The gist of the update for us is that we have used it “perfectly” because it is so easy to do. And trust me, I was a pill forgetter, I’m not big on writing things down, remembering days or doing math. Luckily the Lady-Comp does it all for me. We are baby-free by choice and plan to be for another year- about this time next year we’ll start a switcheroo on the green and red days and see what happens! It will be fun to use the amazing Lady-Comp Baby features then; I especially love the little lights that tell you whether it’s a day that you’re more likely to conceive a girl or a boy. So amazing!

I’m so thankful to have learned about my cycle, been able to let my hormones return to their natural balance, and live in freedom from all the side-effects I experienced with regular birth control. Enjoy Megan’s video, and ask me questions you come up with. If you want to ask privately, just email suzanne(at)kaleuniversity.org. I’d also love to hear from you if you use the Lady-Comp or something else you’re excited about! I would like to get together a panel of women who are interested in discussing alternative products for women, from birth control, to menstruation, to clothing, to pregnancy and baby items. Let me know if you’d like to be a part of that discussion!

The post Lady-Comp: One Year Later appeared first on Kale University.

Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

Portland was lucky and honored to host His Holiness, the Dalai Lama on May 11 as part of the Environmental Summit organized by Maitripa College.  And Joel and I were overjoyed to be in attendance. I want to basically dive right in and paraphrase his words from my notes to give you a recap- This isn’t my commentary but this also isn’t a verbatim or complete report; they’re just the fastest notes I could take to get the closest meaning of the teachings he was imparting, as well as the answers to questions he was asked.  This needs no real introduction as it is pretty universally applicable, but to put it in slight context, the subject was using compassion to create a more sustainable and peaceful world.

It is stated on His Holiness’ website that “his life is guided by three major commitments: the promotion of basic human values or secular ethics in the interest of human happiness, the fostering of inter-religious harmony and the preservation of Tibet’s Buddhist culture, a culture of peace and non-violence.”  And indeed he spoke about all of these points throughout the throughout the day.  I am happy to share with you a few of the teachings he imparted that day. Some of his answers may surprise you- I know my expectations were even exceeded as to his openness and no-nonsense view of reality. And still, underlying this frankness, it is his expressions of love, humor and fun create the visions of his countenance that linger.

________________________

Education vs. Experience

Think beyond yourself, your group, your family, your business, your nation. We all have similar problems; all sentient beings are interconnected. Old thinking is “we-they.” Education is they key factor for a new way of thinking, but our current education system is too focused on material value. True education is not just about knowledge, information. We must use analytical meditation with an open, unbiased mind. It’s about experimentation, thinking critically, and using our conclusions in developing convictions.  Then conviction needs to lead to action. That is education.

Being Open To Change

When our surroundings change, we must be willing to change everything in order to adapt. To travel from cold Tibet and continue to wear heavy furs and robes after arriving in hot India would be silly.

Do We Need Religion To Learn Compassion?

All major world religions have the message of love and compassion. But to practice true compassion, we also need to practice tolerance and forgiveness. All major religions have the potential to produce wonderful, dedicated people. But too often the message of love and compassion is just lip service.  Sometimes religious institutions can teach us to be hypocritical. If people were truly dedicated, corruption would be impossible. Secular people also need the practice of compassion to be happy!  People should not consider compassion to be a religious quality. Strive to be a compassionate person, not a religious person.  True compassion starts with loving-kindness, which is the wish for other people to be happy.

Compassion Creates Well-Being

Compassion is the key to one’s own well-being. Extending sincere compassion cultivates trust, confidence, and affection. Hatred and anger weaken our immune systems. Compassion sustains and grows our immune systems. People who get maximum affection at an early age are much happier, secure and confident. A lack of affection and abuse remain as scars throughout life. Being able to get affection and milk from our mother is to be more fortunate than having riches like a Raja child.

A Different Definition of “Secular”

In other cultures, there is a different understanding and connotation than the one often used with the word “secular.” According to Indian tradition, there is a concept of “secular ethics.” India is the only country where all major world religions live together. They have a constitution based on this meaning of secularism. In this understanding, secular means respect for all religions as well as respect for the non-believer.

Ruling classes and religious institutions are easily subject to corruption and greed. Here we must make a distinction between religion and religious institution.

What Is Karma?  How Do We Find Happiness?

Karma is an action. Simple consequences result: harm leads to suffering; helping leads to happiness. People who consider external, material things the source of happiness are more animalistic than human. Mental experiences like awareness, unbiased love, and infinite compassion are the source of true happiness. This is possible for humans, but not when thinking is inferior and animalistic. By focusing on the matieral world over inner value, you can never be happy. The real source of joy and a peaceful mind is on the mental level, not a sensory or material level. You can’t solve inner loneliness with money or things.

What Is The Role of Our Emotions? Can Anger Ever Be Productive?

Sometimes anger is productive- when it leads to action. Emotions must combine with our wisdom; in this way it can be positive. Self-confidence and courage are important. We need to study more about the mind to really understand it. There is a lot to know and learn about the mind; we should look to ancient Indian culture again for their teachings on psychology; it is a very rich, in-depth study. By leaving religion out of the picture, we can truly study the mind.

