Day 30 - We Did It!!

Rosemary and Sue - January 1, 2011

Rosemary and Sue after 30 days of Raw!

January 30, 2011...I was saying to Rosemary this morning as I took her to Windsor to catch the train for Kitchener, two weeks would not have been enough for me.  At the two-week mark, I was finally ready to release myself from thinking that I really needed and wanted that feta omelet.  It took me that long to remove myself from its clutches, that long to cut my avocado portion in half (1/4 per day, instead of 1/2), and that long to relinquish excessive amounts of fruit.  It was my internal belief that if I didn't feel any suffering whatsoever, I could manage.  The only suffering I felt, was when I could not continue to move the weight on the scale to the left! I was not hungry, my food was delicious, for sure I was not suffering in any way, so I released the fruit and avocado......and with it, I began releasing weight as well, amazing!

It has been an enlightening, and overall,  amazingly easy and painless transition.  The real challenge was changing habits which I knew would not happen overnight and why I suggested the 30-day time frame.  I asked Rosemary if she would post what she had learned in the past 30 days when she settles back into her home in Kitchener.  I will do that now......

What I Have Learned in the Past 30 Days

Green Smoothie

Energy Soup

• Posting events to the calendar on my iphone is really simple and it makes my life so much easier
  
• Mailing packages is a smarter alternative than letting them sit in the back seat of my car for months
• Zumba can be for seniors, haha!
• Perky music in the kitchen (with Zumba moves!) makes food prep so much more fun!
• Life will not come to an end if my Vita-Mix and Champion juicer remain sitting on my kitchen counter.  Kitchen Police have not arrested me yet!
  
• Weighing myself AND recording it EVERY morning is an ABSOLUTE must!
• All that I do for others is of no avail if I fore go taking care of myself first
• There is life after Starbucks
• I can and will take time to prepare food for myself
• When I move, I feel soooooo much better!
• I like having my picture taken when I look and feel good
• I should have listened to my daughter years ago about yoga and what it could do for me
• The Detroit area is filled with incredible beauty, ie Cranbrook, the Fisher Building, U of M
• Pants were meant to be buttoned!
• Cancer makes life better in more ways than I can even begin to explain
• If I am to be truly better, my internal landscape must be drastically changed
• In order to accomplish that change, I must and will claim my own personal power on a daily basis
• Cracking a young Thai coconut is not a big deal
• Preparing and planning food in advance is the only way to stick to a healthy diet
• I will never again host a dinner in my home without having someone help me in the kitchen
• Sharing my knowledge of raw food and how to prepare it is such fun and so rewarding
• A full body massage by a knowledgeable therapist makes everything feel better!
• Laughing alone may be therapeutic, but shared is soooooo much better
• "Really good food" is not necessarily the best for me and my body...taste is not an indicator of "good"
• Public bathrooms are not so bad and often necessary when drinking a gallon of water a day!
• Dry skin brushing makes me feel alive and well all day 
• Making delicious green juice and energy soup is a challenge, but so easy
• Drinking delicious green juice and energy soup is an energizing delight!
• Doing all of this with a supportive friend is much easier than doing it alone
• Forget the schedule - sleep is more important
• Always keep a stock of fresh fruits, veggies and herbs clean and ready for use
• Remove all "no-no" foods from your home, once and for all!
• Make "To Do" and "To Buy" lists - post them on your phone, yes!
• Stop making excuses...life is too short - just DO IT!

This project will not be complete until I lose A LOT more weight and get much healthier...it may never be complete!  I will continue to blog, because now that Rosemary is back in Canada and I am here alone once again, YOU will be my support system.  I promise, I will not let you down....but more importantly, I will not let myself down!

16.25# in 30 days - YOU can do it, too!

Santé - to your health!

Sue
www.santetoyourhealth.org
www.laughteryoga-michigan.com
http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach

Now, the hard part

Rosemary, Day 27 and 10 pounds lighter, yay!

I am leaving the safety of Sue's Raw Kitchen today. I'll be back home late tonight. I wonder how  a month could fly by so fast and what can I eat on the train?

Tomorrow morning I'm having blood work done again at the lab. I will be comparing those numbers with the results from 2 months ago. It should be interesting.

I will record my challenges, strategies and successes  of continuing raw by myself at home.

It has been a fantastic month, I have learned so much, THANK YOU SUE!!!

I plan on participating in the Yoga for Hope fundraiser for HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre, Waterloo, Ontario at the end of February, this is something that I never would have considered attempting before.

Would you like to sponsor me?  All donations, in any amount, gratefully accepted.  Please email me if you'd like to contribute.

Good luck to all of you on your path to radiant health.

Rosemary

www.rosemarykelly.ca

www.laughing-lymphercise.ca

healthymoves@gmail.com

Day 29 - Celebration Time, Come On! It's up to you, what's YOUR pleasure?

Me on Jan 2 with Rosemary

Me, 27 days later and 15 pounds lighter!

