Monday, March 31, 2014

SHUT UP FOR A MOMENT - a short read

SHUT UP FOR A MOMENT 
A moment of Silence for... where does that expression come from?
I believe it is about intuition and meditation . 
When one here's let's have a moment of silence for ...whatever or whomever 
I believe that is an act of respect entailing being in silent for a moment so to allow any intuitive guidance to come into the crown chakra . 
Observing , 
going into receptive mode 
Taking a moment to be quiet so, whatever or whomever may be focused upon in a receptive manner .
We are giving an opportunity for wisdom to reach us and join us .

This is really the least we can do sometimes when it is asked of us , usually for things like death or a natural disaster
Why not give a moment of silence for yourself frequently . For your obstacles, challenges, questions , and closures.
What else would benefit from a moment of silence ?
Honor thy self
and
Be Well

Eat the rainbow !

Eat the rainbow ! 
Note: I don't consider" GMO food", food.
Healthy diet ( what you eat ) not a fad short term thing only to help you lose weight 
- Healthy diet ,( what you eat ) NOT a fad short term thing only to help you lose weight, is pretty simple really . It is NOT a matter of math ! NOT a matter of math ! If you have a deficiency or disorder that requires you to pay attention to consumption of a certain nutrient than yes, perhaps you need to do that to re-balance your body . But, if you don't , it is not about configuring the right calcium , fiber, vitamin c , A, magnesium , protein , aminos, omega 3's, 6's or CALORIES or any thing else of that nature .
I should perhaps repeat it !? It's a challenging one for many people to get out of their heads . I understand . There are constantly things approaching your eyes and ears telling you otherwise , If your head is facing that direction . The tv, magazines, the packages of food , people you conversate with . But, it is the truth . Consumeristic culture is trying to get you to detach from your instincts and buy their products . Think about it .
- I know some people like to think we aren't animals , we are something else. But, I ask, respectfully , do you think we are aliens then?
Scientifically we are categorized as mammals under animalia ( animal ) . No animal is likely to count calories or count grams of protein, calcium, vitamin A etc. We see a spectrum of colors right... Well, I propose ...
- A Healthy Diet for humans is plant based, whole and minimally processed - and, in a spectrum of colors .
It includes a variety of types of food - veggies, fruits, legumes/beans, grains etc. That isn't - only 2 types of fruit , two grains, one legume and 3 types of veggies all year . And eat some of each color often. Daily is super .
- Weekly is often more practical for people , is going to care for you , and has tremendous benefits .
- Keep it vegan , minimize or eliminate the highly processed stuff ( AKA leave out the garbage )and
- Every day if you like but, at least every week do your best to eat some foods that are yellow, some that are orange, red, etc. all the way through the spectrum . And make the dark greens the king ( that is eat more of them than any other color even if only slightly )
* Examples only of course there are numerous options :
white - Cauliflower , coconut, parsnips, white potatoes, white quinoa, white onions, daikon radishes ,navy beans ,
yellow - corn (watch out for GMO's),yellow squash( Watch out for GMOs), bananas, pineapples, banana peppers, and all yellow peppers , lemons
orange - oranges, carrots, acorn squash, pumpkin, mango, cantaloupe, nectarine
red/pink - strawberries, red bell peppers, tomatoes, cherries, raspberries, watermelon , cranberries
purples/blues - purple cabbage, purple peppers, red onion , black berries, blue berries, blue and purple potatoes, mulberries, eggplant
brown/black/ beige - black rice ,dates, nuts, cacao , mushrooms, black beans, pinto beans, cranberry beans , figs, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds ( don't avoid all black and eat beige always and think that cuts it )
green - lettuce, cabbage , green peppers, kiwi, cucumbers, celery ,honeydew melon , green beans ,peas, limes ,artichokes
dark green - kale, collard greens , broccoli, dandelion greens, beet greens , arugula , fresh basil in large amounts (such as in pesto)
P.S. Creating meals and shopping plans that are rainbows and eating the healthy nature provided visually appealing delicious rainbows Is a lot of fun and very rewarding !
Because , humans have decided to use public water systems and stop drinking from rivers and streams thus , have been processing , stripping and adding chemicals and nutrients to water for some years now , it seems we have a bit of stripping of the micro-nutrient b12 accessible to us in nature now . So, there are enough deficiencies in people , whole food plant based, vegan and not vegan alike that it calls for this note - Though nature and the Earth supplies what we need naturally without one animal or animals secretions ever entering our bodies or lab grown bacterium being created , this bacterium has been destroyed quite a bit by people so, vegan b12 vitamins, or supplemented vegan foods such as noosh (aka nutritional yeast .Seriously yummy !  ) or soy milks or others is a precaution a lot of us are taking .
I just love nutritional yeast so , I'm taking in plenty without considering it .

Friday, March 28, 2014

What is Vegan Coaching ?

