Its that time people. The end of the Holiday season is drawing to a close. And with some trepidation and feet dragging, I am trying to pull myself together and get ready for an exciting and prosperous new year. I was lucky this year. I had a totally drama and stress-free holiday. The entire time. It's been wonderful. I grew up with a ton of holiday drama so to not have to deal with any of that is pure bliss. A total decompression and hangout with my husband. Some yoga, some walking, tons of tea with honey, too many sweets, and lots of lying about watching movies. But slowly and surely after a few good days of zero productivity, cabin fever and sugar toxicity begins to set in.
Now I am cleaning out and getting my house organized. Or at least figuring out what I want to organize. Baby steps. Right? Outlining some desires/goals for the New Year (read NOT a Resolution). Trying to bring some focus to all of the ideas buzzing around in my head.
I hope that you, who is reading this, had a wonderful holiday with low to no stress and that you too are ready for a good new year. My advice to you and myself is to pull yourself up by the bootstraps but do so kindly. Try not to get overwhelmed by all of your ideas and options. Trust that the right things happen when you follow what makes you truly happy and the timing is right. Do not let fear control your actions and reactions.
Do things which make YOU feel good, grounded, relaxed and energized. Say no to the things that don't. Have fun daydreaming but strive for what you want with an air of non-attachment, the Buddhist way.
I have started this new thing of looking at parts of my life like a science experiment. Almost like another person. It's pretty awesome and fascinating. You can really learn a lot about yourself when you let go of your self-limiting judgements. It's not right or wrong, it's data.
So..lets let go of the things that no longer serve us and rise up to meet our best year yet. Happy New Year everyone!
xoxox- McLean
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
New Years- The Middle Path Way! New article up!!! xxx
Body
8 Steps to Finding Your Middle Path for the New Year: Extremes Begone!
2011 is all about finding freedom in your body and mind, one peaceful step at a time...
Oh the holidays are fast approaching. Food, booze and more food leave most of us feeling stuffed and guilty. So we atone by way of the dreaded New Years Resolution. We set ourselves up by making a huge proclamation, shout it from the rooftops, and then thud, a few weeks of good intentions end in a downward spiral of depression, more junk food and feelings of failure. So I propose the Non-Resolution New Years Resolution! Instead of boxing yourself into a small harsh goal, which 9 times out of 10 doesn’t work, why not find true freedom in a fully recognized happy and healthy new YOU?As someone who has spent the better part of her life running back and forth between the two extremes (of everything!), I can tell you that the sooner you can mindfully and lovingly look at your patterns, your agendas, your habits and truly observe them without hate or shame, the sooner you can forgive yourself and move on. Self-loathing is a waste of time. When you trip up don’t worry, that’s how you learn what no longer serves you. When you live in the extremes you are not present and nothing really “takes”. So to find true freedom we must learn to walk in the middle. To find the balance in all things -- food, drink, work, play, love, prayer, exercise, etc. -- will lead us to happiness.
Here are 8 steps to resolve to find your middle path in the New Year:
1. Do a bit of movement each day. Even 30 min. of stretching in front of the TV or walking on your lunch break. Just make time to be in your body.
2. Set mini-goals: small goals that can be met per week and make a large yearly goal: new dream job, diet shift, health as priority etc.
3. Focus on the positive. Do not give energy to the negative. Let yourself dream. It’s fun and beneficial. Let go of thinking "I can't." Try an exercise of thinking of all the things and changes you CAN DO and how to start implementing them into your daily life.
4. Start eating more raw fruits and veggies. You DO NOT need to throw out everything in your cupboards and fridge. I repeat, DO NOT throw everything out. Middle path is key. Perhaps try juicing if that is something that has fascinated you. Check out a nutritionist, take a fun cooking class, buy a great new food/recipe book. Get inspired. Reorganize your kitchen. Make the literal space to create healthy food.
5. Surround yourself with people / things who inspire you. Only you can clear out your life’s toxicity. Stand up for yourself. Nobody else authentically can do that job.
6. Listen to your gut. Stop worrying about what other people think of you. Because most of "their" judgments is just their "stuff" anyway.
7. Get rid of all the old stuff and clothes that you never use. You own your material objects, do not let them own you. Open up the flow.
8. Compile a list of all the things that you want to let go of from 2010 and then burn it. Feels really good!
I wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Fun New Year full of vibrancy and new adventures!!!
With peace and green juice, McLeanPublished 12.22.10 at 12:45 PM
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Nail Toxic
There has been a lot of new discussion out there re: toxic nail polish. Fortunately there are tons of sites to google to find all sorts of vegan, animal friendly, non-toxic beauty products out there. I get so inspired by other peoples' blogs, posts, and websites which keep us all so informed!
I have only worn nail polish twice in the past 2 years, one was on my wedding day and the other was on a day when I just had to have black nails. But I took it off a few days later.
I like the clean crisp look of my healthy, strong, long (mostly raw vegan) nails. But for some reason over the past few days I have wanted to get into the holiday spirit via my nails. Hence my new interest.
