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Bio-Individuality

183:827323283 (Jessica Colon) — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 19:58:41 GMT

Since our body types are different, is there a one-size fits all? Why do people react differently to foods & supplements?

Bio – Individuality:

(Bio) Profile of someone – (Individuality) character of a person that distinguishes them from others of the same kind.

Just how every person has their own unique fingerprint, every-body has its own exclusivity. Yes, all human bodies are made-up of the same elements.

We are all made-up of trillions of cells.

All living creatures need the same elements to strive, survive.

We indeed would not live very long without having nourishment from the sun, water, and oxygen.

So, how is it that some people get intense stomach pains after eating dairy, and others have no pain?

Gut health and the bacteria (microbiome) that float around are crucial to the body in how it absorbs foods, reacts to substances & tells other organs to function. Microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Where do these bacteria come from and what dictates their quality?

Mom, before she even thinks about becoming implanted with dad’s seed. Mom’s health will influence her child(rens) health, gut bacteria. This is because her gut bacteria is already formed & functional based on her lifestyle, and the foundation of her gut bacteria from her mother.

While some moms change their diet and attempt to live a healthier lifestyle while pregnant, the affect on their child’s fundamental health is not as strong as a mother who has lived healthy throughout her life.

While this need not to discourage soon-to-be mom’s from living healthy & making nutritious eating styles habitual, this should shed light on the dynamic in the power of generating & regenerating cells, in pregnancy & delivery. Following the child’s birth is the next crucial building-blocks of their gut health, infancy & early childhood.

Even the method of vaginal delivery vs caesarean section affects the child; these hormones & bacteria the baby receives when going through the vaginal canal. Debatable that this affect balances out after the child’s first year of life. (We can talk deeper on this point in another article).

Of course, mother earth yields more potent nutrients than those created in a lab. For example, plants, trees, grass & vegetation grow hearty & produce better fruits than those waters coming from a pipe (man-mixed of chemicals and such). Just look around your yard or the park next time after there is a good rain, nature gives a vibrant glow of appreciation for its healthy nourishment.

Likewise, a healthy mother’s milk carries an abundance of sustenance for the baby over powder formulas created by big corporations (with profit over nourishment as their motive).

Then, there is infancy, when a child introduces their first wholefoods into their oh so fragile digestive system. Thinking of the elements that are entering into this little body; what kinds of foods should be setting the base for how their organs will function & interact with foods in their future?

As we see, the building-blocks of a human’s gut bacteria stems back further than when we begin to make health-conscious choices for ourselves. And so, the interaction with some foods & world elements affect people differently.

The microbiome, primarily in the gut, is linked to overall health of the body, diseases, allergies, obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases, and even things like depression, autism and how cancer drugs work.

It is factual that we need portions of the elements which make-up our bodies to thrive, including vitamins, minerals, and metals. How much, in what form, times of day and combinations may differ person to person. Here lies the importance of oneself to know their body, to pay attention to how the body reacts different times of day, with particular foods or food combinations and herbal supplements.

To Replenish Thyself is to understand thyself and thus act according to the best practices for your Bio-Individuality.

Stay Replenished & GLOWing in good health from inside-out!

Jessica N. Colon, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

Eating Alkaline Reduces Mucus & Inflammation

183:827323283 (Jessica Colon) — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 23:03:05 GMT

Eating an Alkaline Diet

The human body is made-up of trillions of cells that are living and need to be treated a particularly way in order to function optimally and perform for a long period of time. Isn’t this remarkable? Knowing the foods that are put into your mouth can dictate how well you perform, how good you feel, and the future of your health?

The science of eating an alkaline diet is nourishment on a cellular level; using foods as the fuel that speak to the cellular makeup of the body to keep tissue, organs, happy and healthy.

Disease, sickness, cancers and the like are caused from inflammation in a particular region of the body. Most foods today are highly acidic, and acid causes a buildup of mucus. This mucus inflamed environment is the perfect atmosphere to create an illness, pain, infection, viruses and other serious sickness.

What is alkaline and acidic mean? Functionality of life greatly depends on the pH levels of living organism and their environment. The ph levels indicate the amount of hydrogen in a substance; measured on a scale of 0 to 14. 0 to 6 is acidic, with 0 being most acidic having more hydrogen ions. 7 is neutral, a balance right in the middle of acidic and alkaline. 7 to 14 are alkaline, with 14 being most alkaline.

