Cleansing: All About My Fast!

I decided to just give you all a summary of my fast instead of a daily rundown, since most days were the same.

I fasted for 5 days; drinking only green smoothies (smoothies with green leafy veggies) and/or  fresh fruit and vegetable juice, then I ate raw food for another 5 days.

Green smoothies are delicious, I understand they my not look that appetizing, but they can be seriously delicious. Additionally adding nutrient dense foods like kale or spinach to your fruit smoothie greatly increases the nutrition of it, and honestly you can't taste the difference.

Here are some great recipes for green smoothies I tried:

"Red"iculious
4 carrots, 1/2 beet, 1 apple, 1 pear, and a piece of ginger juiced
Then I blended it with 1 mango, 1 kiwi, and a little pineapple. 
Add a the juice from half a lime and ENJOY!


Yum Berry


Blend 1 banana, a handful of strawberries, and a handful of kale with juice from one orange (about a cup).
Yum!!


I utilized Jamba Juices smoothies for some of my meals and my favorites from there were: Apples and Greens and Berry upBeet. Those are two of their fruit and veggie blends. So good!


My favorite additions to smoothies and juices were ginger, mint, and lime juice. They added wonderful flavor and kept me from getting bored with my liquid diet. 


Raw Food:
I didn't get very creative with the raw food this time around. I just mostly ate salads and smoothies. If you want to read more on my previous experience with a raw food diet, click here.




I thought the toughest part of not eating was going to be just that, not eating. I found it actually easier not to have to plan meals or fret about what I was going to eat. Other insights, were that I was going to the bathroom #1 more frequently and #2 hardly ever. I had a colonic the last day of my fast and learned that I should  not have expected much coming out, since there was so little going in. I do know that some people  experience great cleansing during their fasts. I guess it varies from person to person. 




Overall, the fast accomplished what I wanted. I increased my pH making it much harder for any kind of disease to happen in my body, I lost 10 lbs, I felt great, and I proved to myself that I could do it. I also found a new love for juicing and will be incorporating this healthy practice into my life on a more regular basis. 

Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon - Planet Green

I am sure you know that watermelon is good, but you might be surprised at how good it is for you. Check out the following article on the health benefits of watermelon.

Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon - Planet Green

Update on my Juice Fast: Day 1

So as most of you know, I have been on a juice fast for the past few days. So here is the low-down of how it has been:
Day 1
Breakfast- Smoothie consisting of bananas, strawberries, and kale. Yum!
Lunch - Berry up'Beet smoothie from Jamba Juice. (It was a lifesaver, and served as inspiration.)
Based on my experience at Jamba, I decided to juice and blend. In the beginning I was just planning on blending, so that I would also get the benefits of the fiber, but then thought it would be even better if I did both.
Snack - I juiced (1/2 beet, an apple, a pear, 4 carrots, and handfuls of kale and broccoli). I set some aside even though  I know that oxidation starts quickly, and the health benefit reduce tremendously as time passes. I reason that even if the benefits are reduced it is still better than commercial or store-bought juice.
Dinner - I added the juice I had on reserve to a plantain, cantaloupe, and kale smoothie. (Not one of my favorites! The plantain overpowered everything.)

Helpful Hints and Other Info


I made sure to drink lots of water, and noticed that it was running through me. I thought that eating all that fruit  would have had my colon working overtime, but surprisingly I had no BMs (probably because of those bananas and plantains!).

Energy Level - moderate
BMs - 0
Conviction - 10/10
Pounds lost (I should probably say water weight lost) - 0

Health 101: Naptural85

I am so excited to bring you an interview from Naptural85. She is such an inspiration to me, and one of my fav Youtubers! If you haven't already please check out her channels, you'll be so glad you did! 

How would you define healthy living?

To me, healthy living is simple: feed your body with real, natural foods, take care to exercise as much as possible, and listen to what your body needs at all times. Quite simply, treating your body right! I'm not the type who will feel guilty if I eat at a restaurant (knowing the food is conventionally grown) or skip out on exercise sometimes (especially when I'm super busy). But the point is making the effort to give your body what it needs and still balancing out a modern-day lifestyle that is always "Go-Go-Go."

Was there a turning point in your life that made you decide to become healthier?

Running track in high school was my turning point. I really trained hard and training hard meant having a really close relationship with your body... it was the only instrument being used in the sport; no balls, no nets, no sticks, just your body... so it needed to run at peak performance. From then on, I was a "health-freak" as my family would call me.