Big 3 toxins- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde and Toluene.
Yesterday I splurged on 2 new colors by Deborah Lippmann which are free of the Big 3. They are pricey at $16 a pop but for me, someone who is beginning to think of having a baby, I do not want to put any additional toxins on or in my body. I juice an obscene amount of organic veggies daily, lug them up from my car every few days, make the effort to juice and eat a mostly raw vegan diet...so why would I then just go "eh, toxins leeching in through my nails, whatever."
Living in this world in this time, in a city, you have to pick your battles. Nobody can do everything organic, local, non-toxic, unless you have a lot of free time and a ton of money, but I am trying to do the best that I can.
And as some research shows, among other things, the toxins found in nail polish worn by the mother leads to small penises in the forming baby boy. As if you could live that one down. It's not really a risk that I want to take.
So do your research, check labels, see what matters to you, pick you battles. I always like to have more options and more information. And luckily we live in age where answers are literally at our (hopefully non-toxic) fingertips.
I have only worn nail polish twice in the past 2 years, one was on my wedding day and the other was on a day when I just had to have black nails. But I took it off a few days later.
I like the clean crisp look of my healthy, strong, long (mostly raw vegan) nails. But for some reason over the past few days I have wanted to get into the holiday spirit via my nails. Hence my new interest.
Big 3 toxins- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde and Toluene.
Here is an easy one for nail polish info: http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2008/04/go-green-healthier-polish.html
Great : Big 3 Free – butter London, Calvin Klein, China Glaze (black label), Color Club, Hard Candy, Maybelline, Nicole, OPI (green label) and Sally Hansen
Wonderful : Big 3 Free, No Formaldehyde Resin – MAC, N.Y.C. Colors, Nailtini (except Vodka), NARS, Nocti, Orly, PeaceKeeper, Rescue Beauty Lounge, SpaRitual, Wet n’ Wild and Zoya
Superb : Big 3 Free, No Formaldehyde Resin, No Camphor – Chanel, Dashing Diva, Estee Lauder, Lippmann, L’oreal, No-Miss, Nubar, Revlon, Sante and Sinful Colors
Amazing : Water based, Big 3 Free, No Formaldehyde Resin, No Camphor, No Ethyl Acetate – Acquarella- Honeybee Gardens and Suncoat
Yesterday I splurged on 2 new colors by Deborah Lippmann which are free of the Big 3. They are pricey at $16 a pop but for me, someone who is beginning to think of having a baby, I do not want to put any additional toxins on or in my body. I juice an obscene amount of organic veggies daily, lug them up from my car every few days, make the effort to juice and eat a mostly raw vegan diet...so why would I then just go "eh, toxins leeching in through my nails, whatever."
Living in this world in this time, in a city, you have to pick your battles. Nobody can do everything organic, local, non-toxic, unless you have a lot of free time and a ton of money, but I am trying to do the best that I can.
And as some research shows, among other things, the toxins found in nail polish worn by the mother leads to small penises in the forming baby boy. As if you could live that one down. It's not really a risk that I want to take.
So do your research, check labels, see what matters to you, pick you battles. I always like to have more options and more information. And luckily we live in age where answers are literally at our (hopefully non-toxic) fingertips.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Let it Breathe
Its funny how I can shift gears so quickly...I push push push wanting wanting, visualizing. Thinking, dreaming, plotting. But then the next day I pray/chant and wake up to the fact that no matter how hard I try to make something work or materialize itself it doesn't always work, and shouldn't always work. As the Buddha says, "we create our own suffering". Our attachments and desires and greed that we hold tightly in our minds and hearts, are often the very things that will lead us away from TRUE happiness. Like everything good in this life, it is a fine balance. The middle path. I have to work daily to find my middle. I can go high high full of adrenaline. And then drop to quiet, introspective, exhausted, somewhat agoraphobic, too much in my head. I am learning not to judge myself to harshly b/c with these mood swings comes inner knowledge and ultimately compassion for others struggling. Life is a struggle. There is a lot to do, always. Ones attitude truly makes a difference. And who you surround yourself with affects who you are. I have to watch myself to not get distracted or swayed by other peoples' highs and lows. I find this to be extremely difficult but everyday I am working on it and seeing the difference. This also leads to not judging others. Or being compassionate but somewhat detached from other peoples' "stuff". I am finally learning that I cannot fix anyone else. And you know what..they haven't asked me! I can be a bleeding heart wanting to make the world soft and sweet, but everyone must tend to themselves. I do not hold all of the answers and its not up to me to give other people answers anyway. Who am I ? I am just someone like you. Living in this world. Trying to be successful, happy, in love, healthy, and free. We are all in this together. But only by becoming 1 strong can we become strong together.
So lessen up on your grip. LET GO. Whether it be for finding love, a perfect job, a house, losing weight, or surpassing an addiction. Be gentle but disciplined in learning to love yourself. When you let if breathe, you let the flow in and open yourself up to an entire new world of possibilities.
