Sunday Sources!

I figured SUNDAYS are a good time to share some of the research I have been doing lately!  One of the many sources I have come a crossed lately is the PlantBasedResearch.org site.  I don't know why I haven't visited the site sooner!

It's an online narrative review of peer-reviewed, scientific research papers, and educational resources that are relevant to plant-based nutrition. Links to the abstract are included with every article, and links to the free full articles are included when possible! A narrative review is a collection of research papers supporting a particular theory - this website is by no means an exhaustive directory of all research on nutrition and disease but presents the growing body of evidence supporting the theory that whole food, plant-based diets offer the best chance for avoiding chronic disease, and in some cases, reversing it.

I'm always interested in learning more and more each day and I think this site is a great way of doing it so I declare PlantBasedResearch this Sunday's Source of the Day!

Obstacles & Progress

Just a quick update today...

So it looks like this is my set intake on superfoods and supplements over the last going on 2 weeks...

1 B-Complex Tab, 1 or 2 squirts of B-12, 1 or 2 squirts of D3, 2 tabs of Chlorella (M-F) and on weekends 2 tabs of Spirulina.  I've cut way back on caffeine intake.  Instead of 8 or more cups worth a day I'm down to 1 cup.  Others are low or no caff or herbal or rooibos or honeybush based.  I have been trying to add Turmeric to my foods at least once a day.

I'm going to try and incorporate the dreaded bananas once again.  REALLY trying to force myself this time.I'm trying to walk more and force myself to do more stairs in daily life.

Undergarments are still a challenge.  1 out of 3 seem to be ok.  The other two are better than what I had - I suppose.

I need to bump up my mini goals and be smarter and stick to meditation and yoga more.  I need to work on my anxiety and fears still.  I guess that's an on going process for any or many of us.

Sleeping situation is still questionable.  I've been able to adjust the way I sleep, however, which I think has been helping so far.  Actually I think most of what I am doing is helping.  I just have to kick it up a notch and continue, I think!

Progress in other areas...

I tackled my kitchen yesterday...that took a while but it's coming along.  I battled the recycling that was ready-to-go but out of hand.  I wish they collected every week instead of every other week.

I was able to relax a bit.  We took a trip down memory lane and watch movies like Titanic and E.T. the last few days!

What have you been up to?

Accountability...

I know I have been pretty spotty with blogging as of late.

First and foremost by NOT blogging almost daily like I used to here at My Blissful Journey I have become LAZY in many areas of my life.  I have noticed that this blog has given me ACCOUNTABILITY above all else.  I NEED to get back to doing that.

The last year or more I have battled with Sciatica and was able to control it with the research I have done and noting it here.  If needed I will go to a Chiropractor but I haven't done that in like 2 years.

It's been a full year now...I trashed my contacts and switched back to glasses.  It took a LONG time to get used to them again but I was FINALLY able to.

I am now focusing on something else.  I have dealt with other issues...why NOT this?  I don't know if I am ready to 'come clean' on what is bothering me but I do know that this blog is a good why to do that.  I do know about several steps I am already taking to see if they help my aches and pains.

I would like to be better about reporting here on my blog about the steps I am taking.  It will give me accountability.  There are many things in life I am horrible at.  One thing has always been taking 'pills'.  In my case I have started taking B-Complex/B-12 again.  I haven't done this since I was 15.  It will be hard for me to do.  I will do it for a few days and then stop.  I MUST be better about this.

I don't often eat breakfast.

I know this is HUGE but I have never been a breakfast person.  Again...I will get going with a few days of a breakfast and then stop...whether it is because I ran out of time in the morning or because I don't have much to choose from in the house...or I just don't want to.

I NEED...no...I MUST be better about this.

I hate bananas!

I know I have said this MANY times here on my blog.

I want to like them...I do.  I haven't been able to bring myself to do it.  I was finally able to add up to 1/2 banana in my smoothies but I feel incorporating bananas into my diet MORE will certainly help with my overall pain.  I know that Avocados are great for this, too, but they are SO EXPENSIVE where I life.  I grab them when I can but it hasn't been to often lately.  

MORE WALKING.

What a horrible time for me to want to try and do this, eh!?  In the middle of winter - in the snow belt!

I'm going to try and be better about this...perhaps I will try and visit a nearby nearly abandoned mall and try and walk there.  Time will tell.

I know - this whole blog entry has been one HUGE blab-fest!  I just felt like I needed to get it out of my system.  Over the next weeks and months perhaps I will open up more about my thoughts and feelings but I am hoping by then my efforts will prove some overall improvements and it won't be as much of an issue.

Focusing on My Lymphatic System

For the next 3 days - minimum - I will be doing a detox of sorts - while focusing on my Lymphatic System.  

