We bought PH (Potential of Hydrogen) strips to check and see if we were on the right path, or too acidic, or too alkaline. I honestly had never heard about this before I started this plan. To read about it, go to this link.
Last night we both checked ourselves, and Glenn was perfect, while I was too alkaline. Today, I rechecked, and I too was perfect.
So what does it mean to have our PH in balance? Hopefully a healthy immune system. Hopefully a system that runs optimally. Hopefully to be IN balance. I have heard that it can reverse disease, diabetes, some cancers, when our PH is in balance. It makes one want to stay this way (vegan/vegetarian) forever knowing that. Will I? That's the question weighing on my mind today.
I ate too many nori rolls tonight. I am STUFFED.
I am thirsty ALL the time, and I constantly have a nasty taste in my mouth, which makes me scrape my tongue and brush brush brush.
I wonder (And this may be too much info) why I have hardly had to have a bowel movement in the last week. But Isabella has had a TON, and has been very very green. I have to wonder if everything, through nursing, is somehow transferring to her. I know, I'm probably talking crazy, but it's weird, you know?
We had to cook a meat dish for the kids tonight, and it honestly didn't appeal to me at all.
This is a good thing.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Day 7
I posted this on my other blog Fries on Top, but it is applicable to this blog. It was written on the same day. So here you go:
There's this stigma with my sons that vegetarians are weird. They would never eat a vegetarian meal. They have many many times. But. If I were to tell them that Macaroni and cheese, or beans and rice, or spaghetti and pasta sauce was vegetarian, they wouldn't eat it again.
I don't get it.
Glenn and I have been trying a ton of new things this past week. Things that previously we would have never eaten before. I have enjoyed it immensely. Things like Mung bean pancakes, and Yerba Mate. Mikey Likes it! Mikey being me, and if you didn't get that little ditty, then I really am old.
For the most part, Bella has been eating almost everything that I have been eating. She likes it better than eating meat. I was surprised, actually. But she LOVED the mung bean. She was holding her little hands out asking for more, the moment she had a piece in her mouth. I'm going to keep trying to get the kids to at least try something new, because I have been so glad that I have stepped out of my own box.
Today we walked the Strip District, because veggies down there are CHEAP. They also have asian, meditteranean, and Italian food product stores that are cheaper than the grocery store. So after our first week on our vegan diet, we realized that it would be better for our wallet if we went another route.
We took the girls down with us, along with Julia's BFF, and strolled. I love going down there. We perused shops, oohed and ahhed at things, and indulged the kids on little things here and there. The place kind of had the same vibe,( but not really) of the Portland Saturday Market. I think in the next 5-6 years, it will evolve into something similar, but Portland and Pittsburgh have very different people types. Which is good. Because it makes each place unique.
Anyway. It was a gorgeous sunny day, and It felt good to be outside, albeit kind of chilly.
The evening came and I did my first wedding of the year at the Phipps Conservatory. I totally love this place. It has to be one of my favorites. Mainly because it is nature on the inside. Gardens, and tropics, and statues, and glasswork, and greenhouses galore. I love it. The wedding was in the Broderie Room, and I was in heaven. I kicked myself for not bringing my camera, but. OH! The good news is that I FOUND my camera charger, and will be playing with my camera tomorrow. Yippee!
Anyway, I loved the wedding, the couple and the surroundings. I even talked to Glenn about having our wedding vows renewed there, and he was all for it. I'm gonna check into it. heh.
After all of that busyness, I made a great dinner for Glenn and I- It was called the Buddha Bowl~ Fast food for the conscious. Fast food... It took me over an hour to prepare it. I didn't mind it, but I laughed at the fast food part. The rice alone took 40 minutes to cook.
There's this stigma with my sons that vegetarians are weird. They would never eat a vegetarian meal. They have many many times. But. If I were to tell them that Macaroni and cheese, or beans and rice, or spaghetti and pasta sauce was vegetarian, they wouldn't eat it again.
I don't get it.
Glenn and I have been trying a ton of new things this past week. Things that previously we would have never eaten before. I have enjoyed it immensely. Things like Mung bean pancakes, and Yerba Mate. Mikey Likes it! Mikey being me, and if you didn't get that little ditty, then I really am old.
For the most part, Bella has been eating almost everything that I have been eating. She likes it better than eating meat. I was surprised, actually. But she LOVED the mung bean. She was holding her little hands out asking for more, the moment she had a piece in her mouth. I'm going to keep trying to get the kids to at least try something new, because I have been so glad that I have stepped out of my own box.
Today we walked the Strip District, because veggies down there are CHEAP. They also have asian, meditteranean, and Italian food product stores that are cheaper than the grocery store. So after our first week on our vegan diet, we realized that it would be better for our wallet if we went another route.
