Updates from Integrative Wellness

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April already? I just can’t believe how quickly this year is passing us by. It feels like it should still be January… anyone else feel the same? The Integrative Wellness family has been hard at work juicing, cleansing, healing and changing lives (can you tell I love my job!)

Here are some new things happening at our sanctuary. Emily has joined our team and brings a beautiful smile and amazing skill. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience a massage with her  yet, I’d advise you to take advantage of her $45 special she has going this month. You can book online with her here:

Make an Online Appointment

If you haven’t voted yet for Sacramento’s Best Massage.. PLEASE go online and vote! We are in second place right now, and dream of being in first place!! An added bonus is the opportunity to purchase a $40 massage after you vote. Follow the link here:

We are currently planning and organizing a workshop series and retreat for the fall. This will be at a retreat center in Plymouth, VT. Here is the website for this amazing location: http://www.goodcommons.com/ We will be offering classes, excursions, relaxation time and lots and lots of amazing organic food! Stay tuned for more information, but hold these dates on your calendar: Sept 17th – 21st.

What you Eat Matters

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What you eat Matters

“I can’t eat that, I’m allergic to it.” How many times have you either heard or said that? Sadly it is a problem becoming more common than it needs to be; people having reactions to certain foods. I find myself very fortunate to have an iron stomach and not have bad reactions to foods. Or so I think………  Knowledge is power and after reading a magnificent article focusing on food allergies and intolerance’s I just had to share what I had learned. An estimated 7.6 million people (2.6%) in the US population have food allergies. The percentage of people believing  they’re are allergic to foods is 35% and following that is a 10-25% of our population having sensitivities and intolerance to foods.

I was always under the impression that it was all the same; food allergies, sensitive to food, intolerant to food. Well they aren’t, each reaction affects our bodies differently and knowing what and how they affect us matters. An allergy is an abnormal immunologic response; the immune system triggers immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to bind with the allergen which then activates cells throughout our bodies to release massive amounts of what we know of as histamines. Some examples of reactions are tingling in tongue or lips, dry or tightness in throat, hives, breathing problems (anaphylactic shock), diarrhea, abdominal cramping, headache, irregular heart beat. These reactions usually happen within eating a few minutes to an hour of ingesting the offending food. Food Sensitivities trigger a different type of immune response, similar to allergies but the reactions are slower and milder. Although it may take hours or even days for symptoms to appear doesn’t mean it hasn’t had an effect on our bodies. Over time it contributes to chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), migraines, attention deficit disorder (ADD), rashes and several more. Lastly we have food intolerance, simply said it is an abnormal sensitivity it doesn’t involve the immune system directly as the two above, the reactions aren’t life threatening but the quality of our health and life can be affected. This is identified when we have symptoms such as fatigue, migraines, memory problems, and any digestive disturbances (ex. bloating, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome).

Our first 3 years of development play a big part in food allergies. Introducing certain foods to our system one at a time after 6 months will determine what foods we react to. As adults we are less likely to be affected because most of us grow out of food allergies but even after that, those ‘allergies’  could then convert to other disorders such as eczema or respiratory illnesses.  About 90% of food allergies are triggered by 8 foods milk products, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, fish, shellfish and soy. Over half of these foods aren’t suppose to be fed to us till after the 1st year. I start thinking, how old was I when my mother started stuffing eggs down my throat because it was soft? This information is only making me a better babysitter. With true allergic reactions they can be triggered by just a small amount of the offending food; as for food intolerance, when eating a large amount or frequent consumption of it the symptoms are chronic, delayed for  a couple of hours and even days. With that being said most people, about 95%, actually are found to have food intolerance than allergies which only leaves 5%. Luckily in the majority of cases food intolerance’s can be overcome. Could it be that we are just repeatedly over-eating an offending food? Are we addicted to a food that our bodies just cannot deal with anymore, that is manifesting into diseases and illnesses? Honestly, I strongly feel that the answer is yes. It can’t be difficult for us to believe that if we went back to the basics, cleansed our bodies of impurities that we would feel great as well as minimize the symptoms of whatever we are reacting to? Too much of ANYTHING isn’t good for you, why should food be any different? Body awareness and respect needs to be taught to most of us, including myself. Granted it is a process but if our focus is on longevity and health, once the process is in motion, fabulously rewarding results have no other choice but to occur.