How Can We Help The People of Tibet?

Buddhist culture and the Buddhist religion  deserve preservation.  The Tibetan culture is one of compassion and peace- creating a tradition worth passing on. We must spread compassion and the reality of the Tibetan culture to our brothers and sisters in China. The Chinese people are too sheltered from this reality by censorship. Many people in China are, however realizing this, and showing support and solidarity. True teachers (as well as fake leaders) of Buddhism are in China. But we must do all we can to present a real and true representation of Buddhism, and of the situation in Tibet through China and throughout the world.

How Can We Avoid Sadness and Despair About the State of the World

To avoid sadness about the world, be realistic. Analyze the tragedy; if it can be overcome, be happy, and take action! If it cannot be overcome, then accept it. If there’s really nothing you can do about it, there’s no use in worrying. Detach; look objectively. Find your options. If you choose to see something as a failure that is not, if you write if off as a lost cause, you will miss the opportunity there for worthwhile effort.

___________________

Joel and I walked around before the event began and during the lunch break where luckily we found tea, because we were fasting. I think even if we weren’t fasting we would have ending up skipping lunch due to the lack of healthy options. I deeply wished that Kale U had a food cart in there providing juices, salads and healthy snacks. It was sad to see a gathering of people searching for love and enlightenment experience the total disconnect of eating animal flesh and hurting themselves by stuffing their bellies with unhealthy food.  Smelling and seeing all the food, you would think I would be hungry, but at that moment I wished everyone could experience the spiritual boost of fasting and of eating raw, live foods. I’ve often thought that it is healthier to fast than to eat an unhealthy meal. I know many people will disagree with this, but I feel that in this culture of fitness-magazine “do’s and don’ts” and fear about gaining weight because of a slow metabolism from skipping a meal, I think there’s a lot of misconception and unfounded fears about not eating so much. In reality, we eat much more than we need, often to the extent of causing serious health damage. Of course it is better to prepare, carry snacks, make your own food and eat on a regular schedule. But in situations like this where the event wouldn’t let us bring in our own food and drink, I would rather wait a couple hours for something that my body can actually use.

There were many vendors there selling things as well, and I looked through the many beautiful scarves that were for sale. But after taking to heart the teaching that inner emptiness cannot be filled by things, I decided to make it a buy-nothing day. I found irony again that there were so many people searching for something to commemorate that day, when really the most profound thing we had come for, and the most meaningful thing to take away would not be a thing. I am not above wanting sentimental things; I wanted many things I saw there, but I was happy with my decision to choose to immediately put into practice what I had heard. As were coming back in for the second half, each attendee was given a beautiful white scarf, as a gift from His Holiness. At the end of his speech, he explained that the meaning of the white scarf is purity and gratefulness and invited us to wear the scarf with happiness. But he added that if the wearer does not embrace and embody these virtues, the scarf itself is meaningless.  At this, I smiled inside with the realization that I was wearing the most beautiful kind of scarf possible; one given with love.

__________________

Photos: Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

The post What I Learned From The Dalai Lama appeared first on Kale University.

Venus has turned to eating raw vegan to help her combat the effects of the disease. By eating a high raw vegan diet, she has dramatically lessened the fatigue and pain. She talks a little bit about this and her recent tennis matches in the following video.

The post Venus Williams Becomes Raw Vegan appeared first on Kale University.

The post Red Devil Juice appeared first on Kale University.

5.  Creating a Mindful Moon Cycle

Let’s face it ladies, as soon as one period ends, there’s another one comin’ around.  During our menstruating years, we’re on our period 15% of the time. The average woman spends $2-3000 on menstrual products over those years and personally tosses into the heap of the global waste 17,000 pads/tampons… this is not sustainable. This is not healthy.

So, what’s a girl to do? It’s so simple, it’s crazy. There are a lot of cool silicone cups and alternative pads; I discovered the DivaCup, so it’s the one I can recommend, but go for what strikes you!  It takes a little getting used to, but it’s a quick learning curve.  At the same time that I bought the DivaCup I also picked up a Lotus Pad which is so soft and pretty, but in all honesty, I haven’t even needed it. The DivaCup is so much easier and more carefree, it’s one of those no-brainers now.

I keep my last little box of organic cotton tampons around in case someone is in dire need, but now that I know the alternative, I can’t believe I was still buying them and adding them to my eco-footprint, exposing myself to chemicals, increasing my risk of disease, and shelling out needless cash monthly. Well, you live you learn! (And you teach your daughters, sisters, mothers & friends!)  Speaking of mothers, did you know there’s also an easy, money-saving, eco-friendly way to diaper that little baby behind? Check out the g-diaper.

