Detox Results.

Taking a moment to give you a quick update on my annual New Year's Detox! I have truly enjoyed the  response on Facebook, texts, and emails. It genuinely blesses me to know I can assist others in living a more healthy life and inspire those who need a nudge of motivation. Lots of great questions too; which always challenge me to study more- thank you. If I have not answered your question yet, I absolutely plan on it, so expect to hear from me soon.

This is going to be a brief post- with a handful of details you might not find appetizing, but hey- the topic is Detoxing, and in keeping true to my style of writing...this will be a raw- real post. Personally, before I attempted my first detox, I wanted as much info and details as possible and I also wanted to know if I was doing it right; and if so, what was I supposed to expect? So, here is the report:


Program: Day 1, 2, and 3-  Juicing and Raw fruits, veggies and raw almonds. I also drank lots of hot green tea. These were the toughest of the days only because I kept up with my training schedule. I ate A LOT of fruit during this time because I needed the calories and the carbs. After completing Day 1, I felt good, but not too energetic. I didn't drink my usual coffee and I did not eat enough protein; however, things were starting to "move along" and it was good that I was near a bathroom- namely on Day 2. Days 2 and 3 I could feel the texture of my skin change slightly- just a little greasier than usual; and I concluded on Day 3 that it was obviously a part of the detox- yuck. Days 4-8 I added very small portions of chicken and fish to one meal and continued to drink fresh juice and nosh on fresh fruits and veggies all day. After work, I usually ate a couple slices of sprouted bread with almond butter. I was not strict about keeping track of the amount of food I was consuming, except after a run or strength training session- just to make sure I was eating enough. This is what a typical day tasted like on Days 4-8:

* Water
* Large glass of green juice
* Coconut water
* Bowl of blueberries and strawberries
* Raw Almonds
* 4-5 Large carrots
* 6-8 Clementines
* Watermelon
* Apples
* Celery and Almond Butter
* Grilled fish/ grilled chicken (4-6oz)
* Sprouted bread and almond butter
* Green Tea


My body started to feel lighter by day 4 and my face was less puffy in the morning. On day 5, I weighed in and  I had lost 3lbs. By day 8, my jeans fit better and I logged a swifter "easy pace" run than I usually do- which was the encouragement I really needed.

So here it is Day 10 and my body is still in the "cleansing" mode- I am amazed by the build-up of junk in my body! Really?!! The past two days, I have eased up a bit and have eaten some dairy and a little more protein. I even had chips and salsa for lunch! YUM! I have enjoyed a few cups of coffee, but have decided to drink mainly tea, especially since I am in the midst of training and attempting to build up my fitness level. I like my coffee with creamer- and don't plan on quitting it cold turkey- I sometimes enjoy a cup with Eddie, friends and co-workers.

So what are my physical results after 3 days of hard core detoxing and 7 days of 85% detoxing?

*3 pound weight loss
*Inches lost, but I did not take measurements. Instead I used a pair of jeans that were snug when I started and now fit just fine.
* Feel lighter and faster during my runs- not significantly, but noticeably.
* Mind seems clearer/less foggy
* Getting up in the morning has been easier (although this morning I felt horrible- I finally caught the cold my kids have been battling.)
* Increased motivation; it has been encouraging to physically feel change and benefit so quickly from this detox.
* I am very happy I stuck to the plan; it was not too difficult, especially since I chose to ease up after 3 days- it was just what I needed and I never felt hungry.

Moving Forward: So how will I continue to eat? I am planning on eating a diet high in vegetables and fruit. I will include some raw nuts, lean protein, fish, and a bit of dairy. I tend to feel best on this type of nutrition plan. I also tend to juice regularly- nothing makes me feel as good as freshly squeezed fruit and veggie juice- mmmmm!

I will continue to keep you posted! I would also love to hear about your detox journey for those of you that have joined me in this past week- I hope it has been a great experience! Be on the lookout for updates!

Have a strong and healthy day!

Newness

We are a week into the NEW year. Do you feel different? Do your days look different? What has changed?

Did you respond with “Nothing, No, and Nothing?” Ever wonder who is truly keeping score of those New Year's Resolutions? Who is affected greatest by your recognition of the New Year?

