Monday, August 1, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Winter
Everything just seems harder in winter. It's harder to get out of bed in the mornings, it's harder to eat healthier, it's harder to exercise, harder to blog... and harder to stay chirpy. The sun is further away from the earth and we can feel the cold...
As if! Our winter is more like....
but a bit more drizzly...
Firstly, it's quite natural to have a daily, monthly, yearly lull. I can't imagine it being normal to feel super perky ALL the time. Life fluctuates and we tend to follow its lead. Your mood can be directly related to your energy levels. If you have energy, chances are you'll feel happier and more positive, unless you have a current trying personal experience. When you come home from work, your energy has been used up in the day and yes the thought of achieving that goal of yours seems too hard. Being a female, the monthly cycle demands you take a break, reflect and start a new cycle.
If you look at nature's cycles, you can see the trees have dropped their leaves. There are very few flowers, the animals seem to hibernate and sleep more. Naturally your energy turns inward to conserve and build reserves just like like the rest of the world. You can still feel healthy and energetic in winter but it is still normal to feel more introverted in the cooler months.
Ways to improve your mood
Sun...
The sun goes away for a while and the world looks a little glum, is it no wonder why Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or mood changes occur when the sun shines less. Some of my most blissful moments are in the warmth of the sun, especially mid morning with a cup of tea and or enjoying the beach weather. If you get very little or no sun exposure, not only is your vitamin D production at risk but you just don't feel or look right. If you were to starve a plant of sunlight, you can imagine what would happen to the poor thing. If the world were to suddenly become sunless, we would die too.
I don't suggest roasting yourself or being careless with sun exposure, especially if you live in Australia or have a family history of skin cancer but I suggest you allow some natural exposure, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors. Try 10 to 15 minutes a day. The darker your skin is naturally, the more sun exposure you need.
Follow this link to read up on the health benefits of sunlight http://www.naturalnews.com/rr-sunlight.html
Food...
I feel like a broken record but I guess diet is fundamental to all that I do. It's harder to eat "healthy" when the weather is gloomy, it just doesn't have that comfort factor we all crave. No doubt, we need nutrition to keep us energetic, operating smoothly and thinking clearly. The easiest way to eat better when the winter temptations come out is to plan ahead. Carby cravings need to be satisfied with whole grains, good fats and healthy desserts. Your vegetable dishes may need a heartier spin on them choosing seasonally. Nice choices are pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot, turnips, parsnip, brussel sprouts, broccoli and beetroot. Things like cabbage, kale, fennel and avocado can be sliced finely with added herbs and a nice vinagrette or glaze and you have a fresh winter side dish. Try and immitate "comfort" food and replace any questionable ingredients with healthy produce. For example, a standard greasy lasagne can be filled with almost any winter root vegetable, mushrooms and a creamy cashew or ricotta sauce instead of a yellow cheesy sauce.
Chocolate...
It has to be raw, vegan and organic. Not raw as in straight off the plant but as in how much heat is applied during its processing. Keeping the chocolate bean (cacao bean) under a certain temperature keeps its nutrients in tact. It also has amazing mood enhancing properites. Ever have a mid afternoon slump? Eat a small amount of raw chocolate, it will not only boost your mood but it will speed up your metabolism and give you more energy. This doesn't work for everyone, some people are very sensitive to the sharp energy boost cacao can give you and make you grumpy instead. Either make sure you only have a small amount or make sure it's not on an empty stomach.
Loving Earth Chocolate
Exercise...
The thought of facing the wind, rain and cold can keep me in doors at the best of times but I find this is easier to tackle if you do the following things.
* Make a set time
* Select and ideal routine (with a plan B if you need one)
* Make sure you put on the suitable clothes to make it happen (if it's an outdoor one, wear protective and warming clothing)
* Start small (20mins) then increase as necessary
* Keep it simple, if all you can do is a longer walk to the car or just around the block then great. The fresh air and circulation boost will put you in a better mood than you thought.
* Choose an indoor activity that gets you moving, even a yoga, pilates, dance classes are all things you can do inside.
* Dust of the yoga DVD's and make the decision to do only half. By the time you're into it you'll want to finish it and even if you don't, you've done what you agreed to do! Enroll in a class, there are some amazing ones out there...
If you struggle to be your own motivator, which we all do at times then hire some help. Ask around and find a good personal trainer that can take you through an 8 week program. You'll always show up (unless you'e unwell then you come see me!) and THEY do all the thinking/ planning for you. They will push you when you need it and you'll walk (or limp hehe) away feeling good about yourself. Then as the weather warms up, take a break and get yourself ready for some outdoor activity.
Affirmations...
Oh you've all tried that I hear, well not enough! Either repeat your affirmations until you, your body and your emotions relfect what you're saying or find another method such as hypnosis or neuro linguistic programing NLP to help you do it.
Use your imagination and create a short affirmation, using positive language and a present tense. Something like "I feel better everyday on every level, I love being healthy" or "I only choose the best foods for my body" or "I have an infinite source of energy". These are just examples and you can tailor them to suit your own needs but write them down, say them, think them and look at them when you need a pick me up. They work but only if you apply yourself. I've written these on my body, my mirrors at home, I have post-it stickers everywhere encouraging me to think better- even if slightly embarrasing at times.
Louise L. Hay
Shakti Gawain
Music
The power of a good tune. Have you ever been driving along and an old favourite comes on? Suddenly you're in a great mood and all is well in the world and vice versa have you ever been driving along and a song comes on that made you feel sad? If you've been feeling down lately make a habit of putting on your favourite music. In the clinic I always have calming, tinkly, music both in the waiting and the treatment room- amongst the other mood setters like incense, essential oils, lighting... People love to listen to the rain, thunder and ocean and it calms them down almost immediately.
