Thursday, June 18, 2009

Creamy Tomato Soup


2 Vine Tomato
1/2 Avocado
1 clove Garlic
2 leafs Basil
Dash Salt
1/4 Purified Water

*Peel and seed tomatos.
*Place all ingredients in a blender.
*Blend until smooth.
*Serve cold

This soup was YUMMY.

Week 1, Day 4 (Pre-Cleanse) 100% Vegan, 80%+ Raw

Week 1, Day 4, Detox Day 4 - Food Log

Upon Rising:
5 tbsp E3 Live
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Before Lunch @ work:
24 oz of water
Green Smoothie (Fresh Juice of Kale, Celery, Swiss Chard, Collard Greens, Green apple blended with Mango, Strawberries and hemp seed)
Apple
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Lunch:
Salad (Roamine Lettuce, red onion, cucumber, grape toamto, red cabbage, Olives) no dressing.
Bottled water (16.9 oz)
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Afternoon Snack:
1 Slices of Sesame Ezekiel bread w/ 0.75 tbsp raw almond butter + dash of raw honey
24 oz of water
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Dinner:
TBD - I guess it depends how hungry I am... I will update this when I decide.

Exercise: NONE... I overslept
Energy: 3/10 (8 being optimum)

Apparently Day 4 of the Detox is when you get all of the detox symptoms (Nauseau, Headaches, Tiredness), well mine is full force tiredness.. I can just ball up right now and sleep for hours. From my understand after day 5/6, the energy level goes back up. I hope so.....

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Week 1, Day 3 (Pre-Cleanse) 100% Vegan, 80%+Raw

Week 1, Day 3, Detox Day 3 - Food Log

Upon Rising:
3 tbsp E3 Live, followed by 16 oz of water
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Before Lunch @ work:
64 oz of water
Blackberries
Banana
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Lunch:
HUGE salad (baby mixed greens, beet, strawberries, red onion, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, grape toamto, red cabbage) Olive oil and Juice of one lemon for dressing.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Dinner:
2 beets, boiled in water
2 Slices of Ezekiel Bread w/ 2 tbsp of Almond Butter + 0.5 tbsp of Honey

Exercise: 60 min Spinning
Energy: 6/10 (8 being optimum)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Week 1, Day 2 (Pre-Cleanse): 100% Vegan, 80%+ Raw

Week 1, Day 2, Detox Day 2 - Food Log
Upon Rising:
2 tbsp E3 Live, followed by 16 oz of water
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Before Lunch @ work:
53 oz of water
Red Apple
Apricot
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Lunch:
2 Slices of Sesame Ezekiel bread w/ 1.5 tbsp raw almond butter + dash of raw honey
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Afternoon Snack:
Green Smoothie (Juice of; Spinach, celery, collard greens, kale mixed with blackberry, banana, hemp seed and bee pollen)
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Dinner:
Creamy Tomato Soup

Exercise: Weight Training 60 min AM, Cycling 40 min PM
Energy: A bit tired

Monday, June 15, 2009

Week 1 (Pre-cleanse): 100% Vegan, 80%+ Raw

"This week will help you ease into the program, both physically and emotionally. The focus is on being 100% vegan, with raw mornings and at least 80% raw for the rest of the day. Remember that what you leave out of your diet is equally important as to what you do eat. Eliminate all refined sugar, meat, diary, and all cooked foods except for lightly steamed veggies, millet, quinoa and amaranth. Increase the amount of fresh raw foods to at least 80%. For maximum benefits, aim for 100% raw, if possible. Add at least 10 oz of green smoothies or green juice to your daily diet" From The SimplyRaw Living Foods Detox Manual

I pre-logged my food for today, as I plan to pre-log every night, so I know what I am taking with me to work and eating when I get home. I also plan on eating my last meal no later than 5:30 PM as this will allow my body a longer rest from digestion.


Week 1, Day 1, Detox Day 1 - Food Log
Upon Rising:
1 tbsp E3 Live, followed by 16 oz of water
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Drive to work:
16 oz of water
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Before Lunch @ work:
60 oz of water
Green Smoothie (Juice of; Spinach, celery, collard greens mixed with strawberry, mango, hemp seed and bee pollen)
Banana
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Lunch
Salad (baby romaine, tomato, avocado, red cabbage, broccoli)
Dressing, Juice of a lemon, half a tbsp EV olive oil
24 oz of water

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Dinner
2 Slices of Sesame Ezekiel bread w/ 1.5 tbsp raw almond butter + dash of raw honey

Exercise: Skipped this morning
Energy: Doing great so far
Start of Week 1 Weight: 121.4 lbs*
*although my main goal for doing this detox is to cleanse my internals, it would be intresting to see any weight change as a result of this program.