What are the causes? Through studies four things might have contributed to it.
Hygiene Hypothesis – Weak Immune System; Less exposure to allergens and bacteria during childhood under develops the immune system. We need exposure to dirt, bacteria, and other things to improve our immune system. Did you know that in countries where there’s normally tons of parasites have less cases of child allergies? Well of course right? When we have a strong immune system it can tolerate and put up a good fight.
Timing – When a food is introduced to our system. As previously mentioned, the introduction of food at a certain age makes a difference in how we tolerate it later only because the immune and digestive system are still developing. But even avoiding the food entirely when we are younger makes it harder for us as adults to tolerate it.
Food preparation – The way food is cooked. Over cooked or raw foods have an effect on the body. Different temperatures and method of cooking alters the food which might cause reactions.
Digestive System – Reactions to foods are usually a sign of a compromised digestive tract. The issue is that we aren’t able to digest the food properly. When the DT is unable to function properly and we lack certain nutrients, we suffer from chronic inflammation or stress it makes it difficult for us to tolerate some foods.
How can we find out what foods we are allergic to? Both blood and skin test can be taken, neither are intended to diagnose nor can they pick up on intolerances or most senstitivites but they are helpful.
RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test) – This is a blood test to detect the IgE antibodies to food. A high percentage of the results from this test comes back as false-positive. Meaning the results show the patient is allergic to the food but they actually aren’t. (No wonder why 35% believe they have food allergies.)
Skin prick test – A small amount of the food allergen is placed on the skin then pricked through the top layer of the skin. It identifies IgE mediated allergies. This test still has a false-positive rate of 50% although not as high as the RAST the results are still unclear.
Other blood tests can be taken but even after all of it, if we were told that we were allergic to 30-50 common foods we’d believe it because we know we have some kind of reaction. Depending on which lab did the test we could still be unsure, apparently due to a study at Bastyr University, when a single persons blood was sent to a number of laboratories for allergy testing, all the results were different on the same blood samples! Doesn’t seem accurate to me. Through my experience with Brandy-Jo, muscle testing seemed to be right on the ball. Avoiding what my body was reacting to for a week or two combined with increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables and including herbal supplements has helped me  tremendously. It also has me very aware of my body and how it reacts to foods.

What needs to be done to get our bodies functioning properly? By giving our bodies just what they need to heal.
Rest – Give our bodies a break from the crud that we fill our bodies with, from aspartame to Drive-thru Burgers and shakes by doing an Elimination Program. Keep a detailed food journal for 2 weeks, take note of how you felt throughout the day as well as any reactions or symptoms. Then for the next 3-6 weeks eliminate those foods and focus on eating untreated, unprocessed foods, fruits, vegetables even making fresh juices with fruits and vegetables. The key here is to loosen the load of stress for your body and give it time to heal itself. By making fresh juices it helps detoxify the gut as well as make it easier for the Digestive Tract to absorb all the nutrients it needs and has been missing. Consume tons and tons of water to help move things out of your system and give it a nice little flush. The water should be chlorine, fluoride and chemical free, but do your best. You definitely want to get your body moving. With regular exercise and sweating it helps ease out the toxins, improve health and you might even drop a pound or two. While on the program some experience flu-like symptoms but this is just the bodies way of cleansing and going through withdrawal.
Increase – Raise your nutritional status through improving your eating habits. The kinds of foods we eat directly determine the levels of bacteria in our intestines and have an effect on our immune and allergic responses, inflammation and metabolism. Consuming foods that lack nutrients and contain chemicals have been linked to food sensitivities and stress the adrenal glands. When we ingest unprocessed, natural real foods, fresh juices, herbs and add food supplements we begin to heal the gut and improve cellular health and function.
Add – Give back to the body what it needs and give it a boost. In order to build our tolerance levels for food we need to strengthen our DT, immune system as well as the other systems.  As soon as the DT is healed most or all foods that caused reactions become tolerate. Studies are suggesting that pancreatic enzymes reduce food reactions. So add prebiotics, probiotics and other supplements to your daily food intake. For a short period of time use hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes and other digestive aids. Eating green foods, glutamine and other amino acids help with the repair of the intestinal lining.
The most important piece of information that I hope you will be able to take from this summary is this, we are reacting to foods because our body is no longer up for the fight. It is over worked, over loaded and stressed. What most people don’t know or forget is, pain is a good thing. We have to have pain because it is a individual signal or siren within each of us to alert us when something isn’t right within our bodies. We must focus on healing the body, so when we have a reaction we now know there is an imbalance or an overload. If we commit to body awareness and care we can heal the body, we don’t just want to ease symptoms we want to get straight to the core and get lasting results. Up until I had the privilege of reading the article I just assumed some people were born with allergies, food intolerance or sensitivities and that there would be no hope. That these people would forever be deprived of knowing what peanut butter tastes like or even the texture of a properly cooked lobster tail. But with the body all we have to do is give back what it needs, build strength in our systems and it will take us as far as we want it to. A true allergy may last a long time but sensitivities and intolerance shouldn’t. So now the question is, are you ready to take care of yourself and heal your body?

