Water Fast Day 6
I feel weak (but not in a bad way) am shedding weight. Today was a very productive day, went through paper work, filled in applications, cleared out email in boxes , did filing and the like. Plus some tidying. It was all very straightford with no dithering.
Water Fast Day 7
Feel weak but buoyant. The 'clear out' continues, and this is not something I planned. I went through all my clothes and shoes item by item. There is isn't an incredible amount but felt strongly that this was something I had to do. And I 'knew' what could stay and what could go. Also had bowel movement (oops if that was too much!). The purge spilled over into my sister's stuff before you could say 'what's in that bag?' it was all done.
Later that evening I went dancing and I danced for three hours solid. Would not generally recommend this! But I love to dance and was happy to go. Each fast is unique, as you fast more and become stronger you get to recognise your boundaries.
Water Fast Day 8
I woke up very dehydrated because of the dancing so had a load of water. Guess what? Yes, the big clear out continued, old college/uni assignments all gone, cleared out trinkets and practically most of my old photos. You may not believe it but I am actually a minimalist. Took everything to the charity shop or binned for rubbish. So liberating.
Water Fast Day 9
Feel good but weak. Looking lean. Have a spot on my face. Something that I would suggest when fasting, may sound odd but always shower, even if you are just going back to bed. It is so refreshing. Went for a walk, great being outside.
Sponsor
Sunday 30 December 2007
Wednesday 26 December 2007
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Hope you are all enjoying the festivities in love and freedom!
Water Fast Day 3
Felt weak but better after showering. Went into town to run some errands and then popped into work to check a couple of things. It was very peaceful and quiet, I enjoyed the walk back to the station.
Water Fast Day 4
Felt very weak today. Arms and legs heavy. When sitting I'm a dead weight! And even putting something on my lap feels burdensome. Lots of Christmas cooking smells around! I think today is major toxin purge day.
Water Fast Day 5
Felt stronger today but still weak. Stayed in and read, and listened to audio very productive day. Am doing well with keeping up with the water intake even though I don't feel like it. Seeing visible signs of ketosis. For the record no headaches or breath issues.
On a completely different note this may be of interest and I will be having a gander too as I get it for free if I help spread the word ;)
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
It covers:
The best blogging techniques.
How to get traffic to your blog.
How to turn your blog into money.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
Water Fast Day 3
Felt weak but better after showering. Went into town to run some errands and then popped into work to check a couple of things. It was very peaceful and quiet, I enjoyed the walk back to the station.
Water Fast Day 4
Felt very weak today. Arms and legs heavy. When sitting I'm a dead weight! And even putting something on my lap feels burdensome. Lots of Christmas cooking smells around! I think today is major toxin purge day.
Water Fast Day 5
Felt stronger today but still weak. Stayed in and read, and listened to audio very productive day. Am doing well with keeping up with the water intake even though I don't feel like it. Seeing visible signs of ketosis. For the record no headaches or breath issues.
On a completely different note this may be of interest and I will be having a gander too as I get it for free if I help spread the word ;)
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
It covers:
The best blogging techniques.
How to get traffic to your blog.
How to turn your blog into money.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
Sunday 23 December 2007
Lara Bar Feedback
Water fast Day 2
Started yesterday, felt great. Went into town, plus did some errands locally. Today feeling more like I wanted to sleep, had a couple of appointments that took me out. And met briefly with a couple of friends in a bar after church. Had water obviously! But they ordered nuts too. And although I wasn't hungry they looked appealing! Need to up the water intake 1-2 pints every hour.
Got a great response from Lara Bars re the mouldy product. Am really chuffed about that because I really wanted them to live up to my expectations and they did. I've found out they are now sold at Sainsbury' s. I saw pecan pie, apple pie and ginger snap. My favourite was cashew cookie but think that's been usurped by ginger snap. http://www.iherb.com/ has great discounts if you want to buy in bulk.
Now it is generally understood that combining nuts and dried fruit 'aint great. So for those who are thinking that, what I'll say is this when you eat these you don't get the coating on the teeth you get when eating dates alone, and or large quantities of nuts, which is not that beneficial if you can't get to a toothbrush quick. This is probably because of the way the ingredients have been pulvarised. The packet is clearly labelled with nutritional info and calorie content so you can monitor your intake. So one bar is really going to be okay. Eating more than that will depend on your individual constitution, and whether you eat them in close proximity to other foods. I don't have a problem with them at all, I just try to have a very good intake of fresh fruit during the day to keep the numbers down! But these are great for transitioning and for something denser particularly in the colder months. The main thing is to eat or nibble them slowly (yes hard I know) and chew thoroughly as you should do with all food. The bars are great for sharing with cookies and rawies alike and can be a great conversation starter on raw. So pack a bundle to your Christmas day gathering, to help you (and maybe some others) pass on the crisps and chocs!
Started yesterday, felt great. Went into town, plus did some errands locally. Today feeling more like I wanted to sleep, had a couple of appointments that took me out. And met briefly with a couple of friends in a bar after church. Had water obviously! But they ordered nuts too. And although I wasn't hungry they looked appealing! Need to up the water intake 1-2 pints every hour.
