Having Value on Day 62

photo by Alastair Bird

Do you ever have those moments when a light bulb turns on in your head? And you think, "My goodness, I get it!"

I would like to share something that Katrina sent me to help me cope with my occasional emotional breakdowns.

"...emotions are just so much more accessible when not buried under layers of toxic food medication. One thing that has really helped me is to think of what Ecart Tolle calls the "pain body" We all have it. It is strong, and it doesn't like to be ignored, and when it feels threatened by something like non-causal joy, bliss, self-love, pouring over of the heart love cup, it rises up nice and strong and says "please don't forget me!"

Word for word, that pretty much sums it up.

Thank you, Katrina and a special thank you to Melissa who talked me through yesterday. She is someone I am so grateful for. I am so very blessed that she has entered my life.

I will be reading the words of Eckhart Tolle very soon.

From time to time I read blogs where people want to embark on a Juice Feasting journey and they are doing so without their friends' or families' knowledge for fear of what they will think.

That is unfortunate. If anything, this whole process has made me realize the importance of having some sort of support during Juice Feasting. Whether it be a fellow feaster, the forums at Juicefeasting.com or with your sister (Love you Mo)

I don't know if I have mentioned this before but this is my second juice feasting opportunity in a year's time.

The first go around I juice feasted 28 wonderful days. I realize now I stopped for the very actions that are plaguing me now. I was too fearful of my own greatness. A part of me didn't feel of value, not worthy. I didn't understand what was happening to me so I took the easy way out and stopped.

But it was all good, because it wasn't my time. Now is.

The only difference (beside drinking more green juices than fruit) between the two feasts is having the support like never before.

If you have any notion to participate in a Juice Feast, I would encourage you to do so. You are will be doing it at a time where the support (like the juices) is in abundance. Especially if you do it in March with the Global Juice Feast 2008. That would be a perfect time to start.

Juice Feasting has been the hardest and most challenging thing I have ever did in my life. It has forced me to pay attention to me (and what my body needs) in ways I have never done before.

And I'm totally worth it!

photo by Usokchoe

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

1 quart lemon water with MSM

2 quarts red and green cabbage/celery/carrots/lemon

2 quarts grapefruit/blood orange juice/MSM

2 quarts water

16 oz tea with Break stone

Day 61 Recap

photo by UsokChoe
Okay for those who would like to know how the rest of day 61 of my juice feast went, imagine this.

Terilynn in the parking lot of Sunflower Farmer's Market crying her heart out while her two youngest children sleep peacefully in the back of the Suzuki.

Melissa returning Terilynn's phone call and talking her off the ledge. Melissa summed it up beautifully. If you are trying to figure out the source of the unexplained turmoil than you are holding on to it. Terilynn doesn't want to hold on to this crap. That's why she's juice feasting.

Why in the world am I discussing my despair in the third person? Because it feels (my gracious, THAT word again) as if it didn't happen. At least not to me. It's surreal, just as quickly as those emotions surfaced, they dissipated.

I never imagined that when I went on this juice feasting adventure that I would have to deal with emotional detoxing more than physical. It's some scary sh**.

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water with MSM
2 quarts kale/celery/bell pepper/carrot/cayenne
1 quarts grapefruit/orange/MSM/Alfafa powder

1 quart water
16 oz tea with Breakstone tea

Tears of a Clown on Day 61 of Terilynn's Juice Feast

photo by stvcr

"But don't let my glad expression

give you the wrong impression.

Really I'm sad. Oh, sadder than sad."

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

Can someone explain to me how someone who has their head on (semi-)straight but can feel so confused? I don't know.

Today the feast is taking me for a ride. I feel great and confident and sexy and wonderful but something beneath the surface is telling me it's all a facade.

The calm before the storm. Something is lurking and I feel it brewing and it's bringing out my insecurities.

I am a strong black woman with hopes and goals and dreams and I know in my heart that whatever I want in this world I will get.

But whatever is beneath the surface is causing me to doubt myself.
And I can't pinpoint what it is and I don't like the situation at all.

I feel competitive where there's no competition.

I don't feel recognized even though those I adore, adore me

I feel slighted where I do don't need to be.

I feel, I feel, I feel, blah, blah, blah.

I'm kind of over talking about how I feel. I just want to be and stop feeling anything other than good. But that's not really realistic now is it?

Day 60 of Terilynn's Juice Feast

photo by Leo Reynolds

Wow! Two months of juice! Amazing! I feel simply amazing!

Who knew?

Well, except for the sore throat I've had for a few days now. In my teens and early twenties I would wake up in the mornings with a sore throat. That has started happening again. I don't know what has triggered it but it passes as the day wears on and returns before I go to bed.

My two youngest children have been sick with colds and it could be that or I could be detoxing, who knows. Other than the sore throat, I feel amazing. I can't say that enough.

I will start my parasite cleanse any day now. I haven't received my kit yet. That should come in the next few days. Will be nice to get those little buggers out of my colon, right?