NOTE: During my detox program I don't plan on sticking to set hours to eat meals and snack, except for not eating after 5:30. I will be eating when I am actually hungry.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

What is E3Live?

E3Live is Blue-Green Algea (Frozen Liquid). It is a brand/type of concetrated greens (blue-green algea). It is a wild grown algea, contains more protein then other concentrated greens (i.e. Spirulina). It also has 64 vitamins and minerals and more essential fatty acids (omega 3,6,9). You can buy it in different flavors, the original flavor tastes like fresh cut grass.

Possible Benefits: (from E3Live webiste)
-Increase endurance and stamina
-Lift and balance mood to reduce stress
-Increase mental focus and concentration
-Balance blood-sugar levels
-Speed up recovery time
-Restore overall biochemical balance
-Enjoy long-lasting energy boost
-Grow healthier skin, nails and hair
-Truly enhance overall well-being

Week Before Detox!

Let's Talk DETOX

I am sort of excited that I am physically and mentally ready to start a detox progrm. A year ago detox sounded challenging and difficult.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The week before start of Detox (prep week, which was this week for me);

From The Simply Raw Living Food Detox Manual:
  • Reduce Caffeinated drinks
  • Cut back on all meat
  • Reduce Dairy
  • Eliminate all Sugar and White Flour
  • Remove Cooked temptations
  • Plan your meals
  • If you are a smoker, reduce the number of cigarettes each day and quite smoking before the start of program

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The first week of Detox I will be eliminating;

  • All meat
  • Dairy
  • Egg
  • Refind Sugar
  • Peanuts
  • Pasta, Packaged Cereal
  • All Cooked Foods
  • Soy Products
  • White flour + rice
  • Coffee & Tea (except Herbal)
  • Pasturized Juices
  • Alcohol
  • Vinegars
  • Bread + Yeast Products

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My Grocerry List for the first week:

  • Dark Leafy Greens
  • Avocado
  • Fresh organic Fruits
  • Raw un-hulled sunflower seeds (for sprouting)
  • Quino
  • Bee Pollen
  • Nuts
  • Raw Almond Butter, Raw Tahini
  • E3Live
  • Cold Pressed Oils (Hemp, Flax seed, etc)
  • Hemp Seed
  • Ezekiel Bread
  • Raw Honey, Agave
  • Lentil

As I go through the program, I will post my daily menu.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Preping for a DETOX!

I have been reading a couple of books about detox. I think now that I have healthified my diet, it is time to clean my system from all the toxins I have been exposed to over the years.

The first book that read was by Natalia Rose called "Detox 4 Women", although I enjoyed reading the book, I found her detox program a bit strict, i.e. In the list of items to eliminate for 4 weeks are; Fruits, Nuts, Sprouted Breads... etc. The only allowed foods are vegetables and fresh vegetable juices. She allows dark chocolate, wine, and grains like Quiono.

The second book that I read is by Nathasha Kyssa's "The Simply Raw Living Food Detox Manual". I found the book very informative and enjoyed reading it. I liked her detox program better simply because she eases you into cutting out fruits and nuts, but you can not have chocolate, grains (even the healthy ones) or alcohol.

I think once I have gone through Natasha's detox program, I would wait a couple of months and give Natalia's program a try.

A couple of things that I need to do before I start are;

  • Buy a Magic Bullet to take with me to work, this way I can make my smoothies at work
  • Start making some lentile, wheat and sunflower sprouts.

The program is a 28 day detox plan, which I plan to start on June 14th and should end on July 11th.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

NEW WEIGHT CHART!

Food Log - June 5th, 6th and 7th

I was OFF on Friday with a million things to accomplish I didn't get a chance to log my food here.