Sleep
Sometimes we just need a break from everything and especially in the winter. What looks or feels like a down mood might just be a bodily request for a nap, or a night in or some time spent for yourself. Sometimes that request can seem to go on forever but really, once fullfilled your good mood returns. What goes up must come down and what goes down must come up again.
Respect the fact that you will have emotional fluctuations because that's the human experience. We feel things and when life isn't relfecting what we truly desire then we feel the consequences of that. The other point is, if you've been through trying experiences then you will have to deal with the emotions that come along with them ie a break up, death, betrayal, unsatisfying job...
I find I learn the most when I'm working through a "down time" whereas if everything was "rosie" it's a stand still, enjoying the moment type experience. I embrace the changes because they are transformative.
Nature
Nature is an antidote to stress. She seems to calm down and simplify everything. From a theoretical perspective, places with moving water and/ or plenty of trees emit negative ions which promote a calm disposition and are good for us. Positive ions are emitted from computers, T.V's phones etc and because we are surrounded by so much, it is very "ungrounding." Everyone feels better after a walk on the beach or in the park.
Me Time
Self explanatory really. I get a bit anxious if I don't have enough time to think. Some people need more time for themselves, while some need to get out and see more people. Work out where you sit on that scale...
Love
Ulyana...
 |
but a bit more drizzly...
Firstly, it's quite natural to have a daily, monthly, yearly lull. I can't imagine it being normal to feel super perky ALL the time. Life fluctuates and we tend to follow its lead. Your mood can be directly related to your energy levels. If you have energy, chances are you'll feel happier and more positive, unless you have a current trying personal experience. When you come home from work, your energy has been used up in the day and yes the thought of achieving that goal of yours seems too hard. Being a female, the monthly cycle demands you take a break, reflect and start a new cycle.
If you look at nature's cycles, you can see the trees have dropped their leaves. There are very few flowers, the animals seem to hibernate and sleep more. Naturally your energy turns inward to conserve and build reserves just like like the rest of the world. You can still feel healthy and energetic in winter but it is still normal to feel more introverted in the cooler months.
Ways to improve your mood
Sun...
The sun goes away for a while and the world looks a little glum, is it no wonder why Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or mood changes occur when the sun shines less. Some of my most blissful moments are in the warmth of the sun, especially mid morning with a cup of tea and or enjoying the beach weather. If you get very little or no sun exposure, not only is your vitamin D production at risk but you just don't feel or look right. If you were to starve a plant of sunlight, you can imagine what would happen to the poor thing. If the world were to suddenly become sunless, we would die too.
I don't suggest roasting yourself or being careless with sun exposure, especially if you live in Australia or have a family history of skin cancer but I suggest you allow some natural exposure, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors. Try 10 to 15 minutes a day. The darker your skin is naturally, the more sun exposure you need.
Follow this link to read up on the health benefits of sunlight http://www.naturalnews.com/rr-sunlight.html
Food...
I feel like a broken record but I guess diet is fundamental to all that I do. It's harder to eat "healthy" when the weather is gloomy, it just doesn't have that comfort factor we all crave. No doubt, we need nutrition to keep us energetic, operating smoothly and thinking clearly. The easiest way to eat better when the winter temptations come out is to plan ahead. Carby cravings need to be satisfied with whole grains, good fats and healthy desserts. Your vegetable dishes may need a heartier spin on them choosing seasonally. Nice choices are pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot, turnips, parsnip, brussel sprouts, broccoli and beetroot. Things like cabbage, kale, fennel and avocado can be sliced finely with added herbs and a nice vinagrette or glaze and you have a fresh winter side dish. Try and immitate "comfort" food and replace any questionable ingredients with healthy produce. For example, a standard greasy lasagne can be filled with almost any winter root vegetable, mushrooms and a creamy cashew or ricotta sauce instead of a yellow cheesy sauce.
Chocolate...
It has to be raw, vegan and organic. Not raw as in straight off the plant but as in how much heat is applied during its processing. Keeping the chocolate bean (cacao bean) under a certain temperature keeps its nutrients in tact. It also has amazing mood enhancing properites. Ever have a mid afternoon slump? Eat a small amount of raw chocolate, it will not only boost your mood but it will speed up your metabolism and give you more energy. This doesn't work for everyone, some people are very sensitive to the sharp energy boost cacao can give you and make you grumpy instead. Either make sure you only have a small amount or make sure it's not on an empty stomach.
Loving Earth Chocolate
Exercise...
The thought of facing the wind, rain and cold can keep me in doors at the best of times but I find this is easier to tackle if you do the following things.
* Make a set time
* Select and ideal routine (with a plan B if you need one)
* Make sure you put on the suitable clothes to make it happen (if it's an outdoor one, wear protective and warming clothing)
* Start small (20mins) then increase as necessary
* Keep it simple, if all you can do is a longer walk to the car or just around the block then great. The fresh air and circulation boost will put you in a better mood than you thought.
* Choose an indoor activity that gets you moving, even a yoga, pilates, dance classes are all things you can do inside.
* Dust of the yoga DVD's and make the decision to do only half. By the time you're into it you'll want to finish it and even if you don't, you've done what you agreed to do! Enroll in a class, there are some amazing ones out there...
If you struggle to be your own motivator, which we all do at times then hire some help. Ask around and find a good personal trainer that can take you through an 8 week program. You'll always show up (unless you'e unwell then you come see me!) and THEY do all the thinking/ planning for you. They will push you when you need it and you'll walk (or limp hehe) away feeling good about yourself. Then as the weather warms up, take a break and get yourself ready for some outdoor activity.
Affirmations...