Summary on ‘Food  Allergies and Intolernances’ by Judith A. DeCava, CNC, LNC
by
Karameli Thomas

Cleanse Journey…………….Week 4 “I DID IT!!!”

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Week 4 March 13-19, 2012

Yes that’s right people I made it. I went through my cleanse victoriously. To be honest with you after, that 1st week things weren’t so bad. I did have some challenges along the way (as you all know from reading my previous blogs) but it was an amazing experience.

  • I got a surprise my last week, my cycle!!! Yes how great is that? It actually makes sense now why I was addicted to the banana and peanut butter business. I was cramping the 1st 2days of my cycle, it was painful but not nearly as bad as what I am used to, so I am grateful for that.
  • My face has still been sort of breaking out, not too sure what I did to irritate it. It has been feeling dry and a little itchy. I’ve been putting a natural face moisturizing cream on it, it seems to relieve it a little bit.
  • My favorite part about this week was, not just that it is my last week but that I have been eliminating alot, which means I have been having bowel movements.  I have felt so fabulous, sure does feel great to get all that gunk out.
  • I’ve been getting up early still and heading to the gym. It’s been great, I feel on top of the world and my body feels like it gets stronger every step I take out of the gym after a nice easy going work out.
  • NO headaches, no cravings for sweets and no strange mood swings. Which shocks me, I was PMS-ing and didn’t even know it last week. Since I’ve been on the cleanse, I’ve had 2 cycles that weren’t all that bad so, yay!
  • Yes I have lost weight and inches, I will put my results below. I am very excited that my clothes are starting to look amazing. I can’t even handle all of the compliments some times. And again, I didn’t start this to lose weight and I think its extremely important to share that because some people want to do this just for that. Please understand that when you don’t eat CRAP you are bound to lose weight, especially when most of what you are ingesting is just liquids. I do pray that I will continue to lose weight by continuing to eat healthily and exercise, but the way I feel now because of the cleanse, even if I didn’t lose weight and just felt this great, I would do it in a heart beat.
  • No craving for a cigarette either. Wonderful huh? I haven’t had a glass of wine yet, which would probably be a trigger but I think I’ll be ok.

I was sharing with Brandy Jo, when ever I walk into the break room at work now my co-workers have this look like they are in trouble while they eat their cheeseburgers, burritos and pizza. It’s hilarious. A couple of them said I motivated them to start their own cleanse. Amazing, I had no idea that my results would have such a positive impact on those around me. I look forward to the next 30day cleanse I do, but that won’t be for another 3-4 months maybe. For now I’m really looking forward to a BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG glass of wine. Thank you all for reading and for the comments and mostly to those who gave me tons of unlimited support like Brandy Jo and Tim, I have had a great journey. Enjoy the rest of the month and for those of you reading who are on a cleanse, headaches are good. Keep in mind its all that coffee, sugar and salt. It needs to come out, just keep drinking water, moving your body and get rest.

Have a wonderful Easter next month and take care!

