21 days and done!

It was an interesting journey, to say the least. The last three weeks really tested me in ways that I had not planned. But I am glad to say that I made it through unscathed and I didn't cheat once!

I missed my coffee in the morning, my late night sweet and the occasional glass of wine with dinner.
There was also Thanksgiving Day (2 separate meals with 2 families), a trip to Apple Hill and a Cioppino feed at my Italian social club but I somehow managed to stick to my guns.

All in all, it was perhaps one of the best things that I have ever done for myself. My energy levels have been amazing, my digestion has dramatically improved, I have been sleeping a lot more soundly, and my sugar cravings have almost disappeared (for now).

Most people will want to do this program for the weight loss. I can tell you that I did not want to lose any weight so I did a lot of strength training to offset that possibility. After weighing myself last night, I realized that I lost about 6 or 7 pounds. What I'm trying to say is that without even attempting to and even trying to get the opposite result, I still lost weight! Imagine doing this program and performing cardiovascular exercise at the same time? Anyone could lose weight on this program without really trying.

If you or anybody you know is interested in losing weight, restoring energy levels, eliminating fatigue or just wanting to feel better, please contact our office at once. This is a simple, fast and inexpensive way to achieve the results you may be looking for.

Day 16 and seeing the end of the tunnel

I have completed week 2 of my detoxification program and headed towards the home stretch. During this almost 2 and a half week stretch, I have discovered what my weaknesses are when it comes to food and drink. I was sure that coffee would be number one on the list and although I have missed that early morning taste, I would have to say that sugar has been the toughest one to kick.

I would assume that I am in the same boat with a lot of people on this one because sugars are in so much of our food and drinks today. When I say sugars, I not only refer to that late night sweet tooth but breads, crackers and the many other foods we consume with hidden sugars.

Overall, I honestly cannot remember the last time I felt this good. My physical energy is over the top and my mental clarity and calmness have been surprising side benefits.

Weight loss? Like I mentioned in a previous blog, I am not doing this to lose weight and have not checked my weight since I began the program. I have been consistently working out (mainly strength training) to avoid losing any weight.

I do have one obstacle to deal with in the next 5 days: Thanksgiving. Yes, the day where we stuff ourselves into oblivion on foods we normally never eat. I will be at a big family function with tons of food and it will certainly be a major test for me. But I do feel confident that I can abstain from any bad behavior and reach my 21 day goal.

Week one is done!

Just like most cleanses, I figured that if I could get through the first week then the rest would be clear sailing. So far, that has proved true.

The first week was one to forget about. Dealing with headaches, nausea, fatigue and body aches are not my idea of fun.

But here I am in Day 8, and I can't remember the last time I have had so much energy. I feel well rested and thinking as clear as I ever have before(except for that small island I just purchased online with my retirement money).

I honestly feel physically, mentally and emotionally enhanced in so many ways. The shakes are easier to consume and I am not hungry at all on this program.

I do look forward to Day 11 when I can start consuming some lean meats. The veggies are great and all but I do feel like I am missing some substance in my diet. But overall, I can see where this is going and it is in a positive direction.

One last thing--one of the effects of this program is weight loss. I do not really have a need for that right now and have not weighed myself yet. But I am countering it by doing some strength training a few times a week.
Obviously, weight loss might be the primary reason for most in doing this program and that's fine, too.

The benefits to my 21 day journey are huge and I invite you to at least explore cleansing as an alternative to the drugs, toxins and other poisons that have infiltrated our livelihoods.

Day 4--Man, was I proved wrong!!

Okay, I have to admit that I underestimated this cleanse. My initial thoughts were that I am completely healthy, I eat healthy, I regularly exercise...basically everything that I should be doing. I am eating a lot of the same food that I had been before and mainly only cutting out coffee and animal protein.

I have been very surprised by my symptoms the past 4 days. The intermittent headache, the full body ache and the exhaustion has made this week very difficult, to say the least. Having to be on my feet all day does not help matters.

It would be really easy right now to pack it in and head to Cattleman's for a nice juicy steak but I will postpone it another 17 days and get through this thing.

Why would I subject myself to more abuse? Because I know that these symptoms that I am experiencing are a good thing. If I didn't experience any symptoms, than I might start to worry that this program was ineffective.

My body is purging out toxins that have been residing in me for many years and I am paying the price right now.
They say that after the first week you should get back your energy, the headaches should dissipate and you won't feel like your in your first trimester of pregnancy anymore.

Should this dissuade you from doing a cleanse? On the surface, you may ask yourself "Why would I put myself through something like that?" but this should not prevent you from doing a program especially if your body has inflammation or chronic pain. I guess the old adage of "no pain, no gain" is the key here.

Again, I will post in the next few days and can assure you that most of my symptoms will have subsided by then. For now, off to my kale and radish smoothie and then it's straight to bed!

Day 1 of my detox

Today I began my 21 day journey to optimal health with a whole body detox/cleanse. 12 hours into the process already and my body is definitely missing that morning cup of joe.

I can definitely tell my body is doing something different and by the recurring trips to the bathroom, there is no doubt that some toxins are already being released.

It does seem that I have been a bit foggy the whole day and maybe a bit "out of it", but I am not concerned.
I know that my body needs this right now. It's not that I was feeling bad or in pain or sick, I just knew that my body needed a boost in some way.

The cleanse that I am participating in is through Standard Process, which prides itself on whole, organic foods and supplements. I am primarily consuming raw fruits and veggies at this point along with the supplements.

