The Joy of Detoxing: Fasts, Cleanses and Detoxes

Traditionally, people would fast or eat lighter in the spring time. One of my holistic health coach mentors recommends doing an annual cleanse or detox in the spring. Detoxes can help to move stuck energy. If you’re feeling tightness, aches and pains, you have stuck energy.

Energy is everywhere. Your body is an energetic body. It is meant to move. Organs and body parts are meant to move. During the winter months we tend to consume heavy foods because the body needs warm, building foods. Although these types of foods are necessary in the winter they can stagnate the body. Spring is a great time to lighten the load off of the body. As the weather warms up it makes sense to eat more salads and cooling foods.

Before you read further - this is really important. If you are deficient (feeling weak), pregnant or trying to conceive, DO NOT go on a fast, cleanse or detox. It is NOT for your condition and it is NOT safe for you.

The spring of 2018 I went on a two week liver cleanse and I got my husband on a three day liver cleanse. His was more challenging since he couldn’t have food, just water and the concoction that I made for him. During the holidays that same year I decided to do something that I’d never done. I went on a 45 day detox. Forty-five days is a long time but since I’d done cleanses before it was like a walk in the park. So I said goodbye to all the food and sweets that I’d normally indulge in. That meant no pecan pie or pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, Christmas cookies or sweets, birthday cake for my son’s birthday (I did make him two gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free birthday cakes though), and New Year’s treats and libations for me. Of course, everyone else in my household enjoyed the holiday dishes and traditions as I prepared a lot of the baked sweets for the family. What did I eat? I made my own wholesome, organic meals. I was on the most strict diet and protocol I’d ever been on.

How did I stick to my detox plan? It took a lot of will power and trust in the plan. Mostly it was my “why” that kept me focused. Although I went from weighing 118 pounds to about 108 pounds (I’m about 5’2”), I did the detox to get healthier (I was already healthy; I take no medications, over the counter drugs, pills or supplements whatsoever) and to feel my very best.

The results of the detox were amazing! During and after the detox I felt my strongest and most energetic. Even going to exercise at barre class regularly or irregularly I didn't experience soreness or body aches. Even my breathing improved and amplified. I felt like I was breathing air in the mountains.

The Joy of Detoxing starts this Wednesday, February 26, 2020 in time for Lent. (This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday already.) I will be personally going on the 45 day detox. Would you like to join me?

The Joy of Detoxing is available at
http://diostiagngina.com/favorites/the-joy-of-detoxing.

What would it take for you to live a new brilliant life going forward? What would it take for you to embrace new possibilities? 

The Joy of Sleep: Suffering from Anxiety and Paranoia

Have you or someone you know ever experienced anxiety or paranoia at night?

About six years ago when my son was about a year old I started noticing that I couldn’t sleep so easily at night.  My husband had a few overnight stays for work each month and I found myself feeling super anxious and somewhat paranoid during those times. 

It got to be so bad.  

Every sound that I could hear at night terrified me.  I could hear the cars driving by outside of the house. I could hear sounds throughout the house and that would keep me up.  

I would get frantically upset.  I would jump into conclusions.  I felt so scared and alone.

I would even pray the Rosary multiple times at night.  

Unfortunately, I found no solace for my sleeping problem. 

So my problem continued and eventually I became very, very sick with debilitating fatigue and numerous gut issues.

My life became all about constant worry and sleepless nights.

As a certified integrative nutrition health coach one of the biggest complaints that I keep hearing from clients and loved ones is lack of sleep.  

Sleep is imperative in the healing process.  

And yet so many people worldwide aren’t getting good quality sleep.  

The Joy of Sleep is my contribution to those who are dealing with insomnia and sleep problems.  I remember how bad my sleep issues were so I understand how one feels when dealing with sleep disorders. I’m sharing my knowledge and experience of the very best natural holistic sleep solutions available so that people can finally get the much needed deep sleep their bodies require.  

To join The Joy of Sleep program there is a one time investment of $20 in celebration of the new year. But you shouldn’t wait.  This promo price is available up until Sunday, January 26, 2020.  The price will go up to $99 as we will start the program on Monday, January 27, 2020. You can find details here. 

How does it get any better than that?

For those of you who do not know my health story this picture represents me at my sickest point.  I was emaciated at 95 pounds. I’m about 5 feet 2 inches.  My debilitating fatigue was out of control to the point in which I couldn’t leave the house or my bedside.  This went on for several months. Talking about sleep, I just couldn’t even fall asleep. Why?  Because sleep requires energy which I had none of.  