Karameli Thomas

  • Weight – 231.8 (-21.6)
  • Hips – 47 (-4)
  • Waist – 37 (-2)
  • Bust – 42 (-5)
  • Arms – 15 (L-.5 & R-1)
  • Thighs – 26 1/2 (L-3 & R2.5)                         (Total loss in a month)

Cleanse Journey…………Week 3

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Week 3 March 6-12, 2012

Another week people and I am still on it! Doing great and feeling great. Some interesting things did happen this past week though.

  • I’ve been going to the gym and doing my light cardio and strength building. (I’m afraid to say training, I don’t want you guys thinking that I’m buffing up or anything) I am still waking up pretty early, and have actually been helping Brandy Jo and Tim with making juices and smoothies for the cleanse. I think I really enjoy being up at 5a.m. I know right??? NEVER thought I’d say that, but it’s such a calm part of the day, and depending where you are going traffic is about zero to none. It’s fabulous.
  • Still drinking water, haven’t really had as much as I’ve been aiming for everyday (a gallon) but I’m still drinking water. People still ask if I am getting headaches and my answer is NO, and thank the heavens. If I do it’s because I’m frustrated or stressed. lol
  • My skin, my skin, my skin, my skin. Well let me tell you, my face, not doing so well. The rest of my body still doing great. A little on the dry side but still doing good. So my face looks like I am breaking out in a heat rash. As well as a pretty little pimple on the middle of my forehead. (Thats always sexy right ladies?) I was sharing this info with Brandy Jo on Saturday, after I began to write my summary paper on an article about food allergies and intolerance’s. But while I’m writing it I’m taking in the information and thinking to myself ‘OMG, I hope it’s not all the damn peanut butter I’ve been eating almost everyday.’ The story behind that is, Tim would make me a treat (yes, like a little dog) when I was being awesome, which is myself anyway, it would be my choice of an apple or banana with a scoop of peanut butter with a dab of honey. THE MOST AMAZING THING I’VE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!! You would never think right? Anyway, I was sharing this with Brandy Jo and she immediately muscle tests’ me for it and guess what?? It was the peanut butter. The reason being, at my last appointment with her about 3 weeks ago she found that my gall bladder needed to be worked on so she gave me supplements for it. Well good ol’ gall bladder helps break down fats and since we want it to rest and repair eating fats like peanut butter too often upset it and it said ‘Look chick, p-nut butter once in a while is ok, but this is too much for me right now and since you aren’t listening I’m gonna take my vengeance out right where every one can see it!’ And then BAM! On my face. Yup that’s right.
  • Haven’t really noticed anything to different besides the whole p-nut butter thing. Haven’t had the urge to smoke, it’s weird, I’m just now getting around to saying ‘I no longer smoke’ instead of ‘I haven’t had a cigarette for 3 weeks.’ I am so happy and proud of myself, all the money I used to spend on cigarettes I now spend on fruits and vegetable to make fresh juices and smoothies.
  • Interestingly enough I lost weight this week. My clothes feel great, the threads aren’t upset or holding on for dear life anymore.

I can’t believe that I am approaching my last week. I’m a little afraid to go back to having control of what I eat. In expressing that with my mom and Tim  they both assured me that I would be fine. And they mentioned, what’s wrong with juicing still? I wouldn’t have to do it all throughout the day but maybe once or twice a day with a healthy meal will do. I agree. I apologize for posting this so late, it has been a hectic week and a half. Hope all is well and I will be letting you guys know how my last week goes next week!

Karameli Thomas

  • Weight – 236.2
  • Hips – 47
  • Waist – Same
  • Bust – 42 1/2
  • Arms L & R – Same
  • Legs L & R – 26 1/2

My gift to you today… from a dear friend of mine.

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I love my job. I love my clients, and I love it when people become aware of themselves, their bodies and what they truly want out of life. Sometimes people share with me how their lives and thinking have changed once they stop and….Listen.. Love… Heal.

I am brought to tears as I read this amazing account of how someone opened themselves up for the next chapter in their life.. please read.. and BE INSPIRED!!

Thank you Elissa…. for making us look at things a little different… THANK YOU!!