Amazing, huh?  I can't even begin to tell you how much better I feel in every way - my skin is perfectly clear, pants I have never been able to button, button with ease now and others are ready to fall off.  Aches and pains I had 27 days ago are long gone.  The biggest change is in my feet...absolutely no swelling whatsoever.  I pulled out a pair of Prada heels I bought at least four years ago, but have never been able to walk more than across the room in and was ready to sell on ebay.  Today I not only walked with them for several hours, but I actually skipped and ran through the house with them on!  The only problem is...I still have absolutely no reason or place to wear them, so they still might go on ebay!  I also took a headless photo in pants and bra Jan 1, but I am not quite ready to post before and after's yet!  It looks like I lost a few years with those 15 pounds, as well....yippee!

This is all well and good, but facts are facts and I still need to lose at least another 25-30 pounds and re-evaluate at that time.  I intend to continue with a primarily raw diet until the weight is gone for good, with at least 75% of my diet continuing forever raw.

We have a busy day tomorrow with no time for posts, so thought I would send this off tonight, along with the menu for our dinner tomorrow evening.  Rosemary's before and after photos will be posted tomorrow.

Appetizers

Herbed Cashew Spread, Spicy Thai Spread, Olive Tapenade, Marinated Tomatoes and Basil, Indian Mango Eggplant Spread, Indian Garlic Eggplant Spread served with a variety of Raw Veggie Crackers

Salads

Red Cabbage with Pineapple and Dried Fruits and Berries (raw)

Pad Thai (raw)

Lentils, Brown and Wild Rice (cooked) served on a Bed of Spring Greens  

Entrees

Zucchini Pasta with Basil Pistachio Pesto (raw)

Falafel (raw) 

Veggie Spring Rolls (raw)

Desserts

Mont Blanc Parfaits (raw)

Marinated Fruit Kabobs (raw)

Beverages

Herbal Teas

Sparkling Water

Although not everything is raw, all is vegan.

Enjoy the weekend...Bon Appetit!

Sue
www.laughteryoga-michigan.com
http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach

Day 28 - OMG, Down 15 Pounds!

Yesterday I was whipped, feeling very tired all day.  Rosemary wanted to tape some food preps and I did one, but I just wasn't into it.  Sleep has been a big problem with me for some time, much worse during and after chemo.  It is so frustrating to awaken at 3AM and not go back to sleep again until 6, but last night, a perfect 8 hours, yay!  An even bigger "yay!" when I got on the scales and knocked that weight even further to the left - one more pound!

My unwritten goal for this month was 20 pounds which I realize was a bit unrealistic, but 15 is fine with me!  I am able to fasten pants I have never fastened...others are ready to fall down.  My bra is now very comfortable.  My coats button without a pull.  Two days ago, I went for a haircut.  My Russian hairdresser looked at me with a big grin and said,  "Ah, Sue, you look so good!  You have new love?"  The raw truth was, the glow was from greens and nothing more!   She was so excited about it, I went back yesterday with samples of crackers, Chia Prune Pudding, Spicy Thai Sauce with carrots and a Brownie Bite.

Today we will be busily preparing for our 30-Day Raw Celebration Dinner tomorrow evening with about 15 friends, so I need to get busy, but first must share the delicious green smoothie I created last night.

Hmmmmm.....this is Michigan and I have only U of M connections, but think I will call this drink, "Go Green!"....it was an unexpected winner!

GO GREEN!

The flesh of one cantaloupe
About 1/4 fresh pineapple
One large handful of fresh basil
A spot of cayenne

Blend all together...and there you have it - a real winner!

My fruit was room temperature, good for this time of year in Michigan, but this would be delicious chilled or over ice.


Fifteen pounds today, BRAVO for me....now, on with the day!!

Sue
www.laughteryoga-michigan.com
http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach

Day 27....what's new and good? Down 14 pounds and feeling great!

For sure!  I haven't felt this inspired and energetic in a very long while.  As far as my fear of not being able to stick with this regime is concerned, it is a fear that has been laid to rest.  My addictions are a thing of the past - I can walk right by those high fat, calorie-laden Fiber Nugget Muffins at Plum Market without even a twinge of longing. 

I think the most difficult part was getting into the new routine, a new way of life for me, a totally new habit.  My old habit was to throw my clothes on and head for Plum, coffee and a muffin first thing every morning, despite knowing it was not doing one decent thing for any part of my being.  I was not in the habit of physically doing anything just for myself.  Preparing food for myself was limited to peeling a banana.  Honestly, I used to have a hard time even preparing a salad for myself.   Doing for others was my way of life, but not for myself.

For me, this month has not been simply one of green smoothies and chia puddings, but a month of redefining who I am, what I am and how I want to live the rest of my life - a month of self-focus, self-love.  From one of my four decks of affirmations cards, we pulled a card nearly each morning.   Often Rosemary's didn't apply, but somehow mine were always spot on, but the one I like best said this....

