This elimination diet adventure has both ups and downs , a thrilling rollercoaster I like to call, The Diet Decimator! It’s been both challenging and extremely rewarding. Between the yummy recipes , the cleansing and, most importantly, a notably improved digestion…I could possibly stay on this diet forever!

Ya, ha! Riiiiiight. I could – since necessity calls for creation and these recipes I’m trying are truly deeeelish - I just don’t want to. Truth be told, I’ve cheated almost everyday since starting this extensively restrictive diet. Mind you, they’ve been healthy cheats, like a handful dried fruit and chocolate chips or a small, black organic coffee.

For awhile, I was feeling guilty about cheating because I know I can do this perfectly… under the right circumstances. If all I had to do was this diet? No problem. There would be no stress and therefore no cravings. And doing it perfectly isn’t just my ego talking, Folks, it means the difference between 3 weeks and nearly 3 months!

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Do you have digestive troubles but aren’t ready to visit the doc yet, let alone attempt any major changes in diet or fitness levels? Well, this post is for you!

During my last visit, the Naturopathic Doctor passed on the following pearls of digestive wisdom:

1. Eat sitting down. Ever hear of the flight or fight reaction of the sympathetic nervous system? Well, the phrase, “rest and digest” summarizes the parasympathetic system. When one of these systems is turned on, the other must be off. Sitting while you eat will allow your body to fully focus its energy on digesting the food, properly and quickly. Read the rest of this entry »

Lately on Live Lighter, we’ve been on a quest to find sensitivities and allergies to food on our elimination diet adventures . By sticking to a diet rich in foods that are least likely to cause an allergic reaction (hypo-allergenic ), we’ve been cleansing our bodies of offending foods. Well, there was an interesting turn of events this past week.

Not only am I experiencing a detox of the body, but I’m also experiencing a detox of the mind and soul! Some issues have risen up from the depths of my bowels (ha ha?). This surfacing process put me out of sorts and actually at times it’s been downright painful. Most of my time this week has been spent in deep introspection or purging my thoughts and feelings.

Thank you to my friends and family for listening and for your patience on this roller coaster of emotion!

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Taking care of your body includes keeping moisturized. Drinking water is of course the number one way to maintain hydration. But our society’s focus on cleanliness and staying away from fats (good and the bad) also contribute to dryness and dehydration.

In response to this problem, manufacturers of skin care products come to our rescue! Only their help comes with more than one price. Their products wreak further havoc on our systems because of the chemicals they use.

Metro News and the editors of Alive magazine reminded me of this in an article, “Natural, Beautiful Skin ”

earlier this week. Rather than thoughtlessly continue slathering on harmful substances, they suggested eating healthy foods and choosing skin care products made with natural ingredients.

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These videos are hilarious! Those shorts, that ohm chant…thank Heaven that I haven’t come across an inappropriate yoga guy in real life!

Here’s an introductory clip:

And check out this one, even funnier! HAHA!