digital diet digest

Aaaah, that felt good. Six straight days of no internet and no email. The best diet I've ever been on (well, perhaps the only one).

I get so tangled up in the web these days - emailing, facebooking, tweeting, googling, blogging - it's easy to forget what life is like without these technological time suckers. I recommend everyone take a week or so away from their computers, turn off the mail function on your Crackberry or iPhone and really just live like we used to - sans digital extensions of our bodies.

Here's a little rundown of how I spent my week computer-free.

preparation
To prepare I contacted anyone I had set appointments with for the week and made sure they had my phone number. I set up autoresponse on my email to let everyone know where the heck I was all week. I tweeted and posted to facebook (and this blog) my intentions. I cleared out my inbox so as not to completely overwhelm myself upon my return to the 'puter. I also looked up any addresses I might need for the week so as not to put myself in a spot where I'd have to hop online for any reason.

ditching digital detritus
Apropos to the diet, on Monday I took a friend to an ewaste recycling center in Brooklyn, so that she could recycle her old computers, a VCR, and some other random electronic waste. I had a few batteries, orphaned remote controls, and wires to return as well. Feels good to get that clutter out of the home and into the hands of someone who will use it, rather than just tossing it into the landfill.

reading & writing (not much 'rithmetic)
Like a step back in time, I reached for my low-tech informational recording implements - books, paper, pens. Oh, old friends, how could I have neglected you for so long? I had forgotten how much I enjoyed writing long hand in a journal, letting thoughts flow through ink. It's such a different thought process than typing, where you could easily edit yourself by just deleting what you've typed. There's more time to stop, reflect, look around. And there's also something more personal about seeing my own handwriting for pages on end, recording my thoughts as they come, making little starred notations on things I want to remember, and being able to physically page through to see what I had written the day before. No keyboard, no screen, no clicking, no virtual folders to search through, no software applications to open.

I've got a big ol' pile of books collecting on my coffee table - mainly around the subject of permaculture, as I'm studying for my permaculture design certificate. It was great to not be tempted by email & all of its cohorts so that I could focus on reading.

raspberry picking in the park
On Monday afternoon I headed into the park to check in on some raspberry bushes I came across a few weeks ago. Some of the berries were ripe, some rotten, and still others had a ways to go. There wasn't much of a harvest, but I had fun nonetheless. Listening to bird calls, the trickling of water on the waterfall trail in Prospect Park, observing sunlight filtering through foliage. And observing patterns in nature. I noticed that in many places where the raspberries grow, so does poison ivy. Luckily, so does its antidote, jewelweed (if you know what to look for!)

Leaves of three, let it be!


My meager berry harvest

I was hoping to have enough berries to can, but alas, it wasn't so. But we did stock up on peaches to can and we did this on Tuesday night. A messy affair, but a fun process. My favorite part was peeling. An easy way to peel peaches is to throw them in boiling water for about 60 seconds then put them in a cold lemon bath (to prevent further cooking and browning). The skins come right off.

more natural observations
I think my less used senses were heightened during this week. While in the park, I heard a hawk before seeing it land in a tree. On Houston Street near 6th Ave I was surprised by a bird call not too common in those parts. I looked up and saw a cardinal. On both occasions, I looked around a few times to see if anyone else noticed these creatures. And on both occasions not one head was tilted up in its direction.

In Prospect Park, I closed my eyes and listened. I did an inventory of every sound. Lawnmower grumbling, children shrieking, cicadas chirping, sneakers hitting the path, a beagle baying, picnickers chatting, tires humming and construction equipment slamming on the road outside of the park, the wind blowing against my ear. I felt the damp earth beneath me. The twigs and grass I was sitting on, the tiny insects crawling on my legs, the warm sun on my feet, the gentle breeze on my skin. I smelled only fresh cut grass. I think I could taste it, too.


On Sunday, we stumbled upon this huge green (squishy) caterpillar


Turns out he's a polyphemus moth caterpillar, according to these two park rangers


Prospect Park swan & signets, ducks, and migrating geese

enjoying every bite
Another benefit to staying away from the computer, an often attention-deficit-inducing place, I was able to focus on something as simple as mindful eating. Breathing, chewing slowly, noticing flavors, appreciating where the food came from and how it was benefiting my body. All great things I should do whether or not I've been typing the day away or not.


First heirloom tomato sandwich of the season!

On Saturday, on lunch break from permaculture class, I went with a friend to this great raw food joint, SproutCraft. We had the most amazing squash blossoms stuffed with almond mozzarella cheese. I didn't even know you could make mozzarella with almonds (though I make my own almond milk, and that I only figured out a few months ago). I found this recipe for making almond cheese, but not sure if it'll come out as mozzarella.


