Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Spring Foods for Cleansing


In this technological age it's easy to forget that we are animal creatures and that our bodies and energetic systems are attuned to the seasons, just like that of the animal and plant creatures around us. We've just largely removed ourselves. But it's worth remembering, here's why:

Winter Foods & Feelings
In the winter, we often crave cooked, hearty soups, carbs, and proteins, originally to bulk up and keep warm. When you look around the farmers' market, you see these hardy and hearty offerings reflected: a huge array of winter squashes (like butternut and kabocha), potatoes, collards, garlic, yams, kale. It's a time many traditions celebrate the season with meats, ostensibly to stock up for winter.

It's natural to gain a little extra weight in the winter (we blame that on holiday parties now, but it's built into our systems as a survival mechanism)! Winter is the time of hibernation, of rest and turning inward. It can be especially challenging for sensitive people to cope with the outgoing, busy holiday energy during the time of year when our natural instinct is to slow down and reflect internally. No wonder January and February can feel like such a come down. We crave that stay home, snuggle up and rest time.

Spring Foods & Feelings
Spring brings the re-awakening of energy. Sprouts come up. We feel our creative juices stirring, a desire to get back out into the world. To see people. To go places. To make things happen! It is a time of natural lightening and expansion, in body and in spirit.

If you're at the farmers' market, you will see this lightness reflected in the tender young vegetables. It's not too surprising that all of the spring vegetables -  sprouts, onions, snap peas, spinach, romaine, arugula, asparagus, beets, chard, spring carrots, radishes, cilantro - are highly alkalizing and cleansing! After a winter of holding onto extra calories, and eating extra rich foods, our bodies are wired to crave these crunchy, juicy veggies. Check in with your body? What's it saying?

Around this time of year, you start to see tons of hype about Spring Cleanses and Detoxes from the health community. While I do believe these can be so important for flushing the body of toxins, I invite you to go into any kind of cleansing from a place of:

  1. Listening to what your body wants and needs, not what your head thinks you "should" be doing.
  2. Self-love, self-care and kindness, not because you're trying to fix yourself.

This is why I invited you to check in with your body. When you think about filling yourself on fresh young vegetables, how does that feel inside? Compare that to the feeling of eating cheeseburgers or just bread for a week (just so you can get a good reading). As women, we've been programmed to follow an outside lead about what kind of diet our bodies need. I invite you to be aware of that energy and influence and choose for yourself.

Ways to Cleanse
There are so many different kinds of cleanses and detoxes, from the Master Cleanse (lemon juice, cayenne
and maple syrup for 10 days) to Ayurvedic cleansing (a yogic tradition based on eating a mung bean and veggie curry) to whole foods-based eating cleanses.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of the latter. Whole foods eating cleansing, baby. Because I love eating, and I love celebrating the seasons. And because my body does not like extremes. It sends my sensitive energy on a roller coaster ride and I don't like having to recover from something that was supposed to make me feel good.

The easiest way to cleanse when spring hits your area? Commit (and that's a big COMMIT) to shopping and eating primarily from the Farmer's Market. Find some new recipes - check out my resources section for ideas - and get cooking. These great foods will crowd out the other "stuff" you're eating otherwise. It can be IMMENSELY helpful to join a group cleanse for the support and accountability, but if you've got a good grasp on cooking and eating healthy already, I say go for it!

In general, when cleansing, it is beneficial to INCREASE your intake of whole foods like greens, the onion and garlic family, non-starchy vegetables of all kinds, whole grains, colorful foods, healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil) and fresh, clean water.

It is beneficial to DECREASE (or temporarily stop) you intake of processed/premade foods with artificial flavors or preservatives, caffeine, alcohol, drugs, sugar, meat, dairy, eggs and all animal products (high in saturated fats, and they often accumulate their own toxic loads that get passed on to you when you eat them). If animal protein is a non-negotiable part of your diet, go for pasture-raised varieties or clean fish that check out on the Monterey Bay Aquarium guide.

The Commitment Piece
I've done enough things half-way to say definitively that it's not worth it. "Do or don't do. There is no try." When we say we want something but don't commit, we don't make it a priority in our minds, in our calendars, and with other people. Then we "fall off the wagon", we feel bad about ourselves. It undermines our core confidence! I don't recommend doing that to yourself. I invite you to commit in these ways, even if you decide to join a structured cleanse - though you will find many pieces already covered.