Oh you've all tried that I hear, well not enough! Either repeat your affirmations until you, your body and your emotions relfect what you're saying or find another method such as hypnosis or neuro linguistic programing NLP to help you do it.
Use your imagination and create a short affirmation, using positive language and a present tense. Something like "I feel better everyday on every level, I love being healthy" or "I only choose the best foods for my body" or "I have an infinite source of energy". These are just examples and you can tailor them to suit your own needs but write them down, say them, think them and look at them when you need a pick me up. They work but only if you apply yourself. I've written these on my body, my mirrors at home, I have post-it stickers everywhere encouraging me to think better- even if slightly embarrasing at times.
Louise L. Hay
Shakti Gawain
Music
The power of a good tune. Have you ever been driving along and an old favourite comes on? Suddenly you're in a great mood and all is well in the world and vice versa have you ever been driving along and a song comes on that made you feel sad? If you've been feeling down lately make a habit of putting on your favourite music. In the clinic I always have calming, tinkly, music both in the waiting and the treatment room- amongst the other mood setters like incense, essential oils, lighting... People love to listen to the rain, thunder and ocean and it calms them down almost immediately.
Sleep
Sometimes we just need a break from everything and especially in the winter. What looks or feels like a down mood might just be a bodily request for a nap, or a night in or some time spent for yourself. Sometimes that request can seem to go on forever but really, once fullfilled your good mood returns. What goes up must come down and what goes down must come up again.
Respect the fact that you will have emotional fluctuations because that's the human experience. We feel things and when life isn't relfecting what we truly desire then we feel the consequences of that. The other point is, if you've been through trying experiences then you will have to deal with the emotions that come along with them ie a break up, death, betrayal, unsatisfying job...
I find I learn the most when I'm working through a "down time" whereas if everything was "rosie" it's a stand still, enjoying the moment type experience. I embrace the changes because they are transformative.
Nature
Nature is an antidote to stress. She seems to calm down and simplify everything. From a theoretical perspective, places with moving water and/ or plenty of trees emit negative ions which promote a calm disposition and are good for us. Positive ions are emitted from computers, T.V's phones etc and because we are surrounded by so much, it is very "ungrounding." Everyone feels better after a walk on the beach or in the park.
Me Time
Self explanatory really. I get a bit anxious if I don't have enough time to think. Some people need more time for themselves, while some need to get out and see more people. Work out where you sit on that scale...
Love
Ulyana...
Friday, July 1, 2011
Vegetarian Russian Borscht
Sometimes I don't have anything to say. Nothing exciting but that's no reason not to get busy doing something, anything... it's cold and mid-winter and I like it. I have this theory, that life is really a string of moments, little moments mostly.
When I get asked "what have you been up to? I normally answer "Oh you know, not much". . .
Truth is I keep busy but it's a lot of seemingly insignificant stuff that makes my day, my week, my month that no one else would take interest in. It's these little things, these small wins that make me the happiest. Cooking gives me time to think and appreciate the little things. It's relaxing, keeps my hands busy and my mind empty. By the end of the dish, I've hopefully sorted out some of life's problems and created something that's good for me...
Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies
My Baba used make this pastry called Koubate, a sweet pumpkin, filo dessert. I thought because pumpkin was a vegetable it was not to be used in a sweet dish. It confused my palate. These days I've really opened up to the idea of combining different foods and appreciating the diversity. Having said that, if your digestion isn't strong or you're not feeling super healthy it's better to eat fruit separately and on an empty stomach.
I decided to make breakfast cookies using sweet potato, something easy to grab and go in the morning. This recipe is vegan and wheat free but you can replace the oat flour with a wheat, spelt or buckwheat based one. The spices nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and ginger add warmth and combine perfectly. A cookie, a banana and a green tea and I'm out the door and happy!
Ingredients...
1 cup steamed and mashed sweet potato or pumpkin
1 1/2 cups oat flour
1/2 cup firmly packed coconut sugar
2 tsp. baking powder (choose aluminium free)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp ginger powder
Grated nutmeg to taste (optional)
1/2 tsp. Celtic or Himalayan salt
1 tbs apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup sultanas
Method...
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line a tray with baking paper (or grease with coconut oil).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the sweet potatoes, oat flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger powder and salt.
3. Mix in the vinegar. Fold in the sultanas. Spoon into cookie sized portions and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden. I left mine all rough and messy (perfect!) but you can roll and squish them nicely with a fork...
**Cookies turn out a beautiful texture, the picture makes them look crunchy but they're actually quite soft.
Vegan Plov
The Italians make risotto, the Spanish paella, and Russians have this classic rice dish called plov. Plov is a savoury rice dish made with dried fruits, vegetables and herbs, that is said to have Middle Eastern roots and is traditionally made with cuts of fatty meat. Sweet really can go with savoury, and this dish proves it using bay leaf, pepper, turmeric, paprika and my twist by adding the goji berries and using a combination of brown and wild rice.
1/2 cup wild rice
1/4 cup brown rice
1 tbs coconut oil
1 purple onion diced or sliced
1 carrot diced
1 stick celery diced
10 dried apricots
10 prunes
1/4 cup goji berries
salt, pepper
4 bay leaves
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp ground turmeric
2 tbs tomato paste
Vegetable stock (optional)
Method...
1. Boil the wild rice for 20 minutes then add the brown rice and boil for another 25 to 30 minutes in vegetable stock. This is so you don't have to boil the different rice variety's in different pots. Feel free to just use one type or even basmati if you prefer... rinse when finished and set aside to drain.
2. In a saucepan, saute with coconut oil the onion, celery, carrot add the salt, pepper, spices, tomato paste and bay leaf lightly add the dried fruit and then the rice. Turn down the heat...
