Tuesday, January 28, 2014

2014 More Than Just Weight Loss - Week Two


Congrats on completing week one of "More Than Just Weight Loss."

Many are finding success already with weight loss among other positive shifts while some are finding themselves challenged with cravings, healing crisis and even discomfort. As your body is shifting and changing there is always the chance that you may go through some type of a healing crisis. This happens every year to some participants and I can assure you that continuing to move forward with the program will lead you through this. If this is occurring for you, please update me with your progress on this blog.

During week two you will obviously continue with the allowable/avoidance food list but we will add another benefit to you this week, which is introducing your Nutritional ID. This will allow you to use your allowable/avoidance food list in an improved way to increase your energy, improve your mood and potentially even need less food through your day.

Moving into week two, here is your updated supplement recommendations.
  • Tumero - 1 teaspoon twice per day
  • Resvero - 1 teaspoon twice per day
  • Ultra D - 2 teaspoon twice per day
  • GI Synergy - 1 packet twice per day
  • Strengthia - 2 capsules twice per day
  • Repairvite - 1 scoop twice per day
*If you have any Nitric Balance or Glutathione Recycler left, please continue with this as directed until empty.

Welcome to week two which is the gut healing segment of your program.

Wellness for the World,
Glen Depke, Traditional Naturopath


116 comments:

  1. This is directed to Jaelin, Glen and to the newbies out there on this plan. Jaelin, weren't you on the program last year? You look familiar. I believe you were one of the nice people who gave me support and encouragement when I was having a few "rough spots" on the program last year. Anyway, I don't know if you remember this, but I had been getting discouraged because I wasn't losing any weight at all for the first 3 weeks or so and I had been sticking completely to the plan. Then, all of the sudden, about the 4th or 5th week, I lost about 15 lbs and then the last week about 10 more! Believe it or not, I have not gained back any of the weight I lost on this program the entire year! In fact, I ended up continuing to maintain a good portion of the program for several more months and I actually lost another 10 pounds in the couple of months following the plan for a total of about 35 pounds! I wasn't really overweight, but had a weird hormonal issue that was causing me to gain weight quickly and none of the traditional doctors were able to find a solution. They kind of gave up on me and it was very scary! I was cautiously optimisic when I started this program last year, but after losing no weight for 3 weeks, I was almost ready to give up! Luckily, with the support of the people on the blog (like you) and a good "pep talk" from Glen, I kept going. I'm so glad I did!

    I just wanted the newbies to know how important this blog can be to keeping you going if you ever need support. Also, in my case, I ended up really wanting to maintain a lot of the nutritional guidelines after the program ended because I could tell how much it helped me. If anyone is having a hard time with some of the dietary restrictions, I can tell you from personal experience, it really does get easier as time goes on. I used to really crave certain foods (like bread and sugar, etc.) but I really don't crave them anymore. Every so often - I might have a desire to eat something like that --- but the daily cravings definitely went away.

    I wanted to wish everyone good luck on the plan and (again) thank Glen, Jaelin and the others who kept me going! It really helped so much and basically, changed my life!

    This year my goal with the plan is basically to continue to improve my health, my immune system, my adrenal function and detoxification processes in my body.

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    1. Jeanette, thanks for sharing your story. It really helps to hear stories like yours. I came into the program a few days late, and really was having a difficult time finding my way. I feel much more informed now, and hopefully I will get better results myself.

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    2. Yes absolutely thank you for sharing Jeanette! You are the perfect example of someone needing to stick with this until you reach the part of the program that is most advantageous to you.

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    3. HI Jeanette, yes I remember you! I'm so glad to hear you on the blog! :) Congratulations on your awesome success! I love it! There hasn't been a lot of interaction on the blog so far, and I, like you, really need it. I feel great that I was able to make a positive difference in your life! That's what it's all about!

      I don't know if you recall my situation. I have been 'half-ass' (please excuse) addressing adrenal and leaky gut issues for 3 years. My situation has so deteriorated that I had become addicted to food. I haven't strung together enough months of eating properly to get me where I want to be yet. I was tested for x-reactive foods and basically, what we are allowed to eat now, is what I'm supposed to eat all the time (thus the difficulty as it's so restrictive to think about not having _______ for perhaps the rest of my life) - until (my intention) now.

