This is one of the most simple and best books on nutritional perspsctive I have seen (and it is only thirty-six pages)!

Yes, you have to click here and add your email to get a free copy of the book.  Some of you will think it's too much effort, some of you will not be able to wait.  When you are ready to hear it, you will read it.

Some of the many profound things she addresses in her book:

"I’d say 'check with your doctor before implementing any of this dietary advice' but well-meaning yet misguided and ill-informed “experts” are half the reason we’re in this pickle. So check with your stomach instead."

"If you’re a big person, use a big plate. If you’re a small person, use a small plate."

"Orange juice is not real food."

"Grains, especially wheat, spread their ill-will far and wide, starting with tearing you a third (fourth, and six thousandth) asshole inside your intestines, and then running amok into the rest of your body."

>> It's called leaky gut... I had it (BHM)

"If you struggle to 'do the right thing' when it comes to food, you’re not a sloth; your rational brain is just over-booked. Your self-control is busy preventing you from stabbing your boss, shoplifting, and running red lights."

"Your relationship with food and eating is your relationship with life."

And as Scott-Dixon says, 

*Yes, this book has cuss words. Many of them. Deal with it. Hey, it’s free. You get what the fuck you pay for.

Enjoy, xx, B

Last night, I got really sick. Food poisoning it seems (yuck!). So, today, I was frail and had a timid belly. I felt like all I could eat was brown rice.  

Since I was out of rice, my neighbor came through BIG time and brought some over (thanks, Steph!!). Yet, as I prepared this porridge dish, I actually decided that I did not want the sugar content in my belly right away.  So, I had poached eggs and broccoli with plain rice to coddle my empty body. Since I had already begun making the porridge liquids, I tasted it to see how the flavors were changing over time.  It became more delicious as time went by.  Therefore, I decided I would let it sit and have this as an afternoon snack and I believe that was to my/your advantage!

Here's what I did to create this delightful snack >

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon raw honey
1/4 C apple, diced small
2 dates, pits removed, diced small
10 (or so) goji berries
1/2 C almond milk, unsweetened
1/2 C cooked brown rice
1 Tablespoon Nativas Naturals Twister Power powder (say that three times!!!)

• Place cinnamon, honey, fruits in a bowl and fold together.
• Cover with milk.
• Let this sit for at least 15 minutes, and up to six hours, for the flavors to really come together and for it to reach room temperature*. 
• If using left-over brown rice, steam to re-heat while your flavor delight melds together (please don't ruin this with a microwave).
• Once warm, add rice to liquid mixture.
• Stir-in powder. The powder thickens a bit because it is made with chia and flax, so be prepared to serve right away. 

*Because the milk is room temp, this dish is served warm, not hot. I believe that the flavor and texture of the fruit is retained this way.
**For more thickness and protein, you can add in coconut butter. It is delicious! I put a spoon-full in the steamer with my rice to warm it up and make it creamy (see below).

Photo on left is from making it last week, with coconut butter, having not stirred liquid mixture or let it sit. Photo on right is today's yummy mix, that tasted so much better!!

Enjoy!

Part of what makes me so happy about having a platform to share with people, is just that: sharing.  It is not just a way to dialogue, but legitimately get you amped up on something that I think is really great.  If you know me, then you know as soon as something sparks my interest, I want to share it.  And, I pretty much want to be an expert at it, too ;)  When I learn a new type of movement that I think really works, I almost immediately see what it would take to become certified.  When I read an article about nutrition that sounds good, I want to know if the writer's stance has backing, and if so, who, what, and why.  I research food products, I research cleaning products, I research just about anything I use day to day.  And, I if I like it, you are probably going to hear about it!

This week, I received a blog update from a woman in San Francisco, Heidi Swanson: A list of her favorite things.  You may know her from her website, 101cookbooks.com.  You may also know her from my suggesting her cookbook.  For my birthday, in 2009, Lorrie and Kelly gave me her book: Super Natural Cooking.  I fell in love with the images, simplicity of adding nutrient rich foods to your meal and I even bought it for a couple of you.  Heidi's website/blog says this, "This is where I like to write about the recipes that intersect my life, travels and interests. I write cookbooks, love natural foods, take lots of pictures, do a good amount of globetrotting, and like to make lists of favorite things."  Easy to see why I'd like her, huh?

So, because I've been wanting to write about a bunch of different things, I thought, "why not just [copy Heidi and] make a favorites list?!"  These are all things that I am really into right now.  I am trying to keep it simple here, without too much text.  So, if you require/desire more info, comment below or email me with questions.  Happy exploring!

Apples.
Aomori prefecture (where we live) is known for it's apples.  The best season here is in the winter.  I am eating them daily! I like the smaller, yellow, Japanese ones, but some grow far bigger than my fist!

Justin's Nut Butter.*
Long been a favorite.  If you haven't tried this stuff, get on it!  1) chocolate hazelnut butter 2) maple almond butter 3) dark chocolate peanut butter cups.

go raw.*
All raw, organic, gluten free, sprouted, nut free (they use seeds), sugar free.  Ginger, lemon or spirulina cookies all do it for me.  Ingredients are on the front of the bag; they want you to know what's it in!

Lydias Organics.*
Gluten-free, raw, organic, vegan.  All seeds/nuts are sprouted.  Ingredients include <3 p="">

Pinterest.
Quit bookmarking things online that look cool.  You can do it here, get inspiration from others and categorize! Just check it out: http://pinterest.com/bebeingbecome/

Onsens.
These are natural hot springs in Japan.  You go, get naked, wash up like you have never bathed before, scrubbing all over… then get into the tubs.  There are cold, warm, hot and extremely hot tubs: indoor and out.  They are anti-gravity, extremely health supportive and Japanese people go frequently.  We have one a ten minute walk from home (which we go to at least once per week) but it is common to go to a ryokan (onsen hotel) for travel and leisure.  My favorite is to sit outside while it snows!  Yesterday, we went to one with an infinity tub that rolled into a pond.  Pond had fish and ducks, and wild pheasants flying near a waterfall.  It was beautiful!!! 

