_raVen_

sneakymartian, if you don't have a specific time you "have to" take it, you might want to take it at bedtime . Of course, if you're not alone, that would be an even worse time

If not, however, the wind should have died down by morning

What a cute picture! You're also handsome now

I like the beard; but I bet you look just as good without it. I wonder if it would slow you down...I've heard crazier things from runners, lol. I have a few nutty things I think about my own running.

Christopher, that's some artwork! Can you tell me if the cookie dough is a traditional one? And is it one which is uniquely fashioned by each family?

Is it a vegan recipe? If not a secret, would you share it?

It's good to eat high on the raw . I would add a good variety of and good amount of beans to your diet. Do you like soups? Make lots of hearty ones. Chilis, casseroles too. Squashes are available right now, and very nutritious, you can use them for soups or even raw pies. I would also eat a large amount of greens -- do you do green smoothies? You can make them calorically significant, and rich and creamy by adding lots of nuts and seeds for getting in your good fats (stay away from oils both raw and especially cooking with them). If you want to saute something, use water. Avocadoes, beans, nuts, and seeds in healthy amounts, according to your needs/appetite will keep you satisfied and energized for working out.

I'd stay away from convenience foods altogether. Stay away from pasta too there's absolutely nothing in them for you, not even whole grain ones. If you do choose to have some, go for a quinoa pasta or similar.

Some of the whole-foodie stores have decent salad and soup bars, and some have mini delis where you can ask them to make you a sandwich the way you want it. Most have vegan stuff there already, but if it doesn't look good, don't hesitate to ask them to make you something.

Hummus and other dips (you can get creative with vegetables and beans to make lots of these) are also good and filling.

For breads, choose whole wheat chapati, tortillas, or other whole-grain breads.

Basically: Greens and ALL vegetables, Beans, Nuts, Seeds, Avocoados -- think along those lines. since you are used to raw foods, I'm sure you know how to put yummy stuff together using all of the above.

Good decision. You're doing it the smart way

Oh, I like videos! I'm not an expert but that looked really good to me. Often, even I can see when a lift looks sloppy.

Takes a lot of guts to get out there in front of all those people.

Nice!

Octo, that sounds awful . You were starved as a child? That would definitely lead to disordered eating. "Inhaling food" and that type of eating leads to various problems.

A lot of people overeat when they come from backgrounds simply lacking in nutrient dense foods.

You should really try to chew well; in fact, it is recommended to chew to liquidity. "Mindful" eating, as opposed to mindless eating which is so prevalent. Don't watch tv or movies while you eat, either! It's best to concentrate on your food and chew well and taste the food. At least till you stop the bad chewing behavior.

Didn't notice it, thanks, Richard.

brahmanya devi, my requests still stand, though

Nice work! What's NOxplod ? Sounds unhealthful and scary

Oh, the rishi teas are all really good quality; the ones you can buy direct are better than their store offerings (pricier too). I go for their organic teas.

Numi has high-quality, Organic, very un-messed with teas . Very pure. Not all I like, though. One of my favorites is Bai Mu Dan. Lovely buttery flavor; great price for the quality. Mmmmmmm.

I've actually tried a large portion of all their teas, including the loose and flowering teas.

I started to list and link all my favorites but realize there are just too-damn many! I'll be here for hours. I love most all the white offerings (though, I don't care for some of their rose teas, but if you like rose, you'll find them all good); Every green tea I've tried has been excellent. Oolongs too. I like a good amount of their black teas; but I'm not one for too many flavorings in black teas. I always go back to their Yunnan Black.

If you love Gen Mai Cha, you've got to try theirs. It's found bagged in markets and not expensive; but it's excellent quality. So good, I've used it as a broth, lightly seasoned. Drink a nice bowl of that with some South River Miso and a few flavorings when you're under the weather and you'll be better in a snap. Nice for sipping this time of year.

Do you like kukicha? Eden has one that can be easily found in markets. Interesting complex flavor.

I also feel like Pu-erh occasionally. I'll drink it for a while then lose my taste for it till I feel like it again. Very deep, strong, rich flavor, unique and not for everyone, for sure

Nope, wasn't me you met .

brahmanya devi

You have a great body. Would you please give an example of your daily food intake.

do you take in a certain amount of calories or mind your macronutrients? Or do you not have a structured regimen?

Either way, will you post an example of a day's intake, please.

I'd also like to know what else you do for those great arm muscles besides yogic exercise.

Do you do any cardio vascular? If so, how much and how often? Perhaps an example of your exercise routine too?

Great core. I want it!

Thanks

Oh, I'm a total teatotaller *Love* tea.

