Well, again after a long break from my blog... It's amazing how quickly resolve can dissolve when life gets beyond busy. I have been plugging away - school, work, work, school. And study on the weekends, ugh! I thought those days were over. But that's just how it goes in the pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement, right? At times like this, I find myself asking what is it all for?
I crave a peaceful existence. One of self-nurturing and slow days with time to visit friends and family, knit, take baths, listen to music, read, stretch and sleep. I hope that with all that I am trying to do, I can get there. I will get there, rather, not just hope. Isn't that the point of this crazy ride? To be able to do what we want to do? Much like the movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" at times, I find myself wishing that I could go backwards and take my knowledge into my youth. But, if I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't be where I am now - and as busy as I am, I like my life.
Tonight was a rare treat for my current existence. I had some peaceful time at home and I just sat for a bit to watch some TV. I ate slowly (not standing up or in the car, as has become my daily standard). I took a bath, scrubbed my face, and did masks for my face and hair. It was beautiful. It made me reminisce for those days in the newness of January when I had time to equally pamper and torture myself. :) And here I am clicking away. Finally!
What is it all for? My budding knowledge of all things holistic and healthy? I must say, it is sad to sacrifice time, but I so enjoy every word I read. I enjoy the skills I am gaining, and I enjoy knowing more about the agony and ecstasy of nutrition. I can have my endless hours (lol) to pamper myself or I can learn and help other people take better care of themselves... easy choice. Hopefully, I find more nights like tonight scattered here and there, so I can continue to write...
Peace,
Charlynn
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Overwhelmed doesn't even begin to describe it...
Hello blog. So sorry to have been away so long. You have been there taunting me daily, and I have stubbornly ignored you as if you were my dreaded cell phone. Hopefully it won't happen again...
Well, January is finally over. The month of resolutions and my birthday has passed. I think the start of a new month finds me even more resolved and committed to making permanent, healthy change in my life. I have spent the bulk of the month taking good (dare I say, excellent) care of myself and paying a special, obsessive amount of attention to what is going into my body. I have had some of the things I was avoiding earlier - sugar, alcohol, french fries, to name a few. And they all left me feeling worse, rather than wanting more. So on to February I march with a new manifesto with all of my new found knowledge.
After watching both Food Inc. and The Future of Food, I resolve to do the following:
I think that living a life that incorporates nutrition means taking care of myself in all the different arenas... I get plenty of rest, take care of the largest organ (my skin) by staying hydrated, moisturized and protected from the sun - but not so much that I don't get some good Vitamin D, drink plenty of water, etc. I think if we look at nutrition in a holisitc way, we can break down all the good things we do to take care of our bodies as "nutrition". All of those things are life giving and life extending.
But even beyond our bodies, if we look at our relationships, finances, spirituality, home life, careers, and on and on... I think if we look at all areas that make up who we are, we can find where we nourish ourselves and where we are lacking. For example, if I don't balance my checkbook, that leads to financial stress, which leads to sleepless nights, which leads to poor food choices the next day(s), which leads to physiological dysfunction, which leads to poor self image, which leads to more poor food choices, which leads to grouchiness and on and on... it can be a never ending cycle.
Nutrition goes so much further than food to me. Nutrition means taking care of what we have been blessed with.
Well, January is finally over. The month of resolutions and my birthday has passed. I think the start of a new month finds me even more resolved and committed to making permanent, healthy change in my life. I have spent the bulk of the month taking good (dare I say, excellent) care of myself and paying a special, obsessive amount of attention to what is going into my body. I have had some of the things I was avoiding earlier - sugar, alcohol, french fries, to name a few. And they all left me feeling worse, rather than wanting more. So on to February I march with a new manifesto with all of my new found knowledge.
After watching both Food Inc. and The Future of Food, I resolve to do the following:
- Become a stronger advocate of the slow food movement
- Buy local - go to the Farmer's Market more, join a CSA (finally after years of wanting to), support local growers and businesses
- Buy organic. Don't get me started on the consequences of toxic overload to our health. Not only are we ingesting chemicals and poisons, we are eating food that is less nutritious, less useful and just less.
