Mental Matters: The Kondo Effect

Mental Matters: The Kondo Effect

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Spring equinox is here. A marked time for renewal and for life to take form. In preparation, cleaning is full swing in this household. Full on every crevice scrubbed and “this no longer reside here” pitching type of cleaning. No, I haven’t been bitten by the Kondo- Joy bug. The spring cleaning habit comes from a deep belief in the connection of clutter and mental health. That belief extends to mental health affecting physical health. Mental space reflects environmental space. Environmental space feeds into mental space. How you set up and care your environment impacts your over all health. Take this change of season as an opportunity. An opportunity remove what no longer helps, to clean out the cobwebs in and out, and create a space for newness in your life.

When weather allows, begin with your outer most space of your home. Simply wiping down an apartment door makes a difference. Your outer home reflect your outer you. It’s the first vision a person has of you. Take pride in its cleanliness and expression. You may not be able to control your home curb appeal or door appeal. The next space to clean and create is your entry way. It doesn’t need to be extravagant and simple creative expressions are valuable. Love your outer you in all physical spaces. This may be a time to reflect, as you work, on your outer you. What is so amazingly unique about how you express yourself? This is clothes, hair, talk, walk, and more. It’s not a time to compare, this time is to find the value in the details of your personal physical expressions of self.

The next area to tackle in cleaning are common living areas. Living room, shared bathrooms, and kitchens are a few common rooms. Any shared space needs an uplifted. Physically wipe down top to bottom. Time or ability may limit this task being done at once. Break it up through the day or by days. Spring cleaning is once year, don’t allow it to consume you. Sweep, mop, vacuum floors. Wipe or clean all furniture lovingly as it has supported you through every other season. As you clean, reflect on what connections and relationships you have. What negative relationships need to be cut? What kind of relationships or people do you want to know more of? Who could you invest more kindness in or provide kindness for? How can I share my common space to create more joy in my life?

Last major areas of your home are bedrooms and closets. There may be small closets, laundry rooms, or side rooms in your home you can spruce up along the way. Once you are to the bedrooms and those closets, it’s time to make it personal. Begin top to bottom. Wipe down walls. Cleaning hack? I used a mop with a washable cloth (no string mops). Made my life easier. Re arrange furniture, dust, and wipe down all furniture. While working in these personal spaces, consider the inner most you. What habits do you have right now that work? Celebrate you. What are some habits and self believing thoughts that need to go? How can you invest in a better you? Mentally? Physically? In Spirit?

While moving through each of these phases of your home and you, de clutter could be necessary. You can try the joy method. See quote below! Often it’s simply looking at how an object has been used. Haven’t used or worn it in a year or year and a half? Toss it. Better yet, donate. Taxes and other important paper forms should be in a clearly marked box or file. Limit and value sentimental items. I really. I mean REALLY need to do a lot of self talk to keep my kids saved art work to a reasonable amount. Two to three pieces a year of their growing is saved. Clothes and shoes no longer fitting or worn can be donated. The year to year and a half rule applies here. Holiday gifts shoved in the back of the closet? Time to go. Toys out grown? Donate or sell. Got a long over due and dusty hobby shoved somewhere? Truly consider its value to you and whether it’s time to let go. De clutter signals your brain and space its time to make room. Room for new joys and memories.

After the cleaning and de cluttering has happened, organize your space. Group like objects together in the kitchen, then put them in spaces that make sense to your flow of every day life. Example, cutting boards are below where the knives are on the counter. Pots, skillets, and baking ware are stored next to the stove. In storage coordinate important papers and momentos together in labeled boxes. Holidays are stored with each other. Clothes and shoes in the closet can be grouped by season, color, and type (i.e. pants with pants, shirts with shirts). This act of organizing space may surprise you as thoughts begin to process. It may be an act of organizing thoughts and memories.

It’s important to decorate your space that is most you and for those who live with you. From outer space to inner space, consider: using colors, displaying sentimental items, functionality of furniture/objects, creating artwork, and more. Make it you. That tangible reflection of you goes right back into supporting you. Clean spaces are renewal. Organize spaces promote growth. Personal physical expressions inspire more you. Love and value your home space, no matter what it is. It’s yours to make unique and gorgeously you.