3. Add 1/2 cup of vegetable stock, cover and let simmer until the flavours combine. Best the next day but who wants to wait!
Vegetarian Russian Borscht
The all so famous Russian/ Ukrainian soup borscht gets a mention today. I can just imagine one of my friends saying "it's not a vegetarian dish!"... I beg to differ. This soup is based on beetroot, one of the most-loved vegetables of East Europe (potato is hands down the first, for many reasons!).
Russian cuisine has many soup recipes. It's easy and economical, tasty and nutritious. Again it's normally made with meat based stock, in my opinion the hearty flavour comes from the beetroot and it can be served with sour cream and dark rye bread.
Ingredients...
1 medium beetroot, sliced thinly
1 medium potato cut into cubes
1 carrot diced
1 celery diced
1/2 cup purple cabbage sliced
1 onion diced finely
2 cloves of garlic diced finely
2 tomatoes roughly chopped
1 sprig of spring onion finely sliced
1 tablespoon coconut oil
salt, pepper
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
pinch of curry powder
fresh dill, can use dry
fresh parsley
water
vegetable stock (optional)
Method...
1. Saute the onions, garlic, celery, spices, salt, and carrot using coconut oil in a saucepan.
2. Add potato and beetroot, mix it through and add water or vegetable stock, keeping a moderate heat going.
3. Now add the cabbage and tomato and let simmer gently and if it needs extra salt or pepper, season accordingly.
4. Chop dill, spring onion and parsley and add just before serving.
Radish and cucumber salad...
This salad is self explanatory. When you have organic ingredients, food doesn't need to be covered in sauces. Radish is another Russian favourite, along with dill. Add cucumber, spring onion, seasoning and a nice dressing. Sour cream and mayonnaise is commonly used on everything but I like it clear dressing with just a little oil and apple cider vinegar.
Small wins :)
Love
Ulyana...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Salt of the Earth
Sugar is to live for and salt ..apparently to fight over.
For centuries mankind fought battles, traded and valued salt and it infiltrated every civilisation across the globe. Ancient Egypt, Rome, China, France and Greece all have history in the control and distribution of it and virtually every culture has customs relating to salt. Salt has been mentioned in folktales and myth, used in many ritualistic traditions and in the arts.
"Such was the importance of salt that the words, 'war' and 'peace' originate from the word for salt & bread in Ancient Hebrew and Arabic" according to salt org
Yet the stuff we call table salt is also known as sodium chloride and manufacturers use a chemical extracting method to refine it this way. Salt is simply not found in nature in this isolated form. In nature it is found with an abundance of naturally occurring trace minerals and elements such as Sulphur, Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Zinc, Silicon, and Iron.
How does this affect our body??
Our bodies are essentially made up of millions of living cells. Cells are composed of molecules such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus, water molecules, proteins, DNA, polysaccharides (sugars), lipids (fats), and MINERALS.
We need minerals in our diet to stay healthy and build tissue, the building blocks so to speak. But we can only absorb these minerals when they are in their organic whole form as nature intended, like in the fruits and vegetables we eat. Plants absorb the nutrition from the soil, creating a biologically available form of minerals and our bodies assimilate it to perfection. However, this all depends on the quality of the soil. Modern farming methods such as chemical fertilisers and mono-crops have made the soils deplete of these minerals. But nature does her best, she uses what she has because that's her style.
I heard a wise person say once, Women are as fertile as the Earth is. In other words, as nutrient rich the soil is as healthy and fertile the woman. Minerals! This is where the quality of salt comes in. Consuming sodium chloride has negative health effects as our body strives to balance it's isolated form. . .
"For every gram of sodium chloride that your body cannot get rid of, your body uses 23 times the amount of cell water to neutralize the salt. Eating common table salt causes excess fluid in your body tissue" Mercola.com
Which doesn't seem like a big deal until we mention cellulite, kidney issue, fluid retention, electrolyte and fluid imbalances, arthritis and high blood pressure.
Minerals are found with other minerals on purpose. It's natures way of providing us with a "supplement" and still buffer its concentrated effects on the body. A pinch of salt is all you need. When you don't have enough salt, issues like low blood pressure and dehydration occur, however, this is not the norm. Considering most processed foods some healthy, some not so healthy all contain excessive salt as a taste enhancer... amongst other things.
Traditional Chinese Medicine regards the kidneys as one of the most important organs. The kidneys are associated with the water element, and most susceptible to the cold and are stimulated by the taste salt. Energetically, the kidneys store the body's vital Essence- inherited from our parents. Essence is what forms the basis for growth cycles, development, reproduction and determines our constitution. How resilient or weak we are health wise and how long our life "battery" will last for.
Himalayan Salt
Beautiful pink salt from the Himalayan region. I question the ethicality of how this salt is mined because it is sourced from deep within the Earth, which seems like a great idea except in theory. However, it conjures up images of big destructive mines. It is however an Earth salt, hard and dry but contains around 84 trace minerals.
Celtic Sea Salt
Is my favourite salt, harvested by hand and evaporated by the sun and wind. It is a pleasure to pay good money for an artisan product like this. Salt is something we season food lightly, paying decent money for something that will last a long time in your kitchen cupboard.
Macrobiotic Sea Salt
Produced in a similar manner to the Celtic salt as it's a sea salt. This salt is the preferred salt for the macrobiotic diet, a Japanese dietary system based on the principle of balance.
Make your own season-all salt using your choice of high quality salt, dried herbs, and favourite spices. I love to mix a curry powder with dried parsley and mustard. I consider it the secret ingredient in my veggie dishes...
