1560 calories is what I need to eat a day if I want to stay the same weight. Being a vegan that doesn’t eat soy, a personal trainer that tries to stay away from fattening things and an advocate for natural living& healing, you can imagine that my diet doesn’t include a lot of things that may be common to others. A lot of my clients ask me what the heck do you eat. I always respond everything! Well everything that’s in my list of things I eat. I laugh every time.
I eat all day long like a Gazelle, and even though I’m full at the end of the day, I find it hard to get enough calories in. I live in Cali so most people here would say that’s a good problem to have. But I’m not trying to lose weight. I like where I’m at. About 5 months ago I was 111 pounds . Even in high school I was 115-125 pounds. Most of my adult life I’ve been a consistent 120. Most people think I’m 105. But I remind them I’m a trainer and muscle weighs more that fat. Recently I weighed myself and I was 117. Perfect! That’s where I wanna stay. 115-122 is fine by me.
Now I’m not big on counting calories for the rest of your life but I do believe everyone should do it for a while so that they now where they stand. Then you can let it go for a while but check in with yourself from time to time. If you’re over or under weight, do it until you’re not.
111 pounds is under weight for me. I know some of it had to do with muscle loss but a lot was my diet. So I decided I better pay attention. Yesterday I went over my calories. I consumed 1692. I was happy about that cause exercise can easily bring that down to 1560.
Now I’m not necessarily proud of how much bread I consumed yesterday, being a trainer and all but I know I can spare a day. But I thought it would be a good idea to share what contributed the most to the extra calories. That way people who want to lose can keep that in mind. So here it is:
About a cup of Still cut oats w/ raisins added gave me a whopping 710 calories. FYI the still cut has the most calories but I need it. Two whole wheat waffles with peanut butter=325 calories. FYI this was part of my lunch not breakfast. Amy’s California Veggie Burger with 2 pieces of wheat bread=307 calories.
Of course this isn’t all I had to eat but I just wanted to point out what gave me the most calories. The breads and oatmeal win. So if you had the same thing but had a beef burger instead you can add on an extra 1-200 calories unless you get a really small lean cut. Now a turkey patty is about the same as the veggie.
If I wanted to cut down some of the calories I could have had a little less oatmeal instead of a filled to the top bowl, and added an apple to my breakfast. Also I could’ve had just one waffle and added a small green salad with vinaigrette dressing. With these small adjustments, I could have knocked off about 100 calories.
So why don’t you try it. If you’re looking to lose weight, write down everything you ate and total up ALL your calories for one day. Then look it over and see where you can make tiny adjustments for the next day. Notice my adjustments didn’t involve me completely taking anything away. I wanted that waffle! But I could’ve chose to just eat one and add a salad.
Try this everyday for 1 month and I guarantee you’ll be amazed!
With so many diet related diseases and ailments, it makes you wonder why doesn’t everyone eat healthy. But what is eating healthy? Is it following the food pyramid guide that was introduced by the USDA in 1992? But wait, that may not be wise seeing as how in 2001 the USDA lost a lawsuit against them because of their financial ties to the food industry (meat&dairy). Wow and they were telling everyone to eat 2-3 servings of meat, 2-3 servings of dairy and 6-11 servings of bread, cereal and pasta! I’m pretty sure that if anyone followed the food Pyramid exactly from 1992-2001, that they are overweight.
The food Pyramid didn’t get updated til 2005 and then replaced in 2011.
There has been evidence linking dairy to breast cancer, asthma and allergies. Beef to colon cancer and Pork to high blood pressure. These are just to name a very small few.
As a personal trainer and a citizen of One of the most overweight countries in the world, I realized that there is a lack of knowledge regarding to what is healthy. There is also a food addiction epidemic.
What does America and some of the other top overweight countries have in common? Processed foods are for one. Just to clear clear, if it is not how it originally grows, or you didn’t kill and prepare it yourself, it’s more than likely processed.
What If an angel told you that you are going to suffer from health problems in your late 40s -60s. What would you do? That you will be overweight and too tired to enjoy your life to the fullest at 45. That you will develop low self-esteem because of your illness and weight issues. That you will die before the age of 75 or if you do live beyond that you will suffer. What would you do?
What if that the angel said oh wait, I’m looking at your book of life and it looks like you have an alternate path you may take. If you cut down your processed food intake by 50-100%, eat more vegetables than anything, stop drinking sodas, don’t fry your food, don’t eat any meat from a fast food restaurant, if you must have “junk” only 10% of the time, if you must eat meat don’t have it everyday and only have lean small portions that have been baked or grilled. Cut out as much sugar as possible, limit your salt and exercise 3 times a week. Would you do it?