Day 60 photo
WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon juice with MSM
2 quarts kale/celery/carrot/hemp oil
2 quarts grapefruit juice/MSM/Alfalfa powder (I need a boost of vitamin C)
2 quarts water
16 oz tea with Break Stone

Feeling naughty on Day 59 of Juice Feast

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water with MSM
2 quarts kale/mung bean sprouts/celery/tomato/jalapeno
1 quart grapefruit/MSM/Alfalfa
1 quart blueberry/pear16 oz tea with Breakstone

I am such a creature of habit. I don't stray too much from my juice choices now do I? And I have noticed that my choices are pretty simple. Very few ingredients, which is fine with me.

I have started creating dishes for the Daily Raw Cafe that I will be showcasing in the next few weeks. I have noticed that the recipes are basic and simple also. Not a whole lot of nuts or dehydrated dishes. I have utilized more vegetables and sprouts.

It will be interesting to see how I will eat once my feast is over. Which to be honest, I'm not looking forward to it ending.

It's makes me a bit bummed that I don't taste my creations. That's part of the fun. But, I do find the actually creating process very soothing. Gives me the warm and fuzzies.

Fortunately, I have a house full of tasters. As a matter of fact, my 8-year-old daughter is becoming quite the raw food cuisine specialist. She is able to tell me what seasoning is needed. I double check with my husband and she's right on the mark.

At the rawluck she was able to relay the ingredients in certain dishes that she ate. She sounded very knowledgeable. She did her mama proud.

I started my kitchen garden. On Friday I sprouted lentils and mung beans. The mung beans I used in my juice today and it makes an interesting juice. Very earthy, the sweetness of the tomatoes mellow the mung beans.

I'm in bright spirits, which is always good. I actually feel kind of sexy and sexual today. If you can understand that. That was kind of random but I thought I would share.

I have also been "that sensual girl" by nature, but lately it has been a bit in excess. Which is all good, my husband will be home soon. ;)

Sunny in Colorado

photo by Leo Reynolds

Day 58 of my juice feast leaves me full of juices, happy and basking in the wonderful, (much needed) sunlight. I asked my husband when I could start playing in the garden because it was sooo warm and sunny today. His answer left me dejected. I can't start digging in the dirt until after Mother's Day. But he did say I could play in the melted snow and mud and build the fence around the garden. I passed and choose to sprout some lentils. Oh, well.

Aside from the garden, this weekend has been simply marvelous. I attended The Denver Living and Raw Food Cafe rawluck yesterday with my 8-year-old daughter and there was a great turn-out. I am loving the support that is growing in the raw food community. Especially online. It's just so inspiring!

Of course, I couldn't go to the rawluck empty-handed. I made a platter of crudites with three different flavors of flax crackers, olive tapenade and vegetable dip. The recipes I will share on The Daily Raw Cafe next week.

I, of course, sipped on my green juice.

Fortunately, the fun doesn't end. I have second rawluck to attend on Tuesday. So I will report back on that one next week also.

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

2 quarts purple kale/celery/carrot/hemp oil/cayenne

1 quarts grapefruit/MSM/Alfalfa powder

2 quarts water

16 oz tea with Break Stone

Day 57 of Juice Feast

photo by swanksalot

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

2 quarts kale/celery/carrots

1 quart grapefruit/orange/MSM/Alfalfa powder

16 oz tea with Break Stone

2 quarts water

Day 56 of Juice Feast

photo by Eva the Weaver

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
2 quarts parsley/celery/carrot
2 quarts grapefruit/orange juice
2 quarts water
16 oz tea with Break Stone

Day 56 photo

Parsley/Celery/Carrot Juice
Makes 2 quarts
2 bunches parsley
1 bunch celery
4-5 carrots, chopped
1/2-1 quart water
2 tablespoon hemp oil

1 Place celery, parsley and carrots into blender. Process until all vegetables become a thick mixture.

2 Strain mixture through a painter's straining bag (or sprouting bag) into a large bowl.

3 Pour juice into two quart-size Mason Jars. Add 1 tablespoon hemp oil per glass.

Exercise- Day 55 of Juice Feast

photo by OHoTos

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

1 quart lemon water with MSM

2 quarts parsley/tomato/celery/jalapeno/hemp oil

2 quarts grapefruit/orange/Alfafa Powder

16 oz chamomile/Valerium tea with Break Stone

2 quarts water

I have never really discussed how (or if) I exercise and Juice Feasting. So today is the day.

I do try to exercise every other day or so. Nothing major. I usually do a session or two of something for about 30-45 minutes. The first 30 days I was very consistent in running on my treadmill but it has since broke so now I rebound alot.

photo by wreford

Which is fun, I jump while watching tv. I actually have been watching American Idol. I have never watched that show. How long do those audition shows run? When do they start the actual competition portion? Inquiring minds want to know.

Melissa has me intrigued with Tibetan Rites, so I do that every morning. I also do pilates and yoga and at times I have some fun exercise DVDs the kids and I do together.

photo by alex_e14

I bring up exercise now because, soon very soon, I will start incorporating weight training into the mix. Which is good because I feel like I'm getting kind of flabby in parts. Fortunately, I build muscle rather nicely so I have no doubt I will firm up pretty well.