The good news is that God answered my prayers and led me to a holistic healthy path that I am forever grateful for. Thanks be to God.

The Joy of Sleep: Sleepless Nights with a Newborn

From day one my son would cry all the time.  I’m telling you; he was born with a full set of healthy pipes.  

I remember at the hospital the nurses would come often to check on him because they could hear him from down the hall.  They quickly realized that he was a naturally loud crying baby.  

Even today if you ever get to sit near us at church his singing voice is pretty powerful.   

As a new mom I hardly slept.  At tops I was lucky to get two or three hours of sleep. My baby loved being in my arms.  If I put him down to sleep he would cry.  So I ended up holding him all night long sleeping sitting up on the sectional.  

If only I had the knowledge that I have now about sleep and how to get really good deep sleep.  

Because back then I got cranky and irritable many times.  There were times when I myself cried because my baby was a constant crier and nothing that I did could appease or soothe him.  I believe my husband joined us as well for those crying episodes!

So picture this.  Mom, dad, and baby boy all crying at the same time.

Yes, that was our reality seven years ago.

The awesome thing is through my experience with nutrition school, health coaching, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine and other holistic modalities I’ve created a new online course all about how to get deep and restful sleep.  

Do you know what else is wonderful?  My husband, son and I get really good restful sleep nowadays.  Things can change for the better if you have the knowledge that keeps you in good health and wellness.

If you or anyone in your family is dealing with sleepless nights, restlessness, or even a dependency on sleeping aids this course is for you.

Now picture this. 

You aren’t feeling anxious at night anymore.

You aren't staring at the ceiling for hours waiting to fall asleep.

You don’t need the sleeping pills, CPAP machines, sleep tests, etc. ever again.

You and the children can finally sleep soundly.

And no one is gritting or grinding their teeth.

The Joy of Sleep includes my best tips and solutions to finally get the sleep that you and your loved ones deserve.  Every recommendation in the course is effective, practical, simple, safe and natural.  It’s a culmination of all that I’ve learned since becoming a certified integrative nutrition health coach.  How does it get any better than that?  

The Joy of Sleep launches on Monday, January 27.  The doors on the promo price will close this Sunday, January 26.  

Is your body asking for more ease and joy this year? If so, get in early here.

Clean Cookies

I sure hope everyone is having a fantastic new year so far!  

For every new year's eve party when I was growing up my mom had the family wear polka dots and as many round accessories as possible.  At the turn of the clock of each new year we had to gobble down twelve grapes for good luck.  

I don't have the grapes anymore.  I just don't agree with stuffing myself with food at such a late hour and I think this new year's was the first in which my family and I were sound asleep before midnight!  However, I do my best to find round patterns to wear if we go out to eat.  Oh, traditions!  You have to love them.

Here's another round object that I think is wonderful to have for new year's and really anytime of the year.  Healthy, delicious cookies.  I love cookies!  If I could eat them every single day I would!  

You're in luck because I have two clean cookie recipes just for you created by my friend.  These cookies are perfect for diabetics and those who don't like dessert too sweet.  Even those who have a sweet tooth will love both of these recipes.  Coconut sugar is low glycemic and can always be adjusted to taste.  But always remember sugar is sugar.      

My friend is nine years old and he has a passion for food.  Since my friend can't have almonds these cookies are made with hazelnut flour and peanut butter powder.  You could easily use organic peanut butter if you can't find peanut butter powder.  For those who can't have peanut butter, I recommend using almond flour and raw almond butter.  

These cookies are so easy to make that they are a wonderful way to get everybody in the family to help out!  But they are addicting so remember to count how many you eat or else you may end up eating the whole batch.  Have fun baking!