What is vegan coaching ?
Well , what I offer is the following three services :
1. Vegan coaching or 2. Vegan diet coaching or 3. Plant strong coaching .
( See elaborations of each at the bottom )
So, once we identify what service you, the client wants, what I do is evaluate with you why you aren't living that way already . What obstacles are keeping you back ? This is similar to a personality in it's unique flavor for each person. For some, it's simply not knowing what to shop for and what to buy . For others, it's a matter of peer and family support not being there, not knowing what to cook, or budget concerns. For others still, hesitation is admittedly addiction to animal products .
Whatever your combination of hesitations and obstacles is, once identified, I commit to helping you work through them.
Some specifics offered are personal shopping assistance, help with food prep, veganizing old favorites, regular consultations and check-ins , menu planning (sometimes around budgets), game plans for success , networking middle woman , education, and more!
 My belief in the importance to individualize vegan coaching as well as my other services is strong! And so , we ( client & me ) co-create programs and solutions to obstacles .


Elaboration of Terms - What is Vegan Coaching ? Vegan Diet Coaching ? Plant-Strong Coaching ?


Vegan Coaching - Veganism is an ethical stance . The man who created the term said this http://theveganlightbulb.blogspot.com/2011/04/veganism-definition.html. This encompasses everything Vegan Diet Coaching does and may additionally include things like helping you to find vegan alternatives to hygiene products and other items , find community with like minded people, and be spiritually healthy in a world not yet predominately vegan .( The dietary part of this can be Plant-Strong )


Vegan Diet Coaching - Means you only want to change the foods you are eating to vegan as defined by Wikipedia " Dietary vegans (or strict vegetarians) refrain from consuming animal products, not only meat but, in contrast to ovo-lacto vegetarians, also eggs, dairy products and other animal-derived substances." and you are receiving assistance and coaching help as described above .


Plant-Strong Coaching - This means you are going to eat a vegan diet as defined in Wikipedia but, you are also going to eat whole foods rather than processed ones and you are receiving assistance and coaching help as described above.


Note: 
Vegan
When it's really only about a person's health and themselves it ought to be called something else such as strict vegetarian or plant-based eating . But for the sake of minimizing confusion and because, the term strict has such negative connotations ( that I find an inaccurate description anyway ) alas, I use the term vegan to refer to that as well. 

Thursday, March 27, 2014

What's your cleaning hang up ? - Tea- 6 Teas For 6 Spring Cleaning Hang Ups . / For Entertainment Purposes!

What's your cleaning hang up ? - Tea- 6 Teas For 6 Spring Cleaning Hang Ups . / For Entertainment Purposes!

1.) Beginning- You're overwhelmed ?  Organic Earl Grey

2.) Staying the course when there's other things you feel are more important  you should be doing ? - Organic White Peony

3.) People in your way ? - Organic Rooibos Chai w/ a vegan milk or taken black .

4.) Beginning .There's somewhere or something you either don't want to clean or want to go through so, you procrastinate doing all or most of it ?    Organic Black Tea .

5.) Beginning. It just seems like a drag ? - Organic Green Tea or Organic Jasmine Tea

6.) Other -Organic Orange peoke  or Organic Jasmine Tea

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

What have I been up to ?- March 25th post

What have I been up to ?

Wondering what my subscribies are up to :
The headline explains itself . I am filling out surprise Thank You cards for those of you on my 10 first subscriber's list who's mailing addresses I have. Shhh! I never did enjoy suspense so , SUPRISE! hehe .. If you are a subscriber and want to give me your physical mailing address you can have one too, if you are on the V.I.P. of first ten joiners. I'll check . Message me it if you so choose.

Showcasing my art:
I am happy and grateful to be showcasing my art at Twilight Tea lounge link here in Brattleboro, Vt. the theme is a celebration of joy, love , fantasy/ imagination meets reality , and the warmer month. They are priced very affordably ( cheap) and , I am taking up a collection to donate to farm Sanctuary as well . The Tea lounge serves great tea ! And the atmosphere will make you forget about winter . so, if you are in the area I hope you will check it out ! They will be there for the duration of March and April .

 http://twilighttealounge.com/

I have officially failed attempt one at getting my cute little computer painted note up for you all. :( Inviting you to my creative art journaling group but , you are invited!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sabrinascreativeartjournaling/

Adjusting to the Wood Horse Year:
Lunar and Solar New year at the end of January and the first part of February marked the shift from a water snake year to a wood horse year . The following year was a water dragon year . So, we have come out of a two year period of water and this is a big change ! I have read about the year as I always do, adjusted my feng shui ,contemplated , and tried to shift accordingly using my intuition, what I've read , my own life's relevance and observations.
 I have read this year demands organization  and space in line with nature of the horse ( Clear space to frolic and play and run ) and it is a year to jump on opportunities and avoid procrastination . Which is in stark contrast to the snake year when , thoroughly thought through and calculated maneuvers were suggested for success .
 Since, last August I moved to a place significantly smaller than where I was , space and room in the physical sense is a challenge. But one I'm embarrassing . Do you live near me? Do you want some of my  stuff ?lol. No, I'm serious ! I am selling and trading things . Check out the section following and P.S. If my album's empty it's only temporary. Far more will appear in the warmer months when I can more easily access my storage unit !

