Week 2 Summary of the Vida Crew

Skipped a chocolate custard dessert AND opted for greens while out to dinner? Dan is one dedicated client! 

Click here to start at the beginning of the Vida Crew's Journey.

Will Jeff still require scheduled surgery?

Will Dan continue losing close to 1 pound per day?

Ed, oh Ed….Where are you?

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Week 2 Summary of the Vida Crew
Click here to read the first installment of the Vida Crew's Cleanse Journey! 


Dan broke the 200 pound mark and continues losing .6 to .8 pounds per day.  His energy and mood improvements are fantastic.  Dan started doing yoga at lunch each day and is sweating out more toxins. He did have a couple of days, which broke his trend, in which the weight went up and other older symptoms reared their head including increased irritability.  Now that Dan has experienced how good he can feel, he is very in tune with these fluctuations.  On both occasions, there were suspicious foods or dressings while eating out.  There is something impacting Dan’s mood, energy and weight and he is close to uncovering it!

Dan is heading to NY next week and is concerned about being able to stay on track.  He will go armed with chef cards, instructions and his new super Ninja ordering skills.  And if all else fails, can just get himself back on track when he returns.

• Lost an additional  5 pounds this week, even with 2 days of minor weight increases due to suspicious ingredients in restaurants
• Continued significant improvements in energy, mood, pain and presence!

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Ed, oh Ed – where are you?  Ed hasn’t been tracking this week so we do not have as much information to report.  Ed started an exercise routine, left a message and said he is feeling great and even better than last week!
But Ed’s weight has held steady at the same levels for several days in a row.  This is very rare, especially for our male clients and leads up to believe that there might be something he is eating that is creating weight holding.
We appealed to Team Vida to help us get Ed back to tracking so that he can have the same experience as his teammates!

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Jeff’s wife, DeAnna is one happy sleeper!  She told him that for the first time in 20 years, he is not keeping her up with his snoring at night.  His congestion and allergies are much improved, his energy is fantastic and he says he is feeling great!

Jeff’s original goal weight was to lose 10 – 15 pounds. 15 pounds melted away within 2 weeks and he has now decided that he would like to lose another 10!  He was last at this weight in high school.  Can he do it?

One of Jeff’s biggest concerns upon beginning the program was sleep apnea and snoring issues.  He has surgery scheduled for December 1st.  He has pushed it back to December 8th to give himself more time to assess.  Will he need it?  

Jeff’s wife is thrilled that he is no longer snoring at night and coughing up junk in the mornings!  She wrote him a love note to thank him. :) 

So far Jeff has experienced the most food intolerances with onions, corn and vinegar.  Each of these seems to impact his apnea and allergy symptoms.

• Drainage/Throat Congestion are gone for the first time in 20 years, with the exception of the times he has introduced the foods which have triggered them.
• Energy improvements continue
• Snoring is gone and no longer needing Affrin at night
• Blood Pressure dropped from 135/85 to 120/80 in 2 weeks!
• Postponed surgery from December 1st to 8th to give more time to assess

Vida Crew Rocking on Through Weeks 3 & 4

Click here to start at the beginning of the Vida Crew's Journey.

 Dan broke his “plateau” weight from prior programs and 

can’t believe it’s possible to feel this good!

Ed’s back, feels amazing and says his whole relationship

with food is changing!

Jeff has run out of allergy medication from his doc but even without the meds his allergies are nary an issue.

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DAN:
Dan started week 3 in NY and bit off a rather large apple while away.  But we always say – there’s no guilt, just notice how it made you feel and let that motivate you to get yourself right back on track.  Dan’s a pro at this by now and is addicted to feeling good so getting back on track is no big deal.  Dan returns, baselines for 3 days (fancy word for eliminating anything not cleared yet) and is ready for soy.  

Upon introducing soy, however, mood symptoms flare and he gains a ½ pound. Dan says things are stressful though right now and he’s not sure if it’s soy or natural responses to his environment.  

We say let’s play!

Hypothesis:  Dan is reacting to soy and it’s impacting mood, energy and weight.

Hypothesis Test Recommendation:  Remove soy, wait on anything new, track symptoms and let’s see what happens.

Hypothesis Result: Sure enough – Dan’s radiating positivity again and ready to go onto the next item on his list – nuts! Dan has also stepped up his exercise routine and is busting a move with P90X every morning at 5:30 am!

