Square Foot Vegetable Gardening

Plant a compact vegetable garden -- Boys' Life magazine

Organic Vegetable Gardening

Frugal Living Vegetable Gardening | Suite101.com

Update

So I was just reading my old blog entries and I noticed that wow I was kind of jumping all over, and vanished.I just apologize to the handful of my blog followers of my lack of keeping up with the blogs. But here is an update. I am still eating healthy, mainly vegetarian, I have not done juicing since my 26 or so days. But, I can definately say that the juice, motivation, and working out have all played a roll in my losing weight and keep it off. I went from 198lbs in May to 152 lbs today. Soo very proud, I can't explain how great I feel! Currently my meals consist of beans, and tortillas, oatmeal, and vegetables. I've decided to eat meat, but only if I can catch it myself. I used to walk up 6 flights of stairs at work, huff and puff and nearly pass out. 6 months later today, I fly up the stairs with nothing more then a few deep breaths. Its such a feeling, to be able to enjoy being outside. And loving it. I definately recommend, cutting out  fast foods, and processed foods and lean more towards vegetables, legumes, beans, and lean fresh organic meats.  Other advice is to go outside and have some fun and explore ur local trails and forests, if ur not into being outside, that's a bummer..ur missing out. Anyway ill add more eventually. Health brings happiness, the thought of living long and having that youthful energy for many years is amazing!  It has been and still is a big journey, but now I can look back and smile, and grin at what's to come ahead.Cheers!

Kitchiri

Hello everyone! It has been quite a while since my last juicing entry and although I have taken a break from my juice fast I have taken up something different. A Kitchiri fast. It was referred to me by a good friend and I am on my 3rd day of eating Kitchiri. If you google it, you will find it is a dish made in India, consisting of Ayurvedic properties that help to cleanse and detoxify the digestive system and throughout the body. I am adding this entry as I hover comfortably on my porcelain throne. Haha. Anyhow, I have lost a couple of lbs, down to 161 since my last weigh in of 163. I've been fairly active, went on a 14 mile hike up to Yosemite, and really tested myself in mind and body. It was a really powerful experience for me, as I feel so much more inclined to step outside boundaries I was scared to tred in my past, due to my weight and low esteem. Quite a lot has changed, and I am thankful. I will try to post more blogs in the coming days to share my Kitchri Journey and others. Have a great evening!

Day 26 -Lost track of the days but transitioning slowly to solids!

Chapathi And Parippu / Dal Curry | Simple and Delicious !

Soo I thought I was going to do 60 days of juicing. But I had the urge to eat some indian food, and I did. At this point, I'm feeling great. I lost about 15 lbs and, I'm still working out and drinking juice for breakfast and lunch. Come dinner time, the other night I had small servings of Dal and Chapathis, and I like it soo much, I am going to be juicing all day, but have Dal and Chapathis for dinner. The good thing about Dal is that its packed with proteins and nutrients, its completely dairy and meat free. And Chapathis are very thin and delicious.

"Eat like a poor person and you'll only see your doctor on the golf course" - Coach Joe Virgil

Day 22 Juicing

I finally broke the plateua! Down 3 more lbs! I ran up and down 6 flights of stairs on my break to celebrate this magnificent feat..I have all thesd great ideas! I wanna go for a run in San Francisco and throw on my Five Figer Vibrims, as a tote around my juice. Not only have I found a love for juicing and being healthier but im slowly falling in love with being able to jog , and be out having fun while getting in shape! I've been an overweight, flat footed, asthmatic for most of my child and young adult life, but I feel younger and stronger already! I feel like im getting younger by the day, and im even feeling that all the luxuries, fast cars, nice clothes, high priced restaurants couldn't make me feel as happy as I am right now. :)

Day 21 Juicing

Soo far I notice that I have hit a plateau, the 2 lbs I thought I lost wasn't true, and well it was at 5am I weighed myself. I am still doing well juicing wise. My pants are loser and I feel lighter. I haven't had the greatest bowl movements and feel that I may be plugged up with a bunch of veggies, so I may need to figure a way to make myself more regular. My stool is dense, and small..lol. I was able to jog up 6 flights of stairs today, without stopping, so tht is a big improvement. And I will be jogging again after work. I find myself being out more in my element, 'nature' and less in the gym, but still getting a good workout and enjoying every bit of it.