Namaste

Juls

Article on Un-Meditating

Article on Un-Meditating

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“In mindfulness one is not only restful and happy, but alert and awake. Meditation is not an evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

Excerpt from article

“The stillness of mediation may seem impossible in its concept and practice. When meditation looks challenging, consider an un-mediation practice. Un-meditation is movement while encountering your mind and inviting a peace of mind. The act is cultivation of a healthy head space much like sit down type of meditation practices. When an individual is active, the body increases oxygen production which boosts your mind-focus ability. “

Click on the link below for more!

https://medium.com/@j.riley.wordartist/the-un-meditation-practice-ee29e5717acd

Tomorrow is more on head space junk removal!

Highest in me to the Highest in You,

Juls

Being Selfish to be Selfless

Being Selfish to be Selfless

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There is problematic self. The burnt out one. The drained soul with a giving famine. Being generous has a boomerang of its own rewards. However, when we don’t invest in self care or set boundaries, we can risk becoming run down. Suddenly we find our ability to give stunted. We need in-pour time to make the most of our out-pour-giving opportunities.

Boundaries & The Power of Nope

From a parent perspective- I have one HUGE NOPE- I am not a maid. Everyone pitches in and if you made the mess, you clean it up. Parental boundaries. Sometimes I pick up their slack and sometimes they pick up mine. All the same, the message it clear. Mom is not your maid boundary. What boundaries do you need to set? Don’t want to attend that event? As long as it’s not essential for your life or career, then give a simple no thank you. It’s more than okay to say no, no thank you, nope with love for self and the invitee. Need some space? Communicate that and when you can reconnect again. Can’t volunteer for everything? Yeah, me too. Additionally, stop saying sorry. It’s such a verbal reflex!! A no and boundaries are nothing to apologize for. When we say sorry, we signal to ourselves guilt for setting the boundary. Having that guilt leads to troubles in setting boundaries. Guilt is for true mistakes to direct us to correct a wrong, not drawing appropriate lines to protect our space. Being able to give simple nope and setting your boundary lines is a powerful skill you must have.

Self Care

Self Care is the physical, mental, and soulful effort to boost your out-pour flow. Physically, this looks like clean body, clean clothes, optimal nutrition, and your preferred exercise. It’s not a particular image. This is caring with hygiene for more of you. It’s your daily, if not hourly, investment to your body. A simple walk, easy protein/veggie dinner, and a shower does wonders. All of this may not always attainable, especially as a care giver. Tick as many boxes as you can. Mind and soul health is crucial to anyone’s daily routine. You need individual time to breathe. Journal, draw, pray/meditation, or just breathe- de junk your brain. This practice of “sitting and quiet self” cannot be understated- even a few minutes has a voluminous impact. We pick up so much in our living and it needs to be let go. Refresh and reset.

Hug Yourself From the Inside Out

Delegate & Exchange

Independence is amazing; especially when your kids dress and perform hygiene task on their own. Beyond freaking awesome. Yet, being too independent or being isolated from help can hinder your generosity ability. If you have too many “hats on” or “plates going” it can lead anxiety, sleeplessness, or overwhelm. When this happens, it’s time to let go or hand over. Even better, hand it over sooner before you hit that panic point. Knowing your lines is immensely powerful. Prioritize, find that line, then anything under that line needs an eviction notice. It may be beneficial to exchange obligations or duties. A task, event, or responsibility could be troublesome right now but not later. Connect to find help and exchange that help. More than likely, you both win a release at some point. Build your all hands on deck community.

Finding a defined time is a necessary for you. The part I love best in self investment is that it doesn’t take much time and truly allows for more to give later. The hardest part, for me, is boundaries. It’s attainable and worth the effort in making these skills. Make the most of your incredible self.

Follow me on Instagram to see my boundary testers and points of relief. Then check me out on Pinterest for lots of ideas on “you investments” on my Holistic Health board and word inspirations on my Affirmations and Truths board. I love sharing and will follow back!

Namaste in you to make most of you

Juls

A Bowl of WTH: The Stress Factor. How Your Mind Can Sabatoge Your Body.

A Bowl of WTH: The Stress Factor. How Your Mind Can Sabatoge Your Body.

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When looking at what healthy “is” often it’s purely physical. How much and what do we eat? Exercise? Sleep? There is a factor when making health habits we dismiss while it is ever present in our life. Stress. It has the most impact on your life and is integrated with all your wellness. It is with whole heart belief that if stress or head space is not a part of your health routine, much of what you do will be sabotaged. It flips the other way around too, the physical well being of you sabotages your head space too. Mental and physical wellness matters equally.

