Cleanse Day 8

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Friday morning, day 8, the last day....I'm amazed I made it, AND I'm amazed at how good I feel when fasting (now, not earlier!). David's pants are falling down from his weight loss....we better get home!

This fast is a deprivation of calories, but really loaded with other nutrients. I'm getting so many nutrients from the green powders and drinks that my body craves. My cells are hydrated...finally getting the water they crave. My digestive system has had a wonderful break from solid food, allowing energy to be used to detoxify, instead of work at digestion. As fat and other materialis broken down from calorie deprivation, toxins are released, and my 5 organs of elimination are available to get rid of it.

We have our last colonic. They tell us it takes about 30 days of colonics to fully clear the colon of old matter and "sludge". At that point, if you get a colonoscopy, your colon will be pink, instead of encrusted in thick layers of material that's been there for years and years. Toxins love this stuff and live in there. People have pounds of old fecal material (wonder why your belly pooches out???) that never leaves. They've found it on autopsy. One man had 50 pounds in there! More common is 15-20 pounds.

What we do for 8 days here is beneficial, but continuing at home is even more beneficial. I feel I put in a lot of effort this week, I don't want to throw it away by returning to bad habits at home. All we've learned is a bit overwhelming. I've decided to choose certain things I'll do. Dry brushing my skin, fiber drink, green juice, drink WAY more water, one liquid meal/day (and 2 solid), liver cleanse once/month, many many more vegetable into my diet. I'm going to try to make kefir with coconut milk, I'll make my own nut milks, and I'm considering getting the alkalizing water machine. 

Here's are 2 soups we've been having here:

Yam Puree Soup

2 yams
32-64 oz vegetable broth or water

Boil yams til tender. Put yams and cooking water in vitamix, blender or food processor and run til smooth. Add salt, cayenne pepper, olive oil....watever you like.

Zucchini Soup

3 zuchinnis chopped
1/4 onion chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
1/2 bunch spinach
water or vegetable broth

Cover and simmer on low heat 10-12 minutes. Cool slightly. Puree in blender. Add salt, cayenne, olive oil.

============================

We stayed at We Care Spa through 4pm soup then Francesco took us by cab to the Swiss Health Resort. Carl and Ingrid run this place. They have 3 hot spring pools here, each diffrent temperatures. Francesco will take us to the the airport in a few hours. At this point, I'm glad to get home!

Cleanse Day 7

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

My energy and ability to focus is high. Just in time to deal with the deluge of things happening back at home and in the studio. David's got a lot with his business as well.....so between the water drinking, colonics, treatments, classes, saunas, and sunning at the pool is the phone and computer put to heavy use back in our room. I watch my tension rise as I receive these troubles at home and realize I need to ride those bumps more smoothly.

In about 5 minutes David and I have a couples appointment with a Psych-K practitioner (psychological kinesiology). She'll help us change some of our limiting belief systems....

Hours later.....our 1 hour apointment turned into two. I guess we really needed work! This method works with the subconscious belief system, which runs our behavior. Kinesiology (muscle testing) is an accurate detector of our subconscious truths and the causes of stress in our bodies. It was a long process and I felt lighter and less stress after, and closer to David. It will be good for our relationship.

Earlier today we learned how to transition to solid food. Three days of veggies/fruits only, then slowly adding in beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains and finally meat. They don't encourage meat eating here...however, they don't seem to distinguish grass fed from feed lot corn fed..two completely different foods. I'm going to continue eating our meat from Anderson Farms. I'm so glad we have the opportunity to get grass fed beef and free range, organic chicken and turkey from a local farm.

I had another System Recovery treatment tonight (90 minutes of heat, infrared, and castor oil). It was extremely relaxing this time and when I left the treatment room, it was dark outside....a warm breeze, people visiting by the pool...absolutely heavenly.

Tonight's our last night here. I'm already feeling sad about leaving. The fasting has grown on me. One more day of fasting tomorrow, than back to Minneapolis. I'm looking forward to teaching Nia on Sunday....I miss Nia and I miss all my class participants. It's a very special class for me. In some way I know I will be different on Sunday. From my Nia Black Belt....the River of the Unknown......

