I am often asked why we need to cleanse. If the body is designed to cleanse and filter out things on its own, why do we need to make a point of doing this? Well, the body, in all of its infinite wisdom and incredible design, was not meant to be subjected to the thousands of environmental toxins we are subjected to on a daily basis as a result of industrialization. Nor was it designed to withstand the amount of alcohol, caffeine, sugar, chemicals in foods, pesticides and hormones in the water, and processed foods that we eat on a daily basis. It is further compromised by layers of stress, over exertion, and lack of sleep. These three things alone will cause these wondrous bodies of ours to function less optimally, but along with all the rest, it just needs a break, and some support to do the best job it can. Detoxing means taking the burden off of the system so that it can do its job better. The beautiful result is that you will feel so much better!
I heard someone say recently that we are the only country in the world that complains about having to eat healthy. This really caught my attention because in so many places access to good healthy food is not an option. I work with many people with sensitivities to gluten, dairy and sugar, and who suffer with digestive and other symptoms, but trying to get them to give up the things they love, even if it means that they can reduce or eliminate their daily suffering, is extremely difficult.
There are lots of ways to cleanse, but I prefer for people to cleanse with the use of healthy whole foods along with some supplements that will support the detoxification organs to clear the liver, kidneys, lymph and fatty toxins in the body.
There are two that I particularly like: Standard Process 21 Day Cleanse: This cleanse is comprised of a protein powder (with or without dairy) for one-two shakes per day, and a couple of supplements to supports the normal toxin-elimination function of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and digestive system, provide antioxidant support, and overall cellular health. Their products can be somewhat customized for dietary and digestive needs. They also provide a book, which is downloadable HERE. This book explains the process of cleansing and walks you through the 21 day program, along with providing tons of recipes. 21 days is a good period of time to begin to implement some lasting changes in the diet as well.
Pablo Cleanse, by Designs for Health. This is a really easy to follow cleanse which comes with a guide on foods to eat and to avoid, a delicious protein powder designed to use while cleansing, and a formula called Amino Detox which helps the body rid toxic buildup in the liver. This cleanse allows you to continue to eat animal products, which many other cleanses ask you to avoid. This can be done for 14 or 21 days, your choice!
Should you be interested in doing a cleanse, we provide access to all of the products that you will need to do either of these, along with answering any questions you might have about them. We have done them both and really felt that they were incredibly effective and user friendly.
So, consider cleansing in the next month or two, before it gets too cold! It is a great way to rebalance the system and prepare for winter. Enjoy!
Eileen DePaula, M.Ed., M.Ac.Lic.Ac.
When we went dairy and sugar free in our house, the thing we most missed was yogurt. We searched and searched for one that we would feel good about eating, but there is little to nothing on the market that isn’t loaded with unnecessary sugar. So, I looked for a recipe for coconut milk yogurt. It was a starting point, and Geoff has perfected it over the last several months. If you like a nice think, custardy, Greek style yogurt, you will love this!
**Milk helps to ease the shock of the spiciness on the stomach and intestines so drink with milk if you’re sensitive.Note: for a stronger tea you can let the spices sit and sink to the bottom. If the tea gets really strong you can cut it with milk or reconstitute with a little water.
When Yogi Bhajan was a military commander in India there was an epidemic among the troops. He ordered all of his men to fill their canteens with yogi tea and drink nothing else, not even water. His Battalion was the only unit that didn’t get sick! Yogi tea purifies the blood, lungs and circulatory system. It cleans the liver and has many more unseen benefits. It’s good to drink this tea every day.
(This recipe was arrived at after many attempts to make a vegetarian version of Chicken Tikka Masala. We love the flavor, but wanted to avoid the dairy and have something a bit lighter to eat that was high in protein.)
1 3/4 cups red lentils
7 cups water
2 med onions cut into 8ths
2 Tbsp coconut oil
Put into a pot and bring up to a boil for 15-20 minutes. To this add:
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
1 stick of butter, or 8 tablespoons of ghee
1 tbsp celtic sea salt
2 tbsp Garam Masala
Mix together and puree with a hand blender. Serve over rice or quinoa. YUM!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together in a bowl:
2 Cups of Pamela’s Wheat and Gluten Free Baking Mix
½ cup of Lakanto or Erythritol (sugar alcohol)
1 ¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tea salt
pinch of nutmeg (optional)
In a separate bowl combine:
1/3 Cup of Palm Oil or vegetable shortening
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
½ tea lemon zest
2 cups of finely shredded zucchini
Blend both mixtures together and add ¾ cup of chopped walnuts if desired.
Put in a bread pan and bake 55-60 minutes or until golden brown. May take longer by up to 30 minutes.
(As a variation, you can substitute 1 large ripe banana and a cup of blueberries for the zucchini for a breakfast bread)