Re...re-wilding....me?

So, I fell through on posting on my detox. So much has happened though, so I feel like I still have a lot to say. I still plan a detox post and I almost feel ready to do another, shorter detox. Today, however, I want to share this amazing dish:

My partner and I made this dish yesterday for lunch and it was amazing. Plus, it was nearly entirely made of food that was free or sustainable:

• chicken thighs (from store)
• shallots (from store)
• squash (from a local farmer's market)
• potatoes (from a local farmer's market)
• rosemary (free from my garden)
• thyme (free from my garden)
• chantrelle mushrooms (free, foraged and given by a friend)
• green beans (free from my garden)
• cream of mushroom (from store)

This is probably one of the best meals I've had in a while and I am really proud of what we made (okay, he made) based on the things we had and were given!

Re-Wilding... me? - The Detox Day 1

I don't intend to check in every day of this detox, but I felt that marking at least the first and last day were key. I am at the end of the first day, and a few things stand out:

• caffeine withdrawal is real! 
• I'm not as hungry as I expected.
• I underestimated the side effects of a detox.
• I am excited for tomorrow.

So here's the breakdown of the day. 

Pre-Breakfast + Breakfast

I had not yet written out my plan, but I did know I intended to start today. I started my day with a glass of water (no lemon) and waited a while for breakfast. I regret this choice, because I ended up having to pick up something to eat mid errands due to a gas refuel that took about three times as long (stupid machine). 

Morning Activities + Lunch

credit to: The Gut Health Project

As referenced earlier, I was very productive this morning, meeting my activity goal through errand running and shopping. I also enjoyed my detox water after prepping it. Here is the recipe, taken from the Gut Health Project.

I ended up having lunch with my partner, but he chose a place where I was able to choose something that works with my plan. I ended up with a Chicken Caesar salad (romaine lettuce, nuts, parmesan, and chicken) and a tomato bisque. I also drank another two glasses of water, and had a little taste of diet coke. I ate most of the soup and about half the salad.

Afternoon Activities + Dinner

I was productive this afternoon too, beginning a minimalism project, starting in my study. I found, however, that I developed a headache from lack of caffeine which made me sluggish. I didn't have an afternoon snack, but I did drink more of my detox water. 

Dinner is meant to be at six, and now I know why... I was hungry! I also realised I hadn't put any meat in the fridge, so I improvised with some tuna fish. I did add a little mustard to the fish to give it some flavour. I also roasted a mix of vegetables: green cabbage, Korean squash, half a potato, and spaghetti squash. I do not imagine eating all this tonight, but will use it tomorrow as well. 

Evening Tea + Final Thoughts

I ended up drinking some ginger (digestive aid) tea mixed with some wu yi tea. Yum. I went to bed feeling mostly good and woke up feeling great. :)

Re-Wilding... me? - The Detox

I have felt a desire for a jump start. Between the new moon (which is a part of my "rewilding" that I may or may not share), the changes in the plants with the coming summer, and some discoveries about foraging, I'm feeling a need to reset internally and really jump onto this wagon. I've spent the past few days researching detoxes that I can make from home (and don't have to purchase from some company). I want something that will naturally give me the nutrition I need and help me kick into high gear. So, here's the plan!

The Research

I read a lot on this. I listened to what others had to say about the detoxes they were doing (which seem to be popular this time of year?). I read articles from doctors I've known to have good information, and I did some general searches to see what was common among the detoxes out there. A few things stood out:

1. A detox should NOT leave you bereft of nutrients or food. Our bodies need nutrients to function. A good detox (and I'm not even sure this is the word I want to use yet) will keep your body fueled while doing other things (see 3, 5). Additionally, our body already has processes in place to detox itself, so it is important to not work against these systems (see 3, 4).
2. A detox should NOT be solely juices or sugars. Re-wilding means accepting that sugar should be natural, and few and far between. Our brains react to sugar the way it does (good, happy feelings, energy, etc.) because that is what we are made to do biologically -- sugar is a TREAT, and provides quick energy for a burn. 
3. A detox is well-rounded. Our bodies are great at adjusting when we are in deficit. If we lack in one thing, our bodies will find a way to get a replacement, even if it isn't the greatest thing for us.  A detox should be able to get rid of the bad while putting in the good. 
4. A detox should include a physical activity plan. Our body eliminates bad things through sweat as well as through the liver. 
5. Don't detox as a way to start a healthy life. I have had a regular workout regimen for years. I have had to cut back this last year due to some genetic issues and my feet, but I still lift weights at least 3 times a week and stretch (yoga and dance) when I can. Additionally, I have decided to cut the sugar down and have passed through some serious cravings. 
6. A detox should include 1/3 of things raw. There are lots of things you can read on why raw is important. Cooking does remove some nutrients from what we eat. 

