Thursday, August 30, 2012

Fall Cleanse

Ahhhh, my favorite time of year is upon us. Fall! I am trying to soak in every last moment of summer I can but the usual signs are showing me that fall is definitely approaching. School supplies are everywhere I turn, the evening breezes are getting a little cooler, and my craving for  vegan pumpkin chocolate chip muffins is growing stronger (hehe).

So, other then stocking up on pumpkin and school supplies what should you be doing? Well, perhaps you might consider a little fall cleansing...of your body! In Ayurveda your food is eaten seasonally and serves a purpose for the body. Food is not only meant to nourish the body but restore balance. When we become unbalanced we begin to hold toxins in our body which can then throw our bodies into distress. This is when you may run into health issues, everything from acne to irritable bowl to kidney stones. Yuck!

Learning about Ayurveda is pretty fascinating and takes some work. If you care to read more about it I will leave you some links at the bottom of the page. Instead I am going to tell you about some things you can do to cleanse for fall. The whole idea of cleansing for fall is to prepare your body for winter. In spring you cleans to remove the toxins left from winter and in fall you cleanse to prevent buildup of toxicity in coming months. Digestion and cellular metabolism are extremely important in keeping toxins  from building up in your system. this cleanse will strengthen those for you and give you the edge you need to maintain ultimate health.

So here's some tips:
Chew your food and be grateful!
Do you remember your mom ever telling you to slow down and chew your food? Well, turns out she was right (at least about that one)! Taking a moment to take a breathe, say grace, or give thanks to the gods, goddesses, or mother Earth before plowing through your food is actually good for digestion. Better still is to be present while you are eating. What does that mean? That means turn off the television, put down the magazine or paper, and be aware and in the moment of your eating. Not only will you vastly improve your digestion and look less like a slob shoveling in food, you might actually lose a pound. WHAT?!?! Yep, when you actually pay attention and take your time chewing and eating your food you will find that you are able to stop when you are about 3/4 full instead of ripping at the seams full. Bonus!

Spice it UP!!
There are plenty of spices that you might already have in your kitchen that will help fuel that digestive fire. Cardamom, fresh ginger, cinnamon, fennel, cumin, and turmeric are just a few spices that if added to your food will help you better absorb the nutrients that your food has to offer. You may also try fennel or ginger tea to enhance digestion.

Exercise and Massage!
To keep your cellular metabolism in good working condition you must get that body moving and then massage. It is suggested that the best way to exercise is to have to periods of exercise: morning- stimulating, night- restorative. Yoga is super great for this but not everyone is a yogi and some of us don't feel like we have exercised at all without running, lifting, or doing mountain climbers till we puke. So for those of you who are like that...just make sure you are staying consistent. And if you can throw in some restorative yoga in there somewhere, gold star!

Massage is truly medicinal. It is also vital in a cleanse. Your body is working overtime when you cleanse to purify all bodily systems. Your liver, your g.i. tract, your digestive system; all of them are working hard to get the toxins out. Massage helps move the lymphatic fluids to lymph nodes which helps the bod build healthy, toxin free tissue. If you can't afford a massage, self-massage. If you self- massage just make sure to stroke in the direction of the heart. A little light oil or soap, if in shower, help.

and lastly...Hydrate!
Adequate water will assist in every cleanse you ever do. Water helps flush those toxins out of your body. However, there is such a thing as too much water so 1oz of water for each lb of body weight is what's recommended.

Happy cleansing!!!

To learn more:

If you would like to learn even more about living a healthy and happy life please email Ellie to schedule a free Health History @ lovelightandwellbeing@gmail.com

Monday, August 27, 2012

Playing Up the Positive

What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: Our life is the creation of our mind. ~Buddha

What are you thankful for today? What are 3 good things that happened today?
As you start to settle into the last moments of your day, think about these questions. Better yet, go buy yourself and small spiral notebook to keep beside your bed, and each night before you turn out the lights, write in that little book what those things are. It's not a diary, you don't have to tell about your whole day or spill your guts (unless you want to of course), just make a short simple list. I like the 3 good things list.