Mate Tea, loose leaf.
Daily, before my breakfast.  Steep for 4-5 minutes (promptly remove), with almost boiling water.  Kinda nutty flavor, caffeine without a buzz, more antioxidants than green tea.  Oh, and matte in Japanese means wait ;)

Driving on the left.  
I just like it now.  It is no longer a scary event, but a welcome challenge.  I use my left side mirror to get better depth perception and now it feels… uh oh… kinda normal!  Wipers on the left of steering wheel, blinker on the right, seat belt on the right.  Re-acclimating to US driving, in my big a** car should be a treat!

Driving in gloves.
It's cold.  And, I think those fancy car people are onto something.

Slippers.
In the US, we wear our shoes everywhere.  Elsewhere, not so much.  In Canada, you remove your shoes upon entry mostly because there's going to be snow on your boots, and Aaron taught me this etiquette for our home (plus, I am a germaphobe, so it really works for me).  In Austria, people have slippers for you at their home.  In Japan, there are slippers for you everywhere (even special toilet room slippers).  I like it and I am sticking with it.  

TranquiliT.
I am part of the TranquiliT Tribe, and there's a reason: I love this stuff!!  They call it "eco-luxe lifestyle wear."  So comfortable, versatile pieces, made with organic bamboo.  Currently, I live in the turtlenecks and frequently wear the leg warmers over my straight leggings for yoga to-and-fro. 

Ecco Boots.
Affordable, warm, waterproof.  I have never tied them up, I just slip on and off everyday.  And, I do mean everyday!  In Czech and Austria, I could wear more fancy shoes because we didn't have a lot of snow.  But, in Hachinohe, they are it.  They work with all colors, great with legging-style pants or skinny boot jeans.

twitter.
It's basically where I get my news these days.  If I like a headline, I read it.  I chose who's sending stuff my way. Easy.  More aesthetically pleasing since the update a couple months ago.

Men's-style pajama sets.
Great for winter.  Great when you have guests.  Good loungers while enjoying your morning mate (tea).

Steaming.
Specifically, left-over quinoa or rice to re-heat it.  I have two burners.  I boil hot water for tea on one burner, pouring extra water into my pot for later.  When later arrives, I have it all ready for the steam.  Lately, my go-to mid-morning meal is red quinoa with broccoli, shitakes and carrots topped with poached eggs.  I put my quinoa in a strainer as I bring the left-over/extra tea water to a boil.  On my other burner, I warm water for poaching eggs.  I steam the quinoa for a minute or so.  I then pour my eggs into poaching water.  I then add veggies on top of quinoa and top with the lid.  The timing is pretty spot on for perfectly poached eggs and textured veggies.  Try it (as seen above)!

Well, that's it for now.  I like these lists: I can get a lot into one page :)
xx, B 

*Justin's sent to me here by the best gal ever, Dana Griffin!! Others ordered into Japan from iHerb.com which I am also really loving right now, since it literally saved my life while living in Japan!!!!

I typically try to really absorb the culture of where I am living, be it in the US or abroad, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. When living in other countries I have never been one to bring foods from the US (classics: ranch, mac n'cheese, vanilla extract). I try to always have traditional meals, and traditional and seasonal delights: tapas and tinto de verano in the Spanish summer, fish n chips out of a paper wrapping in London, fish and potato salad for Czech Christmas, schnitzel, apple strudel and prosecco with strawberry juice in Austria (never mind my obsession with the topfenkolache and cappuccinos)… and I am never, ever let down!!! But this time is different; this time, I have some serious hurdles. And this time, the local foods just aren't jiving with my body. I feel very loved, as many friends have offered to mail me food and help a girl out. Last week, I received an amazing package of quinoa, almond butter and chocolate hazelnut butter from my bestie, Dana. We are not talking a small package, but two bags classic quinoa, two red quinoa, three maple almond butters and three chocolate hazelnut butters! This rocked my world, D, thank youuuu!!!! And, I met a man who lives in Hachinohe, but is from the US… interesting story:

Aaron finds a yoga studio in Hachinohe when he arrives. He searches various information in regard to it and finds out that the owner, Barry, studied in Boulder, CO. He emails Barry but never hears back. He visits studio but no one is there. Months later, I arrive, and attend a yoga class, meeting Barry. Barry actually did get Aaron's email and replied (lost in the inter web ethers) telling him that he has lived in Hachinohe for eighteen years and plays hockey in a social league. He studied in Boulder for five years, as did his wife, who is from Japan. We had such instant familiarity and connections, yay!!

So, Barry tells me some things about the groceries here. Many stores are not uber-stacked with produce, because most people have their own gardens. He also told me about a couple of places that deliver foods to Japan, and so I quickly checked out the websites. It turns out, I made a nice order of foods from iHerb.com and it was delivered to Japan within days. SO excited! This, and Dana's quinoa and nut butter, has made my life so much better in the last week!!! Also this week, I discovered a cool thing at the grocery store. There is a section in produce, that is sometimes set up, in a wooden crate, and it has a photo of some women and where they live. In this crate (I have deduced) are the foods that these women grow! Today, Aaron and I tried a new grocery store, and there were smaller bins with names, addresses and images of the gardeners. Local produce at it's best!! *I had read about this with meats in Japan, that you can scan the data matrix code and your are shown a photo of the animal that you are buying, or at least where is was raised and see who cared for it… I love this idea (but haven't seen it anywhere in Hachinohe)!!* So, with the ability to eat at home everyday for the last many days, to eat home-style quinoa, the grain-free granola and sprouted seed crackers that were ordered, the chocolate hazelnut butter as a treat, and finding the most local produce, I am doing better: emotionally and physically! My last downfall is the 'milk' situation. For my smoothies, I have found coconut milk at an international liquor store (can't recall if previously mentioned, but they also had Boulder brand potato chips there ODD/AWESOME). But, the coco milk is borderline rancid-tasting. And, I have found soy milk here but it is not organic and they import the soybeans from Canada (the whole local thing goes out the window) and I would not typically eat soy products in the US to begin with (unless fermented and organic). So, although not optimal, it is working!