I like white teas best. (healthiest too)

I also drink yerba mate (yum)

Green is gold too.

Love Oolongs

Matcha is hot-cha (most nutritious green)

Black teas, occasionally.

Then there are tisanes! Honeybush is my favorite; I like rooibos too, but green rooibos is best, then the red.

Mmmmmm...tea!

That was good.

Here is another one: Actor shatters myth that muscle-building needs meat

I don't agree with so much protein for health reasons, but, for bb'g, I guess that's the way to go. And plant protein isn't AS damaging as animal.

They mention Christian Bale who bulked for Batman...I wonder how he did it. He's certainly not vegan any longer, not even vegetarian, unfortunately.

You've been suggested a lot of things I might have. But, I would

Re-examine all stuffs you put on your face - lotions, makeup, cleansers, soaps, etc. - check labels. Use only pure oils or minimal-ingredients products, such as Aubrey Organics moisturizers.

Wash your face only once per day.

Use no makeup till it clears.

Eat no sugar at all

Eat no dried fruit at all (only fresh, watery fruits for now)

Cut out ALL processed foods - flour products, sweeteners, cereals, protein powders, etc.

Reduce nuts and seeds to about 2 ounces per day. And soak 24 hours before consuming (depending on activity level)

For one week, cut out all grains.

Add 1 TB Chia Seeds per day

Increase:

#1-Large amounts of Leafy Greens (make green smoothies to get a lot)

Rainbow colors of vegetables

Fresh fruit only

Coconut water, if available for a "gatorade" before/after workouts

Additional Supplements

DHA

Borage oil (1/4 tsp per day)

---

Wash pillowcases/sheets twice per week.

that was excellent, robert. Good job. I watched them all, and thought they were informative.

It's tough to just talk on your feet like that, ad lib, without script; so kudos!

Thanks for enlightening me on what to call those "twist things" for bulk bags

I think, my favorite part, though, was "some people" like stuff like Oreos. "Some"?? You did a great job of balancing that fine wire of health vs. vegan junky foods. That's tough, but you did great.

One question: Where to get that vegan passport?

I've often wondered -- and was reminded last night as I watched "Frontline's, The Hand of God," -- Do child molesters ever even consider what will happen when this child they are destroying grows up?

I know the shame is a factor, but why would they think at some point, when this person becomes of age they won't tell? Statute of limitations? But how can they be sure? Some at least have to consider this, especially priests...

Also, how can I get on an episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasm"?

MF, when you take oil, you are taking a food which has been stripped of the majority of its nutrients.

"Flax seeds also contain many other heart disease and cancer-fighting substances, such as lignans, flavonoids, sterols and fibers."

_excerption from "Cholesterol Protection For Life"

"...nutritional advisors typically encourages the consume high amounts of flax seed oil to permit the conversion of enough DHA. I do not agree with this advice. First of all oil is empty calorie food with little or no vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and flavonoids that were present in the original seeds. To encourage health seekers to consume three tablespoons of flax oil a day is adding 360 low nutrient calories to your daily diet. Furthermore we have a significant collection of data that indicates that the consumption of high doses of ALA from flax oil may increase, not decrease the risk of prostate cancer2. Whereas flax seed consumption has been shown in multiple studies to lower the risk of both breast cancer and prostate cancer3; in contrast, flax oil and high ALA consumption has been linked to increased risk."

_excerption from Dr.Fuhrman.com

I agree with the nettles; however, you should research a bit and consider it carefully for possible interactions with medications. You may also find it's not safe for the particular condition your body is. So do a bit of research first before taking nettles .

Biosil is a more potent form of silica. If you want,you can take horsetail(read cautions, of course) instead, it's just not as potent.

I also have taken borage oil for purely aesthetic reasons, and found it very nourishing for my hair and skin; however, it is a bit controversial, so , again, research to see if it's for you. It shouldn't be taken for long periods or in large doses either way. I was taking 1/2 tsp. then switched to 1/4 tsp. I went through 8 ounces then went off it for 6 months, then went back on it for 4 ounces. I'm off it again.

It is also being studied for helping with the conversion of GLA, which normally occurs with flax and other Omega 3 foods, but it's inconclusive at this time. It's suspected to help with those suffering effects of not consuming enough EFA's or not converting; so many (it's contended) may need a straight GLA source,thus, the borage which is the highest source of GLA known.

I don't know if it's gluten-free.

THIS ONE is gluten-freeand is available in the UK.

OmegaZEN3 is available in the UK; but I don't know if it contains gluten. Email them and ask.

