Bodhimed

I'm happy to say that I'm feeling quite good!  Maybe I've moved through a phase, because even with my two year old waking up vomiting at 4:30 a.m., my energy level was a lot better today.

I'm in Phase 2 of the Ejuva cleanse now, which means that I'm taking the herbs twice a day instead of once. The program recommends reducing meals during this week to twice a day, but since I'm kindof just eating as I get hungry, I'm continuing with this minimal intake diet. I'm not very hungry at all, probably because my choices aren't especially appetizing.  Don't get me wrong, I love fruit and veggies.  I'm just having some weird visceral reaction that makes anything raw, other than grapes, look kindof nauseating.

In addition to being super excited to see the results of doing a four week cleanse, my Ayurvedically trained mind needs to address a few concerns. Ayurveda teaches that an all raw diet can be aggravating to Vata dosha. Because raw foods are high in prana, in vital life force, and also in the elements air and space, it increases those elements within the body as well. So - summer is definitely the best time to do a raw food cleanse, so that we do not bring too much of the cold, dry Vata qualities into the system.

Also, Ayurveda teaches that unless one has strong agni, or digestive fire, the nutrients in raw food are not fully accessible. Part of why I'm doing this cleanse is to improve my agni, so I'm willing to go with this one and let the cleansing effects of a raw diet show themselves.

During a cleanse, it is less about optimal nutrition than during normal life. This is the time for putting as little new burden on the digestive process as possible so that the body's energy can be devoted to eliminating old toxins.

I'm trying to maintain an observer status of myself.  It's very interesting, and a little inconvenient, that I'm experiencing some repulsion toward all the raw hummus I spent 4 days preparing. Same goes for the walnut and veggie dip I made.  I just get totally turned off to it as soon as I sit down to eat. I'm doing ok with fruit and nuts, but even salad is just looking really unappetizing. I'm sure it's just a phase that will turn around. Or at least I'm hoping so, because I have 21 more days of this.  And I keep reminding myself that I've chosen this.

So what's for dinner?

Well....I have to admit Day 4 was hard. I was hungry and I couldn't find anything to eat that was appealing.  I began my day enthusiastically at 6:15 a.m., rushing off to Kettlebell class. Bad move. I mustered every ounce of strength I had to make it through class, but by the end I felt really zapped. Now I realize I was definitely drawing on my reserves, and as a result I felt drained all day.

I found a bit of a boost in a delicious raw chocolate drink that I made from a recipe I surprisingly found in a United Airlines magazine this winter. Here's the recipe, just blend them all together in a blender on high speed until smooth:

12 oz. water

4 ice cubes

1 Tbs. raw cacao nibs or powder

1 Tbs raw almond butter

1 Tbs raw agave nectar

1 tsp. coconut oil

3 drops vanilla extract

pinch of pink Himalayan crystal salt

I'm still totally psyched to be doing this cleanse, which is a good sign. My chickpeas are sprouting finally today. I can't wait to make raw hummus. I've been wanting something hearty like that. It was easier today on the food scene because I had lunch at Body of Santa Fe, which features raw, vegan options on their menu. I had a raw lasagna made with sliced zucchini, spinach, olives, pine nut cheese and tomatoes. It was delicious. I even splurged on the raw chocolate ganache cake for dessert. It was such a delight to have such a beautiful meal prepared by someone else. I've been reading lots of raw recipes lately, and they can be extremely labor intensive. Since someone else was cooking, I decided to go all out.

My energy level is good and I feel really clear. I had a great meditation this morning, feeling very light. I don't think it's a coincidence that while I'm taking this huge step to get clean and clear physically, I'm also committing to a huge business investment for Bodhimed. I'm definitely embarking on a very exciting phase of my life with the business and with my personal well-being.

It's really helpful for me as a Vata type of person to have deadlines and schedules. I can accomplish a cleanse with a clear daily program, and a predetermined ending date. I also can achieve more with a business gameplan and the support of mentors than I can when left to my own devices. Although I am proud of what I've created for Bodhimed, I am super excited to grow it to its full potential with help from business experts.