That Healthy Throat Clearing Habit

I don’t mean spitting. I mean if you must, do. I’m talking about talking. Healthy word vomit, clear the air talking. Not in a social media group. Unless it is a closed and trusted group, release with a trusted human or furry friend or mental wellness professional. Dogs are excellent confidants btw. Yes, public airings need to happen from time to time. However, clearing first with a close friend is best. The reasoning is you are putting yourself in a strong space after processing what you’re feeling and going through. Social media is too wide open loves. It leaves you wide open for all kinds of negativity. Again, I’m not saying hold it in. Release in a safe place then use social media to advocate and educate. If you’re not sure talking to a human being is safe at first, write it! Furry friend! Speak it into a jar! Moon talk! Sun is not recommended. She can be a bit much to keep eye contact. Seriously, start flexing those throat muscles to let go of what is clogging up your entire body.

Lung Exercise

Breathing or Pranayama practice is an incredible physical habit you can use to control your nerves and emotional well being. It is a preventative tool in the best and a reactive tool when needed. There are breathing or “calm” app you can download to guide you through. A Youtube video on breathing practices may help. Find a yogi or yogini and they may be able to help you or a meditation teacher. Pranayama or intentional breathing is essential to their practices. When you learn to control your breath, it levels your nerve activity, oxygen levels, and ultimately stops the survival mode. The more you practice the more potent your breathing practice gets.

Core Beliefs

What you believe about yourself and your abilities infiltrates everything. Growth is always needed but knowing your value is crucial. Daily short phrases, or affirmations, is one way to re-train your brain. List what you like about you and what you can do. When mistakes are made, invite in grace and be graceful with yourself. We all make mistakes, need to fix mistakes, but we are not the mistakes.

While working on these, keep up activity and move towards more nutritional eating. Physical activity increases blow and oxygen flow benefiting your nerve system and brain. When my nerves are tested, its walk or clean time. Maybe a quick yoga. Your food relationship can inflame your head space negatively. Truly limit sugars and processed foods. The more whole or natural, the more likely it will not only NOT INFLAME but REDUCE inflammation. Look at the whole you when being well. Head, heart, and body.

Invest in the best you, it starts in your head

Namaste

Juls

Health Foodie: Thriving on Nutrition and a Budget

Health Foodie: Thriving on Nutrition and a Budget

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This is very much a daily passion for me. Healthy food relationships should never break the bank and its is achievable. The following is former post with updates on new ideas. When hitting the urban jungle, make the most of your hunt for a better you and your family.