I know I shouldn't dwell on the past, but do you remember how excited I was for the groceries in Austria?! Since they lead the EU in organic/bio farming, I was in pure heaven and there was a biomarkt in every neighborhood (meaning everything in the store was bio/organic!!!!)!!! I just have to say, wow, was I spoiled (they also had lots of gf options there)! But, moving forward, I am adapting; maybe here more than any other place I have lived. But, then again, I get to experience things like the Great Buddha… seems like a fair enough trade to me.

I can't write much about my experience to see him because it was so deeply felt and magnetic on an ancient level (my highly intuitive friend believes I have been there in a previous life, and I believe I have lived in Japan before…and Czech, for that matter). What I can say about the Great Buddha, is that when I got off of my train in Kamakura, I did not have to look at a sign, I knew where he was (this happened every time I was in Prague, too, no matter where I was going). I was drawn to him energetically and by the hawks that watch over him. I had an incredible moment where I got to walk into his body… and was there by myself, inside the belly of the Buddha. Powerful. Healing. It was all I could do to walk around him, not staring right into his face, my entire visit. I made rounds and rounds, not wanting to leave. I burned incense and gave offerings, I bought relics, I meandered. In truth, this is the only place in Japan I really needed to go while I am here. I am totally fulfilled with that experience, although if he was closer (appx 3 hrs bullet train and 1.5 hrs local train), I would go see him as often as possible. So, if you ever have the opportunity, please go visit my dear friend.

What more can I say? Giving and taking. Releasing and growing. Ebbing and flowing. Living.

The image above is the inner core of the Buddha, his belly... where insight is felt and wisdom known.

Images of the Great Buddha (although I took hardly any, from my standards), HERE
Images from our grocery store (where it says no cameras but I tried anyway), HERE
Images from Christmas in Sapporo, HERE
Images of our New Year's Day temple venture (with Barry and his wife, Hiroko), HERE
Images of our neighborhood, HERE

As I speedily came into the new year this weekend, I realized that I needed a little more time in 2011!  I had not yet set aside time to reflect on my year's past and what I wanted for the year ahead.  Each year, by New Year's Day, I like to create some goals or strategies to bring me forth into a renewed energy.  I typically ask Aaron to join me in this task, and sometimes we share our findings, sometimes not.  But, to me, it is always worth while.  

Last year was pretty profound for me.  I did a lot, and a lot changed in my inner being.  But, I came across an exercise that reminded me I was focussing on just a few things rather than alllllll of the things I had really experienced.  

As many of you know, I stumbled upon Sara Avant last year on Twitter, and subsequently signed up for her Way of the Happy Woman retreat in Thailand just two days before it began.  This, in itself, created a whole wave of change within me… and I have been interning with her and assisting her on-and-off since March.  If you know me and read my blogs, you may be saying, OK OK, I've heard enough about this Sara person.  But the truth is, I have learned more potent information from her, as a friend, a teacher, an energetic mentor than anyone else I can recall in years past.  So, I listen to what she has to say.

>> If you do not know of her, click here to watch a video about what she does (I'm in it ;)

I receive Sara's 'journal entries' via my inbox and am continuously inspired by her writing, her insights and sources of study.  Last night, I completed her book (as it is written seasonally, and winter is the final chapter) and literally smiled at what it offers, through simplicity and realistic expectations of one's self.  The latest journal entry came as a sum of her year past and her dreams for the coming year (seen here: The Good, Bad, and Ugly).  

This was a gateway for me to click through to the Not So Big Life site and forum, and to come across questions that I found extremely relevant for reflecting and creating this New Year outlook.  The questions involve finding answers within yourself about abundance, disappointments, actions, blessings, patterns, effects…  There are questions about the past, the present, and for the future.  

Today, I am writing to highly suggest you sit down and take a look.  It is recommended that these be done over time, perhaps a few days or longer.  But, I spent a few hours last night diving in and was more than pleased with what it stirred in me (realization, chagrin, fear, gratitude).  Please read the entire idea behind the exercise here, but find the questions site owner/author, Sarah Susanka, asks below:

Past

How have I spent my time in the past year? 

What are the results of the actions I have taken? 

What events, realizations, and understandings have come into being over the past twelve months? 

What has inspired me over the past year? 

What blessings have I received during the year? 

What were my sorrows and disappointments from the year, and how have I been changed by them? 

What were my enthusiasms, accomplishments, creations and joys, and how have I been changed by them? 

What books have I read this year and what impact have they had? 

What movies and other entertainments have moved me this past year, and in what ways? 

What journeys have I taken? 

What patterns and themes have I noticed in my nighttime dreams? 

What have been my most significant dreams, and how have they affected me? 

What patterns and themes have I noticed in my waking dream? 

What conditioned patterns have I recognized, and what experiences have allowed me to see them more clearly? 

What hidden beliefs have I uncovered in working with these conditioned patterns? 

What previously unrecognized aspects of my personality have been revealed? 

What habitual patterns have I experimented with or changed? 

What new patterns of behavior have I adopted over the past year, and what effects have they had?

Present 

How am I different this year than I was last year at this time? 

How can I integrate the key lessons of this past year into my life? 

Are there any strategies, phrases, questions or flags that have particular significance for me right now? If so, why? 

Are there any things I’m being asked to do right now that I am rejecting? If so, what would happen if I simply did them? 

Are there any things I’m trying to force into existence right now? If so, what would happen if I stopped trying to make them happen? 