Sweet dreamzzz...
xoxxmc
So lessen up on your grip. LET GO. Whether it be for finding love, a perfect job, a house, losing weight, or surpassing an addiction. Be gentle but disciplined in learning to love yourself. When you let if breathe, you let the flow in and open yourself up to an entire new world of possibilities.
Sweet dreamzzz...
xoxxmc
Monday, November 22, 2010
Kids' Food and my Soap Box
I do not have a kid, but I plan to someday. I have nannied off and on for years and also just have my own opinions which I have reached after many observations. But if you think that I have no right preaching about kids, I totally understand. I get it. You can stop reading now.
Again I do not have a kid, but I am so sick and tired of seeing kids today make the rules. For some reason many kids now rule the entire household. You see it at the mall on the streets, mom and adorable baby totally enmeshed with the depressed and beaten down father trailing 30 feet behind. What happened to that idea of an entire well-rounded family...? Where mom and dad are the parents and make the important decisions and the kid is actually...the kid?
Instead of creating centered loving creatures, little monsters are running around with their mother's apron strings gripped tightly in their little hand. Your child does not make the dinner, you do. So you need to set the rules. You make what you know your kid needs, not always what your kid wants.
Listen, I am pretty sensitive and to some, a hippie, but in other ways when it comes to kids...I am pretty strict. And you know why? Because it works. I was an only child and was very well cared for and given a lot, but I also ate all my veggies every night because I was told to and had rules and a set bedtime. Kids need structure to feel safe and time alone to learn how to self-soothe, play and think by themselves. And they also need to be shown how to EAT WELL.
On recent travels, women kept telling me how their kids will not eat veggies and will not eat fruit and this and that...and I think thats bullshit. They keep hoping it will get better and you know what, its only going to get worse! You think they will learn to love to eat broccoli at their friends' houses? NO. Or at school? NO.
You think you as a parent always loved eating leafy greens? Or your parents? Or their parents? etc. etc.
No. Most people would choose pizza over steamed veggies at any age on any day. But we learn to make better choices because we know our bodies need it. That eating crap sets you up for a lifetime of sickness, allergies, constipation and obesity. Kids' fat cells develop early and even the food eaten during pregnancy make a difference (see links below). I am not saying its easy, but its one of the biggest gifts you can give to your child, to learn how to eat healthily. Please check out Natalia Rose's books and website for more anecdotal evidence of how she raised her kids and what she fed them. www.detoxtheworld.com.
She is a true inspiration. She controlled what they ate as newborns and toddlers but then taught them proper nutrition and how to make good choices. When they didn't, they felt the difference. No dogma, just reality. Cause and effect, thats how kids learn. Thats how we all learn. It is never too early to start teaching children how to eat well. The earlier you start, the easier it will be.
There are so many great new books and mommy blogs out there dedicated to helping parents feed their kids. Great food made of veggies and fruits. It's not hard, it just takes more time than microwaved chicken sticks and lunchables. And I know that finding ANY extra time is sometimes impossible but this is important. If you make it a priority, it will become a priority.
I even do an easy trick for myself and its awesome and so easy and you cannot taste the greens.
Banana "milkshake":
1-1.5 frozen and cut up frozen bananas
1 c. liquid of choice- water or almond or rice milk, or mix of both
any other frozen fruit you like- optional
1 c. frozen spinach for ease and smoothie thickness OR any fresh greens
a TON of cinnamon (kills green taste)
some sweetener to taste- raw honey or raw agave or stevia
Other tricks- yummy baked or dehydrated salty kale chips, sweet potato home fries, roasted broccoli, raw vegan desserts and puddings, homemade all natural fruit sorbets, wheat-free crackers and cookies, sprouted breads, sunflower nut butter instead of peanuts (moldy and full of allergens).
And as much freshly juiced veggie and fruit juice as you can get them to drink. Almost nothing better!
Great recipe: "Chocolate Milk"
-1 cup freshly juiced carrot juice
-Chocolate Stevia - add to taste. A few drops to an entire dropperful. (Can find at whole foods or other health food stores or order online).
Sounds crazy but its true. So good!
I do not mean to sound harsh/ bitchy and you have the right to discount what I say as I do not yet have children of my own, but our food sources are not what they once were. It has grossly changed since we were kids, teenagers and even young adults. This new generation of kids cannot and will not get away with what we got away with eating. The toxins in our food, water and environments are contaminated beyond what we are even aware of. So please, give your kids the biggest gift of all, health.
http://www.parenting-advice.net/nutrition/good_eating_habits_begin_in_the_womb.html
http://rootsandseeds.com/archives/managing-weight-in-utero-nutrition
Best of Luck and Lots of Love-
xoxox, McLean
Again I do not have a kid, but I am so sick and tired of seeing kids today make the rules. For some reason many kids now rule the entire household. You see it at the mall on the streets, mom and adorable baby totally enmeshed with the depressed and beaten down father trailing 30 feet behind. What happened to that idea of an entire well-rounded family...? Where mom and dad are the parents and make the important decisions and the kid is actually...the kid?