I had to finally break down and purchase a few pairs of jeans because even with belts my pants were swimming on me. I still have no clue of how much weight I have lost. It isn't the focus of my juice feast.

Day 54 of Juice Feast

photo by ptr
WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water with MSM
2 quarts parsley/celery/apple
1 quart grapefruit

3 quarts water
Mint/St. John's Wort tea with Break-Stone (Chanca Piedra)

I'm wondering something. Just curious, really. How do you read?
photo by austinevan
Do you read one book, start to finish before you go to the next one? Or do you bounce around? Or do you do a little of both?

I ask because, I'm currently reading three books. Not at the same time. I read a chapter or two from one book and move on to the next. Or it could be a daytime book, a bed time book and a research book.

I read The China Study straight, finished it in two days.

I'm not quite sure how I will be eating when my juice feast is over (I really don't want to think about that now) but I can pretty much guarantee that I'm not (knowingly) eating animal protein. That book scared me.

All those facts and figures.

I'm still reading "A Woman's Worth." That's my bedtime reading. I go to bed feeling really warm and fuzzy.

My daytime book is "Will Write for Food." I enjoy writing and it is a great and informative read.

My research book is "the Dictionary of Wholesome Foods." I love learning.

And the winners are....

Here are my five picks for Inspirational Blogger Award.

Melissa, Love Raw Life. I can't say enough about my gal pal Melissa. We are currently going through some heavy sh** together with the juice feasting. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Melissa is a talented, compassionate individual who doubles as super raw mom in her spare time.

Kristen at Kristen's Raw. She reminds me of an all-American girl. Smart, beautiful, athletic and raw. How can you do better than that?

Bob, at Legally Raw, is my thinking raw blog. His stories take you to places unexpected and forces you to take a look at things you never paid attention to before.

Keely, is a perfect combination of sass and class. She is the only lady I know that can carry the words "Raw Diva" and it fits so beautifully.

This last one I don't know the protocol for giving this award to someone who already possesses it. I know for a fact that he has received one, but he's soooo very fine and I love reading about his raw adventures around the world so I will pass along another award to him. Raw Model Anthony, this one's for you!

Day 53 of Juice Feast

photo by Timothy Lloyd

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water wtih MSM
1.5 quarts pineapple juice
1 quart mustard greens/celery/

carrots/jalapeno/garlic
1.5 quarts apple/pear

The Power of 39

photo by hisdoulos

Preparing raw food cuisine is a passion of mine. It gives me a creative outlet like no other, well maybe I can think of one more. Theatre.

There's nothing like the magic of going to a live performance and watching the drama unfold.

Having a expressive outlet and a place to express your creativity, no matter what it is. It is as important to individuals as it is to a community.

Here in Colorado, one of the Nation's premier African American theatres, Shadow Theatre Company, has broken racial barriers to create an environment where all are welcome.

The award-winning theatre provides leadership opportunities to middle and high school students. To allow them to develop their creative talents.

Not to mention they have been providing spectacular entertainment for over 11 years.

I believe in so strongly for what this nonprofit organization stands for and for what it means to the community, that I am dedicating the remaining days of my juice feast to this organization.

Consider this a Juice-a-thon. I am donating a $1 per day that I have left on my juice feast to the Shadow Theatre Company. In this case the power of 39 (dollars).

Of course, I would love to give $3,900. But when I donate $39 and a few hundred of my friends donate $39 and their friends, etc. That would add up pretty fast. Please give what you feel you can afford. Any amount would be appreciated and tax deductible.

If you are drawn to send The Shadow Theatre Company your support, please send check or money orders made payable to: Shadow Theatre Company, PO Box 425, Aurora, CO 80040. If you would like to donate by credit card, call 720-857-8000.

Peace and Love,

Terilynn

Wow!

“For those bloggers who inspire others through their words and actions. With a positive attitude, and an uplifting spirit these bloggers make the blogosphere a better place, and encourage others to do the same. This award is for bloggers who rise up to set an example but continue to reach out and support others.”

Today the 53rd day of My Juice Feast I have received an Inspirational Blogger Award from the lovely Shell.

Thank you so much for passing it along. The raw community is something that is very special to me and to be recognized as someone who is inspirational is quite the acclamation.

I appreciate all who take the time out of your busy days to read my rantings and recipes, I cherish you. Thank you for giving me a platform to share my passion for raw foods. In a world that at times can be so disconnected, I consider myself very blessed for the people that I have connected with through this peculiar medium.

Tradition says I shall pass this wonderful award to five others. I do have five in mind. I just need a week or two to form the words that lay in my heart. Right now, I'm a bit 'Lost in Translation' and very, very honored.

Day 52 of Juice Feast

photo by Kenitgern

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

1 quart lemon water with MSM

1 quart grapefruit juice/MSM/liquid chlorophyll

2 quarts mustard greens/celery/carrots

2 quarts water

16 oz mint tea with Break-Stone (Chanca Piedra)

I'm pulling myself from under the covers long enough to post and then I will return with my one of my inspiration books. Cold, snowy weather makes me want to curl up and do nothing. And that's what I did.