THIS ONE, is dubious; it has the word,"sardines" under "conseils," whatever that means. Perhaps someone who can read French can say. Looks to me like "Capsule en gélatine marine," means it's an algae-based capsule...

Sounds like a plan .

I agree that if you ever feel uncomfortable with someone, then change. If it helps, just realize, you're not gonna hurt their feelings Many have done it to them before; they understand it's not personal.

I think we (especially women) think too much of others first. We need to say, "no" more often, not feel bad for doing so, and be our own advocates. I think it's great you seem to be doing well in that department. Taking charge of your self and making decisions on what *you* want and feel is fabulous woman-strength to the power of infinity .

I hate being referred endlessly. It's such a hassle! Hopefully, you'll not have to do too much switching around.

Hey, MF

You know, if it's stress-related, there isn't too much you can do for it except get rid of the stress, of course!

But, if it's not, then, honestly, there's no substitute for a healthful diet. I know I harp on it, but Dr. Fuhrman's Eat to Live style eating is superior because you get TONS of nutrients, phytochemicals, micronutrients, etc., which go to healing all over; so it definitely helps with hair, skin, and nails, as well as weight loss, better mental and emotional health (because the brain is being properly nourished) -- everything, really.

I will add, though, that diet is not the cureall for every issue. There is as I mentioned in the other thread a need to take care of the other issues, such as you mentioned, the stress, etc.

NOW, for some supplements I have personal knowledge of working; perhaps, they will help you

These two, taken together will almost certainly show benefits -- MSM + BIOSIL

If these aren't available where you are, I'm sure you can find another brand which offers it where you are.

You also want to make sure you are getting enough Vitamin D and Calcium. Vitamin D via sunlight is best, but if not sunny every day where you are, then you should be taking it in supplemental form.

Also, lots of Vitamin K! It's abundant in leafy greens (Eat to Live requires one eat lots of greens which is probably why everyone on that diet has great aesthetics results with hair, skin, nails, etc.)

Another important one: you may not be converting your Omega 3's to EPA..I would consider a vegan DHA supplement. It will be more insurance that you are getting what you need, if your flax isn't converting well (beneficial for things such as hair,skin, nails; and emotional/mental functions). There is the NuTru brand, "OmegaZen3", which is good and reasonably priced. Personally, I think everyone should take DHA supplement (even omnis); it's just too important, and too lacking in the average diet. Dr. Fuhrman has one also, a bit more expensive, though.

I also found this one a while back and posted here about it -- cerebrum Capsules or Water for Life -- both use the same source; in fact, I think this is the only vegan dha source, just various distributors.

It may take some time because your old hair isn't going to suddenly look full! You have to wait for the *new* hair to grow in, which it will.

Mine did. My hair is about 1/4 fuller than it was and growing fast. It's down to my tailbone right now, and I have to cut it very often nowadays!

Also, I would not advise flax oil or hemp oil; flax seeds, ground is much more nutritious and advantageous. You may want to consider other sources of EFA's such as adding some hemp seeds, walnuts, or -- my favorite -- Chia seeds!

Really, it's basically getting a healthy diet; but those are some things to consider.

It's very interesting to read about the Essene way of life.

Keep that curiosity It's a good thing

I think Jesus was a pretty good guy!

I think you're very cool for saying what you think

Religion can teach some valuable things, but the followers, especially christians and muslims, really lose the meaning of what the religion is supposed to teach, in my opinion. For example, Southern Baptists follow Christianity and Jesus. Jesus was described as a compassionate person. Then just after learning their lessons of love and compassion, they degrade others and chow down on steak...

Yes, and they do even worse stuff, unfortunately. But it's not all one group or another. The majority of "chickenhawks" in the U.S. government are Not Christian; they only used Christianity to lead the gullible (and used their figurehead, Bush).

And don't forget the Zionists who are also not very "compassionate." It's easy in today's propoganda to target "Christians" and Muslims because that's what the media wants you to see/read/hear. Who even cares about the Palestinians anymore (as if 'they' ever did)? There are lots of people suffering in this world.

For the record, I'm not really a Christian, I guess i'm a bit of everything Buddhism, Daoism, Hinduism, Christianity, It all has valuable lessons, I just don't take it too literally..I hope a religious war doesn't get started in here...

Well, whatever you do, don't ever be ashamed of what you think or believe in -- ever. It's very admirable to confront hatred with measured thoughts and opinions without spewing hatred back. And, it's one of the ugliest characteristics of humanity to be hateful. It'slso very unattractive to give in to them. If you feel the need to engage, don't back off your position; stand up (even if it's a lone) in the face of it -- now that's attractive in a person. Plus, you'll feel better about being true to yourself.