      I started the eating plan a week before the official start date and released 5 pounds, released another 2+gained 1 back last week. Even though my body is very ache-y, especially during the night, I feel really good mentally and emotionally about this. I've realized how my not taking care of myself has affected my husband and our lifestyle (or lack thereof) because (in the past), I have been either whining about the eating plan I'm on (or supposed to be on) or not feeling well due to not being on the appropriate eating plan.

      I'm starting to wrap my mind around an entire lifestyle paradigm shift where food is not my focus - I have a simple eating plan. I'm saving time and money. One of my favorite quotes is from Emerson: "Do the thing and have the power." As we build on small successes, it builds our confidence and begins a shift in our outlook. Where I had felt like I felt so bad that I couldn't even do the right things for myself, this program that Glen offers and the support of all the participants, is just what I needed to get me back on track.

      It's a true Master Mind! Ditto you, Jeanette: thank YOU for sharing, thank you Glen and all the participants!

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    4. Thanks Jeanette, and Jaelin for sharing your stories. It helps me stay motivated to hear how others are doing. I did this 2 years ago, so it is a bit easier this time to get started . I also suffer from Adrenal issues- stage 3 at last testing, so I decided I had to do this again to get back on track. The blog is so helpful! I love getting all of the recipes, and Glen, your daily food diary is awesome! so helpful.

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    5. We're all happy to have you back also Carolyn! Glad the meals are helping...

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  2. Let me correct the spelling of one of the teas I've been drinking. It is Roastorama tea by Celestial Seasonings. I also enjoy their Bengal Spice tea.

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  3. Yesterday's meals for me:
    Breakfast - Flax cereal in coconut milk and cream with blueberries
    Snack - Bite of sausage with a couple sweet potato chips
    Lunch - Pork chops and spaghetti squash with pesto sauce
    Dinner - Sausage with plantain chips and homemade chicken soup
    Snack - Flax cereal in coconut milk and cream with blueberries
    I also had two teas with coconut cream during the day

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    1. You're killin' me with all the carb-y veggies you can eat! LOL

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    2. do you make your pesto? do you have a recipe for that?

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    3. Dawn makes this, so I will ask her to post this.

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    4. I have a good recipe. I used to make it with parmesan cheese, but obviously not anymore. I've never seen a recipe without nuts (I use pine nuts or walnuts). I'm also interested in Dawn's recipe. :)

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    5. Hi Jaelin!
      Dairy-Free Nut-Free Basil Pesto Ingredients

      4 cups fresh basil or one bunch, rinsed and trimmed
      juice of half a lemon
      1 clove garlic, peeled
      1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
      water (if necessary to thin it out if you don’t want to use more oil)
      salt and pepper to taste

      Puree: Blend all ingredients in your food processor until it’s completely pureed.
      Also, the amounts mentioned above are general guidelines, but you can always make your own additions and subtractions. Perhaps you want a super garlicky pesto then go ahead and throw in several cloves of garlic. Or maybe you enjoy a stronger lemon flavor then go ahead and squeeze the juice of an entire lemon into the processor. Use more or less olive oil to adjust the consistency. It’s totally customizable to what you’re feeling at that moment.

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  4. This looks like a good substitute if you're missing being able to eat salsa!

    Nightshade-Free Cucumber Radish Salsa

    2 medium cucumbers, diced small
    1 small daikon radish, diced small (or ⅓ of a large one)
    ½ small sweet onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
    ½ cup chopped cilantro
    ½ teaspoon sea salt
    1 lime, juiced

    Place all ingredients into a medium-sized bowl and toss together. Let the flavors mingle for about an hour before serving if desired.

    (from http://www.nourishingmeals.com/2012/08/nightshade-free-salsa.html)

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  5. My stomach still looks fat, but it doesn't FEEL fat now! yay! Am going to have to abstain from the delicious and ever-popular flax seed cereal as it's causing gas. :(

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    1. That can be an issue with the flax as it is basically cleansing the colon. I can tolerate is daily, sometimes more, but some need to make this a once or twice a week thing.