Instead of creating centered loving creatures, little monsters are running around with their mother's apron strings gripped tightly in their little hand. Your child does not make the dinner, you do. So you need to set the rules. You make what you know your kid needs, not always what your kid wants.
Listen, I am pretty sensitive and to some, a hippie, but in other ways when it comes to kids...I am pretty strict. And you know why? Because it works. I was an only child and was very well cared for and given a lot, but I also ate all my veggies every night because I was told to and had rules and a set bedtime. Kids need structure to feel safe and time alone to learn how to self-soothe, play and think by themselves. And they also need to be shown how to EAT WELL.
On recent travels, women kept telling me how their kids will not eat veggies and will not eat fruit and this and that...and I think thats bullshit. They keep hoping it will get better and you know what, its only going to get worse! You think they will learn to love to eat broccoli at their friends' houses? NO. Or at school? NO.
You think you as a parent always loved eating leafy greens? Or your parents? Or their parents? etc. etc.
No. Most people would choose pizza over steamed veggies at any age on any day. But we learn to make better choices because we know our bodies need it. That eating crap sets you up for a lifetime of sickness, allergies, constipation and obesity. Kids' fat cells develop early and even the food eaten during pregnancy make a difference (see links below). I am not saying its easy, but its one of the biggest gifts you can give to your child, to learn how to eat healthily. Please check out Natalia Rose's books and website for more anecdotal evidence of how she raised her kids and what she fed them. www.detoxtheworld.com.
She is a true inspiration. She controlled what they ate as newborns and toddlers but then taught them proper nutrition and how to make good choices. When they didn't, they felt the difference. No dogma, just reality. Cause and effect, thats how kids learn. Thats how we all learn. It is never too early to start teaching children how to eat well. The earlier you start, the easier it will be.
There are so many great new books and mommy blogs out there dedicated to helping parents feed their kids. Great food made of veggies and fruits. It's not hard, it just takes more time than microwaved chicken sticks and lunchables. And I know that finding ANY extra time is sometimes impossible but this is important. If you make it a priority, it will become a priority.
I even do an easy trick for myself and its awesome and so easy and you cannot taste the greens.
Banana "milkshake":
1-1.5 frozen and cut up frozen bananas
1 c. liquid of choice- water or almond or rice milk, or mix of both
any other frozen fruit you like- optional
1 c. frozen spinach for ease and smoothie thickness OR any fresh greens
a TON of cinnamon (kills green taste)
some sweetener to taste- raw honey or raw agave or stevia
Other tricks- yummy baked or dehydrated salty kale chips, sweet potato home fries, roasted broccoli, raw vegan desserts and puddings, homemade all natural fruit sorbets, wheat-free crackers and cookies, sprouted breads, sunflower nut butter instead of peanuts (moldy and full of allergens).
And as much freshly juiced veggie and fruit juice as you can get them to drink. Almost nothing better!
Great recipe: "Chocolate Milk"
-1 cup freshly juiced carrot juice
-Chocolate Stevia - add to taste. A few drops to an entire dropperful. (Can find at whole foods or other health food stores or order online).
Sounds crazy but its true. So good!
I do not mean to sound harsh/ bitchy and you have the right to discount what I say as I do not yet have children of my own, but our food sources are not what they once were. It has grossly changed since we were kids, teenagers and even young adults. This new generation of kids cannot and will not get away with what we got away with eating. The toxins in our food, water and environments are contaminated beyond what we are even aware of. So please, give your kids the biggest gift of all, health.
http://www.parenting-advice.net/nutrition/good_eating_habits_begin_in_the_womb.html
http://rootsandseeds.com/archives/managing-weight-in-utero-nutrition
Best of Luck and Lots of Love-
xoxox, McLean
Thankful For.....
Hello Turkies and Tofurkies!
Sorry have been radio silent, went back home for 10 days and have now spent a week just trying to get everything (mind, body, house, fridge, laundry) back in order. Wow. Going home....
Many of you may be doing that very thing this week. I wish you safety in your travels, no airport delays and no mental breakdowns. But know that if any of those things do happen...YOU will survive.
Going HOME can bring up so many physical, emotional, spiritual issues. I speak from experience. For some reason this trip home brought up A LOT of buried feelings and deep resentments and fears. I basically did not stop moving for 10 days, so all of that on top of zero personal time and not great sleep ended in a 5 hour crying jag. Which in hindsight was good. During, it sucked.
But instead of trying to "fix" it all and deal with it all right then and tie it into a pretty little package with a bow, I let myself be really freaking sad. A deep dark hidden sadness that I still can't quite explain.
I awoke the next day looking like a swollen kabuki doll (which are cute in their own right but not as my face). My mom suggested a cold rag and cold cucumber slices, which did wonders by the way.
