Day 9

Today I want to talk about powerful tools that you can use to create change in your life. Meditation and Visualization are tools that help to ground and calm oneself when there is inner turmoil. They are also tools you can use when you want to create positive change in your life. Meditation and Visualization can be a great tool while cleansing the body.
 
Facts about Mediation:

• Meditation is good for you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
• Improves concentration
• Improves ability to learn, communicate and retain information
• Greater Insight and Inspiration
• Promotes Relaxation
• Connecting to your higher self
• Lowers biochemical by-products of stress and changes metabolism
• Helps you have a grounded approach to life’s challenges

 
Meditation Exercise:

• Count out 10 breaths, focusing on the inhalations and exhalations.
• Try repeating an affirmation. Like I am peace. Say “I”on the inhale and “am peace” on the exhale.
• By saying it you remind yourself where you want your energy to flow.
• This will take less than one minute so there is no excuse, but you can continue as long as you would like.
• You can do this anywhere but the best time to do it is with your eyes closed in the morning before you get your day going.

 
Affirmations you might choose while meditating:

• I trust the intelligence in my body
• I am happy, I am free
• I am aligned with spirit
• I bring light into me
• I am awake
• I am grateful and abundant

 
Visualization is more of an active process of mapping out changes you would like to make in your life. We give our brain images and feelings to hold on to, providing a new framework to fit into. Visualization is a tool that I use to manifest the life that I want to create. What we project out into the world, starts with how we experience things on the inside. This is a valuable tool in creating change in your life.
 
Think about if you visualized yourself as healthy, energetic and slim you will probably find that you begin to hold yourself in a poised posture with strength and confidence. Then you will act as the healthy, energetic and slim person which will lead to eating better and exercising more.  
 
Visualization exercise:

Find a comfortable place that you can be quiet and relax. You might want to use music that makes your soul feel bright yet calm.
Close your eyes and start to breath slowly, becoming aware of each inhale and exhale. Focus on how the breathe travels through the body, engaging the mind with the body. Notice that you are becoming lighter and more grounded with each breath.
Keep inhale and exhaling as your thoughts become single focused.
Now in your minds eye, paint a picture of how your life looks when you are feeling healthy, happy and feeling free of worry. How do you want to look and feel during and after this detoxification. People are supportive and full of joy around you. Feel the quiet and peace that surrounds you. Feel the kindess in your heart.
Stay with this as long as you can. Let you thoughts be of gratitude. Say “Thank you”, “I am grateful”, “I honor me”.

Meal Ideas:         
Breakfast: Tofu scramble – Non-Firm organic, non-gmo tofu scrambled with any veggies you have.
Lunch: Veggie Wrap – gluten free tortilla wrapped with lettuce, carrots, avocado, etc. with a side of Vegan Coleslaw
Dinner: Gnocchi Tossed with Mushroom Cream Sauce
 
Recipes:
Vegan Coleslaw
Ingredients:

• 1/2 head green cabbage, finely sliced
1/2 head red cabbage, finely sliced
4 stalks of celery, finely sliced
1 carrot, grated
1/2 red onion, sliced in half moons
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced in half moons
1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped

Dressing:

•      1 1/2 cup Vegenaise Dressing
1 1/2 Tbsp.Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
•      Combine the dressing in a separate bowl then add to the cabbage mixture. Using tongs, gently combine the cabbage mixture with the dressing. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes prior to serving.

 
 
Gnocchi Tossed with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe
  For the Gnocchi

• 1 lb white potatoes
• 2 oz. silken tofu, mashed or pureed
• 2 Tbsp. chickpea flour
• 2 Tbsp. potato starch
• Salt to taste

 
 Directions: 

• Place the potatoes in a large pot filled with water. Bring to boil and let cook for 20 minutes or until tender.
• Drain potatoes, put in bowl and mash until smooth
• Sprinkle with tofu, flour and starch into the bowl with one hand while kneading into the potatoes with the other hand.
• Divide dough into 3 pieces and form into 1-2 inch roll. Cut the roll into inch-long sections and press each with a fork.
• Repeat with remaining dough.
• Drop the gnocchi, one at a time into heavily salted boiling water. 
• Cook for 2-3 minutes or until they rise to the surface.

 
 For the sauce

• 2 Tbsp. vegan butter (try Earth balance brand)
• 8-12oz of Shitake mushrooms
• 1-2 clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/4 cup unsweetened rice milk
• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• juice of lemon
• salt and pepper to taste

 
 Directions:

• Melt 1 Tbsp. of the vegan butter in a saute pan.
• Add the mushrooms and garlic and saute until soft.
• Remove from the pain and set aside
• Add the remaing tablespoon of vegan butter to the pan and when melted, pour in milk
• Gradually wisk cornstarch
• Add parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes or until thick.
• Toss with cooked gnocchi and serve immediately.