I started learning more about organic living when I went natural. That opened up a whole new level of "healthy-lifestyle" for me, and I think it was a natural progression. As I researched more of what was good for my own hair, I began stumbling upon things that were good (and not so good) for my body as well. This led me to investigate the difference between organic and conventional foods more thoroughly.

What piece of knowledge would you like to share with others?

Live a healthy lifestyle, but take it easy on yourself. It's okay if you slip up... there's a lot out there going against you trying to stay healthy. Life moves fast and there's a new temptation around every corner. It's okay to try something new, or to skip the gym sometimes... if you don't go easy on yourself, it will always be an up-hill battle. My motto is moderation is key, enjoy life, and try to make the best decisions possible.

What is the one natural product you can’t live without?

Shea Butter. It's so versatile and really if I could only choose one thing, that would be it. It helps to define my hair and locks in the moisture. I can also use it on my body, so no need for lotion! Yup that would be the one product I can't live without!

What piece of advice would you give your 20 year old self?

Well, since I'm still in my 20's, I'd say "Keep Going!" Sometimes it's hard, but follow your heart and keep moving forward. I have no regrets, everything I've done has taught me something, whether the outcome was good or bad, I've received a valuable lesson. So I'd just say, "..keep on keeping on!" Oh! And also "Get back to the gym!" ... I've been lazy lately :)

Anything else?

Check out my healthy tips and DIY projects at http://youtube.com/naptural85 and http://youtube.com/dearnaptural85 ! Thanks so much for the feature!

Gearing up for a Juice Fast!!

A few weeks back I watched a documentary called Fat ,Sick, and Nearly Dead  (You can rent it on Netflix) about a guy who reversed health problems, greatly improved his health, lost weight and inspired others to do the same just by juicing. It was an interesting film that got me to thinking I should probably give my body a "reboot" as they call the juice fast/cleanse in the film.  I have always wanted to do a fast, but hadn't been able to because I have been either pregnant or nursing for the past 4.5 years. Having recently (finally) successfully weaned my son, I can stop saying how much I would like to fast, and finally do it.

My plan: 
I eat fairly clean already, so I don't really need the prepare my body to fast. If your diet consists of things like red meat, eggs, dairy, etc, then you may want to do a pre-cleanse eliminating those things for a week before starting your fast.(For more information on this go to http://jointhereboot.com/reboot-program/the-reboot-standard/getting-ready-for-your-reboot-standard/.)

Mental Preparedness is Key! 
I am ready mentally for this. I am so excited and look forward to giving my body a much needed break and cleanse. I look at this way, it is only going to be about 10 days, and the benefits will be amazing. I am going into this knowing that in the end I will have lost nothing but unwanted weight and sluggishness, while I stand to gain energy, vitality, clarity (it is easier to think when you don't have food on the brain 24/7), and a sense of accomplishment.

I have been going back and forth trying to decided whether to juice or to blend, and have decided to blend because that way I also get the benefits of the fiber. I am adding a few links to the bottom of this post about juice fasting, and the difference between juicing and blending. I will also post simple recipes and updates as I go.

Happy Blending!
~Riss

 Why Blending is Better than Juicing | Green Smoothies
http://jointhereboot.com/reboot-program/

Hydration Challenge Update Day 23

Hydration Day 23

I have totally fallen off the wagon, and am having trouble getting get back on. I still have not drank anything aside from water, juice, and tea, however my consumption has been way down. I talked to my water drinking buddy, and she also had been feeling like a fish and was sick of drinking so much water. I feel bad that I haven't yet made my goal, so I am really going to work hard to finish strong.

As I approach the final week of the challenge. I am going to buckle down, and get in my gallon a day. Wish me luck!! How are you'll doing?

Hydration Challenge Update Day 16

Wow! Last week was an eventful one. Sick kids + finals in school + testing = Stress! Despite it all, I have remained up to the challenge, well sort of. I have stuck to drinking water, juice, and tea only (didn't even pop the bubbly to celebrate finishing grad school); however, I have struggled with drinking a gallon of liquids a day. I usually get in about 96 oz., and am working on getting  that last 32 oz in.

Benefits thus far

• Less thirsty (Duh!)
• Less hungry
• Increased cardio (as I sprint to the restroom!) 
• Increased lubrication of the small and large intestines. (Please put 2 and 2 together for this one. LOL!)