We often try so hard to muscle through and "man up" to get through the holiday season but what IF this year....you let things run their course...? I mean tend to yourself, do all the things that make YOU feel good but then maybe try not to worry about great uncle Ben getting shit faced at the table or your overbearing aunt Martha who makes passive aggressive comments. Be the flow. Let all of THEIR issues and insecurities BE THEIRS, NOT YOURS. Afterall, we can only tend to our own gardens. It is up to others to tend to theirs (but don't think I don't have the al anon home page on my desktop right now!).
Instead try to focus on what YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR and bask in those happy thoughts. Show more love to the ones that make you the happiest. Treat yourself to something that makes you truly happy. Figure out what will grant you serenity during the trip home- a 30 min. walk by yourself, folding laundry with your mom, cooking and talking in the kitchen, yoga in the backyard, walking the dog, a trip to the gym, a quiet time to meditate or chant your prayers, a long hot salty bath, etc.
Also, taking home foods that make you feel good or special teas that you love, will help you feel settled. I always travel with a ton of packed snacks and tea bags because I feel safe and nurtured when I know that I have exactly what I want/need.
Eat what you need to eat the days before and after to feel good and not gross. And then let yourself truly enjoy the Holiday and indulge in the things that you want without guilt! You can get on track the next day. One day of eating extra rich and yummy foods will not kill you. You can always do a juice cleanse in the following weeks ;)
It is up to YOU to tend to your garden, to do what will make you feel love, so you can give love.
If situations do arise where you need to defend yourself, then speak your truth. Be brave, be fearless. But also know that people can and do change, but not according to your watch. And sometimes not ever.
You cannot save everyone, only yourself. Happy Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!!
BE SAFE, BE GRATEFUL, BE LOVE.
xoxox, McLean
Sorry have been radio silent, went back home for 10 days and have now spent a week just trying to get everything (mind, body, house, fridge, laundry) back in order. Wow. Going home....
Many of you may be doing that very thing this week. I wish you safety in your travels, no airport delays and no mental breakdowns. But know that if any of those things do happen...YOU will survive.
Going HOME can bring up so many physical, emotional, spiritual issues. I speak from experience. For some reason this trip home brought up A LOT of buried feelings and deep resentments and fears. I basically did not stop moving for 10 days, so all of that on top of zero personal time and not great sleep ended in a 5 hour crying jag. Which in hindsight was good. During, it sucked.
But instead of trying to "fix" it all and deal with it all right then and tie it into a pretty little package with a bow, I let myself be really freaking sad. A deep dark hidden sadness that I still can't quite explain.
I awoke the next day looking like a swollen kabuki doll (which are cute in their own right but not as my face). My mom suggested a cold rag and cold cucumber slices, which did wonders by the way.
We often try so hard to muscle through and "man up" to get through the holiday season but what IF this year....you let things run their course...? I mean tend to yourself, do all the things that make YOU feel good but then maybe try not to worry about great uncle Ben getting shit faced at the table or your overbearing aunt Martha who makes passive aggressive comments. Be the flow. Let all of THEIR issues and insecurities BE THEIRS, NOT YOURS. Afterall, we can only tend to our own gardens. It is up to others to tend to theirs (but don't think I don't have the al anon home page on my desktop right now!).
Instead try to focus on what YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR and bask in those happy thoughts. Show more love to the ones that make you the happiest. Treat yourself to something that makes you truly happy. Figure out what will grant you serenity during the trip home- a 30 min. walk by yourself, folding laundry with your mom, cooking and talking in the kitchen, yoga in the backyard, walking the dog, a trip to the gym, a quiet time to meditate or chant your prayers, a long hot salty bath, etc.
Also, taking home foods that make you feel good or special teas that you love, will help you feel settled. I always travel with a ton of packed snacks and tea bags because I feel safe and nurtured when I know that I have exactly what I want/need.
Eat what you need to eat the days before and after to feel good and not gross. And then let yourself truly enjoy the Holiday and indulge in the things that you want without guilt! You can get on track the next day. One day of eating extra rich and yummy foods will not kill you. You can always do a juice cleanse in the following weeks ;)
It is up to YOU to tend to your garden, to do what will make you feel love, so you can give love.
If situations do arise where you need to defend yourself, then speak your truth. Be brave, be fearless. But also know that people can and do change, but not according to your watch. And sometimes not ever.
You cannot save everyone, only yourself. Happy Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!!
BE SAFE, BE GRATEFUL, BE LOVE.
xoxox, McLean
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Liver Cleanse = Teenage Rebellion
I just ate a handful of vegan chocolate chips that I really didn't want. Why? you may ask. Because I am "doing" a cleanse. Or trying to do a cleanse. Or I guess I am doing a bastardized version of Dr. Schulze's liver cleanse. Ahhh cleansing. Day 2.
I was going to write this blog today and then my mom just called and told me to check out the New York Times-
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/fashion/28Cleanse.html?pagewanted=1
Good timing. I am not alone.
The best line- "The next three days could be summed up thus: 1. I need food. 2. Hey, this isn’t bad! 3. Kill me now".
I was talking with my yoga students about this this morning. I confuse myself. Whats new?