Day 51 of Juice Feast

photo by Sonia Quinn

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

1 quart lemon water with MSM

2 quarts pineapple/grapefruit

2 quarts mustard greens/celery/carrots/hemp oil/cayenne.

2 quarts water

16 oz mint tea with Break-Stone (Chanca Piedra)

Day 50 of Juice Feast

photo by Leo Reynolds
WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water with MSM
1 quart grapefruit/MSM/liquid chlorophyll
2 quarts mustard greens/cucumber/red onion
3 quarts water
16 oz mint tea with Break-Stone (Chanca Piedra)

Day 49 of Juice Feast

photo by ptr

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

1 quart lemon water with MSM

2 quarts spinach/celery/apple

1 quart grapefruit/orange/Alfalfa/MSM

2 quarts water

K.I.S.S. and Cankers on Day 48

photo by Kentigern

If it's not one thing, it's another.

Everyone knows about the emotional turmoil that was my last week. Well, I am happy to report that emotionally I feel FABULOUS! Never better. Physically, I'm good. Energy level is great.

The only thing I can report is that I have not one, but two nasty, painful canker sores. Ouch!

No grapefruit/orange juice for me. So today my juice combinations will be pretty basic.

I'm taking a cue from Raw Diva Keely and Bob and go K.I.S.S. (Keep it Simple Sexy) with my consumption choices.

Day 48 photo

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

1 quart lemon water with MSM

4 quarts spinach/celery/apple

3 quarts water

Day 47 of Juice Feast

photo by Nyx



WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water with MSM
2 quarts grapefruit/orange/Alfalfa powder/MSM
3 quarts water
16 oz herbal tea

Notice I had no green juices today? Well, I have a very strange detox reaction the past couple of days. The green juices taste like cigarette butts to me. I quit smoking about 2 years ago and I think the nicotine is working its way out of my body.

So I decided to give the greens a break just for today for the sake of my taste buds.

What do you think? Half Full? Half Empty?

photo by Alex!

I don't know about you, but, I was a bit worried regarding my behavior. I realize that when this feast is over, I could possibly have the body that I'm meant to possess. Which is great.

But, in the back of my mind I thought perhaps my personality (and emotional state) would change as well and I would detox into my "true self." An angry, bitchy broad whose days are filled with evil plans for world destruction.

But today, I feel much, much, much better. Like my old chipper, happy self. Praise da Lord!

Do you know what today is?

Well, you could think of today has half way mark of my juice feast?

Or you could think of it as 46 days ahead of me still

... or you could even think Wow, you go girl! You have accomplished 46 days of healthy juicing!

There isn't a right or wrong answer. It's all a matter of perception. Yours isn't better than mine, nor is mine better than yours. I am just very happy that I'm happy again!

Yesterday was a very good day. The posting was good for me, very cleansing. The weather here in Colorado was very warm and sunny and beautiful. I loved it! It just reminded me that I need to be in a place with sun and warmth everyday.

My two youngest children and I went to visit an old friend who I hadn't seen in many moons.

I took them out to lunch, we visited more friends, went to the library and the day ended with the entire family attending my stepson's basketball game. It was a very good day.

A special thank you to Doug who has recommend that I read "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan and to Ashley who has suggested "Feelings Buried Alive Never Die" by Karol K Truman.

Those are the next two books on the list.

I read "The China Study" over the weekend. I'm not a huge statistic-type person, but, the book was a very interesting read, very scientific and informative.

It has brought up questions regarding how I plan to eat after the juice feast, but I will discuss that another time. At the moment, no decisions need to be made at the moment and solid foods are the furthest things on from mind. I'm enjoying the liquids too much.

Last night, I started reading on of Courtney's suggestions "A Woman's Worth," by Marianne Williamson. So I can't wait to finish that one. It's very good thus far.

Speaking of Courtney? Have you ever read her blog "Radical Radiance?" She disproves the theory "youth is wasted on the young." This young lady puts out a well-written, informative, thought-provoking blog that displays wisdom far beyond her years.

Well done, Courtney.

photo by bioskop

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

1 lemon water with MSM

1.5 quarts mustard greens/cucumber/scallions/jalapeno/garlic/kelp powder - Talk about a juice with some major kick!

1 quart collards/celery/carrot

1 quart grapefruit/orange/MSM

20 oz coconut water with liquid chlorophyll

Day 45 of Juice Feast

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

1 quart lemon with MSM

2 quarts mustard greens/celery/carrots/hemp/cayenne pepper/kelp powder

16 oz of herbal tea

2 quarts of water

Wife Gone Wild on Day 45

It's not the carefree, reckless abandonment of Joe Francis' "Girls Gone Wild" videos, It's more of Stephen King's "Carrie." Where Carrie White gets pushed too far and seeks destruction to all that has wronged her. Yeah, that's me. Thank the heavens my telekinetic powers are on the fritz or there would be hell to pay.

I fear this past week the juice feast didn't bring out the best in me. Dear readers, I have entered the deliciously, evil, wicked phase of MY* juice feast.

My emotions shift from anger to disgust to sadness. In fact, my days are filled with a whole lot of -ness(es): hatefulness, bitterness, regretfulness, loneliness and if I don't shape up pretty quickly...homelessness.