- Filter my water - look up your local water statistics... you will be shocked
- Vegan it up all over the place - I will be hosting some vegan dinner parties in the near future - prepare to be invited :)
I think that living a life that incorporates nutrition means taking care of myself in all the different arenas... I get plenty of rest, take care of the largest organ (my skin) by staying hydrated, moisturized and protected from the sun - but not so much that I don't get some good Vitamin D, drink plenty of water, etc. I think if we look at nutrition in a holisitc way, we can break down all the good things we do to take care of our bodies as "nutrition". All of those things are life giving and life extending.
But even beyond our bodies, if we look at our relationships, finances, spirituality, home life, careers, and on and on... I think if we look at all areas that make up who we are, we can find where we nourish ourselves and where we are lacking. For example, if I don't balance my checkbook, that leads to financial stress, which leads to sleepless nights, which leads to poor food choices the next day(s), which leads to physiological dysfunction, which leads to poor self image, which leads to more poor food choices, which leads to grouchiness and on and on... it can be a never ending cycle.
Nutrition goes so much further than food to me. Nutrition means taking care of what we have been blessed with.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Walkin' Away the Pounds :)
What is it about sweating that just feels so good? I love the feel of sweat dripping down my back from a good workout - it is cleansing. I have a picture up by my desk that basically says something about sweating out all the negative junk in our life. I like that - the world seems a little better after a good workout.
I love my Walk Away The Pounds - Walk Strong DVD. It combines walking and resistance training, and makes me feel good. Ol' Leslie... you just can't stop her positive energy from rolling right out of the TV and into the living room. She always seems to make a point of throwing something about praising God or saying a "Hallelujah" while she is working out. It makes me smile. I think there is a close link between taking care of ourselves and our relationship to the divine. Hindus know it (yoga-spirituality). We can't ignore the powerful connections of mind-body-spirit. I just think we get lost (at least I know I do) in the daily grind and stop listening. One thing she says in this particular workout is that it feels SO good when you take care of yourself. And she's right. Taking care of this one body is the key because (I) am the one person that I will live with for my entire life from start to finish.
After getting my good sweat going and stretching it out (so important for muscles that are warm to stretch out, says the massage therapist ;) ) I made a good sugar scrub and clay masked my face and chest. I feel like I am warmed up, stretched out and squeaky clean. Much better than freaking myself out reading about the horrors of the modern American diet ;) Certainly more relaxing.
Now that the workout is done for today, I can focus on eating some good vegetarian chili and salad and spend the rest of the day reading and just pampering myself - it just feels SO good.
I love my Walk Away The Pounds - Walk Strong DVD. It combines walking and resistance training, and makes me feel good. Ol' Leslie... you just can't stop her positive energy from rolling right out of the TV and into the living room. She always seems to make a point of throwing something about praising God or saying a "Hallelujah" while she is working out. It makes me smile. I think there is a close link between taking care of ourselves and our relationship to the divine. Hindus know it (yoga-spirituality). We can't ignore the powerful connections of mind-body-spirit. I just think we get lost (at least I know I do) in the daily grind and stop listening. One thing she says in this particular workout is that it feels SO good when you take care of yourself. And she's right. Taking care of this one body is the key because (I) am the one person that I will live with for my entire life from start to finish.
After getting my good sweat going and stretching it out (so important for muscles that are warm to stretch out, says the massage therapist ;) ) I made a good sugar scrub and clay masked my face and chest. I feel like I am warmed up, stretched out and squeaky clean. Much better than freaking myself out reading about the horrors of the modern American diet ;) Certainly more relaxing.
Now that the workout is done for today, I can focus on eating some good vegetarian chili and salad and spend the rest of the day reading and just pampering myself - it just feels SO good.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Living and Learning
Well, I have been furiously studying and reading this week. I am getting right into my nutrition class, and I can't help but think... what have I been eating? Do I love fruits and vegetables - you bet? Do I eat a lot of them? Many days, I do. But then there are the other days. Sugar, dairy, white flour, canned vegetables and soups... even for a vegetarian these are not good things. I have the meat thing down, no problem. But the rest - especially the white sugar and flour - well, those are dangerous weapons in the war between health and disease.