Friday June 5th
Breakfast: 206 cal
Fresh Juice: Carrot/Celery/Lettuce/Spinach/Swiss chard

Lunch: 388 Cal
Smoothie: Banana (2)/Strawberries (1c)/Rice Dream Milk (1)

Dinner: 1229 Cal - Went out on a dinner date w/ my husband...
Pasta Putanesca (angle hair pasta, marinara sauce, artichokes, olives)
Tiramisu (only had half)

Exercise: Cleaned the house ALL day
Water: 64 oz
Vitamins: Multivitamin, B-complex, Grape Seed Extract


Saturday June 6th
Breakfast: 181 Cal
Fresh Juice: Spinach/Cucumber/Carrot/Green Pepper/Tomato

Snack 1: 110 Cal
Banana

Lunch: 457 Cal
Grilled vegetable wrap
small side salad
Gingerbread Man Cookie

Snack 2: 235 Cal
Smoothie: Banana (0.5), Pineapple (0.5c), Strawberries (1c), Rice Dream Milk (0.5c), flax seed

Dinner: 671 Cal
Ezekiel bread w/ Tahini and Honey
2tbsp Hummus
Gingerbread Man Cookie

Water: 80 oz
Excercise: 30 min elliptical + 60 min Spinning + 10 min Stairmaster
Vitamins: Multi, B-complex, Grape Seed Extract


Sunday June 7th
Breakfast: 443 Cal
Fresh Juice: Kale/Carrot/Mustard Greens/Spinach/Celery
Mixed the Juice in a blender w/ Banana (1)/Strawberries (1.25 c), Pineapple (1c), flax seed (milled, 1 tbsp) to make a smoothie

Snack 1: 140 Cal
Dried Fruits and Nuts (CVS brand)

Lunch: 557 Cal
Greek Salad (Spring Mix, Feta cheese, Artichoke Hearts, Sun Dried Tomato, Red Onion)
Olive oil and Vinegar
Garlic Bread (1 slice)

Dinner: 116 Cal
Baked Sweet Potato (0.5) w/ Cinnamon
Baked Golden Beet

Exercise: Cycling (1hr)
Water: 64 oz
Vitamins: Multi, B-complex, Grape Seed Extract

Thursday, June 4, 2009

June 4th - Food Diary = 1216 Cal

Breakfast: 242 cal
Fresh Juice: Spinach/Carrot/Orange/Celery

Snack 1: 118 cal
Small Coffee w/ 2 tbsp half & half
Blackberries (1.25 cup)

Lunch: 377 cal
Ezekiel Bread, Sesame (2 slices)
Almond Butter (2 tbsp)
Honey (0.3 tbsp)

I had to change my pre-planned menu for the day since I had a dentist appointment and didn't get to eat lunch until 2:30

Dinner: 500 cal
Thin Spaghetti (1cup), Barilla Plus Multigrain
Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce (0.75 cup)
Mushrooms (0.5 cup)
Green Pepper (0.5 cup)
Skim Milk (1 cup)

Exercise: Weights (40 min) + Bike ride (30 min)
Water: 52 oz
Vitamins: Woman's One a day, B-Complex, Grape seed extract

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

June 3rd - Total Caloric Intake = 1144 Cal!

Breakfast: 369 Cal
Skim Milk (1 cup) + 0.25 Honey
Fresh Juice (Apple, Spinach, Golden Beet, Swiss Chard, Lettuce, Celery and Carrot)

Snack 1: 148 Cal Kiwi
Blueberries (1 cup)

Lunch: 516 Cal (Persian restaurant, which resulted in the higher calories)
Flat bread with Feta and green
Hummus
Greek Salad

Dinner: 177 Cal
Ezekiel Sesame Bread (1 Slice)
Almond Butter (0.5 tbsp)
Nutella (0.5 tbsp)

Water: 64 oz
Exercise: 60 min Spinning

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables:

What are dark green leafy vegetables?

Dark green leafy vegetables are good sources of many vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy, such as vitamins A, C, and K, folate, iron and calcium. They are also great sources of fiber. Research suggests that the nutrients found in dark green vegetables may prevent certain types of cancers and promote heart health. It is recommended that teenage girls eat 3 cups of dark green vegetables per week, or about ½ a cup every day.

Dark Green Leafy VegetablesDark green vegetables are also high in fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, K, D, and E. These vitamins require a little bit of dietary fat in order for the body to absorb them. When you eat dark green vegetables, make sure to add a teaspoon of dietary fat, such as butter, olive or canola oil, cheese or salad dressing to make sure your body absorbs all of the vitamins you eat.