Flyers and Spring Fun
Non-monetary trade -
 My boyfriend and I have co-founded a face book group named Barterboro , based on groups I became part of in the area I previously lived in. This group is for trading services and goods though you are allowed to trade them for money the primary principal is to trade them for other things .
 This is a project that is dear to our hearts and so, beneficial and important ! It seems so obvious to us in this economic place and time but, if you ask ..
How is it important and beneficial ?

 Here's just a handful of ways :

1 - It builds community and creates friends , contacts, networking, and acquaintances
2 -It asserts and strengthens the people's power . By increasing our cooperation and teamwork with each other we reduce or dependence and increase our independence and freedom . It is liberating! It's no good to hide all your money under one tree. And it's no good to get all your material and service needs provided for by using money which most people have to acquire by working under a boss for . Find and create situations where you are doing direct exchanges with people.  For example : Trading someone who wants and needs your kitchen utensil clutter that you'd be glade to get rid of ( pizza wheel, extra can opener and so forth ) for that game of Pictionary your kids would love that's sitting in their album .
3 - It saves you money
4 - If you do side work ,or are self employed doing service work or making and selling products; especially, if just starting out you may be able to build references, meet future customers, get leads , and get the word spread by accepting trades here.
5 - It can be a sort of money free shopping spree / experience . When there are enough albums and wishlists going I have had experiences of finding things I loved but would not shell out cash for ( Jewelry , books, dvds, decor items etc. ) and been able to get them because, the people with them found the things I had for trade of value .
6 - People may be able to quickly help you when you need something and can't afford it ( I broke a blow dryer, asked, and had two people offering to trade me one in an hours time )
7 - It's fun!
8 - It's fun inspiration to A. ) clean through your stuff and B.) de-clutter your space .
9 - If you know anything about feng shui you know and, even if you don't you are apt to know having material baggage lifted from your life and de-cluttering /being clutter free has many great benefits!
10-It slows the garbage and filling of landfills- It's good for the environment !
So, join ! And if it's as important to you as it is to us please, spread the news and help open other's eyes to it's importance so, we can increase the fun to be had !

https://www.facebook.com/groups/barterboro/

 The World Peace Diet Study Groups -
 I am in a new phase of the process of establishing World Peace Diet study groups. This is a long awaited and anticipated adventure, admittedly to a great deal because, of my becoming distracted and wanting timing to be right .
 I moved in August and was trying to before then and because, these meet ups will span over months I choice not to start what I wouldn't finish . After moving, there was set up and transition to do and then came the Holidays when I didn't want to be held back by conflicting plans and vacations. I originally thought the first part of January would be ideal but, then concluded I didn't want the project to be wounded by weather . And  so, now I'm thinking Spring.
 I read the book on my own and then took Dr. Tuttle's courses to become a World Peace Diet Facilitator . I must share that they were very enriching and I found them well beyond - worth the money ! I will share the link with you so you can investigate that http://worldpeacemastery.com/
So, alas I have locked down a location , days , and times , taken a photo of the book for which I will attempt to photoshop into a flyer soon . I have just one last thing to figure out and that is how to break the book up and create an outline that will allow me to determine how many meet ups and weeks the study group will meet for . Stay tuned ! I'll announce the news as soon as the flyers are ready .
 Outdoor Tai Chi to suit everyone's comfort-ability.

Daydreaming of Spring 
We had rain for the first time in awhile last week. The temperature's had rose to a distant level and we received the distant type of participation ( rain) . It seemed to bring with it Spring-like air and so, many of us including myself have dreams of green sprouting grass and days without coats .

 Trying to find Home plate 
I am looking into and talking with people about creating an official webpage for Wellness by Design , A homepage , sort of speak . You know a regular , standard page . lol . Yes, I suppose it feels it's long overdue . It's somewhat embarrassing and silly not to have one . I'm not sure how long it will take me to create one . You will of course be informed when it's up and running . But, for now I'm learning . I don't wish to jump in and regret it.  I want one of quality , functionality , ease of use , and so on . I'm brainstorming on what it will include . Of course , links to this blog and other projects and pages of mine , It also , among other things may include a frequently asked questions section . If you have any questions either about services, or general questions of relevance such as, related to veganism , fitness, or wellness please submit them via email to sabrinaswellnessbydesign @gmail.com  . Your feedback is helpful to us all and appreciated !
Reading
I'm looking into and reading about ways to expand and be "cooler " in the online world . I currently have facebook, this blog, email , and linkedin but there's so many more opportunities! And some of which I'd very much like to utilize , Creating a fun quarterly  newsletter and distributing it through an opt in email list for example .
 As well as, checking out a couple potentials for next years recommended books list . The previous list is done and can be found at www.facebook.com/workouttimeforwellness in the notes section . I am in the process of finishing up the last 4 reports and then I will be sharing them all here in the blogosphere .