My husband isn't totally innocent in the events that transpired last week but he doesn't deserve a wife gone wild, either.

I haven't been treating him very sweetly, and for that I'm sorry.

The details aren't as important and to make a very long story short, I am dealing with emotional detox issues and I am doing it without the support of my husband and that stings a lot.

As I write this, we are in a better place than the past week. I write everything in a journal and pick out the highlights for the blog. If I were to write everything I wrote in the journal about how I perceive the situation, it would be very hurtful and embarrassing for my husband and I don't roll like that.

I don't want to hurt him, I just want him to see, I'm hurting.

I know my body well enough to know that I'm experiencing extreme PMS. I just never went through such emotional turmoil in such a way. So it's scary.

After all the drama and the surge of hormones and the experiencing of detoxing, I feel wounded, broken, beaten down, very tired and wary.

I wish I could afford to take some time away to continue my juice feast. A week or two in a more supportive, nurturing environment, I think could do me some good. Clear my head, heal my spirit.

My instincts guide me to work in the soil and place my energy into the earth, but our garden is under a blanket of snow.

But, alas, I am playing with the hand I have been dealt. Heck, I actually chose the cards.

*This might be a good time to guide you to the disclaimer at the bottom on this blog. You may or may not have noticed it before. Take a peek when you get a chance. Also, the experiences I am going through are my own. I don't know if it's typical or not. I don't want to discourage anyone from participating in a juice feast because at the moment I'm a raving maniac. ;)

Day 44 of Juice Feast

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

1 quart lemon water with MSM

2 quarts watermelon/celery/mint

1 quart water

20 oz coconut water with liquid chlorophyll

photo by kentigern

Day 43 of Juice Feast

photo by temp13rec

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water with MSM
2 quarts collard greens/cucumber/carrots
1 quart grapefruit/orange/MSM/Alfalfa powder
1 quart water

Day 42 and unshaved

photo by alladaskill



A couple of you lovely readers have asked me why I'm not shaving. It has nothing to do with the juice feast program.

I am just bizarre that way. I briefly mentioned it in the "to-do" list post but here it is in a bit more detail.


I'm a child of the eighties and once I read that Madonna didn't shave her armpits for a hot minute and I thought that was so liberating. And for some reason when I was thinking of things to do to pass the time while I was feasting that came to mind. Yes, it's true. I can be slightly insane. But good thing you love me all the same, right?


The beautiful Courtney of Radical Radiance suggested a few inspirational books.

The Conversations with God books, by Neale Donald Walsch and A Woman's Worth, by Marianne Williamson


They are on there way to my local branch library. I'm very excited to start reading those.


My friend and fellow chef Scott of Raw Denver will gift me with a book, but at the moment the title escapes me. Oh, I rememer now. The China Study.


And Ric has suggested 'middlesex' by jeffrey eugenides.


Thank you all and Keep them coming...

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lime water with MSM
2 quarts mustard greens/celery/carrots
2 quarts grapefruit/orange/MSM/Alfafa powder
2 quarts water

Day 41 of juice feast and I'm checking in

Okay, I have been avoiding this. Actually, I have been running away from the idea of checking in with my "to-do" list. I don't know about you, but once I set a list in motion, it's a toss-up on whether I look at it again, ever.

Today is 41 days into my juice feast and I'm looking at my "to-do" list for the first time since I wrote it. I'm sooo bad, I know.

Since I'm coming up on the half way mark I thought it would be nice to actually take a peek at THE LIST.

Before I get started:

I would like to read books that others find inspirational. If you can recommend a book(s) that you found pleasing to your soul, I would appreciate you passing along the title. I'm a library-card carrying gal and I'm there almost every week.

Okay, let's focus on what I have actually accomplished on the list. No since dwelling on what I haven't done, right?

1. Start my 92-day Juice Feast on Dec. 1, 2007 - Um, yes. I can safely say that I have done this one. ;)

2. Don't shave my body hair for 92 days. - No, razor has touched my skin so far.

7. Spend three months getting my body into optimum health. Check.

12. Study my runes. Yes, this one is good.

22. Get a Vitamix. Thanks to my mother and a Christmas present, I have one. Yeah!

24. Weigh myself only twice; the beginning and the end. I have not touched a scale since I've started.

25. Meditate daily. Maybe not daily, but more often than not.

26. Write to a celebrity and tell them about the phenomenal powers of raw food and juice feasting. I consider all you readers out there Rawk Stars so I will consider this one accomplished. ;)

As far as the rest of the list, no worries. I'm sure I will I get what I need to get done and life will go on.

photo by ztephen

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY: *
1 quart lemon water/MSM
2 quarts mustard greens/celery/carrot
2 quart grapefruit/orange/MSM/Alfalfa Powder
3 quarts water

*I have general idea (based on what's in the frig) of what I'll be drinking today. Any changes I'll update later.

As you can see I'm drinking the mustard greens/celery/carrot combination again. I'm so a creature of habit, once I crave something I'll continue to have it until I'm sick of it.