4. Using Power-Packed Foods & Superfoods (And Finding Right Livelihood)

I’ll have to go into more detail in future posts, but my favorite secret weapon foods are:

• coconut oil, fresh coconuts, coconut vinegar, coconut everything
• apple cider vinegar, kombucha
• hemp seeds, Brazil nuts, pecans, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds
• avocados, citrus, melons, tropical fruits, garlic, berries
• spinach, chard, kale (of course!) cabbage, broccoli, collards
• herbs, sprouts and microgreens

I am also so blessed to work with a healthy, vegan, conscious team at HealthForce Nutritionals.  I had previously discovered Vitamineral Green™ and Vitamineral Earth™ and found them to be unlike anything else I’d ever encountered. Then I heard Dr. Jameth Sheridan speak about raw foods vs. cooked foods and it resonated with me so deeply, I manifested an opportunity to work for him. I didn’t know until I started working there how many other amazing products Dr. Sheridan has also formulated. I still use the foundational products, Vitamineral Green™ and Vitamineral Earth™ pretty much daily, and while I’ve tried and absolutely love every single formula, my other personal favorite products (especially when cleansing and juice fasting) are Intestinal Movement Formula™, Liver Rescue™, Fruits of the Earth™, Antioxidant Extreme™ and Nopal Blood Sugar™.

I feel very fortunate that I have been able to share the knowledge of these products with so many friends and family. I have also had the pleasure of hearing hundreds of stories, heartfelt thanks, and incredible testimonials first-hand thanks to the interaction I’ve had with our customers.  I love knowing that I work for a company that is creating seriously healing, extraordinary products- no fillers, no crap- and then packaging them in the healthiest, most eco-friendly way possible. As you know, it’s not every day you come across a company truly doing business ethically and sustainably down to the last detail.

HealthForce has very distinctive graphics, an eclectic crew to match, a grass-roots marketing style and a very loving, dedicated 24/7 couple who have not stepped away from the company for a day for more than 20 years.  Their sacrifice has resulted in glowing health and happiness for so many others and for that I join our customers in thanking Kim & Jameth Sheridan for their tireless work, research and commitment to an ethical, plant-based life.  Another reason I love working for them- they empower their team to stand up for our ideals. We’re vegan. We don’t apologize for it. We do things a little differently. It’s what makes us great. Feel free to reach out to me anytime- you can now find me most days (ok, minutes) jumping between our Facebook and Twitter pages if I’m not hanging out with our team or connecting with someone awesome in the healthy food world on Google+. Stop by anytime & say hello, share a story, or ask me anything!

3. Juicing/Fasting

Juicing and juice fasting has been a serious journey of self-discovery for both Joel and me. I’m so glad it’s been a journey we were able to take together- it’s nice to have support, and I couldn’t be happier with all the changes for the better he has made for his health. Losing 80 lbs, and getting rid of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, threat of repeated gout and pancreatitis… it’s immeasurable the years he’s added to his life and the life to his years! We are lucky to have had wonderful “juicing-shamans” to walk us through our first 21-day juice fast. Now, on day 15 of 40 in our current run, we are both feeling lighter, clearer, and more spiritual than ever. It gives us a time-out when we focus on really learning about our minds and bodies.

We know you’ll ask, everyone always wants to talk juicers! We’ve tried a lot of them, and the one we keep coming back to is the one we’ll actually use daily. For us, this one is the Breville Juice Fountain. We also get a lot of use out of our juice bag/nut milk bags as well. We love our mason jars and the plastic lids are easier to deal with than the canning style lids and bands, plus they’re perfect for storing your cultured veggies, raw vegan yogurt, portioning meals and layering salads. Oh, and how cool are these straws? Drinking from a straw helps me drink more water and juice and keep the acid fruits off my teeth so I have a few other reusable straws, but now I so want to try these!

There’s a lot of inspiration and information out there- I got my start watching Dan the Man, the Life Regenerator and so I’ll be forever grateful to him for the time he devotes to teaching others the power of a simple, healing, higher way of eating.

2. Thinking Beyond Birth Control

Leaving beind the chemicals, GMOs and additives in my life lead to the itch to ditch those little packs of synthetic hormones too. For a while I figured there was simply no alternative out there that could really let me live a healthy, natural lifestyle and also not have lots of babies before I was ready. Well I’m glad I never gave up my quest!  The Lady-Comp is the greatest thing that I could have hoped for when I was searching for something to save me from the last nagging synthetic thing in my life.  If you’re looking for a way to monitor your fertility and get in touch with your body in a way you never have before (and in a way that’s so easy, it takes a few seconds a day) look no further. This sophisticated little device can change your life, and I’d love to hear if it already has! Women in Europe and Canada are onto this secret, but it remains a little-known gem to ladies in the states.  Check out my article about how the Lady-Comp Baby can help you “wait” to get pregnant, and then it can turn right around and help you conceive when the time is right!  No pills, no patches, no problems.