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  6. The Good Earth Sweet & Spicy tea is the bomb! I had ordered a bunch of stuff off of Amazon because I live in nowhere land and can't find many of the items off our allowed list. Anyway, the coconut creamer came today as well. It says on the package that it is only good for 2 days once opened. How do you all use it up in that amount of time? Give me some ideas on how to use it, other than on flax cereal. :)

    Jaelin, I have major bloat and water gain, as well. Just kinda feel yucky.

    I look forward to getting to know you all better through this journey.

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    1. I am excited to see which part of the program provides the big shift for you Dara!

      Which brand of coconut creamer did you get? Oh, and I'm with you on the Sweet & Spicy...

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    2. Sweet potatoes sliced up and baked in coconut milk or the coconut creamer, along with shredded (unsweetened) coconut flakes with some cinnamon and nutmeg is great for satisfying a sweet tooth.

      Chicken or shrimp cooked in coconut milk is pretty tasty as well.

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    3. Thanks Lynda! I'm going to try this one myself.

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    4. Thanks Lynda, the sweet potatoes sound awesome! I think I'll make them tonight for dinner.

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  7. I ordered the Aroy-D and it came in 3 1000mL boxes. That's a lot of creamer. :)

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    1. I would suggest making a whipped cream with this and put on top of some berries. Just use the coconut cream and some gluten free vanilla and blend. This should be yummy.

      You could also use this in smoothies. The creamer the better for me. Depending on your Nutritional ID, you may also have a high demand for fat and you can simply eat a couple of spoonfuls of this if that works for you.

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  8. Today's meals:
    Breakfast - Flax cereal with blueberries and coconut milk/cream
    Snack - Celery sticks stuffed with avocado and wrapped with ham
    Lunch - Same, celery sticks stuffed with avocado and wrapped with ham
    Snack - Apple
    Had two cup of tea with coconut cream during the day
    Dinner - Bacon, kale and avocado (It was so good)
    Night cap - Muddled blueberries with sparkling water

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  9. One of our participants has found a coconut vinegar that will work. Thanks Sue!
    http://www.coconutsecret.com/vinegar2.html

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    1. So very welcome. Haven't tried it yet myself but I'm looking forward to it. I've already found a vinaigrette recipe (great for dipping veggies) that's compliant and looking to find/create others.

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  10. During our next webinar, I will help all of you define challenging foods like never before at Depke Wellness. There are ways to categorize even the allowable foods to those that are less or more reactive. This may help the few people that are having challenges.

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  11. Glen, Thank you for sharing your meal choices with us! It gives me ideas on how to be more creative with meals.
    My breakfast today and most days: 3 pieces of bacon, coconut yogurt with coconut cream and a few slices of peach.

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    1. Yes, I love my bacon for breakfast, too! Usually with a pinch of raw baby spinach and a some olives or avocado. This morning, I wasn't very hungry - just had the bacon and herbal tea w/coconut cream

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  12. To assist in removing die off during the GI phase be sure to drink one quart of water daily for every 50 pounds of body weight, dry skin brush at least once daily and enjoy some Epsom salt baths. Along with this, anything to help you sweat is also a benefit. If you have the opportunity to get in an infrared sauna, this would be helpful. For those near my office, Depke Wellness has a deal with Suite Sweat in Costa Mesa for special pricing on a month of saunas. You can contact them at (949) 722-1264.

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    1. Thanks! I've been doing all except the saunas. :)

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  13. Dawn made this smoothie for me yesterday and it was very enjoyable.

    1-2 cups coconut milk (depending how thick you like it)
    1/2 cup frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries and blackberries)
    1/2 plantain
    1/4 avocado
    3 ice cubes
    dash cinnamon
    2 TBLS chia seeds
    Blend and drink for breakfast

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    1. do you eat have this with more protein, or is there enough in it for a protein type?? I'd love an easy shake in the morning sometimes..I can't wait for the Chocolate Clearvite coming soon. I really like those

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    2. If you'd like to have the berry flavor in your smoothie but add fewer actual berries, there is a berry flavored stevia out there. I have some, but haven't check ingredients on it yet.

