CAN'T = Contradict And Negate Truth

Since I've been Living Ripe, I'm frequently asked to teach techniques and share ideas.  Which I love to do!  When training a novice, I am very aware that this lifestyle can be overwhelming; in fact ANY change at all can be daunting to most of us; especially when relating to our feedings/feelings.  That's because most of us have a relationship with eating that has nothing to do with nutrition or basic instinct.  Due to our lifestyles, experiences and environments, eating is often rushed, stressful and emotionally based.  

With overwhelming shame and self-judgement attached.  

So it's almost as if you start on the losing end.  But it doesn't have to be that way.  

Obsessive dieting, weight fluctuations, dietary/digestive issues and

 unrealistic perceptions  all combined create a cocktail of CAN'T. 

What we all need is a big dose of CAN: 

can

¹  [kan;  auxiliary verb

1.

to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to 

2.

to know how to 

3.

to have the power or means to 

4.

to have the right or qualifications to 

5.

may; have permission to

Instead of focusing on what you "can't" have, focus on what you CAN add - such as water, an apple, an orange, a carrot or a smoothie.  Deprivation will never lead to improved health because it's a well-worn road that leads to frustration, hopelessness and eventually resignation.  When adopting a new, improved eating plan, simply ADD an item a week, then another item, until every day you are incorporating a healthy choice.

  As you ADD, you will naturally DECREASE unhealthy choices.  

And over time, you will adjust to the healthier lifestyle and reap the benefits,

 without feeling you had to fail another attempt to eat better.

And as you begin to feel the lifestyle is manageable and maintainable, you can continue to experiment with new foods, new ways of preparation and even healthier options.

I'm often heard telling my clients "if you were eating fast food every day, and you

 tell me that now you are only going 4 days a week, I consider that a win".

IMPROVEMENT is the goal.

Feeling like a failure is not. 

Do the best you can.  And the best you can will get better and better.

Lemon Zest!

If you can only do 2 things to improve your health, these are the two:

1] Don't drink soda.   2] Drink lemon water daily.

So the first thing I do every morning is drink an 8 oz. glass of warm water, with half a lemon squeezed in it.  After reading about the countless benefits of warm lemon water over the years, I am finally adopting the morning ritual.  Here's just a few : )

1. Boosts your immune system 

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH

Lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, believe it or not. Yes, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they're alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). As you wellness warriors know, an alkaline body is really the key to good health.

3. Assists with weight loss

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. 

4. Aids digestion

Lemons can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.

5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic

Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Skin-tastic!

The vitamin C in lemons helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin.   Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. 

7. Hydrates the lymph system

This cup of goodness helps start the day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals happen to be two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. 

8. Aids in Dental Care

Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smelling breath and other problems related to gums.

More Awesome Benefits of Lemon

Why Ripe?

During my journey of experimenting and developing a raw/vegan/living food lifestyle, I realized that there were many people out there who adhere to these types of food plans, utilizing a variety of methods.  The definition of raw vs. vegan vs. living can be confusing and lets just say, some people are fanatical about it.  As soon as I mention to people that I'm practicing this lifestyle, they immediately ask exactly how I do it and what I eat.  So this is the beginning of me sharing my journey.  But I've chosen to call my lifestyle "Ripe" not raw or vegan because simply put, I don't want to debate the definitions or explain my choices to raw enthusiasts.  It's about much more than food choices, it's about a lifestyle.  And it's about incorporating a PRIMITIVE menu, in a MODERN world.  So RIPE it is ; )