We’ve been using the Lady-Comp Baby for a year now, and I can happily say that we are still baby-free by choice.  I can’t wait until we decide to use the incredible features that even tell you whether you’re more likely to conceive a boy or a girl. We’ll keep you posted…

1. Going Vegan, Creating our Plant-Loving Community

A lifestyle shift started for me with vegetarianism when I realized no meat was eaten at Deer Park Monastery, but as soon as I discovered that eating cheese and milk still contributed to animal cruelty and translated to elevated fat, cholesterol, and blood pressure in my body, I was done with it all.  My disgust for the industrial ag-machine, fears of food-borne illnesses, desire to adopt the healthiest diet possible, and concern for the environment and global food supply all lead me simultaneously to veganism. I knew immediately that it all made sense, that I would be abstaining from animal products, but I didn’t suddenly have all the tools I needed to thrive as a vegan. But I never stopped reading, asking questions and trying new things.

Making smoothies at our Raw Fair in 2012

I have since discovered many empowering tips, recipes, and teachers that keep me inspired and passionately immersed in this lifestyle. I want nothing more than to share them with you, and you’ll find I share this desire with Joel, Ken and Mario. We want to help you get healthier, happier and reach whatever goals you set for yourself. We aren’t mean, stuffy, condescending, or exclusive. We always strive to be open, welcoming, understanding and fun to be around. If you eat meat, we still love you. If you hate veggies but want to come hang out at one of our events, please do. You might just find something you love!

This is why we started KaleUniversity.org. This website is born of love; it was created over a series of plant-based dinners between like-minded friends. We are proud that Kale U operates under a 501c3 non-profit. You’ll notice that some of the links will take you to product pages where we have affiliate partnerships; please know that buying products through these links greatly helps support us and all proceeds go toward funding new educational projects, local healthy events, and maintaining our site. We appreciate all your support and gratefully accept donations, but the ultimate reward for what we do is getting to give hugs at our potlucks, see people’s lives transformed, and spread the love about this way of eating and living. We make our decisions based on love, so why would we go around hating on anyone for what they do? Some people aren’t ready or willing to go vegan right now, or ever. That’s ok. To whatever extent you want to get excited about adding some healthy plants into your diet, we’re here to support you. Carnivores, omnivores, flexitarians, Paleos, and Kaleos! All are welcome here. Let’s band together and raise a glass of kombucha to all the things we have in common- not the least of which: we all just want to be healthy and happy! As my meditation teacher who is from Ireland would say, Sláinte! (Cheers to good health!)

 MY TOP TEN HEALTH STRATEGIES RECAP:

1. Being Vegan
2. Using the Lady-Comp
3. Juicing & Fasting
4. Incorporating Superfoods
5. Finding Alternatives to Standard Feminine Products

(And See Part 1)

1. Having the Right Teachers, Mentors, and Role Models
2. Embracing Fats & Oils
3. Eating a High-Raw (not 100% raw) Diet
4. Making My Own Shampoo, Conditioner etc.
5. Building a Well-Rounded, Versatile Workout Plan

The post My Top 10 Health Strategies: Part 2 appeared first on Kale University.

10. DIY Workouts

Being able to work out without a gym membership, when and how I want, is priceless. With just a few videos and pieces of equipment I am ready to rock. “Barefoot” running in my Vibrams + Injinji socks has been revolutionary to my routine. I never thought I’d be able to run, let alone run the Bolder Boulder in minimal shoes. But reading Born to Run got me so pumped to do it, and then luckily I found Chi Running which explained how to do it.

I have several DVDs that I rotate- I know it seems expensive, but I really don’t need all of these, I just love them and have bought them when I could over the last few years. I still think this is way cheaper than paying monthly for a gym, and now I’m set for the next decade and beyond. It’s like having your car paid off. And just like having your car paid off, you’ve got money to spare for… a new car! Or extra workout programs.   So I have all these “programs” that are meant to be followed, but honestly I love to just pick a workout and do it.  These programs include Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, P90X, and Insanity.

I also enjoy New York City Ballet Workout (lots of stretching and toning,) MTV Yoga and MTV Pilates, Dance the Chakras (gentle kundalini yoga with lots of breathwork) and my newest addition is Reebok’s Soft Weighted Ball Workout- it’s a short video with two workouts, both nonstop, full-body blasting (and here’s a free workout download they offer!) This reminds me of the workouts I was doing with a personal trainer in Denver, only once a week 30 minutes I could not believe the results using a few weights with core/total body work. Love my soft medicine ball. I create my own moves with it all the time, it’s really fun.

Michael Olajidae used to have an awesome video called Killer Abs and Back streaming on Netflix, but now it’s gone and there are basically no more workouts on Netflix (yes, I did write Netflix asking ‘what gives’ and they said they weren’t very popular. Humph.) Well, I found Michael Olajidae workouts, a bunch of them are now free on YouTube! It looks like his latest project is collaborating with Victoria’s Secret models. Lucky guy.

I also recently met “Pilates Barbie” aka The Alli B, and she totally inspired me to get going on a more scheduled Pilates program. She was mentored and trained by the best and now her time is scarce, she trains so many clients. Luckily, she’s moving her program online so people like me can do this at home. She’s about to have her second baby and her confidence that she knows exactly how to whip back into shape after-baby was amazing- I’ve never heard a woman say that!  I’m really stoked to be starting her online training program this month- I don’t think I could do it without her guidance.