Clean Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

*Makes 14 cookies

1 cup hazelnut flour 

1/4 cup organic peanut butter powder

1/4 cup organic virgin coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup organic coconut sugar

2 large pasture raised eggs

1/2 cup organic chocolate chips

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp Himalayan pink sea salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 350F.  Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2.  Place the Hazelnut Flour, coconut sugar, sea salt and baking soda in the food processor.  Pulse a few times to combine and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

3.  Lightly beat the eggs with the vanilla in a small bowl.

4.  Melt the coconut oil on the stovetop on low.  

5.  Add the eggs, melted coconut oil to the large mixing bowl. Mix to combine. 

6.  Add the chocolate chips in last.  

7.  Drop 1 tbsp sized cookies into the cookie sheets, allowing room for expansion.  Flatten with a fork.

8.  Bake for 10 - 15 minutes on middle rack.  

Hemp Seed Cookies

Ingredients

*Makes 14 cookies

1 cup hazelnut flour 

1/4 cup organic peanut butter powder

1/4 cup organic virgin coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup organic coconut sugar

2 large pasture raised eggs

1/4 cup raw shelled hemp seeds

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp Himalayan pink sea salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 350F.  Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2.  Place the Hazelnut Flour, coconut sugar, sea salt and baking soda in the food processor.  Pulse a few times to combine and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

3.  Lightly beat the eggs with the vanilla in a small bowl.

4.  Melt the coconut oil on the stovetop on low.  

5.  Add the eggs, melted coconut oil to the large mixing bowl. Mix to combine. 

6.  Add the hemp seeds in last.  

7.  Drop 1 tbsp sized cookies into the cookie sheets, allowing room for expansion.  Flatten with a fork.

8.  Bake for 10 - 15 minutes on middle rack.  

“Healthy, delicious cookies.  I love cookies!  If I could eat them every single day I would! ”

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Set The World On Fire

In fall of 1994 I was among the students of the incoming freshmen class at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.  The freshmen class was gathered at William and Mary Hall for the convocation.  One of the speakers told us to look at the person on our left and then on our right.  The speaker went on to say that our class was among the brightest incoming classes ever.  I forget the percentage but it was something like 90 percent of my class were either salutatorians or valedictorians of their graduating high school class.  More importantly, the speaker passed on some very smart advice to us young men and women that every college student should take to heart.  He said, "Take classes that interest you.  If you've never taken a kinesiology class or a philosophy class take it.  Major in what you want to major in.  Not what your parents or your brother or sister want.  Major in what you want."

I did graduate from The College of William and Mary in four years and I'm very proud of that.  But I did not major in what my parents had planned for me.  They had hoped that I would choose a career path just like my late paternal grandfather, Pastor Fabunan, who was an accountant.  The truth was that the economics and business courses were not meant for me.  Yeah, they definitely were NOT meant for me!  I struggled and I humbly withdrew from or failed a couple of those classes.  Instead I majored in Spanish.  Why?  In my junior year I took a hard look at my grades and immediately noticed that my best grades were from my modern language classes.  At the time I loved immersing myself in the romance languages and I excelled in them especially Spanish.  There was also pressure from my mom to complete my studies in four years so a BA in Spanish it was! 

And this is true for much of life.  By pretending to be something that we are not we can never be happy or be true to ourselves.  Life will always be an upward struggle.  I love this quotation by Saint Catherine of Siena:  "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire."  Life is so short.  Why pretend or delve into misery, right?  

For about 12 years of my young professional life I was a banker for large and small banks and I did pretty well for myself.  The problem was that I pushed myself at work and I never really loved it.  I pushed myself to the limit working extremely late hours and even on the weekends.  I liked certain aspects of bank management like leading, coaching, and encouraging my team members but deep down inside I was never completely happy or satisfied.   

What changed for me?  I got married to a wonderful man and we had a beautiful baby boy.  But then my health spiraled downward and I hit rock bottom to the point of being bedridden.

Eventually I found the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and in a year I became a certified integrative nutrition health coach.  I utilized the knowledge that I learned from IIN and thankfully I started to heal my condition.  I was so intrigued with the use of food as medicine that I continued my education taking an alternative healing course.  I then used that education to help myself completely heal and my own family heal their conditions ranging from eczema, food sensitivities, high blood pressure, and heart burn.  I continue to take holistic health courses because of my passion in helping others heal their own conditions.  And, yes, since I've found my calling I want to set the world on fire!

I believe that any disease or ailment can be reversed.  Anyone can heal with the right foods, mindset, and proper rest.  That's the beauty of working with a health coach especially an integrative nutrition health coach.  We health coaches are trained to really listen to our clients and help them heal on a deep physical, emotional, and spiritual level.  

I love the flexibility that I am allowed.  I am able to be the kind of wife, homeschooling mom, blogger, and integrative nutrition health coach that I want to be.  Thanks be to God, my faith and family will always come first but I have found a wondrous joy in health coaching and there is nothing else I'd rather be doing.  Find your truth, your voice, and your purpose, and you will set the world on fire.  And after that there is no going back!