Got a great response from Lara Bars re the mouldy product. Am really chuffed about that because I really wanted them to live up to my expectations and they did. I've found out they are now sold at Sainsbury' s. I saw pecan pie, apple pie and ginger snap. My favourite was cashew cookie but think that's been usurped by ginger snap. http://www.iherb.com/ has great discounts if you want to buy in bulk.
Now it is generally understood that combining nuts and dried fruit 'aint great. So for those who are thinking that, what I'll say is this when you eat these you don't get the coating on the teeth you get when eating dates alone, and or large quantities of nuts, which is not that beneficial if you can't get to a toothbrush quick. This is probably because of the way the ingredients have been pulvarised. The packet is clearly labelled with nutritional info and calorie content so you can monitor your intake. So one bar is really going to be okay. Eating more than that will depend on your individual constitution, and whether you eat them in close proximity to other foods. I don't have a problem with them at all, I just try to have a very good intake of fresh fruit during the day to keep the numbers down! But these are great for transitioning and for something denser particularly in the colder months. The main thing is to eat or nibble them slowly (yes hard I know) and chew thoroughly as you should do with all food. The bars are great for sharing with cookies and rawies alike and can be a great conversation starter on raw. So pack a bundle to your Christmas day gathering, to help you (and maybe some others) pass on the crisps and chocs!
Friday 21 December 2007
Eating Raw is Sexy
Exercise: Lots of walking
Food: 4 bananas, green smoothie (canteloupe, melon, mango, spinach), bought salad (lettuce, baby corn on cob, beetroot, mange tout, green beans, broccoli, 3 Lara bars, a few pistachios and cashews, a fruit pudding (5 small bananas, about half a mango and frozen acai pulp)
Today I was standing on the station platform and was discreetly (or so I thought) eating my bananas. And it was four which is a few as it is usually six or seven at a go. This rather attractive guys maneouvers himself to my side and looks or rather stares at me, I say "hi" and introduce myself and he gave his name too. He then asked me "how many bananas did you just eat?" To which I laughed and replied "four". He said "very sexy"... Well there you go eating raw pulls in the dates.
My Christmas green smoothie of yesterday didn't work out (I know after all the build up). It was clementines, spinach and apple. The little I had at the time tasted great. But yesterday after being in the fridge it tasted very bitter, maybe to do with the pith settling. Probably needed to use fewer clementines, no problem with the satsumas though. I tried sipping it while holding my nose, it didn't work. So unfortunately it went down the plug hole.
Food: 4 bananas, green smoothie (canteloupe, melon, mango, spinach), bought salad (lettuce, baby corn on cob, beetroot, mange tout, green beans, broccoli, 3 Lara bars, a few pistachios and cashews, a fruit pudding (5 small bananas, about half a mango and frozen acai pulp)
Today I was standing on the station platform and was discreetly (or so I thought) eating my bananas. And it was four which is a few as it is usually six or seven at a go. This rather attractive guys maneouvers himself to my side and looks or rather stares at me, I say "hi" and introduce myself and he gave his name too. He then asked me "how many bananas did you just eat?" To which I laughed and replied "four". He said "very sexy"... Well there you go eating raw pulls in the dates.
My Christmas green smoothie of yesterday didn't work out (I know after all the build up). It was clementines, spinach and apple. The little I had at the time tasted great. But yesterday after being in the fridge it tasted very bitter, maybe to do with the pith settling. Probably needed to use fewer clementines, no problem with the satsumas though. I tried sipping it while holding my nose, it didn't work. So unfortunately it went down the plug hole.
Wednesday 19 December 2007
Raw Christmas
Exercise: pushups, walking
Food: satsuma, pear and spinach green smoothie, salad of avocado, cucumber, red pepper, tomatoes and baby leaves, cashew nuts and later at home banana, coconut and pineapple juice smoothie
Had work drinks today so quaffed champagne (ok cava) and picked at a few nuts. So looking forward to having a break.
Am getting creative with my green smoothies, getting a bit Christmassy with the seasonal citrus fruit. Have got a brand new one for tomorrow, so tune in then. Can't wait to get a digital camera to get some images up.
If you are in London then you should go check out the raw fairies site www.rawfairies.com
They are putting on a gorgeous Christmas raw food feast at the Bonnington Cafe in Vauxhall on Sunday, unfortunately I can't make it this weekend but will be checking out the cafe in the New Year.
If you are eating raw even if it's not yet at the level you'd like, know that you are part of a revolution. Oh yeah.
Food: satsuma, pear and spinach green smoothie, salad of avocado, cucumber, red pepper, tomatoes and baby leaves, cashew nuts and later at home banana, coconut and pineapple juice smoothie
Had work drinks today so quaffed champagne (ok cava) and picked at a few nuts. So looking forward to having a break.
Am getting creative with my green smoothies, getting a bit Christmassy with the seasonal citrus fruit. Have got a brand new one for tomorrow, so tune in then. Can't wait to get a digital camera to get some images up.