It's amazing what a little positive journaling will do to your life. This little trick has been shown in studies to help people feel more happy. Why? Because, at the end of the day, often times we are exhausted or feeling beaten down, spent, wanting to throw the towel in. Somehow that 5-10 minutes that you take to think about just 3 good things in your day allow you to feel some sort of release...see the silver lining, if you will. Power of positive thinking!

Begin to notice the ripple effect. You may begin to become more aware of those little moments in your day of positivity. Maybe a little boy, acting all gentlemen-like held a door for you, or maybe you got green lights all the way to work, or maybe the barisita at your local coffee shop gave you a free shot in your soy latte today, or maybe you woke up with great hair! It's the little things, and they add up. Beginning to note those things each day will turn one awful day into a not so horrible day.

Give it a shot!
Love Light and Wellbeing!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Eat Like A God/Goddess on a Budget!

It's no secret to most of my friends and family that I am an avid vegan and vegan supporter. I love how I feel morally and health wise. I eat a super healthy diet packed with nutrients and yes protein and never feel sick or deprived by my choices. I can also bench press a 160 lb  person if need be...just sayin'.

What I find interesting is that the most popular question that comes my way, other then the typical "how do you get your protein" question, is how do I afford it? To be honest, when I eat out I am lucky to live in such a metropolitan of choices. However, I cook a lot at home, by myself or with my boyfriend. For the most part we don't eat processed or what's often called "fake" meat. My fridge is stocked with fresh veggies and fruits and my cupboards full of whole grains like brown rice and quinoa. Yes, I food shop often, but my total grocery bill per week is fairly low compared to those stocking up on processed foods like boxed cereals, chips, cookies, pre-made lunchables (gross!) and the like. The key is to stay away from that crap. 

Sure, we are all busy and convenience is what we all thrive for, but at what cost? Your health? Your family's health? Take the time to prepare a meal with a little love and patience. Stay away from those middle isles in the grocery store piled high with sugar and preservatives. And if you think you can't hack it on a tight budget, think again.

Check out the Environmental Working Group. This organization has made it easy for you by  putting together a list of 100 inexpensive foods that are high in nutrients and contain little to no pesticides, contaminants, and artificial ingredients.

SO, Stop the excuses. Get Healthy!!

Friday, August 24, 2012

The Big Leap


I
t has taken me a long while to decide on what I wished this blog to be. Although, I know that it will take time to shape itself, I am ready to start. Most endevours into the unknown are quite scary and so one must take a deep breathe, wish for the best, and leap. So, that being said, here I go.

My name is Ellie. Some know me as Ellie, Elizabeth, Liz, and for a period in my life when I was really finding myself, Larc. Whichever name people have known me by I have always been just me. Just me, someone who cares for others and has always known that my life work would be helping others, making them happy in some form or another. I never wished to be a medical doctor, although my parents may wished I had. In truth I wanted to be a rock star! Or a broadway dancer! Hey, there is still time, no?

My first taste of the holistic healing realm came when an exit from college, where I was dancing myself into a depression, led me to massage school. well, my mom gets credit for that actually. (Thanks Mom!) Her insistence that I had magic hands led me to a 6-month intense training massage school. What an experience! My mind was blown. Long story shorter, I spent a couple of years as a Massage Therapist, then got into Personal Training, and am now in the deep midst of becoming a Holistic Health Counselor. My training has all led me to a place where I feel confident in helping others mind, body, and spirit...and I couldn't be happier!!

ABOUT
So, what is Love Light and Wellbeing? This is a combination of my trades. This is a blog where I can share what I know to those that care and to those that I care about. It's a place where I will share fun healthy ideas, whether that's a new recipe, a new exercise, or a new meditation. Take what you want from this blog and feel free to pass it a long to those you think may like it.

If you are interested in delving deeper into a healthier, happier you then I encourage you to contact me for a free health history at lovelightandwellbeing@gmail.com.