Salt lamps are pretty cool. I keep one in my bedroom, it casts a beautiful glow. Salt crystal is an ideal source of negative ions due to its chemical composition. Ideal to place anywhere in the home where you want to improve air quality and create a nice environment.
 |
| Salt crystal formations, Dead Sea |
For centuries mankind fought battles, traded and valued salt and it infiltrated every civilisation across the globe. Ancient Egypt, Rome, China, France and Greece all have history in the control and distribution of it and virtually every culture has customs relating to salt. Salt has been mentioned in folktales and myth, used in many ritualistic traditions and in the arts.
"Such was the importance of salt that the words, 'war' and 'peace' originate from the word for salt & bread in Ancient Hebrew and Arabic" according to salt org
Yet the stuff we call table salt is also known as sodium chloride and manufacturers use a chemical extracting method to refine it this way. Salt is simply not found in nature in this isolated form. In nature it is found with an abundance of naturally occurring trace minerals and elements such as Sulphur, Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Zinc, Silicon, and Iron.
Our bodies are essentially made up of millions of living cells. Cells are composed of molecules such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus, water molecules, proteins, DNA, polysaccharides (sugars), lipids (fats), and MINERALS.
We need minerals in our diet to stay healthy and build tissue, the building blocks so to speak. But we can only absorb these minerals when they are in their organic whole form as nature intended, like in the fruits and vegetables we eat. Plants absorb the nutrition from the soil, creating a biologically available form of minerals and our bodies assimilate it to perfection. However, this all depends on the quality of the soil. Modern farming methods such as chemical fertilisers and mono-crops have made the soils deplete of these minerals. But nature does her best, she uses what she has because that's her style.
I heard a wise person say once, Women are as fertile as the Earth is. In other words, as nutrient rich the soil is as healthy and fertile the woman. Minerals! This is where the quality of salt comes in. Consuming sodium chloride has negative health effects as our body strives to balance it's isolated form. . .
"For every gram of sodium chloride that your body cannot get rid of, your body uses 23 times the amount of cell water to neutralize the salt. Eating common table salt causes excess fluid in your body tissue" Mercola.com
Which doesn't seem like a big deal until we mention cellulite, kidney issue, fluid retention, electrolyte and fluid imbalances, arthritis and high blood pressure.
Minerals are found with other minerals on purpose. It's natures way of providing us with a "supplement" and still buffer its concentrated effects on the body. A pinch of salt is all you need. When you don't have enough salt, issues like low blood pressure and dehydration occur, however, this is not the norm. Considering most processed foods some healthy, some not so healthy all contain excessive salt as a taste enhancer... amongst other things.
Traditional Chinese Medicine regards the kidneys as one of the most important organs. The kidneys are associated with the water element, and most susceptible to the cold and are stimulated by the taste salt. Energetically, the kidneys store the body's vital Essence- inherited from our parents. Essence is what forms the basis for growth cycles, development, reproduction and determines our constitution. How resilient or weak we are health wise and how long our life "battery" will last for.
Himalayan Salt
Beautiful pink salt from the Himalayan region. I question the ethicality of how this salt is mined because it is sourced from deep within the Earth, which seems like a great idea except in theory. However, it conjures up images of big destructive mines. It is however an Earth salt, hard and dry but contains around 84 trace minerals.
Celtic Sea Salt
Is my favourite salt, harvested by hand and evaporated by the sun and wind. It is a pleasure to pay good money for an artisan product like this. Salt is something we season food lightly, paying decent money for something that will last a long time in your kitchen cupboard.
Macrobiotic Sea Salt
Produced in a similar manner to the Celtic salt as it's a sea salt. This salt is the preferred salt for the macrobiotic diet, a Japanese dietary system based on the principle of balance.
Make your own season-all salt using your choice of high quality salt, dried herbs, and favourite spices. I love to mix a curry powder with dried parsley and mustard. I consider it the secret ingredient in my veggie dishes...
Salt lamps are pretty cool. I keep one in my bedroom, it casts a beautiful glow. Salt crystal is an ideal source of negative ions due to its chemical composition. Ideal to place anywhere in the home where you want to improve air quality and create a nice environment.
Love
Ulyana...
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Shiny hair obsession...
It's no secret that women and men adore beautiful hair. I seem to be borderline obsessed with my own and for a good reason. I never ever had problems, not with condition, length or thickness. My hair used to be blonde and technically should have snapped off but my "hair genetics" and healthy lifestyle seemed to have saved it time and time again. That was until one year, and I say year because once you mess with your hair, it literally takes a year or more to rectify the damage. I won't point the finger at anyone, well heehee not much!
Mermaids have been known to break hearts...
I was in a very stressful time of my life, at least I considered it to be back then. On reflection I was just being a drama queen. I had changed my colour to a nice chocolate brown hue, everything was going along nicely. My hairdresser would thin my hair, saying I had plenty of it and it'll make my life easier. It was long and pretty. Everything besides my personal life was peachy... That was until she left the salon! *shock* Where did she go??!! I should have known better but the salon owner suggested I try a different hairdresser. "Sure!" The younger, more gullible version of me replied.
Dissatisfied with the close to midnight colour I walked away with, a "friend" hairdresser suggested he do my hair instead...
I wanted my hair back to normal, long, pretty, thick and brown. He said he could make magic happen and I believed him. *Hint* NEVER believe a man that says he can do magic. I would say half of my hair snapped of from the attempt at highlighting. With all the breakage, he needed to blend it in somehow, so a ridiculous amount of layers were put through. This is where my hair resembled something from the 80's. THEN as I ran my hand through my hair, it was as crispy as a corn chip! No amount of product, blow drying, conditioning, or wishful thinking could make magic happen this time...