"The Point of Power is always in the present moment.  The past is over and done and has no power over me.  I can begin to be free in this moment.  Today's thoughts create my future.  I am in charge.  I now take my power back..I am safe and I am free."

To the present moment....and to your health!

Sue

www.laughter-yoga-michigan.com

http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach

Day 26 - My Baby Brother's 60th Birthday

Oh yeah, for those of you who don't know me, or for that matter, for those of you who do, I am over 60, 62 to be exact.  I don't feel 62, luckily don't look nor do I feel 62, but I must say this past birthday was the only birthday in my life that really smacked me in a hard way.  I found myself remembering that eight years ago I was freshly divorced, then wondering what I had done with my life for the past eight years and thinking ahead to the next eight years and the golden age of 70, yikes!

Working with the elderly and their maladies for years has kept the end of life and its many challenges extremely clear in my mind....for the most part, I do NOT want to have any part of what I have experienced.  The reality of my situation is that I know for optimum health I need to drop at least 30 pounds which will happen if diet and exercise improve.  My blood sugar has been creeping upward and that needs to stop.  My flexibility must improve if I don't want to be running around with long-handled pick-ups hanging from my belt.  Did I say running?  Bent and shuffling would have been a more appropriate description!

Funny?  No, not at all....a body that doesn't move, doesn't move, period!  This wonderful home that I moved into last year had been sitting empty for six years.  It didn't look bad, but I moved in only to find the plumbing needed re-vamping, the furnaces were all messed up, even the garage door wouldn't move up and down properly.  The house and everything in it had been stagnating for six long years, nothing was moving - all moving parts had basically shut down.  The same is true of our bodies - like it or not, we MUST move...and not just from the sofa in the living room to the kitchen counter!

I am happy to say already this morning I have jumped on my trampoline which I moved into my bedroom (so I would trip over the thing and remember to jump on it!) and have hula-hooped for several minutes as well, yay!  After my Coconut Almond wake-up drink in a few minutes, Rosie and I will be heading for the mall for at least a 30-minute walk before we get on the the rest of the day....and we will LAUGH!

Sue at the Fisher Building, Detroit 1/11

Words from Browning's poem are always in my mind...."The last of life, for which the first was made..."  How we will live the last days of our lives is essentially dependent on how we are living right now in this present moment.  Are we being mindful of what foods we put into our bodies?  Are we being mindful of how we move our bodies?  Equally important, are we monitoring and being mindful of our thoughts, as well as our actions?  Eat, dance, laugh, sing, pray and let the good times roll...for a very l o n g time.....and don't forget Jack!!

You can do it! 

Sue
www.laughteryoga-michigan.com
http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach

Day 25 - STATS

I wanted to approach this month in a slightly more scientific way by measuring not only daily weights, but also lab values.  Watching all numbers fall is a powerful motivator, especially those related to cholesterol and blood sugar.  Heart disease continues to be this country's number one killer with cancer running a close second.  According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.1% of all Americans over the age of 60 are diabetic and those are the ones diagnosed - there are many undiagnosed.  Diabetes remains the major contributing factor for stroke and heart disease.  Despite billions of dollars spent on research,  there has been no significant impact on curtailing any one of these diseases. What if the focus were on cause and prevention, rather than treatment of disease?

I sat with a young physician a year ago at the "Food as Medicine" training in Washington, DC who was highly distressed over having had absolutely no nutritional training during her years in medical school and more distressed at that point of how to educate herself, while continuing to care for her patients.  Adding to her even greater distress was how she could possibly have time to inform and educate her patients on how to intelligently feed themselves and their families once she, herself, knew.  Something is backwards here....

Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, advocated that food should be our medicine.  How simple is that?  It is so ridiculously simple, it is often too difficult for the "scientific" mind to grasp.  Forget the pills....just head for the broccoli!   The solution is so simple.....changing your lifestyle will automatically change your life!

Rosemary and I have been doing a lot of changing these past 25 days.  The first week was not so easy.  I felt a little apprehensive about thinking of being raw for 30 days.  I wondered how hungry I would be....and truly mourned for my "fix" of my favorite feta omelet and coffee at Kingsley Inn.  Despite my knowledge of raw food and the raw food lifestyle, I clung to the false belief that I could survive on my own terms......like trading out hash browns for fresh pineapple and strawberries, but continuing to consume that delectable mound of feta and eggs, not to mention calorie-dense bagel and butter.  Then Christmas came with another excuse to fill myself with all those comforting old-time favorites...but for what reason and at what cost?

Yes, the first week was a little tough, but we got through it....and we even cheated a couple of times, but nothing major.  This isn't prison, we have to live in the real world...and isn't chocolate a girl's best friend?!  Watching the numbers on the scale fall was a mighty motivator, but seeing lab values fall, an even greater one.  Week two and three....a breeze!

Testing was done on a CardioChek PA analyzer.  Rosemary's results are dramatic.  Although she had recently been following a primarily vegetarian diet for several months before 2011, prior to that, her diet had been heavy with meat and fat.