Delicious stuffed squash blossoms at SproutCraft

being the sloth
Usually when I'm walking about in the city, it's to get somewhere. In those cases, I tend to walk quickly, passing people in front of me, getting impatient when someone is blocking the way, etc. But this week, I didn't care to go fast. I took my time getting places, not really even thinking about getting anywhere, more enjoying the walk itself. I had heard that sloths have highly developed brains because they move so slowly, carefully calculating each movement - not a bad creature to emulate.


He's real & alive! My friend Amy took this during her class at the Bronx Zoo

up on the roof
On two occasions I found myself up on the roof, overlooking the tetris-like vista that is NYC. The first was at GreenSpaces, a shared office space in downtown Brooklyn. A friend works in the building and told me about the happy hours they have on Fridays. So I tagged along and enjoyed a few glasses up on their roof.

GreenSpaces veggie garden


Living art in background, edible art in foreground

The second time was during class (ssshhh don't tell the building manager!). We went to the silvery, bare roof to imagine what was possible from a permaculture design perspective. Veggie gardens, rainwater gravity fed showers, noise barriers to block the constant hum of air conditioners. We all had a different vision, creating possibilities on a blank slate. With a multitude of underutilized roofs in the city, so many opportunities to create abundant landscapes exist.


The view from our 'classroom' roof


carfree saturday
I rode my bike to class on Saturday and was pleasantly surprised to turn onto Lafayette Street to find no cars (!), only a highway of bicycles and joggers. Imagine if there were streets designated just for pedestrians and bikers? What a healthier, happier, less stressed out city we would have.

Car-free & carefree

now what?
On Sunday, I returned to the technologically driven world to an inbox of over 750 messages. Forcing this deluge of information was partly intentional. I wanted to get a sense of how much information I actually process every week and how I could cut back on it. By having a culmination of a week's worth of emails, I was able to determine which newsletters I could unsubscribe from, and which information I could actively seek instead of passively receive. I took myself off of all non-essential email lists and instead signed up for RSS feeds in Google Reader. This way I can control my exposure to information more easily. Email is a great communication tool, but it generally takes up too much time. My goal is to strictly limit time spent on email, ultimately getting it down to about 30 minutes a day.

I also laid out a basic structure of how I want to spend my days, giving time to activities like reading (offline), creating (crafts & such), and exploring. I think these are vital to keeping oneself sane, happy, and full of creative energy. Of course I'll still be blogging, tweeting, and emailing, but I'll be sure to make time for all of the other great things happening in the world around me.

How do you find balance in this tech-driven world?

reflecting on l.o.v.e.

A reader requested that I post a summary of how I felt on last week's raw, vegan adventure. Not a bad idea. Here are the highlights of the physical, mental, and emotional roller coaster that is l.o.v.e. (live.organic.vegan.experience).

For the full experience, start reading here and work your way to today.

l.o.v.e. - the recap

On Monday, I took on l.o.v.e. with few expectations. I knew a little bit about what I was getting into. I knew it would be raw. I knew what there wouldn't be -- animal products -- and that was fine with me. I knew there would be juice. I'm generally not a juice drinker. I like to sink my teeth into what I consume. I tend to feel hungry often. Whether this is a real physical hunger or a pattern ingrained in my brain, I would figure out as the week progressed.

During the week I felt hungry alright. Especially in the morning. I drank my juices and I felt hungry. I tried to breathe deeply and focus on work, but that was a challenge. I realized how much I think about food, what an integral part of my day it is. Every meal is a question. Fortunately for me, it's not 'will I eat,' but 'what will I eat.' I thought of this often. How fortunate I am to have this basic need covered. There is never a doubt in my mind that I will be able to acquire something to eat, let alone something healthful and nourishing.

During the raw detox, I didn't need to think about what to eat. All of my meals were prepared for me, I just had to pick them up every morning.

What I needed was self-control.

Before I'd pick up my meals, I would read an email with the menu and instructions for the day. Next to each meal was an approximate time for consuming it.

For the first 3 days, this is how it went. First, the energy elixir at around 8 or 9am. Then, a little bit of self-control. Drink some water. Next, fruit juice at around 10 or 11am. Then a little more self-control. Don't look at the clock, stop thinking about food. Stop salivating when the person next to you is eating an egg and cheese sandwich. Drink more water. At around 12 or 1pm, it was time for veggie juice. Sip it slowly. Make it last. Enjoy the savory flavor. Think about how good this is for you.

At 2pm, time to rejoice. It's time to really eat. This might have been my favorite part. Every day was a new inventive lunch. Spicy burrito, chipotle nappa wrap, sunflower falafel. It was divine. I resisted the urge to just shove it all in. I took my time. I savored each bite. And the funny thing is, it wasn't so hard to do. Eating slowly made the enjoyment last longer, and it fulfilled me even more than if I would have scarfed it all down at once.