So I swore off all hairdressers. They were evil creatures, you get a good one and they desert you. You get a truly evil one and they destroy your hair and charge you while you pretend to like it, so not to hurt their feelings. *Vent over.* I know I don't mean that. I have actually found a really precious hairdresser, who only snips a centimetre off at a time. The next time I visit her, I'll let her take two. She also uses low chemical colours and products and can style hair like a dream.
The point to my long-winded story is that I've destroyed my hair but it came back. Admittedly, it took me a good two years full recovery. Hair is really slow moving, it takes months and months and months to see the results and you have to be consistent in treating it with caution. Minimal heat, no chemical based products and no colour fun. An effective distraction technique is to smile more, who needs fabulous hair when you smile like a princess???!
SOS products I have used...
Feminine Mysteries Tahitian Coconut and Vanilla Shampoo & Conditioner is heaven
Morroco Method The actual shampoos and conditioners are not so heavenly to use but the Diamond Crystal Mist is divine
David Babaii 4 Wildaid Beautiful products all round and love, love, love the Bohemian Beach Spray
Seven Wonders Hair Care Detangling Moisture Spray, is my pick. They also have an Argan (Moroccan Oil) range...
Apple Cider Vinegar & Herbal Hair Rinse
To improve condition, shine, body and boost hair growth...
This is a recipe my babushka taught me. I've always noticed how long many Russian women wear their hair. My babushka was no exception. While the other grandmas had purple perms mine was rocking silky tresses right down to her waist. She traveled across oceans from Russia to Australia and was certainly an exotic creature back in the day.
She wore her hair all braided and slicked back. I can see now why she was a heart breaker in her time (mermaids have been known to do that). She gave me this hair rinse recipe. The basic mixture is just vinegar and chamomile but I've added the rosemary extract with time. The vinegar softens the water, adjusts the pH and gives you a super glossy finish (no it doesn't smell). The chamomile adds highlights with time and somehow strengthens the hair (my babushka says), the rosemary is my little touch and stimulates the blood flow to the scalp, resulting in happier hair with more bounce.
Ingredients...
1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (only ACV, no other vinegar will do)
1 cup chamomile tea
1/4 cup rosemary extract
1.5 litres filtered or spring water
Method...
1. Sprig of fresh rosemary to 2 cups water, bring to boil and reduce and leave for 10 minutes. Let cool.
2. Add ACV, chamomile tea, rosemary infusion to the water.
3. Shampoo and condition your hair with the best quality natural based products you can afford.
4. Rinse your hair well with water and put the herbal water through and let t sit for around 5 minutes for a perfect result.
5. Then if weather permits, rinse your hair with COLD water as a final then style.
6. Your hair will look gorgeous, tread carefully with the hearts you're about to break.
Do this once or twice a week for the best results.
Not only do you have to use the correct product but you have to eat the right foods and supplements speed up the process.
Chia seed- high in omega 3 fatty acids, high in protein, easy to use. Just add to muesli, desserts and smoothies.
Seaweed- high in minerals, nori, kelp, wakame, kombu, spirulina all fall under this Umbrella. A green superfood powder should do the trick ideally with sprouted baby grasses. The easiest and tastiest way to get your greens in.
Wholegrains- People are at odds with the wholegrain category but I swear by them. Brown rice, oats, quinoa, and buckwheat are my favourites. High in silica, fibre and minerals.
Almonds, Brazil, Sunflower and Pumpkin seeds- for the essential fatty acids, proteins and magnesium. Magnesium will help soothe the nervous system after you breakup with the evil hairdresser...
Greens- all the baby greens, sprouts, kale, broccoli and herbs. Highly mineralised and alkalising to the system.
Green, white, rosehip, nettle tea- high in antioxidants, good for detoxifying.
Celtic Sea Salt- Just a pinch, for the minerals. Table salt is a junk food.
Exercise and sunlight- essentials for life, oxygen and blood circulation. The body is built to move...
Avoid- excess alcohol, coffee, dairy, processed, denatured "fake" foods, chemicals and unnecessary pharmaceuticals (please confirm with your doctor) and peroxide...
Supplements that may help...
B Complex- for hair growth and condition
Zinc- growth
Green powder (with seaweed and sprouted greens)- detoxification, alkalising
Spirulina- condition, hair growth, quality
Silica- condition
MSM powder (organic suphur)- hair growth, quality
Brushes
Brush your hair everyday and using a soft bristle brush. Never brush your hair when it's wet.
Love
Ulyana xx
 |
I was in a very stressful time of my life, at least I considered it to be back then. On reflection I was just being a drama queen. I had changed my colour to a nice chocolate brown hue, everything was going along nicely. My hairdresser would thin my hair, saying I had plenty of it and it'll make my life easier. It was long and pretty. Everything besides my personal life was peachy... That was until she left the salon! *shock* Where did she go??!! I should have known better but the salon owner suggested I try a different hairdresser. "Sure!" The younger, more gullible version of me replied.
Dissatisfied with the close to midnight colour I walked away with, a "friend" hairdresser suggested he do my hair instead...
I wanted my hair back to normal, long, pretty, thick and brown. He said he could make magic happen and I believed him. *Hint* NEVER believe a man that says he can do magic. I would say half of my hair snapped of from the attempt at highlighting. With all the breakage, he needed to blend it in somehow, so a ridiculous amount of layers were put through. This is where my hair resembled something from the 80's. THEN as I ran my hand through my hair, it was as crispy as a corn chip! No amount of product, blow drying, conditioning, or wishful thinking could make magic happen this time...
So I swore off all hairdressers. They were evil creatures, you get a good one and they desert you. You get a truly evil one and they destroy your hair and charge you while you pretend to like it, so not to hurt their feelings. *Vent over.* I know I don't mean that. I have actually found a really precious hairdresser, who only snips a centimetre off at a time. The next time I visit her, I'll let her take two. She also uses low chemical colours and products and can style hair like a dream.