If you are in London then you should go check out the raw fairies site www.rawfairies.com
They are putting on a gorgeous Christmas raw food feast at the Bonnington Cafe in Vauxhall on Sunday, unfortunately I can't make it this weekend but will be checking out the cafe in the New Year.
If you are eating raw even if it's not yet at the level you'd like, know that you are part of a revolution. Oh yeah.
Tuesday 18 December 2007
Good Eating Habits
Exercise: Lots of walking, push-ups
Food: I had three distinct eating times today, 12 noon a box of cherries, 4.30 salad - baby leaves, avocado, tomato, cucumber and yellow pepper, 6.30pm - 7pm a bowl of 'chocolate mousse' - acai, coconut milk, 3 large bananas some shredded raw coconut, followed by a few almonds. So achieved both aims of eating from 12 noon onwards and stop eating by 7pm!!
I had about 4hrs sleep approx. last night and that's after being out dancing. So when I woke up I felt like I hadn't had enough sleep but still felt vibrant and my skin looked really fresh. And I put this down to the fact that I stopped eating at 7pm yesterday. I have had days when I have had more sleep but have literally just got into bed after eating something and not necessarily something light! Then have woken up the next day feeling dehydrated and not refreshed at all.
So hope to continue with this no eating after 7pm, except for my rooibos tea and raw honey if I need it. Good habits make the journey easier and more enjoyable. So here's to a few more in 2008! An excellent book that I have just re-read is the Ultimate Secret to Getting Everything You Want by Mike Hernacki. It will help you in your pursuit of optimum health and other worthy goals. It's very easy to read and would be an ideal stocking filler if you are looking for meaningful gifts.
On a completely different note I had to send some of the Lara bars that I bought in NY, back to the company in the states. They had mould on them and they weren't out of date, but shows they are viable. Anyway sent them back a couple of days after I got back. Still waiting to hear.
And another aside had another great date on Saturday, woo hoo!
Food: I had three distinct eating times today, 12 noon a box of cherries, 4.30 salad - baby leaves, avocado, tomato, cucumber and yellow pepper, 6.30pm - 7pm a bowl of 'chocolate mousse' - acai, coconut milk, 3 large bananas some shredded raw coconut, followed by a few almonds. So achieved both aims of eating from 12 noon onwards and stop eating by 7pm!!
I had about 4hrs sleep approx. last night and that's after being out dancing. So when I woke up I felt like I hadn't had enough sleep but still felt vibrant and my skin looked really fresh. And I put this down to the fact that I stopped eating at 7pm yesterday. I have had days when I have had more sleep but have literally just got into bed after eating something and not necessarily something light! Then have woken up the next day feeling dehydrated and not refreshed at all.
So hope to continue with this no eating after 7pm, except for my rooibos tea and raw honey if I need it. Good habits make the journey easier and more enjoyable. So here's to a few more in 2008! An excellent book that I have just re-read is the Ultimate Secret to Getting Everything You Want by Mike Hernacki. It will help you in your pursuit of optimum health and other worthy goals. It's very easy to read and would be an ideal stocking filler if you are looking for meaningful gifts.
On a completely different note I had to send some of the Lara bars that I bought in NY, back to the company in the states. They had mould on them and they weren't out of date, but shows they are viable. Anyway sent them back a couple of days after I got back. Still waiting to hear.
And another aside had another great date on Saturday, woo hoo!
Monday 17 December 2007
Acai - The Chocolate Fruit?
Exercise: Dancing, push ups and lots of walking
Food: Acai and banana smoothie (at agency meeting!), green smoothie (mango, satsumas and spinach), Large salad - baby leaves, avocado, tomato and cucumber, I tried a new raw bar (very green) called miracle bar, found it in Planet Organic. I liked it but not sure the average punter would. A few lara bars, and when I got home I made my own acai smoothie with acai (bought frozen), green coconut pulp (frozen), sun-dried shredded coconut and a few bananas. Absolutely delicious like chocolate mousse but a zillion times better.
How cool a fruit that tastes like chocolate. That's is what you call a real treat.
Food: Acai and banana smoothie (at agency meeting!), green smoothie (mango, satsumas and spinach), Large salad - baby leaves, avocado, tomato and cucumber, I tried a new raw bar (very green) called miracle bar, found it in Planet Organic. I liked it but not sure the average punter would. A few lara bars, and when I got home I made my own acai smoothie with acai (bought frozen), green coconut pulp (frozen), sun-dried shredded coconut and a few bananas. Absolutely delicious like chocolate mousse but a zillion times better.
How cool a fruit that tastes like chocolate. That's is what you call a real treat.
Friday 14 December 2007
Seeds of Change
Exercise: Pushups
Food: Green smoothie, 8 bananas, salad - leaves, tomato and avocado, pineapple and celery juice, a small smoothie of guava and clementines, a few nuts and lara bars
The guava smoothie was okay but should probably have removed the seeds! The clementines really worked prob due to hardly any pith. I've done a whole orange smoothies and it was as bitter as bitter, due to the pith. But reckon this method would suit satsumas and clementines to produce whole juice.