Another meal came at around 4pm. Usually something light, a salad of beets or edamame. I had something planned after work every day that week, so I wouldn't be able to eat meals 6 and 7 until at least 8pm. I found I wasn't really hungry in the evenings. I felt really calm. I'd still think about eating my last two courses, both dessert in my mind. But I think I could have done without them, or at least not finished them.

I grew up with the rule of 'no dessert until you finish your dinner.' I don't think it's a bad rule, but it definitely trained me to think that I should always finish everything on my plate, regardless of how full I feel. I try to be mindful of whether I'm eating out of habit or desire, or eating because I'm still hungry. It's amazing how little it takes to truly satisfy physical hunger. The hard part is telling my self that I don't need to keep eating.

And then something clicked

On day 4, something magical happened. My whole body buzzed with energy. I felt euphoric. I didn't need to watch the clock. When it was time to eat, my body knew it. I'd float out of my chair and calmly go to the fridge. Sit down and enjoy. I'll admit that I was getting a little bored with the juices, even though I knew they had something to do with the amazing feeling coursing through me. That night I went to yoga, uncertain of whether I could make it through class. I more than made it through. I could see myself shining in the mirror. A friend and teacher who was in the same class later told me that my aura was aglow. I believe it.

If day 4 was the pinnacle, day 5 was the descent. If you've been following these posts you'll know, that was at the end of day 4, the monthly visitor came to ravage my insides. I thought I had it covered with a hot water bottle and ginger tea, but when I awoke on Friday at 4:45am, I had to give in and pop a couple of pain killers. I felt a twinge of failure, having to poison my newly detoxified insides. But there wasn't really anything I could do. I knew the pain would be even more distracting than any amount of hunger I felt all week would be.

On my last day of the fast, I felt ready to move on. I also felt a bit conflicted. What should I eat tomorrow? There were some basic instructions about coming down from the detox, like eating fruit and salads (which I partly followed). But after having gone through this, I didn't want to screw it up and return to old eating habits. Not that I was an unhealthy eater before. A friend once told me that of everyone she knew, if she had to lick anyone's sweat, it would be mine. (I'm not sure what would warrant that kind of action, but hey, I took it as a compliment.)

Before the fast, I already thought a lot about what I put into my body. I cut back on meat and dairy, I tried not to eat highly processed foods (though one of my vices is Mallowmars, thankfully, they're a seasonal food). I ate veggies, fruits, and nuts regularly.

Now, I have an even greater perspective.

I have a better sense of when I'm really hungry, or just falling into a pattern of eating. And I've been exposed to another way of enjoying food (isn't that what it's all about?). I feel fortunate to have been able to experience this pure way of eating, and the pure feeling of bliss it can bring.

the end of the affair: final day of the lovefast

Only 1 meal left in my week-long live organic vegan experience (l.o.v.e.) and I'm not sure what happens next.

Tomorrow, as I ease out of the fast, I can make my own food choices again, instead of being fed by a sort-of personal chef. It's been quite a luxury to change my routine and be provided meals without thinking about it.

I've been asked if I'll continue this way of eating, and the answer is yes and no. To all of the vegetarians and vegans out there, sorry to say that I'm not ready to completely give up meat just yet. I think this was a step in the right direction though, to at least let me contemplate what other food choices are out there. I plan to eat less meat and dairy than I already do; I already eat meat only a couple of times a week at this point.

I'm happy to have broadened my horizons and get a little taste of what the raw food world is like. I plan on trying out some raw recipes that have come my way, and to replicate some of the meals that I ate this week.

Consequently, I came across this blog post on Melange defending the raw food lifestyle. It's easy to attack something when we don't have all the facts. Before I even considered this 5-day raw food journey I know that I was a little skeptical about it as well. But there is an abundance of healthful ways to eat raw or live food that one could easily thrive on, as long as they are willing to adapt their way of preparing food and maintaining a balance of nutrition. It's not like raw foodists are just eating carrot sticks all day. It goes way deeper than that. And like I mentioned in a previous post, I think preparing raw food is a very creative outlet, maybe even an art form.

As the old saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. In limiting this one integral aspect of my life for 5 days, I've opened my mind up to so much more.

Thanks to Organic Avenue for preparing such delicious food this week.

If you're curious about raw and/or vegan food, do a little research and give it a try!

lovefast and bikram

Now I understand why some people who do Bikram yoga are into raw food. I hadn't been to Bikram in over a week and was curious as to how I would feel being on this detoxifying diet. Before I even got all hot and sweaty, I could see the glow on my face (in Bikram yoga, everyone faces a mirror -- it takes getting used to). I was able to participate in the class at the same level I usually do, but something felt different. Some asanas just seemed a little easier -- mainly camel (Ustrasana, pictured above), seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana), and seated spinal twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana). I guess everything was a little freer to move inside of me, there was little obstruction, so to speak.