Rosemary's Lab Results

Jan 16 
Chol 238
HDL 46
LDL 162
Ratio 5.2
Tri 151
FBS 97
BP 102/74 - 81

Jan 20 
Chol 232
HDL 51
LDL 155
Ratio 4.6
Tri 134
FBS 78
BP 99/62 - 71

Jan 24
Chol 203
HDL 47
LDL 126
Ratio 4.4
Tri 154
FBS 93
BP 98/82 - 84

Rosemary's beautiful progressive drop is AMAZING!  Dropping cholesterol levels from 238 to 203 in EIGHT days....Lipitor, eat your heart out!!

My results are not quite so dramatic, but I have been on a primarily vegetarian diet for many years. With my family history of diabetes, I am slightly concerned about my fasting blood sugar, but feel that additional aerobic activity will bring that down as well.  I can't explain the fluctuations in my labwork, but all results are very low and that's what counts.

Sue's Lab Results

Jan 11
Chol 140
HDL 48
LDL 80
Ratio 2.9
Trig 61
FBS 114
BP 117/69

Jan 16
Chol 135
HDL 49
LDL 61
Ratio 2.8
Trig 128
FBS 109
BP 121/72


Jan 24
Chol 144
HDL 42
LDL 85
Ratio 3.5
Trig 86
BP 110/68

Jack LaLanne - 1915-2011

At last, I want to send my thoughts of peace and appreciation for Jack LaLanne, an icon for health and wellness, who left this earth January 23, 2011.  Follow his lead and watch YOUR numbers fall....rest in peace, Jack.

Be Well!

Sue
www.laughteryoga-michigan.com
http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach

One More Week!

Veggie Spring Roll

Where does the time go?  Rosemary and I have been so busy every day with something and this week will be even busier.  For weight reduction reasons, I purposely have kept food prep to a minimum, despite having so many fabulously wonderful raw dishes I would have loved to have shown Rosie how to make.  Had I made them, I would have been compelled to eat them and that is not exactly what this 30 days is all about.  The "goodies" must be saved for another time.....and that time will be for our little "celebration" dinner on Saturday evening.

As many of you know who prepare gourmet raw food, unlike Chia Pudding, much of it must be prepared in stages and often, days in advance.  Today we made corn crackers...or I should say, corn crackers are currently being created!  They are dehydrating right now and will be ready some time tomorrow - a new recipe I came up today using Chia and flax seeds - the pre-dehydrated mixture tasted delicious!

Next was the Spicy Thai Sauce recipe I developed when I was at Living Light.  It is far from low-cal, but it is amazing and never fails to induce all decibel levels of moaning!  We used it today as the dressing for Collard Wraps and Veggie Spring Rolls.  I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful these are - they must be experienced.

Collard Wraps

All of this in preparation for our Saturday evening celebration dinner.....we will be preparing all week and filming as much of it as we can.

Stay tuned.....!

Sue

www.laughteryoga-michigan.com
http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach

 

Chi-Chi-Chi-Chia with Prunes!

Chia Pudding with Prunes

Chi-Chi-Chi-Chia, where have you been all of my life?

A shocking revelation.....this stuff is sinfully delicious!  I say shocking, because ordinarily something so scrumptious must be filled with all kinds of unhealthy ingredients, but not this!  My friend, Anne, mentioned it, Rosemary asked me if I knew how to make it, so I bought a bag of Chia seeds,  searched the Internet for recipes and came up with one of my own.  I was going to add Medjool dates, but then at the last minute I thought it would be cheaper and possibly even more "therapeutic" to add prunes.  Am I glad I did!  This is incredible....I wish I had known about this when I had my assisted living center - the residents would have loved it and it would have loved them!  They used to love it when the cook would prepare prune whip for them - this is many notches above!

I didn't know much about Chia  seeds, so I researched this afternoon - it does, indeed, pack a powerful nutritional punch.  Not only does it have more Omega-3's than flax seeds, it does not need to be ground to obtain all the powerful nutritional benefits. The tiny seed is 20% protein and 16% fiber.  Long-term consumption results in lowered blood sugar, lowered insulin levels and reduced body fat!

Additionally, it is the easiest possible food to prepare....where have you been all of my life?!  Just stir the seeds into any liquid and watch it gel within minutes! Not only is it easy, it is the dieter's best friend - its ability to expand in liquid (it holds up to 12 times its weight in fluid) fills the stomach, keeping you full and satisfied for hours.

I experienced this effect after eating about a half cup serving this morning.  After my coconut almond smoothie, I decided to have some of the Chia pudding.  I won't lie, many days on this routine, I have found myself extremely hungry in between meals, but not today - I ate my salad because it was time, not because I was hungry.  From now on I will add one tablespoon of Chia seeds to all of my smoothies.  I can hardly wait to experiment with different spices and fruits, YUM!

Chi-Chi-Chi-Chia....ENJOY!!