Ok scratch that, I think all the veggies have decided to exit the plant, lol. what a relief!

I believe that jogging helps a person become more regular.

Day 20

I feel fantastic. I bought 3 days worth of Mean Green Veggies , and ready to work out somemore. I ran a qtr of a mile on my break. It helps to drink the juice little by little, and can't forget the water. The scale shows I lost 2 lbs, but ill see if that's the same tommorow, becausr it could just be water weight like last time. I feel that becoming healthier, and taking care of myself really diminshes the smaller issues that I tend to think of too much. Im really happy right now.

Day 19

Feel lethargic and tired today. Maybe because I slept late and worked out hard on Sunday. I feel like falling asleep. Then again im feeling down as well since I lost a house I though I was getting. Emotional obstacles can steer me or obstruct goals..I haven't though, still juicing and still at a plateau.

Day 18 Juicing 'Ive reached a Plateu'

Im a little concerned, I haven't noticed any more weight loss in the past 4 days. I've stuck to the juice other then my one minor mistake, and I jogged and walked about 4 miles yesterday, along with doing 2 classes of yoga. This is the type of thing that happens to people and they get discouraged, im going to tough it out, but I dnt want to overdo anything. Ill give it a few more days and if still nothing, I eill need to really kick things up a notch, more vigorous working out. But...I don't get it, I don't think Phil and Joe Cross had to up their workouts vigorously, it didn't seem so..

Day 16 and 17

I feel great, but have to say I did make the mistake of eating something, I probabbly shldnt have. But! It isn't as bad as I thought, because I just picked up from where I left off, and had a great time working out today.

Day 15 Juicing

Oh no my job brought food, why does it smell soo good..lol. I know there's no chance im touching it, I will just sit here and enjoy the aromas.

Day 14 Juicing

I feel really good, lots of energy and no hunger. I ran on my lunch break after reading a few chapter of 'Born to Run' by Christopher Mcdougall. No headaches, nothing im worrying about. Once you get the juicing down, then keep moving, that's what im doing and the weight is flying off! Now im off, time for a run!

Day 12 Juicing

Wow can't believe its been 12 days!

::see Day 13:: skipped posting on Day 12

But overall, another succesful day!

Day 13 Juicing

I lost another 3 lbs, I haven't worked out the past 3 days so I'm surprised I'm losing weight this fast. I had to take a break because I really want my body to absorb and not be too overworked, from the calories I already burn from just sitting. I haven't had any solid food except for a few peanuts. I feel a little tired this morning, but it's because I went to sleep a little late. I have been noticing that I have a ton of energy, that I didn't have before. Can you believe I was 198 in May 2011? I still cannot believe it, when I weighed 30 lbs more I was soo miserable, I didn't want to do a whole lot, and so I kept eating, because I loved to eat lol. Now I can look at a plate of food and not be so hungry. I think this juice is more then just juice, it's going to be apart of my day even when I start eating solids again. It may even cover my breakfast and lunch and I'll just have a nice healthy dinner! I'm soo excited and motivated.

Day 11 Juicing

Another succesful day. Im running out of things to say because everything feels good, the juice is really keeping me going and a big part of it is because im just being positive. I haven't worked out in the past few days so im hoping to get a good workout in tommorow.