My diet by most standards is supremely healthy. I am mostly a raw vegan, I juice daily, I practice and teach yoga, I believe in and do colonics when I can, don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs. So you'd think I would be able to handle a measly little cleanse for a few days. I always think that I can too, and then the harsh reality sets in. There is something about a "cleanse", meaning no food just juices and potions and tinctures, that turns me into a fiesty 12 year old. "I am NOT gonna do that! No way. I need my coffee". The funny part is that most days I mostly do a juice fast anyway without even thinking about it. Forego my 1 cup of organic coffee with coconut milk creamer b/c I am just not in the mood. But oh no, a cleanse tells me not to do something and I MUST HAVE IT!
Reverse psychology 101.
Yoga is such an amazing practice b/c you can learn how to change your ways but also accept the ones that are truly tough to change or maybe don't really make that big a difference anyway. Even though there are many things in myself that I would like to change or somehow convince myself that I have changed (trying a cleanse once again)...there are also ones that as I get older and more comfortable in my own skin, I have to learn to just...ACCEPT.
When I tough love myself I see that I will always be the kind of girl who cuts her own bangs, I know this is bad and risky and I have the bangs to prove it, but its always gonna happen. I am not driving across town for a bang trim. Not gonna happen. Ever.
I will always be the kind of girl who pops her zits and squeezes pores within an inch of their life. I know its horrendous, have the scars to prove it. Not gonna change. Ever.
I will always be the kind of girl who orders food a la Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally", with things on the side, things added, and with hot sauce. Its who I am . Not gonna change. Ever.
I am okay with these things because although they may be annoying to those around me, they don't really do any harm. Its who I am. And thank Buddha my husband loves me regardless and is there to help with damage control. He looks after my food needs when we go out to restaurants, hands me alcohol soaked cotton balls post-pick and thinks my bangs are cute.
The funny thing is, is that I only started this damn cleanse to be a supportive partner to my husband who is doing it. He is a rockstar and I am a mess. And it's not even that big a deal. He is literally doing everything to the letter, and I am handfuls into chocolate chips and on my second cup of coffee (although, in my own defense I have been sleeping horribly due to my dog keeping me up at all hours of the night, but that is another blog. I am cracked out).
Even last night after a delicious salad (before the 3 day juice fast started) at Real Food Daily, my husband very sweetly said that I didn't need to do this with him. I was like "wait, what? I want to be supportive. I am doing this. It will be fun". And he said, "well, I don't want to have to deal with you freaking out everyday because you need food". Well, obviously I was outraged. This was A) very offensive and B) very true.
Oh great so now I am the handicap. Why are partners so annoyingly right on about certain things...? I find it amazing how so many men that I know who eat total S*&t! can do the master cleanse for 10 days without batting an eye, and I cannot even last 1 day. Interesting.
So this morning, I dragged myself out of bed cursing my beloved pooch for barking all night, and made my hubs a big bottle of green juice to take to work, along with his bag of powdered greens, tinctures and glass jars. I decided that I just need to do this on my own terms. Add more to my health instead of taking away from it (sanity). So I am drinking my tinctures and teas and juices but also easing up from trying to do it "right" or even that well. Because the truth is, a little cleanse is just a jump off point for most. It is a way to reset your buttons and body. It is a great start, but it is just a start. True cleansing comes from weeks, months, years, decades on a healthy path.
So dear lovelies, be gentle with yourself, take baby steps and be happy. Because you are what you eat, but you are also the way in which you eat.
Peace and green juice,
xoxoxox McLean
I was going to write this blog today and then my mom just called and told me to check out the New York Times-
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/fashion/28Cleanse.html?pagewanted=1
Good timing. I am not alone.
The best line- "The next three days could be summed up thus: 1. I need food. 2. Hey, this isn’t bad! 3. Kill me now".
I was talking with my yoga students about this this morning. I confuse myself. Whats new?
My diet by most standards is supremely healthy. I am mostly a raw vegan, I juice daily, I practice and teach yoga, I believe in and do colonics when I can, don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs. So you'd think I would be able to handle a measly little cleanse for a few days. I always think that I can too, and then the harsh reality sets in. There is something about a "cleanse", meaning no food just juices and potions and tinctures, that turns me into a fiesty 12 year old. "I am NOT gonna do that! No way. I need my coffee". The funny part is that most days I mostly do a juice fast anyway without even thinking about it. Forego my 1 cup of organic coffee with coconut milk creamer b/c I am just not in the mood. But oh no, a cleanse tells me not to do something and I MUST HAVE IT!
Reverse psychology 101.
Yoga is such an amazing practice b/c you can learn how to change your ways but also accept the ones that are truly tough to change or maybe don't really make that big a difference anyway. Even though there are many things in myself that I would like to change or somehow convince myself that I have changed (trying a cleanse once again)...there are also ones that as I get older and more comfortable in my own skin, I have to learn to just...ACCEPT.