Went out for yet more drinks tonight but I stuck to water! I've just had the best news one of my lovely friends who encourages me and says that I'm inspirational seems to be fastracking her way to eating vegan!! And with a significant raw element and I'm sure the percentage of raw will grow, it's only a matter of time. One of my bosses told me I look well, and said he'd seen me eating a pile of green stuff. My salad. He then asked how long I had been veggie (that's what he sees it as, I don't shout about eating raw at the moment I just do it) and I said around five years. He said he could see himself at a push not eating meat, but couldn't give up fish. I love conversations like this because people's minds begin to open up and the seeds of change are being planted.
And I can't ignore the fact that the health habits of those who hang around me change for the better whether I'm saying anything or not. Family, flatmates, friends, colleagues etc. And that is so encouraging, and so emphasises the need for us to live intentionally and purposefully.
Food: Green smoothie, 8 bananas, salad - leaves, tomato and avocado, pineapple and celery juice, a small smoothie of guava and clementines, a few nuts and lara bars
The guava smoothie was okay but should probably have removed the seeds! The clementines really worked prob due to hardly any pith. I've done a whole orange smoothies and it was as bitter as bitter, due to the pith. But reckon this method would suit satsumas and clementines to produce whole juice.
Went out for yet more drinks tonight but I stuck to water! I've just had the best news one of my lovely friends who encourages me and says that I'm inspirational seems to be fastracking her way to eating vegan!! And with a significant raw element and I'm sure the percentage of raw will grow, it's only a matter of time. One of my bosses told me I look well, and said he'd seen me eating a pile of green stuff. My salad. He then asked how long I had been veggie (that's what he sees it as, I don't shout about eating raw at the moment I just do it) and I said around five years. He said he could see himself at a push not eating meat, but couldn't give up fish. I love conversations like this because people's minds begin to open up and the seeds of change are being planted.
And I can't ignore the fact that the health habits of those who hang around me change for the better whether I'm saying anything or not. Family, flatmates, friends, colleagues etc. And that is so encouraging, and so emphasises the need for us to live intentionally and purposefully.
Thursday 13 December 2007
Party Time
Exercise: Push ups
Food: 12 bananas, salad (baby greens, tomatoes and avocado), pineapple and celery juice, a few lara bars, a few bellinis, sun-blushed tomatoes, olives, a bit of houmous and a few chips
The party season has begun in earnest. Went out for drinks with some colleagues/friends to Bluu bar in Hoxton. Great venue and excellent staff. I stuck to mango bellinis, and water, they ordered food. And they ordered with me in mind as they know me as eating 'vegan' and not explicitly raw. So it was olives, sun-blushed tomatoes, artichokes, houmous, bread, chips. I was very touched by their thoughtfulness. And I could have just picked at the tomatoes and olives but had a sneaky few chips. They did taste nice ( I don't eat them because they don't taste nice, but because they are not the best food for me) unlike some things I cannot stand the smell or taste of now. But I didn't feel like I wanted more or that I was missing out by not including them in my diet. I didn't touch the bread and had no inclination to which is very interesting.
What I learnt tonight is that when I set clear boundaries, it helps other people to help me even unwittingly. And also I have some lovely people in my life.
Food: 12 bananas, salad (baby greens, tomatoes and avocado), pineapple and celery juice, a few lara bars, a few bellinis, sun-blushed tomatoes, olives, a bit of houmous and a few chips
The party season has begun in earnest. Went out for drinks with some colleagues/friends to Bluu bar in Hoxton. Great venue and excellent staff. I stuck to mango bellinis, and water, they ordered food. And they ordered with me in mind as they know me as eating 'vegan' and not explicitly raw. So it was olives, sun-blushed tomatoes, artichokes, houmous, bread, chips. I was very touched by their thoughtfulness. And I could have just picked at the tomatoes and olives but had a sneaky few chips. They did taste nice ( I don't eat them because they don't taste nice, but because they are not the best food for me) unlike some things I cannot stand the smell or taste of now. But I didn't feel like I wanted more or that I was missing out by not including them in my diet. I didn't touch the bread and had no inclination to which is very interesting.
What I learnt tonight is that when I set clear boundaries, it helps other people to help me even unwittingly. And also I have some lovely people in my life.
Wednesday 12 December 2007
Gen 1:29
Exercise: Pushups
Food: 6 bananas, green smoothie - mango and spinach, a few lara bars, salad of baby greens, tomatoes and avocado, 3 bellinis
I'm mulling over Genesis 1:29. Until I saw this quoted I had never realised it was there. And I have read Genesis before but it has just never registered. How utterly intriguing.
And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food"..... Read the next verse.
Got taken out for drinks tonight at the Dollar Bar and Grill in Exmouth market. Had three bellinis and two big glasses of water. The partying has begun. I only drink occasionally and if I do it's usually a champagne cocktail and nothing else. Had a bracing walk from work to the bar which was about 40 mins away from work and then from the bar to the station. It is very cold! Today it's 4 degrees C. Although I feel the cold, I notice it has less impact on me now. I enjoy being outside in the cold when it's dry, and it doesn't affect my mood or influence my decisions on going out/socialising. It's something I've only recently just noticed.
