Crazy Sexy Vegan Cooking with Kriss Carr

Ever-Changing You... The Human That You Are

I know most people have heard it before, but I really think people put too much on labels. That means labels of ANY kind. What it means to be WHATEVER you are or choose to be is completely defined by YOU. How should a 33 going on 34 year old woman, who feels drawn to a vegan lifestyle, is health-conscious, is interested in natural living, is active in the LGBTQIA community, and a mother to a 13 year, who considers herself a peace maker and an enlightened Spirit, in a committed adult relationship, who believes in FREEDOM and the human experience conduct herself on a daily basis?

Should she come in early, stay away from mainstream restaurants, never eat cake, throw away her make-up, not find traits beautiful in other human beings, never feel sexy, never get angry, not admit that no one has the answers, never say "hey that person has a point." and never question each and everything she has ever been told or ever told another?

I think we take things wayyy too seriously people. We are all here taking in our own human experiences, traveling on our own journeys. We can shift, change, add, remove, transform, define, redefine, teach, learn, un-teach, un-learn, understand and be totally confused by ourselves whenever we want to. It's all part of the process... let up! Give yourself AND others a brake! I guarantee that most of us won't feel so strong about half of the things we are passionate about today in 10 years from now. Remind yourself that you are ever changing... and that it is a GOOD THING... and then just GO WITH THE FLOW.

For Women's Health: Evening Primrose Oil

I recently read an article in Better Nutrition Magazine that spoke about women's health. In particular, about estrogen and hormone imbalance. Because just about everything (from shampoo to plastic containers) contain added hormones, many of us suffer from hormone -related ailments. According to Better Nutrition:

    

 "Hormone imbalances can impact nearly every aspect of wellbeing. Estrogen dominance, for example, is   associated with tender and fibrocystic breasts, mood swings, fibroids, insomnia, and even dry skin. It has a number of potential causes, including alcohol use, taking birth control pills, and being overweight."

 

The article went on to talk about other problems women have that are associated with hormone imbalances. The list included PMS symptoms, and menopause symptoms. Now, because I have fibromyalgia I am very interested in hormone balancing supplements. And because I am a woman (who may be a little bit more than a little moody at a certain time of the month) I was very interested in the supplements mentioned in this article. So I went to my local health food store in search of the items. 

"Uncomfortable symptoms of PMS, perimenopause, and menopause share a common cause: shifts in hormone levels."

 

The supplements listed were: Chasteberry, Black Cohosh, Fish Oil, Flax Seed Oil, and Primrose Oil. The article gave the best reviews for Chasteberry, so naturally I looked for that first. However, I couldn't find it by itself or in conjunction with any other supplements at my local health food store. The next on the list was the Black Cohosh which I could only find in combinations for menopause (I'm not quite there yet). I already consume the omega oils, so that left me with Evening Primrose Oil. I have been taking it now for several weeks and during two girlie cycles. I must say that even though it wasn't my first choice, I am extremely happy that I starting taking it. I have noticed great differences in my moods as well as in PMS symptoms. The brand I use is Nature's Way (not the high potency formula). I take one a day with my other fat soluble supplements (which is after meals that include protein and fat such as peanut butter). I increase the dosage to two daily during cycles. This has given me the best result. 

I know women's health and hormone issues can be embarrassing to confront. However, with hormonal imbalances occurring in everyone from children to marine animals, it is important. And if you have mood issues that may affect your daily life (or just monthly), it may be beneficial for you to try to regulate estrogen levels. You're not too young. As always, I hope this information helps someone out there. 

Until next time,

Remain in Beauty and Love... and good Health Always

Wyzdom D. 

http://www.betternutrition.com/  

http://www.naturesway.com/default.aspx

Something I've been working on: "Here Waiting"

As some food for the Soul,  I decided to share something  I have been working on. It's meant to be a song, but I'm still searching for the right music. It makes me feel good when I sing the words. I close my eyes and really imagine what I'm saying. I feel it in the core of me. I hope you enjoy it.

Wyzdom D.

