A Very Juicy February

28 Days of February Juiciness 2013: My Juice Fast Journey

March 1, 2013

January 31, 2013

     Yesterday completed my 28 day juice fast. I set out to spend all of March drinking fresh green juice and a small amount of fruit juice. I really don't want anyone to see my body, but in the spirit of self acceptance I share my vulnerable self with you; all my scars and ugly parts are a part of me just as much as the pretty parts; so I share without hiding. During January I ate a diet of Fresh Raw Vegan foods, a clean diet to work my way toward a juice fast. Can we feel accomplished or successful if something isn't a challenge or doesn't cause struggle? I completed my juice fast, it was a success, but it was in no way a struggle; it was easy actually so I don't feel that usual pride when something is difficult and you accomplish it anyways. So why a Juice fast? When drinking fresh vegetable juice and even fruit juice you are getting amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes that absorb quickly into the body and are utilized to regenerate {heal} the bodies cells, my reasons for doing this were:

• Heal Cervix of 7 year issue with Cervical Dysplacia which became 'high grade'
• Detoxify All of My Body
• Lower Body Fat% aka Toxin Storage Bins
• Have More Energy, was Always Feeling Tired by Mid-Day
• More Motivation & Direction
• More Confidence in Self & Will Power
• Cultivate a Deeper Connection with Self/Spirit
• Clearer Thinking
• Balance between Body & Mind
• Deeper Insight
• More Joy
• Increase the Ease of Manifestations
• Create Healthier, Healing Habits
• More Responsibility for My Bodies Condition
• Accomplishment, Proving to Myself I can do What I set Out to Do
• Strengthening my Will Power
• Release Stagnant Emotions
• Be More Open to Everything
• Increase Creativity
• More Flow With Life; Less Resistance
• Healing Healing Healing

*If you have never fasted before let me assure you it is usually a roller coaster of 'emotional dumping'

~Day 1~ Felt good, drank 2 20oz Juices, didn't need to 'psyche' myself up for it, I just decided to do it

~Day 2~ Drank almost 60oz of Juice, Spirulina Lemon Water, Garlic Beet, Tomato Veggie & Cabbage Pineapple Apple Celery Juice. Had a lot of 'envy' emotions surface, 'why don't I have a family' 'why do other people have what I want' made me sad to see families at movie night with my son, I was jealoussssss. And even though I am happy for people celebrating their pregnancies and their husbands; there is a taste of bitterness inside me that swells up on occasion, today was one of those occasions.

~Day 3~5~ Drank about 50oz of Juice. Plenty of Energy. Today's emotions were very 'loss' oriented, thinking about my Grandma, My marriage, all the other things I've lost. Mind you there was nothing that 'sparked' all these emotions they were just there. Taught a yoga class, felt strong and focused on Bramacharya: Moderation, Celibacy, not over-indulging; a perfect focus for me. Bubble Gum Bubble Gum in a Dish this Watermelon Juice is F*cking Delish! Four day craving satisfied with Watermelon~Mint Juice. Yeah, that made me happy.

~Day 6~ Woke up with absolutely NO energy, started menses which I assume is the reason for it. Was really focused on my time as a mother and how much I want to spend more time with my son than working and acknowledging my deep desire for it to happen. 

~Day 7~ Feeling Absolutely Wonderful. The amount of juice i dink had been cut down around 30oz/day. Not hungry for food and not as hungry in general. 'Behind every inner block, painful feeling, every surge of resentment, is a bit of life force waiting to be freed. You can start to see this once you stand back for a moment from the content of your shadow feelings.' ~yoga journal article. Letting my inner light shine and sharing my smile. The first 6 days I had extremely vivid dreams always regarding someone from my past. Last night however I had a dream about New Beginnings and moving forward. It felt like a signal to let go of past failures, relationships, struggles, dis-ease and weight that doesn't serve me. It is time to Begin Anew; Each moment filled with Possibility. Taught my regular Thursday yoga class, it was a blast! Really strong practice, lots of laughter, enjoyed it so so much. Even got a compliment in the middle of class;'Mariah you are a Bad-Ass-Yoga-Teacher,' had so much energy and strength even on the 7th day of a juice fast, had to share the energy with my students. Also had the opportunity to teach Emotional Freedom Technique to my anxiety reduction group; which happens to be a really powerful healing tool. I am so blessed to share my knowledge- doing what resonates most with me, I am a lucky girl. Lucky in so many ways and Determined in all the rest. Determination was freely flowing by this point.