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  14. What kind of coconut Cream have you all found?? I did get some So Delicious Creamer, but it has no fat in it, so I'm wondering what it really is..

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    1. The organic coconut cream should be the second ingredient on the carton. I just looked at mine to confirm.

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    2. We're using So Delicious Culinary Coconut Milk. Ingredients: water, organic coconut cream, organic guar gum. It's very thick, but it's in a small squeezable pack like a milk carton. We squeeze it into our tea and stir it around and it melts right in.

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  15. Mother's has coconut oil in liquid form (like olive oil), and I use it all the time. For dinner, I'll put a whole bag of cut broccoli pieces in a pan with salt and pepper and I drizzle coconut oil on it, and bake for 30 minutes at 350. It melts in your mouth...I can eat it every night. But, I'm a Veggie Type!

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  16. Glen -

    I just noticed that the Strengthia has milk in it! I did my cross-reactive test and I am very reactive to one component in dairy, so I have eliminated it from my diet as of last year.

    I don't know if you remember this or not, but I did OK with the Strengthia last year on the program (but had been using dairy products the year before, not knowing I was reactive). Then after the program ended, I bought some more Strengthia for myself and had a really bad GI episode! I'm sure it was the Strengthia and not something else as when I stopped using it, my GI issue cleared up.

    For someone like me who is known to be reactive to dairy, can we still take the Strengthia? Or would you prefer that I continue by using another probiotic, like the Depke Wellness one that I currently use?

    Thanks in advance for your answer : )

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    1. As listed on the package Strenghtia may contain milk (dairy protein less than 0.5 ppm). This is basically true with almost any probiotic including the Depke Wellness Prebiotic/Probiotic Formula. This level is extremely negligible or even nonexistent and not likely an issue for anyone. This is due to the way the cultures are grown and really not a way around this possibility for most producers. I will add that this was the same representation of Strengthia in previous programs without any issues for anyone to my knowledge.

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    2. Hmm. Interesting. If one is adhering to the proper eating plan according to previous testing and still having symptoms, is this something to consider?

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    3. It would be a consideration but not a likelihood. We're going to address more info on the next webinar to cover what is the more likely cause.

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  17. For an easy meal any time of day: Place strips of bacon on baby romaine leaves and top with smashed avocado. Eat like a hot dog. :) I usually eat spinach instead of lettuce as I'm a high-protein type, but do this a couple of times a week to break up the monotony. :)

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  18. For a crunchy snack, make kale chips! Trader Joe's now has organic kale cut, washed and ready to use, so this makes the task even easier. In fact, the recipe is right on the bag. Toss the leaves in olive oil, salt and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet and bake in a 200 degree oven for about 35 minutes until crisp. Yum!

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    1. Thanks for this Lynda. I was actually wondering how one could make this. I recently enjoyed eating the Kale Krunch (plain) you can buy at Whole Foods but I was having a reaction to it, so stopped. It only has about 4 ingredients in it, so perhaps it was the pumpkin seed. Glad to have this recipe!

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  19. Yesterday's meals:
    Breakfast - Coconut milk and Pea Protein
    Snack - Bengal spice tea with coconut cream
    Lunch - Large helping of broccoli and squash with bacon
    Snack - Avocado
    Dinner - Chicken sausage patty with a few plantain and sweet potato chips (so many veggies for lunch I just wanted crunch)
    Nightcap - Muddled berries with sparkling water

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    1. I'm intrigued by the "muddled" berries you had ;-) Recipe please?

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  20. Glen, what will you be doing with our assessments?

    Can you remind me what the Nitric Balance and Glutathione Recycler do?

    I had never really noticed a metallic taste in my mouth (question on assessment), but since starting the GI-Synergy, I'm experiencing it. Something good must be happening!