I will post regularly for the next 21 days to give the reader an idea of what to expect when going through the detox process. Detoxification affects everybody differently but hopefully I can be a good guideline on what you should be prepared for if you are considering a program like this.

The super effects of Superfoods

We all pretty much know that we’re supposed to be eating more fruits and veggies each day but getting the important nutrients and antioxidants into our busy schedules is too often an unreachable goal.

If this fits you, you will definitely be interested in SuperFoods. They are packed with the good stuff commonly found in fruits and veggies so servings are smaller and getting the daily requirements becomes much easier.

SuperFoods have 3 primary components: Antioxidants, Nutrients and Fiber.

First, antioxidants protect the body from wear and tear, while strengthening the immune system, muscles, bones and skin. They do this by limiting and stabilizing cell damaging “free radicals” that form usually with age and disease. An unhealthy diet, inactive lifestyle, chemicals and pesticides also contribute to free radical formation. The more abundant antioxidants in our diet, the less damage free radicals can cause in the body. Great antioxidants include anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols and quercetin.

Second, nutrients found in most SuperFoods consist of key vitamins and minerals that most of us are missing. Good examples include Vitamins A, B, C and E, magnesium, calcium and potassium. SuperFoods can also be a great source of protein, good carbohydrates and fats (omega 3’s)

Lastly, fiber is important because of the beneficial effects it has on our digestive systems and the absorption of certain nutrients it creates.

Okay, let’s now discuss what type of foods could be defined as ‘SuperFoods”:

Berries (blue, black, boysen, cran, elder): contain mucho antioxidants, including anthocyanins which give these berries their distinct colors. They also protect the plant from UV radiation and our bodies from any oxidative reactions.

Chia seeds: packed with omega 3’s, another great source of antioxidants and fiber.

Gogi Berries: contain vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants called carotenoids. Raisin like texture, they can be eaten raw or extracted.

Acai: probably the best source of anthocyanins, also delivers amino acids, omega 3 fatty acids, fiber and vitamins B and C.

Hemp seeds: provide all 10 essential amino acids (a rarity), omega 3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium and potassium.

Maca: One of my personal favorites, it’s been around for over 2000 years originating in South America; provides essential fatty acids, protein, fiber and enhances the immune system, giving us more energy and less stress!

Noni: also works wonders for our immune systems

Greens and grasses:  includes green veggies, sea veggies and algae (spirulina, chlorella), oats, barley, alfalfa. All loaded with antioxidants, vitamins B and C and beta carotene

Camu Camu: if your vitamin C deficient, this is where it’s at! Sort of like a cherry and packed with flavonoid antioxidants.

Cupuacu: related to the cocoa tree, good source of fiber and essential fats.

Mangosteen: sweet and tangy; from Southeast Asia and contains tannins, which are immune boosters. Also, have strong antioxidants, fiber and key minerals.

Pomegranate: contain anthocyanins and ellagic acid, key antioxidants; juices are recommended for cardiovascular health.

Royal jelly: comes from honey bees, used as a tonic that supports our vital organs, cardiovascular and immune systems.

Getting SuperFoods in your daily diet is essential in living a “clean” lifestyle. You can get these foods in form of a snack, on salads, in smoothies and even in sauces and dressings.

I always recommend getting as much variety as possible and definitely go with quality over quantity when choosing the right foods for you. In fact, research shows that antioxidants will work best when consumed synergistically and not just focused on 1 or 2.

Avoiding the flu? Look at your gym bag!

If you have heard before that exercising can ward off the flu and colds, you stand corrected. But if you have been hitting the gym and still getting some nasty viruses, you may want to take a closer look at your gym bag.

First off, if you are tossing your damp clothes, swimsuit or towel into the bag after a workout, you may be attracting millions of little germs that could be resulting in some illnesses or infection. This is an ideal location for bacteria to thrive and do the things that they do.

Second, we tend to want to put our bag on the gym or bathroom floor. This is a haven for some creepy, crawling germs to infest inside of your bag and belongings.

Let’s not forget about our flip flops and water bottles. Flip flops are typically used in the shower, sauna and locker room and are all perfect places for fungi and bacteria to buildup.

Our water bottles also can be a perfect carrier for germs to get to one place from another. Bottles with pull up tops can be the biggest culprit because the germs on your hands get into the opening crevices and into your mouth.

How about yoga mats? Definitely hotbeds for bacteria because we will sweat on it during our session, roll it up and forget about it for a week or until our next class.

 Now we need to discuss some remedies to try and eliminate the formation of these pesky germs that can weaken our immune systems and open us up for all sorts of colds and unwanted viruses:

- Put all damp belongings in a plastic bag or mesh pocket and wash them as soon as you can. If you know you can’t get to the laundry soon, at least hang dry them to avoid the bacteria or mold from multiplying. Avoid leaving damp clothes or towels in your bag more than a couple of hours.

- Regularly empty out your gym bag and let it air out. Try to wash it weekly with very hot water or a disinfectant wipe and avoid putting it down on the locker room floor.

- Put flip flops in a plastic bag and remember to pull them out and spray with a disinfecting cleanser and let them completely dry before using them again.

- Get a screw cap water bottle. If for some reason that is not possible, pull up the tops off with your teeth and wash them in a very high heat (dishwasher).

-  After yoga class, wipe down your mat with a disinfecting wipe or dry it with a clean towel before rolling it up again.