.

Day 92: Oatmeal Love Affair.

Posted on by
2

In the RAW world, there is all sorts of debate when it comes to eating grains (it’s basically a no-no).  I know that I, like many others, have a gluten sensitivity (namely to wheat).  It makes me itchy, red, and just overall icky.  However, I seem to tolerate oats pretty well, with their small amount of gluten.  Being a little (lot) broke has made me be real resourceful, incorporating some of my reserve ingredients with my fruit and veggies.  Last night, I came up with this beauty (which I also enjoyed for breakfast and found to be both satisfying and filling):

Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie

  • 3/4 cup water (or almond milk, if you’re goin’ all out)
  • 1/2 cup – 3/4 cup oats (uncooked)
  • 1 banana
  • 1 pear (or 1 apple)
  • 2 dates (I used medjool)
  • 2 tbsp soaked flaxseed (I used golden, soaked overnight in 2x as much water)
  • cinnamon (I used a lot, maybe 3-4 tbsp)
I blended all of the above in a high-speed blender, then topped with a couple more tablespoons of oats.  OMG YUM.  This is a great breakfast smoothie, and you could add raisins or almonds or agave nectar or whatever you’d add to your usual bowl of oats.  I’m going to try using steel-cut oats in place of rolled old-fashioned next time.  It’s true that oats are not 100% raw, as they are steamed when processed.  However, I am okay with that, considering some of the health benefits derived from them; for instance, high levels of of manganese, selenium, and soluble fiber.  Could I get a lot of fiber from fruit and veggies? Obviously.  I don’t see any problem incorporating small amounts of oats into my diet, though.  I am trying to take a moderate approach to an “extreme” lifestyle… with my oatmeal cookie smoothie, haha.

Day 84: Juice Fasting, Day 9

Posted on by
Reply

For two nights in a row now, I’ve had that recurring dream, the one where I’m onstage and about to give a performance, and realize I’ve never seen the music before.  It usually ends before I can react, beyond the initial recognition that I’m screwed and will have to sight-read.  These dreams, however, continued and resolved.  Hmmm.  In the first, I wasn’t sure which instrument I was supposed to be playing, having only my flute and a partial saxophone (haha).  At first bewildered and trying to figure out wtf was going on, I simply sat down and didn’t even attempt to fake it.  And it was okay.  Last night, I was rehearsing a solo performance with an orchestra, again not knowing what we were practicing, when a mountain lion tore down the hill. Everyone scattered, fleeing, and it killed and ate one of my friends (Brent from high school who played saxophone… sorry dude).  Not me, though; I went over to my old friend Alicia’s house and we had a good time.

Yesterday was a little rough.  Upon drinking my morning jug of water, I felt gnarly nauseous.  The feeling faded, leaving me riding waves of fatigue and energy the rest of the day.  After coming across this blog detailing the various detox stages, however, I regained my composure and rode it out. I also spent a great deal of time reading Gabriel Cousens’ Conscious Eating (before closing the night with yoga and a light read).  People are all over the board with their opinions of Cousens.  I find some of his beliefs intriguing and nearly all the research he cites, compelling.  I absolutely recommend another of his publications, Rainbow Green Live Food Cuisine, to anyone interested in learning more about health, nutrition, live foods, and GMOs.

Because I found this information so helpful, I’d like to pass it along:

The 5 Stages of Detox (Fasting)

Detoxification Program, Stage 1 (Day 1 To Day 2 of a fast)

On the first day of fasting, the blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dl. To restore the blood to the normal glucose level, liver glycogen is converted to glucose and released into the blood. This reserve is enough for half a day. The body then reduces the basal metabolic rate (BMR). The rate of internal chemical activity in resting tissue is lowered to conserve energy. The heart slows and blood pressure is reduced. Glycogen is pulled from the muscle causing some weakness. The first wave of cleansing is usually the worst. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, glazed eyes and a heavily coated tongue are signs of the first stage of cleansing. Hunger can be the most intense in this period unless the enema is used which quickly assists the body into the fasting state by ending digestion in the colon.

