I Survived My Detox!

I actually made it all seven days!  I haven't been able to get past day 2 in several years so I'm pretty excited about this!  It's been a very busy week for me, hence the lack in posts throughout the detox.  I learned a lot of things about myself and my habits, though, and I hope by sharing them they help you, too.

The biggest thing I noticed was the food routines in my life.  For certain places I frequent, there is almost always a food place I unconsciously stop at.  Example, my doctor's office is near three different fast food places.  Out of habit, I stop at one of them whenever I leave his office and head to work.  The Target store I shop at has a Starbucks and I almost always stop there to get a drink before shopping for what I need.  While I was detoxing, I couldn't make those stops and it was so strange, like I was out of my comfort zone.  I was literally uncomfortable because these are things I always do, part of my routine and suddenly I had to change that routine.  I kind of felt like Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man, but you know, my sisters have always accused me of being a control freak... :)  It made me recognize that I eat more junk out and about then I realized and so I want to challenge you to pay attention to the food places you always have to stop at.  Do you really have to or is it just part of your routine?

The second thing for me was the energy levels.  Okay, I'm not ready to run a marathon or anything, but a substantial burst of energy was where it hasn't been in awhile.  By 2pm, I'm normally at my desk yawning like a grizzly bear ready for hibernation and it typically doesn't stop until I go to bed.  Being fatigued all the time is so hard, I can't even tell you.  It effects every area of my life.  I noticed on Day 5, I didn't yawn until about 4:45pm.  On days 6 & 7, no yawning until bedtime.  That was such a blessing to me.  I felt more focused at work and everything.

Last little thoughts:

• Although the thought came into my head a million times last night to just break the detox, I stayed strong.  Even if no one else knew, I would know and be disappointed in me.
• Because of that, and having the strength to stick with it, I praised God on my knees this morning for helping me this week and being my strength.
• I've been reminded how much I love pulling out the cookbooks and the spices and preparing delicious, fresh meals. 
• I learned my cat likes avocado. 
• I learned my cat isn't into any other vegetable.
• I lost a couple of pounds.

So that's about it.  Not much more to say so this is the end of my Detox Diary.  I hope you learned some things about eating healthier!

Detox - Days 2 & 3

I've made it through 3 days of detoxing now.  Hard to believe because the last time I tried to do this (about a year ago), I didn't even make it one day, haha!  I truly believe I'm doing this for Christ, and I know I'm doing this only with Christ.  I pray to Him before each meal, thank Him for creating these healthy foods for us, and ask for strength to do this.  As crazy as it might sound, on the morning of day 2 as I was preparing my lemon water, I was overcome by a strong smell of toast.  No clue where it came from as I live alone and haven't used my toaster in weeks, but it was there.  A little bit of the dark side trying to temp me, or just my sugar/chemical deprived mind playing tricks on  me?  Who knows...  Either way, I just keep praying for strength and thanking God for the good food.

Both days, I was craving other foods and felt hungry a lot even though I ate about 4-5 times each day.  I had no appetite for the many herbal teas in my pantry so I stuck to drinking ice-cold water.  This doesn't normally happen.  I love tea and attribute this to the meds I take for my disease.  They take my appetite away a lot, but I found in these couple of days that eating good foods has my body acting as it should.  Why is eating more food good for me?  Because I lost 10 pounds in the first two months I was on these meds because I had no appetite.  (As a side note, most diets have you restricting calories - not eating enough - which causes your body to switch into "fat-storage" mode, but that's for another day/post.)

I do feel like a hypocrite each time I have to take my meds.  I'm cleaning out my body from chemicals and toxins and then putting the meds in.  Kind of defeats the purpose, but my body is already used to the chemicals.  Hmmm... how to explain?  If you are not taking vitamins before you start a detox, you shouldn't start taking them during the detox.  If you are taking vitamins daily, keep taking them during a detox.  That's the rule so I use it when I take my meds.

