Pray Eat Love & The "Daniel" Fast

Last Sunday I visited Empowerment Temple church in Baltimore.  During the service I learned that the congregation was preparing for a ten-day journey of prayer, fasting and spiritual enlightenment inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir, "Eat, Pray, Love." 

I loved the idea of embarking on such a journey with the entire congregation and welcomed the idea of growing spiritually while improving my health. We were instructed to read Daniel (chapters 1-3), to participate in daily prayer calls with the Pastor and to abstain from eating meat, bread and sweets for ten days.  I remember thinking, "cool, not eating meat is no big deal for me and I'll even cut out caffeine."

I am now on day seven of the ten-day fast and will admit this is one of the hardest things I've ever done. I can be extremely focused and disciplined when I need to be and although I have not touched one drop of meat, bread or sugar since last Sunday, I am climbing the walls! I dream of buffet tables laden with rotisserie chickens, broiled salmon, freshly baked breads, CHEESECAKE and huge urns filled with piping hot COFFEE!!! I am literally counting down the days and have already started planning my first meal after the fast.  

The good news is that during this fast I have gained clarity on several issues I was struggling with, I've notice a huge difference in my energy levels and I believe I've lost a couple of pounds.  I will continue to be faithful on this journey...just four more days to go.  I feel so good that I've decided to continue the fast with a friend for the next couple of months or so.  We won't fast for ten days in a row but we have committed to fasting for three days in a row every week.  NO MEAT, BREAD, SWEETS OR CAFFEINE.

We're starting our three day fast on Tuesday, October 5th--Tues, Wed & Thurs.  We will repeat this sequence every week for the next few weeks and YOU are invited to join us!  This invitation is for the fast only--without the prayers because that's something personal you can do on your own but if you want to offer a prayer or two I'm open to that as I always welcome a good prayer.  :>)  If you want in, leave a comment to this post with your email address.  I'll keep in touch with you via email for support and accountability. Worst-case scenario: you'll lose a little weight, increase your energy and improve your health through discipline and fellowship.  Let's GO!

Eat, Pray, Love - My Journey Back to Health - Part 1

Life is beautiful and so fragile. Never take it for granted...

A couple of weeks ago, out of the blue, I started experiencing extreme muscle and joint pain. In a matter of a few hours I went from a healthy, very active individual to someone who could not walk or lift my head off my pillow. I had to rely on my husband for help--to pull me out of bed, help me go to the bathroom--everything (luckily, he was on vacation that week and I'm eternally grateful that he was!).  Anyway, after two days of excruciating pain, I called an ambulance and went to the ER of a nearby hospital.

My doctor said my symptoms are indicative of some type of rheumatism so he referred me to a rheumatologist.  I haven't seen the specialist yet, though.  They have to review my medical records to see if I'm a worthy candidate for treatment and if I am they might be able to give me an appointment sometime in September.  Here I sit almost three weeks later, having been subjected to a plethora of tests and prescription drugs, and still have no idea what is going on with my body. 

Meanwhile, my real life is waiting for me to get back to it so based on my symptoms and the feedback from my doctor so far, I have decided to take matters into my own hands! With the inspiration of Elizabeth Gilbert's story (and all the media momentum of the book and upcoming movie) I got the idea to try to Eat, Pray & Love myself back to health!  Unfortunately, one of the best parts of Elizabeth's journey included travel to Italy, India and Bali but that's not an option for me right now so I'll just have to use my amazing visualization abilities and visit those fabulous places in my mind.

Here's my plan to heal my body, mind and soul with food, prayer and love...

EAT:

There have been many scientific studies that show certain foods, fruits and herbs have healing properties and can help to restore health and vitality. So, I'm ramping up my diet with healing foods containing magnesium, calcium and potassium. Dark, leafy greens are a great source of these vital nutrients and it just so happens I love all types of greens--some of my favorites are kale, turnip, dandelion and Swiss chard. 

Other foods/spices rich in nutrients essential to healing/building muscles include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, celery, okra, artichokes, peas, sweet potatoes, avocados, bananas, blackberries, turmeric, ginger, lots of nuts, meats, fish and cheeses and for the next few weeks, I'll be incorporating many of these foods into my daily diet--starting with kale.

Please stop by tomorrow to read "Eat, Pray, Love - My Journey Back to Health" - Part II

Matcha Green Tea Latte

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants.  According to research, its benefits include lowering cholesterol, weight loss, fighting cancer and heart disease much more.  It took a while for me to warm up to green tea because when I made it it always tasted bitter so I ended up adding a ton of sugar, thus negating the effectiveness of the brew, I'm sure.  I found out later that the tea should be prepared with hot but not boiling water and it made all the difference.

Matcha tea is reported to have even higher levels of antioxidant than green tea leaves so I decided to give it a try and now I'm hooked.  I've made matcha smoothies and lattes and I can't wait to try it in food recipes.  Here's my recipe for matcha latte:

Matcha Green Tea Latte

created with love by LBTurner

1 1/2 teaspoons powdered Matcha green tea

1 tablespoon powdered creamer

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2 tablespoons honey or sweeten to taste

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups hot water

Add the 2 1/2 cups of water to a pot and bring to a gentle boil.  Turn off the flame and set it aside.  Mix together the powdered green tea, creamer and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl.  With a wire whisk or bamboo whisk (chasen), slowly whisk the water into the mixing bowl.  Add the honey or sweetener and vanilla extract and continue to whisk. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of fresh whipped cream if desired.  Makes approximately 2 1/2 cups.

Substitutions:

Substitute the powdered creamer with soy or whey protein

Substitute the honey with agave nectar, brown sugar or other sweetener

Want more info on the health benefits of green tea?  Check out these websites:

Green Tea Benefits    The World's Healthiest Foods    WebMD

Buy Matcha green tea: DoMatcha Organic Matcha Green Tea, 1.06-Ounce Tin    SerendipiTea Matcha Culinary Grade, Organic Green Tea, 4-Ounce Box