Detoxification Program, Stage 2 (Day 3 To Day 7 of a fast)

Fats, composed of transformed fatty acids, are broken down to release glycerol from the glyceride molecules and are converted to glucose. The skin may become oily as rancid oils are purged from the body. People with problem-free skin may have a few days of pimples or even a boil. A pallid complexion is also a sign of waste in the blood. Ketones are formed by the incomplete oxidation of fats. It is suspected that the ketones in the blood suppress the appetite by affecting the food-satiety center in the hypothalamus. You may feel hungry for the first few days of the fast. This effect is temporary. The desire to eat will disappear. Lack of hunger may last 40 to 60 days, depending on whether you are on water or juice. The body embraces the fast and the digestive system is able to take a much-needed rest, focusing all of its energies on cleansing and healing. White blood cell and immune system activity increases. You may feel pain in your lungs. The cleansing organs and the lungs are in the process of being repaired. Periodically, the lymphatic system expels mucoid matter through the nose or throat. The volume excreted of this yellow-colored mucus can be shocking. The sinuses go through periods of being clogged, then will totally clear. The breath is still foul and the tongue coated. Within the intestine, the colon is being repaired and impacted feces on the intestinal wall start to loosen.

Detoxification Program, Stage 3 (Day 16 To Day 30 of a fast)

The body is completely adapted to the fasting process. There is more energy and clarity of mind. Cleansing periods can be short with many days of feeling good in between. There are days when the tongue is pink and the breath is fresh. The healing work of the organs is being completed. After the detoxification mechanisms have removed the causative agent or render it harmless, the body works at maximum capacity in tissue proliferation to replace damaged tissue. While a short fast will reduce the symptoms, a longer fast can completely heal. Homeostatic balance is at optimum levels. The lymphatic system is clean except for a rare discharge of mucus through the nose or throat. After day 20, the mind is affected. Heightened clarity and emotional balance are felt at this time. Memory and concentration improve.

Detox, Stage 5 (Breaking the Fast)

The sticky, toxic, mucoid coating on the intestinal wall is loose, and the first meal frees it from the intestinal wall. Toxins enter the blood through the colon. The gallbladder dumps its waste in a heavy discharge of bile. This can cause an instant bowel movement upon eating followed by intense diarrhea. If the symptoms are too uncomfortable, an enema will help.

Mr. Tom McGregor, author of Eating in Freedom

In order to keep it short(er), I’ll wait to post some more juice combos and photos until tomorrow.  For now, I’m feeling positive, confident, and patient.

Day 77: Juice Fasting, Day 2

Posted on by
1

Although I feel like I dreamt even more last night than usual, I awoke early, feeling rested… and not starving.  No stomach grumbling.  I kicked off the morning with about 48 oz of water.  Around 11am, I took 2 milk thistle/dandelion root capsules, and prepared some spicy lemonade (aka: Master Cleanse), using 1 tbsp each raw coconut nectar and raw agave nectar.  I had a cup of Smooth Move tea (NO saltwater washes for me), and have had probably 3-4 cups of lemonade and 3 cups of dandelion root tea since.

My goal for today is to drink another ~48 oz of water, and probably 5-6 glasses of juice, as well as another cup of Smooth Move before bed.  I picked up some maple syrup, so my plan is to research the benefits of raw agave vs raw coconut nectar vs maple syrup (grade B), and then alternate them.  I’ve even heard of some people using blackstrap molasses, and am going to read about its potential advantages as well.  I like the idea of tapping into different sources for additional minerals.  One thing I like about agave nectar is that it’s a fructose-based (simple) carb.  I like coconut nectar for its texture (super thick), and mildness.  I’ll try the maple syrup maybe tomorrow morning, and look into molasses.  I’m also thinking about brewing up some sort of ginger drank this afternoon.

All in all, I feel a little tired but not at all starving.  My stomach doesn’t feel uncomfortable, empty, or grumbly… although while watering the garden this morning, I saw a big, fat, ripe strawberry flopping over one of the planters and almost popped it in my mouth.  Habit. ;]  I still didn’t feel ready to rip anyone’s eyes out, though, and I have to admit that this is the most comfortable I’ve ever felt on the second day of a fast.  I have to attribute it to having better nutrition going into it, as well as being so much more hydrated.  I see now that I was chasing a fantasy trying to have a hydrated body before by just drinking water, while continuing to smoke and avoiding eating enough fresh fruits and veggies.  The water you get from raw foods (fruits) is so perfect for our bodies.  It seems to hydrate on a much deeper, cellular level than simply slamming several glasses of agua.

Please remember that if you want to embark on a safe fasting journey of your own, to research and get the okay from your doctor beforehand!