Chia Pudding with Prunes

6 T Chia seeds

1 1/2 c almond milk

2 T maple syrup

1/2 c dried prunes, snipped into tiny pieces

Stir altogether and ENJOY!

Santé - to your health!

Sue Ansari, RN

CancerGuide

Gourmet Raw Food Chef and Instructor

www.laughteryoga-michigan.com

http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach 

Chi-Chi-Chi-Chiaaaahhhhh!!!

Day 22 - Striving for Excellence

Rosemary at Cranbrook Campus

Thirteen degrees this afternoon, although I didn't realize that when I decided because the sun was out,  Rosemary and I began our exploration of Cranbrook....on foot!  Obviously, we did not walk as far as I had intended, but caloric expenditure was definitely increased with the fast pace and the  shivering.....brrrrrrrrr!!

In this month of creating new habits and of loving myself more, I have decided to re-connect with the beauty of my area, something I have never taken much time to do.  I have the time to do that now, unlike when my daughters were in school there.  Since I now live only half a mile from Cranbrook, I am going to be spending a lot more time there.  The place is so beautiful, it never gets old for me. Walking the grounds and through the buildings, one can easily see what vision, perseverance and commitment to excellence can accomplish. 

Today as I was walking those grounds, my own quest for excellence in life, especially in my diet and ultimately, my overall health and well-being, took on a new perspective.  The founders of Cranbrook, George Booth and Eliel Saarinen, had they been slipshod, had they not been passionately committed to their project and had they not insisted on excellence down to the finest detail, this masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement would not be standing today, as it was nearly a hundred years ago.

Cranbrook Dining Hall

If I am to live the remainder of my life in a healthy, happy state, I cannot approach living in a slipshod manner.  There must be a plan, one of excellence, not only in the food I eat, but in every aspect of my life.  Cranbrook continues to stand magnificently today, not because corners were cut, but because nothing was spared in order to create a monument to love, beauty and excellence. 

Create your own Monument to Love, Beauty and Excellence - love yourself today by eating only the best food for your body, by moving it fully, by thinking only happy, positive thoughts and by laughing..............

NEVER FORGET TO LAUGH!!

The Laughing Ladies at Kingswood Campus overlooking Cranbrook Lake

Sue

www.laughteryoga-michigan.com

http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach 

Beware! I mention libido in this post

Rosie the Riveter - we CAN do it!!

One of the points of this month is to establish new habits.  Another is to have an embedded sense memory of how we feel in order to draw upon this experience later, in "real life" situations. Not only do I feel good and different but I also feel very hopeful and this is all related to clean diet and exercise.

Tonight we went for salad dinner at a vegetarian restaurant in super cool Royal Oak, MI. Restaurant tip to remember: as you are being seated, ask them to not bring bread, otherwise just give it right back.

Sue and I admired our neighbours' lovely plates. The pizza looked great, as did the butternut squash cassoulet, but delicious and tempting as it all was, I knew that I just wanted a salad. I want to keep feeling lighter, not bloated, I do not want to experience post meal pain, chest pains, heartburn and other after effects that I don't need to enumerate, (my friend, Rocky, recently mentioned that some blogging verged on TMI ~Too Much Information~ so I won't elaborate). I have been free of all these unpleasant sensations since I got here and I believe that this is the only way to go.

I am also aiming for fantastic Cholesterol numbers. I have, over the past year, taken myself from an "alarming" number to a "good" number and by January 30th it should be a "super safe" number.

Feeling this good, clear and alert does have additional benefits, my energy level is higher and "BING!" my libido has been bumped up a notch, OK, TMI again, sorry. So there's a health benefit worth mentioning to the menopausal gang (I'm sure it works for menopausal men as well!)

I am feeling younger and more vibrant, BADDA BOOM!!

"Love Yourself Up" Beet and Apple Slaw!

"Love Yourself Up" Beet and Apple Slaw

2c raw beets, shredded (julienned)

2 c unpeeled apple, shredded (julienned)

1c daikon radish, shredded (julienned)

1c celery, finely diced

¼ c Italian parsley, chopped fine

Dressing:

2 T fresh lemon juice (about the juice of one lemon)

4 T fresh orange juice (about the juice of one navel orange)

1 t orange zest

4 T olive oil (or 2 T olive oil and 2 T flax oil)

2 T agave

2 T miso

1 clove garlic, pureed (I use a microplane for this)

1 t turmeric

¼ t sea salt

¼ t freshly ground back pepper

1/8 t cayenne

Beets, apples, and daikon can be grated in any way you like, although I like to use my mandoline to make perfect little match sticks of yumminess!    Once the salad is dressed, it will pull juices from the ingredients, but not to worry, it will not become mushy, just more tasty as the flavors marry.

The miso can be omitted from the dressing, but it gives a certain amount of added creaminess, not to mention additional phytonutrients.  The same is true of flax oil – additional omega-3’s, but no problem if you have only olive oil.  If you are not used to the flavor of turmeric, you might want to cut the amount in half…..the same is true of cayenne.  A tiny pinch might be enough.  Always adjust to suit your own taste.  My recipes reflect ingredients that are packed with anti-cancer properties.