I've felt more tired than normal and worried for about a second if maybe I should have talked with my doctor before detoxing.  Why that worry didn't last was because I'm eating better than I ever eat and eating more than I normally eat.  This isn't a "starve yourself" detox.  It's a healthy detox.  I still recommend readers to see their doctors before doing something so drastic as a 7-day detox.  As I've been certified in nutrition and know what things to look for, to avoid, etc, I'm confident that when I see my doc this week (on day 5), he'll be fine with my 7-days of eating raw.

New things for the week:  I'm excited to share that I had my first shot of wheatgrass and made my first green smoothie.  I've been eating foods (and food combinations) that I never thought to eat before.  I'm researching recipes, using the healthy cookbook and spices my sis sent me, and just really feel good about doing this.  I see food differently and I'm not sure why, but I'm using parts of fruits and veggies I never thought I would...ever!  Like fruit and veggie leaves that I used to just throw away.  You've got to research them first, however, because some tops or leaves may be bad for you, but I believe God is giving me a greater appreciation for the foods He created for us.

Thanks for reading and I'll keep you posted!

My Detox Diary

I was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and also graduated college.  Because of the disease, I'm always fatigued.  I was hoping to feel better with school being over, but am just as sluggish.  When I began researching autoimmune diseases, I've found that although they are not curable, many people have changed their diet and are living healthy active lives in spite of the disease.  I knew once finals were over that I needed to make a change.  I could no longer keep putting junk into my body, foregoing all I learned years before when I got my nutrition certification.  I gave up soda this week (you can read about my soda research here).  Five days soda-free, today I started a detox.

Some hear "detox" and think "starve yourself with a liquid diet."  Some hear "detox" and just think "?????"  The way I detox is to basically go raw for 7 days.  I start my mornings off with a warm 8-ounce glass of water with fresh lemon juice squeezed in.  This gets your gall bladder working (the gall bladder aids the liver in fat digestion).  Then I eat fruits and veggies (mostly veggies) with no condiments, maybe a little bit of lean protein, and drinks lots of water.  I eliminate caffeine for the 7 days, switching to herbal teas, and use a lot of spices and herbs in my food.  A small amount of olive oil can be used, but I try to stay clear of that, as well.

It can be tough those first few days.  A typical detox schedule for me is:

• Day 1 - not too difficult so long as I keep shoving something in my mouth... might have caffeine headache and slight case of crankiness.
• Days 2 & 3 - cranky as all get out!!  Irritable and dreaming about chocolate.  Did I mention cranky?
• Come Day 4, my cat usually comes out of hiding and I start feeling like a human again. 
• Days 5, 6, &7 - I begin noticing an increase in energy, may have lost a few pounds, and may be sleeping better. 

When I detox, I stay away from any strenuous exercise, but may go for a walk or do some stretching exercises.  I put it on my calendar so I'm not making all kinds of crazy plans.  Added stress is not good during a detox.  My advice is to wait if you have too much going on, like I waited for school to be finished.

Today is Day 1.  I'll keep you posted!

Christ is in Us - Today's Nugget

Today I am reading day 14 of Lifetime Daily Devotions: http://bible.us/r/R.E.5t

Christ dwells in us and the temples of our bodies need to be taken care of because He dwells in us. Our bodies do not belong to us and therefore, we must take care of them.

Signs of Water Dehydration

This post is an additional link to the original article I posted on the Allegheny Center Alliance Church livejournal blog: Water - The Source of Life  

We lose water by breathing (the steam that comes out of your mouth when you blow on a glass), sweating, and using the restroom.  If you exercise, live in a dry climate or high altitude, or get sick with diarrhea or vomiting, you lose even more water.  Certain medications, obesity, and age are also contributing factors of dehydration, as well as stress and what you are eating.