Day 67: Weekly Update.

Posted on by
3

It’s nearing midnight and I sigh at the realization I’ve stayed up too late again.  Stress can manifest in subtle ways.

This week has yielded successes with both maintaining my rawsomeness and in deepening a few of my relationships.  I’m getting to experience life on a pretty honest and eager level, which is really lucky.  Raw food or not, my paradigms keep shifting as I am constantly thinking critically.  I feel a much greater appreciation and compassion for all that surrounds me, and also better clarity when it comes to interpreting it.

When I returned to a yoga class last year, I remember thinking that if everyone would just do yoga, the world would be a much more peaceful place.  I could probably say the same for a vegan diet, but maybe it’s not just living cruelty-free.  Maybe it’s me.  I don’t want to act like I know what’s appropriate and right for everyone else; I’m simply exploring concepts which appeal to me, my values, and ethics.  Taking the time to consider and honor my own critical thinking has opened the door to even more critical thinking, and with practice has come more skill and clarity.  It’s really exciting to experience my days this way, feeling secure and peaceful and positive and hopeful.

That’s not to say that everything happening around me has been blissful; on the contrary, I have been surrounded by a lot of stress in the forms of interpersonal conflict, financial impositions, and family concerns.  The difference, however, lies in determining what is within your control (which may be as simple as your perception, in many cases) and dealing with that.  My growth, in this way, has been exponential.

I’ll be drinking green smoothies all week.  School is ending for a couple of weeks, and I’m going to take advantage of the time to rest and rejuvenate.  This afternoon (I usually wait until around noon to take my first meal) I made an outstanding green smoothie, which has become my standby recently:

Healing Protein Green Smoothie

  • 1 cup water (or coconut water, for added electrolyte action)
  • 1 ripe, organic apple (69 cents)
  • 2 ripe bananas (19 cents/ea)
  • 1-4 tbsp hemp protein (I love Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Pro 70 for its smooth and creamy texture, subtle nutty flavor, and easy absorption)
  • as much greens as you’d like (I’ve been adding about 1/3-1/2 lb of mixed organic baby greens) (99 cents)
Hemp protein is a superior protein source for us.  It is a complete plant-based protein (containing all 10 essential amino acids), which aids in recovery, hormonal regulation, lean muscle development and maintenance, and fat metabolism.  In fact, hemp is the plant source closest to our own amino acid profiles.  Hemp also contains our ideal ratio of Omega 3s : Omega 6s (1:2), and is one of the easiest proteins for us to digest.  This may be because it’s raw, and so has retained its enzymes.  Manitoba’s hemp protein might seem a little pricey, but it is well worth the money.  I believe hemp has been seriously maligned, probably due to reefer madness.  Hemp seed, hemp milk, and hemp protein will not get you stoned, but will provide an outstanding and sustainable alternative to soy, whey, and other protein sources which are usually allergens, and are poorly digested. Trader Joe’s and Nutiva both offer affordable hemp powders (chocolate!).

Day 49: Weekly Update.

Posted on by
Reply

Another week down.  The weather is mellow, the animals are happy, the garden is thriving, and life is good in teh Ventura.

This past week saw a distinct preference for dates.  Because I usually buy them at the Wednesday farmer’s market and the ones I last bought are long gone, I’ve been picking up medjools at Trader Joe’s for a reasonable price, around $3.50 for a pound of decent quality.  I can easily put that amount away in one sitting, and I consider that to be an acceptable amount to spend on a meal.  Being on a budget, I tried to purchase the most bang for my buck during today’s shopping trip, which led me to purchase 3 lbs of medjool dates, 6 cantaloupes (@ $1.99/ea), and 2 lbs of organic sugar tomatoes (@ $2.99/ea).  The garden should begin bearing tomatoes this month, and so it was sort of a luxury to pay for any today, but I was craving them, and that’s an urge I feel okay indulging.  I held off on pineapple, because the melons are really hitting the spot.  I feel silly (but awesome) saying this, but I need to hit up the 99 Cent Store tomorrow to see if I can get ahold of a few more of those canary melons.

