Happy New Year Everyone!
I don’t know about you, but I’m not one to make New Year’s Resolutions. They seem so great at the beginning of the year, but let’s be honest, how many of them do we really keep. I make Daily Intentions using The 5 Second Journal from Mel Robbins. In the morning, just after my meditation, I use the journal to asses my mood, what I can do to feel more energized, decide what my top project is for the day, why I want to focus on that, and make a list of the smaller things that need my attention and whatever else is on my mind. This has really helped me to feel more accomplished and less overwhelmed. But enough about me…..
In just 5 days we begin The Reboot. During the first week we will be able to enjoy whole, raw foods. Many of us enjoy grabbing a handful of raw nuts and seeds (think trail mix) throughout the day as a quick snack. This gives me reason to share the benefits of soaking those nuts and seeds before popping them into our mouths.
Even though there are quite a few articles available on-line regarding this subject, I’ve summed up a recently published one here for you:
‘…when you eat a handful of nuts and seeds, you’re doing your body a lot of good. As small as they are, nuts and seeds pack a serious nutritional punch.
Loaded with heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, and a boost of fiber, a little goes a long way. But here’s the catch: Along with all their health benefits, they also contain ‘anti-nutrients,’ which in large amounts can be harmful to your health. That’s why it’s always a good idea to soak your nuts and seeds before consuming them.
Soaking nuts and seeds before consuming them helps to break down their anti-nutrients. This makes nuts and seeds easier on the belly and helps increase their nutrient bio-availability.
Nuts and seeds contain a lot of good-for-you nutrients; yet your body needs to be able to access these nutrients for them to do you any good. The process of soaking nuts and seeds helps by reducing phytic acid and neutralizing enzyme inhibitors.
Basic directions on how to soak your nuts and seeds:
Rinse off about 4 cups of raw, organic nuts or seeds – not previously blanched or roasted – with purified water.
Place your nuts or seeds in a glass or ceramic bowl with enough purified water to completely cover them.
Add about 2 teaspoons of sea salt – this step is important to help neutralize enzymes.
Cover the bowl with a breathable cloth and let sit on the counter (soaking times below).
When finished soaking, drain the water and rinse several times.
Dry in the oven or use a dehydrator until completely dry.
Below is a list of recommended nuts and seeds to soak and the times for each:
Nuts
Almonds: 8-12 hours (soak for 48 to remove the skin)
Brazil nuts: 3 hours
Cashews: 2-3 hours (be careful not to over soak because they can become slimy)
Hazelnuts: 8 hours
Macadamias: 2 hours
Pecans: 6 hours
Pistachios: 8 hours
Walnuts: 4 hours
Seeds
Alfalfa: 12 hours
Chia*: 30 minutes
Flax*: 30 minutes
Pumpkins: 8 hours
Radish: 8-12 hours
Sesame: 8 hours
Sunflower: 8 hours
*Keep in mind that chia and flax seeds are a little tricky to soak because they’re water-soluble and create a gel-like consistency. Nonetheless, it's still best to soak them to get the most nutrients out of them.
Many participants from previous ‘cleanses’ often find that breakfast is the most difficult meal to prepare during the first week. With a little planning and the help of a few of my favorite raw food website, you should be able to enjoy breakfast with meals like raw oatmeal, crunchy raw muesli, the ever-popular chia pudding, and the plethora of smoothie recipes available on-line and on the recipe page. Be sure to keep in mind while searching for breakfast items to omit matcha green tea due to it’s caffeine content and use any sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, honey and maple syrup in moderation.
Lastly, there have been a few participants asking about discontinuing medication and supplements. If you are taking medication for a medical condition, do not stop taking it unless you have sought the advise of your physician, dietitian or trusted naturopathic doctor. I have heard of people discontinuing some types of medication towards the end of The Reboot, but that is completely at the discretion of the participant.
Supplements (such as multi-vitamins) can be discontinued while on The Reboot, but again, this decision is at the discretion of the participate.
Feel free to share your thoughts and comments below. And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me via email.
Cheers to your health and Happy New Year!!