You might have a downcast view of New Year’s Resolutions; the time when all your failing past resolutions are again brought to mind. A time when you look at yourself in the mirror and choose not to believe that anything can change; or that anything is worth the venture from your comfort trail. Why make goals anyway? Why dream? Why hope? Why celebrate “newness?” The hype is overrated. Failing feels crummy and the realization of weakness has stung all too many times.

But, venture this thought with me...just for a moment. What if we canned the sometimes generic “New Year’s Resolutions” and just celebrated “Newness?” Because the truth is, whether you like it or not...for each day the sun rises and you set foot from the warmth of your bed...it’s a new day. Yesterday is set to stone- never to be changed. Today is happening now, and you can choose...in this instant; to do something: new. Tomorrow is the closest to the future you will ever be, and despite your efforts- you can never, ever guarantee that you’ll be there.

So I challenge you, in the simplest most loving way, I challenge you to actively celebrate “newness.” Every breath is another chance and every day an opportunity to “try again.”

We fail.
We are weak.
We are imperfect.
We are fragile.

Life is not always amazing.
Life hurts.
People hurt.
Death hurts.

Dreams get crushed.                        
Hearts break.
Beauty fades.
Strength subsides.

Challenges.
Obstacles.
Speed bumps.
Mountains.
Valleys.
Deserts.
Storms.
Tears.
Fears.
Worries.
Rejection.
Oppression.
Isolation.
Deception.
Betrayal.
Loss...

You and I could continue the list, easily. I am sure there are 1001 reasons to stop celebrating “newness”. There are 1001 reasons to stop believing, and I identify with every single word I have listed above...sometimes it simply doesn’t make sense. Somewhere in this journey, I decided I would stop trying to make sense of everything...that I would stop obsessing over the answers, or if there were answers to be found at all.

I write tonight in remembrance of the many who have gone before me- whose warm embrace I have missed; whose smiles will never again greet mine...at least not here. I write in loving empathy for those that have shared their failures, their hopes, their dreams, and their heartaches with me...some who want to give up and some who are dusting themselves off once again. I write for those who stopped believing in the masterpiece and uniqueness of themselves...the depth of the soul that none can figure out; and the wonder that there will never be another like them- ever. I write in consideration of the many that inspire me- and not because they are well accomplished; successful; wealthy; or dripping with accolades; rather they celebrate “newness.” They live life as if to say: “Today is a new day, I’m going to try again.”

To you, dear friends, family, and precious strangers I have yet to meet; may your hope be renewed; may your gloom be turned to light; may your mourning know comfort. May you find grace and mercy in: the tears, the losses, the failures; the pain; the weaknesses...may it propel you to greater strength. And may you love and be loved; forgive and be forgiven...and may you dream; hope; laugh; and never, never, ever give up....

Celebrate “newness” with every breath. You are loved; and You are worth it...to try again...

   "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
   They are new every morning;
   great is YOUR faithfulness"  

Lamentations 3:23
 

Detox Time!

It's that time of year again! And I'm not talking about the sometimes jaded "This Year I'm going to lose weight" resolution, but rather a more honest and practical tradition that embraces the realities of the previous 6 weeks. My practical tradition to kick off the New Year is Detox Juicing! Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, I am fairly liberal with my diet; I have learned that with all the hustle and bustle of holiday parties, extra social events, tighter schedules, and jam-packed weekends; I will veer from my usual choice for food and partake in the holiday spreads. Yum. And as you can imagine; actually as many of you have also "experienced"...the body does not feel great at the end of it all. Sluggishness, bloating, and sickly feelings likely accompany us on most days and by the time New Year's Eve comes around....at least for me; I'm done!

So what is detox juicing? It's a break from food! Literally. The easy to digest, clean, fresh, nutrient filled juice is refreshing to the body. It's a chance to "restart" the engine and cleanse the system from the build-up of processed junk and chemicals that are easily found in many foods we eat today. There's a few ways to juice and if you are in need of a good, clean detox, give the below plan a try. It's not a fancy, high priced, bottle program, but rather a simple, affordable and very doable plan for most people. I use the word "most" because it is always wise and best to check with your doctor before beginning any type of detox, flush, diet, or new meal plan. The below menu is only meant to be done for 1-3 days. If you get dizzy, feel hungry, or irritable- drink more fresh squeezed juice or eat some raw veggies or a piece of fruit.