When I tough love myself I see that I will always be the kind of girl who cuts her own bangs, I know this is bad and risky and I have the bangs to prove it, but its always gonna happen. I am not driving across town for a bang trim. Not gonna happen. Ever.
I will always be the kind of girl who pops her zits and squeezes pores within an inch of their life. I know its horrendous, have the scars to prove it. Not gonna change. Ever.
I will always be the kind of girl who orders food a la Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally", with things on the side, things added, and with hot sauce. Its who I am . Not gonna change. Ever.
I am okay with these things because although they may be annoying to those around me, they don't really do any harm. Its who I am. And thank Buddha my husband loves me regardless and is there to help with damage control. He looks after my food needs when we go out to restaurants, hands me alcohol soaked cotton balls post-pick and thinks my bangs are cute.
The funny thing is, is that I only started this damn cleanse to be a supportive partner to my husband who is doing it. He is a rockstar and I am a mess. And it's not even that big a deal. He is literally doing everything to the letter, and I am handfuls into chocolate chips and on my second cup of coffee (although, in my own defense I have been sleeping horribly due to my dog keeping me up at all hours of the night, but that is another blog. I am cracked out).
Even last night after a delicious salad (before the 3 day juice fast started) at Real Food Daily, my husband very sweetly said that I didn't need to do this with him. I was like "wait, what? I want to be supportive. I am doing this. It will be fun". And he said, "well, I don't want to have to deal with you freaking out everyday because you need food". Well, obviously I was outraged. This was A) very offensive and B) very true.
Oh great so now I am the handicap. Why are partners so annoyingly right on about certain things...? I find it amazing how so many men that I know who eat total S*&t! can do the master cleanse for 10 days without batting an eye, and I cannot even last 1 day. Interesting.
So this morning, I dragged myself out of bed cursing my beloved pooch for barking all night, and made my hubs a big bottle of green juice to take to work, along with his bag of powdered greens, tinctures and glass jars. I decided that I just need to do this on my own terms. Add more to my health instead of taking away from it (sanity). So I am drinking my tinctures and teas and juices but also easing up from trying to do it "right" or even that well. Because the truth is, a little cleanse is just a jump off point for most. It is a way to reset your buttons and body. It is a great start, but it is just a start. True cleansing comes from weeks, months, years, decades on a healthy path.
So dear lovelies, be gentle with yourself, take baby steps and be happy. Because you are what you eat, but you are also the way in which you eat.
Peace and green juice,
xoxoxox McLean
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Juicy Details
Okay, so that was my first blog. Didn't even think anyone would read it! Thanks friends, I love you ;)
Here is some more info re: juicing.
What I have is this: The Breville Juice Fountain - JE95XL
http://www.amazon.com/Breville-JE95XL-Two-Speed-Juice-Fountain/dp/B0001IT0IY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1288143819&sr=8-5
You can google it and there are great deals on Amazon.com. I got one for $140 and one refurbished but unused for $90. The beauty of these babies are that they are so easy to use, therefore YOU WILL USE IT.
You can put entire apples, cucs, lemons in it. No time wasted cutting them into tiny bits.
High end juicers run upwards of $500 and will last forever, this probably will not last that long, but you got at least a few good years. It is so worth it. In LA any self-respecting fresh juice costs between $8-$10 for 16 oz. but by juicing at home you can drink large amounts for much cheaper. I generally drink 1-2 liters a day.
Now let me warn you about something. Organic produce ain't cheap!!
BUT think of all the money you have wasted and continue to waste on B.S. products and supplements that promise you things that they do not have the power to deliver....I know its kind of sickening.....
Think of it as an investment in your health. This is not just a rationalization (although I am scarily good at coming up with them), it is true.
Tips:
The best time to juice is on an empty or close to empty tummy. That way the juice does not have to compete with the food that is being broken down. It is drunk and pretty immediately absorbed into the body. Wait at least 30 min-1 hr. before eating or drinking anything substantial.
Ex: Wake up, have a cup of tea of coffee if you do that, wait 30 min, drink at least 16 oz. or more of juice, wait 30 min- 1 hr., eat or drink more. Then if you want more in the afternoon have it in between meals. The best time to drink the juice made from a Breville is less than 15 min. after juicing. Other juicers work differently, but with the Breville you want to make it and drink it while the enzymes are fresh.
Use a little plastic bag that the veggies come in as the liner of your waste can. That way you just pull it out and dump all of your pulp in the trash can. Or if you have a compost you are in luck!!
What to Juice?
You can juice almost every veggie and fruit. My main stay is the "Green Lemonade" created by Natalia Rose. But I change the amounts and kinds of produce depending on my mood and what I have.
ORGANIC PRODUCE!!!!!!!!
My Basic Recipe: makes about 1-1.5 liter
1-2 head romaine lettuce
1-2 bunch celery (whole bunch not a stalk)
2-4 cucumbers
3-4 lemons
2-4 fuji apples (sometimes I omit if I want a saltier juice)
a few stalks of kale (optional)
-If I want a salty juice, I do more celery and no apple. Add cayenne and bragg's amino acids to taste and some tomatoes. Kid of like a fresh V-8.