In my opinion, we were prey; not hunters, initially. We most likely became scavengers and that is where we began to eat meat. We did what every other animal did and does to survive. That meant leftovers.

It's possible meat contributed to an accelerated development, so what? I think people take that possibility too far when they spin it to mean we wouldn't have developed without meat -- Entirely separate issue. That's some serious Bush-junta spin. Perhaps we'd have gone extinct without meat. That's a possibility.

There isn't much I disagree with you here; however there are a ton of conversations now going on

My post was within the bounds of abuse as displayed in the video. I made clear why I thought *it* was abusive.

I did not address your first post which incorrectly used the word, "cruelty," but think I should now as this seems to have gone off a bit.

While "cruelty" and "abuse" can be used similary in various contexts, its application here is incorrect because it connotates intent, which I did not attach to the behavior ("abuse") by the humans. I also mentioned "state of abuse," -- of course I don't believe I'm (or the humans on the video are) purposefully harming my roommate. But the truth that is, is that he *is* in a state of abuse. I didn't cause this to be so; nor is the alternative better. In fact, this is the least harm this bird could ever experience, due to the actions of unconscious cruelty; greed; or perception of necessity by the humans who do such things (trapping, breeding, selling, trading/smuggling, etc.)

I think -- if I may? -- you are rationalizing. And deciding what is natural behavior is only to the extent that we are capable through anthropomorphizing, which is not always accurate. Not a negative criticism; so don't take it that way. We all do it. It's really difficult to think of ourselves as doing something wrong by having "pets" because we truly love them.

~ (AND it is necessary to take care of them since we are responsible for their unnatural populations and for their situation.) ~

I think this is where We get/feel a bit defensive and begin to place upon the animals what We believe they are thinking and feeling when there is really no way to be sure. So some anthropomorphising is actually good and necessary (it goes to extend our compassion and empathy); but it can also lead to rationalizing and placing undue responsibilities upon non-human animals. I am also not saying that keeping time with non-human animals is doing harm/actively abusing them; I'm saying they are already in a state of harm, and we are charged with caring for them the best we can. We unwittingly (and without malice) have imposed our human attributes to them, and that is unfair. Inasmuch as we can do without that, we should.

In other words, we *do* have to train animals -- for their safety; but not for our entertainment as in the video. Playing with and above all respecting them, of course, is necessary; just not for our entertainmet. All should be done for the benefit of the animals and not what benefits us:this is where we get muddy. (And not to imply that we should not enjoy it as a side benefit)

We are so acclimatized to certain animals (and they to us) that it is very difficult to see the connection of keeping a dog and keeping a llama. My contention is, while different situations, etc., it is at its base the same: One is domesticated, the other is rare and it seems so wrong, right? Isn't this the same (ir)rationale used by omnis regarding flesh consumption? It's okay to keep dogs because we love them and take good care of them, they love us back; but it's not okay to keep 'exotics' because it's unnatural, the poor things; Similar to: It's okay to eat cow, sheep, and pig; but cruel to eat dog, cat, or monkey.

One of the stupidest human rationales is the concept of animal cruelty laws. How pathetic is that? We put people in jail for hitting a dog (as well we should), and then go off to chomp down on a chicken leg. Nonsensical.

This is not an ideal world where dogs can be free to live their natural lives. In fact, dogs are mutants from what they originally were, (same as chickens and cows are only remnants of what they should be) and we are surprised and do awful things to them when they display a bit of their true nature or some of their wildness emerges.

For instance, there are domesticated dogs who have gone back to their nature. They are usually runaways, lost, or abandoned dogs; many are bred for fights and experienced other abuses. They somehow find others and form those packs; very much like feral cats. Of course We cannot allow this and what is our perception? It is that the dogs have gone "wild," are "vicious," "deranged." Because they do what they have to, to survive and because we cannot control them (or even when they "misbehave" we must "correct" them), they must be exterminated. The original, true nature of dogs is not one of lying at the feet of humans; it is roaming in packs, looking for live food.

There is very little of what we place upon them as "natural behavior" that is true. A lot of this has been bred out of them, though, yes, that's true (sadly).

I really think we overstep when we presume to "know" what an animal feels and thinks, and we grossly misinterpret, even with the best of intentions. Of course, all we can do is the best we can, and all we can do is anthropomorphize; but it's best, in my opinion, to err on the side of caution and impose as little as we can of what we want on them, and just do the job of taking care of them. Loving them and showing affection for them is fine, as long as we realize that it's more for us than them and be realistic and not get carried away. If any anthropomorphizing is beneficial it would be here because, heck, who wouldn't rather be with their own? We have to assume, that no matter how "luxurious" and lavish a lifestyle we give non-human animals, no matter how much of *our* style of "love" we shower them, it is not natural for them. I can never, ever fulfill for my roommate what he would get from other birds -- never. And as much as dogs have been bred to rely upon humans and their wildness genetically stripped from them, and so are "okay" with their current existence, they still deserve better.