Are there any new characters in my life that can reveal to me unrecognized aspects of who I am? 

What recent synchronicities do I recall? What do they appear to point toward? 

To what part of myself am I giving birth? 

What am I becoming? 

Who am I really? 

Has my experience of time changed at all since last year? 

Future

Specifically what is it that I wish to focus on or experience in the coming year? 

If I could see far into the future, what wishes, longings, or creations will I be bringing into being, or engaging in some way? 

If I could sum up all my desires and longings into one simple statement, spoken from the highest aspect of myself, what would it be? 

*ALL questions above are written by Sarah Susanka and shared via her website, http://www.notsobiglife.com/resources/Chapter_11.html (Year End Ritual Instructions)*

This is GOOD stuff!  Take some time to yourself and honor your feelings that arise.  Do not try to skew your answers so that they 'sound good.'  Write what you truly, truly feel.  Notice which questions are hard for you to answer, notice if you are resisting a particular question, notice what excites you and what disappoints you.  Just as in yoga asana, our bodies tend to resist the poses that we really need to practice… so, think of this as an emotional asana practice.  If something is bound up in the muscle tissue, or the joint is feeling restricted, there's work to be done.  If we begin moving that energy, there may be a bit of discomfort but in the end, there's relief.  I believe you will feel the same way, energetically, from this exercise.  

I can't wait to hear what you think!!  Keep me posted, Love, B

Many people have asked since I've been here, "how is the food?"  The answer warrants a long response, and worth sharing, esp for those with food restrictions.  

The bottom line is that my food life here has been less than satisfactory.  

Bummer, I know!  I was very excited to engage in the healing cuisine of Japan and dive in, mouth first, like I always have when traveling.  I mean, Aaron and I seriously base our travel around eating, and it has been sad not to be able to do that in this country!

The main problem for me lies in what I cannot eat: dairy and gluten.

Seems simple in this cuisine, right?  Wrong.  The main culprit: soy sauce!  Japanese style shoyu, or even tamari here, contains wheat to make it sweeter.  Shoyu is on everything: meat is marinated in it, salads are tossed in it, it was even in a chicken sausage I bought, and of course, it's the mainstay in sushi meals.  Then there's the gluten you can see: ramen, udon, soba (rarely 100% buckwheat), tempura and other battered foods.  Dairy is low on the problematic scale, although butter is sometimes used, it is not the most common ingredient on their list.  

So, what have I been doing?  Well, first off, I have a card that I wrote out describing my restrictions, as well as what I can eat (a manager on the team translated it into Japanese for me).  The card says that I have allergies, as I find it is the only way anyone will take you seriously. And, frankly, I do have physical reactions when I consume these foods, so I am fine saying so.  When I do eat out, the card flashing depends on the situation… sometimes I show the card, and still get foods with listed no-no ingredients.  Sometimes, I do not show the card and just take my best guess/gut instinct on what the menu item will have (most menus are visual, so I can see if there is a brown sauce, a marinated meat, noodles, etc).  I also carry my own gluten free soy sauce (that I found here) in my bag for all occasions.  When the card does come out, it is not always very relevant.  In the US, I can count on going to a restaurant and being able to mix and match items to get what I need out of a menu.  Easiest example, burger no cheese, no bun, veggies on side, DONE.  But, the problem here, is that they have set menus.  The dishes are what they are and do not get modified.  Even when I have eaten out with Japanese friends, and they have explained everything to the server/chef, I still get things on my plate that I cannot eat.

So, you say, do not eat out.  Right.  This is fine and good until I travel, and am living in a hotel room (seven of the last ten days were away from a kitchen).  So, I have to compromise, be the pain-in-the-butt customer/friend/wife and not enjoy myself as I wish I could.  

When I am at home, I still face challenges.  Not sure if you've looked at Japanese characters lately, but there's no deciphering what labels say!  Luckily, I have just found a couple of items that make life easier: soy milk (they make an almond/soy blend that I am on the lookout for) and JAS meats (JAS is the standard for 'organic' farming).  But, otherwise, I am eating meats and veggies with limited seasonings because I am not sure what I can and cannot buy to eat comfortably.  Luckily, I brought some spices from home and I am ok with simple foods (I think Aaron may be a little fed up - no pun intended).  I must say, that had I not been in school this summer, I would be in a far worse situation!  I learned so many ingredients from studying Japanese cuisine and from sight, that at least I can typically tell what something is (or isn't) just by looking.  

But, what I miss from eating at home is a variety of meats (there is a variety of fish here but my body really craves meat over fish).  Variety in general.  Snack foods like nut butters, bars, things that can be had on the go, dried fruits, etc.  Actually, maybe it is that I miss my kitchen and my appliances to create all of the things I want to eat on my own…  I brought my green powder, some nut butters (which are already gone) and some bars (they are rice protein and I am on rice overload).  But, I have no oven and a two-burner stove.  I own two pots and one sauté pan, because I don't have room for more.  My counter top is about as big as my cutting board, and having no dish washer means that when my dishes are on the drying rack, they live in prep space.  

I am trying to be creative and use my culinary skills and, more than anything, be positive about this situation.  But, frankly, I don't feel well and that makes me grumpy.  After being here one week, I felt fine.  But, in the last two weeks, I have felt my health decline in significant advances: digestively, within my joints and my cognitive function.  What that means to me, is that I am inflamed and my body is not happy with what is sneaking in on my plate.  And, I know things sneak in when I get a terribly itchy nose during or after a meal.