- If you like sweet juice, add more apples, less green and some stevia for added sweetness.
-tons of juice recipes online.
Hope this was helpful. Thank you for reading and your questions.
Peace and green juice xoxoxox,
McLean
Here is some more info re: juicing.
What I have is this: The Breville Juice Fountain - JE95XL
http://www.amazon.com/Breville-JE95XL-Two-Speed-Juice-Fountain/dp/B0001IT0IY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1288143819&sr=8-5
You can google it and there are great deals on Amazon.com. I got one for $140 and one refurbished but unused for $90. The beauty of these babies are that they are so easy to use, therefore YOU WILL USE IT.
You can put entire apples, cucs, lemons in it. No time wasted cutting them into tiny bits.
High end juicers run upwards of $500 and will last forever, this probably will not last that long, but you got at least a few good years. It is so worth it. In LA any self-respecting fresh juice costs between $8-$10 for 16 oz. but by juicing at home you can drink large amounts for much cheaper. I generally drink 1-2 liters a day.
Now let me warn you about something. Organic produce ain't cheap!!
BUT think of all the money you have wasted and continue to waste on B.S. products and supplements that promise you things that they do not have the power to deliver....I know its kind of sickening.....
Think of it as an investment in your health. This is not just a rationalization (although I am scarily good at coming up with them), it is true.
Tips:
The best time to juice is on an empty or close to empty tummy. That way the juice does not have to compete with the food that is being broken down. It is drunk and pretty immediately absorbed into the body. Wait at least 30 min-1 hr. before eating or drinking anything substantial.
Ex: Wake up, have a cup of tea of coffee if you do that, wait 30 min, drink at least 16 oz. or more of juice, wait 30 min- 1 hr., eat or drink more. Then if you want more in the afternoon have it in between meals. The best time to drink the juice made from a Breville is less than 15 min. after juicing. Other juicers work differently, but with the Breville you want to make it and drink it while the enzymes are fresh.
Use a little plastic bag that the veggies come in as the liner of your waste can. That way you just pull it out and dump all of your pulp in the trash can. Or if you have a compost you are in luck!!
What to Juice?
You can juice almost every veggie and fruit. My main stay is the "Green Lemonade" created by Natalia Rose. But I change the amounts and kinds of produce depending on my mood and what I have.
ORGANIC PRODUCE!!!!!!!!
My Basic Recipe: makes about 1-1.5 liter
1-2 head romaine lettuce
1-2 bunch celery (whole bunch not a stalk)
2-4 cucumbers
3-4 lemons
2-4 fuji apples (sometimes I omit if I want a saltier juice)
a few stalks of kale (optional)
-If I want a salty juice, I do more celery and no apple. Add cayenne and bragg's amino acids to taste and some tomatoes. Kid of like a fresh V-8.
- If you like sweet juice, add more apples, less green and some stevia for added sweetness.
-tons of juice recipes online.
Hope this was helpful. Thank you for reading and your questions.
Peace and green juice xoxoxox,
McLean
Green Juice- To the Rescue
I know that juicing can seem like a time consuming and daunting task, believe me, I put it off until I no longer had an excuse. I was doing mostly raw, sometimes 100% raw on and off for about 2 years (on the raw path a total of 5 years) before I committed to juicing (I am stubborn and have commitment issues). My energy levels were blahsville for a raw fooder, and I couldn't exactly figure out why. Upon deeper inspection, I realized that I was eating too many nuts and raw fancy foods such as granola and flax crackers that were sitting in my belly and not going anywhere! I was not eating a lot, but what I was eating, was not properly digesting.
I pulled out my Natalia Rose books and then and there decided I had to start totally walking the talk. Without fresh green juice, my diet, outlook and body were suffering. I bought the Breville Fountain Juicer (LOVE and highly recommend) and I have mostly juiced everyday since. I have gotten my mom, husband and many friends into juicing b/c they saw how great it made me feel. Soaring energy, clear skin, white eyeballs, and body streamlining.
The Breville is super cheap for a juicer and has a hardcore motor. Easy to use and the major plus, it is easy to clean!! I even bought one for my mom one because they are so reasonable. It's the perfect gift to give, something that someone may not buy for themselves, and it is a gift of true love as it gives true health. It makes all the difference in your health. If you just add green juice to your daily life, the changes alone would astonish you. Mainly, the energy!! And its real deal energy, not caffeine and sugar highs.
Even if you are not into the raw food lifestyle and not interested in ever going down that path, juicing is the number one thing that I recommend for anyone who is interested in radiant health. If you have a chronic disease such as cancer, liver or kidney disease, etc. you have no excuse. YOU MUST JUICE. Daily juicing is also great for pre-pregnancy body prep and while pregnant as you your body literally gets flooded with pure raw enzymes and nutrition. It will give you and your baby more nutrition than from eating alone or any vitamin out there.
Happy Juicing!!!
In Health xoxoxo, McLean
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