I didn't feel weak, I didn't feel hungry. Those were my original fears. Guess there was nothing to worry about.

Related posts

• my l.o.v.e. (live organic vegan experience)
• another reason for l.o.v.e.
• feeling grateful
• day 3 of the lovefast - some pondering

lovefast day 4

Sorry this picture is all a-blur.

I'm high on raw, vegan spicy burrito. This stuff is amazing! (and I feel incredible).

Spicy Burrito: Lentils, parsnip, cilantro, oregano, coriander, jalapenos, cumin, chipotle, olive oil, lime juice, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coconut, walnuts, sage, miso, bell peppers, flax seed, lemon juice, chili powder, black pepper, mesquite, sea salt

If you live in NYC and want to try it out, head on down to Organic Avenue, now at two locations:

LES
101 Stanton St (btw Orchard and Ludlow)

WV
43 Eighth Ave (btw Jane and Horatio)


The lovefast continues...

let me clear things up...

I've received a couple of concerned calls about the last post. I just want to tell you all -- I am feeling fine! I guess I hit "publish post" without realizing that what I wrote sounded wan and desperate. Really, it's far from it. Right now, I am feeling fully satiated by the chocolate coconut macaroons I just ate. Feeling very full in fact.

(See, happy as a clam >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>)

It's like I said in the last post, during the day I feel a little whiny. There may be more than one reason for that: a) the fast seems the most obvious, b) lack of sleep (my honey's away in LA), c) PMS (hate to get that personal, but hey, dems da breaks), d) I haven't gone to Bikram in over a week.

At night, I feel great. Relaxed, at peace, what have you. Everything's hunky dory.

Okay, just wanted to clear that up.

Enjoy the evening!

PS, this is all about the fast, read more if you don't know what the hay I'm talkin' 'bout (or just scroll down and you'll get the picture).

fried chicken, get away!

Some of my colleagues are eating fried chicken. It looks and smells awesome. If I sit near them drool might start dribbling down my chin. I might push it off the table onto the carpet in protest. So I'm just going to enjoy my Ginger Almond Nori Roll -- alone. It's awesome, just in a different way.

I deliberately eat more slowly than I normally would (and if you ask my friends, they'll tell you I'm already a very slow eater). The finite nature of the day's meals make me carefully consider how I eat. I pay attention to each bite and think about how it will sustain me until the next course.

It takes me over 40 minutes to eat 6 pieces of nori roll. Normally, it might take me 10.

A bit later... It has only been about 35 minutes since I ate lunch and I am hungry and light-headed. What's that about? I just want to make some lemon ginger tea, but don't know if that's off limits right now. Anything to make these feelings subside. I guess I'll go and get a cup of tasteless hot water.

Can't concentrate. I think it's from the lack of sleep for the past 3 nights. I could use a nap.

I've noticed that during the day, when I'm working, I feel like a whiny baby. Bouts of hunger, bouts of wooziness, lack of concentration. But as soon as I leave I am calm, almost catatonic in my composure. When I get home, there is nothing to complain about, I feel good. And I look back and wonder why I was a whiny baby all day. It's more than the fast that's making me feel this way. There is a lesson in here somewhere... Don't work! ;)

What's this post all about?
Read my l.o.v.e. (live organic vegan experience)

day 3 of the lovefast - some pondering

"Die fünf Sinne" (The five senses), Hans Makart (1840 - 1884)

It's day 3 of the live organic vegan experience and I'm feeling fine, despite sleeping like crap last night. From now on, I'm going to skip the formalities and try not to bore you with the minute-by-minute report.

On my way to pick up today's 7 goodies, I was thinking about the art of raw food. It really is a creative venture in food preparation. The ingredients are wholesome and beneficial, each raw, whole food is selected for both its nutritional benefits and its flavor. The food is vibrant and colorful, indicating that it is rich with nutrients. The combination of elements almost seems like alchemy. The napa chipotle wrap I had on Monday was spicy, savory, and delicious -- you'd never know that it contained apricot, orange, and date. The falafels I ate yesterday really tasted like deep-fried falafel (without the grease) even though there was no cooking involved.

Eating is one of the only (if not the only) activities where you can experience all 5 senses. Sight: The color and patterns and topography are evident. They're part of what make food appealing. Would a strawberry be as enticing if it were pale pink or white instead of juicy dark red? Scent: The aromas coming out of the kitchen are sometimes enough to get me salivating. Sound: The crunch of celery on the cutting board is one of my favorite sounds. Chewing makes its own music. Touch: The feeling of ice cream as it cools the mouth, coats the tongue, and slides down the throat. The creaminess of an avocado. Taste: Savory, sweet, pungent, spicy, sour. If it weren't for flavor, would we enjoy eating? I know that if the food in this fast didn't taste good, I probably wouldn't be able to endure it.

