The Gift of Giving

Posted on December 15, 2008 by Ana

Every year at this time we as Americans generally seem to go into the usual consumerist overdrive. With economic changes taking front and center, there seems to be an opportunity to practice gratitude for all that we do have and potentially rethink the giving process.
A couple of years back I made the decision to rethink my own giving practices, and have found that tremendous freedom and joy can indeed be found amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.
When I really reconsidered what my values were and those of many of my friends and family, I realized that we could still be generous, but not wasteful. We could help others in need and yet still share the thought that counts. We could educate and experience rather than consume for the sake of consuming. We could support each other’s wellbeing and health, so that good times may be enjoyed for a long time to come.
This is the power of choice. And how we choose to spend our time, our money and our energy is profoundly important.

Will we choose to give to Wal-Mart or to those in need?

Will we buy more plastic or support environmental health?

Will we seek meaningful experiences or just more “stuff”?

I realize I am placing my own value judgments out in plain view, but rather than preach, allow me to simply make an offering. In this offering you may find some tremendous value, just a little bit of value or no value at all. But perhaps someone else you know would get value from these ideas. If so, please share. This is part of what I call gift recycling, which I discuss further below.

Giving the Gift of Unforgettable Experiences (and time together)

I heard about this idea on the radio and just had to share it! If you visit the website http://discovery.excitations.com/, you can do a search for your location, type of activity and price range. Discovery Experiences is a collaboration between the Discovery Channel and Excitations, and they offer “unforgettable gifts for exploration and fun”. They offer gifts as diverse as Intro to Indoor Karting and Safari Family Sleepover. You can Learn to Sail or purchase a Guided Mountain Hike. The wonderful part is that you are supporting local businesses and having fun! There is something for everyone. This is definitely worth exploring.

Gift Recycling

Okay, I know I am not the first person who has thought of this, but I think it is an idea that should come out of the closet. This is not about giving your ratty socks to your coworker, but instead passing on those items that may not quite fit your style, but are of value to someone else. Objects, just like people, get their energy from being appreciated and utilized. This can be a lovely way to lighten up your space and brighten that of another. We have all received nice gifts that we cannot use or may not be the right fit. Passing them on to someone who would really cherish them can be very rewarding to everyone involved.

Donation Gifts

This is something I began doing last year for my family on the east coast. It is a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation AND help those who do not even have enough food to eat or water to drink. Again, this may not be for everyone, but it is an opportunity to possibly educate and enlighten others about what giving can look like.
I personally like World Vision because they are a reputable company who uses a good percentage of the donations towards the actual cause. They also offer many choices and make it very easy to do your “shopping”. To see their gift catalogue and learn more click the link below:
World Vision Gift Catalogue
There are certainly many more potential organizations to do this with and you may even want to search out a local, environmental or church organization. The most important thing is that it works for you and those you love.

The Gift of Health

Of course, this is the type of gift giving I feel especially passionate about. When we can support ourselves and our loved ones in staying around for a while and enjoying an active and vibrant life, we are at the essence of life. Especially during economically challenging times, we can evaluate what is really and truly important. This can be as simple as offering to shop for healthy foods for a relative who may not be as mobile anymore, or offering to be a weekly hike partner to a friend in need of support in getting moving. These are all FREE!
If spending a little cash is in the budget, then perhaps a book, DVD, series of yoga classes or professional health support can be purchased
Please visit the Devana Health Store http://astore.amazon.com/devana-20/
for some specific recommendations on books, kitchen utensils, food products and more.
Infamous raw food and herbal enthusiast, David Wolfe, has a wonderful online health service for those looking for some information and support for themselves and others. Please visit cick here to learn more.
And remember gift certificates for all Devana Wellness services are always available: Holistic Health and Nutritional Counseling (in persona and long distance), Private and group yoga, Private and group cooking classes, Healthy Food Preparation, Detoxification Guidance.

Holiday and New Year Blessings to all of you!

Posted in cleansing, David Wolfe, donations, Environment, finding balance, general health, gifts, giving, Health on a budget, healthy habits, holidays, natural health, nutrition, raw foods, Uncategorized, Yoga | Leave a comment

Vita-Mix Offer: Too Good to Pass Up!

Posted on December 6, 2008 by Ana

After being an avid Vita-Mix enthusiast for years, I finally decided to develop an affiliate relationship with this wonderful family run business.