Here Waiting
By Wyzdom D. Vine

Spread your wings and fly with me
Over clouds up to the Sun
Soar like birds
We can be--
Free
No way of knowing what's to come

Relax your  Mind
Drop your worries down on the floor now
Release your Self
Become the Beauty that's within
I know you can
Light the whole sky up with your Spirit
When you allow yourself
To just
Give in
I'm Here waiting

No good can come from feeling low
On the ground no place to go
Joy is just
On the other side
Of the door
Nothing to do, just don't say no

Relax your mind
Drop your worries down on the floor now
Release your Self
Become the Beauty that's within
Come take my hand
Together we'll join One in the Spirit
When you allow yourself
To just
Give in
I'm Here waiting

Tips for Cleansing

Last year I went on a 21 day cleanse with the help of author/ awesomenista Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet. It was a crazy, wonderful, challenging, fulfilling experience, and I will be doing it again soon! Since then, I have met many others who taken on their own cleanses in many different forms. I take my hat off to all who are brave enough to embark on this challenge. It is well worth the work, but it definitely is work!

When I was on my cleanse, I had so many questions. I didn't have anyone to ask because at that time I didn't know anyone who was as crazy as I am. So I carried my book around everywhere I went, glued myself to the internet in the evenings, and paid attention to my body. It gave me plenty of signs when it wanted something. My job was to figure out what that something was! At times my skin felt like it lacked elasticity and my muscles felt week, so I added more protein and that worked. I had to be consistent with my supplements when I knew I wasn't getting certain nutrients from my food. For example, Vitamin B12 is not something I could get from plant foods so when I got a sleepy, cranky feeling I knew I needed more feel- good vitamins like B12.

I am aware that all cleanses are not created equal. Some of you might be doing all juices. Others will be doing all organic, gluten free, with emphasis on green foods like I did. The cleansing time frames will differ from one week to 30 days or so. So I know there is no way to meet every person's individual needs. However, I thought I would share some helpful tips from my experience as well as some other sources. As always I welcome feedback, suggestions, comments, and questions.

Tips for Cleansers

1. Water, Water, and ... Oh Yeah, WATER!  

 I'm sure you already knew this, but I can't stress enough how important it is to drink plenty of water while you're on a cleanse.  Not only do you need to stay hydrated inside, your skin will drink up more toxins from outside sources when you aren't hydrated. Plus, your body needs to flush all of the toxins you're exterminating out. 

2. Exercise, Infrared Sauna.... basically Sweat!

Going along the lines of flushing out toxins, your body could also use your help by way of breaking a good sweat! This will aid and speed up your cleansing process. Trust me, you'll notice the difference in your complexion almost immediately!

3. Daily Meditations and Affirmations

Kris Carr's book was full of positivity and daily affirmations. I also bought books on walking meditation and other types of meditation. This made everyday wonderful! Instead of smacking the cookie out of the hand of the child who was walking in front of me (you'll have those moments), I reflected on my mantra for the day or just simply chanted Om to myself. And suddenly, I felt back on track. Plus, this gives you an excuse to compliment yourself all day long. You deserve it, and your cells are listening!

4. Become Your Own Creative Chef

Whether you are eating solid food or doing all juices, don't be afraid to experiment. I would have never known how much I love ginger and beets in juices if I didn't try it. I also would never have known that I could make a tofu salad taste like my grandma's potato salad with Veganaise and mustard. I would recommend you keep it as natural/ non-processed as possible especially in the beginning. 

5. Be Your Own Detective

I found so much information once I researched. Of course you cannot trust everything you come across, so read wisely and dig deeply! I found some a list of supplements for cleansing from Better Nutrition Magazine. According to them: In Week 1 you should take Vitamin C, E, Resveratrol, and Alpha Lipoic Acid. In Week 2 and 3 they add things like Fiber and Protein. I take New Chapter Every Woman Whole-Food Supplements and RAW Protein and Vitamin D3. You can do your own research and find what works best for you. 

6. Be Your Own Cheerleader

My last tip is, in my opinion, the most important. The fact that you stumble means you are human and embarking on a human experience. It does not mean you are a failure and you should give up. We are all a lot stronger than we like to give ourselves credit for. We deserve to have a voice in our ear that tells us how wonderful we are every second of every day. Let that voice be your own. Kick the old one, the one that says you will never make it, out of your head for good. It has no place in your new cleansed home! It's okay to mess up, you're still in the game. "That's alright. That's okay. You're gonna make it Anyway!"

I hope this list helps many of you. And again, I applaud you all... you're beautiful Spirit will lead you to your Perfect Self if you allow. Until next time, remain in Beauty and Love Always. I wish you Health!

Wyzdom D.

Resources
http://crazysexylife.com/2011/kris-carr%E2%80%99s-21-day-crazy-sexy-cleanse/

http://www.betternutrition.com/