Sugar Detox

The more I learn about refined sugar - the more convinced I am that it is the white devil.

Here are some of my notes from a Sugar Detox workshop by Luz Chacón:

• Dementia and impotence can be called Type 3 Diabetes because they are complications of diabetes
• Wheat acts like sugar in our bodies.
• Sugar is 8 times more addictive than cocaine.
• It is recommended that women have no more than 6 tsp of sugar per day.
• We are being manipulated for profit by the food industry.
• Sugar is linked to heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, dementia, impotence, depression/mood swings, anxiety, acne, infertility, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperactivity, acid reflux/heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, migraines, rashes, premature aging.
• Lower insulin levels by reducing or eliminating sugar and flour.
• A sugar detox can reset your brain and body and minimize cravings.
• Satisfy sugar or carb cravings with sweet veggies like beets, yams, sweet potatoes.
• Have fruit for dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Replace sugar in recipes with dates or Stevia.
• Replace white flour in recipes with rolled oats or almond flour.
• Avoid food with any type of sugar in the first 4 ingredients.

Sugar Addiction Quiz (True or False)

1. I don't eat refined sugar every day
2. I can go more than a day without eating some kind of sugar-containing food.
3. I never have cravings for sugar, coffee, chocolate, peanut butter or alcohol.
4. I've never hidden sweets around the house so I can eat them later.
5. I can stop after eating one bite of pastry or one piece of candy.
6. There are times when I have no sugar around the house.
7. I can have sweets in the house without eating them.
8. I can go at least 3 hours without eating without shakes, fatigue or bad moods.
9. I do not eat something sweet after every meal.
10. I rarely drink coffee or eat donuts or sweet rolls for breakfast.
11. I can go more than an hour after waking without eating.
12. I don't drink sweetened soft drinks every day.

Four or more "False" responses and you're in the danger zone.

Stars Aligning

Day 1 of 10-day sugar detox, joined by my sister and thanks to my health coach. I made huevos a la mexicana for breakfast and packed my green drink for lunch later. I even made veggie soup for my daughters' lunches this week.

Day 1 of Transcendental Meditation (TM) training, thanks to the David Lynch Foundation, which trains students in schools, veterans and women/girl survivors of assault.

This is the start of a great 2017. Feeling motivated and clean.

Here are my notes about TM:

• It takes 20 minutes/twice per day to recharge, develop stillness and wholeness. 
• You release stress 2 times a day so it doesn't build up.
• Over time, the benefits accumulate - you feel clear and energized.
• It's a preparation for activity (for example, students might do it before doing their homework).
• It helps you to connect to your inner silence - the silent part of you. Like the part of the ocean that is miles deep.
• It is a basic technology that anyone can use. If you can think a thought, you can learn TM. It's a technology - not a belief system. It is not a cult - there is no leader telling you how to live.
• TM is about waking up your consciousness.
• Rest is how the body heals. Your body's natural intelligence takes over and knows what to do to heal. The body is healing from within.
• The mind and body is less active - TM is profound/deep rest. It is 2 times deeper than sleep. It is more efficient.
• It is a reboot or re-set for your brain.
• TM helps you function in a calmer way.
• TM is like shock absorbers on a car - it provides cushion and resilience on the bumpy road of life.
• TM is getting rid of the blocks to become more of who you are.
• Resting is how the body heals stress.
• TM is an ancient indigenous knowledge from India. Indigenous knowledge can be lost in one generation. It is a cultural/traditional practice vs. religious.
• TM is waking up all of our potential/creativity.
• TM is training the brain to function in a different way. The brain begins to act as a whole. TM boosts IQ and creativity. There is more blood flow to the pre-frontal cortex with TM - to think more clearly. 
• Transcending - Peter's (DLF TM teacher) description of "transcending" reminded me of the feeling I have when I get a gifted massage, or when I do yoga or when I've had hypnotherapy, acupuncture or reiki - I go to a different place where I'm like asleep but I'm not. I call it a meditative state - it feels really deep and restful.  He gave me the book, "Transcendence" by Norman E. Rosenthal. I'll post notes on it as I read it, I'm sure.

The Light of Truth

For those at risk of manipulation by fake promises and empty threats in micro- and macro-relationships...

So do not be afraid of them. For nothing is concealed that will not be uncovered, or hidden that will not be made known. Matthew 10:26 

For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. Luke 8:17 

Not only will the truth come out to set you free but it will be made known to all!

The smear campaign will backfire.

There is nothing more frightening to the manipulator than being exposed to public humiliation.

Let his undoing be his own doing.

Feminist AF

Sometimes, in a glorious twist of fate, the manipulative tactics of the lying-wounded-bullies actually backfire in a really big way.

Eventually all will come to light - the truth will come out. The people will see the truth and become galvanized.

This is true on a micro-level (in one-on-one relationships) and on a macro-level (in national & international politics).

Fear vs. Love.

When we fear that our only power is control and manipulation, then we weave a tenuous and tangled web of lies (promises and threats - plata o plomo), which make us vulnerable (to the risk of exposure) instead of strong.

When we trust in ourselves, others, the Universe/Creator/God/Higher Power/the god of your understanding, then we choose love. And love means taking good care of ourselves and wanting the best for others. Living simply and standing in truth, like a tree with really deep roots - shaken but never toppled.

Nobody grabs my pussy without my consent ;)

The Mother of Efficiency

Efficient: When you are feeling lazy and would love to take a nap but you also really want to get $hit done. The call of the nap motivates my creativity to find the quickest route to getting it done.

Paradigm Shift

Paradigm shift: a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.

Zero to 45 was all about working my a$$ off and taking care of others first.

Forty-five to 90 is all about having fun and taking very good care of myself.

If it's not fun & juicy, then what's the point?

Cheers! 

Just Right

Water seeks its own level.

Like attracts like.

What you seek is seeking you. --Rumi

A self-fulfilling prophecy is a prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true, by the very terms of the prophecy itself, due to positive feedback between belief and behavior. --wikipedia based on the research of sociologist Robert K. Merton.

1. Spiritual
2. Secure
3. Smart
4. Passionate
5. Integrated

Seeking same for partnerships & tribe.