BTW ( By The Way), I passed my course 
 Yes , I did pass and received the cec's and certificate .:) Oh the course was " Science and Practice of Strength Training " I think I had yet to mention that.


Friday, March 21, 2014

How to Re-Stock for Plant-Strong

So, you want to start eating plant strong . You figure it's going to cost you a little extra money at first while you stock up on staples you don't yet have , and you wonder what those staples are. Well,
It depends on what you already have , and your taste preferences but ,

Here's some suggestions :

1.)  Dried herbs , spices, seasonings. What do you have now ? I personally have a selection of 31 at the moment . If that sounds overwhelming read on . I didn't acquire them all at once and a good sum of them I rarely use but, I certainly do use more herbs , spices and seasonings than I used too ! If you are trading in the animal products and the other processed bs, for your health that is apt to mean you still want to enjoy your food! Animal products and other processed foods are loaded with chemicals ( drug) , fat , and salt . Being accustomed to that is apt to cause your pallet to  have desensitized to the flavors in whole plant foods . However , they will readjust and come to appreciate a flavorFULL world without the yuck ,once they have gone without said yuck for a few weeks ! None the less herbs and spices are delicious, fun and give a lot of possibilities for variety so , these are a good place to expand !
- Make sure you know what is in them after reading ingredients and you aren't getting a premixed concoction of herbs that contains yuck !
2.)  A blender. Smoothies are great and easy when you are first learning they can be a go to for breakfast or whenever when you are at a loss of what to make that can be healthy and simple. They also can assist in many other things such as making vegan sauces , soups, and bean dip/paste for burritos and more.
3.)  A vegan milk . Your options are vast ! almond- coconut-soy-oat-quinoa-cashew, hazelnut, hemp and more . You can use them in anyway you are familiar with using the breast milk of other species .
4.)  Frozen veggies and fruits - read ingredients get them without add ins no butter sauce or mystery ingredients etc. Ingredients: Broccoli . good! I say frozen because, often the new is procrastinated we are scared we will hate our vegan alfredo once we make it or we'll do it wrong or we aren't in the mood to try it yet . If they are frozen you won't throw them out because, they rotted after you procrastinated too long . And because, it's quick and easy . In the beginning you are learning more information than you will need to later a sort of catch up period . Reading labels takes longer than it later will and so, I figure you could use time saving tips particularly in the beginning .
5.) Non- perishables - Staples wise it is nice to have a cupboard stash off non perishables like beans , grains, lentils, raisins, nuts, tea bags or loose leaf tea .As well as root veggies and tubers that last awhile such as acorn squash, yams , potatoes , and so forth
6.)  Recipes ! Check out www.engine2diet.com you can also check out  https://www.facebook.com/groups/myplantstrongrecipeswap/ . I suggest you keep a large selection of recipes easy access - book mark these links for instance ,even if you create all your own recipes ( As I mainly do )  That way when you become at a lost for what to eat , are tempted to go back to the S.A.D. , etc. you will have them there reminding you there are plenty of options that are plant strong !
7.)  Apple cider vinager -Sometimes gas occurs in the beginning while your body is utilizing all that fiber it's now geting to clean out toxins and while it's regaining balance . ACV ( Apple Cider Vinegar ) can help relieve and keep gas in check . As can other foods .
8.) Noosh - Also known as - nutritional yeast - is generally fortified with vitimin B12 and gives a cheesy taste . It's great on potatoes , in sauces and more !
* If you have more questions, ask !
Be Well !

Start Your Morning Better , Improve Your Days !

I was reading ( In the Pleasure Trap ). Actually I was re-reading . This book is on my 2014 recommended reads list on facebook and will soon appear on this one along with my review of it !

 I've placed it here for you and in exchange Amazon tosses some coins in my penny jar every time someone buys it from the link . They must like you . Why else would they give incentive for making less work for you ?
So, I was re-reading this book as I stated and a statistic caught my eye that I'm sure did last time too but,eventually was forgotten because, I didn't want to do anything with it. That would shake up my normal of being caffed up a bit uh, every day .
The statistic is : " More than 90% of American adults are habitual users of  caffeine, a powerful stimulant that temporarily camouflages sleep deficiency." pg. 148 Pleasure Trap by Douglas Lisle


Good Morning tips.
Drinking a full glass of room temperature clean ( filtered , reverse osmosis water ) first things greatly assists your body in re-hydrating and cleansing .
Nice healthy vegan Smoothies are great as are
fresh juices from a juicer
a power packed cereal (that means make your own. Start with puffed whole grains and nothing else ( I like millet, barley , or organic corn best myself . Rice and puffed kamut I have also found ) and, add in more health like nuts, fruit, seeds,and vegan milk  !)or use steel cut oatmeal or oat groats .
stretching
a little exercise does wonders
gratitude lists,
Am meditation and visualizing ,
 art journal
Positive affirmations


