Ever felt that you have a washing machine in your head? The same thoughts run through your mind over and over again? I call this the washing machine effect. And trying to banish them just seems to have the opposite effect? I once read "what we resist persists". I no longer fight my own thoughts. I try to observe them, accept them and let them pass. Most of the persistent thoughts are of what has happened in the past. So I guess I need to drag my mind back to the present.
At the end of my aerial yoga class, we have 10 minutes relaxation time suspended cocoon like in our sling. With a tired body, this quiet time is an opportunity to focus the mind. Mentally filling our bodies with rejuvinating light and focusing on positive thoughts, the session ends with everyone feeling relaxed and rejuvinated. Everyone smiles and leaves feeling uplifted. They are not focused on anything that happened before the class. This has taught me so much about being present and how that changes our thoughts and our lives.
If you are not into meditation, take time to clear your mind. This really works after intense exercise. Sit down, relax and close your eyes. Adjust your breath and your thoughts. See what happens.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Monday, February 20, 2017
To Detox?
Most people feel noticeably better when they are living a low carb lifestyle. Sometimes we slip, or treat ourselves. When we try to get back on track again we still have the cravings for carbs. Sugar can be addictive, and the more we eat, the more we tend to crave it. After a holiday or weekend away, I try to find three days in a row when I can detox and rid myself of those craving.
I am about to try the detox on skinnyms.com. Eating a low carb regime for a few days, using key ingredients to rid your body of unwanted cravings can help you get back to your low carb lifestyle.
I use recipes with fruit and vegetables, mainly juices and soups to revive me. I try to avoid complex carbs, fats and dairy on these days. Someone once told me, if you feel hungry drink something. Often hunger and thirst can be confused. First drink water and then see if you are still hungry before resorting to a quick snack.
During my detox, I also avoid caffeine and concentrated fruit juice. I choose herbal tea, water, and perhaps a refresher. This is over and above the freshly made veg/fruit combination that may be part of the detox.
Feel ready to try.........good luck and remember it's only for 3 days. Don't think about it too much and keep busy.
I am about to try the detox on skinnyms.com. Eating a low carb regime for a few days, using key ingredients to rid your body of unwanted cravings can help you get back to your low carb lifestyle.
I use recipes with fruit and vegetables, mainly juices and soups to revive me. I try to avoid complex carbs, fats and dairy on these days. Someone once told me, if you feel hungry drink something. Often hunger and thirst can be confused. First drink water and then see if you are still hungry before resorting to a quick snack.
During my detox, I also avoid caffeine and concentrated fruit juice. I choose herbal tea, water, and perhaps a refresher. This is over and above the freshly made veg/fruit combination that may be part of the detox.
Feel ready to try.........good luck and remember it's only for 3 days. Don't think about it too much and keep busy.
The Battle of the Carbs
My husband and I follow a low carb lifestyle during the week, but when our boys come home from school for the weekends the carbs tend to creep back in. Roast chicken without roast potatoes and gravy doesn't seem right! I am not trying to loose weight, but am just trying to eat well and feel well.
I make informed choices about food, but allow myself a treat every now and again.
There are a number of smart choices you can make. Try small changes at a time. These all add up to a significant improvement over time.
We always only eat rye or wholewheat bread (occasionally). My children have adapted to the taste and eat the rye bread willingly.
Pancakes are a treat, not breakfast. We always eat breakfast and have the pancakes for a treat at tea time. this way I only make one batch and we all eat less of them. Pancakes made with flour substitutes just don't taste the same, but if you have a good recipe stick with it.
I add cinnamon to oats porridge, add extra water and cook them over a simmer for 30 minutes. This way the oat flakes burst open, filling you up and they taste better. Add honey if you must, but once you get used to eating them without you really don't miss it. Save the honey for the croissant you treat yourself to on your birthday.
Making jam without sugar is a great choice. Berries work well with this and you really taste the fruit without the over powering taste of sugar. Eaten on a piece of rye bread with nut butter, this is a guilt free snack. Just remember without the sugar, the jam does not last as long and must be stored in the fridge.
Eat high cocoa content chocolate. Yes, it is more expensive, but the taste is much richer and you need to eat less. Eating high sugar chocolate makes you want to eat more. I also cook with high cocoa chocolate. The richness of taste once you are used to it, is very enjoyable.
Cheese cake is a great option. It has a lower carb ratio than cake and usually has less sugar than a cake with icing.
Low flour or no flour chocolate cakes are a better choice. Add ganache made with high cocoa chocolate for less sugar. Sugar is addictive, the more you have the more you want.
Every now and then have your cake and eat it. Make sure it's your favourite and you invite friends round to share it, so that's it's finished when they are gone and you will not be tempted to eat it. I love cooking and baking for friends. It is very rewarding and less for you to eat alone.
Milk based desserts are lower in carbs. If you make them yourself, you know what's in them. Custard and ice-cream are favourites in our family. Paired with homemade jelly using fruit juice is a great choice.
Fruit is not something we can do without. Choosing fruit with lower sugar content makes good sense. Eat seasonal fruit for the best benefits. My choices: berries, apples, pears, plums, apricots, nectarines.
High sugar fruit: mango, grapes, papaya, guava, banana, pineapple..