Let’s put into perspective some environments. The blood is around 7.4, water is neutral at 7 and the stomach is 1.5-3, while the small intestine is 7.5-8.8. The stomach is one of the most acidic places in the body to help start digestion of food and to kill harmful microorganisms eaten from foods. Once food is moved into the small intestine the environment is more alkaline.

The point in eating an alkaline diet is to keep the ph of the body higher, more alkaline so keeping mucus levels more in balance and not in excess from eating acidic foods. When eating alkaline there are no animal products including fish, no dairy, no alcohol, nor hybrid foods. Hybrid foods are genetically modified (GMO) and are not 100% from nature. There are many fruits and veggies that are GMO and have been made by man, mostly foods without seeds.

On the alkaline diet it is advised not to eat canned foods. It’s best to drink Natural Spring Water. When eating fruits be sure to go with the seeded foods, I mean, what real food doesn’t have seeds? One that was genetically made. Alkaline foods are 100% from nature, not man or an animal. Therefore these natural foods are nutritious with vitamins and minerals from the earth, and great for the human body.

Below is a list of some very common alkaline foods, with few that are hard to find, but can be found usually in Asian or Island inspired markets.

Some Alkaline Choices

Fruits

- Apple

- Banana, Burro, Thai or small ones

- Berries, all expect cranberries

- Elderberries

- Cantaloupe

- Cherries

- Coconut

- Currants

- Dates

- Figs

- Grapes

- Key Limes

- Mango

- Melons

- Orange

- Papayas

- Peaches

- Pears

- Plums

- Prickly Pear, aka Cactus Fruit

- Prunes

- Raisins

- Soursops

- Tamarind

Vegetables

- Amaranth Greens, aka Callaloo

- Avocado

- Chayote

- Cucumber

- Dandelion Greens

- Garbanzo Beans

- Izote, Cactus Flower/Leaf

- Kale

- Lettuce, expect Iceburg

- Nopales

- Okra

- Olives

- Onions

- Sea Vegetables

- Squash

- Tomato, Cherry and Plum/Roma only

- Tomatillo

- Turnip Greens

- Zuccini

- Watercress

- Purslane

- Wild Arugula

Grains

- Amarnath

- Fonio

- Kamut

- Quinoa

- Rye

- Spelt

- Tef

- Wild Rice

Herbal Teas

- Burdock Root

- Chamomile

- Elderberry

- Fennel

- Ginger Root

- Raspberry

- Tila

Nuts & Seeds

- Brazil Nuts

- Hemp Seeds

- Sesame Seeds

- Tahini Butter

- Walnuts

Oils

- Avocado Oil

- Coconut Oil, do not cook

- Grapeseed Oil

- Hempseed Oil

- Olive Oil, do not cook

- Sesame Oil

Spices & Seasonings

- Achiote

- African Bird Pepper

- Agave Syrup

- Basil

- Bay Leaf

- Cayenne

- Cloves

- Date Sugar

- Dill

- Habanero Pepper

- Onion Powder

- Oregano

- Sage

- Savory

- Sea Salt

- Seaweed

- Tarragon

- Thyme

See a more scientific article here .

7 Day Fast - NO Food!

Fri, 22 May 2020 16:00:28 GMT

Why would someone ever choose to not eat any food for 7 days? Fasting is not just about weight-loss, rather the internal cleanse; mentally and spiritually.

“I could never go 1 day without eating!” – 23 year old me said, when addicted not just to food, but processed junk as well.

“I am not going to eat any food for 7 days." - Spiritually hungry me at 33.

WHY would I not eat for 7 days, particularly when we’re in the midst of this Coronavirus mess, and people are clearing the grocery store shelves of food?

I needed to make room for something better!! Not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.

What do I love more than food? The Almighty Father God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And I know, according to His word, when I want something, I must sacrifice a thing I really love, which would be a challenge to go without. FOOD!

When your cellphone gives the warning 'no more storage space' and you can't take that graduation picture of your child, what do you do? Clean out space. But in that moment, it's not the best time, because your phone isn't performing as expected. Same goes for our body, we fill the body with so much food that does not nourish the body, that one day, it slowly starts to stop working as it should.

I came to a point in my life where I looked at all the things I had accomplished, places I have traveled, and experiences I have tried saying, wow, I've had a great life thus far. Yet, I still had not found that very thing, my purpose, that leaves a positive impression which adds value to generations now, and after me. So, in order to tap into that space that has yet to be exploited, I needed to make sacrifices to clear the area and expose what was itching to be released.