We took the girls down with us, along with Julia's BFF, and strolled. I love going down there. We perused shops, oohed and ahhed at things, and indulged the kids on little things here and there. The place kind of had the same vibe,( but not really) of the Portland Saturday Market. I think in the next 5-6 years, it will evolve into something similar, but Portland and Pittsburgh have very different people types. Which is good. Because it makes each place unique.
Anyway. It was a gorgeous sunny day, and It felt good to be outside, albeit kind of chilly.
The evening came and I did my first wedding of the year at the Phipps Conservatory. I totally love this place. It has to be one of my favorites. Mainly because it is nature on the inside. Gardens, and tropics, and statues, and glasswork, and greenhouses galore. I love it. The wedding was in the Broderie Room, and I was in heaven. I kicked myself for not bringing my camera, but. OH! The good news is that I FOUND my camera charger, and will be playing with my camera tomorrow. Yippee!
Anyway, I loved the wedding, the couple and the surroundings. I even talked to Glenn about having our wedding vows renewed there, and he was all for it. I'm gonna check into it. heh.
After all of that busyness, I made a great dinner for Glenn and I- It was called the Buddha Bowl~ Fast food for the conscious. Fast food... It took me over an hour to prepare it. I didn't mind it, but I laughed at the fast food part. The rice alone took 40 minutes to cook.
Day 6
It's Saturday. You should see my grocery list. OH wow. We were supposed to go shopping today to get everything that we would need for a week. BUT, The awesome hubby of mine let me sleep in, because I am sleep deprived. Not that this should matter, but the place we were going to, if you want to get through easily, you have to go out there early in the morning. Don't get me wrong, I was up by 8:30, but by the time we got going, it was close to 11, and that wasn't going to cut it.
So we had a downtime day.
I made that Gluten Free loaf of bread, and OMG, it was really good. I mean, really really good. Tasted a bit like rye, but but it had a earthy, nutty taste to it as well. The only problem with it is that it wasn't vegan. But otherwise, It was fantastic.
We are getting into the swing of this program. It seems to flow by. Our only problem is disorganization. We need to get our ingredients for recipes before we actually need them, because making this food isn't an instant process. It takes time to prepare.
We have the option to do a fasting day tomorrow, Day 7. I can't really do it, as I am still lactating, and I don't feel like it would be good for Izzy were I to fast. Glenn can, but is opting out based on the fact that he has lost a considerable amount of weight and is leaning on the skinny side, where it's too skinny. So we are just going to continue our path and see how it goes.
So we had a downtime day.
I made that Gluten Free loaf of bread, and OMG, it was really good. I mean, really really good. Tasted a bit like rye, but but it had a earthy, nutty taste to it as well. The only problem with it is that it wasn't vegan. But otherwise, It was fantastic.
We are getting into the swing of this program. It seems to flow by. Our only problem is disorganization. We need to get our ingredients for recipes before we actually need them, because making this food isn't an instant process. It takes time to prepare.
We have the option to do a fasting day tomorrow, Day 7. I can't really do it, as I am still lactating, and I don't feel like it would be good for Izzy were I to fast. Glenn can, but is opting out based on the fact that he has lost a considerable amount of weight and is leaning on the skinny side, where it's too skinny. So we are just going to continue our path and see how it goes.
Day5
Yikes! It has been awhile since I posted, but not because of the program. I am still on it, and going strong. I have been going through major sleep deprivation with my toddler. But Day 5, people!
No caffeine headache, no craving meat, although I still want cheese.
Not a fan with the cost of Gluten Free bread, or how much you get for the price. We bought a Gluten Free mix through Bob's Red Mill, and will be popping it into the bread machine this weekend. I have high hopes for some tastiness.
I do have to admit to being incredibly cranky today. I'm not sure if it's because of this cleanse, or the fact that I haven't SLEPT in days, but my kids figured out fairly quickly to stay out of my way.
Everyday of the cleanse there is a prayer and an affirmation included, and the prayer moved me today:
" May I share my shine without dimming it. Help me socialize with integrity. By setting an example, I inspire others. Remind me when I forget and fill me with holy shazzam discipline. "
So may it be so.
No caffeine headache, no craving meat, although I still want cheese.
Not a fan with the cost of Gluten Free bread, or how much you get for the price. We bought a Gluten Free mix through Bob's Red Mill, and will be popping it into the bread machine this weekend. I have high hopes for some tastiness.
I do have to admit to being incredibly cranky today. I'm not sure if it's because of this cleanse, or the fact that I haven't SLEPT in days, but my kids figured out fairly quickly to stay out of my way.