Food: 6 bananas, green smoothie - mango and spinach, a few lara bars, salad of baby greens, tomatoes and avocado, 3 bellinis
I'm mulling over Genesis 1:29. Until I saw this quoted I had never realised it was there. And I have read Genesis before but it has just never registered. How utterly intriguing.
And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food"..... Read the next verse.
Got taken out for drinks tonight at the Dollar Bar and Grill in Exmouth market. Had three bellinis and two big glasses of water. The partying has begun. I only drink occasionally and if I do it's usually a champagne cocktail and nothing else. Had a bracing walk from work to the bar which was about 40 mins away from work and then from the bar to the station. It is very cold! Today it's 4 degrees C. Although I feel the cold, I notice it has less impact on me now. I enjoy being outside in the cold when it's dry, and it doesn't affect my mood or influence my decisions on going out/socialising. It's something I've only recently just noticed.
Monday 10 December 2007
Lovely Day
Food: Acai, banana and apple juice smoothie, 2 conference pears, salad of baby greens, carrot, alfalfa sprouts, mushrooms and mung bean sprouts/red cabbage mix, a few Lara bars (yeah you saw that one coming)
Exercise: Dancing
Today was just a fantastic day on every level. I had the day off work, so had a lie in until about 11am but I did go to bed around 3am, so all relative. But on a normal work night I get about 5hrs sleep which works well for me particularly when I don't eat at least 3 hours before sleeping. Hurrah this habit is now finally kicking in. I do love to wander around town when I have spare time, I like being outside and I like being around and observing people. So went to Carnaby St and Soho. Treated myself to a smoothie and salad at Fresh and Wild. And found a great woolly hat (I had imagined this exact style and it was like there it is!) bought it in black and red.
Then I had a random date. Won't go into details but it was just so low-key and lovely. Raw food didn't come up as we weren't eating. But somehow I think that if it had come up this guy would not have been that fazed. I used to think how on earth am I going to find someone who eats raw. But that is scarcity thinking. I just need to be who I am, everything I will ever need already exists. And then later I went dancing. Eating raw plays a huge part in helping me to be me and to live the life I love.
Exercise: Dancing
Today was just a fantastic day on every level. I had the day off work, so had a lie in until about 11am but I did go to bed around 3am, so all relative. But on a normal work night I get about 5hrs sleep which works well for me particularly when I don't eat at least 3 hours before sleeping. Hurrah this habit is now finally kicking in. I do love to wander around town when I have spare time, I like being outside and I like being around and observing people. So went to Carnaby St and Soho. Treated myself to a smoothie and salad at Fresh and Wild. And found a great woolly hat (I had imagined this exact style and it was like there it is!) bought it in black and red.
Then I had a random date. Won't go into details but it was just so low-key and lovely. Raw food didn't come up as we weren't eating. But somehow I think that if it had come up this guy would not have been that fazed. I used to think how on earth am I going to find someone who eats raw. But that is scarcity thinking. I just need to be who I am, everything I will ever need already exists. And then later I went dancing. Eating raw plays a huge part in helping me to be me and to live the life I love.
Sunday 9 December 2007
Green Goop
Exercise: Dancing
Food: Green pudding! (2 mangoes and a bag of mixed baby spinach, rocket and watercress), pint of freshly squeezed pineapple juice (lovely and pulpy), lara bars (key lime pie, cashew cookie, ginger snap and pecan pie, I know). Five bananas. Was out and about today, very wet and windy and bought some cashews. I didn't even want them, but managed to finish the whole pack. Now maybe I can apply the same perseverance to stuff I do want to do!!
Went dancing last night which carried over to 4am this morning, so counts as today's exercise. Yesterday had a green pudding of mango and baby spinach, and today mango and mixed greens. It was this pile of very dark very delicious green goop in a round white bowl. Personally I think baby spinach is the best green for a greenie (green smoothie) and mango the best fruit to go with it. So smooth and extremely nutritious. I know some people just love kale, I have to admit I haven't even bothered to try it yet, it just looks as tough as old curtains. Some like romaine, but it is quite watery so can dilute flavour. Whereas I find with the baby spinach it doesn't dilute the flavour, it enhances it. I sound like a green anorak. And just when I thought my Lara bar consumption was abating, I found out one of my local health stores, Victoria Health stocks them!! Like I need another reason.
Food: Green pudding! (2 mangoes and a bag of mixed baby spinach, rocket and watercress), pint of freshly squeezed pineapple juice (lovely and pulpy), lara bars (key lime pie, cashew cookie, ginger snap and pecan pie, I know). Five bananas. Was out and about today, very wet and windy and bought some cashews. I didn't even want them, but managed to finish the whole pack. Now maybe I can apply the same perseverance to stuff I do want to do!!
