Day 2 of the juicing cleanse

I am on day 2 of my juicing project.  I must say it was really fun to go buy a basket full of variety of veggies and fruits.  I felt 1 step healthier and in control just by putting them in my cart.  I could just hear the cashier, saying, "wow this girl is so healthy!"  Ok, that is my ego talking, but the real benefits will come when I am alone w/ me and a cookie and I have to choose my juice instead.  That is "real" power!  You making the choice for YOU!

2 days ago when I started, I weighed approx. 121.5 Ibs.  My neck was aching every day (the back part), my face was puffy, especially under my eyes.  I had severe acne on my chin area..approx. 5 boils running from my chin down my neck.  My energy was low.  My depression and dealing w/ the reality that my supposidly "best" friend was no longer my friend and all his family that I had poured years of my attention and love into, where no longer my friends, was taking its toll.  I felt lethargic and really unmotivated for much.  There were days I would get a burst of energy, but mostly on auto pilot.

On Day 2, approx. 48 hours on the cleanse, I am weighing 117.5 Ibs.  On a side note, this was not my goal to loose weight and since my body is working out and dropping at this pace, I decided to add whole grain oatmeal (1 c./day) and 2 handful of almonds (which I did 24 hours into the cleanse)  My goal is to clear up my skin, and to feel a sense of motivation again.  I also want to mitigate any toxin buildup during this stressful time, so taking all these veggies and fruit will up the antibodies!  Today, I have noticed a difference in the puffiness under my eyes.  I woke up more energetic.  I see less inflamation and redness in my face, but I still have those lingering boils that were there when I started.  I will let you know on what day those dissapear.

I am feeling excited about this process and will be showing you before and after photos.  If I can go through this stressful process w/ all these unattractive side effects, and see major results from juicing, then I know you can too!  I willl keep you all updated!



Danette Allen Fitness www.danetteallenfitness.com Body Heart Mind Soul Health & Fitness Retreats, Exercise Workouts, Nutrition, Visualization & More

New juicing fast for me

As you may all soon find out, I am going through a divorce.  Not a nice divorce (are there any out there)  I was super naive to think that there was a possiblity in that scenario.  This a divorce that has us clawing at one another, me changing the locks on my home-afraid for my safety, one where I am discovering lying, deceit financially, not to mention being more financially strapped then I have ever been.  Trying to focus on being the best,  kindest mom to my girls, all while working to put food in my babies mouths.

During this time of incredible stress, I do know it can have learning experiences for me.  Me being a huge health advocate, I am discovering health changes in my body.  My neck is in chronic pain and on the nights where I am not sleeping, fearing for my life, I awake to large boils/zits, whatever you want to call them, but just for the record..they are huge!  They are covering my neck, in particular by my vocal cords and on my chin.  My neck hurts all the way through my trapz and I am discovering knee discomfort.  I think I can live w/ the knee and neck, but the large, painful boils/zits exposed on my face, leaves me very humble and desperate to find something that can help me heal and hopefully others.  I am wanting to start a site that will help anyone get the body of their dreams, the health of their dreams and have so much beauty that they look years younger!

I am going to start on Monday, implementing this cleanse/fast...I will take before and after pictures and we will see what happens to my skin!!
http://www.freedomyou.com/fasting_book/Fasting_For_Overcoming_Stress.htm

Wish me luck and I will keep you posted!



Danette Allen Fitness www.danetteallenfitness.com Body Heart Mind Soul Health & Fitness Retreats, Exercise Workouts, Nutrition, Visualization & More

Yummy Soul Food that feeds your soul and your body

When I made my 4 year old french toast the other day, I was recieved w/ so much exuberance.  She absolutely loved them and ate 2-3 of them and not only that but wanted them for bfast, lunch for 3 days straight.  She said they were delicious and I felt good about giving her something she would eat, enjoy, bond w/, and that was nurishing her body.  I do not like to cook.  I don't like spending a lot of time in the kitchen..it brings up a lot of emotion of feeling like I need to domesticate for a man or that I was only born to stand in front of the stove or the sink.  But I do love making food that is healthy and unique.  If I can create something that tastes good and is good for the body as well as the soul, it makes me sing.

So here is my french toast recipe!  Take 1 slc of ezekiel break, whole wheat nan bread, or low carb-high fiber tortilla.  Mix & whip together 2 eggs, 1 egg white/ 1 tsp. vanilla/ 2 tsp. cinnamon.  Heat skillet and cover the bread of choice cover in egg mixture and cook on med. heat for approx. 30 sec. on each side..Top w/ sliced banana & crushed walnuts, drizzle w/ 100 % maple syrup.  So yummp, so good for you!

Ok so on Saturdays when I have my girls, it is pizza and movie night.  I love pizza and there are not very many kids who don't either.  Something about laying a blanket down on the family room floor, popping in a movie and sitting in a circle, eating pizza and watching a movie that bonds you!  I have two homemade pizza ideas for you that are super quick and you can feel good about eating w/ the children.
Creamy Chicken Artichoke Pizza:
Take a premade whole wheat nan bread (usually found in your specility deli section by the hummus and pita chips)
Top w/ 2 Tbsp. low fat alfredo sauce, place non hormone chx breast on top and artichoke hearts.  You can also add kalamato olives to taste if you like.  Sprinkle feta cheese on top and bake it on 375 for approx. 8 min. until cheese is melted and sauce is warm

Cheesey Pinnapple Pizza:  ( my little Sarah's favorite)

Take Nan bread or whole wheat pita bread.  Top w/ marinara sauce (you put it on as thick as you like)  sprinkle \ italian or pizza seasoning.  Then add fresh pinnapple..Top w/ low fat mozz. cheese or feta (most kids do not like feta).  Bake in the oven on 375 for 8 min. until cheese is melted and sauce is warm.

Enjoy your family time together eating soul full food that nurishes your mind, body and your heart!