Cleanse Day 6

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Sleeping last night was a challenge. I felt distractingly hungry and had thoughts racing through my head. At 2 am David got up to do some energy work on me. He felt energy pulsing, almost out of control, ....like a hose hicupping and spirting water instead of running freely and smooth. He calmed it all down and I slept like a baby the rest of the night.

I'm wondering if it's my adrenals kicking in. I've felt so deeply tired the last few years that maybe this is what it feels like to have those organs start to work properly. That deep tiredness that's so familier to me is gone....and it's not because I've been sleeping a ton here....I'm sleeping less.

My weight is down 4 pounds and David 10. We're not here specifically for weight loss but it's interesting to keep track. My belly feels empty and flat, and I like that! I'm feeling like I'm losing muscle. No vigorous exercise for me this week.

Chris taught us about alkalinity last night. Most of us are acid. Cancer and chronic disease thrive in acid environments. Here we drink water at a pH of 9.5...alkaline water. This particular water has a high antioxidant potential...so helps with the detox. David's been having some serious detox reactions and drinking loads of this water helps eliminate the toxins.

Chris tested about 10 different drinks...mostly waters. The soda (7 Up) and carbonated water were by far the worst in terms of pH and antioxidant potential. They are highly oxidizing. Vitamin Water, Propel, Smart Water and plain bottled waters were all acidic and also oxidizing to various degrees......but none of them good!

Here's our drink routine at We Care:

Get up, take enzymes with kidney/liver tea

glass of aloe vera juice

barley green drink

Lots of alkaline lemon/mint water throughout day and night

Detox drink (fiber, olive oil, minerals,2 oz apple juice, water) followed by another glass of water

Afternoon: aloe vera juice

glass of green juice

another detox drink w/enzymes

evening: 1 cup pureed vegetable soup (the best part of my day!)

glass of aloe vera juice

blood purifier tea

Here's a video of We Care Spa so you can see the area. You'll see the kitchen area...that's where we get all our drinks and hang out talking.

Cleanse Day 5

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

I finally had my first good colonic. It might sound funny to you...this topic. But here it's often the topic of conversation around the kitchen table. Everyone gets a daily colonic and people like to talk about it. It's very frustrating to go through the trouble of a colonic and nothing comes out. When it finally releases, it's a relief! Much of this material has been in there for many years. Old material looks very different from new. Getting rid of that old stuff helps the colon work better and it returns to its natural pink color and healthy state.

It's up and down here. One minute you feel great, the next not. We're instructed to take it very easy and rest when we don't feel energized. If energized, we're to get our lymph moving with the rebounder, the slant board, the Vibra Trim (it shakes and vibrates you), or take a walk.

David experienced a huge migraine headache yesterday...to the point of shaking and sweating and nausea. Luckily they have this activated air machine so he got ozone, which helped immensely. They tell us this is all part of the detox process. We'll see how he feels today. I'm feeling great, very energetic and my talking is back......I was talking so much last night...David said "I love to hear what you have to say, but I have to go to sleep". I still feel hungry....but it's ok..not bothersome.

We had 2 talks from Susana yesterday. Susana started We Care Spa about 25 years ago. She's from Argentina. We learned how health begins and ends with digestion. It's the first place to start working if you have health problems. It's one thing to put good food into your mouth. It's another to have your body digest and absorb that food. For most of us, this is not happening.

Enzymes are necessary for digestion, and that starts in your head. If you eat under stressful situations (like driving the car), your body will not secrete enzymes. So, relax, be thankful for your food, chew it well, and you'll have a better chance of actually using that food because you can absorb it.

Enzymes are found in all plants, nuts, seeds. Heat destroys the enzymes. Susana suggested that if we could only do ONE THING when we get home, we should take in one glass of vegetable juice a day....for the enzymes (and other benefits too). Vegetable juice we make ourselves, out of a variety of greens, maybe a bit of carrot, beet, etc. This is something I plan to do.

Susana also talked about the 5 organs of elimination: lungs, colon, kidneys, skin and lymph. Breathe deeply to help detoxify (lungs). You'll immediately feel more energy. Take 10 deep breaths.....how do you feel? Drink lots of water to flush through the kidneys. Get your colon going. You should poop once for every meal. If you eat 3 times a day, that's 3 poops. Brush your skin once a day to remove the dead stuff so the toxins can get out. Sweat every day to release toxins. For lymph, move your body....a lot! These practices help you release the toxins and take the load off your liver.