Poor Morning Habits.( That are rampid in the USA)
Morning coffee ( Usually not organic ,BOO!!, Caffienated umm boo.., Too often containing added horribleness including cow's breast milk !O0/ WT..???!?!?, and highly processed bleached sugar )
Morning cigarette(s)
Morning gripping
Morning pot smoke also, known as wake and bake
Alarm Clocks
Junk ( Unhealthy ) "food "breakfasts
Tv
Video games

P.S. Shut down your computer and go take a nap now !
 Sleep deprivation compromises your ability to feel happiness at it's full and your ability to otherwise function optimally . - Paraphrasing the pleasure trap here .

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

" The inter-connectedness of my services "

" The inter-connectedness of my services "

Primary Services are Vegan coaching, Fitness training , and Wellness coaching .

Secondary Services include, various classes which as of today consist of
 - Outdoor beginner's tai chi for various populations ( children,teens, women only , obese peoples, seniors only ) as well as general public classes
- World Peace Diet study groups
- Vegan food prep & cooking parties
- Plant-strong cooking classes & parties

Additional events pop up from time to time and you can be notified of them for now two ways, by following my facebook page - www.facebook/workouttimeforwellness or by following my blog www.sabrinaswellnessbydesign.blogger.com .  An email list will be emerging in the future and notification of it's birth will be announced in both places .

Now, on to writting promised by the title .

I am aware that health and well-being are a holistic matter. One does not experience optimal health by exercising while putting crappy fuel ( food) into one's body . One does not experience optimal health by working through dis-organization, meditating , doing chakra alignments and, refusing to exercise one's body . And, one does not experience optimal health by eating only the best foods while watching tv on their coach with all their time that is not spent at work .
Exercise, diet, and balance , function , growth, gain and harmony in various areas are all related and inter-connected in the matter of health .

Examples of interconnectedness include :


  •  When one exercises one releases brain chemicals that reduce stress and combat low vibrational thinking and emotions such as sadness, depression , and negative self talk . Because, it makes us feel better ,this often leads to improved confidence and faith in self which, can lead to believing we are capable of eating right , trying new things , approaching people for help, jobs, to ask on dates etc. These things  lead to further improved quality of life , body , emotions and so forth .

  • When one stops eating things the body is not designed to eat for optimal function and ends up increasing foods that are designed by nature to give us optimal function , our functionality improves. We can think clearer , remember better, notice more, endurance increases , pounds of excess body fat often drop off , we feel better about ourselves and then ,We feel less negative emotions and have less negative thoughts. We feel relief and freer , and we want to do and try more joyous and fun things that are not harmful ( think hiking a mountain verses another night at a bar ) . We see that we were able to make changes that improved our quality of life and gain confidence. We feel the odds are better than we used to feel they were for us to be able to continue to achieve further improvements to our quality of life, we exercise more because, it is easier to do so ,we reap all the benefits of that. We are less frustrated and happier because, we struggle less with our activities ( due to our improved mental function ), we feel more than we used to that we deserve truly wonderful , life giving things and we are more satisfied with ourselves in the present moment . 

  • - When one initiates a beneficial change to their wellness from another example , like dedicating themselves to a 5 minute daily meditation practice , or working through mental upsets and long lived undesired patterns in their lives on paper with journaling and various written exercises , the exact results vary even more because, these are all different activities but , in general we feel a movement out of stagnation which gives relief , and encourages more movement in attitude and actions and the tendency to seek further uplifting movement increases.

So, jump in somewhere ! 

Updated versions of elaboration on basic services are in the works. Please contact me by message to initiate a priority release of them .
Thank you all for your time, help, and efforts.
Be Well,
www.sabrinaswellnessbydesign.blogger.com -  My blog
and
www.facebook.com/workouttimeforwellness    - My " Fan" page


Please share as desired but, please include the entire piece which ends here.
If photos don't transfer that is okay .

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Once upon a time ... ( Pre-vegan post ) . I was Addicted to cheese !

