Green Protein Juice Fit for The Hulk

Okay, I know this doesn't sound like the first thing you want to reach for in your fringe, but I was actually pleasantly surprised with the taste test results. If you are used to drinking green juices and shakes then this combination won't be a shock to your pallet :o).

This morning I juiced (click on each ingredient for a link to health benefits): 1/2 cabbage, 1 cucumber, 2 Pink Lady apples, 1/3 bunch parsley, and 3 cups fresh spinach. The juice made enough for two servings so I divided it in half, After I juiced everything I added two small scoops of Dr. Mercola's Pea Protein, and then a packet of Amazing Grass Wheat Grass. I filled my shaker to the top to eliminate as much oxygen as I could, shook it up, and then let it chill for 30 mins in the fridge.

I know this probably doesn't sound exciting or appetising whatsoever, but I promise that it was actually a little sweet after adding the wheat grass packet, and it didn't leave a nasty aftertaste. This juice was the perfect balance of protein, natural sugar, and detoxing agents that I am trying to get in the morning. I feel energized and ready to take on the world :o).

Happy Juicing, Meg

The Juice Lady

Meet 'The Juice Lady', Cherie Calbrom. She is the Author of one of my favorite books, and she was recently interviewed by Dr. Mercola. She explained how juicing the right  greens, veggies, and a little fruit, will not only help you shed some of those extra pounds, but will also make your skin glow and aid in healing your body of a multitude of aches and illnesses. Check out Mercolas interview and article for yourself and then go start juicing !

I'm on my way to the kitchen to make a yummy cocktail of carrot, orange and ginger juice :o).


Link: The Juice Lady Interviewed on Mercola.com

Watermelon Juice

Ninety-five percent of the nutritional content in watermelon is in the rind, so think twice before you throw it in the trash! Watermelon rind is super nutrient rich and makes for a refreshing juice. Nutrients in watermelon rind include: chlorophyll, vitamin A, protein, potassium, zinc, iodine, nucleic acids and enzymes which aid digestion.

I found this great video on juicing watermelon rind and wanted to share! Enjoy!
Watermelon Juicing Video- by Raw Model

Meg

Lucky Juice (Recipe)

Yesterday's juicing experiment included the goodies in the picture above, and a little bit of luck. I have misplaced my favorite book so I decided to grab the veggies in the fridge and challenge myself to be nutritiously creative. I've been trying to use very little fruit in my juice because it is too much concentrated sugar for your body to process at once. Yes, fresh organic fruit juice is not as 'good for you' as you may think. I try to juice lots of veggies/greens and then sweeten things up a little with an apple or carrots.

I ended up with two different juices yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised with the taste test. My first juice included a stalk of celery, a parsley bunch, one cucumber, 6 carrots, and a granny smith apple (all organic). At first I combined everything with only half of the apple and decided that the celery was way too strong, so I added the other half of the apple and was much happier with the results. The next time I juice celery though I will only used half the stalk.

My second juice was a combination of 6 carrots, half a Granny Smith apple, and a beetroot. It was much sweeter that the first juice since it didn't have the celery and parsley. Beetroot is slightly sweet and very earthy tasting, so it was an interesting addition to the juice.

When all was said and done it was a fun experiment that provided enough juice to savor for the rest of the day...and just maybe the yummy cocktails will bring me a little lucky health ;o).

~Meg

Emotional Laundry

"You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present."  ~Jan Glidewell

Today I am reminding myself to never cling to the sorrow and hurt in my past; because if my arms are too busy holding onto the pain in my past, then I am unable to offer or receive love in the present. I've realized recently that choosing to carry my hurt and grief around is a lot like trying to transport an over sized load of laundry from the dryer. Sometimes you can keep it all together, and other times you drop random pieces all over the place and make a huge mess. I would much rather be able to offer and receive love, as I face each new day, than be dropping all my 'emotional laudry' all over the place.

It's not easy to move forward from emotional pain, but if we choose to cling to it then we will end up suffocating ourselves, as well as the ones we love, in a pile of dirty emotional laundry that will just grow taller and taller as we continue to drop pieces here and there.


Arms Wide Open,
Meg

Words Like Poisoned Apples

 “Only speak words that make souls stronger”

Today has been a self reflection day. It has been similar to the scary experiences I’ve had when I have woken up and stared into the bathroom mirror after a rough night of sleep, except today the mirror wasn’t focused on my dishevelled morning hair.  

I believe that the beauty a person possesses inside his or her heart is one of the most important things they should tend to each day. However, today I was faced with the reality that my ‘inside beauty’ has grown quite unruly and wild. I feel a little like my heart is a fairytale castle that’s turned to ruin because I’ve neglected to keep vines of envy, fear, and selfishness from taking over the walls.