Day 10 Juicing

I wasn't able to put in my entry on Day 10, so I am doing it now. The fast is going well. I thought I had reached a plateu because I hadnt a loss of weight in 2 days, be patient. I lost another 3 lbs and down to 171 lbs. I don't have the headaches anymore and I feel light and refreshed. Having a cooler and my juice nearby is very convenient, as I can just take a sip whenever I feel the need. I don't get very hungry, and I think that my taste buds and cravings have reset because I don't crave solid food. Im looking forward to making better choices after the fast. I took a spiritual trip with my good friend and we did meditation at a wonderful Zen Center called Green Gulch in Marin, it was relaxing and peaceful in that setting. To be able to smell and really take in everything, and forget about how occupied we get and busy during the week. It brought me balance and helped me to really connect with myself and what I wanted. When we went to lunch , the kitchen smelled of soup, fresh baked bread,  and delicious salad. Everything was healthy, but still I knew I couldn't touch it. So I have trained my mind not to crave yet, I still enjoy watching food, and looking at out delightful it is just sitting on a plate waiting to be consume. I sit in the corner drinking my juice. My friend and I laughed about it as he ate infront me, with glee lol. It was enjoying to smell the aromas and see the wonderful colors. And when I look at my juice, and smell it and drink it, it feels just as good. The day was very good to me. I am very motivated to continue this journey 5 more times, which will bring me to 60 days. If I have come this far, im sure any of you reading can pursue and come just as far as I have. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Day 9 Juicing

Another succesful day! I notice that day by day that im more energetic and refreshed. I feel that my mind is more clear and my senses are heightened. My exczema rash is disappearing. Im ready to go to bed now and start a new day tommorow. Sorry this was short. Oh yea, my weight is steady at 174, hope im not plateuing. I will see tommorow! Goodnight!

DAY 8 JUICING :)

It is now Day 8, and I wasn't as tired today as I was yesterday. I don't know what it is, perhaps my body is just getting used to it, or maybe other reasons. But for whatever reason it may bem I feel great! And I am motivated to keep pushing on and doing what I need to do. I notice that when I smell someone's delicious processed food, I enjoy the smell and it really is strong, as I feel my senses are very heightened right now, but I enjoy the smell, and move on drinking my juice, which is sweet, tasty, light and fresh and I enjoy drinking it! I know I feel good in the end, as where processed foods I always felt like poop afterwards. I can't wait to be outdoors and moving around. I hope some of you reading this don't think im crazy, im feeling high on life right now!

Day 7 Juicing

It's about 9:33pm right now and I feel like calling it an early night. I need to with this detox, it can be draining at times. Like at work today I felt a bit groggy around the afternoon time. I don't know if it was because of my job being monotnous at time, or that I drank a lot of juice at once, or maybe because I was just tired. But for the most part  I was pretty energized when I got up this morning, and I was feeling good most of the day. I did a 30 min brisk walk during my lunch.One thing that I also find good is drinking green tea. I used to be a coffee drinker, but I've completely cut that out, and stick to green tea. I'll do maybe 2 bags of cafineted and one bag of decaf, although today I only did decaf because I was out of the caffeine. I heard that Green tea boosts metabolism, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to add it to my fast. Yesterday I weighed 172 lbs, and this evening I'm showing 174 lbs, not sure what the 2 lb increase is, could be water weight..I hope so. I can't believe I'm crazy enough to do a 7 day juice soo far, it feels like it's going pretty fast. I have my routine going, so it all feels really simple now. Wake up, go to work, go to the store to by the veggies, gym, juice, go to bed..lol.

DAY 6

I woke up this morning and no headaches, no fatigue, I felt great. I drank a protein shake in the morning because I didn't drink my shake after my work out the day before. I am drinking my juice and althought I haven't lost more weight since yesterday, I can feel the difference. I am more energized, have energy to get up and want to keep moving. I can't wait to workout later and build a good sweat, make my juice when I get home, read a book and have a nice peaceful sleep! I need to lose about 55 more lbs to get to where I want to be and I am very determined, I am also preparing myself for a big change when I start going back to solids. Because I will no longer be including steak, or pork in my diet. It will mainly consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish that I catch! lol. I plan on growing a veggie garden when I get my own place, so I can self sustain myself. I feel that the most important thing in life right now is health, and being happy and at peace with myself. And I am definately on that road..

