Detox

I'm detoxing and although I am not a stranger to this process, I find each time I do them I learn something about myself. I become connected to my mind and body, and I learn to listen to my inner wisdom even more than before.

A few months ago, I did a ten day juice detox. It was quite intensive with only juices, no shakes or solid food of any kind. The same week that I started the weather changed into an unpredicted and early cold snap. I used lots of ginger and drank lots of herbal tea, but it didn't seem to help. After seven days, I felt miserable from being constantly cold and hungry. I realised it was time for me to transition out.

This 28 day detox is much gentler with lots of green smoothies and yummy salads. You could say that I have just eliminated bread, coffee, alcohol and any other foods that don't fall into the fruit and veg category. Since I don't eat meat and generally maintain a 70-80% raw vegan diet anyway, this shouldn't be too hard. However, the first three days were hard as my body immediately dispelled toxins resulting in irritability and headaches. I knew that once I came through the elimination phase I would feel light and energised.  

Similarly, just as I began this program a cold change in the weather prevailed and has hung around. The cold has not really bothered me this time but at the midway mark I was low in energy and hungry. I contemplated quitting but have instead decided to continue and gradually add some nuts, seeds, goji's and other super foods to ease back into my usual routine. I feel satisfied with this decision as I know it is the right one for my body at this time.

I am now into my third week and I feel great. My skin looks clear, I've lost a little bit of weight - certainly the high carb and alcohol pudge I had accumulated has gone. And I have learnt that for me personally, detoxing during colder weather is difficult. Detoxing whilst working a full time job is also hard. Whilst it is good to give the organs a rest from heavy foods, it is ideal to attempt this when rest, meditation and yoga can be taken as and when needed. 

Tuscan Passion

I was recently blessed with an opportunity to travel to Italy. It was a destination high on my 'must visit' list, particularly with my passion for Renaissance art.

Rome is of course Rome. Grand, old, hot, and busy. The ancient architecture, ruins and art were simply stunning. But it was Florence and Tuscany that captured my heart. It was also visually and culturally amazing, but the people were also very welcoming.

It was in the little villages of Tuscany that I began to see the Italian passion for food and life. The produce was incredibly fresh and flavoursome, so much so that I thought it had to be organic. It not only tasted wonderful, it looked stunning too. Siesta is a reality - shops close for several hours and streets become quieter as locals gather with family and friends. The Italian's passion for food is so richly embedded into their culture that they grow their food with love, prepare their food with love and eat their food with love. It is just simply all about love.

Living in big industrialised cities and working in time pressured environments leaves us little opportunity to create our own haven of freshly grown produce. Perhaps a few herbs or a tomato plant in a box to get us started can help restore the connection to earth. In the very least I feel inspired to create my food with love, to really enjoy the preparation and be grateful for what I am about to receive to nourish my body. I may not have grown it myself and it may not be organic, but at least I can enjoy my food with love.

Bread & Honey

Here is a favourite blog that I have followed for some time now, even before I decided to create my own.  Its quirky and all about food.  Okay, so its not a vegetarian site with raves about meatballs and salami but it doesn't have to be. bread & honey seems to be all about good tasty food. I have yet to try my hand at any of these creations but after watching the MasterChef challenge maybe its time to give it a whirl.