Please check out the offer below, definitely excited to share this with all of you!

Happy Holidays!

Ana

Your chance to WIN a $50 Gift Card……

Vita-Mix is giving you the chance to WIN 1 of 12 $50 dollar Gift Cards to a national retailer when you purchase a Vita-Mix 5200 by

clicking here.

You’ll also get FREE SHIPPING and guaranteed delivery in time for the holidays on your Vita-Mix machine when you purchase by the contest deadline, December 15, 2008.

Winners will receive 2 BONUS gifts: a Vita-Mix apron and smoothie cup if the winner is registered as a member of the Vita-Mix online blog community, Vita-Village. 12 Winners will be announced in Vita-Village January 9, 2009. Join the Vita-Village online community at http://community.vitamix.com.

For Full contest rules click here.

Posted in anti-aging, cleansing, digestive disorders, disease prevention, Energize Your Life, general health, healthy habits, immune health, longevity, natural health, natural remedies, nutrition, raw foods, recipes, seasonal foods, vegatarian/vegan nutrition | 1 Comment

“Falling” Into Health

Posted on September 27, 2008 by Ana

It is officially autumn and change is in the air. This change is not in the light, dynamic way of spring, but in a rooting and grounding sense. This means it is the perfect time to harness the scattered energy of the summer season and to solidify or create supportive and nurturing habits and routines.

Finding Balance

Whereas summer is often about expansion, vacation, activity and outward focus, fall is the time to pull inwards a bit and contract. At this time everything in nature contracts and moves its essence inward and downward: leaves and fruit fall, seeds dry, the sap of trees goes into the roots, and grasses become lighter and drier. While summer is the height of our yearly lifecycle, autumn signals the dying off. It is natural at this time of year to feel a little less social and to have a desire for heavier and warmer meals. By staying mindful of this shift in season and how we may be affected, we can make appropriate choices that will nurture rather than sabotage our efforts towards a balanced and healthy way of life.
In this modern day life, the fall often signals a flurry of activity. Parents and children rush to keep up with the new school schedule, holiday plans begin, and business may pick up after summer vacations. This is indeed all part of the game, just be sure to have a plan about how you intend to feed, care for and generally support yourself.

For Best Results

Here are a few ideas to get you going in setting up a healthy foundation. Take just one idea at a time and commit fully for 2 weeks. In this way you really establish the habit and make that activity or exercise a routine. Then take on another in the same fashion. Remember, slow and steady is the way to a lifetime of healthy habits.

Healing With Sour Foods

The autumn is a time to organize and focus mentally (contract). To facilitate this process of contraction, add more sour foods. These include lemons, limes, grapefruit, raw sauerkraut, olives, pickles, salt plums (umeboshi), apple cider vinegar, yogurt and kefir, rose hip tea, and the sour varieties of apples, plums and grapes. A little bit goes a long way, so don’t get caught in the myth of “if a little is good, then more must be better”.
This is a great time of year to introduce a glass of morning lemon water. An excellent healing tonic all year round, ¼ to ½ of a fresh ripe lemon squeezed into warm or room temperature water assists with elimination and digestion, provides an enlivening burst of vitamin C, and helps alkalize the body.

Moistening Foods

The autumn is a time of dryness, so if you find yourself being prone to excessive thirst, or dryness of skin, nose, lips, or throat, you will want to be sure to include plenty of “moistening” foods. Such foods include spinach, barley, millet, pear, apple, persimmon, loquat, sea vegetables, black and white mushrooms, almonds, pine nuts, sesame seeds, raw dairy products (if tolerated), and eggs. Using a small amount of high quality salt in your food can also help, especially for more a vata (thin, active mind) constitution.