I have also been better about eating a few really good-sized meals each day, as opposed to constantly grazing, which, while okay in cooked theory, isn’t the greatest idea with raw foods.  Not for me.  It’s much better for my digestion to drink some water, wait 10 minutes, then eat something substantial, then wait a couple of hours before repeating.  I’ve also been better about not eating too many overts (brazil nuts, almonds, pepitas, or sunflower seeds) every day.  I feel much better when my fat intake is on the more conservative end. Overeating them makes me feel immediately overheated, disrupts my sleep, and makes me feel sluggish the following day.

My ankle is also better!  Just slightly swollen… so tomorrow am will see my first jog in a week and a half!  I’m actually really excited about it.  I need to be asleep before 10pm tonight, though; I’ve been staying up too late and have been feeling sleepy around 3pm during the week.

This week’s goal: Create and maintain a mealplan.

 

Day 43: Weekly Update.

Posted on by
7

Another week down!  Cooked food is becoming more and more of a foreign concept.  It’s almost odd to see others preparing and eating it (not that the idea of cheese pizza doesn’t make my mouth water).  I’ve been very lucky to have the support of my friends and family as I continue this raw journey: thank you so much, I love you!

I thought I’d give you a rundown of a few of my current favorite fruits:

  • Cantaloupe: I had always kind of considered cantaloupe to be shitty hotel buffet leftovers, but I’ve discovered a real appreciation for it!  The color, texture, and musky flavor have really grown on me, and a big melon has become my breakfast of choice. I just cut it in half and go at it with a spoon.  +10 pts for convenience!  Cantaloupe is an excellent source of both Vitamin C & A, as well as potassium and beta-carotene (among other vitamins). The antioxidant content is highest in fully-ripened fruit, so wait a day or two if you can before cracking into one!
  • Pineapple: Whenever I ate pineapple before, I’d get canned.  However, there’s just something so exotic about eating a freshly sliced fruit!  I’ve learned that you can and will get battery mouth if you eat these babies too soon, so use care when choosing them, picking one that’s golden and fragrant as opposed to green.  I’ve been loving pineapple in the first half of the day.  Lately my meals have been mono (one variety at a time), but I love the taste of pineapple with banana, kiwi, or mango.  Because pineapple is an acid fruit, it’s best to eat it with other acid fruits as opposed to sweet ones (for optimum digestion).  Due to its bromelain content, pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties (good for my sprained ankle!).  It’s also a super source of the trace mineral Manganese and Vitamin C.
  • Mango: Mangoes are messy, and take a bit of work to get at, but are so delicious once you do.  I’ve been enjoying them as a mono meal, usually around lunchtime.  I find that the high water content can be too much before bed, but if I can stick to one or two, that’s okay.  It’s generally preferable to eat fruit with a higher water content earlier in the day.  As a meal, I will eat up to eight, but five is more my norm. Mangoes are an excellent source of antioxidants like Vitamin A and flavonoids like alpha- and beta-carotene.  I’ve been planning on using mango slices as a mix-in for banana ice cream… pics to come.
  • Bananas: I have expounded at length upon my fondness for bananas; you can read more here and here.  Bananas are my ultimate fruit.  I use them as a base for my green smoothies, and they make amazing ice cream when frozen.  In fact, with the summer heat, banana & date or banana & spinach ice cream has been a common snack and even MEAL these days.  The portability, convenience, and versatility of the banana is unrivaled. Bananas are an outstanding source of potassium, and their tryptophan will calm you TF down.  As a beta-blocker, they’ll help lower a rapid heart rate (mine went from 96 bpm to 53 bpm), ease palpitations, and lower high blood pressure.  I think I’m in love.

I’ve also been a big fan of dates, kiwis, white peaches, tomatoes (cherry, grape, roma), and crookneck squash.  My favorite green remains baby spinach for its creamy texture, but I am also surprisingly loving sprout salads.  Collards are a big part of my green smoothies, as is red leaf lettuce and romaine.

Gah, all this fruit talk has me craving some banana ice cream…

Day 28: Weekly Update.

Posted on by
2

Four weeks of eating 100% raw vegan!  I feel really, really good.  I am less stressed, more clear-headed, and conscious.  Aware.  For all of you who read about my past struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, I am proud (and relieved, really) to report that I have not experienced one episode of panic in about six weeks.  As I mentioned, I take no OTCs or pharmaceuticals.  My conversations, emotions, and relationships are continuing to feel more and more honest and forthcoming.  There really is something to this raw food diet.