Went dancing last night which carried over to 4am this morning, so counts as today's exercise. Yesterday had a green pudding of mango and baby spinach, and today mango and mixed greens. It was this pile of very dark very delicious green goop in a round white bowl. Personally I think baby spinach is the best green for a greenie (green smoothie) and mango the best fruit to go with it. So smooth and extremely nutritious. I know some people just love kale, I have to admit I haven't even bothered to try it yet, it just looks as tough as old curtains. Some like romaine, but it is quite watery so can dilute flavour. Whereas I find with the baby spinach it doesn't dilute the flavour, it enhances it. I sound like a green anorak. And just when I thought my Lara bar consumption was abating, I found out one of my local health stores, Victoria Health stocks them!! Like I need another reason.
Friday 7 December 2007
Taste Test
Exercise: Pushups
Food: 6 large bananas, 2 apples, 3 lara bars, a few pistachios, salad - mixed leaves, carrot, beetroot, sundried tomatoes, avocado and basil. I bought this from a place where you get to choose all the ingredients and then they mix it all up for you. In the evening made a soup recipe but didn't love it so straight to the freezer for now.
Forgot to feedback on how colleagues received Lara bars. Well they got finished. Although I think they were a bit of a shock to the system, as no added sugar, no e numbers etc. One girl positively loved them and asked where she could get them. One guy positively hated them. I was surprised as he had cashew cookie. But anyhow he is an older man, set in his tastes. I think his exact words were, 'I can use this to stop the leak in my shoe'.
Food: 6 large bananas, 2 apples, 3 lara bars, a few pistachios, salad - mixed leaves, carrot, beetroot, sundried tomatoes, avocado and basil. I bought this from a place where you get to choose all the ingredients and then they mix it all up for you. In the evening made a soup recipe but didn't love it so straight to the freezer for now.
Forgot to feedback on how colleagues received Lara bars. Well they got finished. Although I think they were a bit of a shock to the system, as no added sugar, no e numbers etc. One girl positively loved them and asked where she could get them. One guy positively hated them. I was surprised as he had cashew cookie. But anyhow he is an older man, set in his tastes. I think his exact words were, 'I can use this to stop the leak in my shoe'.
Thursday 6 December 2007
Raw London
Exercise: Pushups
Food: 3 tiny bananas, 6 large bananas, a few lara bars, green salad with tomatoes and cucumber, a little pineapple juice
London is great place in case you didn't know. And I love doing raw here. It's so easy to get fresh produce all year round, plus you can easily get mangos, papayas and even guavas and coconuts from the local supermarket.
Bananas are everywhere, as are juice and smoothie bars, chopped salad places, nuts and dried fruit stalls, you can even get freshly squeezed orange juice from the AMT coffee stand in most rail stations. Pre-packaged salads in the supermarkets are creative and plentiful including raw vegan options. And of course Wholefoods and Fresh and Wild (bought by Wholefoods). I picked up frozen acai berries from Wholefoods recently so I get to try out that 'chocolaty' (but not chocolate) smoothie I had in New York. I have at least four juice/smoothie bars within walking distance of where I work, and two chopped salad bars, not to mention good old Marks and Spencer's. You may not have all this, but celebrate what you do have, it'll spur you on. This is a great time to be alive!
Food: 3 tiny bananas, 6 large bananas, a few lara bars, green salad with tomatoes and cucumber, a little pineapple juice
London is great place in case you didn't know. And I love doing raw here. It's so easy to get fresh produce all year round, plus you can easily get mangos, papayas and even guavas and coconuts from the local supermarket.
Bananas are everywhere, as are juice and smoothie bars, chopped salad places, nuts and dried fruit stalls, you can even get freshly squeezed orange juice from the AMT coffee stand in most rail stations. Pre-packaged salads in the supermarkets are creative and plentiful including raw vegan options. And of course Wholefoods and Fresh and Wild (bought by Wholefoods). I picked up frozen acai berries from Wholefoods recently so I get to try out that 'chocolaty' (but not chocolate) smoothie I had in New York. I have at least four juice/smoothie bars within walking distance of where I work, and two chopped salad bars, not to mention good old Marks and Spencer's. You may not have all this, but celebrate what you do have, it'll spur you on. This is a great time to be alive!
Wednesday 5 December 2007
Looking Ahead
Exercise: Pushups
Food: Five small bananas, salad (baby greens, pomodorino tomatoes, cucumber), a few lara bars, strawberry, banana and pineapple juice smoothie
Today stopped eating now just before 8pm! Have not yet managed to try out my guava and clementine smoothie or a soup recipe I found, hopefully will get to experiment before the end of the week.
I've started looking ahead to 2008, thinking about what in former days were vague New Year resolutions, but what are now detailed values-based goals. And I would suggest you start to mull over this too (I know it's only 5 Dec) and when things come up that you think may be a good idea to explore, just write them down. This way once you do sit down to firm up your goals whether it's Boxing Day, 31 Dec, or early Jan you won't be coming to the exercise cold. Therefore making it a much more enjoyable and productive thing to do.
I'll be carrying on with an ultimate goal of pursuing wholeness, this will be broken down into various elements like my raw adventure, my running, my relationships, my commitment to learning etc.
I'm excited for the future, but will also be looking back at the past year, the things I've learned, the achievements, the breakthroughs, the challenges and best of all... the myriad blessings.