Autumn Cleansing

In Chinese medicine the autumn is the season related to the Metal Element and the lungs. This means it is especially vital to strengthen and protect the lung energy. The yang counterpart to the lungs is the colon, so releasing what is no longer needed in both of these organs is essential at this time of year. Often times our ability to let go physically directly corresponds to the ability to release on the emotional and psychic levels.
Autumn is a prime time to cleanse the colon and to practice mindful breathing. By gently cleansing the lungs and colon 1-2 times per year you can often stave off the usual colds and flu, as well as cancer. Pungent foods such as hot peppers and chilies are excellent at protecting the lungs. White pungents can be especially important to include, as this color specifically affects the lungs. These would include garlic, ginger, turnips, horseradish, cabbage, daikon, and common radish. By consuming these foods raw or slightly cooked, you will maximize their effect.
Dark green and golden-orange vegetables are very helpful in keeping the immune activity bolstered and protecting both the lungs and colon against cancer. The chlorophyll in the green foods is strongly supportive in inhibiting viruses and assisting the lungs in discharging toxic residues. Eat abundant amounts of broccoli, parsley, kale, turnip and mustard greens, watercress, wheat or barley grass, spirulina, blue green algae (see my blog post on E3 Live), and the herbs yerba santa leaf, mullein leaf and nettles. Include the golden-orange vegetables such as carrots, winter squash and pumpkin.
Fiber is a must at any time of year, but especially when the focus is on the colon. Include plenty of whole vegetables and fruits as well as high fiber seeds such as ground flax seed and soaked chia seed.

Enlist Support

It can be a great idea to meet with a qualified health care practitioner who can lead you through a cleanse. As an alternative you may look to purchase an “at home” kit. One word of caution: there are many to choose from and they are not all created equal. Please see my list of recommended wellness products http://devanawellness.wordpress.com/recommended-wellness-products/
Scroll down to the “Cleansing” section for the cleanse products I recommend.

Just Breathe

One of the best ways to cleanse and strengthen the lungs is through deep breathing. Whether you choose to create a formal practice in the morning or evening or just practice while driving or waiting in line at the store, this simple act has tremendous benefit. To learn more about how this type of breathing is done you can visit a yoga class, enlist an instructor for a private lesson or obtain a book on the subject, such as The Yoga of Breath by Richard Rosen (http://astore.amazon.com/devana-20/detail/1570628890/102-4765999-9640923 ).

To really amplify the effects and help bolster the immune system, I suggest trying some of Young Living’s special blends to support lung health. If you invest in one of their new ultrasonic diffusers, you can easily reap the benefits of the oils without the damaging heat of traditional diffusers. My favorite oils for the lungs and sinuses include Raven, R.C., Thieves, Melrose, Exodus II, ravensara, Eucalyptus radiata, and thyme. For more information visit: http://youngliving.us and use member #904207 to order.

Remember to take one step at a time and if this still feels overwhelming, please consider taking my virtual 10-Week Body Transformation Program. It’s a very affordable way to support your journey to a lifetime of feeling and looking amazing!

Posted in cleansing, Energize Your Life, finding balance, green foods, healthy habits, herbal healing, immune health, longevity, natural health, nutrition, seasonal health, Superfoods, vegatarian/vegan nutrition | 5 Comments

Miraculous Cherry Medicine

Posted on June 26, 2008 by Ana

Cherry Love

We are upon on of my favorite times of the year – late spring, early summer – the time when berries, and most importantly cherries, come into seasonal abundance. For me there has been something incredibly magical and seductive about the cherry. Like asparagus, their season is short, but oh so sweet!
Normally, I begin to get anxious about 2 or 3 weeks before their arrival at the farmer’s market. Finally, I am driven to inquire, “how are the cherries coming along?”. My anticipation is temporarily satisfied with a date of arrival. Then, the arrival! Being one of the more expensive purchases I make at the market, I reign myself in from giving it all up for a frenetic cherry feast. I tell myself that if I can keep it under ten dollars I am still getting my fix without breaking the bank. Each cherry then, has inherent value, treasured like a precious jewel.
This year I was blessed with some cherry magic. A gift I am now seeing as pure cherry medicine. A physical, spiritual and emotional healing that could only be experienced with this enchanted fruit.
I received a call from a yoga friend and apparently he had some cherries to share. My heart went “thump, thump” and I nearly stuttered my acceptance. Visions of living on cherries alone began to dance in my head.
“How many would you like?” he inquired.
“Well . . . ” I paused, as the greed monster struggled to take hold of my vocal cords.
“Whatever you would like to give.” Yes, that sounded fair and reasonable.

Fast forward twenty-four hours later and I am about eight cherry pounds richer. Initially, I eat them just out of hand, the way I always do. Then, realizing my enormous supply, the creativity begins. Cherry smoothies of all variations, cherry pie, cherry jam . . . never straying too far, of course, from the true and perfect nature of this gem.
The feeling was akin to winning the lottery after being broke. I was gradually becoming accustomed to spending money (or eating cherries) freely without counting every penny. And of course, the ability to share with reckless abandon is just sheer cherry joy!

