Monday, October 17, 2011

A Simple Fall Cleanse for Energy

 
Fall is almost over on the mountain and the recent rains are taking the last of the leaves. Walking in the woods today, I noticed the yellow leaves hanging on to a beech tree and some birches and wondered if they do this on purpose so we will admire them after the palette of maple reds and oranges finish stealing the show. The forest is cleansing its trees of leaves - the view opens up.



Cleansing and cleaning out. Best time for it is now.  We just cleaned out 25 years of dead stuff from our basement right into a waiting dumpster–what a feeling of clear space, clean floors and freedom! I am full of renewed energy to do more in every area of our home and now my body too. I am doing a gentle fall cleanse to clean out the summer toxin build up, strengthen my digestion and metabolism to handle the nutrient dense, immune building foods needed for  the cooler and cold months ahead. After a week of it so far, I have gotten more creative with adding in various fruits and different veggies every day. I feel more energy and focus, less stress and can say I am lovin the scale right now.  The fall cleansing diet is one that is light and well spiced and will benefit different people in different ways.

THE GENTLE CLEANSE: Here is a simple recipe to start with, along with delicious tea and some tips to help you along the way...do 5-10 or 20 days.. pick a time between now and thanksgiving  when you are not travelling or facing too many events.   You will feel lighter, more energy and ready to face the holidays ahead.  Watch yourself stand tall and showy like the last yellow leaved beech tree in the forest.  Please let me know how it goes.

Simple Fall Kichadi

1 Tbs. Ghee
1 tsp mustard seed
1 tsp cumin seed
1 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cardamom
1/2 cup basmati rice, rinsed  ( I also used quinoa some days - other non-gluten grains are fine)
3/4 cup mung dal (can use lentils too), rinsed and soaked
5 cups water, heated if possible
1 cup chopped vegetables (your choice)
Heat ghee (clarified butter)  in a heavy bottomed saucepan and add mustard seed and cumin.  When these begin to pop, stir in the rice, and other spices.  Stir together to coat all in ghee.  Add drained mung dal and water.   Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.  Add in chopped vegetables (squashes, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, onions, garlic, carrots, parsnips, turnips)  and continue to cook until vegetables are soft.


Fennel and Ginger Tea

1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 1/2 cup water
Place all ingredients in pan and boil together 5 minutes.  Strain out herbs and drink.  (No problem with leaving the herb in eating that, too.)  May sweeten with honey when cool enough to drink.
Tips to Support your Cleanse
1. Exercise - You will enhance your metabolism further by making sure you exercise one half hour after at least one meal every day.
2. Massage - this will help move your lymphatic fluid, your digestive system is alkalizing during your cleanse, the liver is purifying your blood, the lymph is clearing toxins, massage or jumping up and down on a mini or large trampoline will help facilitate the movement of your lymph.  You can do self massage daily making sure to stroke in the direction of the heart. Use warm oil or a hot wash cloth.
3. Water - if you are not drinking half your weight in ounces of water a day, start doing it. So important to keeping the pathways well- hydrated for moving toxins out.
4. Food Choices - stick with seasonal vegetables and fruits and green foods.  Drink black or green tea to wean yourself off of coffee, very small amounts of maple syrup, honey and natural sweeteners can be used to help wean yourself off sugar during the cleanse.. eating sweet veggies can too or more protein to cut cravings.
5. Be mindful and grateful - chew slowly and slow down your normal eat and go go go.
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Upcoming Workshops & Expos  - Please join me - email for more info: MarieFrohlich@gmail.com



November 5th - Food and Wellness Expo - Montpelier City Hall, by Hunger Mountain Coop
November 14th - Immune Building Soup Demo at Ainsworth Public Library 6:30-8pm
December 1 - 6-7:30  Eating healthy on a budget at Hunger Mountain Coop. Pre-register
December 9 – Barre Farmer’s Market Holiday Expo – Old Labor Hall 3-7pm
December 10th - Senator Leahy's 34th Annual Women's Economic Development Conference - Workshop Presentation "Unstress for Success"


Are you ready for a radical change and a healthier sustainable lifestyle?  Sign up for a free 30 minute break-through health consultation at www.MarieFrohlich.com
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Resources used for more information and recipes:

http://en.ayurmed.org/welcome

Or simply google Kichardi for other recipes or Kitchari