There must be something in the greens (or the combination) that my body needs. Maybe tomorrow I'll do a post on mustard greens.

The Big 4-0 of the Juice Feast

photo by mag3737


WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water/MSM
4 quarts mustard greens/celery/carrots
1 quart grapefruit/MSM/wheatgrass
3 quarts water

I am craving greens like crazy!
Day 40 of my Juice Feast

Jack from Jack and Jill sent me a nice comment and it has prompted me to reveal my thoughts on yesterday's dream.

Since I have started the feast I have been surrounded by people who eat cooked food. And recently it has been food that is not something I would have bought on a regular basis to feed myself or my family (chips, cookies, pizza, hot dogs, etc.).

I feel my dream stems out of frustration because I am living with folks that are gorging on the wrong cooked foods and I'm only human. That food can be tempting if it's flaunted in your face on a daily basis.

I've held my tongue because I don't feel comfortable preparing food (raw or cooked) right now for my children on a regular basis. I have left that to my husband. I can prepare things once or twice a week but anything more is too difficult. Since I don't prepare my family's meals, I feel I have no right to bitch out what the husband buys for the kids.

So, I basically feel like I'm getting clean where I'm living in a world full of sh**. Dream analyzed.

Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde emerges on Day 39 of Juice Feast

photo by B.G. Lewandowski


WARNING: This post is quite negative and raunchy in flavor. If your day is all kittens and puppy dogs tails or if you're leisurely sipping coconut water in the warm sun on some sandy beach, might I suggest you save this post for a day you feel like committing murder or something to that effect. Thanks.

Okay, my day started with this strange dream.

I was in an hotel room that consisted only of a bathroom. I was undressed and ready for a bath when Diddy (aka Sean Combs) was outside the room (that's the strange part). I quickly shut the door. I heard him tell his entourage how good I looked. Nice, so far.

As I stepped into the shower, I noticed that there was a pile of feces in the tub of water.

I looked at the door handle. Feces.

The sink, toilet and telephone. Yuk, feces.

I could not wait to wake up. I was (am) so grossed out.

Before the shitty dream discovery I had felt so clean and pure and then I felt dirty.

I have my own theories on what this dream could mean, but if you want to put in your two cents, please do. This is very disturbing.

Upon waking, my morning has been way off. I feel like I'm dealing with two very different personalities. One week I feel on top of the world the next I feel like I'm drowning in freaking quicksand.

I tend to internalize my emotions so today I feel them brewing (boiling). I feel the irritability rising and I just feel like being mean and nasty. I feel like doing some major damage.

This is not in my personality so you can understand why this mood is unpleasant. I feel comfortable being the happy-go-lucky person I pride myself in being.

Not saying I can't be difficult at times and kind of bitchy when I don't get my way.

But I have control over those times. I say how my life goes, I have myself in check and on average I'm pleasant to be around.

Today would not be that day.

Of course, this venomous mood, I can say is just detoxing.
I've got a canker sore in my mouth, I'm detoxing.
Runny nose? Detoxing.
My hair hurts, detox.
I got a hang nail. You guessed it, detoxing.

Doesn't make it any better just gives a reason behind the madness.

Heckie no, I don't want to stop my Juice Feast, I am having the time of my life. Can't you tell?

It's obvious to me that I have issues that need to be addressed and it would be too easy to suppress them by breaking my feast. I'm riding this emotional wave to see where it takes me.

I need a nap.
Thanks for reading. ;)

photo by Leo Reynolds

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water with MSM
1 quart grapefruit/MSM/wheatgrass powder
2 quarts mustard greens/celery/carrot/hemp oil
3 quarts water

Funny, my juices reflected today's persona...bitter and sour.

Day 38 of juice feast

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

1 quart lemon water with MSM

2 quarts kale/celery/apple/ginger

2 quarts pineapple/orange

3 quarts water

photo by w9jim

Day 37 of juice feast

photo by Leo Reynolds

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water with MSM
2 quarts spinach/celery/apple/ginger
2 quarts watermelon
16 oz coconut water with liquid chlorophyll
2 quarts water

So I'm perusing the net and I am amazed at how many Juice Feasters there are out there. There's a great, supportive community on Juicefeasting.com and the site Give it to me Raw's Juice Feast Enthusiasts has 101 members! That is truly rawsome!

I think it is fair to say that 2008 is the year of the Juice Feast. Bravo!

Don't forget there's also Global Juice Feast coming in March.

Here is a quick list of how many juicy folks are out there swimming in the greens.

Love Raw Life (My gal pal and feasting buddy Melissa)
Power of Raw
Jack and Jill Juice Feast
Integral Dynamic Healing
Juice Feast at Fifty
Radical Living Laboratory
Doug's Great BIG RAW Adventure
Loriel Hanon's Juice Festing blog
Raw in Montana
Individualized Superfood Juice Feast
Living the Green Life
Juice Feasting: A Journey
Sparkle in Raw Foods
Ben's Juice Feasting Journey
Pippa's Porch
Real Juice Daily

Day 36 of Juice Feast

photo by filmgoerjuan

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water with MSM
1.5 quarts collard/cilantro/celery/carrot/onion
2 quarts pineapple
10 oz coconut water with liquid chlorophyll
3 quarts water

Do you ever have those days where nothing is wrong or nothing in particular bad has happened but you just feel off? Or blah?