Photo by PhotoMIX Ltd. on Pexels.com

~~~~With my littlest red in tow we set out for our biweekly marathon of food gathering in the urban jungle yesterday. For a family of six plus my niece at times,  it’s all the marathon I ever care to participate in. It’s not the worst chore I have to complete as my laundry piles on my dryer.  However, we do love to eat with the goal of our health. There is strategy involved to keep our wellness goal and less my pain in the after math

List. List. List.

I am a list freak.  Largely to help me regulate my thoughts and ADHD. But I do love them and labels.  I like being able to find things too. But that’s beside the point. It does mean meal planning and less reliance on emotional eating when you use a list. Pad in your health favs and a few not so healthy favs for those cheat days. Don’t go hungry. Your stomach will lead and mine usually sabotages my wellness and budge. Many major store apps will allow you to find most of what is in stock, on sale, and, some times, which aisle to find it in. Target will automatically link you to the store you’re in and the store map in the Target app. Walmart App, not grocery app, now has an in store feature. It’s less accurate but can help.

Develop a love affair

Love the stores in or near your neighborhood. Traveling too far when not necessary spends more than save. The more you go the more you will see sale patterns which leads in to three….

Shop sales and in season.

Healthy food on sale. Not junk food on sale.  Companies are starting to recognize the demand and putting natural/organic/healthy items or produce on sale more often.  This past month at one of our local stores, between sales, in season produce, and digital coupons, I cut my bill in half.  We saved almost $150. Many stores have online adds that you can compare.

Use loyalty programs and digital coupons.

If I receive a paper coupon in store or the mail I will use most of the time. Otherwise all my coupons are on a loyalty card.  Saves paper and money.  The more I use the loyalty program at one of our stores the more I am rewarded. There are grocery apps that do the reward the same way just for uploading a receipt.  Use them. Some apps reward you for uploading your receipt. This may be of benefit to you. One of my daughter’s schools used it for fundraising.

Make budget from for sales.

When you have some extra budget room and sales are really good take advantage of the abundance.  If you have the room, squirrel it away as long as it won’t expire before you use it.

Take advantage of shopping clubs, online services, and pick ups.

 If you benefit from buying in bulk then a shopping club like Cosco or Sams may be worth it for you. Some items I do in bulk but we try to be mindful of waste. Toilet paper is a guarantee it will be necessary always, but perishable items be mindful. We could buy stock in almond milk but a small gallon of cow milk is all that is needed for my son. During this summer we used store pick ups a lot and delivering to your door is becoming an option.  For us it was necessity as I was recovering from a foot injury.  Now its just nice when time is tight. Pick ups prevents impulse shopping if that is a struggle of yours.

Meatless Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays….

Meat can be expensive, especially lean meat.   Lately, I am finding one of our stores putting meat substitutes crazy cheap.  We are riding that gravy train for as long as it last. We also like using cauliflower and cauliflower in every form is suddenly every where. Cauliflower is cheaper than most meats.  Cauliflower is a great substitute because of it’s nutritional value and protein content. Another plus.  Too much meat protein can be hard on some of your organs, especially kidneys.  Just a thought to keep in mind on how many meatless days you want to try.

Make the most for your best. We have a large family, dog, and dietary needs- the need for the budget to stretch can get scary. However, with these seven ideas and creativity, we make it happen. You can too.

Namaste in your food gathering hunt

Juls

Image

The Problematic Resolution

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There is a personal matter with one specific resolution. My goal in wellness coaching is to work with individuals towards their unique dreams while tacking specific hurdles to that person. However, I hear and see this resolution everywhere and with clarity: dieting and body perceptions. It’s the time of newness we are inundated with images of gyms, diets, shakes, scales, plans, and images. A lot is valuable and can be an asset, the danger lies in your why and body perception.

My own journey back to well after having my son started with weight loss then snowballed into aha moments of tackling mental wellness and all kinds of curve balls along the way. One simple resolve to set a goal in losing baby weight was what I needed. That all said. I didn’t diet. I changed it. I did shakes for nutrition but also love my chocolate and pizza. OMG olives and bacon. I work out but found being gentle is more important for my particular body capabilities. I “listened” with filters, figured out what works for me, found grace, and made permanent changes along the way. In the mix, was a real fight to address body perceptions. At first my victories were not happy. Because I wasn’t skinny. As my mental health rose with my physical health, I realized how unbelievably dumb this is. Then the step of anger came. It’s so frustrating being in an industry that bombards you with images of perfection and “how tos.” The most pinned recipes I had for a long time had the word “skinny.” I had to step away and get perspective. Thankfully, changes in how health and wellness looks are happening. Its imperative you understand that healthy looks different. Resentment for those who are “skinny” isn’t acceptable and those who may be slightly over weight or not have a certain look can be health too and it’s not your judgement call. Healthy has different forms and its an internal affair. As you navigate what is your highest wellness, please keep these few things in mind.