 

Santé - to your health!

Sue Ansari, RN

CancerGuide

Gourmet Raw Food Chef and Instructor

www.laughteryoga-michigan.com
http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach

Day 20.....Two-thirds of the Way, yay!

We stay so busy during the day, it's hard to find time to post, but in the middle of the night when there are no distractions, I can.  Yesterday I was having not such a good day - not food issues, but ex-husband ones.  I had a few tearful moments yesterday with Rosemary who was excellent in reminding me that not only I had so much to be grateful for at this time in my life, but that starting the new year in this way was also about completely releasing all of the old.  And releasing I must.  Life is about living in the present moment, regardless of what may have happened in the past.....so out with the old, in with the new.....release, release, release!

I see my daughter commented that there are no photos of us - those I am saving for the end for comparison purposes, at which time I will also post lab comparisons.  As far as weight is concerned, I can only tell you, I will soon need suspenders for my pants!  As I said before, although we both have many pounds to shed, the real objective this month is to establish a new and healthy lifestyle in every way - being continually mindful of what foods we put into our mouths, the physical movement of our bodies, and the positive flow of thoughts in our minds.  This month has been one unlike any I can remember - one of mindful self-care, something difficult for me.  It has been as my friend, Carla, would say a "Love Yourself Up" month!

In a less than self-loving moment yesterday afternoon, feeling a bit low, I succumbed to one inch of coffee.  Yes, one inch, that was it!  I was exhausted last night, in bed by 11, but wide awake at 3:15...the lovely after effects of caffeine as it robs my body of sleep.  Drinking that one inch of coffee was in no way an act of self-love, because I know the negative effects caffeine has on my body.   Continual tough love is needed here if this battle is to be won!

"Love Yourself Up" Beet Salad!

We had our usual coconut almond breakfast smoothie yesterday, then a fabulous beet salad which was a bit altered from my usual recipe so many of you already have.  I added daikon and celery which kicked it up a notch. This salad is one that grows better with age and also one that I use as a topping/dressing for other greens.  The dressing literally pulls the juices from the beets and other ingredients, leaving a delectable, irresistible marinade.  Personally, it is my very favorite salad.  It's what raw food should be all about - vibrant colors, explosive layers of flavor, multiple textures, nutritionally dense and calorically deficient.  Gotta love it!

Wrap your arms around yourself...and have a FABULOUS day!

Sue
www.laughteryoga-michigan.com
http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach

Indian Cauliflower Chips

 Indian Cauliflower Chips

Wash one large cauliflower (or two small).  Separate into florets, then thinly (about ¼ inch) slice. Place cauliflower slices in a large bowl.

In a high speed blender, place:

¾ c tahini

¼ c tamari

¼ c apple cider vinegar

½ c water

¼ c onion, chopped

3 large cloves garlic

2 Medjool dates

1 lemon, juiced + its zest

¼ t sea salt

¼ c nutritional yeast

1/8 t cayenne

1t turmeric

1t garam masala

Blend mixture until smooth.  Pour this mixture over the cauliflower and mix until cauliflower pieces are well coated.  Spread cauliflower on dehydrator grates and dehydrate at 118 degrees for about 6 -8 hours or until dry and crispy.

Chips can be eaten as a snack or as a salad topping.

Santé – to your health!

Sue Ansari RN
CancerGuide

Certified Gourmet Raw Food Chef

www.laughteryoga-michigan.com
http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach

Breakfast Smoothie for Two - Divinely Decadent!

Breakfast Smoothie for Two - Divinely Decadent!

Break open a fresh young Thai coconut and strain the water. Scoop out the coconut meat and remove any shell or skin that may have adhered to it.

Rinse the coconut meat.

Place half the water and half the meat together in a glass jar & refrigerate. Put the other half in a  high-speed blender.

Add to the blender:

1 T raw almond butter

2 Medjool dates, pitted

1 T pure maple syrup

1 t pure vanilla extract

½ c purified water

Process until smooth, THEN add about 2 cups of ice and blend again until smooth.

This will yield a creamy, thick shake. The degree of thickness will depend on how much ice you choose to add to the mixture.

With half the coconut meat  and water in the fridge, tomorrow morning will be easy -  you won’t have to open a coconut!!  Better yet, “harvest” several coconuts at the same time, divide meat into baggies and freeze.  The coconut water can also be frozen for ease of use.

Optional Variations to add to mixture before blending, bringing it up a notch or two!

additional 1 T maple syrup

additional 2 Medjool dates, pitted

additional 1 T raw almond butter
1T cacao nibs

1 t Maca powder

TIP:

If you live close to a Whole Foods, you can buy coconut by the case (9 per case) and they will sell at case price, bringing the price of each coconut down to $1.69/each...at least where I live.

Santé....to your health!

Sue Ansari RN
CancerGuide
Certified Gourmet Raw Food Chef and Instructor
www.laughteryoga-michigan.com

Day 17....are we having fun yet??