~Day 8~13~ Felt very energetic, let things flow, enjoying the process. Got my 'on the go' containers ready to juice at work for afternoon juice. Began feeling restless; noticing how artificial the life/society/surroundings I am living feels. While at the gym I looked around and it hit me; this is so wrong: driving my machine to an indoor room full of machines to move my body, I should be hauling water and chopping wood and walking through a garden, working the land, this is so artificial the way we are living, it doesn't feel right. Thinking about finding a solution to my thinking, maybe an intentional community or work trade program on an organic      farm. Started to get tired of my juices, need some new recipes to last me the rest of the month! "Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."~ Carl Jung

My sissy getting her partner play on

~Day 14~ Valentines Day! Had an awesome day, I love celebrations. Half-way through the month! Made strawberry~kiwi~coconut water for my Valentines Juice, showed myself some self~love. Taught partner yoga, felt so strong and flowy that i ended up in a balance pose without any forethought, just poof right into it. I felt SO flexible, so strong, so able. I delivered valentines to family, celebrated my nieces 1st birthday; overall an amazing day.' 

Partner Yoga with my mentor, friend, teacher & student Linda

~Day 15~ So somewhere along the way on this fast smells have become a wonderful treat for me, I am loving them. I have no desire to 'eat what I smell and without that attachment to eating I can truly enjoy smells simply for the lovely olfactory delights they bring; wanting nothing more than what they offer, it's a rare experience really, when we smell food that we like, we usually eat it.

~Day 16~ Hot yoga today for an hour and 45 minutes. It was intense, I did get a little light headed a few times when moving too fast from having my head down to standing up but other than that I felt super energized. Even taught a class right after it.

~Day 17~ Retail Therapy day. My sister ditched me today so I was a bit mopey, because she never does that. But I ended up at the store and since I am a few pounds smaller I went ahead and bought new clothes, it was very satisfying. 

~Day 19~ Stocked up with some online shopping for all sorts of mineral rich raw food ingredients and sea weeds so I can continue to heal through nutrition.

~Day 20~ Drinking DARK GREEN juice and loving it. Added Garlic to keep the blood clean and my taste buds satisfied. I have so much energy, feel lighter, more flexible, skin is super soft and clear. Did a new pose today that I have never done before: headstand to crow to headstand, takes strength- thank you low calorie juice!

~Day 21~ 3 Weeks Down! Started my day with Meditation, dry brushing, hot lemon water {creating an alkaline pH so my body can thrive}, high potency protease {protein digesting enzymes,did you know that the shells of cancer cells are made of protein, bust through the shell and the body is able to heal}, yoga, breath of fire, and on to making my green juice! Only one week to go. When we are happy we have more to give, gave it to my students at yoga.

~Day 23~ Went to a natural health all day class, it  was so great. Talked about opportunities to help others and I am reminded how much I love doing that. Not hungry at all, smells of foods are still wonderful and still don't make me want to eat. Loving the process! 

V7F2~ 7 Veggies & 2 Fruits

~Day 24~ Inner Dance Studio for All levels intense yoga. Got my sweat on and was absolutely invigorated by the class. Karen and Bruce are absolutely amazing teachers. Also decided to teach a few classes there; it's an hour away from my house so I can't do it a lot, but I am looking forward to doing it when I can plus it will be a very different style than I am used to teaching.

~Day 28~ THE END. The last 4 days just flew by, drank lots of juice simply flowing with it. THE BEGINNING.

*I also did a colonic every 4-5 days, dry brushed as often as I could remember, meditated and did yoga each morning, drank warm lemon water upon rising, took healing and cleansing herbs, stayed positive in all my thoughts and sought continual inspiration. 

     There wasn't a huge spiritual shift; I find that there was an anu/subtle shift into being more connected to spirit, walking the 'middle way,'  simply allowing more divine influence into each moment. I am seeing more clearly what is most important to me; my health, my son and his happiness, my time. I know a job change is in my near future, I have enjoyed my job, but I work with the mentally, emotionally and physically ill. I am better suited to work with the well or at least people seeking wellness. I am constantly helping people who refuse to help themselves, finding freebies for people who don't earn anything while I spend most of my time away from my child so I can afford to take care of us, helping them; it doesn't feel right for me. I am seeking a new avenue to afford my lifestyle with more joy and time for my boy and me.  