It’s an Internal Affair

Its how you love on your self and accept your creation. Its finding your value in your gifts and talents. It’s what you eat to healing and promote physical function. It’s discovering your favorite ways or may be tolerable ways to move to gear up your body and brain. It about you.

Fight the Expectation of Extremes, Un-realities, and Fads.

Dieting sucks. It rarely works. It’s often harmful. While there are common threads in nutrition, there are differences that work for everyone. If you want to lose weight- professionals and common sense eating. Nutritionist, health coach, wellness coach, doctors, or take a nutrition course yourself – I don’t care how. Just please, do not put your body, mind, and soul on that yo-yo or in potential harm. Look for meaningful change in your lifestyle. There are plans, points, and programs out there that can help. Know that what ever change you make, its a long term change. Then keep the scale in perspective. Your weight fluctuates naturally and it can stall out for a time being. Trust your process and listen when things aren’t working in over an extended period of time. A professional can help you guide this. In all this scale talk, muscle weighs more than fat. After I lost weight, I gained some back and still doing a little. My waistline and measurements are not going in a negative direction. I am strengthening and seeing those results. Scale, overall feeling, and all measurements should be taken into account. Make those changes stick. Stopping the yo-yo means cutting the cord to go back.

Work It Out For You

Rarely do I find going to the gym enjoyable. I am love my personal yoga studio and going to yoga studios. I love being outside. I love joining others in their active passions every once and while. Wonderful people own and go to gyms. It’s their thing. Some it’s kick boxing. Just a walk. Refit. Zumba. Pilates. Be open to anything and get to know you. Someone’s passion may become a shared passion. Or it may be love from a distance. Do not feel you have to run or do extremes. I love challenging myself and working within limitations, aerial yoga is for me. Work it for you.

Have grace in those pitfalls and don’t let it stop you getting back on your path. Love yourself while you create a greater you.

Namaste, Juls

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I want to say this sharing is because of recent events.  In honesty, these losses are indicative of a pervasive reality.  Mental illness is tucked in many corners of humanity, no one is immune.   In a little more than a week I am sharing the story behind my tattoo.  My story has much to do with my mental illness and my victory in my journey.  However, yesterday in the physical pain, fatigue, and mental frustration, I know all too well how quickly I could slip.  Therapy, chemical stability aid, inspiration, and reminders are necessary.  My tattoo is my permanent reminder.

IMG-0456

The largest part of my tattoo is a Lotus.  This flower is unlike many others, its survives in a wide range of temperatures and muddy waters.  I am a wife, mom, advocate, friend, artist, writer, sister, daughter.  Roles built over time and ones that I cherish.  With that I am a survivor of abuse and the social taboo it comes with.  I’ve been told that I shouldn’t share that part of my life because it would make others uncomfortable.  Then I became further isolated.  Anxiety and depression were the roller coasters of much of my life.  Panic attacks and withdrawn.  I felt voiceless.  I am a medical illness hurdle jumper with stumbles here and there.   I am an ADHDian.  It’s been a wide range in my life.  As a conqueror, I am not just blooming.  I am changing.  The butterfly right up on my shoulder symbolizes that crucial mindset of transformation.  I can and do choose to change how my past and current situations are used.  They do not wholly define me.  Written below all of this is 2 Corinthians 5:17.  Those are words I have held dear to for years.  Those words remind me that my Creator designed me for a great purpose and, like a lotus, my roots are deep to thrive despite the mud.  The act of creating is a process.  It takes time, effort, and there are mistakes.  Through the transformation and healing in mental illness, it is a similar process. My creation is flawed, but valuable all the same.

Here’s the thing.  There was a time the darkness was deep.  I didn’t believe in the value of my life and my silence festered the wounds.  It was baby steps, but I found that last shred of strength and sought help.  In the battle we need allies and professional ones.  If you are in that darkness, keep one foot in front of the other with hands out.  We need you.  There’s isn’t another you.  Seeking help isn’t weak, it’s boldness.  You have it in you.  To take it further, I have taken medication in the past to help me.  I found a natural path that works best for me.  It doesn’t matter the means: talking, breathing, medication, supplements, or do all of it.  Grab a hold of your life line.  My hope is that one day your story will become a tattoo, artwork, song, writing, oral story that will empower you and empower others.

