Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Wheatgrass ! Say what?

December 15, 2010                                       Weight: 177.5 lbs

Well,  Sari Dennis suggested a couple of weeks ago that I try Wheatgrass on a daily basis. She explained the wonderful properties of this food and I said I would give it a try.  So, off to a health food store for a 2 oz "shot."  The liquid is so rich that it took a couple of days for my body to properly ingest and digest.  I am a believer in this "food" and I actually purchased a juice machine to extract my own wheatgrass at home.  To be perfectly honest, I do not know exactly what to attribute my increased energy. I have lost 27 lbs.  I am eating well, exercising daily,  taking healthy vitamin supplements, consuming more water, no junk food, no caffeine, very little alcohol, no red meat, and taking wheatgrass.  It is probably a combination of all of these things.

Below is an excerpt on the advantages of wheatgrass.  Happy reading !!!

The Benefits of Wheatgrass
Excerpts from The Wheatgrass Book by Ann Wigmore

WHEATGRASS JUICE...

Increases red blood-cell count and lowers blood pressure. It cleanses the blood, organs and gastrointestinal tract of debris. Wheatgrass also stimulates metabolism and the body’s enzyme systems by enriching the blood. It also aids in reducing blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways throughout the body.
Stimulates the thyroid gland, correcting obesity, indigestion, and a host of other complaints.
Restores alkalinity to the blood. The juice's abundance of alkaline minerals helps reduce over-acidity in the blood. It can be used to relieve many internal pains, and has been used successfully to treat peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, constipation, diarrhea, and other complaints of the gastrointestinal tract.
Is a powerful detoxifier, and liver and blood protector. The enzymes and amino acids found in wheatgrass can protect us from carcinogens like no other food or medicine. It strengthens our cells, detoxifies the liver and bloodstream, and chemically neutralizes environmental pollutants.
Fights tumors and neutralizes toxins. Recent studies show that wheatgrass juice has a powerful ability to fight tumors without the usual toxicity of drugs that also inhibit cell-destroying agents. The many active compounds found in grass juice cleanse the blood and neutralize and digest toxins in our cells.
Contains beneficial enzymes. Whether you have a cut finger you want to heal or you desire to lose five pounds...enzymes must do the actual work. The life and abilities of the enzymes found naturally in our bodies can be extended if we help them from the outside by adding exogenous enzymes, like the ones found in wheatgrass juice. Has remarkable similarity to our own blood. The second important nutritional aspect of chlorophyll is its remarkable similarity to hemoglobin, the compound that carries oxygen in the blood. Dr. Yoshihide Hagiwara, president of the Hagiwara Institute of Health in Japan, is a leading advocate for the use of grass as food and medicine. He reasons that since chlorophyll is soluble in fat particles, and fat particles are absorbed directly into the blood via the lymphatic system, that chlorophyll can also be absorbed in this way. In other words, when the "blood" of plants is absorbed in humans it is transformed into human blood, which transports nutrients to every cell of the body.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Incredible Lab Results!

December 13, 2010                                         Weight: 178.5

Diet and Exercise
I wanted to share some from incredible results..... 

Cholesterol went from 178 to 156 or a 14.1% reduction
Cholesterol/HDL ratio went from 4.2 to 2.2 or a 90.9% reduction
Triglycerides went from 112 to 53 or a 111.3% reduction

This clearly illustrates that healthy eating and daily exercise has a tremendous effect on one's body and health. Dropping 27 lbs and exercising daily generates these results.

I have increased my workout by 20 minutes daily as I was stuck at 180 lbs for some time.  Recently broke through this weight barrier.  It takes discipline but it is certainly worth it.

We are getting there......

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A Three Month Recap!

December 1, 2010                                         Weight:  182 lbs

A Balanced Life
Through the Integrative Nutrition Program with Sari Dennis, I can truly share that adhering to this program has enabled me to achieve many of my personal goals.  I have lost 23.5 lbs in a healthy manner.  I have eliminated  red meat, coffee, most processed foods, junk food, pizza, artificial sweeteners, pasta, most dairy, milk, most alcohol, cheese and white bread from my diet.  I have been taking healthy vitamin supplements, drinking 2 oz of wheat grass daily and drinking lots of water.  I have been eating lots of fruit, vegetables, beans, fish and poultry.  In sum, I am cognizant of ingesting only healthy food into my body.

My bi-weekly sessions with Sari are enjoyable, educational and supportive. We have about an hour every two weeks to examine in detail the impact food has on one's physical and spiritual being.  Sari has a wealth of knowledge and if she does not know an answer to a specific question, she researches the topic and gets back to you with a response in a timely manner.

It's quite fortunate that I found out about this program as it will prolong my life and enable me to enjoy it in a healthy and complete manner.

Shins Feel Better - Thank G-D!

November 22, 2010                                                    Weight : 183.0

The Exercise Component

In place of speed walking outside, I have been exercising a great deal in my home gym. My typical daily work out consists of 45 minutes on the elliptical machine, 5 minutes of stretching, 10 minutes of light weights and 20-25 minutes on a stationery bike. My body is absolutely changing in a healthy way.  My tummy is just about gone and my muscles are toned.  My new weight goal is 173-175.   Going to be visiting Brook's Brothers very shortly to purchase new suits and slacks. Just think...Lose weight and help the economy ! Wish me good luck in achieving this objective.

Candle 79

November 15, 2010                                            Weight:  185.0

My First Experience at A Vegetarian Restaurant
I had the most incredible dinner with my family in celebration of my birthday.  Fifty two years young and feeling terrific.  Dinner consisted of: Vegetable Nori Rolls, Steamed Dumplings, Smoked Hummus, Wild Mushroom Trio to start, and Seitan Piccata to complete a divine dining experience! I have realized that my taste buds have changed and I can truly share that this healthy way of eating is extremely fulfilling and enjoyable.