Cherry Medicine
What makes these little berries so miraculous?
Cherries are rich and sweet (as long as they are not the sour variety), but never cloying.
No peeling, just pop and enjoy.
People travel hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles to see the fleeting blooms of the cherry trees.
They are one of the few fruits that are warming in nature.
Cherries increase vital energy and tone the spleen-pancreas, liver, and kidneys.
They are one of the few fruits that are truly alkaline.
Cherries assist with blood stagnation, making them invaluable for gout, numbness in extremities, rheumatic pain and paralysis.
They are an indulgent treat with chocolate.
Cherries are a safe treat to be enjoyed by diabetics as they actually help lower blood sugar levels.
Cherries are an excellent source of iron and contain some phosphorous, potassium, calcium and vitamin A.
You cannot be depressed while eating cherries!
Life is like a bowl of cherries.
Cherries contain queritrin, a flavonoid found to be one of the most potent anticancer agents.
They contain ellagic acid, which some researchers say may be the most effective cancer preventative.
Cherries also contain a compound (perillyl alcohol) shown to be powerful in reducing the occurrence of all types of cancer.
Eating 20 sour cherries (or the equivalent in juice concentrate) has the anti-inflammatory and pain relieving power of aspirin or ibuprofen, without the negative effects.
They contain specific antioxidants shown to slow down the aging process.
Cherries anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties help eliminate migraines.
Cherries are rich in melatonin, which can assist in improving your body’s circadian rhythms and help with sleep.

These berries are truly worthy of worship.

Cherry Bliss

My gift to you is my latest cherry creation. YUMMMM!

1 cup fresh (or frozen) organic cherries, pitted
½ ripe medium avocado or 1/3 cup soaked raw cashews

1 scoop chocolate or vanilla Dream Protein (http://GreensFirst.com/4550)

½ cup vanilla or chocolate unsweetened almond milk

Make it special:

add 1 teaspoon raw cacao powder
add 1 scoop green powder (see my recommended products)
add 1 teaspoon bee pollen
add a dash each cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger
add extra stevia if you like it sweeter
add a squeeze of lemon if you like a zing
add crushed ice if you like it cold and thick

Place all the ingredients in the blender and puree until smooth.
Enjoy!

Posted in disease prevention, general health, healthy bliss, immune health, longevity, natural medicine, raw foods, recipes, seasonal foods, Uncategorized, vegatarian/vegan nutrition | 1 Comment

Spring Into Health

Posted on May 5, 2008 by Ana

The days are longer; the air is warmer and the ocean serene.
Ahhh, spring is here!
So, what does this mean for our health?
The spring signals a time when we may naturally want to lighten up and it is the ideal time for a cleanse or detoxification.
Some of you may have already baulked at the mere words “cleanse” and “detoxify”. Images of liquid diets, fasting and shear misery have begun to dance through your head.
Well, the good news is that to effectively cleanse the body, mind and spirit caution, guidance and nurturance go much further than starvation and agony.
My intention is to provide you with a foundation from which to spring into amazing health.

Benefits:
Cleansing can be one of the best ways to jumpstart your health, gain more energy, lose weight, balance hormones and eradicate cravings.
Detoxification is about resting, cleaning and nourishing the body from the inside out. By gently removing toxins, then feeding your body with healthy nutrients, detoxifying can help protect the body from disease and give it renewed vitality.

14 Simple Steps to Support Your Cleanse:

1. Keep it simple. Focus on fresh, simple preparations of salads, soups and steamed vegetables. Celebrate the bounty of spring growth!

2. Drink pure water throughout the day. At least half your body weight in ounces. (150 pounds = 75 ounces of water)

3. Drink lemon water first thing every morning to gently cleanse the liver, kidneys and colon and balance the pH of the body. For added “punch”, try adding 1-2 drops Young Living lemon essential oil.

4. Eat your greens! Have some raw leafy deep green vegetables daily. You may choose to have a big salad, “green juice”, and/or green food supplements that include spirulina, chlorella and blue green algae. Enjoy broccoli, kale, spinach, dandelion, romaine, arugula and fresh herbs like basil, cilantro and parsley.

5. Include protein to help support and detoxify the liver. Include eggs, chicken, turkey, and fish (low mercury) as well as wolfberries/goji berries, high quality whey or brown rice protein powders (see below) and green superfoods.

