Very interesting phone consultation this morning with the owner of Wellness center (colonic place). The consult was to discuss holistic approaches for identifying / relieving the pain and swelling in my abdomen. Natually weight and food came up in the conversation and I had to interrupt her because she was approaching it from the (obviously misunderstood) perspective of me wanting advice on losing weight.
Yes, my dear, I know there is a chicken/egg crossing the road type connection to health and weight. But let's not make this about the weight. Step away from the fat blaming ledge and lets talk. I'd already taken several steps toward a healthier way prior to the procedure. I'm about getting better, not getting thin. I know with the reduction in weight so my blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol will follow. But let's not turn this into a weight loss process or I'll lose my mind really freaking fast.
Here is what is ironic - she shared that the body is a creature of habit just as 'we' are .. and this SORT of addressed that lingering question of why I always stop at 'this weight'.. not more. She said that if a person has been a certain weight most of their life maintaining a lower weight will be harder because the body will subconsciously start processing meals in a way to restore the weight to the known comfort zone. Memories of 2014 when the scale kept increasing and clothes tightening (so not muscle weight) despite my maintaining a food diary and everything was status quo.
So that is a bit hopeless, no? It would be if I were hung up on the number. I reminded her of my agenda and we began discussing nutrition, probiotics, digestive enzymes, etc.
A couple of interesting insights introduced but before I share I want to add a little bit to the 'vegetable juice vs raw chewing topic'. The 'benefit' to drinking the juice over the chewing is the nutrients enter the blood stream so much faster than chewing and forcing the body to process them.
In fact, because of the abdominal pain, evidence I'm not digesting food as well, etc., she advised that I avoid ALL raw vegetables and fruit unless processed into a juice. This to make it easier for the enzymes to break down the juice for my body. So no 'salad therapy' for healing.
I did not share with her I had just chopped a cucumber and tomato for adding to tuna for lunch. It's presently marinating in some garlic vinegar.
I did share the interesting transformation (taste craving of clean foods) post colonic and that I'd purchased a bullet. She was thrilled.
Advice included:
1) do not drink juice with a straw. The straw introduces air into the abdomen as well as shoots the juice straight to the stomach missing the whole process where it is to be first broken down by the enzymes in the mouth.
2) do not drink (even water) during a (chewing) meal. Specifically, no water 1/2 hour before and up to one hour after the meal. I'd read this elsewhere but forgot about it. The absence of fluids puts less strain on the liver.
3) My blood type is O positive and that blood type naturally craves meat. I'm advised to eat only fish or chicken. Note whenever I write 'I'm advised to...' it means I'm not totally on board with that just yet. My Home Chef shipment arriving tomorrow contains beef and pork; I will be eating those meats.
4) Need to get a good probiotic and digestive enzyme supplement to help with good bacteria as well as truly digesting food.
5) Don't 'chug' the vegetable juice. Drink slow, allow it to swish around in the mouth so the enzymes can start processing it there.
Side note - my friend Grace has practiced #2 for years. It's always been challenging dining out with her because the server will ask 'what would you like to drink' and she says 'nothing'. 'Not even water?' "No, nothing..." and the server walks away puzzled. I once told her 'stop confusing them, order water, I'll drink it' but she refused. IF I'm able to incorporate this advice we'll definitely give the server a puzzle.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans trip is this Friday - my friend and I met yesterday to decide who was going to bring 'what' food wise as we're getting a house with a kitchen. Whenever she'd mention soda and chips that she'd bring I would resist the urge to tell her 'no'; I picked up several packs of tuna for the drive (8 hours) as well as just toss one in our bags while we're out running around so that we're not tempted to eat 'all' of our meals out; probably a nice meal at lunch. I also picked up several of the Bai Bubbles beverages. Bai Bubbles are flavor infused with antioxidants for a carbonated twist. Like bubbles, they’re light—only 5 calories and 1 gram of sugar, with no artificial sweeteners.
I did finally have some tuna for lunch yesterday; and I cooked the Coq Au Vin for dinner but something happened at it tasted too salty so I did eat some despite that but the rest went into the bin. I'm probably going to have some tuna w/the cucumbers & tomatoes here soon. Thinking about King Crab legs for dinner.