Food has been a comfort, pleasure and essential family staple since I was a child. I have given up many things in my life, that I loved and was part of my regular routine. Food is a necessity to live, yes, but my relationship with food was so strong I can call it an addiction. Being I am not a big shopper, TV watcher, collector of an item or the like, giving up food would be most challenging for me. But hey, when you want to elevate it takes great sacrifice, right? I know this is true, because I've fasted since a child in the church.

In the last 3 years, I fast every other month, for 3 days. 5 days is the most I had fasted, until now. This fast is drinking only spring water, herbals teas and sea moss. No FOOD, not even a smoothie!

My intention in this fast was to draw closer to God through the Holy Spirit. In order to clear room for the Holy Spirit to fill me up, I must detox from what had been filling me up. After cutting frivolous activities from my life, I noticed quite an increase with my discernment in the Bible and peace in my heart. Of course some test, because when the devil sees God’s work, working, he comes in with vengeance. That wasn’t my focus! More of the Holy Spirit is what I’m after, and I’ll do whatever it takes for me to get that relationship!

OK, so what’s the experience of the fast been like, I’m sure you want to know. A reality check! I realized how much I am a habitual eater, living to eat. So easily I’d fill my schedule with social eating, filling my mouth with what I was craving or seen advertised. Well, when I would get a grumbly belly I would redirect my thoughts and put my actions toward praying, journaling, time in the sun or reading the Bible. I wanted more than just a satisfied palate and full belly! I want to eat off God's Word so that I will live in righteousness.

Day 2 & 3 were probably the hardest, in terms of being hungry and not going to grab something. Yes, chugging water worked to fill me up, but then the hunger pains came into play. Those pains are not just in the stomach, but messed with my mental as well. And if I got on social media (being I follow many chefs!) that feeling grew stronger. I had done 3 days without food before, so I knew I would push through and survive.

I was pleasantly surprised, days 4-6 when I didn’t have many I’m hungry moments. If I did, I would change my thought from food to business or the Bible. Really, the only time I thought about food was when I smelled something cooking. It was in those moments I drew in to the reason for my sacrifice, and sent gratitude to my Creator for this experience. This may sound a little crazy, but staying attached to my why and controlling my thoughts was a major player in my success during the fast.

Being bloated is not just a thing of the midsection; it was of my mind as well. When I was able to remove time in the day thinking about, preparing or eating food, I gave the Spirit my attention. I was not lethargic or low energy. In fact I slept less at night and was only able to get one 30-minute nap in the whole week!

In all that time of the week and worthless thoughts being detoxed; I relaxed, studied, and wrote. I didn’t exercise, because I am always hungry after working out, no need to trigger an appetite. Day 6 I did go for a very slow mile walk, and felt slightly weaker than my normal self, nothing too scary or drastic though.

The latter 5-days I rented an Airbnb Villa tucked between tress on a river. From the bed I could see beautiful greenery as I journaled, which turned into articles for my blog. I laid poolside for hours each day. Sitting in a lounge chair on the dock I would read the Bible while listening to the critters play in the branches above. Then take breaks to just mediate and admired the reflections in the water. I’m a lover of self-care so I indulged in things like therapeutic baths, manicured my nails, relaxing in bed and herbal teas.

My favorites - I didn’t drive 4 entire days straight and spent so much time with God, in His word and in conversation. No thoughts about the outside world. No dealings of issues. No work. No stress. And of course, no food.

Day 7, and I wasn't even hungry! Yet pizza in the park sprung to mind… my first meal was fresh berries and mango. So sweet it was to bite into food that was yummy and nutritious at the same time.

I started this fast so that I could audibly hear Gods voice, and know for sure what I am to do in life. What’s been revealed to me is that I need to stop thinking from the carnal mind. I search and look for signs constantly. I need to strengthen my faith. Live from the spirit. Fear not. Keep reading to understand The Word and wear the full armor of God.

Unintentionally planned from my part, today I end my fast and tomorrow begins the Passover. Just as I cut food out of my life for 7 days to be filled with the Holy Spirit, God is working to cut unleavened bread out of my life, through the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps these last 3 days I haven’t been hungry because I’m full of the Spirit. Of all the delicious meals I’ve made and fine dining restaurants I’ve eaten from all over the world, this has been my most satisfying meal thus far.

God, I give my plate to you, serve me what you have prepared exclusively for me. My palate is matured.

Replenish Thyself!