Eating plane yoghurt with fruit and chia seeds (that have been soaked overnight in water) is a great snack option. Make your own yoghurt with no added sugar.
I enjoy salami topped with cream cheese and cucumber for a savoury snack.
Refreshers and no sugar iced tea are a better choice for than fruit juice. You can get creative with fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices to enjoy varied and easy to make drinks.
See my blog for great low carb recipes. moms practical pocketbook guides
I make informed choices about food, but allow myself a treat every now and again.
There are a number of smart choices you can make. Try small changes at a time. These all add up to a significant improvement over time.
We always only eat rye or wholewheat bread (occasionally). My children have adapted to the taste and eat the rye bread willingly.
Pancakes are a treat, not breakfast. We always eat breakfast and have the pancakes for a treat at tea time. this way I only make one batch and we all eat less of them. Pancakes made with flour substitutes just don't taste the same, but if you have a good recipe stick with it.
I add cinnamon to oats porridge, add extra water and cook them over a simmer for 30 minutes. This way the oat flakes burst open, filling you up and they taste better. Add honey if you must, but once you get used to eating them without you really don't miss it. Save the honey for the croissant you treat yourself to on your birthday.
Making jam without sugar is a great choice. Berries work well with this and you really taste the fruit without the over powering taste of sugar. Eaten on a piece of rye bread with nut butter, this is a guilt free snack. Just remember without the sugar, the jam does not last as long and must be stored in the fridge.
Eat high cocoa content chocolate. Yes, it is more expensive, but the taste is much richer and you need to eat less. Eating high sugar chocolate makes you want to eat more. I also cook with high cocoa chocolate. The richness of taste once you are used to it, is very enjoyable.
Cheese cake is a great option. It has a lower carb ratio than cake and usually has less sugar than a cake with icing.
Low flour or no flour chocolate cakes are a better choice. Add ganache made with high cocoa chocolate for less sugar. Sugar is addictive, the more you have the more you want.
Every now and then have your cake and eat it. Make sure it's your favourite and you invite friends round to share it, so that's it's finished when they are gone and you will not be tempted to eat it. I love cooking and baking for friends. It is very rewarding and less for you to eat alone.
Milk based desserts are lower in carbs. If you make them yourself, you know what's in them. Custard and ice-cream are favourites in our family. Paired with homemade jelly using fruit juice is a great choice.
Fruit is not something we can do without. Choosing fruit with lower sugar content makes good sense. Eat seasonal fruit for the best benefits. My choices: berries, apples, pears, plums, apricots, nectarines.
High sugar fruit: mango, grapes, papaya, guava, banana, pineapple..
Eating plane yoghurt with fruit and chia seeds (that have been soaked overnight in water) is a great snack option. Make your own yoghurt with no added sugar.
I enjoy salami topped with cream cheese and cucumber for a savoury snack.
Refreshers and no sugar iced tea are a better choice for than fruit juice. You can get creative with fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices to enjoy varied and easy to make drinks.
See my blog for great low carb recipes. moms practical pocketbook guides
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Detox Recipes
A three day detox is a wonderful way to refresh your body. There are plenty of ideas on the web to get you started. My favourite regime is to use good living juices and soups. After a weekend of celebration and treats for my son's birthday this is the way to go. Here are some ideas for juice recipes. Combine fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices and water or coconut water to boost your body.
Apple, Cucumber and Mint
1 apple peeled and cubed
1/2 cucumber peeled and cubed, seeds removed
1/2t grated ginger
1T lime juice
Place in a blend until smooth. Add more filtered water if needed.
Pineapple, Carrot and Coconut
1 pineapple peeled and cubed
1 large grated carrot
1/2t grated ginger (optional)
1 cup no sugar coconut water or freshly squeezed orange juice
Place in a blend until smooth.
Pear, Strawberry and Celery
1 apple peeled and cubed
1/2 cup strawberries chopped
1 stick celery outer skin removed and finely chopped
pinch of cinnamon
1/2 cup filtered water
Blend and serve over ice with lemon and mint.
Watermelon, Mint and Lemon
3T mint leaves
1/2 cup boiling water
2 cups watermelon peeled, cubed and seeds removed
1T lemon juice
Steep the mint in the boiling water. Remove the mint and allow to cool. Place the cooled water, melon and lemon juice in a blender. Blend and serve over ice with lemon and mint.
Apple, Cucumber and Mint
1 apple peeled and cubed
1/2 cucumber peeled and cubed, seeds removed
1/2t grated ginger
1T lime juice
Place in a blend until smooth. Add more filtered water if needed.
Pineapple, Carrot and Coconut
1 pineapple peeled and cubed
1 large grated carrot
1/2t grated ginger (optional)
1 cup no sugar coconut water or freshly squeezed orange juice
Place in a blend until smooth.
Pear, Strawberry and Celery
1 apple peeled and cubed
1/2 cup strawberries chopped
1 stick celery outer skin removed and finely chopped
pinch of cinnamon
1/2 cup filtered water
Blend and serve over ice with lemon and mint.
Watermelon, Mint and Lemon
3T mint leaves
1/2 cup boiling water
2 cups watermelon peeled, cubed and seeds removed
1T lemon juice
Steep the mint in the boiling water. Remove the mint and allow to cool. Place the cooled water, melon and lemon juice in a blender. Blend and serve over ice with lemon and mint.
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