I’m super stoked to have begun a summer class this morning; if I push real hard and stay motivated, I will probably be able to finish this degree in Holistic Health in December.  It’s funny how this raw journey seems to be one of the little flames lighting my current life path. I’m beginning to appreciate the formerly irritating adages about positive things coming your way when you frame your world positively: Your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, and your habits become your destiny. 

So what else have I learned so far?:

  1. Fruit is your friend.  Carbs are not the enemy.  Our body and mind thrive off the simple sugars found in fruit.  And no, it won’t make you fat.
  2. Don’t mix a million different foods together at once.  This means you, dates.  …+ almonds + bananas + a green smoothie.  + mangoes.  (= one big stomachache)
  3. Your (in)digestion will adjust within a couple of weeks if you stick with eating 100% raw and you combine your foods thoughtfully.  Maybe more, depending on your previous diet, but it will regulate itself quicker than you expect.
  4. You don’t really have to drink water during the day if you’re eating a sufficient amount of fruit.  Trust me; I chug about 48 oz of agua upon rising, but am visiting the little girls’ room very regularly all day as a result of large fruit intake.  (This is a healthy thing, people- peeing clear at least 10x/day).
  5. Regular exposure to the sun is really important.  I am a former sunaphobe.  Seriously. I could have been a member of the Twilight Interview with the Vampire cast (let’s get this straight- my adolescence took place in the 90′s, when vampires pulverized in the sunlight.  We would have never bought into this sparkling nonsense.).  However, I’m continuing to crave my daily dose of sunrays (30 minutes/day, June gloom permitting) and am finding it to make me feel happier, and really, just better overall.  And the tan is not looking too shabby either.
  6. Sufficient SLEEP is also of upmost importance.  I try to be in bed by 10pm (our bodies do the majority of restoration between 10pm-2am) and/or I try to get between 8-12 hours of sleep.  I know this might sound ridiculous to the Red Bull crowd, but seriously, my adrenals need an effing break already.  Sometimes you have to choose between watching the newest episode of… Entourage(?) or catching some zzz‘s.  I don’t even have cable so I don’t know what I’m missing.  Thanks Netflix!
  7. EAT IN A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT.  This goes along with eating consciously.  If I’m watching Parks & Recreation or reading while eating, I don’t process the food as well.  I’m missing out on all the sensory pleasure of giving my meal my full attention, and I don’t chew well enough.  If I eat in a negative environment, i.e. around someone who is unhappy, stressed, miserable, complaining, I don’t feel well.  I rush, or, worse, begin channeling that negativity.  It’s like you assimilate your environment with your meal.  Eating should be a joyful, nourishing experience, and I think that requires eating nourishing foods with joy.  This is one of the most crucial components of my diet, actually.
The garden is looking really great!  Looks like the tomatoes will ripen this month.  I’ll take pics.  I’m looking forward to even more positive changes over the next few weeks!  Thanks to you friends who have taken an interest in what I am doing and writing. It’s really sweet of you guys to be showing your support, and I really appreciate it :]

Day 21: Weekly Update.

Posted on by
2

Three weeks: I’ve survived a restaurant, movie night with a friend, and a visit with another friend over coffee and pastries- thank god for the convenience of carrying fruits in a tote!

When I was a smoker, I’d wake up with gnarly morning breath, no matter how many flossings, brushings, or Listerine rinses I’d do before bed.  I honestly just kind of learned to live with it.  Obviously, after quitting, I wouldn’t wake up feeling like I’d just licked an ashtray, but I still had that common morning breath.  Well… I DON’T ANYMORE.  Only my cat can say for sure, but I wake up now with a neutral mouth.  Even before brushing my teeth in the evening, my mouth tastes sweet.  This is most unexpected, but pretty neat.  I have also noticed that my underarms don’t ever smell like B.O..  I know that’s kind of TMI gross, but come on.  Everyone smells a little gamey sometimes.  I don’t anymore though!!  Not after sleeping, not after exercising, not at the end of the day.  That’s not to be confused with not perspiring; I do perspire, but it’s scentless.  After a long powerwalk, my shirt might be damp, but it smells neutral.  This is pleasant for me (and those around me, I’m sure).  For the record, I use Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free toothpaste and  Crystal deodorant (I like the original stick and the pomegranate roll-on).  I tried Tom’s of Maine lavender deodorant, and while I loved the scent, it actually made my underarms feel wet :[ and I'd end up being sweaty and smelly even if I wasn't doing anything!  I brush my teeth twice daily with my Dr. Tung's ionic toothbrush, and scrape my tongue with my Dr. Tung's tongue cleaner (both outstanding).   I should floss more often.  I apply my Crystal deodorant after showering.  So usually just once per day.

