My Spring Cleanse of Sorts

This past weekend I lead a spring cleansing and detoxification workshop at Easton Yoga. I presented three different types of cleanses that individuals could experiment with based on their current eating style, whether or not they cleansed before, and what would be possible for them to accommodate. I wanted everyone to acknowledge that a detox of any sort will reap a plethora of benefits. Detoxing is a gift you give to yourself.

As I am one who most certainly walks my talk, I started one of my detox programs myself. Even though my lifestyle and eating habits (lots of vegetables daily, little to no weekly alcohol consumption, no coffee consumption, little meat consumption, little dairy consumption, daily consumption of whole grains) qualifies me for my most stringent cleanse (mostly raw veggies and veggie juices), I chose to implement my most lenient cleanse (raw veggies and fruits, some whole grains, and steamed veggies with a savory sauce). And I chose to make the cleanse even MORE lenient by implementing more legumes, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. This decision was practical for me. I am an athlete, so I need these complex carbohydrates and protein to fuel my running, biking and swimming. And I feel great!

How has my diet changed these past few days? No caffeine (I am quite astounded by the fact that I actually have MORE energy than ever). I am drinking even more water than usual. No processed foods and no animal products. I confess that I am missing my morning egg wraps. And my husband melted my heart when he ate a yummy Nature's Path pop tart in front of me yesterday. However, I feel vibrant and balanced.

Perhaps the most beneficial part of my cleanse has been the complementary practices. I have been doing sun salutations every morning. I have been dry brushing my skin after every shower. I have been reflecting more on all that I am grateful for (where I live, my family, my friends, my talents, my dog).

So when will I stop my cleanse? Probably soon. When my husband is finished with his semester at school, I think a toast with a nice frothy beer is due! And I may just have some chicken fingers as well!

Book Review: Alice Waters and Chez Panisse: The Romantic, Impractical, Often Eccentric, Ultimately Brilliant Making of a Food Revolution

This biography of Alice Waters, written by Thomas McNamee is absolutely phenomenal. Whenever I read a biography, I do so "with a grain of salt" because you can't assume that every bit and piece is true or in the appropriate context. So when reading biographies, I disregard anything that is remotely controversial or gossipy. With that said, there was very little gossip in this book. Sure there was some mentioning of people who didn't get along with Alice, but beyond that the book was a microscopic look at how a young Berkeley student revolutionized the GOOD food revolution in this country from the opening of her restaurant in 1971 to the creation of the Edible School Yard in recent years as well as creating the Yale University Sustainable Food Project.

How did one person's dream of prioritizing local fresh food become a reality? It all started in France (my most favorite country in the world). Alice studied abroad and was so awed by the deliciousness of the food. It was always fresh and always scrumptious. Alice wanted to replicate that quality of food here in the United States. With the help of several friends and family members, she opened Chez Panisse and for the past 38 years she has been serving local food in a classy gourmet French-inspired fashion. In fervor, she also applied the importance of local foods to children and young college students through the Edible School Yard and the Yale University Sustainable Food Project. She is such an inspiration. There were so many "opportunities" for her to give up but she kept marching on. I am certainly inspired by her. I give this book a "two thumbs up" for sure!!!