When I was a little girl I used to make my mom read Snow White to me over and over again for nights on end. I don’t know why that was my favorite happily ever after story, but I guess every girl dreams of a land where she’s a princess and is awakened with a kiss of true love; and that was my favorite of them all.

Today though, I feel more like the wicked queen, staring into the magic mirror; failing to pass the test of inward beauty. I definitely don’t feel as though I posses the character of the ‘fairest in the land’. I have realized that instead of playing the star of my own fairytale I have recently played the role more like the envious queen, and have offered poisonous words instead of love. I’ve been so wrapped up in my own worries and wants lately that I haven't been compassionate and attentive toward the needs of someone I love.

As I’ve gone through bad relationships, hurtful friendships, the loss of a loved one, and the every day stresses of life, I have let unforgiveness and bitterness poison my actions, thoughts, and the words I speak.  I heard a quote once and it has been on my mind all day… “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping it kills the other person”.

It’s been a bit of a dark day in fairytale land as I’ve looked deep inside my heart and realized the work that needs to be done. However, I know that healing and restoration is possible, because I believe in a God that desires to heal and restore his people. My own desire is that my actions and words would be encouraging and uplifting to those around me. There is so much power in the attitude we chose to have, especially as we go through difficult seasons of life, and the words we speak can carry either poison or hope in them. What I've come to realize is that often times my words, good or bad, return to effect me just as much as the one who received them. I don't think anyone ever wants to 'eat their words', especially when they are filled with poison.

I’d much rather offer the kind of love and care that is always associated with the leading lady in each fairytale. I am encouraged to know that despite my mistakes my God is able to take the worst I offer and make the circumstances into something beautiful.

Devotedly, 

Meg

Honey , You're Beautiful

Have you ever had one of those days when you looked in the mirror and you just thought...uuug? If you're a woman, I'm going to guess that you've probably shared in my agony of saying good morning to the mirror only to have it point out a new flaw or blemish that visited your face overnight. If you haven't, well, I would love to borrow your magic mirror :o).

A week ago my mirror greeted me with 'Morning. How do you do?', and then proceeded to point out some blemises that had chosen to visit my face. Unfortunately, they decided to make a week vacation out of the whole thing and here I am trying everything I can to convince them to vacate.

A few years back I started learning about all the gross toxins and chemicals (link) that are allowed into the beauty products, face washes, and blemish remedies that most of us Americans use every day. Since then I have steadily eliminated my use of products from the retail shelves and have opted for more natural remedies, like honey, instead.

Eating avocado, unpasteurized yogurt, coconut oil, mango, bananas, and raw honey are all great for our bodies; and they are really wonderful when they become a pampering mask for our skin. I have been blown away as I've learned about all the ways I can heal and delight my skin by using natural ingredients. Who wants toxins seeping through her skin when she can have golden honey making every pore smile?

Honey is a natural antioxidant, antibacterial, and hygroscopic. Essentially, all the hard work those busy bees put into their golden potion doesn't just taste delightful, but it also works wonders on your skin .

So, here I sit at midnight with a mask of raw honey working its little magic on my face. Even though I am sure I will still have to face days when my mirror and I have a staring contest; I know that in just a few minutes I will look into that mirror and I will say... 'Honey, you're beautiful'.

Read more about honey and how to use it as a mask at: http://www.greenlivingideas.com/.

Sweet dreams beautiful friends,

Meg

Candle Love

Yes I must admit, I have a SERIOUS addiction to candles. I honestly don't think there is anything more relaxing than being in a room full of lit candles. It has definitely become my therapy of choice on days when I feel like I need to take a 'chill pill' after dealing with the stressed of life. I currently have 5 candles around me and I feel as happy as a little clam :o). I have no idea why, but I have been enamored with candles since I was little. Maybe it's the mesmerizing way the flame dances like a firefly, or just the warmth of the ambiance that fills the room. Either way, it is my self prescribed therapy. If I lived next to the beach that would be the untimate therapy for the soul, but until then candles will do :o).

So, if you are feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders then you absolutely must surround yourself in a peaceful room of whimsically flickering candles, grab a relaxing book, maybe listen to a little of this, and let the stress melt away :o).

Happy Relaxing, Meg

Summer Sun and Carrot Ginger Juice

I have been soaking up the summer sun as though it were about to go on vacation :o). One of the perks of being a teacher is having the summer off. I am currently looking for a part time job, but I must admit that I am becoming spoiled now that I've had about a month off already.

I've been spending a lot of my free time studying up on nutrition, trying new recipes, and juicing lots of yummy veggies and fruits.Yesterday, after a good read in the sunshine, I headed into the kitchen to make a yummy carrot and ginger juice.It was the perfect little 'pick me up' after the warm sun :o).