I was Addicted to cheese.
People often ask me the questions : " How, why,  and when did you become vegan ? " Or do you ever miss meat ?"
When they hear my story and find out I became repulsed by meat around age 12 and became vegetarian as soon as I was living on my own  I tend to feel as if I've lost relatablity through their eyes.
The truth is we still had a lot in common .
Yes, I cared about animals and , remember being repulsed eating a chicken's leg . Seeing the veins in it . I became emotionally and spiritually allergic and certainly did not want or crave to eat body pieces when presented  in their closest original forms around the age of 12 for certain . I don't remember it being too much of an issue for me before then .
However, I was under the impression that eggs and milk didn't harm an animal and saw no issue or revulsion in eating products including them. The taste of plain cow's milk for as long as I can remember was something disgusting to me but, if chocolate or strawberry syrup was added I'd gladly drink that . When it came to ice cream, yogurt, cheese, and eggs made into omelets I was a fan ( That is.... a fanatic ) !
From the age of about 17 - 21, I ate a diet full of cheeses, ice cream, yogurt, eggs, processed foods and drinks and , a few other things now and then . My favorite and most commonly had meals were  mac and cheese, ice cream, pasta with alfredo sauce, pancakes, mashed potatoes with ranch dressing, and something I called chessy fry salad - Mc Donald's Fries, melted cheese, salad and ranch dressing, coffee with milk and mysterious bottled drinks teas- sodas  . Does that sound healthy to you ? From time to time I would eat chicken . I grew confused and tired of being different from " everyone " else and would think things like " I'll give it a try again and see ", or "everyone else is screw it " .
I was officially addicted to animal products . It's just that I was addicted to their secretions and not their flesh . It's really not that big of a difference at all looked at from an educated health perspective, moral perspective , and in regards to addictiveness .In fact , they are commonly referred to as "liquid meat ".
 If you had asked me if I would ever be vegan then, I think I would have answered "no", "probably not ", or" why ?" Because, I could not picture a life without dairy and eggs . It was so much of what I ate ! And I didn't know any vegans , had no information about it other than what they didn't eat , had no idea why I should be vegan , and thought they lived a life of deprivation - Honestly I had no idea what they ate and how they sustained themselves . I assumed they loved all kinds of veggies and ate them plain and I, at the time liked very few at all and virtually none plain and free of dairy sauces . In fact, I squirmed and cringed at the thought of eating a veggie plain without ranch dressing or cheese.
"Where's the sense in that ?" I thought . I'm not hurting any animals ... "Nothing could have been farther from the truth "
I don't mention thoughts of health because, I couldn't have cared much less about my health at the time .
But,
I was hurting my health substantially as well ! I see now how my diet caused me numerous physical problems - constipation , rotting teeth, frequent colds, a cyst .. I see how it caused me emotional and mental problems - depression , chronic social fear and anxiety , low self confidence , and life problems -relationship neediness and dependency,  a multitude of addictions . These are examples not the complete run down list !
Oh, and by the way I used these "foods" sometimes to self medicate - that is suppress . I would order a large cheese pizza and eat the whole things many times in a year when I could "afford it" . when I couldn't there was still the cheaper foods to binge on . I now understand on a physical level dairy has caso-morphine's . Yes, that's what it sounds like . I was self drugging myself with a morphine . And that other levels emotional, mental , etc. were involved too.
Did I miss "meat "or do I ? No, I hardly if at all ever did . and I certainly never do now . On a very rare occasion I will want tofurky's vegan pepperoni . Did I or Do I ever miss dairy products or eggs ? Yes, I did . In the beginning I craved them frequently for about the first 3 weeks . I didn't consume any and the cravings stopped nagging me like that . Then for a couple months I briefly craved them ( 5-10 mins or less ) every 3 weeks or so ,  I didn't eat any and then I stopped craving them . No, I never crave them now ! I haven't for years ! I looked behind the curtain. I've seen what they really are. What they are made of . I have come in alignment to recognize I find consuming hen's menstruation's and , the breast milk of another species gross and not appealing !
 That doesn't mean I don't crave creamy sauces, vegan cheese, or vegan ice cream . I do from time to time . and I eat them from time to time . but, the vegan cheese and vegan ice creams don't rule my life . I eat a more whole food plant based diet primarily . Not because, I exert a lot of will and determination but, because, it's what feels and tastes best to me now most of the time ! And, It feels and tastes marvelous !
I can not begin to cover how much better my life is now !
And I guess that's not inline with the headline anyway . You can get a glimpse by reading my "What's new with me " blog posts if you'd like though . I try to keep you posted .

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

St. Patrick's Day - Recipes , and vegan liquor directory !

St. Patrick's Day post 2014 
Informal recipes 

  • Green Scalloped potatoes -

Slice potatoes thicker than potato chips but relatively thin,oil a casserole pan  . put potatoes in one layer - . Mix in a bowl soy ( any vegan ) milk nutritional yeast , basil , oregano , thyme, rosemary and 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar . bake potatoes 10 minutes . flip over . Pour liquid on . bake another 10 mins- done . Green veggies can be added to the dish for extra greatness such as kale , broccoli or whatever you like .