Then The angel says, “Here is what your life may look like if you do this: You will have a great body weight. You will have the energy to do the things you’ve always wanted to do. You will enjoy life, meet fun and interesting people. Your self-esteem will be good because you feel good about yourself. You will not suffer because of health and you will live long enough to see you children grow up as well as your grandchildren. You will still be able to move around freely at 80.”
Now before anybody gets offended, I am aware that anything in life may happen and just because you eat right and exercise doesn’t mean a person won’t die young or have health problems. So many other things can effect health like environment, genetics and mental state. Also I am not implying that people overweight are less happy than people who are not. Although I do believe that you feel good about yourself when you have made a conscious effort to take care of your body inside and out and you follow through. Also it have been proven that you decrease your chance of developing certain ailments when you eat healthy and exercise.
I would like to suggest this challenge to you:
Map out your life over the next 20 years and see what it may look like if you continue the path you’re own. If you continue to eat the way you do whether it’s healthy or not. How many pounds have you gained or lost over the past year? Now times that by 20. Then look up the statistic of that weight as it pertains to health. Draw a picture in your mind of how you will look. How will you feel? What are the things you will be able to do? What are the things you wont? If you don’t like the picture, take action now! There is no magic pill to take to change your life. Don’t trust everything that is advised to you by the USDA, media or doctors. Be your own health detective. Research vitamins, foods, herbs, medicine and holistic healing.
I believe God gave us everything we need here on this earth as well as free will. So its up to you to decide the life you want. Map out what your life will look like if you make positive changes.
What do you want your life to be like in the future? May you be blessed with the better life.
The gallbladder is a small pouch(organ) that sits just under the liver. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver. It aids mainly in fat digestion.
First understand that sodium is a primary contributor to the bicarbonate buffer system which is one of the systems that keeps the body from being too acid. When the gallbladder takes sodium out of the bile, cholesterol(which is usually in liquid form) is left behind to fend for itself.
But why would the gallbladder take sodium out of the bile, you may ask. Great question!
If a person doesn’t eat enough fruits and vegetables to provide organic sodium to work with the bicarbonate buffer system, the body will take sodium from the gallbladder bile.
With the sodium gone, cholesterol is left high and dry to turn into stones. Gallstones are almost always made up of cholesterol, or a mixture of cholesterol, bilirubin and protein.
So most important lesson of today is:
EAT YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES! EAT A LOT OF THEM. JUICE IF YOU HAVE TO.
P.S. This all has to do with alkaline vs acid. Alkaline= good, too acid = bad. Fruits and veggies= alkaline.
Oh and sodium from table salt won’t cut it. It isn’t the same. Good try though.
Did you know that vitamin A can be used to treat asthma and allergies?
It has been suggested that a dose range of 28,000 to 75,000 I.U. of vitamin A per day, along with a dose of 5000 I.U of vitamin D has been used to treat asthma.
This if from the Orthomolecular Nutrition concept, which is using optimal nutrition to combat, heal and prevent physical and mental illness.
I have to say, more and more its being proven that nature has everything you need to heal and be well.
I’ve been on an epic quest, for the past 10 years or so, to find a natural way to alleviate my menstrual cramps. I haven’t had much success until very recently, when I started using crystals to ease my discomfort.
I first started learning about crystals when I began researching natural ways to shrink my fibroid tumor. It was suggested, through my readings, that one should use a Rose Quartz crystal to help in the shrinking process. So, I went out and purchased my first crystal. I’m not going to lie, I was definitely very skeptical. While I love alternative healing methods, something about crystals just didn’t quite jive with me, but I figured, what could it hurt? I began using the crystal regularly for my fibroid and then one day, while suffering from menstrual cramps, I thought, why not use my crystal then? I was shocked, when after a few minutes, my cramps subsided! I couldn’t believe it!
As time went on, I received another crystal as a gift; Citrine. I eagerly looked up the uses for Citrine and was intrigued when I found out it could be used for reproductive issues among other things. I began using the Citrine and Rose Quartz together and have been pleasantly surprised with the soothing effect they have on my cramps.
Here’s how I use them specifically for my menstrual cramps. Ahem! Crystal Basics 101: Crystals line up with our Chakras. Each chakra emanates a different color (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). Thus, if a crystal is the color of the chakra it can be used to balance it by placing it on the corresponding chakra. In the case of menstrual cramps, the chakra effected is the Sacral Chakra. The Sacral Chakra is found about 3 inches below the naval on the front and on the lower back on the spine. There are several placements that work. For me, laying on my stomach and placing the crystals on my spine seems to be more effective than laying on my back and placing them below my navel. I also like to split them up and place the Citrine on my back and the Rose Quartz on my lower abdomen. I also use them with a heating pad as well. A little bit of trial and error will help you figure out which is most effective for you.