The Stats: 

Area: Amount of loss

Bust: 1.5"

Waist: 2"

Abdomen: 1"

Hips: 2"

Thighs: 3.25"

Arms: 1"

BMI: 2.5

Body Fat %: 5.5%

Body Fat: 14lbs

Weight: 15lbs

* for those concerned about muscle loss peep the 2 last numbers

Additional Physical Changes:

Constant Knee Pain for the past year; Almost non-existent

Ankle Pain every day from an injury 3 years ago; gone

Dry patch of skin on my lower back; gone in the first week

Very soft, hydrated skin

(I will be getting a pap done in 2 months to test for a 'normal' result)

January 31, 2013

January 31, 2013

March 1, 2013

March 1, 2013

March 1, 2013

~~~~~~Mindfully Transitioning~~~~~~

"Any fool can go on a fast, but it takes a wise (wo)man to break it properly." -George Bernard Shaw

Preparing for March: Left to Right
Mung Bean Sprouts, Sunflower Seed  Sprouts, Clover Sprouts, Wheat Berries to make Rejuvelac {a probiotic fermented drink}, Watermelon Juice, V7F2, Spinach~Pineapple fruit leather & Mean Green Crackers. I will be starting off with green smoothies and green soup, a mango will definitely be my first solid bite.

We are all whole, not the 'holes' we perceive. There is always going to be something you don't have and others do, a difference you perceive as a hole.  A difference is not a hole. Focus on how whole you are. In each and every moment you are perfect, whether that moment be filled with joy, delight, sorrow or despair; it is perfect. Do not seek to 'fill' the holes, find within your heart a perfect acceptance of your self.

Be Your Bliss

Being: In It

   ~~My Grandma~~

Taking time to think and just BE on my trip to Costa Rica, to be care-free and completely me was a true blessing. To lose someone I love very much in that same time and to come home to the stress, grief and tension of the whole family was like being popped out of a bubble of peace into a tornado. But as always life events serve as catalyst to perspective changes and finding what is within me that desires expression. The sorrow in my heart rests upon the backs of butterflies who gently and gracefully float along, I feel the peace and I know; 'All is as it Should Be.' This phrase was heavy in my mind the days before I left on my trip, I wasn't sure why, but I had a feeling like someone was going to die and I also felt certain it wasn't me, so when we got the phone call our first day in Costa Rica that Grandma was in the hospital, I knew. I wanted to write about my grandma; her generosity, her genuine kindness, her ever present smile, but now doesn't feel like the time, my memories won't fade so maybe at  a later time I will share about the woman I knew as Grandma. I also wanted to share more about my Costa Rica adventure, but basically to sum it up it was awesome, fun, care free, liberating, at times exhilarating and felt just plain lovely to be in warm weather. It was a wonderful trip much needed just my sister and I. Check out the Pics at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151179452763860.467215.507468859&type=1&l=34c8bfaf7e
GOOD TIMES WERE HAD! But there is no place like home. So home is where I am, feeling motivated and thriving once again. I want to share a few recipes with everyone so you can bring some food~goodness into your life! Last Monday I started a green juice cleanse for 3 days, followed by 2 days of green smoothies and now I am keeping it raw and enjoying food on a conscious level. When I eat 'just anything' I feel like I am closing my eyes and pretending I don't notice. When I eat raw living foods, greens, veggies, fruits and seeds I feel AMAZING, I am currently unraveling the mysteries of why I yo-yo with eating habits and weight even though it doesn't make me feel good, no guilt, no shame, just ready for more clarity on the mysteries of me. As I age my life gets better and better and I find more joy in all things. I know what makes me the happiest, I know which habits hinder my joy and I am aware of all these. I am moving closer to letting go of things that do not serve me more and more. I know age is just numbers based on a calendar, but I am so excited to be 30, it feels like this pivotal point in my life where I will be so in tune with myself that ALL things fall into place instead of just most things :). To celebrate my joys in life I have been juicing and smoothying and doing what I enjoy. I LOVE creating healthy food, I LOVE eating healthy food, I LOVE yoga, I LOVE smiling, I LOVE hugging my Boy-o, I LOVE creating a life that I am proud to be a part of, I am Happy to be ME, ;cause there is no one else I would rather BE.  On to pics and recipes....

Green Juice

Spinach

Orange

Apple

Kale

Romaine

Pear

Ginger

Mint

Lemon

Green Smoothie

Spinach

Cucumber

Kale

Romaine

Banana

Apple

Pear

Mint

Spirulina Lemonade

4 Lemons Juiced

Water

Stevia to Taste

1/2 tsp Spirulina Powder

Coconut Meat from Young Thai Coconuts

Local Honey from a Friend

Coconut Yogurt Begins

Coconut Meat

Probiotic Powder

Honey 

Let ferment overnight and Remix

*VOILA*

mix berries in and have a delicious dairy-free yogurt

Boom~Boom Carob Smoothie
Soaked and Blended Chia Seeds
Banana
Goji Berries
Spirulina
Bee Pollen
Carob Powder
Vanilla Stevia

Brown but Delicious!

 

Celery with Creamy Smoky Cashew Dip

Blend in a High Speed Blender:

1cu Soaked Cashews

2 Tbs Lemon Juice

2tsp Apple Cider Vinegar

2tsp Honey

1tsp salt

1/4tsp Pepper

1/4tsp Onion Powder

1/4tsp Mustard Powder

1/2tsp Smoked Paprika

2tsp Garlic Powder

1tsp Herbs de Provence

1/4cu Chopped Fresh Parsley

*this dip is SO Yummy, it is the combination of a few 'raw ranch' recipes combined with what I had in my cabinet

  

White Chocolate Fudge

3Tbs Cacao Butter

3Tbs Coconut Butter

1Tbs Coconut Oil

1Tbs Honey

3Tbs Shredded Coconut

Pinch of Salt

* melt first 3 ingredients in a double boiler just long enough to melt, remove from heat, stir in remaining ingredients 

Lemon White Chocolate Fudge

3Tbs Cacao Butter

3Tbs Coconut Butter

1Tbs Coconut Oil

1Tbs Honey

3Tbs Shredded Coconut

1 drop Lemon Essential Oil from Natures Sunshine

1/4tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract

Pinch of Salt

* melt first 3 ingredients in a double boiler just long enough to melt, remove from heat, stir in remaining ingredients 