  • Cabbage lentil soup

-Ingredients: 
2 C. black lentils 
7 Carrots 
2 large white onion
1 C. vegan veggie broth ( a little extra in case is good to have ) 
desired amount of cabbage 
water 
Directions:
1. boil 3 cups of water in a large pot 2. add 2c. black lentils 3. reduce to simmer and cover 4. cut up carrots (I used 7 ) desired size 5. add carrots to pot and recover 7. cut 2 onions to desired size 8. Add to pot and recover 9. Add veggie broth  to pot . 10. stir 11. recover 12. turn heat up to medium low and cook until carrots are slightly tender ( depends on size of carrots ) about 20 minutes stir every once and awhile while cooking.13. chop desired amount of cabbage into desired size 14. add more water to pot and veggie broth if needed ( sorry no measurements here use your judgement .15. reduce to simmer 17. add cabbage 18. and cook about 5 minutes (or until it tastes right to you )

  • 4 ingredient -all green fruit salad -

- green apples
-kiwi
-green grapes
- honeydew melon 


  • Green rice ( Green rice and green veggies )

Add spirulina to rice - season with sea shakes to taste if desired - include green veggies such as peas, cabbage, kale, broccoli, green beans, green onions, green peppers and so on . 


  • Green nature's electrolytes drink-

Half frozen half fresh coconut water or juice 
2 tbs of aloe optional 
3 kiwis 
pieces of de-stemmed kale ( optional )
1/2 green apple (optional )
Blend till a slushie/ smoothie 

vegan liquor guide:
 http://www.barnivore.com/liquor#

Thursday, March 6, 2014

My Valentine's Day ( Awesome Recipe,photos and Vegan Restaurant name drop Included! )

First of all a special thanks to the man who made it such a wonderful and special Valentine's Day as, I think he'll read this! lol .

I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day !

 I truly did !

 Here where we are, we were greeted with snow. My day started out with a parking spot shovel . Which I actually found enjoyable.

 I was sad initially, unsure if we were going to be able to safely execute our plans due to the weather and, after discovering my planned Valentine's Day breakfast of a vegan Cherry Walnut French Toast was ruined on account of our bread (ezekiel's ) getting mold. But alas, weather came around , our plans went through , and I made the french toast another day .
Vegan Cherry Walnut French Toast
Ingredients :
1 - 1/2 C . frozen sweet cherries
Ezekiel's food for life bread desired amount of slices
1 tsp. per 2 pieces of bread real vanilla extract
1/2tsp. almond extract per 2 pieces of toast (optional)
desired amount of Walnuts
approx.1/2 .c per 2 pieces of bread soy ( or other vegan milk ) milk
to taste - Agave syrup
 coconut oil for pan
For the french toast :
In a shallow bowl pour soymilk , and extracts mix together and submerge the bread in coating back and front then place in a warmed frying pan containing coconut oil .And cook till crispy on both sides .

For cherry sauce :
Put cherries in a small pot with agave syrup stir frequently and cook over low-medium heat until some forms into a sauce yet cherries are still there .

Place french toast on plate . Top with cherry sauce and walnuts .


 Since the breakfast was off we went a little earlier making it a brunch where we consumed lunch food . We went to a place we had not tried out yet called "Evolution Cafe "- It is in Florence Ma. and it serves great lunch and dinner food contrary to what the phrase cafe speaks of to me but , whatever ! It's a 100% vegan restaurant ( I wouldn't have wanted to go otherwise ) .
 I am one who doesn't need/ desire to go out to eat very often . I only dine at 100 % vegan restaurants. That's just me and what makes me happy ! I appreciate and love going out to them so much ! Much more than I appreciated restaurants in the dark days before I was vegan .
So, with the excitement of exploring a vegan restaurant we had yet to go to before, we headed out for our Valentine's day journey !
I found the space, paintings, ambiance, literature tables, and food great !  We had a delicious chili burrito we split , he had a vegan blt I bit into , and I a sunshine burger special order he bit into . We got young coconut water to drink, mine with aloe his without . Which was so sweet and yummy !
I regret not playing pinball or whatever the game there was with him . But, we both had a great time . We left with 2 ( 2 for 1 deal ;) ) lemon cupcakes . The frosting was lemon too and once we ate them I discovered they were scrumptious as well ! Our Valentine's Day was not over ...
Later we went to our favorite tea lounge Twilight Tea who's treats are all supplied from "Cafe Evolution "and thus vegan . Two treats and a most yummy house chai pot of tea were to be had .
I have more picture's from " Cafe Evolution " see below .








Tuesday, March 4, 2014

What Kind Of Fitness Trainer Am I ?

  Let's Start with what kind of fitness trainer I am not .

  • I am not a fitness trainer who wants to work with elite athletes on exercise in order improve their ability to compete at professional levels and thus receive the higher monetary cut that would come from doing that ( I am just as thrilled to be their vegan coach or wellness coach as anyone else's however )


  • I am not a fitness trainer who wants to train people who are already quite fit and exercise 6-7 days a week because they are exercise enthusiast already and would want me not to help them to get or remain healthy but rather to do and track measurements for them and assist them in tweaking what they are doing with exercise in order to go from a healthy body fat ratio to a cool lower healthy body fat ratio or become more muscular still even though they have an impressive amount of muscle now ( You people are awesome ! And I am just as thrilled to be your vegan coach , or wellness coach as anyone else's but, you aren't the group I want to do fitness training for )


  • I am not a fitness trainer who wants to train someone who does not respect me by perpetually paying late , perpetually canceling last minute , perpetually showing up late , standing me up , etc.