Food: Five small bananas, salad (baby greens, pomodorino tomatoes, cucumber), a few lara bars, strawberry, banana and pineapple juice smoothie
Today stopped eating now just before 8pm! Have not yet managed to try out my guava and clementine smoothie or a soup recipe I found, hopefully will get to experiment before the end of the week.
I've started looking ahead to 2008, thinking about what in former days were vague New Year resolutions, but what are now detailed values-based goals. And I would suggest you start to mull over this too (I know it's only 5 Dec) and when things come up that you think may be a good idea to explore, just write them down. This way once you do sit down to firm up your goals whether it's Boxing Day, 31 Dec, or early Jan you won't be coming to the exercise cold. Therefore making it a much more enjoyable and productive thing to do.
I'll be carrying on with an ultimate goal of pursuing wholeness, this will be broken down into various elements like my raw adventure, my running, my relationships, my commitment to learning etc.
I'm excited for the future, but will also be looking back at the past year, the things I've learned, the achievements, the breakthroughs, the challenges and best of all... the myriad blessings.
Tuesday 4 December 2007
Rice, Potatoes, Nuts or Bananas?
Exercise: Yoga
Food: Green smoothie - (spinach, mango, banana) 6 small bananas, green salad - baby leaves, tomatoes, cucumber and avocado, lara bars, strawberry, banana and pineapple juice smoothie.
I'm still eating from noon. This is established now. I am hungry enough to eat by then but I think waiting a couple more hours would make the eating experience even more fufilling. That might be a goal for 2008. Have managed to avoid eating after 9.30ish the past couple of days which is progress. I'd like this to eventually be pushed back to 7.30pm.
The Lara bars add a more substantive bite which I seem to need right now. And although for some combining fruit and nuts might not be the best fit, it's working for me. I think this is partly because the amounts of nuts and dates in each bar are relatively small, compared to say eating a bag of nuts/and or a bag of dates. The bars also contain clear nutritional data, so easy to track your consumption. Anyway I've bought some to take in to work. I'll let you know if the lovely cookies love the bars. A more beneficial and fun alternative to the inevitable rounds of mince pies and yule log!!
Fruit is my mainstay though. Bananas are to me now, what bread was to me some moons ago. I would always hoover up the bread basket if I was eating out at a restaurant, didn't matter how many slices or pieces were in there, I'd sort it out. And if you've read my previous posts you'll know that it is a miracle that I'm eating bananas at all, the fact that they are my staple continues to amaze and amuse me. God has a sense of humour.
Food: Green smoothie - (spinach, mango, banana) 6 small bananas, green salad - baby leaves, tomatoes, cucumber and avocado, lara bars, strawberry, banana and pineapple juice smoothie.
I'm still eating from noon. This is established now. I am hungry enough to eat by then but I think waiting a couple more hours would make the eating experience even more fufilling. That might be a goal for 2008. Have managed to avoid eating after 9.30ish the past couple of days which is progress. I'd like this to eventually be pushed back to 7.30pm.
The Lara bars add a more substantive bite which I seem to need right now. And although for some combining fruit and nuts might not be the best fit, it's working for me. I think this is partly because the amounts of nuts and dates in each bar are relatively small, compared to say eating a bag of nuts/and or a bag of dates. The bars also contain clear nutritional data, so easy to track your consumption. Anyway I've bought some to take in to work. I'll let you know if the lovely cookies love the bars. A more beneficial and fun alternative to the inevitable rounds of mince pies and yule log!!
Fruit is my mainstay though. Bananas are to me now, what bread was to me some moons ago. I would always hoover up the bread basket if I was eating out at a restaurant, didn't matter how many slices or pieces were in there, I'd sort it out. And if you've read my previous posts you'll know that it is a miracle that I'm eating bananas at all, the fact that they are my staple continues to amaze and amuse me. God has a sense of humour.
Monday 3 December 2007
What Exactly Are You Trying To Say?
Exercise: Push ups and leg stuff
Food: 5 small bananas and green smoothie (banana, mango spinach and a little shredded coconut), 1 apple (jazz variety it was rather big, and wished I hadn't started eating it, but ate it all anyway, around 4pm had salad of baby spinach, rocket and watercress with pomodorino tomatoes, cucumber and avocado (no dressing) simply scrumpslicious (yes just made up that word), Later at home around 7.30pm had started thawing a green smoothie, but it wasn't quite there so scooped off the top, green smoothie ice-cream!!! And for the life of me I can't remember what I put in it. I froze it in a hurry on the day I flew to New York. Also had a few Lara bars. Actually had one too many, but pleasantly full not painfully full. What lovely food I get to eat!! And I move around a lot I run up and down the stairs all day. Regularly going up three fights of stairs to use the loo (when there is one on my own floor) just for the fun of it.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7124501.stm
Read this today at work. This is not the first time I've read about acrylamide. But what really struck me was how confusing the article was. First of all you're told eating fried, grilled and roasted food could harm you. Then it says but don't panic? then it says it's virtually impossible to eliminate these from the diet (well that is not a fact, whether we want to or not is another matter), then you have some other experts saying food should not be 'over-cooked'?? How helpful is that advice? Then a glimmer of hope with some other advice to try and eat a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. But what is balanced? It's presented in a rather confused fashion, do you think the majority of readers will be helped by this to take action in any way?