What are some examples of dark green leafy vegetables and the best way to eat them?

Arugula has a peppery taste and is rich in vitamins A, C, and calcium. Arugula can be eaten raw in salads or added to stir-fry, soups, and pasta sauces.

Broccoli has both soft florets and crunchy stalks, and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and fiber. Broccoli can be eaten raw or steamed, sautéed or added to a casserole.

Collard Greens have a mild flavor and are rich in vitamins A, C and K, folate, fiber, and calcium. The best way to prepare them is to boil them briefly and then add to a soup or stir-fry. You can also eat collard greens as a side dish. Just add your favorite seasoning and enjoy!

Dandelion Greens have a bitter, tangy flavor and are rich in vitamin A and calcium. They are best when steamed or eaten raw in salad.

Kale has a slightly bitter, cabbage-like flavor and is rich in vitamins A, C and K. Kale is tasty when added to soups, stir-fries, and sauces.

Mustard Greens have a peppery or spicy flavor and are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and calcium. They are delicious when eaten raw in salads or in stir-fries and soups.

Romaine Lettuce is a nutrient rich lettuce that is high is vitamins A, C, and K, and folate. It is best when eaten raw in salads, sandwiches or wraps.

Spinach has a sweet flavor and is rich in vitamins A and K, folate, and iron. Spinach tastes great eaten raw in salads or steamed.

Swiss Chard tastes similar to spinach and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, potassium and iron. It is best stir-fried or eaten raw in salads.


Quick and Easy Recipe Ideas:

Dark green vegetables are very tasty and easy to add to your daily meals. Look for them at your local grocery store and try some of these recipes!

  • Make a salad: Leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, spinach and arugula taste great when mixed in a salad with different kinds of veggies, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and lettuce.
  • Wrap it up: Make a wrap with tuna, chicken, or turkey and add romaine lettuce, spinach, arugula, and other veggies for some extra flavor.
  • Add to a soup: Try mixing leafy greens such as collard greens, kale or mustard greens into your favorite soup.
  • Stir-fry: Add chopped leafy greens or brocolli to your stir-fry. Chicken or tofu stir-fried with olive or canola oil and your favorite dark green vegetable is delicious!
  • Steam it: For something new; steam collard greens, kale, or spinach. Add water to a pot and place a steamer with the vegetables into it. Next, bring the water to a simmer, cover with a lid, and wait a few minutes until your vegetables are slightly soft.
Information obtained from http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/leafy.html

Health Report....

I started on my health kick on February 19th, which is exactly 104 days ago, and so far I have lost 13.2 lbs with 5.2 lbs to go.

The main reason I started tracking my diet and exercises was due to my high Cholesterol (249, not fasting) and prehypertension blood pressure (138/87), so I have been paying close attention to what I am eating and also exercising a lot.

I have also worked on my daily intake of iron, % fat, % protein, calcium and fiber, specially since I plan on going (and am almost there) vegetarian, it is important to know that I am getting enough iron, protein and calcium.


The daily recommended values are;


  • Iron: 18 mg (36 mg for Vegetarians)

  • % Fat: 20-35%

  • % Protein = 10-35%

  • Calcium = 1000 mg

  • Fiber = 25-30 g /day, but not less than 14g/1000 calories

  • Carbohydrates = 45-65%

  • Saturated fat = <9%

  • Cholesterol = 300 mg, but preferred under 200 mg

  • Sodium = 2300 mg



Tuesday, June 2, 2009

June is already here!

WOW 2009 is just flying by fast. I think it would be a good idea for me to set some goals for myself for the month of June, and really work to achieve them.I cheated in May and had a handful of meals with meat, honestly I didn’t really enjoy it and afterwards didn’t feel great either. So RULE #1: NO MEAT

I also slacked off in drinking water in May, partially because they removed our water jog from the kitchen and I had to bring water from home. I have now purchase filter pitcher so I should be able to keep my water intake high. RULE#2: DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Here is the big goal for June, I want to do a detox starting mid June for 30 days. My goal date is Monday June 15th, and the detox will end on July 5th, 3 days before my birthday, what a better gift than a healthier body. I did a really good job of adding plenty of vegetables to my diet in May. I also learned that when I juice it would be smart to use more vegetables than fruits since they are lower in calories and sugars. I will be continuing with my juicing as it is an easy way to get all of my nutrients.