Everyday of the cleanse there is a prayer and an affirmation included, and the prayer moved me today:
" May I share my shine without dimming it. Help me socialize with integrity. By setting an example, I inspire others. Remind me when I forget and fill me with holy shazzam discipline. "
So may it be so.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Day 4
Today I researched "Dry Brushing" and why you should do it before you take a shower in the morning. It was recommended in the CSD book and so following along obediently we are doing just that. It's amazing how much softer my skin feels after doing this for a few days.
According to Dr. Denice Moffat, dry brushing helps stimulate your body organs during the detoxification process including the skin, gut, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes. Additionally, there are benefits to dry brushing. It:
According to Dr. Denice Moffat, dry brushing helps stimulate your body organs during the detoxification process including the skin, gut, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes. Additionally, there are benefits to dry brushing. It:
1. Removes cellulite
2. Cleanses the lymphatic system
3. Removes dead skin layers
4. Strengthens the immune system
5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands
6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging
7. Tones the muscles
8. Stimulates circulation
9. Improves the function of the nervous system
10. Helps digestion
11. AND it’s easy, inexpensive and invigorating!
For details on this go here to learn more.
I have been drinking more water than usual, which I realize I should have been doing all along. I feel so much better! (duh)... I dropped 6 pounds in the last 4 days, most of which is probably just water. But who cares! Woohoo! Go me! The green juice actually tastes way better now than it did in the beginning. Maybe because there has been no sugar in my diet whatsoever. Maybe my taste buds are clearer. I dunno, But whatev, it's tasty.
I haven't been bloated, and I haven't felt sluggish at all. Instead I have felt energized. So, I found 20 minutes and did Zumba today, which was a lot of fun.
The menu the last 2 days have been absolutely amazing. Remember I told you we were going to have Mexican Pilaf for dinner last night? ZOMG it was AH-MAY-ZING. So good that I am sharing the recipe.
It's by Chad Sarno from www.rawchef.com. I am consistently amazed at how tasty a raw food diet is. I am chicken when it comes to stepping outside my comfort zone in food. I know what I like, and I have always been hesitant to do something like this. But Hey! I'm trading that attitude for a more open mind. So yay.
Mexican Pilaf
(serves 4)
3 Cups wild rice, cooked
3 TB diced green onion
1 1/2 Cup tomato diced
1/2 cup cilantro chopped
2 TB fresh oregano, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes soaked for 1-3 hours
1/2 TB garlic, minced
1 1/2 TB white miso
1 TB chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
2 TB lemon juice
3 TB olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
place the cooked rice in mixing bowl and hand toss with green onion, 1 cup of diced tomato, cilantro, and oregano. Set aside. In high speed blender, blend the sun-dried tomatoes, remaining 1/2 cup diced tomato, miso, garlic, chili powder, cumin, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth. Toss tomato paste with rice and mix well.
And DONE!
It's really good. You should try it. Really.
Tonight we made raw noodles out of zucchini. That's something I had never even thought of. I just took my vegetable peeler and sliced noodles out of the zucchini. I poured pesto over the bowl of zucchini noodles and voila! Delicious. Ryan tried a noodle and didn't even know that it wasn't pasta. The best part? No bloating from pasta. That is a total win.
And for dessert tonight? I'm taking frozen bananas, and blending them to make soft serve ice cream. It's so good.
Glenn has a massive headache from the detox, but other than that he's doing well. He learned that he likes wild rice (didn't know).
Anyway, today was a win. I am hoping to add yoga and meditation to my day tomorrow. We shall see. :)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day 3
So far, today has exceeded my expectations. I assumed that it would be a crappy day, as I am in full swing in detox. That hasn't been the case. I guess it's partly because I ate almost totally healthy before I started. I know the sugar withdrawl headache might get to me, but maybe not. Before this whole process started my beloved Glenn went out and totally bought Dunkin Donuts as a last hurrah. We never eat donuts and I have to admit it was a delicious treat.
Thank goodness I am allowed dark chocolate on this. I don't know what I would do if that was taken away from me.
I can tell you today that even though I am really tired (from my little one who chooses to party down all night long), I feel focused and have a sense of clarity. My mood is stable, and I feel that bubbly hope inside that hasn't been there in a long time.
I am still determined to wiggle and shake my rear today, I might have to dance with Isabella to get it done, but It's happening.
I am really excited to try a new recipe today. It's a mexican pilaf with wild rice and it has green onions, tomatoes, cilantro, fresh oregano, sundried tomatoes( mmmm) white miso, garlic, chili powder, and cumin in it. I am not sure about the miso, as I have never tried it. But looking forward to something new.
Today instead of a green juice, we made a green smoothie which was like green cream. Looked absolutely disgusting. But I totally enjoyed it. It had an avocado, romaine leaves, cucumber, liquid vitamin, a banana, and some agave.
