Jump Starting

Even health counselors get a bit off track. Things like coffee slip back in, as well as just a bit too much chocolate/sugar. And sometimes they get lazy about carefully balancing meals or sticking to their convictions in social situations. In case you haven't guessed by now, this hypothetical health counselor is me.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Hyman, functional medicine practitioner and author or several solid books about health and food, has come out with his newest book, UltraSimple Diet. The book outlines a 7-Day program for detoxification, reduction of inflammation and, if you're lucky, reduction of your waist line. It seems like a solid program, and so, in the name of test-driving it for my clients, I'm undertaking the program myself. Starting tomorrow.

Here's the gist:

• Start each day with olive/oil and lemon, green tea, and a nutritional shake
• Take a 30 minute walk (or do pilates) each day
• Drink a homemade, specially formulate veggie broth 3x/day
• Eat brown rice and veggies and a nutritional shake for lunch
• Eat brown rice and veggies with tofu, fish, or beans for dinner
• Take a 20 minute Epsom salt and baking soda bath each night
• Take supplements like Magnesium, vitamin C, probiotics, and herbal laxatives

I've taken some "pre" measurements, including a Bio Impedance Analysis (which tells me my muscle and fat percentages, how stressed my cells are, and indicates my inflammation/toxicity level), weight, and my hip and waist measurements. I won't share them here because you don't need to know that personal information about me, but when this week is over, I'll let you know if there were any changes.

Java Joy

I didn't realize how closely my recent joy was tied in with my reinstated java habit...

Until today.

Today I didn't have coffee available, so I didn't drink any. And I feel not-so-good.

I broke myself of the coffee habit about 3 years ago because I was learning that it's not a very healthy and helpful habit. I wanted to learn to build and rely on REAL energy that comes from a healthy, vital body and mind. I've done so with success all this time. I saved coffee for maybe once a week, tops, and would just have it when out with a friend on a weekend.

But a couple weeks ago -- I'm not even sure what hit me -- I decided to make a pot of coffee at home and I relished that mug of coffee. As a result, I was so happy and chipper and friendly at work. So I did it again the next day. And the next....

I am hazy, slow on the uptake, and a bit more disconnected today without my coffee fix. Whereas before that, I've been so joyful! I've been mentally alert, quick on my feet, creative, and boldly friendly. I attributed a lot of it to some intensely meaningful spiritual revelation I've been blessed with over the last few months... but what if it was just the java?!

My Walking Route

Here's a little slice of life for you. Today I walked my normal walking/jogging route, but this time at a slower, more observant pace, with camera in hand. I took a whole series of photos and I'm pleased with the little glimpses of urban GR life they present.

You can see the series by clicking here.

Free in the Field

"I will run in the paths of your commands, for you have set my heart free" (Psalm 119:32)

The Lord is teaching me about freedom, joy, and femininity.
So today on our way back from our friends' birthday party out in Alto, Sarah and I stopped spontaneously in a wide open field and ran around and played a while.

Girlfriends

A bottle of zin.
A plate of allergen-free chocolate cookies.
Three women with full hearts and passionate dreams.
Truth spoken over and into each other's lives.
Prayers murmured.
The presence of a loving and stirring God.

This is a beautiful night.