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ED:
Ed’s back.  He was experiencing some technical difficulties with his tracker but he’s back and tracking again, most days. Ed is thrilled with how good he feels. His evening energy has gone from a “2-3” to an “8”!  Cravings are gone, mood is lifted and he says he has a whole new relationship with food.

With the guidance of his doctor, he’s been able to decrease his blood pressure meds to 25% of his original dose 4 weeks ago!

Ed reacted to pineapple and it created a skin breakout.  Was it the pineapple or nuts he had also just introduced?  Ed’s hunch was right – pineapple!  He left the nuts in, eliminated the pineapple and his skin is clearing up.

Ed is embracing his new found intuition with food and we are loving it!  The goal of the whole program is to access your own inner expertise and eventually tell us all to heave ho!

Ed is a founder of a cold laser technology called Zerona, that allegedly melts away fat.  He wants to go through a treatment while in the process.  I asked him to wait a few weeks to keep everything simple for food comparison’s sake.  He has patiently waited and is now ready to go.

Ed is already onto eggs and is clipping right along with the reintroduction.

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JEFF:
Jeff spent week 3 in Miami and let himself enjoy it’s culinary pleasures.  We say – “go for it, in moderation”.  There are no slips if you notice how it made you feel and get yourself back on track upon return.  Jeff noticed an increase in many of his symptoms and happily went to baseline when he returned home!

Jeff is still enjoying improved energy, clarity, mood and weight.  But his baseline included nightshades and his allergy symptoms weren’t returning to his new improved clarity.  And Jeff wasn’t the only one impacted.  His wife has been enjoying the new snore free zone.

Hypothesis:  Nightshades are creating congestion, snoring and lower energy.

Hypothesis Test Recommendation:  Remove nightshades, wait on anything new and let’s see if it clears up.

Hypothesis Result: Allergies cleared up to minimal and happily his snoring disappeared again, but he was still showing slightly higher than total clarity he experienced weeks 1 and 2.  Upon further investigation, we learned that Jeff is out of his allergy meds and is now tracking med free.

But the good news – Jeff’s allergies without meds are improved from his symptoms with meds!  No more Affrin at night yet no snoring.  And no daytime meds with little impact.

Jeff is also experiencing higher than usual amounts of external stress but his capacity for handling it is significantly improved.  Energy’s better, weight is holding and Jeff is in his zone.

Despite reacting to 4 or 5 foods so far, Jeff is making this look easy!   Jeff’s curiosity, positivity and dedication to feeling his best are paying off.  He has a natural ease with intuition and food and is making our role simple.

Vida Crew's 5th - 6th Week

Nearing the end of the program, how did the Vida lads fare on their cleanse during the Thanksgiving Holiday? These men have been fiercely committed to creating change in their lives.  Now wrapping up week 6 of their discovery process – let's check in:

 

In Week 5, Dan says he is coming for the 180’s.  Can he do it with the holidays?

Ed had his first significant food reaction and caught it lickety split!

Jeff’s allergies symptoms are barely detectable and he has postponed his sinus surgery, again, until January.

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Dan is loving how good he feels and looks. (Click here to read his personal testimonial). In week 5, before the Thanksgiving holiday, he drops into the low 190’s and proclaims – “I’m coming for YOU 180’s!”.  Can he do it?

Some indulgences around the holidays created minor pauses in further weight loss but Dan is a champ and even with these indulgences maintains his new lower weight.  We are refining his carb to protein balance and playing with the ratio of nuts to help his accelerate his entry into brand new terrain.

In week 6, Dan experienced a couple of nights of reverting to his old Pre-Cleanse sleep levels, slightly lower energy and weight increase.  We suspect he received a bit of soy, which has already been discovered as a primary intolerance triggering many old symptoms.

Otherwise, Dan feels great!  His energy is much improved, he sleeps better, feels lighter and his mood is brighter.

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Ed is tracking on paper and sending us updates once per week.  So while we do not have as much hands on guidance with Ed’s day to day reality, he seems to be right in the swing of things. 

Ed discovered his first significant intolerance, corn, which triggered many of his old symptoms.  Upon introducing corn Ed’s energy dipped to his Pre-Cleanse levels and former mood and digestive symptoms returned.  Ed is in tune, notes in his tracker how he feels and says he has eliminated it.

Is Ed back on track with his new found energy levels, improved mood, digestion and cravings?  We hope so but haven’t heard and look forward to getting an update soon.