You might think...."my body is made perfectly, why should I have to go to these measures when my body is made to take care of itself?"

That's true....your body should be able to keep itself cleansed. However, the world is now filled with toxins we cannot escape, and our bodies cannot keep up with it.....so we get sick. And not only sick with a cold or flu, but chronic disease and cancer.

If you want to be healthy, you'll have to go out of your way to make it happen.

Cleanse Day 4

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Day 4....half way through. I'm actually able and wanting to talk more now and I told David last night that when Friday comes I will feel so incredibly proud to finish this program...and I do see the end in sight! At this point I would consider doing this again.

My body felt almost normal in the morning yoga/Pilates class yesterday...I didn't feel light headed every time I stood up, it didn't feel effortful just to sit and my muscles welcomed the work. My afternoon was filled with lazy tv watching (once I could figure out how to use 3 remote controls). I laid around through the afternoon. It was Sunday, no special classes that day, not like today...a day full of classes...back in the saddle!

As it's day four I'm seeing the real possibility of actually finishing this fast successfully. Before arrival I had a lot of doubts....."what if I'll need to get a cab to get something to eat?" I've heard people have done that with horrifying consequences....such as beer and pizza and ending up in the hospital. Not me. I'm going to stick it out. And actually, I feel good and don't feel the need to eat other food. My hunger still comes and goes, but my energy is so much better and my mind is clearer.

I have to tell you...last night I had a tai massage....SO amazing. Therapist Martha pulled, pushed, kneeded and twisted me in every direction possible for 90 minutes. It felt like a combination of stretching, massage and rolfing. It seems to work on connective tissue release. After, my body felt looser, much more space in my joints, especially my neck, shoulders and hips. I signed up for more of those and when I return home, I'm going to look up a good tai massage therapist and continue this work.

Soup last night was yellow squash. We've had zucchini and yam previous nights. These are cooked, one vegetable soups. The one vegetable is lightly cooked, mixed with water or broth, and pureed...a bit of salt added. On my first spoonful of that soup, my body says "thank you!" The nourishment goes right to the core. Instantly satisfying. I'll continue the soup at home. Actually, I had a fantasy of having a pot of this soup available in our new kitchen space at the studio.

Speaking of the new kitchen/nutrition space, that new division of the studio is a big reason I'm here....to learn more and to come home with more we can do to help our clients. I'm here to experience it personally so I know first hand. The new space  is intended to add the nutrition/food aspect of becoming a healthier, more alive person.

I see I'm already thinking of home....of the work I love so much. It's a good sign.

Jeanne's Juice Fast Experience

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

I've wanted to do a daily blog entry but really, this is the first time since being here I could muster the energy and focus to get on my computer. I'm at We Care Spa in Palm Springs. It's 5:10am and the sky is filled with stars, I'm sipping my liver/kidney tea, the air is calm and I'm feeling energized and clear. David and I are here going through the experience together (he's sleeping right now!).

Since we were instructed to do a pre-fast of only fruits and veggies for 4 days before arriving, I felt light headed, tired, and not interested in coversation by the time wearrived on Friday. Everything felt effortful, including sitting up.

Upon arrival Friday morning we had an orientation to learn how to make and when to take the detox drinks and juices. My head was spinning. It all seemed so complicated. We walked the grounds to see the infrared sauna, labyrinth, floating beds, gravity area and more. Even this short walk was an effort for me. We had an opening circle that evening where we met each other and learned the experience here covers mind/body and spirit, and that as we detox, as our bodies let go, changes will happen in our minds and spirits as well.

Many in the group wanted to find clarity in their lives...some felt like they've lost themselves and wanted to get in touch again. For me, I'm looking for a clearer mind and more energy. I love my life, my husband, my girls, I love my work. It's all there...I just don't have the energy to live it to the fullest. 

With the fasting, the first thing I noticed in myself was what a hold food has on me. I really rely on it to make me feel the way I want/need to feel. Without food to take me there, it feels blank, void, but also open. It's odd going on a trip with David and not eating together....kind of disappointing...like something is missing.We've been quiet together, not a lot of talking (and we normally talk A LOT).