Time, God, and living a happy life
Channeled sermon, 3/3/2012
Elissa Lynn Gruner

There is no difference between what you perceive and what you “experience.”  Therefore you can choose what to experience.  Enlightenment means nothing more than regularly choosing the perception for growth.  See the world unfolding with perfect timing, and so it does.  See yourself choosing the experience you want, and you will.  It is so simple, yet a struggle for those without imagination.  Imagination itself is clouded by delusion, by disorientation because the mechanism of perception is caked over; by misinformation, or drugs, or even youth.

Take heed of the time we are in, for no future can be had without love and oneness.  To those of you that have been “tuned” to this channel, the rewards are significant.  You are able to cut through the fog of dense awareness to see light in all its forms.  The spectrum unfolds as bigger than 2 dimensions, bigger than the 2 dimensions imagined that light travels in.  As a physicist, you understand.  Look for the truth of light behaving as more than a wave, or a particle, but as a circular experience.  You need to bring this to the fore.

Close your mind to the previous modes of existence and limitation, or past venues.  Circular time means it won’t matter what path has been taken, traveled or even desired.  It is ALL to be experienced.  And, if all, then it won’t matter what “order” you go in.  This is another aspect of the nonlinearity not clearly articulated.  That, there are no rules, no lack or abundance, as there is always an ALL to be experiencing   It is always all, so you can always choose from the “All.”

Do not be discouraged by those that don’t see. Their box is smaller and they are weak and frustrated. They can immediately rise above circumstance when they wish. They just don’t wish, … yet (“yet” from your realm, they have already wished in ours, or they wouldn’t be there). But to choose the path of enlightenment requires recognizing all that is taking place, incorporating and translating it.  This is why you have a mind.  To catalog the experiences so you can figure out what it means.  But once you do, you are free to turn the tables, to “use” the tools to your advantage. What you should use are all the gifts, all the time. Participate in circular energy, circular time, by crafting your own design of experience.  Check the message delivered at Christmas. Never forget that you are one with all that is, and that is deeper than you can perceive most of the time. Take time, not just to pray, but to feel the experience of all that is. Ask to experience oneness, for all else follows from that.  Your time has come.  This message is to all who can perceive it.  Go forth to realize the dawning of new times, of new ways of experiencing human thought.  Not as a gift, but as a tool. Conquer your mind and you have won the battle.  For what can defeat you if you attempt only to love?  What can provide you greater comfort than being one with all that is, and knowing there is no “order” for things to go in? Allow yourself to speak that truth of nonlinearity, for others are aware of it, just don’t know what to call it. They are shackled by their perception.  But you can help them see that time is irrelevant.  Greed is profound, but so is light.  Be the light.  Let them see the light.  Do not shy away.  You will be rewarded by living the recognition of the light, of Source, of circular time. This lesson will be lost on those who prevent themselves, through choice, of seeing the truth. This does not alter your truth, or your perception.  Carry on as if their perception doesn’t matter, because you must. You must find yourself always in the higher plane/place.  There is no struggle, if you are perceiving it from the circular perspective.  Remember, circular means that there is no order in which things need to happen.  No line, or arrow of time.  The arrow of chaos is bent by the light, just as light is bent by space. Perception is bent by human justification of their perspective. Be not choosy of perspective.  Be choosy of your selection of harmony and balance.  For other qualities stem from harmony and balance.  True believers in me, in God, in truth, in light, in Source, in ALL, are those that can carry on in adversity by recognizing it is temporary – to despair is to cloud your vision.  To hold love dear, to release your claim to observational superiority, is to allow all others to be what they are, recognizing that their role is for your and THE greater good. You must make amends if you offend, not based on your right to be offended, or their displeasure in having been offended, but because they are your teacher.  The reason for the apology does not have to be the reason they require. Just as the reason for forgiveness does not have to be because the person was not wrong.  Truth/ forgiveness/ perception and allowance now all have greater meaning in the realm of circular time.  This message is to all who can perceive the light, and come to their lives, to themselves, in awareness.  Decay and greed are all around you.  It has ever been this way, as the collective consciousness creates all forms of reality. Shift the balance to perceiving only that which is aligned, and be honest in your approach, and all else will be well.

