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Saturday, March 12, 2011

Chia seeds and other Superfoods

Now if your a Raw Foodist or just a health conscious person you have heard of Chia Seeds or Chia powder.  These tiny seeds that pack a huge amount of fiber, omega 3's, and many other properties like high in antioxidents as well can easily be a replacement for lossed protein in your new raw lifestyle if that is what your looking for.  Chia seeds are quite remarkable and can be used in many recipes from adding to smoothies, or making puddings or tapioca since these tiny seeds absorb any liquid they are placed in and then become gelatinous into these little balls that still have a little crunch to them kids/and adults have a blast popping these little balls in anything you may put them in.  Very neutral in flavour on there own these little balls are also known as dinosaur eggs not the candy folks for those that remember those.  They also really help to detox the body as well they literally will grab onto the crud in your intestines and colon and pull it out of you.  When I first tried these I was a little skeptical but now I'm hooked on this stuff and well once you try them you will be too.  I know alot of people that once they have used the chia seeds and then have a break from using them they feel weighed down and sluggish and as soon as they get back on the chia seeds they have the energy back and they do not feel so weighed down because this stuff really helps to move the crap out of you.  Look at it this way many of us walking around everyday that have consumed garbage over the years can have up to 30lbs of junk caked to our colons and intestinal walls.  Why do you think so many people are jumping to this lifestyle or atleast going through a detox kit.  These super seeds can be a awesome part of a detox routine and also just daily life just 2 spoonfuls is equal to the protein from an egg let alone all the other added benefits.  If you have used these miracle seeds you know what I'm talking about if not I highly recommend you hit your local health food store or buy some online and see for yourself.

GOD BLESS AND BEST WISHES!

Friday, March 11, 2011

The changes I have noticed since being RAW.

Like I have said in other posts I have had some processed foods once in awhile like canned beans and some roasted nuts or trail mix no chocolate or candies just nuts and dried fruits variety.   I have also had some cheese to see what effects it would have on me after some time all raw and know now that it is not for me.  I have however not eaten any meat since the beginning of February when I started this journey into RAW and weight loss.  I have of course seen it and smelled it since my wife is not doing the raw like myself and needless to say it still makes me feel ill and the stench of processed crap like Hamburger Helper for instance is just revolting it looked like something you would puke up after a hard night of drinking .  I would suggest anyone go RAW for atleast 3 days no cooked foods of any kind and no meats and then walk into a restaurant or even cook something up in your home and you'll start to smell all the junk you've been putting in your body for years just by smelling the air and I would bet that you'd would not want to eat it you'll be like wheres my salad or give me an apple.  That is totally is something that has really changed for me since I have been living this clean life my senses are so much richer then before.  My sense of smell is more acute, my eyes seem to be getting stronger, and my tastes buds crave the good living foods like salad and fruits and veggies especially RAW.  This lifestyle opens way more then your mind and spirit it opens all your senses to a higher realm this is awesome.

God Bless join me and see these changes for your own life.
 

A month and a half mainly RAW.

Well it has been almost a month a half and the weight just keeps coming off.  Not as fast as before though I have alot of muscle mass as well so this brings up the weight.  I'm still eating mainly raw foods sometimes some roasted nuts or canned beans only because I feel my body would benefit from the extra fiber and the protein but only here and there.  I'm usually just eating the fruits and veggies everyday juicing, blending, and just eating like a whole watermelon for dinner.  This gives me the energy I need without a lot of calories and of course the tons of added health benefits.  I started this journey back in Feb. of this year so roughly 1 1/2months weighing in at around 270lbs now weighing in at 232lbs give or take a pound or two.  So needless to say I'm pretty happy with my accomplishments so far and I still have roughly 30lbs to go or more see how it goes I'm 6'1" tall and have a large build so I'm not sure how much I will lose but I'm toning down with exercise lots of cardio and light weight/high rep weight lifting so this is helping to chisle away some fat to show the raw muscle beneath which is quite awesome.  I hope to be down to my desired weight and build by the summer or sooner that would be fine too.  I hope everyone that is living this way or is atleast considering it reads this and sees that you can lose weight and still enjoy some very tasty foods just not the meat, dairy, and processed wheat garbage that has been killing you all these years anyways.