The point to my long-winded story is that I've destroyed my hair but it came back. Admittedly, it took me a good two years full recovery. Hair is really slow moving, it takes months and months and months to see the results and you have to be consistent in treating it with caution. Minimal heat, no chemical based products and no colour fun. An effective distraction technique is to smile more, who needs fabulous hair when you smile like a princess???!
SOS products I have used...
Feminine Mysteries Tahitian Coconut and Vanilla Shampoo & Conditioner is heaven
Morroco Method The actual shampoos and conditioners are not so heavenly to use but the Diamond Crystal Mist is divine
David Babaii 4 Wildaid Beautiful products all round and love, love, love the Bohemian Beach Spray
Seven Wonders Hair Care Detangling Moisture Spray, is my pick. They also have an Argan (Moroccan Oil) range...
Apple Cider Vinegar & Herbal Hair Rinse
To improve condition, shine, body and boost hair growth...
This is a recipe my babushka taught me. I've always noticed how long many Russian women wear their hair. My babushka was no exception. While the other grandmas had purple perms mine was rocking silky tresses right down to her waist. She traveled across oceans from Russia to Australia and was certainly an exotic creature back in the day.
She wore her hair all braided and slicked back. I can see now why she was a heart breaker in her time (mermaids have been known to do that). She gave me this hair rinse recipe. The basic mixture is just vinegar and chamomile but I've added the rosemary extract with time. The vinegar softens the water, adjusts the pH and gives you a super glossy finish (no it doesn't smell). The chamomile adds highlights with time and somehow strengthens the hair (my babushka says), the rosemary is my little touch and stimulates the blood flow to the scalp, resulting in happier hair with more bounce.
Ingredients...
1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (only ACV, no other vinegar will do)
1 cup chamomile tea
1/4 cup rosemary extract
1.5 litres filtered or spring water
Method...
1. Sprig of fresh rosemary to 2 cups water, bring to boil and reduce and leave for 10 minutes. Let cool.
2. Add ACV, chamomile tea, rosemary infusion to the water.
3. Shampoo and condition your hair with the best quality natural based products you can afford.
4. Rinse your hair well with water and put the herbal water through and let t sit for around 5 minutes for a perfect result.
5. Then if weather permits, rinse your hair with COLD water as a final then style.
6. Your hair will look gorgeous, tread carefully with the hearts you're about to break.
Do this once or twice a week for the best results.
Not only do you have to use the correct product but you have to eat the right foods and supplements speed up the process.
Chia seed- high in omega 3 fatty acids, high in protein, easy to use. Just add to muesli, desserts and smoothies.
Seaweed- high in minerals, nori, kelp, wakame, kombu, spirulina all fall under this Umbrella. A green superfood powder should do the trick ideally with sprouted baby grasses. The easiest and tastiest way to get your greens in.
Wholegrains- People are at odds with the wholegrain category but I swear by them. Brown rice, oats, quinoa, and buckwheat are my favourites. High in silica, fibre and minerals.
Almonds, Brazil, Sunflower and Pumpkin seeds- for the essential fatty acids, proteins and magnesium. Magnesium will help soothe the nervous system after you breakup with the evil hairdresser...
Greens- all the baby greens, sprouts, kale, broccoli and herbs. Highly mineralised and alkalising to the system.
Green, white, rosehip, nettle tea- high in antioxidants, good for detoxifying.
Celtic Sea Salt- Just a pinch, for the minerals. Table salt is a junk food.
Exercise and sunlight- essentials for life, oxygen and blood circulation. The body is built to move...
Avoid- excess alcohol, coffee, dairy, processed, denatured "fake" foods, chemicals and unnecessary pharmaceuticals (please confirm with your doctor) and peroxide...
Supplements that may help...
B Complex- for hair growth and condition
Zinc- growth
Green powder (with seaweed and sprouted greens)- detoxification, alkalising
Spirulina- condition, hair growth, quality
Silica- condition
MSM powder (organic suphur)- hair growth, quality
Brushes
Brush your hair everyday and using a soft bristle brush. Never brush your hair when it's wet.
Love
Ulyana xx
Friday, June 10, 2011
Dear Diary... Dream is a nice word
Dream is a nice word don't you think? I always wonder where mine are at, if I'm "watering" them enough so to speak. Are we giving enough attention to our dreams or do we even know what they are??
Most of the people I see and talk to want love. "Love makes the world go round" and "love is all there is" love, love, love. Tears and butterflies, highs and lows I see it and feel it all. I wont recall my dating history here, I simply don't enough enough energy and it's pointless. But it's the thing everyone wants and I believe many of us are really here just to find it. Our life purpose might not be to discover a new form of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source (although feel free) but to find that one person. Call it a soul mate or twin flame or something less mystical. Maybe deep down some people are here just to find simple love.
Imagine if in primary school the curriculum would include... love and all of the above. Relationship life skills that some "parents" are simply not capable of teaching their kids because quite honestly they've not been taught it either. Why when so many of us are completely capable of functioning in all facets of our lives except for maintaining healthy relationships. Why are we taught our times tables until we can recite them by heart but we're not taught to communicate with people effectively and truthfully. Some might say that's a parental role and I agree- it is. However, when your parents are busy counting numbers, paying bills and getting dinner on the table... we could do with a little more help.
Which brings me to my dream, it's just a dream but I'm putting it out there. Imagine if the structure of our society focused more on supporting us finding and keeping that other half and creating families and less on consuming, owning, investing and the rest. The more I look at how we do things the more distant I see we have become. We travel more, see more, learn and experience the world at an accelerated pace yet we're no closer to finding the person that makes our hearts tick. Paradoxically, we have more and have less. The people that do have, we consider to be the "lucky" ones.
