In this article we will explore ways you can increase your energy and facilitate your own healing. It is quite simple, really. Our main goal is to detoxify or de-acidify the cells of our body so they are healthy and can carry on with normal function. So, basically we need to eat foods that promote internal cleansing. The foods that do this are called, Alkaline, because they do not form acids in the cells. We can also benefit from Food Combining. This alone will work wonders in improving digestion and overall health.
Food Combining for Better Digestion
The human digestive system is really very simple, despite its seemingly complex function. Proteins, starches, vegetables, fruits and fats are the primary foods that we eat. All of these foods require different enzymes for digestion. The stomach cannot separate foods that require different enzymes for digestion. Food winds up in one big ball with enzymes flying around trying to attach themselves to the right molecules. We get stomach aches, gas, hiatal hernias, reflux, acid conditions, constipation, diarrhea and so many illnesses from improper food combinations. The culprits here are the by-products of incomplete digestion in the small intestine and colon that turn into gases then are transported through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream and auto-intoxicate the entire system. Food combining is essential in the restoration of health. When food combining is not followed, the system will not detoxify. You will remain in an acid state and disease will prevail.
Follow the simple formula below and begin enjoying the feeling of “Wellness” for the rest of your life.
Eat fruits with fruits
Mix citrus with citrus and soft fruits with soft fruits
Soaked nuts and citrus combine well
Always eat melon alone and do not mix them
Combine starchy foods like grains, potato, non-yeasted breads, etc. with vegetables
Eat only one type of starch at a meal
Eat protein with vegetables
Avoid mixing protein with starches
Avocado is considered a protein along with nuts and seeds
Eat only one type of protein at a meal
Eat nuts and seeds with leafy greens, zucchini, yellow or summer squash
Papaya can be eaten with all foods
Eat celery and lettuce with all vegetables or fruit except melons
Tomatoes combine well with low starchy vegetables and either nuts or avocado
Avocados combine well with low starchy vegetables and fairly well with starches and acid fruits
Oils and starches, like grains and potato with ghee or flax seed oil are not the best combo, but o.k. in limited amounts
Breakfast
I don’t know if you are like me but breakfast is always a problem. What the heck am I going to eat that will fill me up and satisfy food combining and be alkaline. Here are two great ideas we have come up with.
Sesame Milk Shake High in calcium, magnesium, protein, enzymes and minerals
1 cups organic brown sesame seeds 7 cups or water Fresh fruit, or soaked dried fruit A handful of soaked almonds, pumpkin and/or sunflower seeds for more protein, if desired
Soak sesame seeds for 6-8 hours. Drain and place in blender with liquid. Blend on high speed for several minutes. Over a bowl or pitcher, pour mixture into a strainer and press milk in with a spoon. Throw out pulp. Put milk back into blender. Add fruit and sweetener of choice and blend. Add fruit juice like papaya. Green food is great in Sesame Milk. Serves 2.
Buckwheat Drink
Full of living enzymes, minerals, vitamins and protein! Great for breakfast or any ‘ole time!
1 cup organic raw hulled buckwheat 4 –5 cups filtered water. Use some apple juice if desired Dried fruit (soaked overnight) or Stevia to sweeten Try adding papaya, banana or 1 freshly peeled apple for enhanced flavor and consistency.
Soak buckwheat for 3 hours. Drain and germinate overnight. Place in blender with all ingredients, the fruit and the water it is soaked in, and blend until smooth. Serves two.
Remember to Chew your liquids! And Liquify You Solids!
For those who have low blood sugar and need more protein, adding soaked almonds, sunflower and/or pumpkin seeds to the Buckwheat Drink will keep the blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. This replaces the high protein soy shakes that are so popular today and does not have the side effects of constipation and bloating.
Lunch
Here are some delicious and easy recipes for using all the wonderful green vegetables, high on the Alkaline Foods chart. Experiment and come up with your own favorites. These soups are great for lunch and/or dinner.
Living Squash Energy Soup
3 medium size zucchini or yellow squash ½ bunch fresh cilantro ¾ cup fresh parsley 2 green onions 1 clove garlic ½ tsp. cumin ½ tsp. curry powder Ohsawa Nama Shoyu to taste Water to cover
Put all ingredients in blender. Blend well. Add more liquid as needed. Be creative with this. A spicy soup with jalapeño and a pinch of garlic is nice. Herbs are also great additions for a variety. Serves 2-4 people. Be creative and come up with your own.
Living Spinach Energy Soup
½ bunch fresh spinach 2 stalks celery ½ avocado 1 green onion ¼ bunch fresh parsley 1 clove garlic ½ inch fresh ginger 1 grated carrot Ohsawa Nama Shoyu to taste Water to cover
Wash spinach very well. Blend all ingredients, except carrot, for several minutes until smooth consistency. Add carrot and serve with protein or starchy food.
Unfortunately for those of us who adore our flour products like breads, pastries and pastas, they are not only considered acid foods but are on the high sugar food list along with fruits and all dairy products. The whole grains of Quinoa, Millet or Basmati Rice are the 3 best to use from an Alkaline and improved digestive standpoint. Here are a few ideas of how you can use these wonderful grains.