So, I am feeling a bit down about it all…  I want to be my optimal self, I want to be open to exploring without the anxiety of what I will eat next, and I want to be an easy traveler.  But, I decided before we went to Sapporo, that I would give it a try being loose with my restrictions.  After a day of eating meals that I had prepared at home and brought with me, and being on a ferry for nine overnight hours, I was ill upon arrival.  That meant, more strict to maintain myself.  Then, that meant, still ill the entire trip and so, I was at my wit's end on our last day there.  The primary food tour when in Sapporo is Ramen Alley.  Ramen, in Hokkaido, is known to be delightfully different, as Miso Ramen.  Classically, it is a miso soup base with pork, corn and butter on top.  Aaron was so polite about me 'not having to eat it' while we were there but I could see him excited at the opportunity to indulge in this unique treat each day.  So, the last day came, and he still had not had his meal.  Off to Ramen Alley we went.  We ran into a Japanese friend there and he told us the most famous spot for it (Ramen Alley has 10+ options).  To my surprise, it was not covered in butter and corn.  So, I ordered it.  I blessed the food and prayed to just be nourished from the meal.  I watched my meal prepared, drank the broth, ate the few pieces of meat and opted to try the noodles (just a bit).  Having already been ill, I decided that I'd just go on a strict, at-home eating routine once back to Hachinohe.  At this point, starving and frustrated, was me giving up.  I felt defeated.  I felt disappointed in myself, but I didn't know what else to do.  The sushi here is great, but you can only eat so much sushi, so many rice balls.  I just crave a hot soup or a warm meal, but my easiest option is always cold, prepared foods from a grocery store or market.  That was really getting old, esp on a snowy, cold, winter day (at Christmas).  I have spent so much time, effort, money, etc on my health in the last three months and could not believe that I was doing this to myself…  I had refused foods for so long, why did it feel easier to just give up now? *I was so mad I almost drank a beer, thankfully, I retained some level of judgement*

But, the interesting thing was, I did not feel poor after this ramen meal.  I did not feel badly the next day, after a seven hour ferry ride home, either.  I was perplexed.  Then came the onset of congestion and a foggy head (where I am today).  So, I have learned what I need to learn.  If I want to feel well, I have to work my a** off at eating cleanly, without any gluten or dairy.  And, as I would at home, grain free as much as possible… there is a whole other story with the rice-eating in Japan.  I am diving into some new cook books, opening myself to inspiration, and not letting myself slide anymore, even for 'just one meal.'  One of my friends said to me something along the lines of, you wouldn't ask a recovering addict to just have a taste of whatever substance they were getting over, would you?!  And, I agreed wholeheartedly, that I felt the same way about food.  If I have cleaned my body out over the last months, what is happening when I give it just a little bit, here and there (not on purpose, as in my restaurant experience) feeding the fire of parasite, bacteria and disease that once lived inside.  She is the same friend that told me to do what is best for me in the long run.  To me, that was weighing anxiety and fear about eating with my body's overall health.  My body wins.  

I read a great book this week by Krista Scott-Dixon called Fuck Calories and Other Dietary Heresies.  This book is amazing and I will share it with you, in depth, later.  But here's what I read this morning.  

You are only accountable to you.

And your body.

Make your body the ultimate authority.

If your body is unhappy, get real with yourself. Do what is in your power to fix it. 

You report only to you. Not me. Not your mother. Not an “expert”. You. Your body.

Your body will always be honest with you. Return the favour.

My job as a Natural Chef is to take care of myself first, so that I can know how to help others take care of themselves.  Although beating myself up about this moment is not going to help my cause, I am a person of integrity.  I guess writing about my experience let's me get it off my chest and remind me and whoever's reading that I am a human.  But, in the end, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks, but me.  Without my body, I am nothing.  Therefore, she is first in line again.  

So, the food in Japan; it's good.  The fish is amazingly fresh and the other things that people eat day to day look nice.  But, for me, it is a challenge.  One of many on this road of adventure in which I live.  But, I wouldn't give it up for anything.  In the end, I will be a better chef, a better healer and a better-bodied person because of it.  Thanks for asking.

Love, B

I haven't been here, I know… but, what can I say?  I told a friend yesterday, I've been to busy doing sh*t to write about it ;)  It's true!

Life has been a whirlwind since I arrived in Japan and I have had so many interesting experiences thus far.  I am living with Aaron in Hachinohe, Japan, far up on the Northeastern coast of Honshu (the main island).  We are about 665km from Tokyo, which would be ten hours by car, but only three by bullet train.  

I have been here for just over two weeks and can't believe all that I have done so far.  Here's a breeze through…

12/5: Left my house and my sweet Pindo

12/6: I carried three bags weighing more than me through the Tokyo airport and train station to get to Hachinohe on my own, upon arrival.  What a serious workout with no elevators and exhaustion at it's finest!

12/7: I got to watch Aaron play a game at home.  They only have three the whole season, so this was a treat!  It was the coldest rink have ever been in.

12/8: I went with another American gal to yoga!  Yoga was in Japanese, but thoughtful gestures and a few English words arose as we did a great "Relax" 90 minute practice.

12/9: Aaron and I went to an amazing park/river/lake.  It was so unlike anything we had ever seen, as the forest was lush and green, yet the water was freezing and frozen upon the river and waterfalls.  The lake, so deep, so clear, so beautiful.

12/10: A and I went to the local fish market.  There's a restaurant here that I love (as I learned on my visit).  Had a great meal with amazing tea.  Then, upon browsing the market, found a sake tasting area (you wouldn't want to buy a whole bottle that you didn't like).  So, we got a great, unfiltered sake… and it was delishh!

12/11: We prepared for the team holiday party.  The American on the team tried to make it a festive sweater party, so we obliged, but in our own style of course.  We found a super cool shop with stacks and stacks of vintage Disney sweatshirts, mostly Mickey and Minnie, since they love them here in Japan.  A and I both found holiday sweatshirts that fit us and purchased with excitement!  In the end, no one really thought ours were that cool... but I have already worn mine again!!

12/12: Team holiday party!  Got to drink my new sake, meet some guys on the team and play in a gift exchange game.  We both got crappy gifts (for the ¥3000/$50 price range), but in the end, my gift came back to me, so I was happy!!