Additionally, we need advocates.  Our perceptions on people with mental illness need to change. Perceptions on the illnesses themselves need to change.  The health care system needs to change.  Our interactions with each other needs change.  A simple start is giving grace, checking in with those around us, and be present.  Compassion and deeper connections are imperative.  Become aware of yourselves, others around you, and share resources for help. Be that shoulder.  Make that call.

As always, my soul honors your invaluable soul

Life Lines

National Suicide Hotline 

  • 1- 800- 273- 8255 Hotline
  • 1-800- 799- 4889 TTY Hotline
  • Suicide Prevention Website (online chat option and specific areas of help)

Crisis Text Line

  • Text Home to 741741

Domestic Violence

Sexual Assualt

Postpartum Support International

 

The Health Foodie: Coming to a Loving Place in Her Relationship with Food.

The Health Foodie: Coming to a Loving Place in Her Relationship with Food.

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I am a girl who loves to eat.  Protein shakes are great for on the fly and nutrition punch in the gut/ for the gut. However, I want real food.  For so long I either mindlessly ate and neglected the attention it deserved or hated food because we didn’t understand each other and how to work together.  From leechy junk food who hangs around- in undesirable places- to that empty feeling calorie, I struggled.  After years of the love/hate tango we have finally come to healthy terms.

 

Our arrangements go like this:  I sit to eat and no longer eat on the run.  I was horrible about not taking my time and being thoughtless.   Now we have a time to be present in choices and time to be present at the meal.  This gives me the power to keep negative and unhealthy foods are under my control.   I have the right to be choosy in who shows up to dinner, lunch, breakfast, and in between. Especially salt and fats. I can say no and send them packing. Now herbs and spices provide the excitement in the relationship without the regret.  Protein, fruit, and veggies have an open door policy.  Except Brussels sprouts.  They are banned for life.  I won’t do it.  I just won’t.  No longer is the misguided goal to be skinny which brings resentment in my diet and to myself.  We agreed on nutrition with flavor to maintain a healthy body and mind, while feeding the soul.  Soul food is a real thing my friends. Cantina salsa and dark chocolate are what feeds mine.  Seriously, salsa on everything from taco to eggs.

 

 

 

Salsa and chocolate aside, one of my food loves is lo mien. Unfortunately, gluten and I are no longer are on speaking terms.  A lot of my favorites had to be re-imagined.  Thus pork with veggie lo mien is born.  Simple and flavored pack protein and veggies. Warning: soy sauce is involved.  It’s that salt thing. Low sodium is on the invitation list.

 

 

Ingredients and prep

 

 

Pork: lean/low fat cuts, about 4-5 ounces per adult person

Cabbage (green and purple): sliced or buy pre shredded

Carrots: diced or if you do it like I do, it comes with the pre shredded cabbage

Onions: sweet/vidalia- sliced thin   OR Green onions chopped small

Mushrooms: sliced thin

Ginger: powdered

Soy: remember, low sodium

Canola oil or extra virgin olive oil

Minced garlic: pre-bought or DIY

Optional: bok choy diced, kale sliced

 

 

 
We are totally normal.  No fancy kitchen and short staff.
Get cooking:
1. Get a skillet and turn the stove onto a medium heat.  Add a tablespoon of canola oil or extra virgin olive oil (either oil in a spray works too).  Lightly sprinkle ginger and minced garlic on one side of the pork.  Cook the pork in the pan.  I am looking for browning on the outside and no pink showing.  About 10-15 mins on each side- the thinner the cut the less amount of time each side takes.  Suggested inside temp for pork is 145 degrees Fahrenheit if you have a meat thermometer handy. Let it rest 3-5 minutes and you can slice and dice it how you want.
2. While the pork is cooking-  add a tablespoon of canola oil or evoo (thank you Rachel Ray) to a wok, skillet, or whatever will hold the veggies.  Some of us lack the gourmet kitchen but make it work.  Not all veggies cook equally.  Start mushrooms and onions (not green onions).  If you are cooking bok choy, add it in with the mushroom and onions.  Cook for 10 minutes or so.  Then add carrots, cabbage or that bag of pre shredded stuff and if you are doing kale or green onions, throw it in too.  I usually find the total cooking time for veggies is twenty minutes. Slightly soft veggies is the goal.   Those last couple of minutes sprinkle some low sodium soy sauce and some ginger powder to taste.  If you like a lot of either, let someone else add and taste it.  Keep it light.

 

Pork and Veggie Lo Mein

 

 

That’s it. Step one and pork done.  Step two and veggie lo mein done.  Constructive suggestions in how to improve our relationships in this specific area are welcomed.  Raving reviews are encouraged. You know, for the the food.
 

 

Namaste and nourish love

*originally published on September 17, 2017

A Bowl of WTH: The Why & May be Not in Shakes & Juicing

A Bowl of WTH: The Why & May be Not in Shakes & Juicing