9. No more chemicals (including shampoo?!)

Yes, like a lot of things, this sounds impossible and gross at first. Well, it’s not. It’s so simple it’s crazy. I’ll admit I still do wash my hair with regular shampoo sometimes while traveling and in weird transitions, but I totally know now it’s possible to go sans-shampoo forever. Just google the no-shampoo method. (And yes, you’ll notice many people call it the no-poo method. I think if we’re trying to make this not sound gross, that’s an interesting choice.) It involves a baking soda solution and optional vinegar rinse. There are a lot of “recipes” out there, but that’s the gist of it.

I like to add a drop or two of essential oil to my rinse (neroli and sweet orange are my faves so far) and have also added some to a mister bottle to spray on my hair, use as deodorant, and mist for aromatherapy and soft perfume since any “real perfume” makes me sick.  Joel uses it for his foot spray, and loves a few drops in his hot bath water. I make my own “Pine Sol” blend from water, a few drops of eucalyptus and a few drops of lemongrass.  If you want more info on the world of essential oils, check out my girl Ari L over here- she can tell you how powerful these oils are and introduce you to the best oils out there, DoTerra. All of my friends (friends from all different groups who have never met) are all crazy about DoTerra.  This changes everything- the way you clean your house, care for your body, soothe your mind and more.

8. Eating Some Cooked Foods

For a few months I was totally raw, feeling great but also struggling a little.  I was sprouting beans and quinoa, but I can tell you it’s not the same as warm, fluffy quinoa or soft, chewy beans.  I thought maybe I’d never have those things again, but it made me sad because I think they are healthy and easier to digest cooked.  I was listening to Rawpalooza last year when I heard Dr. Sheridan’s passionate explanation as to why he re-incorporated some cooked foods after years of being totally raw. Amid all the others talking about the virtues of being “100% raw” I was more drawn to his health-and-logic-over-dogma approach. The more I listened to him and researched his company, HealthForce Nutritionals, the more I realized how much it all resonated with me. Through an inspired turn of events, the universe soon blessed me to work for Dr. Sheridan and his amazing team!

Feeling empowered to eat healthy cook foods again gave me the balance I needed to stay healthy vegan, not let the pendulum swing back to junk food, isolated supplements or animal products. As he explains, so many vegans go to extremes that leave them with physical and mental imbalances and that was already happening to me.  Now I still mainly eat a ton of raw food, every few days I’ll steam some sweet potatoes, cook some wild rice or quinoa and I enjoy traditional Mexican-style homemade spicy beans with jalapeno, cumin and lime. I also frequently make vegan Thai curry-style vegetables by lightly steaming any veg with a little vegan Thai curry paste that’s made here locally called Thai and True.

I know raw works for a lot of people, and I say go for it- everyone is different, and I will never knock the power of raw foods. But I do implore everyone to be on the lookout for imbalance and know that it’s ok to change your mind sometimes. It doesn’t make you less of a person to do so- if you’re in a group that will ostracize you for choosing a slightly different path, you might think about the dogma that comes with that attitude. As Dr. Sheridan asks, “Would you rather be healthy, ethical and environmental… or raw?”

7. Embracing Fats & Oils

Coconut oil is a miracle oil- I use it for oil pulling, the oil cleansing method, and I do use it to stove-pop organic popcorn every once in a while- my mom and I agree it makes the best popcorn on earth. Coconut oil is also great for cooking because it has a higher tolerance to heat, a higher smoking point than other more delicate oils.  I use coconut oil, sunflower oil, sacha inchi oil, hemp oil for face and body.  Whole olives, avocados, nuts & seeds, and coconuts are my favorite fats for eating. Flax and Udo’s oils are great too, but I don’t use these often in my food (and remember to keep them in the fridge! Most oils you buy in plastic and not refrigerated in the store are already rancid!)  I’d rather have the whole seed or nut for eating the way nature packages it.  Oh, and making my own coconut yogurt has opened up a whole new world of flavor, tanginess and super-charged probiotics. I add a little Friendly Force powder sometimes.

Jake Ducey

6. Learning to Leverage the Universe

I’ve been constantly guided to the most amazing mentors, teachers, and tools it’s ridiculous.  I love being in the zone, in the vortex. Yes, I read The Secret and got a little out of it, and then I read The Power and learned a little more about how to actually apply the principles.  It was a nice intro to the power of attraction. But it wasn’t until I found Mike Dooley that I really turbo-charged the process of manifestation.  We made it back into town after traveling just in time to see Mike Dooley speak and sign books in San Diego. The place was packed, standing-room only but no one moved a muscle except to thumb-type a tweet-tweet. We gave him a hug, he signed our copy of Leveraging the Universe, and sent us off into an electrically charged universe. We were magnets for awesomeness like never before.