I am still researching exactly how and why crystals work. I’ve found some interesting explanations of the power of crystals. The best I’ve read so far is from Kellie the crystal deva. She states, “The reason why crystals and gemstones are wonderful and powerful healing tools are because of what science calls its piezoelectric effect. (You can see this effect in the modern quartz watches). Crystals and gemstones respond to the electricity that is coursing through our body, and if the energy is sluggish, the constant electrical vibrations of the stones will help to harmonize, balance, and stimulate these energies.”
I need to note here that crystals only work for me when I am experiencing mild menstrual cramps; the kind that are uncomfortable, but not overwhelming. When I am experiencing severe cramping, the crystals have a minimal effect on me. Everyone responds differently, so you may find that they work for you regardless of the severity or only when mild, like me.
If you’re like me and have been suffering with menstrual cramps for years and are tired of popping painkillers like candy, give crystals a try. You may find the relief you’ve been looking for, and your stomach lining will really appreciate it!
That’s a question many of us wonder about ourselves as the clock ticks. Will we still look youthful and vibrant, or will our skin sag and our energy wain? Will we age gracefully, or will we be popping heart meds and high blood pressure meds like candy?
Annette Larkins has found the fountain of youth. While I’m sure you’re thinking creams and elixirs, you may be surprised to find out what she attributes her age-defying looks to. Wondering just how old she is and how she does it? Click on the video link below to find out…
Can you imagine looking and feeling the way Annette does at her age?! One of the greatest indicators of where our bodies will be, as the years progress, is our diet. We’ve all heard it before. You are what you eat. Calivegans takes that message to heart and so does this inspiring woman.
While calivegans haven’t made it all the way to the raw foods path, we think we’re doing pretty good!
Why is it some women have no menstrual cramps and some have cramps from hell?
There are a few reasons for this, but one thing to know is that they shouldn’t be unbearable. If they are, it’s usually a sign that something abnormal is going on in your reproductive area. One of the culprits could be Uterine fibroids. Uterine Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that originates from the smooth muscle layer of the Uterus. Depending on the size, they can usually be detected through a normal Pap smear. Then usually followed by an ultrasound.
Once you find out the culprit of your horrible cramps, you should be researching the best way to heal yourself. In the meantime what do you do to relieve the pain? Well if you’re like me then you probably don’t want to continuously fill your body with stomach or liver damaging products such as Ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
So what works?
Acupuncture! No kidding. Well at least for me anyway. I first tried it in 2009. I couldn’t believe it. It worked. I got it a week before my next period and I had no abdominal cramps. A little in my back, which is where they didn’t put the needles. But none in my abdomen. Now don’t get me wrong, acupuncture didn’t make my menstrual cycle a walk on the beach. I still felt sensitive to anything cold touching my body. Still tired. Still felt slight cramps in my back and my stomach felt like the pain was waiting to come back at any moment. But I went from rocking back and fourth in the fetal position on my bed, to just needing to take it easy while still handling my business.
What about the needles? Do they hurt?
Honestly it depends on the acupuncturist. They say Chinese style is more intense because of the style of needles. Japanese is said to be a more gentle style. I think I’ve had them all, including Korean. But only once did it hurt, and in all fairness the guy did warn me that his style was more aggressive. With everyone else I went to, I felt fine. It’s not like sticking a sewing needle in you. And they don’t stick them all the way in. I’ve been amazed with the outcome.
Acupuncture can get expensive. Especially when treating something like fibroids. I was advised to go at least 3 times a month. That can be anywhere from $65-$180 a session.
So what else relieves menstrual cramps? I discovered something called Moon Cycle Tea from Nuwati Herbals. Nuwati Herbals are natural Native American influenced products. I stumbled across their product one day while visiting a Native American store on Venice Beach.
I tried the Moon Cycle tea and was amazed. First off, it always feels good to sip on some tea while on your period. But Moon Cycle has herbs like Black Cohosh and Dong Quai in it which are know to treat women menstrual issues.
My writing partner says it helps her but she has to keep drinking quite a bit of it. I usually need 2-3 cups on a bad day. Either way you can usually find some Moon Cycle Tea in the pantry of either one of our houses.
So to sum it all up:
There real cure for your horrible cramps would be to treat issue causing them in the first place. But to relieve yourself of some of the pain, I give 2 thumbs up to Acupuncture and Moon Cycle Tea.