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Lightly mention you want to get healthy and you will receive about a dozen recommendations for a shake. Seriously, I’ve lost count. I do find value in my protein shake and juicing. While it is helpful, it does not need to be a constant in your wellness routine. I buy and switch around to see what is out there. I don’t sell and warning: I never want too. Don’t even try. Honestly, there are some aggressive shake fans out there. That said, the following is pure sharing info for you to factor when deciding what works best in your health routine.

The first issue I want to address is the “fans of whatever shake you’re on.” Love it and share it while respecting people’s space and “no.” Can your shakes or juices do wonderful things? Absolutely! I have my favs and love the boosts with ease I get. It’s irritating when constantly having products being shoved in my face the moment I mention anything health nut related. So. Annoying. I once went to a business womens meeting, started talking to a health coach and immediately had an clear MLM product shoved in my face. I wanted to know more about what she did. So health professionals and healers, put you and your services out first. If it comes up you have this amazing product then share. You have so much to offer and your shake/juice is part.

The non-protein-nutrition-greens-shake-juice people, let me tell you. You may want to adopt a shake in your food relationship. There is a reason why we are so passionate about our routines. If we get out of hand, forgive us and a firm “chill” may be warranted. Next time you hear about someone’s shake/juice routine or see one on the shelf, consider this:

Drawbacks

  • Expense
    • This can be an expensive habit to adopt. There is this misconception that health food cost more. It’s not true. However, your shake or diet enhancements should not put you into debt. Look around every where, especially places that offer no condition refunds cause this next reason…
  • Taste
    • There are protein shakes and juice options that do taste good. Yet, too many taste buds have been harmed in the making of this habit. I tried, I mean TRIED, to go vegan protein shake. I can still taste the ground up ancient clay pots. Seriously, five different brands. If you have one please don’t share with me as I’m still scarred, but comment for someone’s benefit. Ask for recommendations and do not be afraid to return it back.
  • Food relationship
    • Shakes and juicing is hard to sustain on, especially if you are switching from a high processed or high calorie diet. Even now, it’s a snack or part of a meal. AM is juice a veggie/protein for me. Sweet potato toast with Nutella is pretty freaking awesome. Well anything with Nutella is. My PM is a protein shake with fruit or veggie snack. Just caution if you are told it’s filling. It’s all on perspective and where you are in your food relationship journey.
  • Physical cautions
    • If you have medical conditions, check with your doc before trying anything. High protein can clog up your adrenal system, possibly creating kidney stones. Too much meat or whey protein is not a good thing for anyone. Keep it all in balance.

The Why to Your Yes

  • Nutrition
    • Most protein shakes are known for, well, protein. They offer much more and many now carry a lot of other amazing nutritional punches. Juicing and its additions do the same. Shakes and juicing is an excellent way to get a TON of power in your food relationship in one cup. My protein is the brain and muscle boost I desperately need. While an occasional habit, I am on a new juicing habit to liver cleanse. Another benefit is adding a greens mix, especially if veggies are a struggle for you.
  • Simplicity
    • Shakes and nutritional juices make attaining nutritional goals easy and great to have on hand when out an about. I always have a leak proof bottle and some powder in case. I need my food.
  • Recipe enhancement
    • Many powders go well with various recipes and enhance its nutritional value. Waffles, pancakes, muffins, protein balls, oatmeal, and more. It makes more out of that food encounter.
  • Physical benefits
    • More than likely, the American diet does not reach enough appropriate protein or nutriition. Shakes and Juicing packs more vitamins and more your body needs to be optimal. Its more than waist line. Much of what we eat impacts brain, nerves, mood ability, and more.

Shakes and juices are versatile and customizable. It takes a quick Pinterest or Social Media recommendation for tons of ideas. Chocolate protein mix + almond milk = Nutella Love. Yes I have a theme. There are so many ways you can utilize this wellness tool and it not kill the joy of your food relationship. Power the optimal you within your reason.

Namaste & Love

Juls

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A Bowl of WTH: Cleanse/Detox: Exorcism of Food and Environmental Demons.

A Bowl of WTH: Cleanse/Detox: Exorcism of Food and Environmental Demons.

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Take two steps into the health and wellness world, you will find terms like “detox” and “cleanse.” Personally, these terms were not even on my radar until my daughter saw a Gastroenterologist. By this point I had a preschooler with digestive issues, tons of trial and error diet changes, and little results. Try cleansing every two weeks he said. Sounds easy, until you have to pump so much juice and laxative in your preschooler until it becomes criminal. I truly wish I knew then what I have grasped of now. Life is easier and brighter with a few simple, healthier tweaks.

Coming to Terms with Terms