Jessica N. Colon

Sea Moss, Nature's “Super-Food”

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 16:00:28 GMT

What's this rave about Sea Moss? I've heard of it, but not sure why I need it in my diet.

What is sea moss?

Sea Moss is a nutritious super-food that is full of elements form the earth, vitamins & minerals which makeup the human body. Consuming Sea Moss feeds the cells of your body, therefore can be very healing & strengthen the immune system. The moss may also be used on skin and in hair.

This sea plant, scientifically known as Chondrus Crispus grows abundantly in the Atlantic Ocean along rocky shorelines. (AKA Irish Sea Moss). Nutrient rich healing elements makeup the structure of this algae, Sea Moss; and trillions of cells makeup the human body. What is ingested speaks to these cells on how to perform. When you feed the body with substances of its makeup, you preserve health and strive for optimal function.

Why the body needs sea moss?

Sea moss' main function is to eliminate excess mucus from the body. Sickness, disease, cancers and other ailments are born in environments with excess mucus. Therefore, when we eliminate that build up and growth, we drastically lower the probability of getting sick or life threatening illness. If there is already dis-EASE that is compromising the body, sea moss helps to nourish the cells into good health.

When this excess mucus is flushed from the body, inflammation is reduced as well. Inflammation can be in any area of the body, stomach, brain, joint areas and so on. Inflammation causes pain and can birth infection or other harmful bacteria. Diet is indeed the major role in the amount of mucus build up. This is why we say sea moss is a must to add to the diet, in addition to minimize eating mucus forming foods. (This Eating Alkaline article goes into more depth about the diet).

A super-food can act as quite a miraculous substance, as it is packed with nutrients to BOOST the immune system & help prevent sicknesses and major diseases. With diabetes and cancers at an all time high, creeping in on the lives of our young children, it’s rare to live in your 40’s without a deadly illness taking over your body. Our world is full of unhealthy foods on every corner, GMO dishes being advertised from Facebook newsfeed to billboard ads, and flashy packing in the grocer. It takes great awareness to stay disciplined as to what foods you put in the body.

Sea Moss is one of those phenomenal foods that defy many aspects of most foods on the market. I can make this statement from personal experience. For 1 year before I started selling sea moss products, a very small circle and myself tested sea moss in our lives and with different health issues. The results were so life changing GLOW with sea moss was born. Sea Moss proved the hype we heard all about, to have cured multiple illnesses such as diabetes, thyroid issues, stomach ulcers, the flu, erectile dysfunctions, asthma, digestion, and joint pain – to name a few.

Using sea moss topically

Skin

Sea moss is a collagen base and so this rich protein is crucial for the health of the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and provides a protective barrier against mechanical, thermal and physical injury and hazardous substances. So, while sea moss gives us that youthful GLOWin skin we desire, it also nourishes the skin to be healthy, acting as the first line of dense from harmful outside elements.

Collagen is the main structural protein in the body's various connective tissues: found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. It is the strength and structure that holds the body together. Applying sea moss to the skin helps to keep tight, blemish free, clear and healthy skin. Its nutrient rich makeup helps with dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, acne, warts, herpes, and more. Massaging the moss into the skin can alleviate swelling and inflammation from a direct topical application.

Hair

The collagen in the sea moss aids in healthy hair, as the amino acids help to build strong hair proteins. So using sea moss in the hair can aid growth, strength, fill-in balding areas, moisturize and give a natural shine.

Sea moss can be applied as leave in conditioner or a styling gel. When using as a styling gel, it holds hairstyles in place similar to a gel, just without the hard cask. It also works very well to define and hold a natural curl pattern. Our GLOW Hair & Skin Serum is an all natural product perfect for healthy hair & skin.

Drinking sea moss gets into the bloodstream and innard body parts through digestion, nourishing on a cellular level. Applying topically gets the nourishment directly to an affected area. This yields a double whammy affect, giving a deeper and more rapid treatment.

Nutritional Value

Listed below are just a few of the nutrients with associated health benefits Sea Moss provides. The power in the moss is its function in breaking down mucus to be cleared out of the body. Being that illnesses are born in mucus environments, it’s essential to minimize the body of inflammation from mucus.

