Hello all – Today is KICK OFF!
We are here to support each other regardless of whether its your first time or you have participated several times.
Some things may seem overwhelming if it is your first time. My motto is: “Do your best and keep it real”. We all have busy lives to lead and sometimes this comes with unexpected interruptions that may throw you off course.
If you take a “meal” out of the programme’s suggested food protocol, you can consider adding an extra day to the end of your programme.
The programme tends to be easier once repeated, so for first timers it is a learning curve. It can take time to make changes to your diet and lifestyle, especially if it is a stressful and busy one, and some habits are simply harder to break than others.
The Cleanse programme is designed to inspire you with healthy and positive ways to support your diet and lifestyle. We do know that health is not a case of ‘one-size-fits-all’. Everyone has a different starting point, but where-ever you are, changing what you eat can be tough. There are old habits to break, new ones to form, new skills to learn, along with sometimes the uncomfortable feeling of giving up something that may be giving you temporary feelings of pleasure, like sugar and coffee (STIMULANTS!) Research has shown that these create psychological dependency in many so for some it can feel like an addiction withdrawal when we cut them out.
The key is to focus on YOU and not compare yourself to anyone else, as we all have completely different genetic make-up.
If you can achieve one positive change at a time, you are still taking steps in the right direction.
For those who have not followed the programme before, please make time to
watch the 4 short webinars I have recorded which can be found on your membership page.
There are also many expert videos to try to watch during the programme. Please scroll down your membership page for all support.
The foods consumed in the programme help to move us away from the high sugar and refined carbohydrates which may negatively impact our gut flora and our immune systems.
During the first few days of the programme toxins will start to break down and as they do so they may also make you feel lower in energy and sleepy at the start of the programme. Take time out for rest and relaxation to get through this if you are experiencing symptoms.
The good news is that this will pass fairly quickly if you focus on moving, sleeping, eating well, and adding in some lymphatic movement/massage.
Perfect adherence to any plan is near impossible, but if you manage 90% you will be bringing down any inflammation, balancing blood sugar levels and increasing energy and immune reserves.
I have a group get-together on Tuesday 9th April at 2pm for anyone on the 3 weeks programme who can make it – Please reserve a spot in advance. There will be a demo and tasting. If you wish to upgrade to the 3 weeks, let me know.
Daily posts will be focused upon the benefits of foods, herbs and spices plus any other useful facts.
Today´s FOOD FOCUS we look at BLACK PEPPER & LIVER HEALTH. This is such an easy food to add to most meals.
Black pepper (Piper nigrum), a widely used spice, is referred to as the King of Spices. Peppercorns are the fruit of pepper plants, which are grown in places like Indonesia, India, and Brazil. The main phytochemical in black pepper is an alkaloid called piperine.
Liver Health. Black pepper may protect the liver against insecticide exposure. Cypermethrin is a commonly used commercial and residential insecticide. Though cypermethrin is less toxic compared to other insecticides, it may cause oxidative stress in the liver, has been linked to hepato-renal (liver-kidney) dysfunction and testicular cancer, and is able to pass the blood-brain barrier, where it may have neurotoxic effects.
How to Use Black Pepper
Black pepper can be found in whole and ground forms. Just like black peppercorns, white peppercorns are from the Piper nigrum plant but are fully ripe and have the outer pericarp removed before drying. Compared to the sharp and intense flavor of black pepper, white pepper has a milder taste. Black pepper may have better ANTIOXIDANT activity compared to white pepper. And although pink peppercorns exist, they’re part of the cashew family.
Below are some potential ways to incorporate black pepper into your diet:
- Add peppercorns to turmeric tea and golden milk
- Use ground pepper in salad dressings
- Sprinkle ground pepper on vegetables
- Season soups and stews with ground pepper after cooking
- Incorporate pepper in marinades
- Include whole peppercorns in homemade pickle recipes
- Simmer whole peppercorns in homemade broth (remove before consuming)
- Infuse black peppercorns in tea to enhance digestion
The ability of piperine to withstand heat has variable evidence, but it’s suggested that piperine may be sensitive to heat processing, especially pressure cooking. It may be best to add black pepper at the end of cooking, when possible, to minimise heat exposure.
It may be best to avoid storing black pepper for more than 6 months as piperine content decreases during storage. Because black pepper is produced in tropical environments, it may be more prone to contamination from mycotoxins.
As with all spices, portion black pepper to a separate container before using over steaming dishes to reduce moisture introduced to the product. If ground pepper becomes clumped or caked, it should be replaced as moisture has likely been introduced to the product and can contribute to harmful mycotoxins. Store black pepper in a cool and dark place, and choose glass jars rather than plastic as these are a non-toxic alternative and more airtight compared to plastic.
Drug Interactions. Black pepper extracts and isolated piperine may interact with medications, such as antihistamines, cancer treatment drugs, and warfarin (blood thinner).