Remember the banana ice cream?  My friends have been experimenting, and one came up with the BRILLIANT idea of blending baby spinach with his frozen bananas, yielding creamy spinach ice cream!  Yes, sounds scary, and is definitely green, but if you've made a banana/spinach green smoothie, you know that the flavor is both mild and delicious:

He froze 2 ripe bananas overnight, then put them into a food processor with about 2 cups of spinach.

It looks a little chunky as you blend, but persevere, because soon...

You will end up with a frozen dessert which is not only HEALTHY...

...but also DELICIOUS!  You CAN have it all!

I have been getting really good feedback on the green smoothies!  Everyone who is trying them loves them.  My friend Erin just wrote to me:

I have been seeing all the smoothies you have been drinking and decided to put spinach and avocado into my own smoothie today...tastes awesome!

My cousin has been blending and experimenting with his banana ice cream.  He tried it with sunflower seed butter, YUM.  All this typing about it is making me hungry.  Lastly, I gave my mom a taste of my OG banana ice cream, and she told me it was too sweet for her (she doesn't have a sweet tooth, she has a "savory" tooth)- all it was, you'll remember, was blended, ripe, frozen bananas.  They were so sweet that she thought I had added a sweetener!  I hope this will inspire you to experiment with your own fruit :]

I’m going to reduce my intake of milk thistle to a total of four capsules, so two in the AM and two in the PM.  I feel like it’s working, and I’ll probably take that amount for two weeks.  I hope you have a wonderful beginning to your week!  If you make your own ice cream or smoothies, please post pics in the comment section… would love to see what you come up with.

Day 14: Weekly Update.

Posted on by
Reply

Two weeks down.  I am proud to say that I am thriving and healing on my 100% raw food journey.

I want to make very clear that I am eating A LOT.  On average, 2500 kcal-3000 kcal/day.  I have not lost any weight; that has not been a goal of mine.  However, I do believe that I have lost fat and gained muscle.  As stated before, I use Nutridiary to track my daily intake in order to ensure healthy living.  If you choose to embark on a new diet regimen, it is very important for you to calculate your daily caloric needs on Nutridiary… and fulfill your body’s requirements.  I will be writing this week about the consequences of under-eating, specifically its effect on your brain.

On Friday evening, I began taking milk thistle capsules (four per day), sort of working off the Gerson Method (Charlotte Gerson believes that a detox must occur for healthy nutrients to absorb properly, “you can’t fit two things in one space, toxins and nutrients!”).  I always begin my morning with 48+ ounces of water, adding lemon juice, drinking more during the day.  I have placed a conscious effort on drinking at least twice that each day.  Using water, mono fruit meals (mostly banana), milk thistle, and daily exercise, I am detoxing my system.  I plan on taking this amount or more of milk thistle each day for the coming week.  My reason for this is to address and maximize nutrient absorption.  I didn’t sleep so well last night, actually, due to the detox process.  I woke up in the middle of the night sooo warm; I almost felt feverish.  I am grateful for it, though, because I think my body is cooking the bad stuff out.  I had taken antibiotics recently, for a few months, to address hormonal acne.  As I mentioned before, I have discontinued all pharmaceuticals and OTC drugs, including the birth control pill.  …so there are medicinal residues as well as other toxins my liver needs to flush.  Yay milk thistle!  Although I didn’t sleep well and felt a little achy initially when I got up this morning, I still went for a walk and didn’t feel fatigued during the rest of the day.

As I mentioned, I am going to be making banana “ice cream” this week; in fact, I have frozen the bananas in preparation:

I’ll be posting my recipe and photos of my process :]

Like last week, my mom’s cooking has been a real pain.  It smells delicious.  I have been telling myself to get off on the smell, and have avoided even a taste using this method.  Also, having a whole lot of raw food options on hand has helped immensely (I’ve been loving bananas, mangos, brazil nuts, almonds, pepitas, and dates).  As she is an amazing cook, I think I’ve convinced her to do some raw vegan un-cooking sometime in the near future.  BADASS.  Pics and recipes to follow.

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend… anyone out there?