~~~LOVE YOURSELF, EAT HAPPY, ALL IS AS IT SHOULD BE~~~

February Yama Focus

AHIMSA~

Ahimsa is to abstain from violent feelings, thoughts, words & actions. To maintain compassion towards your self and others.

To not push my body into physical pain, to avoid violent thoughts and reactions towards others, but mostly for me ahimsa is a need to be kind towards myself. I have a lifetime of habits to overcome, release, change {whatever word you like} I get down sometimes, I feel suffering sometimes, I am human, I am a work in progress, I have never claimed perfection, but I am proud of who I am, where I am, How I am and I refuse to let other's opinions create self doubt and anger towards myself.

I have smiled many more times than I have frowned. I have felt more joy than sadness. Have I always been kind to myself, kind to others, positive and optimistic, no! But have I experienced radical growth and found more balance and harmony than ever before; YES, absolutely.

I am a work in progress.

I see my truth, it is the only truth that is truly available to me.

So although people have recently attacked me pointing out all the things they don't like about me or the things they think I do wrong, I will not choose to direct hate my self nor my choices. I am on a path of love and light. I do not come by this path without dedication, experience, determination and on occasion I falter. I falter, but I choose to learn from my mistakes.

So for February I practice Ahimsa with extra conscious effort and love for myself

A Poem & Recipes

January 25, 2012

STANDING IN MY OWN

I am standing in my own,

My own of many things,

I am Better now without you,

I am Free to Fly as ME,

I owe nothing more of ME to you,

For I am Completely Free,

My binds have been released from the repression I was living,

I was Blind, But Now I see, An entirely New Meaning for ME,

I am grateful for the growth I gained,

My light Brighter it Now Shines,

The Ground beneath my feet more steady,

Thank for Your Time,

Certainty I now hold,

There is a time to let everything go,

Float along the breeze,

They call the wind Mariah,

I let it lift beneath my wings,

In my Heart the Truth Resonates,

Like whispers in the wind, Audible at last,

Now it is Time for you to take your Place living in my past

January 24, 2012

Dinner:

Broccoli Bite(s)ize pieces

Sea Salt

Oil

Nutritional Yeast

Paprika

Cayenne

Mesquite Powder

Coconut Crystals

*Mix in a bowl and voila, yummy and fast!