Hydration Challenge Update Day 4

This has been an interesting couple of days. I have learned several things:

1. I need more discipline. I thought just listening to my body's cues would be enough, however that was not the case. In hindsight, if it was that easy no challenge would be necessary, right? I am now going to make myself a goal of drinking at least 1 gallon of liquids a day (that's 16 cups, or 128 oz, almost two 2 liters.) Wish me luck! 
2. Making the citrus cooler with fresh squeezed juice is a weekend-only venture. LOL! I am going to *cheat* and buy fresh 100% juices and dilute them.
3. Rooibos tea is the bomb! (Well I already knew this, but just feel so good since we have been reunited.) I love rooibos a.k.a. red bush tea; it is so tasty and good for you. In short, rooibos in whatever from you drink it gives you all the antioxidant benefits of green tea without the caffeine, and its mellow slightly sweet taste makes it a winner! I drank this stuff daily when I lived in Africa, and am so happy to have it back in my life. Lately, I have been drinking Ginger Peach Red Tea by The Republic of Tea - 36 tea bagsdiluted with water about 2:1, and without added sweeteners (to me it's sweet enough on its own, but a little agave or honey would make an awesome sweet tea.)
4. Loading up on water first thing in the morning really helps, getting a good 32 oz. in first thing in the a.m. is a great way to start the day. Plus, I have noticed that I wake up thirsty, so it's easy to get it in. (On a side not, adding citrus to the water and drinking it warm keeps me from feeling water-logged or nauseous.  

In other hydration news, I picked up a watermelon, and am looking for a good recipe for watermelon agua fresca. Once I find one I'll post it. I also picked up some cucumber, which makes a lovely addition to water.Yum!

 I gotta run and try to get some more water in today before it gets too late. 

~Riss

P.S. If you are up for the challenge comment. The more of us there are to support one another, the more successful we will all be!

Our Children's Food: A Complex Truth | AllergyKids

Eye-opening article about the effect our food is having on our children. Read it, and empower yourself.

Our Children's Food: A Complex Truth | AllergyKids

Health 101: Grace

Grace provides me with inspiration every time I have the pleasure of speaking with her. She is an amazing wife, mother, artist, sister, and friend! Since meeting her, she has played a pivotal role in shaping my thoughts on health, and has provided me with much motivation (and information!). I am so pleased to be able to share her with you all. Enjoy!

 

How would you define healthy living?

I believe that the key to living healthy is understanding that our physical and mental health is directly affected by the foods we eat, and the chemicals we are exposed to. Eating more organic, non-processed whole fruits and vegetables, will provide us with the necessary nutrients to keep our bodies working to their fullest potential. I also think that keeping an optimistic, positive, and thankful attitude in dealing with any situation results in a less stressful lifestyle, which is essential for the health of our mind, body & soul.

Was there a turning point in your life that made you decide to become healthier?

When I was in high school, I broke out with a bad case of acne. I tried to cover it up with makeup, which only made it worse. At the time, I was eating everything trying to "gain weight". So I decided that I would start cutting out certain things out of my diet one at a time. First, I stopped eating pork and beef. By the time I graduated from high school, I had stopped eating poultry, fish, and drinking soda. And yes, I had stopped wearing that makeup, which I realize now was the root cause of my acne. Also, I remembered watching my father suffer from heart disease- through several strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure. He passed away when I was 11. So I decided that it would be best for me to stop eating meat altogether.

What piece of knowledge would you like to share with others?

 I believe in preventive healthcare. I don't want to wait until I get sick to do something about it. I'd rather spend the extra $ buying organic, with the least amount of toxic chemicals right now, in attempt to prevent spending $ later on hospital bills and harmful prescription drugs. I have learned that an overdose of toxins combined with a lack of nutrients may result to certain parts of our bodies not working to their fullest potential, and can eventually lead to organ failure or disease. So I try to keep my palate open to a wide variety of nutritious foods, and eating often and well balanced throughout the day. 

What is the one natural product you can’t live without? 

 I would have to agree with you on the coconut oil. I can't live without my Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ! I use it instead of butter or oil for cooking or baking pancakes, brownies, bread, or frying rice. I also use it as a moisturizer for mine and my babies' hair, face, and body. I know for a fact that it cures/prevents diaper rash pretty much overnight, and I've read that it is also antibacterial, antifungal. Sometimes I mix it with equal parts of olive

 oil and grapeseed oil and use it all over after showering at night. I love it!

 What piece of advice would you give your 20 year old self?

 I would tell my 20 year old self to stop stressing so much, and take it easy. I would not work myself as hard.  Sometimes school, work, and life in general put such a strain on my immune system that it literally made me sick. Now, I've learned that even when you are eating the right things, stress can still affect our health. Stress actually causes our body to be more acidic, making it more susceptible to sickness and disease. So now I try to laugh whenever I can, because, of course, laughter is healing! Laughter is the best medicine!