It's noontime and I'm feeling kinda tingly all over. I try to hold onto this feeling. It kind of feels like being in yoga nidra, the yogic sleep.

Just as I was marveling at the lack of heartburn I've been experiencing, I think the little devil showed itself. I'm hoping it passes as soon as I sip down some veggie juice.

The "veggie vibrance" tastes a little different today. It's a little more muddled in color. I can't pinpoint which vegetable tipped the balance. I think it's carrot.

Still feeling the burn. I think last night's chocolate mousse might be to blame. It probably doesn't help that I ate it so late. I'm counting on some food to soothe the beast.

More lovefast musings in a bit...

feeling grateful

[Image: PaP67's Fotothing]

After the street tree bed gardening workshop at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (which I mentioned briefly in my last post and a related post), I had the rare opportunity to walk through the garden at night. Past the lily ponds, up the steps through the magnolia grove. The star magnolias in full bloom, the other pink magnolias (not sure of the variety) still partially tucked into their fuzzy outer petals, I take a deep breath to ingest their intoxicating scent. What could be better on a cool night such as this? To smell the messengers of an abundant spring, telling me warmer weather is just ahead.

Hanami, cherry blossom season, has just begun. A few weeks from now will be the Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Matsuri. But for now, I enjoy the early bloomers and the soon-to-emerge pink and white buds that will burst in the days to come.

I overhear some older garden members behind me talking about where the banana tree used to be, and some other nostalgia. I'm a member, too, but don't hold the memories that they do. It's all still novel to me. I could probably count on both hands and a couple of toes my visits to the garden. I know enough the layout of the place, but I'm saving space in my brain for more of it to leave a deeper impression.

Leaving the garden, passing Brooklyn Museum, I feel grateful. For the proximity I live to these sacred places. For the health I feel inside of me. For the solitude I'll enjoy this evening.

I look straight down Washington Avenue and there's the Chrysler Building, even more captivating than the Empire State Building, I think.

I enjoy the rest of my walk home. I savor the chill in the air. In a few months, I might wish for it. I might even summon it next week while in a hot, sweaty Bikram class.

I get home and call my sweetheart to let him know I'm alright. I excuse myself so that I can eat my chocolate mousse (course #6 for the day, pictured right). It's so rich and decadent, I can't finish it (wishing someone were here to share it with me!). The bitter cacao nibs stick in my teeth.

According to Organic Avenue, substances in chocolate that have been discussed in the scientific literature as pharmacologically significant, include: anandamide (bliss chemical), arginine (nature's Viagra), dopamine (neurotransmitter), epicatechins (antioxidants), histamine, magnesium, serotonin (anti-stress neurotransmitter), tryptophan (anti-depressant amino acid), phenylethylamine (PEA), polyphenols (antioxidants), tyramine, and salsolinol.

A neighbor is loudly playing some bad hip hop. It doesn't get me down; I think of what to counter it with - M. Ward or Bonnie 'Prince' Billy? Nina Simone it is.

I was going to save the mousse, but since I decided not to drink #7 (coconut mylk), I revisit it. I light a beeswax candle and sip on some calming tea. I finish the mousse as I write this, and almost regret it. I'm feeling full and it's late. I haven't been sleeping so well, and I don't want it to keep me up.

Time to step away from the stimulating nature of the computer. Bon Iver is lulling me into my relaxed self.

Going to read from the Yoga Sutras (Satchidinanda translation) and do some relaxing asanas.

More on the lovefast tomorrow, maybe with a little less detail.

Good night!

my l.o.v.e. - day 2 morning/afternoon

It's day 2 of the live.organic.vegan.experience, woohoo!

Related posts:

• my l.o.v.e. (live organic vegan experience)
• my l.o.v.e. - day 1 morning
• my l.o.v.e. - day 1 afternoon
• my l.o.v.e. day 1 evening
• another reason for l.o.v.e.

8:00 am - Start the day with fresh squeezed lemon and water. No adverse effects of note. Slept better last night, but still not great.

8:30 am - On the 2 train and feeling sleepy. Looking forward to dropping off the bottles from the day before and picking up my sustenance for the day. Another 7 meals waiting to be consumed.

Two things I appreciate about this journey. One: everything is prepared for me. Two: The vessels carrying the liquid and food for this week are either reusable (there's a $2 deposit on every bottle) or compostable (the plastic containers for food items say "compostable" on the bottom) - plus they're doled out in a reusable bag. I consider taking the plastic containers to a community garden for compost to see how long they take to break down. In a landfill, it would probably take years, but I guess it's a little better than regular plastic.


Breakfast is served.

9:36 am - After downing my energy elixir (and forgetting to photograph it) I start course #2, orange/grapefruit juice. I'm a little nervous about it because when I drink citrus before eating in the morning I usually get heartburn.