That's it. I have felt blah for the last few days. I've tried exercise, an extra meditation session and I can't get over it.

But then it dawned on me.

At times we want to blame, to fix, to figure out to whatever, to make us feel better. Instead of just living life.

Believe it or not, this isn't the first time I have felt crummy and it most certainly won't be the last. There's nothing to mend.

Maybe those type of days aren't something to repair (or get over) but something to embrace.

If I think of life in terms of riding the waves or a roller coaster (what does up must come down), it will be a bit easier to deal.

READERS QUESTIONS:
I was planning to start Juice Feast, but I see that you add hemp oil into your green juices. I live in Israel and I can't find any hemp oil here.What could I use instead, olive oil? coconut butter? - Yaelian

Yaelian,
I wish you the best on your juice feast. Is flax oil available to you? It would be a better replacement. You can use coconut butter on the juice feast.

I'm considering a juice feast as well, but am concerned about my level of activity. I know people say your energy sky rockets, but I am just starting training for a triathlon (half ironman) so I'm not sure if now is a good time. The race isn't until July so it's all basework right now, but I'm in the gym six days a week... thoughts? Thanks for any feedback. (oh, vegan for a year and raw for three months) -Thanks! Laura

Laura,
Wow! You go girl, an ironman is some serious stuff there. You are truly rawsome! As far as doing a juice feast during your training, my first instinct would be no, don't do it.

Yes, on a juice feast you will possess some pretty wicked energy but your body will be doing some major detoxing as well and I imagine your training schedule is something pretty fierce.
The combination could put a strain on your body.

In my opinion and from what I have read about juice feasting, it is a time for healing.

I'm not savvy on everything Juice Feasting, this is strictly my opinion on the matter. I would advice you to contact the good folks at JuiceFeasting.com. They are definitely the experts.

Peace and Love,
Terilynn

Day 35 of Juice Feast

photo by bizstone

WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:

1 quart lemon water with MSM

2 quarts collard/celery/apple/ginger

1 quart OJ/grapefruit/MSM/wheatgrass powder

3 quarts water

Day 34 of Juice Feast

photo by Wellingtonian





WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water with MSM
1 quart collard/celery/tomatoes/jalapeno/scallions/hemp oil*
1 quart papaya
1 quart parsley/cabbage/cucumbers/carrots/cayenne

READERS QUESTIONS
Are you suppose to eliminate everyday when juice feasting? Doesn't that eventually stop? I haven't heard anyone say a lot about it. - anonymous

Thank you for your question. Yes, elimination should happen every day. One of my main objectives is to cleanse the system, particularly the colon.

David Rain of Juicefeasting.com says you should have 2-3 bowel movements per day on the Feast. I average about 1 a day, sometimes 2, very rarely 3.

According to coloncleansing.com, "The average American stores five to twenty five pounds of waste in their colon over the years."

I believe it. I have been drinking nothing but liquids for 34 days and I still have solids coming out.

I'm trying to plan how long to do the juice fast and I was wondering on average how much weight do you lose during a certain period of time? I know it depends on how much juice you are consuming and how much exercise you get. In your opinion, how long would I need to fast to lose 35 pounds? Two months? One and a half? Thanks!~Sarah


Sarah,

Before I give the answer that I think you would like to hear. I want to give you some food for thought. When you go on your Juice Feast, take the pressure of weight loss out of the equation. Weigh yourself at the beginning and get rid of the scale until the end.

I don't feel you can truly enjoy the experience of juice feasting (yes, there is joy) if you are constantly watching the numbers on a scale. Personally, I think I've lost more weight this time around (and have stayed on my feast) because I have no clue how much I weigh. Strange.

Think more in terms of achieving a healthy body whatever size that may be for you.

Pay attention to how much energy you have, how much your skin glows and your eyes brighten and of course, watch how your clothes fall off the hot sexy body you are achieving without a scale.

Okay, I'll venture on the scale and say that Juicefeasting.com says the average weight loss for women could be around 20 pounds per month. But as you said so many factors can determine that number and how much one actually loses. I believe it would have to depend on the person's health to start.

Is there any way that you could post your juice recipe (just one) for each day on your feast in your blog? -Wayne

Wayne,

Your wish is my command. I haven't went so far as to give them fun, catchy names but I will divulge some on the measurements on some of the juices that I will consume. Particularly my favorite combinations.

Collard juice #1
4-5 celery stalks, chopped
4 scallions, chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 jalapeno
1 bunch collard greens
1 quart water
2 tablespoons hemp oil

1 Place celery, scallions, tomatoes, jalapeno, collards and water into blender. Process until all vegetables become a thick mixture.

2 Strain mixture through a painter's straining bag (or sprouting bag) into a large bowl.

3 Pour juice into two quart-size Mason Jars. Add 1 tablespoon hemp oil per glass.

Day 34 of Juice Feast and Feeling Like Crap

photo by mrlego54

It's almost 5 a.m. and my two youngest children have kicked me out of my own bed so I blog. I can't entirely blame them. I was tossing and turning in bed long before their invasion.