The forming of my plan

After doing this research I decided that I wanted my detox to do a few things:

• Work on my digestive health. I know that one of the side effects of my SAD is a slow gut if I'm not careful. I have worked for a while to keep it up to date, but have not done the best job recently. 
• Set a plan when my body should expect nutrients. I am a firm believer in listening to what my body needs. I have also been reading about when my body should expect certain things. I am planning to have this detox help acclimate my body to a few things. Some of these are things I've been working on already, others are things I am beginning to work with:
• Expect sugars in the morning. This will allow time to burn them off and help keep cravings to a minimum (and eventually not at all if I do it right). 
• Expect proteins during the day and after workouts. Protein is key and helps heal muscles. 
• Expect daily digestive nutrition. I am using a variety of things regularly to manage this: fermented foods, kombucha, live probiotics, and, when necessary, supplements. 
• Expect good quality fat. I have never bought into the idea that fat causes high cholesterol. I also know that while a few years ago I was really good at getting that good fat, I have not been as of late (see my previous post about my love/hate of avocados). 
• Expect water, regularly. I am okay (just okay) at drinking water. I will admit I like fizziness and the taste of diet coke. I like the taste of a well made juice or tea. I'd like to be able to drink some of these things in moderation AND drink water regularly. 
• I expect that after this detox, I will keep many of these practices, but adjust my plan accordingly. 

The Basics

Now, to the core of this... Let me start by saying that, if you are reading this, this is MY plan. One should listen to their body, and follow a plan that is well-researched and fits their goals and needs. My plan may not work for someone else and you may find it stupid... but, this is my journey. So, any missteps are my own. 

1. Pre-Breakfast
1. 1 glass of lemon water
2. Breakfast
1. 30 minutes or so after water
2. Fruits and protein only (raw fruit + good fats in egg; no more than 15 sugars)
3. Morning activity
1. regular movement through house/errands
2. gym
3. meal prep
4. cleaning/etc.
5. morning plant time (check water, talk to plants, enjoy sun)
6. Any of these may be changed out for sun and pool time (building resistance and getting Vitamin D + swimming/treading water)
4. Morning refuel
1. detox water (recipes in later post)
5. Lunch
1. protein + raw veggies (include good fats in meat and veggies)
2. digestive health
6. afternoon/evening activity
1. gym
2. regular movement through house
3. cleaning/etc.
4. relax time/pamper time
7. afternoon refuel
1. nuts/seeds (at least 1/2 raw)
2. plain salad + fruit (raw; no more than 5 sugars in fruit)
8. Dinner
1. protein (eggs, fish) + veggies (cooked/raw)
9. Post Dinner
1. cup of tea
1. green tea
2. digestive health
3. lung health (I have severe allergies and asthma)
10. Daily Water Consumption:
1. 1 glass at waking
2. glass with breakfast
3. glass mid morning (detox water)
4. glass before lunch
5. glass before dinner
6. tea
7. regular glasses during activity as needed

My Goals

What is my point with all this? I've said it indirectly throughout, but here is a simple list:

• get used to more water
• jump start my system to expect certain things 
• jump start my digestive health (again...)
• learn to love raw :) 

Expect more soon.... 

That Sugar Film - Resource? Review?