Juicing Detox
There are two ways to do this: 1. All juice and no food  or  2. Juicing with food: see the following menu:

  -Start your day with a large glass of water with fresh squeezed juice from half a lemon.
  -Juice a large glass of fruit/veggies
  - Enjoy as many raw veggies for snack as you would like.
  - For lunch, enjoy a large green salad with a handful of sliced almonds, red and yellow bell peppers, tomatoes, celery, and as many other veggies as you prefer. Choose another juice recipe and make yourself a large glass.
  - Enjoy a large apple for snack
  - Dinner is another large salad- same as lunch as well as another large glass of fresh squeezed juice.
  - Drink as much unsweetened tea as you like, decaf.
  - Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water.
  - Eat this same way for one to two more days. Again, it's very low calorie, so do NOT maintain this menu   for longer than 3 days, especially if you are working out; if you get dizzy or lethargic, make more juice.

- Once you are finished, have a plan in place to transition to a healthier eating lifestyle. I personally like the following:

-The Paleo Diet
-The Raw Vegan Diet
-The Eat Clean Diet

Always choose something that you believe you can stick to- there are thousands of healthy eating plans out there and not all of them are meant for everyone- choose what works for you and your lifestyle. I am also including the following link to give you some great juicing recipe options. I liked this site because I could read all the recipes on one page- here it is:

Quick and Easy Juicing Recipes

Lastly, if you do not have a juicer, please check out one of my top recommendations for a 3-day body flush. It was created by the founder of the best protein powder on the market Jay Robb My husband and I have done his 3-Day Fruit Flush several times. It's easy to follow and easy to manage. It's also a great way to jump start weight loss, so be sure to check out his site. I bought his $5 E-book explaining the fruit flush and it was very helpful. Again, you don't need to buy any fancy products, solutions, or mixes; you can follow this plan with what's in your fridge...or what SHOULD be in your fridge!  =)

Feel free to email me with any questions and if you decide to detox, I would love to hear about it. Have a strong and healthy day friends!

Who Loves Ya!

Sally's Super Satisfying Energy Bars

Hello Fantastic Friends!

I have been posting my popular homemade energy bar recipe for years and I'm pleased to see that the recipe has circulated around quite a bit. Thanks for the kuddos and for sharing your feedback with me. I have enjoyed hearing from the handful of you who have customized my bars by adding in a few of your favorite ingredients, such as dried pomegranate, peanut butter chips, protein powder, and various nuts. Yum Yum!

So what better way to kick off another healthy New Year, than by sharing the recipe again. I also have to coyly admit that there is a *secret* rendition of my bars that I have not published, but if you have ever trained with me then you have tasted the difference...he he. Come now, I can't give all my secrets away. But the below recipe and variations make for some stellar energy bars!

Because these delicious, healthy treats are void of any conventional baking ingredients, you are at liberty to add as much or as little of ANY ingredient. So get creative and don't be afraid to share your variations with me.

These bars are perfect as a post-workout snack(depending on how large you make them- a meal!). I like to take them with me whenever I am out for long periods of time, traveling, or while on a long run or hike! They are naturally (very) fulfilling and packed with protein, antioxidants, and fiber. And best of all they are clean!

Happy Healthy Baking in 2012!

Recipe

Preheat Oven to 350 F


Base Ingredients*

Quick Oats

Almond Meal

Almond Milk (Soy, or Goat Milk will suffice)

Honey

*I use the base ingredients EVERY time I make the bars- keep in mind, the Honey and Milk help give shape to the bars.

Add-ins

* Ground Flaxseed

* Bananas

* Strawberries

* Apples

* Blueberries

* Golden Raisins

* Freshly squeezed orange/lemon

* Cinnamon

* Unsulfured, Unsweetened Dried Cherries

* Cranberries

* Chocolate Chips

Pick your add-ins and mix with base ingredients to form a moist mixture. Plop on cookie sheet to form a scone like shape or mold into bars. Bake for apprx. 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown. There are NO measurements for this recipe as the mix is made to your liking. However; for those of you that enjoy a step by step- here is how I make the banana, raisin, cherry, chocolate bars:

2.5- 3 C Quick Oats

1 C Almond Meal

1/2 C of Almond Milk

Honey (enough to help the mixture stick together)