    Felt dull pain in my liver area yesterday. I felt this a lot when I went on eating plan without supplements a year and a half ago. Have been using essential oils topically (geranium, helichrysum and digestzen) specifically to address liver. Also did a simple yoga exercise that just took a few minutes that gave me relief.

    Again, this year, thankfully, my husband Daye is solely taking care of our home-based business during this time, so I can relax and focus on my health - I am so blessed!

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    1. I am using the assessments for two factors. One to "measure" bodily symptom improvement. As I always say, weight and inches lost are awesome, but shifting symptoms is a huge deal for so many. The Nitric Balance helps improve circulation to the brain while the Glutathione Recycler adds that ever important antioxidant to assist with brain function and so much more. Basically, these two help with your gut/brain connection. With the taste in your mouth, there are definitely some shifts occurring for you, which is good. Great idea with the topical essential oils. In about 10 days we'll be addressing that liver.

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    2. And yes, having Daye take a load off is such a blessing!

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  21. I had some nice (for me) weight release last week. My pounds are very, very, very fond of me and hate to leave. This week - with addition of the probiotics and repairvite - I'm seeing a stall, and actually a slight increase. I'm not worried about it, but thought I'd mention in case anyone else has seen the same thing.

    What's really exciting (and something I wouldn't have thought of as a perk), is that no matter what's happening now, my mind says, "No biggie. I've still got 5 weeks, or 4 weeks, etc."

    Knowing this is a marathon and not a sprint is really helpful!

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    1. Those darned loving pounds...LOL! Yes, there is some jumping around but you should hit some consistency soon and you are right on about the marathon.

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    2. Thank you, Sue, for the thought about this being a marathon. It's very helpful for me to look at this way. I've had some very stressful situations in the past days and week or two, but knowing that I still have time to make a difference for myself is so helpful! :)

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    3. I've gained about 5 pounds. I know that I'm holding water like a sponge. I've had some release today, but I still feel bloated. On the plus side, my aches and pains are much less noticeable. That is huge!

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    4. I'm holding this week so far. My marathon goes beyond the 6 weeks. Thanks for the share and encouragement Sue, Diane and Dara. :)

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    5. I've been up and down myself this week. This is likely a "battle" going on for us in the gut with some type of pathogen. Thankfully we are doing this part for two weeks.

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    6. I am very excited Dara to hear that your aches and pains are shifting significantly. This shows the release of inflammation. Very exciting!

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    7. Another important note to make is the sometimes we are exposed to bacteria or other pathogens when we go out to eat or even at home. Yesterday I ate within our allowable/avoidance foods of course but I ate two meals at less than optimal restaurants and I gained .3 pounds yesterday. This could even be some slight food poisoning or similar. Thankfully we're taking high amounts of good bacteria.

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  22. Another question. I still have maybe a 1/4 bottle of Nitric Balance still left even though I've been taking 2 tsp / day since I got it. I remember you saying we should be out of it soon like yesterday. I'm wondering if maybe I somehow didn't get enough with each teaspoon? I am using a measurement teaspoon, not a silverware teaspoon. Just curious.

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    1. No, you are right on Sue. I noticed this myself. Last year I was using our teaspoon for eating and I ran out a day early. This year I am right there with you.

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    2. Nitric Balance is a 12- day supply - 4oz. :)

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  23. Saw this tasty-looking recipe (for you protein types out there!) on a site for SuperBowl Paleo Recipes. It's an avocado stuffed burger. The sun-dried tomatoes would have to go, but I'm sure we could get creative with other flavors such as chopped herbs.

    Enjoy! http://civilizedcavemancooking.com/entrees/beef/avocado-stuffed-burger/

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  24. Yesterday's meals were a challenge for me due to the fact that I left the house expecting to be back for meals and got caught in one situation after another. I'm sure you all get that. Even eating out and in a pinch we can make it work.
    Breakfast: Sausage patty with avocado
    Lunch: Two tacos with only steak, avocado, onions and cilantro
    Snack: Avocado with plantain chips
    Dinner: Two tacos with only steak, avocado, onions and cilantro
    Nightcap: Soda water with lime
    I also had two teas with coconut cream during the day
    Dinner:

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  25. How does one distinguish between die off symptoms and x-reactive symptoms? I have been 100% compliant with the program's plan and not eating x-reactive foods for almost 3 weeks. I have symptoms that feel like x-reactive symptoms. I'm wondering if I'm sensitive to the ingredients in the Good Earth herbal tea. I started drinking it when I started the program. I also have to admit I'm feeling my "craving alert". What I've found for me personally is that if I crave it, I probably shouldn't be ingesting it. That goes for the tea w/coconut cream. I've read 2 schools of thought on coconut products: 1 says it's good to fight to candida, one is that it contributes to its growth. Since I'm feeling cravings for it, I'm thinking I'm going to eliminate it for a while and see if the 'fullness' and x-reactive-type symptoms subside.

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    1. Die off often causes sugar cravings, so it makes sense that you're craving the sweet flavor of this tea even though there isn't sugar in it. Coconut oil will increase the rate of die-off so I think you're right on with cutting down on it for a while. Glen, what do you think?

      Coconut oil is anti-parasitic, anti-fungal and supports immune system function overall. The caprylic acid and the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have been found to kill candida. I'm surprised to hear the theory that it may contribute to candida growth.

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    2. Lynda is correct. Potentially the GI Synergy along with the natural effects of the coconut oil, this may be creating too great of a die off for you. Perhaps you can spend a couple of days taking only one GI Synergy per day.

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    3. Thanks Lynda and Glen. Okay I'll cut down on the GI Synergy for a couple of days, although the symptoms started before the GI Synergy. My thinking is that when I started the program, I also started drinking the tea and started having symptoms. So I don't feel like I can know for sure that I'm not sensitive to some ingredients in the tea unless I give it up for a while. (I have discovered a number of items that I am x-reactive to that I was not tested for.) What do you think?

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    4. Maybe the best thing to do is to stop the tea for 2 days and see if there is any improvement. I would suggest this first.

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  26. Another idea to use up your coconut milk. Of course, you'll have to omit the green chilies - I would substitute fresh ginger for great flavor.

    http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2014/01/creamy-coconut-green-chili-chicken-soup-dairy-gluten-free-slow-cooker-recipe/

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    1. This looks good! Yesterday, before laying off the coconut for a while, I made a simple and tasty Tom Ka Gai (Thai Coconut Soup with Chicken), without mushrooms or chilies. The hardest part is going to 99 Ranch for the lemongrass. This is a great recipe for those who make bone broth for gut healing. I find I have a hard time eating all the chicken before it's time to make more broth! :)

      8oz boneless chicken (breasts &/or thighs)
      1 ½ c coconut milk
      1/2c water (I use my homemade chicken broth)
      2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 3" lengths and pounded*
      2" ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
      1-3 Tbl fish sauce** (depending on your taste)
      Lime juice (of ½ -2 limes depending on your taste)
      Fresh cilantro

      Add coconut milk, water (or broth), lemongrass, ginger into a pot and bring it to boil. Add chicken and boil it on medium heat for a few minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Add lime juice and fish sauce to taste. Add chopped cilantro before serving.

      *If you don't have access to an Asian market to get lemongrass, try ordering lemongrass oil online. I can hook you up if you need. Tip: When using oil, place 1 drop into a spoon first as sometimes it comes out faster than you would like and you don't want to ruin your soup.
      Again, so as not to ruin your soup, stir in oil 1 drop at a time, then taste in a minute or 2 before adding more.

      **The fish sauce had sugar as one of the ingredients. (I'm guessing it was probably less sugar than the strawberry I stole out of my hubby's bowl a couple of days ago. Man, that was a good strawberry! lol I can't remember the last time I had a piece of fruit other than lemon juice.) Not as good, but you could omit the fish sauce.

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    2. Forgot to mention to slice chicken into bite-sized cubes before cooking.

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  27. I keep forgetting to mention the tip to drinking the repairvite. I think that's the one that's a powder that you add to water and chug it down? I don't think it's bad tasting (I've definitely had worse), but for those who are new to taking quality supplements (meaning ones that aren't loaded with flavors and sugars), it might taste a bit "earthy." It helps to mix it with cold water - if you can tolerate that - and then drink it with a straw. It's done in a flash. Just a quick tip!