Day 5 Juicing

Its already day 5 and Im now down to 175lbs. This feels great, my clothes are a little looser, and I feel light and energetic this morning. Im really starting to get used to the juice, and not just the taste but going to the store, buying the fresh ingredients and making it the night before. Have a good juicer definately makes things more easier, and I bought the Breville fountain plus refurbished, its easy to take apart and clean. Im very happy with the results so far and Im feeling really good.

Day 4 Juicing

This morning I had a little dry mouth so I drank some water, I also drank 10 oz of Mean Green, I was feeling ok, until I got to work around 830am and noticed a headache coming on. The headache wasn't too painful, but I knew it was there. It could have been because I was dehydrated, so I started to drink more water. I feel a little tired today, might be because I slept a little late last night. I did lose another lb overnight putting my current weight at 177 lbs. It feels great, and I am still very motivated. I don't feel very hungry right now as I've been drinking the juice throughout the day in small quantities. Im glad I am not getting heartburn or acid reflux as those were big issues I've had in the past with diets and just in general. I feel light on my feet, and I can move quickly. I plan on calling it an early night, rest is very important through this part of the fast, as our bodies are going through a drastic change.

Day 3 Juicing

It has been a long day. So my posting for this evening won't be lengthy as I need the much needed rest to get up early. For it being my 3rd day on the Juice fast, I felt energized, clear headed, most importantly happy! Not only do I juice, but I have also taken up working out, I go to the gym and do yoga when I can. Combining light to moderate workouts with the fast is great. I did 2 sessions of yoga, one was on the beach! And finished the day with some bouldering (rock climbing without a harness), I am not in the greatest of shape, but doing things like this makes my endorphins go crazy and its almost euphoric. I went to a cafe with friends, the first time since I started the fast, where they have  yummy sandwhiches, cookies, buttered croisants and other food, and as friends were buying their lunch, it felt funny to say "It's ok I have my Juice!", but I felt content and proud that I could just sit there, and wash them guzzle down roast beef, and vegetable sandwhiches while I sipped on my yummy Mean Green, mmm juicy sweet healthy Mean Green! I could feel my body absorbing all the good and flushing out the bad, lol.

Day 2 Juicing

Thank goodness today was the weekend. Being I'm only on the 2nd day, I've already noticed the changes from the fast but they weren't significant enough to want me to stop. A little fatigue, and at times hungry, but I just thought to myself, This is good for me, detoxifying and losing weight, pumping myself with nutrients. Health comes first from now on, and I wasn't going to let anything get in my way. I took a trip with my brother to Santa Cruz to go fishing, my favorite recreational activity.  I wasn't able to make the full 80-120oz of Juice, so I had to stop and buy a few cans of V* 100% Vegetable juice. By the end of the day I made more Mean Green (Cucumbers, Kale, Celery, Ginger, Granny Apples, Lemon) , I'm starting to really like this drink. It was a great day, was able to relax and enjoy a day out, it kept me from thinking too much about the Juicing, but then again, I think I'm already starting to like it.

Mean Green
6 kale leaves
1 cucumber
4 celery stalks
2 granny apples
1/2 lemon
1 piece of ginger

Day 1 Juicing

60 Day Juice Fast
Inspired by the documentary, "Fat Sick and Nearly Dead"
Information aquired from Rebootyourlife.com

Weight in May 2011: 198 lbs.
Weight in July 14, 2011: 179.6lbs
 
Just made my first batch of Green Juice, it didn't taste bad at all but I'm not sure what im getting myself into. Maybe tons of trips to the bathroom, maybe my stomach making loud sounds, gas,  lol. But im excited nonetheless and confident to keep this up for 60 days, yes 60 days!
It's 11:08am I feel tired, and I only made half the juice I was supposed to, by accident. Oh well its all about trial and error. other then that im compensating with fresh sweet peaches I bought and some nuts.


Green Juice
6 leaves kale
2 cups spinach
1/2 cucumber
4 stalks celery
2 granny apples
1" ginger

This makes 35 oz of Juice

A day supply is 80-120oz