Really whats more important your life or the food you eat?

Man I wish spring would get here.

As most of you have read I live in BC and that being Northern BC where for some reason spring is taking its sweet slow time.  Still having all this snow to look at may be a lot of fun for those people who ski, snowmobile or do some other winter sport.   I want to garden and pick berries and all of that fun stuff that comes with warmer climates and no more of this cold white crap.  I'm not meaning to sound bitter but after a few months of this crap you tend to just get sick of it day in day out white everywhere,  slippery road conditions  and gravel being flung at your vehicles windshield.  Just give me the sun all ready increase the temperature and end this winter so I can go hiking and jogging in the forest or even on the road without the possibility of slipping and ending myself in traction for a few months.  Truly I like snowblowing and other aspects of the winter the seasonal changes the beauty in which snow brings and such but in many areas of this fine planet winter is too bloody long.

HERES HOPING FOR A WARMER CLIMATE SOON.

My average time at the gym

I like to go to the gym well NOW.  Do not get me wrong only a few months back the gym was the last thing on my mind.  Since I started going more and more I started seeing the results and well it was inspiration for me to keep going.  I started jogging more and more increasing my times each time I went.  I now out jog my wife on the treadmill and she is no where carrying any extra weight.  I usually start off with a light leg stretch becuase I usually go on the treadmill, elliptical machine or strider/step machine first usually for 20-30 minutes on treadmill at 8-10 km/h or the elliptical for 30-60minutes at a resistance of 5 and incline of 6-8, or the Striders they only use resistance and I usually will train 30-60minutes at 4-8 resistance.  After this I will usually do some weight training:  pull-ups, bicep curls, push-ups, ab crunches, tricep workout, and obliques, butterfly chest workout and other upper body routines high reps/low weight.  I usually do not work my legs too much because I'm trying to lose and tone instead of bulking up.  Jogging or using the elliptical/or striders work legs pretty good on there own so doing weights would only add bulk.  Weights usually take another 30 minutes depending on reps, and then I usually end with some yoga and other basic stretching techniques.  In total 60-90 minutes from start to finish some of you may think that is too long but when your resting between reps and making yourself work time flies by.  Remember if your trying to lose weight pushing yourself is the only why your going to see results pussy footing around doing the hard stuff is not going to give you anything.   Remember the age old saying NO PAIN NO GAIN.  Also if you have been out of the physical activity circuit for awhile and are under a physicians supervision/care for other heatlth realted circumstances make sure you a get clearance before starting any new exercise routine. 

P.S. I usually eat heavy fruits/veggies after a workout and always drinking lots of water during my gym time since I sweat a lot when you make your body work thsi si what happens.  Maybe a green juice prior to my workout time or some high sugar fruits like mangos, oranges, grapes, or starwberries or maybe a little of each as an example.

God Bless and Happy Times in your own Journey. 

Loving the Watermelon and the Benefits

I have always loved Watermelon since I was a young child biting into a crisp sweet chunk of watermelon were some of my favorite memories of summer.  Not saying that you cannot eat it all year round which I tend to do.   I'm grunging on some as I'm writing this piece maybe some inspiration I suppose.  The awesome aspects of watermelon is that with it being 95% water you must consume pounds and pounds of this stuff to equal any massive amount of calories.  I actually remember reading or watching something that you would have to eat 22.5lbs of watermelon to equal 3000 calories or average that would be 4-5 large watermelons even in a melon eating contest I would highly doubt anyone would consume this much.  However the benefits of this wonder fruit is nothing to laugh at this tasty fruit is packed full of antioxidents, betacarotene, awesome source  of vitamins C & A, source of lycopene with its pigmentation, known to help with lowering risk of prostate cancer, macular degenaration, arthritis, colon cancer, heart disease, asthma, and other ailments.   It is also great for detoxing and keeping your bowels well flushed which may in turn be a reason it helps reduce the risks of colon cancer.  This awesome tasty, juicy and health vibrant fruit has so many benefits why not eat it everyday as many people do.  If you want to see how diverse this fruit is totally research it some more or just continue to enjoy this inexpensive and awesome fruit for all of its inherit properties and of course the taste.