BUT I'M A VEGETARIAN!!! Right????
Apparently eating a cheese and veggie sandwich on wheat bread (not whole grain - there is a difference), with pretzels instead of chips (because that's healthier - or so I thought), and some fruit and a cookie for dessert just aren't cutting it. Now, understand, this was the 2010 version of me; not the new and improved 2011, non-stop veggie and fruit - can't eat cheese anymore because of the pain - buying raw nuts and flax crackers - no eating grains unless they are whole - me. :) Now I know the following.
My brain hurts. All I can think is that I need to keep reading and getting it figured out. The dangers of chemicals, pesticides, hormones and other toxins in our foods... makes me want to move to Montana and grow my own food! And I have never even been to Montana :)
Here's a little something for those of you who absolutely insist on eating meat... "Study after study confirms one basic truth: the higher your intake of meat and other animal products, the higher your risk of heart disease and cancer, especially for the major cancers such as colon, breast, prostrate, and lung cancer." The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods
Ahh well... one thing at a time. And another weekend approaches, so in addition to studying, I can think about naps, baths, pedicures... and keep eating the good stuff, because any other way of doing it seems so much further away from who I strive to be.
BUT I'M A VEGETARIAN!!! Right????
Apparently eating a cheese and veggie sandwich on wheat bread (not whole grain - there is a difference), with pretzels instead of chips (because that's healthier - or so I thought), and some fruit and a cookie for dessert just aren't cutting it. Now, understand, this was the 2010 version of me; not the new and improved 2011, non-stop veggie and fruit - can't eat cheese anymore because of the pain - buying raw nuts and flax crackers - no eating grains unless they are whole - me. :) Now I know the following.
- Pretzels are refined white flour, full of sodium (a.k.a. a high blood sugar and high blood pressure cocktail)
- Cheese is not my friend anymore
- Whole grains (and not too many of them) are the key
- No cookie for dessert - stick with the fruit and save the cookie for a special occasion
- Nutrition is interesting and sad all at the same time
- Being a grown up and responsible for my own health is tough
My brain hurts. All I can think is that I need to keep reading and getting it figured out. The dangers of chemicals, pesticides, hormones and other toxins in our foods... makes me want to move to Montana and grow my own food! And I have never even been to Montana :)
Here's a little something for those of you who absolutely insist on eating meat... "Study after study confirms one basic truth: the higher your intake of meat and other animal products, the higher your risk of heart disease and cancer, especially for the major cancers such as colon, breast, prostrate, and lung cancer." The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods
Ahh well... one thing at a time. And another weekend approaches, so in addition to studying, I can think about naps, baths, pedicures... and keep eating the good stuff, because any other way of doing it seems so much further away from who I strive to be.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Feelin the burn - part II
Sometimes I seriously underestimate the amount of time I have available. I have created this maddening existence for myself, working two jobs and staying busy most hours out of the day. Needless to say, exercise falls to the wayside during these times.
Monday started off well, because I didn't have to get up early to go to work. I woke up late, got some exercise in at home (Walkin' Away The Pounds - don't laugh... it's not just for blue haired old ladies), took a bath, and got ready at my leisure. Those are the days I like. Yesterday was a different story...
After working a full day I had to dash to the grocery store so I could make a salad for dinner to share with a group of friends. We were all bringing something, and salad was my task. I had just enough time to make it and change clothes, and then head over to dinner. It was a wonderful evening of conversation, good food, wine and spending time with dear friends. By the time I made it home (after 9 p.m.), I just wanted to connect with my sweetie and go to bed. No exercise for me :(
This morning, I was feelin' the burn in a different way. Last nights meal didn't quite sit well with me... after (again) days with no dairy, having a wonderful cheese lasagna wasn't the best for my digestion. And the desserts didn't help either... although they were so tasty! So, this morning I started with my usual vinegar cleanse and it burned all the way down. Breakfast was a spinach, blueberry, banana smoothie and is just sitting in my stomach. Not enjoyable...
