I saw this documentary last night on Netflix. My yoga teacher had recommended it last year and I just now got around to watching and I'm glad I did...
It inspired me to go on a 7 day juice fast. While I'm not morbidly obese, I could stand to lose a few pounds and my body could definitely use the detoxing. I have been juicing for a while now... in fact, I had started juicing in LA over a decade ago. I had a Juiceman Jr. and I loved making carrot/beet/apple juice before a long bike ride. Back then I was in the best shape of my life. Today, not so much...
I even got my mom to buy the Juiceman Jr and she was juicing. When I moved to Florida to care for her, I made her juice daily and she said it made her feel more energetic. I stopped only because it was expensive and I couldn't afford it. No wonder people in America are so out of shape and unhealthy.... it's less expensive to eat crap than health food. They don't call Whole Foods "Whole Paycheck Foods" for nothing...
I have been walking a lot. The walk to and back from my hill is just under 3.5 miles and I try to do it every day. I also try to fit yoga into my routine. I'm not working so there's really no excuse for me not to live as healthy a lifestyle as I can. After my last job, I could also use a nice energy cleanse...
While I've never done a juice fast before, I have always been curious. The negative side effects from the first few days were always a deterrent. The thought of not having my morning coffee was a MAJOR deterrent. If I'm ever going to do a juice fast, then now is the time since I don't have to work. I've been a vegetarian for my entire adult life and don't eat fast food. It is very rare that I eat processed foods (mostly canned beans, corn and veggie patties).... My biggest challenge will be coffee. I have had coffee first thing every morning for as long as I can remember. Not only am I physically addicted to it, it's a psychological addiction and part of my daily routine....
I'm on two medications. One is my seizure medication. While I haven't had a seizure in a long time, I'm a little uneasy about stopping it altogether although just over two years ago, I cut my dosage in half unsupervised. I am convinced that I no longer need this medication.
I started getting seizures in my early 20's. I would have these weird spells where I got dizzy and felt like I was almost in a dream state. These strange visions would suddenly flash in my mind's eye. Like once, I saw myself in a huge red ballroom dress in a saloon. I told my mom and she refused to listen. Man, did she feel awful when she received a call from my employer informing her that I had been taken to the hospital after having a seizure at work. I've been on meds ever since.
These visions or spells are known as "auras" and they happen just prior to having a seizure. I've experienced more auras in my life than actual seizures. Quite often, I would feel like I was going to have a seizure because I would have an aura but then I would never seize. It's almost like by knowing it was going to happen, I could fight it ever happening. 90% of the seizures I've had have been while I was sleeping. I know I've seized because I feel disoriented, have bitten my tongue, have a headache...it's just an overall feeling of being completely drained of any energy.
I think a lot of it was a result of excess partying and stress. There are many people who have had seizures but don't need to be on meds. The last time I remember having a seizure was just before my mom died. I had been sleeping on a cot in her hospital room. Mom was delirious and would mumble and pull off her nighty gown. They had to strap her in because she kept trying to get out of bed. I hadn't slept for days and i hadn't taken my medication. I was also on an insane amount of benzos for anxiety which induced fatigue. I think all of this and the reality that my mom was about to die triggered that seizure.
I want off this medication... but not quite yet so I will continue to take it while I fast. I have woken up slightly disoriented a few times (while I was working at the place that shall not be named) but I was never quite certain that I had a full on grand mal seizure. I actually just think it might have been stress. Every night during that time, I'd dream of that horrible place and how I was under attack. I was grinding my teeth in my sleep as I could feel it in my jaw the following day. Stress is a killer, I tell you. Since getting laid off, I've had no issues.
I also have my thyroid medication that I need to take. Given this is something that was recently diagnosed, I don't want to mess with it. I will continue to take that as I fast, as well....
I have a Champion juicer---not the best juicer when it comes to leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens) but it will have to do...I've decided to start this Saturday. The reason being, i want to finish all the prepared food that's in my fridge and also finish the 6 Boddingtons. I do not need the temptation of pre-made food or booze in my face. Will do my shopping Friday... it will be the first time that I've gone shopping without wine on my shopping list.
I will document my progress on this here blog...
Oooh. This is gonna be fun.
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