A new friend with the same incredible message who we also had the luck to meet is Jake Ducey. I was totally captivated and even got choked up during the quick version of his story. Then I was dying to read his new book, Into the Wind, and was so honored that he signed it for us and then spent a few more hours with us in his workshop. He sat down personally with me and mapped out a plan for coordinating all my plans and channeling all my passions that I’ve never been so fired up about. He helped me move from analysis into action so quickly it made my head spin. Something finally clicked and I feel so energized and empowered with the simple but profound concepts I learned from Jake.

When we recently moved to Portland, we knew that we had to get out to some meetups, stat. It’s the easiest way to “show up” and “put yourself out there” in order to speed up the process of attracting awesome people and opportunities. Meetup.com has never let us down- it led us to our beloved Ken & Mario so we could later create KaleUniversity.org together.  It led us down the path the universe had created for us to land our positions with HealthForce.

Aly Good

And now we are part of the most wonderful, loving Meetup group yet again. Every Friday we lay cushions in a circle on the lovely bamboo floor of a yoga studio and chant Sanskrit mantras and soak up the loving wisdom of Aly Good. Sanskrit is a sacred language, spoken by generations of spiritual masters for thousands of years. If you’re into learning more about this practice, enjoy a free guide- Aly’s blog, The Way of Mantra. I’ll also link to (as soon as it has a link you can use to purchase) her newly released 2-CD set for you, Dreaming Dharamsala: Sanskrit Mantra and Mediatation For Empowering You Through Difficult Times. This is a glorious achievement, 9 tracks of mantras you can use to build your own practice, and another disc of meditation with instructions and timers. The first time I heard her recite the Vajrasattva long form mantra, I knew I wanted to someday learn it, it is so hauntingly beautiful. Now with only a couple days practicing with her CD, I am already halfway there.  This practice helps me stop my monkey mind and really focus. For those who aren’t ready to chant, this is beautiful music. It feels like a massage for your chakras and a gift to your spirit.  Joel was delighted to find that one of our business mentors, Chris Brogan has also been incorporating mantra into his daily spiritual practice!

Ok, there’s the first Half!

Let me know in the comments- what did I miss? What do you predict will make my top 5? Check back in the next few days for part deux.

Much Love,

Suzanne

The post My Top 10 Health Strategies: Part 1 appeared first on Kale University.

Even when we know it’s harming us.

The Tomato Effect is explained in the video below and speaks to our nutritional-disconnect with regards to proven solutions.

Many people are waking up to the raw reality that diet and nutritional answers for all our diseases are right in front of us. I know friends who will fight till their death to continue to eat the way they do, even though they know it is killing them. Someone once told me ” Its easier for some people to change their religion than their diet” and from what I’ve seen over the years, that statement for some people rings very true. Others however have embraced this new (yet old as time) way of looking at what makes us healthy. Whole, Organic, Living and nutrient rich foods.

The solutions to all and I mean all our illnesses are right in front of us. Many say that all disease is an opportunity and it’s up to each of us to “be the cause of our own health”. I agree and know for myself this statement to be true.

With the internet at our fingertips we can access and decipher credible information and studies now in very little time and the learning curve has shortened. Healthy recipes are in abundance and if you can’t prepare it alone, there are videos of exactly step by step how to create nutritious plant-based dishes. It just takes a desire and commitment to shifting or maintaining an alkaline state within the body. Look at your addictions or cravings to certain foods (salty, sweet, fatty, starchy, etc.. ) and set a realistic goal to change your diet. Remember that while you shift to a cleaner diet, your body will be in detox mode and you may feel some symptoms from the elimination of toxins from the body. It will all be worth it and not only will you gain back energy, you will begin to think more clearly about what you want in your body and why.

For those who really need more help, can’t do it alone or want a place to get away and heal with other like minded people, I highly recommend this link: OHI

Dr. Michael Greger explains below very clearly why we are caught in the “Tomato Effect” once again and this time with regards to heart disease.

Image sources: www.spanishschoolinspain.com and heart health

Special thanks: http://nutritionfacts.org/video/the-tomato-effect/

The post What is the Tomato Effect and why are we not changing course faster? appeared first on Kale University.

This was a placebo-controlled trial.
Flaxseeds contain lignan phytonutrients and could play a major role in the prevention.

Dr. Greger explains the research results in a short video below.

The post Tests Show Flaxseeds Can Reduce Tumor Growth In Breast Cancer Patients appeared first on Kale University.

Before becoming a Facilitator at O.H.I., I was a participant in their program. It was a deeply moving and enriching experience that I will never forget. This article is meant to inform and share a little about my journey toward optimum health.

When I allowed my body, mind and spirit a chance to detoxify in a safe, loving and caring space, miraculous shifts and changes took place.

Unexpectedly my past came bubbling to the surface

I realized that my body was always meant to be alkaline like my blood and that as a child, adolescent and most of my adult life, I had allowed my body to get very acidic through the food I ate. My diet shifted at an early age from meat and potatoes to a fast food and highly processed diet, which included sodas, chips, fries, lots of meat and sauces galore. I found myself addicted to texture, salt and sugary foods with very little room left for fresh veggies or much fruit. Little did I, or my family know what negative effects were in store for me down the road.