Glenn wasn't thrilled with it the first few sips, but he got over it and ended up liking it. I was full for hours!
I'm starving right this second, but only because I couldn't stomach anymore of the leftovers that I have been eating for 3 meals. It does get old. I learned that I need variety.
I haven't lost any weight yet which I am kinda surprised at, but I don't feel bloated for the first time in ages. This has to be a good thing. I wonder if the bloating is from gluten, dairy, or animal products? Hmmm.
Glenn bought us a Bread machine which I am super excited about using. We realized that going Gluten Free was not going to be cheap, so we are going to make our own. Now I just have to find the ingredients. I found a recipe that I can't wait to try. I will let you know how it goes!
Today's affirmation made me laugh:
I am so frickin cool and delicious and pretty and witty and sharp! I love every inch of me. Who wouldn't? (from Kris Carr, author of Crazy Sexy Diet)
I might have to write that one out and tape it to the bathroom mirror.
So, what helps to keep you on track when it gets hard to keep going? I would love to hear your tips, or yummy things to try.
Thank goodness I am allowed dark chocolate on this. I don't know what I would do if that was taken away from me.
I can tell you today that even though I am really tired (from my little one who chooses to party down all night long), I feel focused and have a sense of clarity. My mood is stable, and I feel that bubbly hope inside that hasn't been there in a long time.
I am still determined to wiggle and shake my rear today, I might have to dance with Isabella to get it done, but It's happening.
I am really excited to try a new recipe today. It's a mexican pilaf with wild rice and it has green onions, tomatoes, cilantro, fresh oregano, sundried tomatoes( mmmm) white miso, garlic, chili powder, and cumin in it. I am not sure about the miso, as I have never tried it. But looking forward to something new.
Today instead of a green juice, we made a green smoothie which was like green cream. Looked absolutely disgusting. But I totally enjoyed it. It had an avocado, romaine leaves, cucumber, liquid vitamin, a banana, and some agave.
Glenn wasn't thrilled with it the first few sips, but he got over it and ended up liking it. I was full for hours!
I'm starving right this second, but only because I couldn't stomach anymore of the leftovers that I have been eating for 3 meals. It does get old. I learned that I need variety.
I haven't lost any weight yet which I am kinda surprised at, but I don't feel bloated for the first time in ages. This has to be a good thing. I wonder if the bloating is from gluten, dairy, or animal products? Hmmm.
Glenn bought us a Bread machine which I am super excited about using. We realized that going Gluten Free was not going to be cheap, so we are going to make our own. Now I just have to find the ingredients. I found a recipe that I can't wait to try. I will let you know how it goes!
Today's affirmation made me laugh:
I am so frickin cool and delicious and pretty and witty and sharp! I love every inch of me. Who wouldn't? (from Kris Carr, author of Crazy Sexy Diet)
I might have to write that one out and tape it to the bathroom mirror.
So, what helps to keep you on track when it gets hard to keep going? I would love to hear your tips, or yummy things to try.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Day 2
Today kind of sucked. Kind of. I have to admit to being quite cranky. Which I understand is part of the whole detoxification process. But man, I felt like snapping at everyone, and it was hard to keep myself in check.
Tomorrow will probably be the worst of the bad days, and then I expect it to get better. I just need to remember to be gentle with myself. The brain psychology is amazing, because I would have given anything to have dairy today, or meat even. My brain was trying to talk me into it. My will power over came it, but it was tough. I also started rationalizing why, after 3 weeks I would be done with this crap and go back to my old life and blah blah blah. I have to remember that I am doing this for bigger reasons than to cave in.
It's not just for 3 weeks. I mean, the vegan part is, but until I wrap my brain around why I *should* be, then I think I will be easing into this new lifestyle.
I do know that I need to start movin and groovin more. I'm not exercising enough and that needs to change, immediately.
I haven't had time to meditate. I didn't get a chance to do any yoga.
Baby steps right? Sigh.
Tomorrow will probably be the worst of the bad days, and then I expect it to get better. I just need to remember to be gentle with myself. The brain psychology is amazing, because I would have given anything to have dairy today, or meat even. My brain was trying to talk me into it. My will power over came it, but it was tough. I also started rationalizing why, after 3 weeks I would be done with this crap and go back to my old life and blah blah blah. I have to remember that I am doing this for bigger reasons than to cave in.
It's not just for 3 weeks. I mean, the vegan part is, but until I wrap my brain around why I *should* be, then I think I will be easing into this new lifestyle.
I do know that I need to start movin and groovin more. I'm not exercising enough and that needs to change, immediately.
I haven't had time to meditate. I didn't get a chance to do any yoga.
Baby steps right? Sigh.
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