 Anything else?

 Everyday is an opportunity to learn something new. Life is all about transformation. I am blessed to have the opportunity to use what I learn, to give this world the best ME I have to offer. More importantly, live to love. Love passionately and sincerely. Live everyday thankfully and gratefully.

Know The Ingredients in your Personal Care Products - Health Tips from EWG | Environmental Working Group

Here is a great article from our friends over at the Environmental Working Group. It helps you identify the most harmful ingredients in your personal care products. It is a must read!! Know The Ingredients in your Personal Care Products - Health Tips from EWG | Environmental Working Group

Review: California Baby (Natural Baby Care)

One of my friends just had a baby (Congrat Iris!), which brought to mind that I should do a review of some of the natural products I use on my little ones. I have two kids: a 4 year old and a 19 month old, and if I am insane about what goes into my body and onto my skin, then I am obsessive about what goes onto and into theirs!

By far my favorite brand for the kiddos is California Baby. Skin is our largest organ and what goes on, goes in. I don't want parabens or any other carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) anywhere near my children, and love that this company prides itself in using all natural organic ingredients. 

My Experience: We love this stuff! California Baby offers all types of products, our favorites being: the bubble baths in all their glorious forms, and the calendula cream. Our favorite bubble baths are: the calming, and the cold & flu (for when I sense they are catching cold). They provide aromatherapy truly preparing them for a restful night. Additionally, they do a great job of keeping my babes clean while not drying nor breaking out their skin, all while not exposing them to harmful chemicals.

Now for the calendula cream, if your child has any skin issues you should try this stuff. It is AMAZING! My son has eczema, and at one time had patches so dry that they cracked and bled. I bought the calendula cream and began using it several times a day and in a few days (literally!) his skin healed. We sent it with him to the sitter and she also used it on her father's cancer sores, and on an infant girl's dry skin. While I must admit we were none too pleased that our calendula cream was rapidly disappearing, we were even further convinced that this stuff was truly miraculous.





Product Description (from their website): Avoid bedtime struggles-make California Baby® Calming™ Bubble Bath part of your bedtime routine. Many adults have been known to hop into the tub with California Baby® Calming™ Bubble Bath (or essential oil blend) firmly in hand when the sandman is slow to arrive. Children and adults love bubble baths, so we make them safe. Our special bubbling formula contains mild vegetable-derived bubbling agents, enriched with a nourishing herbal complex that works to protect delicate skin. Non-drying, extremely biodegradable bubble bath strictly avoids the use of synthetic fragrances and harsh bubbling agents. This product was developed to avoid irritation (that is typical of other bubble baths) and we never use Sodium lauryl sulfate, DEA, or numbing agents.

Nothing is worse than the sight (especially at 2:00 a.m.!) of a sick child. We formulate our products to work, and California Baby® Colds & Flu™ Bubble Bath is a lifesaver when your child is congested and cranky - who can resist a bubble bath? A warm bubble bath can help to lower a temperature and ease muscle aches.



Calendula Cream Nature's First-Aid!® New Family Size! You asked & we listened…so many of our customers requested our Calendula Cream in a larger size so we created this terrific value-priced 4 ounce size. California Baby® Calendula Cream is excellent for use on general diaper area, cradle cap, on cuts and scrapes, and may be used on face and body for extra-dry or sensitive skin. Botanically based, our light and fluffy Calendula Cream contains the active ingredient of Calendula, which has been used to heal the skin for centuries. California Baby® Calendula Cream offers deep hydration, absorbs completely, and leaves skin feeling satiny smooth. Use daily for everyday protection and especially when the air is dry and baby's skin needs relief. Our customers have reported excellent results with California Baby®'s Calendula Cream in their fight against eczema, perioral dermatitis, and other skin sensitivities. The entire family can benefit from this soothing, multipurpose cream.


The Research: I looked the products up on the cosmetics safety database and they are extremely low on the hazard scale receiving a 0-1 out of 10. *Please note Johnson’s comparable products range from  4-6 out of ten!

Cost: I purchase the bubble bath (13 oz.) for $13.29, and the calendula cream (2 oz.) for $12.29 at Target, but you can find it at other places as well. You can check their website for a listing.


The Nitty Gritty: These product can be expensive, but are worth every penny! They are all natural, non-toxic, and do not contain preservatives, parabens, phthalates, artificial colors, animal ingredients, and are not tested on animals. It is all I use on my little ones. Try it!

*As always my reviews are 100% honest and heartfelt. I have not been compensated for reviewing these products. *