For A Healthy And Happy 2018

Sign up for one of my programs!

My 1 Month Health Coaching Program

““Take classes that interest you.  If you’ve never taken a kinesiology class or a philosophy class take it.  Major in what you want to major in.  Not what your parents or your brother or sister want.  Major in what you want.””

“I love this quotation by Saint Catherine of Siena:  ’Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.’”

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The Heart

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the world.  It has affected my own family -- heart disease was the cause of death for my maternal grandparents who died at relatively young ages, as well as my paternal grandfather.  

My maternal grandparents had eleven children but only three are still  living.  My mom and her two younger sisters have surpassed their parents' age at their deaths.  Most of my maternal aunts and uncles died from heart complications including heart attack and stroke, and passed away in their 40s and 50s.  

And earlier this month actor Alan Thicke passed away from a heart related issue.  This sad news reminded me of how important heart health is and how important it is to care for your heart as well as the other major organs in the body.

My Health For The Holidays series is all about taking steps now to nurture and strengthen these organs in order to enjoy a fruitful, healthy life.  I am starting with the heart because heart disease is such a common health problem.

What Are The Leading Triggers For Heart Disease?

1. Inflammation
2. Infection (viruses, parasites, bacterial) which leads to inflammation
3. Poor immunity which leads to infection which leads to inflammation
4. Overeating (excessively heavy meals)
5. Stress

Foods That Support The Heart

As with many other health issues, there are certain foods that can help people with heart disease and there are foods that should be avoided.  People with high blood pressure should consume less red meat, eggs and spicy food.  They should eat more fish, chicken, turkey, fruits, and vegetables.  Fried foods are harmful because they congest the heart.  Coffee should be avoided.  Water should be the beverage of choice when supporting the heart.  Herbal teas are also an excellent choice.     

Health For The Holidays Tea Collection

As part of my Health For The Holidays series, a sample blend of delicious herbal teas will be offered to anyone who signs up for my 6 month program (sample teas are available to US residents only at this time).  My Health For The Holidays Tea Collection includes Heart Tea I, Heart Tea II,  Kidney Tea, Gut Tea, and Wellness Tea.  Each tea is specifically mixed with just the right amount of medicinal herbs that target good heart, kidney, and gut health, as well as good bodily function.  All teas in my collection are made with organic, high quality herbs that have been used for thousands of years in eastern medicine.  This is food that is truly medicine that will help heal the heart.    

Who Can Drink Heart Tea I and Heart Tea II?

Heart Tea I can be taken by anyone who wants to support heart health even those who do not have heart problems.  Anyone who has suffered from a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, hypertensive heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart arrhythmia, congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, carditis, aortic aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, venous thrombosis, and any other heart problem will benefit greatly from Heart Tea I.

Heart Tea II is specially mixed for those of you who have high blood pressure.  

Men, women, and children can have Heart Tea I and Heart Tea II.  I would recommend smaller amounts for children since they are still growing and don't need as much as adults.  The teas are also safe to drink during pregnancy.  For adults who really need the heart support, I would replace a cup of coffee with this delicious heart tea daily.  

Consult With Me For A Healthy Heart

Want more ways to support the heart?  I am available for a free hour long consult to discuss your health history.  And of course, you can also decide to sign up for my 6 month program. 

My 6 Month Program (which can be extended) includes:

• 1-hour scheduled coaching sessions twice a month
• Unlimited email and phone support throughout the program
• A pantry makeover
• Delicious recipes and natural food recommendations
• Guidance in making lifestyle adjustments 
• Health For The Holidays Tea Collection gift set (for a limited time only)

You can work with me in person, virtually (Skype or FaceTime), or by telephone through one-on-one or group sessions.  To schedule an appointment, I may be reached at info@elainejavier.com or here.  

The Good News

There are studies that show that most disease can be reversed given the proper foods and timing.  My tea collection and other suggestions are not an immediate cure all for heart disease but with patience and consistent effort, you will see positive results, and in time your body will heal with the right nourishment and support.

If you would like the opportunity to try my Health For The Holidays Tea Collection, please like and comment below.  One participant will win a gift set to try out the teas at the end of my Health For The Holidays series.  

Cheers to a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy heart!  I'm giving you a huge virtual hug but give yourself a hug and your loved ones as well.  Your heart will thank you!

“All teas in my collection are made with organic, high quality herbs that have been used for thousands of years. This is food that is truly medicine that will help heal the heart. ”

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