Maybe this is the mid-cycle doldrums, I don't know, but today has not been bursting with energy.  Not seeing the scale budge for the past couple of days does nothing for my enthusiasm, even though I know eventually it will.  The weather today seemed colder than it really was and the gloom...for sure it was an even deeper shade of gray.  Tomorrow I shall ignore all elements, think happy thoughts and smile at everyone I meet, because I am a Laughter Yoga teacher, haha.

Big hit of the day - a wonderful salad of spinach, romaine, broccoli slaw, salsa, and avocado.  One was topped with my Indian Cauliflower Chips, the other with Kale Chip crumbles...both, delicious!

Sue
www.laughteryoga-michigan.com

Eddie Izzard Inspiration

Last night I watched the riveting documentary "Believe" about the amazing actor and comic genius Eddie Izzard. I have been a fan since I lived in London England and he was performing on the street in Covent Garden. I knew he was  joyfully talented and driven, but I had no idea of his history, his focus or his rock solid resolve. I'll leave it to you to discover his moving and inspirational story for yourself, but as the title of the film says, you have to believe.

In this case, struggling with good change as we leave old habits behind, it is important to not only desire healthy, joyful and life-altering results, but also to believe in one's success.

Self motivation is difficult, it takes energy and effort to be your own cheerleader. Raw food is a commitment to living with food in a new way, there are techniques to learn, equipment to purchase and old habits that you have to catch yourself in and omit.

Watching TV and seeing pizza commercials can be an odd experience. Tonight, I will view the Golden Globes drinking fizzy water instead of Prosecco. When I go to the cinema, I will not eat popcorn. Why am I passing up these "pleasurable" moments? First of all, I've eaten lots of Pizza in Italy, so I'll save myself for the next time I'm there. I've eaten tons of mediocre popcorn, so I'll avoid the disappointment.

We live with so many food-to-celebration links embedded in our daily behaviour, but they represent illusions of delight, not reality. Too often food never tastes as good as it looks or smells and we regularly feel terrible after eating. Think of that commercial where several food delivery people are lined up at some guy's apartment door as he "high fives" them all after discovering that he can eat anything after taking Zantac, a hugely successful antacid.

Let's not forget that insidious association we have to food and 'cheering up': how does that loop work? Come on say it with me: I feel_____ ( sad, depressed, lonely, frustrated) because I'm _____(alone, fat, tired, overworked) so I'll eat this ______( brownie, cheesecake, pizza, Haagen Daz) and then I'll feel better.....for a few minutes before I feel______ (fatter, sadder, lonelier and more depressed and out of control ) and on top of it all now I want to puke. @#$$%%*&*

Since I began my month of raw, my digestive system has been at peace! I am learning to eat more slowly and in the next two weeks, I am working at having my main meal at noon and eating nothing past 7pm. (I reserve the right to change this rule when I'm in Venice ;P)

I know that eating the old way has a negative impact on my system.There are the obvious visible signs like indigestion and weight gain, but also the functional stressors like high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high triglycerides and their resulting undeniable health problems.

I have already seen my blood test results since the beginning of this month, so I know there has been positive change. I am not here to convert anyone, that would be ironic and absurd. I believe that people come to personal transformation only when they are ready and for me, if not now, when?

In 2009, Eddie Izzard ran 49 marathons in 51 days....time to go for a walk!

Rosemary

www.laughing-lymphercise.ca

www.rosemarykelly.ca

Day 15 - Just because it's raw, doesn't mean it's calorie-free!

Dehydrated Kale Chips - approx. 1550!

Last evening Rosemary and I decided we would convert two bunches of kale into tasty kale chips.  It was a quick conversion and within hours, I opened the dehydrator and removed those delectable, delicate green leaves of crunchy goodness.  The chips literally melt in your mouth and I must say, if I didn't check myself, I could easily eat half the batch or more in one nibbling session.  Thankfully, I had only a bite or two last evening.

Fresh Kale - negligible calories

This morning I decided to pull out the tahini, one of the main ingredients in the chip topping, to check the nutritional breakdown.  I was shocked to see there are 260 calories in 2 tablespoons.  This recipe took 3/4 cup which converts to approximately 1550 calories!  If weight is to be lost, it's better to stick with the natural product, period.  And if weight is to be lost and good health attained, one must not only eat nutrient dense food, but also move and move a lot!

Zooooooooom-ba!

We went to Zumba again  at Curves which is getting better and I was able to get my feet off the ground a bit more which is a huge improvement from the first time when both feet felt like they were stuck to the floor.  Despite the yoga mishap, I am amazed at the how much more flexible I am already.  I took the plunge and signed up for 60 days at Yoga Shelter.  We also walked this evening at the mall and again, I am shocked at how much easier and fluid my gate is since yoga.

 

Tomorrow is the start of our third week and I can hardly wait to see what good things will happen as I get farther and farther away from my old bad habits, as the excitement grows with my new found mental and physical freedom!