Ways To Make Your Cleanse Commitment Stick:

  • Find a cleanse accountability buddy who will either do it with you (best!) or be willing to do some sort of daily check in.
  • Write down your intentions and parameters for your cleanse. What are you doing and why are you doing it? What am I committing to eat more of, what am I committing to eat less (or none) of. Your time frame. Your ease-into and exit strategies. Be clear.
  • Research shopping options, recipes and ingredients beforehand. Make a plan. It generally requires extra time in the kitchen. Remember, it's self-love time. Put whatever is necessary into your calendar.
  • Tell your partner (and/or house mates) about the cleanse, and, if appropriate, invite them to eat what you're making for yourself or to be prepared to bring home or ask for what they want (if you are usually the cook for you both).
  • Be gentle with yourself! Sometimes unforseen situations or emotions or opportunities arise. Do the best you can, and remember that one "off" meal doesn't a cleanse ruin.
What do you think? Have you cleansed before? Are there questions or worries you have around doing one? I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below...

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

7 Everyday Detox Practices

It's Spring and you might be feeling the natural urge to clean out the old and stagnant! We're wired to crave more active, fresh energy this time of year. I'll be writing a series of articles on Spring Cleaning this March & April for your self-care delights.

After wrapping up my virtual program, Ignite Your Energy, I was feeling called to flush out and cleanse my body on a deeper level. (More on whole foods eating cleanses to come!) I just completed two weeks of cleansing and was amazed by some of the results:
  • clearer, more glowing skin (by the end)
  • whiter eyes
  • less cravings (especially for sweets, dessert and peanut butter)
  • greater sense of grounding and clarity
  • more energy (even with no caffeine!)
  • better sleep
Your Body is Already Detoxing Every Day
Your liver, large intestine, skin, and lymphatic system (a network of organs, nodes, ducts, and vessels that produce and transport lymph - your inner "juice" of white blood cells) are all working around the clock to transport toxins and body waste OUT. The trouble is, over time, they can get overloaded with accumulated toxins from daily modern living, from chemicals on and in foods, body products, cleaners and our environment.

The great news is that there are many daily practices you can begin to incorporate into your self-care routine that will improve your body's daily detox capabilities. You don't have do an in-depth cleanse to get the benefits of these self-care practices.

7 Everyday Detox Practices
  1. Lemon water: Drink a big glass of (warm is gentlest) lemon water every morning, right when you get up. Lemon alkalizes the body, reduces inflammation, and flushes the liver.
  2. Dry brushing: You can buy these dry bristle brushes online or at health food stores and some pharmacies. Brushing before showers stimulates your skin, removes dead cells, and activating any stagnant lymph to promote cleansing. Brush in a circular motion, towards your heart. You can get similar exfoliating effects from using a salt or sugar scrub in the shower 1-2 times a week.
  3. Hot & cold shower bursts: If I can do this (I HATE being cold), anyone can do this. Towards the end of your shower, alternate between hot and (as) cold (as you can stand) water. This opens and closes your pores, pumping toxins out so they can be washed away.
  4. Self-massage with oil: Massage is another way to move lymph and release toxins from your muscles. Use all-natural straight-up coconut oil (which has antibacterial properties), raw sesame, or almond oil (available in most grocery stores). My motto is: Don't put it on your skin if you don't want it in your body. Our skin is porous and absorbs a large percentage of whatever you put on it.
  5. Sweat it out: Your skin is your largest organ of elimination and detox, and it does so through your sweat. Find a sauna or steam room (bonus points for taking a cool or cold shower after/before getting back in). A few times a week, get in workouts (even if brief) that get your heart rate up, your blood pumping and your skin sweating. Nature's best detox medicine comes built in.
  6. Eating more fiber: Fiber is like the internal swiffer for your intestines, moving everything along smoothly. My favorite source is freshly ground flax seed (store in the fridge), sprinkled over grains, cereal or veggie salads, or blended into smoothies. Upping your intake of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds is super effective as well. If all else fails, opt for a natural supplement.
  7. Eating more whole fermented foods: These are rich in probiotics and easy to digest. Strong digestion and regular bowel movements = your most important daily detox (and, yes, BM's should be happening EVERY day, at least once, otherwise you're constipated, then see #1+6). My go-to's are raw sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, apple cider vinegar (diluted in water), kombucha, and plain yogurt (look for "live culture" on the label).
Set yourself up for success: Don't take all of these practices on at once! Start with 1 or 2, see how they work for you, integrate them into your daily self-care routine, and then introduce others. Let me know what you're planning to do first, leave a comment below. Happy detoxing!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

When Cooking Feels Like a Chore...