I know, I know what you’re saying… prayers aren’t always answered? Yuh huh!!! Yes they are! Okay then, you’re right. They are always answered. So why is it then that we’ve all had moments in our lives when we’ve prayed and prayed and prayed for something and got nothing? We’ve meditated on and visualized our desires and still… crickets. The Bible says, “…ask and you shall receive.” Simple, right? Sure, as long as you’re asking for what you actually want. And therein lies the issue. Many times in life we are asking for things we don’t actually want. We think we know what we want, but do we really?
One thing most people pray for in life is money! If I were to offer you $10M right now, I bet you would take it, right? Of course! Now, what if as I were sliding the briefcase over to you I informed you that you couldn’t spend any of it… EVER. What now? Would you still want the $10M? I’m sure the answer would be no. What’s the point of having all that money if you can’t spend it? So then, it’s really not the money you want is it? Then what do you want?
You want what the money can get you. And what can money get you? Well there’s cars and big houses and trips and clothes and shoes and ummmm… oh! Now you can quit the job you hate and finally pursue your passion for gardening. Basically, now you can be free! That’s why little pieces of green paper with men’s faces on them are so valuable… they can buy you freedom. Freedom to do what you want, have what you want, go where you want, etc. So really, it’s freedom that you want, but you’ve been praying for green pieces of paper!
The reality is your prayers are always answered. The Universe, God, The Source, Consciousness whatever you call it always gives us exactly what we want. The problem is, many times we are asking for things we don’t actually want.
Underneath every desire is a core desire; the real desire. For money, the core desire is usually freedom. For other desires in your life, there are other core desires. The key is to dig beneath the surface of your superficial wish and discover what you really want when you’re asking The Universe for something. A great way to do so is just what we did with the money example. Ask yourself if whatever you’re desiring was all you could have, no perks, no bonuses, just the desire, would you still want it? Would you be satisfied? If the answer is no, then you can be sure there is a core desire underneath that must be discovered. Usually the core desires fall into general, universal categories like: I want to be happy. I want to be free. I want to have peace of mind, etc. The Universe doesn’t work well with mixed messages. When you are clear about what you really want it will manifest much more quickly than when your desires are clouded by confusion.
The next time you decide you want something; make sure you do a little digging first and find out what your core desire is; what is it you really want? Then ask for that. If you want freedom in your life, ask for freedom; not money to get you freedom. Cut out the middle man. Let go of the picture of how you think it should be and just ask for your core desire. It will absolutely manifest. God will absolutely give you what you ask for. It may not look the way you imagined it would, but trust it will be exactly what you want!
Did you know that it’s best to eat fruit on an empty stomach? You can eat something else about 20-30 minutes after eating fruit since that’s about how long it takes for fruit to exit the stomach completely. But you should wait about 3 hours after eating a meal before eating fresh fruit. That’s why having a smoothie for breakfast may be your best choice. Then 30 minutes later, you can eat something else.
Eating things in the right order can keep your digestive track clear and running smoothly. Some foods when combined with each other can ferment in the stomach and create a breading ground for bacteria.
Eating foods in the right combination can protect against problems such as IBS, constipation, gas and acid reflux.
There is a lot of information out on this matter which can be quite overwhelming. So for now lets start with fruit.
Just remember eat after fruit, not before.
Stay tune when we talk about mixing starches and nuts….
In beautiful sunny California, it is quite common to hear people freaking out or complaining when it rains. Okay, you get a pass to freak out if you live somewhere in the hills, considering the risk of mudslides. Everyone else should just relax.
Rain should be celebrated. It is nourishment to our planet. We want everything to be beautiful and plush without allowing the process in which it takes to get there.
I think we need cloudy and rainy days to relax our spirit a little bit. It creates a change of pace. Sometimes I feel so tired or lazy on a rainy day. Instead of fighting it, I have been practicing to just flow with it. Even if I have to work, I allow my energy to be relaxed and mellow.
It may be good to meditate while it’s raining and allow yourself to be on a different vibration than ususal. If rain brings fourth growth and vegetation to the land. Imagine what it may bring fourth inside of you.
In places of desert such as California, people use to do rain dances to welcome rain to come. Now I feel so many people are almost doing a go away dance every time they stump their feet and say “Aw man it’s raining.”
I mostly work outside, so no It wouldn’t be good for business if it rained everyday. But I can appreciate it every now and then. I need an excuse sometimes to relax and sit still. These moments help me to check in with Self and see what I need.
So thank you rain. Thank you for falling upon our land and making it so beautiful. Thank you for relaxing me. And when the sun comes back, I can appreciate it more than last time I saw it.
calivegans 