I just finished watching That Sugar Film on Amazon Prime, based on a friend of a friend's recommendation. It was another "aha" moment for me (if you will). Rather than a straight up review, I thought I'd focus on the things that stood out to me as things to remember (resource) and questions I still have/now have (review?), so here goes:

1. I know people who hold the line, "low-fat diet!!", including my last insurance company who told me, when my LDL was slightly elevated, that I needed to change to a low fat diet immediately. I haven't taken my cholesterol since cutting sugar, but I will be interested to see how that number changes now that I've made this change and am continuing to get good fats. 
2. It's about time the "hate" part of my love-hate relationship with avocado be over. A few years ago I got food poisoning from a meal that had avocado in it. It was probably the egg in my meal, but my guts blamed the avocado. It's been a good two years since I've eaten one and I only just started looking at guacamole again. It's time. I bought two avocados at the store the other day and I am determined to try them this week. Good fat is good fat is good fat. 
3. I wish he'd documented the two weeks of cravings and withdrawal he went through more. With an addictive substance like caffeine or sugar, this can be the thing that keeps people from giving it up. 
4. I wish he'd discussed some of the sugar content in our "favourite, everyday" products. Cereals claim to be heart healthy or full of fiber, but can also be full of sugar. 
5. I really appreciate the story he told of Coca-Cola's influence on some of the indigenous Australian towns. It is a modern day telling of what western culture does to indigenous groups that helps wipe them out. 
6. Sugar is more ingrained in our lives than we may realise. Big sugar companies fund many of the studies that come out and say it's okay. There is much interesting history that I didn't know and I'm willing to wager most don't know. 

There is much more I learned from this documentary. I feel better armed with information that will help me on my journey and I also recommend this, if you are interested. Definitely something to keep in mind and something to add to my list of things to watch when I need a reminder. (Food, Inc. anyone?)

Re-Wilding... me? - When the Wild Strikes Back

Two days ago I woke up with a scratchy throat (post-nasal drip is the best!). Yesterday it had turn into a full blown allergy attack - itchy eyes, random sneezing, an overall feeling of haze. And so, here I sit, on a Saturday, when I'm meant to be learning more about my connections to nature at a workshop, feeling the full effects of asthma complicated allergies and wondering when I'll get some actual sleep.

I have been fighting these allergies most of my adult life. I am an avid gardener, I enjoy hiking and camping, and nothing makes me stop and wonder like looking at the moon and stars, and yet, I am fully convinced that my state is trying to kill me. As someone who suffers from Seasonal Affect Disorder, I need daily sunlight to keep things balanced, but stepping outside sometimes results in an onslaught of sneezing and scratching, and, sometimes, an inability to breathe.

I woke up this morning determined to have a good day, even if I was home bound for the day. I took some meds, used some saline spray, and headed to the gym. By the time I was done with the gym, however, the allergies were in full force. Now, after a hot bath with a homemade oil mix that I made specifically to help with this, things are somewhat under control. Eyes aren't watering anymore, sneezing is under control, and I can breathe a little.

I am struggling though, through this particular incident, to remind myself why I am finding this path. Feeling ill like this makes me want to close the curtains, get under the covers, and just not come out. I want to eat comfort foods so that I don't feel so icky.

And yet, this journey is still important. That's what I keep reminding myself. Even if I do stumble, the journey is still so important. Yes, I missed something that was really important to me today - I will get the information later. Yes, I may eat poorly today - that doesn't mean I have to eat poorly forever. Yes, I may end up napping my afternoon away - that doesn't mean I won't win the ultimate battle against the weeds.

This horrible day isn't the end of the adventure.

Re-Wilding... me? - The Beginning Struggle

I didn't honestly expect my first "it's tough" post this soon, but here it is. I had an awful day today, but not in the way one expects. Work was okay, people were okay, etc. What was rough were the things I need to go well in order to feel confident in this journey:

• My pain level was an 8 - I haven't really written this anywhere, and I only talk about it in detail every once in a while, but I am struggling with a genetic issue that causes intense pain and inability to do every day things. Normally I work around it at a pain level between 2-4, sometimes a 6. Today, however, my pain was an 8. Each step I took sent shooting pains through my foot. On days like this I trip over myself, causing further pain, walk slowly, and my foot swells. I think I handle pain fairly well (I once drove myself to the hospital after breaking my arm in three places since it would take an ambulance over half an hour to arrive and then sat through another week of pain until I could see a doctor). Today, however, was not my day. 
• My state hates me - I never had allergies as a kid. Now, as an adult, I have allergies out the wazoo. I am allergic to just about every tree and weed in the state (which sucks as I love gardening) and I have chronic asthma. I take medicine for it and it does well many days, but today I got punched right in the eyes, throat, and lungs. In fact, as I write this, I am waiting for emergency antihistemines to kick in so I can get some sleep. 
• The sugar withdrawal set in - I planned really well today and, while I didn't ruin everything, I certainly didn't follow my plan. The withdrawal hit me a little today and I may have been able to deal with it if not for the other things. 