The Sermon on the Mount was the first portrayal of this truth, and Mohammed understood it, too.  Religion is nothing more than a belief system.  All do not need to believe the same, but all beliefs are creators.  Therefore, believe without fear; create without the perception of loss, or “in spite of.”  Create, rather, with an expression of joy, Be God.  Create for the joy of creating; create for the purpose of growth, of improvement, of empowerment of the masses.  Give yourself time each day to create as if you were God, for you are.

For centuries, this gift was hidden because time was too linear. The manifestation of this power could be capitalized on with greed.  Now is the time to create without regard to the perception of others, for the nonlinear realm will vastly improve their chances of “seeing” it properly.  The Internet can help with this. Too many people, now, seek knowledge.  If the garbage they receive fills their hearts, they are left with little else but to destroy themselves.  Therefore, improve the lot of it.  Give them a chance by being the best God you can be. Give yourself a chance by being the best human you can be.  Care not for the cares of the world, for they are there to teach you. Care not for the joys of the world, for they are your marching song.  Care for your ability to create, solely.  Your role right now is one of creator and demonstrator. I call upon all of you who have heard the call, to be brave.  To create and be honest.  You will be rewarded with transforming the world into what you would prefer it to be, and know in you heart, it should be.  Take aim at the ‘morrow, for it is the time of spirit.  Enjoy yourself tremendously, for that spirit will imbue your creations, as artists of humanity.  Craft your skill as if you were an artisan of the realm; ever fancier cloaks and structures and societies.  Believe in yourself as creators, and never fear that it’s “not working.”  For your compasses are strong, your hearts are free and your minds are yours to control, to “use.”  You are no longer at the mercy of lies, or fanciful address (talk).  You are free to believe what you will, improve what you will, and see the results.  But not on the linear plane.  That, too, will improve. But what you are improving is your perception of the grid, which in turn improves your selection of experience.  You can experience all you wish, including the transformation of the world around you, even for others, by not arguing with them. They cannot hear you.  You can only prosper in the invisible plane. Take this to mean that your heart can only feel connected to truth, regardless.  Don’t lie to it by accepting others’ non truths.  You are too good for this, too “pure.”  Your heart won’t take it.  And doesn’t have to.  Love is yours for the asking.  Joy is yours for the taking. By believing that your perception can be the cure, to your ills and the world’s, go out with a happy heart, knowing this makes all the difference.  There is no other difference to make.

Be blessed.

 

Cleanse Journey…………Week 2

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Week 2 Feb 28-March 5, 2012

I made it another week! How exciting is that? I did have a couple of challenges this week but nothing that I haven’t overcome or worked through. So here is what went down…………..

  • My body still feels really great! On some days people would tell me that I looked tired even though I wasn’t. Those were the days that I felt some stress, and felt a little helpless about a situation or two. But my energy level is amazing, it takes me through my entire day that usually ends at 10pm at night. I still receive compliments on my skin, which looks great by the way and feels wonderful as well. My muscles and joints feel flexible and less fatigue.
  • As mentioned previously, I have felt a little emotional this past week. The feelings of slight anger, irritation, anxiety and frustration. Now, it might be because I haven’t been smoking. The odd part is, I haven’t wanted to smoke, I haven’t thought about doing it and I feel great without it. I do notice WHY I used to smoke and it was the alone time that it allowed me to have. To be away from people and to have space. I am a very independent woman and don’t like to feel smothered, this past month I’ve had a full house of family staying with me and haven’t been able to have quiet time in my own home. And if you are like me, without that space we can go CRAZY!!! I think that’s what’s going on, so since I am more than willing to live a different lifestyle, it is my assignment/duty to find new activities or places for me to go to release my tension.
  • My good friend invited my sister-in-law and I out to go dancing and I went! I didn’t have one drink, didn’t crave one cigarette and had a BLAST!!!!! It’s actually hilarious to be on the other side of the spectrum at the night club. Drunk people are funny. You guys have to try that if you haven’t already, go to a night club around your friends who are drinking and volunteer to be sober, prepare for free entertainment!
  • I think the biggest challenge I had this week was on Sunday. It was the last day of the beer fest and we were at Dad’s Kitchen doing complimentary chair massage and i was surrounded by HUGE LUSCIOUS JUICY CHEESEBURGERS THE SIZE OF MY THIGH!!!!!!  I couldn’t have 1 bite!! How are hard was that you ask? Extremely, BUT I made it out there having ate a arugula salad. I survived, but trust me when I say, I will massacre one of those in about a month or so!! LOL
  • Still drinking water bathroom visits not as often. Headeaches???? Non existent.
  • I have been wanting to eat a lot more. My mom has made vegetable soups that have saved my life. I’ve been snacking on veggies as well I guess I just missed chewing.
  • I’ve been to the gym a couple of times, doing lots of cardio. Nothing strenuous not lifting any weights yet (and if I do, they won’t be to bulk up. lol). After going to the gym I feel even better throughout the day. And come to think of it, on the days that I did feel stressed going to the gym helped.