Sue


www.laughteryoga-michigan.com

Day 13 and 14

Yesterday both Rosemary and I were a bit disappointed, but not down and discouraged.  The scale is in my room and since I am always up earlier, I have weighed in and recorded long before Rosie.  I cannot tell you how I felt when I saw that for the third day in a row, the scale had not changed...holding steady at 7 and 1/2 pounds since January 1.  Not at all what I had hoped for, especially since the colonic the previous day, but right then I decided it would be a very liquid and more active day.

I climbed onto my bike, also in my bathroom, and peddled away furiously for 15 minutes. An hour or so later, down came Rosemary who had exactly the same results...not an ounce lost in three days.  She came out with her announcement and without a word from me, declared that it was going to be an all liquid day. Thank goodness we are on the same wave-length!

I am not a proponent of the Master Cleanse, but it's a pretty good supplement when you are trying to get down a gallon of water.  We cut the maple syrup in half, increased the amount of lemon and then no problem getting down the water.  I drank a gallon; Rosemary, half a gallon.  Additionally, I ate two bananas, a tiny bag of organic carrots and many cups of herbal tea.  I had absolutely no hunger, no cravings, no headache, biked again in the evening and.......this morning I dropped 2 and 1/2 pounds!  Rosemary dropped exactly the same, so we are pumped!

Because we have a limited amount of time, we have decided that every other day should continue exactly the same way - primarily, Master Cleanse, supplemented with minimal fruits and veggies.  Also, no headache this morning, no racing for the refrigerator to gobble down whatever I could find, just a very calm, relaxed, easy trek to the kitchen.  Rosemary prepared our hot lemon and cayenne drink, prepped the coconut for our breakfast drink, as I prepped the veggies for our lunchtime green drink of spinach, apples, turnips, dill, celery and cucumber.  I blended the coconut, coconut water, almond butter, flax meal, cacao powder, vanilla, Medjool dates and maple syrup while Rosemary juiced the veggies.  Green liquid lunch is ready!

Rosemary is at yin yoga right now, while I sit in the cafe with my computer and a cup of green tea.  My back still has not sufficiently recovered from the "therapeutic" back-friendly yoga Monday night....better, but not ready for anything more than walking and biking right now.  Since I really didn't post on FB much about that adventure, I will now.

I had a laminectomy in '98 and have had some major issues with my back and hips ever since.  Despite my daughters' urgings, I have stubbornly refused anything to do with yoga and for what reason, I have no idea.  They are offering a week of unlimited yoga classes at the Yoga Shelter here in Birmingham, so Rosemary and I decided, what the heck...we should try it.  The first class, yin yoga, was really very good, no problem whatsoever.  The second class we attended, called slow flow yoga, was closer to "no flow yoga" for me.  I spent a lot of the time face down on the mat, reminiscent of a bad, little girl forced to take a "time-out" for sassing her mother!

Determined to experience as much as we could, since there was no charge, we attended that evening another medically based class for bad backs.  What can I say...I have one now!  Not their fault, but mine for being so darned frisky with the pelvic tilts.  I really got into that one...tilted like I have not tilted in years, as I was thinking....WOW, some anti-aging activity I need to share with someone! The next and last pose was a squat with feet spread far apart and butt nearly dragging the ground....where both Rosemary and I remained stuck and laughing, until the instructor pulled both of us to our feet!  Needless to say, that will be the end of my pelvic tilting for a very long time!  But I must say, despite injuring myself from overdoing it, the stretches I did experience this week completely relieved my right hip that has been stiff and painful for months.  Gotta love that yoga!

Thanks for listening!

Sue
www.laughteryoga-michigan.com

January 1 - Day One

Sue

A late start after eating way too much of the "good" stuff last night, but Rosemary and I are more than ready to begin this 30-day adventure.  This morning we started with weighing in (sorry, not posting those until this experiment is complete!), but we will keep you informed of weight lost.

I purchased a Cardio-Chek PA so I can keep track of cholesterol, HDL/LDL ratios, triglycerides, and fasting blood sugars, but unfortunately, the memo chip needed to activate the analyzer is defective...so no baseline readings.  Must now wait until after the holiday to call for another.

I feel very strongly that whatever we put in our mouths should be tasty and delicious, otherwise, compliance will be difficult, so this is.....

THE Plan...

1.  Wake-up drink of hot water, lemon juice and water

Rosemary

2.  Blended breakfast drink of young Thai coconut, almond butter, Medjhool dates, vanilla and maple   syrup
3.  Green smoothie for lunch
4.  Blended green soup for dinner
5.  At least one gallon of water/day taken in any form it takes to get it down
6.  Walking at least 30-40 minutes/day along with some form of stretching (Curves and/or yoga)
7.  Positive affirmations
8.  Generous and frequent bouts of laughter!
9.  Daily weights
10.Weekly checks of cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar and blood pressure

Hooray, off we go!

Sue
www.laughteryoga-michigan.com