Okay, now that I've written it, I feel stupid. I'm considering erasing it all, but I want to document this journey, even if I never share it. So, here it is: day 3. An awful day. But, as I say often: tomorrow is a new day and a fresh start. 

Re-Wilding ... me? - The Aha Moment

I'm not entirely sure where this journey will go. I am not sure I'll make it to the end. I don't know that I want it to end. I don't even know if the title of this blog - Re-Wilding Me? - is what I want it to be. I do know that I am committed to this journey in many ways and that I've already been on it for a while, I just didn't know it. I think I've come to the conclusion that I'm ready for serious action (and ready to document this) on account of a few things. So, I'd like to take some time and define these things, including what "re-wild" means in my context.

My "Aha!" moment

I've been on this journey of moving towards a green and sustainable life for a while. It has been a struggle between work, education, society, etc. I have gardened all my life and have been open to, if not noticing, active connections to the natural world around me. 

Recently I made a conscious choice to turn off my radio. I know this doesn't seem like a huge thing, but hear me out. I live 30 minutes (give or take) from just about everything I do. 20 from my parents, 30 from work, 20+ from my favourite grocery stores, tea shops, and restaurants, 30+ minutes from my partner. All these things are in different directions, so I really do live in one of the better places I could. So, I listen to the radio a lot. I usually listen to NPR or music when I'm in the car. As of late, I have found that the radio feeds to my exhaustion and anxiety. Rather than using the radio to tune in and be mindful, I found myself tuning out, which can be dangerous when driving a vehicle. So, I turned it off...

... and turned on podcasts. I started listening to a few podcasts recommended by friends and found that I could still get my news from NPR through their podcasts. I started small: NPR, a mindful/meditation podcast, and a human interest story podcast. In the month of so I've been doing this, it has grown to include Chinese language podcasts, a nutrition podcast, a podcast on minimalism, a financial help podcast, and this little podcast called: Rewild. 

I was listening to Rewild as they discussed the argument that we, humans, as we know ourselves are but domesticated versions of what we could be. The idea was that we needed to "rewild" and get back in touch with our roots. While I am not fully on board with this idea, a few things rang true to me. These things became my "aha" moment and helped me to realise that (a) this is path I've been on for a while, and (b) I am ready to fully, publicly commit to it. 

1. The changes I make for myself must be for "my" future. It isn't enough to want change to be a better person, or look better, or be liked more. True, effective, change for oneself is most sustainable when it comes from a place that reminds us of what is to come. For me, this includes: my dogs, my family (current and future), and my environment. I already had realised some of this, but it hadn't come full circle for me. 
2. Change isn't always for the better. The example they used was dog breeds and comparing what a wolf looks like to what a husky or a pug looks like. I started to look at the world around me. What did I recognise? Recently, my drive to work has changed. I used to spend the majority of my time driving through a 2 lane road surrounded by trees with the occasional break for a shopping center or subdivision. About 2 weeks ago, I noticed that it had drastically changed in one area. What used to be a place filled with trees (and one I marked because of its lack of business) has been cut down and flattened, now marked by the dirt of my area. It saddened me. The decisions we make drastically affect our world. Change isn't always for the better. 
3. Sugar = evil. Particularly, added sugar. In a recent conversation with a friend, we talked about just how much American society revolves around sugar. We even have competing ads about which item one should choose - sugar or corn syrup. While listening to this podcast I made the decision right then and there to cut sugar as much as I could. I went to the grocery store and made key choices to help me re-wild and get this out of my system. 

Ultimately, I am not sure where this blog will go, if I will share it, etc. I intend for it to be a number of things including a place to dump my thoughts and work through somethings (like this post), a place to share my triumphs and failures (#dumpthesugar), and a place to share ideas, poetry, and wonderings. If you are reading this, congrats! You found me or I found you. Feel free to join the conversation. :)