There are a few things that I want to heal with my body and I feel the Lymphatic System is the perfect place to start.  I have 2 confessions to make up front.  ONE - I've never done this before so it's a learning process - so it's rather fitting that I am posting it here on my blog - My Blissful Journey.  And TWO - as much as I try and do things to improve my life and situation - it doesn't mean I don't have bad habits.  To get a little personal here - the older I get the less comfortable I feel about going undergarment-free (if you know what I mean) and I know that is BAD...I really have to change that.  It's suggested that women go at least 12 hours every day without that kind of support.  Because I have felt physically uncomfortable doing so I haven't for quite some time...so one of the things I will be forcing myself to do during this time is wear a camisole when I get home at the end of the day.  This might sound like a 'small thing' but it's going to be a challenge for me.  

Having said that...some of the other things I will be focusing on over the next 3 days (which will probably turn into all of this week) will be hot and cold compresses on problem areas, hot and cold showers, deep breathing, yoga, walking, and natural deodorants.  Some of these things I do on a daily basis such as wear a natural (non-aluminum) deodorant.  I rarely (close to if ever) wear make-up and I don't even use lotion, etc.  If need be I will be using Grapeseed Oil and/or Coconut Oil.  Another thing I will be doing more of this week is Oil Pulling and I tend to do that with Coconut Oil.

Now...on to what I HOPE to consume...of course this is all based on whether or not I can find these items in my area which has been a complete challenge as of late.

Plantains - altho - not RAW - I do have some in my freezer that I intend to bake.

Leafy Greens - you will see me doing a LOT of salads this week - so that means - I will most likely be posting those with my home-made dressings!

Cranberries - I really doubt I can find fresh ones right now but I do have a stash of dried that I have from my shipments from The Raw Food World.

Raw/Soaked Nuts & Seeds

Coconut, Avocado - Again, our fresh coconut situation here is grim so I'm unsure how this will come into play but I have been rather Avocado-Happy, lately!

Echinacea - as well as other herbal tonics and tisanes

Garlic/Ginger/Turmeric - I eat these in some form almost every day but during this time I hope to incorporate them into other ways, too!

Seaweeds, Spirulina, Chorella

Citrus - whole, juice, in dressings - you name it!

Consume more fruit on empty stomach - such as more fruit based mono meals

Cantaloupe - if possible I would like to make some Cantaloupe Juice and/or Milk

Apple Cider Vinegar (mixed with water and possibly garlic, Agave)

LOTS of Water and Water with Lemon!

I will probably be doing some juicing and smoothies this week, too!  At least that is my goal.  One I would like to try was from an old Dan McDonald Video - 2 Apples, handful of Grapes, 1 Lemon, and a chunk of Ginger.

These are just some of this things I would like to work toward this week.  I'm challenging myself with many of them to try and stay consistent but also try and do some healing.  Please drop by with encouragement this week!  I would appreciate it!

Weekend Recap - Ponderings & Photographs

This past weekend was my husband's birthday!  Our birthdays are 6 days apart!  So this next weekend is mine!  With everything that has been going on with his sinus issues and many near and dear friends and family members of mine and their health issues it makes me thankful the only issue I have is a 'bum ankle/foot/arch".  It really pushes me to try better and work harder in daily life...to stay positive, to continue learning, try and stay as healthy as possible, and be grateful for everyone in my life while they are still here.  I don't take any of that for granted.

I'm thankful I have my digestion issues under control and I am very happy with my diet and lifestyle changes.  Now that I know my discomfort in my leg/foot was an arch issue I am now working toward "fixing" the problem or at least living with it and working around it.  I've been feeling consistently 90 to 95% better!  With that in mind and moving forward - this week I hope to increase my physical activity - slowly and gently.

The weather this past weekend was very nice!  It even got up to 64 yesterday!  But tomorrow we could get more rain and snow!  I seriously cannot wait until spring and summer!  Most of the photographs from this weekend are of the Dogs!  Suzie has always LOVED her picture taken!  She's always been a ham! 

Towards the end of last week - she was 'fired up' when I got home...more than usual!  She would run around the house and it was a wonderful sight to see!

Here is this weekend's photo of Riley!  He's been receiving a lot of attention on Instagram.  It's amazing the communities and sub-communities that are on social networking sites!  It's refreshing and fascinating to me!  Corgi's are one of the sub-communities I have found to be in the mix with.  There are a lot of great Corgi and Corgi-Mixes on there!  Chihuahua's are another - which of course the BABY OF THE FAMILY - will have some photo's in this post, too!

 In other Riley news...his ears are starting to bother him again, which isn't a surprise - every other month or so they tend to - so I will start in with some of his ear solution again this evening.  The last medicated tube our one vet gave us seems to work better than the others and in less time!