If we focused more about finding love and valuing it then maybe we would be happier. Cultures that have less material security have been known to be happier and we often question why. My guess is they're not contemplating owning 5 houses rather contemplating how the welfare of their family. Focus on the stuff that matters because at the end of the day, on our death bed we reflect on how we lived, how we loved, if we loved at all and if we ever lived.
The other thing, don't be afraid to want love. It takes so much energy wearing various masks only to disguise our feelings. It takes more courage to be truthful with ourselves and another and walk away a little different, maybe deflated but certainly a more authentic version of yourself. The heart never fools anyone, it knows exactly what and who it wants. It's the mind that plays tricks.
And one more, never walk away from it.
Ulyana xx
Like many of my insights this one came to me during a consultation. We were talking about love... lost love to be exact. I think we've all been there and I think we can all relate. We've been both the lover and the heart breaker, we've been both wronged and in the wrong. I could think of at least 10 people I don't want knowing my thoughts on this topic but I can think of at least 10 who'd like my thoughts too. I sacrifice this post to be more of a "dear diary" entry.
Imagine if in primary school the curriculum would include... love and all of the above. Relationship life skills that some "parents" are simply not capable of teaching their kids because quite honestly they've not been taught it either. Why when so many of us are completely capable of functioning in all facets of our lives except for maintaining healthy relationships. Why are we taught our times tables until we can recite them by heart but we're not taught to communicate with people effectively and truthfully. Some might say that's a parental role and I agree- it is. However, when your parents are busy counting numbers, paying bills and getting dinner on the table... we could do with a little more help.
Which brings me to my dream, it's just a dream but I'm putting it out there. Imagine if the structure of our society focused more on supporting us finding and keeping that other half and creating families and less on consuming, owning, investing and the rest. The more I look at how we do things the more distant I see we have become. We travel more, see more, learn and experience the world at an accelerated pace yet we're no closer to finding the person that makes our hearts tick. Paradoxically, we have more and have less. The people that do have, we consider to be the "lucky" ones.
If we focused more about finding love and valuing it then maybe we would be happier. Cultures that have less material security have been known to be happier and we often question why. My guess is they're not contemplating owning 5 houses rather contemplating how the welfare of their family. Focus on the stuff that matters because at the end of the day, on our death bed we reflect on how we lived, how we loved, if we loved at all and if we ever lived.
The other thing, don't be afraid to want love. It takes so much energy wearing various masks only to disguise our feelings. It takes more courage to be truthful with ourselves and another and walk away a little different, maybe deflated but certainly a more authentic version of yourself. The heart never fools anyone, it knows exactly what and who it wants. It's the mind that plays tricks.
And one more, never walk away from it.
Ulyana xx
Monday, June 6, 2011
Bugs want slugs and slugs want your organic kale..
I've been distracted but I have been pondering what my next post would be about. Inspiration normally just falls out of the sky for me... and I was waiting for it...but it didn't come. I thought about cooking or maybe stretching my artistic side (only very few know about it). The only thing that bounced around my mind was thoughts about negative advertising methods and how they impact you and me and everyone else that switches on the TV, reads a magazine and listens to the radio.
We've been placed in front of the television since we were how old and bombarded with advertising imagery before we could even talk. Now you might think that you make conscious choices in what you buy, that it is really you making the decision... I'll put my money on this one. That your choices are from what you've been exposed to at the right moment in time for you to tell yourself "yes I need one of those" or "Ohh that looks yummy!!". Who is born into his world thinking of Doritos or BMW's or Chanel sunglasses? (can you tell that last one was one of mine!! Until I weened myself off). We are however born into this world thinking about our stomachs and if we feel the cold and our mothers. So our needs start of very simply.
Our minds process thoughts in images. In other words we think in images. If I tell you not to think about a pink elephant... what pops into your mind? If I bombard you with pictures of Cocoa Pops since you are the age of 5, in between your favourite cartoon shows... chances are Cocoa Pops will be on your mind next time your mum goes to the supermarket or if you're sitting in the trolley you'll spot that yellow box. Things don't change much either, look at what your favourite foods are today and they likely have been tricked into your favourites folder in your mind. Advertisers pay millions of dollars to place these images on prime time television and on front pages of your reading material and the Internet. They pay more for advertising than the quality of the product. My body wasn't born loving Cocoa Pops but Kellogg's will try and make you think so, it's in their best interest.
What you expose your mind to will influence you. Let your 8 year old girl watch Rhianna S&M video clip every morning and see how her behaviour changes. . .
So coming back to my point of weight loss and food choices. Start surrounding yourself with the right stuff, turning off KFC ads and removing yourself out of the media's way. Women's magazines love displaying their Sara Lee products, right after their feel good stories making you as susceptible as a sponge. It takes time to unplug and retrain yourself back to making choices YOU really want. Eating the right food, in the right proportions and moving in the right way because it's only natural and normal to function in that way.
It's only natural to want natural foods. All wild animals want the foods that nature intended. Birds want bugs, bugs want slugs, slugs want your organic kale, wolves want rabbits, and rabbits want grass. I never asked to be exposed to advertising that manipulates our food and lifestyle choices...did you? It requires work to create the change within yourself that increases your own awareness to why you buy what you buy and why you eat what you eat but it can be done!
Read how the tobacco industry influenced millions and million of people to become addicted and the effort companies go to so you can make them wealthy!
This is also a super read...
A nice perspective on food and culture...
I guess at the end of the day I knew what I wanted to post about but ignored it, hoping I'd have the urge to make a vegan blueberry pie or nut mylks or something... no such luck! Till next time lovelies!
Ulyana...
xxx
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