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    1. Yes Sue, a straw! That is what I can do to help gag it down. I've been using cold water, but man does that stuff taste bad to me. It's funny that you call it "earthy", I told my son that it tastes like dirt! :)

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  28. Yesterday's meals:
    Breakfast - chicken sausage, kale and avocado
    Lunch - 6 prepared chicken wings from Whole Foods kitchen
    Snack - Guacamole with plantain chips
    Dinner (appetizers) - Carrots, radish, greens, sweet potato chips in a pea guacamole dip and hearts of palm dip.
    Nightcap - Muddled blueberry with sparkling water

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  29. Here is a comment from one of our "More Than Just Weight Loss" family.

    "The program is going very well for me. I've lost 3 pounds and inflammation is doing better,
    I am a little constipated."

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    1. I believe there are a few people that are feeling constipated right now. If this is the case, make sure you are drinking one quart of water daily for every 50 pounds of body weight and you are eating enough vegetables daily. I would also try to focus on lightly cooked/steamed veggies for an ease of digestion. Another factor in bowel movements is your own physical movement. Get out for a long walk and help your colon move.

      For those with deeper issues beyond this, there are other avenues that can be explored which would involve a supplement call CFC. I have seen these Chinese herbs aid in improving bowel movements with many in the past. This can be purchase in the Depke Wellness website store or in my office. On the store, this is under the Chi Supplements.

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  30. Another comment from our family.

    "I wanted to confirm that the Strengthia will only last for 2 weeks and the GI Synergy will also run out fairly quickly. Are we supposed to reorder or is that all for this program?"

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    1. The Strengthia, GI Synergy and Repairvite will last for approximately a two week time period.

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  31. Remember to stay focused on your nutrition even if you are joining in some Superbowl celebrations...

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  32. This part of the phase can be a challenge. Personally, I lost 6.8 pounds in the first 8 days and then the last 2, I gained 1.5. When there's a battle in the gut, this will happen.

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    1. I was up and own all week too, and now at the end of this week, I am right where I was last week, loss of 3 lbs total. hope next week is better.

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    2. I'm also less than "regular" this past week and over the weekend. I feel very sluggish. Since my food hasn't changed, but the supplements have, I feel that's connected.

      I'm also wondering if stopping my regular supplements that I typically take contributes to this. I've taken fish oils, magnesium, Vit C, CoQ10, etc. for ages. I heard that we should stop taking our regular supplements while on this program and I did.

      Just wondering if that's contributory.

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    3. Perhaps adding back in the magnesium will help Sue. You could cut the GI Synergy dose to one per day and do this longer if needed also. Most often though, this clears itself up within week three.

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  33. Yesterday's meals:
    Breakfast - Bacon, kale and avocado
    Snack - Apple and piece of bacon
    Dinner (nibbling over a few hours) - Taco meat (beef, pork, chicken), guacomole, flax chips and sweet potato chips
    Nightcap - Berry flavored sparkling water

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    Replies
    1. When you say, guacamole, since there's no salsa involved, what do you mix with the avocado besides sea salt and onions?

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    2. Mine is just avocado, chopped green onions, lime juice, salt, pepper and garlic powder.

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    3. This will likely balance itself out for you by next week Carolyn.

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    4. Do you eat fish, Glen? I basically stick to salmon myself most of the time for my fish. I'm wondering where you get your taco meat? Is it at Taco Mesa or something? Or are you finding it at Whole Foods? or Chipolte? I like to eat organic meats and I find them around - but not a lot. Any other places you know of around town with organic (cooked) meat?

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    5. I do eat fish but haven't had it lately. Taco Rosa is near my house so that is often my choice for Mexican and I would also not have an issue with Chipolte. A good place for meat is also the Meat House in Costa Mesa on 17th Street.

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  34. Lime, sea salt and cilantro is all you need to make great guac.