Carrot Ginger Juice:

1 bag of large organic carrots
1 organic cucumber
1 organic apple
About 1 inch of fresh ginger

Enjoy :o)

Raw Food= Probiotics, Happiness, Longevity

I just watched this video by my favorite raw foodie Ani Phyo. I always feel so inspired and encouraged after watching her videos, or readings through her ‘uncook books'. One of the things I really love about her is how she all about doing what is best for each individual body. She understands that eating raw is usually a gradual process and that life needs to be about what works best for each person’s health and happiness.

In this video Ani talks a little about the reasons why raw organic foods are best for our bodies, and how they can heal us and restore our bodies from stress. She also talks about how to restore balance to your body after taking antibiotics. Our bodies are bombarded with toxins every day that stress our systems out, not to mentions the stress we put ourselves through with all the worries that float into our hearts and minds.

Eating raw organic fruits, veggies, nuts, and more, with or without organic grass fed meat added, is the best way to restore our bodies with the much needed vitamins, minerals, and herbs that we need in order to live long happy lives.

Check out the video and be inspired :o)...

Video Link- Ani’s Raw Food Asia – Probiotics, Happiness, Longevity

Meg

What is Rolf?

I mentioned in an earlier post that I am considering acupuncture/acupressure to help with my anxiety and panic attacks. As I've been researching possible benefits I have come across other techniques as well. I found this article today,http://www.naturalhealthmag.com/fitness/mind-body/lose-pain, and am wondering if anyone has ever heard of Rolf and has been treated by this technique. What are your thoughts/experiences?

http://www.rolf.org/about

Meg

Vegan to Meat?

Hi Friends,

I just found a really great blog and wanted to share it with you. Heather Pace is the blog author of Universal Eater, as well as Sweetly Raw, and she shares about her journey of switching from being vegan, after 13 years of veganism, to a healing "whole food" diet that includes animal products; due to a recent health crash. I was excited to find someone else that is writing about the importance of not only eating raw foods, but also organic, grass fed and wild meats.

I'm going to try her coconut crusted salmon for dinner tonight. Check out her story and recipes when you get a chance.


Link-Soup and Salmon

No Place Like Home

There truly isn't any place like being home with family...

Last Saturday I decided to drive the two hours out to my parent's place in the country, so that I could spend the rest of the weekend away from the bustle of the city and visit with my parents and youngest sister. I have to admit that I was pretty unmotivated to sit in the car that long, and spend the money on all the gas that the trip usually takes; but after debating about the drive I decided that I would look at it as an opportunity to enjoy the summer air and some tunes. So, I hopped in the car, rolled down the windows, and let the wind carry the radio tunes out my windows like a streamer of notes behind me.

My family and I spent the evening sitting outside and enjoying each other's company. My baby sis (who is now 16) and I roasted a few marshmallows over a fire pit on the back patio and chatted into the wee hours of the night. It was so nice to connect with them and just enjoy the summer evening.

What I've learned over the past few years, as I've gone through loss and anxiety, is that the people in my family are absolutely my best friends. I have had many friends turn out to be more of a foe; and have received what has felt like a 'stab in the back', due to their unjust gossip, judgment, or hasty advice for what's best for me as I've dealt with grief. It has been a very disheartening journey, but it has also opened my eyes to how much my family is more than just my family. They are the ones that have been by my side every step of my journey through grief. They have wept with me and laughed with me through everything. They have strengthened me with simply their presence or their voice over the phone.

Sure, I still have a small handful of friends that have shown unconditional love, and I treasure them; but when I think about where I feel safe, protected, unjudged, and strengthened,...it is at home. It has been my immediate, as well as extended, family that has been my safety net through all the tears, doubts, and fears.

Experiencing anxiety, due to losing a loved one, has not been an easy process. Going through grief is a difficult experience that is different for each person. Unless someone has gone through the heartache of loss (loved one, pet, job, etc.), or the overstimulation of anxiety, then it is almost impossible for them to understand the struggles a person faces due to those experiences. Many well intentioned friends have inflicted pain on others by their words and what they thought was encouragement. Unfortunately, there is no way to know what is best for a grieving friend unless you have experienced the same pain, and even then it still may not be an appropriate answer.

When I think about my family, and fellow grieving friends,  I think of the compassion and patients they have extended towards me; because of the bond of 'family'....family by blood and family by our souls' shared experience of grief.

My hope is that my experiences going through grief and anxiety will help mold me into a more understanding and loving friend to others that are hurting from the same thing. As a Christian I believe we are all called to treat others with unconditional love. I know I have failed friends in many ways, and I hope that each day I am able to show a little more of what I need in my own life as well.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - 1 Cor. 13:4-7

I desire to be a friend that makes those around me like thay are 'home'...unjudged and fully loved.