I am drinking lots of water and had a little peppermint water (eases digestion and soothes irritated stomach), and that seems to be helping. I will continue to eat some plain veggies and fruit today and take it easy. All of this is really making me think about going back to my vegan ways permanently. Seriously, food is meant to nourish - not cause pain. I recently read that 75% of the world's population is lactose intolerant. Millions of people suffer from G.I. pain and symptoms related to lactose intolerance, yet most of those people persist. Why? Calcium is the main reason dairy products are marketed. But, there are less irritating sources of calcium in the form of leafy greens. Here is some info I found from Soystache.com...
Here is some information from the American Heart Association about Vegetarian Diets:
Here is yet more information from the Vegetarian Pages:
Monday started off well, because I didn't have to get up early to go to work. I woke up late, got some exercise in at home (Walkin' Away The Pounds - don't laugh... it's not just for blue haired old ladies), took a bath, and got ready at my leisure. Those are the days I like. Yesterday was a different story...
After working a full day I had to dash to the grocery store so I could make a salad for dinner to share with a group of friends. We were all bringing something, and salad was my task. I had just enough time to make it and change clothes, and then head over to dinner. It was a wonderful evening of conversation, good food, wine and spending time with dear friends. By the time I made it home (after 9 p.m.), I just wanted to connect with my sweetie and go to bed. No exercise for me :(
This morning, I was feelin' the burn in a different way. Last nights meal didn't quite sit well with me... after (again) days with no dairy, having a wonderful cheese lasagna wasn't the best for my digestion. And the desserts didn't help either... although they were so tasty! So, this morning I started with my usual vinegar cleanse and it burned all the way down. Breakfast was a spinach, blueberry, banana smoothie and is just sitting in my stomach. Not enjoyable...
I am drinking lots of water and had a little peppermint water (eases digestion and soothes irritated stomach), and that seems to be helping. I will continue to eat some plain veggies and fruit today and take it easy. All of this is really making me think about going back to my vegan ways permanently. Seriously, food is meant to nourish - not cause pain. I recently read that 75% of the world's population is lactose intolerant. Millions of people suffer from G.I. pain and symptoms related to lactose intolerance, yet most of those people persist. Why? Calcium is the main reason dairy products are marketed. But, there are less irritating sources of calcium in the form of leafy greens. Here is some info I found from Soystache.com...
Here is some information from the American Heart Association about Vegetarian Diets:
Calcium: Studies have shown that vegetarians absorb and retain more calcium from foods than do nonvegetarians. Vegetable greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli, and some legumes and soybean products are good sources of calcium from plants.
Here is yet more information from the Vegetarian Pages:
Everything you ever wanted to know about calcium in 5 easy lessons
High protein diets appear to lead to increased calcium losses. Calcium requirements for those on lower protein, plant-based diets are believed to be below the usual recommendations. (previously at: http://www.veg.org./veg/Articles/calcium.html)
Most studies have shown that high doses of calcium do not slow bone loss. In fact, many populations with high intakes of calcium also have high rates of osteoporosis[5], probably because their high protein intake causes significant calcium loss...
The type of protein may also be important. At least one study shows that soy protein, even at high levels, does not increase calcium excretion the same way that protein from animal sources does
According to the article, The Great American Milk Myth, by Dr. Charles R. Attwood :
"Good bone density attained by the age of 18-25 usually lasts a lifetime for people who consume a balanced plant-based diet and remain physically active. The problem with milk and other dairy products is that they are not only rich in calcium but they are also high in protein, which has been shown to create calcium loss through the urinary tract."
Good stuff, right? Hopefully, by the end of the day, I will be feeling the burn the right way (good ol' exercise) after an evening trip to the gym. And my digestion will be back on track...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Movin' That Body...
So, after a week of clean eating and some skin detoxing, here are the results...
Skin - glowing. Without any foundation on, I had two compliments on my skin. One wanted to know what I was doing (yay). The feet have healed and my skin is soft all over. I feel like I have a good routine. One detox mask and one hydrating mask on the weekends, and then let it go. Light (and I do stress light) scrubbing on the feet ONCE a week at the most. Skin brushing daily and heavy moisture in this cold, dry time of year. I haven't yet gotten into parabens and what I am putting on my skin, but that's coming up.