10:20 am - No heartburn and no hunger, I'm a little tired, but feeling good.

10:51 am - A little pang of hunger that's quelled by water.

11:20 am - Not really hungry. Not supposed to have #3 'til after noon.

11:42 am - Getting hungry. Head hangs heavy as I read about insomnia for a copywriting assignment. Definitely not helping.

11:59 am - Sssoo huunngryy. Time for Veggie Vibrance!


Liquid lunch (sans booze, though this would make
a great Bloody Mary)

12:04 pm - Sip, sip. Mmm Mmm good.

12:17 pm - Burps taste like this morning's energy elixir, which tastes like matcha green tea.

12:28 pm - I just got a craving for cheezy poofs. Fantasizing about Barbara's Bakery baked cheese puffs.

1:24 pm - GGggrrrrr goes the stomach and the brain. This too, shall pass (I was told to repeat this to myself throughout the day by the folks at Organic Avenue).

1:31 pm - Whoa woozy! I think it's time to eat.


Sunflower falafel. They taste better than they look in this shot.

1:47 pm - I want to pop these little falafel in my mouth and swallow them whole! They're dry, crunchy, and crumbly - and I don't want to waste one crumb. Tasty! Just like falafel. Though the initial touch to the tongue is reminiscent of coffee. This is what's in 'em: sunflower seeds, almonds, garlic, sea salt, scallions, yellow onion, tahini, parsley, lemon olive oil, coriander, cumin, paprika, cayenne, shallot, black pepper, water, nama shoyu, scallions, parsley, red & green cabbage, red bell pepper. I think that might include the dipping sauce, which I'm tempted to eat on its own.

2:00 pm - After two falafels, the craziness is subsiding. I'm amazed at my reactions to hunger, and try to be really mindful of them.

So far today, I've had a hard time focusing. And the irritability thing has popped up, too. I put my greatest intention into not lashing out on people like a rabid dog. I find it less of a challenge to separate my hunger emotions from my response to others when I observe my feelings and let them pass.

2:30 pm - It's that time of the day when I'm craving something sweet. I know my friend has a boxful of chocolate in her office that she brought back from Paris, but I must resist, even if it is calling to me in French.

3:04 pm - Having some hot water to curb the cravings.

3:14 pm - Getting sleeeeppyyy... zzzzzZZZZZ

3:46 pm - One of my biggest pet peeves is when people where too much cologne (or perfume or scented lotion). Makes me sick! Especially now.
4:01 pm - Someone sitting near me is talking about food - all animal products. Chicken, potato salad, turkey meatloaf, cheese, salami, crab cakes. It's maddening! I imagine myself sitting at a big banquet table, like Audrey in National Lampoon's European Vacation, stuffing my face until I blow up like a balloon. I guess that's not very appealing.

4:22 pm - I'm letting my edamame salad warm to room temperature. I can think of nothing else but eating it.



4:31 pm - Mmmm... tastes like potato salad.

5:03 pm - Heading out for a Street Tree Bed Gardening workshop at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. More of the lovefast later!

another reason for l.o.v.e.

[Image via Top Veg]

Yesterday, I mentioned some of the reasons why I'm doing this raw, vegan fast, but I left out a pretty big one. It has to do with dietary awareness and the effects our choices have on the world. As I've mentioned a bunch of times before, yes, I do still eat meat. I eat it sparingly, and choose the best quality (read: humanely raised) meat, mainly from local producers at the farmer's market. Every once in a while, a piece of questionable chicken ends up in the mix. But for the most part, if I don't know where it's from, I skip the meat and go veg.

Precious resources - like the air we breathe, the water we drink - are adversely affected by agricultural production. This goes for meat, dairy, and produce alike. But anything that has to do with animals eats up like 10-fold the amount of resources. Animals have needs. They need to be fed, to be cared for, to relieve themselves. Where does their feed come from? In big ag, it's mostly genetically modified or chemically treated corn or soy. How is their waste managed? Most likely in waste lagoons (see image left) that pollute waterways and contribute to dead zones like the one in the Gulf of Mexico. (Read more fun facts about animal waste. Even the CDC weighs in on the issue).

And then there are those pesky greenhouse gas emissions. In an article from New Scientist,

Climate-change experts have warned of the high carbon cost of meat for several years.

Beef is particularly damaging. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is released from flatulent cows and by manure as it decays. Furthermore, to produce a kilogram of beef (2.2 pounds), farmers also have to feed a cow 15 kg of grain and 30 kg of forage. Grain requires fertiliser, which is energy intensive to produce.

Read more

Appealing, isn't it? Makes you want to grab a burger, right? BTW, I'm not sure most American cows are getting any forage (This was a Dutch study, original journal article here).