With this juice feast I have noticed that I am more in tune with my body. If I have an aliment I know the source. (More on that in a minute)

My energy level is extremely HIGH, freakishly so. I run now. I have never ran in my life. I have never enjoyed it, I never had the lung power. NEVER and now I can run on the treadmill without fail every day. Bizarre.

My senses are also heightened. Particularly my sense of smell. That wasn't a big surprise. Years ago, when I was pregnant, I entered an office and I could smell tuna. Upon investigation, the sandwich was in someone's office across the room, inside a lunch bag, inside a desk.

During this feast, my sense of smell is so acute, I can smell my daughter's poop before it hits the diaper.

Speaking of poop. I feel like crap. And my insightful mind/body tells me I have a problem with elimination.

It hasn't happen for a few days and my body is pissed about it. My head hurts, my belly feels heavy and I'm tossing and turning in bed blaming my kids for my insomnia.

My elimination of choice is the Big E. Yes, folks that would be an enema. Weird as it may sound, I actually enjoy enemas. With 7 people in the house now, it has been the only way for me to keep my meditation practice up. Okay, I realize that might have been too much information. Sorry.

I have been alternating enemas with bentonite clay, psyllium husk massive amounts of water and the program (for me) isn't working.

For the last ten days my mother has been in town and doing enemas on a daily basis just isn't possible. My thinking had been the clay and husk would be a good alternative. But the elimination isn't happening as often as my body would like. I need something more regular to become more regular (?).

I'm sure, once mom leaves (today) life will go back to normal and the enema, clay and husks will co-exist well together. But for now, I feel like sh**.

Day 33 of Juice Feast

photo by Moe





WHAT I CONSUMED TODAY:
1 quart lemon water with MSM
1 quart cabbage/
cucumber/apple/carrot
1 quart mustard greens
/celery/bell pepper/tomato
/jalapeno/hemp oil
1 quart grapefruit/OJ
/MSM/wheatgrass
10 oz coconut water with liquid chlorophyll
3 quarts water

Not only is my friend Melissa feasting with me, but for the next three days my husband is coming along for the ride. He has decided to go raw again and to slowly re-establish the raw life for our children. Yeah!

READERS QUESTIONS:
"I read your blog and I must say it is WONDERFUL. I am trying to go raw and do a juice feast, but I am BROKE...HOW can I still go on a juice feast with a LOW budget? What are something's that I can juice that taste great but low budget? Any advise would help. Thanks." -Tai-Kiah Carter

Thanks alot Tai-Kiah for your beautiful comment and your important question. I totally understand being on a tight budget, believe me. I am living proof that it's possible to do it.

My biggest tip is to shop the grocery ads. Whatever is on sale at my favorite food market is what I'm juicing. I will state that not everything I purchase will be organic but it will be cost effective for my budget.

Celery, cucumbers, parsley, apples, oranges and carrots are the only "staples" I buy on a regular basis no matter the cost. The first two are must haves for the feast and the rest are just my favorites for the juice combinations I enjoy. They all have been fairly priced for my budget thus far.

My greens are likely to change with whatever is on sale.

Also, establish how much you can spend and don't stray from that. I would love to get Spirulina but wheatgrass powder is in my budget right now.

Another piece of advice is know what you're going to purchase BEFORE you go to the store. Write it down and avoid impulse buying.

I hope this helps.

And remember, don't let anything get in your way to achieve the health you desire.

Wow! Good for you that you are on this journey again. Have you lost any weight? -anonymous

Yes, I have lost weight. How much I have not clue. One of my goals on my To-Do List has been NOT to weigh myself during this feast. I did weigh myself at the start and I will weigh at the end but that's about it.

With this juice feast I didn't want that to be an issue. I don't want any mental pressures and I think for me watching the scale could trip me up. I will say I have dropped two dress sizes.

Day 33- Nothin' Like A Stiff One...

...to get you going in the morning.

photo by finnabhar

Okay folks, don't go THERE. And while you're at it, grab me before I go THERE.

Nothing sexual here. Unless of course, I'm discussing the sensuality of dry skin brushing.

Have you tried it? OMG. It is an experience and a half.

Dry skin brushing stimulates the lymph system, which enhances the body's natural detoxification processes. Pretty simple and clinical, right? But it's doing good things for your body.

But have you ever done it on a daily basis?

Have you felt the natural, coarse bristles roughly penetrating the largest organ in the body while still wanting more?

Have you ever given yourself a sensual massage from toe to top every morning and starting your day off with the softest skin imaginable? Skin like silk.

photo by Half Pinay
The power of touch is an amazing thing. It can make your mood lighter.

The more touches you give or receive, the better you feel.

Touching is a necessity for a healthy life and what better way to get your touch on than dry skin brushing?

Well, I can think of better ways but, I'm trying to keep this PG-13.

Ooops, I think I might have went THERE.

To learn more about how to dry skin brush visit these sites:
Juice Feasting website
Healing Tools
Natural Health Techniques