Overall, I haven’t had an inch of regret. Everyone is still cheering me on, some are sad that I won’t be able to partake in an alcoholic drink with them for a while. But hey what else can I say but, “I can wait.” I did gain 3lbs which doesn’t bother me but I did lose an inch or so in my bust area. Here are my new measurements, have a wonderful week you guys!

Karameli Thomas

  • Weight – 241
  • Hips – 47 1/2
  • Waist – 37
  • Bust – 43 1/2
  • Thigh – same
  • Arm – same

Cleanse Journey………..Day 8

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Day 8 Monday Feb 27, 2012

Oh my gosh! Is all I have to say when I hopped on the scale. You know how you end up questioning the digital scales capability when it starts showing you numbers that make you feel good? Yea that was this morning. So apparently my scale tells me that I have dropped 14.4 lbs!!! I know right? I have been getting compliments from everyone throughout the week but I haven’t really noticed to much of a difference. Mainly because we are our worst critics, I’m working on that though. I was just excited to not be bloated anymore. My priority for doing this cleanse was to feel good. Of course I knew that weight loss would be apart of it and the fact that I am feeling amazing just makes everything so much sweeter!

Still drinking lots of water, no headaches, muscles and joints feel lubed and pliable, moods are at an all time happy high, I don’t feel as if I am starving, no urges to have a cigarette and always looking forward to the next day. My goal this week is to get to the gym for some mild cardio just to sweat and get my heart pumping. Wish me luck in meshing it in my schedule, family, work, gym, sleep, shower and drinking my meals. Whew………I’m exhausted just typing it. LOL

Have a magnificent week everyone I will be blogging once a week now so, till then I’d like to leave you with my new measurements for your motivation! Take care and see ya next week!

Karameli

Current Measurements

  • Weight – 239
  • Hips – 47 1/2
  • Waist – 37
  • Bust – 44 3/4
  • Thigh L & R – 27 1/2
  • Arms L – 15 R – 15 1/2

Cleanse Journey……….It’s been 7 days!

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Day 7 Sunday Feb 26, 2012

Yes! Yes! Yes! YES! I just love this feeling of not wanting to be a bear and hibernate in my bed. I’m so full of energy and happiness. My clothes are feeling like the threads aren’t mad at me anymore, so that’s always a plus! No urges to have wine, a ciggy or sugar. I do kind of miss meat a little bit, chicken mainly. It isn’t as difficult as I thought it would be coming home and my house smelling like an amazing dinner that I can’t be apart of, except my feedback of how wonderful it smells. I just say to myself, ‘Meli, food will always be here and if I want to eat that, then after my cleanse I will always find a way to make a healthier version of it.’ We also had a meeting at Massage Envy that had soda and pizza for refreshments, I looked at it and said that to myself and I was fine. I drank my water had a few baby carrots and I was good to go.

Absolutely no headaches, no mood swings, restful sleep, I am at ease when I wake up and look forward to the day that is to come. I can’t even express to you how much of a difference this has made in my work, my body is cooperating and giving out so much positive energy it’s fantastic. I haven’t had a bowel movement today but noticed that I’m a little on the gassy side. I don’t know, that might mean I might be looking forward to a huge movement. Yay!! (the simple things in life give you the most joy, lol) Still drinking lots of water, and still don’t feel like I need to camp out next to the toilet.