Weight Management – fiber absorbs water & gives fullness
Thyroid Support – selenium & iodine to regulate hormone balance
Immune System - antiviral & antimicrobial to fight infection
Mental Stability – potassium to maintain emotional stability
Hair, Skin, & Nails - amino & folic acid for fast healthy growth
Diabetes – regulate blood pressure thru ridding mucus
Energy – vitamins B & iodine content boost metabolism
Digestive Support – soothing affect on mucus membrane
Anti-Inflammatory – potassium chloride and omega-3 to breakdown phlegm
Respiratory Health, Asthma – iron to carry oxygen, blood flow
Joint & Tissue Health – sulfur soothing soft tissue & promotes mobility
Libido – zinc promotes stamina & blood circulation
Brain Development – folate & zinc for cell growth

While this sea veggie is super nutritious with tons of health benefits, it's no magic pill, yet a great additive to the diet.

Incorporating Sea Moss in your diet on a daily basis helps keep your immune system strong, aids in good health.

Let’s hear from the experience of others:

Client Testimonials:

“Adding Sea Moss to my morning smoothies helps keep my blood sugar low, in check .” – 51 year old, Music Producer

“I used to vomit just about everyday with severe stomach pain from my ulcers. The very next day after taking Sea Moss the vomiting stopped and pain drastically subsided.” – 34 year old, Stay at home mom

“My sister has been drinking Sea Moss for a couple months. At her last follow-up doctor visit, the doctor said her c ancer cells have shrunk !” – Middle aged, Phlebotomist

“Two months after putting Sea Moss in my hair my b ald spots have filled with my hair growing in thicker.” – 67 year old woman

“I’ve had autoimmune and hormone issues and I swear the sea moss has made my life better , bringing a healthy balance to my life.” Maddie

“I’ve stopped having to take my inhaler treatment everyday, since taking spoonful’s of Sea Moss every morning.” – Store Owner

“I have consistent energy throughout my day, when adding Sea Moss in my morning cup of tea.” – 61 year old Entrepreneur & Author

“The cold sores on my lip and vaginal area disappeared just days after applying the Sea Moss to both sore areas.” – 32 year old, College Student

“I’ve noticed when I regularly take the Sea Moss I don’t get sick , even when the rest of my family in the house is sick.” – Middle aged, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Officer

“I was having pain in my lady parts and after eating 2 gummies the pain subsided” -Steph

I've battled psoriasis my whole life, nothing has helped me. BUT I've been using sea moss for the past 4 days, ( that's right folks 4 DAYS!!!!) and not only do I feel incredible, BUT my SCALP PSORIASIS IS ALMOST GONE!!!!!!!!!!!! A must try for everyone. It's so good for so much more than skin!!!” - Crystal

This stuff right here is hair GOLD !!!! I will literally NEVER use anything but this when my hair is curly. My curls have never been so vibrant and healthy! - Rose

“My mom applied Sea Moss to her face and is already (weeks later) seeing less wrinkles. ” – Retired, Lupus Survivor

“My spouts of depression and mental fog clears away when I regularly take Sea Moss.” – 33 year old, Entrepreneur

Using sea moss in your life

Functionality and well being of your body is in your hands, controlled by what you eat and drink. So, why not thrive to be a ‘miracle’, cure a sickness or prevent disease by feeding your cells good nutrients. While you become more intentional with your diet, you will care to control the livelihood of your world from a holistic perspective; emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically.

Serving Size: 4 tablespoons a day. May consume more if desired or have a specific aliment trying to heal.

Ways to consume: Straight up on a spoon. Smoothies. Soups. Mix with tea or fresh pressed juice. Dip for dried fruit. Salad dressings. Cook or bake in place of an egg.

Storage: Keep Sea Moss refrigerated for 3 weeks. Freeze in ice tray for 6 months.

*Read our Frequently Asked Questions for more info.

*RESEARCH Sea Moss for more info.

*Know your body, stay aware of your health and understand how bio-individuality plays a major role in your healthy living.

Replenish Thyself!

Jessica N. Colon, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

Jessica@ReplenishThyself.com ~ Instagram: @ReplenishThyself

Food Addiction

Sun, 18 Jun 2017 16:00:28 GMT

Do you live to eat? Food cravings control your budget? Are you an emotional eater? Food addiction is a real thing and can have more than just physical affects on the body.

I love food so much, that I let it run my life! I could have $25 and I’d spend $22 to satisfy my craving for the very dish I was salivating over (just to leave a $3 tip). Then the very next day, I’d wakeup frustrated with myself because once again, I spent my last, and was bloated with no self-control.

WHY was I stuck in this cycle? Because…

I deserve to treat myself.

I’m social and enjoy time with friends and family dinners.

It’s work related.

I was seeking to fill a void.