First of all there is a difference between the two with a common goal. A cleanse is an intentional effort using medicine (sythentic or natural) or food to remove harming substances from your digestional tract. A detox is a variety of processes, from activity to food to behavior changes, to rid anywhere in the body of toxins. Each term has been used for another and I truly do not believe its the end of the world if you do. The point is understanding you accumulate toxins and they need to be exorcised.

It’s More than a Physical Relationship

Cleansing or detoxing your body is central to your “whole self” health. The understanding that your are cleansing more than your body is essential. What cleans out your gut and adrenal system goes to your head, literally. Having toxic thoughts, behaviors, and relationships show up physically in your body. One impacts the other and cleanses in both areas need to happen.

It’s Not A Sometimes Thing

Whether is food, an experience, illness, or just plain bad day- on some level, your body has to flush out daily. Often its unintentional in what we pick up, may be not even all that bad and seems small. Yet, it accumulates and will show up in us sooner or later. Daily head and physical junk removal in important. Bigger cleanses may be required on top of the daily, especially after vacations, special events, or a big life event. Know that daily you need this habit and listening yourself when its time to do this bigger stuff.

It Doesn’t Need to Be a Harsh or Difficult Process

We will hit on the overview of how to cleanse, but it’s important to know that punishing your body or mind is never necessary. The cleansing or detoxing processing can be uncomfortable and challenge our preconceived bodily and mental limitations. It promotes healing and growth in working through those cleanses. However, personally, I find it more harm than good to pick up a cleansing process that causes more than an uncomfortable state. With a few exceptions, it shouldn’t cause pain. Mental cleanses are the hardest in my personal opinion and can border, if not be emotionally painful in the removal process. However, the healing afterwards is astounding.

What Needs to Go & Ways to Do It

Drink it. Lots of water. You can throw in lemon and/or ginger, cinnamon in your water to boost toxin removal. Green or herbal teas (dandelion) are powerful ways to cleanse and detox. Berries and green veggies are great food relationship cleansers. While you are addressing your food relationship, eat and take fiber. Fiber is a daily cleanse choice we all need to have. Add garlic and tumeric to your food. Both of these flavor additions are excellent in cleanse and anti inflammatory agents as well. Drink water, up your fiber content, and pick a few of these small changes in your daily routine. It will have a major impact, particularly as you keep it up over time.

What you need less of is junk. You can cleanse and detox all day long but it’s going to be stunted in it’s power if you are eating a lot of process foods. I am all for splurges and aim to be transparent in my food relationship vices. However, they are short leased and for good reason. Drive thru avoidance with a rare encounter and sugar detox are necessary. The ingredients are addictive and harmful in a daily relationship. We eat at home a lot and the more whole the food is purchased the better. When buying a box, frozen, or bag ingredient- I look for ingredients I know and can pronounce. There is nothing wrong with semi homemade.

You need some form of physical activity daily to promote bodily cleanse. Walk, run, yoga, zumba, weights, kick boxing, tai chi- It doesn’t matter what you do or what combos you choice during your week. Discover what you need or like and then do it.

As what we do physically affects our physical and mental state, it goes the other way around. In the mental realm it can get sticky as we work to bust stigmas and explore options that are not as familiar. Meditation, journaling, coloring, creative processes, mantras/affirmations, sound therapy, Reiki, EFT tapping, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong are a few ways to incorporate a daily habit or occasional boost to cleanse the mind. It doesn’t need to be just one and variety is best. This does help in the daily mental flush but may not be enough if there is deep hurt. A counselor, therapist, spiritual healer, natural healer, or combination may be necessary to address toxic experiences, behavior, and more. You have the power to heal and there are those who wish to help you accomplish that.

Just in writing this post I picked up stress as I struggle to focus with the million times I was interrupted by my son. Having that EFT tapping and breathing practice got me through. Connecting with my kids is great, but mommy has boundaries and limitations. Mental health is a personal responsibility that invites incredible opportunities for connections. Most daily activities have alone options as well as “come join me” or ” I’ll join you” options. I love joining various yoga communities, do EFT tap with my kids, and my hubby and I enjoy creative processes. Alone time is precious too with my meditation and spiritual/natural healing practices. It wasn’t that long ago I joined a group in sugar detox from the holidays and looking at switching up my food relationship for concentrated liver detox. All this to say, this girl practices what she preach. And bust it once a month or so for some Doritos. That and cookies truly are my delicious vice. Take those steps, yes even baby steps, and start with a cleanse/detox habit or two to maximize your whole self health.

Namaste in Your Junk Removal/ Exorcism Process

Juls