Meg

Raw Dessert for Breakfast

Hip Hip Hooray...Happy Weekend :o)

Chia seeds are one of my favorite 'super foods’. They play a huge role in keeping you hydrated and energized, and there are SO many ways to use them every day. I just found this recipe on one of my favorite sites and am I'm going to make a trip to my local health food store for some of the ingredients over the weekend. I'm excited to give my blender a whirl next week and tickle my tastebuds with this yummy sounding combo :o). Let me know if you get a chance to try it before I do...

Link- Raw Chia Dessert for Breakfast

Meg

Raw Pad Thai Salad

This yummy pad thai salad is so easy to make. Check out the video link below to see how Ani Phyo whipped it up in no time. What I suggest with any raw meal is to have the raw recipe as the base and then add in your meat of choice. Raw (uncooked) foods give your body tons of vitamins and minerals, and then organic grass fed meat will provide you with the right kind of protein and minerals to keep your body health and strong.

I have found in my research on stress and anxiety that it is very common for our bodies to start storing fat, in our bellies and most unwanted places, as a result of the stress sending signals to our brain. We are also stripped of tons of vitamins and minerals when we experience stress. Eating a raw/clean diet can help to restore the right kind of fats, minerals, and vitamins to our body so that it can begin to heal and operate the way it is supposed to function.

This recipe includes coconut oil for the dressing, which is a great natural fat that can actually help your thyroid and help your body let go of the fat it shouldn’t be storing.

I will be adding chicken and raw organic peanuts when I make this soon!

Video Link- Raw Pad Thai Salad

Bon Appétit, Meg

New Ways to Think About Grief

Sometimes I feel so lost as I go through the difficult 'stages' of grief. This article made me feel a little hopeful and shed some light on the fact there maybe really aren't any 'stages' to grief at all. We are all different and we need to be gentle with our hearts as we continue to heal.

No one, well intentioned or not, should make you doubt what healing or moving on should look like for you. With this said those of us who grieve for whatever loss, also need to make sure we keep our chins up high and take care of our wounded hearts and minds.


Link- New Ways to Think About Grief


Love and Blessings, Meg

Toxins Masquerading in Cute Labels

Hi Friends!

I've been passionate for a long time about informing my girlfriends and family about the toxins in their cosmetics/beauty products. The products you put ON your body are just as important as what you put IN your body. The chemicals that we soak up stress our body's system out that much more. When you are dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, or intense stress, it's only that much more crucial that you are aware of how these chemicals, masked in clever marketing labels, play a part in adding to stress in your body. This video is super cute and very informative. It's done in an entertaining way, that will make you laugh, and help you learn about what you are really using to make yourself 'beautiful'.

Video Link- The Story of Cosmetics

Much Love, Meg

Oh Happy Farmer's Market

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is go to all the fun farmer's markets around town. I love being able to walk around all the tables and smell the fresh produce, herbs, and warm bread. It's so great to be able to buy organic fruits and veggies from local farmers and know that you are supporting the hard work they put into their farm all year. I'm excited to share some of my pictures of adventures in the market as the summer continues :o).

One of my favorite raw foodies, Ani Phyo, has a great short video of a trip she took to her farmer's market in Cali. Hope you enjoy... Link: Ani Phyo at Local Farmer's Market

Happy shopping and cheers to yummy raw produce,

Meg

Clinging to Natural Healing

Well, another school year has come to an end and the summer has arrived. Life has felt like quite a whirlwind this month. I said goodbye to my two pre-k classes, my younger sister got married (the first wedding for the 4 of us girls), and then Memorial Day came. There has been such a vast array of emotions as these milestones have arrived this month; and despite my best efforts to face any emotion, I have found myself dealing with an increase in my anxiety level and have suffered from more consistent panic attacks the past few weeks.

I continue to take a low grade prescription of Clonazepam, when I absolutely feel that I need it, but my goal is to be taking only natural remedies. I found an article on http://www.naturalnews.com/ with a list of natural alternatives, some I'm already taking, and others I am planning on introducing into my daily routine. I wanted to share the link with you and find out if any of you have tried some/all of them, and what your thoughts are on how effective you found certain herbs/minerals. I am also looking into acupuncture as a remedy and am curious if anyone has ever tried it, specifically for anxiety.

The three things that seem to help my anxiety during/after a difficult day are: Natural Calm (Magnesium Suppliment), Emotional Ally by Wish Garden Herbs, and SAM-e (200 mg)

Link: Natural Healing for Anxiety and Panic Disorders

To Watering Our Sprout of Hope, Meg

Fuzzy Navel Smoothie (Ani Phyo Video)

I love this smoothie and how Ani explains the importance of eating fruit how God/"Mother Nature" intended. She does a great job coming up with recipes that use the whole fruit, to include all the fiber and nutrients and not just the juice, from organic fruit. Watch this quick video and then try this yummy treat on a hot summer day :o).

Ani Phyo's Fuzzy Navel Recipe

Water your sprout, Meg