6. Eat a light and early dinner. Try to schedule dinner by 6:30pm and keep things lighter (lunch should be the larger meal). Eating too much too late will put stress on the liver as it goes into detox mode at night.

7. Be sure to eliminate regularly. When toxins remain in the colon, they can be sent back to liver for processing again or leak into the blood stream. Add extra fiber from foods and supplements (if needed), take a probiotic, hydrate with pure water and ingest adequate healthy oils. Try a colon cleanse for added support.

8. Find a way to sweat daily. Take a sauna or soak in a tub to assist the skin in releasing toxins through the pores.

9. Dry brush daily before showering. Dry brushing helps support the skin and lymph in detoxification and stimulates circulation and the immune system. Consistent dry brushing may also help remove cellulite and fatty deposits under the skin.

10. Eat whole foods only and lots of fresh seasonal vegetables. There is no need to fast to reap the benefits of cleansing. Lean proteins, whole grains like quinoa and brown rice and essential fats like flax oil will all provide cleansing nutrition.

11. Pay attention to your body and record your process. Keep noticing how you are feeling. A dairy or cleanse log can be invaluable.

12. Move and be still. Be sure to get plenty of rest and move your body every day. It can be especially supportive to do this with a friend or loved one.

13. Try Young Living essential oils that support detoxification and liver health:
Release, Juva-flex, Juva Cleanse (all blends), Lemon and Roman Chamomile (single oils) all support and cleanse the liver. Lemon, grapefruit and lemon grass can all be used externally or taken internally in almond or rice milk as fat and mucus dissolvers. Dill and peppermint can assist with cravings and digestion. Ginger and DiGize are also wonderful for aiding digestion. **

14. Get support. Especially if it is your first time cleansing, the support of a knowledgeable health professional can be just the ticket to get you feeling and looking great comfortably and safely.

Remember to ease in and ease out. It is important to transition into and out of any cleanse. I recommend beginning with eliminating all processed foods, white sugar, caffeine, and white flour for 3-4 days. Increase your consumption of all whole foods, especially fresh vegetables. Drink plenty of water and create an intention around what you hope to gain through the cleansing process.
Next eliminate common allergens like milk products and wheat. Focus again on fresh green vegetables and citrus, both of which are cleansing and supportive of the liver. You may choose to explore fresh vegetable juices or green food supplements to supercharge and alkalize your system. Drink a dandelion or detox tea 2-3 times per day as a gentle support. I suggest staying with this phase for 3-4 days, and then transitioning back out as you entered.

Foods to choose

Artichoke, Broccoli, dandelion greens, bok choy, lemons, limes, cilantro, parsley, spinach, watercress, radish, daikon, garlic, onions, beets, celery, apples, berries

Foods to lose
Sugar, sodium, caffeine, soft drinks, refined foods, white flour, dairy

Herbal healing
Mint, cilantro, dill, turmeric

(The above is an excerpt from Ana’s new cleanse e-book)

Recipe
Berry Truffle Smoothie

Here is a cleanse-worthy smoothie guaranteed to change your mind if you still believe cleansing cannot be indulgent. This smoothie provides protein to help support the liver in detoxifying, antioxidant-rich berries, fiber and omega 3 fatty acids in the flax and metabolic support if you choose to use the spices.
Enjoy!

1 cup water or ½ cup aloe juice with ½ cup water
1-2 scoops low temperature processed, hormone and antibiotic free chocolate whey powder*

*I recommend Dream Protein: www.GreensFirst.com/4550
1 T flaxseed oil
1 cup frozen raspberries or strawberries
8 ice cubes, or as desired
1 T ground flaxseeds
Optional, but delicious: dash each cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg

Blend everything but the ice on medium, then slowly add the ice cubes turning the speed up if needed, until the desired thickness is achieved.
If you have a high-powered blender such as a Vitamix, you can just add everything in at one time.

** Not all essential oils are safe for internal use. Young Living oils are 100% organic, pure and therapeutic grade essential oils. You may purchase by visiting
http://vibrant-health.younglivingworld.com.

It is important to note that this information is not a replacement for medical advise. I recommend consulting with your doctor before beginning any cleanse or nutritional program.

©2008 Ana Poirier, CHC

Posted in cleansing, Energize Your Life, green foods, immune health, recipes, Superfoods | 2 Comments