I didn't get much sleep last night as I had a CD playing (deliberately) but it was too loud but not so loud as to get me out of bed so I suspect I didn't get any deep sleep. I woke up feeling a bit rough but as the day wore on I just got more alert and right now feel very energised, and wasn't grumpy at all. Whereas if I had been eating cooked I'm sure I would have been wiping the floor with myself. No kidding, and probably anybody that crossed my path.
Food: 5 small bananas and green smoothie (banana, mango spinach and a little shredded coconut), 1 apple (jazz variety it was rather big, and wished I hadn't started eating it, but ate it all anyway, around 4pm had salad of baby spinach, rocket and watercress with pomodorino tomatoes, cucumber and avocado (no dressing) simply scrumpslicious (yes just made up that word), Later at home around 7.30pm had started thawing a green smoothie, but it wasn't quite there so scooped off the top, green smoothie ice-cream!!! And for the life of me I can't remember what I put in it. I froze it in a hurry on the day I flew to New York. Also had a few Lara bars. Actually had one too many, but pleasantly full not painfully full. What lovely food I get to eat!! And I move around a lot I run up and down the stairs all day. Regularly going up three fights of stairs to use the loo (when there is one on my own floor) just for the fun of it.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7124501.stm
Read this today at work. This is not the first time I've read about acrylamide. But what really struck me was how confusing the article was. First of all you're told eating fried, grilled and roasted food could harm you. Then it says but don't panic? then it says it's virtually impossible to eliminate these from the diet (well that is not a fact, whether we want to or not is another matter), then you have some other experts saying food should not be 'over-cooked'?? How helpful is that advice? Then a glimmer of hope with some other advice to try and eat a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. But what is balanced? It's presented in a rather confused fashion, do you think the majority of readers will be helped by this to take action in any way?
I didn't get much sleep last night as I had a CD playing (deliberately) but it was too loud but not so loud as to get me out of bed so I suspect I didn't get any deep sleep. I woke up feeling a bit rough but as the day wore on I just got more alert and right now feel very energised, and wasn't grumpy at all. Whereas if I had been eating cooked I'm sure I would have been wiping the floor with myself. No kidding, and probably anybody that crossed my path.
Sunday 2 December 2007
Wholefoods
Exercise: Resting
Food: Water fast
Yesterday had to go to Kensington for an event, so decided to pop into Wholefoods on my way home. I wanted to check out whether they had the sun-dried coconut, and flaxseed crackers. Well as it happened they had neither, you lovely rawies in New York are well and truly spoilt.
Although I have to admit that the store here is amazing. I must have spent an hour browsing and it's not like it was my first visit. I spent ages in the produce section looking at the different varieties of apples (got some french ones, Sonya and Jazz), the different types of chard, mushrooms, mangos etc. I made a mental note not to go wild as I had already done my food shopping. Bought some guavas to emulate the smoothie from Tate Modern, but will be using clementines instead of mandarins. I bought a few Lara bars, but it would be more economical if I buy direct from website, plus some fennel that I couldn't find in Sainsbury's for a soup I'm trying out. I also saw Jicama, a starchy vegetable, never had it before, but the write up said it is eaten mainly raw with lemon juice and salt. Think I'll try it with guacamole.
The abundance of choice is phenomenal and the combination and recipe possibilities are endless. Certainly here, lack of produce is not an issue, what with the supermarkets, greengrocers, pick-your-own, farmer's markets, speciality and ethnic food stores, and of course the trusty Internet. And Wholefoods is in a category all of it's own. The salad bar deserves an award. Okay if one of your excuses was don't know where to get stuff, I think I just anihilated that one.
Food: Water fast
Yesterday had to go to Kensington for an event, so decided to pop into Wholefoods on my way home. I wanted to check out whether they had the sun-dried coconut, and flaxseed crackers. Well as it happened they had neither, you lovely rawies in New York are well and truly spoilt.
Although I have to admit that the store here is amazing. I must have spent an hour browsing and it's not like it was my first visit. I spent ages in the produce section looking at the different varieties of apples (got some french ones, Sonya and Jazz), the different types of chard, mushrooms, mangos etc. I made a mental note not to go wild as I had already done my food shopping. Bought some guavas to emulate the smoothie from Tate Modern, but will be using clementines instead of mandarins. I bought a few Lara bars, but it would be more economical if I buy direct from website, plus some fennel that I couldn't find in Sainsbury's for a soup I'm trying out. I also saw Jicama, a starchy vegetable, never had it before, but the write up said it is eaten mainly raw with lemon juice and salt. Think I'll try it with guacamole.
The abundance of choice is phenomenal and the combination and recipe possibilities are endless. Certainly here, lack of produce is not an issue, what with the supermarkets, greengrocers, pick-your-own, farmer's markets, speciality and ethnic food stores, and of course the trusty Internet. And Wholefoods is in a category all of it's own. The salad bar deserves an award. Okay if one of your excuses was don't know where to get stuff, I think I just anihilated that one.
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