They deserve respect, and I don't believe that some deserve more than others (meaning, dogs and birds may have completely different experiences, but it stems from the same base of abuse).

I believe we need to be realistic and acknowledge that keeping animals, is ultimately not ideal. I do believe there are connections we can have with them and understandings; but there are limits.

Anyone familiar with the "Twilight Zone"? Brilliant show. Anyway, one of my favorite episodes which left an indelible impression on me when I saw it as a child was the one entitled, "People Are Alike All Over," starring Roddy McDowell (luv him!) Anyway, the gist is that space explorers end up shipwrecked on another planet; the hosts perceive the humans as the aliens, of course. In the end, McDowell ends up in a "house" fashioned by the hosts, from his memory (implicit is that he was possibly experimented on.) This house looks like a typical American home, but when McDowell tries to engage his surroundings, he finds it merely a prop (ie: like we place fish in a bowl with silly sunken treasure chests and plastic seaweeds, etc.) and non-functional. Then a curtain opens and he realizes he is in a zoo and he is the animal being observed, behind glass, by the hosts' public. Isn't this what we do? Not only the obvious, but in that, just as the hosts (implicitly) believe they are making the human animal comfortable by placing it in its "natural habitat" and treating it well, taking care of it, etc., we also believe our animals are "happy."

Great episode; rent it if you can. So much online nowadays, I wonder if it can be downloaded? Another great one is "To Serve Man." Anyway...

For me, in a selfish way, I would hate to let my roommate go...but I would do it in a New York minute. If I could. I love him that much. Nothing would make me happier than to give him his true life purpose back. Acknowledging this always keeps me on the straight and narrow. do I shower him with love and attention? Oh, Lord, you'd laugh at me I'm ridiculous. I even like to think myself a silly, doting "mama." I won't deny it. But that's me; and his attachment to me, while *I* certainly love it -- being true to my dominant-needing human tendency -- it is sad and

unnatural. That's the ugly truth.

Really, I could go on and on. There are actually a lot of discussions we could have stemming from this subject and a lot to be addressed here.

Basically, I'm sayin' keep it real (istic)

So we mostly agree; and on this we certainly do: Humans suck

Laser treatments.

I love this thread

Btw, taking nettles really does work!

 

I just finished "Healthy at 100" and I totally agree, raven. Long, and repetitive, but still worthy of the read.

I love that he addressed the issue of all other aspects of life being relevant. It's easy to focus on one area -- which tends to be materialism and wealth nowadays -- and that will always lead to an imbalance and/or unhappiness and feelings of un-fulfillment.

"The Tibetan book of Living and Dying" by Sogyal Rinpoche -- which is heavy...intense...seems I can only read small portions at a time in order for it to sink in properly, hence the going-between-two-books-thing. This'll be one I'll have to read and re-read over the years for sure. I'm 242 pages in and I HIGHLY recommend it.

Well, I've never heard of it, but that's no surprise . I must be really screwed up because I have the hardest time comprehending Buddhism

Last year I was at a bookstore and, out of nowhere, really, I picked up The Places That Scare You" by Pema Chodron. Had never heard of her, don't even know why I chose the book...anyway, it looked simple enough and was short , so I got it. I still can't get past the first few pages.

Saddest thing is, I know it's not *that* difficult; I just "can't" get into it for some reason. I don't retain any of what I read for some reason. I've got a serious block

I've since seen her on (PBS) television and realized she is somewhat well-known.

Koz, I don't want you to go

If it hurts too much, then take time away for yourself.

Hang on. One thing I used to do when really hurt was just to acknowledge that at some point soon I will not feel this way, because that's a fact even though it doesn't feel that way. Thinking logically right now is super hard, I know, but the truth is you will stop crying and you will be happy and my best guess is, happier. Just keep that in your mind -- you will be over this; and sooner than you think. Hang on, okay?

You're one of the sweetest persons here, from what I've read and that you're gorgeous doesnt hurt; you are going to be better and stronger. Just like when you burn those muscles, a few days later, they're harder, bigger and stronger

It's super cold and windy here...makes me feel like getting together with you and a bunch of girlfriends and having a slumber party where we can talk, eat, *laugh* and act stupid