God Bless and Go Get Some.

The Benefits of Herbal Teas/ and Green Teas.

Most of us are aware of the healing benefits of teas especially herbal and green/white teas.   Many concoctions for detox, intestinal health, stomach upset and even mental illness use teas as a form of ingestion.   For thousands of years asian cultures and many others have used medicinal properties found in tea leaves and other plant and fruit based extracts to cure illness and to speed healing.  So it is no shock that many Naturopathic Physicians use tea and herb concoctions to aid there clientele.  So maybe instead of reaching for the next cup of coffee, or other sugar laden drink like a can of Coke or even a processed bottle of Iced Tea reach for a nice steeped tea of your choosing preferably herbal no caffiene, and maybe a spoon of honey for its benefits sit down and relax.  Teas natural calming effects have been known for centuries and is why many cultures continue to indulge in the spellbinding time of a soothing cup of tea.  So if your looking for a good hit of antioxidents, detoxing abilities and internal health and overall healing and well being.   I recommend you consume some tea ASAP.  Yes I do know that green and white teas have caffiene but when you compare it to your average black teas like your Orange Pekoe or Earl Grey Varieties it is very minimal when you also consider the health benefits of these teas.  Also look at the rooibos blends and the oolongs many are great detoxifiers and also help with indigestion and stomach upset.  Look at tea for relaxation in a cup, and a healing concoction for your body.

Remember White teas have the highest level of antioxidents out of all the teas so if your looking for a great dose look for a white tea blend and if you have a David's Tea or other Tea Shoppe in your area hunt them down and do some shopping.  Also many health food stores carry a wide range of teas and many Organic blends are also on the market now.  If you can get fresh loose tea blends they tend to make the best tea using a ball diffuser or special pot.  I love green tea personally and fruit blends so I will tend to mix the two one for the flavour, and one and health benefits of  just a idea/tip I thought I would throw out.  I actually found a really good blend available most anywhere
by Celestial Seasonings called Acai Mango Zinger it is a herbal blend and consists: Hibiscus, rosehips, orange peel, natural flavours including mano, acai berry, licorice, blackberry leaves, and acai berry fruit.  So if you no how beneficial ACAI Berries are and Mango as well and like the tropical teas I would say check it out for yourself.

God Bless and Please Enjoy Your Next Cup Of TEA.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

What I eat in a average day, How Raw Foodies and I get our Protein!

My days vary in how much I consume simply because somedays I go to the gym and others I do not.  Mainly though I usually consume this:

My day usually starts off with a lot of water 1-2 liters this really replenishes the bodies lost fluids while sleeping and gets the bowels and bladder going and usually really good at helping your body get rid of built up crud.

Once I have drank atleast a liter of water I wait 30-1hr before I consume anything of substance be it
a few pieces of fruit for instance 2-3 orange 2 apples, and maybe some grapes or a greens juice or blended green smoothie.  Now for everyone not sure what a green smoothie/juice really is I will explain.:

A greens juice usually requiring a juicer would be best.  I use the Breville Juice Fountain Elite  probably the best and fastest centrifugal type juicer.  Start with the what greens you wish to use be it spinach, chard, romaine, green leaf/red leaf, kale and go from there.  Adding some fruits now your softer fruits like mango/pineapple, and papaya do not juice well and I recommend using a blender and making a smoothie with the softer fruits even the spinach as juicing spinach doesn't yield alot of juice.  So then start juicing an easy and tasty green smoothie is apples, kale/or romaine, celery, lemon, and parsley make the amount you'll consume in the next few hours it can be refrigerated if you make alot though it should be used within 24hrs as it will continue to oxidise as it sits.  The lemon or another ype of citrus like orange lime / or grapefruit will slow the oxidation process down a bit always good to add some citrus zing to a green smoothie for the benefits.   Another addition to any green drink is hot pepper like a jalapeno for the mild or a habanero for the daring and adventorous or simply a sprinkle of cayenne (all are optional though they all have amazing benefits consider them).

Now if you do not have a juicer do not fret because a blender can do a great job as well it just is more of a smoothie then a juice persay because it has all the pulp with it.  Same procedure but if using kale remove the stem from the leaves and peel the lemon.  How if you want you can use a nut milk bag and run the smoothie through this to remove the pulp which I would recommend as it will be easier for your body to digest and utilize faster especially if your doing a juice feast.

Either one 32-64oz/1-2 liters drank throughout the morning over 2-3 hrs.  This is breakfast

Lunch: Another juice or a salad or veggie plate with maybe some homemade sprouted hummus or a tahini dressing.  Usually 2-3 cups of greens, 1-4 tomatoes depending on size if romas I use 4, 2-3 stalks of celery, half english cucumber, 1/2 a pepper and some sprouts usually alfalfa or mixture,

Dinner: Similar to lunch I'm trying to lose weight right now so all the gourmet raw foods you hear about I'm not really trying them out just yet since they have alot of fats usually and dehydrated veggies and I want the raw juicy goodness.

I try not to eat after 7PM to allow my body time to digest some of my food prior to bed.  I will consume 2-3 pots of herbal tea throughout the night.

P.S.  I do use multivitamins, started using Enzymes and WOW and other Vitamins like D,E,C Calcium but are not enterily necessary just a force of habit. 

I get my protein from my FRUITS, VEGGIES, NUTS, AND SPROUTED GRAINS,  REALLY THOUGH ITS THE AMINO ACIDS YOUR BODY NEEDS AND CRAVES!.  You ever wonder why you are so tired and lazy after you eat  a big meal laden with meat and cooked products?.  Well as I have done my research on this lifestyle the reason for this is quite simple your body is using all of your food energy to convert the protein from the meats into amino acids before your body can utilize it.  So if your body has to convert something for it to use it why not skip the aspect all together!.  When you consume raw fruits and veggies these high alkaline rich foods and also rich in the amino acids your body needs are not having to be converted before your body can use them giving you instant energy and strength.  Isn't that just a smarter alternative then eating dead flesh and cooked foods?.  If you ever wonder why alot of Raw Foodists are happy and full of energy all of the time this is why  NO DEAD MEAT OR OTHER COOKED FOODS SLOWING THEM DOWN.

Remember everybody is different, metabolisms, height, body shape, weight and so on so the amount of food will change with each person an elite athlete is going to consume huge amounts of food simply because they have a super fast metabolism compared to your average person working everyday and hitting the gym maybe 2-4 times per week.  Just because you see people like Durianriders on Youtube and he shows you how much food he consumes do not think that you must do this Harley is an elite cyclist and marathoner and runs and bikes more in one day then most people would in a week.  Eat when your hungry but also consider how much exercise you are doing.

LIKE I HAVE SAID IN OTHER POST'S EXERCISE IS KEY IN ANY LIFESTYLE YOU LIVE FOR YOU TO HAVE A LONGER AND BETTER LIFE.

ONE LAST THING TO REMEMBER 95% OF THE TIME WHEN YOU THINK YOUR BRAIN IS TELLING YOU YOUR HUNGRY YOUR ACTUALLY DEHYDRATED DRINK SOME WATER INSTEAD OF GRABBING FOR MORE FOOD.

God Bless and happy journeys to you.