3 Bananas (I usually use overly ripe)

3/4 C of Raisins

3/4 C Dried Cherries (unsulfered, unsweetened)

1/2 C Chocolate Chips

Squeeze half of a lemon

1Tsp of Cinnamon

1/4 C Ground Flaxseed

Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Other Variations

Antioxidant Breeze

Base Ingredients

Strawberries, Blueberries

Squeeze half an Orange

Flaxseed

Kid Healthy

Base Ingredients

Diced Green Apples, Bananas

Cinnamon

Extra Honey

Squeeze half a Lemon

Happy Trails

Base Ingredients

Chocolate Chips, Cherries

Squeeze half an Orange

Protein Powder

Sweet Nut

Base Ingredients

Cranberries, Rasins, Crushed Cashews, Chocolate Chips

Extra Honey

Squeeze Half an Orange

EXPOSED.

There is One who knows you completely.

There is One who loves you entirely.

All the time.

“For He inclines to me; He hears my cry.

He brings me out of the miry clay and sets my feet upon a rock. 

He establishes my steps.

He puts a NEW song in my mouth.

I praise Him and He alone.

Many will see it, and fear, 

And will trust in HIM.” (Psalm 40)

After a few days of writing, and after several drafts, I have deduced this subject to a handful of thoughts and phrases. Unaware of its overwhelming weight, I attempted to draw a picture of the reality of exposing ourselves to others and the oft pain that accompanies our choice to be truthful, confessional, and open. My attempts wrought ill and my words fell short of necessary intensity. I groaned in the proofing and set aside my meager work. 

Maybe raw feelings were to blame; or maybe it was in remembrance of the many who have shared or do share the coldness of being exposed. Some exposed upon another's discovery; other's in hopes of becoming close and loved; and others at will for reason of confession and healing. I identify with all three instances and I ponder those dear to me and those I have witnessed from afar who share with me in all of this. I feel you. 

But now, as I have continued to seek truth in this subject; I sit in peace. For I know of the comfort only He can give, and it's His comfort I must familiarize myself with, again and again. For is this not the substance which propels me to embrace others?

“...the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Philippians 2:7

And it’s in being on both sides of the coin that I can, with greater capacity, shed compassion. And it is in being comforted, that I too may comfort others. Surely, my lack and folly are not without reaping, but HE forgives me, continually, instantly, and powerfully. I can, with great joy, proclaim that I am His! And should the whole world hate me; should the whole world forsake me; He will not.

Yes, my path is dark at times, but I do not fear; He lights my way; He leads me...for all my days.

This short poem (if you will) is for the courageous hearts who have inspired me to walk in integrity and love; and it is dedicated to the many weeping souls wandering the outskirts of judgmental sects and lofty eyes. May God’s unconditional love and grace liberate you from the words that have labeled you all these years....you are so much more than this.

EXPOSED. 

Exposed of...

The depths of me,

By choice- at my will,

The ugly shadows; the unpleasant thoughts,

My hopes, my dreams, my worries, my fears,

For all to see; for all to judge.

Confession of...

My errors,

My imperfections,

My weaknesses, my passions,

The acts that evoke disdain,

The details that bring me low.

Silence.

No response,

No consideration,

No forgiveness,

No grace,

No comfort.

But...HE...

Knows.

Sees.

Heals.

Comforts.

Renews.

Loves.

Forgives...

Again,

And again,

And again,

And again...Forever.

2012: Race #1

On February 18, 2012 at 7:00am, I will toe the line in Cota De Caza for the Rocky Road 50 Mile Endurance run...I will. I will.  Ha...yes, that would be nerve-wrecked me lacing a mantra into what's supposed to be a fairly straight forward post.  I'm squirming as I type just thinking about it; only 8 weeks left to train and I have some serious work to do. Last night, I went on a quick 6.5 mile midnight run and then six hours later pumped out an hour of core and strength exercises at the gym. I purposely planned these two workouts for one reason: Mental Toughness: running alone in the dark when tired and then pushing myself mentally to get out of bed hours later and perform again. I am a bit tired now, but no time to consider my heavy eyes-- I have a 9 miler planned later this evening. And as unattractive that my training regimen may sound, I am particularly drawn to the fact that I feel "all of me" when I train; I'm alive and kicking...

Moving forward,

Sally