I was escaping into what I thought was comfort.

Food addiction is a struggle for millions of people in the U.S. who don't even notice the problem it causes from living a high-quality life. Compulsive eating, emotional eating and spending an excessive amount of time thinking about food takes over ones ability to live a life that doesn't revolve around the pleasure in eating. What about the after affect though, how does this behavior add value to ones life, or physical capabilities of the body?

Growing up, I was fortunate to have a home cooked meal 5-7 days a week. Eating out was a treat - time to enjoy a meal with family when mom didn’t have to cook. Once I graduated high school and started college, I spent a lot of time running the streets and eating out at least 1 meal a day (sometimes 3!). I kept a very busy schedule, so when I wasn’t working, at the gym or in class, I was eating out with friends!

“God didn’t create junk food.” A comment my grandpa said when I was a child which then was a mantra I accepted to keep unhealthy foods in my diet. When I was 24 my grandfather died from a series of strokes, that first left him paralyzed his last three years here on earth. In question of why my papa suffered these strokes, I found it was the diet that caused an abrupt blockage of arteries leading to the brain. Biscuits & gravy for breakfast, mac-n-cheese with pork chops at lunch and fried chicken with mashed potatoes for dinner flashed into my head. So, it was these country-style meals that brought on this clog in his arteries!? I then realized, God may have not created junk food, but MAN did. After this life awakening, I filled myself with more nutritious foods, cutting out the ‘junk’ foods.

Six years later, a hospital stay that kept me for kidney failure changed my life again. I needed to take control of my health! After this scare, I noticed how often I ate for pleasure and not nourishment. I was more aware of how often I ate fried foods, multiple times in just 1 week. Sweets were a favorite of mine, huge desserts after a meal, picking up a bag of Skittles or a Snickers bar. So, I had to make small changes - eat more fruits and veggies in place of the 'junk', and make more meals at home. However, because my busy social life, I was still eating in restaurants, a lot.

Curious to what worlds were like outside my bubble and to explore more of myself, I took a 4-month backpacking trip through Europe. That was quite the ‘fun’ trip with lots of uncontrollable eating and partying. I returned to the states the heaviest I had ever been, yet spiritually empty inside.

With no tie to a corporate America job, and living this ideal travel, free-range, non-restricted life, I was depressed. Fogged brain, confused heart and aimless jobs filled my day-to-day living – this had to change! Scrolling thru Instagram (an activity that started to consume most my time) a meme that showed the consciousness level based on one’s diet caught my eye. So, I decided to do a 90-day fast.

Is it true the foods, drinks and drugs that go into the body affect mental and emotional health, in harmony with the physical function of living? I was ready to put this theory to the test!

For 95 days I ate only alkaline. I ate foods that were 100% from nature, no meat, no hybrid foods, no processed or GMO foods, nor alcohol. Just one week into this detox my depression began to dissipate. As excitement in gaining control over my bad eating habits grew my brain fog shrunk. A month into the detox my energy level and mental clarity put me into a space of understanding how much food had controlled my life and how I used eating to mask emotional pain. As weeks passed by I thought of these absolutes on what I would keep out of my diet going forward. Although I felt good on my diet I was struggling with the thought in how I would live without pizza, French fries, desserts and the like of foods I so enjoyed.

When the fast ended, I had elevated my way of thinking, and self awareness. It wasn’t about absolutes or having a perfect diet or exercise regimen, rather continuing to learn while I grow. Taking 90 days to be intentional with what I ate and daily activities gave me the power to release my attachment to food. ‘I live to eat’ is a mentality I decided to no longer live by, because eating communicates with the DNA of the body. My reason in living is to be connected to my purpose and function at an optimal level. Food is my fuel to assure my mental, physical and emotional levels are sustained in a healthy manner.

I still love food and enjoy a tasty meal, at home or out at a restaurant. I'm just now more aware of what I put into my mouth and why. Whether it a be a home cooked meal, a quick pickup or a sit down dish at a restaurant - I seek foods that are deliciously nutritious. I don't eat perfectly healthy everyday, but I eat to live. When I eat a meal that is not the healthiest, I don't feel bad because I have control over the amount and how often I eat unhealthy fried foods, large desserts, pastas and bread.

I encourage you - find your healthy eating pattern, shop to eat different foods, cook with herbs and spices, get creative in the kitchen, follow healthy chefs on socials, and feed your body the nutrients it needs to thrive! Be a conscious eater.

Replenish Thyself!

Jessica N. Colon