Last night we both had our first treatment. David did a Korean Body Splash and I did a Sysyem Recovery treatment. David's was a whole body scrub with warm scented water pored over. It was a VIGOROUS scrub and his back was burning when they put the aloe on. It was too vigorous for him. The point was to clear the skin so the toxins can leave easier.

My teatment was meant to help restore the organs and nervous system. I got castor oil rubbed all over me (castor oil holds in the heat and pulls toxins), then layed down on a hot infrared panel with hot castor oil packs on my back and belly, then got all wrapped up. It was uncomfortably hot, meant to make me sweat. I'm a bit claustrophobic and I don't like being hot so it was very intense for me....took lots of slow breathing and concentration to not freak out. When it was all over and the castor oil and sweat was showered off, I felt GREAT. The best I've felt since this all started! I felt clear, clean, calm, and my focus came back.

We've been going to classes on digestion, yoga, Pilates, meditation, hypnosis and NLP, cooking classes to learn to make green drinks/soups, etc. Between going to classes, getting treatments and taking these many many drinks, we stay quite busy. 

The point of the spa is to improve health through detoxification. We take in many, many drinks through the day including detox teas, green drinks, detox fiber drinks, aloe vera juice and lemon/mint water. The highlight of my day is when we get a glass of carrot/green juice and every evening the wonderful vegetable puree soup. The first night it was zucchini and last night yam.....simply heavenly...but only one cup!

We take timed supplements of probiotics, enzymes and more green powder. Taking all this liqiuid is a full time job. David does better than I do staying on top of it all. Everyone at the spa gets a daily colonic to keep clearing the body.

There are only about 25 guests here at a time. It's quite intimate. People are here from all over the world. We make our drinks in the kitchen/common area... giving us a chance to spend time together...getting into quite lively conversations.

Everyone here says they don't feel hungry. I do. I'm not craving chocolate cake or anything like that. I'd just LOVE another cup of that wonderful soup......or my protein shake. I'm waiting for the hunger to go away for me...maybe today?

Recipe for Fitness Success: Broccoli Soup

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Try this recipe to pack a veggie punch into your diet. A good diet gets you better results with your exercise. Veggies help you detox and load you up with minerals and phytonutrients you need for good health. Go for organic if you can. Make a bigger batch and eat throughout the week. It tastes creamy and rich.....but no cream!

"Cream" of Broccoli Soup (dairy and gluten free) 

Saute:
1 onion chopped
1 clove garlic
2 stalks celery

Add:
3 cups water or broth
2 stalks/heads broccoli cut up
1 potato cut up small
Salt/pepper

Simmer til potato done (don't overcook broccoli)

Puree in blender

More salt/pepper if needed
Can add cooking wine if you like (cook a bit longer if you do this)

Anna's Tips: Healthy Meals for a Busy Life

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

I’ve spoken with many of you at the studio about our busy personal schedules and how important it is to make time to exercise. We have work, family, home upkeep, social commitments, and a whole slew of other things to attend to on any given day. We have managed to work fitness into our regular routines, but how do we manage to find healthy food options in this jam-packed schedule? Here are a few tips I find helpful:

1. Each weekend, plan your dinner menu for the coming week. Sit down with your calendar and decide which evenings you (or someone else in the house) will have time to cook and which days will be best to eat left-overs or quicker healthy meals. Set out the recipes you will need and start to write out your grocery list.

2. Decide on your lunches for the week. I like to choose a healthy salad – some combination of fresh veggies and a hearty whole grain that will keep for the week (Try Cooking Light Magazine for some great ideas). Again, set aside the recipe and add these items to your grocery list.

3. Also on the weekend, plan your snacks for the hectic week. Things like string cheese, yogurt, nuts, hummus and veggies, rice cakes, etc. Add these to the list!

4. Go grocery shopping and STICK TO YOUR LIST!

5. After your grocery shopping trip, spend time preparing your week’s lunch. Make a large batch of your salad (or whatever you’ve chosen for your lunches) and separate it into individual containers. Cut up veggies and fruit, divide nuts and other snacks, and put each into an “easy-to-grab” bag or container. No excuses this week! If you’re hungry, you’ll have a variety of easy snacks to choose from.

6. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth (like me) buy individually wrapped dark chocolate and eat only 1 or 2 pieces after dinner for that craving you just can’t kick. Another idea: Drink a sweet/spicy tea – I like Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice.

This may seem like a lot of work all at once, but I think you’ll realize throughout the week how much time you save in the long run. No more scrambling to figure out what’s for lunch or dinner. No more last minute trips to the grocery store when the family is hungry (and let’s admit, crabby). No more reaching for the phone to order unhealthy take-out or quick trips through the drive-through because “there’s nothing to eat”! Not only is this a time saver, you will find you are eating much healthier and feeling better.

Anna's 10 Tips for Exercise Success

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Maximize your investment

The most expensive studio/gym/health club is the one you're paying for and not using. Anna points out specific things you can do to get more from your classes.

1. Most importantly....go to class! Plan in advance by scheduling your classes ahead of time. Keep it a priority or it won't happen. Consistent exercise is not convenient for anyone. Plan to leave work early or on time, say no to friends who want you to do something else, get to bed on time so you can get up refreshed, and don't let the winter cold and darkness demotivate you. Get a warm coat and get out there!  
2. Arrive to class 10 minutes early. This is the most important step because it will allow you to successfully complete the following steps. Arriving late to class is not only disruptive to your classmates and instructor, but now you are not prepared mentally and physically for your workout.
3. Set up properly. Set up includes not only getting equipment/mats/weights, etc for yourself, but also looking around and making sure you've helped optimize the space for others. Be ready to move a bit if it will help your neighbor and others fit in. Latecomers will have a hard time getting set up properly without disrupting the class. Equipment may be gone or you may not be able to find a suitable space for yourself without asking others to move once the class has already started. 
4. Take time before class to decompress. Once you have arrived at the studio, signed in and set up your equipment, take a moment to center yourself. Leave your daily stresses at the door and get mentally ready for your workout. Take the opportunity to visit with others and make a new friend. People who have friends in class come to class more often and get more satisfaction from their experience. 
5. Warm up. For some, a warm up may seem like a skippable part of class. NOT TRUE!  Jumping into a workout mid-stream sets you up for injury and can bring your path to fitness to a screeching halt. 
6. 100% focus on your body and your workout. Resist the desire to think about your to-do list or what your sister said at lunch today. Pay attention to your body at all times to enhance your results and avoid injury when you move with purpose and precision, and at the right intensity for YOU.
7. Ask your instructor. Understand why you're doing what you're doing in class, and how to do it correctly for you. If you're not sure, ask your instructor after class. Make it a mind/body experience every time, by thinking about what you're doing. You'll get more out of your class. 
8. Challenge yourself. Do you easily coast through your workouts and wonder why your body is not changing? Assuming no injuries, push your limits in class! When you walk through the studio doors, be 100% IN THE STUDIO...all distractions left behind. Put 100% of your focus into your body and the action of the class. A manageable way to increase your exercise intensity is to do it a little at a time. For instance, In BODYPUMP, choose one track to add weight (not every track!). In Bars, go one inch lower in your first set of thigh work. In BODYSTEP, add a set of risers for the first track. In Yoga, try one full plank before dropping to your knees.  
9. Stay for the Cool Down/Stretch. The stretch at the end of the class completes your workout. Use this valuable time to stretch and lengthen your muscles, release tension in your joints, and take time to reflect on the workout. Notice if you feel better or worse after this class. Do you feel more clarity of mind or more foggy-headed? Does your body feel satisfied or overly worn out? Use this time not only to stretch and release your body but to assess how you spent your workout and decide what approach you’ll take next time. A large part of exercise is mental.
10. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep time is when your body recovers and repairs itself from the wear and tear of exercise. Adequate sleep will prepare you for your next workout. Your muscles will be ready and your mind will be sharp.

Dear Lucy...answers to your exercise and weight loss questions

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Dear Lucy, Weight loss is my main goal. Can you recommend a specific daily menu for me? 

Keep track of your food and exercise on your logs and turn them in each week. We can help you troubleshoot once we see what you're doing with your diet and exercise. Be sure to turn in the entire folder including your pink sheet with you goal and "before" stats. Very important: if you're looking to get results, your health and fitness goals must be your #1 or #2 priority. If not, it won't happen.