So how can you tell if you are dehydrated or even in the beginning stages with mild dehydration?  Here are some symptoms:

§  Being thirsty or having a dry mouth

§  Fatigue

§  Sinusitis or a dry nose

§  Headache

§  Cannot stay focused; lack of clarity

§  Dry skin

§  Dry lips

§  Lowered blood pressure

§  Feeling weak or dizzy

§  Performance problems

§  Cramps

§  Constipation

§  Urine that is not clear and colorless

The Amazing Benefits of Water

This post is an additional link to a previously posted article on the Allegheny Center Alliance Church livejournal blog: Water - The Source of Life

• We are susceptible to toxins from breathing them through the air, eating them in our foods, and using them on our skin.  Drinking water flushes these impurities and toxins away.  Just as baptism cleanses our souls, water cleanses our bodies.
• Aside from flushing away toxins, water also flushes away fat.  For healthy weight, water increases your metabolism and helps to regulate your appetite.  Did you know that you can feel hungry when really your body is telling you it needs water, not food?  Try drinking a glass of water before stopping at the vending machine!
• Water is a natural lubricant and naturally moisturizes your skin.  You’ll notice a healthier glow to your skin and even brighter eyes from the lubricating effects of having enough water in your body.  I say, skip the $400 bottle of fancy face cream and try increasing your water intake!
• Approximately 80% of your blood is made up of water.  Vital nutrients, oxygen, and minerals needed by your body are transported in the blood stream through water.  When your body is even mildly dehydrated, you’ll experience fatigue and a lack of energy.  Caffeine interferes with water’s ability to travel in your body, so give your body the nutrients and energy it needs by substituting a caffeinated drink with a glass of water.   
• If your body is not getting enough water, it will store the little bit it is getting.  That is, you can forget about wearing your skinny jeans because you’ll be too bloated to wear them.  Too much sugar and salt can also lead to bloating and water will help to flush that junk right out of your system!
• Water also makes you smarter (no kidding!).  Our brains are made up of approximately 75% water and when your brain has a good supply of water, you’ll think clearer.
• Water cushions your joints and tissues, aids the digestive process and helps eliminate constipation, and regulates body temperature.  Your stomach, liver, and kidneys need water to work properly so drink water before and after eating.

A Separate Blog

I'm so excited to have been given this opportunity to blog about health and nutrition at ACAC!  While I have been a lifelong writer, nutrition and health is just something I dappled in until about 7 years ago when I got certified in nutrition.  At the time, I was working from home for the most part, with a little bit of consulting at a day spa.  It was easy to take care of myself and live a healthy lifestyle, and I had little patience for clients that just couldn't seem to stick with the program.  Soon after, I got an actual job and returned to college and became one of my clients that I had little patience for.  All I knew about living a healthy lifestyle went out the window as I struggled to juggle work, school, and all the activities I committed to at the college.

I wasn't a Christian at that time, and shortly after giving my life to Christ (and finding ACAC), I walked out of the job I had with nothing else lined up because I was miserable and somehow knew God had greater plans for me.  Coincidentally... a close family member of mine was in need and stayed with me for a couple of months.  Not working allowed me to be there for my family, and within a week of my house guest leaving, I got hired at ACAC.  Over two years later, I am still grateful to be part of this organization.  I thank God daily for the blessing of working here with people I love, under leaders I love, doing God's work.

I began then to cross paths with people who needed nutrition advice and I loved being able to help them make better choices.  I volunteered to meet them at their houses or here in the cafe and consult them, or give them information through email, but I really didn't have time to follow up and continue to encourage and assist them.  I even played with the idea of facilitating a nutrition growth group, but again, I just did not have the time.  I was asked to present at a group here once and didn't even have the time to prepare for that (which was evident to anyone who attended, haha!).

So the opportunity to write this blog is exciting to me because I can help Christ's people make better lifestyle choices without really putting a crunch in my already hectic schedule.  I can work on it while waiting in the doctor's office or on breaks in class, and I'm amazed at how God took the desire in my heart to help people with their health, combined it with my LOVE of writing, and brought it all to fruition.  Our timing is never His timing and His timing is always perfect!

My purpose in starting this seperate blog from our ACAC Threads blog is that while working on my 'Water' article, I realized that there is just too much good stuff about water and if I put it all in one blog, I'd cloud up the blog and it would take you all day to read.  Additionally, I can only committ to every other week, but from time to time, I might want to share a link with you or a quick article I come across and I think that would be better on a specific health blog instead of again, clouding up the ACAC Threads page.

The first two articles I wrote for Healthy for Christ can be found here.