Body - feeling good. I feel healthy and clean and am craving lots of vegetables each day. I didn't eat much dairy this week, until yesterday. I had to teach all day and one of my students made potato soup for the group lunch, that was very creamy. While I knew it was full of fat, I decided to indulge with a small serving, but promptly followed it with a clementine and some prunes. About an hour after I ate, I had abdominal pain and cramping. I kept drinking the water though, and when I got home in the evening, the pain was gone and no other ill effects were felt. Whew! (BTW- I am so glad I passed on dessert - S'mores made with Fudge stripe cookies and Reese's Peanut Butter cups. My arteries started hardening as I watched my students devour that nonsense!)
Since my clothes are feeling comfortable and/or a bit loose, I decided to hop on the scale. I was pleased to see that I had lost 4 pounds, a feat I have been unable to accomplish without lots of exercise and serious calorie counting. Yay, me. I am motivated to keep this eating style up (I did have some dark chocolate and some wine, and feel good about it - no dieting for me anymore), and made a trip to the local Co-Op today to stock up on some healthy food options. Vegan burritos with whole wheat tortillas and homemade salsa and guacamole for dinner tonight...mmm...
This week's focus is on the fitness. I am going to step up my activity to daily workouts. Nothing crazy, just moving my body every day. Last night, I read about how we have moved from an active society to a society that sits - in the car, at the office, at home at night, etc. It made me want to move just to prove the author wrong. But he was right. I HAVE to exercise in order to feel good. The benefits are endless... less stress, easier digestion, improved cardiovascular function, better sleep, and on and on.
And, I bet after this week, I can put on the jeans that are in the back of my closet (you know the ones - they taunt you and make you think of thinner, hotter times in your life) - I am going to move them to the front for the extra motivation on those mornings when I want to stay in bed. Maybe I will sleep with the closet door open...
Skin - glowing. Without any foundation on, I had two compliments on my skin. One wanted to know what I was doing (yay). The feet have healed and my skin is soft all over. I feel like I have a good routine. One detox mask and one hydrating mask on the weekends, and then let it go. Light (and I do stress light) scrubbing on the feet ONCE a week at the most. Skin brushing daily and heavy moisture in this cold, dry time of year. I haven't yet gotten into parabens and what I am putting on my skin, but that's coming up.
Body - feeling good. I feel healthy and clean and am craving lots of vegetables each day. I didn't eat much dairy this week, until yesterday. I had to teach all day and one of my students made potato soup for the group lunch, that was very creamy. While I knew it was full of fat, I decided to indulge with a small serving, but promptly followed it with a clementine and some prunes. About an hour after I ate, I had abdominal pain and cramping. I kept drinking the water though, and when I got home in the evening, the pain was gone and no other ill effects were felt. Whew! (BTW- I am so glad I passed on dessert - S'mores made with Fudge stripe cookies and Reese's Peanut Butter cups. My arteries started hardening as I watched my students devour that nonsense!)
Since my clothes are feeling comfortable and/or a bit loose, I decided to hop on the scale. I was pleased to see that I had lost 4 pounds, a feat I have been unable to accomplish without lots of exercise and serious calorie counting. Yay, me. I am motivated to keep this eating style up (I did have some dark chocolate and some wine, and feel good about it - no dieting for me anymore), and made a trip to the local Co-Op today to stock up on some healthy food options. Vegan burritos with whole wheat tortillas and homemade salsa and guacamole for dinner tonight...mmm...
This week's focus is on the fitness. I am going to step up my activity to daily workouts. Nothing crazy, just moving my body every day. Last night, I read about how we have moved from an active society to a society that sits - in the car, at the office, at home at night, etc. It made me want to move just to prove the author wrong. But he was right. I HAVE to exercise in order to feel good. The benefits are endless... less stress, easier digestion, improved cardiovascular function, better sleep, and on and on.
And, I bet after this week, I can put on the jeans that are in the back of my closet (you know the ones - they taunt you and make you think of thinner, hotter times in your life) - I am going to move them to the front for the extra motivation on those mornings when I want to stay in bed. Maybe I will sleep with the closet door open...