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Jeff’s wife Deanna remains one happy wing-woman in slumber!  Jeff’s snoring is still non-existent with the exception of the times he has introduced intolerant foods. He has discovered a new one – nuts, which make his eyes water and his congestion rears it’s head again.

Jeff maintained his new svelte shape of 185 even during the holidays and is dipping into the lower 180’s. His energy, mood and blood pressure levels all continue to remain much improved!

Jeff is heading to the Big Apple tomorrow, but, now that he’s in the flow with the process – we have every bit of faith in his ability to indulge if he chooses and get himself right back on track!

Amaranth with Apples, Cardamom & Mint

An aromatic combination of ingredients makes for a warm and robust way to start the day. The amaranth cooks up to a porridge like consistency and the addition of the apples lend a bright crunch. Cardamom and mint elevate this simple recipe to something entirely different. When they're in season we love to swap the apples for fresh, juicy peaches.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup amaranth cooked according to package directions
• ½ cup chopped apples
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1-2 fresh mint leaves, chopped

Combine all ingredients in a bowl & enjoy!


Makes 1 hearty serving or 2 small servings.

Shrimp & Goat Cheese Chili Relleno

These Relleno are so creamy and delicious it's almost hard to believe they're such a healthy meal choice! This has to be one of our favorite Love Cleanse Recipes; perfect for both a weeknight family dinner or as an impressive dish for guests. Also equally tasty made with zucchini in place of Poblanos if nightshades are a food intolerance for you.


We roast our own peppers at home either over an open flame or under the broiler in the oven. Once they're charred on all sides place the peppers in a bowl, cover and let sit for five minutes. This will allow you to easily slip off the skins.


INGREDIENTS:
Makes 2 servings.
• ½ cup quinoa
• 1 cup water or stock of your choice
• 2 Poblano peppers, roasted and seeded**
• ½ red bell pepper, roasted and chopped**
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 ounces of shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 14 ounces of organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained **
• 2 tsp lemon zest **
• 2 Tbsp goat cheese, plain or chili flavored, crumbled


INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cook quinoa according to package directions, using water or stock.  Set aside after cooked. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add olive oil. Add shrimp & cook stirring occasionally for 2 minutes.


Add garlic & cook another minute or 2. Add red pepper, tomatoes & lemon zest. Stir together & allow to warm through. Add quinoa & goat cheese, stir to combine & melt cheese. 


Stuff mixture into peppers & bake for 10 minutes.


**If you are sensitive to nightshades, substitute a zucchini for the Poblano.  Slice a zucchini lengthwise & scoop out seeds, stuff with filling & bake about 20 minutes until zucchini is tender.
**Omit roasted red pepper & tomatoes if you are sensitive to nightshades.  
**Omit lemon zest if you are sensitive to citrus.

Meet Sarah McConnell!

CLIENT: Sarah McConnell

*Sarah is still in Phase 2 and tracking.

So far, Sarah has discovered the following food intolerances:

• Corn: Level 2 intolerance impacting mood, allergies, energy
• Dairy: Level 3 intolerance impacting allergies, mood, digestion and energy

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TESTIMONIAL:

"My life has taken a dramatic turn in the past 30 days.  I am a completely different person than I was 30 days ago.  Completely! Before I met Kim, I suffered from ongoing migraines, sinus infections, depression, insomnia, and general ill health.  I was always tired and felt irritable a great deal.

The cleanse is not easy for the first 7 days.  It takes tenacity.  However, once you begin to integrate different food groups, your world (and your palette) opens up.

I wish I had done this years ago! I immediately lost weight, stopped having sinus infections, depression went away magically, and by day 4 I was sleeping like a baby for the first time in 10 years.  The only times I have felt bad in the past 30 days have been when I integrated foods to which I am intolerant.  By simply removing these food groups from my diet, my health, emotional well-being and life have changed dramatically.  

I wake up feeling energized and happy...the way I used to when I was a child. You remember those Saturday mornings where you would luxuriate in bed with the knowledge that you didn't have to do anything, but you could do everything the world had to offer. I have returned to that land of peace and happiness, and am now living in the moment. No more anxiety, fno more fear, no headaches, and best of all: no extra weight!

Something else that all of my friends have been excited about...for years, I thought I had mommy brain and that I would forever walk around in a haze.  I am no longer confused or unfocused."

Go Raw Bars

When working with clients to help with cravings and regulate blood sugar, one of our first recommendations is to eat a protein snack both mid-morning and mid-afternoon. We bring you the tastiest, healthiest and must convenient snacks each month!