12/13: A woman at the grocery store went on and on to me in Japanese… I just smiled and bowed.  But, someone then translated only one word, "beautiful."  Made my day :)

12/14: "Wives Club" lunch.  The group here is great, there is one American who lives across the street from me and there are several other Japanese wives that live in town.  A couple of the wives speak great English, all understand it to some extent.  Every month, they get together for lunch… and the team pays!  We had a lovely time.

12/15: Back to the fish market for lunch, an even better sushi platter today than what I thought I loved most.  You have NEVER based anything this fresh and amazing in your life.  Hachinohe is known for the squid, it's creamy yet dense yet not chewy.  Can't even explain it, incredible!

12/16: Train to Tokyo for the weekend.

12/17: Took a day for myself.  Followed my inner compass.  Walked around Ueno (pronounced way-noh) Park.  Went into a Buddhist temple, prayed and became engulfed in the incense that burned outside.  Stumbled upon a beautiful Shinto Shrine.  Took lots and lots of pictures as the weather and colors abound were gorgeous!  Went to central Tokyo and stumbled upon more things.  Saw the guards at the Imperial Palace gates and met Aaron back at the hotel for dinner, rejuvenated.

12/18: Went to the top of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Center and was able to see Mt.Fuji.  Stunned and subdued by what a powerful mountain it is.  Went to the Imperial Palace Gardens, saw a cherry blossom tree and spent the afternoon watching Aaron play a game.  Dinner with our USA friends and another Japanese couple, at an oyster bar!  Yumm!!

12/19: Got to explore with Aaron.  We went to Shibuya, where there is lots of great shopping, just to check out the styles.  We stumbled upon another Shinto Shrine as we made our way into Harajuku.  We then walked to Yoyogi park in that same region.  Lastly, we were engrossed by the incredible Meiji Shrine.  It sits in a forest of pine trees appx 175 acres.  The trees that were used to create the entrance gate were the largest trees I have ever seen.  At this point, I was actually thankful that my camera had died, so I could take it all in through my body…

I gave an offering, clapped my hands, bowed and prayed at this amazing structure.  A and I also wrote a prayer to leave on the altar (which is of tradition).  As we left there, I was overwhelmed and began to cry… with joy, of how amazing it is for us to live in such a place with history, spirituality and reverence for tradition.

I am a lucky girl!

The last two days have been full of my uploading photos and labeling everything for memory.  I have a new image site if you would like to peruse (HERE).  I hope you enjoy and I look forward to sharing more when I get back from the next adventure, Sapporo!!  I leave on a ferry tonight (check it out) and arrive in the morning.  Aaron plays games there Dec 24/25 and we will stay until Monday night.  

Wishing you all a very happy holiday weekend and hope to hear from you soon!

xx, B

Hi there,

It's been awhile.  I have felt exhausted and busy, but wanted to touch base and let you know what's happening in my world.  Most notablly, I went to visit Aaron.  He has been living in Japan for two and a half months while I have been home in Boulder, cleansing, laying low and visiting my Texas roots.  I had reluctance to move to Japan, initially, and was anxious to get a peek at what the curious land held for me.  Mostly, I was super excited to see my husband!!

The trip was great.  I landed in Tokyo, having been awake my whole trip.  I took the train to Tokyo main station and Aaron met me there (he had just arrived in town from plying in Korea).  We hopped the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Hachinohe and arrived seamlessly.  It was evening, by then, and I went to sleep on schedule, setting me straight for the whole trip (thankfully!!).

Our things that were stored in Linz had been shipped to us (thank you, Leahey's!) and four out of five items arrived the next day.  I got to unpack "my stuff" and set up the home as it was our own, which was great.  It was also nice to add a woman's touch to the place ;)

In the three days I had in Hachinohe (where Aaron is living), I went to the fish market twice (def my favorite place!!), the beach and a Shinto shrine... OK, maybe the fish market wasn't my favorite, they were all pretty amazing places!  *Shinto is a 'religion,' or practice, to connect with the ancient ways of Japan.

After just a few days there, we had to hop the train to Yokohama.  By bus or car, this would be a nine hour trip, but by Shinkansen, it is only three hours!! Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan, and Aaron had two games there over the weekend.  I departed Tokyo (only an hour from Yokohama) on Monday, so we stayed an extra night at a really cool hotel in Yokohama and Aaron saw me off at the train station to head home.  

My heart sank as I waved out the window to Aaron on the platform (like a scene from a movie) and at that moment I knew more than ever before, I had to return.  Part of my hesitation was energetic, part was a potential job opening in Boulder that I wanted, and part was having to leave my little P behind... but I literally said to myself, "In the end, what will you be most proud of?"  That's right, I will be proud that I lived in an ancient culture, in a small town, in a unique situation with my husband.  So, that's what I plan to do.  

I am in the midst of booking my ticket to return, hoping that it will be in just a couple of weeks!!!  My great friend, Nikki, has moved to Boulder recently and offered to take Pindo (even though her husband is allergic).  She has really made this possible and I am so thankful!  

Back in Colorado, I am also in the midst of working at BoulderBodyworks, on the administrative side of things, and it has been great to be back there and see so many friends and familiar faces!  I had a personal chef client recently and am preparing for another demo at Alfalfa's Market.  Aaand, on Monday, I head to Peoria to teach and visit.  I will have more information about that over the weekend, but for now, back to Japan...

It really was a photographer's dream!  You can view my top 50 photos HERE (they are on fb, but you do not need an account to access via this link).  If you have the time, all 500 images (with title/descriptions) are HERE.  I hope you get to check them out, it was really beautiful!!!

The above image is of Aaron and I at the beach near Hachinohe.  Can you tell I am happy to see him?!  Right now, Aaron is remaining busy with his brother arriving just two days after I left.  He heads to Yokohama again today for a couple of games and then he is off to China for two weeks of games.  He hopes to see the Great Wall (at my request). Once he returns to Hachinohe, I hope to soon follow.  Anticipation has me giddy already!  

