So, I’m on day 5 of my “Detox”…….

Here’s the progression:

• I’ve had no coffee, espresso or latte……nothing since I began!!  This must be put into proper context for you who are new to “Angie-ville” - last week alone, I probably consumed, on average, around 4 ounces of espresso per day….and 2-3 additional cups of coffee, other “energy” type drinks, and maybe 1 to 2 caffeinated sodas!  In other words, can you spell A-D-D-I-C-T-I-O-N!?
• In order to combat the excruciating headaches that come along with quitting that amount of caffeine “cold turkey”, I sipped on organic (freshly brewed, not bottled) green tea, with no sugar.  The first day was pretty rough, but after that I didn’t even have my normal “it’s 10 o’clock and my triple espresso latte is wearing off” headaches!
• At least one meal per day I’ve substituted “Living Fuel” (Greens & Berry) - so that I can be sure I’m getting all the nutrients I need….this also gave me some much needed energy to fight the “Detox Blues”
• I’ve walked, briskly, around 3 miles each day - since I spent so many hours upon hours sitting in the Excursion “Bus”!
• I’ve removed as much processed food as I could bear…decreasing each day - no gluten, wheat or refined flours or sugars.  Being hypoglycemic for years (and not knowing it) has caused some serious insulin resistance “issues” for me - so even the smallest amount of gluten, and my body thinks I’m gorging on doughnuts all day!!  So, I just have to remove it all together.
• I’ve increased my water intake - probably the hardest part for me….I can’t explain this - it just is!
• I’ve become more aware of my breathing - this may sound silly, but, shallow breathing can trigger adrenaline to kick in…..like in “high stress” situations, then my blood sugar drops…..stressing my organs and shutting down my metabolism - I know, right?…who knew a good, deep breathe could be so good for you - think of it as a “Victory Breath”!

Here’s where I am now:

• Since I’m still in the “detox” stage I won’t say I feel wonderful…but, it’s getting better every day - I just choose to look at any discomfort as temporary……like the toxins are going away - Yay!!
• I’m not into weighing myself - but, since weight gain is a sign that I’m not managing something right: (either my food choice or my stress), I weighed myself, grudgingly….but, I haven’t weighed myself every day (this is pointless and can be extremely counterproductive..but I won’t lecture!) - Anyway, I’ve lost 3 pounds in 5 days, so I know I’m moving in the right direction.
• After a lovely trip to “Whole Foods”, things are a little easier - snacking on organic dark cherries and raw almonds gives me just the boost I need….(According to Dr. Susan Smith Jones: “Two ounces of almonds give you more than 50 percent of your daily requirement of magnesium - …(they) reduce cholesterol and lower risk for heart disease.  (They) also may reduce the risk of colon cancer.”)
• I’m continuing my love affair with the avocado!  Women, hear me, these are miracle foods.…full of beneficial “fats” and oils that nourish your skin and hair…….WONDERFUL!!….eaten as a part of a natural “diet”, free of processed foods, these good fats won’t add weight - in fact, there are studies that support the fact that they actually aid in flattening your stomach - after 4 kids, I’m all for that!!!
• I’m working my way into being consistent with a yoga regimen - that’s a personal goal of mine for this summer……we’ll see!!
• I’ve been reading that Parsnips are wonderful for you - they are nicknamed the “beauty food”, but, I don’t think I’ve ever eaten a parsnip in my life!  Anyway, over the next week I’ll be getting some - figuring them out and putting them to the test - I’ll let you know!

• BOTTOM LINE: The 3 top things I’ve been trying to embrace:  Purity, Breath & Movement:

1. Purity: …in the things I eat and drink - is it real, is it beneficial, is it “life giving”?
2. Breath: How am I breathing in this moment - if I feel tense or stressed, then breathe….just breathe!! (Victory Breath!!)
3. Movement: How am I moving - am I in balance…if I’m growing weary, maybe I need to just move…stretch, breathe…walk outside…breathe…..MOVE!

So, there you go…

It’s a crazy life - but it’s mine…wait, that sounds like a certain show with a ton of kids… - no, I’m sticking with it since dealing with ONE of me is similar to dealing with EIGHT of them!! 

Peace…