Once again we found some great deals on Dog Sweaters at BigLots this past weekend!  They were $4 or less so we grabbed a few for Paco!  Someone told me he "looked very dapper" in this one!

That put a smile on my face!  Dapper!

Paco has gotten to really like his sweaters!  He's not fond of the Snuggie, tho, but these type of sweaters...he LOVES.  In these photos you will be able to see parts of "Daddy" in them.  Pardon the "ashtrays" in this background...no...they are NOT mine...I do NOT Smoke!  Just HAD to add that disclaimer!

This was just 'by chance' lighting!  No filter or anything.  I LOVE the little collar but it won't stay up. 

I also have been 'washing' Paco's eyes, too, I think between his tears and Riley's ears it's due to weather changes a little, too!

This is one of the longer sweaters Paco has now!  Even tho the 'body' fits on the other ones they aren't as long!  But he still likes them!

We have multiple nick-names for all of our furkids.  One of the many for Paco is "Chi Monkey"...well, because he's a Chi (Chihuahua) and because he's a little monkey - he runs, jump, hops, and climbs EVERY WHERE!

So when we saw this sweater we KNEW we HAD to get it for him!  Of course it doesn't hurt it has Syracuse Orange colors in it!  You can see it even better in this next photo, tho!

I totally LOVE this little Monkey!  It's adorable! 

I do have a lot on tap for this week!  It's Irish Foods Week, for one!  Plus I have LOTS of new products to share with you!  I'm so excited!  I have more giveaways this week, too!

My husband's Grandmother gave me a Waffle Iron and I hope to post some Vegan Waffle's SOON as well!

One thing I want to mention today, is one of the many Raw Revolution Bars I have been chomping lately!  Today I want to share with you the Almond Butter Cup Flavor! 

Organic Almonds, Organic Dates, Organic Agave Nectar, Organic Sunflower Seed Kernels, Organic Chocolate Chunks (Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Chocolate Liquor, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Soy Lecithin, Organic Vanilla Extract), Organic Sprouted Flax Seed, Organic Sea Salt. Contains Tree Nuts, Chocolate Chunks made in a facility that handles milk. PEANUT-Free
NUTRITION FACTS: Serving Size 1 bar 1.8oz (51 g) Amount Per Serving: Calories 230, Calories from fat 120, Total Fat 14g (22%DV), Saturated Fat 2g (10%DV), Trans Fat 0g (0%DV), Cholesterol 0mg (0%DV), Sodium 10mg (1%DV), Total Carbohydrates 23g (8%DV), Dietary Fiber 3g (13%DV), Sugars 15g, Protein 7g, Vitamin A 2%, Vitamin C 6%, Calcium 6%, Iron 15%, DV=% Daily Value.

Check this out!  This bar packs a lot of great stuff in a small bar, doesn't it!?  When I first bit into the bar I LOVED that I could taste the Vanilla and Almond Flavor right away!  It seems the older I get the more I enjoy that little bit of Vanilla Flavor in things.  The BIG chunks of 'chocolate' are awesome!  They are randomly placed throughout the bar and are not over-done but certainly fits the bill with those who may have a sweet tooth!  I love the nuttiness and the chewiness is great, too, the texture is perfect!  The Dates give it that wonderful sweetness and it's gently salted.  The flavor ratio of sweet, fruity, salty, chewy, nutty couldn't have been more perfect!  This is a terrific bar!

I have LOTS more on tap this week and I do hope you come back and visit.  In the meantime...I would LOVE to hear about your weekend!  Drop me a comment or two!

Aloe Vera is RAWsome!

Aristotle persuaded Alexander the Great to conquer the island of Socroto off the east coast of Africa for the purpose of obtaining sufficient amounts of Aloe as a wound healer agent for his soldiers. Other ancient records describe its application for skin care, protection against the sun, wind, fire and cold, healing of small wounds, relieving insect stings and bites, scratches, scalds, bruises, cuts, abrasions, urticaria, acne poison ivy, blemishes, allergic conditions, welts, fistula, irritations due to faulty diet, ulcerated skin lesions, eczema, and otherwise damaged skin. It is mentioned in John 19:39 as part of the mixture being used for the anointing of Jesus body after his death.

Source: Give It To Me Raw's Aloe Vera Group

Random Protein Percentages

Protein Content of Fruits
Banana: Papaya: Peach: Avocado: Orange: Watermelon:	4% 7% 7% 5% 9% 7%
Average protein content of fruit: 5%
Protein Content of Vegetables
Tomatoes: Cucumber: Lettuce: Celery:	17% 21% 59% 25%
Average protein content of vegetables: 20%
Protein Content of Nuts & Seeds
Almonds: Sesame Paste (tahini): Sunflower seeds: Pumpkin seeds:	15% 12% 15% 17%
Average protein content of nuts and seeds: 15%