I have tried to add a comment board to this blog, so maybe you can add comments and let me know what you think of the photos!  Or, if you have any suggestions for my return to Japan (things you have seen/done/heard that are interesting), I'd love to hear!  Hope everyone is happy and well.  Back soon, xx, B

So, my intense cleanse was over on Saturday.  Yippee!  …or so I thought…  Although, before going to bed Saturday night, I became a little anxious about what exactly I would eat post-cleanse.  I had plans to be in Denver for the day on Sunday and would not be able to prepare my own meals, so I searched and searched the world wide web for restaurant menus.  

The idea of being off the cleanse was initially liberating, thinking that my food life would go back to what it was.  But, that was not true (as especially noticed when I attended a baby shower, only able to eat one of about ten+ things on the table).  Having no dairy or gluten is a bit more socially challenging than I had realized, even at healthy restaurants!

So, I started the day going for breakfast with a friend.  We went to my favorite Denver place, Watercourse.  They custom made me a plate: steamed greens, brown rice and eggs.  I excitedly had a strong Americano, but noticed a slight itching in my ears when I drank the coffee.  Perhaps a reaction.  

*In regard to re-incorporating food, my Naturopath suggested testing foods that I may be reactive to.  Since my body is clean, it will easily tell me if it likes the food or not.*

But, after this morning meal, I felt fine.  Thank goodness that rice and eggs are ok :)
So, after waiting a few other cleanse approved things later in the day, I knew what my taste buds were really craving: a traditional breakfast.  I also knew if I wanted something really clean and good, I would make it myself!!

This morning, I headed to the store and picked up a couple of items needed for this to happen:

Arrowhead Mills Organic Gluten Free Pancake & Baking Mix
I could have made my own, but this in one is great bc it is dairy free (Pamela's, for instance, contains buttermilk) and is easily available.  

AM contains:
Organic Rice Flour
Organic Potato Starch
Organic Tapioca Starch
Baking Powder
Organic Whole Grain Yellow Corn Flour
Organic Vanilla Flavor
Sea Salt
Organic Cinnamon

Applegate Farms Turkey Bacon
This kind is great because, although it does have sweetener, it uses Maple Sugar.  Their organic pork bacon contains cane sugar, as do many bacons, natural, organic, or not.  Even better, Organic Valley brand uses organic honey in their uncured turkey bacon!

Grant Family Farm Eggs
A local Colorado farm, and my favorite eggs ever!

So, upon coming home, this is what I created:  Pumpkin pancakes, scrambles eggs, turk bacon and steamed baby kale (from my local Red Wagon Farm).

And, here's my recipe for Gluten Free, Dairy Free Pumpkin Pancakes!
Super simple and delicious:

1 C AM Organic GF mix
1/4 C organic canned pumpkin
1/4 C plus 1 Tbsp Native Forrest organic full fat coconut milk
1 pastured or organic egg, beaten
three dashes organic cinnamon (Savory Spice Saigon cinnamon is my fav!)
one dash organic vanilla (Savory Spice Madagascar vanilla is great)
one light sprinkle of sea salt
2-4 Tbs coconut oil for pan

Heat oven to 250F, place a pie dish or oven safe dish in oven.
Mix all ingredients in medium mixing bowl.
Set aside your 1/4 C dry measuring tool for placing batter into perfectly sized pancakes.

*Know there is a difference between dry and liquid measuring tools.  Use dry for flour and pumpkin (a little confusing bc it is soft).  Use liquid for coconut milk.*

Heat skillet on medium until fully hot.
Add 1/2-1 T coconut oil to pan and be sure pan is evenly covered (and repeat between batches/individual pancakes).
Pour 1/4 C worth of batter onto pan.  Depending on the size of pan, you may be able to fit 2-3 per batch.

Allow pancake batter to bubble slightly, getting a nice light crisp to lower layer, before flipping.  Try to be sure the coconut oil gets under the new batter in the midst of flipping.

Once your pancake is done, place it in the oven to stay warm until all of the batter is used up!  This recipe makes 5 small pancakes (using the 1/4 C measuring tool for each).  

I topped my pancakes with pumpkin seed oil for a nutty flavor and coconut nectar, instead of any syrup, for a sweetener.  Don't forget to maintain optimal nutrition with your topping (don't blow it with sugary syrup and heavy butter).  I would love to have had a bit of butter on top, but no more dairy for B.  Blueberries would have also made me happy :)  
As for the Coconut Nectar, I have only seen it by  Coconut Secret, view here for more info.  

Enjoy!!! Happy pumpkin season :)

You can see the wonderfully fluffy texture here...

So, I have been loving sardines as a protein source on my cleanse.  Sardines are one of the highest quality sources of Omega-3 oils and can be found conveniently in the classic square tin cans in your local health food store.  I am sure, actually, that you can find sardines in any store, but the ones I like are def found in any Whole Foods, Natural Grocers (if you are in CO) or small local shop with high quality food.  My preferred brand is Crown Prince Natural.  They offer a Wild Caught Skinless and Boneless variety for those of you looking to wean yourself onto the sardine wagon.  And, they offer them with skin and bones (all edible, no heads) for those of you more apt to go for it!  I prefer the fish in oil (CP uses olive oil) rather than in water because it preserves the texture and richness.  If you purchase in water, it is more dry and more like a canned tuna texture, which is not my favorite.

That said, I made a sardine dip last night for a dinner party/reunion with my chef classmates.  It has only been six weeks, but we love each other a lot and were missing that day to day interaction!!  

Since I did not expect everyone to adhere to my diet restrictions, I made my own little dish (with enough to share) and happily snacked on it as other dishes were prepared.  I should have known, with this crew, that several items were "Brandi approved" and that I got a feast, just like everyone else!!