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  35. Sandwich anyone?!? Daye brought home some 'bread' from Mother's Market yesterday. WrawP Raw Vegan Flat Bread: organic zucchini, organic apple, organic onions, flax seeds, coconut, oregano, turmeric, black salt. 7mg (yes mg) carbs. I made a sandwich with it today with a cubed coconut oil-sauteed chicken thigh, my 'guar' and a pinch of raw baby spinach. It was delicious! Okay, the apple is gray area for us high-protein/adrenal-healing people, but I felt like I was eating like a real person! Since I'm in this for the long haul, not just the 6 weeks, that means a lot!

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    Replies
    1. Oops, the 'guar' is actually 'guac'.

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    2. Hi Jaelin -

      I've had that Vegan wrap before. Tasted kind of sweet to me at the time -- but given the place I'm at on this plan - it may taste like heaven now! I appreciate that idea : ) Also... your lemongrass soup sounded fantastic! Are you in So Cal? Am wondering where you got the Lemongrass. There's got to be some Asian Markets around here. I'm in Orange County - so maybe Irvine? I'll write more later in response to your message from my first post. (Busy week!!: )

      I am still looking for the sweet potato chips that have the good oil in them, although I do notice that sweet potatoes (or chips in general) tend to make me gain weight.

      There is also a soup I get at Mother's Market that is a homemade (ready to go) chicken soup that is all organic and has all the right stuff for this plan, I think.

      My biggest problem is that I don't have a kitchen! I'm in a hotel right now and have to use a microwave. I hate doing it, but not another option right now. All these yummy baked options (like the flax, etc.) are out for me.

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    3. Daye picked up the lemongrass at 99 Ranch - not sure which one, but they all should have it.

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  36. Can we have Curry powder? I make Chicken soup with just homemade broth, chicken veggies a can of coconut milk and curry powder to taste.. yum

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    Replies
    1. Curry is fine. Isn't it nice to get an OK every now and then?!

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    2. Yum! I find that these chicken soups are a life saver for me on this plan. They fill me up, taste good, and satisfy my salt cravings : ) Thanks for the idea : )

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  37. To anyone in Orange County (or southern Orange County) --- there is a place I go to once a week for the YUMMIEST hormone-free hamburgers! I posted this last year, but if anyone is new and lives in the area there is a place called Deemer's in Laguna Niguel near Sprout's market on La Paz. I get a hamburger in a lettuce wrap with avocado and fresh spinach leaves. It is sooooo good! I eat these when I'm off the plan as well. I can indulge in more than one (one is big enough, but without the bread, I could eat two if really hungry!) and I have never gained weight on these yummy burgers! I can't believe this place is not a chain. They would rake in the bucks!

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    Replies
    1. Dawn and I will definitely check this out...

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    2. Me too! Always looking for a good place to grab a bite when I'm out. Thanks for the tip, Jeanette! Maybe we can meet there sometime. :) I live in Laguna Beach.

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  38. Yesterday's meals:
    Breakfast - Apple cut up with a small amount of organic homestyle no sugar added apple sauce with cup of Bengal spice tea.
    Lunch - Broccoli, green onions and precooked bacon heated in a mini crock pot with bacon grease
    Snack - Dried seaweed
    Dinner - Chicken thigh and leg with baked sweet potato slathered with olive oil
    Nightcap - Muddled blueberries with sparkling water

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  39. Released ½ pound this week. I'm drinking 1/2 oz of water per pound body weight, as is a general recommendation. I will try to up the water this week, but already spend lot of the day in the bathroom! The big news is that this morning I realized the 'demon' hasn't been around in 24 hours! yay! Glen says some of you may know what I'm referring to. Continuing coffee enemas, essential oils and affirmations for liver. I'm in very high spirits, but extremely tired and x-reactive/die-off symptoms continue...

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    Replies
    1. Kick the water up to one quart per every 50 pounds of body weight per day and watch the color of your urine. Just a slight yellow is perfect.

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  40. I thought I saw a comment from Diane on my meals in regard to protein or mixed type. I am actually right between the two and you are correct anyway, my protein has been a little on the low side and I can feel when this is off. Time to go shopping!

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