Lunch: Salad

Butter Lettuce

Tomato

Sea Salt

Cayenne

Nutritional Yeast

Grapeseed Oil

January 23, 2012

~RECIPE~

Onion Bread/Cracker:

2 Large Yellow Onions (save about 1/8th of a cup fine chopped to stir in)

2 Cups Sunflower Seeds (soak over night, rinse and drain 3 times/day for one day or until little tails start to form)

Sea Salt

*Process until smooth, stir in the chopped onion

Spread thin on dehydrator sheet at 115* for about 12 hours, turn over and dehydrate to a dry consistency

~TOPPING~

Sliced Mushrooms marinated: Olive Oil, Paprika, Cayenne, Ground Coconut Crystals, Mesquite, Sea Salt

Butter Lettuce

Sliced Tomatoes

Sliced Avocado

Morning Boost ~SMOOTHIE~

Banana

Spirulina

Strawberries

Minerals

Fiber

Lucuma

Irish Moss

January 22, 2012

Onion Bread with avocado Mash & Sea Salt

Onion Bread {Recipe Above}

Top with smashed Avocado or Slices

Sprinkle of Sea Salt

Cauli~Rice over Salad

Cauliflower Faux Rice

Cauliflower

Cumin

Chili Powder

Sea Salt

*Process until desired consistency, Really good with avocado or on top of salad

*Make any green salad and top it off with this mix or just eat it straight

Chili Mushroom on Onion Bread

Onion Bread {Recipe Above}

Sliced Mushrooms marinated: Olive Oil, Paprika, Cayenne, Ground Coconut Crystals, Mesquite, Sea Salt

January 21, 2012

SALAD

Romaine

Carrot

Tomato

Grapeseed Oil

Sea Salt

SNACK

Sliced Yellow & Orange Bell Peppers with Guacamole Dip {Avocado, Lemon, Cilantro, Tomato, Red Onion}

January 20, 2012

Salad

Kalamata Olives

Butter Lettuce

Wild Rice

Zucchini

Cilantro

Sundried Tomato

Fresh Tomato

Romaine

Fresh Flavor Explosion

January 19 2012

My taste buds are soooooooooooo happy today!

Fresh Mushroom Medley: Dinner

Layer in Order

Base: Portabello Mushroom

Sliced Avocado

Salt & Garlic Granules{just a dash}

Lemon Juice

Top with the Following; Diced & Mixed

Tomato

Yellow Onion

Cilantro

Kalamata Olives

So Yummo Salad: Lunch

Romaine

Butter Lettuce

Carrot

Zucchini

GrapeSeed Oil

Sea Salt

Nutritional Yeast

Dried Currants

Simple Strawberry Smoothie: Breakfast

Strawberries

Bananas

Almond Mylk

*Mid~January Meal Highlights*

May Food Bring Happiness & Health Into Your Life...

January 12

Portabello Open Faced Sandwich

Portobello Mushroom, Sliced Thin
Butter Lettuce
Tomato
Avocado
Yellow Onion
Clover Sprouts

Sauce:

Almond Butter

Garlic Granules

Cayenne Pepper

Date Paste

Sea Salt

Tamari (to taste)

January 13

Green Sweet & Spicy Salad

Romaine Lettuce

Yellow Onion

Banana

Dried Currants

GrapeSeed Oil

Cayenne Pepper

Sea Salt

January 14

BBQ Portabello Salad

Portabello Slices marinate in: Paprika, Cayenne, Coconut Crystals, Mesquite, Olive Oil

Kale

Romaine

Avocado

Tomato

January 15

Strawberry Banana Spirulina Super Smoothie

Banana

Strawberries

Spirulina

Hemp Seeds

Almond Mylk

Liquid Minerals (Natures Sunshine Mineral Chi Tonic)

Fiber

*Blend

Warm Cabbage Salad

Cabbage

Carrot

Mushroom

Almond Slivers

Dressing:

Almond Butter

Tamari

Sea Salt

Garlic Clove

Garlic Granules

Onion Powder

Date Paste

Coconut Butter

Cayenne

Warm Water

*Mix & Warm in Dehydrator 10-15minutes

January 16

Broccoli Kale Soup

Broccoli

Kale

Avocado

Garlic Clove

Garlic Granules

Onion Powder

Sea Salt

January 17

Broccoli Zucchini Soup

Broccoli

Zucchini

Avocado

Cilantro

Garlic Granules

Sea Salt

Nutritional Yeast

Onion Powder

Warm Water to Consistency

*Blend

January 18

Strawberry Banana Chia Pudding

Chia Seeds, Goji Berries, Lucuma Powder & Vanilla Bean Powder

+

Banana, Strawberries & Almond Mylk Smoothie

=

Morning Deliciousness

Mushroom Pilaf

Minced:

Mushroom

Carrot

Yellow Onion

Cilantro

Zucchini

Sauce:

Tamari

Honey or Other sweetener

Apple Cider Vinegar

Cayenne Pepper

*Warmed in Dehydrator, Could be turned into Shroom Burgers if you have the patience or time!

Nourish & Flourish

Love & Light,

~~~~~~~~~~*Mariah Moon*~~~~~~~~~~