Aside from the environmental issues, there are the ethical concerns. How are these animals really being raised? Grass fed isn't the same as pasture raised. They might still be in a CAFO (confined or concentrated animal feeding operation), even if they are eating what nature intended them to.

Oh, and there's also the world hunger issue. Read more about that here.

If you haven't read enough, a few more compelling arguments and resources for going veg (or at the very least cutting back on meat):

• The Low-carbon Diet [Audobon mag]
• The Meatrix
• GoVeg
• Vegetarian Times

Side note: I apologize if this post is a little fragmented. I'm going to attribute it to the delirium caused by last night's lack of sleep, the slight pang of hunger gnawing at my belly, and I'll throw in some PMS for good measure.

Stay tuned for more exciting details on how my fast is progressing tomorrow, starting with my l.o.v.e. - day 2 morning...

my l.o.v.e. day 1 evening

If you've been reading at all today, you know this post is about. (If not, check out the previous posts here, here, and here.)


Sri Swami Satchidananda, founder of IYI

6:00 pm - My friend Amy talks me into going to Integral Yoga with her for some gentle Hatha. I think she thinks Bikram will kick my butt. I haven't been to IYI in a while, so I acquiesce. I get to the studio feeling really hungry. The easeful class is just what I needed. The pacing is slow, but I'm patient.

7:30 pm - Class is over and the hunger strikes again. It's amazing how I didn't feel hungry at all during class. Yoga is magic!

8:15 pm - The first thing I do when I get home is dig into #6, Vanilla Chia (Chia seeds, brazil nuts, agave, vanilla, sea salt). According to Organic Avenue, vanillin, the major constituent of vanilla beans, is one of the most important aromatic flavor compounds used in foods. Vanillin has antioxidant and anti-tumor activity.

Chewing on the Chia is like chomping on tomato seeds. They squish a bit and get stuck in my teeth. The vanilla is comforting.

8:49 pm - I'm still hungry and have one course left. I'm a bit off schedule, I might just half of it and then make myself a cup of chamomile tea. Looking forward to an early bedtime.

I make the mistake of opening a link to a recipe for Irish soda bread. The thought of baked goods and butter make me salivate. I can feel the bread crumbling in my mouth.

I get an encouraging email from the nutrition consultant. She alerts me to some symptoms I might experience (headaches, stiff joints, dizziness, nausea, low energy, runny nose or cough [mucus being released], mood swings, and low-grade fever). Dizziness, check. Low energy, check. Mood swings, check. There's one other symptom that's not on the list - hypersensitivity to the cold. The temp has dropped and I can feel it. My face is tingly and my nose, icy.

She also gives some tips on how to help speed the toxins out of my body. I don't think I'll be taking up the colonic offer - yoga and a facial and/or massage will do.

9:05 pm - It's a little late, but I crack open #7, Coconut Mylk (coconut water and coconut meat). According to Organic Avenue, Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal. Coconut oil is also used by thyroid sufferers to increase body metabolism, and to lose weight. Good for me since I fit into the thyroid sufferer category.
The "mylk" is so creamy and soothing. It's fulfilling and rich, and leaves a silky residual coating on my tongue.

A search for "coconut" online brings up a video for Harry Nilsson's "Coconut." My dad used to play that record for us over and over again. We'd dance around like little lunatics.

9:33 pm - As I finish the mylk, I feel a little sleepy. The ambrosial drink has satisfied me. Time to put on the tea.

11:14 pm - Getting ever sleepier. Off to bed to rest my weary head.

my l.o.v.e. - day 1 afternoon

It's the afternoon of my lovefast. (The what-it's-all-about here.)

12:13 pm - Stiiillll sippin' the beet juice. I want to milk it as long as I can!

12:25 pm - Just realized that my bladder has been requiring more relief than usual. This will be my third time to get up to pee since I got here (at ~9 am).

Someone in the office is eating what smells like brisket and it's kind of making me sick.

12:54 pm - I'm going into a meeting and I'm not sure if I should take my next meal with me. If I wait I might turn into superhungrymonster. If I bring it, I need to be aware and eat it mindfully.

I've gone through a liter of water. Time for a refill.

2:03 pm - Back from the meeting. I brought course #4 with me - Chipotle Nappa Wrap (pecan, apricot, orange, tomato, date, chipotle, garlic, cilantro, ginger, sea salt, nama shoyu, red and green cabbage, red pepper, parsley, and nappa cabbage). It was the first thing I actually chewed on today (although the instructions say to chew your juices!). Spicy, sweet, nutty, earthy, crunchy. Ate it very slowly and it filled me very quickly. Took a break between rolls.

Feeling a little bit bubbly inside.

Craving something sweet. Trying not to be tempted by the dried apricots and dates sitting on my desk. I think I'm going to put them in someone else's office.

2:27 pm - Getting a little cranky, especially when provoked.

Looking forward to #5, which I'll eat in an hour.