  • I am not a fitness trainer who yells, gets in your face , insults you , or DEMANDS you do anything 



  • I am not a fitness trainer who will make a routine or program for you and say this is it . This is what you get like it or not . 



The Kind of Fitness Trainer I am :


  • The kind that failed gym in high school because, I was embarrassed to exercise in front of people and sat on the bench instead 



  • Thus the kind that understands shyness and embarrassment around exercising in front of others 



  • The kind that wants to improve the fraction of people with a healthy weight and without early signs of cardiovascular disease in the USA ( early signs of cardiovascular disease- almost everyone , over weight approx. 2/3 -obese approx. 1/3 )



  • I am a fitness trainer who understands body health takes more than exercise such as the fuel quality you put in your body and, that body health  is interconnected to other aspects of health - stress level - emotional health -mental beliefs ( Do you believe you have no control over your body's condition ? - then you probably don't until you change that belief ) 



  • I am a fitness trainer who knows exercise and improved fitness can release endorphins, and improve health on it's own and,  for some people is the way to start what snowballs into practicing holistically healthier lives .



  • I am a fitness trainer who knows that some people have a very hard time exercising regularly until they clear out other issues addressed two bullet points above .



  • I am a fitness trainer who is also a Vegan Coach and a Wellness Coach ,who loves it when her fitness training clientele decide to use more of my offered services and who offers package deals to make it more affordable for them to do so . 



  • I am a fitness trainer who can and is glad to work with people of all ages ( children , elderly and those in between ) and sex's .



  • I am a fitness trainer who has a priority of personalizing exercise , so it is fun and aligned with clients goals . 



  • I am a fitness trainer who talks to you, takes notes, and asks questions  before I create a draft routine / program for you and then shows it to you and asks you what you think . 



  • I am a fitness trainer who will explain what purpose a part of your program or routine serves and. offer alternatives to fill the purpose if you are unhappy with it whenever I can, which is usually . 



  • I am a fitness trainer who insists it does not matter how out of shape you are . You can improve your fitness and I can help . 400lb bed ridden obese people can start with clapping and gain ability to move forward from there . 
If you have questions you can ask me by e-mailing sabrinaswellnessbydesign@gmail.com . You can view my credentials if you have facebook by going to Wellness by Design's facebook page www.faceboook/workouttimeforwellness and clicking" about "at the top . Actual certificates can be viewed in person during a consultation.

"Why Outdoor Tai Chi "and, Asking for help finding the right place!

I am looking for a lovely place to host outdoor tai chi classes for the average person , meaning beginner's level and various ages , weights and both sex's . It is my aspiration to do different classes to suit people's comfort levels . IE. - a general class where all are welcome , a senior's class, a children's class , an obese class and so forth . I am very hopeful to find the right outdoor location and be allowed to do them there.
I insist on doing outdoor tai chi classes because, there are such great benefits to it . Connecting with the earth and our natural local environment is paramount and aids in the flow of chi , as well as the opening of chakras , breathing in clean fresh air verses the more stagnant indoor air is superior , and it can just be described as more enjoyable for many including myself .
If you have a suggestion for location or would be interested in attending such outdoor classes please let me know by leaving a comment below or sending me a message .
I am very excited about this and look forward to hearing from people !
Thank you !
And ,
Be Well !

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Home made Healthy Home Cleaners( Very easy to make and use) !


  • MIRROR AND WINDOW CLEANER - 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water . Newspaper to wipe off shockingly works best .

  • TUB AND SHOWER CLEANER - Just cover area with a layer of baking soda , wait a few seconds and pour white vinegar over it then wipe right off . Don't allow wait time . Works great ! 

  • MULTI PURPOSE AND TILE FLOOR CLEANER - Vermont organics lemongrass soap [(liquid)1 drop per 1 c. of warm water ] , water, baking soda ( 1/2 tsp.per C water) *Adjust amounts of baking soda and soap based on need/ dirtiness . Start with increasing baking soda and go from there as needed . 



  • CARPET POWDER-Carpet powder recipe : By the way just baking soda sprinkled itself does wonders ! It's good enough cleansing wise .

        Ingredients:  Baking soda ( amount depending on amount of carpet or size of batch you wish to make ),herb(s) ( If you have pets MAKE SURE IT OR THEY ARE NOT TOXIC TO ANIMALS !) ideas ,rose hips or petals, lavender , sage . Again amount varies on size of batch you are making and  your preference,Tool to grind them up fine (optional but, desirable )
       
      Directions :1.)Finely  grind up herb(s) of choice . 2.) Mix baking soda and herb(s) in a container bowls work if you are using the whole batch at one time
     
      To Use : 1.) sprinkle the carpet powder over your carpet 2.) Allow to sit about 20 minutes 3.) And then vacuum up .