Not really thinking to much of smoking, it will cross my mind when I am bored. Which is another emotion I didn’t realize I used as an excuse to smoke. I’m looking forward to re-measuring myself tomorrow morning can’t wait to see how much my body has shifted, if it has anyway. I feel very accomplished that I have made it this far and look forward to the next 23 days!

Karameli Thomas

(After tomorrow I will not be blogging daily, weekly only)

Cleanse Journey……….Day 6

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Day 6 Saturday Feb 25

Guess what you guys???? NO HEADACHES!! That’s right none what so ever. I am way beyond ecstatic and really relieved. I’m still feeling very light, focused and my thoughts are very clear. My body’s feeling wonderful and still enjoying all the fresh juices and smoothies. No hunger or cravings the drinks still seem to be holding me up. I’ve also noticed that I have more control over my urges to try and eat something unnecessary. Because I am feeling as good as I am right now, I’m almost afraid to eat or DRINK something that would affect the way I feel. A ha! Even as much as drinking something I know isn’t apart of my regimen.

Since I am feeling great, this means my energy level is through the roof. I am just a happy soul, my family seems to be feeding off of my joy too. I have still been maintaining drinking a gallon of water and have even noticed that I seem to be drinking even a little more than that. Yes I am still going to the bathroom but not every hour like I was in the beginning of the week. I must admit my legs are definitely looking alot prettier from the extra cardio and squats in just using the bathroom alone! AMAZING RIGHT??? lol And speaking of the bathroom in terms of number 2, I did have a movement felt alot better but I’m thinking about incorporating a psyllium husk drink in my day somewhere and possibly some Smooth Move tea (a laxative tea) just to kind of clean out in there.

I have been receiving more compliments on my skin as well as my body. My skin feels great and looks great too. I haven’t really noticed too much of a weight loss but I don’t feel bloated and this is key. We shall see how much of a shift my body has gone through this week on Day 8 when I re-measure myself again. I can’t wait! Tomorrow will be a whole 7days without a cigarette! Wow soon it will be a whole 7years but, before that happens I’ll just take it one day at a time.

Karameli Thomas

Cleanse Journey………Day 5

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Day 5 Feb 24, 2012

Feeling wonderful! Woke up early again, no aches, no pains just good times. The days just get better and better. The only headache that I had lasted for about an hour or two, but other than that I feel great. Bathroom visits, not as often but I still think I’m flushing out my system. I’m feeling light, light on my feet, light on my joints, just LIGHT! I love it. I have massive amounts of energy and need to find time to burn that off soon. Which means, of course, it will be time to return to the Gym. But I’ll wait till next week. lol

Today was also a fun day for me, I had the privilege of being my big brothers taxi driver. Neal (my bro) is in the midst of relocating he and his family to Utah and today was the day we got to look at Suburbans! While we were out I felt like celebrating. The only way I knew was, lets eat have a beer and a ciggy or two. Yea that’s not happening. As I have mentioned in my previous blog, I am noticing that those habits were closely linked to emotions. Just when I thought I only did it at night, or when I’m upset or, when I’m stressed, I do it even when I’m happy!!! Man oh man I’m I glad to be doing this, out with the old and in with the new. And speaking of out with the old, I finally had a bowel movement this morning. I haven’t had one for 5 days!!! If there is anyone out there who thinks that is normal needs their ear pulled. NOT OKAY! Brandy Jo says “Sometimes we are just so backed up that it takes a while for it to release.” And I’m like thank god, because after what I’ve learned about having a clean colon I definitely don’t want any crap sitting in there rotting. So I’m looking forward to more movement, if you know what I mean :-)

I don’t feel hungry at all, I almost have to remember to drink my wonderful juice or smoothie. I went from feeling the need to eat great quantities of food to having to remind myself to drink my lunch. I would’ve never thought I’d see the day. LOL I’m not only feeling light, I feel a strong sense of clarity. My thoughts are much more clear and very optimistic too. Not that I’m not positive on a regular basis, but I feel like I can get everything done that I need today. Like the sky’s the limit. I’m more focused in everything I do especially my work. Days that I have felt like this in the past (which were few and far between) I felt were the best massages that I have given. I’m excited to share this extra energy with my clients. I am blessed to still be receiving tons and tons of support from friends, family and co-workers. Thank you all!

Karameli Thomas

 

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