“The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force in getting well.” ~Hippocrates

Each moment we have an opportunity to make a healthy choice. Wherever you might be on your journey, take a moment and assess your body’s overall health.  If you find things can be improved upon and you are not familiar with a whole-food, plant based lifestyle, try it out and see how much better you feel. The healthiest foods are made with love, and your kitchen can be a sacred space to prepare healing, whole-foods.  Challenge yourself by accepting the “no-meat and no-dairy” challenge:  (a) eat vegan, plant-based foods for one or two weeks; (b) connect with the earth’s energy for at least an hour every day. Below are a few tips to help you on your journey.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Vegan Diet

• Eat only organic plant-based foods
• Avoid packaged, processed foods
• Eat and prepare meals at home with minimal processing – blending, chopping, grinding are all good
• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking half your body weight (in ounces) of water everyday
• Avoid sodas
• Stay away from sugar, salt, and oils that are highly processed
• Connect with nature by taking walks at least one hour per day
• Join like-minded people; becoming a member of a vegan or veggie group in your area
• Learn to see the connection between your food, body and spirit, which collectively impacts mood
• Help your lymphatic system detoxify by exercising regularly
• Challenge yourself by exploring new recipes you find through online resources
• Empower others and supporting your local community by buying locally and sharing your knowledge with others

“Do your best and bless the rest! It’s an adventure and it’s not about doing it perfectly!” ~ Ken Dorr

Tips for Those Who Already Practice a Vegan Lifestyle

• Review current food choices to see what improvements can be made.
• Eat more whole foods and find healthier substitutes for processed sugar, salt and oils
• Use seeds and nuts sparingly – though most have good fat, too much of anything can backfire
• Find your raw/cooked percentage balance (80% Raw and 20% cooked)
• Connect more with nature by Earthing, breathing, and exercising
• De-stress and find ways to connect the powers within your SELF

“If you ever get stuck remember there are many resources to guide you on your journey. And never forget to dance the dance and enjoy the journey!”~ Ken Dorr

Ken Dorr is a Vegan Raw Chef and community health advocate. For additional information about Ken; Earthing and the Food, Mind, Body Connection; and additional information about healthy food substitutions for vegans visit Ken at: OptimumHealth.org, KaleUniversity.org, and EarthingCenter.org.