I also yo yo’d up and down with my body weight until one day a doctor told me that I had an overgrowth of Candida and that my blood pressure was dangerously high(200/100). This diagnosis is what lead me on a path to improve my health. The doctor, (who was not your traditional western medicine Doc.) told me to eat fresh organic vegetables and to avoid many of the foods I had spent my entire life enjoying. I was resistant at first but I convinced myself that if I took it seriously one month at a time, what harm could it do, so I gave it a try.

The first book I read was “Feast Without Yeast” and with the help of certain herbs and foods I was able to not only lose weight but get my Candida Overgrowth under control. I never felt better in my life and wanted to learn more about health and how to keep myself fit. Meat and dairy was not being missed much at that point because I felt so energetic and alive without it. I also learned a lot about protein and the myth I had been taught about needing plenty of it. The fact that so many strong herbivores (gorillas, elephants, giraffes etc..) on this planet are thriving gave me my first clue. My body shifted to an alkaline state very quickly with all the fresh veggies I was consuming. After 3 months on the no-yeast diet I slowly introduced fruit back into my routine along with some other healthy and missed foods (like chocolate and fermented sauerkraut – of course not mixed together).

At OHI,

I had an opportunity to detoxify further with fresh, organic, plant-based raw food meals and juices. I also found their classes on the body’s digestion, elimination, mindful exercises, food preparation, food combining and physical activities, to be illuminating, calming and truly life changing. It was just the knowledge I needed to take my health to a new level of awareness and commitment. I had always been aware of certain physiological and mental practices to help keep myself healthy but it wasn’t until I embedded myself into this program that many of those “intellectual knowings” became real and conscious.

They taught us all how to juice Wheatgrass for a daily dose of what Ann Wigmore (a Lithuanian holistic health practitioner, nutritionist, whole foods advocate, health educator and author) discovered was a key detoxifying part of the healing process.

The only way to find out about OHI is by word of mouth from a friend or family member or through an article written about someone’s experience.

I first heard about OHI from friends and people who had gone through the program. The OHI website was also a great way to learn about the organization and programs. They even have a week by week layout of what to expect. www.optimumhealth.org

• Week 1: Focus on the connection between the body, mind, and spirit
• Week 2: Discover tools that can help you make healthier choices
• Week 3: Learn how to take the program home with you.

OHI currently has two locations. One in San Diego and one in Austin Texas. The Austin Campus is a smaller, more intimate facility yet both offer the same health program.

The detoxification program

at OHI is structured in week-long increments, always from Sunday to Sunday and the full program is a 3 week commitment. Some people come a week at a time to accommodate their schedule or vacation time off from work but ideally a 3 week stay is ideal.

There is a very positive aspect to being around others who share in the experience yet knowing that each person has their own journey to pursue. Kindred Spirits can often be discovered at OHI. I highly recommend their PH alkalizing detox program to everyone who is looking for a healthy way to achieve optimum health. Whether you or a loved one has a “health opportunity” (a phrase coined by OHI . It also has a more positive meaning than “a health problem”) or just need to lose some weight, it works beautifully. Some guests have been coming back each year for 20 or 30 years as a maintenance program to tune up, learn something new and enjoy the healing energy of others in this raw-micro-community.

No Cell Phones!

allowed in any open or common space was a pleasant surprise and well received by most all guests. It’s a chance to disconnect and allow the most beneficial healing to take place. You are allowed to use your cell phone in your private room or in the “one and only” telephone booth located in the garden. This no electronic devices policy allows everyone to relax, feel safe, respected and at peace on their own journey. There are a few rooms with internet and a common area with a port to check email for those who absolutely need to stay connected. I found the policy refreshing and a nice disconnection from a world that I had let become so co-dependent.

They typically have around 100 guests at any one time in San Diego .The grounds and classrooms are quite spacious allowing for a very personal and uncrowded feeling. The staff was kind and attentive to all my needs. I was impressed with how knowledgable the class facilitators were and I learned a great deal about my body and how it effects my mind and spiritual connections.

I also realized that it’s all interlaced and as the detoxification of my body began, I felt how quickly my attitude and thoughts began to become clearer and more positive. I considered myself a very positive person before, but there is something unexplainable about being in such a safe space surrounded by others who are on a similar path of optimum health that can not be fully expressed. A sense of Joy and Love for myself and others was bubbling up as I sat in bed each evening reflecting back upon the day’s events.

I continue to meet people from all over the world arriving with their own goals and personal journey. I respect everyone I’ve met at OHI and the transformation I see each week, never ceases to amaze, inspire and fill me with gratitude.

This is not a Spa or Resort. It is however a sacred place for one’s Self to experience and allow the body, mind and spirit to heal in a way that very few environments, these days, allow.

There are hydrotherapy, massage, chiropractic and counseling services available each day.

I enjoyed the fresh organic food very much and never felt hungry or deprived of anything.