Go Raw Bars

 
Go Raw Bars contain soaked and sprouted seeds!  Why would one wish to soak and sprout seeds?  Seeds and nuts contain an enzyme inhibitor that makes them very difficult to digest.  This time consuming process allows you to soak up every ounce of benefit from each powerhouse packed seed.  And did we mention, they are delish? One of our favorites is the Banana Bread Flax Bar.  Chewy, moist and full of nostalgia, these would make your Grandma proud!

 
They can be found at Whole Foods or online here.

Pumpkin Berry Smoothie

A fresh twist on an old favorite...this packs so much goodness into one glass it even has greens blended right in - ya can't taste them a bit!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 cup butternut squash or pumpkin – fresh or canned
• 1 cup organic mixed blueberries & raspberries
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1 jumbo kale or Swiss chard leaf or 2 small to medium leaves
• Thin, small slice of fresh ginger 
• 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Raw coconut oil or 1 tbsp coconut butter

OPTIONAL:

• 1 tbsp of Flax oil (Women Only)   
• 1/3 cup SuperFood Snack or Vega Whole Meal Optimizer (only for those not sensitive to food combining principles)

Place all ingredients in blender except kale or Swiss chard.  Blend everything to a creamy liquid consistency and add kale or Swiss chard.  Continue blending until greens are liquefied and drink.  

Makes one 12 ounce serving.

First Installment of our Healthy Food Ambassador Column!

The Love Cleanse is excited to announce our Healthy Eating Ambassador
column!

Our Healthy Eating Ambassadors have gone through The Love Cleanse
program and are now hitting the streets with their health goals still in mind months and/or years later. They are feeling good and proud of it!

They wish to share their favorite healthy dishes around town. As they have discovered, eating healthy can still be fun; and you can still find healthier options at some of your favorite “non-healthy” eateries.

We're proud to introduce Dawn Thompson, our first Healthy Eating Ambassador, which is fitting as she was one of our earliest clients 2 years ago.

Dawn Thompson
Founder of Dawn Thompson Interiors, Mother of 2 and leader of her girl's pack

Read below to see how I was able to incorporate what I learned through the Love Cleanse to find menu items at local restaurants that are both delicious and work for me.

I discovered the following:

• Shellfish makes me extremely tired.
• Gluten creates inflammation and fatigue.
• Eating nuts increases my cravings.

Here are some of my favorite dishes around town:

MANGIA PIZZA 

• They have a great Greek salad that I like to add grilled chicken to.

SANTA RITA CANTINA: 

• The Tilapia Pescado with black beans, salad, and guacamole
• Rotisserie Chicken Entrée
• A variety of fabulous salads!
• Santa Rita has an array of delicious, healthy shrimp dishes but I never order because I’m intolerant to shellfish.

GALAXY CAFE: 

• One of my favorites with so many options for me because they have an entire Gluten Free Menu featuring pasta dishes, sandwiches, wraps and even desserts!

ZOCOLO CAFE: 

• I get the Tostado salad (which is actually a fantastic fresh salad), with chicken on top and black beans and one small Tostada on the bottom.

 

24 DINER: 

• Their homemade Veggie/beet burger with a side salad is satisfying and tasty!

Cipollina's Nicoise Sala

CIPOLLINA

Some of my go-to dishes include:

• Nicoise salad
• Meditteranean Salad
• Love their rotating fish specials too

   GUERO'S TACO BAR

• The Grilled Veggie Alhambre is a huge plate of grilled vegetables with black beans, rice and I order Corn tortillas. Really good!

 

MANDOLA'S ITALIAN MARKET PLACE:

• Misto Salad with grilled chicken - Delicious!
• Also carry great shellfish items but again, these are NOT for me.

Raw Coconut Aminos Non-Soy Seasoning Sauce

Straight from the sap of a coconut tree, blended with sun dried-mineral rich sea salt and aged until it naturally ferments – this is one of the cooler products we have run across!  It contains 17 amino acids and up to 14 times the amino content of soy.  And best of all, it lends a rich smoky flavor to your veggies.  We tried it drizzled on our morning quinoa and found it absolutely decadent! You will definitely want this one.

Since it's entirely free of soy and other common inflammatory ingredients, it also fits the bill as Cleanse-Compliant. 

Currently sold in the raw food section of Austin Whole Foods Austin or for those in other cities - www.coconutsecret.com.