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A Very Long Day
Yesterday was a long day for me. I had to be at the school at 8 (I got there at 8:06 - that's 8:00 in Charlynn time), and I was in class for the majority of the day. I was thankful that I had made some steel cut oats ahead of time so I could just add some soy milk, raisins, raw almonds, spices, and honey. A quick reheat and I was out the door. My very brief lunch was veggie soup and a rather large salad from the evening before. Then I was out of the school at 4:16 and on my way to my office for a 5:00 client, followed by a 6:30 client. On the way home, I realized that I didn't plan ahead for supper, so I had to stop at the grocery store and then walked in the door at 8:00. Whew! I am tired just thinking about it.
When all was said and done, I had consumed around 13-14 servings of fruits and vegetables. My snacks were clementines, carrot sticks, and dinner was a fruit smoothie made of frozen peaches, frozen cherries and berries, dates and soy milk, and some very healthy multi-grain tortilla chips. Quite the variety! I have been trying to eat the whole rainbow of colors in my fruits and veggies, so I can get the most nutrients out of my food. The big thing I noticed was that I wasn't really hungry between meals (if you know me, you know this is NOT typical for me). I also had no desire to eat the chocolate that was sitting on the desk at the office. WHAT??!!!! I don't know who I am right now.
I over-indulged (for me) at the holidays. With the idea of a wellness project ahead of me, I wanted to make sure to taste all the things I wanted while I had the chance, so I could remember the flavors. I wasn't trying to cram as much in before the big purge or anything... I just wanted to not have any limitations. However, I got to the point the week after Christmas, that I just didn't want anything sweet anymore. And I didn't want wine. Two of my main vices... So, I guess my body was ready for a change. In fact, I had a bit of a stomach thing that week which began my cleaning out process, so to speak.
I am not imposing any calorie restrictions or saying I won't eat certain things right now. I guess I am just trying to give myself a period of time of eating the most nutrient dense foods possible. And it's working. My clothes feel a little looser. My digestion is balancing out. I am not craving sweets. Who knew? This is all stuff I have read about, but have been too chicken (soy chicken for me ha, ha) to try to the full extent.
I am very happy to report that my feet are healing rapidly and my skin is back to it's un-splotchy norm. And it is much softer. So, I am preparing for another weekend of baths, scrubs, facials and naps - yippee skippy!
When all was said and done, I had consumed around 13-14 servings of fruits and vegetables. My snacks were clementines, carrot sticks, and dinner was a fruit smoothie made of frozen peaches, frozen cherries and berries, dates and soy milk, and some very healthy multi-grain tortilla chips. Quite the variety! I have been trying to eat the whole rainbow of colors in my fruits and veggies, so I can get the most nutrients out of my food. The big thing I noticed was that I wasn't really hungry between meals (if you know me, you know this is NOT typical for me). I also had no desire to eat the chocolate that was sitting on the desk at the office. WHAT??!!!! I don't know who I am right now.
I over-indulged (for me) at the holidays. With the idea of a wellness project ahead of me, I wanted to make sure to taste all the things I wanted while I had the chance, so I could remember the flavors. I wasn't trying to cram as much in before the big purge or anything... I just wanted to not have any limitations. However, I got to the point the week after Christmas, that I just didn't want anything sweet anymore. And I didn't want wine. Two of my main vices... So, I guess my body was ready for a change. In fact, I had a bit of a stomach thing that week which began my cleaning out process, so to speak.
I am not imposing any calorie restrictions or saying I won't eat certain things right now. I guess I am just trying to give myself a period of time of eating the most nutrient dense foods possible. And it's working. My clothes feel a little looser. My digestion is balancing out. I am not craving sweets. Who knew? This is all stuff I have read about, but have been too chicken (soy chicken for me ha, ha) to try to the full extent.
I am very happy to report that my feet are healing rapidly and my skin is back to it's un-splotchy norm. And it is much softer. So, I am preparing for another weekend of baths, scrubs, facials and naps - yippee skippy!
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