Since becoming a Facilitator at OHI, I have a much deeper, clearer understanding and respect of how beautiful and wise each human being is, especially when allowed the opportunity to naturally heal.

The key for me, is through a clean, supportive and safe environment. Our body is designed to eat healthy nutritious foods and yet with the S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) we may have steered ourselves off the path slightly or in my case extremely and all I needed was some encouragement and community to help get back on my path. In my opinion teaching and encouraging others to live a happy, healthy, abundantly rich life is a great mission and worth pursuing. I personally live a peaceful, loving and healthy life without chemicals or drugs and continue to thrive everyday with this lifestyle.

Everyone deserves to know the truth about nutrition and health and how easy it can be to maintain a healthy body.

My first step was educating myself and committing to learn something new, no matter what my friends and family thought.

After a while most all of my friends became very supportive and have since started asking questions for their own knowledge about why food is so vitally important and how it relates to the body’s ability to heal.

We all know someone with a “health opportunity” and seeing it as such (an opportunity) is a very important first step in my opinion. They are not alone and there are many people waking up and learning how important nutrition is to personal health.

Also joining groups with like-minded people to get support has been very helpful here in my hometown. Community Rocks!

Some people metaphorically jump in without fear at the deep end of the pool, and others need to splash around a little and get their toes wet first. I’m a swimmer, so jumping in with both feet was just what I needed to do, to get me started.

Write to me if you have any questions about the OHI program. If I don’t have an answer, I can steer you in the right direction to someone who does.

True power lies in sharing information and empowering others.

Image source: iocasius.deviantart.com and Optimumhealth.org

The post Detoxifying For Optimum Health appeared first on Kale University.

There are many people (and you may know some) who will defend or justify their un-healthy diet till the last fork and knife is pryed from their dying or malnourished hands. For some, old habits can be hard to break and especially today with the added chemicals in the food that makes them highly addictive. Some experts even say “more so than heroin or crack”. Most people craving those “food like products”  get absolutely no nutritional value or nourishment. As they say in the movie Hungry for Change “most over weight people are starving on a cellular level”

Here’s the great news and it’s coming from people all over the world in communities large and small. “Food Matters” ,”Food Heals”, “Food is Medicine”. It’s our responsibility to know what type of food matters and share this knowledge with others in our community. So join groups, start groups, teach the truth, socialize with like minded people and share what you’re learning with your friends, family and global communities. America is not the only country in trouble and yet recently through movie media and internet, this health-shift is taking quantum leaps forward. Share! Share! Share! because someone’s life could depend on it.

Remember that most health challenges can become opportunities and through proper diet, the body’s balance can be restored to its natural state of optimum health.

The big shift in consciousness, awareness and education is now toward R.A.D. (Raw Alkalizing Diet).

Be among the RAD people.

The awakening of those who are actively changing their diets to thrive in a healthy and optimum lifestyle. Illness as we know it can become a distant memory for those willing to learn and get involved with their own health through eating a nutritious, organic, whole food, plant-based diet. The short and longterm effects on our body with regards to Meat and Dairy should be at the top of the list for anyone who is serious about health. The facts may, or may not, surprise you. The good news is, that there’s a lot of credible information out there. Take Forks over Knives or “The China Study” as an example.

Here are some basic tips for those who are new to RAD.

1. Incorporate more raw organic fruits and vegetables into each of  your daily meals. Shifting to at least 80% will help align your body’s PH balance.
2. Read all labels and if you can’t pronounce it or understand exactly what it is or whether it’s good for you, stay away from it. Also make sure you don’t eat GMO foods. Try to find Verified or only organic ingredients on the label.
3. Fermented foods, help feed your internal flora and keep your digestion in good working order. Sauerkraut, Seed Cheese, and Coconut yogurt are a good place to start.
4. Sprouting gives you amazing enzymes and powerful vitamins and minerals.
5. Juicing feeds you on a cellular level and helps give your body a break from the constant digestion routine. Learn to juice it up!
6. Find groups and friends to support you on your health journey. Meetup is a great way to connect with like-minded people.
7. Quieting your mind and the practice of visualizing can help you expedite your health journey. Meditation is a wonderful tool and practice.
8. Having fun, laughing and enjoying life can be a positive side effect of living a RAD life .
9. Being curious and asking questions is good for the Body, Mind and Soul and opens up endless possibilities.
10. Exercise your body and your mind will follow. Get your lymphatic system moving and detoxing.

 You are the peaceful warrior, the mindful activist and even though there may be people around you who scoff at your health journey, we at Kale University applaud you and your like-minded friends.

We will always encourage you to continue supporting a healthy lifestyle.

You are the ones who have awoken, teach and inspire others to learn the true meaning of health, love, joy, peace, abundance and happiness. This starts within each of us and spreads throughout our one world community. You are the sparks of light that illuminate the way for future generations to thrive, like never before.

image source: jump_for_joy_910.jpg

The post Shifting From S.A.D. to R.A.D. Tips For A Healthy Journey. appeared first on Kale University.