You just got home from a hectic day. You'd made sure to buy all kinds of fresh ingredients to cook earlier in the week, but when you open your fridge to find dinner, you're overwhelmed by all those raw ingredients, staring back at you blankly. Sigh... What the heck are you going to make? Why can't dinner just cook itself tonight?

We've all been there, despite our best intentions. I get it. It's important to me to eat organic, fresh, whole foods and so I prepare most of my own meals. When I'm working from home, that means three times a day. I often rely on leftovers and throw-together salads to keep things simple and easy, but sometimes I feel like I have "better" things to do than be in the kitchen.

Here's the thing: If I know I want to make myself food, and that I'm going to, despite my current feelings about it, I can either let it be a drag, or decide to change my mind. So I usually take a deep breath, shake my shoulders, and change my mind.

Three of my favorite ways to cook:
  • With My Super Sensual Senses. Preparing and cooking food is a gorgeously sensory experience when we remember to be awake to them. Go slow. I smell my ingredients, especially once I've cut them open. I feel my knife. I marvel at the inner world complexity of fruits and vegetables. I taste pieces - raw, cooked and everything in between, I lick my fingers, I take a sip with a spoon. I enjoy the sizzle. My senses tell me when everything is good and ready. Cooking becomes my zen time.
  •  I Make Food My Art. I pretend like I'm a professional chef with my own TV show. I'll orate food poetry and describe my process. I'll chop and arrange my ingredients extra fine or symmetrically. I grab my camera, and photograph the whole process, start to finish. I plate my food carefully, in layers, or with a design in mind, perhaps with a decorative smattering of herbs or drizzle of oil.
  • As a Gourmet Foodie PlayGround. I open my creative mind to all things in my kitchen and pantry. Pull out and look at all my spices. Ask myself, What one simple but unsual spice or ingredient can I include here that will accent and mix up what I've got going on? I notice what's calling or what pops out at me. I start cooking and trust the inspiration will grab me. I pull something random from the fruit basket and figure out how to incorporate it. I make garnishes. I rummage through the fridge for unusual condiments, sides and drink ingredients. My kitchen is my play ground.
How do you keep it fresh? What's your favorite way to cook? LOVE to hear what you're doing and loving in your kitchen... please leave a comment below!

My first Sensual Cooking Feasts have been booked! If you want to boost your creative confidence, wake up your senses big time, or try a new way of shopping and cooking for yourself, come over and let's do it. Learn more here :) I look forward to playing with you.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Using Sensitivity for GOOD: Sensual Cooking Feasts

Back in January, I decided that this year I'm doing more of what I love, more of what feeds me. I'm going to have more fun. More play. And I'm bringing all of that into my work... because why get paid to work when you can get paid to play?

I've got a really special announcement!
I'm talking about something I really really love.
Something that ignites one of my SuperPowers and feeds my sensitivity...

FOOD!

Still drooling over this..
As we've been "warming our house" with guests and gatherings, I've been getting the itch to host more! I've been on a wave of dreaming about food and planning parties and get-togethers of all kinds...

Then, a little entrepreneurial voice in my brain said, "Hey! You've been wanting to get real and face to face with people. Workshops haven't felt right. How about cooking parties?! Imagine... going to the farmer's market and tasting through the best strawberries of your life, and then bringing people home to cook with you!? Your sensitivity has made you an amazing and intuitive cook! It's WHY you love it so much. Why keep that to yourself?"

Cooking parties!! Oh universe, I love my brain.

Are you ready? I'm doing it. This is my new way of creating and curating my livelihood. I've cooked up delicious storms at yoga retreats, Whole Foods cooking classes, gyms, corporate team-building events, supper clubs, and for countless friends.

For me, it's about connecting with people and our local food, and supporting each other to live fuller, healthier, happier lives. I want you to feel as in love with your self-care as I do. I want it to feel sooo gooood that to do anything else would be ridiculous.

Are you into this?

Here are four ways you can dive into the Sensual Cooking Feast movement:
  1. Go here to read more about feasting, my Food Philosophy & how to sign up...
  2. Follow me on Instagram to start your #healthyfoodie #sensualfeast taste buds a-watering...
  3. Pass it on to your foodie friends (and get in on a cooking party together?)...
  4. Check out my Sensual Cooking Feast vision board below!