Going to Bikram yoga tonight, a little nervous about feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

3:03 pm - All I can think about is eating the next course. I get a cup of hot water (not supposed to drink tea) thinking it might help.

I think there's a thunderstorm abrewin' in my gut.

3:39 pm - Sweet crunchy relief. Hello #5 beet salad! (beets, cucumber, tahini, dill, lemon juice) I find myself chewing a lot more than I normally would. Savoring the sensation, feeling the mandibular muscles at work. I have two more courses left and I'm saving them 'til after Bikram (class is at 6 pm, and I'm following the 2-hour rule). Looking forward to cozying up to #6 and #7 in the comfort of my home.

3:59 pm - Still crunching away. The food is very satisfying in the short term, but then a serious hunger sets in. Water is supposed to help curb that feeling.

I have a meeting in a bit and then I'm dashing out to yoga. Stay tuned for the evening installment around 8:30 pm...

my l.o.v.e. - day 1 morning

Today is the first day of my raw, vegan fast. I've never done anything like this before, so I thought it'd be a good idea to document the experience. Read more about why I'm doing this here.

8 am - I'm supposed to drink water with fresh lemon juice, but I don't have any lemons so I substitute with apple cider vinegar. I drink up the detoxifying elixir. Nausea ensues.

I didn't sleep well last night, I hope that doesn't affect my level of hunger throughout the day.

8:50 am - I pick up my goodie bag from Organic Avenue. It's heavier than I expect. When I get to the office, I'm actually surprised by the quantity of "food." There are 7 meals, 4 of them liquid. I'm supposed to consume them in the order they are numbered and at the time dictated in an email I received last night. I hope I have enough self control not to eat them all at once.


Today's sustenance

9:09 am - Item #1 is an energy elixir (contents unknown). It's muddy dark green and tastes a bit like matcha green tea. Here are some of the potential benefits: May promote growth of strong nails, smooth skin, and healthy hair, help maintain normal blood-sugar levels, help promote regular intestinal health, digestion, and healthy intestinal flora, stabilize mood swings, support physical health while you heal, and clarify and sharpen your eyesight.

9:30 am - I open item #2, a big bottle of pear juice before the suggested time of 10 am. Was feeling kinda shaky and couldn't take it. The juice is really delicious.

10:14 am - I'm still slowly sipping the pear juice, trying to enjoy every sweet bit of it. I'm hungry and feel a headache coming on. Not sure if this is due to lack of sleep last night or lack of food. I actually feel hungrier than usual. Maybe it's because I'm focusing on the sensations. My next course is 46 minutes away (but who's counting?)

10:59 - By some minor miracle, my hunger is subsiding. I feel less lightheaded and the headache never arrived. I'm drinking lots of water in between courses. Even though it's technically time for course #3, I think I'm going to wait it out a little longer.

11:23 - Oh yeah, I'm hungry! Time for #3. It's a beet red veggie juice, pretty darn tasty (read about the power of the beet here). My belly is feeling kind of full, but I know I'm hungry. I just need to take it slowly.

11:53 - Still sipping on the veggie juice. I feel a bit tingly and hyperalert. So far, the pacing of this is working out okay. I get hungry at just about the time when the next course is up, as long as I drink plenty of water in between.

my l.o.v.e. (live organic vegan experience)

I've had vegetarian days, vegan meals, and raw food snacks. But I've never done anything like this before.

Those of you who know me or follow this blog know that I eat meat. And for those of you who are in the same boat, this might seem a little strange to you. Tomorrow (Monday) it begins. My 5 day experiment with raw, vegan food. From morning til evening that's all I'll consume.

Being that I'm a newbie to the raw thing, I've decided to take the easy route and have all of my meals prepared for me. The chefs at Organic Avenue, healthful living emporium based in the Lower East Side, will be working their magic with organic veggies, fruits, and nuts.

So some of you might ask, why the heck are you doing this?

A few reasons:

Acid reflux - I've had it on and off for a few years and have gone down the pharmaceutical path (begrudgingly), experiencing temporary relief only to face it again without knowing the trigger. If I eliminate all of the usual dietary suspects - dairy, meat, alcohol - I'm hoping I can target the guilty party.

Spring detox - It's like spring cleaning, but for your insides. Detoxing after the long sleepy winter is supposed to awaken the body's digestive system and might even help prevent or lessen allergy symptoms.

Plain ol' curiosity - I like new experiences. Plus, I know vegans and raw foodists who swear by it. It's only 5 days, so why not try it out?

Timing - My real love is out of town this week on business, so I won't be tempted by his omnivoric dietary leanings.

I'll be posting my daily experiences with the fast (aka L.O.V.E. easy). I'm anticipating some gripes, groans, and grumbles. However, I hope by the end of the week I'll be bouncing about and aglow with euphoric energy. Stay tuned!