The sardine dip was a hit, even thought it was sooo simple.  Here goes:

> 2 cans Skinless+Boneless Sardines

> 2 cloves garlic, minced

> 1/4 onion, finely diced

> juice of 1/2 a lemon

> zest of 1/2 a lemon

> 1/4 bunch parsley, chopped (I used curly parsley)

Mix with a fork and serve on carrot and cucumber slices!

Today, since I had leftovers, I am having it as a snack.  I put it on top of spinach and added apple slices, topping off with juice from the other half of that lemon I used last night.  Fast, simple, protein, greens, carbs.

Enjoy, xx, B

Hi friends!

I am so happy to be back at the blog… and this time from my new site (which still has some construction, but on it's way!!).

Right now, I am sipping tea at my mother's house, in Longview, Texas.  Some of you will be familiar with this place and know that, while the food there is pretty tasty, there's got to be a reason we have some of the best doctor's in the US here.  That's right, the health spectrum is far less than admirable.  In fact, after thirty years of colon disease, no one has ever told my mother to look at her food/nutrition.  I have a serious problem with this, as I believe all disease can be reversed and/or treated with nutrition.  I have read many books about this, it is what I am taught to do with my new degree, and it is what I see when people take hard-core action.  

In fact, I am on a hard-core cleanse now to repair my gut and to relieve myself of ten years of discomfort.  I have been trying to sort out my situation for years, knowing my family's history, but finally came to the point where I needed a very seriously digestive-centric Naturopath for help.  

 >> If you haven't read up on this latest adventure of mine, do so here.

My Naturopath, in fact, has treated many people with the same disease as my mother.  One client was told she actually didn't have this disease, she just had a genetic intolerance to breaking down dairy (which is what I have).  So, bottom line, nutrition is everything!  Aaron comments on this subject, that we should watch the movie, Food Matters.  I haven't seen it but advocate it by the title alone!!

With all that said, I was a nervous wreck (to use the Texas slang) when I decided to come here being on my cleanse. In fact, I was not supposed to come and visit until after the cleanse due to lack of clean food sources here in East Texas.  But, it was my mother's birthday and she unexpectedly got the week off of work, so I really wanted to make it happen.  

Before booking the ticket, I connected with some yogi friends about the food situation and was reminded of a new store that opened in Tyler (that's appx 40 mins from Longview, but the flights tend to be cheaper flying into Tyler than Longview, anyway).  So, I booked the flight into Tyler and checked a bag for the first time in years.  In that bag: my blender, my chef knife, spices, herbal teas, essential oils (thankfully, my mother has a diffuser I can use), Native Forest coconut milk, coconut butter, my six supplements and my yoga mat (well, and clothes, of course).  I also had a backpack full of food from my CSA (parsnips, sunchokes, kale, carrots, apples and pears) and two pre-made meals for my travel.

So, why does any of this matter?  Well, to me it matters because everyone [in Texas] I have told thus far about the cleanse has asked, "Are you trying to loose weight?"  That couldn't be further from the reason.  Although, what girl isn't happy to shed a few pounds, the cleanse is completely health related.  Read the previous blog, if you are lost here.  I would guarantee that a majority of residents in East Texas have digestive disfunction, if they are eating the normal fare that comes from every restaurant in town.  Even the availability at the health food stores is limited, many of them have only a handful of live produce, if any.  But, this place I mentioned in Tyler, called Fresh by Brookshires, is a dream come true.  It is chock full of organic and non-organic produce, organic meats and fresh spices, a lovely prepared foods bar and fantastic sources of organic and clean skincare (again, rare in ETex).  I am officially obsessed with this place (and recommend that anyone living near shop there immediately)!! All it takes to eat for health, is diligence, time and the ability to be prepared.  Try it!

And, back to the vanity, my body has changed significantly.  I have been eating more than I would normally, including more protein (even a Dr's orders pre-bed protein snack), more apples (applesauce is an approved snack and apples are tasting great to me lately, plus, they're in season), and more greens (I ate greens at every meal anyway, but I have been loading them on).  I am far less puffy than before, and whereas I used to be able to poke at the inflammation in my belly (and see it bounce back), I now have none!  That alone will change my body's ability to function… Many many many diseases come out of chronic inflammation, I did my final project for school in that topic.  And, all can be treated with diet.  When I say all, I mean anything and everything including bleeding gums, coronary disease, dementia,  cancer and auto-immune disease (if you have questions about this, leave a comment or shoot me an email).  

So, I was compelled to write this as a way to show you that healthy living and eating can be achieved no matter where you are!  You know that I adapt to and find my way to this lifestyle no matter where I go.  Then, I was reading my email this morning and received a great topic from DailyOM, Soulful Voyages.  It mentions that when we take our routines and special items from home with us when we travel, we are more likely to feel grounded and less 'out of our element'.  I believe this to be true in so many ways.  Last night, I situated my things around my room and bathroom.  I diffused oils to make the space my own (even though it's the room I grew up in, it is very different energetically and physically that what I would call 'mine').  I unpacked and hung all of my clothes (a big ritual for me when traveling).  Today, I picked up my yoga mat and attended a class with an old teacher.  And, as I wrote this, I had a favorite tea that I brought from home in Colorado.

Bringing what I could helped me to feel more safe in my space, finding a fabulous grocery market allowed me to feel more safe in my body (I am telling you, I was seriously nervous about blowing my cleanse with less than satisfactory foods here).  Now, to find safety in my thoughts and actions, I have been able to connect and write this blog.  I hope you are feeling well and optimal in your life, wherever you may be, or have the courage to create what you need to be there…

xx, B

*Image above is the [low] lake at Tyler State Park.  Since I had traveled with my own food, and Mom got food at Fresh, we went to the park and shared a meal outside, on a picnic table.  Just up my alley, it was quiet, peaceful, breezy.