Day 237: Juicing + Pampering + Chronic Illness -- An Experiment

When you look at the photo to the left, you might wonder two things. 1) What's up with the bright pink nails? and 2) Why am I holding a glass full of paint with a straw in it?

Good questions. Let me explain.

I don't always do things differently. Believe it or not, despite this blog's name, I am a creature of habit. I enjoy routine: familiar waitresses, musicians, foods. I am the kind of person that plays the same song over and over and over again until everyone around me begs for mercy. Kind of like Rain Man...I'm very ticky when someone messes with my sock drawer, breakfast, or driving route.

Being this way has its advantages. If you know me, I am VERY countonable: always early, seldom cancel, and fairly predictable in deeds, thoughts, and actions. Unfortunately, this also makes me rigid, somewhat stubborn, and, at times, a little unyielding. Que Sera, Sera.

Anyway, all of this familiarity got me thinking. I've been feeling more than a little crappy lately... Maybe it's time to give something else a try?

Enter Spa Therapy

Healthy Thoughts + Beauty + Detoxing = Happiness....at least in my world. I'm not sure if that's the prescription for health, but I do know this: when I listen, my body tells me what to do. Case in point, my nails (clearly not my most pressing issue), but when I looked at them recently, I felt sad; I felt ugly. "Pamper me," they seemed to scream. So, I did. I even got playful...a break from my usual clear/nude/french self.

My diet's no different. I eat the same stuff day after day after day after day. Lately, the very thought of meat (or any cooked food), literally makes me sick. Is it possible my nutrition also needs an overhaul? Lovingly, I looked to my Vitamix. It's been underused lately and, after watching the movie Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, I'm definitely inspired. Green Juices, nuts, pampered feet and hands -- the Spa Life is calling. Since implementing yesterday, the difference in my neurological symptoms has been nothing short of miraculous.

Two recipes to consider....

Whole Foods Supergreen Drink (my version)

1 Shot (1 ounce) Wheat Grass
1 Whole Green Apple (quartered with seeds)
2 Handfuls Raw Spinach
1 teaspoon Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica*
2 Ice Cubes or a Splash of Water

Put the wheat grass in the Vitamix in the bottom. Estimate how much will make one ounce. If you want to get really accurate, you can blend this separately. Add other ingredients. Blend until smooth (blend as little as possible as over blending oxidizes the nutrients). Note: Juice comes out kind of room temperature (which is good for you). You can make colder, if necessary, by adding ice.
Drink immediately

Papaya Wonder Drink

2 Cups Watermelon
1 Cup Papaya (don't use the skin unless it's organic)
3/4 Cup Black Organic Cherries
1 teaspoon Papaya Seeds
2 LARGE Handfuls Raw Spinach
1 teaspoon Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica*
2 Ice Cubes or a Splash of Water

Put all ingredients in the Vitamix, blend, enjoy.

Altered Today: What I am eating/drinking and how I'm feeling. PSST...Always discuss with your doctor before changing your diet. Detoxing -- especially when you're ill --(Lyme or otherwise) can be dangerous.

*PRECAUTIONS: Due to their dense nutritional content, wheat Grass and Spirulina can make some people feel sick (this will get better as your stomach acid improves). Also, according to http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info/herbs/spirulina.php: "Because of its high nucleic acid content, excessive consumption of spirulina may increase blood uric acid levels to undesirable levels. Due to the high iodine content of spirulina, patients with thyroid conditions should not use spirulina as it may decrease the action of thyroid hormone."

Comments

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I swear we are related, maybe long lost sisters or something. We are far too similar. Love the pink nails, and the green drink looks delicious! Love ya girl!

Posted by: Laina | 07/26/2011 at 06:00 PM